279 December 2017 - Gryffe Advertizer

December 2017 No.279 

FREE 

COPY 

Distributed to: 

• Bishopton 

• Bridge of Weir 

• Brookfield 

• Elderslie 

• Houston 

• Howwood 

• Kilbarchan 

• Kilmacolm 

• Langbank 

• Lochwinnoch 

• Quarriers 

FOLLOW US 

GryffeAds 

Gibb Stuart Window display by Chloe McGinn 

your LOCAL community magazine December 2017 No. 279 

PLEASE TAKE A FREE COPY OF YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

the advertizer 

2 

Get in Contact 

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

t: 01505 613340 m: 07731 923970 

e: info@advertizer.co.uk w: www.advertizer.co.uk 

@GryffeAds 

Open Tuesday to Thursday 9am-4:30pm; Friday 9am-12:30pm 

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

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

opinions by contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the publishers. The 

Gryffe Advertizer takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication. 

Contents 

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

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

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

what’s on........................14-23 

finance & tech.................24-31 

financial blog.........................24 

IT blog.........................24 

legal blog......................26 

local history......................28 

on the road.....................31 

pet news.....................32-33 

pet blog............................32 

outdoors........................36-41 

village news....................42-53 

school news.................54-59 

sport news....................60-63 

sporting blog.....................63 

business classified..............64 

church listings....................65 

sales & wants......................66 

advertizer directory................67 

deadlines dates...................67 

pick up a copy..................67 

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

december 2017 

3 

December’s Tips for Keeping 

your home warm and cosy 

As the December weather starts to bite and there is less daylight, we need lights 

on for longer periods as the nights get darker. Don’t forget to turn them off. 

£15 per year can be saved by turning off lights when not in use. If the average 

household replaced all of their remaining old-fashioned bulbs with CFLs, and 

all of their halogens with LEDs, it 

would save about £35 a year on 

bills. Also and importantly don’t 

forget to wrap up warm at home – 

put on that extra jumper and make 

sure your curtains are closed to 

keep the heat in your rooms. For 

more home energy information and 

advice contact LEAP Energy Team 

on 01505 842530/612034, or 

email info@myleapproject.org. 

Help us keep you & the local area moving this winter. Follow us on 

facebook & twitter @GryffeRoadwatch and if you spot or know of 

any road works, fl ooding, ice or blockages let us know! 

You can send us a message via facebook or twitter or post a 

wee comment on Gryffe Roadwatch or The Advertizer’s page. 

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk


4 

This Month 

Early days..... 

You may be thinking that this issue is awfy early through your doors. It is a wee 

bit earlier than our usual delivery, but we need to bring the schedule forward to 

accommodate the Christmas shutdown at our commercial printer. Our January 

2018 issue has to be printed before Christmas which means an early deadline 

of Friday 8th December, so please send in your news etc in plenty of time. The 

January issue will be delivered between Boxing Day and Hogmanay. 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas..... 

I love my drive home these days. I pass the wonderful window displays at Gibb 

Stuart’s which are once again a joy to see. Sandy, Christine and the Gibb Stuart 

elves go to great efforts every year to create a visual extravaganza to brighten 

up the dark winter evenings. I love it when I see the children who stop to look at 

the windows, and it helps get me in the Christmas mood! 

Santa’s Sleigh will be doing the rounds again, weather permitting! We’ve got 

the dates for you, and there will be updates on Facebook if the weather proves 

diffi cult. Local groups get involved in helping out on each night, and their 

benefi t is that they get to keep the funds raised on the evening they go out. 

Thanks again to all the volunteers who make this happen, and thank you for 

the generous donations from you all. The Christmas lights are going on in all the 

villages, many with a very special visitor doing the honours! 

Road rage..... 

When oh when is the Council going to fi x the bollards on the island as you leave 

Bridge of Weir towards Kilmacolm? The bollards have been hit so many times 

that there is absolutely no refl ective warning. Dark nights combined with rain 

make it almost invisible and I’ve spoken to a number of people who have nearly 

come a cropper! I’ve reported it, so here’s hoping it gets fi xed before someone 

gets hurt. 

Missing you..... 

Life throws up some strange co-incidences - a lovely wee dog was found in 

Kilmacolm last month. Two good Samaritans, Lewis Mcdonnell and Moira 

Crichton managed the actual ‘capture’ and brought her to me to try to fi nd the 

owner. Through my facebook post, Irene Whiteside of Harvey’s Army Scotland 

got in touch. As Irene arrived at our house to check the dog, we saw a man 

walking very quickly with a dog lead but no dog. Aha! Are you looking for a 

dog I say, yes I am he says. Unfortunately, not the same dog, but while he’s 

there, Irene says give me your details and we’ll see what we can do. As they are 

talking, I see a post from Sheila Gillespie saying her daughter has just found a 

dog. Turns out this is the dog the man is looking for. So at least one wee dog got 

home safe and sound that night. 

This was during the period around 5th November when lots of fi reworks were 

being set off. Going by facebook it was the busiest weekend for runaway dogs 

and cats - the local rescue saints were run off their feet trying to re-unite these 

wee souls. One thing that makes life so much easier is an up to date chip - 

please make sure your pet has been chipped and that the details are correct. 

The wee dog we found was chipped but as her owner’s phone number had not 

been updated, it took more than 24 hours to reunite them. Funnily enough we 

achieved this through facebook with someone seeing my post and also the 

owner’s post, and put us in touch with each other. 

A great result! A wee dog absolutely delighted to see her dad and away home 

safely. I would like to say thanks to everyone for their help in reposting and 

passing on information. 

Happy Christmas to you all, from all of us at The Advertizer! 

Rona 



Has Your Double 

Glazing Steamed Up? 

Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have 

become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues 

with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be 

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

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

have any failed double glazing? 

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

including the frames and all the hardware, however 

Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving 

solution … Just replace the glass!! 

We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free 

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

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

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

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

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

windows and doors. 

Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Peter Brummitt and he services 

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

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

5 


6 


Bridge of Weir Guides get to 

grips with Upcycling 

Twenty-one of the 1st Bridge of Weir Guides took part in LEAP and ReMode’s 

sock workshop in November, upcycling their old socks into something new 

to use. They created and personalised mobile phone covers, got to practice 

their hand stitching 

and sewing skills and 

learned more about 

preventing old and used 

garments such as socks 

from going into landfi ll. 

Pictured here are the 

guide group showing 

their new mobile sock 

covers and some of 

the sample covers they 

created. 

Upcycled Socks to Mobile phone covers 

Bridge of Weir Girl Guides Group 



7 


8 


Get free, confidential and 

impartial advice now 

Take a look at this list...is there anything on here that you’re worried about right 

now? 

• Money and debt 

• Welfare benefits 

• Housing 

• Food 

• Energy bills 

• Health 

• Legal issues 

• Consumer issues 

Maybe you are in a crisis or emergency situation and you need help urgently? 

There are people here in Renfrewshire who can help, and the 

easiest way to reach them is to phone Advice Renfrewshire. 

Call us now on FREEPHONE 0808 164 2922 

Our advice is local, free, confidential and impartial. 

New Chair at Hypnotherapy 

Foundation 

Congratulations to Mo Ferrington on being 

appointed Chair of the Scottish Hypnotherapy 

Foundation. At the recent AGM Mo was elected 

as the new chair, with Melanie Phillips as 

new Secretary and Caroline Meikle as new 

Treasurer. Alison Bruce and Dr Fiona McLoud 

have remained in post with Heather Hutchison 

ratified as the Member Services Director. 

The Scottish Hypnotherapy Foundation aims 

to raise the standard of Hypnotherapy in 

Scotland through providing a gateway to 

Regulated Hypnotherapy Services to the 

people of Scotland and to provide an excellent 

professional body to therapists working in Scotland. For more information click 

on http://scottishtherapy.co.uk/ 

Bookbug Sessions 

Free Story, Song and Rhyme Sessions for babies, toddlers, 

pre-school children and their families. 

To find details of your nearest Bookbug Session, please visit 

www.scottishbooktrust.com/bookbug 

Songs, rhymes, rhythm and movement! Free, friendly and fun for children 

aged up to four and their parents. No need to book, just drop in! Find a 

session near you in one of our libraries. 

Bishopton Library 

Every second Thursday. 10-10.30am and 11-11.30am 

Bridge of Weir Library 

Every second Thursday, 10-10.30am 

Erskine Library 

Every Monday, 9.45-10.15am (babies and children up to 15 months) and 

10.45-11.15am (children from 15months to 4 years) 

Johnstone Library 

Every Wednesday, 9.15am (toddler group), 10.00am (toddler group), 

10.50am (baby group), 11.20am (baby group) Every Friday, 10am-10.30am. 

Every Saturday, 2.30-3pm 

Kilmacolm Library 

Every Thursday, 11-11.40am. (t: 01475 715621) 

Linwood Library 

Every Thursday, 2-2.30pm. Every Saturday, 10.30-11am 

Lochwinnoch Library 

Every Tuesday, 9.30-9.55am (baby group from birth to 18 months). Doors 

open 9.20am, 10.30-11am (toddler group from 18 months to 4 years). 

Paisley Central Library 

Every Monday, 10.15-10.45am (baby group from birth to 18 months) and 

11.15-11.45am (toddler group from ages 18 months to 4 years). 

Port Glasgow Library 

Every Friday, 10-10.40am and 11-11.40am. (t: 01475 715629) 

Renfrew Library 

Every Tuesday, 9.15 - 9.40am, 9.50 -10.15am and 10.25 

- 10.50am 

St Columba Junior School, Kilmacolm 

Every Friday, 9.30-10am. (t: 01505 872768) 



9 

The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music 

Awards 2017 

Saturday 2 December at 7pm - Lagoon Leisure Centre, Paisley 

The 15th annual MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards comes to Paisley as it bids 

for the UK City of Culture title in 2021. 

Known as the Folk Oscars, the 2017 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards will 

showcase and celebrate the very best of Scottish traditional music to folk fans 

from across the country. 

A glittering gala event with performances from some of Scotland’s traditional 

music luminaries including: The Elephant Sessions, Siobhan Miller, Charlie 

Stewart - Winner of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 

2017, The Shee Big Band and many more. 

First started in 2003, The Scots Trad Music Awards generates over 100,000 

worldwide public votes from across 16 categories including: Album of The Year, 

Live Act of the Year, Gaelic Singer of the Year, Event of the Year, Composer of 

the Year and more. 

Tickets are £25.00 - get yours online from Renfrewshire Leisure Box Office; 

over the phone on 0300 300 1210; or in person from Paisley Arts Centre or 

InCube Shop 

The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards will be broadcast live on BBC ALBA and 

BBC Radio Scotland as well as being available worldwide via www.http://bbc. 

co.uk/alba. 

Join us at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow for our annual Ladies Christmas 

Sparkler Lunch on Sunday 3rd December. 

Hosted by the wonderfully entertaining Steve McKenna, you will be assured of 

a wonderful afternoon of glamour and fun. 

Guests will enjoy a sparkling drinks reception whilst Master Magician, Mark 

Gordon wows with some of his magic. After a delicious three-course lunch, it 

is time hit the dancefloor for some fun and dance the afternoon away to the 

magnificent sound of all girl band Feeva. 

If you would like any further information for this wonderful fun and glamourous 

afternoon, please contact the fundraising team at St Vincent’s Hospice on 

01505 705635. 


10 


Photography Exhibition 

New CoStep dance classes in 

Brookfield Village Hall 

New dance classes start in Brookfield Village Hall (PA5 8UB) on Thursday 

Evenings from 11th January. 

Argentine Tango and Modern Ballroom with some Latin & Swing. 

Open to all; join the Beginners class if you have no dance experience, otherwise 

join the Post-beginners class. 

Have fun and learn at your own pace. To reserve your place contact us - email 

brookfield@costep.co or call 07513 046016. For more details visit www.costep. 

co 

Photos & Videos Wanted 

4th December to 13th January - THE BRIDGE, Main St 

The STUDIO – Bridge of Weir, is proud to announce an exhibition of their 

work at THE BRIDGE, 65 Main St, Bridge of Weir PA11 3NR. 

Come along and have a look at the work of 2 local professionals: 

Andy Stark of www.stark-images.co.uk 

Al Goold of www.algooldphoto.com/ 

Your local photography studio caters for all types of photography from a 

simple passport photo to a family portrait session. We offer 1st Birthday 

Cake Smash events to professional model portfolios. 

Our fully equipped professional studio can do the product shots for your 

business as well as staff photos and head shots to enhance your website 

presence. We can cover weddings and events, schools and nurseries. 

If you can’t come to the studio we can come to you, with our fully mobile 

studio set up. 

Check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/thestudiobow/ 

and our web/sales site at thestudiobow.zenfolio.com/ 

Why not meet the team – one of us will be there every Wednesday and 

Thursday to tell you more about what we do, we would love to meet you. 

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

we’re sure there will be plenty of great photos and videos out there taken by 

our readers. Plus 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. 

Optical Blog 

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians 

Winter weather and your eyes 

With the cold weather, most people will be thinking about scarves for the 

face and neck, gloves for the hands, hats for the head and warm boots for 

the feet. But what about the eyes? 

Cold winter winds and central heating can cause havoc with the eyes, 

sometimes leaving them very dry, gritty, red and sore. If you’re suffering 

then you should keep well hydrated, take Omega-3 daily as this can help 

stimulate tear production, try a room humidifier and use artificial tears. It’s 

always best to have an eye examination to determine the exact cause of 

any problems. 

Colds and coughs are very common in cold weather - they can be highly 

contagious and the germs can very easily transfer from the hands to the 

eyes causing various eye infections. Make sure to wash your hands (and 

your children’s hands) regularly to minimise the risk of infection. 

Don’t put away your sunglasses yet! Summer is when we traditionally think 

of wearing sunglasses but they are equally important in winter, protecting our 

eyes from glare, harmful UV reflections from snow and ice and even acting 

as a barrier to block the cold air and wind. Snowy conditions reflect much 

more UV radiation into your eyes, so ensure you have proper UV protection 

especially when enjoying winter sports such as skiing/snowboarding. 

Polarised sunglasses are particularly good when driving towards a low sun 

in wet conditions. 

Winter is a good time to have your eyes tested as poor light conditions mean 

that your eyes have to work harder, making them more likely to feel tired 

and strained. If you experience any difficulties eg driving in the dark (one of 

the most common winter complaints) then it’s a good idea to have your eyes 

checked. There’s almost always something that can be done to help. 

For further information, please call us at the practice: 01505 614 700. 



Dental Blog 

by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner, 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice 

11 

In the lead up to Christmas we thought it might be useful t o 

highlight some Christmas Gift Ideas as well as to provide some Tips for 

Looking After Your Teeth over the festive period… 

1. Electric Toothbrushes make a great gift - from stocking fillers at less than 

£20 to main presents (if you choose a state-of-the-art option with pressure 

indicator and smart phone syncing). 

2. Try to avoid too much Dried Fruit over the festive period (it is one of the 

main ingredients in Christmas Cake and Mince Pies) as it is high in sugar 

and coats the teeth in a sugary film. 

3. Try and eat Nuts or Crudités as a healthier alternative to Crisps and 

Sweets. Cheese is great too as it helps to neutralise acid. 

4. Drink lots of Water and if you do partake in other drinks have them with 

meals. 

5. Brush your Teeth an hour after eating and avoid snacking too much 

between meals. 

6. You may want to consider a course of Teeth Whitening in the lead up to 

Christmas and the New Year to look your best - this can also make a more 

imaginative Christmas Gift (initial consultation required). 

7. Don’t leave a Visit to the Dentist until the last minute, we get very busy at 

this time of year and it can be difficult to get an appointment. 

8. If you need Emergency/Out of Hours treatment contact NHS 24 on 111. 

Most importantly Have A Great Christmas! 

From all at Kilbarchan Dental Practice. 

If you have any queries about any areas of dental health visit us at Kilbarchan 

Dental Practice, call 01505 704969 or click www.kilbarchandental.co.uk 

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

you can contact us @GryffeAds using #Advertizer 

or by email info@advertizer.co.uk or phone 01505 613340 


12 

Welcome funding for 

Ardgowan 

Inverclyde Council Leader, Councillor 

Stephen McCabe, has welcomed grant 

funding for the new Ardgowan Distillery 

Company in Inverkip. 

The new distillery is set to receive grant support from the Scottish Government’s 

food processing and manufacturing grants. 15 projects across Scotland will 

share funding with the Ardgowan Distillery receiving the largest single level of 

grant at £982,723.04. 

Inverclyde Council Leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: “This grant 

funding for Ardgowan distillery is very welcome news. It is an exciting project 

and one which we are seeing from the very beginning to develop Scotland’s 

newest distillery. The distillery and the associated visitor facilities being within 

the ground of one of Scotland’s historic estates is sure to be a visitor draw for 

people from across the UK as well as our many overseas visitors. The work 

being done at Ardgowan can help to boost Inverclyde’s growing reputation 

as a visitor location, and the development and growth of the food and drink 

sector.” 


Renfrewshire is Ready for 

Winter Weather 

Renfrewshire’s residents are being urged to prepare themselves for the winter 

weather conditions as the coldest months arrive. 

Renfrewshire Council has launched its Ready for Winter campaign and has put 

in place its normal winter measures to ensure the area will continue to operate 

fully should there be severe snow, ice, wind or rain. 

More than 800km of road and 1200km miles of pavement will be treated 

across Renfrewshire with over 4000 tonnes of salt purchased to combat the 

freezing conditions. 

Specialist gritters will be operating on a priority basis to ensure all main bus 

routes and access routes to schools and emergency services remain available, 

providing 24 hour cover to deal with the effects of snow and ice. 

Residents will also be able to access more than 400 grit bins to tackle roads 

which are not on essential gritting routes. 

The council is also urging everyone to be #RenReady to face the winter weather 

by preparing in advance to keep their home, business and community safe. 

Preparing emergency plans and grab bags for your home, checking weather 

reports often and having an emergency kit in your car are just a few of the ways 

which you can stay safe this winter. 

For more information on how 

you can be prepared for severe 

weather across the winter 

period visit: HYPERLINK “http:// 

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ 

readyforwinter”www.renfrewshire. 

gov.uk/readyforwinter 

Pictured Councillor Cathy McEwan, 

Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s 

Infrastructure, Land and Environment 

Policy Board, at the wheel of a gritter. 

Christmas at Gowanlea 

Fresh pines, striking reds of poinsettia, the 

smell of mulled wine and roasting chestnuts 

pulls together all the attributes of a festive 

season worth remembering.. 

Our indoor viewing area will give you a cosy 

soft lit space to see this years choice of trees. 

Our fantastic selection of premium quality 

trees from the truly traditional Norway Spruce 

to the modern day Favourite Nordmann Fir not 

forgetting the gorgeous smell of Fraser Fir - we 

have a tree fit for every home, so come out 

of the cold, relax and let our welcoming staff 

cater to your every need. 

Flowers by Margo 

Flowers play an important role during the festive period; they can be a perfect 

memorable gift. Arranging flowers and putting them in a room can uplift the 

mood and spread a little festive cheer. 

We have an array of floral treats and 

inspiring ideas for Christmas that 

will make a fabulous gift. Bouquets 

and arrangements are designed 

with traditional festive colours of 

lush greens, vibrant reds, and crisp 

whites, hints of gold and natural. 

Traditional baskets may be adorned 

with cinnamon bundles reminiscent 

of mulled wine and cooper coated 

pine cones to reflect the forest floor 

in winter. Dusted with a little glitter 

and tied with festive ribbon they add 

a rustic charm to any home. 

Hand making holly and Fir wreaths 

for over 30 years, with that special 

touch and care required to make 

them stand out from the rest. 

www.gowanleanurseries.co.uk 

The giving of flowers is representative 

of the kindness heart at this time of 

year. 

www.flowersbymargo.co.uk 

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our loyal customers, a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. 

Open 7 days Tel No. 01505 328921 - Barrochan Road, Johnstone PA5 8YS 



13 

Local Businesses Support 

Jingle Bell Jog for Ardgowan 

Hospice 

Three local businesses have joined forces with Ardgowan Hospice to offer a 

host of prizes and incentives for people to get involved to make its Jingle Bell 

Jog extra special this Christmas. Specsavers, Laser Matrix and Sainsbury’s are 

all offering support for this fantastic festive family event. 

Jingle Bell Jog is a 3km walk, run or jog along Greenock Esplanade to raise 

much needed funds for Ardgowan. Specsavers is motivating participants by 

offering the top fundraiser a pair of designer glasses complete with lenses worth 

up to £300. “We are hoping to create some healthy fundraising competition 

with the chance to win a pair of specs from our fabulous designer collections 

which include Balmain, Cath Kidston and Converse”, says Lesley Brown, store 

director at Specsavers in Greenock. The company is also funding t-shirts for 

every finisher. 

Children and laser game fans are also in for a treat if they take part in the 

Jingle Bell Jog. Laser Matrix, Greenock, is inviting joggers to its venue for 

refreshments and all joggers will get a 2 for one voucher to use at Laser Matrix 

at a later date. Sainsbury’s in Kempock Street are also supporting the event by 

providing goodies for all finishers. 

Registration for the event is still open. The standard entry is £10 per adult 

(16+), £5 per child (5-15) and kids aged 4 and under are free. 

All entrants are encouraged to raise a suggested minimum of £30 per person 

(£15 for under 16s), on top of the registration free, which will cover the cost 

of the event. 

Alex Mula, Fundraising, Ardgowan Hospice says: “We are delighted that we have 

had so much support from our local corporate partners. We hope that local 

people will respond to the fantastic incentives and sign up. The esplanade will 

be transformed by all the joggers having some festive fun and exercise, and all 

for charity. “ 

Every £30 raised from this event means Ardgowan can offer two sessions for 

a recently, or pre-bereaved child or young person with our Child and Family 

Support service. 

If you are aged 9-18 and play a brass instrument come and join us. Rehearsals 

take place in St John’s Church Hall, Port Glasgow every Friday from 5pm. Pop in 

and talk to us or get in touch with us at secretary@riversideyouthband.co.uk 


14 

December 

until Sat 25 Nov 

Scottish Drawing Competition 

Paisley Museum 

Biannual competition open to all artists of 

Scottish connection by birth or residence. This 

exhibition showcases the best work from the open 

submissions. www.paisleyartinstitute.org.uk 

Sat 18 Nov - Fri 1 Dec 

Tag a Tree at Finlaystone 

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 

Xmas Tree Tagging! Select and tag your Tree. £5 

to put a deposit on your tree. This means you just 

must pay the usual entry fee. Just head to the 

visitor centre on arrival. Come back anytime near 

to Christmas and cut it down to take home. 

Sat 18 Nov - Sat 6 Jan 

Edinburgh Christmas Market 

Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh 

10am to 10pm 

The traditional and romantic Christmas Market in 

the heart of the City of Edinburgh offers a unique 

shopping experience for every visitor with its fair 

of crafters, artists, gift shops and gastronomic 

surprises. Get into the Christmas spirit! Please 

note: markets close at 8pm on 24 December, are 

closed 25 December, open 12pm 26 December 

and 1 January. 

Thu 23 Nov 

Late Night Opening - Gibb Stuart 

Gibb Stuart Hardware, St James Terr, 

Kilmacolm & Main St Bridge of Weir 

9am to 8pm 

Need some time for Christmas shopping? We’re 

open until 8pm on 23rd Nov, 30th Nov & 7th Dec 

in Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm stores. 

Thu 23 - Sat 25 Nov 

A Christmas Carol 

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 

7pm 

Kilmacolm Dramatic Society presents an amateur 

production of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. 

Doors 7pm performance 7.30pm inc. Sat matinee 

25 Nov at 2.30pm. Adults £10, U14 £8 Tickets 

available from the Cross Cafe, Kilmacolm or Rosie 

Thirdie 01505 873088 

Fri 24 Nov - Sun 24 Dec 

Paisley First Winterfest 

Paisley - various venues 

Paisley First with M&D Events are bringing a 

Winter Wonderland to the streets of Paisley town 

centre this Christmas. Plans include an ice rink, 

the panoramic Star Flyer ride, continental style 

market and other family attractions. There will be 

a free festive Nutcracker Trail with 10 nutcracker 

kings spread throughout the town. All the details 

can be found at www.paisleyfirst.com 


Sat 25 - Wed 29 Nov 

Glasgow Christmas Market 

George Square, Glasgow 

10am to 10pm 

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a visit to the 

traditional markets for a gastronomic treat, 

a warming glass of festive cheer or a unique 

festive gift. Offering a wide selection of festive 

gifts and delicious street food. A warm and 

welcoming bar will add to the festive atmosphere, 

offering up a selection of beverages for all to 

enjoy. The centrepeice of the George Square 

market is a traditional carousel, the iconic Big 

Wheel and a whole host of family focused street 

entertainment. 

Sun 26 Nov 

Craft Fair 

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch 11am to 3pm 

Come down for this pre-Christmas Craft Fair by 

Castle Semple. Think shopping gifts, sweet treats 

and warm cups of coffee over lochside views. 

Crafter yourself? Get in touch about a table. More 

information online or tel 01505 842 882 

Mon 27 Nov 

Stargazing Evening 


Road, Lochwinnoch 7pm to 9pm 

Join us for an evening of astronomical exploration 

at the new location of Castle Semple this season. 

Run by our friends from Coats Observatory Paisley. 

Not suitable for under 10’s MORE INFO: Look 

online and book or tel 01505 842 882 

Wed 29 Nov 

Johnstone HS Christmas Fair 

Johnstone High School, Beith Rd, 

Johnstone PA5 0JN 6pm to 8pm 

More than 20 craft stalls, Pamper Stall, Raffle, 

Tombola, Home Baking, Festive Selfies, Choir 

Performance. All welcome. Entrance includes 

tea/coffee & mince pies. Free entry for primary 

school age pupils 

Thu 30 Nov 




9am to 8pm 


open until 8pm on 30th Nov, 7th & 14th Dec in 

Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm stores. 

Torchlight Parade 

West End of Glasgow 6pm to 7.30pm 

This evening celebration of Scotland’s patron 

saint will take the form of a torchlight parade 

passing through the main parts of the west end 

using a rolling road closure. The rolling closure 

will mean the roads are safe for the procession 

to walk but will limit any inconvenience to road 

users. Full details of the event, timings and how 

to purchase torches at www.westendfestival. 

co.uk. Vouchers for torches £6 up until 5pm 10 

October, £8 after. Non torch £3. Children will get 

a free glow stick. 

Fri 1 Dec 

A Christmas Concert by the B 

Flats 

Houston & Killellan Kirk, Main Street, 

Houston 7.45pm 

The concert in the Kirk will be a mixture of 

traditional and less well known Christmas 

songs with some original arrangements by 

the founder of the group, Robin Barr. Come 

along and join in the beginning of Christmas 

festivities hosted by Houston and Killellan Kirk 

Scottish Country Dancers. Donations will be 

gratefully accepted which will be given to our 

Extension Fund. 


Fri 1 Dec 


Houston Christmas Fayre & 

Lights Switch On 

Sat 2 Dec 

Christmas Coffee and Craft 

Morning 

15 

Fox and Hounds, Main Street, Houston 

Christmas Fayre in the car park of the Fox and 

Hounds before the Christmas Lights Switch On. 

There will also be fireworks in the evening. The 

winning designs from Houston Primary, and 

St Fillan’s Primary pupils for the new Houston 

Christmas Lights will be on display on both the 

Fox and Hounds and the Houston Inn, so please 

come along that night and celebrate the true 

spirit of Christmas. 

Some Hebridean Wildlife and 

Scenery 

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, 

Renfrew 7.30pm 

David Palmar will deliver an illustrated talk 

entitled ‘ Some Hebridean Wildlife and Scenery’. 

All welcome. 

Festive Family Fun Night 

30 Dennistoun Rd, Langbank, Port 

Glasgow PA14 6XH 5.30pm to 7.30pm 

Lots of fun for all the family. Followed by the 

Village Christmas Tree switch-on at 8.15pm in 

the Church car park. 

Festive Family Fun Night 

Langbank Parish Church, Main Rd, 

Langbank 8.15pm 

Village Christmas Tree switch-on. 

The Second Lochwinnoch Golf 

Club Tea Dance 

Lochwinnoch Golf Club Burnfoot Rd, 

Lochwinnoch PA12 4ANm 2pm - 4.30pm 

In support of Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly 

Village. Come and dance, sing and have fun 

with the fantastic ‘Music Box’ and enjoy a lovely 

afternoon tea from Janice and her team! The 

dance is sponsored by one of the Lochwinnoch 

Golf club life members what a generous and kind 

gesture! For more info contact Morag on 07868 

752814. Free 

Sat 2 Dec 

TnT Bird Ringing Demonstration 

Muirshiel Visitor Centre, Calder Glen 

Road nr Lochwinnoch PA12 4LB 

10.30m to 3.30pm 

A chance to see our native woodland birds up 

close and literally ‘in the hand’ while they get their 

identification rings. For more info. tel 01505 614 

791 in office hours 

Kilmacolm Primary School Spirit 

of Christmas Event 

Kilmacolm Primary School, churchill 

Road, Kilmacolm 10am to 12noon 

Lots of stalls selling a range of goods. Secret 

Santa room for the children to buy a present for 

their mum and dad, tombola, raffle, photo booth, 

pocket money and tuck shop stall. Tea or coffee 

and mince pie or shortbread free with the price of 

the ticket. £8 family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 

children), adult £2.50 and child £1.50. 

Johnstone Christmas Lights 

Switch-On 

Johnstone Town Centre 12pm to 5pm 

Get in the festive spirit as we switch on the 

Christmas lights in the town. 

St Columba’s School Christmas 

Fayre 

Scout Hall, South Street, Houston 

10am to 1pm 

1st Houston and Crosslee Scouts Christmas 

Coffee and Craft Morning with new Santa’s 

grotto. 

Kilbarchan Parish Church 

Christmas Fayre 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall, Steeple 

Street 10am to 12noon 

There will be many gift stalls and a chance for the 

children to have their photo taken with Santa. 

Lochwinnoch Explorer Group: 

Christmas Fun 

RSPB, Largs Rd, Lochwinnoch 

10am to 12noon 

Calling all children! Come along and learn about 

nature, but most importantly, get dirty and have 

fun doing it! This month we’ll be having some 

Christmas fun! Come along to find out! Ages: 5 to 

14 years. Please note that all children aged 8 and 

under must be accompanied by an adult. Booking 

essential. Cost: £5 (£3 RSPB members) (adults 

go free). For bookings and further info: Email 

lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk Tel. 01505 842 663 

Candlelight Winter Guided Walk 


5pm to 7pm 

For a truly atmospheric experience, join us at the 

reserve to walk in candle light! At the end of the 

route, join us around a camp fire for hot chocolate 

& toasted marshmallows. Enjoy the reserve in a 

way that few get to experience! Please book, as 

places are limited and due to the popularity of 

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

Adults £5 (RSPB members £3); Children £3 (RSPB 

members £2). For bookings and further info: Email 


Sat 2 - Sun 3 Dec 

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. For bookings and 

further info: Email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk Tel. 

01505 842 663 Free 

Sun 3 Dec 

Brookfield Xmas Lights switch on 

Brookfield Village Hall, Woodside Road, 

Brookfield 5.30pm 

Meet at the Village Hall at 5.30pm and join a 

candlelight procession to the Millennium Garden 

where our group of village brass players – the 

Brookfield Brass Necks – will entertain us with 

some Christmas music prior to the switch-on of 

the tree lights. Then it’s back to the Hall for some 

refreshments and a viewing of ‘The Snowman & 

the Snowdog’ on a giant screen! 

Bridge of Weir Messy Church 

Christingle Service 

St Columba’s School, Duchal Rd, 

Kilmacolm 2pm to 5pm 

Free entry, child friendly and fun for all the family 

including crafts, gifts, Christmas baking, Santa’s 

Grotto, performances by our Junior Choir and 

Angel Voices, Christmas films, VR experience, 

games and surprises. The event will be held in the 

new Girdwood Building at Senior School - please 

use the Gryffe Road entrance. 

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk 

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge of 

Weir 4pm to 6pm 

Everyone is welcome, young and old, to come 

along and make a Christingle, afterwards a short 

candlelit service with the Christingles. After this, 

we will be back in the hall for food and a chat. Lots 

of different people come along and it’s a great way 

to meet people. Babies and toddlers welcome. 

Adults are welcome to come along without a child 

but not the other way round as we don’t want to 

lose them! Just turn up on the day. Facebook 

(Bridge of Weir Messy Church)

16 


Sun 3 Dec 

Mon 4 Dec - Sat 13 Jan 

Sat 9 Dec 

Sun 10 Dec 

St Vincent’s Hospice Annual 

Christmas Sparkler Ladies Lunch 

Grand Central Hotel, 99 Gordon St, 

Glasgow G1 3SF 

Hosted by the wonderfully entertaining Steve 

McKenna, you will be assured of a wonderful 

afternoon of glamour and fun. Enjoy a sparkling 

drinks reception, Master Magician, Mark Gordon 

wows with some of his magic, a delicious threecourse 

lunch, and then it is time hit the dancefloor 

for some fun and dance the afternoon away to the 

magnificent sound of all girl band Feeva. If you 

would like any further information please contact 

the fundraising team at St Vincent’s Hospice on 

01505 705635. 

Advent Carol Service 

St Fillan’s Church Hall, Moss Road, 

Kilmacolm 6pm 

With Angel Voices & Voices+ Community Children’s 

Choir. Come and prepare for the Season before 

Christmas with this lovely Service on the theme of 

Light and Darkness through Music, Readings and 

Advent Carols. Refreshments after the Service. 

Gourock Elf Run 2017 

Gourock centre 11am 

Prize for the best dressed elf! 1k, 2k, 3k, 4k and 

5k runs - just go as far as you can. Entry includes 

an elf hat and a donation to Dreams Come True 

Inverclyde. Come and help make more dreams 

come true! £6 adult, £4 child, £15 family 

Bishopton Christmas Tree Light 

Switch On 

Bishopton Community Centre, Gledstane 

Road, Bishopton 6.15pm 

The village Christmas tree lights will be switched 

on after a carol service that starts at 6.15 

pm. There is an open invitation to the local 

community to join in too. Please note ther car 

park will be closed to allow the ceremony to take 

place. It is recommended that motorists should 

leave their cars at home and walk to the Centre. 

It is likely to be cold and those attending should 

wrap up appropriately.This is a free event. Light 

refreshments will be available. 

Festival Christmas Bingo Night 

Royal British Legion, Livery Walk, Bridge 

of Weir 7pm 

Doors open 7.00pm for eyes down at 7.30pm, 

entry £2 at door includes light buffet. 

Mon 4 Dec 

Christmas Lights Switch-on - 

Bridge of Weir 

Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir 6.15pm 

Bridge of Weir Community Council ‘s Christmas 

Lights switch-on, and once again we have 

enhanced our lighting display. Starting with the 

Carol Service in Freeland Church at 6.15pm 

followed by the Switch-on of the lights at 7.00pm 

at Livery where Santa will arrive in style. Light 

refreshments will be served in the Royal British 

Legion Club. 

Photography Exhibition 

The Bridge, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 

Come along and have a look at the work of 2 

local professionals: Andy Stark of www.starkimages.co.uk 

Al Goold of www.algooldphoto.com/ 

Check out our facebook page at www.facebook. 

com/thestudiobow/ and our web/sales site at 

thestudiobow.zenfolio.com/ Why not meet the 

team – one of us will be there every Wednesday 

and Thursday to tell you more about what we do, 

we would love to meet you. 

Wed 6 Dec 

Tinsel 5K Walk 


Road, Lochwinnoch 11am 

Dig out your tinsel for a festive singsong along 

Lochwinnoch’s local paths. Allow 2 hrs, less if 

it is wet! For more info. look online or contact 

Renfrewshire Walking Network 

Thu 7 Dec 




9am to 8pm 


open until 8pm on 7th & 14th Dec in Bridge of 

Weir and Kilmacolm stores. 

Outlook - Kilmacolm Old Kirk 


2pm to 4pm 

With our Minister – Rev Peter McEnhill plus 

Christmas Tea followed by Carols at the Piano 

with Sandra. 

Fri 8 Dec 

Advertizer January Deadline 

The Advertizer - Neva Place, Bridge of 

Weir 

If you would like anything published in our 

January ‘18 issue, please email info@advertizer. 

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

miss out! 

Sat 9 Dec 

St Paul’s Church, Johnstone 

Masonic Hall, Collier Street, Johnstone 

10am to 1pm 

Grand Christmas Fayre and Coffee Morning There 

will be many various stalls including a Christmas 

stall, Toy stall, Sweets stall, Tombola, Toiletries etc. 

And of course lots of delicious homebaking. This 

is always a very popular event, we look forward 

to seeing you there. 

Christmas Fair - Kilmacolm Old 

Kirk 


10am to 12noon 

In aid of Church Funds and Ardgowan Hospice 

– Christmas Gifts, Tombola, Home Baking, Brica-Brac 

and Santa’s Grotto. Tickets £2.50 Santa’s 

Grotto £2. 

RSPB Lochwinnoch Christmas 

Trees & Festive Fun! 


10am to 4pm 

Come along and join us for some exciting 

Christmas fun. There will be Christmas themed 

crafts and of course Santa, not to mention real 

Christmas trees for sale! You can buy your perfect 

tree surrounded by Christmas spirit, mulled wine 

& mince pies. You might even manage to pick up 

that perfect gift. Santa visit: Suggested donation 

of £5 per gift. For bookings and further info: Email 


The Kilbarchan Singers 

Christmas concert 

Kilbarchan Parish Church, Church 

Street, Kilbarchan 7.pm 

7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) with invited guests, 

The Kilbarchan Parish Church Junior Choir, 

conducted by Moira Gray. Tickets £8.50 (children 

free), refreshments included. Tickets available on 

the door or from choir members. 

Brookfield Children’s Xmas Party 


Brookfield 3pm to 5pm 

Fun and games with The Song & Dance Factory 

and of course, a visit from Santa! Residents are 

reminded that tickets (£5.00) must be booked in 

advance – please e-mail brookfieldvpa@gmail. 

com by Wednesday 29 November with the number 

of tickets required and confirmation of children’s 

names/ages. 

Christmas Dog Show 

St John’s Church Hall, Jamaica St, 

Greenock PA16 8JJ 

Join us on Saturday 9th December at 11am at 

St John’s Church Hall, Jamaica Street, Greenock 

PA16 8JJ. Royalheart Greyhound Rescue are 

hosting a fabulous Dog Show with Judge, Denise 

MacGregor. With categories of Loveliest Lady 

Dog, Best Rescue, Most Fabulous Fella Dog, 

Best Party Trick and Festive Dog Fancy Dress, 

along with craft stalls, gifts, Tombola, this is also 

a great opportunity for some Christmas shopping. 

Doors open at 11am with the first class starting 

at 11.30am. Admission £2 adults, £1 under 

12’s, dogs FREE! 

Jingle Bell Jog for Ardgowan 

Hospice 

Greenock Esplande 10am 

A fun walk, run or jog along the Greenock 

Esplanade. Joggers will receive a finisher’s medal 

and t-shirt for completing the course and will be 

able to warm up with a hot brew and mince pies 

at Laser Matrix. Registration is £10 for adults 

(16+), £5 for kids* (aged 5-15) and under 5s* 

can jog for free. On top of the registration fee, 

which only covers costs for the hospice, joggers 

are asked to raise a suggested minimum of £30 

per person (£15 for under 16s). Anyone who 

wants to take part must register with the hospice, 

to find out how visit www.ardgowanhospice.org. 

uk, email fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk or call 

Alex on 01475 558888. *All under 16s must be 

accompanied by an adult. 

Wed 13 Dec 

St Columba’s Pipe Band Village 

Performance 

Kilmacolm Village Centre 4.30pm 

St Columba’s School Pipe Band will spread some 

festive cheer with a performance in the village 

centre. Collection in aid of Ardgowan Hospice. 

Thu 14 Dec 

Sòlas Bereavement Group - 

Kilmacolm Old Kirk 


2pm to 4pm 

Sòlas Bereavement Group 




9am to 8pm 


open until 8pm on 30th Nov, 7th & 14th Dec in 

Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm stores. 

Sun 17 Dec 

Brookfield Christmas Carol 

Service 


Brookfield 2pm 

A celebration of Christmas with the Brookfield 

Brass Necks leading the carols followed by mince 

pies and mulled wine. 

Family volunteering 


1pm to 3.30pm 

Family volunteering - volunteer with your children 

or grandchildren... 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. For bookings and 


01505 842 663 Free 



Renfrewshire Model Railway 

Exhibition 

Johnstone Town Hall, 25 Church Street, 

Johnstone 

Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 January 

Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-4pm 

Renfrewshire Model Railway Club’s 2018 Exhibition (and our second since the 

successful re-launch of the event in Nov 2016) will again be in Johnstone Town 

Hall. The layouts will range from N gauge to G Scale. This Exhibition will be 

Sat 16 - Sun 17 Dec 

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. For bookings and 


01505 842 663 Free 

Wed 20 Dec 

St Columba’s School - A Musical 

Celebration 

Greenock Town Hall, Cathcart Square, 

Greenock PA15 1LS 7pm to 9.30pm 

Enjoy a magical evening of festive music from 

pupils of St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm - 

soloists, ensembles, choirs, orchestras and pipe 

band. There will also be a number of opportunities 

to join in with some carols. The event is open to 

the School community in addition to the local 

and wider community. Tickets cost £10 each 

and include light refreshments at the interval. A 

family ticket for four costs £35. Proceeds from 

the evening will go towards the St Columba’s 

Foundation. To book visit www.st-columbas.org/ 

amusicalcelebration, t: 01505 872238 or e: 

dgallacher@st-columbas.org. 

Fri 22 Dec 

Riverside Youth Band: 6th Annual 

Christmas Concert 

Port Glasgow Town Hall, Scarlow Street, 

Port Glasgow PA14 5EY 7pm 

Riverside Youth Band are delighted to welcome 

you back for our 6th Annual Christmas Concert. 

Doors Open at 7:00pm, Starts at 7:30pm. Ticket 

Price: £5.00* *booking fee applies 

Annual Community Nine Lessons 

and Carols 

St Fillans Church, Kilmacolm 7pm 

Mulled Wine and Mince Pies after the Service. 

Wed 27 Dec 

Brookfield Cheese & Wine 


Brookfield 2pm 

This ever-popular event is the ideal opportunity 

for residents, visiting family members, friends and 

neighbours to get together for a really sociable 

afternoon between Christmas and New Year. 

Fri 29 Dec 

Family Bushcraft Event 


Road, Lochwinnoch 10.30am - 12.30pm 

Use traditional fire lighting methods and cook over 

a campfire. Learn the skills of survival. For more 

info. Look or book online or tel 01505 842 882 

£5 per person 

Sun 31 December 

Hogmanay Dance 


Brookfield 8.30pm to 1am 

Dance the night away and see in the New Year 

with live band, DIZZY HEIGHTS. Tickets £12.50 

(minimum age 16) available from brookfieldvpa@ 

gmail.com or from any Village Councillor. Bar/ 

Raffle/Refreshments. £12.50 

multi-national with layouts depicting 

scenes from ten different countries. 

There will also be an interactive 

zone where visitors are permitted to 

control locos and racing cars. 

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 

17 


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 

Pilates Class 

Kilellan Halls Houston 6.15 - 7.15 & 7.30 - 8.30. 

For more information or to book a place call Katie 

on 07972 474965 

Gryffe Voices Community Choir 

Freeland Church, Bridge of Weir 8pm to 9.45pm 

Join us to sing pop, rock, folk, show tunes, gospel. 

Contact gryffevoices@gmail.com 

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 

Singing for Wellbeing 

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 14 - 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. 

regular updates @GryffeAds 

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. 

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 

CALLING ALL BASSES!! 

The Kilbarchan Singers 

Need 

We are a friendly, local chamber choir, 

meeting every Monday. 

We perform all sorts of music - from 

Messiaen to the Messiah, from Orlando 

Gibbons to The Beatles, from madrigals 

and folk songs to sacred choral music. 

We are looking for all male voices, 

especially basses. 

For more details, ring Joyce on 07960 

307569 



Paisley First is bringing a Winter 

Wonderland to the streets of Paisley 

town centre this Christmas. 

The town centre Business Improvement 

District is working with M&D Events to stage 

a four week Christmas spectacular in the 

town. 

Plans include an ice rink, the panoramic Star 

Flyer ride, continental style market and other 

family attractions as the town looks to attract 

visitors and shoppers from further afield. 

Paisley First are also holding a free festive Nutcracker Trail with 10 nutcracker kings spread 

throughout the town from Saturday 2nd December until Saturday 16th December. 

M&D Events are currently submitting the necessary consent applications to Renfrewshire Council. 

If the project gets approval, the Paisley First WonderFest will take place in Paisley town centre from 

24th November until Christmas Eve. 

Paisley First Chairman, Ian Henderson, said: “This will be a great event to showcase everything that 

Paisley has to offer during the festive season. 

“There is so much to see and do in the town already and this will help cement the town’s reputation 

as a visitor destination. 

“We will also be running a Christmas retail campaign; when it comes to festive shopping we have a 

lot of fantastic independent retailers as well as national chains throughout the town centre. 

“And after hitting the shops and enjoying the Christmas entertainment, visitors can take advantage 

of our many cafes, restaurants and bars. 

“This year, Paisley will have Christmas all wrapped up.” 

M&D’s Events Director, Douglas Taylor, said: “Paisley already has a rich cultural scene and this type 

of Christmas event is an ideal addition to the town. 

“We are working with Paisley First to ensure this event will be a great attraction for the local 

community, who will be eligible for discounted rates, as well as visitors from further afield.” 

The Nutcracker Trail will see visitors collect special booklets and complete the trail for a chance to 

win a special WinterFest prize! To mark the end of the Nutcracker Trail, there will also be a special 

children’s carol concert in the town centre on Saturday 16th December. 

All the details of these fabulous Christmas events can be found at 

www.paisleyfirst.com 

www.advertizer.co.uk/blog 

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Elderslie Christmas Lights On & Fayre 

Saturday 25th November, 2pm Fayre, 5pm Raffle, 5.30pm 

Carols, 6pm Lights switch on 

The event starts in Elderslie Village hall with 20 stalls & lots of ideas for 

Christmas gifts. 

There will be tea, coffee and juice for the kids being served alongside some 

delicious home baking & a collection box for Renfrewshire Food Bank. A raffle 

with prizes from some of the stall holders as well as kind donations from our 

local businesses 

Wallace Primary School Choir will lead Carols sung round the tree at 5.30pm 

before the switch on the lights at 6pm so please come along. 

Langbank Festive Family Fun Night & Lights On 

Friday 1st December 5.30pm to 7.30pm in Langbank Primary 

School. 

Followed by the Village Christmas Tree switch-on at 8.15pm in the Church 

car park. 

Houston Christmas Fayre & Lights Switch On 

Fox and Hounds, Main Street, Houston 

Christmas Fayre in the car park of the Fox and Hounds before the Christmas 

Lights Switch On. There will also be fireworks in the evening. The winning 

designs from Houston Primary, and St Fillan’s Primary pupils for the new 

Houston Christmas Lights will be on display on both the Fox and Hounds and 

the Houston Inn, so please come along that night and celebrate the true spirit 

of Christmas. 

Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-on & Market 

1 & 2 December 

Highlights this year include Santa’s Grotto in Houston Square, St Vincent’s 

Hospice Christmas Market in Johnstone Town Hall, Stage entertainment, 

Face-painting and Children’s entertainment. Provost Cameron will switch on 

the Christmas lights at 5pm. 

Don’t forget...Johnstone Business Consortium will also have a Christmas 

Market 10am-4pm. 

Brookfield Christmas Tree Light Switch On 

Sunday 3 December from 5.30pm 

Following the success of last year’s event, this is the perfect way to get into 

the Christmas spirit! Meet at the Village Hall at 5.30pm and join a candlelight 

procession to the Millennium Garden where our group of village brass players 

– the Brookfield Brass Necks – will entertain us with some Christmas music 

prior to the switch-on of the tree lights. Then it’s back to the Hall for some 

refreshments and a viewing of ‘The Snowman & the Snowdog’ on a giant 

screen! 

Bishopton Christmas Tree Light Switch on 

Sunday 3rd December 2017 at Bishopton Community Centre, 

Gledstane Road, Bishopton 

The village Christmas tree lights will be switched on after a carol service 

that starts at 6.15 pm within the building. The Christmas tree light switch on 

ceremony will take place in the Community Centre’s car park, adjacent to the 

Christmas tree. Song sheets will be distributed for everyone else to join in. 

Refreshments will be available. 

The Community Centre car park will be closed to allow the ceremony to take place. 

It is recommended that motorists should leave their cars at home and walk to the 

Centre. It is likely to be cold and those attending should wrap up appropriately. 

Kilmacolm Christmas Light Switch on 

Monday 4th December 6pm 

Santa will be at the Cargill Centre on Lochwinnoch Road for the switch on. 

Bridge of Weir Christmas Lights Switch-on 

Monday 4th December 

Bridge of Weir Community Council announce that the Christmas Lights Switchon 

will be on Monday 4th December. 

It’s that time of year again when the Community Council organise the 

Christmas Lights switch-on, and once again we have enhanced our lighting 

display. 

The evening kicks off with the Carol Service in Freeland Church at 6.15pm 

followed by the Switch-on of the lights at 7pm at Livery where Santa will arrive 

in style. Light refreshments will be served in the Royal British Legion Club. 



Thomas Coats Memorial 

Choral Society 

Singing is good for you and our season is short but busy. 

Festive Craft Fayre 

Angel Voices and Voices+ 

21 

Thomas Coats Memorial Choral Society will be commencing the three month 

session with the first practice on Tuesday the 9th January 2018 concluding with, 

on Sunday 18th March 2018, the concert in Paisley Abbey. The programme is 

Mozart Mass in C and Handel’s Zadok the Priest and The King Shall Rejoice, 

both shorter pieces but uplifting to sing. 

The first practice on 9th January is an open rehearsal and anyone who is 

interested and would like to sing with us, please come along and try us out. 

The rehearsals are held at 7:30 p.m. In Thomas Coats Memorial Church hall, 

opposite the University of the West of Scotland in High Street, Paisley, finishing 

at 09:30 p.m. The practices continue on Tuesdays until the 13th March 2018. In 

addition, there are practices on 5 Fridays commencing 16th February 2018. 

If you wish further information this can be obtained from the Secretary on 

01505 816110 or coatschoral@btinternet.com. 

There is a web page WWW.THOMASCOATSCHORAL.ORG.UK and you can follow 

us on facebook. 

Crafters are being sought for a festive fair which will be held in East Fulton 

Primary School, Linwood on Wednesday 29th November. 

Tables can be reserved for £15 and organisers also ask that a raffle prize is 

donated. For more details call 01505 324851. 

Advent Carol Service - Sunday 3rd December at 6pm at St Fillan’s 

Church Hall, Kilmacolm. 

With the Community Children’s Choir, come and prepare for the Season before 

Christmas with this lovely Service on the theme of Light and Darkness through 

Music, Readings and Advent Carols. Refreshments after the Service. 


Carrick Nights 

All concerts will take place in the Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 

commencing at 8.00pm. 

Next Concert in Series - Friday 2nd February 2018 - Alison McNeill & Sacha 

Savaloni 

Alison (soprano) and Sacha (guitar) perform a variety of Spanish, Latin American, 

French, Italian, Contemporary and Scots Song repertoire. They have performed recitals 

in Spain and throughout Scotland at various prestigious events and are passionate 

about expanding and enriching the repertoire for voice and guitar and transcribe a lot 

of music for their performances. 

** Due to circumstances out with our control the Barochan Quartet cannot fulfil this date and are 

replaced by the Kentigern Quartet. 

Friday 2nd April 2018 - Kentigern Quartet + Maria Wilson and Accompanist 

Violinists Barbara Downie and Feargus Hetherington, violist Nicola Boag and cellist 

Jessica Kerr bring their collective experience in chamber music, working at home and 

internationally with leading British Orchestras and as educators to this ensemble. Their 

repertoire includes works by Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Dvorak, Britten 

and Ravel. Recent performances include Glasgow cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral, 

the BBC Club at City Halls, Renfield St Stephen’s, and the Drake Chamber Series in 

Glasgow. 

Maria Wilson (soprano) runs Starlight Youth Music Theatre group in Paisley. Tonight is 

her night to perform, come along and enjoy a varied selection of music. 

Ticket Prices (single concert): Adults £12, Children/Student £5. 

Option to have a meal in our Café at 6.30pm prior to the concerts, but early booking 

recommended as space is limited. (2 courses £15 – BYOB) 

Should you wish more information or to request tickets please call 01505 

229597 or e mail thecarrickcentre@gmail.com. We are grateful to Enterprise 

Music Scotland , through funding provided by Creative Scotland, for their award 

of a grant to help make these Concerts a reality.

22 

the 


Greenock Players present Cinderella 

Friday 1st – Saturday 2nd December, 2.30pm & 7:30 pm 

(Check website for times) - Tickets: £8.75 to £10 

Join Cinders as she transforms from rags to riches, outwits her 

very ugly and gruesome sisters, and, with the help of her best 

friend Buttons and one very magical Fairy Godmother, wins the 

heart of the dashing Prince Charming. 

Brought to you by The Greenock Players and written by Scottish actor, writer and 

director Eric Potts, Cinderella features all of the ingredients of the perfect pantomime; 

a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular scenery and special 

effects, beautiful costumes and lots of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy. Get 

your tickets now, the clock is ticking! Don’t miss your chance to see Cinderella, the 

Fairy Godmother of all pantomimes. 

Snow White 

Friday 8th – Sunday 31st December 

(Check website for times) - Tickets: £10 to £20 

Our 2017 pantomime will be the wickedly funny Snow 

White. The show will also have a special guest appearance 

by CBeebies’ megastar Justin Fletcher as the Magic Mirror, 

where he will appear as a pre-recorded video 

Catherine Wheels Theatre Company 

presents White 

Tuesday 12th – Sunday 17th December 

(Check website for times) - Tickets £6 

Welcome to the beautifully strange world of White. Full of birdsong 

and birdhouses, it gleams and dazzles and shines in the night. 

Two friends look after the birds and make sure the eggs stay safe. We watch, we help. 

The world is bright, ordered and white. But high up in the trees, all is not white. Colour 

appears. First red….then yellow….then blue…. White is a playful, highly visual show for 

very young children. Age Guidance: 2 – 4 years. 

It’s A Wonderful Life 

Wednesday 20th - Saturday 23rd December 

(Check website for times) - Tickets £13 to £15 

A Radio Play On Stage by Tony Palermo - Back by popular 

demand, for its sixth consecutive year, It’s A Wonderful 

Life is the story of the most inspirational film of all time 

and a heart-warming American family classic. It’s brought to the stage in a Live Radio 

Play performed as a 1940s radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Six actors 

play 1940s radio actors who in turn portray ALL the characters of ‘It’s a Wonderful 

Life’. Featuring live sound effects and live music this performance is a rare opportunity 

to see how a 1940s radio broadcast was produced. 

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

INFO@BEACONARTSCENTRE.CO.UK TELEPHONE: 01475 723723 

The traditional Glasgow Christmas 

Market will take place in St Enoch 

Square and will attract traders from 

all over ther world, with a second 

market at George Square. 

There will be two Christmas markets in Glasgow this year at St Enoch Square 

and George Square. 

The main festive market will be operating every day from Thursday 9th 

November. The much anticipated Christmas Market is to be home to many 

continental traders from across the globe, bringing a selection of products and 

flavours, traditional to their origin countries including France, Germany, Spain 

Italy and many more! 

The market is a real Global affair with professional traders from as far afield 

as Ecuador, Russia and one special visitor all the way from Lapland well the 

Finnish part of Lapland. Mixed with a huge array of traders from around Europe 

the Glasgow Christmas market will be a real Global affair. 

As well as a gourmets delight, customers can while away an hour or two at 

the wonderful Gluhwein House operated by Markus Kochems from the Mosel 

valley. Kochems are listed in the top 100 wine producers in the World. As well 

as the Gluhwein you can also sample some of bavarias favourite beers at the 

Bavarian bar. Add all the gifts crafts and very unusual presents to buy and you 

wont forget your visit to the Glasgow Christmas Market. 

The market at George Square will operate from Saturday 25th November. 

SAT 

25 

NOV 

TO 

30 

DEC 

FRI 

8 

TO 

SAT 

9 

DEC 

PACE Theatre Company - Snow White 

Paisley Arts Centre - Check website for times (excl. Sundays) 

Tickets: Prices from £9.50 + bkg fee* 

Following on from the huge success of last year’s sell out 

production of Aladdin, the 2017 PACE Theatre Company’s 

annual pantomime will be the enchanting tale of Snowhite. 

As always we can promise PACE’s trademark blend of 

original music, audience participation, hilarious comedy, and traditional family 

fun. 

Funbox presents Santa’s Funtastic 

Factory 

Johnstone Town Hall, Friday 8th - 10am, 1pm, 5pm. 

Saturday 9th - 11am, 2pm. 

Tickets £13+ bkg fee* family ticket £48 (4 persons)** 

Gary, Anya and Kevin have been entrusted by the 

big chap in the red suit himself to help finish the lists for all the boys and girls 

before Christmas Day, but things aren’t quite going to plan. Santa’s magic 

machine is playing up creating Christmas chaos, mechanical mayhem and 

topsy-turvy toys, so it’s up to the Funbox gang to save the day! Funsters Fluffy and 

Flossie are along for the festive fun, Fairy Fran has some tasty treats to share and 

Santa’s little helper, Bonzo has been making mischief too. 

Packed with singalong favourites like “I Saw Three Ships”, “The Animals went in 2 by 

2”, and “Jingle Bells” along with Christmas classics and brand new songs, SANTA’S 

FANTASTIC FACTORY is festive family fun not to be missed. There’s chances to help on 

stage and who knows, you might even see Santa… But only if you’ve been good! 

FRI 

8 

TO 

SAT 

9 

DEC 

The Witches of Paisley 

Paisley Abbey, 7.30pm (Doors 7.10pm) 

The Witches of Paisley tells the tragic story of the trials of 

1697 when more than thirty women, men and children 

were accused by an eleven-year-old girl resulting in the 

conviction and execution of seven local people for the 

crime of ‘witchcraft’. Using the drama of opera to bring the 

tragedy suffered by these people into focus, we draw on 

some of the greatest music ever written and the poems of 

Robert Tannahill, Paisley’s ‘weaver poet’, to comment on and describe the characters 

and events of the trials. 

Running time: 85 minutes approximately. No interval. 

FRI 

15 

DEC 

An Evening Tribute to Frank Sinatra 

Johnstone Town Hall, 6pm 

Tickets: £27 + bkg fee* 

Join us for dinner at the award-winning Johnstone Town 

Hall to celebrate the festive season. Your ticket includes a 

glass of bubbly on arrival, a delicious three course meal and live 

entertainment from our fantastic Frank Sinatra tribute performance followed by some 

music from the Big Band era! 

If you would like to book for a party of more that 8 people please call 0300 300 1210 

SUN 

17 

DEC 

Buddy Good Laugh 

Paisley Town Hall, 8pm 

Tickets: £10 (£8 conc / £5 student) + bkg fee* 

Paisley’s favourite comedy club returns with a top line-up of 

hilarious comedians, brought to you by our friends at Dead Sheep 

Comedy. This gig will feature Raymond Mearns plus a host of other 

guests. Book early to avoid disappointment. 

FRI 

22 

DEC 

Christmas Crooners 

Paisley Town Hall, 7.30pm 

Tickets: £17 (£15 conc.) + bkg fee* 

Now in its tenth record breaking year, Christmas Crooners 

is jam packed with festive favourites including the Christmas hits 

of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. 

This fantastic cast of West-End Singers, are backed by the superb and talented swing 

band: The Jazz All-Stars, and they perform over 30 well known Christmas hits. 

THUR 

28 

DEC 

Festive Family Ceilidh 

Paisley Town Hall, 7.30pm 

Tickets: £8 (£6 conc.) + bkg fee* 

Celebrate the end of 2017 at the Festive Family 

Ceilidh with Clamjamfrie; a traditional evening of Scottish 

music and ceilidh dancing for everyone to enjoy. 

Early booking is recommended. 

*Please note: a £1 service charge per transaction applies for bookings made by phone or 

online. There is no service charge for tickets purchased in person or for tickets booked by 

phone and later collected from the Box Office 

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



23 

Houston 1st - 7th 

Friday 1st Leman Dr, Leman Gr, Alwyn Ave, Bream Pl, Viking Cres, Cormorant Ave, Forties Rd, Claymore Dr, 

Piper Rd, Piper Ave, Ninian Ave, Brent Cres, Murchison Rd, Hutton Ave, Hewett Cres, Dunlin Cres, Berl Ave 

Saturday 2nd South Mound, Glenartney, St Fillans Dr, Manse Cres, Hargart Rd, Speirs Rd, Glebe Gdns, Four 

Windings, South St, North St, Fleming Rd, Burnlea Cres, Houstonfield Quad, Houstonfield Rd, Kirk Rd, Kilmacolm 

Rd, Fields Lane, Cricketfield Lane, Old School House 

Monday 4th Crosslee Pk, Dunnet Dr, Whirlie Rd, Back o'Hill, Strawberry Fields, Whirlie Dr, Pine Gro, Mill Brae, 

Crosslee Gdns, Brierie Hills Cres, Brierie Hills Rd, Brierie Lane, Brierie Gdns, Goldenlee View, Brierie Hill Gro, 

Earlsgate, Brierie Ave 

Tuesday 5th Crosslee Cres, Leeburn Ave, Craigholme, Woodside, The Beeches, Birch Gro, Riverside, Broomfield, 

The Meadows, Brackendene, Crossways, Neuk Cres, Neuk Ave 

Wednesday 6th Locher Cres, Locher Gdns, Locher Ave, Locher Way, Locher Gait, Gryfebank Ave, Gryfewood 

Cres, Gryfewood Way, Gryfebank Clo, Gryfebank Way, Gryfebank Clo, Cunningham Gdns, Crawford Rd 

Thursday 7th Netherburn Ave, Netherburn Gdns, Craigburn Ave, Craigburn Pl, Locherburn Pl, Locherburn Ave, 

Locherburn Gro, Craigburn Cres, Woodburn Pl, Hillside, Hillfoot, Fulton Gdns, Beatrice Gdns 

Friday 8th Upper Kilmacolm 

Saturday 9th Lower Kilmacolm 

Churchhill Rd, Myreton Ave, Belmont Rd, Beauly Cres, 

Cargill Ave, Rannoch Rd, Myreton Ave, Kenmore Rd, 

Lochwinnoch Rd, Whitelea Rd, Whitelea Cres, Whitelea 

Ave, Victoria Gdns, Nursery Lane, Nursery Grove, 

Castlehill Rd, Broomknowe Rd, Carruth Dr, Knockbuckle 

Rd, Knockbuckle Lane, Millburn Dr, Florence Dr 

Sunday 10th Quarriers Village 

Bridge of Weir 12th - 16th 

Tuesday 12th Clevans Rd, Donaldfield Rd, Thornwood Dr, 

Southbrae Ave, Rosemount Lane, St Andrews Dr, Dalmahoy 

Cres, Bellisle Cres, Sunningdale Dr, Prieston Rd, Gryffe Rd 

Wednesday 13th Eldin Pl, Hazelwood Rd, The Grove, Shillingworth 

Pl, Earl Pl, Ranfurly Rd, The Steadings, Bonar Cres, 

Watt Lane, Montrose Ter, Kilgraston Rd, Watt Rd, Ranfurly 

Pl, Bankhead Rd, Kilbarchan Rd 

Thursday 14th Elm Rd, Loch Rd, Loch Pl, Mill o'Gryffe Rd, 

Mimosa Rd, Lintwhite Crt, Lintwhite Cres, Moss Rd, Broom Pl, 

Gryffe Gate, Gorse Cres, St Machars Rd, Hillview Rd, Church 

Rd 

Friday 15th Torr Rd, Horsewood Rd, Fetlar Rd, Kennbank Cres, 

Kennbank Rd, Thriplee Rd, Lomond Cres, Barrcraig Rd, 

Carruth Rd, Lawmarnock Rd, Lawmarnock Cres, Glen Brae, 

Troon Dr, Glendentan Rd, Turnberry Dr, Barassie Dr 

Saturday 16th Glengowan Rd, Strathgryffe Cres, Kilmacolm 

Rd, Kilallan Ave, Woodside Ave, Warlock Rd, Beech Ave, Castle 

Rd, Park Rd, Southview Cres, Freeland Dr, Warlock Dr, 

Houston Rd 

Monday 11th Brookfield 


Santa will set off each night at 6pm and will try to finish each route by 8.30pm. If there are any roads left not done on a night these will be done first 

on the next night to make sure no area is missed. If the weather is bad, Santa will reschedule if possible for another night.

24 


IT Blog 

with Colin Fyfe of Colcom 

The new iPhone X has introduced facial recognition as the unlock 

function to replace the old circular home key and fingerprint reader 

at the bottom of the screen. New functionality based around the lack 

of home key, making the phones face a full screen, is quite a remove 

from what iPhone users may be used to; many Apple followers say it is 

the fi rst big step away from the foundations of the phone, one of Steve 

Jobs’ masterpieces. After both Samsung and LG have released a full 

screen phone earlier in the year, it is unusual for the iPhone to be seen 

to be slower on the technology uptake than their rivals. 

The removal of the home key as a finger print reader is one thing, now 

that the front facing camera takes care of the facial recognition and 

therefore, the device security function, but the host of other functions 

that the circle provided are now accessible through side swipes and 

side buttons that some may find to be less efficient than the tactile 

button. 

The facial recognition function seems to work well and can discern 

a photo from a real face, or whether eyes are closed – no unlocking 

using the sleeping face of the owner is allowed, it also is remarkably 

quick to perform this highly complex task with apparent ease. 

This powerful recognition technology is already being used by security 

agencies and police departments and will inevitably creep into our 

lives in some form or another, to facilitate money transactions and to 

unlock our computers and start our cars. The iPhone X costs £1000, 

for spending that money we could also consider taking a look at 

ourselves. 

Financial Blog 

by Carl Melvin, Affluent Financial Planning Ltd 

Pension Switching - Things to Consider 

If you have a pension pot with money in it, it is known as a money 

purchase or defined contribution (DC) pension fund (this is different to 

a final salary pension fund). Many people change their existing DC 

pension to a new plan to get better value and this is known as a pension 

switch. So why would you consider making a pension switch and what 

issues should you consider? 

Poor investment performance – if your funds consistently underperform, 

then you may switch to get access to better quality investment funds. 

High costs – many older pension plans have high costs, whereas 

modern plans have low costs 

Limited investment choice – many plans fail to offer a wide range of 

investments that could be more suitable for you. 

Poor Service – if you go to call centre hell every time you contact your 

provider, perhaps a switch to a new provider will offer better service 

Simplify your pensions – many people choose to consolidate their 

pension funds into a single retirement portfolio to provide clarity and coordinate 

investment strategy. 

Pension Freedoms – many older pension plans don’t offer you the full 

range of options under these new pension reforms, because the original 

contract as written before the freedoms were thought of. 

Future proof against changes – modern pension plans can adapt to 

future changes in pension legislation, so you don’t need to switch your 

pension plan again in future. 

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

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

there is no obligation. 

Call us for a FREE financial review on 01505 59 50 60 

or email 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 



25 


26 

Legal Blog 

by Isabella McKerrow, Affinity Family Law 


The Grounds For Divorce In Scotland 

Divorce in Scotland is governed by the Divorce (Scotland) Act 1976 as amended 

by the Family Law Scotland Act 2006. There are only two grounds of divorce. 

The fi rst ground is “a recognised gender change of either party to the marriage.” 

This is established by issuing an interim gender recognition certifi cate under 

the Gender Recognition Act 2004. The second and more common ground is 

the “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage”. Irretrievable breakdown may be 

established if at least one of four specific situations is proved: 

1. The defender’s adultery. 

2. The defender’s unreasonable behaviour. (Such behaviour by the defender 

that the pursuer cannot reasonably be expected to cohabit with them.) 

3. Non cohabitation of the parties for a period of a least one year provided the 

defender consents to the divorce. 

4. Non cohabitation for a period of at least two years. Consent is not required. 

It is up to the party raising the divorce proceedings to prove on the balance of 

probabilities that at least one of the four situations exist. 

In terms of adultery, the proceedings must be based on the defenders adultery. 

It is not possible for the pursuer to raise the divorce proceedings averring their 

own adultery. The adultery must be since the date of marriage. 

If you are separated, but not yet divorced, and start a sexual relationship with 

another person (one act of adultery is sufficient) your spouse would have 

grounds to raise divorce proceedings on the basis of your adultery. 

Divorce can be raised straight away on the basis of adultery or unreasonable 

behaviour. With the other two grounds, you either have to wait one year from 

the date of separation and require the consent of your spouse or wait two years 

from the date of separation, whereby consent is not required. 

END POLIO NOW 

TIME FOR ROTARY? 

Joining a Rotary club like Gryffe Valley appeals to a broad spectrum of 

people – after all it’s fun, there’s fellowship and it’s a great opportunity to 

put something back into the community. 

Some people with busy careers feel that they just don’t have enough free 

time to join a Rotary club. This is in fact not usually the case because, 

although there are weekly meetings, attendance is purely optional and 

involvement in community projects, whilst incredibly valuable, does not 

necessarily involve a lot of manhours. 

One group of people who can be particularly suited to joining a Rotary 

club are those who have just retired or are just coming up to retirement. 

After a busy and challenging career, joining Rotary can provide a great 

way of building some new friends and colleagues and can provide new 

challenges and great satisfaction in pursuing projects to support both our 

local community and communities around the world. 

It’s very easy to fi nd out if Rotary is for you. Just contact Peter Dickie 

(pwdickie@aol.com) and you can come along to few meetings, meet the 

members and see how we operate. There’s a nice meal at the River Inn 

and most weeks a really interesting speaker on a very wide range of topics. 

Why not give it a try and see if it’s time for you to join in! 

World Polio Day was on Wednesday 24th October and the Rotary 

community in Great Britain and Ireland gathered in London. Rotary had 

a day of fun events in Trafalgar Square and at the Olympic Park where 

members from right across the Rotary family joined together to mark 

the final push to rid the world of polio. This celebration included planting 

more than 30,000 crocus corms in the park, and Rotary was be joined by 

Purple4Polio Ambassadors Ade Adepitan and Julia Roberts, along with a 

host of other guests and Olympic Park volunteers. 

There is a lot to celebrate. The Rotary inspired campaign and global 

immunisation programme has reduced the incidence of polio dramatically. 

The world has never been closer to making history and fulfi lling Rotary’s 

goal of a polio-free world with just 11 cases of wild poliovirus worldwide 

so far this year in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Since Rotary and its partners 

launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative nearly 30 years ago, the 

incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 

350,000 cases a year in 125 countries to just 37 cases in three remaining 

polio-endemic countries, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria, in 2016. 

To sustain this progress and protect all children from polio, Rotary has 

committed to raising US$50 million per year over the next three years 

in support of global polio eradication efforts. The Bill & Melinda Gates 

Foundation will match Rotary’s commitment 2:1 so every £1 becomes 

raised £3. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralysing 

disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children 

everywhere at risk. 

Locally, Gryffe Valley Rotary had 

its Curry Night at Shafiq’s Shimla 

Cottage in Bridge of Weir a couple 

of nights later – an annual event 

to raise funds for the END POLIO 

campaign. The £875 raised will 

be matched 2 for 1 by the Bill 

and Melinda Gates Foundation to 

make a total of £2625! 

The club has purchased a further 

batch of purple crocus to be planted 

Tabi Shafiq presents the Star Raffle Prize. 

Address to the Curry by 

organiser Alan Watt, haggis 

piped in by Ron Aitchison 

in Houston by the 

Bee Happy group to supplement/ 

replace those planted last year. 

Purple is the colour of the dye 

placed on the little fi nger on the left 

hand of a child to show they have 

been immunised against polio, 

hence the name Purple4Polio. 

With millions of children to 

vaccinate, this makes it easier to 

see who has been protected and 

who has not. 



27 


28 

LOCAL 

history 


Lime 

Working 

down the 

Black Cart 

As with the Gryfe, the river 

valley of the Black Cart was a 

focal point of the search for coal 

and lime. From the headwaters 

of the river in Barr Loch, lime 

works followed the Black Cart 

downstream. 

At Kerse, the lime and coal works were drained by a pump powered firstly 

by water, then by a steam engine. South of Barr Loch, lime was worked 

at Netherhouses. At Limekiln Plantation, near Lochwinnoch, lime quarries 

survive in a series of tiers downhill. From the 1720s, lime was also worked 

along both sides of Castle Semple Loch and burnt in kilns by the lochside. 

One of the potential benefi ts of extending the Paisley Canal to Ardrossan 

was the lime quarries and mines along the proposed route in the Risk 

area. 

The most intensive working of lime was further downstream, where a great 

‘basin’ of lime dipped from Howwood to Spateston. A number of small early 

quarries led to a large scale combined venture in the 1770s, by Houston 

of Johnstone and McDowall of Castle Semple, at Meikle Corseford. The 

quarries were drained by a water powered engine driven by the Spateston 

Burn. More than 30 clamp kilns survive, surrounding the main quarry. 

Nearby is the draw kiln at Midtown. By the Victorian period, several large 

lime works were in operation, connected by tramways to the main railway 

line. 

In the 1720s, several lime quarries preceded the development of the new 

town of Johnstone. Numerous other quarries and kilns dotted the road 

to Paisley, from Floors to Newton. Many were developed by Speirs of 

Elderslie. Near the bottom of the Black Cart in the Linwood area, limestone 

was mined at various depths in 19th century in conjunction with coal and 

ironstone. 

© 2017 Stuart Nisbet, Renfrewshire Local History Forum 

The Forum’s next archaeology lecture will take place in the Shawl Gallery 

in Paisley Museum at 7.30 pm on Thursday, 14th December. Our speaker 

is Professor James Dixon His topic is the Life and Death of the 5300 year 

old Iceman. Visitors are most welcome to attend. 

Gryffe Advertizer - Current & Past Issues 

www.advertizer.co.uk/issues 

Johnstone History Society 

Our fi nal meeting for 2017 will be held on December 12th in the Masonic 

Hall Collier Street at 7.30pm . Our speaker for this month will be Catherine 

Provan from the National Trust Scotland and her subject will be “Tales of 

the Tenement House” This should prove to be an interesting evening and 

will no doubt bring back many memories of bygone years. As usual we look 

forward to a good attendance of members and visitors and all will be made 

most welcome . 

The Museum continues to open Wednesday Friday and Saturday from 10.30 

till 4pm .The Museum is situated in Morrisons at Collier Street end stocks a 

wide variety of books ,maps and pamphlets which can be purchased in the 

museum or online at Johnstone history.org any purchases made online can 

be paid for via PayPal. Our 2018 Johnstone Callander will be available very 

soon and still at the same price of £7 . 

Kilbarchan November- 

December 1917 

Private Alex McCall 

...had been employed at Georgetown at the Ordnance Factory 

before he was called up on 20th March 1917. He served with the 11th 

Argylls and was captured by the Germans. His mother heard through 

the Red Cross that he had died in the prisoner of war hospital at Rethel 

on November 1st 1917. He is buried at the French National Cemetery at 

Rethel, 38 kilometres north east of Reims. His mother lived at 5 Church St. 

Alex was 20 when he died. 

Private John C Finlayson 

...served in the 1st Camerons, 1st Brigade, 1st Division. He 

joined the army on 31st August 1916 and qualified on the Lewis Gun. He 

had attended Paisley Grammar School before becoming a shipping clerk 

with the Eglington Silicon Brick Company in Glasgow. He had attended the 

Memorial Hall. He went to France on 6th December and was killed on 18th 

November 1917 while ‘giving the lads help to get out of a difficulty’. His 

widowed mother and sisters lived at Viewfield, Kilbarchan. He was 21 when 

he died and is commemorated at Tynecot, Passchendaele. 

Private John Priestley 

...was born in Paisley but lived at Fernlea, Brookfi eld. Initially 

he trained with the Argylls but was posted to the 8th Cameronians with 

the 52nd (Lowland) Division in Palestine. He was educated at Camphill 

School, Paisley and completed his teacher training in Aberdeen. He taught 

at South Public School and was a member of Kilbarchan U.F. Church. He 

was torpedoed in the ‘Ivernia’ on his way to Egypt. He was killed on 23rd 

November 1917 and is remembered at Jerusalem War Cemetery. 

Private Caldwell Meiklem 

...served with the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards and was killed 

in the Battle of Cambrai. In 1911 he was a resident of Pollokshields who 

had been born in Kilbarchan. The 1905 rates valuation recorded him as 

having a house and garden in Victoria Road, Brookfield. He was killed on 

27th November 1917 and has no known grave. His name is on the Cambrai 

Memorial at Louverval. 

Private William Meikle Mitchell’s 

...name is also on the Lochwinnoch war memorial. In the 1911 

census it is recorded that he was born in Kilbarchan and was a bank clerk. 

He served in the 4th Royal Scots Fusiliers, past of the 52nd (Lowland) 

Division which served in Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine before moving to 

France in 1918. He was 24 when he died on 21st December 1917, has no 

known grave and is commemorated on the Jerusalem Memorial. 



29 

Cheetham & Co joins 

Martin Aitken & Co 

Small firms voice support for 

VAT simplification 

Chartered Accountants Cheetham & Co has joined Martin Aitken & 

Co Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers with effect from 1 

November 2017. 

Cheetham & Co staff have relocated from their offices in Quarriers Village, 

Bridge of Weir to Martin Aitken & Co’s offices in Glasgow. David Cheetham 

has joined Martin Aitken & Co as a Director. 

The combined fi rms will have 8 Directors and over 80 staff providing 

accountancy, tax, corporate fi nance and business advisory services to 

SMEs, charities and private individuals across Scotland. 

Adrienne Airlie, Chief Executive of Martin Aitken & Co said: “I’m delighted 

that David and the team from Cheetham & Co have joined us. They share 

our ethos of building close, mutually beneficial relationships with clients 

and providing the highest standards of client service. The merger is a good 

fit for both fi rms and is another good step forward in our continued growth 

and expansion”. 

David Cheetham commented that he too was delighted with the merger. 

The two fi rms have a great deal of common ground in terms of strategy and 

culture. The merged fi rm will further strengthen our offering to the former 

Cheetham & Co clients by giving them access to specialists in areas such 

as corporate fi nance and fi nancial services, where clients require high-level 

technical support. 

All 7 staff from Cheetham & Co, who have all been with the firm for between 

7 and 19 years, have transferred to Martin Aitken & Co giving them greater 

opportunities for development and progression, and providing clients with 

continuity of service from the same staff that they have known for years and 

who know the clients business. 

David Cheetham established Cheetham & Co in 1998 and operated as a 

sole practitioner employing three chartered accountants including himself, 

a senior tax associate and support staff servicing a mixed portfolio of SME 

and owner-managed business clients predominantly in the Glasgow & 

Renfrewshire area. 

IMAGE 

Left-to-Right: Adrienne Airlie, Chief Executive, David Cheetham, Director & 

Ewen Dyer, Managing Director, Martin Aitken & Co. 

Responding to the publication of the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS)’s 

‘Value Added Tax (VAT): Routes to Simplification’ report, Mike Cherry, 

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chairman, said: 

“This fundamental review of our vastly complex VAT system is long 

overdue. Any reduction of the VAT threshold against the current backdrop of 

unprecedented uncertainty and spiralling costs will have a hugely negative 

impact on growth within the small business community. 

“The OTS is right to address the issue of ‘thresholditis’. It’s equally right 

to suggest that a smoothing mechanism which doesn’t force any more 

small firms into the VAT system could encourage more businesses to grow 

beyond the £85,000 cliff edge. 

“Small business owners spend a huge number of hours a year complying 

with their VAT obligations – hours that should be spent running their fi rms. 

We welcome the report’s flagging of “extraordinary anomalies” within the 

system and its drive towards improving VAT guidance and reducing the 

massive admin burdens associated with the tax. 

“We wholeheartedly agree with the suggestion that Brexit marks an 

opportunity to reform this painfully onerous tax over the long term.” 


30 

Orchard Flooring 


Stylish, Durable: A Floor for Life 

When choosing a new floor for your home, there are a few things to take into consideration. 

For a lot of our clients, having a floor that isn’t going to be ruined by mucky feet, paw prints or 

spills is a top priority. For this reason, light cream carpets can be problematic for many busy 

households. 

Karndean and Amtico flooring are perfect for any room or situation in the home. They are both 

waterproof, slip resistant and warm underfoot, as well as being a beautiful and luxurious fl oor 

to be proud of. 

Both are easy to clean and without 

the porous qualities of wood and 

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

hassle. 

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

Orchard Flooring can provide expert advice to find the perfect floor for a room. 

With a home sampling service why not give us a call and be on your way to a stunning floor 

from Orchard Flooring. 

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

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

Book your Free Home Energy 

Check with LEAP this Winter 

What is it? 

Your LEAP Home Energy Check is a review of your home energy usage. 

Our City and Guilds qualifi ed LEAP Energy Adviser visits you at home at a 

time convenient for you and asks you some simple questions about your 

home and your energy usage. It only takes about an hour and can save 

you money! During the visit the LEAP Energy Advisor will complete a form 

which is used to design your follow up LEAP Home Action Plan. This is 

a personalised plan developed by LEAP to advise simple, inexpensive 

actions you can take to improve your home comfort and energy usage. 

What advice will you get from a Home Energy Check? 

You will get free and impartial advice on practical measures you could take 

to help reduce the amount of energy you use. Many measures are free or 

very low cost and can save you money at the same time. We recognise that 

everyone’s needs are different and our Energy Advisers create Your LEAP 

Home Action Plan specifi cally for your home and circumstances. 

How do you arrange a LEAP Home Energy Check? 

LEAP Home Energy checks are a free service to all local residents of 

Lochwinnoch, Bridge of Weir, Kilbarchan, Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield, 

and Renfrewshire wide - home 

owners, tenants, landlords and 

private let tenants can all request a 

home energy check. For your FREE 

Home Energy Check phone LEAP 

on 01505 612034/842530, email 

info@myleapproject.org, or pop into 

your nearest LEAP Office at either 

Advance Place, Bridge of Weir, or 

22 Church St, Lochwinnoch. 

Help us keep 

you & the local 

area moving this 

winter. 

Follow us on 

facebook & twitter 

@GryffeRoadwatch 

and if you spot 

or know of any 

road works, 

fl ooding, ice or 

blockages let 

us know! 

You can 

send 

us a 

message 

via facebook or 

twitter or post a 

wee comment 

on Gryffe 

Roadwatch or 

The Advertizer’s 

page. 

Monte Carlo 

Historic Rally 

Get your engines running as 2018 moves up 

a gear with the first of our great, free towncentre 

events. 

See some stunning cars gather in the beautiful 

surroundings of Paisley’s Abbey Close before 

they set off in the rally or on a heritage run. 

This is one of THE most historic and treasured 

events in motor sport and Paisley will host the 

only UK start leg. An absolute MUST-SEE! 

Coming to Paisley onWednesday 31 January 

2018, starting from Abbey Close, times to be 

confirmed. 



31 

New Barrier Works - M8 

Kingston Bridge South 

New gateway into 

Port Glasgow open 

As part of Transport Scotland’s strategic trunk road maintenance 

programme, Scotland TranServ are supervising essential upgrading work 

to the cope and parapets on the M8 Kingston Bridge South Approaches 

east and west bound structures. 

Raynesway Construction Ltd are replacing the edge coping, vehicle 

barriers and expansion joints on the south approach structures, with traffic 

management implemented on the M8 westbound carriageway. 

Works on the M8 eastbound carriageway will start after completion of the 

M8 westbound works. The eastbound traffic management is scheduled for 

installation in early December 2017 with the planned overall completion of 

the works in February 2018. 

In order to work as safely and efficiently as possible, it will be necessary to 

narrow the lanes on the bridge through the work zone with a reduced speed 

limit of 40mph. 

Peter McCann, Scotland TranServ’s Major Bridges Manager said: “The 

Kingston Bridge and its approaches are now 50 years old and require 

regular routine maintenance. The crossing is the busiest in Scotland, 

with more than 100,000 vehicles using this route every day. As such it is 

an integral part of life and business in the West of Scotland. The South 

Approach is a complex meeting point and exit of a number of roads heading 

to various destinations on the south side of the Clyde and beyond. 

“We’ve been working in liaison with Police Scotland, Local Authorities and 

key stakeholders to ensure that this essential improvement work causes 

as little disruption to commuters, local communities and freight traffic as 

possible. It is essential work to maintain and upgrade this vital economic 

artery. Narrowing the lanes will allow our contractors to work as quickly and 

safely as possible, while maximising the traffic flow.” 

Because of the traffic management, delays of up to 20 minutes are to be 

expected during peak periods. 

Mr McCann continued: “Best estimate on potential delays have been 

forecasted by our specialist traffic flow modeller and we would ask drivers 

to either allow additional time for their journeys, seek alternative routes or 

travel times, consider park and ride or switch to public transport. We would 

advise motorists to always check latest roads information on trafficscotland. 

org or by following @trafficscotland on Twitter.” 

Across South West Scotland, Scotland TranServ is working on behalf of 

Transport Scotland to prioritise such maintenance and upgrade issues and 

deliver our improvement programme as quickly and safely as possible. 

Andy Fraser, Scotland TranServ’s Operating Company Representative 

added: “The Kingston Bridge is one of Scotland’s busiest river crossings, 

with more than 100,000 vehicles using the bridge every day. It is a constant 

challenge to balance the need to maintain the structure while reducing 

the impact of our works. Our aim, as always, is to deliver these longterm 

benefi ts to commuters, businesses and tourists alike with maximum 

efficiency and minimal disruption throughout.” 


Work has been completed on the first phase of an Inverclyde Council 

regeneration project to create a new entrance into Port Glasgow town 

centre and a new civic space in front of the Town Hall. 

A new spur road has been built off the A8 forming a junction with Shore 

Street and Princes Street which will allow the stretch of road directly in front 

of the Town Hall in Shore Street to be closed to traffic to facilitate the new 

resurfacing. . 

Regeneration Convener Councillor Michael McCormick said: “The new road 

opens up the town centre to traffic directly from the main route in and out 

of Inverclyde. It should significantly boost existing businesses and attract 

fresh investment into the area. Providing better connections into the town 

centre was one of the high priority recommendations of the regeneration 

master plan for Port Glasgow so I am delighted we are seeing this phase 

of the project completed before the festive period.” The lower town quarter 

project which received a Regeneration Capital Grant award from the 

Scottish Government and COSLA in 2016 also includes the demolition of 

redundant buildings at the rear of the town hall to create a civic square.” 

The new road will have footways on either side and a grass lawn on the site 

of the present car park. A new hard-landscaped civic space extends over 

Shore Street from the front of the Town Hall. To make room for the new spur 

road the existing civic square around the Comet has been reduced.. 

The project is being delivered on behalf of the Council by the urban 

regeneration company Riverside Inverclyde. The Port Glasgow town 

centre master plan was developed in 2014 after speaking extensively with 

local residents and businesses who identified the need to develop a new 

gateway to the town centre as a priority for investment. 

In addition to the new access into Port Glasgow from the A8 the Port 

Glasgow regeneration strategy and master plan recommends environmental 

improvements to the town centre; removal of redundant buildings; the 

restoration of empty shop units to provide ‘fit for purpose’ retail space and 

new office and commercial accommodation.

32 


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. 

Christmas Dog Show 

Join us on Saturday 9th December at 11am at St John’s Church Hall, 

Jamaica Street, Greenock PA16 8JJ. 

Royalheart Greyhound Rescue are hosting a fabulous Dog Show with 

Judge, Denise MacGregor. With categories of Loveliest Lady Dog, Best 

Rescue, Most Fabulous Fella Dog, Best Party Trick and Festive Dog Fancy 

Dress, along with craft stalls, gifts, Tombola, this is also a great opportunity 

for some Christmas shopping. 

Doors open at 11am with the first class starting at 11.30am. Admission £2 

adults, £1 under 12’s, dogs FREE! 

Pet Blog 

by PetVets 

Festive Hazards 

The Christmas season is a time to 

celebrate and have fun, but it’s important to remember that there can be 

some hidden dangers for our four legged friends at this time of year, from 

toxic foods to poisonous plants and 

potential foreign bodies. 

These include: 

Chocolate contains theobromine 

which is toxic to dogs. It can cause gastrointestinal upsets, agitation, 

excitation, tremors, convulsions and even heart problems. 

Christmas pudding and mince pies Dried products such as currants, 

sultanas and raisins found in puddings and mince pies are also toxic to 

dogs. Even small amounts of these can cause kidney failure which can 

be fatal. 

Onions can cause vomiting and diarrhoea initially. They can also cause 

damage to red blood cells leading to anaemia developing several days 

after ingestion. Similar signs are seen with garlic, leeks, shallots and 

chives. 

Alcohol Initially alcohol can cause dogs to be drowsy and wobbly. This 

can progress to low body temperature, low blood sugar and coma. 

I’m chipped! 

As of April last year it became 

compulsory for dog owners to make sure that their pets are microchipped. 

This new law came into effect to help reunited lost or stray dogs with their 

owners and thankfully most owners have had their pets painlessly implanted 

with a microchip with their details recorded on a national database. It’s also 

had the added benefit of allowing local authorities and charities to make 

annual savings that can be put towards dogs that have no owners at all. 

This has been extremely helpful with the recent surge of lost dogs during 

the past few weeks of firework celebrations. 

The law does not presently extend to cats even though the independent 

nature of cats means that they are more likely to become lost or injured 

than dogs. Animal charities have called on ministers to extend the new law 

to cats as well as dogs. Currently, the SSPCA routinely microchips every 

dog and cat that they rehome. 

Your details shouldn’t need to be updated very often. Databases charge 

a small fee for changing details to cover administration costs. The cost 

of microchipping is very low, usually around £10-£15, with some places 

even offering the service for free. This price should include the implant, 

a qualified technician to fit it and a registration to a reputable microchip 

database. So to spare the trouble of needing to collect your pet from the 

pound and a lecture that may come with a cost, it’s worth the time to get 

your pets microchipped. 

Macadamia nuts These can cause lethargy, increased temperature, 

tremors, lameness and generalised stiffness in dogs. 

Christmas plants Many plants that we have in the house at Christmas 

can also be toxic to our pets. Poinsettia, holly, mistletoe and pine needles 

can all cause vomiting and diarrhoea. In addition poinsettia can cause 

irritation to the mouth and hyper salivation, and ivy may cause local skin 

irritations. 

Foreign bodies are inedible 

materials that are ingested and 

can cause choking, damage to 

the gastrointestinal system or 

obstruction of the stomach or 

intestine. This can be very serious 

and may require urgent surgery to 

remove the foreign body. Things to 

consider a hazard include Christmas 

decorations made of plastic, paper 

or foil, wrapping paper, tissue paper, 

string and candles. 

Have fun this Christmas, but 

remember to keep an eye on what 

your furry family members are 

munching on! 



Re-homing Pets 

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

Lucky & Chester - 16 week old 

Lucky & male kittens 

Chester Lucky & Chester are looking for their 

“forever” home together. 

These wee ones were found dumped 

at the side of a road and are still very scared and 

not very trusting of us humans. They would be 

best suited to an experienced cat family that have 

a quiet house, no children “or” other pets and will 

have the time, patience and understanding that is 

need to help them settle, come out of their shells and interact with them 

till they start to trust you. 

Genuine offers only please for these kittens. 

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

0141 779 3341 

Chezza 

Chezza - female 

Syrian hamster 

Chezza is an adorable wee hamster who is looking 

for a loving new home. She would love her new 

owner to provide her with a fun new enclosure with 

plenty of toys and tunnels to keep her entertained 

and to ensure she gets the exercise she needs. 

Chezza is looking for a new owner who will allow her the time she needs 

to settle in and get used being handled. She would make a great new 

addition to a family household. 

Pete & AJ - male guinea pigs 

AJ and Pete would need to be homed 

together as they thrive on each others 

company. They both love their food and 

running between the tunnels in their 

Pete & AJ 

enclosure. 

AJ and Pete are looking for an owner who will spend sometime 

interacting with them aswell as allowing them time to do their own thing 

as guinea pigs enjoy pottering around exploring their enclosure when 

no one is around. 

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

www.scottishspca.org/rehoming 

Molly - 8+ y/o female Collie 

Cross (Border) & 

Casper - 5-7 y/o male Border 

Collie 

Molly and her best friend Casper are looking 

for a new home due to their owners ill health. 

They are a lovely pair that we would like to 

rehome together as they have a wonderful 

Molly 

bond after spending the last 7 years together. 

Molly and Casper have a lovely report from their last home. They can 

live with children over the age of 14 years. They would happily live with 

dogs or cats. 

Casper and Molly can be left for up to 4 hours 

at a time but they have been known to bark in 

the past so the shorter the better. They love to 

run and play so a garden would be beneficial 

but not essential. They are looking for an owner 

that has owned dogs before as an adult. 

Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, 315 Hamilton Road, 

Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 7SL. Open: 12noon - 

Casper 

4pm (inc weekends); 12noon- 7.30pm on Tuesdays; 

closed: Wednesdays 

lð§¥‡þÐœ 

∂∫∞€Ł@)( 

ÐœðŁ 

lð§¥ 

33 

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 

info@advertizer.co.uk 

We can also put updates on our website 

& Facebook. There is no charge for this service! 

Any Dog’il Do Rescue 

*Very Important Plea* 

Due to a few difficult months at ADDR, it is with a heavy heart that we have 

to share the news that the rescue is in very serious danger of closing. 

As a small completely volunteer run rescue, we rely entirely on donations 

and fundraising and unfortunately, over the last 6 months, our expenses 

have massively exceeded the money both raised and donated. 

This has been caused by unusually large and unforeseen vet expenses 

for a few of our special dogs. As followers of the rescue and our gorgeous 

dogs, you will have seen the stories of Khal and Trevor. Both these 

beautiful boys required special, and expensive, procedures to get them 

to the picture of health they are now. Money well spent I’m sure you’ll all 

agree - but it has taken its toll on our limited funds. 

Also, for a few months we have consistently had around 10 dogs in 

kennels. As we don’t have our own premises or rehoming centre, our 

kennel expenses can be very high - especially if we cannot fi nd suitable 

foster (or forever) homes for extended periods of time. 

To give you a fuller picture of the last 6 months, our average outgoings 

have been £2198 - compared with an average amount coming in of 

£1135. 

Thankfully a few dogs have secured foster and forever homes this month, 

so our outgoings should go back to a more manageable level - but the last 

6 months have really hit the rescue hard. 

And now comes the plea! We really need your help. Many of you already 

support us through either your time volunteering, continued involvement 

of our fundraising or regular donations - and we really cannot thank you 

enough. 

However - to get us through this difficult period, it would be great if ALL our 

supporters and followers could get on board. 

There are a variety of ways in which you can do your part. 

One of which is ‘Sponsor a Kennel Dog’ - setting up a regular monthly 

payment which contributes to our kennel dogs. We have 6 gorgeous dogs 

looking for a foster or forever home and all money donated would be used 

for their kennel costs until that home is found. Unlike other rescues and 

charities who have salaries etc to pay - as we are volunteers, all money 

donated to ADDR is for the dogs. 

If a monthly donation is too much of a financial commitment - how about a 

one off contribution. It doesn’t have to break the bank - this page currently 

has 16,000 followers, even if 10% of you donated as little as £2 each, 

that would be a massive £3,200. Which would literally double our current 

bank balance and make such a difference to the rescue and the dogs in 

our care. 

Thank you all for your continued support. 

All the team and doggies at ADDR 

If you would like donate or find out more, please contact Any Dog’il Do 

Rescue through their Facebook page or visit their website at 

www.anydogildorescue.org 

Wildlife Crime 

These officers can be contacted to report crime or to seek advice on wildlife 

crime matters. Call Police Scotland on 101 to report a wildlife crime or 

email us at Contactus@scotland.pnn.police.uk . 


36 


The Big Kilbarchan 

Smile Autumn Clear Up! 

Some of the Kilbarchan Smile volunteers are pictured with ready for 

action at the beginning of the session. 

Kilbarchan Smile is all about making Kilbarchan a better place to live, work 

and visit by getting involved. “The Big Kilbarchan Smile Autumn Clear Up” 

in October brought together more than 20 volunteers for an afternoon with 

around 40 sacks of rubbish collected! 

Damon Scott, Chair of the Group, said: “The enthusiasm and commitment 

from our volunteers is a real credit to the village. It was a fantastic effort. 

Hopefully the kids that took part will learn the importance of not dropping 

litter in the fi rst place.” 

He added: “We want to try and keep the village in good shape for the future. 

We are looking at running a campaign that encourages more residents and 

businesses to look after areas outside their premises to try and keep on 

top of litter and improve the overall look and feel of the village. Other ideas 

we’re working on include recruiting dog walkers to do a bit of litter picking 

while they walk their dogs. 

“We would like to thank everyone for attending The Big Kilbarchan Smile 

Autumn Clear Up and the Team Up to Clean Up team for providing equipment 

including; litter pickers, hi viz vests, bags, bag hoops and gloves. A special 

thanks must go to “Habbies” for their generosity and support by donating 

refreshments and snacks.” 

For more information about Kilbarchan Smile and to get involved email 

hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk or join the group “Kilbarchan Smile” on 

Facebook which now has more than 500 members. 

What’s On December 

Woodlands 

The winter light beams down through the trees and makes the waterfall 

glisten. Wrap up and enjoy the crisp fresh air. 

Come and meet our resident Grey Heron living on our pond at the top of the 

drive. We also have Moorhens and Mallard Ducks. 

Our Rangers, Duncan and Martyn have just recovered from our successful 

Halloween Fright Night and are starting already to plan for next year! Very 

exciting, watch this space! 

Garden 

Gardener David has highlighted various plants to enjoy over December. 

They include red berries such as yew, holly, skimmia and cotoneaster. 

Yellow berries of Cottoneaster salicifolius and white berries on the Pernettya 

mucronate. 

Cornus sibirica is shining red. The lovely yellow flowers on the Jasminum 

nudiflorum (winter Jasmine) are in bloom and so are the purple fl owers of 

the Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’. 

Events 

December is filled with Xmas activity. 

Xmas Tree sales throughout December 

Make it a fun family day out. Come along a tag a tree. It only costs £5 for your 

tree deposit which comes off the full amount for the tree. This means that you 

and your family get onto the estate for free. You put your name on your tag and 

tag the tree you choose from one our pens. 

You can then cut your own tree or one of our Rangers will be there to help. You 

can do this on the day of tagging or return another day. 

For school visits to buy a tree please contact the visitor centre. Large trees 

available on request. (delivery Available.) 

If you are a business, we have trees up to 22 feet so will have something to suit 

your office or home. 

If you order a tree for your business then all your staff will get a 10% discount if 

they buy one so please let them know. They just need to tell us they work for you 

when buying a tree. 

For more information on prices, call us on 01475540505. 

Wreath Making Class: Thursday 7th, Tuesday 12th and Thursday 

14th.10am – 2pm 

Sorry fully booked for this year. 

You can make your own wreath in time for Xmas. Made from moss, holly and 

yew from the estate. Costs £19 which includes your materials. Pre-Booking 

is essential. We have it in the Old Laundry Building with the fi re on. Lovely 

experience. 

Keep an eye out for dates for 2018. 

Santa’s Grotto every Saturday and Sunday in December 10:30am – 

4pm 

Santa’s coming to Finlaystone! Follow the magical Santa /trail to fi nd Santa’s 

Grotto. Cost is £17.50 per child which gives you one adult for free. Pre-booking 

is essential. 

To book call our visitor centre on 0147554050 



37 

Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society 

Sandy and Frances Bryce of “Grow in Glenburn” were 

our guest speakers in November. They are Secretary 

and Treasurer respectively of this community-run project 

for green-fi ngered locals in Paisley. This is located in 

the kitchen garden of Glen House. The house is long 

gone and the gardens have reverted to nature. An area 

was used by Paisley Council to bring on plants for the 

town’s parks and to store their tools. Now it is in the 

hands of “Grow in Glenburn” who are reclaiming the 

kitchen garden for plots and raised borders. 

“Grow in Glenburn” has been running for 9 years. There is 

a selection of plots and raised borders for the volunteers 

and more will be available once the remaining 25% has 

been cleared of self-seeded saplings and undergrowth. 

This is good news for those on the waiting list! The 

standard allotment size is 250 square metres but here 

it is a more modest 5 square metres. The underlying 

soil conditions retain the fertility from a grander time of 

well-maintained cold frames and greenhouses. Once 

again a wide variety of vegetables is being grown such 

as kale, chilli, Brussel sprouts, sweetcorn and butternut 

squash and it has been an excellent year for the group’s 

potatoes, tomatoes and leeks. As well as a new 

asparagus bed, an orchard has been planted containing 

a mix of apples, plums and pears. They look forward 

to their fi rst crop of apples and plums but have been 

warned to be patient as there is an old adage “plant a 

pear for an heir”. The group then share and swap their 

surplus produce. There is also a colourful flower border 

with many plants, including nasturtiums, sunflowers 

and Verbena bonariensis. Wildlife is welcomed here, 

although not quite the number of rabbits in residence 

now the elderly fox has gone. 

There are often requests from allotmenteers but this 

is very much a project for Paisley Buddies, particularly 

those around the Glenburn area who are keen to be 

self-sufficient and tend a border or plot of their own and 

take a break for teas, cakes and a chat with the other 

volunteers! Support also comes from local charities 

such as Barnardos whose scheme “Barnardos Works” 

provides work skills and experience for volunteers. 

These young people help with the maintenance of the 

bothy (now the office) or clear paths and build benches 

etc. The elderly container, used for storing tools, has 

now been painted in bright colours depicting flowers 

and fauna. 

Donations are always welcome. Tesco customers 

supported the project through their ‘blue button’ 

collection scheme and Rolls Royce donated sturdy wood 

blocks, used to stabilise engineering parts in transit. 

These are now up-cycled into raised beds, or seating 

for visitors on “open days”. Old poly-tunnels, compost 

bins, membrane and gravel are always welcome, as 

is horse manure from nearby stables. The Bryces are 

enthusiastic members of the group and, as with all 

community ventures, they know the value of volunteers. 

The group’s work in 2016 won them recognition from 

‘Keep Scotland Beautiful’ when they were awarded an 

Outstanding Certificate of Distinction at Level 5. 

Our next meeting, the AGM, will be held on Thursday 

14th December at 8p.m. After the formalities, members 

will be able to mingle, enjoy refreshments and a 

seasonable mince pie and look at members’ photos. 

Back to the fuchsia 

Sorry about the awful pun, but we 

couldn’t resist a look back to the 

middle of last month, when some 

of the fuchsias in our planters 

were still looking pretty good. By 

the time this issue of the Advertizer 

is out the frost will probably have 

claimed them, but they lasted really well this year. 

All of our street planters and baskets have now been 

stocked with winter-fl owering violas, which will provide 

a bit of colour over the winter months. Volunteers were 

out a few weeks ago to get that done before the next 

phase begins – the Christmas decorations. Our pictures 

show two examples, one of which depicts a fuchsia still 

towering above the violas which were planted beneath 

it. 

The last year has been another successful one all round 

for us, and we’ve had many letters and comments which 

are very encouraging. Now’s the time to express our 

own appreciation of the support that we have received 

throughout the year from many residents and businesses 

in the village, too many to name here (and more who 

wish to remain anonymous). That’s what makes it so 

rewarding for us in Brighter 

Bridge of Weir. Don’t 

forget that you can follow 

our work on Facebook 

and the internet - www. 

brighterbridgeofweir.org . 

Now, back to the future: 

Have a Very Merry 

Christmas. 


38 


Welcome to Scotland’s largest Regional Park 

Merry Christmas! Season’s Greetings to one and 

all! We hope to see you for a festive walk or two with 

the family. We close early on Christmas Eve at 2pm at 

Castle Semple and reopen on Boxing Day at 12 noon. 

This is the same on New Year’s Eve, reopening at 12 

on Tuesday 2nd January 2018. The toilets and café 

are open 10am to 4pm daily with new shop gift items, 

cakes to try and hot drinks to enjoy. 

Tree Felling at Muirshiel: Work is expected to start 

shortly with 3 large sitka spruce plantations being 

felled. There will be restrictions on access/pathways. 

Please heed onsite signage or look on social media 

for the latest info. 

Powerboat Experience Gifts: Would you like to give 

a loved one (over 16 years) a gift with a difference? 

Buy them a gift voucher to complete their Level 

2 Powerboating licence. Suitable for beginners, 

participants could gain a recognised RYA qualification. 

Courses run regularly and cost just £150. Other ‘Gift 

Experiences’ available too. 

Conservation Volunteers: Finding yourself with some 

free time? The volunteers have an active programme 

of tasks for over the winter period including 

Rhododendron clearance in Parkhill Wood. Greenock 

Cut’s group meet 10.30am – 2.30pm every Saturday 

and Castle Semple on Thursdays 12.30 – 3.30pm with 

the odd full day session. 

Beith Camera Club: The group meet monthly through 

the winter and have some great images up in our 

lochside Visitor Centre café. Have a look and join 

them for their winter talk programme details at www. 

beithcameraclub.org.uk 

Ride 63 Community Cycle Club: Occasional weekend 

rides through the winter, see facebook group page 

for info or post if you have some free time and would 

like a ride. Contact the club by emailing the secretary 

ridesixtythree@gmail.com for a membership form and 

ride info.CMRP 

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 

Another month 

done and only 2 

gulls remain in 

Scotland. The 

temperature 

gauge dropped on 

Sunday the 29th 

of October and 

with it three of our 

gulls decided to head south. Two of the birds, Roland 

and PC Bobby had been 

hanging about in Scotland with 

Roland favouring the Paisley 

area and PC Bobby his usual 

haunt in Greenock. Roland left 

the Clyde coast at 6.50pm and 

headed towards Ireland. He 

passed Ailsa Craig at 10.48pm 

that night and made landfall in 

Northern Ireland at Millisle at 

2.47am on the morning of the 

30th. He then continued down 

the coast and made landfall 

in the Republic of Ireland at 

12.43pm and travelled down to 

Balbriggan where he was last picked up at 10.39pm on 

the 30th. He has since spent the past week hanging 

out at Lough Liffey. 

PC Bobby decided to fly to Northern Ireland and then 

headed back to All Saint’s Primary School in Greenock. 

He flew over on the afternoon of the 29th of October, 

spent the night off Ballyquintin Point and then headed 

back home. Maybe he felt it was warmer back at the 

school? However he finally decided to leave Greenock 

for good this year and flew over to the Republic of 

Ireland on the 4th of November. He is currently down 

in the south at Waterford. 

Finally our third gull 

decided to be a bit more 

adventurous. Gully 

MacGullface had been 

living in the south of 

Eire since the 4th of 

September. He left the 

coast at 1.30pm, on the 

29th and flew straight 

over the sea. Later, he 

was then picked up off 

the coast of Cornwall at 

4.32pm and off the coast 

of Brittany at 6.36pm. 

Most of our gulls then 

head across the Bay of 

Biscay to Spain but not 

Gully. He continued over 

the sea passing Spain at 

5.52am on the morning of 

the 30th then flew all the 

way down the sea and at 

some points was 250km 

away from the Portuguese coast. He then made a 

turn east on the evening of the 30th and made landfall 

at the south west corner of Portugal at 6.53am. This 

journey took him 40 & 1/2 hours. He has now made it 

to Spain and is hanging out at a fishfarm. 

Finally for this month, 

Roger has left Wales 

and is now in Portugal 

and has been hanging 

out at some of the sites 

that previous gulls 

have been too, such 

as Matosinhos and 

Costa de Caprica. We 

emailed the Portuguese 

birdwatchers to see if they could spot him and he was 

photographed on the 4th of November by José Vidal at 

Espinho beach, Portugal. To find out more check out 

www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/things-to-do/widlife/tag-ntrack/teamgull/ 

or at www.facebook.com/TagnTrack/ 

#TeamGull Adoption! Christmas is coming! Looking for 

a gift with a difference and interested in supporting the 

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 certifi cate, factsheet, 

monthly email updates, your name on our website and 

a fluffy gull to call your own. Look for details on our 

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

more. 

Event News 

Come along and meet the TnT Team at Castle Semple 

on the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of January. We 

will be showing our findings so far, how to use our 

tracking website and much more. Please pop in and 

say hello anytime between 10am-4pm. 

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. 



Diaporama 

39 

We were unable to show the planned evening which was to be: “Mr. William 

Crookston’s Magic Lantern Show” and look forward to seeing it next year. 

Instead we quickly put together a replacement show which most of us 

contributed to. Some of the sequences were shows from the past and some 

were shows that have been lurking on our computers for some time and 

never previously shown. It made for an interesting and enjoyable evening. 

Hugh whisked us off to Barcelona to see three sequences which showed 

the genius of Antoni Gaudi. The first ‘The Caso Battlo’ was the house which 

Gaudi worked on for a rich merchant. It is a beautiful building with superb 

ceramic tiles and is full of symbolism 

portraying Gaudi’s faith, nature 

and pride in being a Catalan. The 

second ‘Parc Guell’ has wonderful 

tile structures which compliment the 

garden including the dragon at the park 

gates. The third was a commentary on 

the previous two and a look at Gaudi’s 

fantastic Sagradi Familia. 

Paisley Colour Photographic Club 

“Pat Cook’s image “Masked Lapwing” wins at Paisley Colour” 

From Glasgow’s longest established photography community Queens 

Park Camera Club, Paisley Colour Photographic Club were pleased to 

welcome top photographer Bob Collins to judge the first of the session’s 

three bimonthly competitions held recently at the McMaster Centre in 

Renfrew. 

Bob demonstrated his years of photographic experience and wide 

knowledge in many areas of photography by critically analysing in detail 

each of the 99 images entered. Members, within the three categories 

Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced, could submit up to three digital 

each and the subjects of the images entered covered a wide range of topics 

from frozen landscapes to summer sports photography and Bob provided a 

constructive and interesting commentary throughout the evening. 

Gerry’s fi rst sequence was ‘Travels with a Dog’ and was about his daughter 

and her dog Hugo who accompanied her on all her training and work 

placements in Scotland and England. His second sequence took us back 

to Spain and was called ‘In Face of Austerity’. It was about the Carnival 

in El Saucejo and the marvellous costumes and face painting of the 

participants. 

The Introductory section was won by Leonard Esakowitz for his strong 

image of a prowling lion entitled “Watching Me, Watching You”. Kathy 

Giddings was second and third in this section with her natural history shots 

entitled “Pine Martin” and “Ural Owl”. 

David showed us three of his older 

sequences which we all enjoyed seeing 

again. He included the one of the iconic 

QE2 on her farewell visit to the Clyde 

in 2008 before she departed to begin a 

new life as a floating hotel in Dubai. 

Fiona revisited one of her very fi rst 

sequences called ‘Autumn’, which 

was appropriate for this time of 

the year. Her second sequence 

was ‘Pompeii’. It showed some of 

the streets, houses and artefacts 

which were buried in AD79 after the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius and 

have since been excavated. Her third sequence was the ‘Tall Ships Races 

in 2011’ and the parade of ships as they left Greenock for Lerwick. 

The next meeting will be on the 11th December in the Carrick Centre 

Houston. This is our Christmas Extravaganza, which is always enjoyable. 

Please feel free to join us. 

The top three images in the Intermediate section were all of birds. Bob 

judged Carol Gracie’s image “Woodpecker” in third place and awarded fi rst 

and second places to Frank McCollum for his images “Taking the View” and 

the stunning “In flight”. 

In the Advanced section of over 60 

images in third place was judged to be 

Jim Caldwell’s beautifully timed and 

exposed image “Yellowbilled Stork 

Landing”. In second place came Ken Dow’s superbly detailed and subtly 

coloured image entitled “Agriope Bruenniche with Lunch”. This year the 

worthy winner of PCPC’s 1st Bimonthly Competition was Pat Cook for her 

perfect capture “Masked Lapwing” feeding in warm antipodean sunlight. 

Club meetings at the McMaster Centre continue on Thursday evenings with 

a variety of lectures and competitions. Visitors are always welcome. For 

further details about PCPC and updated members galleries please view: 

www.paisleycolour.co.uk 


40 

Gryffe Camera Club 

A packed four weeks for Gryffe CC kicked off with past-president Kate 

“facilitating” a workshop for members on camera types and lens qualities. 

Andy Stark provided expert advice and members chipped in during an 

entertaining and interesting evening. 

Tom Doherty returned to the club for a third time to present images which 

have been stored in the archives of Glasgow City Council. Eric Watt was 

a renowned member of Queen’s Park CC and had accumulated around 

10,000 photographs chronicling Glasgow in all its aspects over the years, 

leaving them to the council on his death. Tom had worked for several years 

sifting through the boxes of images and, with only 2,500 viewed to date, 

had produced a fascinating summary in pictures of Eric’s work. The black 

and white images took us back in time and reminded us how Glasgow has 

moved through the years. Tom’s humour and warmth in describing the 

images and engaging with his audience were a delight. 

Wednesday 1st November: League Competition 2 “Scapes”. 

RESULTS A Prints Mono 

1st place - P. Allan 

1st place – P. Allan 

2nd place - P. Allan 

2nd place – M. Johnston 

=3rd Place - M. Johnston 2nd place – T. Bailley 

=3rd Place - K. Cummings 


Kilmacolm Camera Club 

Last month, members had the opportunity to be judges for one night, in 

our Summer Assignment Competition, with “Religion” being the topic. 

These “diy” judging evenings can be quite effective in improving one’s own 

photography skills (provided we don’t fall out about the result!). 

Bill Ham had the best portfolio of four images, winning the Summer 

Assignment Quaich. His selection 

comprised three views of Glasgow 

Cathedral, plus “Isolated Chapel.”. 

Second-placed portfolio was by David 

Addison and Janice Stevenson was 

third. The best individual image was 

Bill’s “Isolated Chapel,” with Douglas 

Forrest’s “Glasgow Cathedral Bell” 

in second place. A selection of the 

winning images are shown here. 

We also took an evening trip to Kelvingrove, where the Art Galleries and 

the cloisters at Glasgow University provided scope for some architectural 

photography. Unlike our previous visit to Glasgow Uni, there were no foxes 

patrolling the quadrangles this time! A couple of images are shown here. 

Digital A 

1st Place – P. Allan 

2nd Place - M. Martin 

3rd Place – B. Crookston 

Digital B 

1st Place - C. Kyle 

2nd Place - R. Logan 

3rd Place - R. Logan 

For our fourth meeting of the 

month we were treated to the 

thoughts and prints of Robert Spence as he guided us 

through, with the aid of his collection of prints going 

back many years, what he called his “Hand in Horror Show”. This consisted 

of a collection ranging through portraits, landscapes, French doors and 

gardens and many other subjects which had caught his eye, entered into 

photographic competitions. The brunt of his acerbic wit was reserved for 

judges of these competitions he had entered. It was a treat to listen to him 

and he peppered his talk with gems of advice. 

Gryffe Camera Club prides itself in being a welcoming and friendly club. If 

you fi nd any of the subjects in December’s syllabus of interest to you please 

come along to the club. 

We meet in the Carrick Centre, Houston each Wednesday evening at 

7.30pm. 

For further information have a look at our website: 

www.gryffecameraclub.co.uk 

06 -Dec League Competition 3a - “OPEN”: 

13-Dec The John Duffy Portfolio 20-Dec Christmas Party or Bowling 

We had a much-welcomed return visit from Tom Doherty, who gave us 

another fascinating set of images of Glasgow, and the stories behind 

them. 

Members also enjoyed another practical evening, this time on the fascinating 

world of macro photography. This is the technique which brings you close to 

your subject – in some cases, a matter of inches. Popular macro subjects 

could be table-top views of household objects, jewellery, insects, coloured 

liquids or flower heads. It offers a completely different viewpoint, one that 

you would not normally see – especially if you have recalcitrant knees like 

mine that refuse to bend! A very informative evening. 

Come along and pick up some new photo skills. We’d be happy to show 

you. 

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

time 7.30 (October to March) 

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

Website: clikpic.com/kilcamclub/ 



41 

Christmas is just around the corner and now that the leaves are off the trees, it 

feels a little like the colour is draining out of the countryside. At least it might, if it 

wasn’t for the beautiful robins all around. It seems as though they are a festive 

favourite for a good reason! They are also one of the few garden birds that will 

still sing over the darkest winter months, so enjoy! 

Talking of the festive season, if you’re wanting to see those robins, or just get 

some exercise ahead of the Christmas turkey, try coming down to the RSPB 

nature reserve for a walk. We’re just across from Lochwinnoch train station and 

have comfy seats inside the visitor centre (& good coffee), for when you’ve had 

enough of the walking. 

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

842 663 or email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk 


42 


bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir 


Bridge of Weir 

Lace Group 


By the time you read this, the deadline for submissions to 

the Proposed Local Development Plan will have passed and 

everyone will be on tender hooks waiting for the verdict of 

where any new housing is to be located. One suggestion put 

to me is for a “new town” to be built rather than attaching on 

pockets of new estates to villages that are already at gridlock. 

Something like this is what has happened to Dargavel in 

Bishopton; only many of the benefi ts due in the original 

Section 75 agreement have still to be fulfi lled. 

Most of the leaves are now off the trees and the council and 

local villagers have been busy sweeping them up before they 

get washed into the drains. There are still a lot of leaves on the pavements and I 

hope the council gets round to sweeping them up before any fl ooding occurs. 

The roadworks at the Deafhillock roundabout continues at snail’s pace it 

appears. Council are reluctant to carry out any resurfacing work in and around 

the surrounding villages for fear of creating further disruption for drivers and this 

is causing a backlog to the proposed programme. All this and we still haven’t got 

the extended slip road to the A737 on the Barrochan Road. 

I noticed that the Red Cross www.redcross.org.uk has some useful information 

when it comes to dealing with winter weather and their website is worth a look. 

The only thing I would add is to check you have plenty depth on your tyres and 

if not then consider replacing them. Christmas still seems a long way away off 

but I suspect this is my last article before then so can I wish you all a very Happy 

Christmas. 

Please note my revised surgery details: 

• Langbank Parish Church Hall - 1st Monday of every month (6.30pm) 

• Bridge of Weir Cargill Hall - 2nd Monday of every month (6.30pm) 

• Bishopton Community Library - 3rd Monday of every month (6.30pm) 

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

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

facebook.com/councillormaclaren 

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

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

Bridge of Weir Lace Group meets 

fortnightly on Tuesday mornings 

(10 am - 12 noon) during the winter 

months. If you’d like to try lacemaking 

we can provide materials & tuition. 

For further details phone (01505) 

613967. 


Festive Family Fun 

Night & Lights On 

Friday 1st December 5.30pm 

to 7.30pm in Langbank Primary 

School. 

Followed by the Village Christmas Tree 

switch-on at 8.15pm in the Church car 

park. 


Christmas Lights 

Switch-on 

Monday 4th December 

Bridge of Weir Community Council 

announce that the Christmas Lights 

Switch-on will be on Monday 4th 

December. 

It’s that time of year again when the 

Community Council organise the 

Christmas Lights switch-on, and once 

again we have enhanced our lighting 

display. 

The evening kicks off with the Carol 

Service in Freeland Church at 6.15pm 

followed by the Switch-on of the lights 

at 7pm at Livery where Santa will 

arrive in style. 

Light refreshments will be served in 

the Royal British Legion Club. 


Bridge of Weir SWI 

On 7th December we will 

be enjoying a Christmas 

buffet prepared by 

members. We look forward 

to being entertained by a youthful 

theatre group. Some of our members 

will also be going on an outing to the 

pantomime during December. 


Christingle Service 

Sunday 3rd December from 4pm - 6pm 


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. 

Bridge of Weir Messy Christingle service and everyone is 

welcome, young and old, to come along and make a Christingle 

(see below). We will be making them in the large hall at Freeland with other 

activities from 4pm - 5pm. We will then move into the church for a short candlelit 

service with the Christingles which is really lovely. After this, we will be back in 

the hall for food and a chat. 

Lots of different people come along and it’s a great way to meet people. Babies 

and toddlers welcome. Adults are welcome to come along without a child but not 

the other way round as we don’t want to lose them! 

Christingles have been around since 1747 when a German bishop was trying to 

explain the birth of Jesus to a group of children. It consists of an orange wrapped 

in a red ribbon with a candle in the centre and four cocktail sticks with fruit and 

sweets. The orange representing the world and the red ribbon representing God’s 

love wrapped around the world and the blood Jesus Christ shed on the cross. 

The dried fruits and sweets are 

symbols of God’s creations and the bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir 

candle symbolises Jesus the light of 

the world who brings hope to people Singing for 

living in darkness. We all need hope, 

Wellbeing 

the service is lovely and the children 

love eating the sweets before they A fun, no-pressure choir singing feel- 

should so come along and join us! good songs every Tuesday from 6pm 

Just turn up on the day. Facebook - 7.15pm and Fridays at 2pm - 3.15pm 

(Bridge of Weir Messy Church) 

in the Bishopton Community Centre. 



43 


Bridge of Weir Community Council 

Police reminder: Residents are reminded to be more vigilant than usual in the 

run-up to Christmas. Make sure you keep all windows and doors, as well as 

garages and garden sheds securely locked at all times. 

Planning: At the time of writing, we still await a decision from the Scottish 

Government’s reporter on the planning appeals for Whitelint Gate and land lying 

to the north of Kilmacolm Road. 

The consultation on the suggested additional sites at Manswrae and Thriplee 

has now closed. There was considerable interest on both these proposals and a 

number of residents, as well as the Community Council, have responded to it. 

The Community Council has learned that Cala Homes will be making a new 

application to develop the land at Lawmarnock Road. The new proposal is likely 

to include twelve dwellings. 

Permission has been granted for the demolition of ‘Hermiston’ on Golf Course 

Road and it’s replacement with two new dwellings. 

We will publish updates for planning issues on our Facebook page. 

Boundary Commission: The boundary commission for Scotland has published a 

consultation exercise on proposals to revise the boundaries for the Westminster 

Constituencies. Under these proposals, Bridge of Weir would become part 

of Inverclyde and Erskine County Constituency. This would not affect Council 

boundaries or school catchment areas. Full details of the proposals and how to 

respond to the consultation, which closes on the 11th December 2017, can be 

found at the commission’s consultation portal – www.bcs2018.org.uk 

Roads: Road works and planned resurfacing works continue within the village. 

The resurfacing of the A781 is now expected early in 2018, although Councillor 

Don is trying to have this brought forward. 

Outdoor Gym Equipment: The Community Council secured a grant for the 

supply and installation of outdoor gym-equipment. Look out for this equipment 

appearing in Ranfurly (the Glen) Park early in the New Year. 

Festive lights: The annual Christmas light’s switch-on takes place on Monday 

4th December. There will be the usual Carol service in Freeland Church at 

6.15pm, supported by the Primary School Choir, with the switch-on at Livery Walk 

scheduled for 7pm. Santa will join the fun and light refreshment will be available 

in the RBL Hall. 

Next meeting: The next regular meeting of the Community Council will take place 

on Tuesday 5th December 2017at 7pm in the Cargill Hall. 


Bishopton Christmas Tree Light Switch on 

Sunday 3rd December 2017 at Bishopton Community Centre, 

Gledstane Road, Bishopton 

The village Christmas tree lights will be switched on after a carol service that 

starts at 6.15 pm. There is an open invitation to the local community to join in 

too. 

Bishopton Community Centre Association and Bishopton Parish Church have 

once again organised the Christmas tree light switch on and community carol 

singing. The carol singing will be held within the building. The Christmas tree light 

switch on ceremony will take place outdoors in the Community Centre’s car park, 

adjacent to the Christmas tree. The carol singers will include children and adults 

from community organisations. Song sheets will be distributed for everyone else 

to join in. Refreshments will be available. 

The Community Centre car park will be closed to allow the ceremony to take 

place. It is recommended that motorists should leave their cars at home and 

walk to the Centre. It is likely to be cold and those attending should wrap up 

appropriately. 

Billy Arrol, Chairman of Bishopton Community Centre Association said, “Following 

on from the previous successful Christmas tree light switch on ceremonies and 

carol singing, Bishopton Community Centre Association is delighted to be involved 

again in helping this year’s too. The lights will be switched on by a local noteworthy 

person or persons. I am also hoping that we will have a special seasonal guest 

appearance. It promises to be a good community event for all of the family.” 

“It is a free event. Light refreshments will be available.” 



The Bridge 

Thank you for your custom over the past six years. With your support and our 

loyal volunteers we manage to run The Bridge with its Post Offi ce as a viable 

concern. The Community Centre and Shop continue to supplement the annual 

shortfall of between £6,500 and £7,000 in running our Post Offi ce. It is therefore 

vital your support continues . 

Support The Bridge this Christmas – send one of our individually designed 

charity Christmas Cards. View local scenes throughout 2018 in the Bridge of 

Weir calendar. Also in stock are the popular “Greetings from Bridge of Weir” 

cards, Traidcraft and relation cards, Christmas paper, gift tags and your essential 

diary for 2018. 

Post Office - call in to check the Christmas postal dates to ensure your parcels 

arrive in time for that all important day. Christmas stamps and a range of gift 

cards are now available – Donald, Anne and Stuart will be delighted to ensure 

you are well supplied. 

Within our Shop you will fi nd a wide variety of padded and postal bags, boxes, 

wrapping paper, string and wrapping tape to ensure your gifts reach their 

destination securely wrapped. 

Looking for a Christmas or “First Foot” gift - our stock of Emma Ball stationery 

items are reduced by 30% - a real bargain. 

To all residents of Bridge of Weir we wish you a happy Christmas and a healthy 

and prosperous 2018. 

The Bridge – Your Community Centre Shop and Post Offi ce 

Closed 25th & 26th December 2017 and 1st & 2nd January 2018. 


Langbank SWI 

Our October meeting was 

a Fire Safety Talk, and 

we were made aware of 

the risks due to overheated 

electrical appliances. We now know 

how to make our homes much safer, 

and visits from a Fire Safety expert 

were arranged for many homes. 

The November meeting was on Heart 

Health. 

December Christmas 

Party with Buffet 

Thursday 14 th December 

at 7.30pm 

Everyone brings a £1 

Secret Santa gift 

Santa’s Sleigh is coming to town 

Look out for Santa & his Elves arriving in... 

Bridge of Weir Tuesday 12th – Saturday 16th. 

Santa will set off each night at 6pm and will try to finish each route by 8.30pm. 

Voice Of Hope 

warmly invite you to a 

Langbank Village Centre 

Friday 8th December 7pm - 9pm 

Mulled Wine, Tea, Mince Pies, Cakes, 

Carols, Readings, Musical Items 

Speakers: David and Allyson Tyrrell 

from Healing Rooms Scotland. 

REGULAR GATHERINGS: 

Weekly Ladies Bible Studies Tues 

10.30am 

Fortnightly Friday Night Church 7pm 

For venue and info: 

07890 777710 or 01475 540700 

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir

kilbarchan, howwood, lochwinnoch & elderslie 

44 

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie 

It is often said, but as easily forgotten, how grateful we as 

residents are, to the dedicated few who give of their spare 

time to speak on behalf of the community on matters that 

can affect our daily lives. One such person is Jack Richmond 

a member of Lochwinnoch Community Council. 

I know that I am likely to embarrass Jack but I felt it only 

right to highlight what real devotion to duty is all about. It 

may not be known by everyone in Lochwinnoch but Jack 

has recently retired from the Chairmanship of the Glasgow 

Airport Consultative Committee (GACC), after having served 

on this committee for 38 continuous years! It has been my 

honour and privilege to have served with Jack as a member 

for the last decade of his time on this committee. He served GACC with a fi rm but 

dignifi ed control and is respected by all. Jack was thanked at his last meeting for 

his services to the committee and was presented with a portrait of the airport, 

from 38 years ago, by Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport. 

We all wish you and Elma all the very best in your retirement. 

I mentioned in my last report on the car park space behind the McKillop Institute 

in Lochwinnoch being occupied by an abandoned trailer. I can report that the 

trailer has now been removed and must thank Renfrewshire Leisure for their 

swift response to my request for assistance in this matter. All we need now is 

a complete renovation of the much used building with an upgrading of the play 

area, seating, and the lighting above the path at the side of the building. A group 

has been formed, ‘Friends of McKillop’, to carry the project of renovation further. 

You can help by fi lling in a questionnaire on line at https://www.surveymonkey. 

co.uk/mckillopinstitute with your ideas for the building etc. 

Future of Day Services at West Lane Gardens and Whitehaugh Day Centre – 

further discussion with the current service provider, Capability Scotland, has 

resulted in an extension to the closure date to 30th April 2018. This will allow 

more time to consider options for the future of the services. A further report on 

progress is expected at the next meeting of the IJB on the 24th November 2017. 

The biggest shake-up to residents for a while is the proposal by Renfrewshire 

Council to implement short stay car parking charges in Johnstone! It is proposed 

to raise existing charges in Paisley and introduce charges in Johnstone and charge 

residents an annual fee for a reserved parking space! I have no doubt what the 

immediate reaction will be by the residents and commuters to Johnstone. Please 

voice your concerns by writing or e-mailing your concerns to me. I have asked for 

a public meeting to discuss this issue. We shall see whether this request will be 

granted. 

It is that time of year again and as this will be my last opportunity to speak to you 

this year, may I wish you all:- A Very Happy And Glorious Christmas 

Contact Details: Tel: 0300 300 1423 e-mail: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk Mob: 07976 

239 881 

SURGERIES: 1st Monday each month HOWWOOD Village Hall 6pm (On bank holiday 

Mondays it will be the 1st Tuesday 6pm): 2nd Wednesday each month KILBARCHAN Steeple 

Hall 6pm: 3rd Monday each month JOHNSTON Town Hall 6pm: 4th Wednesday each month 

LOCHWINNOCH Library 6pm 


Christmas Coffee 

Morning 

Saturday 9th December, 10am-1pm 

St Paul’s Church, Johnstone are holding 

a Grand Christmas Fayre and Coffee 

Morning on Saturday 9th December in the 

Masonic Hall, Collier Street, Johnstone, 

from 10am till 1pm. 

There will be many various stalls including 

a Christmas stall, Toy stall, Sweets stall, 

Tombola, Toiletries etc. And of course lots 

of delicious homebaking. 

This is always a very popular event, we 

look forward to seeing you there. 



2nd Lochwinnoch Golf Club Tea Dance 

Friday 1st December, 2pm-4.30pm 

The second free Tea Dance in support of Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Village 

will be on Friday 1st December 2pm till 4.30pm. Come and dance, sing and have 

fun with the fantastic ‘Music Box’ and 

enjoy a lovely afternoon tea from Janice 

and her team! 

The dance has been sponsored by one of 

the Lochwinnoch Golf club life members 

what a generous and kind gesture! 

For more info contact Morag on 

07868752814 



Lochwinnoch 

SWI 

As there is no 

scheduled 

meeting 

this month we would 

like to take this opportunity of 

wishing our members and friends 

the happiest of Christmases and 

every good wish for a prosperous 

and healthy 2018. 

We look forward to seeing everyone 

again in January. 

The Committee, Lochwinnoch SWI 

I have long argued for more signifi cant investment in 

villages from various administrations at Renfrewshire 

Council of all political colours, so I am very pleased that 

the last Communities, Housing, and Planning Board passed 

a report which approved an application for Clyde Muirshiel 

Regional Park to the Making Places Fund run by the Scottish 

Government. If approved this will boost community interest 

in the Park, and increase its long term viability and I was 

happy to support this application. 

I am also pleased that the last Infrastructure, Land, and 

Environmental Board approved moves to use council land to 

create a new pedestrian and cycling route from Beith Road to 

Old Howwood Road near St Vincent’s Hospice. Currently access to the Hospice 

from Beith Road is unlit and poorly surfaced and Sustrans have agreed to fund 

an upgrade. 

In relation to the plethora of planning applications in and around Kilbarchan 

the Council has received a response from the Scottish Planning Minister who 

has stated that under certain conditions greenbelt can be built upon. This sadly 

confi rms my long-standing fears that Scottish planning policy is failing our village 

communities in Renfrewshire as some greenbelt seems greener than others. 

I am always keen to offer constituents as wide a range of options for contacting 

me about issues they wish to raise, so I am pleased to report that I now have a 

facebook page called Independent Voice@Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages. My 22yr 

old son tells me I have now joined the 21st century. 

As we approach the Christmas period I would like to wish all my constituents 

across the ward, of all faiths and none, a very happy and holy Christmastide. In 

particular, I would like to wish all those community activists in the ward who help 

to run community councils, tenants and residents associations, elderly forums, 

and all kinds of community groups, for what they bring to all our villages. They 

work not for themselves but for the common good and they deserve recognition 

for their sterling work. 

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 on the 4th Wednesday of the month 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, e-mail me at cllr.andy.doig@ 

renfrewshire.gov.uk, or facebook me on Independent Voice@Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages. 


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 take place on Mondays from 7.30pm to 

9.30pm in the Space Room in the McKillop Halls. For more information phone 

Lorna 01505 843048. 




The decision at the recent meeting of Renfrewshire Councils 

Environmental Policy Board to introduce parking charges in 

Johnstone has met with an angry response from people in 

Howwood, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch who regularly visit 

the town . 

This response has been echoed by members of Johnstone 

Business Consortium, who believe that this will be detrimental 

to the town and its visitors. I share those concerns and 

vehemently oppose these proposed charges. 

The local administration councillors who voted through this 

policy need to reconsider their decision. Common sense 

must prevail and the decision must be reversed. 

Another signifi cant decision made at the same board meeting was a change to 

bin collections. From next year collection of grey bins will be reduced to every 3 

weeks, a second blue bin will be provided to households free of charge. One bin 

will be for plastic and glass the second for paper and card. They will be collected 

fortnightly. 

I am supportive of any plan to encourage recycling, however, given recent 

complaints in some areas about the erratic collection of grey bins, I am 

concerned that should this continue problems may occur, including regrettably 

potential fl y tipping, not to mention the problem of space for some households in 

accommodating an additional bin, 

It is evident that the implications of both parking charges and bin collections, 

have not been thought through, and it is unacceptable that there has been no 

public consultation on either matter. 

At the time of writing a programme of drain and gully cleaning is to be undertaken 

in Lochwinnoch. I have requested that similar attention is given to both Kilbarchan 

and Howwood. 

I have been advised that the transfer of local police from the Quarry Street offi ce 

to Johnstone Town Hall is now complete. I am however concerned that in line with 

the current policing model some staff are being transferred from Quarry Street to 

Renfrew, rather than to the town hall. I have sought reassurance that this will not 

have a negative impact on police presence and cover in the villages, particularly 

as we are entering one of the busiest times of the year. 

Talking of which I cannot believe that we have reached December already, with 

many of our traditional community events taking place as usual. 

All that remains for me is to wish everyone in Kilbarchan Howwood and 

Lochwinnoch a Happy and Peaceful Christmas. 

My surgeries are on the fi rst Saturday of every month except January and July, at 9am in 

the McKillop Institute Lochwinnoch, 10am in the Village Hall Howwood, and 11am in the 

Steeple Hall Kilbarchan 

Meantime please contact me at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or phone 0300 300 

1274 or 07534156007 


The Kilbarchan 

Singers Christmas 

concert 

Saturday 9th of December, 7.30pm 

(doors open at 7pm), at Kilbarchan 

Parish Church, Steeple Square, 

Kilbarchan, with invited guests, The 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Junior Choir, 

conducted by Moira Gray. Tickets 

£8.50 (children free), refreshments 

included. Tickets available on the 

door or from choir members. 


Kilbarchan 

During the month of December the 

group has 2 meetings. The fi rst is an 

evening of Your Favourite Painting and 

along with this, a cheese and wine 

evening with your Favourite Cheese. 

We shall also enjoy our annual 

Christmas party with partners. We 

resume on Wednesday 10th January. 

We would be delighted to welcome new 

members, please phone 703786 for 

more information or see the website: 

www.nwr.org.uk 


Elderslie Christmas Lights On & Fayre 


Kilbarchan Parish Church 

45 

Saturday 25th November, 2pm Fayre, 5pm Raffle, 5.30pm Carols, 

6pm Lights switch on 

Elderslie Community Council are pleased to invite everyone to their Christmas 

lights switch on and fayre! The event starts at 2pm in Elderslie Village hall and 

has 20 stalls with lots of ideas for Christmas gifts such as ornaments, candles, 

jewellery, hair accessories and toiletries. We also have stalls that can do 

personalised gifts and we’ll have face painting for the young ones, or the young 

at heart! 

There will be tea, coffee and juice for the kids being served alongside some 

delicious home baking and we are very pleased to be having a collection box for 

Renfrewshire Food Bank so if you have any spare please being it along and we’ll 

get it to them. Currently they are especially in need of UHT milk, juice and sugar. 

We will also be donating selection boxes on behalf of the village. 

There will be a raffl e to be drawn at 5pm with prizes from some of the stall holders 

as well as kind donations from our local businesses which include Steak lunch 

for two with a bottle of wine at the excellent Butchers Steak and Grill, a Massage 

at Paisley Natural Therapy Centre and a Steak Pie for New Year from the Award 

winning Elderslie Butchers. 

Wallace Primary School Choir will be leading Carols sung round the tree at 

5.30pm before one of the choir will be the lucky one actually switching on the 

lights at 6pm so please come along and join in with the fun. 


Howwood 

Community Council 

Meetings are held on the second 

Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in 

Howwood Village Hall. Please feel free 

to come along - all welcome. 


Knitting Bee 

Knuts4Knitting 

Meets fortnightly on a Tuesday 

from 7pm to 9pm at Knit Knax, 37 

High Street Johnstone, also weekly 

Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. 

Contact: Pamela 07743 156738 or 

email bknitting@hotmail.co.uk. 

Blythswood Shoebox Appeal. 84 boxes along with money were dedicated in the 

Parish Church and despatched to the depot in Hillington prior to being sent to 

Eastern Europe in time for Christmas. 

Church Hanging. A new hanging for Kilbarchan Parish Church will be unveiled 

shortly-this will be in the form of a vine and the members of the church family 

have signed leaves to attach to make a record for future generations. 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Christmas Fayre takes place on Saturday 2nd 

December from 10am-12noon in the halls, Steeple Square, when there will be 

many gift stalls and a chance for the children to have their photo taken with 

Santa. Come along and enjoy the fun-mince pies and shortbread will accompany 

coffee/tea. 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club. The club takes place on Mondays from 

9.15am - 11.30am in the church hall and is run by a group of volunteers from 

the church. We are delighted to welcome tots from birth-3 years, along with their 

accompanying adults. There is a huge variety of toys and bouncy castle for the 

tots and enjoyable company with tea/coffee for the adults. The cost remains £1 

for adults. The Hallowe’en Party on 30th October was a great success with the 

tots wearing some varied costumes-even a 2-week old baby!! 

The Christmas Party is on Monday 18th at 9.45am when Santa will pay a visit. 

The group will resume on Monday 8th January from 9.15am. 


Gryffe Advertizer - Current & Past Issues 

www.advertizer.co.uk/issues 


46 



Would you know what to do in an Emergency? 

New Dates for 2018!! 

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

♥ More than 3500 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: 

Tues 12th December 2017 7-9pm The Boarding House Howwood 

Wed 24th January 2018 7-9pm Masonic Lodge Lochwinnoch 

Tue 20th February 7-9pm The Boarding House Howwood 

Wed 28rd March 7-9pm Masonic Lodge Lochwinnoch 

Tue 17th April 7-9pm The Boarding House Howwood 

Wed 23rd May 7-9pm Masonic Lodge Lochwinnoch 

Tue 19th June 7-9pm The Boarding House Howwood 


News from the Old Library Centre 

The eagerly awaited calendar produced at the Old Library Centre is now for sale 

at the Old Library Centre and in Bobbins Coffee Shop for £4.99. This calendar is 

produced by our hard working volunteers and this year the theme is pictures of 

old and new Kilbarchan. New this year is a list of our advertisers at the back so 

you will be able to fi nd their telephone number easily. The calendar contributes to 

funds that keep the Old Library Centre running as a community facility, so please 

consider supporting us by buying the calendar. 

The FABS exercise class for over 60’s (fl exibility, aerobics, balance, strength) has 

proved to be extremely popular and the class is now full. We have now started a 

waiting list for a class on a Tuesday afternoon from 2.30pm – 3.30pm. If you are 

interested in joining this class please contact the Old Library Centre to join the 

waiting list. 

The University of the 3rd Age are 

running a Spanish conversation group 

here on Monday afternoons from 

2pm - 4pm. You do not have to be a 

member to join in and any Spanish 

speakers will be made welcome at 

this group. 

The Old Library Centre will close on 

Thursday 22nd December and reopen 

on Monday 8th January and 

may we take this opportunity to wish 

all friends and supporters a very 

merry Christmas and a happy and 

prosperous New Year. 


Howwood WI 

Tuesday 19th December: 

Christmas Get Together with 

Taste and Try 

Santa Bag - give and receive 

Competition: A Tree Decoration 

Vote of Thanks: Morag Wills 

New members will be made very 

welcome. For further information 

please contact Irene MacTaggart on 

01505 704800. 


Seasons Greetings 

from Howwood and Lochwinnoch 

SVDP Society 

The members of the Society wish 

everyone in the village all the blessings 

of the Christmas Season and every 

health and happiness in the coming 

New Year. 


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. 



Christmas Services 

in Howwood 

The vigil mass of Christmas will be 

celebrated at 6pm on 24th December 

in Christ the King Howwood and the 

Christmas Day Mass at 10am. All are 

welcome to attend. 


Christmas Fayre 

Saturday 2nd December from 

10am - 12noon 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall 

Many gift stalls and a chance for the 

children to have their photo taken with 

Santa. 

Well here we are again, what can I tell you this month? 

First, Elderslie Village held its Christmas Fayre on Saturday 

25th November at venues around Stoddart Square. 

• The Elderslie Scouts hosted a model railway exhibition 

supplied by Renfrewshire Model Railway Club, which is based 

in Elderslie. The village hall also had festive stalls and tables. 

The events commenced at 2pm. 

• A raffl e was held at 5pm 

• Carols sung at 5.30pm 

• Lights switched on at 6pm 

Ward 8 has two groups, one in Elderslie and one in Corseford, working towards 

the creation of community playparks. I am sure that these groups would be 

happy to receive volunteers to take part in advancing these ideas. 

Hopefully, users of Stoddart Square and the paths through Lexwell woods will 

notice a reduction in litter as a certain person with his dog in tow, has been 

wondering around with a litter picker and rubbish sack. Please may I ask that 

you think twice about dropping rubbish and make use of the Council provided 

litter bins. 

After Christmas, I have decided not to hold surgeries in the Village Hall, as there has been 

little response. This will save wasting Council resources and fi nances. I am happy to respond 

to any enquiries by email, letter, telephone, carrier Pidgeon, or in person by appointment. 

My fi nal surgery in Elderslie Village Hall will be on Saturday 9th December at 10.30am. 



houston, crosslee & brookfield 

Brookfield News 

Frighteningly good fun was had at Brookfi eld Village Hall on Saturday 21st October. 

Villagers from across Renfrewshire turned out in amazing fancy dress costumes to 

have fun at 2 Blue Coral Events Parties. 

The afternoon Phantasmagorical Pumpkin Party saw more than 60 kids do Halloween 

craft making with Paint Pot Tots, an animal show, dance with a DJ Stuart Ritchie and play 

loads of games including Dooking for Apples, Monster Mash, the Donut String Game, 

Toilet Roll Mummy, and Halloween Limbo. 

There was also a Candy Bar with loads of sweet treats and a Pumpkin Patch Store with 

Silver, Gold and White Pumpkins. 

Additionally there were prizes for Best Dressed Boy and Girl, and for those brave enough to 

take part, an animal handling session that included a corn snake, tarantula, cockroach, giant 

African snails, plus a fl uffy bunny and Simon the duck for the not so very brave! 

Local mum Carole Logan commented “What an amazing event. The kids have all had a brilliant 

time, this was really well organised”. 

Then at 6.30pm the doors of the same Village Hall opened once again for Blue Coral’s evening family 

disco. 

More than 100 ghouls and ghost families turned up raring to party the night away. 

Costumes ranged from Where’s Wally? to Cruella de Ville, Fred Flintstone, Star Wars favourites and 

former St Mirren legend Steven Thomson and his wife turned up as Danny Zucko and Sandy from 

Grease. 

The night was a huge success with one partygoer saying “This is just brilliant! When is the next 

one happening?” 

Blue Coral Events are Nicola Steele from Houston 

and Gaynor Day, Bridge of Weir. Gaynor said, 

“We absolutely love putting on events within 

our own local community. The turnout was 

brilliant and the effort people went to with 

their costumes was incredible. The best 

part for us without a doubt is seeing the 

enjoyment on all the children’s faces. 

A massive thank you to everyone that 

came along to either one or both of our 

events. It was a super busy day and 

really successful so keep your eyes 

peeled or follow us on Facebook to fi nd 

out about our next one!” 

47 


Bee Happy Houston 

The Bee Happy Houston gardening group is continuing to expand 

the work it is doing. 

The team fully appreciates that people don’t necessarily have the time or the 

means to volunteer with us. However, we thought that there might be another way 

for others to make a valued contribution to what we are trying to do. 

We would like to give residents the opportunity to make a contribution in the 

form of a subscription, either a one off payment or a regular annual amount (the 

suggested amount is a minimum of £5). This would be used to help us fund the 

purchase of plants and bulbs in the years to come so that we can continue to 

keep our village beautiful. 

A subscription form and a Standing Order form can be obtained by emailing 

Lesley Walker lesley61walker@outlook.com. 

Paper copies are also available in the Village Post Offi ce and from The Paper 

Shop on South Street. 

Full instructions on how to contribute are given on the subscription form. 

Thank you. 




48 


Parlez Vous 

Francais 

French Conversation group meets 

every Wednesday from 9.30am till 

12noon at Fox & Hounds. Informal 

tuition same venue 2pm - 4 pm. Phone 

01505 871 343, 07463 570464 or 

email avril.forbes2015@outlook.com 


Who, Why, How? 

Are you interested in discussing who we 

are, why we are here, predestination 

or free will, western philosophy versus 

eastern philosophy? We meet in Fox 

and Hounds once a fortnight. Contact 

01505 871343 or 07463 570464 or 

email avril.forbes2015@outlook.com. 


New Sewing Class 

Got a sewing machine but never 

used it or just lost confi dence? Do 

you want to know how to raise/lower 

a hem or change a broken zip? We 

might just have the solution. A new 

SEWING CLASS has started in the 

Village Hall Library on a Tuesday 

evening from 7-9pm. Come along 

and learn essential techniques every 

Beginner or Refresher Sewer should 

know. £10.00 per class. Places for 

6-week block must be booked in 

advance. Contact brookfi eldvpa@ 

gmail.com for more information or to 

book a place. 


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. 


Houston & 

Crosslee SWI 

We are looking forward to 

celebrating our 88th birthday on 

Wednesday13th December when 

we will be entertained by The Fables 

Theatre Concert Party. Our fi rst 

meeting of 2018 will be a “ Corners 

“ evening. 

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. 


1st Houston and 

Crosslee Scouts 

Christmas Coffee and Craft Morning 

with new Santa’s grotto. 

On Saturday 2nd December 10am - 

1pm in the Scout Halls, Houston 


Houston and 

Killellan Kirk 

A Christmas Concert by 

The B Flats 

Friday 1st December - 

commencing at 7.45pm 

The B Flats are a four part (soprano, 

alto, tenor and bass) harmony group 

of 31 singers, drawn from around their 

base at Gartocharn. 

The group formed about 18 years ago, 

original members from Gartocharn 

Church, a small body of folk who 

enjoyed each others company , home 

baking and singing. 

The group attracted more members 

and in November 2001 they gave 

their fi rst public concert at Gartocharn 

Village Hall. Since then they have 

had traditional Christmas and Spring 

Concerts in the hall. In addition they 

have performed in Drymen, Alexandria 

and other locations raising money 

for charity. So far they have raised 

£29,000 for primarily, local charitable 

bodies. 

The concert in the Kirk will be a 

mixture of traditional and less well 

known Christmas songs with some 

original arrangements by the founder 

of the group, Robin Barr. 

We are assured that enjoyment and 

fun are very much central to their 

ethos. 

Come along and join in the beginning 

of Christmas festivities hosted by 

Houston and Killellan Kirk Scottish 

Country Dancers. 

Donations will be gratefully accepted 

which will be given to our Extension 

Fund. 


New CoStep 

dance classes in 

Brookfield Village 

Hall 

New dance classes start in Brookfi eld 

Village Hall (PA5 8UB) on Thursday 

Evenings from 11th January. 

Argentine Tango and Modern Ballroom 

with some Latin & Swing. 

Open to all; join the Beginners class 

if you have no dance experience, 

otherwise join the Post-beginners 

class. 

Have fun and learn at your own pace. 

To reserve your place contact us 

- email brookfi eld@costep.co or call 

07513 046016. For more details visit 

www.costep.co 


Brookfield News 

Look out for 

Santa & his Elves arriving in... 

Houston & Crosslee Friday 1st - Thursday 7th 

Brookfield Monday 11th 



This year’s village Christmas card from Brookfi eld Village Council depicts a snowy 

scene looking down Albert Road – this should be delivered any day now, if indeed 

it has not already arrived. The reverse of the card provides a reminder of the 

various village events taking place throughout December and we hope residents 

will be able to join in with as many events as possible. 

SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER: Christmas Tree Light Switch On from 5.30pm 

Following the success of last year’s event, this is the perfect way to get into 

the Christmas spirit! Meet at the Village Hall at 5.30pm and join a candlelight 

procession to the Millennium Garden where our group of village brass players – 

the Brookfi eld Brass Necks – will entertain us with some Christmas music prior to 

the switch-on of the tree lights. Then it’s back to the Hall for some refreshments 

and a viewing of ‘The Snowman & the Snowdog’ on a giant screen! 

SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER: Children’s Christmas Party 3pm - 5pm 

Fun and games with The Song & Dance Factory and of course, a visit from Santa! 

Residents are reminded that tickets (£5.00) must be booked in advance – any 

resident who still requires tickets please e-mail brookfi eldvpa@gmail.com as soon 

as possible with the number of tickets required and confi rmation of children’s 

names/ages. 

SUNDAY 17 DECEMBER: Christmas Carol Service 2pm 

A celebration of Christmas with the Brookfi eld Brass Necks leading the carols 

followed by mince pies and mulled wine. 

WEDNESDAY 27 DECEMBER: Cheese & Wine 2pm 

This ever-popular event is the ideal opportunity for residents, visiting family 

members, friends and neighbours to get together for a really sociable afternoon 

between Christmas and New Year. 

SUNDAY 31 DECEMBER: Hogmanay Dance 8.30pm - 1am 

Dance the night away and see in the New Year with live band, DIZZY HEIGHTS. 

Tickets £12.50 (minimum age 16) available from brookfi eldvpa@gmail.com or 

from any Village Councillor. Bar/Raffl e/Refreshments. 

JANUARY 2018 - NEW DANCE CLASS: If the current series of ‘Strictly’ has 

inspired anyone in this area to get dancing, then sign up for lessons with CoStep. 

Co, which will start in Brookfi eld Village Hall on THURSDAY 11 JANUARY 2018 

from 7pm – 9pm. They teach Argentine Tango & Modern Ballroom (also Latin 

& Swing) and their specially designed beginners classes are an ideal way to get 

started if you’re new to partner dancing. Contact details for more information: 

e-mail: alldance@costep.co or call 07513 046016. 

Facebook: brookfi eldvillage.org Twitter: @Brookfi eldVPA 


Johnstone Christmas Lights Switch-on 

Saturday 2nd December, 5pm 

Johnstone gets in the festive spirit as we switch on the Christmas lights in the 

town. Highlights this year include Santa’s Grotto in Houston Square, St Vincent’s 

Hospice Christmas Market in Johnstone Town Hall, Stage entertainment, Facepainting 

and Children’s entertainment. Provost Cameron will switch on the 

Christmas lights at 5pm. 

Don’t forget...Johnstone Business Consortium will also have a Christmas Market 

10am-4pm, 1 & 2 December. 

(not Sunday 3rd) 





Bee Happy 

Houston 

Bee Happy Houston gardening 

group, which is linked with 

Houston Community Council 

are delighted to have received 

an advancing award certifi cate 

from Keep Scotland Beautiful 

Chief Executive 

Derek Robertson at 

their annual seminar 

in Stirling on 25th 

October. Jill Jack and 

Marion Greig where 

in attendance and 

accepted the award on 

behalf of Bee Happy 

Houston. 

Our group was formed earlier this year and is made up of like minded volunteers 

who wish to make Houston a more enjoyable and beautiful place for residents 

and visitors alike. Our small group provides a real sense of community pride, 

cohesion and spirit. 

Bee Happy have tidied up neglected areas, planted shrubs/bulbs across the 

village to brighten up corners and green spaces. Many more small projects are 

planned to make Houston even more beautiful. 

Considering this is the fi rst year the group has been active, it has achieved so 

much with a large area of the village being covered, planting and clearing areas 

to benefi t everyone. 

The group meet on a Thursday morning between 10am - 11.30am in various 

locations throughout Houston. If you are interested in coming along or can spare a 

few hours now and then you will be made most welcome. No gardening experience 

required and all tools are provided. Please email admin@houstonvillage.co.uk for 

more information. 


Co-op Houston - Food Bank ‘Christmas 

Collection’ 

Are we on your ‘Christmas shopping 

list’?! 

We’ll be in our Houston Co-op Saturday 

2nd and Sunday 3rd December 9am to 

9pm both days with our shopping trolley 

and charity bucket – busy collecting your 

food parcels to help make Christmas a 

much happier time for children and 

their families requiring the services of 

the Food Bank over the Christmas and 

holiday season. 

There is a Renfrewshire Food Bank 

donation bin in the Houston Co-op all 

year round. 

We look forward to seeing you all in 

our Houston Co-op the fi rst weekend 

in December – ‘Happy Christmas 

Shopping’! 

Thank you for your kindness – Renfrewshire Food Bank 

If anyone requires any further information regarding the Renfrewshire Food 

Bank or the Christmas Collection then please contact Jenny 07725 897 833 or 

JennyMeadows10@outlook.com 



H.O.S.T. The Carrick Centre, Houston 

(Houston Old School Trust) 

Booking enquiries to: 

Ian Simpson 01505 612203 Bill Haddow 01505 690693 

Stewart Scally 01505 674277 

hostbooking@outlook.com or The Coffee Shop 

49 

As we approach the Christmas period I, like many constituents, 

am doing the Christmas shopping and am as guilty of anyone 

of taking the easy option and buying things online. However, 

I am trying to make a determined effort to shop more locally 

so that local traders and businesses in Renfrewshire can get 

the benefi t. At this time of year it is natural to think of family 

members that are no longer with us, and I always remember 

my grandfather who ran his own business and how hard he 

worked, so let us all try harder to do our bit to support local 

businesses. 

I would also like to wish all my constituents across the 

ward, of all faiths and none, a very happy and joyous Christmas. As families 

gather around the tree let us all try and keep an eye on those, such as the very 

elderly, who may have little or no family. Please consider the vulnerable and less 

fortunate this Christmas. 

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. 

Monday to Friday, Woodlands Out of 

School 01505 615438 

Coffee Shop: - Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm 

Sat, 9am-4pm 

MONDAY 

Yoga (Weekly) 1pm Mary Laidlaw 

01505 229112 

Diaporama 11 th 7.30pm 

Young Farmers 

TUESDAY 

Paint Pot Tots (Weekly) 10am Dawn 

Campbell 07789 262350 

Musical Theatre (Weekly) 4pm - 7pm 

Yoga (Weekly) 7pm M/s Lawson 

01505 613690 

Lirico Languages (Weekly) 7pm - 

8.30pm (Fiona 01505 614306) 

Councillor Surgery 5 th 6.45pm - 

7.30pm 

WEDNESDAY 

Big Kids Little Learners 10am - 11am 

Janine Neil 07870 697010 

Gryffe Melody Makers 13 th 7pm 

Community Council 20 th 7.30pm 

Gryffe Camera Club, (Weekly) 7.30pm 

THURSDAY 

Gryffe Quilting Group (2 nd , 9 th , 16 th , 

23 rd ) 1.15 pm - 3.15pm (16 th 10am) 


Houston & Killellan Kirk 

Houston Kirk Postie - A Service for the whole Community 

Raising funds for Alzheimer Scotland 

‘Paisley Memory Lane Club’ 

For a donation of only 25p a card the Houston Kirk 

Postie will deliver anywhere in Houston, Crosslee or 

Brookfi eld. 

The Sorting Offi ce, in the West Church Halls, will be 

open from 10am to 12noon and again from 7pm to 8pm 

every day from 11th to14th December. Cards may also be 

taken to the Church on Sunday 10th December. 

Delivery is guaranteed not later than 19th December. 

Primary Colours (Weekly) 3.30pm - 

4.30pm 

Crafty Friends 7 th , 21 st 7.30pm 

Folk Club (Weekly) 8pm iaintdawson@ 

gmail.com 07786 078952 

Galaxy (Weekly) 3.30pm - 7pm 

FRIDAY 

Yoga (Weekly) 10.30am M/s Lawson 

01505 613690 

Big Kids Little Learners (Weekly) 1pm 

– 2pm Janine Neil 07870 697010 

Galaxy Dancing (Weekly) 3.30pm - 

7pm 

Gavin Newlands M.P. Surgery 10 th 

12.30pm - 1.30pm 

SATURDAY 

Galaxy Dancing (Weekly) 9.30am - 

5pm 

Councillors Surgery 4th 11.30am – 

12noon 

Carrick Concert 

SUNDAY 

Baptist Church (weekly) 11am and 

6pm 

houston, crosslee & brookfield

50 


kilmacolm & quarriers 

Kilmacolm 

Surgeries 

On the last Monday of every month PC 

Jamieson, the local neighbourhood 

offi cer, will hold a 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. 


Christmas Lights On 

Friday 8th December 

Quarriers Village from 4pm 

Kilmacolm from 6pm 

Santa will be visiting the children in 

all locations so come along, join in the 

Christmas carols and see the lights go 

on! 


Kilmacolm Community Council 

It was decided at the October meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council that we 

would endeavour to provide a brief report each month to the advertiser letting the 

community of Kilmacolm know what was discussed at each monthly meeting. 

PC Jamieson reported that from the meeting in September to 24th October there 

had been 6 crimes reported in the Kilmacolm & Quarriers area. Unfortunately, 

the bicycle security marking event on the 7th October was not well attended but 

PC Jamieson will try again, date to be decided. The community wardens also 

attended the meeting and advised there had been six anti-social reports, these 

have mostly taken place in the Pavilion at Birkmyre Park. The contact number for 

the community wardens is - 0800 013 1701. 

A letter of objection was agreed upon to be sent to Gladman Associates on 

behalf of KCC and the community of Kilmacolm in reply to their exhibition and 

the proposals for the Knapps and North Dennistoun. Taylor Wimpey have also 

indicted they will be in contact with a date to hold a public meeting regarding 

plans for a development at Planetreeyetts. 

Many complaints regarding fl ooding, pavements and surfaces which affect 

“the safe route to school” these are being addressed by the chair to Inverclyde 

council. 

KCC and KNCC are jointly funding a community defi brillator to be on the outside 

wall on the library wall beside the back door of the new surgery. 

The Christmas light switch on will be held on Friday 8th December and the KCC 

will hold its annual raffl e, the proceeds of which will go to the yearly maintenance 

charge of the community defi brillator. 

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 28th November at 7.30pm in the 

Community Centre, everyone welcome. 

A full version of the minutes of the monthly meetings are on our website 

kilmacolmcc.co.uk 


Kilmacolm Community Centre Cafe 

Licence Tenders 

The Kilmacolm Community Centre is a thriving, well used facility in the village, 

and the busy Cafe is a popular venue within the Centre. 

The three-year Agreement Term of the Contract to manage the cafe is due for 

renewal on 28th February 2018. 

The Board of Directors of KNCCC therefore invites interested parties to tender for 

the contract to manage the Cafe facility. 

Tenders to be addressed to Mrs H Calvert (Chair, KNCC) Kilmacolm Community 

Centre, Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4LE by Monday 18th December 

2017, with Interviews to be held early in January 2018. 


Brunch and Browse, St Fillans Church 

We look forward to welcoming everyone to Brunch and Browse on Saturday 9th 

December but please note that there will be NO Brunch and Browse in January 

2018. We shall be open again on Saturday 10th February and look forward to 

seeing everyone then. 


On the 11th at 11am in a really busy Cargill the 2 minute 

silence was impeccably observed, the short service 

conducted by The Rev Dr Peter McEnhill. Thanks to Gordon 

Porter for the fl ying of the union fl ag on the village fl agpole. 

The Youth Organisation’s parade to St Columba’s Church 

on Remembrance Sunday was really well attended. The 

Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Brownies and Guiders 

numbered close to 100. Congratulations are due to Stuart 

Wilson for reintroducing what was a regular occurrence many 

years ago and for arranging the St Columba’s pipe band to 

lead. The band had a busy day, as it lead the larger parade in 

Port Glasgow at 12.30pm. 

The ceremony at the Memorial on Lochwinnoch Road continues to grow, I noted 

10 wreaths being laid by various village organisations and the Royal British 

Legion. The service was conducted by messrs McEnhill, Gonzales and Armstrong 

the Padres for the day. 

The bonfi re and fi reworks was a great success. It takes many volunteers to make 

it happen. Thanks are due to Lawrie Campbell and his fi rework team, the boys 

from South Craigmarloch, Andrew Malcolm, Lyle of the Scart, Sam Johnson, 

Constable Jamieson, Duchal Nursery for the Guy, Captain Mike, Susie Wilson, 

James Kelly, James Baxter, Lord McLay for use of the land and too many more 

to mention. 

I attended Gladman’s exhibition of their revised plans for Knapps and North 

Dennistoun. There are still houses proposed for the bonfi re site. I am the vicechair 

of Clydeplan, the Strategic Planning Authority for the West of Scotland. 

Gladman are contesting the recent Strategic Development Plan which indicates 

housebuilding needs for the Renfrewshire area, of which Kilmacolm is part. The 

case will go to the Court of Sessions and Clydeplan will defend, in particular, the 

housing needs fi gures. Gladman will certainly not wish to reduce them. 

Mark Gammon has won the contest to be the best under 16 Bass Trombonist in 

the West of Scotland. Mark, a pupil at PGHS, will now move onto the Scottish 

Finals. I can remember him playing the trombone at KPS when the instrument 

was bigger than him. We have all attended p6/p7 brass performances of varying 

standards and Mark’s success is a fi ne example of having to start somewhere. 

The draining of the rugby pitches has been delayed until the spring. Consultation 

has been conducted with St Columba’s and Birkmyre Rugby Club because the 

delay in certain legalities meant that works would be starting during the winter 

months, all agreed that this would be troublesome. 

All the Remembrance Parades, including the one in Kilmacolm now require, on 

Police Scotland insistence a Temporary Traffi c Regulation Order. This will result 

in considerable extra cost as a TTRO costs £200 a time plus the cost of the 

advert. The Council only received this notifi cation on the 26th October, but will 

be appealing via the Chief Executive. We have excellent policing locally but I 

sometimes wonder about HQ. 

I had the pleasure of cutting the ribbon to open the new Poundworld shop at 

the Port Glasgow Retail Park. This will go down as one of the highlights of my 

political career. Pound shops have been an increasingly popular addition to the 

retail offer. Boots and Next are due to open soon and the Retail Park has been 

really signifi cant in promoting Port Glasgow. It has brought jobs and long overdue 

prestige to the town. 

I wish everybody a happy Christmas and a healthy New Year. 

My surgery is 2nd at the Cargill 10am - 11am. I can be contacted at HYPERLINK “mailto:david. 

wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk”david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 01475 741969, 712727 and 

07766 992294 




Christmas 

announcements 

for Mount Zion 

Church 

Christmas Celebrations in Quarriers 

Village 

Pastor Andy Lunn, and the members 

of Mount Zion Church, Law View Road, 

Quarriers Village invite you to celebrate Christmas with us. At this festive time of 

year we remember Jesus the light of the world who came down into darkness to 

be our Saviour. 

Sunday 17th and 24th December, Family Service at 10.30 am 

This year we have two Christmas family services in the Church; we will sing Carols 

and think about what Christmas really means to us in fun and engaging ways. 

Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight at 

7pm 

Our annual Carols by Candlelight is a 

special time to be in our Church out in 

the countryside, contemplating the true 

meaning of Christmas. This service will 

include musical items from our church and 

young people. Come early for a good seat! 

Followed by seasonal refreshments. 

Christmas Day - Family Celebration at 10.30 am 

Look out for 

Santa & his Elves arriving in... 


Kilmacolm (upper) Friday 8th, (lower) Saturday 9th 

Quarriers Village Sunday 10th 



Kilmacolm Old Kirk 

‘OUTLOOK’ is a social community group in Kilmacolm, that was 

created to welcome everyone, young and old, to come to 

share friendship and fellowship together. It is led by the 

Community Issues team of Kilmacolm Old Kirk. The group 

meets In Kidston Hall on 1st and 3rd Thursday afternoons 

monthly, from 2pm to 4pm. The programme includes 

invited Speakers, afternoon tea, items of community issues 

f o r discussion, dates for your diary, plus entertaining activities. 

PROGRAMME – October to December 

7th December With our Minister - Rev Peter McEnhill 

Plus, Christmas Tea followed by 

Carols at the Piano with Sandra 

The OUTLOOK team of Margaret Cook, Sandra Crawford, Andrea Hargreaves, 

Gordon McGibbon, Rae McPhee, Heather Mutch, Catriona Miller, Judy Adams 

and Jill Russell invite you to Come along, bring a friend, spread the word that 

OUTLOOK is for fellowship and friendship. 

OKFest 2018 - Early bird notice of OKFest 2018 

Kilmacolm’s music and literature festival will be taking place over the weekend 

2nd - 4th March 2018. 

Mark it in your calendars now and look out for details in future editions of the 

magazine’. 


42nd Kilmacolm Scout Christmas Post 

Scout Hall, Kilmacolm. 

Once again we are pleased to 

announce that we will be providing 

a Christmas card postal service. 

We will deliver Christmas cards 

to residential areas of Kilmacolm. 

To ensure the safety of our young 

people, we can only deliver to 

residential areas – so no farms 

or rural properties! From Friday 

1st December until 4pm on Friday 

15th December you can post 

your Christmas cards in the Scout 

post box in either The Kilmacolm 

Community Centre or The Cross 

Café. A minimum 30p donation 

is kindly requested for each card. 

The cards will be delivered during 

the weekend of the 16th and 17th 

December. 

Thank you to everyone in the local 

community who supports the Kilmacolm Scout Group. 


Christian Aid Kilmacolm 

51 

ADVENT is a time when we refl ect the approach to 

Christmas in waiting for the birth of Christ. Christian 

Aid during Advent is refl ecting the light - ‘Feed the hungry and help those in 

trouble, help the light to shine’. At the end of Christmas it is estimated that 

households in UK will have thrown away 23,000 tons of food. To help feed the 

hungry please make a small donation in lieu of a food purchase - for every pound 

you give between November and 5th February 2018 the UK government will give 

a pound more - that’s double the support to help people living in poverty. Donate 

online at christianaid.org.uk/Christmas, or send a cheque to Freepost RSUR- 

YSTS-KJUL Christian Aid, 35-41 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL. Or pick up a 

donation envelope at churches in Kilmacolm. Thank You. 


Advent Carol 

Service 

Sunday 3rd December, 6pm St 

Fillan’s Church Hall, Kilmacolm. 

Come and prepare for the Season 

before Christmas with Angel Voices 

& Voices+ Community Children’s 

Choir, with this lovely Service on the 

theme of Light and Darkness through 

Music, Readings and Advent Carols. 

Refreshments after the Service. 


St Fillan’s Church 


Ardgowan Hospice 

Coffee Morning 

Kilmacolm Friends of Ardgowan 

Hospice 

We would like to thank all those who 

attended and gave donations at the 

Coffee Morning held on Saturday 11th 

November. 

We raised just over £2,500 and 

would like to thank everyone for their 

generosity. 

St Fillan’s Church, Moss Road, Kilmacolm 

The Annual Community Nine Lessons and Carols will be on Friday 22nd 

December at 7pm. Mulled Wine and Mince Pies after the Service. 



52 

SPEAKER MEETINGS at the RIVER INN 

September 20th, Ross Lamb of Bowel Cancer UK 

Ross gave a very clear explanation of the risks of 

bowel cancer (the fourth most common cancer and the 

second biggest killer) and the work of the charity whose 

objectives include raising awareness and persuading 

people to take up the offer of screening for all 50 -74 

year-olds. 98% of those diagnosed early (Stage 1) 

survive. He also explained the benefi ts of a healthier 

lifestyle. More details from www.bowellcanceruk.org.uk. 

September 27th, Neil McAllister 

Neil, President in the year 2012-13, entertained members with a quiz which was 

won by Mike Pepper and Andrew Macleman. 

October 11th, Jacqueline Fairley of Corseford School 

Jacqueline is the Registered Manager for Short breaks at Corseford School 

where she has taken over responsibility for the Toy Library which was funded by 

a £10,000 grant from Gryffe Valley Rotary. The specialist toys (laser projectors, 

bubble machines, interactive soft toys) and tablets which have been designed for 

the use of severely-disabled children and young people are available for use in 

the school and also via a loan system to allow home trials before purchase – an 

especially useful service given their cost. Further information is available from 

jacqueline.fairley@capability-scotland.org.uk. 

Jacqueline Fairley 

October 18th, Prof Iain Macleod on “Engineering Energy” 

Iain is a former Professor of Structural Engineering and Past President of the 

Institute of Engineering and Shipbuilding in Scotland (IESIS). He is chair of the 

IESIS Energy Strategy Group which brings together experts in the fi eld of energy, 

many of whom served in senior engineering roles in the energy industry. Iain has 

been a strong advocate for the importance of Engineering and a logical systematic 

engineering approach to solving major problems, including, in Scotland, the M74 

extension and the new Queensferry Crossing. 

Through the IESIS Energy Group, Iain has come to understand the disconnect 

between governments’ ( EU, UK and Scottish) approaches to reducing carbon 

dioxide greenhouse gas emissions and a thorough “engineering approach”. The 

Group is convinced that the present market-driven and subsidy policies are leading 

to an over-dependence on highly intermittent wind power and solar power, and 

Scotland in particular will be at increasing risk of extended black-outs because 

the electrical system becomes increasingly unstable as large generating plants 

are closed and not replaced. Electricity will become increasingly expensive. 

The Group believe that the future clean electricity system needs to be planned. 

A detailed computational model of the whole electricity system would give 

predictions of the lowest cost mix of generation sources that would provide secure, 

stable and clean electricity for power, transport and domestic heating. Chairman 

Neil McAllister congratulated Iain on his work and stimulating presentation. 


November 8th, Derek Milne on “Transport of Valuable Goods”. 

Derek is Head of Security for the Malcolm Group and was introduced to speak by 

John Melrose (who is one of Malcolms’ nominees to Rotary). Derek explained that 

there has been a huge growth in the storage and transport of whisky and with 

it many security challenges have developed. 65 million cases are handled in a 

year. A lorry load can be worth 

£175,000. Malcolm’s has an 

excellent reputation in this 

area and multiple security 

accreditations. They utilise 

regular training and modern 

technology in their constant 

efforts to protect their 

cargoes and their drivers and 

they work with their partners 

in DIPS – the Distribution 

Industry Partnership Scotland 

(Derek is Vice-Chair) - and the 

Scottish Business Resilience 

Centre. 

Derek Milne 

EVENT PLANNER 

The following events have been confi rmed: 

Tuesday 21st November 2017: Youth Speaks - Teams have been confi rmed from 

St Columba’s and Gryffe High School. The competition will be held at Kilmacolm 

Community Centre. Parents and friends welcome. 

Wed 13th December 2017: Christmas Dinner at the River Inn for members, 

partners and friends 

Sat 20th January 2018: Burn’s Supper. Annual event. Great food and 

entertainment in the traditional style. Tickets for sale from members. 

Mon 22nd to Thurs 25th January 2018: Evenings out for up to 80 Young Carers 

at The Experience 

Wed 14th February 2018: Valentines Dinner for members and partners. 

Advertising will be put in place to promote the Annual 10K run, being arranged for 

Sunday 29th April 2018. The date is chosen to allow four months of training after 

the Christmas and New Year celebrations! 

FUTURE SPEAKERS 

• 15th Nov – ‘The Fage Family’ - guest of Ronnie Mercer 

• 22nd Nov – Ian Quinn, Broadcaster – guest of Dan Mungin 

• 29th Nov – ‘Would you fly with my family?’ - Mike Pepper 

All the meetings are at the River Inn, 7.00 for 7.30pm, with a meal followed by 

the speaker. 

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 


Kilmacolm Xmas Cards 

Jim Wood’s Xmas card this year is from his oil painting ; 

“Kilmacolm -Early Winter’s Evening Market Place-late 1890’s” 

The painting is on display in Threads and the cards are now 

available for sale in Threads and the Post Office. 

Prof Iain Macleod 



UK Parliamentary Boundary Changes 

The Boundary Commission for Scotland have launched a further period of public 

consultation in respect of their review of the UK Parliamentary Constituencies. 

This arises from the proposal to reduce the total number of MPs in the UK from 

650 to 600, and the number in Scotland from 59 to 53. 

The Commission are not seeking responses on the reduction of seats. They are 

tasked with the revision of boundaries to implement the planned reduction. 

Their initial proposals for the Renfrewshire area would have seen some changes 

to the two existing seats in Renfrewshire, namely Paisley & Renfrewshire North 

and Paisley in Renfrewshire South. Both seats would have increased in size by 

taking in parts of East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde as the intention is to create 

seats containing around 75,000 voters. 

However, the Boundary Commission have now revised their proposals and have 

launched a further 8 week consultation which closes on 11 December. 

The revised proposals are substantially different from their previous proposals. 

They now suggest the creation of a burgh constituency (Paisley) which would take 

in Paisley, Renfrew, Inchinnan, Linwood, Barrhead, Neilston and Uplawmoor. 

A second county constituency (Renfrewshire West) would take in Johnstone, 

Elderslie, Houston, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch. The remainder of 

the constituency would then take in a large geographical area extending in to 

Ayrshire down to the coast, including Largs and West Kilbride and the islands of 

Great Cumbrae and Little Cumbrae. 

The area of Renfrewshire including Erskine, Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and 

Langbank would fall in to a new constituency otherwise made up by the Inverclyde 

Council area. 

The Renfrewshire Council website has a link to the Electoral boundaries interactive 

map where you can use the zoom button to fi nd your property within the map. 

The check boxes will allow you to identify your correct polling station, polling 

district and ward boundary. Click on your property to bring up a list informing 

you of your Ward Number, Ward Name, Westminster Constituency, Holyrood 

Constituency and Polling Place. 

You will be able to download a map of your specifi c area. at: 

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/electoralmap 

Should you wish to respond to the consultation, please follow the link from the 

Renfrewshire Council website at: 

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/6301/UK-Parliamentary-Boundary- 

Changes 

Remember, the consultation closes on 11 December 2017. 

Gavin Newlands 

Brexit 

Over the past year, much of my work in Westminster has 

involved scrutinising the UK Government’s progress in 

negotiations with the European Union regarding Brexit. At 

times, this can be a frustrating process with a UK government 

unwilling to bend to reasoned concessions whilst failing to provide adequate 

information to move forward. 

Independent analysis suggest that a hard Brexit could cost 80,000 jobs in 

Scotland and cost people an average of £2,000 in wages. That’s why it’s really 

important that we secure the right Brexit deal for Scotland that protects jobs in 

Scotland and also household budgets. 

It’s also about guaranteeing the residency status of the 3 million EU nationals 

who have made the UK their home, including the 900 that live in Paisley and 

Renfrewshire North. 

As we move closer to the day of our exit from the EU, I hope that the UK 

Government can engage in a cross party approach to ensure that we receive the 

best deal from Brexit. 

Remembrance Day 

The Director General of The Royal British Legion recently attended Parliament 

and challenged all parliamentarians to race against members of the armed 

forces in a bid to raise money for the annul poppy appeal. I was delighted to take 

part in this challenge and to do my small part in helping to raise money for the 

annual poppy appeal. 

A couple of weeks later, I attended Remembrance Day ceremonies around the 

constituency to mark the lives of all of those lost in war and confl ict. 

As well as remembering it the fallen, it’s important that we also use this occasion 

to remember their friends and families. They bear the greatest burden from the 

service personnel who have lost their lives, and it’s only right that we remember 

their sacrifi ce. 

Regardless of the rights and wrong of war, it’s important that everyone unites 

around and remembers the brave sacrifi ce of our servicemen and women. 

Surgery: A reminder that my Gryffe surgeries are still held on a monthly basis where 

constituents can raise any issue with me and to seek any assistance that I can offer. 

On the 2nd Friday of every month at 12.30pm I’m based in the Carrick Centre in Houston, 

followed by a 2pm surgery in the Bishopton Library. In addition, on the last Saturday month 

at 10.30am, I’ll be in ‘The Bridge’ in Bridge of Weir. 


Review sets out target to boost town 

centre car parking in Renfrewshire 

Local Band’s Success in Canada 

53 

Councillors are considering a review of car parking arrangements in Renfrewshire 

which aims to boost the number of spaces available to businesses and visitors 

in town centres. The changes set out in the review outline a desire to generate 

increased footfall in Renfrew, Johnstone and Paisley town centres, and identifi es 

an increased turnover of parking spaces as one of the ways to achieve this. 

The report, set before the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board on 

Wednesday 8 November, also includes proposals to modernise parking meters to 

enable cash, card and contactless payments to benefi t visitors to the area. 

If approved, the recommendations will see parking in on and off street council 

zones continue to remain free on a Saturday and Sunday across Renfrewshire. 

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Infrastructure, 

Land and Environment Policy Board, said: "We want to encourage shoppers and 

visitors into Renfrewshire and these proposals seek to make it easier for people 

to visit our town centres and give a boost to local businesses. 

"It is important there is a turnover of parking spaces to allow people to drive into 

the town centre and have the opportunity to leave their car while they visit the 

shops, which may currently not be available due to long stay parking. 

"This, combined with the modernisation of existing meters to accept card 

payments, should lead to an increased footfall in our larger town centres and be 

of real benefi t to the local economy." 

Parking costs in Paisley have remained controlled in Paisley town centre since 

2012, with the new proposals recommending a 10p increase to parking tariffs 

per 30 minutes and an extra 50p for four hours parking, with a view to increasing 

short stay parking. 

The review would see parking tariffs introduced into Johnstone and Renfrew town 

centres, bringing them into line with Paisley, with the aim of boosting effective 

parking supply and supporting local businesses by displacing longer stay parking 

to the edges of town centres, freeing up short stay space at retail centres. 

There would also be an upgrade to existing parking meters with the majority of 

current meters approaching the end of their lifespan and requiring to be replaced. 

New meters would be installed which will accept cash, card and contactless 

payment to allow for easier use of Pay and Display zones at council car parking 

facilities. A further recommendation of the report seeks the approval of a charge 

for parking permits for approximately 1,000 residents in Paisley who live within 

Pay and Display zones. 

Issuing parking permits to residents in Paisley to allow them to park for free 

within Pay and Display zones currently costs the Council an estimated £50,000 

per year in administrative costs. The new proposal would see an annual £50 

charge introduced in Renfrewshire to cover these costs and allow resources to be 

reinvested in other areas. 

This will align the Council with the majority of local authorities who currently issue 

a charge for parking permits, with annual payments ranging from £45 to £190, 

excluding Glasgow and Edinburgh. 

If approved, the changes would be introduced on a phased approach, with 

initial changes in Paisley beginning in April 2018 and the roll out to Renfrew and 

Johnstone taking place in 2019. 

Many congratulations to these local lads - Single by Sunday - who have WON 

‘Best Emerging International Artist Award’ at the Indie Week Awards Night at 

the ‘Mod Club’ in Toronto. The vote was decided by over 100 Music Industry 

Professionals! 

www.facebook.com/SingleBySunday ~ www.singlebysunday.com

54 


Gryffe High 

School 

M.A.D.D. Show 2017 

The stage was cleared and the newly 

refurbished Gryffe High School theatre 

was the venue for the 7th M.A.D.D. (Music, 

Art, Drama and Dance) Event. Many 

departments and groups had worked 

hard over several months to prepare 

and rehearse for this evening and it was 

a delight to see their sense of pride and 

achievement when they took to the stage 

to perform. 18 different slots were included, 

ranging from the Creative Senior Fashion 

to the lively Gymnastics and the extremely 

talented musicians and actors. 

The Art and Design Advanced Higher class 

were the main organisers of this event, 

with the help of the staff. Their enthusiasm 

and ideas could be seen both on the stage 

in film, photography, stage set design and 

varied exhibition in their Folio work to date. 

With such talent on view, all were able to be impressed and encouraged to achieve creatively in the future. Pupils 

need to be inspired and this was the chance for this to happen. The makeup students from West College were kind 

enough to help us with the stage makeup design. 

Thanks also goes to the ‘River Inn’ for their support to the school with contributing to the Theatre Refurbishment 

and also generously providing a delicious buffet for the Theatre Opening Night for the MADD show. 

The full line included something for everyone, 

with talent in abundance and poignant 

reminders of our personal responsibilities 

in informative presentations. 

The final vision of everyone on stage 

dancing to the Cha Cha Slide will be a 

lasting memory, with full smiles on their 

faces and live dancing………………..all 

pupils were collectively being creative and 

that is what MADD is all about! 

Room for Remembrance 

In preparation for Remembrance Day, 

all year groups took part in poignant 

Remembrance Assemblies this week. S6 

pupils have been busy selling Poppies for 

the Scottish Poppy Appeal and our picture 

shows pupils reflecting with Rev. Kenneth 

Gray in the Remembrance Room. 

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 


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. 



Top marks for inspirational 

Renfrewshire teacher 

55 

An inspiring teacher from Bishopton Primary has been named top of her 

profession for her work promoting technology to pupils. Ruth Burnett was 

named Primary Teacher of the Year at the inaugural Scottish Women in 

Technology Awards, designed to recognise those who further the role of 

women in Scotland’s technology sector. 

Having previously worked in the technology sector, Ruth became a teacher 

to ensure pupils have the opportunity to connect with each of the STEM 

subject areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

Ruth said: “It is an honour to win this award from SWiT and to be in such 

fine company as the other nominees at the award ceremony. I feel that 

promoting the STEM subjects in primary school is extremely important and 

have seen first-hand the enthusiasm and excitement in our pupils when 

tackling various projects.” 

Ruth has instigated a link up with the Institution of Primary Engineers. During 

technologies time, pupils will be developing solutions to challenges and 

problems by applying their knowledge of STEM subjects and developing 

new skills. For the initial part of this collaboration, the pupils from P2 to 

P7 are tasked with interviewing engineers or experts from various jobs 

within the STEM field. This will allow them to become members of the 

institution. 

Digital Customer Experience Consultant Suzanne Lee nominated Ruth for 

her award and was one of those invited to speak to the class and spoke in 

glowing terms of the impact Ruth has had. 

Suzanne said: “I am so proud that my daughter has such a great teacher 

who continually goes over and above expectations to give her class the 

best learning experience she can. She has the ability to inspire and bring 

a vision of possibilities to the kids which has made a real difference to 

their education. I’m delighted she has been recognised for her fantastic 

dedication to her job.” 

The Scotland Women in Technology Awards champion and celebrate 

women, and the companies and networks around them, who are achieving 

success in the technology industry in Scotland. The awards also celebrate 

the success of those in education who drive grassroots initiatives and grow 

the technology talent pipeline for Scotland. 

Councillor Jim Paterson, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education 

and Children’s Services Policy Board, said: “I am delighted that Ruth has 

been recognised for the outstanding work she does to inspire the pupils of 

Bishopton Primary. 

“It is important that we encourage future generations to take an interest 

in STEM subjects as early in their school life as possible to allow them to 

develop a passion in what could be a future career choice. Ruth has played 

a vital part in providing a creative and stimulating environment which allows 

her pupils to learn about these important subject areas.” 

More than 100 nominations were received for the awards which 

demonstrated the incredible range of talent, experience, expertise and 

enthusiasm across the country, from the world’s biggest corporations, to 

some of the smallest classrooms. 

For information on all the award winners visit: www.scotwomenintech.com/ 

swit-awards 


Youth Speech Competition 

St Columba’s High School, the winning team chose to speak on the Topic 

of: Is the green energy agenda practical enough to ensure the lights will 

stay on? 

Whereas the Notre Dame High School runner ups team chose the Topic of: 

Should First Aid be a compulsory topic for the school curriculum in view of 

the recent terrorist incidents? 

The Chief Judge Graham McLachlan from Renfrew Speakers Club in 

reviewing the evening’s performance opened by saying it had been a very 

well organised Competition and that there was total agreement amongst 

the Judges on the team that had won and also the team who were the 

runners up. 

They would go forward to the Grand Final in the Normandy Hotel, Renfrew 

on Wednesday 22 November to battle it out with their counterparts from 

Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire Schools for the John Richardson 

Quaich Trophy. 

He said that Public Speaking had to be audible, to keep a good pace, take 

your time and look at the audience. Use your notes well, hold them up, type 

them and use half of a page. Humour was used well and there was good 

structure to the speeches-well done as was the teamwork. He was amazed 

at the confidence giving lie that youngsters are poor thinkers. 

Renfrew Speakers Club were happy to offer tuition on the art of Public 

Speaking and for the teachers to contact Bill Leeming in the first instance. 

Bill Leeming from Renfrew Speakers Club who had been the Chairman 

for tonight’s event in 

conclusion stated it 

had been a terrific 

Competition and 

paid tribute to the 

funding support 

from Inverclyde, 

East Renfrewshire, 

Renfrewshire 

Councils and 

Renfrewshire 

Winning team: St Columba’s High School 

L-R: Chairperson Sally Kane, Main Speaker Hannah McGeehan 

holding the Renfrew Speakers Club 2017 Inverclyde Youth Speech 

Competition Trophy and Megan Clarke who carried out the Vote 

of Thanks. 

For the Grand Final he 

would shortly be issuing 

to the teacher a different 

set of Topics. He said 

all the participants 

were winners and 

the Certificate of 

Achievement should 

be looked after as it 

could be useful for CV 

purposes. 

Chamber of 

Commerce without 

which it would not 

be possible to run 

the Competition and 

provide the prizes. 

Runners up team: Notre Dame High School 

L-R: Main Speaker Grace Deveney, Chairperson Megan Alford, 

Sophia Tucker who carried out the Vote of Thanks

56 

Bridge of Weir Primary School 

Our nursery children had great fun recently when Kirstie from Silly Science 

came to visit and children had the chance to join in some amazing 

experiments. This was real hands on learning and everyone was fascinated 

to see how materials changed when they were mixed together. They maybe 

didn’t realise they were learning about polymers but they loved making 

glitter slime! At the 

end of October 

dressing up was 

the order of the 

day when we held 

our annual Fancy 

Dress Party. 

Outfits included 

spooky skeletons, 

fairies, vampires 

and superheroes 

and staff joined in 

the fun with some 

amazing costumes 

too. 


Strawberry Fields out of school 

care 

After a very busy few months we have all settled back into the swing of 

things. Children enjoyed lots of spooky Halloween activities such as apple 

dooking, carving their own pumpkins to making a haunted room. Now its 

time to move onto Christmas. Our children have been mind mapping and 

have came up with a variety of Christmas activities that they wish to carry 

out so let the glitter commence. 

We are looking forward to our Christmas party and a visit from Santa on the 

last day of the school holidays. 

On behalf of everyone at Strawberry Field Out of School Care can we say a 

big thank you and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to 

all our children and parents. 

If you have any queries or are looking for care please contact us on 01505 

615315 or alternatively drop us an email. 

Kilmacolm Primary 

On a more serious note, P6b shared 

what they have been learning about 

Remembrance Day at assembly on 

November 6th. They told us about the 

significance of the poppy and why we 

should remember all the people who 

have given their lives for their country 

in wars and conflicts around the world. 

Lots of classes made their own poppies 

and in Primary 3b every poppy included 

a message for the soldiers who have fought in wars from World War 1 to 

the present day. 

November is a very busy month in school as we prepare for our Christmas 

Fair. This year we are doing things slightly differently with a big focus on 

enterprise skills to help children learn about marketing, creativity, budgeting 

and making a profit. Led by their captains each House has come up with 

ideas for activities and items to sell at the Fair and there is even a competitive 

element with points being awarded to the house which makes the biggest 

profit. Younger pupils are also working together to create “treats and eats” 

which we are sure parents and friends will be queuing up to buy! 

Finally we were very proud of four of our pupils who were awarded prizes 

in the photography competition which is organised each year by Gryffe 

Camera Club and the Rotary Club Gryffe Valley. Many thanks to Mr 

Chambers and Mr King who came along to assembly to present prizes and 

certificates and, of course, a big “well done” to all our winners! 

We have returned after a restful, but not very sunny, October holiday to find 

ourselves in the midst of Halloween Parties and Guy Fawkes celebrations. 

Thanks to our dedicated PTF committee for organising another successful 

Halloween Disco, the boys and girls, or should I say the ghouls, ghosts and 

witches all had a fabulous time. 

Thank you for the kind donations to Inverclyde Foodbank at our Harvest 

Assembly. P6 did a great job of organising the event and their class has 

enjoyed a visit to the Foodbank to see what happens to all the food which 

the school donated. Thanks to Fraser Donaldson and his team from Elim 

Church for helping us to celebrate Harvest with music and lots of fun. 

P1 were excited to visit Bookbug at Kilmacolm Library earlier this month, 

while P3.P3/2,P 6,&P7 walked to Kilmacolm War Memorial as part of their 

work on Remembrance Sunday. 

Mrs McCredie has held her 

ever popular H.T. Tea Party this 

month and welcomed; Councillor 

Stephen McCabe, Active Schools 

Coordinator Ross Stewart and 

Community Police Officer PC John 

Jamieson as special guests. 

All the invited 

guests were 

extremely excited 

to receive their 

invitation in the 

post and enjoyed 

tea, cake and a 

chat. Yum, yum! 



St Columba’s School 

Alexis Selected for Euroscola Project 

Congratulations to Alexis Spragg in Senior VI who 

has been selected to represent Scotland in the 

Euroscola project next February. Euroscola is a 

project which involves Rotary Clubs sponsoring 

a pupil, proficient in French usually at Advanced 

Higher level, to join a group of school students 

on a visit to the European Union Parliament in 

Strasbourg. Students from the 28 EU Member 

States are selected to become a Member of the 

European Parliament for one day and take the 

floor in plenary and committee sessions to debate and vote on resolutions 

on current affairs while practising their language skills. Commenting on 

the announcement Alexis said, “I am grateful to the Rotary for such a 

fantastic opportunity particularly as I plan to study International Business 

at university next year.” 

#YOYP2018 

With Scotland about to celebrate Year of Young 

People 2018, Maya Sala Sime in Junior 4 has 

been accepted as one of the hundred 8-26 

year-old ambassadors for the initiative and a 

representative for Renfrewshire. Year of Young 

People 2018 is an opportunity to celebrate 

the amazing young personalities, talents, and 

achievers that make up Scotland. It’s all about 

inspiring our nation through its young people’s 

ideas, attitudes and ambitions, and Maya is very 

excited to be part of the team. 

Christmas Fayre - community event 

We are looking forward to hosting a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 2nd 

December from 2pm to 5pm in St Columba’s Senior School. Free entry 

and fun for all the family including crafts, gifts, Christmas baking, Santa’s 

Grotto, performances by our Junior Choir and Angel Voices, Christmas 

films, VR experience, games and surprises. The event will be held in the 

new Girdwood Building at Senior School - please use the Gryffe Road 

entrance. 

A Musical Celebration - community event 

We are delighted to showcase the musical talents of our Junior and 

Senior School pupils on the evening of Wednesday 20th December from 

7-9.30pm in Greenock Town Hall. Enjoy a magical evening of festive 

music from our soloists, ensembles, choirs, orchestras and pipe band. 

There will also be a number of opportunities to join in with some carols. 

Our Master of Ceremonies for the evening is Ian McCrorie MBE and this 

is sure to be a wonderful evening in the run-up to Christmas. 

The event is open to the community and we hope that you will join us. 

Tickets cost £10 each and include light refreshments at the interval. 

Family ticket for four costs £35, saving £5. Proceeds from the evening go 

towards the St Columba’s Foundation. To book visit www.st-columbas.org/ 

amusicalcelebration, t: 01505 872238 or e: dgallacher@st-columbas.org. 

Entrance Assessments 

You are most welcome to make an appointment to visit and see our Early 

Years, Junior and Senior Schools at work and play. St Columba’s offers 

academic excellence with a wide range of opportunities for your child 

and wraparound care from age 3. For those who wish to join us for their 

sixth year we also offer a wide range of Advanced Higher subjects and 

are happy to discuss your options with you. Entrance assessments begin 

on 12th January: 

• 12th & 15th January - Junior School 

• 13th January - Senior School (Transitus - Senior VI) 

• 16th - 17th January - Junior 1 

• 18th - 19th January - Early Years (Prep) 

• 19th - 20th April - Early Years (Nursery) 

For further information please visit www.st-columbas.org, contact Junior 

School on 01505 872768 or Senior School on 01505 872238. 

Follow us on facebook.com/stcolumbasschool and twitter.com/ 

ColumbaSchool. 

57 


58 

Houston Baby & Toddlers 



What a great time we have had at toddlers recently. We 

have lots planned for December with Christmas parties and 

crafts. We have also enjoyed a visit from Heyes Photography 

where the littleones were stars in front of the camera. The 

adults have had some fun too with a child free night out and 

a baby and toddler first aid course. 

We are closed for the Christmas holidays (21st & 28th 

December) returning for fun and games in the new year - 

Thursday 4th January. 

We welcome all children age between 0 - 4 years old, 

together with their parents, grandparents or carers to join 

in with the games, crafts and play on offer every Thursday. 

The children can enjoy playing, making friends and of course 

snack time while the adults can catch up with a cuppa. 

We meet between 9.30am - 11.30am so come along when 

you are ready to the West Hall, Main street Houston PA67EL 

(next to the carrick centre) 

We look forward to meeting 

googlemail.com 

We’ve kicked off November at playgroup with awesome footie sessions 

from Morton Football club! It’s a great chance to run around, learn our 

colours and take instructions. We’ve also been busy exploring healthy 

eating and had lots of fun making fantastic fireworks-themed crafts! 

On the 2nd of December we will be selling ‘nearly new’ goods at 

Kilmacolm Primary School Christmas Fayre! Come along and grab 

a festive bargain and support your local playgroup and Primary 

School! 

Playgroup runs on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. For 

more information contact Playgroup On: playgroupmembership@ 

Our Toddlers group is on Wednesday mornings from 10 - 11.30am and gives 0-3 year 

olds a chance to play with lots of different toys, make friends, and share a snack, while 

the grown-ups catch up over a cup of tea. Drop in to find out more, or contact Fiona at 

kilmacolmtoddlers@outlook.com. 

Our website is http://kilmacolmplaygroupandtoddlers@jimdo.com. 

Johnstone High School 

Sporting Success Stories 

October has been a successful sporting month for the pupils of Johnstone High. Our very 

own Leon Drynan is the youngest ever person to win the British Indoor Snowboard Title. 

At only 14 years old, we are very impressed! We are also celebrating Declan Shaw who 

boxed his way to victory in the final of the Scottish Novice Championships on Sunday. 

Congratulations to Leon and Declan! 

Building Relationships 

Johnstone High hosted our Parents in Partnership event this month. Parents of the new S1 were invited 

to enjoy a meal, socialise and learn a little more about our school. The evening was well attended by both 

parents and teachers and was extremely successful. 

We also hosted a successful evening for the parents of the current Primary 7 to visit the school. Teachers 

from every department in the school invited parents and children into their classroom to learn what a 

typical lesson in Johnstone High looks like. Parents were given the opportunity to ask any questions they 

had regarding next year while children were given an insight into what to expect at Johnstone High. The 

evening was a success and we can’t wait to welcome our new S1 next August. 

Expressive Arts Fair 

At Johnstone High we pride ourselves on encouraging the ambitions of all young people. For this reason, 

we hosted an expressive arts fair and invited pupils from our neighbouring schools to come along. We 

invited guests from different sectors in the expressive arts such as The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, 

Glasgow School of Art and BBC Scotland to give students a taste of what careers in these industries might 

entail. Pupils were given the chance to ask questions and discuss their future careers with people that are 

experienced in the field. The event was such a success that plans are already underway to hold the event 

next year! 

St. Fillan’s Primary 

This term is always a busy time for us in 

St. Fillan’s Primary School, especially with 

Christmas being just around the corner! 

This month, one of our Primary 4 pupils 

Juliet has been working hard to raise money 

to support the charity work of the ‘Mary’s 

Meals’ organisation. 

We are very proud of Juliet and the kindness 

that she has shown in her efforts to raise 

funds for this charity. 

Here is Juliet’s story: 

Eight-year-old Juliet from Renfrewshire 

launched the ‘Double The Love’ campaign 

at her school assembly! 

After telling her P4 classmates all about 

Mary’s Meals, Juliet was invited to address 

the whole school – so she took to the stage 

with her Mary’s Meals collection mugs, a 

short video and a PowerPoint presentation. 

“It costs less than five Happy Meals to feed a 

hungry child for a whole year – I think Mary’s 

Meals are the happiest meals in the world!” 

said Juliet. 

Now Juliet hopes her school friends will 

pop a few coins into the blue mugs in each 

classroom, knowing 

that every donation 

will be matched and 

help twice as many 

children. 

“I want to raise £13.90 

– then we will feed 

TWO children for a 

whole school year!” 

The whole school 

community is all set 

to support Juliet in her 

efforts and we hope to 

raise as much money 

as we can to support 

this worthwhile cause. 



Kilmacolm musician 

crowned West of Scotland 

champion 

Houston Primary School 

59 

An Inverclyde teenager has hit the high notes after winning a 

prestigious music contest. 

Bass trombone player and Riverside Youth Band member 

Mark Gammon won the West of Scotland under 16 Solo 

Championship and gained a Gold Award with his performance 

of The Acrobat at the competition in Kilmarnock on Saturday, 

October 28. 

Mark, a third year pupil at Port Glasgow High School, 

now qualifies for the Besson Scottish Solo and Ensemble 

Championships in Livingston in February 2018. 

The 14 year-old, from Kilmacolm, said: “I was quite nervous 

as it was my first time taking part in the competition but I have 

been lucky to perform on stage with Riverside Youth Band quite 

a lot over the past few years and that gave me the confidence 

to just go for it. 

“The standard was really high and I gained lots of useful 

feedback from the adjudicator, Stuart Black, so that will really 

help with my preparation for the Scottish finals in February.” 

Baritone player and fellow Riverside Youth Band member 

Siobhan Crumlish also enjoyed success at the West of Scotland 

Solo Championships, with the Inverclyde Academy pupil gaining 

a Gold Award in the same competition. 

Competitors came from as far afield as Irvine, Dalmellington 

and Campbeltown to take part in the event, which comprised 

solo and ensemble competitions for brass players aged under 

12, under 16 and under 21-years-old. 

In an interesting twist, the trophy Mark received for winning 

the competition was won by Riverside Youth Band’s conductor, 

Mark Good, in 2004. 

Mark Good, Musical Director, said: “Congratulations to young 

Mark for a very fine performance at the West of Scotland Solo 

Championships. He has worked very hard throughout the year, 

progressing well, and winning the prize for Most Improved 

Player in Riverside Youth Band earlier in 2017. I wish him all 

the best for the Scottish finals next year, where I know he will 

represent Inverclyde with pride.” 

The success comes as tickets are now on sale for the Riverside 

Youth Band Christmas concert in Port Glasgow Town Hall on 

Friday, December 22 at 7.30pm: www.ticketsource.co. uk/ 

riverside-youth-band 

Riverside Youth Band rehearses on Friday evenings in St John’s 

Hall, Port Glasgow. More information is available by emailing 

Laura Good, secretary of Riverside Youth Band on secretary@ 

riversideyouthband.co.uk or searching for Riverside Youth Band 

on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

Harvest Assembly 

This year Pastor Dougie Adam led our Harvest Assembly, much to the pupils delight 

sharing the important message through cartoons. 

Our stage was filled with freshly harvested items and food donations for those less 

fortunate in our local area. Many thanks to all the families who kindly donated. The food 

items were delivered and gratefully received by the Renfrewshire Foodbank. 

We also had the pleasure in welcoming some local senior citizens for tea and coffee to 

share in our Harvest celebrations. They enjoyed themselves so much, that a few of the 

ladies have agreed to come back to take part in our new reading initiative. 

The Gardening Club shared their Harvest success telling their story from sowing the 

seeds to harvesting their crop. The potato crop was particularly successful this year 

and so Mrs Morrison and her team decided that the children should enter the GYOP 

competition and they won £100 worth of garden centre vouchers. The children were 

delighted and are now planning what to buy. 

Countdown to Christmas - 

Christmas Fayre 7th December 

The Junior and Senior Choir have 

started rehearsing for their Carol 

Concerts on 14th December and 

already they are sounding amazing. 

The Nursery and Primary 1-3 pupils 

are also busy rehearsing for their 

Christmas performances. Please see 

the school website for more details. 

The school Christmas Fayre is on 7th 

December where you will find a wide 

variety of items on sale which will 

make ideal Christmas gifts. Santa will 

of course being making a special visit. 

Please come along and support this 

festive event. Doors open at 6.30pm. 

Riverside Youth Band member Mark Gammon receives his trophy from 

adjudicator, Stuart Black, at the West of Scotland Solo Championships. 


Duchal Nursery 

With some “ghoulishly delightful” outfits from the children, we had lots of “spook-tacular” 

fun, mess and laughter on Halloween with our apple ducking and marshmallow games. 

Everyone really got into the “spirit” of the occasion, there were some “fang-tastic” jokes, 

“hair-raising” tales and “boo-tiful” tunes - a truly magical time! 

We had a fantastic visit from our local Community Police Officers PC Kirsty and PC 

John who came along with their Police Van and were great with the children. Telling 

us about what they do, and adding to our discussions about people that help us. We 

had some budding police officers as the children and teachers (!) tried on uniform and 

tested out the handcuffs, and we even had a go inside the van!!! 

As the end of term gets closer we start to get in the mood for the Festive season and 

can’t wait for our annual trip to the Tron Theatre in Glasgow for much Christmas cheer. 

There are lots of Christmas decorations busily being made and preparations are well 

under way for our annual Nativity and Christmas party. 

There are a few limited spaces in the nursery at present, or if you are looking for a place 

for 2018 onwards please do get in touch. We are happy for visits to see our facilities 

and meet the teachers at any time, please contact us on: 01505 874358 to arrange a 

convenient time. Also visit our website at: www.duchal.com or find us on Facebook to 

keep up to date with all the latest news 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from all at Duchal Nursery.

60 


Strathgryffe Club Dinner 

Strathgryffe Tennis Squash & Fitness Club continued with its 25th 

Anniversary Celebrations on Friday 3rd November with the annual Club 

Dinner Awards. The event, which was held at the club, saw the lounge bar 

being transformed into a classy restaurant with outside caterers supplying 

a delicious three course meal. 

After dinner the Club Championship 

prizes were awarded to all categories 

by Club President John Graham. The 

excellent coaching pathway provided 

at Strathgryffe was seen in full for both 

tennis and squash as the youngsters 

cleaned up with all the Open Singles 

titles. 

In tennis, for the 5th year in a row, Lee 

Wishart (20) won the Gents Singles 

and for the 3rd time in a row Anna 

Daisley (18) won the Ladies Singles. 

Birkmyre RFC - under 13’s 

On Sunday the U13s met Strathaven in a T4 West game. Both teams were 

unbeaten going into the game. Birkmyre started the faster scoring straight 

from the kick-off. That advantage was pushed as lovely handling and hard 

rucking saw 3 more tries for Birkmyre in the first of three halves. 

Strathaven came back strong in the second period and the game turned 

into a bruising affair. The Birkmyre boys did manages to stretch their lead 

with 2 more tries. The third period say one try each with lots of defensive 

efforts from both sides. 

Final score Birkmyre 21 - 4 Strathaven. This was Birkmyre U13s fifth win 

from five. 

The squash titles went to John 

Meehan (15) who won the Gents 

singles for the first time and Beth 

Moglia (14) who won the Ladies 

singles for the second time. 

The presentation of prizes was 

followed by a disco which was 

enjoyed by all. Many thanks to 

Caroline Eadie, Margo Maxwell & 

Lesley Smith who organised the 

evening and to George Maxwell who was the very entertaining MC. 

Strathgryffe offers a 12 month a year coaching programme for juniors and 

adults for both tennis & squash. For more information please visit www. 

Strathgryffe.net or tel reception on 01505 615100. 

Kilmacolm Golf Club Juniors 

Juniors’ Day was finally played on Sunday 29th October. 

The trophy winners were Harry 

Kellock winning the Rosebowl & 

Romy Erskine winning the Paterson 

Cup. Captain Kenneth Wilson 

presented the prizes. 

The traditional day in August for all 

age groups & all levels of golfers 

had to be abandoned because 

of torrential rain. It will be back 

in the fixture diary for August 

2018! 

Kilmacolm Golf Club Ladies 

4 competitors, well wrapped up. Amazingly they wore team colours 

accidentally! The winners of the Fun Final Swing Competition & Marr 

Trophy were Ann Tanner & Judy Scholes. 

On Thursday 19th October, we had our last competition of the season. 

It had an added incentive 

as the winners & runners up 

won the Lady Captain’s Day 

prizes [postponed from the 

summer months because of 

wet weather] & the beautiful 

Marr Trophy. 

The Ladies Section has 

raised an amazing amount 

of money for charity this 

year. These charities include 

Erskine, CHAS, Red Cross, Breast Cancer & Pancreatic Cancer Scotland. 

The total came to £3,472.95. Thank you to everyone at Kilmacolm Golf 

Club for their generous contributions. 

Thank you to the 

Advertizer for publishing 

our events & for their 

support. 

Signing off as Lady 

Captain very soon. 

Best wishes to all. 

Lois Brown 



Kilmacolm Golf Club Junior AGM 

There was a great turnout for the Junior AGM and Prize Giving at 

Kilmacolm Golf Club on Sunday 12th November. Family members joined 

the youngsters, along with officials from the R.G.U. to hear about the 

successes of the girls and boys, both in the club and at county level. 

It has been a busy year at the club with over 60 youngsters playing in the 

various competitions over 7, 10 and 18 holes. The new junior handicap 

system over the shortened course and the continuation of the eclectic 

competition encouraged many girls and boys to take part. 

A full list of prize winners can be seen on the club 

website but special mention of a few juniors - 

Harry Kellock, the junior captain won the Combes 

Trophy, Centenary Bowl and the 18 hole Eclectic, 

young Scott Newman a member of many team 

successes and for the second year winner of the 

R.G.U. under 15 Order of Merit and Mackenzie 

Holmes the Junior Champion and winner of the 

Junior Player of the Year. 

We look forward to 2018, an exciting time at 

the club with so many talented and enthusiastic 

young golfers. 

Lynda Bradley, Junior Convenor 

Ranfurly Castle 

Brookfield 

Tennis Club 

Castle Semple Sailing Club 

Annual Prize Giving and Winchester Whacky Winter Pursuit Series 

61 

The Gents recently held their finals, 

which had been delayed several times 

due to the weather. The winners were 

Peter Fraser & Graham Cook. 

The end of the sailing calendar at Castle Semple Sailing Club in October 

meant that after the Autumn Work Party the following weekend saw the 

start of the Winchester Whacky Winter Pursuit Series. Weeks 1 and 2 were 

memorable for their lack of wind but plenty of sunshine. Sailing in light 

winds can be as challenging as more windy conditions especially when the 

wind has a mind of its own and was in this direction and then that direction 

- turning 180deg at a moment’s notice. However, the stunning sun all day 

made up for the wind’s antics. 

The club held is annual prize giving on 11th November in the McKillop Hall 

to tie in with the village ceilidh. 

After the prize giving and ceilidh (and the odd investigation of the Brown 

Bull) on Saturday night there were a couple of people definitely not looking 

their best on Sunday Morning. 

On Saturday evening those sponsors who were at the prize giving (Jan 

Gordon (Jim Gordon Series), Paul O’Neil (O’Neill GP14 trophy) and Brian 

Young and Alan Falconer (Asymmetric Cup)) duly presented their trophies 

to the winners, who had managed to make the evening and were not 

stranded on the M8 awaiting rescue by the AA - although with the aid of 

modern technology Team Pam did manage to facetime into the evening. 

Thanks also to Steve C for putting together the slides at short notice and 

to Steve D for getting the all important wine (there was a worrying moment 

when it was thought that the wine might not last the hour but .....thankfully 

lasted with one bottle to spare (so lucky Team Pam didn’t make it!), and to 

Alice Lawrie for the photographs. 

Thanks to all those who made the effort to come along and support the 

evening on Saturday, and those who joined the ceilidh had a great time 

too. 

Ranfurly Castle Ladies held their 

Annual Dinner on Wed 25th October 

with 54 ladies attending. Captain 

Pamela MacKenzie welcomed 

everyone and introduced some of 

our new Lady members attending 

the dinner for the first time. A 

delicious meal followed and the 

presentation of the food was of the 

highest standard as was the service. 

A big thank you to Stewart Catering 

for all their hard work. 

The evening saw all the Medal 

prizes for the year being presented 

along with team prizes for the fun 

competitions, held throughout the 

year. One special award of a framed 

Certificate was presented to Nancy 

MacGadie, in recognition of her Hole 

in One earlier in the summer. 

The golf season is now over but the 

Ladies are still meeting for informal 

golf on Monday and Wednesday 

mornings at 9.30am where all 

are welcome. The Xmas 12 hole 

competition and lunch will be the 

next Ladies event on Wednesday 

6th December, where some 

Christmas attire should be worn! 

The Children’s Christmas party will 

be held on Saturday 2nd December 

and it is hoped that Santa will find 

the time to pay a visit. 


62 


Olympic curling stars Eve 

Muirhead and brothers urge 

everyone to ‘love their freezers’ 

Eve, Glen and 

Thomas Muirhead 

on the ice with 

Iain Gulland 

Walking Buddies 

If you enjoy the great outdoors then why not try to walk towards better 

health by joining a Walking Buddies group. The Johnstone-based group 

meets at 9.30am every Tuesday, leaving from 31 Maple Drive. 

Walks last for around an hour and are suitable for all ages and abilities. This 

is a great way to get active and meet new people. 

For more information, phone 0141 258 9923 or send an email to info@ 

activecommunities.co.uk 

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 

Step Class 

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 

Hatha Yoga 

Tweedie Halls, Linwood, 10 - 11am 

Classes available to all levels. Tel: 07968 207272. 

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. 


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 

Hatha Yoga 

Large Hall, St Columba Church, 6.30 - 8pm 

Classes available to all levels. Tel: 07968 207272. 

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 

info@advertizer.co.uk n 01505 613340 

Olympic Bronze Medallist Eve Muirhead and brothers Glen and Thomas, 

who are no strangers to freezing conditions, are working with Zero Waste 

Scotland to call on people to embrace their freezers and help cut food 

waste. 

Scots throw away £1.1 billion worth of good food every year, despite the 

fact that much of this food could have been frozen and eaten at a later 

date. 

To mark European Week for Waste Reduction 2017, Zero Waste Scotland 

is launching a campaign to encourage everyone to ‘Love their Freezers’. 

Backing the campaign is the famous curling family, who are currently 

preparing for the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea in 

February 2018. 

With food waste a 1.35 million tonnes annual problem in Scotland, Zero 

Waste Scotland is encouraging people to think of their freezer before 

heading for the waste bin. For example, Zero Waste Scotland recently 

highlighted the staggering scale of potato waste: every day in Scotland, we 

bin around 500,000 spuds. 

Eve, Glen and Thomas Muirhead, all members of Team GB’s Winter 

Olympic curling team, said: “With all three of us training so frequently there 

wasn’t always time to cook from fresh every day. We remember that mum 

or dad would often batch cook nutritious meals and then they were just 

ready to heat through before we rushed out the door. 

We had no idea the scale of food waste in Scotland and it will make us think 

twice about using our freezers more now we all live away from home.” 

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “It may be getting 

colder outside, but at home people could be making much better use of 

their freezer to get the best from their food and minimise waste. 

“We know from our work in communities throughout Scotland that people 

are often unsure about what can and cannot be frozen. For example, people 

don’t always realise it’s safe to freeze almost any food before the use by 

date on the packaging and then defrost in the fridge. We need to dispel 

these myths and demonstrate to everyone that most food can be frozen.” 

As such, Zero Waste Scotland is releasing its top ‘Freezer Rules’ to dispel 

the myths around freezing food: 

It’s safe to freeze food up until the use by date. Freezing acts as a pause 

button on your food. 

Freeze ahead: vegetables and gravy for your roast dinner can easily be 

prepared and frozen in advance to save you time and stress on busy 

days. 

You can freeze just about anything. Cream (whip it a little beforehand) 

and cheeses like Stilton freeze really well, just put them in an airtight bag 

or container and store in the freezer. 

Once defrosted, the pause button is off. So, just defrost your food as you 

need it. Use food within one to two days after it’s been defrosted – it will 

go off in the same way as if it were fresh. 

If you defrost raw meat or fish and then cook it thoroughly, you can freeze 

it again, but remember never re-heat foods more than once. 

Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, 

Climate Change and Land Reform, said: “The freezing campaign from 

Love Food Hate Waste is a great opportunity to demonstrate that simply 

by making small changes in our lifestyle, we can reduce food waste 

significantly. 

“In Scotland, we’re working towards a 33% reduction in food waste by 

2025. That’s one of the most ambitious target in Europe, and everyone in 

Scotland has an important part to play in helping the country achieve that 

goal. 

“It’s a win-win situation - simple things like using your freezer to its full 

potential will save money, and help achieve our national target.” 

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. 



Birkmyre RFC - 

Calum Hall 

Former Captain and current Player 

of the Year Calum Hall was recently 

selected to play in a development 

game for the Scottish Saltires, the 

Scottish Police national team. The 

game against the Scottish Navy 

ended in a victory for the Saltires 

and the squad will be selected soon 

to play a home international series. 

Hatha Yoga 

63 

On Wednesdays 6.30 pm - 8pm 

in the large hall at St. Columba 

Church and on Mondays in 

the Tweedie Halls, Linwood 

(previously held in Brookfield 

for 17 years) from 10am - 11am. 

Both these classes are available 

to all levels, from beginners to 

experienced practitioners. Both 

are friendly, lively environments. 

For further information please 

contact Janice on 07968 207272. 

Sporting Blog 

by Lesley Handley 

Golf Fitness 

Some people will argue that you don’t have to be massively fit to play golf, 

and you certainly don’t need to train either in or out of the gym. While this 

is true if you are happy with how you play, becoming fitter and stronger and 

targeting the key muscles required in golf always helps. Especially as you 

get older and general fitness and strength starts to deteriorate slightly. 

I was once told that if you walk round a golf course you will generally find 

the fullest bin at the 9th or 10th tee, as it is a common trait that at the 

halfway point someone will eat their banana, or pull out the tub of sweets 

to keep their energy up. This is a clear sign that they are starting to lack a 

bit of energy and looking to get some extra fuel. Cardio fitness is the first 

important aspect for golf… you need to be fit enough to be able to walk 

round 18 holes and keep up the same level of consistency in your golf 

game. As soon as you start to tire your golf swing changes and isn’t as 

efficient. 

In terms of muscular strength, the key muscle in the lower body is the 

gluteus maximus (your buttock). While the key upper body muscles were 

the pectoralis major (chest), latissimus dorsi (back), core and forearm 

muscles. 

The gluteus maximus is responsible for hip external and internal rotation 

on the backswing and downswing as well as hip extension which is what 

gets you into a nice balanced posture during your finish. The pectoralis 

major and latissimus dorsi create strong shoulder adductors which allows 

you to bring your arms across your body and raise them up in the air. 

The core which I consider the glue that holds the swing together transmits 

force from the lower body into the upper body and helps you rotate your 

torso, whilst allowing you to maintain good posture and balance. Finally, 

the forearms transmit all the force 

created by the body into the club. 

So, when it comes to golf, it isn’t 

always just about technique… fitness 

plays an important role too! 

Lesley 

For more information on any aspect 

of health or fitness contact me on 

0773 627 4925, e-mail lesley@ 

fitsmartfitness.co.uk or visit my 

website at www.fitsmartfitness.co.uk 


64 

HEALTHCARE/ 

BEAUTY 


CHILDCARE 

TRADES AND SERVICES 

Houston registered 

childminders. For an 

informal chat to find 

your best childcare, call 

Elizabeth Waddell T: 

01505 614925 

Kilmacolm/Quarriers area 

registered childminders. 

P/time or F/time 

vacancies for u-5’s and 

after school. 

T: 01505 873839. 

MUSIC TUITION 

SITUATIONS VACANT 

MISCELLANEOUS 

BUSINESS 



PROPERTY 

HOLIDAY HOMES 

churches 

BRIDGE OF WEIR 

Freeland Church: Rev KN Gray BA 

BD. Morning Service 10.30am. 

Crèche, Sunday School, Lynx and 

Cornerstone. Evening Service 

7pm www.freeland.org.uk 

St Mary’s Episcopal Church, 

Johnston Rd, Bridge of Weir, 

PA11 3EE. Our Services are 

held every Sunday at 10am. On 

the 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: 

Welcome to our Sunday services 

at 10.30 am with Junior Church 

and All Age services. For 

more information about our 

congregation please see www. 

stmacharsranfurlychurch.org.uk 

or fi nd us on Facebook. Contact: 

Rev Hanneke Marshall 01505 

612975 Hanneke.Marshall@ 

churchofscotland.org.uk 

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. 

PROPERTY TO LET 

HOUSTON 

Unless otherwise stated all 

Services will be led by Rev. Ian 

Bell. Sunday 3rd December 

- 11am Morning Worship. 

Advent 1. Gift Service. Sunday 

10th December - 11am Morning 

Worship. Advent 2. Sunday 

17th December- 11am Morning 

Worship. Advent 3. Nativity Play. 

Sunday 17th December - 7pm 

Service of Lessons and Carols. 

Sunday 24th December - 11am 

Morning Worship. Advent 4. 

Sunday 24th December - 23.30 

pm Watchnight Service Sunday 

25th December 11am. Family 

Christmas Service. Sunday 31st 

December - 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 

December: Services continue at 

11am each Sunday throughout 

December, conducted by Rev. 

Stephen Smith. The annual 

Gift service is on 17th, when 

gifts will be distributed to the 

children of Easterhouse and to 

the Paisley Women’s Refuge. On 

the evening of 17th at 6.30pm, 

CONTENT OF THE GRYFFE ADVERTIZER 

CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR 

CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER 

The Gryffe Advertizer is a magazine published by The Gryffe Advertizer Ltd 

Advertising throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: 

Defi nitions: “Standards” means the British Code of Advertising Practice 

and the provisions of any law applicable to advertising including, but not 

limited to, the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, the Consumer Credit Act 

1974, the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, the 

Financial Services Act 1986, the Business Advertisement (Disclosure) 

Order 1977 and all amendments and replacements. 

It is hereby agreed that: 

• The placing by the Advertising Client of an Advertisement is deemed to 

be acceptance of these Conditions of Acceptance of Advertising. 

• All Advertisements in this Publication must not contravene the 

Standards. 

• Insertion of Advertisements and/or Editorial is strictly at the discretion 

of the Publisher. 

• The Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by the 

Advertising Client as a result of any failure, negligence or omission by 

any party in the course of the distribution or circulation of the Publication 

in which the Advertisement is scheduled to appear. 

• In the event of any error, misprint or omission by the Publisher in 

the printing of an Advertisement, the Publisher will either re-insert 

the advertisement, adjust the cost or provide a refund. This does 

not apply if the Advertisement has been approved by the Advertising 

Client prior to publication. The total liability of the Publisher for such 

an occurrence shall not exceed the amount of a full refund for that 

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• The Advertising Client agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect 

of all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the Publisher as 

the result of legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the 

publication of the Advertisement, or any one or more of the series of 

Advertisements, published in accordance with the copy instructions 

supplied to the Publisher. 

Readers are reminded that when purchasing items or services 

• 

advertised in the Publication that the Publisher cannot be held in any 

way responsible for the quality or correctness of the items or services 

included in the Advertisement. 

Editorial throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: 

The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily 

the official views of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to edit 

or refuse any material submitted for publication. 

the choir will lead the service 

of Nine Lessons and Carols, 

followed by refreshments in the 

hall. On 24th at 11am, there will 

be a Family Service including the 

children’s Nativity play and the 

Watchnight service on 24th will 

commence with carol singing 

from 11pm. On Christmas Day, 

25th, there will be a short family 

service at 10.30am when you 

are asked to bring along one 

of your presents. There will 

be a service on Sunday 31st 

at 11am and on 7th January 

an informal communion will 

follow the 11am service. During 

the time of Advent, we shall 

once again be collecting for 

Mary’s Meals. We continue to 

support the Paisley Food Bank 

each Sunday . Sunday School 

and the Crèche will meet in 

the hall from 10.45am each 

week. 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 

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 

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: 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: Mary Jane Bird. 

S u n d a y 1 1 a m : M o r n i n g 

Worship and Sunday School. 

All welcome. 

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! 

65 

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: Cargill Hall: 7pm in February, 

March, April, May, June, September, October(AGM), 

November, and December on the 1st Tuesday of 

the month. (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: 07584 359007 

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 

your 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 


66 

ITEMS FOR SALE 

BABY EQUIPMENT 

2 Britax Romer Adventure Child 

Car Seats 15-36kg as new with 

instructions. £20 each. Tel: 

07887 784162. 

Silver Cross Surf carrycot and 

rain cover (no base). Excellent 

condition. Smoke free, pet 

free home. £30. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Phillips AVENT combined baby 

food steamer and blender with 

instructions and recipe booklet. 

Good condition. Smoke free, 

pet free home. £25. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Phillips AVENT microwave bottle 

steriliser. Excellent condition, 

with instructions. Smoke free, 


672175. 

Mothercare Highchair. V.G.C. 

Smoke free and pet free home. 

£25 donation to Beatson 

Cancer Centre, Gartnavel. 

Tel: 01505 872717. 

Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Original. 

Good Condition. Smoke and 


872800. 

Fisher Price Rainforest 

Jumperoo. Good Condition. 

Smoke and pet free home. 

£40. Tel: 01505 872800. 

Design Peter Rabbit bespoke 

furniture. Toy box. Wardrobe. 

Chest drawers bedside 

cabinet. Matching cushions x2 

matching curtains. £350 Tel: 

07445 299235. 

CLOTHES & SHOES 

Men’s Dehavilland black coat. 

Wool/cashmere mix, hardly 

worn and in excellent condition. 

Chest 48ins. £50. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

A pair of Hi-Tech waterproof 

walking boots size 10, brand 

new. Tan colour. Bought £90 

accept £30. In Kilbarchan. Tel: 

01505 705264. 

Marks and Spencer men’s 

charcoal suit. Chest 48ins, 

waist 38ins, inside leg 31ins. 

Wool rich blend, excellent 

condition. £20. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Mothercare Snowsuit, 9-12 

months. Good Condition. 

Smoke and pet free home. 

£8. Tel: 01505 872800. 

Navy Snowsuit, 3-6 months. 

Good Condition. Smoke and 


872800. 

Lily and Jack Snowsuit, 3-6 

months. Excellent Condition. 

Smoke and pet free home. £8. 

Tel: 01505 872800. 

2 x Gro Bag Sleeping Bags 0-6 

months, 2.5 togs. G.C. Smoke 

and pet free home. £8 each or 

both £14. Tel: 01505 872800. 

Men’s brand new original Penguin 

casual trousers (label still 

attached) 38ins waist. £20. Tel: 

01505 672175. 

Men’s M&S waxed casual coat in 

dark green. Size large. As new. 

£45. Tel: 01505 672175. 

Men’s full length Dannimac 

raincoat in grey. Removable 

lining. Size large. Good 


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 672 175. 

Motorbike All In One Hein Gericke 

All Star Waterproofs. Black & 

Silver. Medium. As New. £30 

ono. Tel: 01505 874103. 

Loveson Pink Jodphurs. Waist 

24. Hardly worn. £5 ono. Tel: 

01505 874103. 

Hunter Wellies Inserts. Navy/ 

Union Jack Top. Medium. £5 

ono. Tel: 01505 874103. 

Brand new size 4 black ladies 

converse trainers with silver 

studs. £10. Tel: 07818 

424129. 

Brand new ladies size 4 pink 

suede puma trainers. Never 

worn. £10. Tel: 07818 424129. 

Brand new grey “Guess” purse 

in box with tags on. £10. Tel: 

07818 424129. 

Beautiful size 8 dress from 

Coast. Black & white stripe. 

Party dress longer at back. 

Worn once. £30. Tel: 07818 

424129. 

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN 

Yew Console Table. Good 


360267. 

Stunning Dwell curved floor lamp 

with suede shade and marble 

base, as good as new, cost 

£250 sell for £75. Tel: 01505 

872213. 

Microwave Russell Hobbs red, 

Toaster Russell Hobbs red, 

Kettle Russell Hobbs red. 

VGC. Three for £70. Tel: 01505 

614053. 

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. 

Electric (3000w) Powered Leaf 

Blower and Vac with collection 

bag. Good working order. 

£15. In Kilbarchan. Tel: 01505 

705264. 

Solid pine blanket box. Excellent 

condition. Tel: 01505 613664. 

Child’s Metal Cabin Bed with 

desk and stool underneath. 

£80. Excellent condition. Tel: 

01505 613664. 

Prolex electric grill and oven as 

new, £25. Tel: 01505 614053. 

Pair of tall cream fabric-covered 

cylindrical lamps (approx 

115cm tall and 15cm in 

diameter). Ideal for bedside. 

Good condition, smoke 

free home. £30. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Pine Table + 2 High Back Chairs 

- All new and matching. Table: 

75cm (B) x 74cm (W). £35. 

Tel: 01505 612726. 

Argos double clothing rail on 

wheels. Used once. £5. Tel: 

01505 672175. 

Portable filing cabinet (blue). 

Good condition, comes with 10 

files. £6. Tel: 01505 672175. 

Denby 6 piece Dinner Set: 6 

Meat Plates, 6 Soup/Puddings 

Plates, 1 Large Serving Platter. 

Brown/Ice Blue. £40. Tel: 

07907 297304. 

2 Portmeirion Blue Breakfast 

Cups & Saucers. £10. Tel: 

07907 297304. 

Stressless Crown recliner and 

matching stool in walnut. 

Perfect condition, only used 

for a couple of months. £500. 

Tel: 01505 320600. 

Large substantial blanket/toy 

box - pine. Painted white. 

Nicely padded lid. £20. Tel: 

07966 131206. 

White rattan freestanding 

cupboard. Good condition. 

£25. Tel: 07966 131206. 

ELECTRICAL & GAS 

Logitech QuickCam E3500 

desktop computer camera 

with instructions. Excellent 

condition - £5. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Starbucks Coffee Maker 

Espresso & Cappuccino only 

two years old, as new. Cost: 

£150 - accept £50. Tel: 01505 

862609. 

Panasonic Portable CD Player 

and Radio. Premium sound 

speakers. Two years old. Cost 

£150 - accept £50. Tel: 01505 

862609. 

VAX Air Bagless Upright Cleaner 

+ Tools/user guide- good 


540519. 

Bosch Aquatax 1200 powerwash. 

Used once. £40 ono. Tel: 01505 

874103. 

SPORTS 

Boy’s 7-8 year old ‘Redtail’ bike in 

excellent condition, will accept 

£30 ono. Tel: 01505 328044. 

2 Golf Putters - Ping Scottsdale 

Putter - (L) 34” - £25. Odyssey 

Putter - (L) 34” - £25. Tel: 

01505 842950. 

Dinesse large Matt black ski/ 

snowboard helmet. Good 

condition £20. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

US kids golf club set - ideal for 

child age 7-9. Consists of 

lightweight golf bag, Driver, 

3 wood, 6,7,8 irons, pitching 

wedge and putter. Excellent 

condition. Cost £150 sell for 

£50. Tel: 01505 872213. 

Powabyke electric bike XLS10 - 

step through frame. Fitted with 

larger battery and the original 

smaller one as a spare. 6 gears 

and “twist and go throttle”. Can 

be used without pedalling. Very 

good clean condition. £500. 

Tel: 01505 872650. 

25S 24 Apollo 21” boys bike with 

gears. Blue. Suits 10-14 years 

old. £35. Very good condition. 

Tel: 01505 614900. 

Apollo 21” girls bike with gears. 

Pink. Suits 10-14 years. £35. 

Very good condition. Tel: 01505 

614900. 

Adult Giro Bike Helmet, Pink 

61-64cm. £5 ono. Tel: 01505 

874103. 

Streamline Roller Blades, 

Roadrunner pivot system with 

memory foam inserts. Red & 

Black. Size 36. £20 ono. Tel: 

01505 874103. 

Orange Mountain Bike. £100 

ono. Tel: 01505 874103. 

Apollo Firecracker, ladies 

lightweight alloy tech. 7 gears. 

Excellent condition. £100 ono. 

Tel: 01505 874103. 

Raleigh StreetWolf, blue 5 - 9 

yrs. 6 gears. £10 ono. Tel: 

01505 874103. 

TOYS/GAMES/DVD 

X Box One excellent condition 

hardly used incl games. 

Fantastic Christmas gift. £125. 

Tel: 07831 152086. 

Quality Berg Go-Kart. Strong & 

robust. X Farm Park model. 

5ft (L) x 32” (W) x 3ft (H). £60. 

Tel: 01505 321350 or 07757 

219933. 

Selection of Teddy Bears, 2 

large, 1 BHS Bear, 1 white 

with red bow tie & 10 random 

small. £20 for all. Tel: 01505 

874103. 

Minion, Yellow & Green Goggles. 

£5. Tel: 01505 874103. 

Wii with all attachments. Mario 

Kart with steering wheel. 

Family trainer with mat. Band 

Hero, including guitar, drums 

and mic. Boogie Superstar. 

High School Musical 3, Beach 

Sports & My Horse 2. £125 

ono. Tel: 01505 874103. 

Yoohoo & friends. Pink Raccoon 

& Parrot. £5 each. Tel: 01505 

874103. 

OTHER ITEMS 

Revo Pico Wi-Fi internet radio. 

£30. Tel: 01505 614503. 

New tyre, Hankook 235/55 r18 

100h plus new alloy wheel 

r18 - would suit Kia, Nissan 

4X4 both for £120. Tel: 01505 

614053. 

Galvanised steel ash bucket 10 

litre. £4. Tel: 01505 672175. 

Upright A1 Size Graphic Table 

with stand for sale, white. 

Excellent Condition. £50. Tel: 

07452 971316. 

2014-16 Higher Past Papers: 

Maths, English, Modern Studies 

& Business Management - £5 

each. 2006-10 Higher Past 

Papers: Maths, English - £3 

each. Tel: 01505 615055. 

Garage/Workshop Heater: 

ClarkeGRH35 with Propane 

bottle. £70. Tel: 07961 

284886. 

Trailer Light Board: 1.4m wide 

with 6m of cable £10. Tel: 

07961 284886. 

Toshiba Caileo P20 Camcorder. 

Never used. Unwanted gift, 

still boxed. £40. Tel: 01505 

842092. 

Remington rotating volume & 

protect hair styler. Never used. 

Unwanted gift, still boxed. £20. 

Tel: 01505 842092. 

Yamaha PSR620 Keyboard, 

stand, power supply and 

instructions for sale. Hardly 

used and in good condition. 

Will sell for £100. Tel. 01505 

352958. 

Stentor full size violin. Very good 


606022. 

Glockenspiel on stand with music 

holder. Excellent condition 

£60. Tel: 07815 606022. 

Brand new steel car wheel 

6JX15H2 and new Jinyu tyre 

185/60 R15. Stored as spare 

wheel only. £80. Tel: 07736 

067169. 


Walnut early 20thC kidney-shaped Dressing table or 

Desk. Excellent condition - treasured in family for 70 

years. Pretty egg & dart moulding, beautiful legs with 

ball & claw feet. Measures 

47” long, 30” high. Central 

drawer and three others 

each side. Smoke-free, 

pet-free home. Offers 

from £150.00 - collection 

or send carrier. Tel: 0141 

638 9158 

Collectors Victorian Dolls House 

over 3 floors with balconies 

and electrics. £300 ono. Tel: 

01505 874103. 

Sleeping Bag, Mountain 

Warehouse. Apex 250. 

Patterned in carry bag. Hardly 

used. £5 ono. Tel: 01505 

874103. 

Yamaha VPT 220 Keyboard with 

stand & Beginners Music Book. 

£50 ono. Tel: 01505 874103. 

How to Pass Higher English 

Book. Brand new. £5. Tel: 

07818 424129. 

How to Pass - Higher Business 

Management book. Never 

used. £5. Tel: 07818 424129. 

Higher Business Management 

Practice Papers Book. £5. Tel: 

07818 424129. 

Leckie Book - Religious, Moral & 

Philosophical Studies. Grade 

A booster book. Will help 

with Higher. £5. Tel: 07818 

424129. 

WANTED ITEMS 

Westclox Big Ben alarm clock. 

Call 07756 981917. 

Paddington Teddy Bear. Tel: 

07907 297304. 

Require a cot or child bed for 

3yrs old and child car seat. Tel: 

01505 872121. 

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, red 

and yellow only. Condition 

not so important. Call: 07729 

350475. 

Aluminium Greenhouse. 10’ 

x 6’ for uplifting. Tel: 0141 

812 4799. 

Cash paid for Music CDs (a few 

or a lot). Tel: 0141 882 5594 

or 07765 115347. 

Old records Wanted 45`s & 

LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 07710 

777571. 

Local lily grower requires the use 

of a greenhouse/polytunnel in 

Kilmacolm area in return for 

light gardening duties. Tel: 

Vince 01505 872082. 

Would the gentleman who 

bought the easel from “In 

Kilbarchan” 01505 705264 

please get in touch again 

as we have discovered 

another part of the easel 

buried in a cupboard and 

you are welcome to it. 



ADVERTIZERS - A TO Z 

67 

Accountants & Financial 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 24 

CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 15 

Martin Aitken & Co Ltd . . . . . 29 

Stewart Independent Financial . . 1 

Architectural Services 

Casa Homes & Gardens Architect . . 7 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Automotive Services 

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 31 

Bathrooms 

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 

Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 17 

Bedrooms 

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 5 

Blacksmith & Metalwork 

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 4 

Building Services 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 5 

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 6 

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 12 

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 11 

KC Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 15 

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 3 

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 2 

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 16 

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 30 

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 55 

Business Services 

Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 26 

Catering 

Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Cleaning & PowerWash 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 14 

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 . . . . . . . . . 17 

Cross Cafe Kilmacolm . . . . . . . 50 

Computer, IT & Web 

Carness Consulting Ltd . . . . . 26 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 


Council Notices 

The Media Shop Scotland Ltd . . 13 

Driveways 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Driving Instructors 

AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 14 

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7 

BY CATEGORY 

January ‘18 Issue: 

• Deadline: 8 December 

• Delivery: 27 December 

Education 

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 57 

Electricians 

Delta Electrical Services . . 13 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Fencing 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 


Firewood & Logs 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37,38 

Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 28 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Funeral Services 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 46 

Garage Doors & Gates 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Garden Service & Design 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 37 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 39 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 38,6 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 37 

Flowers by Margo . . . . . . . . . 12 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 37 

Gowanlea Nurseries . . . . . . . . . 12 


Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 36 

M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 41 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 38 

SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 37 

Gas & Heating Services 

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 13 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 28 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Glazier 

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 

Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . ,5 

JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 8 

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Hairdressers & Barbers 

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 50 

Ashes Hair & Beauty . . . . . . . . 51 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Health, Beauty & Fitness 



Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 61 

Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 8 

FitSmart Fitness . . . . . . . . . . 63 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 46 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 11 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

Lifestyle Beauty Salon . . . . . 9 

Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 15 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 9 

Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 51 

Home Hardware 

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,15,34,35 

Home Improvements 

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 29 


Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk 

Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Home Interiors 

Baytree Interiors . . . . . . . . . 5 


Highland Style Living . . . . . . 15 


Home Security 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 3 

Joiners 


CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 6 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 14 

Kilt & Dress Hire 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 13 

Kitchens 







Locksmiths 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Painters & Decorators 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 16 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 13 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

Pest Control 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Pet Services & Training 

Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 32 

Pawz and Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 33 

Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 32 

Plasterers 

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 2 



Plumbers 



GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 


JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

Property, Sales & Let 

Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 27 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

February ‘18 Issue: 

• Deadline: 19 January 

• Delivery: 31 January 


Removals 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 2 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Restaurant & Bars 


Retail 


Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,15,34,35 

Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 43 

The Sourcery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

R o o fi n g 












Solicitors 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 26 


Special Occasions 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Stoves 


Taxis & Minicoach hire 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Alpha Taxi Company . . . . . . . . . 19 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 31 

Private Hire Taxi . . . . . . . . . 31 

Tiling 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 14 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Travel Agents 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Tree Surgeon 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 


LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37,38 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

TV & Satellite 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 10 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Upholstery Services 





P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 8 

Window Cleaners 




Matthews Cleaning Services . . 15 

Window, Consv & Repair 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Bishopton: Post Office, 

Woodrow’s Store, 

Keystore, Library, 

Ingliston Country Club 

Bridge of Weir: Gibb 

Stuart, Bernie’s Cafe, 

Lochnagar, The Bridge, 

Library (Cargill Hall) 

Erskine: Garden Centre, 

Library, Sports Centre, 

Swimming pool 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 2 


3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 37 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 16 


A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 39 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 26 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 24 


AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

AL Stewart - Driving Instruct . . 14 

Alpha Taxi Company . . . . . . . . . 19 

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 29 

ARC Fleet Services . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 



B Hughes Builders - Houston . . 5 


Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 7 


Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Bridge of Weir Dog Walking . . 32 


Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 3 




Carness Consulting Ltd . . . . . 26 


CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 


Cloudy2Clear Windows Glasgow . . ,5 

Clyde Physiotherapy and Pilate . . 61 

Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 27 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 13 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 38,6 

Cross Cafe Kilmacolm . . . . . . . 50 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Decorus Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Delta Electrical Services . . 13 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 10 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

DMG Garden Services . . . . . . . . 37 



Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 


Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 8 

Fiona Christie Accounting Serv . . 15 

FitSmart Fitness . . . . . . . . . . 63 

Flowers by Margo . . . . . . . . . 12 


Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,15,34,35 


Pick up a Copy 

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 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 14 

Gowanlea Nurseries . . . . . . . . . 12 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 31 


Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Henderson’s Kilts . . . . . . . . . 13 






James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 



JDPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

John Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 46 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 31 


Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 36 

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 

Kilbarchan Chiropodists . . . . 46 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 11 



Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 


LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

Lifestyle Beauty Salon . . . . . 9 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 15 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37,38 


M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 41 

Martin Aitken & Co Ltd . . . . . 29 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Matthews Cleaning Services . . 15 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 


Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 28 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 50 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 9 

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 


Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 30 

P Thomson Upholstery . . . . . . . 8 

Paul Ferguson - Confidence . . 7 

Pawz and Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Private Hire Taxi . . . . . . . . . 31 

R Williams Tree Surgeon & Grou . . 38 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 

Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 33 


Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 51 

SP Groundcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 57 

Stewart Independent Financial . . 1 

Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 32 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 43 

The Media Shop Scotland Ltd . . 13 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

The Sourcery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 


Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 41 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 37 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 14 

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

68 t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk 

Look out for Santa & his Elves arriving in... 

Houston Friday 1st - Thursday 7th (not Sunday 3rd), Kilmacolm (upper) 

Friday 8th, (lower) Saturday 9th, Quarriers Village Sunday 10th, 

Brookfield Monday 11th& Bridge of Weir Tuesday 12th – 

Saturday 16th. 


you can contact us @GryffeAds using #Advertizer 

or by email info@advertizer.co.uk or phone 01505 613340

279 December 2017 - Gryffe Advertizer

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