274 July 2017 - Gryffe Advertizer

1 

July 2017 No.274 

FREE 

COPY 

Distributed to: 

• Bishopton 

• Bridge of Weir 

• Brookfield 

• Elderslie 

• Houston 

• Howwood 

• Kilbarchan 

• Kilmacolm 

• Langbank 

• Lochwinnoch 

• Quarriers 

FOLLOW US 

GryffeAds 

Ram at Houston Agricultural show by Heather Kerr 

your LOCAL community magazine July 2017 No. 274 

PLEASE TAKE A FREE COPY OF YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

2 the advertizer t: 01505 613340 07731 923970 e: info@advertizer.co.uk 

pick up a copy 

Bishopton: Post Offi ce, Woodrow’s Store, Keystore, Library, 

Ingliston Country Club 

Bridge of Weir: Gibb Stuart, Bernie’s Cafe, 

Lochnagar, The Bridge, Library (Cargill 

Centre) 

Erskine: Garden Centre, Library, Sports 

Centre, Swimming pool 

Houston: Co-op, Carrick Centre, Post Offi ce, 

Newsagent 

Howwood: Village Store, St Vincent’s Hospice 

Johnstone: Henderson Kilts, Papa Mac’s, 

Library 

Kilbarchan: Sheridan’s Store, Campbell’s, 

Newsagents, Bobbins, Old Library Centre 

Kilmacolm: Newsagent, Cross Café, 

Gibb Stuart, Cargill Centre, Library 

Langbank: Finlaystone Visitor Centre 

Lochwinnoch: Keystore, McKillop Centre, 

Library, Castle Semple Centre, Newsagent

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk july 2017 

3 3


This Month 

contact us 

The Gryffe Advertizer, 1st floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN 

t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk w: www.advertizer.co.uk 

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. 

The Gryffe Advertizer cannot be held responsible for unsolicited materials. The views and opinions by 

contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the publishers. The Gryffe Advertizer takes no 

responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication. 

contents 

local news....................8-13 

legal blog......................8 

optical blog.......................10 

dental blog........................13 

what’s on........................14-21 

finance & tech.................22-27 

it blog...............................22 

financial blog.........................23 

local history......................23 

on the road.....................26-27 

village news....................28-37 

pet news.....................38-39 

pet blog............................38 

outdoors........................40-45 

school news.................46-50 

sport news....................51-55 

sporting blog.....................55 

business classified..............56 

church listings....................57 

deadlines dates...................57 

property classified.................57 

sales & wants......................58 

advertizer directory................59 

This time last year I was I was lamenting on the lack of activity at the site of the 

old Library building in Kilmacolm. Now the site is busy with a defi nite structure 

taking shape. The site of the former Java Minute has been under wraps for 

some considerable time and it is great to see the covers coming off with a 

whole new facelift. I hear that this will be a wine-bar/bistro establishment with 

late opening to 10pm. 

There are a few planning updates. A new group is being set up in Kilmacolm, 

made up of villagers concerned over a number of areas in the village greenbelt 

under threat. This reminds me of the protests a few years ago when Duchal 

Woods (Milton Wood) was under threat of development and the village rallied 

together to save the woodland space. The new group is looking for enthusiastic 

members to join their numbers. Details on page 32. 

In Lochwinnoch the prospective developers at the Johnshill site have appealed 

against the refusal of planning. Cllr Andy Doig advises that he will be writing to 

the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) with his concerns. 

In Kilbarchan, there will be a DPEA Planning Hearing on 18th July opposing the 

proposed Branscroft development. Andy also advises that there may be a new 

planning application to build on Old Howwood Road between Spateston and 

the village. Hopefully we’ll have an update by the next issue. 

In Bridge of Weir, there will be site visits on 19th July by the Scottish 

Government’s Planning & Appeals Division to the Whitelint site at 10am and 

the site north of Kilmacolm Road at 1.30pm. Last year, 128 objections were 

lodged against the proposed development by Gladman Developments Ltd for 80 

houses along the north side of Kilmacolm Road. No date has been given for the 

publication of the fi nal decision on these proposed developments. Cala Homes 

has also lodged an appeal against the refusal of consent to their proposed 

development on Lawmarnock Road. The associated documents can be viewed 

at the Renfrewshire Council Customer Service Centre in Cotton Street, Paisley 

or online at www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk 

The former Bull’s Garage site now appears to be under new ownership and 

rumours abound as to what may be planned for the site. Simply Construct UK in 

Glasgow advised that they are currently working on a planning application and 

will keep us updated as this progresses. 

Renfrewshire Council’s capital investment programme for the roads and footway 

network will include roads in Bishopton, Bridge of Weir, Houston, Howwood, 

Langbank and Lochwinnoch, which will all benefi t from some level of work, 

ranging from resurfacing to patching. We have posted details on our website of 

how this investment will be allocated over the various villages. 

There is a list of proposed roadworks for Bridge of Weir but sadly this does 

not include the section of main road running out of Bridge of Weir towards 

Brookfi eld. In this area, leaving the village where the road runs under the trees, 

both sides of the carriageway are in a terrible state. There have been reports 

of tyre damage and I’m sure there will be more to come, possibly even a more 

serious incident as folks try to avoid the holes in the road. New councillor, Natalie 

Don, told us that she was hopeful that this will be included in improvement 

plans for later in the year. Meanwhile, drivers please take care. 

Finally, a section of the A761 in upper Port Glasgow from the new school 

campus roundabout to the Boglestone roundabout will be closed for the 

fi rst two weeks of July with diversions in place. Details on p26. Best to 

avoid if you can - canny locals will know the alternative routes! 

Happy holidays to everyone! 

Rona


Has Your Double 

Glazing Steamed Up? 

Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have 

become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues 

with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be 

noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. Why 

not spend a few minutes checking your home to see if you 

have any failed double glazing? 

Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window 

including the frames and all the hardware, however 

Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving 

solution … Just replace the glass!! 

We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free 

no obligation quote. Once the quote is completed, we will sit 

down with you and explain the problem and tell you how we can fi x it. 

Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which 

Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading 25 year 

guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all 

windows and doors. 

Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Peter Brummitt and he services 

the Wider Gryffe area. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged 

give Peter a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118. 

5 5


Would you know what to do in an Emergency? 

♥ Every week in Scotland, 70 people suffer cardiac arrest. 

♥ More than 3,500 people per year in Scotland are treated by the Ambulance 

Service following a cardiac arrest. 

♥ Only one in 20 people will survive. 

♥ Without resuscitation, cardiac arrest is always fatal. 

♥ But, performing CPR could double that person’s chance of survival 

Heartstart courses are free of charge and it only takes two hours to learn the 

skills which may someday save a life: 

♥ Recovery position 

♥ CPR and using an Automated External Defi brillator (AED) 

♥ Heart Attack 

♥ Choking 

♥ Serious bleeding 

To learn the simple skills that save lives, contact Morag Thow on 07868 752814 

to book onto one of our courses: 

More courses will be starting again in September


Queensferry Crossing to open 

August 30 

The date the Queensferry Crossing will open to 

traffic has been revealed along with details of an 

opportunity for the public to walk across the new 

bridge. 

The Queensferry Crossing will open to traffi c on August 30, 

2017. The bridge will then close to allow the public to take 

part in a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance to walk over the new 

bridge on September 2 and 3; 

There are 50,000 spaces up for grabs through a ballot and the closing date 

for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday July 5, 2017. To register, visit the 

Queensferry Crossing Experience: www.queensferrycrossingexperience.com. 

The bridge will transition to a motorway once the fi nal public transport links to 

the north of the Forth Road Bridge are completed. Full details will be provided 

for road users in the weeks ahead of opening the bridge. 

“This marks the beginning of the end of a 10 year process for this project. 

Starting with the early Forth Crossing studies, the Act of Parliament, design, 

procurement, through to work beginning on site in August 2011. Excitement 

and anticipation will build in the months ahead as people prepare to walk and 

drive over this bridge for the fi rst time.” 

Michael Martin, Project Director for the consortium building the Queensferry 

Crossing, Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC) said: 

“The Queensferry Crossing is one of the world’s great bridges. It’s the largest 

bridge of its type and its fast track design and construction has presented many 

challenges. The safety of our workforce, who have worked relentlessly through 

the hostile weather conditions in the Forth estuary to deliver the earliest 

completion of this project, has always been our number one priority and it will 

continue to be so as move towards the completion of the project.” 

7 7 

image www.forth-bridges.co.uk 

Economy Secretary Keith Brown met with workers from both the FRC project 

and veterans of the construction of the Forth Road Bridge at the Queensferry 

Crossing and said: 

“It is fi tting to be able to make this announcement alongside some of those 

who built the Forth Road Bridge and those who are building the Queensferry 

Crossing. What is being achieved on the Forth today, like what was achieved 53 

years ago, is a testament to the expertise and the endeavour of those who have 

designed and built these bridges. 

“I am very pleased to be able to confi rm the Queensferry Crossing will open 

August 30, 2017. The bridge will be used by vehicles up to September 1, 

before closing to allow the public the chance to walk across it as part of the 

Queensferry Crossing Experience on September 2 and 3. 

“This Queensferry Crossing Experience will allow for up to 50,000 people to 

have the once in a lifetime chance to walk across the Queensferry Crossing 

before it becomes a motorway with no pedestrian access. In order to manage 

access to the bridge there will be a ballot to decide who will have this unique 

opportunity to be one of the 50,000 people. I would encourage as many people 

as possible to enter and take part. 

Looking for someone local? 

www.advertizer.co.uk/clients


Marks & Spencer Makes it 

Matter in Howwood. 

As part of Make It Matter Day in June, 

Marks and Spencer has committed to 

support M&S colleagues in delivering one 

million hours of community volunteering 

by 2025, to help to make a difference 

to the projects and initiatives that really 

matter in the community it serves. 

M&S will kick start the volunteering in 

Howwood during National Volunteers 

Week (1-10 June) by tending to the gardens in St Vincent’s 

Hospice and introducing a seating area that will provide a pleasant environment 

for all patients. 

Nationwide, employees in every M&S store will join their colleagues in 

Howwood by helping to transform local projects that make a real difference. In 

total, over 50,000 colleagues will support more than 500 community projects 

across the breadth of the UK. Make It Matter is part of the recently launched 

M&S campaign, ‘#SpenditWell’, which is about inspiring people to make every 

moment special by focusing on the experiences, people and things that really 

matter in life. 

Scott Munro, Store Manager of M&S Braehead: “We’re really excited to be 

coming together to support St Vincent’s Hospice. Volunteering can make a 

profound difference to the communities in which we live, work and play – we 

believe that lots of the small actions from lots of people, can collectively have a 

huge impact. We can’t wait to get started.” 

Kate Lennon, Chief Excutive of St Vincent’s Hospice: “From start to finish on a 

very wet day, we cannot thank the M&S volunteer enough for all their hard work 

and dedication to the hospice. The garden is looking amazing – just in time for 

our Volunteer long service awards which will be held next week in the grounds 

of St Vincent’s Hospice.” 

Legal Blog 

by Isabella McKerrow, Affinity Family Law 

Have Your Say at Town 

Conferences 

Renfrewshire residents are being urged to attend their 

local community planning event and put across their 

views on the priorities and vision for the area. 

Residents are invited to three community planning conferences in Renfrew, 

Johnstone and Paisley, and four outreach events at Langbank, Erskine, 

Lochwinnoch and Linwood to have their say on what should be included in a 

new community plan for Renfrewshire. 

The community planning events take place at: 

Renfrew Town Hall, Monday 26 June, 10.30am-2.30pm and 5.30-8.30pm 

Johnstone Town Hall, Wednesday 28 June, 5.30-8.30pm and Friday 7 July, 

10.30am-2.30pm 

Paisley Town Hall, Tuesday 4 July, 10.30am-2.30pm and 5.30-8.30pm 

Langbank Parish Church, Tuesday 11 July, 9am-1pm 

Erskine Sports Centre, Tuesday 11 July, 2-5pm 

McKillop Institute, Lochwinnoch, Wednesday 12 July, 9am-1pm 

Tweedie Hall, Linwood, 2-5pm 

Delegates will be asked to take part in interactive workshops, hear from 

speakers and take part in a customer service survey for Renfrewshire Council. 

Anyone who would like to attend can sign up by calling 0141 618 4168 (9.30am 

– 4.00pm, Monday to Friday) or by emailing communityplanning@renfrewshire. 

gov.uk. 

Or book a place online at: 

Renfrew, Johnstone or Paisley - https://ourrenfrewshire2017.eventbrite.co.uk 

Langbank, Erskine, Lochwinnoch or Linwood - https://ourrenfrewshire2017outreach. 

eventbrite.co.uk 

For more information on community planning, visit Facebook.com/renfrewshire. 

communityplanning, @renfCPP on Twitter or the community planning website www. 

renfrewshire.gov.uk/communityplanning. 

Naming a Child and 

Changing its Name 

It is usual in Scotland for the child to take the surname of the father although 

there is no legal requirement for this. The child may be given the surname of 

the mother instead. This may be preferred where the mother is not married 

to the father. Where parties are not married the father alone cannot register 

the birth and name of the child. However, the name by which a child is known 

is a matter of fact in any individual case. A child does not have to be known 

by the name registered on the birth certificate. If the other parent objects 

to the use of the new name, they can raise interdict proceedings to prevent 

the child being known by the new name. On the other hand, the parent who 

wants the change of name can apply to the court for a specific issue order 

to ask the court to determine the matter. The courts will apply the principle 

that the welfare of the child is the paramount consideration. They will take 

into account the views of the child but the weight the court will attach to 

such views is dependent on the child’ age and maturity. It is generally 

inappropriate for either parent to unilaterally change a child’s name except 

where there are exceptional and overwhelming circumstances. The typical 

dispute is where the mother with whom the children continue to reside after 

divorce remarries again and now wants to change the children’s surname to 

that of the new spouse. The courts are likely to refuse the order, taking the 

view a name change in such circumstances sends an inappropriate message 

to the children that the natural father belonged wholly to their past and had 

no place in their present.


Remembered with a Smile 

Having had both of their fathers cared for at St Vincent’s Hospice, cousins 

Sharon Davis and Linda Davis decided to host a series of fundraising events to 

support the work of the Hospice. 

Gathering a group of friends together to climb Ben Nevis at the start of April, 

with temperatures feeling like -15 degrees at the top was an incredible 

achievement for them. Later that month Sharon and Linda held a charity night 

at Lochwinnoch Bowling Club. The bowling club was packed on the night with 

friends and family who had a great time and between auctions and raffles they 

raised over £2,200 which they were delighted with. 

Sharon said “We thought it would be a great way for us to give something back 

and show our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all the amazing doctors 

and nurses in the hospice for the care and support they provided to both our 

dads, and to ourselves and our families, during those difficult times”. 

Between the Ben Nevis climb, the bowling club charity night and some other 

online raffles an incredible total of £6,328.76 was raised from Sharon and 

Linda’s series of events for “remembered with a smile”. 

Sharon and Linda would like to express their thanks to all who attended their 

fundraising night, came on the Nevis climb, donated, purchased an auction 

item and offered their support to what was an incredibly successful fundraising 

night. 

Pictured from left to 

right are Ally Salmon, 

Sharon Davis, Anthony 

McLaughlin, Nicola 

Harper, Craig Wilson, 

Emma Davis, Callum 

Armstrong, Linda, 

Davis, Andy Rowan, 

Isaac Wilkie, John 

McManus, James 

Turner & Marie Turner 

presenting the cheque 

to our in-patient unit 

axillary nurse Gail 

Chalk and staff nurse 

Hazel Martin. David Turner and Graham Bateman could not make the cheque 

presentation but were part of the Ben Nevis fundraising. 

Laura McDade, fundraiser at St Vincent’s Hospice said “On behalf of all at 

St. Vincent’s Hospice we can’t thank Linda, Sharon, “The Nevis Nutters” and 

everyone who kindly sponsored their efforts enough. This is an incredible sum 

of money raised and it will go to such good use supporting those affected with 

life-limiting illnesses in the Renfrewshire area.” 

“If you are interested in holding your own fundraising event in aid of St Vincent’s 

Hospice please contact the fundraising team on 01505705635 or email info@ 

svh.co.uk” 

9 9 

YEP! Boat gets in on the 

on Gala Day Parade 

Alexander Brown, a local young person and YEP! Boat builder 

photographed here, rallied to call to help complete the YEP! 

Boat for the Lochwinnoch Gala Day parade. 

The last few weeks has been a busy time for the 4 person crew including Dick, 

Hugh and Seamus who worked hard to get the boat ready for its debut voyage, 

on a wheeled trailer parading through the streets of Lochwinnoch. 

The boat was aptly decorated in a ‘Made In Lochwinnoch’ banner with pirate 

bunting and was accompanied by 2 pirates walking the High Street rather than 

‘Walking the Plank’! 

After the parade, the boat was displayed at the LEAP and ReMode Stall, where 

Alexander was on hand to tell the boat’s story and meet lots of interested local 

residents and young people keen on hearing about its next voyage. 

Well Done to all the 

young people who spent 

so much of their time 

building the boat from 

scratch and shaping 

their woodwork and 

crafting skills. Keep a 

look out for the next 

chapter of its journey!


Local people ‘Take One 

Action’ to challenge 

Climate Change 

Optical Blog 

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians 

At the LEAP stall at Lochwinnoch 

Gala Day, there were lots of 

residents and families making 

climate challenge pledges to 

‘Take one Action’ over the next 

year. Amongst these was LEAP 

Trustee, Martin Mansell who 

having been involved in LEAP 

from its start over 7 years ago 

was really impressed at the 

progress that LEAP has made 

in providing energy advice and 

supporting the Lochwinnoch 

community in making personal behavioural changes. ‘Amazing energy, travel, 

waste and carbon reducing measures have been achieved at a local level and 

these have contributed to the Greener Scotland and the Climate Challenge Fund 

agendas and targets each year during the last 7 years.’ Martin said ‘However 

people still find it difficult to talk about climate change and usually become 

very defensive and guilty when the subject is raised. My pledge as a trustee of 

LEAP and as a concerned individual is to continue to talk to more people about 

climate change so that it remains top of the list for all our futures.’ 

Help with Macular Degeneration 

26th June – 2nd July 2017 marks the 30th anniversary of Macular Week. 

Macular degeneration is the main cause of sight loss in the developed world and 

it can leave you and your family feeling isolated and uncertain about the future. 

Whether you have been recently diagnosed or have a longstanding macular 

condition, the Macular Society can help and support you in various ways. 

Attending local groups can help you to understand your condition, come 

to terms with sight loss, share information about treatment and help you to 

stay independent. Groups meet often, sometimes with guest speakers, and 

events, outings and holidays are often arranged. Members can get involved 

in campaigns and work with local eye care professionals. W@M (Working At 

Macular, pronounced “wham”) support groups are aimed specifically at younger 

working-age people with macular issues. 

If attending a group isn’t for you, Skype groups (video or voice calls) give 

the opportunity to talk to others affected by macular disease without the 

need to leave home. Alternatively, there is a telephone befriending service - 

talking to someone with similar experiences, which has shown to help rebuild 

confidence. 

Everyday tasks can be challenging and a source of frustration. The society 

can arrange to show you daily living guides, gadgets and technology that can 

help with daily living. There are also two types of seeing techniques that can 

be taught. 

If you’re due to receive treatment by injections, the society can put you in 

touch with a buddy who has already had treatment, for more information and 

reassurance. 

A specialist helpline team is available to provide free information, advice and 

guidance for you, or on behalf of someone with macular disease. There are 

also professional, accredited counsellors who can provide free and confidential 

telephones sessions if needed. 

For more information please call the practice on 01505 614 700.


Paisley Townscape Heritage 

and Conservation 

Paisley Townscape Heritage and Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme 

(Paisley TH.CARS2) is a building repair and shopfront improvement grant 

scheme, which aims to improve historic properties and streetscape within the 

TH.CARS2 area to help regeneration in Paisley. The scheme was launched on 

the 21st February 2017 and it will run until 2021. 

Paisley TH.CARS2 is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment 

Scotland and Renfrewshire Council, and will give grant opportunities to property 

owners in a defined area of Paisley Town Centre focusing on High St, New St, 

Shuttle St and George Pl. 

A programme of Heritage Education, Training and Events will be delivered. The 

activities will engage diverse audiences with the heritage and culture of Paisley, 

with an emphasis on learning through making, particularly around traditional 

building skills and textiles. 

Under the TH.CARS2 scheme the Building Repair Grants will be available 

for structural and external repairs to historic buildings, which are still in use, 

including improvements to shop fronts. Internal repairs are generally not 

included unless necessary for structural stability. 

A number of buildings have been identified as Priority Projects due to their 

listing, status, heritage value, prominence and/or the impact their appearance 

makes within the TH.CARS2 area. These buildings are the focus for funding. The 

remaining funds will be made available to other buildings within the TH.CARS2 

area. The allocation of remaining funds will be determined by assessment 

against required criteria. Grants will be awarded in accordance with the terms 

and conditions of Renfrewshire Council, Historic Environment Scotland and 

Heritage Lottery Fund. 

Small Grants and Standard Grants will be available for up to 80% of the cost of 

eligible building repair work and 90% of the cost of eligible shopfront repairs. 

If your property is located within TH.CARS2 boundary and you would like to 

apply for a grant, contact the TH.CARS2 Project Team: 

Paisley TH.CARS2 Project Team, Regeneration and Economic Development 

Service, Development and Housing Services, Renfrewshire Council, 

Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley PA1 1JD 

TH.CARS2@renfrewshire.gov.uk 

Having recently relocated to 

Kilmacolm I’d like to introduce 

Wellcentred, offering a 

holistic approach towards 

health and wellbeing through 

complementary therapies: 

Biodynamic Craniosacral 

Craniosacral Therapy 

Remedial & 

Sports Massage 

Reflexology 

Therapy supports the existing 

health and vitality within the body 

to encourage natural healing and self-repair, effectively treating pain 

and symptoms arising from physical and emotional injuries, stress or 

trauma. 

Remedial and Sports Massage is proven for treatment of 

musculoskeletal conditions by restoring 

structural alignment and increasing range 

of movement. 

Reflexology stimulates energy flow through 

pressure points on the feet, targeting areas 

of tension and pain, inducing relaxation 

and rebalancing the whole system. 

For appointments please contact: 

Nicki King on 07958 566596 

wellcentred@gmail.com 

@nickiking18 

WellcentredUK 

20% off your first appointment 

11 11


Generous slimmers in Kilmacolm have been 

donating the clothes they’ve slimmed out of 

to The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw in 

support of Cancer Research UK. 

The Kilmacolm Slimming World group have collected 22 bags 

of the clothes, shoes and accessories from members who slimmed out of 

their old wardrobes and feel confident they’ll never need their ‘before’ clothes 

again. With each bag worth around £25 to the charity, slimmers in Kilmacolm 

have raised around £550 for the charity. 

The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw aims to increase awareness of how 

keeping a healthy weight helps reduce the risk of developing some types of 

cancer. The event has been supported by the singer and TV presenter, Peter 

Andre, who is a joint ambassador for the campaign and founder of his own 

Cancer Research UK fund after sadly losing his brother to cancer. 

Last year, slimmers across the UK raised £2.1 million through donations and 

this year it’s hoped the event will smash that target and raise £3 million for 

Cancer Research UK. 

Consultant Linda Stewart, who runs the weekly group in Kilmacolm, is proud 

of her members’ fundraising efforts. She says: “The members never fail to 

amaze me with their weight loss results week after week and it has been 

great to see so many bags of clothes donated through The Big Slimming 

World Clothes Throw. 

Gryffe Advertizer - Current & Past Issues 

“This year’s Clothes Throw has been a fantastic www.advertizer.co.uk/issues 

success, and I can’t believe 

just how many bags my members, their friends and families have managed to 

collect. Our group is always buzzing and when we collected the bags up and 

saw what a phenomenal amount there were altogether, and we realised what 

a difference we could make, the atmosphere was just electric. 

“Lots of people don’t know that maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce 

the risk of developing some types of cancer. All of the wardrobes cleared and 

every donation made by our members, their friends and families will make a 

huge difference to Cancer Research UK and we’re so grateful for everyone’s 

support. 

“The Clothes Throw has been a great chance for the members who have done 

so well to celebrate their amazing weight losses by saying goodbye to their 

‘before’ clothes!” 

Kelvin Hall takes top honours 

at RICS Awards 2017 

the 2017 RICS Awards, Scotland. 

Glasgow’s £35 

million Kelvin Hall 

Refurbishment 

claims Scotland’s 

overall ‘Project of the 

Year’ title, as well as 

the top Tourism & 

Leisure accolade at 

The highly acclaimed Project of the Year accolade is presented to the scheme 

which demonstrates overall outstanding best practice and an exemplary 

commitment to adding value to its local area. 

Delivered by PagePark Architects, Gardiner & Theobald LLP and McLaughlin 

and Harvey Construction Ltd for Glasgow Life, the category-B listed Kelvin Hall 

reopened to the public in August 2016 after a three-year development, which 

transformed the 90-year-old venue into a multi-purpose sports, culture and 

education building. 

The judges praised the project for its complexity, diverse community outreach 

and “opening a new chapter in the history of the Kelvin Hall”. 


www.advertizer.co.uk/issues 

bloodwise.org.uk 

Walk or trek 

Set in the 

beautiful 

Pollok Country 

Park 

Sunday, 3 September - 11:30 

Adult Entry Fee Online £10.00 

Child Entry Fee Online £5.00 

Family Entry Fee Online (2 adults / 2 children) £25.00 

Enjoy the beauty of Pollok Country Park whilst raising funds to 

help us beat blood cancer. Join us to celebrate a life saved, to 

walk in memory of a loved one, or simply for a great day out. 

Pollok Country Park is Glasgow's largest park. 

The walk will start off at the Burrell Collection and you have the 

option of following the route once (5k) or twice (10k), it will 

take you past Highland Cattle, into woodlands and along the 

White Cart Water. You will pass Pollok House, an impressive 18th 

century mansion, and perhaps catch a glimpse of Clydesdale 

horses in the Stable Courthyard before returning once more to 

the Burrell Collection.


Dental Blog 

by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner, 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice 

13 13 

Think Before You Drink! 

You might be surprised at the levels of sugar in many drinks. To help we’ve 

pulled a selection of popular drinks together detailing the sugar content with 

images showing how much sugar is in each. 

Developed with the assistance of Georgia Scott, aged 10 

If you would like to find out more about dental health come and see us 

at Kilbarchan Dental Practice, call us on 01505 704969 or click www. 

kilbarchandental.co.uk where you’ll find lots more free tips and advice.


July 

events 

Sat 1 Jul - Sat 12 Aug 

PACE Fest 

Paisley Arts Centre, New Street, Paisley 

Tue 27 - Fri 30 June 

Creative Textiles 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 

10am to 4pm 

Highly creative, comprehensive course. Specialist 

techniques will be covered to produce your 

portfolio of work. On booking full briefing will 

be sent in preparation. Sewing machines are 

provided. All levels of experience welcome. For 

bookings and info. mwhitelaw@mcd-uk.co.uk 

www.creativemasterclassacademy.co.uk 

Thu 29 Jun - Thu 6 July 

Explorer challenge: Find a Dragon! 

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 

10am to 4pm 

Any time! Spend some quality family time together 

at RSPB Lochwinnoch! This event is not your usual 

kind – you do it with your own family in your own 

time! Simply pop into the Visitor centre any time 

between Thursday 29th Jun and Thursday 6th 

July, where the friendly staff will get you started. 

Then, visit different stations along our main 

tail to find some dragons! Cost: £3 per child 

(RSPB members £1) [Normal trail fees apply for 

accompanying adults] 

Thu 29 June 

Tracks and Trails 

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 

1pm to 3pm 

Help our Rangers to track animals through the 

forest and identify the animal tracks you find or 

even a Gruffalo. 

Fri 30 Jun - Sun 2 July 

Weave and Sma’ Shot Day 

Paisley - various venues 

Events are workshop and performance projects 

that take place in the school holidays for young 

people aged 3 - 18 in Renfrewshire. They are 

open to PACE members and non-members. Most 

events involve participants attending 1 - 10 days 

of workshops and rehearsals, culminating in a 

fantastic performance. Visit www.pacetheatre. 

com for details. 

Sat 1 July 

ReMode Swish 

McKillop Hall, Main Street, Lochwinnoch 

7pm to 10pm 

Clothes swap event with hands-on workshops, 

film screenings and refreshments. Donate gently 

worn or new clothing, shoes or accessories in 

return for tokens - 1 garment/item in return for 1 

token which you can spend in our Swish boutique 

on the night! Take part in one of our hands-on 

‘Meddle and Make’ workshops from 6 - 7.30pm. 

Tickets - suggested donation of £2. 

Erskine Classic Car Show 

Intu Braehead 12noon to 5pm 

Come along to experience the fun and excitement 

of Erskine’s annual show with over 300 cars on 

display from old classics to super cars, live music 

and entertainment, car demonstrations, guest 

speakers, fun fair, raffles, pop up shops and 

much more. If you love cars, old or new then you 

can’t afford to miss this great day out for all the 

family. Entry is £5. Kids go free. All profits go 

to helping ex-service men and women. If you or 

your club are interested in exhibiting your car(s) 

please contact Susannah Todd Susannah.todd@ 

erskine.org.uk 0141 814 456 

Sat 1 - Sun 2 July 

Binocular & Telescope Open Day 


10am to 4pm 

The town’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebration – 

one of the world’s oldest workers festivals – is this 

year joined by a wraparound cultural programme 

called Weave, as part of the push towards 

Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021. Free. 

Come and peruse a range of telescopes and 

binoculars, with knowledgeable staff on hand to 

help you find the right one for you! Our optics are 

competitively priced, with the added bonus that 

you are helping conservation. Cost: FREE.


15 15 

Sun 2 July 

Glasgow Mela 

Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow 

12noon to 8pm 

Wed 5 July 

Wild on Wednesdays 

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, 

Greenock 1pm to 3pm 

Scotland’s biggest free multicultural festival - 

Bursting with live music and theatre performances, 

exotic and mouth-watering foods from around the 

globe and fun for all ages, a visit this year is an 

absolute must! Shop for unique gifts and dazzling 

clothes in the marketplace before chilling out in 

the summer sun to the sounds of the world. 

Falconry Day 


1pm to 3pm 

Visit the birds of prey and take a walk around 

their homes and get up close and personal with 

the winged hunters. Followed by a flying display 

(weather dependent). 

Mon 3 - Fri 7 July 

Junior Multi-Activity Weeks 

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch 

Every week in holidays A full week of activities 

for 8 - 15 yr olds to get active, learn new skills and 

make new friends, on land and water! Full day and 

half days AM or PM sessions available. Get 6 or 

more children together and book your own course. 

COST: 5 FULL DAYS £160 or 5 HALF DAYS £98 

MORE INFO: Look online and book ASAP 

Mon 3 July 

Make Your Own Mondays: Bird 

Food Feast 


11am to 4pm OR 2pm - 4pm 

Come along and make some tasty treats for the 

birds! We will also learn about how hard birds 

work to feed their chicks – and get out some 

binoculars to see what species we can spot! 

Booking essential. Cost: £5 (Wildlife Explorers 

£3) - Adults go free! 

Dinghy Sailing Courses 


Road, Lochwinnoch, 10am to 3pm 

Also on 12th, 19th, 26th July, 2nd, 9th Aug 

Bushcraft, nature walks, tool work, minibeasts 

safaris, bird box building, natural crafts. Different 

topic each week depending on the weather. 

Suitable for 5 - 11 yr olds. COST: £5 a person or 

£25 for a season ticket. MORE INFO: Look online 

and book or tel 01475 521 458. 

Thu 6 July 

Scavenger Hunt 


1pm to 3pm 

Aimed at children aged 5 - 10. Use the clue 

sheet to find the answers. Prizes for completing 

the course. 

Paddle Sport Courses 


Road, Lochwinnoch 10am to 3pm 

Also on 13th, 22nd, 27th July. 2 day junior 

courses run on Thurs & Fridays – exact dates and 

course levels are online. COST: £80. MORE INFO: 

Look online and book ASAP. 

Fri 7 - Thu 13 July 

Explorer challenge: Get up close 

to Nature! 


10am to 4pm 


at RSPB Lochwinnoch! This event is not your 

usual kind – you do it with your own family in 

your own time! Pop into the Visitor centre any 

time between Friday 7th and Thursday 13th 

July, where the friendly staff will get you started. 

Then, visit different stations along our main 

tail to “get close to nature”! Cost: £3 per child 

(RSPB members £1) [Normal trail fees apply for 

accompanying adults] 


Gallivanting with Gulls 

Lunderston Bay, Cloch Road, near 

Gourock PA19 1BB, 1pm to 2.30pm 

Also on 10th, 17th & Tues 4th, 11th, 18th July 2 

day junior courses run on Mondays & Tuesdays – 

exact dates and course levels are online. COST: 

£108. MORE INFO: Online and book ASAP. 

Tue 4 July 

Den Building 


1pm to 3pm 

Saturday at Lunderston Bay, Sunday at Castle 

Semple Visitor Centre. Can you tell the difference 

between a lesser and a greater black-backed gull? 

Identify your common gull from your kittiwake? If 

not join us for our gull ID walk. Look online and 

book your free place or tel 01505 614791. 


Gateway Garden Drop in Session 

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan 

1pm to 3pm 

Join the Rangers and see who is a budding 

Bear Grylls. 

All welcome to come along and meet the 

volunteers, take part in gardening and wildlife 

activities including a mini-beast hunt, gardeners 

question time, vegetable growing, bird feeding etc. 

No booking required just turn up.



Fri 14 July 


Teddy Bears Picnic 


1pm to 3pm 

Join the Rangers and Tickles the Clown celebrating 

all things teddy bear. Picnic and games in the 

gardens with a fabulous show from Tickles the 

clown. Prizes for best fancy dress. 


Beith Trust Holiday Camp 

Beith Astro, Meadowside Pavillions, 

Beith KA15 1BY, 10am to 3pm 

A week of tennis coaching, learning new skills and 

developing existing skills, in a fun, relaxed and 

social environment. Daily tennis tournaments as 

well as Wimbledon being shown live. Certificates 

and medals for each child attending. Booking 

in advance essential - £8 per day, £35 week 

(concessions available). 


Make Your Own Mondays: River 

Adventure! 



Come along & make your own boat! We will then 

head down to the river to sail them, and do some 

river dipping so see what little creatures live below 

the surface! Booking essential. Cost: £5 (Wildlife 

Explorers £3) - Adults go free! 


Bug Box Making 


1pm to 3pm 

Join our Rangers and make fun bug boxes for your 

garden. £2.50 for materials. 


Orienteering 


1pm to 3pm 

RSPB Lochwinnoch Photography 

Competition 

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, 5pm 

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES. Take part in our annual 

photo competition! Photographs must be taken 

on or from the reserve. For more information on 

how to enter please contact the reserve. There are 

two categories: Birds; Other. Winners announced 

on Facebook & posted at the reserve Sunday 10th 

September. Cost: £4 to enter. 

Advertizer August Issue Deadline 

The Advertizer - Neva Place, Bridge of 

Weir 

If you would like anything published in our August 

issue, please email info@advertizer.co.uk or call 

the office on 01505 613340. Don’t miss out! 

Fri 14 - Thu 20 July 

Explorer challenge: Flowers & 

Butterflies! 


10am to 4pm 


at RSPB Lochwinnoch! This event is not your usual 



between Friday 14th and Thursday 20th July, 

where the friendly staff will get you started. Then, 

visit different stations along our main tail to find 

out all about flowers & butterflies! Cost: £3 per 

child (RSPB members £1) [Normal trail fees apply 

for accompanying adults] 


Wild Night 


5pm to 8am 

The Finlaystone overnight camp. Join the Rangers 

for fun and burgers and sing into the wee small 

hours. Kids will enjoy the bat walk and Den 

Building. Tent, warm clothes, waterproofs and 

BBQ food required. Adults £10, Children £5. 

Pre-booking essential. 


Beach Watch 

Lunderston Bay, Cloch Road, near 

Gourock PA19 1BB, 11am to 1pm 

Make Your Own Mondays: 

Bushcraft – Woodland Explorers 



Join us for a journey through Lochwinnoch’s 

magical woodland! We will make special journey 

sticks, then discover the forest’s trees in a new 

way! We will also create clay sculptures, and make 

animal homes too! Booking essential. Cost: £5 

(Wildlife Explorers £3) - Adults go free! 


Holiday Club 

Howwood Parish Church Hall, Main 

Street, Howwood 10am to 12noon 

Howwood Parish Church are holding a Holiday 

Club for Primary School children. Crafts, games, 

stories, music. Come along and join in the fun. 


Woodland Fairy Hunt 


1pm to 3pm 

Join our Rangers and search for the hidden Fairy 

Doors throughout the forest then make your own 

to take home. £2.50 for materials. 

Tue 18 - Wed 19 July 

Green Space Tidy-Up 

Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, 

Brookfield, 10am to 7pm 

In the run up to Gala Day, the Gardening Club is 

planning to spruce up the village green spaces 

and would like to invite any willing residents 

to come along and help. Target areas are the 

Millennium Garden at the top of Victoria Road and 

the field. The areas at the foot of Albert Road and 

between Chuckie Lane and Burnside Avenue are 

also being considered. Turn up anytime between 

10am and 7pm – even if you can only spare half 

an hour. Please bring your own tools/gloves. 

Weather permitting. 


Butterfly Hunt 


1pm to 3pm 

YOUR TICKET TO LOCAL EVENTS 

/GryffeAds 

advertizer.co.uk /content/what-s-on 

01505 613340 info@advertizer.co.uk 

A Ranger guided walk through the forest. Bring 

boots and coats. 

Join us for a clean up and recording of the sea 

debris for the national survey. MORE INFO: Look 

online and book or tel 01475 521458. 

Help our Rangers find those elusive butterflies 

and contribute to our species identification. 

Fri 21 July 

Explorer challenge: Dragons, 

Damsels & Queen bees! 


10am to 4pm 

Any time! (centre open 7 days; 10am – 4pm) 

Spend some quality family time together at 

RSPB Lochwinnoch! This event is not your usual 



between Friday 21st July and Thursday 27th July, 

where the friendly staff will get you started. Then, 

visit different stations along our main tail to find 

out all about “dragons, damsels & queen bees”! 

Cost: £3 per child (RSPB members £1) [Normal 

trail fees apply for accompanying adults]


17 17 


Paisley Pipe Band Championships 

County Square, Paisley PA1 1BS 

10.30am to 5.30pm 

NEVER MISS A THING! 

We keep an archive of all the featured blogs and you can 

view the current or old issues at advertizer.co.uk 

Enjoy the sight, sound and spectacle of some of 

Scotland’s top pipe bands as they compete in the 

heart of Paisley! Judges from the Royal Scottish 

Pipe Band Association – West of Scotland branch 

will then judge the bands on their performances 

across the various grades. Free. 

Scotland’s National Airshow 

National Museum of Flight, East Fortune 

Airfield East Lothian, EH39 5LF 

10am to 5pm 

The sensational Red Arrows with their fantastic 

formation flying, plus we have the supersonic 

RAF Typhoon and the Battle of Britain Memorial 

Flight, featuring the Lancaster, Hurricane and 

iconic Spitfire. The Breitling Wingwalkers will be 

performing their unique daredevil stunts, a pair of 

Jet Provosts will set pulses racing and the Royal 

Navy Historic Flight Swordfish returns. 


Merchant City Festival 

Merchant City Glasgow 

Bursting with fantastic events, music stages, 

street arts, comedy and loads of glorious food. 

Among the highlights are carnival processions, 

massed samba bands, a UNESCO music stage, 

the return of SURGE, the festival within a festival, 

and a celebration of street food. Join us this 

summer! Visit www.merchantcityfestival.com 

for full details. 


Pirate Day 


1pm to 3pm 

Dress as a scurvy buccaneer and practice your 

best Arrg! Drama and shouting a plenty. Prize 

for best dressed pirate. 


Make Your Own Mondays: Flying 

Friends 



Let’s take a closer look at the wildlife that flies at 

Lochwinnoch and make and design your own kite 

to soar high above the reserve. Booking essential. 

Cost: £5 (Wildlife Explorers £3) - Adults go free!


every Monday 

Lochwinnoch Community Walk 

The Cross, Lochwinnoch 10.30am 

This event will not take place on public 

holidays. 

FitSteps with Jennifer 

Quarrier’s Village, 6:30pm 

Tel: 07709 340675 for further information 

every Tuesday 

Bishopton Belles Line Dancing 

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hall 6.30 - 8.30pm 

Beginner/Improver class. All welcome. Call David 

or Mair 07886 034037. 

Singing for Wellbeing 

Bishopton Community Centre 6pm-7.15pm 

A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs. 

every Wednesday 

Knitting Group 

Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers 10am - 12noon 

Knitters of all levels welcome! 

Skinny Minnies 

Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir 7pm - 8pm 

For a healthier, slimmer, more energetic you! 

every Thursday 

Weekly Volunteer Group 

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 12.30pm - 3.30pm 

Conservation Volunteers - adult group. 

Newcomers always welcome. 

every Friday 


Bishopton Community Centre 2pm - 3.15pm 

A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs. 

every Saturday 


Greenock Cut Visitor Centre 10.30am - 2.30pm 

Conservation Volunteers, adult group. Newcomers 

always welcome. 

every Sunday 


Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 10am - 12noon 

Youth volunteer Group - age 12 - 18 years. 

Newcomers always welcome. 

Houston Litter Crew 

Co-op Car Park 10am – 11.45am 

All volunteers welcome and all equipment 

supplied. 

2nd & 4th Wednesday 

BoW Senior Citizens Club 

Cargill Hall 7 - 9pm 

Tea, biscuits & a raffle each meeting along with 

entertainment. Contact Sheila Patterson for 

further information on 01505 690521. 

1st & 3rd Thurs monthly 

‘Outlook’ 

Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm 2pm - 4pm 

Social activities group for the community in 

Kilmacolm. Guest speakers, afternoon tea, local 

issues of interest. Everyone welcome. 

Crafty Hobbies 

Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 7.30pm 

No previous craft experience necessary. Call 

Lorna on 01505 612844 for further details. 

2nd Wednesday monthly 

Inverclyde Carers Outreach 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 11am - 2pm 

Email enquiries@inverclydecarerscentre.org.uk 

or call: 01475 735180. 

2nd Thursday monthly 

Sòlas Bereavement Support Group 

Kidston Hall. 6.30pm - 8.30pm. 

3rd Friday monthly 

Hearing Aid Clinic 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 1 - 2pm 

Hearing aid batteries and hearing aid checks. 

2nd Saturday monthly 

‘Brunch & Browse’ 

St Fillan’s Hall, Kilmacolm 10am - 2pm 

Soups, baking, tea, coffee, books & lots of stalls 

last Friday monthly 

TheTerrace 

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall 

Soups, sandwiches, tea/coffee, biscuits. £4. 

last Saturday monthly 

Table Top Sale 

Linwood Parish Church, Blackwood Ave 11am - 1pm 

This is a free event. Call 01505 328802 for 

details. 

regular updates @GryffeAds 

1st SAT 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 

10am - 2pm 

1st & 3rd SUN 

Loch Lomond Shores 

10am - 3pm Tel: 07977 179 861 

2nd THU & last SAT 

Paisley Cross 

10am - 2pm Tel: 01655 770217 

2nd SUN 

Kip Marina, Inverkip 

11am - 4pm www.kipmarina.co.uk 

Thu 27 Jul - Thu 3 Aug 

Explorer Challenge: Tree-mendous! 


10am to 4pm 

Any time! (centre open 7 days; 10am – 4pm) 

Spend some quality family time together at RSPB 

Lochwinnoch! This event is not your usual kind 

– you do it with your own family in your own time! 

Pop into the Visitor centre between Friday 27th 

and Thursday 3rd August, where the friendly staff 

will get you started. Then, visit different stations 

along our main tail to find out all about trees! 

Cost: £3 per child (RSPB members £1) [Normal 

trail fees apply for accompanying adults] 


Dog Jog 

Bellahouston Park, Paisley Road West, 

Glasgow, 2pm 

A unique 5k jogging event for you and your 

dog to get fit and have fun - a relaxed and fun 

atmosphere. Meet like-minded dog owners in 

your area. Get out in the great outdoors with 

your favourite four-legged friend! Price: £12.99. 

All ages and dogs welcome, Doggy Bag full of 

goodies, Dog Jog Dog Toy, Dog Jog Collar, Keyring, 

Medal at finish. 

Sat 29 Jul - Sun 6 Aug 

Regional Park Ranger Display 

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, 

Greenock 

It’s 50 years since the Countryside Scotland Act 

and then the creation of the Scottish Countryside 

Ranger Service. We celebrate World Ranger Day 

(31st July) with a photographic display. WHEN: 

Weekends. MORE INFO: Look online or tel 

01475 529543. 


Wild Night 


5pm to 8am 

The Finlaystone overnight camp. Join the Rangers 

for fun and burgers and sing into the wee small 

hours. Kids will enjoy the bat walk and Den 

Building. Tent, warm clothes, waterproofs and 

BBQ food required. Adults £10, Children £5. 

Pre-booking essential. 


Falconry Day 


1pm to 3pm 

Visit the birds of prey and take a walk around 

their homes. Get up close and personal with 

the winged hunters. Followed by a flying display 



Make Your Own Mondays: Nature 

Art 



It’s time to get arty! Let’s discover all of the 

colours and shapes in nature then create our 

own natural pictures. We will also create green 

man faces to entice woodland sprites! Booking 

essential. Cost: £5 (Wildlife Explorers £3) - Adults 

go free! 

Saturday 1st July, 2017 

Luss Village, Luss 

Running ~ Cycling ~ Heavy Weights ~ 

Tug-of-war ~ Solo Piping ~ Wrestling ~ 

Light Field ~ Hill Race ~ Highland Dance 

www.lusshighlandgames.co.uk 

Saturday 15th July, 2017 

Moss o’ Balloch Park, Loch Lomond 

Adult £5.00, Juvenile £3.00, Family (2 

Adults & 3 Juveniles) £13.00, Over 60’s 

£3.00 

Running ~ Heavy Weights ~ Solo Piping 

~ Wrestling ~ Highland Dance 

The Games are a traditional Highland 

Games and hosts: 

The official SHGA Heavyweight World 

Championship (16lb and 22lb Ball, 

16lb and 22lb Hammer, Caber and 28lb 

Weight for distance and 56lb wt for 

height) 

The Scottish 80 Metres Running 

Championship 

The Scottish Backhold/Cumberland Style 

Wrestling British Championship 

Highland Dancing ~ Solo Piping ~ 

Cycling ~ Tug o’ War 

Pipe Band events at local and national 

level 

www.llhgb.com 

Sunday 16th July, 2017 

Howie Park, Rosneath, Rosneath 

Adults £5; Concessions £3; Child £2; 

Family ticket £10 

Running ~ Cycling ~ Heavy Weights ~ 

Tug-of-war ~ Solo Piping ~ Hill Race ~ 

Highland Dance 

www.rosneathgames.co.uk 

Online prices: 

Adult £11.50 

Child £9.50 

*Concessions £10.50 

*Group Ticket £9.50 

*Family Ticket £38 

Full details at 

www.shga.co.uk 

26th Aug – 10th Sept 

Glasgow Botanic Gardens 

tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk 

| On the door prices: 

| Adult £13.00 

| Child £11.00 

| *Concessions £12.00 

| *Group Ticket £11.00 

| *Family Ticket £44


19 19 

Paisley Pipe Band Competition 

Some of the top pipe bands from Scotland 

and beyond compete in the heart of the 

historic town centre. 

On Saturday 22nd July 2017 at County 

Square, Paisley, the Competition begins 

at 10.30am when Bands will march down 

the High Street, through the final tuning 

area at The Cenotaph, to the competition arena in County Square. 

The massed bands and presentation of prizes will be in County Square at 

5.30pm. 

The event is run by Renfrewshire Council in partnership with the Royal Scottish 

Pipe Band Association, Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch. 

Orchard Flooring 

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They bring the ageless beauty of natural flooring to your home without the hassle. 

Be it a rustic wood effect in the living room or a sleek and modern stone effect in the 

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from Orchard Flooring. 

You can contact Scott on 01505 22 9584 or 07563 633 432 

E: sjmproducts@hotmail.com website: www.orchard-flooring.com


SAT 

1 

JULY 

SAMAs Showcase 

Paisley Arts Centre 7pm - 10pm 

Tickets: £11.21 Over 18s only 

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards are hosting a 

night of live music with Rachel Sermanni, The Great Albatross, 

Mark McGowan - part of the Paisley 2021 Weave and Sma’ Shot 

Festival. 

SUN 

2 

JULY 

Yorkston, Thorn and Khan 

Paisley Arts Centre 7.30pm 

Tickets: £12 (£10 conc.) + bkg fee* 

Yorkston/Thorne/Khan release their new 

album Neuk Wight Delhi All-Stars on 7 April. It 

follows the band’s debut album, 2016’s critically 

acclaimed Everything Sacred, and presents a 

confluence of currents, among them the north Indian sarangi; jazz-tinged bass, 

acoustic guitar and; and three very different vocalists - James Yorkston (East Neuk of 

Fife), Jon Thorne (Isle of Wight) and Suhail Yusuf Khan (New Delhi). Part of The Weave 

Festival 2017 

MON 

3 

JULY 

Silent 


Tickets: £10 (£8 conc.) + bkg fee* 

Homeless McGoldrig once had splendid things. But 

he has lost it all - including his mind. He now dives into the 

wonderful wounds of his past through the romantic world 

of Rudolph Valentino. Dare to laugh at despair and gasp at 

redemption in this brave, bleak, beautiful production for which Fishamble and Pat 

Kinevane won an Olivier Award last year. 

FRI 

7 

to 

SAT 

8 

JULY 

WED 

19 

JULY 

Sneaky Previews 


Tickets: Friday £10 (£8 conc.) Saturday £12 (£10 conc.) + bkg fee* 

Suitable for ages 18+ 

Take a comedy sneak peek and enjoy Edinburgh Fringe 

previews. These shows are a work in progress so they 

might not be slick, but they will certainly be funny. Please 

note shows will contain some adult humour & some rude (but hilarious) jokes. 

Not for those not easily offended. 

Vivaldi Mozart Paganini - 

Classics from Germany 

Paisley Abbey 7.30pm 

Tickets: £16 / £14 senior conc. / £12 other conc. 

A diverse program ranging from Antonio Vivaldi to W.A. 

Mozart and Niccolo Paganini. 

THUR 

20 

to 

SAT 

22 

JULY 

PACE Theatre Company Present 

Arcadia 

Venue: Paisley Arts Centre 

8pm 

Cost: £10 (£6 concessions)* 

Based on Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ 

this promenade theatre styled production takes us round 

and about the Arts Centre ground in search of gypsy 

inspired fairies, roustabout mechanicals and 50’s styled 

love struck boppers! A wild and heady drama picnic of dance, song, comedy and such 

acting, as to leave you weak at the melodrama knees. 

Call us on 0300 300 1210 or visit https://boxoffice.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ to book 

Dinner/Dance 

Every Saturday night from 8pm - 11pm at Willow Bank 

Hotel, 96 Greenock Road, Largs. Booking essential. 

Call 01475 675435 for further information. 

Photos & Videos Wanted 

At the Advertizer, we are always keen to get updates for our website 

and with ‘Show Season’ through the coming months we’re sure 

there will be plenty of great photos and videos taken by our readers. 

We love seeing all the fabulous and colourful pictures of events, and our 

readers enjoy looking through the images to see who they recognise, or even 

if they are there themselves! 

We prefer landscape shots for our cover shots so if you would like to see your 

work featured on our website or even as a cover shot, please send high res 

images to info@advertizer.co.uk. 

The bill has been announced for The Spree – featuring a one-off collaboration 

between Scottish indie act Frightened Rabbit and the Royal Scottish National 

Orchestra in Paisley Abbey. 

The festival of music, comedy, theatre and more – which will take over the 

town centre between 13 and 22 October – is now in its sixth year and is part of 

Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021. 

Frightened Rabbit will be the latest in a line of Scottish bands to team up with 

the orchestra in the stunning setting of the 850-year-old Abbey on 17 October 

for a show which has been a highlight of previous Sprees. 

Much of the action will take place in a specially-erected Spiegeltent in the town 

centre, which will host trad acts Dougie MacLean and Canada’s De Temps 

Antan (18 Oct), Breabach, Kris Drever and Talisk (20 Oct), plus Sharon Shannon 

and Fara (15 Oct). 

Paisley Arts Centre will welcome Emma Pollock and RM Hubbert (15 Oct) and 

a gathering of artists from the Lost Map record label, curated by The Pictish 

Trail (22 Oct). 

The festival will have a strong international feel with an Americana night boasting 

Boston’s Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards, and opened by England’s Yola 

Carter, named UK Artist of the Year at the 2017 American Music Association 

UK Awards. 

Specially-commissioned shows in support of Paisley’s UK City of Culture 2021 

bid include: 

An opening night concert where three Scottish acts – Ross Ainslie, Blue Rose 

Code and Angus Lyon – and from India – Smita Bellur, Asin Khan Langa 

and Sawai Khan – weave together traditional music from both countries. The 

same show will also open the prestigious Rajastan International Folk Festival 

a week before; 

A show celebrating Paisley’s untold story featuring and curated by acclaimed 

songwriter James Grant; 

A literary celebration at a Banks Supper night inspired by Iain Banks’ novel 

Espedair Street, about a rock band from the town, featuring award-winning 

author Alan Bissett; 

The line-up was announced on Radio Scotland by Vic Galloway, who will 

broadcast his radio show before a live audience in the town during the festival, 

as will his BBC colleague Janice Forsyth. 

There remains one major headline act still to be announced, with Paisley music 

fans encouraged to keep their eyes on the Spree social media channels as it is 

one they won’t want to miss. 

The Spree will also feature two comedy nights in conjunction with the Gilded 

Balloon, as well as film events and songwriting workshops, while unsigned 

musical talent will be given a showcase through the Danny Kyle Open Stage run 

by Celtic Music Radio. 

The festival sees the return of the ever-popular ModStuff celebration of all 

things Mod run by LNP Promotions – headlined by The Style Councillors and 

taking over The Spiegeltent on the final Saturday. 

Paisley Town Hall will also host award-winning disabled choreographer Marc 

Brew’s BREWBAND, fusing together indie-rock music and dance. 

There will be plenty for kids too, with the National Theatre of Scotland bringing 

their Rocket Post show to town, fresh from a run at the Edinburgh Fringe, while 

the Big Telly Theatre Company present Operation Paisley – Alien Pursuit, an 

interactive, town-wide treasure hunt for kids. 

A full programme of free children’s shows taking place over the October school 

holidays is still to be announced. 

The Spree is run by Renfrewshire 

Council and programmed by 

Active Events. 

Paisley’s bid to be UK City of 

Culture is taking place as part of a 

wider push to transform the town’s future using the town’s unique heritage and 

cultural story and was lodged with the UK government in April, with a decision 

expected over which places make the shortlist this summer.


21 21 

the 

Dead Sheep Comedy 

Friday 7th July - 8pm - From £ 10 to £12 

The winner of the 2016 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best 

Newcomer is back with an honest and frank insight into the 

men who have influenced and impacted his life. The good, the 

bad and the indifferent. An unexpected reunion with his father, 

along with the death of his grandfather in late 2014 forced Scott 

to look at the men in his family, and to ask the question… is there truth in the old 

saying ‘Like Father, Like Son’. Expect deep honesty, dark truths, personal reflection 

and laughter. 

Fred Macaulay: Live 2017 

Saturday 22nd July - 8pm - From £ 12 to £14 

Trump and his WALL. BREXIT. INDYREF2. There’s so much going 

on just now that people are wondering what they should be 

doing. HAVING A LAUGH is Fred MacAulay’s response. Join Fred 

on his 2017 comedy tour of Scotland. 

Age restriction: 16+ 

Para Handy: The Wireless Show 

Sunday 23rd July - 2.30pm - £20 (includes afternoon tea) 

Join the Master Mariner, Dougie, MacPhail and Sunny Jim along 

with a host of other characters for classic tales from Neil Munro. 

Performed as a 1950s radio broadcast against the stunning 

backdrop of the Clyde, this new production features live sound 

effects and period music. 

BEACON ARTS CENTRE, CUSTOM HOUSE QUAY, GREENOCK, PA15 1HJ 

INFO@BEACONARTSCENTRE.CO.UK TELEPHONE: 01475 723723 

SUNDAY 2 JULY 2017 at Kelvingrove Park, 

Glasgow from 12noon to 8pm 

Scotland’s biggest free multicultural festival - 

bursting with live music and theatre performances, 

exotic and mouth-watering foods from around the 

globe and fun for all ages, a visit this year is an 

absolute must! Shop for unique gifts and dazzling 

clothes in the marketplace before chilling out in the 

summer sun to the sounds of the world. 

Keep in touch... Make sure you’re the first to know whenever we have news about 

Glasgow Mela. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? for updates. 

04 - 28 August 2017 

Across Edinburgh 

Meddle and Make workshop - 

SWISH event - Sat 1st July! 

On Saturday 1st July, come along to a Swish Clothes Swap Event along with 

hands-on workshops, film screenings and refreshments at the McKillop 

Institute in Lochwinnoch. 

Donate gently worn or new clothing, shoes or accessories in return for tokens - 1 

garment/item in return for 1 token which you can spend in our Swish boutique 

on the night! Please drop off your donations and collect your tokens at ReMode, 

High Street, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4AB before the night - see our opening times 

on ReMode Lochwinnoch Facebook. 

‘Meddle and Make’ workshops from 6-7.30pm - you may want to take part 

in one of our hands-on gain some ‘make’ skills and find out more about 

how we can all love our clothes that little bit more! Details for booking these 

will be posted on our Facebook page from 15/5/17. To Book places for the 

Swish on eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/remode-swish-tickets- 

34466051889?aff=eac2


This event is being held to bring together local business people, bloggers, 

creatives, entrepreneurs and community members to connect, grow and 

collaborate. 

Join us in the Hunters Bar on the last Tuesday of every month from 10am - 

11.30am, the next event will be on Tuesday 27th June 2017. This is a free 

event, with tea, coffee & breakfasts available if you wish and of course, no 

business event could be without the free WIFI. 

The format of the morning will be casual with meeting and greeting taking 

place first followed by a guest speaker. Run by our Assistant Manager 

Sarah, who has over 10 years experience running a variety of events, 

including business networking. 

Business Bites attendees will also be eligible to sign up to a members 

only mailing list, giving them access to exclusive events, discounts and 

promotions all year round. 

Venue; Fox & Hounds, South Street, Houston PA6 7EN. 

Looking for someone local? 

advertizer.co.uk/clients 

IT Blog 

with Colin Fyfe of Colcom 

I was not particularly surprised 

recently when EE pulled the plug on all 

the Wanadoo, Freeserve and Orange email 

accounts that they acquired through business 

acquisitions over the years. I was quite surprised 

at the cack-handed way in which they did it though. One of my customers 

was given no warning before the lights went out on their email. 

I always recommend a move away from an ISP’s mail platform. It will 

come as no surprise to some of you that I recommend Gmail as your 

primary email provider, this advice is also being touted by EE to their own 

customers so it’s not just me. For those of us that want secure, end to 

end encrypted email of the type the governments of the world will need 

to struggle that little harder to monitor, try Tutanota, a free email service. 

They have an app for mobile too. 

Email encryption is only ever as robust as the security methods you 

employ on logging into your mailbox. Most of the main email providers 

now offer multi factor authentication. This will prompt you for more 

security information on logon or will detect what device you are using 

and will challenge a potentially fraudulent user that wants to access your 

account. 

Your email address and your account information is valuable and sensitive 

to fraud. Given how much we depend on our email as a de facto first point 

of contact with our service providers, and as online fraud has advanced 

recently, so security is becoming more important every year. Remember 

that you are carrying the torch for the contacts you have too, as they will 

be targeted on a successful data breach of your account.


23 23 

Financial Blog 

by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd 

Final Salary Pension Transfers 

– who may benefit? 

Following on from last month’s financial blog, we revisit pension transfers 

and specifically why you may consider giving up a guaranteed lifetime 

income from a final salary scheme. 

20 x revalued annual pension is considered “fair value”, but presently 

we see multiples of between 25 – 40 x revalued annual pension being 

offered, with the average around 30 x revalued annual pension. This has 

tempted many to consider a transfer. Retaining the final salary pension 

is likely to be best for many scheme members, but when might it make 

sense to consider a transfer? 

• Unmarried – No widows pension would normally be payable, but 

you want your family to receive benefits from your pension on your 

death. 

• Poor Health – You may not live a long life, but your pension income 

does not increase to reflect this. The death benefits from a transfer 

plan are more generous and potentially tax free. 

• Other sources of income – If you or your partner have other final 

salary pensions, rental income, earned income or other investment 

income, the final salary under consideration may be less vital to your 

retirement security. 

• Repay debts – releasing a cash sum to repay mortgage or other 

debts may allow you to retire early, but your retirement income will be 

less in the long term. Take advice. 

This information is not financial advice. If you require advice you should 

consult a professional adviser. The first meeting is normally free and there 

is no obligation. Carl Melvin is a regulated pension transfer specialist. 

Call us for a FREE financial review on 01505 59 50 60 or info@affluentfp. 

co.uk. Alternatively, pop into the Affluent office opposite Amaretto 

restaurant on Main Street, Bridge of Weir. www.affluentfp.co.uk 

LOCAL 

history 

Want to start a business but not sure 

where to turn or how to do it? 

Business Gateway Renfrewshire 

can give you practical help, advice 

and support for new and growing 

businesses in Scotland. 

Contact us on 0141 530 2406 or 

on Facebook www.facebook.com/ 

bgrenfrewshire/, or visit the website at 

www.yourbusinessgateway.co.uk 

Visit to DALGARVEN MILL MUSEUM of Ayrshire Country Life and Costume 

A group of Renfrewshire Local History Forum members visited Dalgarven Mill Museum on Saturday, 20th May, 

2017. We gathered in the coffee room, where we met Mr Rob Ferguson, who took us on a conducted tour of 

the museum. The Ferguson family have owned the mill since 1922 when it was still a working grain mill. Mr 

Ferguson and the Charitable Trust he set up have transformed 

the old mill into what must undoubtedly be among the very best 

of country life museums in Scotland. 

The historic mill building has been beautifully restored and the 

large waterwheel, on a lade fed by the nearby River Garnock, 

works the machinery in the mill. All the machinery required to run 

a grain mill, a large collection of farm implements, old kitchen and 

dairy utensils, trade tools and many more country life artefacts 

are housed on three floors of the museum. 

On the ground floor we visited the current exhibition of Early 

Victorian Costume, 1810-1865, entitled “Corsets and Crinolines”. 

This excellent display is only a small part of the museum’s extensive collection of costumes. As we explored 

the upper floors of the museum our group was most impressed by the extensive collection of farm equipment 

and country life artefacts. Much of the collection has been donated to the museum by local farmers and other 

residents. A number of displays show typical period dwelling rooms. The sets are so skilfully designed that 

the characters seem alive and the viewer almost has a sense of being a welcome visitor within the characters’ 

home. 

As well as a tour of the museum, our group was privileged to have access 

to the storeroom which houses the museum’s extensive collection of 

period costumes, and some other very exciting items which, as yet, are 

not on display 

After our tour we retired to Miller’s Kitchen Coffee Room to sample 

its excellent menu. This was a fitting end to one of the Forum’s most 

interesting and enjoyable outings. 

© 2017 Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum 

Images with kind permission of R. Ferguson, Dalgarven Mill Museum of 

Ayrshire Country Life and Costume 

Further information and images can be found at www.dalgarvenmill.org.uk


Inverclyde librarian wins at 

Scottish Book Trust Awards 

Scottish business confidence is 

on the rise 

New research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reveals that 

Scottish business confidence has risen for the 2nd consecutive quarter. 

The Scottish business sentiment metric climbed to -3.8 points, up from -9.6 

points in the previous quarter. By comparison, the UK-wide figure fell to 

+15.0 points this quarter, down from the +20.0 points seen at the start of 

the year. 

FSB says the figures underline the need for the new UK government to 

put backing the small businesses and self-employed at the heart of its 

programme. That means, says FSB’s Scottish policy convenor, Andy 

Willox, reassuring employers about the future of their EU workers and 

not reintroducing the recently-shelved plans for tax increases on the selfemployed. 

Mr Willox said: “A majority of Scottish businesses have been gloomy about 

their prospects for two years. While, over the course of 2017 a growing 

share of Scottish firms have shaken off the economic blues, we can’t 

dismiss this long-term trend. While the health of our local economies hardly 

featured during the general election campaign, it can’t be forgotten about 

by our politicians. In the short term, the new government needs to quash 

concerns over the future of EU workers and the possible reintroduction of 

plans to hike self-employed National Insurance Contributions. 

“Small business owners and the self-employed risk everything to create 

economic activity, jobs and revenues. If we’re to turn these shaky confidence 

figures around in the longer term, we need to create an environment where 

more people are ready to take that plunge.” 

The report also highlights that profit margins in Scotland continue to be 

squeezed – with a net balance of 16 per cent of firms in Scotland reporting 

that gross profits fell during the quarter. The study argues that a key driver 

for squeezed profit margins is likely to be the depreciation of sterling, 

resulting in higher prices for imported goods and services. 

FSB’s data also shows that Scottish investment intentions are more 

subdued than elsewhere in the UK. This quarter, a net balance of 5.7 per 

cent of small businesses in Scotland expect capital investment to rise over 

the next three months, compared with 13.2 per cent in the previous quarter. 

Scottish investment intentions now lag the UK as a whole by over 12%. 

Andy Willox said: “FSB has highlighted that the cost of employment has 

been rising for smaller firms for some time. Combined with rising input 

costs – spiked by the fall in Sterling – it is perhaps little wonder Scottish 

investment intentions are underwhelming.” 

School Librarian Susan Morton from Inverclyde Academy, 

received the award at event to recognise those who have an 

inspiring impact on young readers in Scotland 

The Scottish Book Trust Awards, in association with Browns Books for 

Students, took place at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh, one 

of Scotland’s most iconic hubs of literature and learning. 

The Scottish Book Trust Awards, funded by Creative Scotland, will be given 

annually to one author or illustrator and one learning professional who have 

had an inspiring impact on young readers in Scotland. 

The Scottish Book Trust Award for Learning Professional 

This was awarded to Susan Morton for the significant impact she has 

had on her school community. Susan is the school librarian at Inverclyde 

Academy and she has transformed attitudes towards books and reading 

among the pupils there. 

Since she was hired a year ago, Susan has revitalised the neglected 

school library to create a vibrant hub, with pupils fully engaged in choosing 

new purchases to shape their library. Susan has quadrupled the number 

of books in the library, leading to a similar leap in the number of pupils 

borrowing books. 

Susan secured a fully-funded residency with local author Cathy MacPhail, 

to work with an S2 class on writing their own anthology, which culminated 

in a launch event for their printed book. Susan also created a comic book 

club to attract reluctant readers and encourage young people to try creating 

their own comics. 

An S1 pupil at the school, said: ‘Before, I never ever ever ever used to read 

in primary and Miss Morton has helped, she’s inspired me to read. I love 

reading now, I do it every lunchtime and every morning.’ 

Commenting on her award, Susan Morton said: ‘I had no idea I had been 

nominated so that was a huge surprise and an even huger surprise to know 

that I’d won a Scottish Book Trust award.’ 

The Scottish Book Trust Awards were launched in autumn 2016 when 

schools and libraries across Scotland were invited to tell us about the 

amazing work being done to inspire young readers. 

Marc Lambert, CEO at Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘From one room in 

a school, Susan Morton has shown the huge impact a motivated and 

creative learning professional can have on a whole community. Susan is an 

outstanding example of the wonderful work being done by many teachers 

and librarians across Scotland in nurturing a culture of reading for pleasure. 

Staff and pupils at Inverclyde Academy feel extremely lucky to have her at 

the school and after such an impressive first year we know she will continue 

to bring books into the lives of many, many more children, inspiring them to 

a love of books and reading.’ 

Jenny Niven, Head of Literature, Languages and Publishing at Creative 

Scotland said: ‘A stellar librarian can transform the experience of reading 

for children in ways that will have an impact throughout the rest of their 

lives. It’s clear that Susan Morton has transformed her school library and 

with it her students’ future relationship with reading. It’s never been more 

important that we appreciate and value the role of libraries and it’s great to 

see this award go to such a deserving winner. The students of Inverclyde 

Academy are indeed a lucky bunch.’ 

Nominations for the 2018 Learning Professional Award 

will open on 22 August and close on 22 November. 

Visit www.scottishbooktrust.com/sbta to nominate 

someone or find out more.


25 25


Put your phone away 

while driving 

Kilmacolm Road, Port Glasgow 

Boglestone Roundabout to Port Glasgow Shared Campus Roundabout 

From Saturday 1 July – 0600 hrs to Friday 14 July – 1700 hrs 

Inverclyde Council Carriageway Reconstruction 

Diversion (see map below) – A761 Kilmacolm Road, A761 Clune Brae, A8 

Glasgow Road, A8 Greenock Road, A8 Port Glasgow Road, A8 East 

Hamilton Street, Ratho Street, Belville Street, B788 Kilmacolm Road, B788 

Auchemountain Road, B788 Auchenfoil Road, B786 Lochwinnoch Road, 

A761 Port Glasgow Road & vice versa. 

Back in March, a THINK! campaign highlighting new penalties for drivers 

caught using a handheld mobile phone while driving was started. 

You’ve probably seen or heard some of the campaign adverts since our 

last blog. If you haven’t, there’s a simple message for all drivers – put your 

phone away while driving and avoid the temptation of making a call or 

answering a text. 

Over the past few months, the campaign has focused on you: professional 

drivers and employers of professional drivers. 

THINK! Have produced a leaflet specifically for drivers and employers. It 

gives advice on: 

The changes in the law 

What penalties drivers and operators can face, including from the traffic 

commissioners 

The dangers of using a phone while driving 

What drivers and employers should do to minimise the risks 

Professional Drivers: 

The law for mobile phone use 

Handheld phones 

It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving. 

• If you’re caught using a handheld phone while driving, you’ll get 6 penalty 

points on your licence and a fine of £200. If you are a professional driver then you 

could face fines of up to £2,500. 

• HGV and PSV drivers caught using their mobile twice or accruing 12 points on 

their licence will face the magistrates’ court. 

• Drivers will also be referred to the Traffic Commissioner and could face a 

minimum four-week suspension from professional driving. 

• Operator licence holders may also face action from a Traffic Commissioner, if 

one of their driving employee’s is caught using a handheld device behind the 

wheel to speak to their employer or customers. 

Handsfree phones 

Hands free mobile phone use is legal but it is distracting and can therefore be 

dangerous. Depending upon the individual circumstances, drivers could be 

prosecuted with ‘failing to have proper control of their vehicle’. 

Driver conduct 

As a professional driver, you are responsible for maintaining a high standard 

of driving. 

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving presents an unacceptable risk 

to road safety. As a vocational licence holder, you should know these risks 

and your conduct and behaviour at the wheel should remain professional at 

all times. Not just when driving a commercial vehicle, but also when driving 

your own vehicle. 

If your conduct falls short of the required standards, a Traffic Commissioner 

can take action against your vocational licence. For mobile phone offences, 

this is likely to mean a suspension from driving lorries, buses or coaches. 

If you’re caught using a handheld 

mobile phone in a commercial 

vehicle, it’s a minimum four-week 

suspension which could affect your 

livelihood. And, the action taken by 

traffic commissioners is in addition 

to any fine and penalty points you’ll 

receive. 

https://movingon.blog.gov.uk/2017/06/14/ 

think-put-your-phone-away-whiledriving-2/


The Erskine Classic 

Car Show 

27 27 

Saturday 1st July 12noon - 5pm at intu 

Braehead, Arena and Boardwalk 

Back for 2017 with an exciting new location at 

intu Braehead, arena & boardwalk, Renfrewshire, 

Scotland. Come along on Saturday 1st July to 

experience the fun and excitement of Erskine’s 

annual show with over 300 cars on display 

from old classics to super cars, live music 

and entertainment, car demonstrations, guest 

speakers, fun fair, raffles, pop up shops and 

much more. If you love cars, old or new then 

you can’t afford to miss this great day out for all 

the family. Entry is £5. Kids go free. All profits 

go to helping ex-service men and women. 

If you or your club are interested in exhibiting your car(s) please contact 

Susannah Todd Susannah.todd@erskine.org.uk 0141 814 4567 or Download 

a Registration Form from the website: https://www.erskine.org.uk/event/ 

classic-car-show-2017/ 

Cycle for Summer is back in July and August 2017 

It’s the time of the 

year when everyone 

enjoys the benefits 

of cycling. At LEAP 

we’re running 

another take on 

action ‘Cycle for 

Summer’ challenge, and inviting local 

people and families to get their bikes 

out and enjoy cycling. LEAP will count 

the total miles cycled each week 

across our villages and keep you up 

to date with people’s cycling stories, 

blogs and photographs. Last year 

with Cycle for Summer, we clocked 

up 1324 cycled miles in August 

and this summer our challenge is 

to reach 3000! So sign up for Cycle 

for Summer this year and Take the 

Pledge ‘TO CYCLE’! You can select 

what weeks suit you best between 

1st July and 13th August. Email 

lesley@myleapproject.org for 

more information or contact the LEAP team on 01505 612034 or 842530. 

Book a place online at our Cycle for Summer Eventbrite page at www. 

myleapproject.org. 

Get ready for Cycling - FREE Cycle Maintenance Workshops and Guided 

Cycles 

As part of the Cycle for Summer, you 

might want to come along to our 2 

FREE Cycle Maintenance Workshops 

in Bridge of Weir on Sunday 9th July 

at 11am at the Cycle Path entrance 

and in Lochwinnoch on Sunday 16th 

July at 11am at Castle Semple and/ 

or book onto our FREE Guided Cycle 

events led by cycle leaders who will provide information on how to prepare 

for your cycle ride, pace yourself, and lead the group on an hour’s guided 

cycle. Bridge of Weir on Sunday 9th July at 12.30pm at the Cycle Path 

entrance and Lochwinnoch on Sunday 16th July at 12.30pm at Castle 

Semple. Limited places are available, so book your places early if you are 

interested in taking part in either or both LEAP’s Cycle Maintenance or 

Guided Cycles. Contact our team on 01505 612034 or 842530 or book 

online at www.myleapproject.org through our Eventbrite page. 

Kilmacolm Camera Club 

We continued our series of outings with an all-day trip to Glencoe and Glen 

Etive. By some trick of fate, it was a mostly sunny day, and club members 

were able to shoot some of the most famous, and picturesque, landscapes 

in Scotland. A bonus was the impressive display of rhododendrons. After 

the recent heavy rain, the river Etive was in full flow, and this gave us the 

chance to see the effect of different shutter speeds on the waterfalls (yes, 

it’s technical – and a little bit arty!) 

A selection of images taken by David 

Addison are shown here. 

You’ll be very welcome to join us on 

one of these outings. Who knows – 

you might come away with a whole 

new approach to photographing 

waterfalls. Going abroad for your hols 

soon? Why not learn from us how to 

improve your travel photos. 

Venue: Kilmacolm New Community Centre, Room 1.01; Tuesday evening, 

time 7.30 (September to March) 

Contacts: Billy Blair, Tel: 873383; Janice Stevenson, Tel 873595. 

Website: clikpic.com/kilcamclub


bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir 


Bishopton Art Group 

to Exhibit in Bridge 

of Weir 

Between Monday 12th June and Saturday 

15th July 2017 at The Bridge, Community 

Centre, 63 Main Street, Bridge of Weir, 

members of Bishopton Art Group will be 

exhibiting a selection of their paintings. 

The paintings will also be available for 

sale. Access to the exhibition is free during 

The Bridge’s normal opening hours. 

This exhibition follows on from the Group’s 

previous successful exhibitions at The 

Bridge. Members of Bishopton Art Group 

are all amateur artists and use a variety of 

mediums and styles. 

The exhibition at The Bridge is open during 

the following hours: Monday 9am – 5pm; Tuesday 1pm – 5pm; Wednesday 10am 

– 2pm; Thursday 10am – 2pm; Friday 1pm – 5pm; & Saturday 9am – 1pm. 

(Sunday closed). 

Linda Mitchell, organiser of Bishopton Art Group’s exhibition at The Bridge said, 

“Bishopton Art Group is pleased to announce that once again we will be 

exhibiting at The Bridge in Bridge of Weir. We have recently been joined by some 

new members who will be exhibiting at The Bridge for the first time. Previous 

exhibitions at The Bridge have been well attended and we are grateful for the 

support that we receive.” 


RagBag Recycle Bin - Langbank 

There is now a permanent RagBag Recycle bin sited in the 

school car park of Langbank Primary School for any 

of your unwanted textiles (no duvets or pillows). Any 

money raised from this will go to Langbank Playgroup. 

If anyone has any items and is unable to get to the 

recycle bin please call Jacqueline on 01475 540728. 

Thank you in advance. 


I discovered recently that there are far more parents who 

could claim free school meals for their children than actually 

do so. Gryffe High School has a very low take up of free 

school meals which tends to contradict the pattern shown 

in the primary schools. Parents may not be aware that the 

number of children claiming free school meals affects what 

is called Pupil Equity Funding. The amount of extra funding 

is based on the number of pupils with Free Meal Entitlement. 

Gryffe HS gets significantly less than other schools and this is 

largely down to parents not claiming this entitlement. Gryffe 

HS gets £34,400 made up of Attainment Challenge Money 

and Pupil Equity Funding. This compares with other schools 

in Renfrewshire which range from £140,000 up to £300,000. This difference is 

significant and affects the quality of teaching that is able to be provided. 

Renfrewshire Council has announced its Capital Investment Plan for Roads of 

£6.7m and most people in my ward will want to know which roads are going to be 

resurfaced. The amount of resurfacing in the three villages is as follows (some 

roads are fully resurfaced while others are only partly to be done, I can provide 

more information) but I keep stressing that I want to see more done about the 

blocked gullies and poor drainage that continually erodes this investment. 

Bishopton: 

Morar Crescent, Churchill Drive, A8 Greenock Rd to Chestnut Ave R/A, B815 

Erskine Ferry Rd, Stuart Rd. Surface Dressing - Drumcross Road 

Bridge of Weir: 

St Andrews Drive, Torr Road, Hillview Road/Church Rd, Peat Rd/Gorse Cres 

Langbank: 

Elmbank Road, B789 Barrochan Road (Drums Cottage) 

Footway Resurfacing: Bishopton: Chisholm Ave 

Langbank: Middlepenny Road 

Surgery details: 

•Bishopton Community Library - 1st Monday of every month (6.30pm) 

•Bridge of Weir Primary School - 2nd Monday of every month (6.30pm) 

•Langbank Parish Church Hall - 3rd Monday of every month (6.30pm) 

I can be contacted by phone on 0300-300-1291 or by email to cllr.james.maclaren@ 

renfrewshire.gov.uk . Check out my Facebook page for more information and articles www. 

facebook.com/councillormaclaren 

Working with you and improving our local area. Please feel free to contact me with any of 

your concerns, and I am happy to meet with you at a mutually convenient time. 

Bishopton Gala Day 


Bridge of Weir 

Lace Group 

Bridge of Weir Lace Group meets 

fortnightly on Tuesday mornings 

(10am - 12noon) during the winter 

months. If you’d like to try lacemaking 

we can provide materials & tuition. 

For further details phone (01505) 

613967. 


Senior Citizens Club 

We meet at Cargill Hall every 2nd and 

4th Wednesday 7 - 9pm. Subscriptions 

are only £6 per year and £1 each 

week pays for your tea and biscuits. 

Entertainment provided. Previous 

entertainers include a male voice 

choir & live music. Contact Sheila 

Patterson for further information on 

01505 690521.


29 


The Bridge 

Congratulations to all those graduating this Summer. What a wonderful 

achievement. Show your delight by sending a card from our selection. 

This is also a popular time for Weddings. A card congratulating the Bride and 

Groom is always well received. Summer weddings lead to Anniversary celebrations 

and the need to choose a card from our comprehensive stock. 

Exhibitions - We are pleased to host Bishopton Art Group with their varied styles 

of painting until Saturday 15th July. From Monday 17th July until 19th August we 

welcome Jane Fraser, a new exhibitor. The art exhibitions are widely appreciated 

as they provide a showcase for artists and decorate the walls of The Bridge with 

colourful and interesting pictures. 

Post Office - For that summer break abroad please purchase your Euros in The 

Bridge. Our Euros on Demand service makes life easier for our customers. If you 

purchase any foreign currency online (including Euros) for delivery to The Bridge, 

please allow at least 2 working days before collection. For a safe and easy way 

to carry holiday cash abroad please ask for information about a prepaid Travel 

Money Card Plus. 

Shop - For all your purchases of stationery, greeting cards, indoor and outdoor 

pocket money items and gifts by Emma Ball Ltd, please support your Community 

Centre where our volunteers and Post Office staff work hard to meet your needs. 

We thank you for your custom and continuing support. 


Christian Aid Week 2017 

Thank you, Bridge of Weir! The annual Christian 

Aid Week house-to-house collection took place from 

14 – 20 May. Three churches working together (St Machar’s 

Ranfurly, Freeland and St Mary’s); 60 volunteers collectors; 14 volunteer 

counters; and, crucially, over 850 generous households in Bridge of Weir ready 

and willing to help those in need. 

£5,928 was collected. And nearly 60% this total was supported by Gift Aid 

declarations, which will generate a further £880. 

The origins of Christian Aid lie in the collective effort of Christian churches 

throughout the UK to respond to the desperate needs of refugees in Europe 

following the Second World War. Christian Aid now operates in 45 countries 

throughout the world. It tackles poverty by responding to emergencies, funding 

long term development and challenging the unjust systems that make people poor 

and keep people poor. Most of its work is done with local partner organisations 

which not only have first-hand knowledge of the practical needs of the poor 

in their area, but are also able to ensure the sustainability of initiatives to lift 

communities out of poverty. 

Christian Aid helps people of all faiths or none. It is a signatory to the Code 

of Conduct for Red Cross and NGO’s in Disaster Relief which sets international 

ethical standards for aid work and, among other things, promises that aid will not 

be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint. 

Understandably, given the current events in the Middle East, the slogan of 

Christian Aid Week this year was: “We’ve been there for refugees since 1945. 

We won’t turn our backs now.” Thanks to you, Bridge of Weir certainly didn’t turn 

its back! 

Thank you again. Your support is helping to rebuild people’s lives. 


Bridge of Weir Gala Week lifted everyone’s spirits and 

brightened up the village. It was my first year judging the best 

costumes and best dressed windows and I very much enjoyed 

being a part of the festivities. There were many different 

events going on during the week and something for everyone 

to take part in so a big thanks to everyone who helped to make 

Gala week possible. 

This month I was also invited along to Langbank Primary 

School, to see their rendition of Oliver. The children were 

extremely talented and enthusiastic. There was obviously a 

lot of effort put into this by parents, teachers and of course, 

the children and it was a great show to watch. 

In June I made it along to my first Bishopton and Bridge of Weir Community 

Council meetings. A number of issues have been raised and are now receiving 

attention. The A761 when exiting Bridge of Weir is causing drivers a lot of concern. 

Although it has not been included in Renfrewshire Councils Roads Improvement 

Programme, I have ensured that there are plans to make improvements later 

on in the year. Several blocked drains and cases of overgrown foliage in Bridge 

of Weir have also been reported. There have been numerous reports regarding 

damage to cars in the Bridge of Weir Car Park, as well as the lack of available 

parking at peak times. The issue of parking has also been raised in Langbank on 

Main Road where an increasing number of cars have been blocking pavements 

and access points. These complaints are now receiving attention. 

My surgery’s are still currently being organised. They will be held on the first Saturday of 

the month, however locations are still being finalised. If you have anything you would like to 

discuss my contact details are as follows. E-mail: cllr.natalie.don@renfrewshire.gov.uk Tel: 

0300 300 1426 Mobile: 07976239705 


Co-op Bridge of Weir Food 

Bank Donation Bin 



A fun, no-pressure choir singing feelgood 

songs every Tuesday from 6pm 

- 7.15pm and Fridays at 2pm - 3.15pm 

in the Bishopton Community Centre. 

The Renfrewshire Food Bank donation bin in Bridge of Weir 

is now decked out with zingy, yellow signage so that everyone 

wishing to make a food, toiletry or household cleaning 

donation knows just where to find it! 

The donation bin is situated at the front of the store to the 

right of the tills. 

Many thanks to the residents of Bridge of Weir for their 

donations, kindness and caring. 


Philosophy 

Discussion Group 

Would you be interested in discussing 

with others the meaning of life, why 

we are here, where we are going, free 

will or predestination. Local Group, 

contact: 07463 570464. No cost 

involved except for the price of a tea/ 

coffee. 

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir




Bridge of Weir Community Council 

The Chairman welcomed newly elected Renfrewshire Councillors Natalie Don and 

Colin McCulloch congratulating them on their appointments along with returning 

Councillor James MacLaren who said he looked forward to continuing his good 

working relationship with the Community Council. 

The police reported a number of offences over the period which included common 

assault, theft of plant machinery from a new build, theft from a motor vehicle, 

one house breaking, motoring offences and two incidents of vandalism one being 

Brighter Bridger of Weir’s planters. 

An appeal against Renfrewshire Councils refusal of planning permission by Cala 

Home for their proposed development of 8 detached houses and 14 flats at 

Lawmarnock Road has been lodged . 

On the 19th July a site visit will be made by the Scottish Government’s Planning 

and Appeals Division to the Whitelint Gate site at 10am and the site lying north of 

Kilmacolm Road at 1.30pm. No date has been given for the publication of a final 

decision on these proposed developments. 

A number of complaints have been received by the Community Council regarding 

the poor standard of finished works to pavements by Virgin Media. The meeting 

was informed that as Virgin Media are a utility company they only have to leave 

the pavements to an acceptable standard approved by Renfrewshire Council. The 

complaints received go well beyond the 4 to 6 inch channel announced by Virgin 

at the public meeting last year. If you have issues go directly to your Councillor or 

contact our Facebook page. 

The matter of overflowing drains and over hanging tree branches on Kilbarchan 

Road has been reported. 

With the summer upon us the matter of the quality of the new street lighting has 

diminished due to longer spells of daylight. However, if in your area you believe 

the lighting strength is not powerful enough or the posts are too far apart now is 

the time to inform your Renfrewshire Councillor as the issue is still under review. 

The Community Council were delighted to receive a grant of £1,000 from the 

Local Area Committee to replace a set of tree lights and to assist the Christmas 

lights switch on event. 

There have been reports of scammers phoning in the area, BT have Call Protection 

which is a free service you can sign up to and use 1572 for settings. 

There are no meetings of the Community Council in July or August, the scheduled 

meeting will be held on Tuesday the 5th of September at 7pm in the Cargill Hall. 


Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents 

Association 

The latest meeting of Bridge of Weir TARA was well attended and our thanks 

go to Councillors James MacLaren and Colin McCulloch, P.C. Steven Reid, 

Housing Officer Anne Dickie, and Dave Robertson and Charlie McVey from the 

Renfrewshire Wardens Service. 

The police report showed that over the last month, there were twelve crimes 

committed within the confines of the village, with three of them detected. They 

ranged from two common assaults, one house-breaking, one theft, one car theft, 

one theft from a car, one driving offence, four road traffic offences, through to one 

vandalism to a flower basket across from Amaretto’s. 

The wardens reported that the number of incidents reported to them over the last 

three months from Bridge of Weir were relatively low, with only six reported. 

Dog fouling at Bridge of Weir Primary School in Warlock Road is becoming a major 

problem. Despite a sign saying that dogs are not allowed on school grounds, 

some inconsiderate owners are still exercising their dogs there on a regular basis, 

and failing to pick up after their dogs. This is totally unacceptable. Somebody 

recently had the temerity to tie up their dog’s poo in a bag and then disposed of it 

in the Janitor’s garden. Maybe they thought they were doing him a favour, in that 

he wouldn’t have to walk far to pick it up! 

After a site visit with TARA, Councillor McCulloch is going to contact Scottish 

Water regarding the dangerous contraption which has been placed on the water 

pipe at the bottom of the Glen. 

TARA have been informed that local Councillors will be having a site visit at Livery 

Walk car park very shortly, along with representation from Renfrewshire Council, 

with a view to finding some way to free up more parking spaces. 

With summer now upon us Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents Association 

is taking a wee rest and our next meeting will be in the Pirie Centre at Freeland 

Church on Tuesday 19th September at 7.30pm. As usual all are welcome. So if 

you’ve got an issue with something within the village, why not come along and 

air your views. 




Bridge of Weir Gala 

Day 

Bridge of Weir Gala Day, Our Gala Day, is 

all about community, and this was ably 

demonstrated on Saturday, when despite 

the weather the event was once again well 

attended. 

The parade through the village to the park 

was very colourful with this year’s theme 

“Commotion in the Ocean” attracting a number 

of pirates, mermaids, jellyfish and even an 

octopus! 

The day improved as the rain stopped the 

moment Gala Queen Kaylynn and her two 

attendants Darya Lavizani and Olivia Anderson 

stepped out of their official car. The girls all 

looked stunning and added a ray of sunshine 

to what up to that point had been a very dreich 

day. Our thanks to Deputy Provost Cathy 

McEwan for crowning Kaylynn Gala Queen. 

Thankfully the weather held up, and despite 

losing a few gazebos later in the afternoon 

due to high winds all went well. 

A special thanks to all the stall holders and 

traders who despite the rain still set up their 

pitches regardless in the morning, much to 

the relief of one very wound up Festival Coordinator! 

The Festival Committee would like to thank 

all who helped us not only on the day but on 

the lead up to the event. The local businesses 

who supported us with donations and by 

taking adverts in the Gala Day programme, in 

particular Bridge of Weir Leather Company 

Ltd who continue to be our main sponsors. 

The organisations who help us sell the 

programmes door to door, the Girl Guides, 

Hope Hall and the Scouts. 

Donations at the gates on Gala Day 

raised £905 and these help towards the 

cost of running the event and are much 

appreciated by the Festival Committee. 

Gala Day Winners 

Best Dressed Window Boots the Chemist 

Best Dressed Pre School Child 1st Hunter Butterworth 

Best Dressed Primary School Child 1st Hannah McQuade 

2nd Neave Kerr 

3rd Holly Kerr 

Best Dressed Group 

2nd Bridge of Weir Rainbows 

Primary School Invitation Football Competition 

Winners: Bridge of Weir Runners-up: Kilbarchan 

Dog Show - Best in Show 

CORRIB with Catherine Kenny 

- Reserve Best in Show HUW with Patricia Briggs 

Lucky Programme - 

Winner 

£100 Gibb Stuart vouchers – 0861 

Runner-up 

£50 Coach House voucher - 0184 


French 

Conversation 

Group 

Still meeting every Wednesday in 

Bridge of Weir from 9.30 am - 12noon. 

Contact: 07463 570464. No cost 

involved except for price of tea/ 

coffee.


31 

Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley 

It’s a busy and fulfilling time in Rotary as we approach the 

end of the Rotary year (June 30th) and the changeover 

to a new leadership team. The speaker meetings, youth 

activities and fund-raising all continue to the year-end. 

Speaker Dinner Meetings 

David Walker; 24th May “Buildings of Glasgow” 

David and his wife Kitty have lived in Kilmacolm for many years and are 

strong supporters of various community projects. David is a highly-respected 

photographer and his talk entitled “Glasgow’s Hidden Treasures” gave us a 

fascinating insight of that city’s superb Victorian architecture accompanied by 

many interesting facts and tales of the construction of these splendid buildings, 

ranging from the magnificent City Chambers in George Square to the Scottish 

Legal Life headquarters and the University Cloisters. Vice-President Nigel 

thanked David on behalf of the members for a most professional presentation 

of his photos of Glasgow’s finest buildings. 

Sharon Gemmell; 31st May “Parklea 

Branching Out” 

Allan Gilfillan introduced Sharon as the 

manager of this independent enterprise 

offering opportunities in horticulture for 

adults with learning disabilities. It has 100 on its roll and is situated on a 

3-acre site in Port Glasgow. Sharon said Parklea started in 1997 and now 

twenty years on it has two large glasshouses and two poly-tunnels. A cafe 

has also been added. A staff of nine look after the students and design 

courses for them. Local authorities and commercial companies support the 

enterprise which is also open to the public for sale of plants and refreshments. 

Sharon brought along examples of plants available as gifts for members. 

After a series of questions and comments Peter thanked Sharon for a most 

interesting presentation which has raised awareness of Parklea Branching 

Out amongst members. 

Professor Graham Wren; 14th June 

“Strathclyde – a Modern University” 

Graham, a guest of Mike Farley, has worked 

as a Special Advisor to the Principal (Sir Jim 

McDonald) and Director of Major Projects 

for almost ten years and has been closely 

involved in the strategy to raise the status 

of the University to world class. The strategic focus has been on the core 

strengths – science, technology, engineering and business and Strathclyde 

has moved up all the key league table which measure success in research 

and teaching – including overtaking Cambridge in physics! Several hundred 

million pounds of research funds have been secured supporting specialist 

institutes including three Catapults, the Advanced Forming Research Centre 

(at Inchinnan), the first Fraunhofer Centre in the UK (Photonics), a Power 

Networks Institute and a Nuclear Research Institute. Peter Dickie had to 

draw the many questions to a close and thanked Graham for his excellent 

presentation. 

Next meetings 

Our next speakers are David Hill who will talk on “Disabled Sort at Castle 

Semple” on 21st June and past President Chris Butlin on 28th June with the 

subject “My Favourite Island in the Sun”. Non-members interested in Rotary 

are welcome. 

Quarriers Village Defibrillator 

The Club has agreed to donate £300 towards the costs of a Defibrillator to be 

located in Quarriers premises with 24-hour public access. Costs are being 

shared between Quarriers, Rotary and the Quarriers Village Committee. We 

are really pleased to have helped to make this project happen - our first in the 

village where at present we have just one member. More would be welcome! 

Sole Solution are delighted to announce we have a new 

staff member who will be joining the team and offering 

late night and weekend podiatry appointments. 

Lauren McDaid is a recent graduate from Glasgow 

Caledonian University, she has a Bachelor of Health 

Science Degree in Podiatry. She also boasts an HND 

in Complementary Therapies where she specialises in 

Reflexology and Aromatherapy. 

These complementary treatments can be integrated 

into your Podiatry session to improve your general 

wellbeing as well as your foot health - this ‘Podiatry 

Plus’ session is a real treat for anyone lasting 1 hour 20mins! 

To make an appointment with Lauren call 01505 873888. 

kilmacolm & quarriers 

Kilmacolm Traders, following a petition of all 26, asked that 

the Parking Discs in operation in the village be removed. The 

relevant committee agreed, and went out to consultation on 

this change to the Traffic Regulation Order. KCC and the Civic 

Trust did not object but 2 individuals did. One has removed 

his/her objection but the other will not. The process will now 

inevitably go to a Public Inquiry or a special Quasi Judicial 

hearing by the committee. This will take a further 6 months. 

We are so fortunate with the range of shops we have in the 

village that I firmly believe we should listen to the proprietors. 

The events at Grenfell Tower were shocking, but I was reassured 

talking to the Directors of Social Work at both Inverclyde and 

Glasgow Councils that our civil contingency reactions would have been swift and 

certainly with greater alacrity than Kensington and Chelsea Council. 

The consultation on the Main Issues Report has attracted interest in 15 sites 

for housing in Kilmacolm and one in Quarriers Village. It is worth registering 

objections and comments. Having defended the Green Belt against inappropriate 

development for 10 years, I do not really want to see it being endangered now. 

Again I believe we may end up at a public enquiry. 

Port Glasgow High School’s presentation of Disco Inferno was fabulous. In my 

opinion the best yet. Head of Music Miss Ballantine knows how to put on a show. 

Plenty of ex KPS pupils performing. PGHS under its new head Stuart Clark, and 

his ideas on improving performance, is very much on the way up. 

The finale to the Dramatic Society’s play, Quartet, had everybody in hysterics. The 

acting throughout was terrific and again John Watson was my favourite. 

I was delighted with my vote in the General Election. Thanks for the support. 

Definitely my last. 

I can be contacted at david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk and 01475 741969 and 721717 and 

07766 992294. 


St. Colm’s RC Church Coffee Morning 

Saturday 26th August - Kilmacolm New Community Centre 10am - 12noon. 

Please join us for tea and cakes, home baking, face painting, stalls, raffle and 

fun! Tickets available on the door. 

kilmacolm & quarriers




More Committee Members WANTED..... 

The ‘Kilmacolm Residents Association’ was set up very quickly last month, 

in response to the Main Issues Report, and the threat to our Greenbelts in 

Kilmacolm. The deadline for the ‘Consultation Period’ was 31st May 2017, so 

we only had a few short weeks since finding out, to get our Objection letters, and 

Petitions, sent into Inverclyde Council Planning Policy Team. 

These activities were done by all of us in our local community, on our Facebook 

group, and by many residents who are not online. There were also a number of 

dedicated individuals who helped set up some of these activities, the Kilmacolm 

Residents Association, and who went the extra mile. 

We are now needing more people to join our Kilmacolm Residents Association 

Committee. We are looking for about 3 or 4 additional people who have a passion 

for protecting the Greenbelts in Kilmacolm. We would like to get a better cross 

representation of people from our community, on our Committee. 

We aim to meet once or twice monthly. We have a variety of roles that people 

could undertake. No experience is necessary. You just need to be passionate 

about putting the best interests of Kilmacolm first, care about Greenbelts and 

wildlife, and be willing to commit to a few hours each month, (or more if you 

are that way inclined). It’s also a good opportunity to learn how local planning 

processes work, and to do something good for your village and community. 

If you think this is something you might be interested in, and think you have 

something positive to offer, then you can PM me personally on Facebook, or send 

me an email to: KilmacolmRA@gmail.com 

Many thanks, Antony Vitrano, Chair - Kilmacolm Residents Association 

Visit our facebook page for more details: www.facebook.com/ 

groups/1431097723624816 


Planning Permission Granted for 

Kilmacolm Park Drainage System 

A £400,000 Inverclyde Council scheme to tackle drainage issues at Birkmyre 

Park in Kilmacolm has been granted planning permission. 

Environment & Regeneration Convener Councillor Michael McCormick said: 

“The rugby pitches are an important and well-used asset in the village and I am 

delighted we are now in a position to press ahead. For many years training and 

matches have been disrupted by excess water but once this innovative scheme 

has been completed we should see a significant improvement.” 

Before any work can get underway contractors have been told to check for 

badgers, otters and water voles and to ensure measures are taken to protect 

trees around the site. 

Both rugby pitches will have drainage pipes installed under the surface carrying 

excess water to the nearest water course, the Gryfe Water. 

Excess soil water will be carried away using perforated land drainage pipes which 

are carefully sized to allow very small particles to pass through the slots to be 

flushed out by the flow of water. 

A secondary drainage system – slit trench drainage - will be installed through the 

use of narrow sand-filled trenches spaced one to two metres apart. 

A water attenuation tank will also be installed to slowly release drainage water in 

a controlled discharge before it is allowed to run into the Gryfe Water to minimise 

the risk of flooding of the water course during heavy rain. 

Birkmyre Rugby Club is to use a grass pitch at Inverclyde Council’s Parklea facility 

in Port Glasgow for matches while the work goes on. 

St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm whose pupils regularly use the pitches is 

contributing £50,000 towards the project. 


Hall to Hire 

- Kilmacolm 

Guide Hut 

A great venue with easy access 

near to the village centre. 

Newly refurbished main 

hall, with additional kitchen 

facilities and outdoor area. 

Perfect for children’s parties, 

weekly classes and one off 

special occasions. Anyone 

wanting to hire the Guide Hut 

please contact Roz on 07584 

359007. 


Summer Duplicate 

Bridge 

If you would like to play Bridge during the 

summer months why not come along to the 

Kilmacolm Community Centre on Monday 

evenings at 7pm for a 

7.15 pm start. 

Come with a partner or 

come alone and hope to 

find one there. 

Further information Tel: 

87 2345. 


I reported last month that following no party achieving an 

over all majority at the Council elections the outcome of the 

statutory meeting of the Council on 25th May was uncertain. 

I am pleased to report this month that I was able to secure 

sufficient support from other groups within the Council to form 

a new Labour minority administration. 

I have been appointed Council Leader for the fourth time and 

my Labour colleague Martin Brennan is our new Provost. I 

am keen to work constructively with all groups and individuals 

in the Council. I have been delighted with the way in which 

our new Councillors have settled in. The early signs are very 

encouraging. 

There is much to be upbeat about as we start this new Council term. The recent 

excellent Best Value Audit report has demonstrated we have a solid foundation 

on which to build. We cannot ignore the fact however that unless we see changes 

in Government policy at both Westminster and Holyrood the next few years will be 

very challenging for local government in general and Inverclyde in particular. 

The Planning Service and local Councillors have received a large number of 

responses to the consultation on the Main Issues Report for the Inverclyde 

Local Development Plan, which among other things sought views on potential 

housing development sites in Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village. I have advised 

those who have contacted me that it would be inappropriate for me to state my 

opinion at this stage as this would be seen as me pre-judging the outcome of the 

consultation. As a member of the Committee that will consider the responses 

to the consultation I must listen to all views before coming to an informed 

position. Having lived next to the two sites that are the subject of most of the 

representations I recognise the concerns that have been raised with me. 

Other local issues I’ve been dealing with in the past month include complaints 

about grassing cutting by River Clyde Homes, drainage issues in Whitelea Road 

and the ongoing Virgin Media works in Kilmacolm. 

The A761 Kilmacolm Road (Boglestone roundabout to Port Glasgow Shared 

Campus roundabout) will be closed from 6am Saturday 1st July until 5pm Friday 

14th July to allow for carriageway resurfacing works from the junction with 

Marloch Avenue to Port Glasgow Community Campus roundabout. Diversions 

will be in operation. 

I was pleased to attend the service of thanksgiving in Paisley Abbey on 17th June 

to recognise the sacrifices made by the men and women of our Armed Forces. 

Our wonderful Inverclyde Schools Senior Choir sang beautifully in their honour 

during the service. 

I have one surgery this month in Boglestone Community Centre, Port Glasgow 

from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesday 11th July. You can contact me directly to discuss 

any matters that are of concern to you by telephone on 01475 712020 (during 

office hours) or by email to Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk. Alternatively you 

can write to me at 10 Victoria Gardens, 

Kilmacolm PA13 4HL. 

You can keep up to date with my work 

as a Councillor by visiting my blog: 

http://councillorstephenmccabe. 

blogspot.com/ and follow me on Twitter 

@CllrSMcCabe. 

Have a great summer. 


Kilmacolm 

Surgeries 

PC Jamieson, the local 

neighbourhood officer 

will be holding a monthly 

surgery in the Community Centre 

between 10.30 - 11.30 am. Please 

pop in and see him if you want to share 

any concerns or need advice.


33 


Some more successful fundraising at 

the Kilmacolm Co-op 

BIG-HEARTED shop staff in Kilmacolm 

have raised more than £1,000 for 

charity. 

Fun-loving sales assistants Margaret 

McAllister and Janet Holdsworth 

completed the 5k Bubble Rush event 

in Bellahouston Park. 

The Co-op customer team members 

handed £501 to Ardgowan Hospice 

in Greenock and the same to St 

Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood in Renfrewshire. 

Store manager Stephen Trainer said: “It was a great effort by them. They did 

really well and we received a lot of support from customers and raised quite a 

lot of money.” 

Future Events 

Planning is well 

advanced for 

the annual 

Rotary Charity 

BBQ and Disco 

at Brookfield 

Village Hall on Friday 

25th August. We can expect 

superb steaks and salmon, a wide 

range of salads and tasty sweets. 

As always, the disco music will 

suit Rotarians and their friends 

and there will be a big raffle with 

dozens of prizes. Tickets are 

available from members or via the 

website. 

houston, crosslee & brookfield 

Brookfield Country 

Dancing club 

Thursday evenings from 7.30pm - 

9.30pm run by Aileen Craig (01505 

322684). New members are most 

welcome and as an introduction, the 

first class is free. 


H.O.S.T. The Carrick Centre, Houston 

(Houston Old School Trust) 

Woodlands Out of School: - Monday to 

Friday, 01505 615438 

Coffee Shop: - Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm 

Sat, 9am - 4pm 

MONDAY 

Galaxy Summer Camp 10th 10am – 

4pm 

TUESDAY 

Yoga (4th, 11th) 7pm M/s Lawson 

01505 613690 


4pm 

WEDNESDAY 

Community Council 19th 7.30pm 


4pm 

THURSDAY 

Folk Club (weekly) 8pm iaintdawson@ 

gmail.com 07786 078952 


4pm 


Houston and 

Killellan Kirk 

On Saturday September 30th 

Allander Jazz Band will entertain in 

the West Halls. More details in August 

advertiser. 

FRIDAY 

Yoga (7th, 14th) 10.30am M/s 

Lawson 01505 613690 

Big Kids Little Learners 21st, 28th 

1pm – 2pm Janine Neil 07870 

697010 


4pm 

MP Surgery 14th 12.30pm – 1.30pm 

SATURDAY 

Councillors Surgery 8th 11.30am – 

12.30pm 

SUNDAY 

Baptist Church (weekly) 11am and 

6pm 

Booking enquiries to : 

Ian Simpson, 01505 612203 

Sandy Young 01505 331488 

Bill Haddow 01505 690693 

hostbooking@outlook.com or The 

Coffee Shop 


I was delighted to be able to attend the annual Houston 

Agricultural Show this year. There was a wide array of stalls 

including Houston Community Council, a dog show, and various 

competitions for horses, and cows as befits an agricultural show 

where local farmers can showcase their talents and breeds. 

Sometimes I think Renfrewshire Council forgets that while 

our towns have a proud industrial heritage and history, so too 

do the various village and rural communities in Renfrewshire 

also have a proud agrarian heritage and history. We are a 

county of rich diversity and I think it is good to celebrate what 

Renfrewshire farmers bring to us all. 

Whilst dog fouling can sadly be found in all areas I am very 

sad that recently many constituents in Houston have raised this matter with me, 

as one which is persistent and very noticeable. I have asked the community 

wardens to increase their patrols in Houston and ask all residents to be vigilant 

and report episodes of dog fouling to the community wardens. This is such a 

shame as dogs are fantastic for families and as a dog lover, and former dog 

owner, I am clear there are no bad dogs, just bad owners who need to be more 

considerate. 

My advice surgery in Brookfield is on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6.30pm in Brookfield 

Village Hall, and my advice surgery in Houston is on the 4th Thursday of the month 

in Houston Village Hall, at 7.15pm, excluding July and Christmas. But I am also always 

available to constituents who can call me on 07768 130935, or e-mail me at cllr.audrey. 

doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk. 

Houston Show - Quiz 

Between thunder and showers, alongside 

the usual Rotary Coconut Shy members 

sold quiz sheets. The questions had 

been taken from the recent Primary 

School Quiz. The prize – a meal at the 

Fox and Hounds kindly donated by Jason Andrews - for the first 

fully correct quiz sheet drawn out was won by Morven Feely. Questions and 

answers can be found on the club Facebook page. 

Proceeds shared between Mary's Meals and CHAS (Children's Hospice). 


Brookfield News 

Summer Social 

Brookfield’s annual ‘Summer Social’ took place on Sunday 4th June and despite 

much uncertainty over whether the weather would be favourable and allow the 

event to go ahead, the afternoon turned out to be warm and sunny – exceeding 

all expectations! Villagers were able to get together with family, friends and 

neighbours and enjoy a variety of refreshments from the bar. Entertainment 

was courtesy of Brookfield’s very own ‘Brass Necks’, who provided a selection 

of tunes. If there are any brass players in the local area who would like to get 

involved with the group, they would be delighted to hear from you! Please contact 

brookfieldvpa@gmail.com for more information. 

Gala Day 

Fingers will be well and truly crossed that the village Gala Day on Saturday 19th 

August will see a repeat of the fine weather enjoyed at the ‘Summer Social’. 

Planning is underway and any residents who would like to get involved and/or 

help at a stall on the day, please contact any member of the Village Council. 

Green space tidy-up: dates for your diary 

In the run up to Gala Day, the Gardening Club is planning to spruce up the village 

green spaces and would like to invite any willing residents to come along and 

help. 

Target areas are the Millennium Garden at the top of Victoria Road and the field. 

The areas at the foot of Albert Road and between Chuckie Lane and Burnside 

Avenue are also being considered. 

Weather permitting, the proposed dates are: Tuesday 18th & Wednesday 19th 

July and Wednesday 9th & Thursday 10th August. Turn up anytime between 

10am and 7pm – even if you can only spare half an hour. Just bring your own 

tools/gloves. A member of the group will be available to advise on what needs 

to be done. Any assistance would be much appreciated to help improve our 

community. 



Crafty Friends 

1st and 3rd Thursdays in the month at 7.30pm in the Carrick Centre, Houston. No 

craft experience necessary. Tel: Lorna Cairns 612844 or Shirley White 610721.



Houston Agricultural Show ~ Saturday 3rd June 

Prizes presented in Industrial section by May Montgomery formally of the Brown Egg Farm now owner of Ardardan Farm Shop garden centre & coffee shop. 

Prizes presented in Livestock by Agnes Crawford. 

Photos: Kate Cummings, Gryffe Camera Club


35 

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie 

Lochwinnoch Flower Power!! 

There was a fine 

turn out of the 

community garden 

group and other 

volunteers on 

Saturday the 3rd 

June to plant out 

more containers 

and hanging 

baskets around the 

village. 

In the morning 

the Renfrewshire 

Council Unpaid 

Work team arrived 

at 9.45am to move 30 containers to 5 locations. The Library, McKillop Hall, War 

Memorial, Calder Church and Lochbarr Services. In addition, they moved tons 

of soil to fill the containers. A huge thank you to them for a massive effort over 

the day! 

Planting round the village over Saturday was blessed with very good weather, all 

the helpers were supplied with tea, coffee, rolls and cakes from Sean at Heitage 

Farmers Market. 

Furthermore, Grame Lait has supplied 

many baskets on lamp posts to add to 

the colour over the summer and will 

keep the baskets watered. 

We plan to add more containers and 

baskets to the village year on year. 

Please feel free to come and help 

in the Autum when we will be taking 

out annuals and putting in the Spring 

bulbs! There will be announcements 

in the CC newsletter, community 

garden facebook page and posters in 

shop windows in the village. 

In addition, we also ran a plant stall 

at the Gala on Saturday 10th June 

to raise some money for the planters 

and flowers which was very a huge 

success. 


It is inevitable that now we are a four member ward that much 

of the comments and reports from Ward 9 councillors will be 

much the same. With four Community Councils attended by 

all four Councillors, any issue raised is very much the concern 

of all four Councillors. So if you feel you have ‘’Heard this all 

before’’ please bear with me. I will try to retain your interest by 

giving you snippets, that can be made public, from the Boards 

that I sit on, which are: Audit, Risk & Scrutiny (Convener). 

Communities, Housing & Planning Board. Education & 

Children’s Services Policy Board and Infrastructure, Land 

and environment Policy Board. I am also a Member of the 

Johnstone & the Villages Local Area Committee. 

One of the big issues which concerns all four villages is the lack of consultation 

and input with regard to local developments. Some while ago I took part in a 

research study into The Barriers to Community Engagement in the Planning 

System. The report was commissioned by the Scottish Government and the 

research was conducted by an independent consultancy team. The subsequent 

report from this consultation is five pages long but I quote just a few of the 

recommendations. 

1. Creating the conditions that will give communities the confidence and 

motivation to engage with the planning system. 

2. Learning from experience and good practice. Going the extra mile to help the 

seldom-heard have a voice. 

3. The independent review panel was highly critical of the quality and effectiveness 

of community engagement in the Scottish planning system and that the third 

sector leaders have an overwhelmingly negative perception of the system. 

I hope that these few details will indicate that we are trying to ensure that we 

have a bigger say in matters concerning our villages. 

My surgeries are as follows:- 

First Monday of the month at 6pm /7pm HOWWOOD Village Hall 

Second Monday of the month at 6pm/7pm KILBARCHAN Steeple Hall 

Third Monday of the month at 6pm/7pm JOHNSTONE Town Hall 

Fourth Monday of the month at 6pm/pm LOCHWINNOCH McKillop Institute 

Email: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk phone: 0300 300 1423 


I have written to the new Leader of Renfrewshire Council 

asking him to look at options for the cancellation of the £7 

million Sports Amphitheatre in Paisley proposed by the last 

adminstration, and transferring that £7 million into upgrading 

the McKillop Institute, the Steeple Hall, and Howwood Village 

Hall. This technically should be viable as although RLL now 

run the service, the three buildings are still owned by the 

Council. 

Constituents will be aware that the prospective developers for 

the Johnshill development have appealed to DEPA against the 

decision of Renfrewshire Council to refuse the application, and 

I intend to write to DEPA upholding the decision of the Council 

to refuse, and explain in detail why to grant would be detrimental to the interests 

of Lochwinnoch. I also intend to speak at the DEPA Planning Hearing on 18th July 

to oppose the Branscroft Development proposed for Kilbarchan. I also wish to 

make my Howwood constituents aware that there is a new prospective planning 

application to build on Old Howwood Road between Spateston and the village. 

It was agreed at the end of March to keep the campaign going to upgrade the 

A737 by organising an A737 Partnership Group, which would include all local 

Ward Cllrs for Wards 8 and 9, and have all local CC’s represented. I have spoken 

to those Cllrs at that meeting who have been returned, and we wish to continue 

this on an all-party basis, which it was before. As an Independent I have agreed 

to convene the Group and have recently sent an invite out to all the new ward Cllrs 

asking if they wish to join. 

My advice surgery in Kilbarchan is on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in the Steeple Hall 

at 7.30pm, and my advice surgery in Howwood is at 6.30pm on the 4th Wednesday of the 

month, and then in Lochwinnoch the same night in the McKillop at 7.30pm, all excluding July 

and Christmas. But I am also always available to constituents who can call me on 07534 

148224, tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward8 or e-mail me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk. 


Scottish Country 

Dance Classes 

Tuesdays in the McKillop Hall, 

Lochwinnoch at 7.30pm. 

We always have great fun and it's 

good exercise too! Phone Lorna Black 

01505 843048 for more info. 


Knitting Bee 

Knuts4Knitting 

Meets fortnightly on a Tuesday 

from 7pm to 9pm at Knit Knax, 37 

High Street Johnstone, also weekly 

Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. 

Contact details: Pamela 07743156738 

or email bknitting@hotmail.co.uk. 


Howwood Community Council 

Meetings of the Community Council are held on the second Tuesday of each 

month at 7.30pm in Howwood Village Hall. Please feel free to come along - all 

welcome. 

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie


kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie 


The issues of speeding and traffic in the village were discussed 

at the May meeting of Kilbarchan Community Council. 

Renfrewshire Council and local Police were in attendance. 

Council officials have been asked to bring back traffic calming 

proposals to a future CC meeting, that will address the long 

standing concerns. Any proposal will be subject to further 

consultation with residents. Enforcement of the speed limit, 

or rather the lack of it has also been the subject of discussion. 

I am awaiting a response from the Crown Office to my enquiry 

as to why drivers who exceed the 30 mph speed limit up to 

40mph are not being held to account. I will keep readers 

updated on these matters. 

On the issue of roads, I am pleased that the resurfacing and repair programme 

for both roads and pavements for 2017/18, set out before the council elections 

by the previous administration is taking shape. During July and August work on 

Stepends Road, and Harvey Terrace in Lochwinnoch will take place, along with 

Bridesmill Road, Hillfoot Drive and Mayfield Crescent in Howwood. In Kilbarchan 

resurfacing work in Easwald Bank, Well Road and Kibblestone Road is scheduled 

for August. 

As usual a number of traditional summer events have takes place in recent 

weeks. Lilias Day, Kilbarchan Agricultural Show, Lochwinnoch Gala Day, and 

Howwood fete were all enjoyed by 

local folk. The ongoing success of 

all these events and others, is due in 

no small measure to the work of the 

volunteers and community activists 

,who give freely of their time and 

commitment. I want to let them know 

that their efforts are much valued and 

appreciated. 

Although I will not be holding surgeries in 

July I will be working hard throughout the 

summer. Please contact me with any issue 

at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or 

phone 07534 156007 


Lochwinnoch Golf 

Club Tea Dance 

Tea 

Dance 

Lochwinnoch Golf Club have very 

generously offered to host a free Tea 

Dance on Wednesday 6th September 

2pm till 5pm in support of the 

‘Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly 

Village’ initiative. To encourage fun 

and activity the tea dance will have 

music from’ Music Box’ a great dance 

group. 

In addition, Craig of Minicoach Tours 

(Howwood) is providing free transport 

from the McKillop Lochwinnoch from 

1.45pm and returning at 5pm 

Open to all for more information or 

a free ticket call Morag on 07868 

752814. 


Kilbarchan 

Fairtrade 

Group 

Kilbarchan Fairtrade Group ran a stall 

at the Guide Centre on Lilias Day and 

followed it up with an unannounced popup 

stall in the parish church. Over £200 

worth of goods were sold. 

Photo: Moira Smith and Moira Stark 


Howwood Parish 

Church 

H o w w o o d 

Parish Church 

are holding a 

Holiday Club for 

Primary School 

children 

Monday 17th - Friday 21st July from 

10am - 12noon. 

Crafts, games, stories, music. 

Come along and join in the fun! 


Kilbarchan Book 

Group 

On June 13th the Book Group wound 

up it’s summer reading with “To Set 

a Watchman” by Harper Lee the 

sequel “To Kill A Mockingbird” with 

cheese and wine. On September 5th 

at 7.15pm in Old Kilbarchan Library 

there will be the first autumn Book 

Group meeting when they will read 

“Exposure” by Helen Dunmore and 

“The Father” by Anton Svensson. All 

are welcome to attend. 


Kilbarchan 

The NWR group meets fortnightly 

on Wednesdays and has a varied 

programme of speakers and discussion 

topics. If you’d like to find out more 

about NWR and the Kilbarchan group, 

please contact the website: www.nwr. 

org. 


Old Library Centre Kilbarchan 

The volunteers and staff at the Centre wish to thank everyone who has used the 

Community Facility recently. They would also like to give a very big thanks to the 

numerous loyal supporters who give the Centre an annual donation. Remarkably 

some supporters have been giving to the Centre since 2001. As the present 

Chairman and having been a Board member since the renovation of the Library 

building after the Village protest at the closure of the Library in 1998, I am 

impressed by this vital support. Over the years we have not had a rise in new 

supporters. We ask for an annual donation of £5 for seniors and £10 for others. 

Support forms are available from the Centre. 

One of the Centre’s daily activities is to provide a place where people can meet, 

talk and feel part of Kilbarchan community. There is no charge for this, however, 

you can make a cup of coffee or tea for 70p and get a biscuit if available. Please 

do not feel lonely just come in. 

The Centre is open 10am - 12noon and 2pm – 4pm - Monday to Friday. However, 

the volunteers need a holiday and the Centre needs some renovation. 

The Old Library Centre is closing at 4 o’clock on Thursday, 29th June and reopening 

on Tuesday, 1st August. 

Classes will resume in August as follows: 

Tuesday Craft Group 2pm 

Wednesday Yoga 10am and 7.30pm 

Thursday 1st Love Music (Toddlers) 10.45am –11.30am 

Friday Bridge 2pm 

(Details will be posted on our website www.kipco.org and our window) 

MP Surgery Mhairi Black 2nd Friday of the month, except August 

MSP Surgery Tom Arthur 3rd Friday of the month. 

We look forward to seeing you. Ann 

Bishopton Teacher Shortlisted for Top Royal Horticultural Society Award 

A science teacher from Bishopton near Glasgow 

is in the running to be named the Royal 

Horticultural Society (RHS) School Gardening 

Champion of the Year 2017, supported by 

Gabriel Ash. 

David Nicol, who teaches at the Good Shepherd 

Centre, is competing to win the prestigious 

national award which recognises a teacher or 

other adult who is passionate about encouraging gardening and an inspiration 

to the children they teach. 

The Good Shepherd Centre is a secure unit for vulnerable young people and 

David has worked at the centre for six years. He is up against three other 

finalists from Staffordshire, Gloucestershire and Hampshire who have also 

been shortlisted for the award. 

The winner will be announced at a special awards ceremony at RHS Garden 

Wisley in Surrey in July. 

In June a panel of gardening experts including BBC Gardeners’ World and ITV’s 

Love Your Garden presenter Frances Tophill will judge the entries and pick the 

category winners. 

As part of the judging process, David and the other finalists will create a fiveminute 

film demonstrating how they encourage gardening at their school. 

After the judging, the Good Shepherd Centre will receive an upright coldframe 

worth £699 donated by greenhouse manufacturer Gabriel Ash, and £250 in 

National Garden Gift Vouchers for their school. The finalists will also win a 

free place on an RHS Campaign for School Gardening training course and be 

awarded an engraved hand trowel trophy and framed certificate. 

For more details visit www.rhs.org.uk/schoolgardening


37 

Lilias Day and Lilifest Success 

Despite the torential rain, hailstones, thunder and lightening Kilbarchan Lilias Day was a great success. 

Around 3,000 people turned out to support the day and join in the fun. After the brief downpour the sun 

came out and the festivities continued. 

Graeme Stockton said “it was fantastic to see so many smiling faces in the parade ... Even when the 

hailstones began and that so many people were braving the elements to watch. We really appreciate all 

the effort, time and creativity that people put in to making Lilias Day so special and unique” 

With the sunshining, the festivities continued in the park with entertainment from Britannia XIV Battle Reenactment 

taking on the kids of Kilbarchan; a grand tug of war with Kilbarchan Smile winning; the local 

derby between Bridge of Weir and Kilbarchan Primary with an added bonus of commentry from Clyde 1 DJ 

George Bowie; Jamie McArthurs music tent showcasing the best local up and coming talent and a whole 

range of entertainments for kids. 

Susan Calcluth, joint Chair added “for many of the local organisations such as the Scouts, The Kilbarchan 

Pipe Band and Parish Church, Lilias Day is the their biggest fundraiser of the year. It’s great to see the 

stalls do so well and the community supporting them in their fundraising efforts. Each year tens of 

thousands of pounds are raised for local organisations, charities and good causes.” 

Additional information 

Prize winners: 

FLOATS: 1st ~ Willy Wonka, Spateston Nursery n 2nd ~ Summer Garden, Kilbarchan Nursery 

Joint 3rd ~ Wizard of Oz, Stage Avenue and Pirates, Kilbarchan Primary 

DECORATED HOUSES: 1st ~ Harry Potter, the Quinn family 

2nd ~ Beauty & the Beast, the Ramsay family 

3rd ~ Peppa Pig, the Costigan family 

DECORATED BUSINESSES: 1st ~ Co-op n 

2nd ~ Bobbins n 3rd ~ Kilbarchan Vets 

DECORATED NON - RESIDENTIAL: 1st ~ The 

Guide Centre n 2nd ~ The Old library Centre 

FOOTBALL: Bridge of Weir 2, Kilbarchan 0 

YOUTH CHALLENGE: Kilbarchan Cub 

Scouts 

TUG OF WAR: Kilbarchan Smile 

£1,000 Prize Raffle Winner: Babs Steele 

Photos taken by Susan Calcluth 

Lilifest Success 

Lilifest, the exciting festival that is now an established part of the Kilbarchan Lilias Day Celebrations was 

enjoyed by hundreds of people this year. 

A varied programme featured international musicians, sellout events including; “An Evening With” event 

with Kilbarchan’s favourite son - Rev Ian Miller, The Gateway garden party, a Lego animation workshop led 

by Kilbarchan’s internationally-renowned Morgan Spence and the psychic evening with Sally Buxton. 

Festival-goers also enjoyed a fantastic evening of Barchan Mad Comedy with Scottish Comedian of the 

year Rosco Mcclelland, a concert by Village Voices & Kilbarchan Parish Junior Choir and other live music 

and Lilias-themed events in venues around the village. 

The festival was brought to a close with “Habbies Hoolie” family ceilidh at the Kilbarchan Performing Arts 

Centre when one of Renfrewshire;s best-loved ceilidh bands, Clamjamfrie served up a rousing evening 

of music and dancing on the evening of the Kilbarchan Show. 

Festival organiser, Damon Scott, was delighted with the response: “It was fantastic to see so many 

people taking part and enjoying the Lilifest events and a huge thanks has to go to all the venues and 

organisations involved including; Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre, The Old Library, Habbies and The 

Trust and Village Voices and the Junior Choir. Thanks also to all the people who attended Kilbarchan 

Smile’s Gateway Garden Party. 

Plans are already underway for next years’ festival. If any promoters or local organisations would like 

to make an enquiry about having their event included please email info@liliasday.co.uk 

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie


LOST PETS? 

If your pet has gone missing and 

you would like to place a notice in 

The Advertizer, please call 

01505 613340 or email 

∂∫∞€Ł@)( 

info@advertizer.co.uk 

lð§¥‡þÐœ 

ÐœðŁ 

lð§¥ 

We can also put updates on our website 

& Facebook. There is no charge for this service! 

Pet Blog 

by PetVets 

Hot Dogs 

Kennel Cough in Dogs 

It only takes a few minutes for a dog to suffer the effects 

of being left in a hot car. Even if a window has been left 

open or you are parked in the shade, it’s still not safe for 

your dog! 

How to keep your dog happy and healthy when on car journeys: 

Think twice about any car trips with your dog - avoid congested roads or 

busy times of day when they could overheat in the car if you are caught up 

in traffic 

If driving with your dog, plan your journey considering cooler times of the 

day and places to take breaks 

Keep windows open when driving with a dog in your car whilst ensuring 

they are safely restrained using a car harness, a travel crate or dog-guard. 

Make sure you have a supply of fresh water or know where you can stop 

off for water breaks. 

If a dog is showing any of the following symptoms it may be that they are 

suffering from heat stroke, dehydration or even sun burn: 

Excessive panting 

Red gums and tongue 

Heavy salivation 

Vomiting / diarrhoea 

Lack of co-ordination Loss of consciousness 

First Aid Tips: 

If a dog is suffering any of the above symptoms take the following steps: 

Take out of the sun immediately 

Cover with a cool wet towel 

Get the dog to drink small 

amounts of cool water 

Seek veterinary advice 

immediately 

For more information please visit 

www.dogstrust.org.uk 

Infectious tracheobronchitis, commonly known as kennel 

cough, is a canine respiratory infection caused by a virus 

and/or a bacterial infection of the upper airway causing coughing. 

Infection 

Kennel cough is airborne and very contagious. It can be transmitted by aerosols 

released when a sick animal coughs, by direct contact with an infected animal, 

or by the sharing of contaminated objects such as water bowls or toys. 

Symptoms 

A persistent cough that may sound as if something is caught in your pet’s 

throat. Symptoms usually develop three to ten days after exposure to an 

infected animal. Dogs usually remain bright and eat normally. 

Diagnosis 

There is no specific test for kennel cough, and diagnosis depends on excluding 

other causes of coughing by your vet taking a history and examining your 

dog. 

Treatment 

In most cases no medications are given since the disease is self-limiting and 

Johnstone Cat Rescue 

If you can help us with any 

fundraising or donations of either 

food or bedding, please call 

Sheena on 01505 337321. 

Thank you. 

A vibrant 

community 

and animal 

welfare 

project located in Erskine, 

Renfrewshire. We try our best 

to rescue and rehome as many 

animals as we can. If we cannot 

find a suitable forever home for our 

furry friends they will continue to 

live with us therefore there’s always 

new furries for you to meet. 

Open 7 Days A Week 

April-September: 

Mon/Wed/ Thu/ Sat/ Sun: 10.30am- 

4.30pm 

Tue/ Fri: 9.30am-4pm 

www.lamontfarm.org.uk 

A local Animal 

Rescue based 

in the West of 

Scotland, we 

rescue all animals big and small 

from guinea pigs, rabbits and 

chickens to cats, dogs and even 

donkeys! 

The rescue was setup by a local 

couple with a love for animals, they 

both work long hours and on top of 

that deal with the rescue at same 

time. The rescue has grown so 

much in the past few years we now 

have several volunteers. 

07817 646427 or http://underheughark. 

weebly.com 

will run its course, much like a human cold. Cough suppressants and/or anti- 

inflammatories may be used to keep your dog more comfortable while they 

are recovering. 

Most cases resolve within 2-3 weeks. 

In puppies, elderly dogs or those with existing illnesses, the condition can 

be more serious and can develop into pneumonia. Some strains of the 

infection can also be more severe than others. 

More serious cases are treated 

with oral antibiotics and cough 

suppressants. 

It is important to limit contact with 

other dogs while they are recovering 

to reduce spread of infection. 

Prevention 

There is an intra-nasal vaccination 

available for the prevention of kennel 

cough which goes up your dog’s nose 

in a spray. This lasts for 12 months. 

The protection provided is not 100% as 

there are multiple strains of infection 

which can cause kennel cough, but 

it does reduce the risk and will also 

reduce the severity of symptoms if 

your dog does catch kennel cough.


39 39 

Re-homing Pets 

Can you offer a home to any of our featured pets? 

Charlie & Belle - male & female 

domestic short-hairs 

Charlie and Belle are looking for a home 

together. Charlie is a nervous boy and 

would need a quiet home or a home 

with older children. Belle is friendly girl, 

Charlie likes to be brushed and will give you 

cuddles. 

Cardyke Farm, Langmuirhead Road, Auchinloch, Glasgow 

G66 5LD - Telephone 0141 779 3341 

Belle 

Pulsar - 6 week old 

male hamster 

Pulsar arrived in to our care with his brothers and 

sisters and he is now looking for his forever home. 

Pulsar Syrian hamsters can make excellent pets. They can 

be very active with great personalities. If raised and handled properly 

they’ll be your friends for life. 

Weldon - 1 to 2 year-old male guinea pig 

Weldon arrived in our care with his partner Denver after their owner 

could no longer look after them. They are now looking for their forever 

home. They enjoy being handled and will keep 

you amused with their antics. 

To contact the centre about any animals, please 

call 03000 999 999 or visit www.scottishspca.org/ 

rehoming 

Weldon 

Maple Maple - 1 to 2 year-old female 

lurcher 

Maple is a sweet girl who loves to 

play games with toys! She loves to 

go for long walks in the country. Maple can live with 

children who are 14 years old or over and needs 

her own very secure garden to practice her training 

in. Maple needs to be the only pet in the home. 

Someone who has owned dogs like her before would benefit her and 

help her settle. A home with calm, quiet areas to walk in would also 

help her get used to her new environment. Due to her breed & high 

chase drive she needs to be walked on lead and muzzled. Maple needs 

several meets at the centre to build a relationship before going to her 

new home. 

Hooper - 5 to 7 year-old male crossbreed 

Hooper is a special boy who is looking for a special 

home. He loves to give kisses and cuddles but it 

takes a long time to build up that trust so he needs 

a patient and committed owner. If you commit to him 

be assured that you will have a loyal friend for life. 

Hooper gets on great with other dogs and is very 

Hooper 

young at heart, like a big puppy! Initially he would need his owners to be 

around for most of the day but he could be left for a few hours once he 

is settled. Hooper does have some handling issues so we are looking 

for an adult only home with experienced owners. Our TBA would be 

looking for his training program to be continued at home and are happy 

to assist. Hooper will need a hands off home and this would be the case 

until Hooper has learned to trust his owners. He will need to have built 

a relationship at the centre for a long period of time to ensure the best 

start in his new home. A quiet home with few visitors is ideal and Hooper 

will need regular slow introductions to any new people. 

Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, 315 Hamilton Road, Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 

7SL. Open: 12noon - 4pm (inc weekends); 12noon- 7.30pm on Tuesdays; closed: 

Wednesdays 

Rescue Centres 

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue › 01505 502415 › www.hessilhead.org.uk 

Cat Protection › 0141 779 3341 › www.cats.org.uk/glasgowac 

Dogs Trust Glasgow › 0141 773 5130 › www.dogstrust.org.uk 

Scottish SPCA › 0141 882 1688 › www.scottishspca.org 

These centres are always on the lookout for donations and fundraising. If you can 

help, please get in touch with any of the centres above. 

Magnus has been missing from the 

Langbank area since mid November. 

Despite all my efforts with posters and 

rescue centres etc, there has not been 

one sighting of him. If you should see 

a cat fi tting his description, PLEASE 

contact me. Magnus is still quite young 

(4), vivid ginger and white fl uffy coat 

with a large bushy tail, and he’s quite 

shy. 

Please contact Deirdre: 07952 164554 

or 01475 540666 

Keeping cool in warm weather 

The rising temperature in the warmer months can cause 

our pets to overheat, so follow the steps in our video to 

ensure your moggy doesn’t fall foul of the summer sun. 

Here are some tips: 

• Provide plenty of shade both inside and out. Think 

shrubs, cat hides and boxes! 

• Place fans around the house to keep the air circulating. Don’t point 

fans directly at your cat though 

• Freeze a bottle of water, wrap it in a towel or pillowcase and place it 

where your cat regularly goes. Ensure your cat can get away from the 

bottle if they choose and the bottle doesn’t leak! 

Hydration is key! Encouraging your cat to drink more can be done in these 

ways: 

• Place water bowls away from food bowls 

• Avoid plastic bowls. Use glass, ceramic or metal instead and make 

sure they are large with a big surface area 

• Keep the water topped up so your cat doesn’t have to put their heads 

into the bowls or are left without any water at all 

• Many cats prefer running water so try offering a cat fountain. 

• Putting water bowls in different places around the house will help cats 

always find somewhere to drink 

Exposure to the sun can be a trigger-factor for a type of cancer that is 

more commonly seen in cats with unpigmented, white ears or noses so it is 

certainly a good idea to try to offer some protection, even though we know 

how much cats love to lie in the sun! If your cat has white fur try keeping 

them inside between 10am and 3pm when the sun is at its hottest and 

speak to a vet about suitable sunblock for cats. 

If you are concerned about your cat’s health in the heat, have an elderly cat 

or kitten in poor health please speak 

to a vet. 

For more visit www.cats.org.uk 

follow The Advertizer on twitter 

and facebook for regular updates 

t: @GryffeAds 

f: www.facebook.com/GryffeAds 

The above full day course will cost £20 for Hessilhead members and £40 for non members. Registration at 10.15, end 

approx 4pm. Please bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee provided. Will include practical sessions to give experience 

handling a variety of patients confidently and safely, with tips on how to examine and transport these patients. Also 

suggestions for feeding, housing and assessment for release. 

The above courses will run from 2pm till 4pm. £10 for Hessilhead members, £20 for non members 

This event will start at 8.30pm. £10 for Hessilhead members, £20 for non members. Bring a torch.


Flaming June? 

More like Fickle June - the weather ranged from balmy 

to baltic! Take Bridge of Weir’s Gala Day, just a very 

few weeks 

ago. The less 

said about the 

rain the better, 

though the sun 

did shine towards the end of the 

event. As usual, Brighter Bridge 

of Weir had a presence, with our 

Strawberries ‘n’ Cream stall, and 

adjacent prize draw tent. Perhaps it 

could be said that the earlier rain was in 

keeping with the Gala theme, “Commotion 

in the Ocean”. Well, they say every cloud 

has a silver lining. 

Spirits weren’t dampened, though, and 

everyone involved was as enthusiastic as 

ever. Brighter Bridge of Weir had two prize 

raffles running, but at the Advertizer’s 

deadline, we didn’t have the final results 

in, however, you can find them on our 

website and Facebook page. 

In other news, we attended Renfrewshire 

Council’s Local Area Committee meeting at Gryffe High School on 

Tuesday 14 June. This is where groups such as ours find out if they will 

be recommended for a grant award in the coming financial year. Our 

application was well received and supported, but Council funds are under a 

lot of pressure these days, so we’ve got our fingers crossed. 

We rely entirely on public funding and donations from local residents and 

businesses, and every pound we get is spent on making Bridge of Weir 

brighter. We are enormously grateful for all the support that we receive, 

because it shows us that what we do is appreciated by local residents and 

businesses, and it encourages us to keep on ’Enhancing Our Community’. 

We also look forward to your involvement. If you have any thoughts on what 

you’d like us to achieve throughout Bridge of Weir, let us know. Contact 

us either through our website www.brighterbridgeofweir.org, or facebook. 

com/brighterbridgeofweir, or via Twitter @WeirBrighter. 

If you witness a 

suspected wildlife 

crime in action call 999 

immediately and ask for 

the police. 

For all other 

enquires call your local Police on 

101. Alternatively, contact your local 

Police Force directly. 

If you wish to anonymously report a 

wildlife crime online please contact 

Crimestoppers. 

Duchal House, By Kilmacolm 

Eighteenth century walled 

garden particularly well 

planted and maintained, 

entered by footbridge over 

the Greenwater. Species trees, hollies, old fashioned 

roses, shrubs and herbaceous borders with fruit 

orchards and vegetable garden. Also in the garden are 

azaleas and a lily pond. 

ADMISSIONS £5.00 Ardgowan Hospice receives 40%, the net remaining to SG Benefi ciaries 

DIRECTIONS On the B788 

one mile from Kilmacolm (this 

road links B786 Lochwinnoch 

Road and A761 Bridge of Weir 

Road) Greenock/Glasgow bus 

via Bridge of Weir. Knapps 

Loch stop is a ¼ mile from garden. Well signposted from 

Bridge of Weir/Kilmacolm Road 

GARDEN OPENINGS Saturday 15th July 2pm - 5pm


41 41 

Exactly one year ago, in our July 

update, Colourful Kilmacolm 

had to report the theft of some 

plants from the Port Glasgow 

layby. Unfortunately we have 

again suffered, this time from 

vandalism. Our gardeners spent a 

busy morning towards the end of May 

preparing the summer displays at our various sites 

around the village. When we had finished, the 

large planters in the Piazza were already looking 

good, with carefully placed trailing plants around 

the edges, non-stop begonias next, then taller 

ones rising up to the half-standard hollies in the centre which we have been 

gradually shaping into balls over the last 18 months. The overall effect was 

obviously lost on those who, on the last weekend of May, decapitated 4 of 

the 6 hollies. If the perpetrators are now feeling any remorse, Colourful 

Kilmacolm is always ready to accept financial donations. £100 would cover 

the damage. 

Elsewhere our displays are beginning to show colour. At the moment one 

of the best areas is the large embankment at the Pullman, shown here. Of 

course a little more sun would help, but let’s hope that is still to come. 

As mentioned last time, our next task is to complete the planting at the 

improved Market Place area. It is still quite a shady spot but we hope to 

Kilmacolm Horticultural 

Society 

A great day out to Crarae Gardens and 

Inveraray for members of Kilmacolm 

Horticultural Society was enjoyed in 

June. Now we look forward to the 

annual Flower Show. The date this 

year is Saturday 2nd September, venue is the New Community Centre, 

Kilmacolm, the Show opens to the public at 11am, with prizegiving at 3.30pm. 

Schedules detailing the classes in various Sections, Flower, Vegetable, 

Pots and Planters, Novices, Kitchencraft, Floral Art, and Childrens sections 

are available now. Please phone for a copy to Jill Russell, Show Secretary, 

on 01505 872393, or ask at the Centre for more details. With a growing 

number of younger gardeners enjoying green-fingered success we are 

hoping for more entries into the Novices classes. Help is given with the 

simple staging process when you come along on the night before the Show 

with your exhibits. Give it a try, be proud of your gardening skills and show 

off your results to the admiring public at Kilmacolm Flower Show. 

be able to choose plants that will tolerate some 

shade and yet still give a good show. 

Colourful Kilmacolm is open to all. If you are able, 

you can choose to be an active gardener, helping 

when you can with looking after the displays, 

but we also welcome non-active members. The 

very modest £5 annual subscription supports our 

efforts. 

Membership forms can be downloaded from our 

website www.colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk or you 

can phone Peter (01505 872448) or Liz (07963 

973031). 

Fantastic Family Storytelling Fun 

Fantastic family 

storytelling fun was had 

on 28th May Kilbarchan 

Smile’s Gateway 

Garden Party with wellknown 

Kilbarchan based 

storyteller Anne Pitcher. Sheltered safe 

from the wind and 

rain under a gauzy 

gazebo, the children were delighted with Anne’s 

many puppets, props and curious soundmakers as 

they encountered a grumpy great big giant, the king 

and queen of the fairies, magical scarecrows and 

many more story characters. All Anne’s stories were 

themed 

around 

growing and 

around recycling 

and re-using. Also on the day 

there were stalls manned by local 

community groups. All enjoyed the 

free hot dogs and drinks throughout 

the day. The Gateway Garden was 

created from an old petrol station 

and is an amazing achievement 

for the dedicated Kilbarchan 

Smile team for the community of 

Kilbarchan - thanks go to them for a 

wonderful day. This event was part 

of Lilifest - a festival held in the run 

up to Lilias Day.


Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park 

Summer Adventure Courses Booking 

Fast! Outdoor activity courses are 

booking up but there are still spaces 

available. Choose from kayaking/ 

canoeing, sailing and multi-activity. Why 

not keep your kids busy! All courses 

can be booked using the online booking 

system. 

Pedal the Park Raises over £2k for CLIC Sargent: Clyde Muirshiel and 

Ride 63 handed over a cheque for 

£2050 to CLIC Sargent in Scotland. 

Thank you to all participants! Missed 

out this year? Sunday 22nd April 

has just been announced for 2018. 

Beith Camera Club Photo Display: 

A beautiful selection of images 

are currently on display in Castle 

Semple Cafe above the lochside 

windows for everyone to enjoy. The group meet next on Thursday 14th 

September if anyone is interested in joining them. Check out their website 

www.beithcameraclub.org.uk for more info. 

Clyde Muirshiel Munchkins: This month 

this Brand NEW Pre 5’s Nature Club will 

meet the Wise Owl. It’s on at the Greenock 

Cut Visitor Centre on Wed 16 July, 10.30- 

11.30am; full details including booking can 

be done online. 

Wild on Wednesdays: A summer holiday 

wildlife 

and survival skills club! Join us every 

week for some family fun. Book online, 

£5 per person or call 01475 521 458. A 

different topic every week. 

Pound & Pace 2017: The annual 

charity walk attracted 45 walkers and 

raised over £200 for the Renfrewshire 

Classrooms to Malawi fund. 

Enter the BOG Stomp! The 10km off road trail run is back for 2017 on 

Sunday 3rd September. The event leaves Greenock Cut Visitor Centre 

and takes in a challenging (short but steep) Inverclyde hill, but you are 

rewarded with stunning views down the River Clyde. Enter via the Clyde 

Muirshiel website, price £20, £5 going to Erskine and includes medal & 

technical t-shirt. Look out your running shoes and get training now! 

Ride 63 Community Cycle Club: Tuesday evening is the current ride 

night, meeting outside RT Cycles in Glengarnock at 6.40pm or at Castle 

Semple at 7pm exact route depends on the weather and who shows 

up. The 2017 club ride calendar can be seen on the Club noticeboard 

at Castle Semple Visitor Centre. Contact the club on the ‘group style 

facebook page’ or email the secretary ridesixtythree@gmail.com for a 

membership form and ride info. 

Tag-n-Track Project update 

It’s time for the monthly roundup from Project Officer Hayley Douglas. TnT 

is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde 

LEADER and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. 

Project News 

What a busy month! We have managed to tag three Lesser Black-backed 

Gulls so far and the data has 

already started to come in. Two of 

our gulls, 10P:C and 9P5C were 

caught on the roof of Greenock 

Police station and are awaiting to 

be named by the local community 

the police work with. So far the 

data shows that both birds have 

completely different foraging habits. 

‘10P:C’ likes to go up to the local 

primary school to hoover up the 

leftovers whereas ‘9P5C’ prefers to 

take a tour around the countryside 

and feeds in the surrounding fields. After his three chicks hatched his 

movements changed again and he has started to head across the Clyde 

to feed. 

Our third gull, ‘15P:C’, was hand caught at Castle Semple Visitor Centre. 

After he was tagged he headed away to Dalry, then to Little Cumbrae 

before going to Horse Isle where it looks like he may have a nest. The 

tags collect data locations between 10-15 times a day. This means that 

our gulls may turn up at a location but we don’t get a data point which is 

what happened yesterday when 15P:C was spotted at 6pm feeding at the 

quarry pond at Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue along with 100+ other gulls. 

It’s amazing what we are discovering at the moment. Three gulls down, 

nine more to go. 

Do you have a birthday coming up or are you interested in supporting 

our gull project? We are offering Gull Adoption Packs where you can 

sponsor one of the gulls for £25 and in return you will receive an adoption 

certificate, factsheet, monthly email updates and a fluffy gull to call your 

own. Look for details on the website or email tnt@clydemuirshiel.co.uk to 

find out more. 

One of the projects aims is to train volunteers in the use of our camera 

traps. The joys of camera trapping are that you never know what you 

might capture. We are looking for volunteers to use and monitor our 

camera traps for 3 month periods. All training will be provided and it is 

something that only requires a couple of hours a week to collect and go 

through the footage. If you would like to find out more then please contact 

me on tnt@clydemuirshiel.co.uk 

Event News 

Can you tell the lesser black-backed gull from 

the Greater? If not then join us for ‘Gallivanting 

with Gulls’. It’s a free guided walk to help 

improve your gull and other bird ID skills. They 

take place on Saturday the 8th of July at Lunderston Bay and on Sunday 

the 9th of July at Castle Semple Visitor Centre, both 1-2.30pm. You can 

book your FREE place online at www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk or by phoning 

01505 614 791 in office hours. 

More Info… 

Details can be found on the Park’s website www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/tag-ntrack 

or by emailing tnt@clydemuirshiel.co.uk. The Project has its own Facebook 

Page which can be found at www.facebook.com/TagnTrack/. Talks to groups can 

be arranged if you are interested in fi nding out more about the project and its 

fi ndings as the project progresses. 

Keep up to speed with events and activities taking place on the Park’s Facebook: facebook.com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark or 

Twitter @Clydemuirshiel pages and Instagram pages.


43 43 

This July, wild family fun is closer than you think. Whether the sun is 

shining or the rain is falling, the summer holidays are the perfect time 

to get outdoors and spend some quality time together. Wander through 

the wildfl ower meadow in the sunshine and see how many butterflies 

and bees you can spot, or take a stroll through the woodland and splash 

in muddy puddles in the summer rain - at RSPB Lochwinnoch there is 

plenty to do no matter the weather! 

This summer we have lots of activities to keep the whole family 

entertained. Come along to the reserve any day throughout the school 

holidays and take part in an Explorer Challenge. Pick up a pack in the 

visitor centre and then head out to explore the trails and take part in 

the different activities – with a new theme every week there is so much 

to discover. With pond dipping and bug hunting on offer too, RSPB 

Lochwinnoch is the perfect place for a fun family day out. This summer 

why not take advantage of a great offer too? Pop on to the RSPB 

website, download your Half Price Family Voucher and enjoy a great 

value day out with 50% off entrance fees to the reserve trails! 

For more information about the reserve or any of our events, please call 

01505 842 663 or email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk.


Its summertime! Come and enjoy the Gardens, woodland and play areas 

including the infamous Pirate Ship! 

Wildlife Highlights 

We have a cuckoo on site! I heard it this morning. These birds are a rare 

sight. They are on the Red List of endangered species, so hopefully you can 

come see or hear one. They fly all the way from Africa each year to have 

their young. We also have chiff chaff, a pair of stock doves and jackdaws. 

Gardens 

Come and enjoy an array of summer flowers such as Calmia, Stewartia, 

Philadelpus, Hydrangeas, agapanthus and the special Serpentine, 

Herbaceous border. 

Events 

Saturday 2nd Falconry Day 

1-3pm 

Visit the birds of prey and take a 

walk around their homes and get up 

close and personal with the winged 

hunters. Followed by a fl ying display 


Tuesday 4th Den Building 

1-3pm 

Join the Rangers and see who is a 

budding Bear Grylls. 

Thursday 6th Scavenger Hunt 

1–3pm 

Aimed at children aged 5-10. Use 

the clue sheet to fi nd the answers. 

Prizes for completing the course. 

Sunday 9th Teddy Bears Picnic 

1-3pm 

Join the Rangers and Tickles the 

Clown celebrating all things teddy 

bear. Picnic and games in the 

gardens with a fabulous show from 

Tickles the clown. Prizes for best 

fancy dress. 

Tuesday 11th Bug Box making 

1-3pm 

Join our Rangers and make fun bug 

boxes for your garden. £2.50 for 

materials. 

Thursday 13th Orienteering 

1-3pm 

A Ranger guided walk through the 

forest. Bring boots and coats. 

Saturday 15th Wild Night 

5pm-8am 

The Finlaystone overnight camp. 

Join the Rangers for fun and burgers 

and sing into the wee small hours. 

Kids will enjoy the bat walk and 

Den Building. Tent, warm clothes, 

waterproofs and BBQ food required. 

Adults £10, Children £5.00. Prebooking 

essential. 

Tuesday 18th Woodland Fairy Hunt 

1–3pm 

Join our Rangers and search for the 

hidden Fairy Doors throughout the 

forest then make your own to take 

home. £2.50 for materials 

Thursday 20th Butterfly Hunt 

1–3pm 

Help our Rangers fi nd those elusive 

butterfl ies and contribute to our 

species identifi cation. 

Sunday 23rd Pirate Day 

1–3pm 

Dress as a scurvy buccaneer and 

practice your best Arrg! Drama and 

shouting a plenty. Prize for best 

dressed pirate. 

Saturday 29th Wild Night 

5pm–8am 

The Finlaystone overnight camp. 

Join the Rangers for fun and burgers 

and sing into the wee small hours. 

Kids will enjoy the bat walk and 

Den Building. Tent, warm clothes, 

waterproofs and BBQ food required. 

Adults £10, Children £5.00. Prebooking 

essential. 

Sunday 30th Falconry Day 

1–3pm 

Visit the birds of prey and take a 

walk around their homes. Get up 

close and personal with the winged 

hunters. Followed by a fl ying display 


Kilbarchan Smile’s Gateway 

Garden Party Continues To 

Grow Community Spirit 

Around 200 people 

attended Kilbarchan 

Smile’s Gateway Garden 

Party as part of Lilifest 

2017, the festival of events 

that is part of the Lilias Day 

celebrations. 

Cara Batin, Miss Lilias 

and her attendant Niamph 

Haywoode marked the 

occasion by planting some 

flowers ahead of their 

duties at Lilias Day. 

activities. It also featured 

the Big Bike Revival with 

bike maintenance and a bike 

swap. Young Habbies joined 

Kilbarchan storyteller Anne 

Pitcher for some interactive 

storytelling fun along with 

puppets, props, sound makers 

and songs. Hot dogs and 

refreshments were served up 

by Kilbarchan Guides. 

The event celebrated the 

completion of the latest 

phase of development of the 

garden that recently received 

some additional “Stalled 

Spaces” funding. The family 

fun day featured Loud and 

Proud (Andrew O’Donnell), 

Fairtrade and LEAP stalls. 

A plant sale and gardening 

Joint Chair of Kilbarchan Smile, Damon Scott said: “We were delighted with 

the turnout and now have more people interested in getting involved to help 

out and set up their own growing areas within the garden.” 

It is hoped that the garden will encourage more local people to get involved, 

develop an interest in gardening and grow their own plants. There is a 

regular programme of gardening events and activities as well as a “minibeast 

hotel”. 

Joint Chair, Gail Scoular, said: “We’d really like to encourage as many 

people as possible to start to use the garden. We’ve still got plenty of 

materials for making more growing spaces and there is a lot of room. It is 

a great opportunity for people who don’t have gardens or don’t have space 

in their gardens, to get into gardening. It is a really healthy outdoor pastime 

and we’re actively encouraging the growing of vegetables and herbs.” 

Gail adds: “The open day was an opportunity for local people to come and 

have a look at the space, meet the volunteers and find out more about 

getting involved. It was also an opportunity for us to thank our volunteers for 

all their hard work and to thank our funders and other supporters their input 

including invaluable help from Renfrewshire’s Community Payback team.” 

The Gateway Garden is a Stalled Spaces project and brought the site of a 

petrol station, derelict for 20 years back into community use. 

There are drop in sessions at the Gateway Garden every 2nd Sunday 

of each month from 1pm-3pm (although members have access any time 

they want). The next session is on Sunday 9th July with gardening and 

wildlife activities and a planning meeting is also being organised for July, 

if you would like to get involved, help generate ideas and plans for the 

future contact Kilbarchan Smile via the Facebook page, email hello@ 

kilbarchansmile.co.uk or phone 07952 169 341. 

Kilbarchan Smile is looking for volunteers to help with the running of the 

garden from maintenance, to admin and publicity. To get involved email info@ 

kilbarchansmile.co.uk or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook. 

looking for someone local? 

www.advertizer.co.uk/clients


45 45 

July 

Summer is progressing 

This is often one of the hottest months of the year and a great time to 

sit out and enjoy your garden. Keep plants looking good by regularly 

dead-heading, and you’ll enjoy a longer display of blooms. Make 

sure you keep new plants well watered, using grey water where 

possible, and hoe off weeds, which thrive in the sunshine. 

Top 10 jobs this month 

1 Check clematis for signs of clematis wilt 

2 Care for houseplant while on holiday 

3 Water tubs and new plants if dry, but be water-wise 

4 Deadhead bedding plants and repeat-flowering perennials, to 

ensure continuous flowering 

5 Pick courgettes before they become marrows 

6 Treat apple scab 

7 Clear algae, blanket weeds and debris from ponds, and keep them 

topped up 

8 Order catalogues for next year’s spring-flowering bulbs 

9 Give the lawn a quick-acting summer feed, especially if not given 

a spring feed 

10 Harvest apricots, peaches and nectarines 

Supreme Sacrifice Bridge of Weir and the Great War 

100 years ago May 1917 

Private Robert Burns, 10th Lancashire Fusiliers 

Captain W Speirs Barr, 18th Highland Light Infantry 

The Battle of Arras had claimed four men from 

the village in April, and it wasn’t done yet. 

Although the French offensive on the Aisne had 

been disastrous and was finally abandoned 

on 9th May, Haig asked more of the British 

forces, mainly to encourage the French to keep 

fi ghting. On the morning of the 12th May the 

17th (Northern) Division launched an attack 

on “Charlie” trench to the east of Arras. Three 

companies of the 10th Lancashire Fusiliers 

stood ready on a clear summer morning, the 

massed troops readily visible to German aircraft 

patrols. At 0630 a creeping barrage was laid down by British guns, but the 

Germans put down a counter-barrage immediately, turning no man’s land 

into a dense fog of smoke and dust. One company made it as far as the 

German trenches, but their fl anks were exposed and they were driven out 

within twenty minutes. Of the 600 or so men who attacked, the war diary 

reports 13 officers and 226 other ranks killed or wounded, one of whom was 

Robert Burns from Bridge of Weir. 

Robert was born in Glasgow, the son of a coachman James Burns, and 

Margaret Jaffray. Robert and his brother James were later living in Gryfe 

Castle Cottage, probably as chauffeurs, and both enlisted in the Army 

Service Corps as drivers. Robert was later transferred to the battalion that 

lost so heavily that day. 

To the south of Arras, in early 1917, the Germans had completed a managed 

withdrawal from an exposed salient to the heavily fortified Hindenburg Line. 

The new British front line was still being established in May, when the 18th 

HLI took over a sector near Villers-Guislan. The 18th had been established 

as a “bantam” battalion of men under the regulation height of 5ft 3in. What 

they lacked in height they made up for in the ferocity of their brawling and 

indiscipline, and were nicknamed “The Devil Dwarfs”, a tough unit for their 

raw second lieutenant from Bridge of Weir, Speirs Barr, in April 1915, but 

he coped well, and gained two promotions, achieving Captain by early 

1917 by which time the bantam project had been abandoned, the condition 

of volunteers having deteriorated from tough, pugnacious “little-uns”, to 

under-developed or sickly specimens from the towns. 

The 25th May war diary reports “the attitude of the enemy in this sector is 

quiet with little artillery fi re. At night there is considerable M.G. [machine 

gun] & Rifl e fi re”. But a bullet is a bullet whether fired in the pitched Battle of 

Arras or a quiet sector further south, and Captain Barr was fatally wounded 

that night, the sole casualty of his battalion. 

He was a Glasgow Academy boy, youngest of the Barr family, and an 

ironbroker to trade. A territorial, he was mobilised as a private and served 

in France from November 1914, returning in April 1915 for his commission, 

and again in September 1916, this time to marry Isobel Gilmour at Glencloy, 

Montrose Terrace. He was 22 years old, and the third Barr brother to be 

killed. His mother Mary died at Rockcliff, Manse Lane the following year. 

His widow Isobel never re-married. The village had now lost 36 young men, 

but they were grieved by many more. 

100 years ago July 1917 

Private Henry Strang, 16th Highland Light Infantry 

Private James Pollock, 15th Highland Light Infantry 

Sapper Walter McWilliam, Royal Engineers 

Despite 150,000 casualties at Arras, some 

territory was gained, especially on the 

first day, and Haig, reinforced by fl awed 

intelligence reports, convinced himself 

that Germany was about to crack and that 

one more offensive could win the war. 

This was planned for the Ypres salient, 

with naval support through an amphibious 

landing on the Belgian coast combined 

with an army breakout from Nieuwpoort, 

the only Belgian port in Allied hands. It 

had been flooded in 1914 to prevent the 

Germans taking it. The 32nd Division 

replaced French forces there in June 

1917, but the Germans read the signs 

correctly and launched a pre-emptive 

strike, Operation Strandfest, on 6th July. 

Two young lads from Bridge of Weir were 

in the front line. 

Henry Strang had joined the Boys Brigade Battalion and James Pollock the 

Glasgow Tramways Battalion. Henry was the son of Peter Strang, a bank 

clerk from St George’s Terrace, and Janet Scobie. James was a railway 

clerk, son of James Pollock, a gardener living in Cooperative Terrace, and 

Elizabeth Kerr. Although in the same Division of 18,000 men, they were 

in different brigades and unlikely to have met. Henry was the fi rst to die, 

victim of a shellburst (possibly British) on a night-raid on enemy trenches on 

6th July. Nine days later James was killed in another night-raid attempting 

to retake a section of trench lost a few nights earlier. James was 21 and 

Henry, who had probably concealed his true age when he volunteered in 

1914, was just 19 years old. 

That same month, 5,000km away in Mesopotamia (now Iraq), Sapper 

Walter McWilliam was in the Army Signals Company attached to GHQ of 

General Maude’s British Army in its campaign against the Turks. Walter 

was 33, married to Jessie Urquhart, and an inspector with the National 

Telephone Company in Glasgow before enlisting. It seems the McWilliam 

family moved from Dennistoun to Windsor Place, Bridge of Weir in 1916. 

By July 1917, a British force had reached the town of Ramadi on the 

Euphrates. “Our column was in touch with the Turk early on the morning of 

the 11th, and had made some progress in the assault, when, on account 

of a dust storm which interrupted communications, both wire-less and land 

line, the order for the attack was cancelled. The day marked the beginning 

of an abnormal heat wave, abnormal even in a land where the sun is an 

habitual scourge. Men in camps and officers leading sedentary lives were 

struck down with sunstroke or heat exhaustion; to march or fight under these 

conditions was to invite disaster.” The assault on Ramadi was abandoned. 

It was finally taken in September 1917, but without the help of Walter who, 

like several hundred fellow soldiers, had died of heatstroke in the fearsome 

Mesopotamian heat of July 1917. 

Due a technical, then human, error the May article was missing from the last 2 months. We apologise to the readers & Gordon.


Kilmacolm and Quarriers Scout News 

Kilmacolm Flush With Success 

The Cubs fi nished off their Toilet Twining project with a brilliant presentation to parents on everything 

they’d learned about the charity and the huge benefits school children abroad will receive from their new toilet block 

built from the £260 our Cubs raised. This work contributes to their World Challenge badge. 

Guides’ Centenary Gift 

Kilmacolm Scouts presented a framed neckie to 

Kilmacolm Guides when they celebrated their 

Centenary. 

Intrepid Scouts 

Fourteen intrepid Scouts undertook an expedition 

into the wilds of Clyde Muirshiel Park. They all 

took turns in navigating in typical Scottish weather. 

Hammock camp for Explorers 

Members of James Arthur ESU, Ardgowan, Finnart and Terra Nova explorers spent a night in their hammocks 

camping at Everton after a day of helping out with the District Beavers. 

Prison visit for Explorers 

A joint adventure took James Arthur Esu, and Terra Nova Explorers from 

Greenock and District, and the Kilbarchan Explorers from Renfrewshire to 

Greenock Prison on Sunday evening. The young people had a fascinating tour 

of the prison, thanks to John Storrie for organizing the trip. 

Kilmacolm Scouts hit the jackpot 

Or at least, visitors to Kilmacolm show did when 

they encountered the Scouts’ human fruit machine and burger stall. A massive 

thank you to every helper young and not so young for making the day such a huge 

success. All the burgers were sold and all the prize pineapples given away. 

Hotdog mountain for pipers 

For the third year in a row, the sun shone for Johnstone Pipe 

Band at their, now annual, outside practice in Quarriers Village 

as guests of QV James Arthur Explorer Scouts. The Explorers 

worked hard to feed the Grade 1, Grade 4 and Novice Juvenile 

bands (and their families). JAESU were joined by Blair Ross 

from Network. 

Cubs play a round 

45th Cubs (Quarriers Village) had a fabulous evening trying their hands at golf. 

They were guests of the Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club, Bridge of Weir. Thanks 

very much to the Club for making the Cubs welcome. There are certain to be 

some new members from their numbers. 

Explorers pose 20 questions 

West met West, and even Wester, at Explorer Scouts. Leaders from Kilbarchan Explorers 

and Renfrew Sea Scouts (and Bishy Network) met the James Arthur Explorers from 

Quarriers Village, and the Terra Nova Explorers from Port Glasgow. It was fires and 

twenty questions, as they had to work out the jobs of the guests. Occupations included 

magazine designer, surgeon, prison officer, mechanic and funeral director. Thanks to 

everyone. 

Beavers sleep with the sharks 

An extremely excited colony of beavers from 45th (Quarriers Village) spent a memorable 

night at the Sea Life Centre at Loch Lomond. The youngsters enjoyed a tour of the 

exhibits, a movie and hotdogs before settling down to sleep under the big fish tank. 

Thanks to leaders for organising. 

EVERY MO N D A Y 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall, 9.45am - 11.30am 

£2/family fee incl tea & children’s snacks. 

Kilmacolm Playgroup 

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm, 

9.30am - 11.40am 

Howwood Baby & Toddler Group 

Howwood Parish Church, 10am - 12noon 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, 9.15am 

- 11.30am 

EVERY TUESDAY 

Kilbarchan Tots 

Kilbarchan Scout Hall, 10am-12noon 

£2 contribution. Tea, coffee & biscuits. 

Bridge of Weir Toddlers 

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, BoW 

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am 



9.30am - 11.40am 

Howwood Playgroup 

Howwood Church Hall, 9.45am - 11.35am 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

Kilmacolm Toddlers 


10am - 11.30am 

For children from birth to 3 years. 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall, 9.45am - 11.30am 

£2/family fee incl tea and children’s snacks. 



EVERY TH U R S D A Y 

Houston Toddlers 

Church Hall, Main Street, Houston 

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am 



9.15am - 11.40am 



EVERY FR I D A Y 

Langbank Playgroup 

Langbank Village Hall, 9.45 - 11.45am 

For 2.5 - 5yr olds. 

Contact Jen Burrows 07947 983025. 

Langbank Under 3’s 

Church Hall, Langbank, 10am - 11.45am 

For children from birth to 3 years 

Baby and Toddler Group 

Elderslie Kirk, Main Rd, Elderslie, 

9.30am - 11.30am 

£2 includes children’s snack and tea/coffee. 

Lots of different toys to play with. All welcome. 

Community Bookbug Sessions 

Livingstone Hall at St Columba’s Junior 

School, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm. 

From 9.30 - 10am 

1ST & 3RD FR I D A Y 

Renfrewshire Inverclyde Twins Club 

McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch, 

1pm -2.30pm 

£3. Bring a mug along for a cuppa.


Houston Primary 

47 47 

Rotary Winners! 

On 23rd May Tylar Pollock, Emma 

Laird, Ben Stevenson, Luke Wilson, 

Peter Boyd and Sarah Donnelly 

proudly represented Houston Primary 

School, at the Rotary District Final, in 

Pollokshaws Burgh Hall. There were 

twenty other schools from all over the 

West Coast of Scotland taking part 

and we won! The pupils had worked extremely hard since winning the 

regional fi nal earlier this year, giving up their playtimes, lunchtimes and 

even their evenings to work together to improve their general knowledge. 

What a hard working and dedicated team. Well done to all. 

Farewell to P7 

On the 22nd June we officially said farewell to our wonderful P7 pupils at 

the Valedictory Service in Houston and Killlellan church. Parents of P7 

pupils were invited to attend to share in this very special moment. 

Loch Insh 

Abbey Nursery 

Well summer is really here now and all the ‘formal’ celebrations and events 

have taken place. In particular the children’s Graduation in June was a 

wonderful event with the children holding their audience for nearly an hour 

with certifi cates being presented and a performance of “Our trip to Africa” 

which included characters and songs in English and Spanish. What a joy to 

see all the children so confi dent and how big they look now in our playroom. 

Adiós and have fun at your new school. 

P7 pupils have just returned from Loch Insh and had a wonderful adventure 

away from home and from technology. Each day they had three adventurous 

activities to participate in and then it was time for bed. The most popular 

activities were windsurfi ng, kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking. 

Fantastic Forest Fun Day 

On Monday 5th June the whole school 

went on an amazing adventure to the 

forest. They visited the Craigends Yew 

and gave it a giant hug and then went 

bug hunting in the woods. Meanwhile 

back at school other pupils were building 

dens from cardboard boxes, long sticks 

and old sheets, photographing nature 

and making transient art pictures. The 

children reported that it was the best 

day ever, but it wouldn’t be possible if 

it wasn’t for the ever enthusiastic staff 

team, Rangers from Clyde Muirshiel 

and our willing group of parent volunteers. 

Another year has passed and what a busy one it has been. We wish all 

our families a wonderful summer holiday and look forward to seeing them 

in August. A huge thank you to the amazing staff team at Houston Primary 

School for an action packed year. 

Hp Hidy! 

St Fillan’s Primary 

St Fillan’s are very proud of the achievement of 

Grace Clark in Primary 5. Grace won top place in 

her year group in the Scottish Engineering Young 

Leaders Award. Our pupils were asked – “If you 

were an engineer, what would you do?”. As part 

of our STEM programme (Science, Technology, 

Engineering and Maths) pupils interview engineers 

about their work and then look to solve problems 

that affect them, their families, Scotland or the 

world in general. There were over 12,000 entries 

and as well as Grace winning in her year group 

we also had 5 children whose work was highly 

commended. Two of these pupils had their work on 

display in the Barony Hall, Strathclyde University. Grace designed a scanner 

that alerts you when your food is nearing its out of date time. Well done all. 

All playrooms are now moving into their summer programmes and there are 

the classic suggestions of Beach Week and Teddies Picnic but also Sports 

Week (to coincide with Wimbledon); Disney Week, Science Week and World 

Week to there is plenty of variety to suit all the children’s interests! 

We recently had another very big celebration at the 

nursery as our Manager, Beth Morris celebrated 

20 years with Abbey Nursery and such a great 

achievement could not be ignored. After being 

surprised by banners and balloons on her arrival at 

nursery, all the staff and children got together in the 

one room to present her with lots of gifts, fl owers 

and a special cake and sang songs whilst she did 

well not to shed many tears. Beth has shared in the 

lives of so many children in and around the area 

over this time and her care and interest in their 

progress has been fantastic – well done Beth. 

The younger children have been getting their hands 

dirty as well at nursery planting seeds and seeing 

how tall their plants can grow both indoors and 

outdoors. 

Finally, can we take this opportunity to encourage any new parents to use 

the summer to look around the nursery if they are looking for childcare as we 

only have a few places available in the 3-5 playroom and a waiting list of six 

months for places in the under 3’s. 

Tennis Camp 

Monday 10th - Friday 14th July 

10am - 3pm 

A week of tennis coaching, learning new 

skills and developing existing skills, in a 

fun, relaxed and social environment. Daily 

tennis tournaments as well as Wimbledon 

being shown live. Certificates and medals for 

each child attending. 

Booking in advance essential - £8 per day, £35 week (concessions 

available) 

Beith Astro, Meadowside Pavillions, Beith KA15 1BY


Kilmacolm Primary 

Since our last news we have had 2 sell out 

performances of our summer show, ‘Rats 

the Musical’. The boys and girls from P4-7 

worked so hard to learn their lines, songs 

and actions and received rave reviews 

from parents and friends. Well done to 

everyone and our thanks to the adults who 

gave their time to assist in rehearsals, with costumes and face painting. 

P6 have been busy over the last few weeks with 

Mrs McPherson, learning how to cycle safely before 

being assessed for their Bikeability Scotland Award. 

The boys and girls have been learning basic skills 

e.g. balance, control and making turns, before 

moving on to learning basic skills on the road, 

including turning at junctions and training on the 

road outside the school. 

Our school participated in the Inverclyde Million Miles Challenge recently, 

walking miles and miles around our MUGA to raise funds for Malawi. The 

boys and girls walked a total of 15million steps and received a trophy from 

Inverclyde Clyde Council to reward their efforts. Thanks to Miss Grant for 

leading the initiative and parents who contributed to our fundraising. 

This year we were lucky enough to 

receive funding which allowed the whole 

school to travel to 

Edinburgh Zoo free 

of cost. We visited 

across two days, 

including visits to 

see the pandas, 

and it is safe to say 

that everyone had a super day out. Our thanks to Suzie 

Cunningham and ‘Mueller’, for their generosity. 

The boys and girls in Primary 

6/5 culminated their topic on Titanic with a visit 

to The Titanic Experience in Belfast. It was a 

very early start and a very late finish but well 

worth the long journey. The boys and girls had 

an absolutely fabulous day, seeing first hand 

all the things they had learned about in class. 

Thanks to Mrs McPherson and Mrs Hoodless for 

organising and all the parent helpers who also had a great day out. 

Duchal Nursery 

We have had an action packed summer term, full of fun and learning. We’ve 

watched our caterpillars turn in to beautiful butterflies, visited our local 

miniature steam railway, helped feed goats and taken some alpacas for a 

walk!! As well as sports day and our end of term summer concert, where 

the children really excelled themselves with some brilliant performances in 

front of a packed audience! 

With our extended hours until 3.30pm we really have had a busy 50th year 

at Duchal. 

It is scary to think that by the time you are reading this, our year will be over 

and we will have said “au revoir” to our older children going off to school – 

we wish you all lots of luck, please come back and visit us!! 

However more importantly the end of term has seen the retirement of Mrs 

Jean McCarthy who has been our head teacher for 15 years. We will all 

miss her boundless enthusiasm and dedication to every child that has been 

through the Duchal red door over the years. 

We are however delighted to announce the appointment 

of Mrs Judy Ormond as our new Head Teacher, who 

will confi dently lead Duchal into it’s 6th decade. With 

her years of experience in early years education she 

is perfectly suited to deliver the very best start in life to 

all our children, and see the nursery go from strength 

to strength. 

To keep up to date with all the latest news, visit our 

website duchal.com and our FaceBook page. 

Finally a note from all the children and parents - a 

BIG THANK YOU to all our fantastic staff who make 

Duchal so much fun, we’ve had a wonderful year. 

Port Glasgow High School 

English trip to Kelvingrove (By Emily Anderson S2) 

Our S2 English class took a class trip to Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow, 

as part of our ‘Scotland’ Unit. 

In the course of our visit, we enjoyed the many exhibits and as we ate 

lunch, we listened to the organ player as he showed his amazing skills. We 

learned about the art and the history of Scotland and visited paintings by 

such world famous artists as Salvador Dali. The museum is full of ancient 

artefacts and is perfect for a day out, if you want to fi nd out about our 

traditions and culture. There are collections from all over the world, not only 

Scotland. This trip was so useful in showing us what Scotland was like in 

the past, as well as the many famous Scots who have made a success of 

their lives. There is so much to learn and take pride in. 

The museum is in the west end of the city of Glasgow and has recently 

been refurbished. Entry is free and so, many tourists came along to learn 

about Scotland. If you go along, I’m sure you will enjoy your time at this 

beautiful location! 

Million Miles Challenge (By Tammi 

Lynne S5) 

The pupils of Port Glasgow High 

School participated in the Million Miles 

Challenge to raise money for Yorkhill 

Children’s Hospital. The whole school 

joined in on our 4 mile walk, run or jog on 

the 21st of April. PGHS sports leaders 

organised the event and advertised 

it in school and the local community. 

Despite the cold and wet day, everyone 

got involved. We even had teachers 

cycling. It was a day to remember! We 

raised a grand total of £413 for Yorkhill 

Children’s Hospital. 

Skills Academy (By Claire Steele S4) 

From the 15th to the 26th of May, 

a selection of S4 pupils from Port 

Glasgow High school took part 

in a Skills Academy, a variety 

of workshops which helped us 

develop our skills and potential in 

areas like employability, hospitality, 

digital literacy and teamwork. We 

participated in an online health 

and safety course which enabled 

us to receive a Level 2 Award in 

food safety/catering and a Heartstart training program, where we learned 

how to carry out CPR and use defibrillators in the event of an emergency. 

We also worked on our employability skills and learned what employers 

are looking for, which will have an important impact in our futures. We 

also worked with our Home Economics teacher and local employers to 

develop our skills in hospitality by making a few desirable dishes. Finally 

we took part in a variety of team building activities like paint balling, which 

we all thoroughly enjoyed and were able to take away something positive 

from the experience. Overall, the Skills 

Academy was a helpful and enjoyable 

experience which achieved its purpose 

of developing our many skills in 

important areas which we will need in 

our lives after school. 

Follow us on Twitter @PortGlasgowHS 

and @PGHS_PE_


‘Sky Is No Limit’ 

Gryffe High School 

49 49 

A team of secondary school pupils are over the moon after hearing their 

science experiment will be launched into outer space and carried out by 

astronauts on the International Space Station. 

The sky-high feat is their reward for taking part in Mission Discovery 

Renfrewshire – a week-long space school, hosted by Renfrewshire Council 

in partnership with University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and run by the 

International Space School Education Trust (ISSET). 

The teams were made up for 200 school pupils from Renfrewshire, 

Inverclyde and East Renfrewshire, mentored by a UWS student alongside 

a panel of space experts, including former NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, 

to devise a science experiment that could be conducted in outer space. 

The winning team’s successful experiment – hailed as the first of its kind - 

will test if aloe vera can slow down or prevent the spread of candida fungus 

on the skin of astronauts in space. 

The pupils who came up with the winning idea are Ashleigh Zimunya, 

Jamie Stevenson, Daniel MacKinnon, Eve Sutherland, Molly O’Brien, 

Sophe Adams and Martin McNeil from Renfrewshire, Katie Holland from 

Inverclyde and Molly Ward from East Renfrewshire. 

Molly O’Brien, pupil at Gryffe High School and one of the winning team, 

said: “It was an amazing experience. We are so happy to have won.” 

Steve Swanson said: “It was fantastic. I was really impressed with the 

young people and the quality of their presentations. They did a brilliant 

job.” 

Mission Discovery gives young people the chance to learn from NASA’s 

approach to developing leadership, team building and personal development 

as well as fostering interest in science and research. 

Renfrewshire Council’s Education Convener, Councillor Jim Paterson, 

said: “To be chosen as the winning team in this fantastic space school is a 

magnifi cent achievement and my congratulations go to all the pupils behind 

this superb idea. 

“Mission Discovery Renfrewshire is an amazing programme for all 200 

pupils from Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and East Renfrewshire who take 

part. Meeting an astronaut and a whole panel of space experts is a brilliant 

opportunity and is sure to inspire young people to pursue their goals and 

reach their full potential. 

“This programme is a testament to how working with partners can benefit 

young people and I would like to thank everyone involved.” 

Professor Ehsan Mesbahi, UWS Vice Principal & Pro Vice-Chancellor, said: 

“I would like to congratulate not just the winning team, but all of the pupils 

who participated in this excellent, inspiring week-long space school at our 

Paisley Campus. 

“At UWS we are committed to developing and encouraging the best talent 

in science, engineering, technology and mathematics and we are delighted 

to be a key partner of Mission Discovery Renfrewshire.” 

Scottish Cup Final – Match Report 

Thursday 8th June marked a historic day for Gryffe High School as the 

Under 15s football team achieved national success, winning the Scottish 

Shield for the first time in the school’s history. With the competition 

stretching nationwide, it filtered down to a Gryffe HS vs. Dumfries HS fi nal, 

with both parties bringing an impressive crowd to the Excelsior stadium, 

home of Airdrie FC. 

The first half seen nail biting chances missed from both teams, with Gryffe 

High School dominant for large spells of the play but both teams looking 

nervous. As the rain continued to pour, both teams somehow entered the 

changing rooms at halftime goalless. As Dumfries started to apply more 

pressure and remain difficult to break down defensively, it took excellent 

keeper distribution and an Iain McIntosh header in the middle of the park 

before the Gryffe supporters could edge even further forward on their seats. 

With Alex Quinn reading the play and racing onto the ball, he showed terrifi c 

composure to lob the advancing goalkeeper from outside the box and see 

the ball hit the back of the net. With 15 minutes to go and Gryffe 1-0 up, 

central defender Andrew Melville led the way to Gryffe keeping possession, 

staying organised and applying even more pressure. This resulted in 

Alexander McCaw’s tight angled effort being carried away by the Dumfries 

goalkeeper only as far as Alex Quinn, who finished from close range 

ensuring the tie was all but over. 

As the final whistle blew, both teams were presented individual medals and 

on pitch celebrations followed. Captain Alexander McCaw lifted the Scottish 

Shield for Gryffe High School and all pupils, parents and staff savoured the 

memorable moment. 

Mr C. McBlain and Mr J. Gallacher - Team Coaches 

Photographs courtesy of @Iancairnsmedia 

Global Goals Day 

Mr Jamie Clark who is PT Pupil Support 

for Fleming House organised an Eco 

event for P7 (new S1) and current S2 

pupils. This is part of the P7 Induction 

Week. A wide range of guest speakers 

and activities were organised. The 

Global Goals Event is designed to 

encourage pupils to think about the 

role that they play within their school, 

local and global community. Many local businesses, charities, the science 

community and the council worked alongside school staff in delivering an 

excellent day – together with the fantastic community awareness link with 

the Paisley 2021 team. The feedback from the 350 young people involved 

was really positive and they clearly 

had fun being involved in such a wide 

variety of activities, learning a great 

deal about how their actions affect the 

world around them. 

The Bee Happy Houston group also 

took time to clear some land in front of 

the school. A group of keen gardeners 

were then joined by members of the 

RHS and they transformed the area in 

a morning. This was part of the RHS 

Greening Grey Britain campaign. Well 

done and thanks to all those involved.


St Columba’s School 

Silver Tablet Concert 

Three Senior VI pupils competed 

in our historical Silver Tablet 

musical celebration in June. The 

quality of music and variety of the 

programmes by all three pupils 

was excellent, and the audience 

was blown away by the sheer 

talent on show. 

Congratulations to our winner, 

Rowan MacKillop, who performed 

a mesmerizing voice programme which was heavily praised by our 

adjudicator, David Murray. Well done also to Eilish Murphy and Emily 

Lee for their excellent Pianoforte and Flute performances, and to Hector 

Wedderburn (SII) who performed at the interval. 

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 

The School is delighted with the news that the Queen’s 

Award for Voluntary Service has been conferred upon 

its Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition Volunteers 

in recognition of the training and supervision which 

volunteers have provided for over 30 years at Gold, Silver 

and Bronze levels. The volunteers come from across the 

St Columba’s School community including former pupils, 

former staff, current staff and parents of former and current pupils. 

The Rector, Mr David Girdwood, said, “St Columba’s is exceptionally 

fortunate to have such a dedicated, committed and experienced group 

of volunteers who ensure that the highest standards of training and 

supervision on the hills is enjoyed by its young people. Each session 

over 120 participants benefi t from the School’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 

programme which is run entirely in-house. The life skills developed are 

invaluable to our pupils’ education.” 

Pupil Offered Place on Junior Conservatoire 

Modern Ballet Course 

Transitus pupil Jack Burns has successfully auditioned 

and been offered a place at the Royal Conservatoire of 

Scotland to study on their Junior Conservatoire modern 

ballet course. This is a tremendous achievement for 

Jack, who only took up ballet 2½ years ago. 

J4 Performance - Mystery at Magpie Manor 

Junior 4 had a busy term preparing for their 1920s show, 

Mystery at Magpie Manor. The children performed 

to the School and their families, and the show was 

absolutely 

fantastic! 

The children 

memorised 

lines, mastered a range of 

accents and performed energetic 

dances and word-perfect musical 

numbers. The show was full 

of classic ‘one-liners’ which the 

children delivered with great 

confi dence and cheeky smiles. 

Sport Services Active Schools 

Team - RSSE Graduation 

Action-Packed End of Term Trips 

J6 had a blast on their trip to Ardroy 

at the end of term. From archery to 

raft building and gorge walking, they 

had an action packed few days - 

possibly the only things busier than 

them were the washing machines 

when they returned home! 

More trips were also underway to 

close the term - Ardeonaig and 

Lagganlia as well as various fun day 

trips to theme parks, museums, sports events and local gala days to name 

a few. 

Community Summer Fete 

St Columba’s is holding a late 

summer fete in lower Birkmyre Park 

on Saturday 16th September from 

2pm - 4pm. There will be fun activities 

including a prize raffle, coconut shy, 

face painting, family rounders, novelty 

dog competitions, performances from 

St Columba’s award winning pipe 

band, and (courtesy of St Columba’s 

Parents’ Association) craft beer, a 

treasure hunt and hog roast. All 

welcome. 

There are a limited number of pitches 

available for stall booking, if you are 

interested please contact aberry@ 

st-columbas.org for more information 

and to book. 

Farewell to Rector, David Girdwood 

David Girdwood retires at the end of this 

term after 15 very successful years as 

Rector at St Columba’s. He said, “It has 

been a great honour to have served as 

the eighth Head of St Columba’s. While 

I am delighted with the wonderful new 

facilities which have at long last been 

completed, my focus has always been 

on the quality of learning and teaching 

and ensuring high levels of academic 

and broader achievement. With the appointment of Mrs Andrea Angus 

as the ninth Head, the School has every reason to look to the future with 

confidence.” 

Everyone at the School wishes him a very happy retirement, and we look 

forward to welcoming Andrea at the start of next session. 

Dozens of secondary school pupils have shown they’re a class act when it 

comes to learning about sport and leisure. 

A total of 57 Fifth and Sixth Year students have graduated from the 

Renfrewshire School of Sport Education. 

This initiative, organised Renfrewshire Leisure Active Schools Team, 

gives the students training for leisure and sports coaching awards and 

qualifi cations that could help them find work when they leave school, 

college or university. 

Each pupil taking part has completed a minimum of 12 after-school sports 

workshops, a training weekend, First Aid and Child Protection instruction 

and has helped organise and run sporting events throughout the year. 

The students, who received their graduation certificates at a ceremony in 

front of family and friends at Renfrew Town Hall, also had to complete 100 

hours of volunteering during the year’s course. 

Renfrewshire Leisure’s chief executive, Joyce McKellar said: “All our 

graduates have come on leaps and bounds during their time on the course 

and we’ve seen their confidence build and their skills developed as sports 

coaches and event organisers. 

“They themselves and their families should be proud of what they 

achieved. 

“The course may have come to an end, but for the students what they have 

learned is just the start of achieving something special in their lives.”


51 51 

Kilmacolm Bowling Club 

Julia on route to Wimbledon 

Strathgryffe player, Julia Smith had a very successful weekend at the 

County 14 & u Road to Wimbledon Tennis Finals at David Lloyd, Renfrew 

on 3rd/4th June. Julia had qualified for the event by winning the Strathgryffe 

14 & u Road to Wimbledon Girls Singles title and went on to represent her 

club in the County Finals where she defeated Heather Barlow in the fi nal. 

Pictured are the Primary 6’s and 7’s of Kilmacolm Primary School having a 

great time at the bowling taster sessions on our green. 

The bowling season is now in full swing. Kilmacolm Bowling Club welcomes 

new members of all ages, why not pop in and give it a try on Monday or 

Thursday evenings for gents @ 7pm or ladies on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 

2pm. Or contact Jim Russell on 01505 874239. 

Latest News From Gleddoch 

Ladies Golf Club 

On May 7th, this year’s Medal Finals was won by Roisin Black. The 

following week, the weather took a nasty turn, and the competition had 

to be postponed. The weather has been much better since then, and the 

competitions have been well supported. 

Shirley Back won the silver division in the May medal, and Margaret Adams 

won the Bronze. 

June Lockhart won the Silver division in the 3rd Round of the Club 

Championship, and Sheena Wallace won the Bronze. 

Sheena and Roisin Black enjoyed a good day at Largs Golf Club, competing 

in the Regional Medal Final West. Sheena especially played very well and 

narrowly missed progressing to the national finals. 

The West Renfrewshire League match against Kilmacolm took place on a 

beautiful evening and was very exciting. The final score was Gleddoch 3½, 

Kilmacolm 2½. It was a very friendly match, and the catering deserves a 

special mention! Delicious! 

The last match was at home against Ralston, and was even closer, ending 

3:3. 

We are now looking forward to our club knockout competitions. Watch this 

space! 

Gleddoch Ladies are a friendly bunch and welcome visitors and prospective 

new members. Contact Martin McCorkell on 01475 540704, or Gleddoch 

Hotel Reception. 

Eilidh Lindsay, who was runner up to Julia at Strathgryffe had also been 

invited to the County Finals as a lucky loser but was beaten by Heather 

in the semi-finals. Julia proved too strong for her opponent and won 4 

-1 4-3(4) to take the title. She will now represent West of Scotland at the 

HSBC 14 & u Road to Wimbledon National Finals which will be held at 

Wimbledon on 14th - 19th August. 

Liam O’Brien, who has only just turned eleven, won the Boy’s 14 & u Road 

to Wimbledon title at Strathgryffe which also qualified him for the County 

Finals. Liam played through to the boy’s final but was beaten by Russell 

Dickson 4-0 4-1. 

We wish Julia all the best at Wimbledon!! 

Quarriers Annual Golf Day 

Friday 11th August 2017, Kilmacolm Golf Club 

It’s time to pull those clubs out of storage, dust them off, and get ready to hit 

the green again! That’s right, it’s Quarriers Annual Golf Day! 

Join us at Kilmacolm Golf Club on Friday 11th August for a day of golfi ng 

fun at one of the top 100 courses in Scotland. 

• Start your day with tea, coffee and breakfast rolls from 830am 

• 4-ball with shotgun start at 930am 

• 3 course lunch in the Club House 

• Fantastic prizes 

£450 for a 4 ball


Castle Semple Sailing Club 

GP14/Enterprise event 

Ever wanted to have a go at 

Rowing? 

Phew.... We were unsure exactly how many boats might take part in this 

event but in the end we had 7 GP14s (5 club) and 6 Enterprises (2 club). 

The weather on Saturday was windy. I could say very windy and challenging 

but no one was deterred. 

Once bacon rolls and Alice’s delicious 

soup had been consumed, Angus gave 

the briefi ng and the boats set off towards 

Howwood for the starting line Three races 

were planned and 3 races were sailed, 

with some very tired people returning 

at the end of the 3 back to back races. 

But it was evident a good time had been 

had. Also particularly good to see 2 of 

our cadets crewing GP14s - well done to 

Hector Wedderburn and Tony FitzGerald. 

In the evening 24 of us enjoyed a very 

pleasant evening at the Loch House 

Restaurant. However, there was much 

checking of weather forecasts.....much 

more so than usual I thought - gusts of 40 

mph were predicted....... 

So Sunday morning came brightish and 

very windy with racing due to commence 

at 10.30. More bacon rolls and Arthur’s 

soup were on the go but by 9.45 there 

appeared to be little interest in risking 

damage to boats and the postponement 

flag went up. By 10.45 Angus was asking 

the assembled crowd what they wanted 

to do and the verdict was that no one 

was keen to race in the very windy gusty 

conditions, so the event was unfortunately 

brought to an early close. However, the Club had visitors from as far away 

as Suffolk which really shows how news of the excellent Scottish sailing 

and hospitality has spread south! 

The vital statistics: 

GP14 

1st Arthur Logan and Ian Hardy (CSSC) 

2nd Alan Jones and Sue Watson (Bassenswaite) 

3rd Duncan and Andrew Greenhalgh (Bassenswaite) 

Enterprise 

1st Gerry Goodfellow and Roger Willerby (St Mary’s Loch) 

2nd Loz Young and Barry O’Sullivan (Tynemouth) 

3rd Douglas McQuilken and Pamela Hunter (CSSC) 

Cadet prizes: Hector Wedderburn and Tony FitzGerald 

Furthest travelled competitors: Maureen and Richard Denny (SESCA - 

Suffolk) 

But in true Castle Semple style certain people were not put off and as soon 

as the prize giving was over the Dart was rigged and ready to go with 

Mark and Steve C and likewise, not to miss out, Brian’s Vareo was also 

down on the pontoon. Brian was first off but whilst he was demonstrating 

his skill at keeping the boat upright, it was noticed there was no gyping 

and no kite to be seen. Then the Dart was off and halfway across the 

loch Steve was once again demonstrating his aerobic skills flying through 

the air and the Dart capsized in spectacular fashion (well usual fashion for 

them). Meanwhile the cadet numbers had now grown to 5 and they were 

definitely not deterred by the 

windy conditions so the ISO 

boys with the “Master” ie Angus 

at the helm were out, followed 

by Hector, Euan and Gordon 

in the toppers. Even when the 

conditions deteriorated they 

were not put off....despite a few 

inevitable capsizes. 

Our sponsors Gael Force 

(it certainly was on Sundayalthough 

no doubt some will 

disagree) provided great prizes 

for the competitors. 

It’s fun and a great, low impact way to keep fit. You don’t have to be tall 

(unless you’re aiming to be an Olympian) or any particular shape, you can 

learn at any age and keep on rowing until you’re 100. 

Interested? Come along to one of our free, Come and Try sessions (for ages 

17 & over) at Castle Semple Rowing Club Saturday 1st and 8th July 2017. 

Pop down anytime between 11am and 3pm for an introduction to rowing 

and a paddle in one of our stable training boats (weather permitting). 

If you decide you want to take up the sport we’ll be holding a Learn to Row 

course in July & August (July 29th, Aug 5th and Aug 12th). For further 

details, or to book your place, email Captain@castlesemplerc.co.uk. 

No booking required for the Come and Try events. 

Another Successful Ranfurly 

Rosebowl 

This year’s Ranfurly Rosebowl 

Mixed Open Competition was held 

on Sunday 11th June at local venue, 

Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club, with 

nearly sixty couples competing from 

as far afield as Surrey in challenging 

weather conditions. 

Anna and George MacDougall, who 

have organised the competition since 

2001, passed the reins to fellow 

members Paula Adam and Gillian 

Lavety to take over the organisation 

of the successful annual event. 

A doubles format was continued, 

and as always proved a challenging 

format, however thirteen course prizes provided ample opportunity for 

entrants to compete for over £1,000 worth of prizes. 

Gillian Lavety, Anna MacDougall, 

John Clark (Club Captain), George 

MacDougall and Paula Adam 

Winners, Jennie Scott and Hugh 

Booth with their prizes 

Paula Adam, John Clark (Club Captain), 

Gary McCrae, Marion Downie and 

Gillian Lavety. 

The overall winners were Hugh Booth and Jennie Scott (both Old Course 

Ranfurly G.C.) with a fantastic score of 67.5. The scratch winners were 

Marion Downie (Old Course Ranfurly G.C.) and Gary McCrae (Ralston 

G.C) with a gross score of 79. 

Several local businesses assisted in ensuring the day was a success by 

providing sponsorship for the event. 

A charity raffle and silent auction was also organised raising a fantastic sum 

of £1,550 for MND Scotland.


53 53 

Come and have a bark in the park! 

www.dogjog.co.uk 

FANTASTIC DOGGY BAG JAM-PACKED WITH GOODIES FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR DOG WHEN YOU CROSS THE LINE! 

Unique 5k jogging event for you and your dog to get fit and 

have fun! Relaxed and fun atmosphere with no times and 

no pressure. Great opportunity to meet like-minded dog 

owners in your area. Dog Jog is all about getting involved, 

having fun and enjoying the great outdoors with your 

favourite four-legged friend! 

Start time: 2pm Price: £12.99 All ages and dogs welcome 

GLASGOW TO EDINBURGH TREK 

COUNTRYSIDE AND CANAL PATHS 

22-23 July 2017 

Starting off at Kelvingrove Park, one of 

Glasgow’s oldest and most beautiful public 

parks, you’ll walk along the Forth and Clyde 

canal, arriving at the Falkirk wheel, the 

world’s first and only rotating boat lift, 

before passing Linlithgow Palace and finishing in the nation’s 

capital. It’s quite a flat route but does include a couple of hills. 

Kilmacolm Golf Club Ladies 

Section 

15th June. Past Captain’s Putter. 

Lynda Bradley won this year’s putter 

prize with 38 points. Susan Reid 

was second. Mary Lochhead won 

the putting competition. 24 past 

Captain’s joined 

the lady Captain & lady vice Captain for a lovely lunch 

celebrating this annual event. 

8th June Lady Captain’s Day was postponed before 

the fi rst shot was played as the greens & fairways 

were suffering from overnight rain. The rain continued 

all day. 

The day was saved by Stuart, Maimie & the catering 

team who served a delicious afternoon tea to 46 ladies 

amid much chatter & laughter. David Muir drew the 

winning ticket for a ‘Round of Golf for 4 at Kilmarnock 

Barassie Golf Club’. Joy Monteith was the lucky 

winner. This raised over £200 for the Golf Club Fabric Fund. 

1st June Away day at Hamilton Golf Club 

27 players took the coach to Hamilton, 

enjoying a Tri-am on this lovely James Braid 

designed, parkland golf course. Bacon Rolls 

at the start & a 2 course supper & prize giving 

at the end of the day before a coach trip back 

to Kilmacolm made our ‘Away Day’ a happy, 

successful experience. 

The winners were Sara Bishop, Cherry Briggs 

& Lucy Woods with a net 62. 2nd Morag 

Turner, Fiona Malcolm, Netta Greer, net 65. 

Longest Drive [silver] & nearest the pin [hole 

3] Cherry Briggs. Longest Drive [bronze] 

Sandra Winter. The putting prize was hotly 

contested, with 3 teams on 8 putts. Sara’s 

team winning over Morag & Lois’s teams on a 

count back, last 2 holes! 

Coronation Foursomes Winners progress to the Regional Finals at 

Turnhouse: Lyn Reuben & Ann Tanner. 

4th May Captain’s Charity Stableford 

A busy day of golf & fundraising; with the winners of the golf; Silver: Clair 

Barclay. Bronze: Tricia Kellock. The stalls were laden with home baking, 

plants, books & gifts. A raffle & many kind donations brought the total for 

the Captain’s Charity [www.pancanScot] to an amazing total of £1,405. 

Grateful thanks to all who helped & contributed on the day.


Volunteering for Renfrewshire 

Leisure 

EVERY MO N D A Y 

Adult Jazz Class 

Bridge of Weir, 10am 

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information. 

Zumba Light 

St Fillan’s Church, Kilmacolm, 10am. 

Tel: 07505 126416 For More Information. 

Adult Beginners Ballet Class 

Bridge of Weir, 11.30am 

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information. 

Kilbarchan Athletic Club 

On-X, Linwood, 7pm 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

5-a-side Football 

Powerleague Paisley, 6pm 

Tel: Jim on 01505 874215; or jimbretherton@aol.com 

ZUMBA 

Freelands Church (Opposite Amaretto), 6.30pm. 

Tel: 07505 126416 For More Information. 

Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton 

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, 7.30pm 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 7.15pm 

Strathgryffe Motorcycle Club 

The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan, 9pm - 10.30pm 

Visit www.strathgryffe.org for details. 

The Shotokan Karate Club 

Woodlands Primary, Linwood, 7-8pm/8-9pm 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

EVERY TUESDAY 

Bridge of Weir Walking Group 

Outside the Co-op, BoW, 10.30am 

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000. 

Gryffe Badminton 

Strathgryffe Tennis Club, 8pm 

Football Training 

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details. 

Taekwon-Do 

Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm 

Call 07951 365166 for details. 


01505 613340 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

Greenock Hockey Club 

Inverclyde Academy, Greenock, 6.30 - 8pm 

Contact Liz Baldwin, mobile 07944 607005. 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 5.15, 6.15 & 7.30pm 

EVERY TH U R S D A Y 

Kilbarchan Athletic Club 

On-X, Linwood, 7pm 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

Kilmacolm Walkers 

Birkmyre Park Pavilion, Kilmacolm, 10am 

David 01505 874192 

kilmacolmwalkers@talktalk.net 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am 

The Shotokan Karate Club 

Woodlands PS, Linwood, 7pm & 8pm 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

Football Training 

Johnstone High School, 6pm - 9pm 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details 

Taekwon-Do 

Johnstone Sports Complex PA5 0LD, 6pm 

Call 07951 365166 for details 

Baby Ballet 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, Morning 

Call Gail Ashley on 07415 701667 for details 

Falun Dafa practice 

Port Glasgow Library 17:00 - 19:00 

With five gentle exercises, Falun Dafa is an ancient 

self-cultivation practice based on the principles of 

Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. 

EVERY FR I D A Y 

Callanetics 

Brookfield Village Hall, 9.15am & 10.30am 

Adult Tap Lessons 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, Evening 

Call Gail Ashley on 07415 701667 for details 

EVERY SU N D A Y 

Birkmyre Rugby Club, Kilmacolm 

Youth Rugby Section, 11am - 1pm 

www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre 

Renfrewshire Leisure have operated a reward 

scheme for many years to encourage young people 

interested in coaching children to have hands 

on experience over the holiday period and to then 

receive training on a qualification of their choice to 

further enhance their CV. 

Each holiday period, Renfrewshire Leisure run Activity camps for children in 

Primary 1 to Primary 7. The children attend a camp from Monday to Friday 

trying out a wide range of sporting activities over the week. As a volunteer 

you would assist the coach in the delivery of each individual lesson and 

help with the over all supervision of the Camp. 

You would be required to attend for a full week from 9.30am to 3.30pm. 

In return for your assistance over the week Renfrewshire Leisure would 

offer the following: 

One week volunteering: A 6 month Gym Pass 

50 % off of course fees Two weeks volunteering: 

A year’s Gym pass One free course 

If you wanted to do more than two weeks of volunteering, then the rewards 

would continue to grow; for example, if you wanted to do Four week’s 

volunteering then you could do two courses for free or accept one course 

and a Gym membership as well. 

Courses on offer are: 

Pool Lifeguard Award 

First Aid at Work qualification. 

Swimming Teachers award for Beginners 

Full swimming Teacher’s award 

For more information call 0300 300 0250 or visit your nearest centre 

today.


Presentation to DEBRA 

Following the 2017 10K run Gryffe Valley 

Rotary Club has donated the sum of 

£2000 to DEBRA – the charity which 

supports children and young people with 

the skin disease Epidermolysis Bullosa . A 

cheque was presented by President Peter 

Dickie to Jaye Hamilton from the charity at 

the Club meeting on June 7th. This sum 

was raised from the profits on entry fees 

and from the sponsorship of a number 

of runners including Peter 

Dickie our President and 

Iain Carrick who is 

a friend of Rotary. 

Defibrillator at Birkmyre Park 

Fitness Gym 

The new AED is located on the wall outside 

our reception at Birkmyre Park Fitness Gym. 

It is stored in a locked cabinet. The AED is 

accessible to everyone at all times in the 

event of an emergency. 

To access the Defi brillator, the person would 

call 999 to receive the code to open the 

cabinet. When the cabinet is opened the 

defibrillator is easy to use as it communicates 

all user instructions to inform the user how 

to use it. 

We were able to purchase the Defibrillator thanks to the fundraising 

generosity of our gym members and staff, local residents and donations 

from the Kilmacolm Community Council and Rotary Club. I ran the 2016 

Great Scottish Run Half Marathon and all sponsorship raised from that 

went towards the fundraising. We also sold left over Kilmacolm Running 

Festival t-shirts for £1 with all proceeds going to the fundraising as well. 

I would personally like to thank everyone for their kind donations. It is really 

appreciated. Hopefully, the defi brillator never needs used but if anyone in 

the area ever needs it then we have one available. 

David Macgregor, Fitness Co-ordinator 

Houston 

United FC 

Houston United Football Club 

(HUFC) Year Groups 2008 and 

2009 held their medal ceremony 

at The River Inn, Houston on 

Saturday 16th June to celebrate 

the hard work of their players during the first half of Season 2017. Both 

teams train locally in Houston on a Wednesday and Friday evening and 

play their league matches in the Paisley and Johnstone District Youth 

Football League on a Sunday morning. Our club motto is ‘United Sumus 

Nos Firmiores’ or ‘United We Are Strong’. 

Over 150 people attended the 

medal ceremony. Derek J. McNab, 

Head Coach of HUFC2008 said 

‘the support the players received 

today from family and friends was 

phenomenal and demonstrates 

how well supported our local 

teams are and how relevant our 

motto is’. Jonathan Annan, Head 

Coach of HUFC2009 said ‘it was 

great to see the joy on the players faces in being recognised for all their 

efforts this season. Congratulations to them all’. As well as recognising 

each player, the club also presented Players’ Player of the Year Awards 

to Alexander Smith (HUFC2008) from Bridge of Weir and Charlie Annan 

(HUFC2009) from Houston. 

Both teams would like to thank 

their local sponsors during 

Season 2017 for their support, to 

include: The River Inn and Fox 

and Hounds, Mabbett, Stewart 

Milne, Brierie Financial Planning, 

Balfour Engineering Consultancy 

and Skirlies Café. If you would 

like to learn more about Houston 

United Football Club, please visit us at www.houstonunitedfc.com or 

Houston United FC on Facebook. New players of all abilities are warmly 

welcomed. 

KILMACOLM BOWLING CLUB 

LADIES SECTION 

LADY MEMBERS WANTED 

Try your hand at Green Bowling at the ladies’ 

aernoons. Games commence at 2pm on 

every Tuesday and Thursday aernoons. Come 

along for the aernoon and have a game. 

Bowls will be provided, flat shoes required. 

For details contact Sandra on 01505 873126 or 

Morag on 01505 872218 

or just come along and have some fun. 

55 55 

Sporting Blog 

by Lesley Handley 

Muscle Cramps in Long Distance Running 

Lots of what we hear is that muscle cramps centre around hydration, 

electrolytes, salt etc. While these play a role in preventing and helping 

cramps when they kick in, there’s a lot more that we can do to try and 

control them in the fi rst instance. 

When you start running, you generally start with a nice upright posture and 

a steady foot strike… however you don’t always finish that way as fatigue 

kicks in. When good form falls apart, hamstrings, quads and calves tend 

to take the fall fi rst! 

Hamstrings cramp when: 

• The upper body rounds forward 

• The lower back arches 

• The hips sink back 

• You stop utilizing the glutes 

• Ultimately the hamstrings are left to drive the stride alone 

Quads cramp when: 

• The foot strike becomes more like a shuffle 

• The hamstrings aren’t working to pick the feet up off the ground 

• The feet are spending more time on the ground than they are lifting off it 

• Essentially the quads are taking all the impact 

Calves cramp when: 

• The hips are no longer pushing forward 

• The feet begin striking the ground in varying positions 

• The calves are left to absorb all the impact 

As well as considering the above, 3 things you can do to help prevent 

cramps or help if they kick in are: 

• BREATHE – oxygen helps fuel the muscles. As we tire our breathing gets 

shallower. Focus on deeper breathing to help fuel those muscles. 

• RELAX THE UPPER BODY – don’t let the shoulders tense up towards 

your ears and don’t keep your arms rigidly bent to prevent little arm swing 

that helps drive the legs. Relax the upper body, give the arms a shake out 

and reset your arm swing, which in turn helps power the stride. 

• SHORTEN YOUR STRIDE – the further the foot reaches out the more the 

body must do to keep up. Focus on pulling the feet off the ground and a 

little higher and in turn this fires the hamstrings and glutes allowing the 

hips to drive forward. 

Lesley 

For more information on nutrition or Personal Training contact me on 0773 

627 4925 or email Lesley@fi tsmartfi tness.co.uk


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57 57 

PROPERTY 

HOLIDAY HOMES 

churches 

BRIDGE OF WEIR 

Freeland Church: Rev KN Gray BA 

BD. Morning Service 10.30am. 

Crèche, Sunday School, Lynx 

and Cornerstone. Evening 

Service 7pm www.freeland. 

org.uk 

St Mary’s Episcopal Church, 

Johnston Rd, Bridge of Weir, 

PA11 3EE. Our Services are 

held every Sunday at 10am. 

On the fi rst Sunday each month 

at 6pm we welcome all who 

enjoy the beauty of quietness 

and peace at “Sanctuary” our 

Contemplative Service. All who 

seek God in mindful enquiry, 

in beauty, in quietness and 

service to others, all who are 

tired of life or full of it, all who 

are confident or all who are 

afraid - indeed whoever you 

are - you are welcome here! 

http://www.heartlandsec.org/ 

BoW/index.html Contact: Revd. 

Heller G.P 01505 872961. 

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church: 

Sunday services 10.30am, 

Junior Church & Youth Church, 

hearing aid loop system. For 

more information on activities 

and events find us online – 

stmacharsranfurlychurch.org. 

uk or Facebook. Come along 

– all welcome. 

Hope Hall: Sun 1pm Sunday 

School, 4.30pm Gospel Service; 

Mon 6.30pm Investigators for 

Kids, 8pm Bible Study and 

Prayer. 

ELDERSLIE 

Elderslie Kirk: Sunday service 

every week at 11am. Minister - 

Rev. Robin Allison. All welcome. 

Weekly meetings:- Monday 

Club every week from 12noon 

- 2.30pm. Light lunch and a 

varied activity programme. 

Midweek Fellowship will meet 

every Wed from 10.30am for 

Tea/Coffee followed by a short 

Service of Worship at 11am. 

YOUR TICKET TO 

LOCAL EVENTS 

/GryffeAds 

advertizer.co.uk 

/content/what-s-on 

01505 613340 


HOWWOOD 

Howwood Parish Church. Minister 

Rev May Bell. Sunday Service 

and Sunday School. 10am each 

Sunday. Prayer meeting held 

at 3 Bowfield Way, Howwood, 

7.30pm on Tuesdays. 

HOUSTON 

Houston and Killellan Kirk S.C.O. 

Number SC012822. All services 

conducted by Rev.Ian Bell unless 

otherwise stated. 2nd July 10am 

Morning Worship. 18.45pm 

Annual service at the Kirk. 9th, 

16th, 23rd, 30th July - 10am 

Morning Worship. 

St Fillan’s, Main St, Houston: Sun 

Masses: Vigil (Sat) 5pm, 9.30am 

& 11am. Weekday Masses: Mon 

- Sat 9.30am. Rosary: Tue, Thurs 

& Sat 9.10am. Exposition: Mon, 

Wed & Fri 9.05am. Confessions: 

Sat 10 - 10.30am and after Vigil 

Mass. Baptism: By arrangement. 

Parish Priest: Rev. Joseph 

Burke. Pastoral Assistant: Sr. 

Mary Frances Collett, RNDM 

(Tel 01505 613514). Address: 

‘Abbotsfi eld’, St. Fillan’s, Main 

St, Houston, PA6 7EL. T. 01505 

612046. E. parish@stfi llan.org. 

uk www.stfi llan.org.uk 

Houston Baptist Church at Carrick 

Centre: 11am Family services 

with SS for children age 5 - 12; 

6pm Eve Service; Mid-week 

Home Bible Study; For more 

information contact; Rev. D 

Snelson 01505 612722. 

Church of the Nazarene: Village 

Hall, Main St, Houston PA6 

7EL. Rev. Benito S Coetzee. 

Family services at 10.30am 

with full toddler, children & youth 

activities running concurrently 

with the service. Youth meets 

at 6.30pm - 8pm on Sundays. 

Word and Table Quiet Service 

held from 9am - 9.30am every 

3rd Sunday. www.houston. 

nazarene.org.uk 

August ‘17 Issue: 

• Deadline: 14 July 

• Delivery: 28 July 

September ‘17 Issue: 

• Deadline: 18 August 

• Delivery: 1 September 

KILBARCHAN 

Kilbarchan Parish Church in July: 

Services continue at 11am 

each Sunday throughout July, 

conducted by Rev. Stephen 

Smith. We continue to support 

the Paisley Food Bank each 

Sunday. The Creche continues 

to meet in the large hall from 

10.45am each week. There will 

be a special summer Sunday 

School for any children attending 

over the summer. ALL WELCOME 

TO ANY OF THESE SERVICES. For 

further information about the 

church and the organisations, 

please visit Kilbarchan Kirk 

online: www.kilbarchan-kirk.btck. 

co.uk Kilbarchan Parish Church 

Midweek Fellowship continues 

from 10.30am for coffee, 

followed by a short service of 

worship, on Wednesdays in the 

small hall. 

KILMACOLM 

Kilmacolm Old Kirk: Church of 

Scotland (Charity no. SC009291). 

www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org. 

uk. Minister Rev. Dr Peter 

McEnhill (01505 873174). 

Morning Worship – Sundays 

11am, all welcome Sunday 

School and Crèche available. 

Sòlas Bereavement Group, 2nd 

Thursday each month at 6:30pm 

in Kidston Hall. Kilmacolm Old 

and Kilmacolm St Columba are 

having United Services at 11.00 

am. During the month of July, 

these United Services will be 

held in the Old Kirk and, during 

the month of August, they will be 

held in St Columba Church. 

St Columba Church of Scotland: 

(charity no. SC007992) Morning 

Worship Sundays at 11am. All 

welcome. Coffee/tea served in 

the hall after the service. 

Grace Church Kilmacolm: in 

association with Downavale 

Free Church of Scotland (Charity 

No: SCO38274) - Sunday Service 

at 10.30am in Kilmacolm Guide 

Hut, Woodrow Avenue, PA13 4QF 

- all welcome. 

St Colm’s Catholic Church, Smithy 

Brae Kilmacolm. Rev. Vincent 

Byrne. Family mass Sundays 

10am with children’s liturgy, 

followed by tea and coffee. 

Eucharistic service Thursdays 

11am. Rosar y Tuesdays 

6.30pm. Prayer group meets 

Thursdays 7.30pm. Further 

information and contact details 

www.stcolmsparish.co.uk. All 

welcome. 

Buddhist meetings: Buddhism 

of Nichiren Daishonin. Phone 

Margaret on 01505 871343. 

St Fillan’s Episcopal Church, Moss 

Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4DL. 

Services on Sunday at 11.30am. 

Wednesday: 10.30am Holy 

Communion. On the last Sunday 

of the month at 11:30am we 

welcome families to come and 

join us for our monthly Family 

Service. We are united by our 

belief in Jesus, who sustains 

and encourages us in all the ups 

and downs of life. Everyone is 

welcome to join us ! http://www. 

heartlandsec.org/KLM/index. 

html Contacts: Revd. Heller 

G.P 01505 872961 / Maureen 

Russell (Pastoral Assistant) 

01505 872905. 

LANGBANK 

Langbank Parish Church: Rev. Dr. 

Ken Forrest. Sunday Services 

10am with Sunday School, 

Crèche and young people’s 

group, the Welcomers. Tea/ 

coffee after the service. Church 

service starts at 10am. Come 

along and meet in the Hall 

from 9.50am. Charity No. 

SC015085. 

LOCHWINNOCH 

Parish Church: Rev. May Bell. 

11.30am Morning Service 

Sunday School and Crèche. 

Calder United Free Church: 

(Church Street, Lochwinnoch) 

Sunday: 11am Morning worship 

with Sunday School and Crèche. 

6.30pm Evening Fellowship 

group, 7.30pm ABC’s Teen 

group. Wed 6.30pm - 7.30pm. 

Spiritualist Church, Lochlip Rd. All 

services commence 7.30pm. 

QUARRIERS 

Mount Zion Church: Rev. Andy Lunn 

BSc, (01475 791282) Mount 

Zion Church, Law View Road, 

Quarriers Village, PA11 3FD. 

Sunday Worship: 10:30am, 

Bible Study and Prayer Meetings: 

Wednesday at 7pm and Friday 

at 10 am. “Mozzy” Youth Club 

Thursdays at 6:30 for young 

people of high school age. Half 

night of prayer: 7pm – midnight, 

4th Friday of each month. Feel 

free to come along at any of 

these times. 

‘The Gatherin’ is at 7pm on the 

fourth Sunday of each month, at 

Mount Zion Church in Quarriers 

Village. The Gatherin’ for people 

to come together who hunger 

for more of the presence of the 

Lord and to be fed from His word. 

Please come and invite others: 

all welcome! 

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LOCAL INFORMATION 

community council 

Visitors are welcome at these monthly meetings. 

BISHOPTON: Primary School: 1st Thurs at 7.30pm 

www.bishoptoncouncil.com 

BRIDGE OF WEIR ST Machars Church Hall 1st Tuesday 

April 7pm. Bridge of Weir Primary School 1st Tuesday 

May and June 7pm (No meetings July and August) 

www.bridgeofweir.org 

BROOKFIELD: Brookfield Village Hall: 7.30pm 

in February, April, June, August, October and 

December on 2nd Thursday of the month. 

HOUSTON: Carrick Centre: 3rd Wed at 7.30pm 

www.houstoncommcouncil@yahoo.co.uk 

HOWWOOD: Village Hall: 2nd Tues at 7.30pm. 

www.howwood.com/community-council.php 

KILBARCHAN: Steeple Hall: monthly at 7.30pm. 

www.kilbarchan.info/community_council.html 

KILMACOLM & QUARRIERS: Last Tues at 7.30pm, 

Kilmacolm Cargill Centre (NB: No meetings: July or 

Dec) www.kilmacolmcc.co.uk 

LANGBANK: Church Hall: 2nd Wed at 7.30pm 

LOCHWINNOCH: Bowling Club: 1st Tues at 7.30pm 

community halls to let 

Bridge of Weir, Freeland Church. Tel: 612245 

Brookfi eld, Village Hall. Tel: 335562 

Houston, Carrick Centre. Tel: 612203 / 331488 

Houston, Compass Centre. Tel: 615441 / 612617 

Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 702758. 

Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 706070 

Kilmacolm, Cargill Centre. Tel: 873994 

Kilmacolm, Brownie/Guide Hut. Tel: 874428 

Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 873059 

Linwood Masonic Hall. Tel: 07825 222944 

Please add your community hall details to our list - 

email to info@advertizer.co.uk 

local councillors 

Following last month’s local elections, the results are 

now in! We would like to welcome back all the regular 

faces plus a number of new ones. You’ll notice some 

new voices in our village news pages and we look 

forward to hearing more about what’s going on in 

the local area in the coming months. 

RENFREWSHIRE COUNCIL: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk 

Ward 8 - Johnstone South & Elderslie: Jacqueline 

Cameron, John Hood, Alistair Mackay, Andy Steel 

Ward 9 - Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood 

& Lochwinnoch: Derek Bibby, Bill Binks, Andy Doig, 

Emma Rodden 

Ward 10 - Houston, Crosslee, Brookfi eld & Linwood: 

Audrey Doig, Alison Jean Dowling, Scott Kerr, James 

Sheridan 

Ward 11 - Bishopton, Bridge of Weir & Langbank: 

Natalie Don, James MacLaren, Colin McCulloch 

Ward 12 - Erskine & Inchinnan: Tom Begg, Michelle 

Campbell, Jim Harte, Iain Nicolson 

INVERCLYDE COUNCIL: www.inverclyde.gov.uk 

Ward 1 - Inverclyde East (includes Kilmacolm & 

Quarriers): Christopher Curley, Stephen McCabe, 

David Wilson


ITEMS FOR SALE 

BABY EQUIPMENT 

Graco Quattro Tour 

DeLuxe pram. Unused 

a n d i n “ a s n e w ” 

condition. £50. Tel: 

01505 690768. 

Black Travel Cot. Smoke 

and pet free home. £5. 

Tel: 01505 872800. 

Tippitoes Ziggy Rocker 

W a l k e r . G o o d 

Condition. Smoke and 

pet free home. £10. 

Tel: 01505 872800. 

Fisher Price Musical Zoo 

Train Gift Set. V Good 

condition. Pet and 

smoke free home. £10. 

Tel: 01505 873050. 

Little Tikes Rocking 

Horse Seesaw. £8. 

V Good condition. Pet 

and smoke free home. 

Tel: 01505 873050 

looking for 

someone 

local? 

advertizer.co.uk/clients 

Red rocking seesaw. £5. 

V Good condition. Pet 

and smoke free home. 

Tel: 01505 873050 

Cannondale F6 Hardtail 

Mountain Bike, medium 

adult, in red. Bargain 

£70. 01505 612316 or 

07475 088713 

C h a d Va l l e y B a b y 

Playnest. Very good 

condition. Smoke and 


Tel: 01505 872800. 

Fisher Price Rainforest 

Jumperoo. Good 



Tel: 01505 872800. 

Fisher Price Calming 

Vibrations Bouncer. 

G o o d C o n d i t i o n . 

Smoke and pet free 

home. £10. Tel: 01505 

872800. 

Little Tikes First swing 

seat. £10. Good 


smoke free home. Tel: 

01505 873050. 

Trike Stroller. 3 in 1 with 

parent handle, foot 

rest, clutch and safety 

harness. Suitable for 

ages 10 months to 3 

years. Only used once 

and is unmarked. £15. 

Tel: 07801 549981. 

In The Night Garden 

Ninky Nonk Musical 

Activity Train V Good 



Tel: 01505 873050. 

B a b y B j o r n B a b y 

Carrier Original. Good 



Tel: 01505 872800. 

Sand Tray V Good 



Tel: 01505 873050. 

F i s h e r P r i c e Ta k e 

Along Swing. Good 



Tel: 01505 872800. 

Blossom Farm Baby 

Door Bouncer. Smoke 

and pet free home. £5. 

Tel: 01505 872800. 

Bright Starts Play Mat/ 

Gym. Good Condition. 

Smoke and pet free 

home. £8. Tel: 01505 

872800. 

CLOTHES & SHOES 

Gents Harris Tweed 

Jacket, 42” chest - 

never worn. £95. Tel: 

01505 703433 

Ladies Jacket & Skirt 

- grey houndstooth 

check. Size 20 - never 

worn. £95. Tel: 01505 

703433. 

School Blazer - Houston 

Primary. Primary 1/2 

size. Black wool blazer 

w i t h e m b r o i d e r e d 

school badge. £20. 

Tel: 07778 941059. 

H O U S E H O L D & 

GARDEN 

Computer Table. Must 

uplift. £10. Tel: 07749 

482631. 

2 x Bar/Kitchen Stools 

(swivel), Faux Leather, 

White/Chrome. £25 

each. Tel: 01505 

8 7 4 4 0 8 o r 0 7 7 1 0 

496789. 

Single bed with mattress, 

excellent condition and 

quality , wedgwood blue 

wooden headboard and 

footboard. £125 ono. 

Tel: 01505 874075. 

Brown/Black Ash fold 

away Table & 4 Chairs 

- as new (Forrest 

Furniture). £85. Tel: 

07709 537915. 

Lingfield Double Mattress 

- as new. Must uplift. 

£55 ono. Tel: 07749 

482631. 

Burgundy Leather Suite. 

2 Seater Couch, 1 

Armchair, 1 Recliner 

(Electric ). £350. Tel: 

07909 227116. 

Corner TV unit with 

drawer and shelf. Teak. 

W: 11 4 c m H : 6 8 c m 

D:58cm. Excellent 


01505 614503. 

Dark Oak Fire Surround 

in perfect condition. 

1.4mtr (W) x 1.2mtr 

(H). £40. Tel: 01505 

3 4 9 0 1 2 / 0 7 9 1 0 

755434. 

Oak writing bureau with 

3 drawers with lock 

and key - Very good 

condition- £65. Tel: 

01505 613956 

SPORTS 

Girls Dawes Venus 20” 

wheel bike (blue), 

6 gears. Excellent 

condition, £40. Tel: 

01505 844933. 

Titleist 60 degree wedge 

Golf Club - Vokey 

design. £25. Tel: 

01505 842950. 

BMX, Concept 2000 

classic bmx bike, 

chrome frame, 20” 

wheels, good usable 

condition for age, 

£80. Tel /text: 07810 

523742. 

Boy’s Dawes ‘Redtail’ 

b i k e i n e x c e l l e n t 

condition, suit boy 

a p p r o x 7 y r s . W i l l 

accept £25. Tel: 01505 

328044. 

Ladies mountain bike, 

26 inch wheels, 10 

gears, second hand 

but very usable, £40. 

Located in houston. Tel 

07810523742 

ADVERTISING 

sales & wants ad rates: 

UP TO £200 ....... FREE 

£201 to £500 ..... £5.00 

£501 to £1000 ... £10.00 

OVER £1000 ..... Call for details. 

Use our Sales & Wants form and post to 

The Gryffe Advertizer, Neva Place, Bridge 

of Weir, PA11 3PN. 

or email your items to info@advertizer.co.uk 

Crazy Fitness Massage 

DreamBody 9000XL 

vibrating fi tness plate. 

Bought seven years 

ago but very seldom 

used and in excellent 

condition. Cost £180 

sell for £50. Tel: 01505 

690768. 

OTHER ITEMS 

Architect’s/ designers 

full size (A1) tilting 

drawing board on 

a stand. Articulated 

square. Very good 


01505 873066. 

Kamei Husky Roof Box 

quality German built 

in black. Would suit 

family. 190x60x35cm 

R/H opening. Would 

fit large estate. £90 

0 1 5 0 5 6 1 2 3 1 6 o r 

07475 088713 

B M W w i n t e r t y r e s 

suitable for BMW E87, 

116i sport 5dr, BMW 

E81 3dr, E90 E series, 

E91 3 series. Selling 

due to new car (6ml 

tread) £150 for set. Tel: 

01505 613845. 

Vango Exodus 400 

Sleeping Bag - 3 

season. Brand new. 

Ticket price £89.99. 

Sell for £50 ono. Tel: 

07740 600490. 

Vango Dakota 300 Tent. 

Brand new. £100 ono. 

Tel: 07740 600490. 

Vango Voyager 300L 

S l e e p i n g b a g - 3 

season. Brand new. 

£50 ono. Tel: 07740 

600490. 

Vango Omega 400R 

Sleeping Bag - 3 

season. Brand new 

£50 ono. Tel: 07740 

600490. 

Brand new steel car 

wheel 6JX15H2 and 

new Jinyu tyre 185/60 

R15. Stored as spare 

wheel only. £80. Tel: 

07736 067169. 

Honer acoustic guitar, 

good condition including 

case and tuner. £40. 

Tel 07538429637 

WANTED ITEMS 

Old records Wanted 45`s 

& LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 

07710 777571. 

Cash paid for Music 

CDs ( a few or a lot ). 

Tel: 0141 882 5594 or 

07765 115347. 

L o c a l l i l y g r o w e r 

requires the use of a 

greenhouse/polytunnel 

in Kilmacolm area 

in return for light 

gardening duties. Tel: 

Vince 01505 872082. 

Gas cooker free standing. 

Tel: 07894 833922. 

Bicycle gents, nothing 

too fancy. Tel: 07894 

833922. 

follow The Advertizer on 

twitter and facebook for regular updates 


f: www.facebook.com/GryffeAds 

The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS 

The Law requires that Advertisers selling goods 

in the course of a business MUST include 

the word Trader, Dealer, Agent, Breeder or 

appropriate wording in the Advertisement to 

distinguish from private advertisers. 

The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS 

The Law requires that Advertisers selling goods in 

the course of a business MUST include the word 

Trader, Dealer, Agent, Breeder or appropriate 

wording in the Advertisement to distinguish from 

private advertisers.


59 59 

Accom/Hotel & B&B 

Glenorchy Lodge Hotel . . . . . . 31 

Accountants & Financial 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 23 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 14 

GMH Chartered Accountants . . 26 

Architectural Services 

Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Automotive Services 

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 26 

Bathrooms 

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 

Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 

Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 

Bedrooms 

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 13 

Blacksmith & Metalwork 

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 28 

Tennamast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

Building Services 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 5 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 6 

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 

KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 15,4 

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 17 

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 3 

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 35 

Rukeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 14 

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 4 

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 47 

Care Services & Homes 

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 9 

Cleaning & PowerWash 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 17 

Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 17 

Gryffe Roofing Services . . . . 6 


Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Coffee Shops 

Bernie’s Cafe Deli . . . . . . . . . 16 

Computer, IT & Web 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Driveways 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Driving Instructors 

AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 14 

BY CATEGORY 

Electricians 

Delta Electrical Services . . 10 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Fencing 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 


Tennamast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

Firewood & Logs 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Funeral Services 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 2 

Garage Doors & Gates 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Garden Service & Design 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 43 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 41 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 41 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 42 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 40 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 40 


J S Montgomery Ltd . . . . . . . . . 43 

M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 41 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 42 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 43 

Gas & Heating Services 

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 16 

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 27 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 6 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Glazier 

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 

Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 

Inverclyde Windows . . . . . . . . . 6 

JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 3 

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Hairdressers & Barbers 

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 31 

Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 32 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Health, Beauty & Fitness 



Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 6 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 35 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Lifestyle Beauty Salon . . . . . 9 

Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 15 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 29 

Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 31 

Wellcentred UK . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

Home Hardware 

Gibb Stuart Ironmongers . . . . 14,15,16 

Home Improvements 

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 5 


Conservatory Conversions . . . Bk 


Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Rent A Bloke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Revamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

Home Interiors 

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 


Loop Carpets & Flooring . . . . 15 


Home Security 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 22 

Joiners 


CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 9 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 17 

Kilt & Dress Hire 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 3 

Kitchens 







Leisure & Recreation 

Callanetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 

Locksmiths 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Painters & Decorators 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 11 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Ian Livingston Decorating . . 14 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Pest Control 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Pet Services & Training 

Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 38 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 38 

Strathgryffe Dog Walks . . . . . 39 

Plasterers 

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 29 

Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 4 



Plumbers 




GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 


JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Property, Sales & Let 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Removals 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 32 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Restaurant & Bars 


Retail 




Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 29 

R o o fi n g 












Solicitors 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 8 


Special Occasions 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Sports Clubs & Events 

Pinewood Trout Fishery . . . . . 1 

Stoves 


Taxis & Minicoach hire 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 26 

Tiling 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 15 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Travel Agents 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Tree Surgeon 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 


LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

TV & Satellite 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 24 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Upholstery Services 




P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 2 

Window Cleaners 




Matthews Cleaning Services . . 14 

Window, Consv & Repair 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

you can contact us @GryffeAds using #Advertizer 

or by email info@advertizer.co.uk or phone 01505 613340 

ADVERTIZERS - A TO Z 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 32 


3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 43 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 


A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 41 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 


ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 8 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 23 


AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 14 

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 5 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 41 

ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 



B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 5 

Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 11 


Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 13 


Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

BOW Stone Works . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 38 


Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 22 




Callanetics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 


Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 4 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 


Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 11 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 9 


Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 42 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

Delta Electrical Services . . 10 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 24 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 40 



Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 


Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 6 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 14 


Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 



Glenorchy Lodge Hotel . . . . . . 31 

GMH Chartered Accountants . . 26 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 15 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 26 


Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 3 



Ian Livingston Decorating . . 14 



J S Montgomery Ltd . . . . . . . . . 43 


James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 2 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 26 


Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 35 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13 



Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Lifestyle Beauty Salon . . . . . 9 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 15 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 



M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 41 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Matthews Cleaning Services . . 14 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 


MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 31 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 29 

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 19 

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 2 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Pinewood Trout Fishery . . . . . 1 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 42 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Rent A Bloke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Revamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

Rukeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 38 


Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 31 

Strathgryffe Dog Walks . . . . . 39 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Tennamast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 29 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Wellcentred UK . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 43 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 17 

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written 

permission is strictly prohibited. The Gryffe Advertizer cannot be 

held responsible for unsolicited materials. The views and opinions 

by contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the 

publishers. The Gryffe Advertizer takes no responsibility for claims made by 

advertisements in this publication. 

contact us 

The Gryffe Advertizer 

Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN 

t: 01505 613340 or e: info@advertizer.co.uk 

For more information please call us on 01505 613340 

WhatsApp 07731 923970 

or check our website at www.advertizer.co.uk 

Next Issue: (#274) July ‘17 

Deadline: Friday 16 June

60 

t: 01505 613340 07731 923970 e: info@advertizer.co.uk 





you can contact us @GryffeAds using #Advertizer 

or by email info@advertizer.co.uk or phone 01505 613340

274 July 2017 - Gryffe Advertizer

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