275 August 2017 - Gryffe Advertizer

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August 2017 No.275 

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COPY 

Distributed to: 

• Bishopton 

• Bridge of Weir 

• Brookfield 

• Elderslie 

• Houston 

• Howwood 

• Kilbarchan 

• Kilmacolm 

• Langbank 

• Lochwinnoch 

• Quarriers 

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Vintage tractor display at Kilbarchan Agricultural Show 

taken by Mr Keith Nairn from Kilbarchan 

your LOCAL community magazine August 2017 No. 275 

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Get in Contact 

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Contents 

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

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

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

dental blog........................11 

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

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

financial blog.........................22 

local history......................25 

on the road.....................27 

pet news.....................28-29 

pet blog............................28 

outdoors........................30-35 

village news....................36-43 

school news.................44-45 

sport news....................46-51 

sporting blog.....................49 

business classified..............52 

church listings....................53 

sales & wants......................54 

advertizer directory................55 

deadlines dates...................55 

pick up a copy..................55 

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

august 2017 

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@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk

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This 

This Month 

Rona 

It was this time last year that I reported on the decision to close the local civic 

amenity depots at Johnstone and Linwood. Thankfully, and following a public 

outcry, that decision was reversed and the two sites reopened. This year I hear 

that the Council is adding to this resource with a “Rapid Response Team”. The 

Council’s mobile patrol squad aims to boost civic pride in Renfrewshire’s key 

streets and open spaces, preventing build-up of unsightly rubbish and street 

clutter in key hotspots. The aim is to supplement the routine street cleaning and 

waste disposal work done by the Council’s army of hard-working waste workers. 

The Team will also have powers to track down and prosecute rubbish-dumping 

rogues - target the types of waste which cause most everyday nuisance, offence 

and slip or traffi c safety risks. This will mean a faster response to complaints 

about nuisance dumping, littering and fl y-posting. Primarily aimed at Paisley, 

Johnstone and Renfrew town centres, the service has been extended to include 

the villages of Howwood, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch. 

See www.renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 300 0380 if you want more 

information about safe disposal of trade or household waste, or to tell the 

Council about fl y-tipping, street litter, fl y-poster and graffi ti. 

The public parks in Paisley and Renfrew are to be upgraded. This is a most 

welcome development giving many people an enhanced experience when they 

visit. However, I am very aware that other parks in the areas covered by The 

Advertizer are in need of a makeover. In particular, Howwood villagers have set 

up an action group to look into a possible community buy-out. The Howwood 

Public Park Committee have been working closely with local Councillor Andy 

Doig and others within the council to see if an asset transfer of the Park and 

Pavilion would be possible. Failing that, they plan to push for an upgrading of 

the park to an acceptable standard. 

A last minute update on planning - an application has been submitted for 

the former Bull’s Garage site in Bridge of Weir. The application reference 

is 17/0490/PP, found on the Council website with plans, elevations and 

supporting documents, at http://pl.renfrewshire.gov.uk/online-applications. 

The plans show proposals for a mixed use development comprising a residential 

care home with 65 bedrooms, a supermarket of 8,000 sq.ft. (approx twice 

the size of the BoW Co-op) and a coffee shop of 2,000 sq.ft. There will be 

20 parking spaces for the care home, with an additional 70 spaces for retail 

parking. A plan view of the site is available at http://pad.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ 

NorthgatePublicDocs/00402238.pdf. 

Staying with planning, the site visits scheduled for housing applications in 

Bridge of Weir in July were cancelled, with a new date still to be set. I believe 

the Whitelint Gate visit for a retail development did go ahead on 19th July, but 

too late for a report this month. I hope to bring you an update next month. 

Brookfi eld Village Trust was set up several years ago with the aim to acquire 

Merchiston Field to help preserve the village envelope. Their AGM on 3rd 

August will provide an opportunity to hear a report on negotiations so far and 

the way forward. All welcome - non-members will not be eligible to vote but can 

join at the AGM. More details on the village news pages. 

And fi nally, some great news on the roads. Councillor Natalie Don tells me that 

the A761 stretch between Bridge of Weir and Brookfi eld is now to be resurfaced 

and this work will be carried out following the completion of the existing 

commitments of roadworks in October. However, I sincerely hope that the 

Council will take the necessary steps to improve drainage along this stretch as 

this seems to be the main cause of the regular deterioration of the carriageway. 

Having just come back from a trip to the Highlands, where weather conditions 

are invariably more harsh than here in the ‘softy’ south, I am astonished 

at how good their roads are compared to those in the Central 

Belt. Is it something in the “watter”? 



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. 

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Volunteers 

needed 

If you have a spare couple of 

hours a week and would like the 

opportunity to support a local 

cause, Ardgowan Hospice are in 

desperate need for volunteers 

within their retail shops, we 

have vacancies from sales 

assistant to clerical support, no 

experience is necessary as full 

training is provided. For more 

information contact Linda Kelly, 

Retail Development Manager, 

linda.kelly@ardhosp.co.uk or 

07919216353 



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Scotland Leads the Way in UK- 

Wide Gardening Competition 

Scots have scooped two of the three top awards in the Royal Horticultural 

Society (RHS) School Gardeners of the Year competition, supported by Gabriel 

Ash. 

Science teacher David Nicol has worked for six years at the Good Shepherd 

Centre, a secure unit for some of the most disadvantaged and underrepresented 

young people in Scotland. He has gone “above and beyond the 

call of duty” to build a garden from scratch and engage, interest and inspire 

those staying at the centre. 

Both Fraser, who won Young School Gardener of the 

Year, and David were presented with their awards at 

a special ceremony at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey 

on 1st July. 

David wins an engraved hand trowel 

trophy and certifi cate, a free place on 

an RHS Campaign for School Gardening 

Teacher Training Course and RHS Flower 

Show tickets. The Good Shepherd Centre 

will receive a VIP visit from a celebrity 

gardener, an Upright Coldframe worth £699 manufactured by Gabriel Ash, 

£100 worth of seeds and £500 worth of National Garden Gift Vouchers. 

The other award in the competition was for RHS School Gardening Team of the 

Year 2017 and went to a team of over 30 pupils at Hammersmith Academy in 

London. 


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Summer solstice at the knapps by Adrian Davies 

Linwood High School pupils win £3,000 for St Vincent’s Hospice 

We are absolutely delighted to announce that St Vincent’s Hospice were the 

winners of the £3,000 prize for the Youth Philanthropist competition at Linwood 

High School. 

Pictured left to right at the school entrance are: 

Abbie-Louise McKinnon, Louise Taney, Laura 

McMullan and Angela Muir. 

Legal Blog 

by Isabella McKerrow, Affinity Family Law 

Amy Reid, Abbie-Louise 

McKinnon, Laura McMullan, 

Louise Taney and Angela 

Muir from Linwood High 

School made an incredible 

effort for this competition 

that was running in their 

school. YPI is an inclusive, 

multi-award-winning 

secondary school program 

that grows compassionate 

communities by connecting 

youth to social issues, local 

charities, and philanthropy 

at a pivotal stage in their 

adolescence. 

Alison Burton from St Vincent’s Hospice Children & Young Person’s Service and 

Laura McDade from the fundraising team and were with the girls every step of 

the way. 

Abbie-Louise McKinnon and Laura McMullan said “We feel St Vincent’s Hospice 

is an important charity and in particular wanted to help the children and young 

people there with new Lego kits and updating the library. We worked hard and 

were proud that we won on behalf of St Vincent’s Hospice.” 

Alistair Wright, who headed the YPI for the School said “The girls put in a lot 

of hard work and effort into researching St Vincent’s Hospice and raising 

awareness for the charity within the school. They all showed great enthusiasm 

to make contact with St Vincent’s and produced a well thought out presentation 

that was a worthy winner at our YPI final. I was delighted for them and St 

Vincent’s Hospice who were very supportive of the girls throughout.” 

Why Every Adult Should Have 

A Power Of Attorney 

As we head towards old age and face the prospect of becoming mentally and 

physically infirm, it is sensible to have a Power of Attorney “POA” in place. 

However, an adult could become physically or mentally infirm at any age as a 

result of illness or trauma. Every adult should consider having a POA in place, 

given they are inexpensive and unlike a will do not have to be reviewed every 

few years. 

A POA can ensure that the financial affairs and personal welfare of the adult 

will be looked after by someone they trust. An adult who is mentally capable 

may grant a POA for various purposes and for however long. There are two 

types: Continuing, relating to property and assets or financial affairs of the 

granter. This can be used at any time for convenience and remains effective on 

subsequent incapacity: Welfare, relating to personal welfare decisions ensuring 

the family are involved and preventing the Local Authority making decisions if 

the granter becomes incapable. It can be stipulated that welfare powers are 

not granted unless a GP certifies the adult mentally incapable. A combined POA 

can be granted with both continuing and welfare powers. 

Alison Burton from St Vincent’s 

Hospice said “Winning £3000 

for the CYP service is amazing. 

The girls put so much work into 

their fantastic presentation, their 

passion shone through which 

inspired many people in the 

crowd. The money will go towards 

helping children and young people 

throughout the community who 

need support when a special 

person in their life is terminally ill or 

who has died. It will help by us buy Pictured left to right: Amy Reid, 

new resources and support some Abbie-Louise McKinnon, Laura McMullan, 

Louise Taney and Angela Muir. 

staffing costs in order to develop 

the service further. Thank you so much Linwood High School.” 

Celebrating 100years of SWI 

The Scottish Women’s Institutes 

of Renfrewshire Federation 

were Celebrating 100 years of 

the Organisation on Sunday 

2nd July 2017. Some 80 ladies 

meet to share memories 

and laughter having a lovely 

Afternoon Tea at Gleddoch 

House Hotel, Langbank, and 

entertained by Margaret 

Dundas and Kate Gordon. 

Image left to right is of past Presidents of the Federation. 

Back row: Mrs Lilias Snodgrass, Mrs Thelma Youngson, Mrs Roma Gould, Mrs Anne McCallum, 

Mrs Marion Dornan, Front row: Current President Mrs Irene McFarlane, Mrs Anne Maxwell 

The advantages of having a POA are that it enables speedy and appropriate 

intervention. It avoids the adult’s family the problems that arise when an 

individual loses capacity such as it being impossible to manage their financial/ 

business affairs or deal with their property. The welfare POA prevents the Local 

Authority moving an incapable adult into a care home without the family’s 

consent. Granting a POA also avoids the lengthy, complicated and expensive 

process of applying to court for a Guardianship Order, which may only grant 

limited powers and may have to be renewed by further expensive court 

applications every three years. 



The Story Goes On 

“The Story Goes On”, is the incredible new 

single written and performed by local singer/ 

songwriter Emma Gillespie and produced by 

Thomas Brumby, of Thomas Brumby Music 

and Sound, Glasgow. The single was released 

on Thursday 13th July with all of the proceeds 

going to St Vincent’s Hospice. Emma Gillespie, 

formerly known as Emma’s imagination, first 

came to prominence after winning the Sky 1 TV 

talent contest Must Be the Music. 

Emma said: “This 

project is very dear and close to my heart as I 

lost my friend Michelle last year to Cancer. She 

was only 30 years old and left behind her 5 year old son 

and husband. St Vincent’s Hospice provided her with a peaceful sanctuary and 

so much more during her final months. This song is about the never ending 

dance of life and death and all that’s in between and beyond. My hope is that 

it will bring comfort to others, wherever they are on their journey. St Vincent’s 

Hospice rely heavily on donations to continue to provide their Services and I 

aim to raise as much as possible for them with this release.” 

Kate Lennon, Chief Executive, St Vincent’s Hospice said: 

“It was a great privilege for all of us at 

the hospice to have known and cared 

for Michelle. What a wonderful gift 

Emma has shared with us through this 

song. Our grateful thanks to Emma and 

Michelle’s family and friends for all the 

support and generosity they have given 

to the hospice over the past year…. 

It means so much and allows us to 

continue to care for others who need 

our support when facing life limiting 

illnesses.” 

The song will be available for download 

from all major music stores & all major streaming services. 

“If you are interested in fundraising for St Vincent’s Hospice please contact the 

fundraising team on 01505705635 or email info@svh.co.uk” 

Help Johnstone Credit Union 

Support Your Community 

Johnstone Credit Union are committed to providing services 

to rural communities in Renfrewshire and in addition to 

our collection in Bridge of Weir, we are currently working 

to establish collections in Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan 

and Bishopton. 

We rely on the dedication of our many volunteers to 

provide an exceptional service and are now recruiting 

local members of the community and volunteers to support these new 

collection points. If you have a few hours to spare each week, would like to 

meet new people, are looking for a new challenge, want to gain valuable skills 

and support your local community then this could be the opportunity for you. 

Volunteering for us will give you the satisfaction of knowing that you are 

contributing to the on-going success of one of the most successful community 

based credit unions in Scotland as well as providing a valuable service in your 

local community. 

Enthusiasm and commitment are more important than experience as full 

training and ongoing support will be provided. 

If you are interested or want more information call into the office on Church 

Street, Johnstone, give us a call on 01505 327 148 or email enquiries@ 

johnstonecu.co.uk. 

Collection points coming soon, watch this space for further details. 

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10 


Join ACCORD Hospice for their annual sponsored colour walk ~ The Rainbow 

Ramble in Ferguslie Park Gardens on Sunday 20th August from 2pm - 5pm 

You will start the event in a pristine white t-shirt which will gradually take on 

the colours of the rainbow as you are showered in a kaleidoscope of powdered 

paints as you pass each colour station! 

The ramble will take place in Ferguslie Park Gardens where you will do 4 loops 

of the park - a distance of approximately 3K. Forms are available at ACCORD 

Hospice - or we can send these out. Contact fundraising@accord.org.uk or call 

0141 581 2000 for more information. Registration costs £10. 

Optical Blog 

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians 

Why try Contact Lenses? 

Some of you will be shuddering at the very thought of putting something on 

your eye. Believe it or not though, as long as your eyes are suitable and you 

can handle/take care of the contact lenses properly, anyone can wear contact 

lenses (CLs). 

The choice of CLs is now greater than ever. Lots of different materials and 

huge ranges of prescriptions mean that everyone has an option, even varifocal 

wearers. From the part-time wearers (once or twice a year) to the full-time 

wearers (1 month without removing the CLs) and everything in-between, there 

are CLs for you. 

The average age to start CLs is 12-15 years of age but fitting a child of 7 is not 

out of the question. As long as there is understanding of risks/hygiene and 

competence in handling then there is no minimum (or maximum!) age. CLs 

can even have a positive impact on a child’s social behaviour, helping them 

to feel more confident. 

Probably the best question to ask yourself is “are there any occasions where I 

wish I didn’t need glasses to see?”. This can be anything from glasses feeling 

uncomfortable, steaming up, sports, vanity etc. If the answer is yes, then you 

should give them a try. 

Most opticians offer free trials which involve an initial assessment and fitting 

based on a current eye examination, so just ask. You will then be taught all 

you need to know to safely handle and care for your CLs before the 1-2 week 

trial begins. After this, you have a check-up and this is when you decide if you 

wish to continue wearing CLs. All being well, different wearing schedules can 

then be discussed. 

For any contact lens related information, please call the practice on 01505 

614 700. 



Dental Blog 

by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner, 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice 

11 

Sugar is not all Sweet 

Last month we highlighted the surprising levels of sugar in a selection of 

popular drinks but there is lots more you really need to know about every 

dentist’s “enemy number one”! 

Most adults and children in the UK consume too much sugar and tooth decay 

is now the number one reason for hospital admissions among young children. 

The kind of sugar we eat too much of is known as “free sugars”. Free sugars 

are any sugars added to food or drinks. They are also naturally occurring in 

honey, syrups and unsweetened fruit juices. 

Everyone knows that sugar causes tooth decay and other oral health problems. 

Bacteria loves to feed on sugar and the consequences can be far more wide 

reaching than you might think. Sugary drinks can contain up to 50g of sugar 

which is 3 or 4 times the amount a child should consume in a day with type 2 

diabetes, obesity and mental disorders all linked to high sugar intake. 

We only really recommend drinking water as many fruit juices can be just as 

harmful as fizzy pop with high acid content and/or added sugars. Try cutting 

down on some of those sugary drinks and sweets and remember even dried 

fruit has a high sugar content and coats the teeth. Milk is a much safer 

alternative to drinking yoghurt, milkshakes and smoothies - some of which 

have really high sugar levels. Home-popped popcorn and fibrous foods such 

as celery act as natural toothbrushes and fresh veg and fruit is much better 

for you than processed food and drink that tend to have lots of additional 

ingredients (and much lower nutritional values). Always check the ingredients 

and nutritional information on packaging and, when you do consume food 

or drink with sugar, restrict it to meal times. Most importantly remember to 

always remember to brush your teeth twice a day with 

fluoride toothpaste. 

If you would like any more advice on how to care for your 

teeth visit us at Kilbarchan Dental Practice, call 01505 

704969 or click www.kilbarchandental.co.uk 


12 


Your support will help us continue 

improving the quality of life for 

people impacted by Huntington’s 

disease (HD). 

Humanism in Renfrewshire 

and Inverclyde 

Many of you reading this article will be among the 60% of people in the local 

area who have likely attended a Humanist ceremony in the last few years. This 

reflects the growth in popularity of non-religious weddings, funerals and more 

recently naming ceremonies. 

A common reflection on the defining feature of a 

Humanist ceremony is that it is more personal and 

this is perhaps what influences more and more 

people to make that choice. 

Official statistics show that in Scotland, a majority 

of weddings and funerals are now civil or Humanist 

in nature. Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) (www. 

humanism.scot) is the charitable organisation whose 

registered and approved celebrants conduct the 

majority of these ceremonies and HSS is increasingly 

well represented locally. Renfrewshire and Inverclyde 

is now home to five registered HSS celebrants. 

They are Stuart Rodger, Jennifer Buchan, Andrew 

Smithsimmons, Maggie Kinloch and Craig Campbell. 

HSS campaigned for legal recognition of Humanist 

marriage in Scotland and thousands of couples now 

enjoy that right. HSS Registered Celebrants are proud to 

conduct legal marriages across Scotland. In 2017 HSS 

were prescribed into Scottish marriage law and is the only 

Humanist group to hold this status. 

But although ceremonies represent the “public face” there 

is more to Humanist Society Scotland than that. HSS is a 

registered charity which exists to promote Humanist values 

to people in Scotland, to campaign for an ethical, rational 

and secular future and to give voice to the millions of people 

in Scotland who live without religion. 

They support a community of 15,000 members working together for a 

compassionate, dignified and respectful vision of Scotland and the world. 

They provide services, in addition to ceremonies, such as school visitors to 

Secondary and Primary schools, chaplaincy, and speakers for other societies 

and groups, and they run a soup kitchen every Thursday night in the centre 

of Glasgow. Through such activities many people discover Humanism and 

subsequently choose to live their lives as Humanists. 

At the core is a vision for Scotland which guides our lives and work: 

• The worth, dignity and autonomy of every person is respected and individual 

freedom is balanced with social responsibility and a duty of care for future 

generations; 

• Scottish civic institutions are democratic and human rights are developed, 

embedded and protected; 

• Ethical and moral problems are addressed with compassion, knowledge and 

reason; 

• No belief system (religious or not) should have, nor expect, privilege in the 

democratic process. 

Abseil 135ft off the Falkirk Wheel 

Sat. 2 September 

We are looking for 30 enthusiasts 

to join us this year. Last year’s 

event was a massive success, 

raising over £13k to support 

people impacted by Huntington’s 

disease through a network of 

specialist service. 

www.hdscotland.org 

Pedal for Scotland 

Sun. 10 September 

Returning for it’s 19th year on 

10th September 2017. Pedal 

for Scotland’s main event day 

will feature the 45 mile Classic 

Challenge from Glasgow to 

Edinburgh and the colossal 110 

mile Big Belter from Glasgow 

to Edinburgh via the stunning 

Southern Uplands. Don’t miss 

out.. 

www.pedalforscotland.org 

By getting involved, your support 

will help raise awareness and 

promote a positive message about 

Huntington’s disease (HD) in your 

community. This will improve the 

quality of life for people impacted 

by Huntington’s disease and help 

others recognise the symptoms of 

the condition. 

The Great Scottish Swim 

Sat. 26 August 

Back in Loch Lomond for another 

year. The event is now open for 

registration, with a half mile, 

1 mile, 2 mile, 5k and 10k: 

something for all swimming 

abilities to choose from. 

www.greatrun.org/great-swim/ 

great-scottish-swim 

Bike & Hike on Arran 

Sat. 2 and Sun. 3 September 

We are planning to take a team 

of bikers and hikers on the 

ferry to Arran for the weekend. 

You will cycle 43miles on the 

Saturday with an overnight stay 

in the Lochranza Youth Hostel, 

all snacks and meals provided. 

On the Sunday you will cycle 18 

miles and then a hike up Goat 

Fell followed by dinner and return 

ferry home. 

www.hdscotland.org 

Baxter’s Loch Ness Marathon 

Sun. 24 September 

The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon 

is quite possibly one of the most 

stunning marathons in the world. 

With spectacular scenery, fantastic 

atmosphere and a truly memorable 

experience, definitely one for the 

2017 bucket list! 

www.lochnessmarathon.com 

To receive your fundraising welcome pack go to www.hdscotland.org/fundraising 

Celebrating Local Heroes 

Nominations are being sought for the Queen’s Awards for 

Voluntary Service for 2018. 

The Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Guy Clark, is calling 

for local people to put forward voluntary groups who 

deserve recognition for their outstanding work in their 

community. 

The Award was introduced by the Queen in 2002 in 

celebration of her Golden Jubilee and ranks with the MBE 

for volunteer groups. It recognises exceptional contributions made by voluntary 

groups who give up their time for their local communities. 

Mr Clark, the Queen’s representative in Inverclyde, as well as the Renfrewshire 

Council area and East Renfrewshire, said: “I know there must be many more 

local organisations that would be worthy winners of this very special award.” 

“Voluntary groups make such a difference in their communities and make such 

a massive contribution to people’s lives. They do it selflessly and they deserve 

some public recognition. 

If you know of any deserving groups in Inverclyde please get your nomination in 

by Friday 15 September 2017.” 

Provost Martin Brennan joined the call for nominations. He said: “I wholeheartedly 

agree with the Lord-Lieutenant. There are groups across Inverclyde carrying 

out some amazing work that really deserves recognition and this is our chance 

to say thank you. 

“Please show them our appreciation by ensuring you nominate them for this 

prestigious Queen’s Award.” 

Full details and nomination forms are available at the Queen’s Award for 

Voluntary web site https://qavs.direct.gov.uk 



13 


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Sat 29 - Sun 30 July 

Wild Night 

Sat 17 Jun - Sun 20 Aug 

Larry Herman: Clydeside 1974 - 76 

Paisley Museum 

An exhibition of photographs by Larry Herman 

showing the industrial decline of Renfrewshire 

and Clydeside in the mid Seventies. 

Sat 1 Jul - Sat 12 Aug 

PACE Fest 

Paisley Arts Centre, New Street, Paisley 

Events are workshop and performance projects 

that take place in the school holidays for young 

people aged 3-18 in Renfrewshire. Open to PACE 

members and non-members. Workshops and 

rehearsals culminate in a fantastic performance. 

Visit www.pacetheatre.com for details. 

Sat 22 - Sun 30 July 

Merchant City Festival 

Merchant City Glasgow 

Back once again bringing the streets and venues 

of Glasgow’s cultural quarter to life! Bursting 

with fantastic events, music stages, street arts, 

comedy and loads of glorious food. Visit www. 

merchantcityfestival.com for full details. 

Thu 27 Jul - Thu 3 Aug 

Explorer Challenge: Tree-mendous! 

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 

10am to 4pm 

Any time! Spend some quality family time - 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]. 

Sat 29 July 

Dog Jog 

Bellahouston Park, Paisley Road West, 

Glasgow 2pm 

A unique 5k jogging event for you and your dog 

to get fit in a relaxed and fun atmosphere with 

no times and no pressure. 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 

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 

5pm to 8am 

The Finlaystone overnight camp. Join the Rangers 

for fun, burgers, bat walk, den building and singing 

into the wee small hours. Tent, warm clothes, 

waterproofs and BBQ food required. Adults £10, 

Children £5. Pre-booking essential. 

Sun 30 July 

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 

(weather dependent). 

Mon 31 July 

Make Your Own Mondays: Nature 

Art 


11am to 4pm 

11am - 1pm OR 2pm - 4pm. 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! 

Rockpools 

Carpark, Hyndman Road, Seamill, West 

Kilbride 1pm to 2.30pm 

Come and guddle in the rockpools, starfish, 

butterfish and crabs galore await! More info 

look online and book or tel 01505 842882. £5 

per person. 

Tue 1 August 

Den Build 


1pm to 3pm 

Join the Rangers and see who is a budding 

Bear Grylls. 

Rockpools 

Pencil View, Largs, North Ayrshire KA30 

8JZ 1.30pm to 3pm 

Come and guddle in the rockpools, starfish, 

butterfish and crabs galore await! More info 

look online and book or tel 01505 842 882. £5 

per person. 

Wed 2 August 

Wild on Wednesdays 

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 

(31 July) with a photographic display. MORE INFO: 

Look online or tel 01475 529 543. 


Greenock 1pm to 3pm 

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 per person or 

£25 for a season ticket. More info. look online 

and book or tel 01475 521 458. 



Thu 3 August 

Woodland Art 


1pm to 3pm 

Join our Rangers and gather woodland materials 

to make your artistic creation. 

Fri 4 - Thu 10 August 

Explorer Challenge: Magical 

Woodland! 


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

Spend some quality family time together at 

RSPB Lochwinnoch! Go out on the reserve 

for a “magical” adventure!! Cost: £3 per child 

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

accompanying adults] 

Sat 5 August 

Karaoke 

Tue 8 August 

St Petersburg Forum 

St Machar’s Church, Kilbarchan Road, 

Bridge of Weir 7.15pm 

A Fundraising Musical evening with a rare 

opportunity to hear the musical talents of high 

quality Russian and Scottish musical students 

organised by St Petersburg Forum. Tickets 

available from Elizabeth Clark 07799690 841 or 

Dave MacDonald 07874 986960. £10 


Wild on Wednesdays 


Greenock 1pm to 3pm 

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 per person or 

£25 for a season ticket. More info. Look online 

and book or tel 01475 521 458. 

Fri 11 August 

Quarriers Annual Golf Day 

15 

Royal British Legion, Livery Walk, Bridge 

of Weir 8pm 

The Royal British Legion Scotland Bridge of 

Weir Branch welcomes everyone to Karaoke in 

the Lounge Bar - come along and have a wee 

sing song. 

Sat 5 - Sun 6 August 

Binocular & Telescope Open Day 


10am to 4pm 

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 

Sun 6 August 

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. 

Largs Classic Cars 

Largs 11am to 4pm 

Classic cars exhibition in a huge marquee, live 

music, children’s entertainment, face painting, 

magician, hot food stalls, licensed bar. A great 

reason to visit Largs this bank holiday weekend. 

www.largsclassiccars.com 

Mon 7 August 

Make Your Own Mondays: 

Bushcraft – Campfire Fun! 


11am - 1pm OR 2pm - 4pm. Come along for some 

campfire fun at Lochwinnoch! Learn how to build 

a natural fire, and a shelter to protect you from 

the elements! Then we will tuck in to some tasty 

campfire treats around the fire! Booking essential. 

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

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk 

Kilmacolm Golf Club, Porterfield Road, 

Kilmacolm 8.30am 

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 at one 

of the top 100 courses in Scotland. Tea, coffee 

and breakfast rolls from 8.30am, 3 course lunch 

in the Club House and fantastic prizes. 

Fri 11 - Sun 27 Aug 

Explorer Challenge: Animal 

Sculptures! 


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

Spend some quality family time together at 

RSPB Lochwinnoch! Go out on the reserve & 

embrace your inner artist! Cost: £3 per child 

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

accompanying adults] 


Johnstone Fire Engine Rally 

Johnstone Town Centre 11am 

Spectacular parade of vintage vehicles, on display 

for the whole day in Houstoun Square, with an 

afternoon-long party of music and entertainment, 

falconry displays, bouncy castle and more will take 

place. Scottish Fire and Rescue will be doing a 

series of dramatic demonstrations throughout 

the day. 


Gulls, Glorious Gulls! 

Fairlie Bay Car Park, Kaim View, Fairlie, 

Largs KA29 0EH 11am to 3pm 

There’s more to gulls than being chip thieves on 

wings. The TnT team have been tagging them 

and need your help keeping an eye out for them. 

MORE INFO: Look online and book or tel 01505 

842882. 

Gateway Garden Drop In Session 

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan 

1pm to 3pm 

Gardeners’ Questions - our experts are on site. 

Growing - salad box & cress planting. Harvesting 

- fruit & veg, as available. Having fun - scavenger 

and minibeast hunts. All welcome, no need to 

book – just turn up. 

YOUR TICKET TO LOCAL EVENTS 

/GryffeAds 

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

01505 613340 info@advertizer.co.uk

16 


Mon 14 August 

Make Your Own Mondays: 

Minibeast Safari 


11am - 1pm OR 2pm - 4pm. If you go down to 

the woods today, what creepy crawlies will you 

find? Whether they’re flying over the meadow 

or hiding under logs, let’s go on a bug hunt! We 

will also make our very own butterfly feeders. 

Booking essential. Cost: £5 (Wildlife Explorers 

£3) - Adults go free! 


ADVERTIZER SEPTEMBER 

ISSUE DEADLINE 

The Advertizer - Neva Place, Bridge of Weir 

If you would like anything published in our 

September issue, please email info@advertizer. 

co.uk or call the office on 01505 613340. Don’t 

miss out! 


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). 

Brookfield Gala Day 

Brookfield Village Park, Woodside Road, 

Brookfield 2pm 

Welcoming back the Radio Clyde Roadshow with 

Gina McKie. A variety of stalls, fun activities 

including Cake & Candy, CD/DVD’s, Tombola, 

Pig Racing, Human Fruit Machine, Prize Raffle, 

Coconut Shy, Beer Tent/Bar and the ever-popular 

Bike Swap in conjunction with LEAP from Bridge of 

Weir. Afternoon Tea with delicious home baking 

will be available in the Village Hall from 2.30pm. 


Walk About a Bit 

Canal Station Bar, Paisley 

The 10 mile off road walk from Paisley to 

Lochwinnoch is back! Refreshments & toilet 

break included. 9.15am registration 10am start. 

For more info look online or tel 01505 842882. 

Wildlife Photography Workshop – 

Beginner Level 


1pm to 4.30pm 

Learn how to take great outdoor and wildlife 

photographs with your own camera, then see 

your results on screen. Workshop led by wildlife 

photographer David Palmar (www.photoscot. 

co.uk), volunteer photographer with the RSPB, 

with over 30 years of experience. This will be an 

excellent opportunity for beginners to learn the 

basics. Advice, encouragement and ideas will 

be freely given! Cost: £25 – 20% discount for 

RSPB members. 


Summer Gathering of 

Remembrance 

St Vincent’s Hospice, Midton Road, 

Howwood 2pm to 3pm 

‘A life that touches others goes on forever’. The 

event is a celebration including songs, readings 

and reflections. We do hope you can come along. 

Everyone welcome. 

Witches and Wizards 


1pm to 3pm 

Follow the magic trail and uncover the identity of 

the famous Witch and Wizard. 

ACCORD Hospice Rainbow Ramble 

Ferguslie Park Gardens, Paisley PA1 2QX 

2pm to 5pm 

Start the event in a pristine white t-shirt gradually 

taking on the colours of the rainbow! 4 loops of 

the park - a distance of approximately 3K. Forms 

are available at ACCORD Hospice - or we can 

send these out. Contact fundraising@accord.org. 

uk or call 0141 581 2000 for more information. 

Registration £10 

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. 


Paisley 10k Road Race & Fun Run 

County Square Paisley PA1 1BS 

Paisley 10k - flat fast course that takes runners to 

the west of the town after a loop around Paisley’s 

historic town centre. Sponsored by Decathlon 

Braehead, with Macmillan Cancer Support as the 

official charity partner. 10k Road Race: 10am Fun 

Run: 12.15pm Events and activities throughout 

the day - perfect for all the family! Find out more 

on our website: www.renfrewshireleisure.com/ 

paisley10k or call 0300 300 1362 for more 

information. 

Wed 23 - Fri 25 Aug 

“Art Off The Square” 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple 

Street 

A great variety of art, sculpture, ceramics, 

glassware and jewellery on show. An important 

addition to the show is the tearoom with beautiful 

home-baking by members of the church. Entrance 

includes afternoon tea. Bring along family and 

friends to this excellent show. 23rd and 24th from 

2 - 9pm ~ Saturday 25th from 10am - 4pm. £3. 

Thu 24 August 

KDS Information Night 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 

6.30pm to 7.30pm 

Do YOU fancy being part of our cast or crew for our 

Winter Production Charles Dickens ‘A Christmas 

Carol’ in the Kidston Hall 23rd - 25th November? 

If you do, please come along to our information 

evening. katewatt317@btinternet.com 


Rotary Charity BBQ and Disco 

Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, 

Brookfield 

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. 


Bat & Moth Night 


7:30pm – late Bring a torch! AND 10am - 12noon 

Saturday (Moths) In the evening (Friday) we’ll have 

an interesting presentation on bats, followed by a 

walk out with bat detectors and the experts. The 

next morning, we’ll check the moth trap and see 

what it is the bats around the reserve like to eat! 

Please book, places limited due to popularity of 

event, please pay at time of booking. Cost: Adults: 

£6; Children: £3 (RSPB members: £3/£2) 


Beith Beer Festival 

Beith Community Centre, Kings Road, 

Beith 1pm to 9pm 

Scottish Beer, Cider & Gin, Gourmet Food Vans, 

Music And Family Friendly Fun! £6 (early bird) £7 

beithtrust.org/event/beithfest/ 

Charity Night 

42 New Street, Paisley PA1 1YG 

7pm to 12midnight 

Join K.C. Party & Events charity fundraiser in aid 

of Schiehallion Children’s Cancer Ward at Glasgow 

Children’s Hospital and Intensive Care Special 

Baby Care Unit, RAH, Paisley. DJ, Buffet, amazing 

prizes up for grabs in both auction and raffle, 

photographer to capture the event and much, 

much more! For info call 07759 466131. £5. 

BoW Horticultural Society Flower 

Show 

Royal British Legion, Livery Walk, Bridge 

of Weir 

If you would like a schedule, please contact 01505 

614895. Everyone is welcome, either to enter 

items from their gardens or to come along to look 

at what we grow in this area. 

Family Volunteering - volunteer 

with your children or grandchildren 


1pm to 3.30pm 

Who says volunteering is only for grown-ups? 

Definitely not us. Here’s an opportunity for 

grown-ups and children to do something practical 

together in the great outdoors, and to help us Give 

Nature a Home. It’s a chance to spend some 

quality time with the children in your life, and it’s 

free. Please book. 

St. Colm’s RC Church Coffee Morning 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 

10am to 12noon 

Please join us for tea and cakes, home baking, 

face painting, stalls, raffle and fun! Tickets 

available on the door. 

Sat 26 - Sun 27 Aug 

Ayr Running Festival 

2 Fairfield Road, Ayr, South Ayrshire 

KA7 2AR 

Saturday events - split into various races. The 

races will range from the Lang Scots Mile Dash 

events for the youngest runners, to Buggy Dashes 

for families and timed events for colts, adults 

and elite runners. Sunday 10K - A fast, flat and 

inclusive event. Whatever your goal, take part 

with family and friends in this superb event over 

a fantastic route in an ideal location. 

Sat 26 Aug - Sun 3 Sept 

Largs Regatta Week 

Largs Yacht Haven 

Fun week of racing keelboats and dinghies around 

the buoys and islands including the Scottish Two 

Handed Race and Firth of Clyde Costal Rowing 

Club Annual Regatta. BBQ and marquee, party 

with live music as well as the themed Regatta 

Dinner. Visit www.largsregattaweek.co.uk 



Sat 26 Aug - Sun 10 Sept 

Jurassic Kingdom 

17 

Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Great 

Western Road, Glasgow 10am to 6pm 

A fascinating and educational day out for families. 

Last entry at 5pm. Once inside the event visitors 

can stay as long as they like. For info & tickets 

www.jurassickingdom.uk/glasgow 


Johnstone Gala Day 

Thomas Shanks Park, Johnstone 

12noon to 4pm 

JOIN US FOR A REALLY GREAT TIME WITH LOTS 

OF THINGS TO DO. A Football Tournament, Tug-of- 

War, Bouncy Castle, Lots of goody stalls, Plenty of 

foody treats, and much, much more. 

Get Wet and Wild 


1pm to 3pm 

Come along with your wet gear and join in the 

games. See who ends up in the stocks getting 

soaked. Can you race your space hopper to the 

end and avoid sponges? 

Brass Showcase 2017 

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 

Johnstone Town Hall, Johnstone 3pm 

Each of the bands are looking forward to 

presenting their best concert programme, and 

the bands will receive feedback from a judging 

panel, and from the audience. Come along and 

enjoy this brand new, innovative event. 

Wildlife Photography Workshop – 

Intermediate Level 


10am to 4pm 

Learn how to take great outdoor and wildlife 

photographs with your own camera, then see 

your results on screen. Workshop led b RSPB 

volunteer wildlife photographer David Palmar 

(www.photoscot.co.uk), with over 30 years of 

experience. An excellent opportunity to build 

on your existing photography skills. Advice, 

encouragement and ideas will be freely given! 

Cost: £40– 20% discount for RSPB members. 


Queensferry Crossing to Open 

Edinburgh (various) 

The Queensferry Crossing will open to traffic. Full 

details will be provided for road users in the weeks 

ahead of opening the bridge. 

Sat 2 September 

1st Houston Boys Brigade Annual 

Coffee Morning 

Houston & Killellan Kirk, Main Street, 

Houston 10am to 12noon 

Tickets £1 including tea/coffee/homebaking. 

Breakfast rolls on sale. 

Sat 2 - Sun 3 Sept 

Scottish International Airshow 

2 Fairfield Road, Ayr, South Ayrshire 

KA7 2AR 

Scotland’s biggest air party bringing the very best 

in flight displays to Scotland. www.tsia.scot/ 


18 


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 - 9.15pm 

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. 

2nd Sunday monthly 

Gateway Garden Drop In Sessions 

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan 1pm -3pm 

Open Days with gardening and wildlife activities 

on offer 

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 

“LET’S 

CELEBRATE” 

Floral Art 

Demonstration 

by Jane Gordon 

Wednesday 13th September 

at 2pm 

in Paisley Abbey 

Tickets £5 from the Abbey Shop 

or at the door 

Paisley Abbey (Church of Scotland) – 

Registered Charity No. SC007633 

Saturday 2nd 

Site opens at 10 am – Flying display 

finishes at 6 pm 

The RAF Falcons parachute team 

will land on Ayr beach 

RAF Typhoon Fighter 

Yak 3 WW2 Russian classic fi ghter 

The Battle of Britain memorial fl ight 

– Lancaster Hurricane Spitfi re 

Royal Marines role demonstration 

and beach assault featuring a Type 

23 Frigate, P2000 inshore fast 

patrol craft, Offshore Raiding Craft, 

Merlin helicopter and a full 

detachment of Royal Marines 

The RAF Grob Tutor aerobatic 

display 

MiG 15 Cold War fi ghter jet 

Belgian Air Force F16 Fighting 

Falcon supersonic fi ghter jet 

Plane Sailing’s WW2 classic 

Catalina Flying Boat 

Captain Ham and the ever popular 

Wee Dram sea plane 

Flying display finishes at 6 pm 

www.tsia.scot 

Sunday 3rd 

Site opens at 10 am – Flying display 

finishes at 5 pm 

The RAF Falcons parachute team 

will land on Ayr beach 

RAF Typhoon Fighter 

The Lancaster solo display 

Yak 3 WW2 Russian classic fi ghter 

The RAF Grob Tutor aerobatic 

display 

MiG 15 Cold War fi ghter jet 

Belgian Air Force F16 Fighting 

Falcon supersonic fi ghter jet 

Plane Sailing’s WW2 classic 

Catalina Flying Boat 

Captain Ham and the ever popular 

Wee Dram sea plane 

The Red Arrows aerobatic display 

4.30 until 5 pm will finish the 

airshow 

0 1 5 0 5 

ARE YOU PLANNING OR 

HAD AN EVENT? 

SEND IN THE DETAILS AND 

YOU COULD BE ON THESE 

VERY PAGES! 

6133 4 0 

This year the re-enactment group 

Swords of Dalriada will be in the 

Viking Village with Viking traders from 

Germany, Sweden and Ireland. Come 

and see how the Vikings lived in our 

extended living history 13th Century 

Viking Village. Entry fee of £5 Adults, 

£2 children, students and Concessions 

(over 60s) with Under 5s FREE gives 

admission throughout the day of purchase. The Village opens at 11 a.m. 

Every day with last admission at 4.30 pm. Please note that the Village closes 

on the Opening Day, 2 September, from 12.30 to 1.45 pm to enable the 

Vikings to participate in the Opening Parade and as required to facilitate 

Viking Skirmishes. 

School visits to the Village are welcomed and normally double up with a 

visit to Vikingar! The town’s all year round Viking experience. Please contact 

Vikingar! On 01475 689777 for further details. 

As well as our Viking Village there will also be: 

A Scottish Food and Craft Fayre – Come and enjoy a shopping experience with 

a difference. 

Owl Magic – with us every day, weather permitting. All the owls on show have 

been hand reared and are used to being handled. 

Fun Fair – present on the Promenade Car Park throughout the Festival. 

At weekends,there will be aerobatic displays, on-stage entertainment and a 

variety of street performers on the Promenade and at various locations in 

the town. 

Visit www.largsvikingfestival.org for full details 



The annual Rotary Charity BBQ and Disco 

will be held at Brookfi eld Village Hall on 

Friday 25th August 2017. 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 raffl e 

with dozens of prizes. Tickets are available from members 

or via the website. 

On September 16th, the club will man a Coconut shy at the St Columba’s Late Summer Fete, 

raising money for local charities. St Columba’s are a corporate member of Rotary and the club 

are pleased to have the opportunity to return a favour. Members will be present and ready to 

speak to people who may be interested to learn more about the club and membership. 

19 

GLASGOW BOTANIC GARDENS, 730 GREAT 

WESTERN RD, GLASGOW G12 0UE 

Jurassic Kingdom continues its UK wide tour to 

Glasgow Botanic Gardens, opening on the 26th 

August 2017 and closing on the 10th September 

2017. It will be open daily during these dates and 

makes a fascinating and educational day out for 

families. Please ensure you arrive within the hourly 

time slot you have purchased. The event will be 

open from 10am to 6pm daily with last entry at 5pm. 

Once inside the event visitors can stay as long as they 

like. 

Please Note: Tickets are nonrefundable 

and non-exchangeable. 

Children aged 2 and under enter free and do not need a ticket. Child tickets 

are for ages 3-16. There are no cloakroom facilities at the venue, so visitors 

will not be able to store bags or large items. Children’s scooters, skates and 

bicycles are not permitted on site. Only guide dogs are permitted at the festival. 

Thank you. 

Accessibility: The pathways are a mixture of hard standing, grass and dirt track, and 

temporary plastic pathway. The event route is mostly accessible to wheelchair users 

and for pushchairs. Please be aware that some areas do have a few steps and some 

uneven fl ooring as we are on a public park site. Our teams onsite are ready to assist 

any wheelchair users where possible and offer route guidance and advice as we would 

like all our visitors to enjoy the event and make the most of their visit. 

Parking: To retain the peace of the Gardens, there is no parking within the Grounds 

but on-street parking is available in Queen Margaret Drive, immediately adjacent to 

the entrance. Limited parking for registered disabled is available within the Gardens. 

Please note, parking is very limited so we strongly advise using public transport to 

avoid causing major traffi c jams. 

Travel by Bus: From Buchanan Bus Station take the number 6 bus, from Glasgow 

Central take bus no.s 7 or 6, from Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow take bus number 

4A. 

Travel by Train: The nearest subway station to Botanic Gardens is Hillhead station on 

the Glasgow Subway. The nearest central railway station is Partick or Hyndland. 


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20 


Thank you to all of you who supported our 

Spring Production ‘Quartet’ which was a great 

success. Alison Holliman, our professional 

director from Helensburgh, along with our 

very talented cast put on a great show which 

was enjoyed by all. Thank you for all your kind 

comments and I’m thrilled you all enjoyed it so much. 

After such a successful production, I am delighted that Alison has also agreed 

to Direct our forthcoming winter production. Yes….now summer is almost at 

an end we are already preparing for our next show to kick start, dare I say it, 

Christmas festivities!! We have decided to have a change from our pantomime 

and instead put on the new adaptation of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol 

which we are all very excited about. This is a huge production for us to undertake 

and we cannot do it without your support. There will be some musical numbers 

and it promises to be quite a spectacular show for all the family. 

Do YOU fancy being part of our cast or crew for our Winter Production 

Charles Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’ in the Kidston Hall 23-25 November 

2017? 

If you do, please come along to our information evening on Thursday 24th 

August at 6.30-7.30pm in the Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm. 

Look forward to seeing all those interested in starring in or helping 

backstage then. I will print our cast list in the Advertiser once auditions 

have taken place. 

In the meantime, I hope you all enjoyed the lovely Scottish summer weather! 

And look on the bright side..you have a great Christmas Night Out to look 

forward so please put our show dates in your diaries! 

Will keep you posted over the next few months. My email address is below if 

anyone would like any further information on KDS. 

Stay Safe Kate katewatt317@btinternet.com 

Kicking off with a spectacular 

parade of vintage vehicles at 

11am. 

The vehicles will be on display 

for the rest of the day in 

Houstoun Square, where an 

afternoon-long party of music 

and entertainment, falconry 

displays, bouncy castle and 

more will take place. 

Scottish Fire and Rescue will 

be doing a series of dramatic demonstrations throughout the day. 

Brighter Renfrewshire Alcohol 

Awareness Week 

Brighter Renfrewshire Alcohol Awareness Week 

was celebrated by RAMH with an alcohol free BBQ attended by 

almost 80 guests. The rain stayed off and guests enjoyed a range of non 

alcoholic drinks and healthy BBQ food including fi sh kebabs, grilled chicken, 

salads and cous cous. The smoothie bike allowed guests to blend smoothies 

by pedalling their choice of fruit into a delicious drink. 

Those in attendance included service users and staff from various agencies 

including alcohol support organisations, local information services such as 

Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau, and local councillors. 

The event was held in one of three of the beautiful RAMH gardens which is 

maintained by the Wellbeing Gardening Groups. Ecotherapy is a productive 

way to manage symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety, and is benefi cial 

because being outdoors, being physically active, and nurturing plants, all boost 

feelings of wellbeing. 

The Wellbeing Gardening Groups are supported in 2017 by Tesco Bags Of Help 

who awarded three RAMH gardening groups a total of £12,000. The crucial 

funding means that three gardens will undergo extensive development to 

create spaces where people experiencing mental ill health can benefi t from 

ecotherapy, enjoy being outdoors and seek peace and solace. 

For more info visit www.ramh.org or contact enquiries@ramh.org or 0141 847 

8900. 



21 

Keep It Country Show 

Wednesday 2nd August - 7.30pm – Tickets £20 

Join 4 of Ireland’s top country Stars for an unmissable show fi lled 

with toe tapping Country music, cabaret and laughter that will 

have the audience singing and clapping all night long. The show 

features showband legend John Hogan, the hilarious Gary Gamble 

and his surreal impressions of Daniel O’Donnell, the pure voice of 

Joe Moore and the popular Cowboy Larry all accompanied by the 

fantastic Keltic Storm live band. 

The Little Mermaid 

Saturday 5th August - 2pm - Tickets £10 to £12 

Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of The Little Mermaid 

is brought to the stage in a brand new production by the 

internationally acclaimed Panto Company. With stunning 

scenery, eye-catching costumes, original songs plus up-to-date 

chart songs and not forgetting loads of audience participation, 

this show makes for an entertaining family day out. Age 

guidance: 3-11 

Rhythm of the Dance 

Sunday 6th August - 7.30pm - Tickets £23 to £24 

This incredible live show creates a new era in Irish 

entertainment, featuring world champion dancers, 

a traditional Irish band, and the handsome Young 

Irish Tenors, an array of the most talented, gifted cast 

who keep audiences wowed all over the world. For more information go to : www. 

rhythmofthedance.com 

Seussical Jr. 

Friday 11th, 12th August - 7.30pm - Tickets £10 to £12 

Saturday 12th August - 2.30pm - Tickets £10 to £12 

Following their sell-out show Little Mermaid JR last year, 

Greenock Players Youth bring you an un-forgettable 

musical caper! Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and 

all of your favourite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life in 

this fantastical musical extravaganza. 

Goldilocks and the Three Bears Singalong 

Saturday 12th August - 2pm - Tickets up to £8 

The much loved fairytale, Goldilocks and The Three 

Bears, comes to life onstage in an unforgettable live 

stage production full of songs and laughter that children 

will love. Goldilocks, the Three Bears, and Ruff the 

Dog perform live in this exciting and fun-fi lled musical 

production which takes a few twists and turns along the way with other new puppet 

characters. Age guidance: 1-7 years 

The Pearl Fishers 

Friday 25th August - 7:30 pm - Tickets £6 to £15 

Opera Bohemia returns to the Beacon with Bizet’s 

masterpiece. Two men’s vow of friendship is threatened by 

their obsession with the same woman, a beautiful priestess, 

who battles to suppress her feelings of love in order to 

uphold her sacred oath. With beautiful melodies, rousing 

choruses and opera’s most famous duet! 

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

INFO@BEACONARTSCENTRE.CO.UK TELEPHONE: 01475 723723 

Dinner/Dance 

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

Hotel, 96 Greenock Road, Largs. Booking essential. 

Call 01475 675435 for further information. 

Brass Showcase 2017 

Johnstone Band is delighted to announce a Brass Showcase on Sunday 27th 

August at Johnstone Town Hall from 3pm. 

The event has arisen from the gap in the banding calendar following Land 

O’Burns contest cancellation this year. Each of the bands is looking forward to 

presenting their best concert programme, and the bands will receive feedback 

from a judging panel, and from the audience. Come along and enjoy this brand 

new, innovative event. Entry will be £5 and free to under 16s, with fi rst band 

on at 3pm. 

WED 

9 

AUG 

SUN 

20 

AUG 

The Kilkenny’s 

Paisley Town Hall 

7.30pm 

Tickets: £15 (£12 conc.) + bkg fee* 

Ireland’s newest balladeers come from a city steeped in 

music, history and folk culture. The band’s following is growing 

internationally and their upward curve has been sure and steady. 

With passion and pride, The Kilkennys play old Irish folk songs 

and new songs of their own. 

Aly Bain and Phill Cunningham 

Paisley Town Hall 

7.30pm 

Tickets: £18 (£16 conc.) + bkg fee* 

Now embarking on their 31st year of working together, 

Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham have established themselves 

as the epitome of excellence in the world of traditional music. 

With their musical magic and quick-witted humour, they will 

pull your emotional strings one moment and have you falling off the seat with laughter 

the next! 

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

04 - 28 August 2017 

Across Edinburgh 


22 


Financial Blog 

by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd 

Landlords & Tax – More tax to pay? 

The Government has trained its sights on property investors and landlords 

now face higher tax bills. Many landlords are higher rate income taxpayers 

and the loss of higher rate tax relief on mortgage costs could be very 

painful for some, particularly those with large portfolios or with a high level 

of borrowing. In summary, higher rate tax relief is being withdraw over the 

next 4 years meaning taxable profits will be higher - leading to more tax to 

pay. In some cases, the tax bill may exceed the net income the landlord 

receives! The changes are; 

Although the target for this tax grab is higher rate income taxpayers, those 

who pay basic rate income tax may not escape unscathed. Much depends 

on how big the mortgage is and how much interest is claimed against 

rental profi ts. Once fi nance costs are disallowed as shown above, rental 

profits may push a basic 

rate taxpayer into higher 

rate income tax taking their 

tax rate from 20% to 40% 

Landlords should now 

consider the following; 

• Do the maths – is buy 

to let still a worthwhile 

investment? 

• Reduce debt? - and lower your risk 

• Tax planning – transfer ownership to a lower rate taxpaying spouse/ 

civil partner? 

• Take professional advice – the tax rules around property investment 

are complicated. 

This information is not fi nancial advice. If you require advice you should consult 

a professional adviser. The fi rst meeting is normally free and there is no 

obligation. 

Call us for a FREE fi nancial review on 01505 59 50 60 or info@affl uentfp.co.uk. 

Alternatively, pop into the Affl uent offi ce opposite Amaretto restaurant on Main 

Street, Bridge of Weir. www.affl uentfp.co.uk 

Clyde’s First Opening Road Bridge 

The award-winning architect behind the Falkirk Wheel believes proposals 

for the Clyde’s fi rst opening bridge will act as a symbol of the region’s 

regeneration. 

Internationally acclaimed Tony Kettle has drawn on the area’s rich 

shipbuilding heritage to develop a new road bridge between Renfrew, 

Clydebank and Yoker as part of a major infrastructure investment project. 

The bridge, which will open for passing ships and accommodate vehicles, 

pedestrians and cyclists, is a key component of Renfrewshire Council’s 

£90.7million Clyde Waterfront 

and Renfrew Riverside project, 

which is funded through the 

Glasgow City Region City Deal. 

Leading engineering and design 

consultancy Sweco worked with 

Kettle Collective to develop the 

conceptual design for the new 

twin-leaf bridge which uses a 

modern cable stay system akin to the Queensferry Crossing. 

Each leaf of the bridge opens and closes horizontally, with the joint at a 30- 

degree angle in a nod to the local dry docks, while inclined masts rotate to 

resemble the turning motion of cranes. 

Kettle hopes the project could be extended to include a viewing platform 

and visitor attraction, providing a place for people to learn more about the 

history of the Clyde and explore the mechanics behind the bridge. 

He was the brains behind the 1,200 tonne Falkirk Wheel which has attracted 

more than 5.5million people since it opened in 2002. 

The new River Clyde crossing is part of plans to connect communities 

across the river and regenerate the Clyde Waterfront as an attractive area 

supporting residential, industrial, business, retail and leisure opportunities. 

Plans for the crossing and all Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside 

infrastructure are being considered by planning authorities in Renfrewshire, 

West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow this summer. If approved, construction 

is anticipated to start in 2018 and be completed in 2020. 



23 


24 

Speaker Dinner Meetings 

David Hill - “Disabled Sport at Castle Semple” - June 21st 

David Hill, Chief Instructor at Castle Semple was 

introduced by David Fairbairn. David had addressed 

the Club on a previous occasion and has been Rotary’s 

main contact in the three projects to promote sailing for 

the disabled, namely the hoist, the adapted dinghy and 

the “The WheelyBoat”. 


Following an excellent video showing how disabled people of all ages were 

benefi ting from and enjoying the various sporting facilities on offer, David 

gave a most interesting account of the many developments and goals 

achieved at Castle Semple during the past year or two. In thanking David 

for his talk, Peter Dickie said that it was very satisfying for himself and his 

fellow members to hear and see how the club’s fund-raising efforts had 

helped in some way to bring about such pleasure and enjoyment to so 

many. 

Chris Butlin - “My Favourite Island in 

the Sun” - June 28th 

Past President Chris Butlin spoke to the 

club at the last meeting of the Rotary year. 

His subject was “My Favourite Island in the 

Sun”. Chris and his wife Ruth look forward 

to a visit to Sicily each year to visit Ruth’s 

sister and husband who live there. It is the 

biggest island in the Mediterranean. And 

has the most active volcano too. Chris 

reckons it is great for foodies, history, and 

now also for visiting the haunts of the great 

detective Montalbano. Chris highlighted 

Aztec chocolate made in Modica and came 

with samples! After a series of questions, 

the President thanked Chris for his 

admirable presentation. 

Angel Voices 

A donation from Gryffe Valley 

Rotary has covered the cost 

of new uniforms for the Angel 

Voices choir. The choir has 

children from 5 to 12 years 

who love singing. They will be 

performing at a Rotary event 

in the autumn/winter. A letter 

of thanks from choir organiser 

Maureen Russell was read out 

at the club business meeting. Its appropriate that the uniforms are purple – 

the Rotary colour of the End Polio campaign! 

Presidential handover 

At the meeting on 5th June 

Peter Dickie handed over the 

chain of office to his successor 

as President, Nigel Jamison. 

In his final remarks as President, 

Peter thanked his team of 

retiring officers (pictured) and 

the members for their work 

during the year. There were 

48 club meetings (with 46 

speakers) during the year, £12000 was raised for charity and £17000 was 

spent on a range of excellent projects and causes. The club is in good 

shape with 40+ active members. 

Nigel congratulated Peter on his year in the chair and gave him a gift from 

the club. He looked forward to working with the new team of officers and 

remarked that everyone he had approached had been willing to take on a 

task. 

The officers for the 2017-18 year are: 

President: 

Nigel Jamison 

Hon Sec: 

Allan Gilfi llan 

Hon Treasurer: 

Iain Robertson 

Club Service/Membership: 

Peter Dickie 

Community and Vocational: 

Ronnie Mercer 

looking for someone local? 

Information and Webmaster: 

Mike Farley 

International Service and Rotary Foundation: 

Alan Watt 

Speakers: 

Jim McBeath 

Sports and Social: 

Angus Matheson 

Youth Service: 

Andrew Macleman 

Next meetings/events 

The new Rotary year will start with three members speaking and our latest 

Euroscholar. 

July 19th 

August 16th 

Allan Gilfillan 

Alison Headley – “Euroscholar” 


Zia Hotiana on “Urology” 


Colin Bird – “Pipes for life” 

www.advertizer.co.uk/clients 



LOCAL 

history 

25 

Kilbarchan 

Henry Birkmyre and his Descendants 

Henry Birkmyre (1762- 

1844) worked as a 

handloom weaver in 

Kilbarchan, where in 

1785 he married his fi rst 

cousin Agnes Birkmyre. 

After their marriage, 

Henry and Agnes 

attended Burntshields 

Burgher Church. The baptisms of three of their children, Jean in 1786, John 

in 1788 and Agnes in 1791, are recorded in Burntshields church records. In 

1792 the family moved to Port Glasgow where Henry took up employment 

in a sailcloth manufactury. A fourth child, William, was born in Port Glasgow 

in 1802. The Birkmyres prospered in Port Glasgow. Henry soon rose to the 

position of foreman in Gourock Ropework Co. and was made a partner in 

the firm in 1814. His portrait, which still exists, is said to have hung in the 

company’s boardroom. 

Henry sent his younger son, William, to Glasgow to be trained by city 

merchants. This early training paid off and, following in his father’s footsteps, 

William was appointed as a manager in the rope works. In 1831 he married 

Margaret Aitken. William was regarded as a shrewd businessman and laid 

the foundations of the future success and world-wide expansion of Gourock 

Ropework Co. He retired in 1860 and died in 1862 in Ashgrove, the family 

home at the bottom of Clune Brae in Port Glasgow. 

Two of William’s sons, Henry (b.1832) and John (b.1836) became partners 

in Gourock Ropework Co. A third son William (b.1838) spent some time in 

India, and pursued a political career, becoming MP for the Burgh of Ayr. A 

younger son, Adam (b.1848), attended to the family’s business interests 

overseas. Under the brothers’ control, Gourock Ropework Co. became 

renowned world-wide as manufacturers of rope, sail cloth and canvas. 

All four brothers became extremely wealthy and were generous benefactors 

in the local community. Henry was instrumental in founding Clune Park 

U.P. Church in 1878. In 1881, he diversified his interests and bought New 

Lanark Mills from the then owner, Charles Walker. Under the Birkmyre 

family, Gourock Ropework Co. owned David Dale’s new Lanark Mills for 

the next 65 years. 

John, in 1870, appointed David Bryce, a renowned architect, to build his 

baronial mansion, Broadstone House on the hills above Port Glasgow. He 

gifted Broadstone Jubilee Hospital to the community of Port Glasgow. 

William, the third brother, spent time in India and pursued a political career, 

becoming MP for the Burgh of Ayr. He gifted Birkmyre Park (later known 

as the Public Park) to the town of Port Glasgow. Adam owned Shallott 

(now part of St. Columba’s School buildings) and various other properties 

in Kilmacolm. In 1897, he gifted recreation grounds, now Birkmyre Park, 

to Kilmacolm village. He also had interests in Calcutta in India and in 

Switzerland where he died in 1906. 

© 2017, Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum 

War dead 1916 

On a visit to the Somme, on 1st July James Wallace laid a wreath on 

behalf of the Kilbarchan Scout 

Group at Contalmaison Chateau 

Cemetery. Private James Dunne 

of the Black Watch lived for some 

years in St.Barchan’s Road and is 

remembered on the memorial in the 

Scout Hall. He was killed on 25th 

August 1916. 

August 1917 

The Third Battle of Ypres, better known as 

Passchendaele, was a by-word for mud and misery 

as whole divisions struggled through mud and rain 

to take the high ground. 

Private Thomas Major served with the 11th Argylls, 

45th Brigade of the 15th (Scottish) Division. At 

4.55 on 22 August 1917 the attack was launched 

and within thirty seconds an enemy barrage 

came down and the assaulting troops were met 

with concentrated machine-gun fire. The fate of the leading companies is 

unknown. Thomas Major went 

missing in this phase of the battle. 

He was 32 years old, and lived 

with his wife Elizabeth and four 

children at 43 Low Barholm. He 

was a stone mason, employed by 

Mr Thomas Gray, a Kilbarchan 

builder. He is commemorated 

on a memorial panel at Tyne Cot 

Cemetery. 

Private James R. Marshall also served in the 11th Argylls: the battalion 

had been withdrawn a little to reorganise after the attack on 22nd August. 

James Marshall was killed on 26th August, and, like Private Major has no 

known grave and is remembered on panels 141 to 143 and panel 162 at 

Tyne Cot. He had worked as a slater and plasterer in his father’s business 

at 20 Ewing Street. He had been called up in January 1917 and went to 

France in June. 

Airman 1st Class Arthur H. Wardlaw flew with 13 Squadron of the Royal 

Flying Corps. He had previously soldiered with the Border Regiment. 

He and a sergeant pilot were on a photo reconnaissance mission when 

they were attacked by two Albatross fighters and shot down. His Flight 

Commander wrote: ‘Both were killed on the spot and cannot have suffered 

much...’ Before the war he worked in the drawing office of Loudon Brothers, 

engineers, of Johnstone. He died on 30th August 1917 and has no known 

grave. He is remembered on the Arras Flying Services Memorial. 

Photo shows panels of the missing at Tyne Cot, Passchendaele. 

Johnstone History Society 

Our new season of meetings starts on Tuesday 12th September in the 

Masonic Hall Collier Street at 7.30pm. Our first speaker is Donald Reid MA 

[Hons) a Scottish author who lives in Beith Ayrshire his subject will be ‘The 

Lost Mining Villages of the Doon Valley’, We hope this meeting will be well 

attended and look forward to welcoming existing members and any new 

members or visitors. 

The Museum has continued to open throughout the summer and on Doors 

Open weekend the 2nd and 3rd of September the Museum will be open 

both Saturday and Sunday from 10.3Oam till 4pm, We have many books 

and publications on sale in the Museum, these can also be purchased 

online at “johnstonehistory.org” and paid for through PayPal. We are also 

able to copy and print photographs etc at very reasonable charges. 


26 


Success on a plate for 

Glasgow Airport 

Supreme Sacrifice - Bridge of 

Weir and the Great War 

100 years ago this month – August 1917 

Private David McGregor, 18th King’s 

(Liverpool) Regiment 

Gunner William Millar, Royal Field 

Artillery 

Private Adam McLeod Walton, 11th 

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 

Private James Woodrow, 8th 

Seaforth Highlanders 

Private Richard Arroll, 5th Seaforth 

Highlanders 

Private William Candlish, 6th 

Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders 

Captain George Jackson, 18th 

Highland Light Infantry 

August 1917 was to be the worst month of the war for Bridge of Weir: 

seven fatalities, fi ve of them in the glutinous mud and gas-contaminated 

wasteland of Third Ypres, that dreadful slog towards Passchendaele that 

was supposed to be the fi nal push that broke the German Army. The Armies 

still faced each other in November with half a million fewer men; exhausted 

but not broken. 

David McGregor of Gryffe View had volunteered at seventeen, joined the 

Army Cyclist Corps then transferred to the King’s Liverpool Regiment that 

took part in the Battle of Pilckem Ridge on the first day of Third Ypres. David 

was 19, his body never found, the youngest on the village memorial. 

William Simpson Millar, eldest son of Robert Millar, a carter living in the 

Wheatsheaf, was a gunner in a howitzer battery, and in mid-August both 

sides were pounding the other relentlessly, for which William paid the 

price. 

Adam McLeod Walton, Ladeside Place, was the illegitimate son of Jessie 

Walton, a thread mill worker. He enlisted in the 11th Argylls in March 1917 

and was in Flanders four months later, barely trained to fight. A month later 

he was presumed killed in an attack on Beck House. 

James Woodrow, also Ladeside Place, the son of James (a joiner) and 

Elizabeth was in the 8th Seaforth Highlanders when they made their attack 

on Beck House just four days later. It was another failure, and the Seaforths 

were reduced to 200 men, about quarter-strength. The odds were stacked 

against James. 

William Candlish was the son of James, a grain merchant in Glasgow and 

Mary Lennox, and moved to Bridge of Weir in 1912. He was a shipping 

clerk and might have gained a commission had he lived longer, but he too 

was trudging between Cambridge Trench and the fighting for Beck House 

when he was killed on 24th August, whether from a bullet or, as many did, 

slipping off a catwalk into a flooded shell crater, with no hope of climbing 

Glasgow Airport has become the first airport 

in Scotland to boast a coveted food and drink 

standards award - its Scotland & Sea Food 

Court has won a Taste Our Best award. 

The Quality Assurance accreditation from 

VisitScotland certifies the excellence and 

provenance of the food and drink available at 

Scotland & Sea’s airport eateries. 

Taste Our Best, a joint initiative between VisitScotland and the Scottish 

Government, is designed to recognise businesses - including hotels, 

restaurants, cafes, takeaways, visitor attractions and B&Bs - that not only 

offer a quality food and drink experience but also include and promote 

Scottish produce on their menus, giving consumers more choice and an 

authentic experience. 

The scheme provides businesses with an assessment by qualifi ed assessors 

of their food provision and menu, with those meeting the necessary criteria 

receiving the Taste Our Best accreditation.The award provides consumers 

with an independent and trusted assurance of standards and in addition, 

offers businesses a valuable marketing tool. 

Scotland & Sea comprises four outlets providing different catering offerings, 

with dishes freshly prepared and cooked on the premises.The separate 

sports bar and grill, deli, buffet-style restaurant and café bar offer a wide 

variety of dining options, from grab and go light bites to lunch. 

The Food Court is operated by global catering specialist Delaware North, 

which invested over £2m five years ago to transform the Glasgow Airport 

Food Court into a stylish, contemporary and comfortable dining hall. 

Supreme Sacrifice - continued 

out of the clinging, sucking mud. Adam, James and William’s names are on 

the Tyne Cot Memorial. 

August was also the final month of life for 

Dickie Arroll, a successful house painter 

who had set up home with his wife and 

three daughters in Torr Road. He was 

a keen sportsman, and taught physical 

fitness, which may explain why he lasted 

three months after being wounded in the 

thigh at Arras in May. He was repatriated to 

Hampstead Hospital in London, but to no 

avail. He was the final victim of the Battles 

of Arras, the sixth in the village. 

George Jackson, Prieston Road, the son of 

William Jackson, sugar merchant and Jean 

Bain, was educated at Paisley Grammar 

and Glasgow University and was being 

groomed to take over his father’s business 

Private Richard Arroll when the 

war began. As a territorial he was in France 

by November 1914. He won promotion 

to Captain, became a Staff Officer, but 

returned to his men in late August 1917 

near Guillemont Farm at Villers-Faucon. 

The enemy attacked, George gathered 

men for a counter-attack and he died 

leading them - what his colonel called in his 

letter to the parents, “a soldier’s death.” He 

was twenty-five. 

Read more about the lives and untimely 

deaths of all seven men at http://www. 

bridgeofweirmemorial.co.uk and in the 

book “Supreme Sacrifice: A Small Village Captain George Jackson 

and the Great War available from www.birlinn.co.uk or Abbey Books, 2 Well 

Street, Paisley, and other major bookshops or online. 

Gordon Masterton 



27 

Classics Cars 

come to Castle Semple 

“Classics at Castle Semple” 

will return to the shores of 

Castle Semple Loch for 

a 7th year on Sunday 22 

October 2017 11am-3pm. 

The show has gained 

fabulous support from both 

the public and classic car 

owners from far afield. “ For 

a small show, the response 

has been overwhelming. 

I reckon it’s the pleasant 

atmosphere of the show along with its stunning location in 

Lochwinnoch that has people flocking back,” said Jane Fawcett , 

event organiser. “Hardened car show goers can be quite critical 

of our cars, but the public just love them. That makes us owners 

a happy bunch! “ 

This year Jane will be asking for help raising money for her favourite 

charity, the wonderful St Vincents Hospice, in Howwood. “ I think 

we all know someone who’s been there or who’s life has ended 

there. We are so lucky to have them on our doorstep. Bigger 

charities seem to attract a lot of donations and smaller, local charities miss out – like St Vincents. So this year, the 

event is still free but I’ll have the buckets going round the show and would ask that you kindly donate. “ 

“Last years show had everything from a plucky little Vauxhall Viva, Jazzy Rolls Royce, Classic Lotus Elan, a rather 

pink VW beetle , a very brownTriumph Dolomite Sprint and a variety of Hotrods and American beasts alongside 

some tasty motorbikes. So much variety – it’s a comical car park at times!” 

Jane is inviting local classic owners to apply and as the show fills very quickly so email 

classicsatcastlesemple@gmail.com asap with enquiries. 


28 


Tilly at Kilbarchan Agricultural Show by Keith Nairn 

Cawdor Cup Comes To Kilmacolm 

Pet Blog 

by PetVets 

Dental Problems in Guinea Pigs 

Guinea pigs have 20 teeth, 4 incisors at the front and 16 “cheek teeth” 

consisting of 1 set of premolars and 3 sets of molars. All of these are 

open rooted, meaning they grow continuously. In healthy guinea pigs the 

normal process of biting and chewing food causes wearing of the teeth and 

prevents them overgrowing. 

Abnormal wear of the teeth leads to overgrowth. This tends to form spikes 

on the outer edge of the upper cheek teeth and the inner edge of the lower 

teeth. This prevents normal eating and can cause injuries and sores in the 

mouth. The lower teeth can overgrow to the extent that they trap the tongue 

and prevent normal swallowing. 

Causes of dental problems include: 

• Incorrect diet: Most common cause. Inadequate amount of roughage 

(hay/grass) in diet leads to reduced wearing of teeth. Also inadequate 

vitamin C supplementation can cause scurvy with effects including dental 

misalignment and pain from loose teeth. 

• Genetic abnormalities: Affecting jaw conformation leading to abnormal 

wear of teeth. 

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. 

The prestigious Cawdor Cup is the trophy awarded each 

year by the Clydesdale Horse Society to the Champion 

Clydesdale Female at the Royal Highland Show. 

This year’s winner is the eight year old mare, West Glen 

New Dawn, owned and bred by Jim and Jean Anderson at 

West Glen Farm, Kilmacolm, ably supported by their well 

kent nephew, Seamons McFarlane. 

After winning the Clydesdale Female Championship, New 

Dawn went on to win the overall Clydesdale Championship, 

beating the Clydesdale Male Champion. The following day 

she won the Scottish Native Horse and Pony Championship, 

The Sanderson Trophy, by beating the Champion Highland, Shetland and Eriskay Ponies. 

New Dawn has been Champion Clydesdale at many of the local agricultural shows 

over the past eight years and has been a contender at The Royal Highland Show 

most years since fi rst being shown there as a yearling. She is the daughter of 

perhaps the most renown Clydesdale stallion of this era, Collessie Cut Above and 

her dam is Fawnspark Holly whose sire was Dillars Leader. Both these stallions 

were winners of the male Cawdor Cup which is competed for at the National 

Stallion Show in the Spring of each year. Holly, who is now 12 years old, was 

gifted by Jim and Jean to the Riding for the Disabled several months ago and is 

now a star in her own right doing a great job at Cardross. 

Jim and Jean have been showing and breeding Clydesdales for only the past twelve years 

and are obviously delighted with an achievement that some Clydesdale breeders aspire to over several generations. 

lamontfarm.org.uk 

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: 

10.30am-4.30pm (Tue/Fri: 9.30am-4pm) 

Lamont Farm Project is a registered Scottish 

charity, No. SC013875 

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 

underheughark.weebly.com 

registered Scottish Charity No SCO46258 

• Illness/injury: Causing reduced food intake or preference for 

softer foods and so reducing wear of teeth. 

Signs of dental problems include: 

• Reduced appetite or anorexia • Salivation 

• Grinding of teeth • Dropping food 

• Weight loss • Abnormal faeces 

Treatment of dental misalignment 

involves a general anaesthetic to 

fi le teeth back into a normal shape 

and promote normal chewing 

action. In some cases extractions 

are necessary. Sometimes x-rays 

are taken to assess tooth roots for 

impaction. Antibiotics are used to 

treat secondary infections. Antiinfl 

ammatories are given for pain 

relief until oral lesions heal. Syringe 

feeding of liquid diets is sometimes 

required until the patient is able to 

eat normally. 

Prevention of dental issues is best 

achieved by providing the correct 

diet with at least 80% hay/grass and 

a suitable vitamin C supplement. 



Re-homing Pets 

Can you offer a home to any of our featured pets? 

Jess - 8 year-old female domestic shorthair 

Jess came in to care as a stray. She is a 

friendly girl who would prefer not to live with 

Jess other cats. She’ll enjoy having safe access to 

a garden. 

Gizmo - 10 year-old male domestic short-hair 

Gizmo loves to chat and watch what is happening around 

him. He would love a garden to relax in, and would prefer a 

home without other pets. He would be ok with older children, 

and would need to be groomed most evenings as he has a 

high maintenance coat. 

Gizmo 

Cardyke Farm, Langmuirhead Road, Auchinloch, Glasgow G66 5LD - Telephone 

0141 779 3341 

Oris - 9 week old male 

hamster 

Oris arrived in to our care with his brothers and sisters and 

Oris he is now looking for his forever home. 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. 

Minstrel - 2 year-old male crossbreed Minstrel 

Minstrel was found as a stray wandering on his own. 

Luckily he was rescued and brought into our care. 

Minstrel is looking for a home inside or out as long 

it is secure. He would suit a family home where he will receive lots of 

attention so he can fl ourish in his forever home. 

To contact the centre about any animals, please call 03000 999 999 or visit 

www.scottishspca.org/rehoming 

Ollie - 8+ year-old male crossbreed 

Ollie is looking for a hands off and gentle 

home that will give him time to settle as he 

has been in kennels for a while. He would 

need someone around for most of the day initially and 

Ollie 

build up the length of time he was left alone. His new 

owners will need to visit him at the centre multiple times to 

build a bond before he goes home. He is pretty intelligent and is full of 

potential. He loves training and the tasty rewards it brings. He will need 

an owner that has recent experience with rescue dogs and looking to 

continue training with him. Ollie would benefit from living in a quiet home 

with few visitors and quiet areas to walk. He will need to be kept on a 

lead in public areas, because of this we would like Ollie to have a secure 

private garden to have a bit of freedom. Don’t let his age fool you, he is 

very agile so will need a 6ft fence. He can live with people over the age 

of 16. He must be the only pet in the home but does enjoy walking on 

lead beside some doggy friends. 

Bonnie - 1 to 2 year-old female border collie cross 

Bonnie is a very sweet girl who is still young and looking 

for someone to guide her in the right direction with positive 

and rewarding training methods. She does have some 

basic training but needs to build her confidence and self 

control a bit more. Bonnie is young, active and bouncy Bonnie 

so we would like her to live with children of 16 years and over. She 

is very clever and will need lots of physical and mental stimulation so 

she’ll need an experienced home that preferably have collie or german 

shepherd experience. She loves other dogs and could play all day. She 

doesn’t like to be left alone for long so someone who is home most of 

the day would be ideal. A secure garden with a 4.5 foot fence is required 

so that Bonnie has somewhere to relax, play and continue training. 

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. 

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. 

Abseil 

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! 

Titan Crane 

29 

Face your fears and 

take part in this Scottish 

SPCA exclusive abseil 

down the famous Titan 

Crane on the River 

Clyde! 

Event Details 

You can free fall abseil 

150ft down Glasgow’s 

Titan Crane and help 

raise vital funds for Scotland’s abused, abandoned and injured animals. 

A team of highly skilled instructors will ensure you are equipped with all you 

need to make your abseil as safe and enjoyable as possible. 

Minimum sponsorship 

The minimum sponsorship to take part is £150, along with a registration 

fee of £26. 

Participants under the age of 16 must have parental consent. 

How to enter 

If you would like to take part in this fantastic 

event please contact us here. 

Helping you raise funds 

We’ll do everything we can to help you reach 

your fundraising target. Contact us by email 

or call us on 03000 999 999 (option 4) and 

we’ll send you an easy step guide to raising 

funds. 

Everyone taking part will receive their very own Scottish SPCA running 

vest! 


30 


Kilbarchan’s Gateway Garden 

The Gateway Garden team will be on hand again to welcome visitors on 

Sunday 13th August from 1pm - 3pm at the monthly drop in session (every 

2nd Sunday). Get advice and tips from gardening experts at the Gardner’s 

Question Time, grow some salad boxes and cress with the kids, harvest 

some fruit and veg (as available) or have some fun by taking 

part in a scavenger or mini-beast hunt. Most importantly 

come along and meet some of the volunteers and find out 

how you can get involved. The garden is open to anyone 

with an interest at any time once you 

are a member. Find Kilbarchan Smile 

on Facebook. 

Green Flag Award 

We are pleased to announce that a record breaking 73 parks from across 

Scotland have been presented with a Green Flag Award this year in 

recognition of their high standards and provision of quality outdoor space - 

an increase of three over last year. 

The award recognises that well maintained parks build healthy and stable 

communities alongside the health benefits that quality outdoor space 

provides, including enabling and encouraging exercise, improving mental 

well being, and encouraging critical play for child development. 

Scotland’s winning parks are run by local authorities, universities and 

community groups. Amongst the 2017 award winners, fi rst time awards 

were received by Johnston Gardens in Aberdeen, Silver Sands & Hawkcraig 

Point in Fife, Haugh Park in Fife and Dundee Law,Dundee. 

All parks are assessed by volunteer judges with a background in parks 

management, conservation or ecology. Applicants are judged against 

demanding criteria which include assessing whether the park or green 

space is welcoming and well-maintained. 

Find your nearest Green Flag 

Award winning park or green space 

at: www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ 

parks. 

LAZY DAYS OF SUMMER 

During July and August, many of our 

volunteers will be taking a break. 

Whether lounging by a foreign pool or 

looking after their own plants at home, 

they’ll be hoping to enjoy hot weather 

and cold drinks. So there will be fewer 

of us about in the village, and those 

who are out will simply be keeping 

things tidy and having more time to 

themselves. They’ve earned it. 

In the July issue of the Advertizer, we mentioned that we were still trying to track down the winners of our Gala Day 

prize draws. We’ve done that, and the prizes have now been distributed to the winners. In the ‘Commotion in the 

Ocean’ competition, we asked entrants to choose an oceanic item out of 35 featured, from an anchor to a walrus. 

The answer drawn was ’Sea Horse’, and seven winners each received one of a variety of prizes from glassware 

to shopping vouchers. 

For our star prize of a luxury picnic set, entrants were asked to guess the number of plants we had delivered to us 

in May. The actual number was 2,652, and local businessman Dougie Turner was the winner with a guesstimate of 

2,745. When presented with the prize at the end of June, Dougie said that he was planning a trip north in his motor 

home and the prize would be very handy. 

For the record, the plants delivered in May were mostly for the various baskets, tubs and street planters throughout 

the village. The total number of bulbs, plants, and shrubs purchased and planted every year is considerably more. 

(And this year, for the first time, we got some trees as well.) 

Remember that you can keep up with our work on our website and Facebook page. We look forward to receiving 

your comments and any thoughts you might have on what you think would help to enhance our community. 



31 

Bridge of Weir Horticultural 

Society 

Members gathered at Holmes Farm, near 

Irvine, on a fi ne breezy day. Our host, Brian 

Young, was his usual enthusiastic self; telling 

us the history of the garden and the planting 

scheme. The garden had begun as a farm, and 

Brian bargained with his father over space he 

might be allocated to start his garden/nursery 

enterprise. Originally this was one field but 

over the years Brian acquired extra areas for 

the greenhouses, sales area and tearoom. 

Sometimes this would happen when his 

parents were otherwise 

engaged..... 

The garden acts as the 

“show & tell” for the 

nursery, displaying the 

plants as they mature and 

spread. Unfortunately 

the irises, for which he is 

renowned, were almost 

over due to the climatic 

conditions this year and 

had peaked early but the peonies, monkshood 

etc were in fi ne form. One bed contains Brian’s 

spring bulb display but by mid-June the summer 

plants have completely taken over any straggly 

bulb foliage and the whole border was a riot of 

colour. 

We were encouraged to ask questions and 

to explore the entire garden, including the 

greenhouses, before moving inside for a cream tea. We all then had a 

browse through the sales area and shop, and unsurprisingly, most were 

tempted to a purchase. 

The Society’s Annual Flower Show takes place 

on Saturday 26th August and if you would like 

a schedule, please contact 01505-614895. 

Everyone is welcome, either to enter items from 

their gardens or to come along to look at what 

we grow in this area. 

By this time of the year the work of our Colourful Kilmacolm 

volunteers consists of removing flowers that are past their 

best (i.e. Dead-heading), taking out any weeds that have 

found their way into our displays, feeding and, depending 

on the weather, doing some watering. Throughout the 

summer we have teams of volunteers who take it in turns to 

check all the plants and do whatever is needed. In addition, 

as many as are free come out once a month to remove weeds – and, sadly, 

litter – from the banking outside the Pullman. This area continues to mature 

and give rise to admiring and appreciative comments from passers-by. We 

are really pleased to have been able to beautify the village centre in this 

way. 

We have made a start to planting 

up the borders at Market Place. 

It is a tricky area, which is 

probably why it was neglected for 

so long, but we hope to improve 

its appearance with more plants 

which can tolerate the fairly dry, 

shady conditions. 

We will shortly be having a visit 

from our ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ 

assessor. In our first year we were placed on the second level, and moved 

up a level on each of the next two years. We are now officially ‘thriving’, 

but as there is only one higher level (‘outstanding’), that may be a step 

too far. The assessor looks at three main areas: community participation, 

environmental responsibility and gardening achievement, so it is not just 

about the plants. For anyone interested, all our previous assessment 

reports can be viewed on our website, from where you can also download 

membership forms: www.colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk. Alternatively, you can 

phone Peter (01505 872448) or Liz (07963973031) to find out more. 

Kilmacolm Flower Show 

KILMACOLM FLOWER SHOW will be held in the New 

Community Centre, Kilmacolm, on Saturday 2nd September, 

doors open after judging at 11am, prizegiving at 3.30pm and 

sale of flowers and produce at 4pm. Please come along and 

support the committee, and the exhibitors who will be showing 

their top quality exhibits in Cut Flowers, Pot Plants and Hanging Baskets, 

Novices, Floral Art, Kitchencraft, and Childrens classes. Flower Show 

Schedules are available from Jill Russell, Show Secretary, on 01505 

872393, or by request at the Community Centre Kilmacolm. Discounted 

tea and coffee will be available at the Willow Tearooms to visitors of the 

Show - thanks to Gillian and her 

team. Everyone welcome 


32 


Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park 

Just 1 Month left until we 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! 

Last Chance for Summer Adventure Courses - There’s still time to 

book your little ones or yourself on a paddling or sailing course before the 

holiday ends. Check our website for dates and book online today! 

Support our Special Olympics Trained 

Sailors! Castle Semple Sailors have 

been practising hard in all weathers and 

have now graduated to the Sailability 

division of Special Olympics in Sheffield! 

Kids will be there from Renfrewshire, 

West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow. 

Clyde Muirshiel Munchkins: This 

month this Brand NEW Pre 5’s Nature 

Club will have stick adventures! It’s on at 

the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre on Wed 

23rd Aug, 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 521458. 

A different topic every week. Still 

two sessions left before it’s back to 

school! 

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. 

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 

Great news! We have managed to 

catch and tag 12 Lesser Black-backed 

Gulls. It took us seven weeks to do so 

but the time and effort is worth it as the 

data is pouring in. Two of the birds, 

PC Bobby and Gary, live on Greenock 

Police Station roof. Seven were hand 

caught in Lochwinnoch, (Atty, Flyback, 

Stephen C. Gull, Roger, Roland, Stuart 

and Gully MacGullface) with five nesting 

on Little Cumbrae, one, Flyback, lives in 

Linwood and Atty, who’s a failed breeder, 

hanging out in the Trossachs. 

The final three were caught with the 

help of the Clyde Ringing Group and their whoosh net (Clyde, Jonathan 

LC. Gull and 17S:C) and data is still to come in on their whereabouts. 

All the gulls are male and each have their own pages on the Park’s 

website called Team Gull, 

www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/ 

things-to-do/widlife/tagn-track/teamgull/ 

where 

you can check out their 

movement maps that we 

will update each week. A 

number of the Lochwinnoch 

gulls can be spotted at the 

Loch everyday, particularly 

Stephen C. Gull, who can 

be identified by his colour 

ring 11R:C. All the gulls are 

fitted with white rings with red writing so if you see them let us know. We 

have also recently colour-ringed the chicks on Greenock Police Station 

including Gary’s two who aren’t far off fledging. Unfortunately we can’t 

tag chicks so will be relying on the rings to see if they are spotted in the 

same area as their dad when they migrate. 

In non-gull related news, Community Networks recently spent the 

morning taking part in a ringing demo at Muirshiel and were present for 

the catching and ringing of the first two Nuthatches in the Regional Park. 

A female and juvenile were ringed and have been seen frequently on the 

peanut feeders at the back of the Centre. 

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. Look for 

details on our website or email tnt@clydemuirshiel.co.uk to fi nd out 

more. 

One of the project’s aims is to train volunteers in the use of our camera 

traps and monitor them 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 email 

tnt@clydemuirshiel.co.uk 

Event News 

Our next event is Gulls, Glorious Gulls, at Fairlie Bay next to the car park. 

A number of our tagged gulls pass through Fairlie to head between Little 

Cumbrae and the main land. Help us spot them and other colour ringed 

species such as sandwich terns and black-headed gulls on Sunday 13th 

Aug. Pop along any time between 11am and 3pm. 

More Info… 

Details can be found on the Park’s website www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/ 

tag-n-track, Facebook www.facebook.com/TagnTrack/ or by emailing 

tnt@clydemuirshiel.co.uk. Talks to groups can be arranged if you are 

interested in finding out more about the project and its findings. 

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. 



33 

Nowadays almost everyone is a photographer of sorts, whether you use a camera 

phone to take some quick snaps, or spend hours poring over a DSLR, determined 

to capture that perfect image. Getting outdoors with your camera is a great way to 

connect with the natural world. Once you start looking at wildlife through the lens, 

you can’t help but notice a million tiny details that you hadn’t seen before. Out in 

a wildfl ower meadow, you begin to notice the different flowers and which are more 

popular with the pollinating insects. Look more closely at those bees and you also 

begin to see the differences in patterns and colours that define the various species. 

Try to capture a bird of prey in flight and you’ll begin to see just how graceful they are 

on the wing, and how these majestic creatures hunt for prey. 

If you’d like the chance to learn more about taking great wildlife photographs, and 

discover more about the natural world while you’re at it, then our Photography 

Workshops could be for you! Benefit from the advice and encouragement of David 

Palmar, a photographer with over 30 years of experience, practise your new skills 

out on the reserve, and then see your results on screen. Discover some top tips 

about taking a variety of nature pictures, from macro shots of flowers and insects to 

landscapes and bird photography. Our Beginners Workshop on Saturday 19th August 

is perfect for anyone starting out in the world of photography, and our Intermediate 

Workshop on Sunday 27th is ideal for those looking to build on their existing skills. 

For more information about the reserve or any of our events, please call 01505 842 

663 or email Lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk. 

St Vincents Hospice Garden 

Created in 2015, this is a fully accessible garden which 

has been designed to be a tranquil and restful space. 

With a large wildlife pond and feature drystone walling, the 

garden has several 

seating areas - one known as “rest-a-while”. 

There are different planting areas, including 

large herbaceous beds, raised sensory bed, 

memorial rose border underplanted with white 

heathers and a wildfl ower border with a pond 

teeming with frogs, newts and dragonflies. 

GARDEN OPENINGS: Saturday 16th September 

11am - 3pm 

ADMISSIONS: £3 and any additional donations welcome 

DIRECTIONS: St Vincent’s Hospice is signposted from the B787 between Johnstone and 

Howwood. 

FEATURES & CATERING: Disabled Access Home-made teas available. Dogs Allowed 

Plant stall 

OTHER DETAILS: The Barn Tea Room will be open for teas, coffees, home baking and light 

refreshment with all proceeds going towards the running costs of the Hospice. 

BENEFICIARIES: St Vincent’s Hospice receives 40%, the net remaining to SG 

Benefi ciaries 

Estd 2015: 

People are still getting familiar 

with my young business Revamp 

Designs. At ReVamp I have a 

fresh approach to home & garden 

design, as you don’t have to be 

well off to have your design dreams 

met. It’s 

not about expensive items, it’s about creative 

solutions that make a difference to your everyday 

life whether it’s inside or out. I’m excited about 

my new website launching this month and 

teaming up with local business ReMode where 

I’ll be running various design workshops later 

in the year. Unlike other designers I like to get 

my hands dirty and have a gentler, sustainable, 

approach to garden design & installation by 

being on site, completing as much of the work I can myself. 

Whatever your project, lifestyle or budget, it all starts with a 

conversation. 


34 


What’s On August 

Come enjoy the August on Finlaystone! It’s a great family day out with 

play areas such as the pirate ship and fort. And there are a few lovely 

woodland walks for the family and dogs. Take a walk down Paradise 400- 

year-old yew trees and enjoy the waterfall. 

The Café is open every day during the school holiday’s and every weekend 

after mid-August. 

Wildlife Highlights 

The woodland and gardens are bursting with summer life such as butterflies, 

shield bugs and blackcap birds. And our resident trees are in full green 

such as the beech and birch. 

Gardens 

Walled Garden – Philadelphus, Roses, Dahlia’s, 

Main Garden – herbaceous = Lythruim (purple loosestrife) Gentiana 

asclepiadea and Campanula (Pritchard’s var.) 

Events: Here is a list of Ranger Led Events this month. 

Tuesday 1st Den Build 

1-3pm 

Join the Rangers and see who is a 

budding Bear Grylls. 

Thursday 3rd Woodland Art 

1-3pm 

Join our Rangers and gather 

woodland materials to make your 

artistic creation. 

Sunday 6th 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 19th 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 flying 

display (weather dependent). 

Sunday 20th Witches and Wizards 

1-3pm 

Follow the magic trail and uncover 

the identity of the famous Witch and 

Wizard. 

Sunday 27th Get Wet and Wild 

1-3pm 

Come along with your wet gear and 

join in the games. See who ends 

up in the stocks getting soaked. 

Can you race your space hopper to 

the end and avoid sponges? 

Conservation campaign teaches almost 850 children about endangered 

species in Renfrewshire 

Over 30,000 school pupils across 

Scotland have benefited from 

learning about the country’s 

endangered species and how to 

protect them, following visits from 

the ‘Wild about Scotland’ bus 

which marked its 450th school visit this week. 

The specially designed double-decker bus brings a mobile classroom to 

schools, allowing students to learn about how to protect local habitat’s 

species, and the environment. 

The award-winning on-going campaign is part of a partnership between 

the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and Clydesdale Bank to 

help engage the next generation of conservationists, while also bringing 

the expertise available at RZSS to communities that might not otherwise 

be able to experience it. 

The bus has travelled the length 

and breadth of Scotland while 

visiting schools in all 32 local 

authorities, including engaging 

with almost 850 children 

from schools throughout 

Renfrewshire, including pupils in 

St John Bosco Primary School, 

Todholm Primary School, and 

St Anthony’s Primary School. 

Teaching up to 26 children at 

a time, the on-board specialist 

education team gave interactive lessons inside the bus on native Scottish 

species, their habitats and environments. Children across Scotland also 

took part in a fun assembly ‘The Bonnie Beasts of Scotland’ inside their 

school hall to learn about Scotland’s amazing biodiversity. Including drop-in 

sessions, a total of more than 55,000 have engaged with the Wild about 

Scotland programme. 

Typical lessons include searching for wildlife species, mini-beast hunts and 

building beaver dams in addition to learning about endangered Scottish 

species such as the Scottish wildcat. As part of the legacy of the campaign, 

almost 1,000 tree saplings have been planted in school grounds across 

Scotland to help offset carbon emissions from the Wild about Scotland 

bus. 

Additionally, the programme involves online Wild about Scotland resources. 

These can be accessed by any school for use in classrooms or school 

grounds. It also provides resources for before and after the bus visit to 

extend the children’s learning, allowing teachers and pupils to continue 

teaching and learning about Scottish conservation, even after the bus has 

left the school. 

There is a growing concern that children in UK are reporting a lack of 

connection to nature. A recent study found only one in fi ve children across 

the UK today feels a ‘realistic’ connection with the natural world. This 

number is slightly higher in Scotland, where some 27% of children say they 

feel connected to nature. 

To see where the Wild about Scotland bus is 

visiting, or to access the Virtual Learning World, 

please visit: www.rzss.org.uk/rzss-education/ 

wild-about-scotland 



Kilmacolm Camera Club 

Last month, a sizeable Camera Club 

“contingent” spent an afternoon and 

evening in Glasgow’s Merchant City. 

[What’s the correct collective noun for 

photographers, anyway? A “posse”? 

An “exposure”? A “projection”?] We 

began in the 21st century, with a look 

at the brand-new City of Glasgow 

College. Architecturally impressive. 

We then moved back in time 800 years, with 

a wander round Glasgow Cathedral, a high 

point in cathedral-building in Europe. From 

the Cathedral, we crossed the Bridge of Sighs 

into the Necropolis, to photograph some of the 

famous grave sites and panoramic views over 

the city. 

Our trip ended on a high, with a refuelling visit 

to Babbity Bowsters (a well-known hostelry in 

Merchant City). All-in-all, a most enjoyable 

outing on a really sunny day. Some images 

of the day are 

shown here. 

On a sadder note, we heard of the death of 

Tudor Lewis, our Honorary Vice-President. 

His membership of the Club stretched 

back to its very early days and he had 

served on the Committee in a number of 

roles. We’ll miss his infectious laughter. 

For a speaker, the perfect audience would 

comprise 50 Tudors! 

More trips are still in the pipeline, 

including one to Rothesay and Bute. 

Why not bring your camera along and 

enjoy the bracing sea air? Contact 

us for more details. 

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/ 

Gryffe Camera Club 

Gryffe Camera Club members get out and about during the summer break, 

whether it’s sunny or dreich there are always opportunities for taking 

photographs in the wonderful scenery all about us. 

Pat, Helen Christopher, Christine and 

Kate travelled through to Fife to capture 

some of the “Olde Worlde” atmosphere 

of the pretty village of Culross. For 

some of the group it was a first-time 

visit and they were fascinated by what 

they saw, enhanced by knowing that 

some “Outlander” scenes were shot 

there. 

The weekend of the Mela Festival: 

The atmosphere was vibrant with 

music, dance and colour all around. 

While the weather was coolish there 

was some sun and the clothes stalls, 

jewellery and advertising of all kinds 

lifted everyone’s spirits. 

An outing of a different kind was a trip 

from Boden Boo at Erskine up the Clyde by kayak as far as the “Squinty 

Bridge” The tide helped 

all the way and kindly 

turned for the return trip. 

En route we managed to 

record the revival of the 

river’s banks with new 

buildings springing up 

Eadha is currently delivering 

the Ayrshire Riparian Woodland 

Project. Riparian woodland is found 

along the banks of rivers and is very 

important for river health including 

the quality of fisheries. Trees 

provide shade, are a source of 

insects for fish, stabilise the banks 

35 

and act as a buffer to pollution from 

farmland and urban areas. Eadha 

is working with the Ayrshire Rivers 

Trust to target the rivers Garnock, 

Irvine and Annick all of which suffer 

from historical industrialisation, 

modification, agricultural pollution 

and anti-social behaviour. We 

have recruited ten primary schools 

and environmental groups located 

close to these rivers from Kilbirnie 

through to Irvine and Galston. Lochwinnoch Primary School have also been 

involved. We have teaching the children about the issues facing their local 

rivers and the importance of riparian woodland. Following a classroom 

presentation, they pot up 500 local provenance mini aspen plugs supplied 

by Eadha for growing on until they are big enough for planting out by the 

river. Aspen is an important riparian species, with its laterally spreading 

roots and ability to sucker helping to bind alluvial soils and providing a light 

shade from its foliage. The species 

also supports a rich array of insect 

life. We are engaging with SEPA 

and local angling clubs to help us 

identify hotspots of pollution and 

bank erosion. We are also keen 

to identify suitable planting sites 

around Lochwinnoch, for example 

along the Black Cart Water. The 

planting events will be open to the 

wider community and with 5,000 

trees planted, should make a big impact. Eadha is grateful for funding from 

the Postcode Local Trust for this project. 

LAND WANTED FOR FREE TREES 

Eadha is seeking a site in the local area to establish an arboretum for 

its national aspen clone collection. This would comprise of 300 different 

specimens from across Scotland (perhaps as much as a quarter of the 

entire genepool of Scottish aspen!). Ideally we are looking for a 3 acre 

field with good road access. This would provide space for the trees to be 

planted at about 6m centres. It would be beneficial if the fields were grazed 

by sheep to maintain a short sward and minimise competing vegetation. 

In such a context the trees would be protected with suitable guards and 

supported by stakes and the arboretum would serve as a form of wood 

pasture providing an attractive landscape feature and shelter for the sheep. 

Interested landowners should get in touch. 

from previous dereliction. 

Gryffe CC meets each 

Wednesday evening at 

7.30pm in the Carrick 

Centre, Houston from early 

September to May. 

www.gryffecameraclub.co.uk 


36 


Beautiful Kilmacolm Meadow by Bill Crookston 

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir 


Bridge Of Weir 

Elderly Forum 

The fi rst meeting of the Forum will be 

held in the RBLS Hall on Tuesday 12th 

September at 3pm. 

We are planning to have speakers 

at our meetings and the Committee 

would be very pleased to see more 

of you attending to give us ideas on 

which speakers you would like to hear. 

We meet on the second Tuesday of 

each month and look forward to a 

good attendance. 

Our offi ce bearers are Mrs. N. 

McBarron, Convener, Mr A. Smith, Vice 

Convener, Mrs. V. Swordy, Treasurer 

and Mrs. M Mills, Secretary. 


Senior Citizens Club 

We meet at Cargill Hall every 2nd 

and 4th Wednesday 7 - 9.15pm. 

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. 


The Bridge 

Here we are in August nearing the start of another school year. Exam results 

will shortly be announced - send one of our Congratulation Cards to show your 

delight. In a few weeks many 4 and 5 year olds will start school for the fi rst time 

- send a First Day card. 

Please buy your Back to School stationery requirements from our extensive 

stock. 

Coming soon to The Bridge - this is the time of year we start to order our goods 

for Christmas and New Year! We are again indebted to the invaluable assistance 

of Paisley Colour Photographic Club as we await the fi rst draft from the printer of 

our 2018 Local Calendar. The A4 sized calendar incorporates twelve colourful 

photographs of scenes and landmarks around Bridge of Weir and district along 

with a diary section to note all your important dates. The calendar will be available 

for sale in The Bridge from mid September. 

Similarly, The Bridge’s very own packs of Christmas cards designed by local 

artist, Alison Bannerman, are also at the printing stage. These will be available 

for purchase at the end of September. We shall also have a selection of other 

Christmas cards on sale, including the popular ‘Greetings from Bridge of Weir’ 

cards. 

Interested in films - pick up our printed programme of fi lms to be shown in The 

Bridge on a fortnightly basis from August to December. 

As always we wish to thank our dedicated team of staff and volunteers who, 

through their commitment, enable The Post Offi ce and Bridge Community Centre 

to serve the village. 


St Petersburg Forum 

A Fundraising Musical evening at 

St Machars Ranfurly Church with a 

rare opportunity to hear the musical 

talents of high quality Russian and 

Scottish musical students organised 

by St Petersburg Forum. Tuesday 8th 

August at 7.15pm. Tickets priced £10 

from Elizabeth Clark 07799 690841 

or Dave MacDonald 07874 986960. 


British Legion - 

Karaoke 

The Royal British Legion Scotland 

Bridge of Weir Branch welcomes 

everyone to Karaoke in the Lounge 

Bar on Saturday the 5th of August 

from 8pm till late come along and 

have a wee sing song. 



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. 


St Mary’s Scottish Episcopal Church 

Johnstone Road - Bridge of Weir PA11 3EE (the little white church 

in the woods) 

Sunday 3rd September 2017 - Doors Open Day 

The church will be open to visitors 12noon - 4pm with tea/coffee and 

biscuits. Puppet Show at 2pm. 

Sunday 10th September 2017 - Vintage Tea - Admission £4 

This was such a success last year with so many people enjoying the fantastic 

selection of yummy home baking with endless tea and coffee that we have 

decided to do it again. Gluten-free options will be catered for. Do come along 

and share this with us. 

Food Bank - 

“Urgently Needed In August” 

Renfrewshire Food Bank donation bins in CO-OP STORES – Bridge of Weir, 

Houston, Kilbarchan and Bishopton. 

*CEREAL* *SOUP* *JAM* *RICE PUDDING (TINS)* 

*TAMPONS/SANITARY TOWELS* 

Many thanks for your kindness – Renfrewshire Food Bank 


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. 



37 


Bridge of Weir Community Council 

Although the Community Council are in summer recess we are keeping abreast 

of village affairs. 

We heard at very short notice from the Scottish Government’s department for 

planning and environmental appeals, they had cancelled the housing land supply 

appeal hearings and site visits scheduled for 18th and 19th July regarding the 

housing applications at Whitelint Gate Johnstone Road and for housing on the 

land to North East Strathgryffe Crescent Gryffe Castle Bridge of Weir. 

However, the site visit concerning the proposals for a retail unit with petrol facility 

and associated road infrastructure changes at the Whitelint Gate Site would go 

ahead as planned on the 19th July at 10am. The housing land supply hearings 

will be re-scheduled. 

We have asked for a report on the progress of the works at the Cargill Hall and 

the date for re-opening. 

We requested the severely damaged sandstone wall on Livery Walk be repaired. 

We requested that the overgrowth on the 100 steps path between Kilbarchan 

Road and Watt Road be maintained. Mark Faichney, Land Services Manager 

Renfrewshire Council informed us that this area was sprayed with herbicide 

during May. We inspected the path and can confi rm that it would benefi t from a 

further spray and sweep. I can confi rm that we will schedule this soon. 

Houston Community Council informed us that Renfrewshire Councils 

Infrastructure Land and Environment Policy Board meeting on the 30th of August 

will consider reducing the speed limit in urban areas of Renfrewshire to 20 mph. 

The Renfrewshire Forum of Community Council’s consulted us on this matter; 

however after discussion at two meetings we remained undecided. We await the 

Boards decision. 

The Scottish Community Development Centre has launched Plant a Tree Charter 

Legacy Tree. In celebration of the launch of the new Tree Charter on 6th 

November 2017, 800 Legacy Trees will be planted across the UK. Legacy Trees 

will be accompanied by a small plaque about the Tree Charter. They have asked 

Community Council’s to be involved a member is currently looking into this on 

our behalf. 

Councillors Don and MacLaren have informed us they attended a site visit with 

Drew McNab Renfrewshire Council Roads at the Livery Walk car park. We await 

the outcome. 

We still await news on proposals for the former Bull’s Garage site. Meantime 

we have asked the planners to ensure the owners do not block the right of way 

leading to the river. 

Concerns were raised at our June meeting regards blocked gullies on Kilbarchan 

Road, we understand one has been repaired and the other will require to be dug 

up and a repair made to the system. This has been added to the programme of 

remedial works. 

Regards the overgrown foliage in the same area we have been informed the 

inspector will assess for sight line safety, and where this is compromised works 

will be carried out by their colleagues in Streetscene to cut back any overgrown 

foliage. 

A Renfrewshire Council offi cial has informed us the zip slide on Houston Road 

Park is to be repaired. The carriage requires complete replacement and spare 

parts can take up to six weeks for delivery. 

The Community Council’s next meeting will be Tuesday the 5th September in the 

Cargill Hall at 7pm. 


Bridge of Weir 

Lace Group 


In the last full council meeting of the session, councillors 

voted in favour of a £250,000 investment into improving 

Renfrewshires local environment. This programme is due to 

begin at the end of the summer and with dedicated teams 

assigned across all areas of Renfrewshire, both villages and 

towns will benefi t from this investment. The administration 

pledged to clean up our streets and make our environment a 

priority and that is exactly what we are doing. 

Ward Issues 

Great news for road users, it has been confi rmed that the 

A761 heading into Bridge of Weir from Brookfi eld, will be 

resurfaced. This work will be carried out after the completion of the existing 

programme of roadworks in October. 

The zip slide in Houston Road Park is due to be replaced. 

The 100 steps path in Bridge of Weir is due to be sprayed with herbicide. 

Maintenance will be carried out on the overgrown trees which are blocking the 

street lights in the lane between Kate Cotters and Mill of Gryffe Road. 

The Livery Walk/Main Street Car park is an ongoing issue and the best ways to 

solve problems of overcrowding and damage to cars are still being investigated. 

Temporary CCTV and alternative areas for parking are some of the options 

currently under review. 

Parking on Main Street is still a big issue in Langbank which I am actively working 

on and will keep you informed of any progress. 

I recently attended a site visit to Bishopton with local residents and some of 

the issues raised included the wire fence which runs along the Northern side of 

Greenock Road as well as overgrown foliage on the opposite side. A site inspector 

will carry out an assessment of this and I will report any progress on this in the 

next issue. 

In other news, I recently attended a site visit to Dargavel to learn more about the 

plans for the village for the upcoming years. I was also invited along to Cairellot 

Butterfl y Ceremony to see some of the childrens last day at nursery. They put 

on a fantastic show and it was very lovely to be invited along. I have also met 

with several different local charities including DatesnMates Renfrewshire and 

Rays of Hope. I hope to continue meeting with as many local groups, charities 

and organisations to see the many different ways there are helping people in 

Renfrewshire. 

My surgery times have now been confi rmed and will be held on the fi rst Saturday of the 

month: The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 10am, Bishopton Community Library 11am, Langbank 

Parish Church 12noon 

For August only my Bishopton surgery will be on the 12th August. All following dates will be 

as above, unless notifi ed. 

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. 


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. 



ishopton, langbank & bridge of weir 

38 


Bridge of Weir Gala Day 

This selection of photos from last month’s Bridge 

of Weir Gala Day, were taken at the behest of the 

Festival Committee by James Dunlop of Paisley 

Colour Photographic Club. They show that despite the 

inclement weather earlier in the day, that people of 

all ages still turned out to enjoy themselves. Gala Queen 

Kaylynn McKinnon and her attendants Darya Lavizani and 

Olivia Anderson, all those who took part in the parade, and 

those who turned up at the park, all helped to make it a great day. Gala Day 

takes a lot of time and effort in preparation and the Festival Committee are 

delighted with the support we received on the day from stallholders, traders, 

and the public. 


kilmacolm & quarriers 


Voices+ and Angel Voices 

Voices+ and Angel Voices is a Community Children’s Choir for girls and boys. 

There are two age groups: 5 to 7 and 8 years plus. 

The autumn term begins on Friday 1st September 6pm - 7pm in St Fillan’s Hall, 

Moss Road, Kilmacolm – We welcome new members to join our enthusiastic 

singers so if you/your child loves singing come along and try out the Choir! The 

Choir is taught by professional teachers and musicians – The Music Director 

is Helen Knight B.Mus (Hons) and accompanist Archie Morris (Glasgow Royal 

Conservatoire). We sing all kinds of music and love singing at community events 

and giving concerts. To fi nd out more contact: Maureen Russell mobile: 07905 

950028; or 01505 872905; email maureenmrussell@hotmail.com 

St. Colm’s RC Church Coffee Morning 

Saturday 26th August 

Kilmacolm New Community Centre 

10am - 12noon 


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. 

Please join us for tea and cakes, 

home baking, face painting, stalls, 

raffl e and fun! 

Tickets available on the door. 


Exercise Class, 

St Columba 

Church 

The Exercise Class held in St 

Columba Church on Mondays at 

2pm resumes on Monday 21st 

August. Further information 

may be obtained from Irene 

Macfarlane at 01505 614443. 



39 

Sole Solution has extended its clinic hours and now offers appointments 6 

days a week with a late night on Thursday. 

Their Podiatrists Laura Kelly and 

Lauren McDaid are both members 

of the Society of Podiatrists and the 

Health Care Professionals Council 

(HCPC) which means they have 

undertaken and passed a full time 

Honours degree in Podiatry and met 

the stringent entrance criteria set by 

the HCPC so you can rest assured 

that you are in safe hands! 

Lauren offers refl exology and foot and leg massage which can added to your 

Podiatry appointment for a real treat. Laura has a key interest in lower limb 

mechanics and offers her patients gait analysis and insoles where required. 

For more information or to book an appointment call the Sole Solution team 

today 01505 873888. 

Don’t forgot you can also visit their lovely shoe shop at Kilmacolm Cross 

Monday - Saturday! 


Kilmacolm Bridge Club 

Kilmacolm Bridge Club resumes play on Monday 4th September. We meet in the 

New Community Centre and play commences at 

7.10pm. The Club is a member of the Scottish 

Bridge Union with two teams playing in the 

Renfrewshire Bridge League. We welcome new 

members and during the fi rst three weeks of 

September you are invited to come along as 

playing guests and check out the competitive 

but friendly play of duplicate bridge together. 

For further information, please contact the Club 

Secretary, Sheena Clayton on 01505 873802 

Housing Support Service 

RAMH exceed mental health 

standards across Renfrewshire 

Local mental health services 

provided by RAMH have exceeded required standards and smashed quality 

targets. 

The RAMH Housing Support Service achieved the best possible scores from 

the Care Inspectorate who awarded them 6s (excellent) for all elements of their 

work. The Care Inspectorate Report noted that RAMH excelled in “ensuring that 

services worked in a person centred and recovery focused way”. 

Equally the organisation has recently achieved ISO9001, a quality standard 

certifi cate, for continuous improvement across all aspects of their operations. 

RAMH Operations Manager, Shirley McCuish, said “we’re delighted to have 

achieved an excellent report from the Care Inspectorate and to have attained 

our ISO9001.” 

Shirley explained “The people who use RAMH, and their carers, can be confi dent 

that we deliver best quality services, suited to their needs to help them recover 

from all mental health issues.” 

She added “We are proud of our RAMH staff who continually work to review 

best practice, improve standards and who passionately enjoy working with the 

people they support.” 

RAMH promotes recovery from mental ill health, and empowers people to 

build independent, fulfi lled lives. The charity supports a range of diagnoses 

including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, and their services include 

crisis support, housing support services, plus a range of creative, educational, 

social and therapeutic groups. 

If you know someone RAMH could help, and for more information about their 

services visit www.ramh.org or contact enquiries@ramh.org or 0141 847 8900. 


The Village Ardgowan Hospice shop has just celebrated its 

10th anniversary and a total of £50k raised for the Hospice. 

Well done to the staff and all those who support this excellent 

cause. In my role with SPT we have regularly contributed to 

the hospice transport costs. 

An external Defi brillator has been installed at the Birkmyre 

Park Fitness Gym. It is in a locked cabinet at the main entrance 

and a call to 999 will give a code to unlock the cabinet. Once 

opened the user is talked through the operating procedure. 

The new biomass boiler has caused much angst amongst the 

neighbours of Glebe Court. I have visited the site but can 

say little more as a retrospective application may well have to be heard by the 

Planning Board of which I am chair. 

I attended St Columba’s Silver Tablet Concert and Junior School Prizegiving. As 

always the Silver tablet is a delight and the three musicians were outstanding. 

The adjudicator, David Murray, amongst a stellar career, plays organ recitals 

at Kelvingrove. Well worth a visit just to listen to the music. Gemma Gibbons 

Burton, Olympic Judo Silver Medallist was the Junior School guest of honour. Her 

story of winning inspite of adversity was inspirational and absorbing, but I would 

not want to fall out with her. 

The consultation on parking disc removal continues. The KCC did initially oppose 

the removal but then changed its stance. Happy to correct this. On Thursday 

22nd June 11 tickets were issued. In 2011 with Police Wardens in place, 14 

tickets were issued in a 4 month period. This amount of ticketing activity will 

drive visitors away from our shops. Time to rid us of the discs. 

Resurfacing of the A761 has caused access problems for buses to and from the 

village and Greenock, and I do understand that some people have had increased 

journey time via Linwood. SPT tried alternatives but Auchenbothie Road was 

too narrow and had failed previously. Inverclyde Council were unable on safety 

grounds to allow buses through the roadworks hence the only feasible alternative 

was the one in operation. I have had complaints about the works at Deafhillock 

Roundabout near Brookfi eld. The delay here I am told, is due to Scottish Water 

delivering the wrong size of sewer pipe. Eventually the roundabout will have 5 

spokes. 

Virgin continues to give problems. I commend the residents of those streets who 

got together and said no thank you. I note in a Telegraph report of the 2nd July 

that Virgin Media are 61% short of their target connections to new homes. 

My surgery is the 26th August at the Cargill 10 - 11 am. I can be contacted at david.wilson@ 

inverclyde.gov.uk and 01475 741969 and 712727 and 07766 992294. 


Brunch and 

Browse St Fillans 

Church Kilmacolm 

Brunch and Browse are on holiday 

in August. We look forward to seeing 

everyone again on Saturday 9th 

September and thank you to everyone 

for your support so far this year. 


Kilmacolm 

Surgeries 

PC Jamieson, the local 

neighbourhood offi cer 

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. 



houston, crosslee & brookfield 

40 


Houston & Killellan Agricultural Society 

Houston and Killellan agricultural Society would like to thank everyone who came 

along and supported the Annual Show. Apart from a rather thundery and wet 

spell the show was enjoyed by a good crowd who visited the variety of stalls, were 

entertained by Houstons Got Talent, watched the cattle, sheep and other animals 

being judged. The craft and baking tent showed a wealth of talent and entries 

were up from last year which is very encouraging. Richard Close won 1st prize in 

our prize draw of £100 kindly sponsored by WRC Recycling Ltd. 

The next event on the calendar is quiz night on November 24th in the J.G.Fleming 

Bowling Club,Houston,details to follow. 

Houston & Killellan Agricultural Society 

Annual Show – 3rd June 2017 

Principal Prize Winners 

Class Breed Trophy/Cup Name of Winner 

Best Animal of Ayrshire Breed A.B McIntosh Trophy N/A 

Bred by Exhibitor The Four Windings Perpetual Cup N/A 

9 Dairy Cow in Milk James B. Park Trophy Robert Baxter 

Best Dairy Animal The Connel Trophy Robert Baxter 

Best Dairy bred by Exhibitor Kerr Trophy Anne Wright 

Best Aberdeen Angus The James Love Quaich Trevor Marsh 

Best Commercial Beef Animal Towncroft Trophy Alastair Young 

bred by Exhibitor 

Best Beef Animal Garner/McIntosh Trophy T & S Gatherer 

C1 Black & White Calf Farmers 1st Tankard Anne Wright 

C2 Beef Calf Farmers 1st Tankard W & J Howie 

Best Calf in C1 & C2 Royal Jubilee Perpetual Cup Euan Laird 

Lowland Sheep Champion Scottish Farmer Sandy McIntyre 

Continental Sheep Champion J. Crawford Whyte Trophy Richard Close 

Native Hill Bred Champion Cup presented by Craig Wilson Archie Paterson Jnr 

Best Animal of Horse Kind Messrs J & W McIntosh Trophy A & E Campbell 

Points Most points in Section 1 – V1 Col Sir James W. Greig Silver Cup Richard Close 

Best Pony Cunninghame of Craigends Katie McCue 

Perpetual Cup 

Brookhall 

Buzz Word 

Best Hunter George Craig Perpetual Trophy Ellie Gillespie 

Dinan dun & dunit 

Supreme Light Horse Scottish Farmer Trophy N/A 

Henrys Cup 

N/A 

Best Turned Out Animal George Craig Plate N/A 

ALL Champion of Champions Duncan Fletcher Trophy T & S Gatherer 

Light Horse Champion The Wellees Trophy Melanie Scott - Zara 

BAKING and CRAFTS 

Mrs Keith Donaldson Cup Baking and Provisions Isabelle Stuart 

Runner up presented by Mrs.A.A.M.Stephen 

Christine Anderson 

Perpetual Cup most points in Handcrafts Mrs.A.G.Stewart cup Margaret Scott 

Perpetual Cup for most points in Baking and Provisions Isabelle Stuart 

(Non confi ned cup those who reside out with the parish of Houston) 

Non confi ned Cup most points in Baking and Provisions Mrs.M.Mitchell 

Non confi ned Cup most points in Handcrafts 

Mrs.M.Mitchell 

Children’s Section 

9 - 12 years Perpetual Cup Mrs. A. Scott Logan Fraser 

6 - 8 years Perpetual Cup Mrs. A. Stewart Rachel Tuck 

5 years and under Perpetual Cup Calum Stewart 

Isabel Renton Memorial Cup for most points in classes 37-51 Logan Fraser 

Nursery prize ~ (Voucher) 

Abbey Nursery 


Brookfield Village 


Fancy getting 

More Active 

with the Kids this 

Summer? 


Village Trust AGM: Thursday 3 August at 7.30pm – Brookfield Village Hall 

Brookfi eld Village Trust was set up several years ago to acquire the Merchiston 

Field, which lies between the Victoria Road houses and the former Merchiston 

Hospital and thereby preserve our Village envelope. 

For several months, the Board has been trying to agree conditions for the 

acquisition of the fi eld with GGHB. There are still a couple of outstanding 

issues that have to be resolved before the Board can ask members to approve 

the purchase. The AGM will provide an opportunity to hear a report on the 

negotiations so far and the way forward. 

Members and Non-Members of the Trust are welcome to attend but it should be 

noted that Non-Members will not be entitled to vote on any decisions that may 

be taken. Membership is open to all adults residing in the village and you can 

join at the AGM. For any other information regarding membership, please e-mail 

brookfi eldvpa@gmail.com 

Saturday 19th August from 2pm 

Brookfi eld’s annual Gala Day is almost here once again and fi ngers are well 

and truly crossed for a dry day! We look forward to welcoming back the Radio 

Clyde Roadshow with Gina McKie, who expertly compered the event for us last 

year. There will be a variety of stalls and fun activities for all the family including 

Cake & Candy, CD/DVD’s, Tombola, Pig Racing, Human Fruit Machine, Prize 

Raffl e, Coconut Shy, Beer Tent/Bar and the ever-popular Bike Swap to be run in 

conjunction with LEAP from Bridge of Weir. Afternoon Tea with delicious home 

baking will be available in the Village Hall from 2.30pm. 

Donations for stalls will be most welcome and on MONDAY 14 AUGUST, members 

of the Bowling Club and Village Council will be calling upon Brookfi eld residents to 

collect contributions for the Tombola and DVD/CD stall. They will also be happy to 

uplift any unwanted bicycles, regardless of condition, for the Bike Swap. 

Brookfi eld Village 

@Brookfi eldVPA 

The Houston Stones was formed 

by Eva Horne and Rebecca Ruxton, 

both aged 10. They were inspired 

and enthused by Bridge of Weir 

Rocks, which they had discovered at the start of the year. Eva loved the concept 

so much that she was asking her parents to take her rock hunting in BoW most 

days after school, which was not always practical as her family live in Houston. 

Eva loved that looking for rocks got her family out walking in the fresh air and 

off the electronic devices for a while but was disappointed that Houston didn’t 

have such a thing. So in June, Eva and her best friend Rebecca decided to start 

collecting and painting their own stones and hiding them around Houston and 

during a ‘wet play’ at school, ‘The Houston Stones’ name and logo were created. 

Eva and Rebecca paint the stones and hide them in child-friendly places around 

the village. The idea is that people share a photo on the Facebook page when 

they fi nd a stone - they then have the option to keep or re-hide it for someone else 

to fi nd, and the fun continues! 

Since they launched at the end of June, their Facebook page (managed by their 

mums) has over 250 likes! The local community are all talking about it; it’s brought 

so much fun and happiness to many local families and it’s getting people moving 

more. To keep up with demand over the summer, the girls are getting some extra 

help from their sisters Ruby (8), Daisy (6), Thea (8) and 

Bethany (6) and also their friends Alex (15), Megan(13) 

and Jess Finn (10), who are covering the Magnus Road 

area so that more 

families can join in 

the fun. Find us in 

a local park near 

you or check out 

the Facebook page 

@ ‘The Houston 

Stones’. 



1st Houston Boys Brigade 

Parents & Friends Associaon 

Annual Coffee Morning 

Sat 2nd September 

10.00am-12.00 noon 

in the Church Hall, Main Street, Houston 

Tickets £1 

(including tea/coffee/homebaking) 

Breakfast rolls on sale 


H.O.S.T. The Carrick Centre, Houston 

(Houston Old School Trust) 

Monday to Friday, Woodlands Out of 

School 01505 615438 

Coffee Shop: - Mon - Fri: 9am - 4.30pm 

Sat: 9am - 4pm 

MONDAY 

Yoga (21 st , 28 th ) 1pm Mary Laidlaw 

01505 229112 

Galaxy From 14 th 

TUESDAY 

Paint Pot Tots (Weekly from 15 th ) 10am 

Dawn Campbell 07789 262350 

Musical Theatre (Weekly from 15 th ) 

4pm - 5pm 

Yoga (Weekly from 8 th ) 7pm M/s 

Lawson 01505 613690 

Lirico Languages Class 7pm - 8.30pm 

(Fiona 01505 614306) 

WEDNESDAY 

Big Kids Little Learners from 9 th 10am 

- 11am Janine Neil 07870 697010 

Community Council 16 th 7.30pm 

Galaxy 4pm - 7pm 

THURSDAY 

BurleX Weekly from 17 th 9.15am 

(Kelly 07944 815298) 

Folk Club (weekly) 8pm iaintdawson@ 

gmail.com 07786 078952 

Galaxy (Weekly From 17 th ) 3.30pm 

- 7pm 

FRIDAY 

Yoga (Weekly From 11 th ) 10.30am 

M/s Lawson 01505 613690 

Big Kids Little Learners 4 th , 18 th , 25 th 

1pm - 2pm Janine Neil 07870 697010 

Galaxy Dancing (Weekly From 18 th ) 

3.30pm - 7pm 

SATURDAY 

Galaxy Dancing (Weekly From 19 th ) 

9.30am - 5pm 

Councillors Surgery 5 th 11.30am 

SUNDAY 

Baptist Church (weekly) 11am & 6pm 


41 

I was highly honoured to be invited to take part in the 

Houston Primary School P7’s parade for their prom night, 

which involved following the Houston BB Pipe Band from the 

River Inn, in Crosslee, to the back gate of Houston Primary 

where the P7’s left to go into their prom night event. Going 

from primary school to secondary school is a defi nite rite of 

passage in the life of the family, so I was delighted to be able 

to present all 66 P7 pupils with a special new Renfrewshire 

Council lapel pin given to me by the Provost. The Houston 

Primary Parent Council organised a fantastic event and also 

a big thank you to the owner of the River Inn as well. 

Despite a meeting some time ago with the regional management of Virgin Media 

I am still getting inundated with complaints from Houston residents regarding the 

lack of remediation of pathways and pavements to a reasonable standard. I would 

like to reassure constituents in this position that I am constantly emailing and 

phoning Virgin Media directly to take up their case, and to stress to the company 

that despite their having a large degree of freedom under the Telecommunications 

Act they have a duty, according to Renfrewshire Council Roads Department, to 

remediate things to the standard in which they found them. 

My advice surgery in Brookfi eld is on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6.30pm in Brookfi eld 

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 National Women’s Register 

Tennent’s Ladies 

Last month several 

members of the 

Houston NWR group 

went on a tour of 

Tennent’s Brewery. 

We had an excellent 

visit guided by 

Hannah who was 

taking her fi rst-ever 

group. We learned a 

lot about the process 

of beer making and 

certainly enjoyed the sampling at the end followed by lunch at the Drygate. This 

is an outing that we could all thoroughly recommend. 

The group meet every two weeks, usually in member’s homes. Our autumn 

programme contains a visit to Rosslyn Chapel, several discussions and our 

annual telephone quiz. If you are interested in joining us please contact Alison 

(614267) or Kay (613314). 

Booking enquiries to : Ian Simpson, 01505 612203 

Sandy Young 01505 331488 Bill Haddow 01505 690693 

hostbooking@outlook.com or The Coffee Shop 


Houston & 

Crosslee SWI 

I hope everyone has had an 

enjoyable summer. Our fi rst meeting of 

the new session will be on Wednesday 

13th September at 7.30pm when 

we will have Hugh and Claire Kerr 

talking to us about "Kayaking Round 

Scotland" 

We hope to welcome members, 

old and new, to another interesting 

“Rural” year. 

We meet in the Compass Centre, South 

Street, Houston. Please come and join 

us, you will be made very welcome. If 

you wish further information please 

contact, Arlene MacKay on 07932 

459994. 


Crafty Friends 

Crafty Hobbies is what we do 

Come and join our Crafty crew 

Come and learn some Crafty makes 

Followed by some tea and cakes 

We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursdays 

in the month at 7.30pm in the Carrick 

Centre Houston. No previous craft 

experience necessary. We are just 

a group of ladies who enjoy making 

things! Contact - Lorna Cairns 612844 

or Shirley White 610721. First meeting 

is Thursday 7th September. 


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 

fi rst class is free. 



‘Summer at the Food Bank’ Fundraiser 

residents of Houston. 

Margaret and Jenny (pictured) would 

like to thank everyone who donated 

cash and food to their ‘Summer at 

the Food Bank’ fundraiser held in the 

Houston Co-op the last weekend in 

June. 

£863 was raised in cash + 76.15kg 

(11 stone 10lbs) of food was donated. 

All cash and food going a long way 

to help care for Renfrewshire kids 

and their families during the School 

Summer holidays. 

Many thanks to all the kind and caring 

houston, crosslee & brookfield

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie 

42 

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie 

Dementia Friendly Village 

There was a fantastic turn 

out to the Dementia Friendly 

Village presentation on 

Wednesday 28th June. The 

reason that we had this was 

that the Lochwinnoch Arts 

Festival raised £460 for the 

charity over the Festival. You 

can see Christine Brawn Present the cheque to Iain Houston from Alzheimer 

Scotland who gave a very informative talk. Also in the 

picture is Ronnie Brown who presented a cheque to Iain. 

Ronnie will be running another 10K for Alzheimer Scotland 

What a guy!! 

We had 14 people from the audience volunteer to be a 

steering group to develop the Dementia Friendly Village 

project with support from Iain. They will meet in Late 

August to early September. 



At the most recent Kilbarchan Community Council meeting 

proposals for traffi c calming measures were put forward 

by Renfrewshire Council designed to address the issues of 

speeding and traffi c in the village. These include the provision 

of 2 zebra crossings and additional visual electronic speed 

signs at the Locher Road entrance to the village. Further 

details on the plans will be brought back for consultation 

with the community council and wider community. I will keep 

residents updated on developments on these proposals. 

Given that I have regular enquiries from constituents 

regarding environmental issues, readers will be interested 

to note that the meeting of Renfrewshire Council at the end 

of June agreed that a new rapid response team be provided for Renfrewshire 

villages. This will deal with blocked drains and gullies litter, and dog fouling. It 

had been the intention to confi ne the teams to the 3 towns of Paisley, Johnstone 

and Renfrew, however it was the view of myself and other opposition councillors 

that Howwood, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch should not lose out. Thankfully this 

argument prevailed and the villages will be provided with a dedicated team. 

At the same meeting, and in the wake of the dreadful fi re at the Grenfell Tower 

fl ats in London ,the issue of cladding on buildings in Renfrewshire was discussed 

extensively . 

The council has confi rmed that checks have been undertaken and that materials 

used in the cladding at Grenfell Tower were not found in the council or housing 

association high rise accommodation in Renfrewshire. 

Having had that reassurance, I can also report that the council will look again at 

its home improvement policy of providing cladding on mixed tenure properties 

but not on 100% owner occupied properties. 

I and other councillors have been contacted by angry villagers in Lochwinnoch 

and Kilbarchan who have been denied this home improvement while 100%owner 

occupied properties in other parts of Renfrewshire have benefi ted from the 

scheme. It is unfair, and I will continue to press the administration of the council 

to rectify this unacceptable situation. 

Johnstone and Villages Local Area Committee awarded grants to a number of 

local organisations and events in Howwood, Lochwinnoch and Kilbarchan which 

included Lochwinnoch Arts Festival, Christmas Lights in Howwood and Kilbarchan 

Singers. I was pleased to support these and other organisations and events 

which make such a valuable contribution to village life. 

My surgeries are on the 1st Saturday of each month except January and July at the following 

times 9am in the McKillop Institute Lochwinnoch, 10am in Howwood Village Hall and 

11am in the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan. In the meantime please contact me at derek.bibby@ 

renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007. 

“Art Off The Square” 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Halls 

This very popular exhibition and sale is on Thursday 

and Friday 23rd and 24th August from 2 - 9pm and on 

Saturday 25th from 10am - 4pm. As usual, there will 

be a great variety of art, sculpture, ceramics, glassware 

and jewellery on show. An important addition to the 

show is the tearoom with beautiful home-baking by 

members of the church. Entrance is £3 and includes 

afternoon tea. Bring along family and friends to this 

excellent show. 

Would you know what to do in an Emergency? 


Lochwinnoch Art 

Group 

This Group is always glad to welcome new 

members. We are not a class, as such, 

but sharing knowledge and ideas from 

the group as a whole does result in an 

improvement in performance. All abilities 

are urged to come along and give us a try. 

Hope to see you there....meetings restart 

on Monday 4th September from 7.30pm to 

9.30pm in the Space Room in the McKillop 

Halls. For more information phone Lorna 

01505 843048. 



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. 

♥ 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: 

Wednesday September 13th 7- 9 pm Masonic Hall Lochwinnoch 


Kilbarchan 

Kilbarchan National Women’s 

Register. The new session begins 

with a meal out on 16th August, 

followed by an evening discussing 

“what has made you smile in the 

last few days” We would welcome 

new members, please phone 

703786 for more information or 

see the website: www.nwr.org.uk 


Leisure Classes in Kilbarchan Guide 

Centre 

Leisure Classes will start back during the week beginning 21st August after the 

summer break. If you have always wanted to try a fi tness, yoga or an art class 

then you can be assured of a friendly welcome from our members. 

On Tuesday mornings Jane leads a tone and shape fi tness class from 9.30am till 

10.30am followed by a slower paced class to improve the balance and fl exibility 

of the more mature mover – from 10.40am till 11.40am. 

Our Thursday morning Hatha Yoga class with Jacqueline meets from 10am – 

11am. 

Art Classes are held on Monday afternoon and then on both Friday morning 

and afternoon. These relaxed and informal classes, for amateurs, are led by 

Ian Richardson (B.A.Hons) who will provide support and encouragement to help 

develop skills in your own chosen subject and medium. Beginners can follow a 

set 12 week course introducing them to the basics of drawing and painting. More 

experienced artists can further develop their skills with instruction from Ian. 

Come along and try a class – fi rst one free. For further details - phone Jean on 

703758 or Christine on 703056. 

The Guide Centre is also available to hire for private functions. Contact Carol on 

01505 702758 for details. 

Visit our website www.girlguidingkilbarchan.org.uk for details of our Hall facilities 

as well as information about joining Rainbow, Brownie or Guide units. 



Houston & Killellan Kirk 

~ The Allander Jazz Band ~ 

Saturday 30th September from 7.30pm 

Tickets £10 (includes cheese & wine) ~ Available mid-August 


WEST HALLS, MAIN STREET, HOUSTON 

Since being elected for the fi rst time to represent Howwood 

only a few months ago I have been working closely with the 

Howwood Public Park Committee in terms of helping them 

liaise with council offi cers to see if an asset transfer of 

the Park, and the Pavilion, to a community group based in 

Howwood, is possible. I will fi ght to maintain the park in the 

hands of the village, and if an asset transfer is not possible, 

fi ght to force Renfrewshire Council to bring the park and 

pavilion up to an acceptable standard. 

At the last meeting of Kilbarchan Community Council a 

breakthrough was achieved in terms of the long awaited 

plans for traffi c management in Kilbarchan. A council offi cer 

was present and outlined a draft plan which will now be out 

for full consultation to the village and its residents. The draft plan has much 

that is positive, for example, it proposes two new zebra crossings, one at the War 

Memorial, and one at Low Barholm. The village now has to debate the shape of 

what it would like to see. 

I have never forgotten my experience of a few years ago when in only thirty 

minutes of driving rain Lochwinnoch High 


Street became fl ooded, with residents, 

including myself, trapped indoors. 

Adopt the Station 

Therefore it is with great pride that I am 

pleased to announce that at the last Full Group 

Council meeting before the summer I 

If you are at the station take a few 

moved a motion, which was backed by all 

minutes to admire the lovely fl owers 

opposition parties, to create a rural rapid 

that were planted for the summer. 

response gulley team to tackle gulley 

We will be replacing them in autumn 

cleaning in the villages. Who says that 

with spring bulbs to keep us cheery 

Independents do not have political clout 

next spring. 

when they can build a rainbow alliance 

like that? 

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. 


Kilbarchan Bridge Club 


Howwood Fete 


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 

43 

The Club meets on Tuesday evenings at 7 30 

in the Steeple Hall in Kilbarchan. A number 

of our members took up Bridge recently and 

new members are always welcome. The fi rst 

meeting is on Tuesday, 5th September. 

If you wish further information, please contact 

Elizabeth West on 01505 843537 or come 

along on a Tuesday evening. 

A super fun, hot day was had by many at Howwood 

Fete on the 3rd Saturday in June. Lorna Poole & 

Sarah Galloway took on the task of organising 

this year’s fete which was a huge success! The 

fete included the Culture Bus, hot dogs, licenced 

bar, Renfrewshire 

Leisure’s Circus 

activities, all the 

village groups had 

their own stalls 

including the ever 

popular bottle stall, 

tombola, baking stall 

and even Howwoods 

very own Bake Off 

competition to name but a few. There was even the 

pub Tug of War challenge between The Boarding 

House and The Railway Inn. The Fete had a theme 

of ‘A Night at the Movies’ where lots joined in the 

dressing up. Lorna & Sarah, the Ghostbusters, were 

delighted as to how the day went and were pleased 

to see so many of the villagers come out and support it. 

If that wasn’t enough the Railway Inn put on a disco and karaoke in the evening. 

Lorna & Sarah would like to thank everyone who helped make the day as 

successful as it was and look forward to next year’s on the 16th June. 

Knuts4Knitting 

Meets fortnightly on a Tuesday from 7 

to 9pm at Knit Knax, 37 High Street 

Johnstone, also weekly Thursday from 

2 to 4pm. 

Contact details: Pamela 07743156738 

or email bknitting@hotmail.co.uk. 

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie 


Lochwinnoch Scottish 

Country Dance Club 

This well established group meets each autumn and 

winter on Tuesday evenings in the McKillop (lesser) 

hall from 7.30pm till 9.30pm. We presently have 

16 members who all enjoy the class and would love 

to encourage more people to discover the fun and 

exercise to be had by learning these traditional 

dances. Classes will restart on Tuesday 26th 

September. Come along and give it a try! For 

more information, phone Lorna 01505 843048. 


44 


St Columba’s School 

Prizegiving 

Prizegiving brought the 2016-17 school session to a 

close - a time for pupil celebration and also change 

as Mr Girdwood delivered his last speech as Rector 

of St Columba’s. Sir Bill Gammell, Chairman of Cairn 

Energy and former rugby internationalist, was guest 

of honour at Senior School prizegiving and presented 

Jessica Curry and Connie Dodds with the award of 

Joint Dux of St Columba’s School 2017. Gemma 

Gibbons Burton, Olympic silver medallist, gave a 

motivating speech to our Junior School pupils and 

presented Corey MacLeod with the award of Junior 

School Dux and Euan Lindsay as Proxime Accessit. 

Profound speeches, superb music, heartfelt thanks and 

bidding farewell all contribute to the mixed emotions 

that we feel as we wish the Class of 2017 (including Mr 

Girdwood) all the best for the future. 

Beating the Retreat 

A wonderful 

evening was had 

by all at this years’ 

at Beating the 

Retreat, even the 

weather was on 

our side! Well done 

to the Pipe Band 

for an excellent 

performance 

and thank you 

to everyone 

who came along 

to show their 

support. 

SIII Battlefields Trip 

Our SIII pupils embarked 

on their Battlefields trip 

as term drew to a close. 

Particular highlights 

were the singing of the 

battalion songs on the 

bus, walking through 

the preserved trenches 

at Sanctuary Wood, 

crossing the Beaumont 

Hamel battlefields on the Somme, marching from 

the Passchendaele ridge to Tyne Cot, watching the 

Menin Gate ceremony and then participating in our 

own, extremely moving, remembrance service at New 

Cement Road military cemetery. Pipes were played, 

poems recited, songs sung, and there was plenty of 

time for reflection on the sacrifices made during the 

war at a variety of impressive memorials and thought 

provoking cemeteries. Pupils were enthused, shocked 

and humbled in equal measure. 

The trip was not wholly confined to the war though, and 

visits to Bruges and Ypres allowed for the sampling of 

Belgian treats such as their famous chocolate! 

Community Summer Fete 

St Columba’s is holding a late summer fete in lower 

Birkmyre Park on Saturday 16th September from 

2-4pm. 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. 

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. 



Strawberry Field Out of School 

Care 

45 

After a busy school year we have been 

enjoying lots of fun outdoor activities. So 

far we have been to Prestwick beach to 

collect shells and stones. A trip to the beach 

and park at Adrossan as well as numerous 

other play parks. 

The children also spent a morning picking 

fruit and veg such as strawberries, 

blackberries, raspberries and pees at East 

Yonderton farm. 

On top of this children have been doing 

a variety of indoor activities such as 

challenges, arts and crafts, baking and 

creating various forms of slime. 

From August, the OSC will be locating next 

door to what was previously the nursery 

building so exciting changes ahead. 

If you Require Out of School Care please feel free to contact us. 

Duchal Nursery 

The end of term was a busy time 

and we hope you have all had time 

to re charge the batteries over the 

summer!! 

We have lots of exciting things planned 

for the new term giving the children a 

great opportunity for learning through 

play. Duchal is an independent nursery 

that has been providing specialist pre 

school education in Kilmacolm for 50 

years. With a great team of teachers it 

really is the perfect place to give your 

child the best start in life. We are open 

daily from 8.15am until 3.30pm during 

term time. 

If you would like to see our great set 

up at Birkmyre Park and fi nd out more about what we do at Duchal please 

come and visit us one morning - contact Head Teacher Judy Ormond on 

874358 to arrange a convenient time or keep up to date with all the latest 

news on Facebook or our website duchal.com 

We hope you are all enjoying the summer and are looking forward to 

welcoming all our new children at the beginning of term! 

Bridge of Weir Primary 

June was an exceptionally busy month 

and a very special one for the whole 

school community as we bid farewell 

to our Head Teacher Mrs Carol 

Vallance. As an ardent tennis fan Mrs 

Vallance loved her Wimbledon themed 

day on 21 June and although Andy 

Murray couldn’t be there in person, 

a life sized cut out accompanied her 

throughout the day. She was also 

thrilled to receive a retirement card 

from Judy, Andy and Jamie Murray! 

Several other surprise events took 

place including a flash mob dance in 

the playground and a very touching 

rendition of Carole King’s “You’ve 

Got A Friend” performed by all 450 + 

school and nursery pupils. Kleenex were in much demand! Mrs Vallance 

was overwhelmed by the many gifts, cards and good wishes she received 

and particularly appreciated the poems, messages and drawings she was 

given when she visited each class. The pupils, parents and staff of Bridge 

of Weir Primary will miss Mrs Vallance and all join in wishing her a long, 

happy and healthy retirement. 

Gryffe High School 

ABC ‘Mugs’ Project raises £££s for St. Vincent’s Hospice 

Louise, Rory, Olivia and 

Indeah are pictured here 

with Mr. Paul McGregor 

who is a Fundraiser 

with St. Vincent’s 

Hospice in Howwood. 

All S1 pupils took part 

in an enterprise project 

in ABC, where they 

personalised mugs 

and sold them to family 

members with the 

profits going to charity. 

The pupils pictured 

were the ‘best sellers’ in the year and overall the year group raised £242.10 

for their chosen charity, St. Vincent’s Hospice. 

The pupils all had different tasks and learned a lot (at a young age) about 

all aspects of running a business. This gave all pupils the opportunity to 

develop administrative and entrepreneurial skills, as well as contributing to 

the success of the ‘Mugs’ project. 

I was delighted with their efforts and the magnifi cent 

sum raised which will benefit the Hospice. 

Mr M. MacKinnon – Acting Faculty Head ABC 

AH Physics Particle 

Workshop 

AH Physics pupils recently 

attended a Particle Physics 

Workshop at the University of 

Glasgow, accompanied by Mr. 

Whyte. 

The day started with a lecture 

on fundamental particles, which 

covered familiar territory from Higher Physics regarding quarks, leptons, 

bosons and how they are detected. Additional lectures built upon this 

knowledge, provided fascinating insight into advanced ideas like neutrino 

oscillation. 

Throughout the day, we were provided with a taster of the University 

atmosphere that most of us will hopefully get to experience in the future! 

Overall, we feel that our knowledge of Particle Physics has greatly improved, 

as we are more aware of complex ideas regarding this field of Physics. We 

also feel as though our interest in pursuing Physics has also increased, 

after meeting so many enthusiastic individuals – who quite clearly have 

an incredible passion for their 

studies. 

We would highly recommend 

that following years from now 

would get the chance to attend 

this event. 

Alastair Palmer (new) S6 on 

behalf of the AH Physics class 


46 


New skate park 

launched in 

Milngavie 

A £120,000 project by East 

Dunbartonshire Council to build a new 

state-of-the-art skate park in Milngavie 

has been opened. 

The skate park, located within Lennox 

Park, replaces the existing skate park 

which was originally installed in 2005. 

The fabulous new facility has been 

designed to meet the needs of both inexperienced and experienced users 

- each with their own designated zone - and provide a resource that can be 

enjoyed by people of all ages on skateboards, scooters and BMX bikes. 

The Council project was developed with the assistance of the Milngavie 

Community Development Trust (MCDT) and the pupils of Douglas Academy, 

who helped choose the winning design. It was developed as part of the 

Council’s Open Space Strategy, and was funded by the Council’s Capital 

investment programme. 

The Council’s Streetscene Technical Support team then worked with the 

contractor, Bendcrete - one of the UK’S foremost companies in the delivery 

of quality skate park facilities - to develop the new skate park. 

Man on skateboard Councillor Gibbons, convenor of the Council’s Place, 

Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, said, “I’m delighted that this 

exciting project has now been completed and I’d like to thank the Trust and 

pupils from Douglas Academy for all their assistance and hard work in helping 

to make sure Lennox Park is improved for residents and visitors.” 

“Since this facility has opened keen skaters, scooter and BMX riders from 

all over East Dunbartonshire and central Scotland have been using the 

impressive new facility and feedback from these users has been very 

positive.” 

“I hope it will help attract more people to the park and help ensure it continues 

to be an excellent resource for local skaters and bikers for many years to 

come.” 

Skate park user Scott McMillan is delighted with the new facility. Scott said, 

“The new skate park is a great use of the limited space within Lennox Park 

and caters to a lot of different sports with a good mixture of obstacles.” 

“The park is very good and built to a good standard and the locals who use it 

all speak highly of it and are overjoyed with the new park.” 

Callum Christie, chair of MCDT, added, “It’s great to see so many people 

enjoying the new skate park with scooters, bikes and skateboards.” 

“The Council asked the Community Development Trust to help with the 

consultation for a new design, with local school kids and young adults with 

skate park experience. The majority chose the same design, and it’s a tribute 

to their young minds that this new area is such a success.” 

Gleddoch Ladies Golf Club 

The month began with June Lockhart and 

Sheena Wallace winning the silver and 

bronze divisions respectively of the 3rd 

round of the club championship. 

The MacLeod Trophy was much enjoyed 

by all who took part. Many thanks to 

Sheila and Ken MacLeod for organising 

this mixed competition once again. The 

popular winners were Isabell Donnelly and 

Jim Adams. 

The Coronation Foursomes, after being 

rained off on the first attempt, was won by 

Shirley Back and Sheena Wallace. The 

photo is of Sheena admiring her tee shot 

at the second. 

Shirley Back won the silver division in the 

June medal, and Linda Brown won the 

Bronze. 

Shirley also won the Silver division in the 4th Round of the Club 

Championship, squeezing June Lockhart into second place after a count 

back. 

Gleddoch ladies have enjoyed Open Days at Greenock and Douglas Park 

Golf Clubs. 

The knockout competitions are getting under way so here’s hoping for a 

nice spell of weather! 

Gleddoch Ladies are a friendly bunch and welcome visitors and prospective 

new members. Contact Martin McCorkell on 01475 540704, or Gleddoch 

Hotel Reception. 



Ever Wanted to Row? 

47 

Join us for the annual Paisley 10k Road Race and Fun Run at 

County Square, Sunday 20th August 2017. 

Once again the Paisley 10k will be on a flat fast course that will take 

runners to the west of the town after a loop around Paisley’s historic 

town centre. The start and finish will be adjacent to Paisley Cross. 

Over 3k of the route will be on the Paisley Canal to Kilmacolm cycle 

track. The course is an accurately measured 10k verified by an 

accredited Scottish Athletics measurer. 

Sponsored by Decathlon Braehead, with Macmillan Cancer Support 

as the official charity partner for the third year running. 

Start Times - 10k Road Race: 10am 

Fun Run: 12.15pm 

Come and show your support for the runners, and enjoy events and 

activities throughout the day - perfect for all the family! 

Find out more on our website: www.renfrewshireleisure.com/ 

paisley10k or call 0300 300 1362 for more information. 

Beaumont clocks 

up first 2,000 miles 

Scottish ultra-endurance athlete Mark 

Beaumont hits first milestone of Artemis 

World Cycle 

Breaking the 18,000 mile cycling 

circumnavigation World Record in 80 days 

is underway as Scottish adventurer and 

ultra-endurance athlete Mark Beaumont 

completes the first 2,000 miles of his 

challenge. 

Beaumont is testing the resilience of 

mind and body in his challenge to fulfil 

a dream of achieving this incredible 

record. His mind blowing stats 

include spending 16 hours a day in 

the saddle and clocking up 240 miles 

every day. Split into four phases, 

Mark’s route takes him from Paris 

to Beijing, Perth to Brisbane, from 

Invercargil to Auckland, Anchorage 

to Halifax and fi nally Lisbon back to 

Paris. Mark is patron of the Scottish 

registered charity Orkidstudio, 

based in Nairobi, which benefits 

communities through innovative 

architecture and construction. 

Orkidstudio create high quality and 

affordable buildings that signifi cantly 

impact health and promote education 

and equality, and Beaumont aims to raise funds through his pedal power to 

support future projects. 

Sponsor Mark’s Artemis World Cycle and raise 

£10 for every mile cycled for Orkidstudio by 

texting (UK only) ‘ORKD80 £10’ to 70070 or online at 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/markbeaumont-80days 

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. 

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. 

Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club 

Ladies Section 

The Old Course Ranfurly 

Golf Club Ladies Section’s 

Open Day held on Thursday 

6th July. Pictured here are 

the winners being presented 

with “The Ranphorlie 

Quaich” by our captain 

John Clark. We had 104 

ladies attending this event 

and a raffle drew in £550 for 

the charity Motor Neurone 

Disease. 

MND is the ladies section’s 

chosen charity this year and 

at the end of the year cash raised from several events will be presented to 

them. The names of the winners are Marilym Muir (Old Ranfurly) and Jane 

Alexander (Cathcart Castle) with a score of 39 Stableford Points. 

Strathgryffe – Millennium 

Tournament 

Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash Club celebrated Wimbledon with the annual 

contest for the Millennium Doubles Shield on Saturday 8th July. The club 

had 8 courts in action all afternoon as members played 5 rounds of mixed 

doubles with the top 2 scoring gents & ladies progressing through to the 

final. Mid-afternoon the players enjoyed a break for the ‘very Wimbledon’ 

snack of strawberries & cream! 

Congratulations to Greig Fraser & 

Alison Frood who were the eventual 

winners defeating David Ashman & 

Janice Coyle in the final. 

Strathgryffe has a calendar of 

Summer Camps being held 

throughout the summer holidays for 

tennis, squash & multi sports. For 

more information, please visit our 

website www.strathgryffe.net. 


48 


Brookfield Bowling Club 

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 golfing 

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 

Brookfield Bowling Club held it’s annual Invitation Bowling Tournament 

on Sunday 2nd July. This tournament is sponsored by Andrew Malcolm 

in memory of his aunt Morag who played on the Brookfi eld green. For 

the first time for several years the winners were from the Brookfi eld club 

(David & Helen Dobson and Andy McLoughlin) with the runners up from 

the Johnstone Club. The rain stayed off and an enjoyable time was had by 

all. Everybody played a minimum of 18 ends and had a wonderfully lunch, 

coordinated by Gina Rae, helped by club members. 

Ranfurly Castle Golf 

It has been another busy 

month at Ranfurly Castle with 

many of the Ladies Trophies 

being played for. The weather, 

despite everyone complaining 

about the lack of sunshine, 

has not caused disruption to 

the golf. 

On 13th June we held an 

Australian Scramble with 27 

ladies joining in the fun. It 

was not just golf that was 

taxing them on the day, but 

armed with scissors and some 

string a little more thought 

was required! Some friendly 

Kangaroos made an appearance – if the ladies were lucky enough to spot 

them! The winning team on the day were Mary Craig, Mary Irving, Morag 

Cunningham and Helen Abram, well done to all who took part. 

The Grans Trophy was played for on 14th June and was won by Helen 

Abram with 36 points. On the 23rd June we held a Charity Tri-am with 7 

teams taking part. The winners were Pamela MacKenzie, Gillian Donaghy 

and Morag Cunningham with a very impressive 54 points. The Charity 

to benefi t was Altziemers Scotland. On 28th 

June the Gillies Trophy was won by Chris 

Minto with 35 points. 

Sunday 25th June was the annual Family 

Fun Day at the club. The weather was kind 

with only a short shower so the youngsters 

enjoyed their golf, playing 6 short holes set 

out over the 1st and 18th fairways as well 

as the putting on the putting green. A lot of 

laughter was heard coming from the dining 

room where an entertainer kept the children 

spell bound! Bouncy Castles, candy floss, 

face painting and a Bar B Q all added to the 

fun of the day. 

Our Past Lady Captains day was Friday 30th 

June and 15 past Captains played 

a stableford tri-am. A delicious 

lunch, with a lot of chat, followed 

with a further 10 past Captains 

joining in the fun. The winning 

team were Vicky Sandeman, 

Marion Munro and Eileen Walker 

with 41 points. Vicky had travelled 

from the east coast to join us so 

it was lovely that she part of the 

winning team. 

On Wednesday 12th July the Summer meeting for the Walker Quaich saw 

25 Ladies playing on a beautiful summer day. The Quaich was won by 

Mary Craig (14) 75, Runner-up was Mary Hardie (21) 77. 

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. 



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 

49 

Ayr Running Festival 

Lang Scots Mile Races and 

10k Road Race 

Inspiring – Inclusive – Iconic 

Go the 1,984 yards with family and 

friends – the iconic ‘Lang Scots Mile’ is 

set to be raced for the fi rst time as part 

of the build up to the Scottish International 

Airshow, with an additional brand new 10k 

event, promising a fast and fl at route taking 

in beautiful scenery and iconic historic 

buildings. 

“But hark there is 

a measured mile 

Fashioned in the 

Lang Scots style 

And rins along the 

Bonnie coast 

Auld Ayr can rightfully 

claim its boast” 

Ian Downie – local poet inspired by Robert Burns 

aka the “Bard of Ayrshire” 

The Brand New 10k 

A fast fl at route, with only 43 metres of total climb, 

long straight sections and very few turns this is 

certainly one for those PB chasers. The race is 

open to runners of all abilities, from those who are 

looking to do their very first 10K to charity runners 

and elite athletes. 

Sporting Blog 

by Lesley Handley 

Metabolism Myths .... 

There is a lot of information out there about metabolism and how you 

can improve it or speed it up as well as things to avoid that slow it down. 

Unfortunately, a lot of what we read is untrue and will play no part in 

changing your metabolism – here are my top three; 

1. Frequency of Meals 

Eating smaller meals more often throughout the day does not speed up 

your metabolism. Research shows that your metabolism is not triggered 

by meal size, frequency or timing. If anything, the more often you eat, 

the more potential there is to consume more calories than intended 

throughout the day if you are not careful. 

Kilmacolm 

Bowling Club 

Kilmacolm Bowling Club’s pink day for 

breast cancer charity raised over £300. 

Thanks to president Sandra Crawford and 

Morag Morrison who organised the event. 

2. Having Breakfast 

Making sure you have breakfast in the morning does not speed up 

your metabolism. By consuming food first thing in the morning does 

not mean that you suddenly switch on your metabolism at an increased 

rate. Missing breakfast won’t make any change to your metabolic rate; 

however, it can help curb cravings and frequent snacking throughout 

the day, which aids in calorie control and a healthier eating pattern. 

What negates fat loss or weight gain is your calorie intake over 24 

hours, and more so over 7 days, rather than whether you do or don’t 

skip breakfast. 

3. Food Type 

There are no special foods that speed up your metabolism. Research 

hasn’t shown any positive benefits to eating a certain type of food that 

acts directly on your metabolism. The key thing is a varied diet full of 

nourishment and flexibility that you can sustain long term. 

Lesley 

For more information on nutrition or Personal Training contact me on 0773 

627 4925 or email Lesley@fi tsmartfi tness.co.uk 


50 


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. 



Work on new play areas 

mark second phase of park 

improvements 

51 

Team Scotland has revealed an exciting five-day programme of events and 

celebrations which will be held around the country, to mark the visit of the 

Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) on its global tour, ahead of 

next year’s Commonwealth Games in Australia. 

In Scotland from 22-26 August 2017, the presence of the Baton will bring 

Gold Coast 2018 one step closer for athletes and supporters, as Team 

Scotland aims for its best ever medal haul at an overseas Games. 

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Games tradition that celebrates the 

Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people 

about the world-class festival of sports and culture to come. 

The Queen’s Baton carries a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 

II that calls the Commonwealth’s athletes to come together in peaceful and 

friendly competition. 

Designed for each Games by the host nation, the 2018 Queen’s Baton has 

a distinctive loop design and has been made using macadamia wood and 

reclaimed plastic, sourced from Gold Coast waterways, and inspired by the 

region’s vibrant spirit and indigenous heritage. 

With only fi ve days in Scotland this year, compared to the hugely successful 

42 day tour of the country in 2014 as Commonwealth Games hosts, the 

focus is on not just passing through, but spending quality time in each 

community it visits. The programme includes school and community events 

with a strong youth and sport theme, showcasing our rich heritage, links 

to Australia, The Commonwealth and a number of exciting Glasgow 2014 

legacy projects. 

A summary of the programme is given below and includes a number of 

‘open’ events each day which members of the public are encouraged to 

attend. Many events will also include the participation of past or current 

Team Scotland athletes and the attendance of the popular Glasgow 2014 

and now Team Scotland mascot, Clyde. 

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW 

Tuesday 22 August – Glasgow 

The QBR will arrive at Glasgow Airport and spend the first day visiting 

legacy projects and youth and community groups related to the Glasgow 

2014 Commonwealth Games including: 

Welcome to Scotland at the Glasgow School of Sport, Bellahouston 

Academy 

Commonwealth Games Village – Meet permanent residents of Team 

Scotland accommodation 

Cunigar Loop Woodland Park – Bike Town community group bike ride 

through the park* 

Emirates Arena – Schools participation event linked to the 2017 World 

Badminton Championships 

The Legacy Hub, Dalmarnock – local community event 

University of Strathclyde Innovation Centre – Commonwealth Youth 

Leaders Conference 

George Square – Starting point of the Glasgow Commonwealth 

Walkway. 

Wednesday 23 August – Islay 

The QBR will make its fi rst ever visit to Islay in the Inner Hebrides for a 

unique range of youth and community events including: 

Bowmore – Primary Schools festival featuring the Schools Gaelic 

Choir and Highland Dancing 

Visit to the Bowmore distillery 

Bowmore Town Square for community meet the Baton opportunity 

Talk at Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle (the Columba Centre Islay). 

For further information about the Gold Coast 2018 Queen’s Baton Relay 

and its journey across the Commonwealth so far visit www.gc2018.com 

The next stage of a 

multi-million investment 

in Renfrewshire’s parks 

is set to commence with 

the installation of new 

play equipment at two 

popular parks. 

Works will start week 

commencing Monday 10 

July to install new play 

equipment at Barshaw 

Park in Paisley and 

Robertson Park in Renfrew marking the second phase of improvement 

works. These works are part of a phased programme of infrastructure 

works worth £2 million being carried out at both parks. 

The works are likely to last approximately six weeks at Barshaw Park and 10 

weeks at Robertson Park with minimal disruption to the public. The existing 

play areas in the parks will still be operational throughout the works. 

The first phase of works which saw a series of upgrades made to pathways, 

roads and drainage systems improving areas affected by fl ooding and 

enhancing the overall park experience for visitors is expected to be 

completed next week. 

The next phase of works is to provide dynamic play opportunities for a wide 

age group of users. Items being installed at the parks include; a wooden 

castle unit, a range of swings, crawling pyramid, five-way swing, climbing 

wall and tyre swing. 

Councillor Natalie Don, Depute Convener of Infrastructure, Land and 

Environment for Renfrewshire Council, said: “The improvements being 

made to Barshaw Park and Robertson Park will help enhance the experience 

for all who use the parks.” 

“Parks have a central role to play in the community especially when it comes 

to offering places for families to spend time together. The installation of the 

new play equipment will deliver facilities that can be enjoyed by members 

of the local community for years to come.” 

The phased works being carried out at Barshaw Park and Robertson 

Park are part of wider plans to improve parks across Renfrewshire with 

£250,000 being made available for other parks throughout the area. 

Further investment for parks is also being sought from external funding 

organisations. 


52 

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your best childcare, call 

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Kilmacolm/Quarriers area 

registered childminders. 

P/time or F/time vacancies 

for u-5’s and after school. 

T: 01505 873839. 

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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 first 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 

confi dent 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. 

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 SCO112822. All 

services will be conducted by the 

Rev. Ian Bell. Sunday 6th & 13th 

August 10am - Morning Worship. 

Sunday 20th August 11am - 

Morning Worship - Sunday Club 

and Cradle Roll re dedication. 

Sunday 27th August 11am - 

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 

KILBARCHAN 

Kilbarchan Parish Church in August: 

Services continue at 11am each 

Sunday throughout August, 

conducted by Rev. Stephen 

Smith. We continue to support 

the Paisley Food Bank each 

Sunday throughout the summer. 

The Crèche continues to meet 

in the large hall from 10.45am 

each week. There will be a 

special summer Sunday School 

LATE news 

Houston Baby and Toddlers 

We can’t wait to see everyone and meet new 

friends when our new term starts back on Thursday 

17 August. In June we had a fantastic sports day 

and teddy bears picnic which was enjoyed by all - a 

lovely way to fi nish the term. Good luck to all the big 

boys and girls who are moving on to start nursery 

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 Major work is due 

to start in July, with the hall, 

church and grounds being out 

of bounds during the week as it 

will be a work site. 

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 11am. 

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 

and school. 

We have 

lots planned 

over the 

c o m i n g 

m o n t h s , 

i n c l u d i n g 

c r a f t s , 

parties and 

a grown 

ups evening 

out. 

Children from 0-4 years old, together with their 

parents/grandparent/carer, will receive a warm 

welcome. The children can have fun playing with 

our many toys while the adults chat over a cuppa. 

We meet every Thursday 09.30 - 11.30 (restarts 17 

August) in the West hall, Main Street, Houston, PA6 

7EL (next door to the Carrick Centre) – please feel 

free to join us anytime. 

We look forward to meeting you. Sharon, Lesley & 

Fiona. (lesleyannjackson@outlook.com) 

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 6.30pm 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! 

53 

TRADES & SERVICES 

Black & White ads only 

Lineage: up to 20 words £13.00* 

Boxed ad: £7.50* per column cm 

PROPERTY & HOLIDAY HOMES 

CARS FOR SALE 

Lineage: up to 20 words £13.00* 

Boxed ad: £7.50* per column cm 

Photo: add £7.50* (colour) 

*all prices subject to VAT 

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 

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, Brookfield & 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

54 

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

ITEMS FOR SALE 

BABY EQUIPMENT 

Toilet trainer seat, white, 

VGC, £5 each (have two). 

Tel: 01505 874870. 

Potty Chair Mothercare red 

& pink, VGC, £5. Tel: 

01505 874870. 

Phillips AVENT microwave 

bottle steriliser. 

Excellent condition, with 

instructions. Smoke free, 

pet free home. £5. Tel: 

01505 672175. 

Silver Cross Surf carrycot 

and rain cover (no base). 

Excellent condition. 

Smoke free, pet free 

home. £30. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Mamas and Papas cream 

baby bath. Excellent 

condition. £5. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Phillips AVENT combined 

baby food steamer and 

blender with instructions 

and recipe booklet. Good 

condition. Smoke free, 


01505 672175. 

Chad Valley Baby Playnest. 

Very good condition. 

Smoke and pet free home. 

£15. Tel: 01505 872800. 

Fisher Price Rainforest 

Jumperoo. Good 

Condition. Smoke and 


01505 872800. 

Fisher Price Calming 

Vibrations Bouncer. Good 

Condition. Smoke and 


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. 

Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier 

Original. Good Condition. 


£15. Tel: 01505 872800. 

Tippitoes Ziggy Rocker 

Walker. Good Condition. 


£10. Tel: 01505 872800. 

CLOTHES & SHOES 

Marks and Spencer men’s 

charcoal suit. Chest 48ins, 

waist 38ins, inside leg 

31ins. Wool rich blend, 

excellent condition. £20. 

Tel: 01505 672175. 

Boy’s Wool Blazer - 

Kelvinside Academy, 

almost new. Fit 16/17 

year old. £40. Tel: 01505 

613775. 

Tap shoes pink junior 

size 9/10 & 10/11. £10 

each. VGC. Tel: 01505 

874870. 

Pink Leotard, good 

condition, size 00. Tel: 

01505 874870. 

Men’s M&S waxed casual 

coat in dark green. Size 

large. As new. £50. Tel: 

01505 672175. 

Men’s Dehavilland black 

coat. Wool/cashmere 

mix, hardly worn and in 

excellent condition. Chest 

48ins. £50. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Women’s Nike running 

jacket. Lightweight, 

black, size 10. Excellent 

condition. £20. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Men’s brand new original 

Penguin casual trousers 

(label still attached) 38ins 

waist. £20. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Men’s 3/4 length sleeve 

WESC Beach t-shirt in 

khaki and white. Size 

XXL. As new. £10. Tel: 

01505 672175. 

Men’s brand new West 

Beach t-shirt. Size XL. 

£10. Tel: 01505 672175. 

Brand new men’s Ralph 

Lauren navy v-neck 

jumper. Size XL. £40. 

Tel: 01505 672175. 

Men’s full length Dannimac 

raincoat in grey. 

Removable lining. Size 

large. Good condition. 

£25. Tel: 01505 672175. 

HOUSEHOLD & 

GARDEN 

2 Black bar stools with 

chrome frame £25 lot. 

Smoke free home. Tel: 

01505 329075 

4 Taupe Checked High 

Back Dining Chairs from 

Next. Perfect Condition 

Cost £500 will accept 

£150 for all 4. Tel: 07525 

133109. 

Strimmer, heavy duty petrol, 

cuts brush easily. £60. 

Tel: 07791 688240. 

Three seater Italian 

Leather Sofa (burgundy) 

by “Bardi”. Excellent 

condition. £200. Photos 

available on request. Tel: 

01505 703697. 

Honda Izy HRG465C SDE 

petrol lawnmower, recently 

serviced, plus service kit 

plus spare blade. £195. 

Tel: 07748 587489. 

Oakland Computer Desk. 

New 2016. Must uplift - 

£60. Tel: 07706 821151 / 

01505 871912. 

Dyson Ball Hoover, good 

working order. £30. Tel: 

07757 057830. 

Vintage Art Deco mirror 

with rainbow rim approx 

66.5cm wide x 39cm high. 

£8. Tel: 01505 672175. 

Pair of tall cream fabriccovered 

cylindrical lamps 

(approx 115cm tall and 

15cm in diameter). 

Ideal for bedside. Good 

condition, smoke free 

home. £30. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Retro style oak and veneer 

coffee table from the 

House by John Lewis 

range. Handy shelves 

and drawers for storage. 

Approx H38cm x W110cm 

x D60cm. Excellent 

condition, smoke free 

home. £170. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

2 Oak Slatted Base Single 

Bed Frames, Perfect 

Condition. Cost £450 will 

accept £120 for both. Tel: 

07525 133109. 

Westland Lawn Spreader, 

as new condition for £15. 

Tel: 01475 540066. 

Black glass & chrome TV 

stand for up to 50 inch 

TV. Exc cond £40 ono. 

Tel: 07740 187171. 

ELECTRICAL & GAS 

Large silver fridge/freezer 

good condition, no dents. 

£125. Must collect. Tel: 

01505 862955. 

Dyson DC24 Vacuum 

cleaner. £40. Tel: 01505 

614503. 

Samsung s5 unlocked takes 

all networks charged and 

ready for any sim. £120. 

Tel: 07791 688240. 

Cooker table top morphy 

richards with fan oven 

internal grill two hot plates, 

good condition, clean. 

£45. Tel: 07791 688240. 

SPORTS 

2 Single inflatable Intex 

Kayaks - never used. 

£50 each. Tel: 01505 

706485. 

Figure skates, white, junior 

size 10, good condition, 

£10. Tel: 01505 874870. 

Dinesse large Matt black 

ski/snowboard helmet. 

Good condition. £20. Tel: 

01505 672175. 

Bicycle 23” alloy lightweight 

frame ready to ride off 

road or street. £60. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

Mountain bike. £45. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

Bmx bike old skool approx 

1999, chrome frame, old 

but well maintained, spare 

set of wheels, £60. Text or 

call 07810 523742. 

King Cobra II Oversize Iron 

Set plus Taylor Made 

driver & 3 wood, two 

putters (Wilson & Fazer). 

Men’s right hand. Plus 

King Cobra golf bag and 

Turfglider trolley. £75. 

Tel: 07748 587489. 

Toddler Bicycle helmets (44- 

48 cm) pink x 2, suits appr. 

1-5 yrs old, VGC. £5 each. 

Tel: 01505 874870. 

TOYS/GAMES/DVD 

Selection of Moshi Monsters 

and Bungees, approx 160 

pcs in total in metal boxes. 

For ages 4+. £10 the lot. 

Tel: 07801 549981. 

OTHER ITEMS 

Galvanised steel ash bucket 

10 litre. £4. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Vintage Telstar coated 

binoculars, English make. 

£22. Tel: 07856 610671. 

Honda CRV Roof Rack 

System, was on an earlier 

2007 model. £40 ono. 

Tel: 01505 815399. 

Microsoft wireless keyboard, 

mouse and USB desktop 

receiver in black and 

silver. Excellent condition. 

£10. Tel: 01505 672175. 

Vibrapower disc. £135. 

Must collect. Tel: 01505 

862955. 

Jane Montecarlo plus isofi x 

car seat for ages 4 – 12 

years in nice condition. 

£30. Tel: 01475 540066. 

Brand new steel car wheel 

6JX15H2 and new Jinyu 

tyre 185/60 R15. Stored 

as spare wheel only. £80. 

Tel: 07736 067169. 

Brand new set of rubber 

mats for Vauxhall Mokka. 

£36. Tel: 07882 984824. 

Vango Exodus 400 Sleeping 

Bag - 3 season. Brand 

new. Ticket price £89.99. 

Sell for £50 ono. Tel: 

07740 600490. 

HD video drone 2.4GHz with 

built in HD video camera 

brand new in packaging. 

£65. Tel: 07856 610671. 

Vango Omega 400R 

Sleeping Bag - 3 season. 

Brand new £50 ono. Tel: 

07740 600490. 

Vintage amber necklace, 

cognac colour, Baltic 

region amber. £60. Tel: 

07856 610671. 

Vango Voyager 300L 

Sleeping bag - 3 season. 

Brand new. £50 ono. Tel: 

07740 600490. 

Vango Dakota 300 Tent. 

Brand new. £100 ono. 

Tel: 07740 600490. 

Brand new front and rear 

OEM mudfl aps for Zafi ra 

B. Still in box £20. Tel: 

07706 660964. 

2 packs of solid oak flooring 

18mm x 150mm covers 

4m square approx. £60 

ono. Tel: 07740 187171. 

Steel Dog Guard with 

Boot Divider. Genuine 

Mercedes part. To fit 

Mercedes ML350 model 

W164 2005-2011. 

Excellent condition - £90. 

Tel: 0787 656 3768. 

WANTED ITEMS 

Victorian or Georgian style 

Dolls House. Will collect. 

Tel: 01505 872597. 

Cash paid for Music CDs 

(a few or a lot). Tel: 

0141 882 5594 or 07765 

115347. 

Local lily grower requires 

the use of a greenhouse/ 

polytunnel in Kilmacolm 

area in return for light 

gardening duties. Tel: 

Vince 01505 872082. 

Old records Wanted 45`s 

& LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 

07710 777571. 

FREE CYCLE 

Bicycles for spares or 

repair - gents, ladies & 

kids, garage clearout, 

Bridge of Weir. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

Bang & Olofsen 26” tv 

rotates on own stand free 

to take away, works. Tel: 

07791 688240. 

Filing cabinets 4 drawer 

size metal. Tel: 07791 

688240. 

Girl toddler bike without 

stabilisers, good beginners 

bike. Tel: 01505 874870. 

Cream leather sofa – a 

bit scuff ed but perfectly 

usable. Must collect. Still 

have fi re safety labels on. 

Tel: 01505 613110. 

Two single beds and good 

quality mattresses – one 

bed slides underneath the 

other. Must collect. Still 

have fi re safety labels on. 

Tel: 01505 613110. 

Hand-delivered every month 

to households & businesses 

in Bridge of Weir, Brookfield, 

Crosslee, Elderslie, Houston, 

Howwood, Kilbarchan, 

Kilmacolm, Lochwinnoch, 

Langbank and Quarriers 

Village 

Extra copies available from 

many local outlets in all 

villages plus Bishopton, 

Erskine & Johnstone. 

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.

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk august 2017 

ADVERTIZERS - A TO Z 

55 

Accom/Hotel & B&B 

Glenorchy Lodge Hotel . . . . . . 39 

Accountants & Financial 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 22 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 14 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 15 

GMH Chartered Accountants . . 25 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 

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 . . 27 

Bathrooms 

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 

Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 

Bedrooms 

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 10 

Blacksmith & Metalwork 

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 37 

Tennamast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Building Services 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 5 

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 6 

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 

KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,4 

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 14 

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 3 

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 37 

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 14 

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 4 

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 45 

Catering 

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 14 

Cleaning & PowerWash 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 17 

Eclipse deep clean . . . . . . . . . 14 

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 15,4 

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 

Council Notices 

The Media Shop Scotland Ltd . . 20,9 

Driveways 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Driving Instructors 

AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 15 

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7 

BY CATEGORY 

September ‘17 Issue: 

• Deadline: 18 August 

• Delivery: 1 September 

Electricians 

Delta Electrical Services . . 9 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Fencing 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 


Tennamast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Firewood & Logs 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Funeral Services 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 2 

Garage Doors & Gates 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Garden Service & Design 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 32 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 32 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 33 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 34 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 31 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 31 


M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 31 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 34 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 35 

Gas & Heating Services 

A&J Plumbing Heating & Gas . . 14 

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 24 

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 . . 38 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Health, Beauty & Fitness 


Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Classical Ballet Classes . . . 47 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 11 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 43 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 11 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 15 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 41 

Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 39 

Wellcentred UK . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Home Hardware 

Gibb Stuart Iron . . . . 13,14,15,16 

Home Improvements 

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 5 


Conservatory Conversions . . . Bk 


Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Revamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Home Interiors 

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 



Home Security 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 24 

Joiners 


CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 10 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 14 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 15 

Kilt & Dress Hire 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 3 

Kitchens 







Locksmiths 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Painters & Decorators 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 11 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Pest Control 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Pet Services & Training 

Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 28 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 29 

Strathgryffe Dog Walks . . . . . 28 

Plasterers 

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 40 

Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 6 



Plumbers 




GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 


JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Property, Sales & Let 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Penny Lane Homes . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Removals 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 38 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Restaurant & Bars 


October ‘17 Issue: 

• Deadline: 15 September 

• Delivery: 29 September 

Retail 



The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 36 

R o o fi n g 












Solicitors 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 8 


Special Occasions 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Stoves 


Taxis & Minicoach hire 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 27 

Tiling 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 15 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Travel Agents 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Tree Surgeon 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 


LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

TV & Satellite 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 26 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Upholstery Services 




P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 2 

Window Cleaners 




Matthews Cleaning Services . . 16 

Window, Consv & Repair 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Pick up a Copy 

Bishopton: Post Office, 

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 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 38 


3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 32 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 15 


A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 32 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 


ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 8 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 22 


AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 15 

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 5 

Apple Tree Garden Design . . . 33 

ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 


B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 5 


Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 7 


Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 28 


Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 24 





Charlie Orr Plasterer . . . . . . 6 

Cheetham & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 14 

Classical Ballet Classes . . . 47 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 


Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . 5 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 11 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 


Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 34 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Delta Electrical Services . . 9 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 26 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 31 



Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 


Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 11 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 15 


Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 



Glenorchy Lodge Hotel . . . . . . 39 

GMH Chartered Accountants . . 25 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 15 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 27 


Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

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. 

Houston: Co-op, Carrick 

Centre, Post Office, 

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 

Healing Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 3 






James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 2 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 27 

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 14 


Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 43 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 11 



Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 15 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 


M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 31 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Matthews Cleaning Services . . 16 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 14 


MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 39 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 41 

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 19 

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 2 

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7 

Penny Lane Homes . . . . . . . . . . 6 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 34 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Revamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 29 


Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 39 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 

Strathgryffe Dog Walks . . . . . 28 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Tennamast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 36 

The Media Shop Scotland Ltd . . 20,9 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Wellcentred UK . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 35 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 15 

Kilmacolm: Newsagent, 

Pieri’s, Cross Café, 

Gibb Stuart, Cargill 

Centre, Library 

Langbank: Finlaystone 

Visitor Centre 

Lochwinnoch: Keystore, 

McKillop Centre, Library, 

Castle Semple Centre, 

Newsagent 

Quarriers: Three Sisters 

Bake

56 

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

Gryffe Advertizer - Current & Past Issues 

www.advertizer.co.uk/issues 

Gryffe Advertizer - Current & Past Issues 

www.advertizer.co.uk/issues 

you can contact us @GryffeAds using #Advertizer 

or by email info@advertizer.co.uk or phone 01505 613340

275 August 2017 - Gryffe Advertizer

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