280 January 2018 - Gryffe Advertizer

january 2018
35
The Bells…. The Bells….
Many of us are probably wondering where 2017 went.
For Brighter Bridge of Weir, last January began quietly
enough and 2018 will no doubt be the same. Then,
gradually, the pace will pick up and suddenly, almost
before the Group knows it, it’s spring and things are getting frantic. But
let’s make the most of the start of this new year and allow the sounds of
the Ne’erday bells to recede slowly.
Judging by the donations received, not to mention the encouraging
letters, emails and comments on social media, as well as a citation in
the Scottish Rural Awards, Brighter Bridge of Weir can consider 2017 to
have been another success. We will strive to build on that in 2018, the
eighth full year of the Group’s existence.
Our Group exists to benefi t everyone who lives in, works in or visits
Bridge of Weir, and we’re open to suggestions from all concerned with
the village. And if you feel you could help us in some way, by spending
an hour or two now and again lending a hand, please get in touch. You
don’t have to have green fi ngers, just a desire to help make Bridge of
Weir brighter. You can follow us on Facebook and the Advertizer, and
you can visit our website, www.brighterbridgeofweir.org, where you’ll
also fi nd contact information.
But for now, with the sound of those bells ringing in our ears, we wish
everyone a happy and prosperous 2018.
photo:Brighter Bridge of Weir’s festive lighting in the Woodland Garden
Now that Christmas is over, it can seem like there are no more presents to
open for another year, but there are plenty of gifts to be had from nature
in January!
The shapes left by Jack Frost on plants and cobwebs can make the
countryside look like it has been dusted with diamonds and a fresh
snowfall can feel like a surprise just for you. Even just a dusting can reveal
the prints of animals that have travelled through your garden. You might
find the cloven hoof tracks of a deer or the pads of a fox or badger! You
might find the tiny tracks of a bird, but are they from a blackbird hopping
across your lawn, or a sparrow scurrying around?
If you are intrigued about what birds might be using your garden and want
to try putting a name to Robin Redbreast or Jenny Wren, why not come
along to a Birds for Beginners workshop? We are running one at RSPB
Lochwinnoch on the 27th of January from 11am to 1.30pm.
For more information about the reserve or any of our events, please call
01505 842 663 or email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk
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