288 September 2018 - Gryffe Advertizer

FOLLOW US 

Queensferry Crossing 1st Anniversary by Chloe McGinn 

GryffeAds 

September 2018 No.288 

your LOCAL community magazine September 2018 No. 288 

A community magazine delivered FREE to homes in the Gryffe area

2 

The Advertizer 

Advertising Feature 

SOFTWASHING. “Softwashing” is a relatively new term for chemical cleaning 

as opposed to jet-washing, this is sometimes a better alternative to jet-washing 

and can give longer lasting results. With over 20 years experience Nutech are 

Professional Softwash Cleaning Technicians who can safely and competently 

clean your building of moss, algae, lichen and other organic and environmental 

soiling making it look like new again, we only use approved Biocide 

chemicals and are fully Health & Safety competent users. Our 

system is suitable for render, roughcast, roofs, drives etc. Please 

call for free friendly advice from your local Softwash Professionals 

Nutech Cleaning. 

Important dates for our October ‘18 Issue 

Deadline: 14th Sept. Delivery: 26th Sept. 

This month 

Lately, it seems to be the roads that get my attention. On this occasion the 

unbelievable timing of resurfacing Houston Road. Having had six weeks of no 

school and perfect weather, we were told that the whole road would be closed 

between Bridge of Weir and Houston, for a period of two weeks, with a detour via 

Brookfi eld and Deafhillock Roundabout. This just as the schools were due to go 

back! Thankfully, the Council took heed of the concerns of villagers and made 

sure that the initial stretch to Bridge of Weir Primary school was open for their 

fi rst day back. The rest of the road was quickly completed by the weekend. All 

within one week, so I suppose a “Well Done!” is in order. However, let’s just hope 

that a hasty repair doesn’t produce a compromise in quality. 

In Kilmacolm, the parking discs (cardboard clocks) are now obsolete, although 

the two hour waiting time is still in place with wardens patrolling from time to 

time. The disc system was never popular from the outset and highly unfair in its 

implementation. Such a waste of time and resources, only to have it discarded 

(couldn’t resist the pun). 

Again on parking, there were Council proposals to introduce parking charges in 

Johnstone. With retail outlets already expressing their concern at falling customer 

numbers, this can hardly be proactive to encouraging shoppers into the town 

centre. We should be making it easier for customers to access their nearest 

shops, when it’s already all too easy to travel out of town to the hyper shopping 

malls. There are many very good businesses in the centre of Johnstone, who rely 

on our custom. As the old saying goes, “use it, or lose it”. 

Due to a number of new build developments in the area, we will be updating our 

Advertizer delivery maps over the coming weeks and extending our delivery within 

each village where necessary to encompass these routes. If you live within the 

boundaries of our delivery villages and have not been receiving a copy, please 

get in touch and we’ll check if you should be on a route. We print over 13,500 

copies of the Advertizer every month and aim to deliver to every home in Bridge 

of Weir, Brookfi eld, Houston, Howwood, Kilbarchan, Kilmacolm, Lochwinnoch, 

and Quarriers; we look for your feedback to ensure we are doing this effectively. 

Copies are also left for pickup in Bishopton and Erskine. Find out more on our 

website at www.advertizer.co.uk/delivery. 

Some of our readers were lucky enough to receive a copy of our new lifestyle 

magazine, Insight, last month. This is the “baby” of the ‘new girls’, Anna 

McGeachie and Rona Simpson, who joined us earlier this year. If you didn’t get 

a copy and live in Kilmacolm, Bridge of Weir, Houston, Brookfi eld or Quarriers, 

please get in touch. Thank you to our delivery team for doing the ‘double’ delivery. 

Insight will be a quarterly magazine and we hope to bring the next issue to our 

whole distribution area. Meantime, if you didn’t see one, you can view the online 

version at www.advertizer.co.uk/insight, and for a small postage fee we can post 

a copy out to you. We’d be delighted to hear your views on the style, content, also 

what works and what we might improve on for the next edition. 

As we head towards Autumn, it’s time to do some ‘housekeeping’ around your 

property. Time to get your roof and gutters checked for repairs and clearing before 

the wind and rain of winter make the job so much more pressing. And if you’ve 

got trees in your garden, ask one of our local tree specialists about getting these 

into shape before the storms. Trees are lovely and are the lungs of the planet, 

but when they get too tall and wide then they become a hazard. And with the root 

system being proportionally as large as the tree, check they are not encroaching 

on your underground pipework and foundations. Prevention is usually the best 

route to take (sorry, another pun). 

Our cover shot this month is the Queensferry Crossing which marks its fi rst 

anniversary this month. I was lucky enough to be one of the 

50,000 people invited to walk across the bridge prior to its 

opening last year. Thanks to Chloe for the image. 

Rona 

Deadline date for our October issue - Friday 14th September - you don’t want to miss it!!

September 2018 t: 01505 613340 e: info@advertizer.co.uk 

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Contents 

local news...............4-13 

finance & tech ..... 14-19 

outdoors............... 20-23 

local history...........24-25 

pet news .............. 26-27 

village news ......... 28-39 

school news ......... 40-43 

Contact 

us 

t: 01505 613340 

e: info@advertizer.co.uk 

www.advertizer.co.uk 

sport news ........... 44-49 

what’s on ............. 50-55 

business classified ...56 

sales & wants ............ 57 

advertizer directory...58 

pick up a copy ...........58 

on the road ................59 

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk

4 


Orchard Flooring 


Where beauty meets functionality 

When choosing a new fl oor for your home, there are a few things to take into consideration. For a lot 

of our clients, having a fl oor that isn’t going to be ruined by mucky feet, paw prints or spills is a top 

priority. As well as looking great and tying in with the rest of your fi ttings and furnishings. 

Karndean and Amtico fl ooring 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 fl ooring to your home without the hassle. As opposed to some natural products 

they are also warmer under foot and comfortable to walk on. 

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 fi nd the perfect fl oor for a room. 

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

Orchard Flooring who have built their reputation in the Gryffe area for nearly 20 years. 

You can contact Scott on 0141 334 8731or 07563 633 432 Email - sjmproducts@hotmail.com 

website- www.orchard-fl ooring.com 

Johnstone Fire Engine Rally 

returns to the town 

Thousands of people turned out in Johnstone on Saturday to see fi re engines, 

past and present, showcased in the town centre. 

The day kicked off with emergency vehicles from across the years parading 

from Johnstone Fire Station into Houston Square, where they remained for 

the afternoon, giving everyone the chance to climb on board and learn how 

fi refi ghting has advanced through the years. 

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service undertook several demonstrations 

throughout the day, showing people what the impact can be when a chip pan 

bursts in to fl ames. 

The event was hosted by Renfrewshire Council in partnership with the Scottish 

Fire and Rescue Heritage Trust. 

Renfrewshire’s Provost 

Lorraine Cameron said: 

“The Fire Engine Rally is 

always a highlight of our 

events calendar and a fi rm 

favourite for the people of 

Johnstone. 

“Events like this really benefi t 

the local communities as 

they bring visitors in to the 

town and increase footfall to 

local traders. 

Renfrewshire’s packed 

events schedule continues 

for the rest of the year, so 

make sure you check out 

what’s coming up next!” 

For upcoming events 

in Renfrewshire visit 

www.paisley.is or www. 

renfrewshire.gov.uk/events. 

Council Launches Digital 

News Service 

Residents can now get local news direct to their smartphone as Renfrewshire 

Council launch a new email news service. The new service allows people 

to sign-up and choose topics that they are interested in and launches with 

fi ve options – council news roundup, a weekly what’s on guide, schools and 

nurseries news, business news and Paisley town centre updates. 

Available to sign-up on the council website, each newsletter can be read on 

smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs that can access emails. 

Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “We know people want to know the latest 

news and updates on the go, and they also want to receive the news that 

interests them. We’re launching e-alerts for people who live, work and study 

in Renfrewshire, or are keen on visiting the area, and have produced fi ve news 

options that should interest everyone. So, whether you are a parent of young or 

school-aged children, working for a local business or just interested in what’s 

on in the area, there will be a topic for you. 

“We will be offering more options in the coming months, such as updates on 

bin collections, roadworks and other service information we know people will 

be interested in receiving. And will use feedback to make sure we are providing 

news and information that matters. To sign-up, all people need to do is visit our 

website, enter their email address and postcode, then select the topics they 

want to know – and that’s it.” 

For more information and to sign-up for e-alerts, visit www.renfrewshire.gov. 

uk/e-alerts 

Come for Coffee! 

Everyone’s invited for cake and a cuppa! 

Show your support for the wonderful work done 

by Macmillan Cancer Support and enjoy a cuppa, 

cake and great company at a community coffee 

morning on Saturday 29th September, 10am-12pm 

at St Columba’s 

Church Hall, Kilmacolm. Fantastic raffl e prizes 

to be won. Let’s change lives with every slice. 

All donations welcome. 



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 


St. Vincent’s Hospice 

Art Exhibition 

From Monday 20th August in the 

Bridge Community Centre, Bridge 

of Weir, will be holding an art 

exhibition, with proceeds going to 

St. Vincent’s Hospice. 

The event will be running until Saturday 22nd September, 

showcasing a range of beautiful, creative and affordable words 

of art which you can purchase from the event. 

The exhibition takes place at: The Bridge Community Centre, 

Bridge of Weir, G2 2QZ 

If you are in the area, please head along. It is only through your 

support the Hospice are able to continue to deliver their vital 

care for people impacted by life limiting conditions from all 

across Renfrewshire. 

Renfrewshire Carers 

Fun Day & Balloon Race 

Renfrewshire Carers Centre is holding 

a FUN DAY and BALLOON RACE on 

Saturday 1st September 2018 in 

Morrison’s Car Park, Anchor Mill from 

12noon - 3pm. Balloon Race tickets 

are £2.00 each. 1st prize £100, 2nd 

£50, 3rd £25. 

There will be a Bouncy Castle, 

Tombola, Face Painting, 

Glitter Tattoos, Home Baking, 

Refreshments & more.Please let 

Christine, Pauline, Lauren or Caroline know if you would 

be able to help out on the day or can bring in donations for 

tombola and home baking stall. Call us on 0141 887 3643 

or email enquiries@renfrewshirecarers.org.uk 

Equine Rug 

and Tack Sale 

Animal Support & Rescue Charity 

We are holding our annual pre-loved 

rug and tack sale on Sunday 9th 

September. We have all sizes of outdoor 

and stable rugs, bridles, saddles, bits, 

girths etc for sale on the day. 

To be held in our indoor arena. Limited 

spaces available for anything equine 

£10 pre-book only. Animal Support and 

Rescue Charity, Midgavin Equestrian 

Centre, Howwood, PA9 1DL. 12 noon 

till 3pm. All monies raised on the day 

will help to pay for the rescue horses 

and ponies in our care. 

Date and time: 09/09/18, 12-3pm 

Missed something or fancy 

taking a look back over the 

last 8 years? 

visit www.advertizer.co.uk 

or 

http://free.yudu.com/library/18833/Gryffe-Advertizer-issues 

http://issuu.com/gryffeadvertizer/docs 

The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra Concert 

The SFO’s annual concert at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Saturday 15th September 

2018 is set to be a memorable evening fi lled with irresistible toe-tappingly good jigs and 

reels, haunting slow airs, stirring pipe music, and beautiful songs. 

Under the baton of Conductor Blair Parham, the orchestra is delighted to welcome back on 

stage the renowned mezzo-soprano Colette Ruddy and tenor Dennis Haggerty. Add to this 

the fi ne piping of the SFO’s own piper along with The Combined Pipe Bands of McLaren 

and Balfron Schools and you are certain to enjoy a wonderful evening’s entertainment! 

Ticket prices - £25, £18, £15, £12 (£5 for under 16s) 

YOUR NEW LOOK advertizer.co.uk 

THE PLACE FOR LOCAL INFORMATION AND BUSINESSES 



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Need Help with Heating? 

LEAP Linwood Family Support Project offers free practical 

assistance focused on Linwood and Johnstone residents 

who are struggling with fuel bills and comfort at home. 

If you or anyone in your family is struggling with fuel bills, 

health conditions, or living in cold, damp, or draughty homes 

LEAP’s Energy team will carry out practical actions to help to 

improve your home’s warmth and comfort and save money in 

the long term. 

The types of FREE practical energy effi ciency actions LEAP can provide may 

include fi tting draught strips, letterbox/ keyhole seals, chimney balloons, minor 

repairs (structural draught proofi ng), pipe lagging, tank jackets, window seals, 

secondary glazing, loft insulation including coombed ceilings or tricky areas, 

loft hatches, and introducing the use of low energy/LED light bulbs, power 

down plugs, energy monitors and radiator panels to reduce the energy used for 

heating and lighting in the home. 

If you think you or someone you know could benefi t from this programme, 

please contact LEAP in confi dence by email to ruth@myleapproject.org via our 

website contact form or call us on 01505 612 034. 

LEAP will consider and support everyone who gets in touch and if you are 

ineligible for this specifi c programme LEAP can provide other help, advice or 

referrals. 


8 


Newark Castle / Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow 

by Stephen Robertson 

Can You Knit? 

Police Scotland in conjunction with the charity Children 1st are rolling out 

‘Trauma Teddies’ in areas throughout Scotland. The soft toys are kept in 

police cars and will be given to children facing traumatic situations where the 

Police are involved. The teddies provide a distraction and give comfort, whilst 

also helping to build a relationship between these children and the police. 

Finished teddies can be handed in to participating police stations or you can 

post them to Children 1st, 83 Whitehouse Loan, Edinburgh, EH9 1AT. 

In order to comply with recommendations provided by Police Scotland Legal 

Department and to ensure good Health and Safety practice, Children 1st 

request that all donations of teddies adhere to the following guidance: 

1. Donations must meet the pattern specifications provided. 2. Teddies must 

not include buttons, zips or anything else which could be accidentally or forcibly 

removed. 3. Seams must be securely fastened. Should access be gained to 

any fibrous filling material within the teddy through a seam, this may present a 

choking risk if swallowed. Seams should be tension-tested to ensure they are 

as secure as possible. 4. Prior to their distribution, pre-prepared labels will be 

attached to each donated teddy, advising of the need to take care of the item, 

given that this has been hand-made. Labels will be provided to Police Scotland 

by Children 1st and attached with string to the teddy. 

Trauma Teddy Knitting Pattern and Instructions: 

Double knitting wool 1 pair size 11 knitting 

needles, head and paws (preferably fawn), 

scarf (should be bright). 

Stuffing – please only stuff teddy with 

polyester or other healthy padding. 

Foam rubber is NOT recommended. 

Cast on 10 stitches main colour. Knit 

10 rows. Continue in garter stitch for 

30 rows in trouser colour. Make another 

leg in the same way. Knit across all 20 

stitches and work 16 rows. Change to 

jumper colour and knit 24 rows. 

Change to main colour for head and also 

change to stocking 5 ½ inches. Change 

to jumper colour and knit 24 rows. Continue 

remainder of Teddy in reverse order. 

Stitch down the sides of the head. With jumper colour, pick up 8 stitches 

either side of the neck join (16 in all) and knit 20 rows. Change to main 

colour and knit 10 rows for paws. Sew up Teddy leaving opening in crotch. 

Turn right side out and sew diagonal top corners for ears before stuffing. 

After stuffing, run a thread through the knitting around the neck to draw it 

in. 

Sew a happy face and for mouth use either stem stitch or back stitch. 

Scarf : Cast on 75 stitches. Knit 4 rows and cast off. Tie scarf on Teddy the 

back of the neck, close to the jumper edge. Don’t sew down at the front. 

Hoof It For The Hospice 

Support your local hospice by enjoying the coastal estate of Ardgowan. 

Turn over a new leaf and take 

part in an exciting new event 

for all the family this autumn. 

Registration is open now for 

Ardgowan’s first ‘Hoof it for 

the Hospice’ event around 

the spectacular Ardgowan 

Estate, steeped in history 

and a designated place of 

outstanding beauty. 

Ardgowan Estate is welcoming 

visitors to stroll around the 

coastal grounds, famed for its beauty and variety of landscape, whilst raising 

much needed funds to support its namesake, Ardgowan Hospice. 

Hospice supporters of all ages, from tiny tots to grannies and grandpas, are 

encouraged to sign up for the event. The walk is 3km on well-made paths, it’s 

not timed, with the emphasis on enjoying the estate known as the ‘gateway to 

the western highlands’ and having fun together. 

Ardgowan Hospice is organising the event in partnership with Ardgowan 

Estate and is also being supported by Aulds Bakery, Londis, Barrs Cottage and 

Sainsburys Local, Gourock The prices for the ticket are adults £10, children £5 

and family £25 (two adults and two children) and under 5s go free. Walkers 

will not only be able to enjoy some fresh air and fantastic views, they may spot 

locations from the many television and movie projects that have been filmed 

in the grounds. 

Ticket price includes a treasure hunt organised by Ardgowan Estate, a finisher’s 

medal, post walk entertainment including face painting for the kids and pre 

walk refreshments for all, there will be food and drinks to purchase after the 

event. The hospice hopes people will ‘hoof it’ and also raise money by getting 

sponsorship for their efforts, the suggested amount is £30 per participant. 

Sir Ludo Shaw Stewart, Owner of Ardgowan Estate, adds: 

“It’s great to see visitors enjoying and appreciating the estate. We really hope 

people will take this opportunity to support the hospice by coming to visit us. 

We value the interest and support we get from the local community and we are 

delighted to support the Hospice, as it offers help to families when they need 

it most. In tribute to this we’d like to offer a very special prize to the winner of 

the treasure hunt. 

Some months ago we acquired the Rennie Macintosh Key used to open the 

School of Art with a view to giving a replica to each couple who gets married at 

Ardgowan as a memento of their big day. Poignantly this is now appears to be 

one of the last artefacts left of the original GSA As a gesture of support for the 

hospice we’d like to kick-start this initiative by donating the first replica to the 

Hospice treasure hunt.” 

Please sign up to Hoof it for the Hospice on our website using the following link: 

https://ardgowanhospice.org.uk/event/hoof-it-for-the-hospice/ , call us on tel. 

(01475) 726830, or email fundraising@ardgowan.co.uk 



9 

Blazing a trail at ACCORD 

Brave the heat and bare your feet to raise money for ACCORD Hospice! 

ACCORD Hospice is asking people to brave the heat and bare their soles to 

raise money by taking part in a firewalk on Saturday 29th September. The 

event is being run by leading firewalk experts – Firewalk Scotland! 

Eileen Brown, a member of the Housekeeping Team at ACCORD, is doing the 

firewalk in memory of her mum, Jean Pickett. Eileen, who has been at the 

Hospice for 18 months, admits that she was a little scared before she started 

working there: She said, “I thought at first it would be all doom and gloom, but 

it is far from what I imagined. It is upbeat and there is a lot of laughter and 

cheer - I actually look forward to going to work. It’s a great place and I see firsthand 

how wonderful the Hospice is with patients and their families. Staff help 

to make patients feel at ease and give their families peace of mind” 

ACCORD Hospice is an independent charity giving free Specialist Palliative 

Medical and Nursing Care and support to people whose illness is causing 

physical pain and emotional distress and for whom curative treatment may no 

longer be appropriate. The Hospice cares for around 1,200 patients each year 

and needs to raise around £1.8 million annually. 

There are already over 30 people signed up to do the Firewalk which takes 

place in the Hospice grounds at Morton Avenue, just off Hawkhead Road on 

Saturday 29th September. David McFadden, Senior Fundraiser at ACCORD 

is delighted with the response so far: He said, “It’s fantastic to see so many 

people already signed up for our first ever firewalk! With the help and support 

of the community, the individuals we look after are given the first class care 

they deserve. Do it for ACCORD and sign up to the Firewalk!” 

You can register online at www.accordhospice.org.uk/event/accord-firewalk or 

by calling the fundraising team on 0141 581 2000. Registration costs £20 and 

participants are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £100. 

Walk to Beat Blood Cancer 

Join us to celebrate a life saved, to walk in memory of a loved one, 

or simply for a great day out in Pollok Country Park! 

Join us on Sunday 2nd September from 11.30am in Pollok Country Park, 

Glasgow’s largest park. The walk will start at the Burrell Collection and you 

have the option of following the route once (5k) or twice (10k). 

The route will take you past Highland cattle into woodlands and will see you 

walk along the White Cart Water. You will pass Pollok House, an impressive 

18th century mansion, and perhaps catch a glimpse of Clydesdale horses in 

the stable courtyard before returning once more to the Burrell Collection. 

You can enter online, or on the day. We ask our supporters to raise a minimum 

of £50 towards blood cancer research. This could help researchers analyse 

over 120 blood cell samples in special test tubes – any one of them could hold 

the key to a new discovery. You could help efficiently diagnose current blood 

cancer patients – and learn more about how blood cancer develops. And if you 

raise £20 we’ll send you a Bloodwise t-shirt. 

So, once you have registered for the walk, use JustGiving to set up your 

fundraising page today. Find out more at https://bloodwise.org.uk/fundraising/ 

events-challenges/glasgow-walk-beat-blood-cancer 


10 


Dancing through the Decades 

Presbyopia comes to us all! 

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians 

Presbyopia is part of the natural ageing process of our eyes and starts to affect 

most of us in our early forties. The crystalline lens in the middle of each eye, 

responsible for focusing on things close-up, becomes progressively less flexible 

and unable to focus properly. This usually first presents as a difficulty in reading 

small print, holding the print further away to focus (“arms aren’t long enough” 

syndrome) or the need for brighter light when reading. 

There is no cure for presbyopia, but there are solutions! Simple reading glasses 

can be prescribed. Care should be taken with over the-counter readers though 

- the prescription will be the same for each eye, astigmatism won’t be corrected 

and the centre of the lens may not match the eyes perfectly. Prescribed glasses 

are made-to measure so the frames and lenses will be fitted professionally. 

Bifocals or varifocals can be better options if a distance correction is also 

required. Bifocals have a visible line on the lens, separating the distance and 

near powers. Varifocals are the most popular option nowadays due to the fact 

they have many powers to allow focusing at many different distances but with 

no visible line. Trifocals are rarely used - they have 2 lines separating three 

powers. 

Contact lenses are another popular choice with options available for daily, two 

weekly or monthly disposables. Monovision, where one eye is corrected for 

distance and the other for reading, is another option and although it sounds 

strange it can be surprisingly effective. With all options, whether it’s glasses or 

contact lenses, it may take a few weeks for the brain to adapt. 

As always, if you notice any changes in your vision, you should have an eye 

examination to identify the exact cause. 

Enjoy a night of nostalgia to help Scottish Huntington’s Association! 

On Saturday the 15th of September at Pollokshaws Burgh Hall, Glasgow, G43 

1NE, we are holding a Night of nostalgia with ‘Dancing through the Decades’ to 

help raise funds for people impacted by Huntington’s disease (HD). We expect 

the night to be a sell out, so to avoid disappointment, please purchase tickets 

£10 per person online. 

From the groovy tunes of the swinging 60s to the funkadelic disco boogies of 

the 70s through to the motown sounds of the 80s, we will have something 

for everyone…. So, come along and have a night of dancing to some of your 

favourite yesteryear tunes. There will be a licensed bar, raffle and prizes for 

the best fancy dress costumes – so look out your flares, your ‘Peace and Love’ 

medallion, or your Day-Glo ankle warmers. 

The funds raised on the night will go 

towards the work of Scottish Huntington’s 

Association, helping to support families 

living with HD through a network of specialist 

services. 

You can pay online https://hdscotland.org/dancing-through-the-decades/ by 

calling Linda on 0141 848 0308 or by emailing linda.winters@hdscotland.org 

Annual Art Exhibition 

Friday 31st August to Thursday 6th September inclusive 

Open Mon-Fri from 12noon–8pm daily, Sat & Sun from 12noon–4pm 

This year ACCORD’s annual Art Exhibition is taking place in the Cedar suite, 

kindly donated by the Normandy Hotel. We are delighted to have over 60 artists 

exhibiting this year with a whole range of originals for you to buy from. 

Entry is free but there will be a collecting can available should you wish to make 

a donation. 50% of all sales made will come to ACCORD Hospice. 

Each year the Art Exhibition raises thousands of pounds for the Hospice. ACCORD 

Hospice provides specialist Palliative care to those in Renfrewshire and parts of 

East Renfrewshire. We hope you will come along and have a look. 

Vintage Tea 

Sunday 16th September, 2pm-4pm, St Mary’s Church, Bridge of Weir 

We invite villagers to their Vintage Tea on Sunday 16th September. Come 

and enjoy some delicious tea, coffee and yummy cakes. 2-4pm. All welcome. 

Admission is £5. 

Looking for someone local? 

advertizer.co.uk/clients 

www.advertizer.co.uk/clients 



11 


12 


Volunteers Needed Talk It 

Over Group Paisley 

Volunteer crèche workers needed for 

small peer support group based at Paisley 

Abbey. We offer a crèche enabling mums 

to take some time to meet with other 

mums affected by anxiety, loneliness and 

post natal depression. Term time only. 

Tuesdays from 10am - 12.15pm. Starts 

Tuesday, 4th September. 

Kind, compassionate and friendly 

volunteers needed. Need to be able to 

set up room and create a welcoming 

environment. Keen on supporting new 

mums by caring for babies and toddlers. Full training offered. Commitment 

- once a month or fortnightly or more. Please contact for further information - 

Janette janette.a.mckenna@gmail.com 

Talk It Over Group Room, within Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley, PA1 1JG. 

MND Scotland invests £250,000 

in new accessible 

holiday lodge 

We are delighted to announce that MND Scotland is investing a quarter of a 

million pounds to build a brand new, bespoke accessible lodge, as a part of 

our accessible holiday service. The state-of-the-art disabled-friendly lodge will 

begin construction towards the end of 2018 and has been specially designed 

with MND in mind. 

The lodge will open in March 2019 and will replace the charity’s Lang Break 

holiday caravan which will close permanently in October 2018. MND Scotland 

also offers an accessible holiday chalet near Oban. The new lodge will be set on 

the scenic Clayton Caravan Park, in the beautiful Eden Valley in North East Fife, 

and will be situated just minutes from St Andrews and the Fife coast. It aims to 

provide families affected by MND, and other disabilities, with a chance to take 

a break from their normal routine and to enjoy a break together. 

Craig Stockton, MND Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted to reveal 

that MND Scotland is investing a quarter of a million pounds into our accessible 

holiday service for people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Due to the 

physical progression of MND, there are often barriers to families taking a break 

they may desperately need. 

“That’s why the new Clayton Lodge has been purpose designed to prioritise 

space and comfort and will be fitted with an array of helpful adaptations 

suitable for people with MND and other disabilities.” 

The new lodge will include: Full wetroom with Clos-o-Mat Toilet and Tilt-In- 

Space shower chair, ceiling tracking hoist (bedroom to wetroom), Portable 

hoist with universal slings, Fully adjustable bed with Medi-Pro mattress, 

Second bathroom with over bath shower, Riser Recliner chair, Transit 

wheelchair, Dishwasher, washer & dryer, Blackout blinds in bedroom for those 

with a disability, Equipment charging area, Exterior wrap-around decking and 

access ramp, Car parking 

The lodge will include a sofa bed and second bedroom, with two sets of bunk 

beds, allowing for the lodge to sleep seven in total. 

All of our accommodation can be booked by anyone, however those affected by 

MND will receive a discount and may also be able to receive a Time Out Grant 

from MND Scotland to put towards the costs. 

As a part of the official opening in March 2019, we are planning a time capsule 

to be burried alongside the new Clayton Lodge. A time capsule is a sealed 

container, including objects and messages, which is destined to be opened 

decades in the future. We’d like to fill our time capsule with messages capturing 

the experiences of people affected by MND and their hopes and dreams for the 

future. It is our hope that when the capsule is someday opened we can reflect 

back on how far we’ve come in our journey to cure MND. 

If you’d like to include your message in the Time Capsule, please email your 

message to us at communications@mndscotland.org.uk under the subject 

‘Time Capsule’. We will then share a selection of your entries online. 

To book your stay, or to learn more about our holiday service, call us on 0141 

332 3903 or visit the Holiday Service page of our website. 



Why It’s Good To Stick 

Your Tongue Out! 

13 

by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner at Kilbarchan 

Dental Practice 

Your tongue can tell you a lot about your oral health and 

your general health. Caring for your tongue is also an 

important part of oral hygiene so I have highlighted at some common issues 

and tips. 

White Patches on the tongue are common and not necessarily linked to poor 

oral health. They can, however, be a sign of an overgrowth of yeast in the 

mouth. This is not a particularly serious condition and can usually be treated by 

twice daily cleaning of the tongue. If the condition persists it may be that bad 

oral hygiene has led to “candida” which can be easily treated with continued 

cleaning and antifungal medications. Similarly, a Coated White Tongue can 

also be a sign of candida but may just indicate dehydration! 

Another common condition is “Geographic Tongue” where smooth irregular 

red areas that resemble a map are noticeable. Whilst it can sometimes be 

a bit painful, it is simply the old surface of the tongue being replaced by the 

new surface and should disappear in time. A Red and/or Swollen Tongue can 

also be a sign of vitamin deficiency (in particular B-12 or folic acid) or, when 

accompanied with a very high temperature, scarlet fever (in which case you 

should consult your doctor immediately). 

A Striped Tongue (raised white lines interlaced on your tongue) can be a sign 

of “Oral Lichen Planus” – simply put, a weakness in your immune system but 

occasionally it can be caused by reactions to some medicines. 

Did you know that 75% of oral bacteria live in soft tissues not on teeth? Your 

tongue has a rough surface with lots of peaks and troughs providing ideal 

hiding places for the bacteria - one of the leading causes of Bad Breath. We 

recommend that you keep your tongue clean by brushing gently with your 

toothbrush or using a tongue scraper and by using Colgate Total as it contains 

triclosan which removes more bacteria. 

You should inspect your tongue yourself on a regular basis and your dentist can 

provide a more in-depth diagnosis. If you have any concerns or queries please 

do come and see us at Kilbarchan Dental Practice or call 01505 704969. Visit 

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


14 


Planning for Retirement – 

Getting Your Ducks in a Row 

by Carl Melvin of Affluent Financial Planning Ltd 

Everyone should have a plan to ensure they can retire with the income 

they want to enjoy life after they stop work. The need for a retirement plan 

becomes more urgent when one is in their 50s. So, what should you do to 

get your ducks in a row? 

Work out what pension savings you’ve got – contact all your pension 

providers for an update on the value of your pensions. If you have trouble 

locating an old pension call the Pension Tracing Service on 0845 6002 537 

or www.fi ndpensioncontacts.service.gov.uk 

Get a State Pension forecast - to make sure you are projecting entitlement 

to a full State Pension www.gov.uk/check-state-pension 

Work out the cost of your current lifestyle – where does the money 

go? Can you save more? When will you be debt free? Don’t assume that 

retirement will be cheaper as you will have a 52-week holiday when you 

fully retire and a good retirement costs money. 

Work out how much income you’ll need for retirement (or get professional 

help on this) – the bigger the lifestyle you want the more money you will 

need to pay for it. Is there a shortfall? 

Plug the Gap – If there is a shortfall you should start saving a realistic sum 

to make sure you’ll have enough money to retire comfortably. The less time 

to retirement the more you will have to save. 

Get Professional Help – Consider engaging the services of an Independent 

Financial Adviser (IFA) to help you plan and to hold you to account to stick 

to your retirement plan. 

It’s not just about pensions – although pension plans will be a big part 

of your retirement planning, consider other non-pension options to build 

enough wealth for an enjoyable retirement. 

Retirement has changed – the idea that one suddenly stops working 

one day and is retired the next is changing. Many people now phase into 

retirement, work part time or do consultancy. So make sure your plans are 

flexible enough to cope with this. 

Broadband Scheme Can 

Benefit Businesses and 

Communities 

Local businesses and homes across Renfrewshire can benefi t from faster 

internet connections through the UK Government Local Full Fibre Network 

Challenge Fund. 

Small businesses and the local communities surrounding them can apply for 

the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, providing a one-off contribution to 

subsidise the installation cost of a gigabit capable connection. 

Quicker file downloads and improved videoconferencing are just two of the 

benefits of a full fibre gigabit connection. 

Businesses can claim up to £3,000 against the cost of connection either 

individually or as part of a group project, while residents can benefi t from 

the scheme with a voucher worth £500 as part of a group project. 

Find out more at: https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk/ 

The voucher scheme complements a range of investments in Renfrewshire 

to provide the best available internet connections. Key public buildings, 

including schools, will benefit from a £2million investment towards an 

ultrafast fibre network confirmed in the 2018 Council budget, with further 

funding being targeted from the UK Government’s Challenge Fund. 

Renfrewshire will also benefit from the Scottish Government £600million 

digital infrastructure investment across Scotland. And free public wifi is 

now live in Johnstone and Renfrew and coming soon to Paisley, making 

these town centres more attractive places to visit and driving footfall to local 

businesses. 

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “We live in an increasingly 

connected world where people rely on fast and reliable internet access. 

That’s why we are investing in our digital infrastructure, recognising the 

benefits this brings for residents, visitors and of course our business 

community, in turn boosting the local economy.” 



15 


16 


Paisley Indoor Bowling Club 

8-I0 Wallneuk Road, Paisley PA3 4BT 

 

Telephone: 0141 887 6779 e-mail: info@pibc.co.uk 

Our excellent Bar and 

Restaurant re-opens from 27th August for 

breakfast, lunches, dinner or high teas. We 

are happy to cater for all types of parties, both 

social and business. Birthdays, Anniversaries, 

Christmas. All specifically designed to your 

requirements by our in-house catering staff. 

No party too small or too large. Enjoy a 

relaxing drink in our comfortable lounge where there is a large selection of beer and spirits and 

wines on offer. 

Want to try your hand at Bowling. We hold a Wappinshaw every Wednesday afternoon from 

2.30pm - 4.30pm. Non members welcome. Afterwards why not relax with a refreshing drink or 

snack. 

Contact our Manager, Agnes Love, who will be happy to help or show you round all the facilities 

ave to offer. Phone Agnes on the above number. 


Want to start a 

business but not 

sure where to turn 

or how to do it? 

Business Gateway Renfrewshire can give 

you practical help, advice and support for 

new and growing businesses in Scotland. 

Contact us on 0141 530 2406 or 

on Facebook www.facebook.com/ 

bgrenfrewshire/, or visit the website at 

www.yourbusinessgateway.co.uk 

At Erskine Dental Care we offer 

advanced Dental implants as 

a long-term and natural way to 

replace missing teeth. Implants 

have a success rate of over 

98%. They provide people with 

missing teeth an attractive and 

long-lasting solution. They allow 

you to regain your confidence 

and smile again. Dental implants 

look and feel like your own teeth, 

so no one will know you have 

missing teeth. 

Are Implants for you? 

Dr Philip Byrne BDS Dip Imp Dent 

● Missing teeth? 

● Loose/uncomfortable denture? 

● Embarrassed about the appearance of your teeth? 

● Dislike having to remove your dentures every night 

● Difficulty eating? 

● Dislike denture adhesive 

● Concerned about jawbone loss? 

If you answered Yes to any of these questions, you should consider 

Dental Implants! 

Dr Byrne is one of a handful of Scottish Dentists who possess a 

Post Graduate Qualification in Dental Implants. He has been placing 

Implants since 2007. We offer a free consultation with Dr Byrne to 

discuss your options, call us on 0141 812 8420 and arrange your 

appointment now. 

Our patient Lynne Duffy, whose son, Barry, attended school with 

Philip recently had an implant placed. She said “After losing my front 

tooth, the only option for me was an Implant. An easy process from 

start to finish, I am extremely happy with the results." 



17 


18 


Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley 

Speaker Meetings At The River Inn 

Wednesday 18th July – Kitty 

Walker “Glasgow’s Britannia 

Panopticon Music Hall” 

Kitty Walker was introduced by 

Edwin Fisher. She is well known 

to members from when she was 

a teacher at Houston Primary 

and for her lively performances 

at Rotary Burns Suppers. Her 

subject was Glasgow’s Britannia 

Panopticon Music Hall -the oldest music hall in the world and also the first 

cinema in Glasgow. Kitty explained how the music hall tradition had begun 

and grown in the second half of the 19th century. AE Pickard, an English 

eccentric, became the owner and added waxworks, a roof top carnival, 

a human freak show and a basement zoo! He coined the name Grand 

Britannia Panopticon and his period of ownership included the debut of the 

young comic who was to become known as Stan Laurel. After a finale in 

music hall tradition, Kitty ended her very entertaining talk with a reminder 

that more information about the trust (formed by Judith Bowers) which is 

seeking to renovate the venue is available at www.brittanniapanopticon. 

org . 

Wednesday 2nd August – Allan Gilfillan 

“O-Level English” 

Club Secretary Allan, well known to all 

assembled, received an appropriate 

introduction from President Andrew. Allan 

opened by intimating that more than 30 

years after emptying his parents’ house, he 

had opened an envelope from one of the 

boxes and found it contained his O-Level 

papers. Prompted by questions in the English paper, Allan had purchased 

“Chaucer’s People – Everyday Lives in Medieval England” by Liza Picard, 

which is an absorbing and revealing guide to the Middle Ages, populated 

with Chaucer’s Pilgrims from the Canterbury Tales. 

Allan revealed that the Pilgrims were made up of country, town, church and 

military folk, and went on to illustrate many facts and figures relating to the 

late 14th Century – including many dodgy characters. First was the Wife 

of Bath, who is the subject of Chaucer’s best-known Canterbury Tale and 

who saw off fi ve husbands. There were at least a couple of chancers (not a 

misspelling of Chaucer!), in a booming London: Gilbert Magfeld, a London 

merchant and moneylender, and Nicholas Sardouche of Lucca, who rigged 

the silk market, illegally exported gold and silver coins and bullion, and 

smuggled luxury goods into the city. Allan went on to relay many interesting 

facts and statistics of the time. There were 12 Guilds, similar to those in 

today’s Glasgow Trades House; the first Poll Tax (between £2 and £6 13s 

4d pa – depending on status) was introduced; it was 0.25d for a loaf and 6d 

for a gallon of red wine. £1 in 1380 is equivalent to £1015 today. Health 

was an issue with medicines prescribed to treat diseases such as leprosy, 

malaria, cancer etc. President Andrew asked the assembled company to 

thank Allan in the traditional manner for his very informative presentation. 

Wednesday 9th August – Claire 

Pearson “Supporting Unpaid 

Carers” 

Zia Hotiana introduced Claire 

Pearson, a social worker with 

Renfrewshire Council, who 

focuses on the elderly, including 

people with dementia. Claire 

explained recent changes to the relevant law -Carers (Scotland) 2016. 

788,000 people in Scotland are providing care. The Carer’s allowance is 

£64 per week. In Claire’s experience, many examples families are in need, 

some quite desperate. There is recognition of the need for Carers to have 

some respite – The Creative Break Fund may be helpful. 

Councils now have a Carer’s Rights Charter eg the Warm Home Discount. 

All Carers should have a Carer’s Plan. There is help for Carers to negotiate 

their way around the Health & Social Care provisions. Clare responded 

well to Questions and there were contributions from Members with some 

experience. Andrew Macleman thanked Claire for her knowledge and 

professionalism. 

Wednesday 15th August – 

Cameron Brown “Loch Fyne 

Oysters” 

Ian Jackson introduced Cameron 

Brown who is CEO of Loch Fyne 

Oysters. Cameron was born 

in Elderslie, went to Glasgow 

University and after several 

moves around the country now 

lives in Houston with his wife and children. He has worked 30 years in 

the food industry. The Loch Fyne smokehouse has a 17 million pound per 

annum turnover and exports its produce world-wide. They have 5 sites in 

3 main locations in various parts of the country. In addition to oysters and 

mussels they sell 1.2 million tons of salmon per year. Two months ago they 

won the award for producing the Best Seafood in Scotland. 

INVITATION 

Dinner meetings are held in The River Inn, Crosslee at 7pm for 7.30pm. 

We enjoy a good meal and a tremendous variety of speakers. Some 

are challenging, some amusing, but all very interesting, as indicated 

by the reports above. If you are interested in Rotary and would to 

like to attend, or help at any of our events, please contact the club via 

the “contact” button on the website www.gryffevalley-rotary.org.uk or 

phone Mike Farley (613314). 

Wednesday 29th August – Professor Kenneth Patterson Director 

of the Glasgow-based medical research charity Tenovus - guest of 

Hamid Khatib 

Wednesday 12th September – Malaika Rose - guest of Bob Ross 

from “Action on Hearing Loss” 



19 


www.advertizer.co.uk/business-directory 

Weir Networking - 

September Event 

Wednesday 12th September in Amaretto, 

Bridge of Weir, 9.30am 

Our guest speaker at the September meeting 

will be Corinne Hutton. 

When super-fi t business woman Corinne Hutton 

fell ill at age 43 in June 2013 after suffering 

acute pneumonia and septicaemia, surgeons 

were forced to amputate both her hands and 

her legs below the knee. 

Following her near-fatal illness, single mum 

Corinne made remarkably swift progress, 

defying the odds and the doctors, walking 

unaided on prosthetic legs within four months. 

With her enormously charming, confident and 

charismatic persona, Corinne now devotes her 

life to supporting others who face limb loss, by 

encouraging, mentoring, speaking, motivating 

and inspiring. 

Weir Networking will take place on Wednesday 

12th September in Amaretto for a breakfast 

meeting. We look forward to welcoming you. 

Breakfast starts at 9.30am with a £5 cover 

charge. Email mo-hypnotherapy-world@ 

live.co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/Weir- 

Networking-350783798430333 so we have the 

numbers. 

Thank you. 


20 


Brighter Bridge Of Weir - 

Seven Year Itch 

It’s been 7 years since Brighter Bridge of Weir started work 

on the Torr Road Garden, the Group‘s first big project. After major civil 

engineering works the area was just a rough, triangular slope of bare, stony 

ground. Now it’s another example of the Group’s commitment to enhancing 

the village. They were itching for the opportunity to give it a going-over so, 

early last month, some of the Group spent an entire day working on it. They 

filled 18 bags with deadwood and weeds and gave the plants a general 

health check. It’s hard now to remember what it looked like back in 2011, 

but you can see pictures on the website: www.brighterbridgeofweir.org 

The Group had 

planned to run another 

Fun Casino fundraiser 

again this year 

but the unfortunate 

closure of the village’s 

British Legion Club 

has meant they’ve 

had to postpone that. 

However, they’ve got 

a ‘Plan B’, so keep 

the fi rst Saturday in 

October free and look 

out for more information 

coming soon on their 

Facebook page and 

elsewhere throughout the village! (facebook.com/brighterbridgeofweir). 

Visit the Scottish Outdoor Access 

Code website 

If you’re a member of the public wanting to enjoy some fresh air in a local 

park, or a dog walker, hill walker, mountain biker, horse rider or kayaker, 

there is information for you and much more. https://www.outdooraccessscotland.scot/ 

Autumn is at last upon us, and as the seasons change, so does the 

reserve! Flowers make way for mushrooms, toadstools and other 

fungi. Birds leave for warmer climes and others arrive. The leaves in 

the trees change colour, before falling to the ground. Many hedgerows 

are thick with berries. 

If you haven’t been to the reserve before, why not seize the day and 

come along to our Doors Open Day weekend, on Saturday 8 and 

Sunday 9th September (10am - 4pm). Entry will be FREE, as will our 

self-led activities! 

Don’t forget bats! Although they are around all summer, as they tend to 

come out at or after dusk, most of us don’t tend to see them much until 

the days start to shorten. Did you know that different types of bat come 

out at different times, some before it gets dark and others, only once full 

dark has set in? 

If you’d like to learn more about bats and perhaps even see some, why 

not come along to our Bat Night on Friday 28 September (7pm – late!)? 

Members of the Clyde bat Group will tell us all about these fascinating 

animals and if the weather is playing ball, we’ll go out and have a look, 

or even a listen, with bat detectors! 

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

01505 842 663 or email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk. 

Dave Beaumont 

An Overview of RSPB in South and West Scotland – 

and our plans for the future - An illustrated talk 

Friday 7th September from 7.30pm 

at McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew, PA4 8LX 

All Welcome 



21 

Friday 5th October from 7.30pm 

Did we fi nd the wildlife in 

Ayrshire? 

An illustrated talk. 

Helen Embleton will deliver 

an illustrated talk entitled 

‘Did we fi nd the wildlife in 

Ayrshire?’ All welcome. 

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew PA48LX. 

Kilmacolm Flower Show 

The annual Kilmacolm Flower Show will be held on Saturday 8th 

September in the Kilmacolm New Community Centre. 

Doors open to the public at 11.30am. Gardeners Question Time in the hall 

at 2pm will be a light-hearted attempt to answer your gardening questions. 

We are delighted that Alda and Johanne, treasured proprietors of the 

Cross Café, will be our guests of honour and will present the prizewinners’ 

Trophies at 3pm. The Show then ends with the sale of cut flowers and 

produce, by donation. Entrance is free to members, £2 to visitors. Please 

come along and enjoy the colour and variety of the displays of Flowers, 

Pot plants, Vegetables, Homebaking, 

Children’s classes 

and the superlative entries in ‘Floral Art’. 

Next year is the 140th anniversary 

of the founding of the Kilmacolm 

Horticultural Society, we are one of 

the oldest societies in Scotland. A 

membership of £5.00 offers you entry to 

the Show, winter lectures, and information o n 

forthcoming Outings. Flower Show schedules for 

exhibitors to the Show can be obtained from Jill 

Russell by phoning 01505 872393. 

Gateway 

Garden 

Free Drop In 

Session 

Cartside Terrace, Kilbarchan. 

Every 2nd Wednesday 

Gateway Garden Drop In Sessions 

Gateway Garden, Cartside Terrace, 

Kilbarchan from 1pm 

Open Days with gardening and 

wildlife activities on offer. For more 

information contact 07952169341 

or hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk or 

join the group Kilbarchan Smile on 

Facebook. 

For dates see What’s On section. 

Help Stop 

Wildlife Crime 

If you witness a suspected wildlife 

crime in action call 999 immediately 

and ask for the police. 

For all other enquires call your local 

Police on 101. Alternatively, contact 

your local Police Force directly. 

If you wish to 

anonymously 

report a wildlife 

crime online 

please contact 

Crimestoppers. 


22 


Welcome to Clyde Mursheil Regional Park 

Mountain Trikes at Glasgow Green: Clyde Muirshiel 

staff were at Glasgow 2018 as part of Go LIVE on 

the Green where thousands of people have had a go 

on the Centre’s unique mountain trikes. The Ranger 

Service were also providing information of the Big 

Butterfly Count as well as making ribbon butterflies! 

Castle Semple becomes an HSBC UK Disability 

Hub: Castle Semple is now one of two official 

paracycling hubs in Scotland. Along with partners 

Scottish Cycling and local club Ride63 a whole host 

of events have just been posted to try out handcycles 

and hand trikes. Only £3 a go. Book online through 

British Cycling website, links on our website. Next 

event 8th & 29th September. 

Wood Spirits get a Makeover: The Wood Spirits of 

the Greenock Cut Nature Trail have all been repainted 

and have been very naughty finding new places to 

hide! Did you find them all before? We challenge you 

to again… Great idea for the September weekend. 

Water Quality Set to Improve: Blue green algae has 

been high in Castle Semple waters throughout the 

summer, this usually clears by September so keep an 

eye for website for the most up to date information. 

Doors Open Day: Enjoy the view from the top of the 

Castle Semple Tower as part of Renfrewshire Doors 

Open Day on Sat 8th and Sun 9th September. 

Tree Bumblebee at Muirshiel: A first ever record of 

a tree bumblebee has been observed at Muirshiel 

Country Park! They are a locally rare species and 

it was recorded as part of the monthly bumblebee 

survey. 

Clyde Muirshiel Conservation Volunteers: 

Greenock Cut’s group meet 10.30am – 2.30pm every 

Saturday and Castle Semple on Thursdays 12.30pm 

– 3.30pm with the odd full day session. See the new 

spring programme online now. 

In a Community Group looking to help make a 

difference? Or colleagues looking for a change of 

scene? Muirshiel Country Park’s conservation needs 

you, adopt an area, work it with the Rangers and help 

us out. Email rangers.castlesemple@clydemuirshiel. 

co.uk 

Ride 63 Community Cycle Club: Weekly ‘hares’ 

& ‘tortoises’ rides on Tuesdays and some Thursday 

evenings, look on our facebook group for the next 

ride date and meeting time. Contact the club by 

emailing the secretary ridesixtythree@gmail.com for 

a membership form. 

Tag-n-Track Project Update 

We will start off by letting you all know some very 

exciting news not just from the Tag-n-Track project 

but from Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. After 8 

years effort we can happily announce that we have a 

breeding pair of Ospreys in the Park. This is the first 

time ever that these birds have bred in the Inverclyde 

area. And the cherry on top…they had two chicks 

fledge, which we were able to tag! We hope that this 

is just the beginning and we will gradually see more 

Ospreys in the Park for years to come. 

Our gull Gary is on the move again after his chick 

fledged. You will remember that last year Gary went 

down south to England for a few months before 

heading to Portugal. This year he looks to be doing the 

same and he started his migration on exactly the same 

day as last year and he is currently hanging around the 

Burton-upon-Trent area. What a honed sense of timing 

these gulls 

have! We 

hope Gary 

has another 

successful 

migration and 

that we will 

see him again 

next year. 

A new gull on 

our books is 

José who was named after the people who recorded 

seeing our gulls overseas throughout the winter (a lot 

of them happened to be called José!). He is currently 

near Cork in Ireland. It will be interesting to see whether 

he heads off to Portugal and is recorded again by 

someone called José! Compiled by Tag-n-Track Ranger Hannah 

Riley. TnT is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Greater Renfrewshire and 

Inverclyde LEADER and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. 

Event News: Come along and meet the TnT Team 

at Muirshiel and Greenock Cut Visitor Centres for a 

weekend of Bird Ring Demonstrations on Saturday 

the 8th at Muirshiel and Sunday the 9th at Greenock 

Cut. It’s a chance to see our native wild woodland 

birds up close. Please pop in and say hello anytime 

time between 11am-3.30pm. 

Gull adoptions. Looking for that something different 

or are you interested in supporting our gull project? 

Gull adoption packs are £25, include sponsorship of 

one of the gulls, 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 us to find out more. 

Volunteer with TnT: One of the project’s aims is to 

train volunteers in the use of our camera traps for 3 

month periods. All training will be provided and it is 

something that only requires a couple of hours a week 

to collect and go through the footage. Fancy it? Get 

in touch. 

Connect with TnT: Details can be found on the Park’s 

website www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/tag-n-track or by 

emailing tnt@clydemuirshiel.co.uk. The Project has 

its own Facebook Page which can be found at www. 

facebook.com/TagnTrack/ Talks to groups about the 

project and its findings can be arranged. 

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. 



23 

Bridge of Weir Horticultural 

Society 

Despite hopes of bumper exhibits at this year’s Flower Show, the event, 

regrettably, was cancelled. The Show has been held in the British Legion’s hall, with its convenient location and 

parking facilities. Sadly these days are over. Once again the village’s lack of a well-positioned, easy-access village 

hall, with decent parking facilities, is highlighted by the closure of The British Legion. 

Meanwhile thanks go to local businesses and our benefactors for their support and also to exhibitors, visitors of all 

ages, and the stalwart members who have been running the Shows. The Committee will now consider the options. 

Special mention also goes to Kilmacolm’s Horticultural Society for their encouragement at this time and the Society 

sends best wishes for Kilmacolm’s Show on 8th September where thwarted locals will have a chance to display 

the best from their gardens. 

Earlier, members visited another beautiful Bridge of Weir garden. This is a mature, walled garden sloping 

Northwards, with panoramic views over the Kilpatrick Hills and all between. The long herbaceous border’s colour 

palette focused on pinks and whites with contrasting wine coloured shrubs such as Sambucus and Cotinus plus 

variegated Hostas, fl uffy Alchemilla Mollis and multi-coloured Heucheras. A selection of Roses (62 varieties!) 

mingled with Canterbury Bells, Hydrangeas, Astilbes, Tradescantia and more. 

The cutting garden was fi lled with perfumed Sweet Peas and Roses. The formal gravel garden was cornered by 

clipped, pollarded Birches. Immaculate hedging added mystery, with each area opening into a new feature and 

strategic seating in sunny spots, or under the shade of the old apple tree. Clematis and Roses edged the patio and 

a stream ran through the rockery down to the lily pond. There was also a small arboretum of Betula Jacquemontii 

and an elderly fi r tree currently being transformed into a sturdy tree house. Small wonder this garden has opened 

under Scotland’s Gardens’ Scheme! 

The autumn season starts on Thursday 11th October and will be held at 8pm at The Bridge. We look forward to 

hearing David Palmer talk about “Flowers of the Hebrides”. You don’t have to be a member to come to the talk! 

Birds for 

Beginners 

Sunday 16th September 

11am – 1.30pm 

Join our knowledgeable team as 

they introduce you to the world of 

birdwatching and wildlife watching! 

We will head out onto the reserve 

to put what you have learned into 

practice. Then a hot drink back at 

the visitor centre. 

Please book! 

Cost: Adults £6; Children £4.80 

(RSPB members: £4.80 / £3.80) 


24 

LOCAL 

history 


Craigmarloch Hillfort 

A large and Trench V at Craigmarloch Fort 

impressive reminder of our 

Iron Age past can be viewed 

from the cycle track midway 

between Kilmacolm and Port 

Glasgow. It is sited at 150 

metres elevation on a mound 

now known as Craigmarloch 

Wood. 

Around 3,000 years ago, during 

the Iron Age, the Damnonii, 

a tribe of European origin 

established a local hillfort at Craigmarloch which was one of a number 

of such forts marking the territory under their control on each side of 

the Clyde. 

The original palisade walls of this fort were constructed of a double row 

of timber posts about 1.5 metres apart interwoven with branches to 

form a thick barrier. Some time later, this was destroyed by fire and was 

rebuilt. It was massively reinforced inside the existing timber palisade 

using a composite construction of stone with a timber core, providing an 

additional thickness of 3 metres. Despite this strong construction, it was 

soon seriously damaged by another huge fire, which not only destroyed 

the timber core, but also melted the stonework of the enclosing walls. 

View from Craigmarloch Hillfort 

to the West 

The need for extremely welldefended 

forts suggests that 

the Damnonii were engaged in 

endless disputes. They worked 

and battled hard to establish 

and protect their way of life. 

They were also very creative 

in the making of pottery, with 

some of it decorated, and had 

pioneered the first smelting of 

pieces of cast-iron from naturally 

occurring iron ore. Remarkably, 

this ore led eventually to the 

birth of the great industries of iron, steel, and shipbuilding located in the 

Clyde Valley during the Industrial Revolution. 

Johnstone History Museum 

Our new season of meetings start on the 11th of September in the 

Masonic Hall Collier Street at 7.30pm. Iain McGillivray of the National 

Trust for Scotland will be our first speaker of the year and his subject will 

be Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson who was a famous Glasgow architect. 

This should prove to be a very interesting evening and we would hope 

for a good attendance. Returning members and new members will all 

be made most welcome. 

The Museum has continued to open throughout the summer Wednesday 

Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm. If you have not been in for 

some time you may enjoy another visit as we have a few new displays 

well worth looking at. The Museum will also be open Saturday and 

Sunday 8th and 9th of September for “Doors Open “ day we will have 

some new displays and also a Quiz for the children. On sale there is a 

selection of books ,maps and publications these can also be purchased 

online at johnstonehistory.org and paid for through PayPal. 

The Semples of Beltrees 

John of Beltrees - the Dancer 

The Semples of Beltrees was a cadet family of the Semples of Castle Semple. 

The first Laird of Beltrees, John Semple, was the illegitimate son of Robert, 

3rd Lord Semple, (c1505-1573) and his mistress, Elizabeth Carlyle, who were 

later married. John was legitimised in 1546, at the time of the marriage of his 

parents. 

John was gifted the lands of Beltrees in Lochwinnoch Parish and Thirdpart in 

Kilbarchan Parish by his father. The Semples were a privileged family and 

moved in court circles. In the early 1560s John, the first Laird of Beltrees 

(c1536-1579), spent much of his time at the court of Mary, Queen of Scots. 

He was said to have a happy disposition and was popular at court. However, 

in this period of political and religious turmoil caused by the Reformation in 

Scotland, the Presbyterian preacher, John Knox, scathingly named John of 

Beltrees ‘the Dancer’. 

John ‘the Dancer’ married Mary Livingston, the daughter of Alexander, 5th Lord 

Livingston, in 1565. Mary had been a close friend of the Queen since infancy. 

She was one of the ‘four Marys’, chosen by Mary of Guise (1515–1560) to 

be companion ladies-in-waiting to her infant daughter. When Queen Mary 

returned from France to Scotland in 1561, Mary Livingston is said to have been 

in charge of the Queen’s jewels. She, too, was a keen dancer and also an 

accomplished horsewoman. In court circles she was known as ‘the Lusty’. 

John Semple and Mary Livingston must have met at court where both were 

great favourites of the Queen. On their marriage on 6 March 1565 Queen 

Mary paid for the wedding dress. Soon after, the Queen further promoted the 

couple’s wealth with the gifts of lands in Ayrshire and Fife, and subsequently 

with gifts of more land in Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire. Their eldest son and heir, 

James (1566-1626), was educated with King James VI (1566-1625), by George 

Buchanan, and completed his education at the University of St. Andrews. 

John of Beltrees remained unfailingly loyal to Queen Mary. His loyal support 

of the Queen appears to have resulted in the long-term enmity between John 

and Regent Morton, the last of four Regents during the minority of James VI. 

This resulted in what appears to have been a trumped-up charge of treason 

accusing John of involvement in a conspiracy to murder Regent Morton. In 

1577, under the severe torture of the Boot, John was eventually forced to 

confess involvement. He was sentenced to imprisonment in Edinburgh Castle 

‘during the Regent’s pleasure’. He was released the following year when 

Regent Morton was forced to resign. John, the Dancer, sadly died in 1579. 

© Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum 

Renfrewshire Local History Forum will hold the first of our series of lectures in 

Room 116, in the Coats Building, University of the West of Scotland (entrance 

in Storie Street, Paisley) at 7.30pm on Thursday, 11th October, 2018. Our 

speaker is Adrian Cox, archaeologist in the Cultural and Natural Resources 

Team, Historic Environment Scotland. His lecture is entitled Newark Castle: 

History, Archaeology and Interpretation. Visitors are welcome at all our lecture 

meetings. 

Kilbarchan September 1918 

Private George Morrison was a baker who volunteered at the start of the 

war for the Army Service Corps, where he continued to bake bread. After 

the March 1918 German Offensive, which caused many British casualties, 

fit men were ‘combed out’ in France and the UK as replacements. George 

was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment to serve as an infantry 

soldier. He was wounded on 3rd September 1918 and died a week later, in 32 

Casualty Clearing Station, on 10th September. He was 26 years old and his 

widow, Janet, lived at 6 Gateside Place, Kilbarchan. He is buried in Lapugnoy 

Military Cemetery Reference XI.A.5.. six kilometres west of Bethune. 



Supreme Sacrifice 

Bridge of Weir and the Great War 

100 years ago this month – 

September 1918 

Gunner Robert Moodie Browning, 26th 

Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery 

Captain John Gray, 5th Battalion, attached 

2nd, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders 

By September 1918, the Allied Hundred 

Days Offensive was chalking up consistent 

successes and German forces were retreating 

to the Hindenburg Line, but it was far from a rout and every 

yard gained was hard fought by those in the Allied front line and supporting 

units. 

Robert Moodie Browning was a signaller in the Royal Garrison Artillery, the 

60 pounder ‘big guns’ and howitzers that fired shells from long distance. 

He was born in Bridge of Weir in 1886, eldest son to James Robert 

Browning, a picture frame maker, and Marjory MacGraw from Fortingal. 

The family business was doing well and by 1911 they lived in ‘Dunardrie’ 

in Kilbarchan Road. By September 1918, Robert’s unit, the 26th Heavy 

Battery, was supporting the advance on the Hindenburg Line. Robert died 

of wounds on the 13th September and he is buried beside a handful of RGA 

colleagues (suggesting his gun crew suffered a retaliatory hit) in the village 

of Hendecourt-les-Cagnicourt alongside 200 Canadians killed in the action 

against the Drocourt-Queant defences, the northern end of 

the Hindenburg Line. 

John Gray had led a privileged life: the only son of 

John Gray, a Paisley-born rice merchant who made his 

fortune in Burma, and Amelia Hopper from Gillingham, 

who had married in Rangoon in 1887 and later 

returned to ‘Airlie’ in Prieston Road to enjoy an affluent 

retirement in Scotland. Young John was educated at 

Glasgow Academy and studied law at the University of 

Glasgow, while apprenticed to McLay, Murray and Spens. As a 

Territorial, he enlisted when war began and was commissioned with the 5th 

Argylls, serving in Gallipoli and then Palestine, where he was promoted to 

Captain, until April 1918 when he was transferred to the 2nd Argylls, 98th 

Brigade, 33rd Division in France, reverting to Lieutenant. On the morning of 

21st September, Lt. Gray headed ‘B’ Company’s assault down a captured 

trench near Villers Guislain, part of the outer defences of the Hindenburg 

Line. They reached their objective and were intended to join up with the 

19th Brigade making a frontal attack, but that had failed leaving ‘B’ Company 

isolated. John was seriously wounded and subsequently died in trying to 

establish touch with 19th Brigade, who weren’t even there. The Argylls lost 

25 men before retiring. 

By the end of the month, combined sustained attacks by British, Australian, 

US, and Canadian forces comprehensively broke through the Hindenburg 

Line, previously believed to be virtually impregnable. It was a stunning 

achievement for Haig, and a vindication of Foch’s unified command, and 

within weeks Germany would be seeking to discuss terms for an armistice. 

Read more about Robert and John’s lives and untimely deaths at http:// 

www.bridgeofweirmemorial.co.uk and in the book “Supreme Sacrifi ce: A 

Small Village and the Great War” available from www.birlinn.co.uk or Abbey 

Books, 2 Well Street, Paisley, and other major bookshops or online. 

Gordon Masterton 

Interested in Photography? 

Our local camera clubs continually supply us with 

stunning shots which we use throughout the magazine, 

sometimes as banners or even front pages. If you’ve 

been inspired, why not join them and maybe see some 

of your photographs in print! 

Paisley Colour Photographic Club: 

Thursday evenings at the McMaster Centre, Renfrew. www.paisleycolour. 

co.uk 

Langbank Camera Club: 

Second and fourth Mondays of the month. For more 

information please contact Derrick McPherson at 

langbankcc1@gmail.com. 

Gryffe Camera Club: 

Wednesday night at The Carrick Centre, Houston between 7.30pm and 

10pm. 

Kilmacolm Camera Club: 

Tuesday evening, 7.30pm (October to March) at the Kilmacolm New 

Community Centre, Room 1.01. For more information contact: Billy 

Blair, Tel: 873383; Janice Stevenson, Tel 873595. Website: clikpic.com/ 

kilcamclub/ 

Diaporama September Meeting 

Monday evenings at 7.30pm in the Carrick Centre, Houston. For further 

information contact Hugh Kerr at 01505 612687 or hughkerr14@gmail. 

com 

Kilmacolm Camera Club 

As an appetiser to the new Session, the Camera Club are organising an 

Exhibition of some of our more recent images. This will be on display in 

KNCC, Saturday 29th September, from 10.15am to 1pm. Please come 

along and see our pictures. 

Our new 2018/19 Session kicks off on Tuesday, 2nd October. This will take 

the form of a presentation of the Syllabus and an opportunity for members 

to show some of the images they have taken over the summer. 

Please come along and let us see the best of your shots from the sultry 

summer of 2018! 

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 

25 

@GryffeAds www.advertizer.co.uk 

Diaporama 

Our meetings start again on the 10th of September at 7.30pm in the 

Carrick Centre, Houston. Why don’t you join us? We are a very small and 

friendly club and you would be very welcome. If you would like any further 

information Hugh Kerr at 01505 612687 or hughkerr14@gmail.com will be 

delighted to give advice.

26 

Local Animal 

Charities 

Scottish SPCA 

0141 882 1688 | www.scottishspca.org 

Dogs Trust Glasgow 

0141 773 5130 | www.dogstrust.org.uk 

Cats Protection 

0141 779 3341 | www.cats.org.uk 

Johnstone Cat Rescue 

01505 337321 

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue 

01505 502415 | www.hessilhead.org.uk 

The Underheugh Ark 

www.underheugharkrescue.co.uk 

Give a Dog a Bone 

www.giveadogabone.net 

Any Dog’il Do 

www.anydogildorescue.org 

Animal Support & Rescue 

www.facebook.com/ASARCharity 

Harvey’s Army Scotland 

harveysarmy.com 

Lamont Farm 

www.lamontfarm.org.uk 

These centres are always on the lookout for donations and fundraising. 

If you can help, please get in touch with them. 

Dental Disease in Dogs and 

Cats 

Over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats older than three years have some 

degree of dental disease. 

Signs that your pet has dental disease include: 

• bad breath 

• difficulty eating 

• loose teeth/tooth loss 

• pawing/rubbing at the mouth 

• infl amed or bleeding gums • tartar on teeth 

• dribbling of saliva 

• teeth chattering 

Your pet may display one or more of these signs. 

The most common form of dental disease is 

periodontal disease. This is inflammation and 

infection due to an accumulation of plaque 

and tartar on the teeth. Plaque is formed 

by bacteria multiplying on the tooth surface. 

If allowed to remain on the tooth surface the 

plaque thickens and becomes mineralised 

forming tartar. Accumulation of tartar leads 

to infl ammation of the gums (gingivitis) and 

if left unchecked progresses to periodontal 

disease. 

Periodontal disease leads to formation 

of pockets around the tooth and gum 

recession. It is painful and can result 

in tooth loss. Infection around the teeth 

can also enter the blood stream and 

spread to other organs e.g. the heart 

and liver. 

The best way to prevent dental disease is to brush your pets’ teeth daily. It is 

important to use a dog/cat toothpaste that is safe to be swallowed (human 

toothpaste contains fl uoride and should not be used in pets). There are 

also special chews and treats which can help reduce plaque and tartar and 

some pet foods are specially formulated to assist in plaque removal. There 

are also additives available for food or water which can help reduce the 

build-up of plaque. 

Once tartar has formed a scale and polish under general anaesthetic by a 

veterinary surgeon may be necessary to remove it. A dental hygiene plan 

using one or more of the products described above should be instituted 

after a scale and polish to help prevent recurrence of the problem. 

Mackie 

Helping Hedgehogs 


Re-homing Pets 

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

Mackie, 8 y/o male 

domestic short-hair 

Mackie has been with us 

since February- and while 

we think he is a little star, it is 

time we found him a loving 

home where someone can appreciate him 

as much as we do. His ideal home is one 

with no children or other pets, and access 

to the outdoors (not near a busy road). Is this you? Lets get Mackie 

Homed! 

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

Telephone: 0141 779 3341 

Jack & Victor 

Jack & Victor, male gerbils 

Jack would like a new home with his 

friend Victor after arriving in our care 

through no fault of their own. 

They are both very sweet and well 

handled. They like nothing more 

than constructing new tunnels in their substrate and rolling around in 

a sand bath. 

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

or visit www.scottishspca.org/rehoming 

Stevie, 8+ y/o male 

Yorkshire terrier 

Stevie is an older gent looking 

for a nice quiet retirement 

home where he can lounge 

around and play with his toys. He is looking 

for a home with older children of 12 years 

plus to ensure he gets some quiet time. 

Stevie 

Stevie prefers to play with larger dogs and 

could live with one but he will chase cats so 

can not live with them. He can be left for part of the day without any 

problems and is housetrained. He isn’t so good at coming back if 

he is let off lead so will need his own garden to play in. He can be a 

little worried by some touch so we are looking for a hands off home 

that will give him some space and let him come to you when he feels 

comfortable. 

He would make a wonderful companion as long as you are happy to 

play with his toys with him. 

Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre, 315 Hamilton Road, Uddingston, Glasgow, 

G71 7SL. Open: 12noon - 4pm (inc weekends); 12noon- 7.30pm on Tuesdays; 

closed: Wednesdays 

Wildlife experts advise that hedgehogs will eat cat/dog food and water, 

but under no circumstances feed them bread and or milk as their systems 

cannot digest this. 

Hedgehogs are a very endangered 

species and are well worth having 

as visitors to your garden as they 

are the “gardener’s” best friend 

as they eat what we regard as 

“pests”. 

Please help our 

little hogs if 

you can. 



27 

West Renfrewshire 

Fundraising Group 

Would you like to volunteer to help Guide Dogs for the 

Blind West Renfrewshire Fundraising Group 

We are bucket collecting on 8th September, and 29th September 

and other future dates. Please contact Anne 

01505 705602. 

Also if you already shop using Amazon 

please consider registering to support 

Guide Dogs by visiting https://smile. 

amazon.co.uk/ch/209617-0 

Bramble Ramblers To Raise 

Vital Funds For Canine Partners 

FAMILIES will 

join fundraisers 

and puppies 

on Sunday 2nd 

September from 

12noon as the 

Canine Partners’ 

Bramble Ramble 

Fun Day comes 

to Glasgow. 

The event will 

raise vital funds for 

the charity which 

trains amazing 

assistance dogs to transform the lives of disabled people, boosting their 

confidence and independence. 

The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks including picking up and 

fetching items, opening doors and dressing a person. They can even 

help to load and unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an 

emergency. 

The fun-fi lled afternoon will take place at Pollokshaws Burgh Hall and 

includes a sponsored walk within the grounds of Pollok Country Park, 

demonstrations from the Canine Partners demo team and the chance to 

meet puppies in training. 

There will also be craft stalls, a pop-up café, a raffle with prizes such as a 

Fitbit Alta, tombola and children’s activities. Tickets cost £5 in advance or 

£6 on the day. Children go free. The event is wheelchair accessible. 

For more information about Canine Partners’ Bramble Ramble Fun Day 

email Scotland@caninepartners.org.uk, call 0845 481 1915 or visit 

caninepartners.org.uk/event/bramble-ramble-fun-day/ 

Hearing Dogs 

Scotland 

Q. What do Hearing Dogs do? 

A. They train clever dogs to help deaf people. These 

dogs to alert deaf people to sounds they would otherwise 

miss – simple sounds that many people take for granted 

like the doorbell, alarm clock or even danger signals like 

a fire alarm. Being aware of these – thanks to a hearing dog – makes a real 

difference to deaf people’s lives. 

Q. What other benefits does this have? 

A. Deafness can be isolating. A hearing dog can give a deaf person a 

newfound sense of independence and confidence now they have a loyal 

companion and a true friend by their side. 

Q. How important are these dogs to the deaf community? 

A. These doggies have saved countless lives: fire alarms sounding at the 

dead of night, alerting them to the shouts of a loved one who is in peril, even 

saving their recipients from potential car thieves! 

Q. How many hearing dogs are there in the UK? 

A. Currently there are 873 hearing dogs helping people in the whole of the 

UK with more young pups waiting to be trained. 

You can help in many ways – by simply donating or by sponsoring a puppy 

or even helping to train a puppy – there are several different ways to 

volunteer too. Go to https://www.hearingdogs.org.uk to find out more. 

A RABBIT’S 

CARE 

PLAN 

DIET: Should be 80% fresh hay or grass, 15% 

greens, 5% extruded pellets (not muesli) 

HOUSING: Aim to give them an 

area of 10ft x 6ft x3ft tall at all 

times. 

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! 

HEALTH: Should be neutered at 4-6 months and 

vaccinated annually. If you’re concerned about your 

rabbits health go to see a vet asap. 

BEHAVIOUR: To be able to run, dig, jump, 

forage and hide - make a fun environment for 

your bunny! 

COMPANIONSHIP: They should live with 

another neutered, friendly rabbit at all times. 


28 


. . . Bishopton, Langbank & Bridge of Weir . . . 

bishopton, langbank & bridge of weir 

Bridge of Weir Festival Committee 

The next meeting of the Festival Committee will be held in the Cargill Hall on 

Tuesday 11th September at 7.30pm. Due to a number of the committee stepping 

down, we are asking anyone who would be interested in helping to organise and 

promote next year’s Gala Day 2019 to please attend this meeting. 

The Festival Committee organises Festival Week including Gala Day and the 

annual Santa Sleigh. These events have been running for many years, but if 

enough volunteers cannot be found, they are in danger of stopping. 

Originally organised by the Rotary Club, followed by Community Council, Bridge of 

Weir Gala Day has been run by the Festival Committee, formed by Gordon Lethorn 

17 years ago. 

Your time commitment would be to attend the AGM in February, and meetings 

every month except June, July, August and December. Meetings are usually 

about 2 hours long, and outwith meetings individuals put in as much time as 

they want, or if they’re doing a specifi c job, they put in as much time as it takes 

to get the job done. 

The roles needing fi lled are Festival Co-ordinator, Secretary and Treasurer, as 

well as general member positions. The Festival Co-Coordinator does most of the 

promotional work, putting together the programme and generally making sure 

everyone is doing what’s required. The Secretary takes minutes of the meetings, 

booking of accommodation for meetings, etc., organises any forms which are 

required to be fi lled in from the local Council, organises the Gala Queen’s diary, 

stall applications for Gala Day, etc.. On Gala Day the Secretary also does the 

stage duties. The Treasurer pays the bills, invoices businesses for their adverts 

in the Gala Day programme and generally looks after the fi nances to make sure 

we cover the costs of Gala Day and the Santa Sleigh. They will also organise the 

procurement of sweets for the Santa Sleigh. 

On Gala Day everyone just mucks in together, manning the gates, making sure 

stalls are up, any logistical stuff, litter picking, basically whatever is required. For 

the Santa Sleigh which runs over 15 nights we again just all muck in together, 

you may be doing collections at doors, you maybe driving the vehicle, or you might 

even be Santa! 

We’re a very friendly bunch, so if you would like to get involved, come along to our 

meeting to fi nd out more. 


Freeland Messy Cafe 

Freeland Messy Cafe is back on Saturday 15th September 

from 2pm - 4pm in Freeland Church halls. We will have a 

harvest theme telling the Parable of the Sower. 

There will be drinks and home baking throughout with 

some harvest based activities, the story and some songs. All welcome. Please 

bring a donation for the local food bank. 

Please keep Sunday 9th December free when we hope to have our annual 

Christingle service. Messy Cafe is for all ages and people are welcome to come 

for the whole time or just pop in briefl y if you have other commitments. The cake 

is very nice! 



Bridge of Weir 

Lace Group 

Cllr James MacLaren 

ROADWORKS: The council has been busy resurfacing a number 

of the roads in Renfrewshire while the sun shines, but planning 

this doesn’t appear to have been a high priority as residents 

of Houston Rd, Bridge of Weir will attest to. Chaos ensued 

as buses were rerouted avoiding the village all together and 

parents had major diffi culty getting their children to and from 

school and residents were left in limbo. Diversions might be ok 

for town centres where alternative roads close by can be used 

but villagers have to travel several miles when roads get closed 

there. A much better solution would have been to work on one side of the road at 

a time or perhaps do the work overnight. 

DVLA REMINDER: If you have a busy life then sometimes technology can come 

to your aid. I came across this MOT reminder this week from the DVLA at www. 

gov.uk/mot-reminder. If your garage does not send out a reminder then the DVLA 

can do this for you. 

REFUSE COLLECTIONS: Concern has been raised by people with incontinent 

parents and families with babies that their bins will get very smelly if left for three 

weeks without being emptied. I have raised this point with Cleansing but am told 

that they will not be undertaking more frequent collections, however larger bins 

can be provided in certain circumstances. 

LEAFLET: I and a number of helpers are distributing an In Touch leafl et in my 

ward which will hopefully let people who don’t read this column know what I have 

been up to recently. Other Conservative councillors are putting out their own 

leafl et. If you fancy lending a hand then I would be grateful for assistance and 

please contact me. 

Please note my 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. 



Elderly Forum 

The Forum are having an Extraordinary 

Meeting on Tuesday 11th September 

in the Pirie, Freeland Church at 2pm. 

All members are requested to attend. 

This meeting is to discuss future 

venue for meetings and arrangements 

for Christmas Dinner. 

Your Ward 11 Councillors ... for Bishopton, Langbank & Bridge of Weir 

James MacLaren, Natalie Don, Colin McCulloch | Advice Surgeries: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/councillors 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Community Council ... Visitors are welcome at these monthly meetings. 

BISHOPTON: Primary School: 1st Thurs at 7.30pm | www.bishoptoncouncil.com 

BRIDGE OF WEIR: 1st Tuesday of the month, Cargill Hall: 7pm | www.bridgeofweir.org 

February - June & September - December (October AGM). (No meetings July and August) 

LANGBANK: Church Hall: 2nd Wed at 7.30pm 

Community Halls to Let ... 

Bridge of Weir: Freeland Church. Tel: 612245 

Please add your community hall 

details to our list - email to 

info@advertizer.co.uk 



29 



SWI 

Our new session begins 

a month earlier than 

usual on the evening of Thursday 

September 6th. This will take the 

form of a Social Evening with home 

baking and refreshments. We will be 

meeting in a new venue, the Pirie, 

in Freeland Church at 7.30pm. We 

will be very happy to offer a warm 

welcome anyone who has not been 

to our meetings before as well as to 

our existing members. 


The Bridge 


Singing for 

Wellbeing 

A fun, no-pressure choir singing feelgood 

songs every Tuesday from 6pm - 

7.15pm and Fridays at 2pm - 3.15pm in 

the Bishopton Community Centre. 


Vintage Tea 

St Mary’s Church, Bridge of Weir, invite 

villagers to their Vintage Tea on Sunday 

16th September. Come and enjoy some 

delicious tea, coffee, sandwiches and 

cakes. 2-4pm. All welcome. Admission 

is £5. 

It may come as a surprise but in The Bridge preparations are well under way 

for Christmas. At the beginning of October our selection of Christmas Cards, 

Wrapping Paper, Tags, Diaries and Money Wallets will be on sale. 

Alison Bannerman, local artist and trustee of The Bridge, has designed a 

Christmas card for 2018. Three other “The Bridge” charity cards will also be on 

sale this year as well as a selection of Traidcraft Cards. All cards, including the 

ever popular individual “Greetings from Bridge of Weir” will be available from our 

Christmas display. 

Our 2019 Calendar will be on sale from mid September and makes a perfect 

gift. Our thanks again go to the members of the Paisley Colour Photographic Club 

who have provided stunning photographs. The A4 sized calendar incorporates 

twelve colourful photographs of scenes and landmarks around Bridge of Weir. 

Post Office - with our banks either closed or opening on a part-time basis please 

remember you can make cash withdrawals in The Bridge. 

Art Display - this month we are hosting a display of pictures provided by St 

Vincent’s Hospice. Please come in to view and purchase to support your local 

charities. 

Films at The Bridge are held on a fortnightly basis. Please either visit our website 

or call in for the list of showings for the second half of the year. 

The Trustees and our dedicated team of Volunteers look forward to seeing you 

soon. 


Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents 

Association 

The next meeting of Bridge of Weir TARA will be held in the Pirie Centre, Freeland 

Church on Tuesday 18th September at 7.30pm. 


Cllr Natalie Don 

I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are starting to get 

back into the usual routine. I have several local updates for 

you. 

ROADS: Residents who have witnessed deer fatalities in Bridge 

of Weir when entering/exiting from Brookfi eld have also raised 

their concerns with me. I myself have seen deer lying at the 

roadside in this area. I am pleased that after I raised this issue 

with council offi cers, it was agreed that a warning sign would 

be sited. This has now been erected and I hope will make people more aware of 

the danger. 

The following roads in Bishopton and Bridge of Weir are scheduled for resurfacing 

in September. 

Bishopton 

• A8 Greenock Road – 3rd – 9th September 

• Ferry Road – 10th – 23rd September 

• Erskine Ferry Road – 24th September – 7th October 


• Torr Road – 24th – 30th September 

BINS: An issue was raised with me regarding the uncovered bins at the square 

in Bridge of Weir. As they are open-topped, birds and other wildlife have open 

access to them and this is resulting in rubbish being strewn across the square. 

Following my requests to the council, I can confi rm these bins will be replaced 

with covered bins as part of the upcoming replacement programme. 

Residents should have had some information on the waste changes that will see 

the introduction of a new green bin, in an effort to increase household recycling. 

The following roadshows will give residents an opportunity to learn more. 

• Tuesday 4th September 10am - 1pm at Bishopton Library 

• Sunday 9th September 10am - 2pm Livery Walk Car Park, Bridge of Weir 

• Sunday 16th September 1pm - 4pm Main Road, Langbank 

If you have an issue you would like to raise with me, I can be contacted via email 

at cllr.natalie.don@renfrewshire.gov.uk and to keep up to date on local issues, 

please follow my Facebook page, Cllr Natalie Don. 


BOW Badminton 

Club 

Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton is 

back on Monday 3rd September in 

the Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir. Time: 

7.30pm to 9pm. New Members are 

most welcome. Come along and try us 

out! Contact Anne on 01505 228625 

for more info. 


Churches in Bishopton, Langbank & Bridge of Weir ... 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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. 

FREELAND CHURCH SUMMER SERVICES: Rev KN Gray BA BD. 9.30am: Family Service, 10.30am: Morning Worship, 7pm Evening Service – Please Note that 

the 10.30am Morning Worship on the 22nd and 29th of July will take place in St Machar’s Church. www.freeland.org.uk 

ST MARY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Johnston Rd, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3EE. St Mary’s Episcopal Church is a small, lively and mature Christian community. We 

are united by our belief in Jesus, the One in whom God fully revealed Himself and through whom we have life in all it’s fullness. Come and worship with us. 

Our main Service is held on Sundays at 10am. A warm welcome awaits you. Contact: Rev. Heller G. 01505 872961 www.heartlandsec.org/BoW 

ST MACHAR’S RANFURLY CHURCH: Sunday morning service 10.30am. 

HOPE HALL: Sun 1.15pm Sunday School, 4.30pm Gospel Service; Mon 6pm Investigators for Kids, 7.30pm Bible Study and Prayer. www.bridgeofweirchurch. 

co.uk 



30 


A Time To Mourn - A Time To Dance 

Funerals have been in the news recently, for a variety of reasons. In July there 

was a Sky news reporter who had asked friends and colleagues to ‘wear black’ 

to his 55-year-old wife’s funeral, not Hawaiian shirts. He felt it was unfair on 

his children to insist that a funeral should mean rejoicing in a life now passed. 

Instead, he felt wearing black gives ‘licence’ to be upset. Various radio call-ins 

picked up on this topic, and the question was raised whether contemporary 

culture tries to ‘cover up’ death and mourning. 

What seems clear is that many people desire and appreciate a personalised 

approach to funeral ceremonies. Sometimes the impression is given that humanist 

celebrants alone can provide this, whereas church funerals are impersonal. 

This is not true, as many Church of Scotland ministers, myself included, will be 

very open to suggestions and requests from family members to personalise the 

service. Provided you are clear that you and/or the deceased want a Christian 

funeral service (which will include prayers and a reading from the Bible) much 

else can be worked out in conversation between the family and the minister. 

Church of Scotland ministers are called to serve all the people in their parish, so 

you don’t need to be a church member to request their services. An approach 

is usually made through a funeral director as it is important that availability is 

checked before making any arrangements. Church of Scotland ministers won’t 

charge for their time, however if you want to have the funeral service in a church 

building there may be a charge to cover heating, caretaker and organist etc. 

Although most of us don’t like to talk about death with our loved ones, it is actually 

a good idea to ask them what is important to them! 

Rev Hanneke Marshall - St Machar’s Ranfurly Church, Bridge of Weir 


St Machar's Events 

The Terrace Lunch Club will start up 

again in St Machar’s Ranfurly Church 

Hall on 31st of August and the 28th of 

September at 12noon to 1.30pm with 

choice of soups, rolls and coffee/tea 

served all for £4. Tots go free and toys 

are available. 

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church is also 

taking part in Renfrewshire Doors Open 

Day on Saturday the 8th of September 

from 10am - 4pm. If you have never 

seen the inside of this beautiful church, 

come and have a wander about! 


Langbank Fashion 

Show 

We are hosting a Fashion Show in 

Langbank Village Hall on Friday 21st 

September at 7.30pm. 

Current fashions, from a variety of well 

known chain stores, will be available 

to try on, and buy, at greatly reduced 

prices. 

Tickets cost £5 which includes coffee 

and cakes, and there also be a raffl e. 

This is always a fun event, so come 

along and buy some new clothes, and 

help raise funds for Langbank Church. 

Village notice boards will give further 

information. 


Langbank SWI 

The syllabus for the new 

season has been planned 

and our Open Evening is 

on Thursday 20th September 

at 7.30pm in Langbank Village Hall. 

On this night join us for coffee 

and cakes, and hear all about the 

forthcoming events. 

We would love to welcome all villagers, 

the evenings are open to all, and this 

year we will have a variety of speakers, 

cookery and craft demonstrations to 

entertain us. 

Further information from President 

Marion Dornan and all the necessary 

details will be on the Village 

noticeboards. 


Festival of Arts & 

Faith 


St Mary’s Church in Bridge of Weir 

is holding a Festival of Arts & Faith 

from the 8th - 16th of September. 

On display will be The Garments of 

Gethsemane. Other highlights include 

Doors Open Day on Sunday the 9th, a 

festival lecture on Wednesday 12th at 7pm and on Sunday the 16th the Festival 

Eucharist at 10am followed by a Vintage Afternoon Tea from 2pm - 4pm. Church 

will be open daily from 2pm - 4pm throughout the festival. Contact Revd Heller 

Gonzalez on 01505 872961 for more information. 


Bridge of Weir Community Council 

ROADS: During the recess the Community Council’s traffi c calming subcommittee 

convener was arranging a site visit with Senior Roads Department 

Offi cers from Renfrewshire Council to determine what can be done to replace the 

unsatisfactory traffi c calming measures currently in place at the Kilmacolm Road 

entrance to the village. 

The requested 30mph extension on Johnstone Road beyond St. Mary’s Church is 

reaching the end of the consultation procedures. 

The Community Council received a request for traffi c calming signage to be 

placed on Horsewood Road, this has been forwarded on to our Renfrewshire 

Councillors. 

MAINTENANCE: At the start of the School holiday’s the Community Council 

contacted Renfrewshire Council regarding the overgrown foliage surrounding the 

Primary School boundary and in particular the overgrown willow bush on the path 

within the nursery school grounds at the Kilallan Avenue entrance. Just prior to 

School reopening for the new term we noticed no action had been taken. We sent 

a strongly worded letter requesting to know why nothing had been done and why 

the Council had chosen not to reply to us. 

BUSES: Over the summer months the Community Council monitored the bus 

services within the village and our position has not changed, Bridge of Weir 

needs a direct bus service to Paisley and we have written to the SPT requesting 

this be re-introduced. 

BINS: The Community Council has once again requested that the decorative bins 

on Livery Walk be replaced with lidded ones as the décor does not deter the 

seagulls. 

OTHER: At the September meeting we will discuss the Christmas Lights switch on 

event with the loss of the British Legion Club alternative arrangements will have 

to be considered. If anyone has any ideas for outside entertainment please get in 

touch through Bridge of Weir Community Council’s Facebook page. 

MEETINGS: Community Council meetings resume following the summer recess 

on Tuesday 4th September at 7pm in the Cargill Hall. 


Bridge Of Weir 

Senior Citizens 

Association 

The Senior Citizens’ 

Association is not meeting 

at the moment. We restart 

on the Wednesday 26th 

September in the Cargll Hall 

at 7.15pm. An interesting 

syllabus is being prepared 

at the moment and we 

look forward to welcoming 

members and friends. 

Membershp fee is £7. 

Brunch and Browse 

We're looking forward to welcoming everyone 

back starting Saturday 8th September from 

10am - 2pm. 

St Fillan's Scottish Episcopal Church, Kilmacolm 

Your Ward 1 Councillors ... for Inverclye East (includes Kilmacolm & Quarriers) 

David Wilson, Stephen McCabe, Christopher Curley | Advice Surgeries: http://www.inverclyde.gov.uk/meetings/councillors/ 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 


KILMACOLM & QUARRIERS: Last Tuesday at 7.30pm, Kilmacolm Cargill Centre 

(NB: No meetings: July or Dec) | www.kilmacolmcc.co.uk 

Any details we've missed? - email 

them to info@advertizer.co.uk 


Kilmacolm, Cargill Centre. Tel: 873994 

Kilmacolm, Brownie/Guide Hut. Tel: 07584 359007 

Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 873059 



31 

kilmacolm & quarriers 

Cllr David Wilson 

PLANNING: SEPA have lodged a planning application for a 

salmon ladder on the Gottar Water at the weir in Quarriers 

Village. This will facilitate passage for the migratory fi sh to 

some 4km of good spawning burns and habitats upstream. 

This is an exciting project which I have been long associated 

with and must compliment the Bridge of Weir angling club for 

hatching the idea. 

The Planning Application for the conversion of the main 

building, annexe and water tower to residences at Balrossie House was passed 

by the Planning Board. There was also agreed a further 49 houses on the site. 

There were many concerns raised by local residents including the narrowness 

of Blacksholm Road. Questions on the later by members were answered by the 

Inverclyde Council roads offi cer who was present. He indicated that the extra 

traffi c would not place a signifi cant burden on the road’s capacity. Only time will 

tell on this one. 

POLICE REPORT: PC Maria Houston has joined PC John Jamieson in their role as 

community police. We wish Maria well in her new role. In the past month there 

were 6 recorded crimes in the village for various minor offences. 

SCHOOLS: Our secondary schools achieved 16 pupils with 5 As in their Highers 

exams. It is also notable that Aaron McAuslan of Kilmacolm has achieved the 

great honour of DUX of Port Glasgow High School. I look forward to the school 

prizegiving. 

OTHER: There have been plenty of village issues. A “NO BALL GAMES” notice 

has gone up in the Piazza. Elderly residents had been hit by footballs kicked by 

youths. The Piazza is not the place for soccer. Repairs have been made to parts 

of the footpath on Bridge of Weir Road and the bad stretch of Knockbuckle Road 

has been resurfaced. Unfortunately I cannot do much about the dawn chorus of 

seagulls except to encourage folks not to feed them or have overfl owing refuse 

bins. 

On the 8th September St Columba’s have their gala fair in the afternoon in 

Birkmyre Park and on the Sunday at 9am the Kilmacolm Running Festival will 

take place again in the Park. The drainage work is on schedule and well done 

to Birkmyre and their new President JP McCarroll for giving Glasgow Police a 

'right doing' (JP’s words) in their fi rst match of the season. 

I attended as Depute Provost the 71 

Engineer Regimental Beating the Retreat 

in the ARC, Anzio Lines in Paisley. The 

Nottinghamshire Band of the Corps of Royal 

Engineers, fresh from the Sovereign Parade 

at Sandhurst provided the quite excellent 

programme of slow and quick marches 

concluded by Sunset. 

My surgery is Monday 17th 5.30pm to 

6.30pm at St Mary’s Episcopal Port 

Glasgow. I can be contacted at: david. 

wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk and 01475 

741969 and 712727 and 07766 992294. 


Kilmacolm 

Surgeries 

Every 4th Monday 

PC Jamieson, the 

local neighbourhood 

offi cer, will hold a surgery in the 

Community Centre between 10.30 

- 11.30am. Please pop in and 

see him if you want to share any 

concerns or need advice. 


Kilmacolm Old Kirk Church 

Old Kirk Social Events - Outlook 

‘OUTLOOK’ Kilmacolm, is a social community group, formulated for 

friendship and fellowship. It is led by the Community Issues team 

of Kilmacolm Old Kirk. The group meets In Kidston Hall on 1st and 

3rd Thursdays monthly, 2pm - 4pm. Everyone is most welcome. 

The varied programme includes invited Speakers, followed by items of community 

issues for discussion, then afternoon tea is served by our dedicated OUTLOOK 

team. Tea money is donated monthly to a chosen charity. 

Programme for September: 

6th September OUTING – Highlights of Greenock – Coach visit with Inverclyde 

Tourist Group. 

20th September A Scottish Roundup, with William Kean - pianist, violinist, 

photographer, raconteur. 

Early notice of Quiz Night 

October 19th at 7.30pm at Kidston Hall. Teams of 8. £2 per head. All welcome. 

If you have, or could form, a team and would like to take part, contact Mary 

Leishman on 07801 981611. It is a fun and very sociable night. 

. . . Kilmacolm & Quarriers . . . 

Churches __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

in Kilmacolm & Quarriers ... 

KILMACOLM OLD KIRK: Church of Scotland (Charity no. SC009291). www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk. Minister Rev. Dr. Peter McEnhill (01505 873174). United 

services will continue to be held at St Columba’s at 11am for the first 2 Sundays in September. The work at The Old Kirk should be finished by September 

16th and services will resume there on that date. All Welcome. Tea/coffee served after service. Sòlas Bereavement Group 2nd Thursday each month at 

2pm in Kidston Hall. Harvest Thanksgiving 30th September 

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. Rosary 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! www.heartlandsec.org/KLM/index.html Contacts: Revd. Heller G.P 01505 872961 

/ Maureen Russell (Pastoral Assistant) 01505 872905. 

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. Please come and invite others: all welcome! 


32 


Home - Gryffe Advertizer 



Kilmacolm Bridge 

Club 

Kilmacolm Bridge 

Club resumes play 

on Monday 3rd 

September 

We meet in the 

New Community 

Centre and play 

commences at 7pm (please note 

change of time). 

The Club is a member of the Scottish 

Bridge Union with a team playing in 

the Renfrewshire Bridge League. We 

welcome new members to the Club 

and during the fi rst three weeks of 

September you are invited to come 

along as playing guests and check 

out the competitive but friendly play of 

duplicate bridge together. 

For further information, please contact 

the Club Secretary, Sheena Clayton, 

on 01505 873802. 


Kilmacolm Art 

Class 

Kilmacolm Art Class reopens on 

Thursday 11th October this year. 

The class is open to artists of all 

abilities from the local community. 

There is a weekly morning and 

afternoon session of 20 classes. 

There is tutor in attendance to assist 

as required. New members would be 

made most welcome within a good 

social group. 

The class terminates in March next year 

with an exhibition open to the public. 

Further details can be obtained from 

Janice Sinclair Secretary tel 01505 

873141. 

Would any existing members who have 

not received their renewals please 

contact Janice. Why don’t you come 

along and show off all your talents. 


Cllr Christopher Curley 


Choral Society Open 

Evening 

Bridge of Weir Choral Society begins its new season 

on 4th September in the lower hall at St Columba 

Church Kilmacolm. The Society originally met in 

Bridge of Weir for many years, hence the name. For 

around the past 12 years we have met for rehearsals 

in Kilmacolm. We are looking forward to singing a 

variety of Christmas pieces including several John 

Rutter carols, the Carol of the Bells, Schneewalzer 

and more. 

If you would like to come along and see what its all 

about just come on the 11th September for 7.30pm 

and you will be made very welcome. There are NO 

auditions! We have 50 members at present and 

would welcome newcomers. We have a tea break and 

a chance for a chat halfway through the evening. 


Brave the 

Shave 


Guide Hut 

to Hire 

A great venue with 

easy access near to the 

village centre. Newly 

refurbished main hall, 

with additional kitchen 

facilities and outdoor 

area. 

Perfect for children’s 

parties, weekly classes 

and one off special 

occasions. 

Anyone wanting to hire 

the Guide Hut please 

contact Roz on 07584 

359007. 

Frances Fulton 

of Kilmacolm is 

raising funds for 

Macmillan. After 

her mum passed 

with cancer in 

October she felt 

compelled to do 

something to show 

how much the 

family appreciated 

all the help and 

support they 

received. Here’s 

her before and after 

shots. If you can help please go to the link and donate: https://www.justgiving. 

com/fundraising/frances-fulton1 

If you have any news items you would like 

included in our next issue, email them to 

us at: info@advertizer.co.uk before Friday 

13th September. 

I hope everybody had a good summer! 

ROADS: I have been contacted by a number of constituents with respect to road safety issues within 

Kilmacolm and I am currently progressing these with Council Offi cers. A report on road safety was presented 

to the Environment and Regeneration Committee on the 30th of August. This will be followed up by another 

report on accident evaluation and proposed actions. 

GROUNDWORKS: It is great to see progress on the drainage works to the pitches at Birkmyre Park 

this summer. These works should improve the amount of time the pitches can be used each year. All 

organisations and individuals in Kilmacolm will be able to access these pitches in an equal footing. 

On the 9th of September I will be entering the Kilmacolm 10k. Hopefully I’ll be able to make it around in one piece! 

My next surgery will be in the Kilmacolm Community Centre at 7pm on the 19/9/2018. Please contact me directly to 

discuss any matters by telephone on 07768 460073/01475 712370, by email to: christopher.curley@inverclyde.gov.uk or 

by messaging me via my Facebook page (@Ward1chriscurleySNP). 



33 

kilbarchan - howwood - lochwinnoch - elderslie 

Help Morag and Liz reach 500 

(we are at 443!) people through 

Heart Start to save a life! 


The Kilbarchan Habbies’ Annual Art 

Exhibition 

Morag and Liz beside 

the AED in Lochwinnoch 

Would you know what to do in 

an Emergency? 

Everyone welcome! 

♥ 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: 

Tuesday 25th September 1pm - 3pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge 

Wednesday 24th October 7pm - 9pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge 

Wednesday 28th November 7pm - 9pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge 

If you have a group in the Lochwinnoch Howwood area that would like a Heart 

Start Course Liz and Morag are pleased to come to your group to deliver the 

course. 


Scott Gibson Comedy Tour 

Comes to Lochwinnoch 

Friday 30th November 7.30pm McKillop hall 

Tickets: £10 (£8 concession) 

“Anywhere But Here” 

Award-winning comedian Scott Gibson is back on the 

road with his eagerly anticipated third solo tour 

Delivered in his breathlessly inimitable style, Gibson 

takes you on an epic odyssey that charts the 

bullheaded adventures and choppy waters of youth. 

A refl ective and blisteringly funny treatise on the 

escapism and hedonism that travel promises, this 

is a story about friendship, love, pool parties, travel 

insurance, pushing your limits, plunging headfi rst into the deep and the Greek 

third-choice goalie. 

In recent years, Scott has successfully established himself as one of the best 

Scottish comedians of his generation, a title that was cemented when he received 

the Edinburgh Comedy Awards’ Best Newcomer trophy at the 2016 Fringe. He 

is also known as resident MC for BBC Introduces in Scotland, as host of The 

Hashtag Show, and for supporting some of the biggest names in comedy on their 

national tours, from Des Clarke and Daniel Sloss, to Kevin Bridges and Frankie 

Boyle, who describes Scott as a “natural, gifted, and unapologetic storyteller”. 

Scott and comedian Richard Gadd made history at the 2016 Edinburgh Comedy 

Awards when they became the fi rst Scottish winners to scoop both of the main 

prizes – Best Newcomer and Best Show – in the same year. 

“A big, bold, belter… riotously funny… his storytelling skills are undoubtedly 

degree-level standard” ?????The Herald 

“Irvine Welsh meets Billy Connolly” ?????Evening Standard 

“You need to remember his name because he’s going to be big… an absolute pick 

of the Fringe” ??????The Mirror 

Tickets for sale “Now and Then” the “Junction café” Lochwinnoch 

On line /www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/scott-gibson or call 07868 752814 

“Early morning on the beach” by J. Taylor 

Kilbarchan Habbies Art Group would like to invite you to our annual art exhibition 

which, this year, is to be held in October instead of our usual exhibition in April. 

We shall be holding it, as always, in the Kilbarchan Guide Centre, at Barn Green. 

At the moment the exhibition is open to the public on Saturday, 20th October from 

10am to 4pm, and again on Sunday, 21st October from 12am to 4pm. However, 

there may be changes to this which will be notifi ed in the next issue of the 

“Advertizer”. Watch this space! 

Along with our usual magnifi cent selection of paintings, there will be the tea 

room where you can have a drink, a chat and sample the really delicious home 

baking. 

Some craftwork will also be available and you can try your luck at the tombola. 

An extra plus is a fantastic opportunity to win a painting by renowned Greenock 

artist, Jim Owens. Jim has, very generously, donated one of his valuable, sought 

after paintings which we will raffl e during the show. Perhaps YOU could be the 

lucky one! 

Coming up to Christmas, this is a really good time to get a few extra gifts, choose 

a lovely new painting and have a pleasant afternoon with friends and family. So 

make sure you put the dates down on your calendar, and check the next issue for 

any additional dates. 

See you there! 


Calling Past member of the 

Boys’ Brigade 

This year the 1st Lochwinnoch Boys’ Brigade will be 

celebrating its centenary session. 

With such a special milestone of 100 years, we will 

be planning events throughout the upcoming session 

as the boys in the Anchor, Junior and Company Sections will be looking back 

and recognising the great history of the Company through its past years in the 

village. 

There has never been a better time for new members to join our thriving company 

here in Lochwinnoch. 

Equally spread amongst all age groups we have a total membership of around 

60 which we are always keen to increase. For details on joining, please see our 

other article. 

In addition to this, we are keen to reach out to any past members who were 

part of the Lochwinnoch Company as boy or as a staff member as we look to 

commemorate this unique birthday. 

Old pictures and memories of times in the company would be greatly appreciated 

and would even help identify other past members and also give a great insight 

into what the Boys’ Brigade was like then. 

If you are reading this yourself or may even know others who were a part of the 

company at some point in the past then we would love to hear from you. 

Any pictures provided will be professionally copied and returned safely to the 

owner. So spread the word around the village and get in touch! 

Please contact Mark Brown on 01505 842209 or email: mark.david.brown@ 

btinternet.com 

. . . Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch & Elderslie . . . 



34 


Dementia Friendly 

Lochwinnoch 

Village 

Next meeting and AGM 12th 

September 8pm Calder Church. 

There will be another Tea dance 

on Friday 5th October at 2pm in 

Lochwinnoch Golf Club. 

The Calder church will be hosting a 

fi lm afternoon in the autumn more 

information to follow. 

We plan to have some public training 

for anyone in Lochwinnoch on Tuesday 

9th October venue to be arranged. 


Kilbarchan Messy 

Church 

Messy Church 

is back for a 

new session of 

fun and friendship 

on Saturday 15th September from 

4pm – 6pm in Kilbarchan Parish 

Church Halls. We welcome old and 

new faces to join us as we explore a 

Bible story in new and exciting ways. 

Our theme this month is the Parable 

of the Sower, tying in with the season 

of harvest. After time with crafts and 

games etc. We take time to share 

food and fellowship together. If you 

are coming to join us just remember to 

bring an adult with you. They can join 

in the fun too! 


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. 


Cllr Andy Doig 

ROADS: At the request of Kilbarchan Community Council it has 

been agreed that Renfrewshire Council will seek to remove 

the traffi c island outside the Co-Operative at the centre of the 

village. As well as ensuring that there is more space to navigate 

the junction from Station Road and Churchill Place, it is also 

hoped that it may provide more parking space outside the Co- 

Op for those using this key amenity. 

Still on traffi c concerns I have had a site visit with residents 

and council offi cers at Bowfi eld Road in Howwood who are very concerned about 

speeding traffi c, especially at the top of Bowfi eld Road near Christ the King 

Church. I have asked council offi cers to examine what options are available to 

slow down traffi c in this area. 

BUSES: I am extremely angry that the SPT has decided to cut the McGills 307 

Johnstone Train Station to Lochwinnoch service midweek as far as the 11.21pm 

late bus is concerned, from 15th July, and I have written to both the SPT Convener 

and Renfrewshire Council’s representative on the SPT asking them to reconsider 

their decision. I have never suggested that large numbers of villagers use the late 

bus but the small number that do depend on it to get back to Lochwinnoch from 

their places of employment in Glasgow and Paisley, and they depend on this as 

a vital transport lifeline. 

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 on the 

4th Wednesday of the month in Howwood Village Hall at 6.30pm, then at 

Lochwinnoch also on the 4th Wednesday of the month in the McKillop at 7.30pm, 

excluding July and Christmas. But I am also always available to constituents who 

can call me on 07534 148224, tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward8, facebook me on 

Independent Voice/Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages, or e-mail me at cllr.andy.doig@ 

renfrewshire.gov.uk 


Gryffe SCD Club - 

Kilbarchan 

Hello all country dancers, our club will 

be starting up again on Thursday 20 

September at 8pm in the Kilbarchan 

Guide Centre. The term runs through 

until 20th December when we shall 

fi nish with a party night and live 

music. 

The class is a “general class” open 

to all country dancers and if you 

haven’t tried it before but would like 

to, then come along. Beginners are 

made most welcome, no-one is under 

any pressure, it’s all about having 

fun as well as great exercise. We’ll 

be delighted to help you get into the 

swing. 

For information contact Les Lambert 

at 01505 704398 or e mail 

leslambert08@gmail.com 


Kilbarchan 

The group has 2 meetings in 

September, the fi rst on the topic 

“Famous Couples” and the second 

a visit to the cinema in Linwood. For 

further information, please phone 

703786 or visit the website: www.nwr. 

org.uk 


Kilbarchan Parish 

Church 

Renfrewshire Open Days - Kilbarchan 

Parish Church will be open on Sunday 

9th September from 12noon - 4pm for 

visitors. Refreshments will be available 

in the hall and there will be puzzle 

sheets for children to complete. 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Senior 

Members outing takes place 

on Saturday 1st September, the 

destination is Largs with high tea in 

Willowbank Hotel. 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Guild 

members are holding a Coffee Morning 

on Saturday 8th September from 

10am - 12noon in the church hall, off 

Steeple Square. All welcome. 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club. 

The club resumes on Monday 3rd 

September from 9.15am - 11.30am 

in the church hall, when we shall 

be pleased to welcome new tots as 

well as those returning, with their 

accompanying adults. Adults pay 

£1 for refreshments, children free. 

There is a large variety of toys and 

the ever popular bouncy castle, to suit 

the tots from birth-3 years. The club 

continues to be organised by a group 

of volunteers from the church. 



Early 

Announcement 

Lochwinnoch Arts 

Festival 2019! 

‘A village of culture and heritage’ 

This year’s festival promises to be 

bigger than ever!! 

We are delighted to announce that 

we have Christine Bovill performing 

on Friday 8th March in the McKillop 

hall 7.30pm. Christine is well known 

for her amazing shows. Her Piaf 

performances are now legend and she 

now can now of boast sell out shows 

at the Edinburgh Fringe. 

“The most astonishing performer.” 

Nicholas Parsons 

“Old fashioned genius.” Dillie Keane 


Lochwinnoch 

Community 

Garden Update 

We received an Outstanding from 

the assessor from ‘Keep Scotland 

Beautiful’ the fi nal report will follow 

well done all!! Our involvement with 

the community especially providing 

fl owers in the containers round the 

village was signifi cant. In addition, 

involving the primary school was 

important. 

The next date for work party Sunday 

26th August tidy up wild fl ower area at 

Lochbarr meet at Parish church 2pm. 

Your Ward 9 Councillors ... for Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch & Elderlsie 

Andy Doig, Derek Bibby, Bill Binks, Emma Rodden | Advice Surgeries: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/councillors 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 


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 

Lochwinnoch: Bowling Club: 1st Tues at 7.30pm 


Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 702758. 

Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 706070 



35 


Howood WI 

The Howwood SWRI starts 

up again for the new season 

on Tuesday September 18th at 7.30pm 

at Howwood Village Hall. Park Ranger 

Hayley Douglas will be there to explain 

the work done by the Tag-n-Track team 

at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. An 

interesting evening is guaranteed. All 

members, and any new members who 

would like to come along, will receive 

a very warm welcome. Call Irene 

MacTaggart for any further information 

on 01505 704800. 


Lochwinnoch Choral Society 


Lochwinnoch Art 

Group 

Our new session begins on Friday 

7th September in our usual venue... 

Space Room in the McKillop Hall. 

Please note that we have changed 

from meeting on alternate Monday 

evenings to Friday mornings 10am till 

12noon. As Always we are keen to see 

new people coming along so pop in 

and see what we are about . For more 

info, call Lorna 01505 843048. 

Lochwinnoch Choral Society are staging a concert in the Lochwinnoch Parish 

Church in Church Street, on Sunday 7th October at 7pm. The concert will feature 

the magnifi cent ‘Messa De Gloria’ by Puccini and all are welcome. Tickets can be 

bought at the door and will cost £10. 


Lochwinnoch Railway Station History 

Posters 

If you are using Lochwinnoch station you may notice three history posters. These 

posters were created by Dr Brian Smith and Mr Patrick Smith of Lochwinnoch. 

The material was part of the excellent ‘Crafts from the Past’ presentation during 

the 2017 Lochwinnoch Arts Festival. 

Thanks to all the hard work by Brian and Pat to produce the material; the posters 

were sponsored by Lochwinnoch Arts Festival and boards provided by Scot rail. 


1st Lochwinnoch Boy’s Brigade 

The 1st Lochwinnoch Boys’ Brigade Company will begin its new session on 

Tuesday, September, 4th. 

New as well as existing members of the Company will be warmly welcomed on 

this evening, just come along to the Parish Church Hall. 

The Company is split into three sections depending on age and meets at different 

times during the normal Tuesday evening: 

Anchor Boys (Primary 1 - 3) = 6 - 7pm 

Junior Section (Primary 4 - 6) = 7 - 8.15pm 

Company Section (Primary 7-Secondary 6) = 7:45 - 9:30pm 

Uniquely, this session will mark the 100th year of the 1st Lochwinnoch Company, 

therefore special centenary events will be planned as we aim to celebrate this 

special occasion. 

The fi rst of these planned events will be a weekend camp, a traditional activity 

throughout the BB and a chance to enjoy the outdoors in an enjoyable trip away. 

This will take place 6th and 7th of October at the Blair Activity Centre in Dalry and 

will be open to boys in the Company Section. 

The Junior Section will be attending the Giant Sleepover at the Science Centre in 

Glasgow on Friday 2nd November along with other Juniors from all over Scotland. 

This has been a popular event in the past although we not sure that the title of 

the event is correct as we don’t think that much sleeping actually takes place. 

The Boys’ Brigade is a perfect way to learn new skills, meet new friends and most 

importantly have fun so if we look forward to seeing as many boys as possible 

come along for another successful year in the village. 

Details and uniform for boys will be sorted on the fi rst evening so no need to worry 

if you’ve not been before just pop down to the Church Hall with your mum or dad 

at the correct time for your age, the adventure starts here! 

Information or queries beforehand don’t hesitate to contact Mark Brown. 

Home Telephone: 01505 842209 Email: mark.david.brown@btinternet.com 


Howwood 

Parish Church 

Community 

Coffee Shop 

Community Coffee Shop - 

First Friday monthly 

Howwood Parish Church: 

10am - 12noon 

“In the community, for the community” 

Adults £2. Children free. 

All welcome. 


Lochwinnoch 

Country Dance 

Class 

The new session begins on Tuesday 

25th September in the McKillop, 

lesser hall at usual time 7.30pm till 

9.30pm. This friendly, good natured 

group is always seeking new members, 

so come along and give it a go. For 

more info. call Lorna Black 01505 

843048. 


Churches in Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch & Elderslie ... 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

KILBARCHAN PARISH CHURCH: Services continue on Sundays at 11am throughout the month of September, conducted by Rev. Stephen Smith. Junior 

Church and the crèche meet in the halls from 10.45am each Sunday. Refreshments are served in the hall after the service each week. All are welcome. 

For information about all organisations, please visit the church website: www.kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk 

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. 

LOCHWINNOCH PARISH CHURCH: Mary Jane Bird. Sunday 11am: Morning 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. 

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. 



36 


Cllr Bill Binks 

As we have just returned after recess there has not been much 

activity as yet. Having said that my e-mail basket is never empty 

of issues raised by residents. 

LOCHWINNOCH STATION: Having raised the request for a 

review of parking and disabled access problems at Lochwinnoch 

Station. We have now been told that these areas within the 

station are covered by Network Rail, ScotRail and the local 

authority. The enquiry has been passed on to Renfrewshire’s 

Station Surveyor and ScotRail who franchise the station. Any proposals would 

have to be made through them, and who we hope will give us a some speedy 

answers. 

KILBARCHAN PLANNING: A Proposal of Application Notice has been submitted to 

The Planning Department for a residential development with associated access, 

landscaping, open space and associated works on land at Barrhill Crescent 

north of No 2 – 16 Barrhill Crescent. As this is within the greenbelt planning 

law requires the applicant to hold a public meeting. This event took place on 

Thursday 23rd August 2018 at Steeple Hall from 2pm to 7pm. It is likely that the 

meeting will have taken place before you read this note but I hope you will have 

made your feelings known and will have taken an active role in the discussion. 

HOWWOOD WILDLIFE: The Howwood Wildlife & Woodlands group will be putting 

leafl ets through the letterboxes of residents with a view to recruiting new and 

younger members. The charity has been working away in Howwood since 2002 

and, apart from one or two changes, the same people have been working to make 

Howwood beautiful and welcoming ever since. I hope some of you will take the 

opportunity to put your name forward and help this dedicated team out. It’s fun, 

it’s friendly and is very part time with lots of satisfaction built in. 

REFUSE COLLECTIONS: You will all, no doubt, have received notice about 

the proposed bin changes and the dates for a drop-in roadshow in your area. 

Please take advantage of this opportunity and have your say on the matter. The 

roadshow team will be in: Howwood 3rd September, Kilbarchan 13th September, 

Johnstone 17th September and Lochwinnoch 18th September 

My surgeries are as follows:- 

Week 1 Tuesday KILBARCHAN Steeple Hall 6pm/7pm. 

Week 2 Tuesday HOWWOOD Village Hall 6pm/7pm. 

Week 3 Wednesday JOHNSTONE Town Hall 6pm/7pm. 

Week 4 Wednesday LOCHWINNOCH McKillop Institute 6pm/7pm. 

Email: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk Phone: 0300 300 1423 


1st Lochwinnoch Girls’ Brigade 

Wednesday nights are full of fun! 

The new session for 1st Lochwinnoch Girls’ Brigade 

begins on Wednesday 5th September in Lochwinnoch 

Parish Church Halls. 

Explorers: 6pm to 7pm (P1 – P3) 

Juniors: 6.45pm to 8pm (P4 – P7) 

Brigaders: 8pm to 9.15pm (S1 – S6) 

Our programme covers four sections, Spiritual, Physical, Educational and Service. 

Each week the girls learn lots of new things about the topics they are looking at 

as well as enjoying crafts, and of course games….just ask any Junior girl about 

“Sharks and Lifeguards”. 

For more information, please email Jennie: 1stlochwinnochgb@gmail.com 


Lochwinnoch 

Heartes Keep Fit 

Group 

We will be starting our class after the summer break on 

Monday 10th September. Keep active!! 

Local 

Defibrillators in 

the Gryffe Area 

There is still limited access to 

defi brillators in village centres, 

particularly if they are in shops 

(like the Co-op which closes at 

10pm), the 24 hour ones can 

be accessed by calling 999 and 

they will advise the key codes to 

release them as well as alerting 

the emergency services. 

PUBLIC DEFIBRILLATOR 

SITES 

Bridge of Weir & Quarriers 

Co-Op Bridge of Weir 

Old Ranfurly Golf Club 

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club 

William Quarriers House @ 

entrance to Faith Avenue 

Country View, Quarriers 

Houston & Brookfield 

Carrick Centre Houston 

Co-Op Houston 

Strathgryffe Squash & Fitness 

Club (Reception) 

Brookfi eld Village Hall Main 

Entrance 

Kilmacolm 

Kilmacolm Golf Club 

St Columba’s Senior School 

Gym, Birkmyre Park, 

Kilmacolm 

Kilmacolm Library (at rear of 

New Surgery) 

Kilbarchan, Johnstone & 

Linwood 

Scout Hall, Kilbarchan 

Kilbarchan Bowling Club 

Onyx Leisure Centre, Linwood 

Spar, Clippens Road, Linwood 

Keystore, Spateston 

Keystore, Corseford 



Lochwinnoch SWI 

We hope you have enjoyed 

the sun and warmth of this 

summer. Now it is almost 

time to consider Autumn and Winter 

activities again……..and so the year 

matures! 

The fi rst monthly meeting of the new 

season of Lochwinnoch SWI is on 

Wednesday 19th September at 7.30 

pm in the McKillop Hall. We have 

pleasure in inviting members, friends, 

any women new to the village, and any 

others of all ages to an informal social 

evening, “Welcome to Lochwinnoch 

SWI”. 

If you have ever wondered just what 

makes the Scottish Women’s Institute 

tick come along and fi nd out and enjoy 

a glass of wine and a nibble, or a cup 

of tea and some home baking and a 

chat about the SWI. 

Some of our members will be 

demonstrating crafts such as cake 

decorating, crochet, jewellery making, 

and applique work, so you can have 

a go or just ask anything about the 

crafts we are showing. 

We have a varied and interesting 

syllabus arranged for you to enjoy 

through to April. 

For further info contact Elma Richmond 

843193 or richmond32@tiscali.co.uk 


Kilbarchan Old Library Centre 

The Centre is up and running again after our closure in July. The Bridge class at 

the Old Library Centre in Kilbarchan starts back on 7th September at 2pm. If you 

would like to learn how to play Bridge, beginners and improvers are welcome to 

join us. The class is suitable for anyone wanting to improve their knowledge of 

ACOL. Our classes and now back again as follows:- 

Monday 10am Pilates 

Monday 7.30pm Intermediate Yoga 

Tuesday 2pm Craft Group (every 2nd week) 

Wednesday 10am Yoga 

2pm Pilates 

7.30pm Yoga 

Thursday 10.45 am “First Love Music” for babies and toddlers 

Thursday 2.30 pm “FABS” – exercise class for over 60’s 

Friday 2pm Bridge 

If you are thinking about starting a new hobby or exercise regimen, or want more 

information about any of the above classes please contact us. 

The Old Library Centre is a registered Scottish Charity and is ran by volunteers. 

For more details please phone 01505 706070, email: kipcokil@hotmail.com or 

visit our website www.kipcokil.com 



37 


Cll Emma Rodden 

PARKING: It was great to return to Council business this week 

following our summer recess and in our fi rst group meeting, the 

administration Councillors made a collective decision not to 

support proposals for parking charges in Johnstone & Renfrew 

and to make no amendments to parking permit terms in Paisley. 

Following the consultation and surveys, it became very clear that 

although the parking issues in Johnstone are widely recognised, it 

was not felt by the public that charges would effectively address 

this. We said from the outset that proposals would need to demonstrate a clear 

benefi t to the communities, after listening to all opinions expressed during the 

process, there was no consensus of such a benefi t. I am glad that we could make 

an informed decision and am thankful to everyone who engaged with us at all levels 

of consultation. 

ACCESSIBILITY: I was delighted to put forward a motion at full council in June, 

compelling Council to contact Scotrail, Network Rail and any other relevant 

organisations, urging them to carry out a review of disabled access and disabled/ 

general parking provisions at Lochwinnoch Railway Station. This motion was 

accepted and to date we have had one response. I know that this issue has been 

raised previously, but given technological advances and recent installations of 

disabled access at Milliken Park Station, I felt it important to try again. It is just not 

acceptable in 2018 for those requiring disabled access to public transport to not 

have the same equality of opportunity. Disabled passengers are forced to travel 

to other stations, to make travel arrangements days in advance and generally to 

suffer inconvenience and inconsideration. We have received some press attention 

on the matter as well as backing from our local MSP Tom Arthur and I am heartened 

by the recent success in Stirling of a similar campaign. I hope to have a positive 

update in due course. 

PAVEMENTS: Finally, I have been contacted by many residents throughout my 

ward regarding overgrowth of hedges restricting access to pedestrian walkways, 

particularly in Lochwinnoch and the main road from Kilbarchan to Brookfi eld. 

Following my requests, surveys were performed in the affected areas and landowners 

advised of works required to reinstate adequate access. At time of press, the 

majority of works in Lochwinnoch have been actioned successfully and I anticipate 

the same result in other parts of Ward 9, Council is working in consultation with 

RSPB to ensure the conservation of nesting areas is prioritised also. 

As always, constituents wishing to raise issues can do so at my surgeries: 

2nd Saturday of the month (excluding July) – Johnstone Town Hall 10.30am-11am 

& Kilbarchan Steeple 11.15am-11.45am 

3rd Saturday of the month (excluding July) – Howwood Village Hall 10.30am-11am 

& McKillop Institute 11.15am-11.45am 

I can also be contacted by email cllr.emma.rodden@renfrewshire.gov.uk, or by 

telephone 07976 239539. 


Elderslie Community Council 

Elderslie Community Council Quiz Night at Elderslie Wallace Bowling Club 

Elderslie Community Council have been busy during the summer. We had a very 

successful summer fayre, the fi rst for 35 years! We have had grants awarded to 

allow us to buy Christmas lights for Stoddard Square and a section of Main Road 

and we are currently working with Renfrewshire Council to install some fl ower 

planters along the railings by Stoddard Square. We hope to build on this year 

on year. 

We have made plans to make the park between Lomond Gardens and Queens 

Road into an accessible park for all. With this in mind we’re hosting the fi rst 

of our fundraising events at Elderslie Wallace Bowling Club on 29th September 

at 7pm. We’re planning a quiz night with an individual entry fee of £5 with the 

winning team taking £100 home! 

We would really appreciate your support in this, we know that we need more 

community engagement to make a difference in the village so if you can come 

along we’re sure you’ll have a great evening. Come and join us at Elderslie 

Wallace Bowling Club on Saturday the 29th September at 7pm for a fun fi lled 

night of quizzing. We will be holding a 

raffl e during the evening and the quiz 

rounds will cover sport, current affairs, 

general knowledge, entertainment and 

a few picture rounds. 

We have recently launched our new 

website at www.elderslie.org.uk where 

you can see all of our meetings, events 

and what we are all about. It is a work 

in progress but we are very pleased with 

how it has come out so far and we’re 

looking forward to developing it further 

with the communities’ involvement.’ 


Kilbarchan Bridge 

Group Restarts 

The opening meeting of Kilbarchan 

Bridge Club is on 4th of September. 

The club meets on Tuesday evenings 

in Kilbarchan Steeple Hall at 7 30pm. 

New members are always welcome. 

For further information call: 01505 

843537 


Cllr Derek Bibby 

PARKING CHARGES: The U turn by the current administration 

on Renfrewshire Council in regard to the policy decision to 

impose car parking charges in Johnstone is welcome, if long 

overdue. 

Despite universal opposition to the policy, it has taken 

almost 10 months to reach that decision, in the meantime 

spending over £40,000 on a pointless impact assessment. 

This money could and should have been spent more wisely, 

however townsfolk, local businesses, and visitors to Johnstone can rest more 

easily knowing that the policy has been abandoned. It should not see the 

light of day again. 

ENVIRONMENT: If it is true that you never get a second chance to make a 

fi rst impression, visitors to Kilbarchan will not have a good one, due to the 

overgrown and unsightly weeds on the roundabouts at the A737 entrance 

to the village, and the overgrown hedges at Waterside Terrace. 

Work on these issues need to be a priority for the council, and I have written to 

Environmental Services raising the matter and demanding action. 

MOBILE LIBRARY: It is now 4 months since the council agreed that the Mobile 

Library run by Renfrewshire Leisure must be reinstated. At the time of writing 

there is no indication of when this will happen. The residents of Howwood 

and Kilbarchan will rightly be asking when they can expect the service to 

resume. I have written to the Council's Chief Executive to raise concerns over 

the time it is taking. 

SCHOOL INSPECTION: Parents of children from Howwood and Lochwinnoch 

who attend St Anthony’s Primary school, will welcome the excellent inspection 

report into the school, which praised the work on literacy, the hard work from 

the children, sound leadership and good working relationships between 

parents and teachers. All involved have received well deserved credit in the 

report for the work going on in the school. 

My surgeries are on the fi rst Saturday of every month, except January and 

July, at 9am in the McKillop Institute Lochwinnoch at 10am in the Village Hall 

Howwood, at 11am in the Steeple Hall Kilbarchan, and 12 30pm in Johnstone 

Town Hall. 

Meantime please contact me at: cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or 

phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534 156007. 

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. . . Houston, Crosslee & Brookfield . . . 

38 

houston, crosslee & brookfield 

Houston and Killellan Kirk 

The Gleniffer Singers will be performing for one night only in 

Houston Kirk. 

Friday 28th September at 7pm. 

No tickets required. 

Everyone is very welcome. Just come along. 



Scottish Country Dancing 

The Scottish Country Dancing Group restarts on Wednesday 5th September in 

Houston and Killellan Kirk, West Halls, Main Street, Houston at 8pm. Come along 

and join us it is good exercise and helps to get rid of excesses of summer. We 

do stop half way through the evening for a cup of tea and a chat. No experience 

needed. For further information contact Marilyn tel:01505 613083 

Cameo Club 

The CAMEO ( Come and Meet Everyone) Club. The Club starts off it’s new session 

on Wednesday 5th September at 2pm in the West Halls, Main Street, Houston. 

We have a full programme arranged for the 2018/19 Session including a 

Christmas Party and a separate Christmas Lunch at a local Restaurant. 

We invite new members to join us. We are a very friendly group and fi nish every 

meeting with tea and cakes. For more information contact Marilyn tel:01505 

613083 

Houston Guild 

Once again, the Annual Guild Gathering takes place in Dundee on Saturday 1st 

September. Five of our members are looking forward to representing Houston & 

Killellan Kirk Guild on the day. 

Our new session begins on Tuesday 4th September with a Harvest Supper in 

the West Hall, Main St, Houston. All our meetings are held at 7.30pm, on 

alternate Tuesdays. 

We hope that this Welcome Evening will encourage new members, both men and 

women, to come along and enjoy this fun time with us. 

Our Guild is a friendly, outgoing, “young at heart” group, and will make you most 

welcome. Why don’t you come along with a friend, perhaps, and fi nd out for 

yourselves? 


Houston and Killellan Agricultural 

Society 

Houston and Killellan Agricultural Society are holding a Quiz night on Friday 30th 

November at 7.30pm in the J.G.Fleming Bowling Club, Houston. Tickets are £5 to 

include a light supper and are available from committee members and Isabelle 

Stuart on 01505 613479 or e-mail: issistuart@gmail.com 


H.O.S.T. The Carrick Centre, Houston 

(Houston Old School Trust) 

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 

Gryffe Manor Out of School 

01505 615438 

Coffee Shop: - Mon - Fri: 9am - 4.30pm 

Sat: 9am - 4pm 

MONDAY 

Yoga (Weekly) 20th @ 1pm - Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112 | Diaporama 

10th @ 7.30pm | Young Farmers 17th @ 7pm | Sewing Group (Weekly) 

24th @ 10am - 12noon | SWI Handiwifes 17th @ 7.30pm 

TUESDAY 

Paint Pot Tots (Weekly) @ 10am - Dawn Campbell 07789 262350 | Galaxy 

(Weekly) (Own room) @ 4pm - 7pm | Yoga (Weekly) @ 7pm - M/s Lawson 

01505 613690 | Councillor Surgery 4th @ 6.30pm (Scott Kerr) | Councillor 

Surgery 18th @ 12noon (Alison Dowling) 

WEDNESDAY 

Gryffe Melody Makers 5th/19th @ 7pm | Community Council 19th @ 

7.30pm | Gryffe Camera Club (Weekly) @ 7.30pm TBA | Renfrew Council 

Recycle Roadshow 5th @ 12.30pm | Cricketfield Residents 26th R5 @ 

7.30pm 

THURSDAY 

Gryffe Quilting Group @ 1.15pm - 3.15pm (21st @ 10am) | Primary Colours 

(Weekly) @ 3.30pm – 4.30pm | Crafty Friends 6th/20th @ 7.30pm | Folk 

Club (Weekly) @ 8pm - iaintdawson@gmail.com 07786 078952 | Councillors 

Surgery 27th @ 7.15pm (Audrey Doig) 

FRIDAY 

Yoga (Weekly) @ 10.30am - M/s Lawson 01505 613690 | Galaxy Dancing 

(Weekly) @ 3pm - 7pm | Gavin Newlands M.P. Surgery 14th @ 12.30pm – 

1.30pm 

SATURDAY 

Galaxy Dancing (Weekly) @ 9am - 5pm | Councillors Surgery 1st @ 11.30am 

– 12noon (James Sheridan) | Musical Evening 22nd @ 7pm - Eilidh Grant 

01505 690118 

SUNDAY 

Baptist Church (Weekly) @ 11am and 6pm 

Booking enquiries to: Ian Simpson 01505 612203 

Bill Haddow 01505 690693 Stewart Scally 01505 674277 

hostbooking@outlook.com or The Coffee Shop 



Houston and Killellan 

Kirk were delighted 

to play host to the 

ordination of our new 

minister, Rev Gary 

Noonan, on Thursday 

26th July evening. 2 

bus loads of Gary’s 

friends and family 

joined a huge number 

of our congregation for 

a truly uplifting service, 

and the amazing singing 

hopefully showed Gary 

how proud everyone is 

of him, and how much 

we are looking forward 

to his ministry. The ordination was followed by a social where everyone was very 

well fed, watered and got to know each other better. Gary, our very best wishes 

for your new ministry here in Houston and we are all looking forward to working 

together with you to build up our Church and community. 

Your Ward 10 Councillor ... for Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield & Linwood 

Audrey Doig, Scott Kerr, Alison Jean Dowling, James Sheridan | Advice Surgeries: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/councillors 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 


BROOKFIELD: Brookfield Village Hall: 2nd Thursday at 7.30pm 

February, April, June, August, October and December. 

HOUSTON: Carrick Centre: 3rd Wednesday at 7.30pm | houstoncommcouncil@yahoo.co.uk 


Brookfield, Village Hall. Tel: 335562 

Houston, Carrick Centre. Tel: 612203 / 331488 

Houston, Compass Centre. Tel: Gillian Peters - 07879 407574 or 

01505 613759. 

Linwood Masonic Hall. Tel: 07825 222944 



39 


Cllr Audrey Doig 

VILLAGES: Since being privileged enough to be elected to 

represent all the residents of Linwood, Houston, Crosslee, and 

Brookfi eld some eleven years ago, I have been very clear that 

Renfrewshire Council needs to do more to invest in the West 

Renfrewshire villages, and this I have worked for. Recently I 

happened to meet a constituent whilst out shopping and I made 

her aware of how much the Council is trying to do now to promote 

heritage, culture, and the arts, including in our villages. 

For example, the cultural and arts event, the Spree, which hitherto has been 

only Paisley based is this year for the fi rst time moving outwith the town to other 

parts of Renfrewshire, and many of these artists and musicians featured are 

household names. Also for families there is the annual Halloween Parade and 

fi reworks events in Paisley for the whole of Renfrewshire, and to conclude the 

year both Linwood and Houston now have annual Christmas Lights events which 

have fi nancial support from the Council, and terrifi c support from both the local 

community and Linwood and Houston Community Councils. We still have some 

way to go to redress the imbalance of resources within Renfrewshire but the 

current administration is moving in the right direction. 

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 the Carrick Centre, Houston, at 7.15pm, excluding July and 

Christmas. But I am also always available to constituents who can call me on 

07768 130935, or e-mail me at cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk. 


Houston Co-op Food Bank Donation Bin 

For the month of September, the Houston 

CO-OP Food Bank donation bin URGENTLY 

NEEDS... 

Cereal UHT Milk Tinned Fish 

Tinned Custard & Tinned Creamed Rice 

Jam Toilet Rolls 

1 ton of food is distributed by Renfrewshire 

Food Bank each week in the Renfrewshire 

area. 

People in crisis who require the services of the 

Food Bank are referred by health professionals 

and social services and a voucher is issued for 

food. 

A three-day, dietician approved food parcel 

can then be collected from a local distribution site in Renfrewshire. 

Thank you for your kindness. 

*Jenny Cowan runs the Food Bank donation bins in the CO-OP stores in Houston, 

Bridge of Weir and Kilbarchan. Jenny can be contacted via JennyMeadows10@ 

outlook.com 


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 (or biscuits) 

We are a group of ladies who enjoy making things. No experience 

necessary. We just have a chat and do a bit of sewing/knitting/ 

cross stitch or anything you like. We start back on Thursday 6th 

September and meet the fi rst and third Thursday in the month. 

Please come and join us. 

Lorna Cairns - 01505 612844. Shirley White - 01505 610721 


Brookfield Gala Day 

Saturday 18th August 2018 

Despite the gloomy forecast, the day dawned 

better than expected but given the amount of 

rain over the previous few days, it was decided 

to relocate the event to the Village Hall car 

park which certainly provided better conditions 

underfoot! 

The sun even made a brief appearance just 

as proceedings kicked off with the children’s 

fancy dress parade along Woodside Road, ably 

led by two young pipers from St Columba’s School 

Pipe Band. Following in the footsteps of her 

grandmother, mother and aunt, we were delighted 

to welcome Marion White (nee Malcom) to offi cially 

open Gala Day. Our guest, Sean Batty, then took 

over and expertly compered the day. 

Entertainment on the stage was provided by dancers 

from Galaxy, Houston; our very own Brookfi eld 

Brass Necks, who played a wide variety of musical 

numbers and members of Zumba Brookfi eld & 

Paisley, who gave a demonstration of what they get 

up to in the Village Hall on a Tuesday evening! 

For the second year, Brookfi eld 

Gardening Group presented 

awards at Gala Day to recognise 

beautiful and well-kept gardens 

in the village. The winners 

were: Linda Macphee (Best 

Hanging Baskets/Pots), Carol 

Wager (Greenest Grass), Mark 

Littlewood (Best Kept Hedge) 

and Lorna Gilroy (Most Colourful 

Front Garden). Congratulations 

to you all! 

The talented home bakers in the village did us proud providing a wonderful array 

of tasty treats for both the Tearoom in the Village Hall and the Cake & Candy 

stall. 

Our Gala Day could not happen without the efforts of a great many volunteers. 

We would like to thank everyone who played a part in any way - we acknowledge 

your input and thank you all for your hard work. Thanks also to all our residents 

whose generous donations to the various stalls contributed enormously to a 

successful day. Innis Keith, Chairperson of Brookfi eld Village Council said: “I lost 

count of the number of people who commented on what a great day they were 

having!” 

Facebook: HYPERLINK “http://brookfi eldvillage.org/” nbrookfi eldvillage.org 

Twitter: @Brookfi eldvpa e-mail: brookfi eldvpa@gmail.com 


French Conversation 

Our French conversation groups are still 

going strong. The age range in the morning 

group is one year up to 90 years! In the 

afternoon group our oldest member is 95. 

We meet in the Fox and Hounds in Houston 

on Wednesdays 9.30am till 12noon and 

2pm till 4pm. If you want to join us just come 

along. Details phone or text 07463 570464 

or email avril.forbes2015@outlook.com. 

We look forward to welcoming you. 


Houston & Crosslee 

SWI 

Our fi rst meeting of the new year will be 

on Wednesday 12th September at 7.30pm. The 

speaker will be Mr Ian McCrorie who will speak to 

us about Caledonian MacBrayne. On Wednesday 

October 10th we will visit The Lime Tree Larder. 

We meet in the Compass Centre, South Street, 

Houston on the second Wednesday of each month, 

Please come and join us, everyone will be made very 

welcome. If you wish further information please 

contact, Arlene MacKay on 07932 459994. 

. . . Houston, Crosslee & Brookfield . . . 

Churches in Houston ... 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

HOUSTON AND KILLELLAN: September services are conducted by the Rev. Gary Noonan unless otherwise stated. Sunday 2nd - 11am - Morning Worship 

Baptism/Cradle roll and Sunday Club re-dedication Service. Sunday 9th - 11am - Morning Worship 1st Houston Boys and Girls Brigade Re-dedication 

Service. Sunday 16th - 11am - Morning Worship Harvest Thanksgiving Service. Sunday 23rd & 30th - 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 10am - 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: ‘Abbotsfield’, St. Fillan’s, Main St, Houston, PA6 7EL. T. 01505 612046. 

E. parish@stfillan.org.uk www.stfillan.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 Street, Houston PA6 7EL. Rev Geoff Austin (Interim Pastor) Family Service at 10.30am, Creche available. 

Communion service first Sunday of the month. Tel 01505 610862. www.houston.nazarene.org.uk 


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. 


40 


Duchal Nursery 

School 

What a wonderful start to the new term we 

have had. It has been lovely to welcome the 

new children to our Duchal family and to 

see our older children embracing their new 

role mentoring them! 

We were delighted to launch our Summer 

Holiday Activity Camps that were held 

during June and August. These were hugely 

successful and enjoyed by all that attended 

and offered parents greater options for 

childcare during the holiday period. 

The children are already embracing our 

Autumn topic learning about the autumnal 

colours and enjoying our nature walks. 

We wish all our summer leavers the best 

of luck as they move on to various local 

primary schools in Langbank, Bridge of 

Weir, Houston and Kilmacolm, the joy of 

being an independent nursery means our 

children have the option to move on to a 

variety of schools. 

If you would like to come and visit the 

Nursery to fi nd out more about what we 

can offer please call us on: 01505 874358 

or email info@duchal.com. Also visit 

our website at: www.duchal.com and our 

Facebook page to keep up to date with all 

the latest news. 

Kilmacolm Primary School 

It was lovely to welcome back all the pupils and family of Kilmacolm 

Primary School and it was very exciting to see our new Primary 1 

pupils. I hope you have all had a fantastic time back at school. 

After our beautiful summer weather it was a delight to visit our 

school garden and discover how our vegetables had been 

getting on over the summer. 

The P3 boys from Mrs Nicholson’s 

P3/2 class reported back that we 

had a bumper harvest! There are 

courgettes, marrows, tomatoes and 

leeks all ready to for our cooking 

classroom. Mrs Black our helper 

from The Haven even baked a 

cake using the courgettes grown in 

the garden, it got a huge thumbs 

up from the P3 Garden group… 

yum, yum. 

Port Glasgow High 

School 

Record Breaking Exam Results at Port Glasgow High 

School 

Staff and pupils were delighted to return back for the new 

session with the positive news the school has secured 

the best examination results in its history, with attainment 

improving at all levels and record breaking percentages of 

pupils passing National 5, Higher and Advanced Highers. 

There were some individual and group successes which 

the school was particularly pleased to celebrate. A group of 

eight S4 pupils were presented for their Higher qualification 

in Music a year early – and all secured A passes at Higher level. A large group of S4 pupils also secured straight 

As in their National 5 qualifi cations and the largest number ever secured five Highers in S5 and Advanced Higher 

in S6. 

Head Teacher Stuart Clark praised pupils and staff on their return, commenting: “There are so many examples 

of individual achievement, hard work and perseverance in these 

excellent results. It is fantastic to see the hard work of our S4 

pupils who sat their Higher qualification a year early all being 

rewarded with A grade qualifications. Well done!” 

PGHS pupils wow the crowds at the Euro Championships 

It was an honour for pupils of Port Glasgow High School’s Music 

Department to be asked to perform on the Main Stage at Go Live 

on the Green as part of the European Championships. A number of 

soloists, ensembles and the school’s Concert Band performed a set 

which was very well received. 

Follow us on twitter - @PortGlasgowHS and ‘like’ us on Facebook – www.facebook.co.uk/PortGlasgowHigh 

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 - 11.30am 

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 - 11.30am 

Howwood Playgroup 

Howwood Church Hall, 9.45am - 11.35am 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

Kilmacolm Toddlers 


10am - 11.30am 

For children from birth to 3 years. 

Lochwinnoch Baby & Toddlers 

McKillop Hall, 9.45am - 11.30am 

£2/family fee incl tea and children’s snacks. 



EVERY TH U R S D A Y 

Houston Toddlers 

Church Hall, Main Street, Houston 

Pop along and see us from 9.30am - 11.30am 



9.30am - 11.30am 



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. 



41 

Gryffe High School 

Results Day 2018 

SQA results day was an exciting 

day at Gryffe High. Several 

brave pupils and their parents and 

carers joined staff to share the 

opening of their envelopes live on 

BBC Radio and Television. They 

appeared on Reporting Scotland 

and were interviewed on Good 

Morning Scotland. These were 

just a snapshot of results and we 

congratulate ALL of our pupils on 

their results. Headteacher Mr 

Johnson was delighted with the 

results overall. Our hope is that 

all pupils are happy and that their 

results refl ect their years of hard 

work. Pupils are always reminded that 

support is available if their results require discussion. 

We look forward to another year of Caring, Learning and Achieving, as we 

welcome our new S1 pupils in to start their journey in secondary school. 

Strawberry Field Out of School 

Care 

After a very busy summer 

visiting a variety of 

places, children finished 

the end of the holidays 

with a visit to Pets at 

Home for a workshop. 

This was a fabulous 

experience for the 

children to learn about 

taking care of pets and 

best of all getting to hold 

and feed them. 

Now that we are all back 

to school we have a 

number of exciting topics that we will cover over the next few months. After 

our visit to the beach the children are especially interested in learning about 

taking care of the environment. 

Gryffe High PTA BBQ & Quiz 

Friday 14th September at Gryffe High School from 6pm - 8pm 

Please join Gryffe High PTA at their first event of the year - we hope as 

many of you as possible will come along to offer your support. 

This year we are kicking off our fundraising with a fantastic BBQ and family 

quiz at the school. BBQ food provided by The River Inn - burgers including 

veggie option, hot dogs and nachos will be available from 6.30pm. The PTA 

will be providing a variety of drinks and snacks to accompany the food and 

there will be games, raffle and tombola. A family quiz will follow to round 

off the evening. 

Tickets priced £6 for adults and £4 for children will be available from the 

school from September 1st. Advance purchase is required for catering 

purposes. We look forward to seeing you all there. 


42 

Kilbarchan 

Community 

Nursery 

The returning children have 

all settled back into their 

familiar routines and we 

have welcomed some new 

children to nursery for the first time. 

During the holidays 

our outside area 

has been updated 

with new surfacing, 

as well as paving 

at the side of the 

building. The 

children were 

very excited to 

explore their new 

surroundings and 

enjoyed using the 

basketball net to 

practise throwing. 

St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm 



We are looking forward to a new term with our children with new and exciting 

themes. We will be learning all about numbers, pirates and looking at health and 

well-being in the first few weeks. We will be enjoying baking, fun sports, crafts and 

messy play ( our favourite). 

Playgroup is an excellent stepping stone 

to nursery for the children, it gives them 

confidence, independence and builds 

their social skills in preparation for 

nursery. 

Playgroup is open to all children from 

2 years 4 months and operates on a 

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9.30am 

- 11.30am. Spaces available. Please 

email Iona on: playgroupmembership@ 

googlemail.com for more details. 

Our baby & toddler group on a 

Wednesday 10am - 11.30am is open for 

all new parents /carers to drop in for a 

cuppa and a chat while your child enjoys 

a play. 

For more information on any of our groups 

https://kilmacolmplaygroupandtoddlers. 

jimdo.com or check out our Facebook page for latest information. 

SQA Exam Results 

St Columba’s pupils 

celebrated after another 

year of excellent 

examination results, 

reinforcing the School’s 

tradition of fostering 

academic excellence. 

National 5 produced a 

pass rate of 97.3% and 

an excellent 78.6% at 

grade A. This is in sharp 

contrast to the national 

pass rate that has fallen 

to 77.4% from 79.5% in 

previous years. This year the pupils gained the highest proportion ever of 

A Band 1 at 40%! Amongst high-performing departments, Spanish, Music 

and Art gained 100% A grades. Higher results were very strong indeed with 

93.5% pass rate. In contrast, nationally the Higher pass rate has shown an 

ongoing decline to 76.8%. 56.4% of St Columba’s pupils achieved As at 

Higher and the Advanced Higher pass rate was 86.7%. 

The Rector said “I am delighted for all our pupils who have worked hard and 

gained the results that they wished for - and for the hard-working, dedicated 

teachers who have generated interest, enthusiasm and curiosity in learning. 

The rounded nature of our School is evident in the record number of sports 

internationalists, record number of entries and awards achieved for the Duke 

of Edinburgh award and outstanding musical, debating and public speaking 

events. I congratulate all pupils across the years who have achieved their 

very best.” 

Early Years’ Summer 

Club 

We were delighted to 

launch our Early Years’ 

Summer Club this year, 

which ran for three weeks 

during the summer break. 

The glorious weather continued for the majority 

of the three weeks allowing the children to enjoy 

plenty of play in our wonderful Wild Woods, picnics 

in Birkmyre Park, bug hunting, aqua fun and cycling 

in the playground. There were numerous fun 

indoor activities including, face painting, making 

slime, building balloon towers and the favourite 

activity…hiding in cardboard boxes! 

Community Art Exhibition: Sat 15th Sept, 

10am - 4.30pm 

The artists of St Columba’s Art Evening 

Classes are delighted to be exhibit their work 

on Saturday 15th September in the Girdwood 

Building at St Columba’s Senior School. 

The opening speaker 

will be one of Scotland’s 

most prominent 

landscape painters, 

Robert Kelsey. Students 

from the Art Evening 

Classes will display at 

least two works of art that have been produced at the classes and Robert 

Kelsey will also exhibit. All members of the community are welcome. 

Please join us for drinks, nibbles and to enjoy the artwork on display. 

Inter-generational Concert: Sunday 16th September, 3pm 

As part of the Year of Young People (YOYP) and with the help of Create 

18, we are delighted to host an Inter-generational Concert, featuring the 

children of Early Years and Senior School pupils who will perform alongside 

members of Campbell Snowdon House. The concert will take place on 

Sunday 16th September in the Livingstone Hall, St Columba’s Junior School 

at 3pm. Tickets are free but donations are greatly appreciated. Everyone 

is welcome to sing and experience some wonderful live music. For more 

information and to book tickets please contact schusterdani@icloud.com. 

Open Morning: Saturday 22nd September, 10am - 1pm 

Consistently ranked within the top 5 independent schools in Scotland, St 

Columba’s is renowned for its first class education and academic excellence. 

With national representation at sport, music, debating and public speaking, 

St Columba’s leads the way both in the classroom and beyond. 

Our size is also our strength. With around 700 pupils aged 3-18, each 

child is known by name and recognised as an individual. Our beautiful 

countryside location is just 20 minutes from Glasgow. This unique setting 

and the outstanding educational experience we offer create a school 

environment that is challenging and vibrant. We offer wraparound care 

from 7.30am-6pm, financial assistance and an extensive coach service is 

available. 

Come and explore between 10am - 1pm and let our pupils show you why 

we are one of the leading independent schools in Scotland. 



Third set of twins from same 

family start P1 

A mum who defi ed odds of 500,000 to 

one to give birth to three sets of twins 

is celebrating the milestone of the 

youngest starting school. 

Twin girls Rowan and Isla Rodger 

made worldwide headlines on their 

arrival in 2013 and are the last of 

their siblings to start primary one 

at Langbank Primary School in 

Renfrewshire this week. 

The girls, who turned fi ve in May, 

are following in the footsteps of older 

brothers Lewis and Kyle, 19, born in 

1998, and Finn and Jude, 17, born in 

2001. 

Jude, Kyle, Lewis, Finn 

and Rowan and Isla at the front 

Lewis and Kyle are both at university while Finn and Jude are in their final 

year of Secondary school at Park Mains High in Erskine. 

There is a history of multiple births in Karen’s family with her maternal 

grandmother a twin, but she said: “It’s totally random that we have had three 

sets. Many people assume we’ve had IVF treatment which we haven’t. 

“After four boys I never felt fi nished and when I hit 40 I thought ‘it’s now or 

never’. When I was pregnant for the third time it didn’t cross my mind it’d be 

twins again. I had a scan at six weeks when Colin was away on business 

and he nearly fell off his chair when I told him. After the girls were born it all 

seems a bit blurry life was so hectic.” 

“It’s been an absolute joy but girls are definitely different to boys. They 

were negotiating with me aged three.” 

Langbank Primary head teacher Simon Cundy said: “We are absolutely 

delighted to welcome the third set of twins from the Rodger family to the 

school....I’m pretty sure we must be the only school in the country which 

can make the claim to fame to have educated so many twins from the 

same family and we all wish the girls every success in the first steps of their 

school career.” 

Houston Primary School 

School Values 

The pupils, staff and parents put their heads together to come up with a 

new set of easily recognisable values to be displayed around the school. 

After much consultation and discussion, we finally agreed on four values for 

Houston Primary School - SUCCESS, RESPECT, FRIENDS, HONESTY 

A competition to design how these values could be displayed was also 

carried out during Assembly. We had very many fantastic entries, with the 

pupils voting for a jigsaw design. Here is our finished logo. 

Maths Week 

Pupils will participate in Maths Week Scotland from 10th-16th September. 

This is an initiative to raise the profile of maths and its importance in all 

aspects of our lives. There will also be Sumdog online challenges for 

participating classes. 

Building Works 

The roofing works have started and it is hoped that we will have a new roof 

by November, weather permitting. We thank all parents who have sought 

alternative parking areas to drop off and pick up their child/children whilst 

works are in progress and parking space is limited. 

43 


44 


Castle Semple Sailing Club 

Cucina Minucci Cup - Sunday 29th July 

What to say - it was a driech 

damp cold windless day but we 

shouldn’t be complaining after 

our amazing recent spell of good 

weather. Despite the weather 10 

cadets were out prior to the racing 

but it was a pity that they got so 

cold and wet which deterred all 

but hardy cadet Calum Simmonds 

from taking part in the racing, We 

managed to have eight boats taking 

part although only four survived to 

the end of the day.. 

The winners were: 

1st Peter Collings and Ally - RS200 

2nd Jon Hasler and Alice Patterson - Club RS Vision 

Joint 3rd place - Brian Young and Alan Falconer (RS Vision) and Steve 

Davison and Dawn Kyne [GP14). Although it was agreed Brian and Alan 

should have 3rd place as they achieved a place higher in the 4th race. 

Many thanks to Gillian Shearer for the photos. Thanks also to Race Officer 

Jan and those who helped in the club house with all the food. 

Spare a thought for those members taking part in the GP14 worlds down 

in Cornwall where only 1 boat went out for the training day and racing was 

abandoned because of 50mph winds! 

Many thanks to our sponsors for the day Cucina Minucci at The Junction, 

Lochwinnoch. 

J.G.Fleming Bowling Club 

On Sunday 8th July John 

G. Fleming Bowling Club 

in Houston hosted their 

Annual Charity Day and 

Ladies bowls competition. 

Thank you to the 64 

ladies who took part in the 

competition, an even bigger 

thank you to everyone who 

very generously donated 

raffle prizes and home 

baking, and an equally big 

thank you to all those who 

purchased raffle tickets and 

home baking items. 

Also thanks to Mr David Roberts - the owner of ARUN ROLLA snack 

bar, takeaway and catering business in Linwood for his very generous 

sponsorship on the day of the Bowls Competition. 

A magnifi cent sum of £1510 was raised on the day. Well done to all. 

At a 2nd fundraising event on July 28th - a cabaret evening in John 

G.Fleming Bowling Club in Houston - we managed to raise a further £500 

bringing the 2018 total to the sum of £2010 - as usual all proceeds go to the 

very worthy cause of The St.Vincent’s Hospice. 

Scotland Wins Fishing Gold 

The Scottish Youth International Fly Fishing 

team won Gold this month at the Home 

International Fly Fishing Championship 

which was held at Draycote Water, near 

Rugby, on Wednesday 1st August. The 14 

strong U18 team went head to head with 

their counterparts from England, Ireland 

and Wales. Each angler was drawn to fish 

in pairs against a competitor from one of 

the other countries. After 7 hours of fishing 

across the 600 acre water, the winners 

were decided by weight of fish caught. The 

winning margin was one of the narrowest of 

all times, being less than 3lbs with Scotland 

nudging England out to take top spot. 

Wales were third and Ireland fourth. 

David Cruickshank, aged 14 from Lochwinnoch, won his fi rst international 

cap at the event. Not only did David beat his boat partner, he also landed 

the heaviest fish of all 56 anglers at the event winning him the Ian Jones 

Memorial Trophy on top of his Gold Medal. This meant he landed the 

heaviest fish for team Scotland winning the Stirling Council Trophy as well. 

David hopes to qualify for the Scotland Team again next year through his 

performance at the Scottish Youth Championships which will be held at 

Lake of Menteith and Carron Valley Reservoir in August and September. It 

is Scotland’s turn to host the International event next year and he is hoping 

to defend the title and win a further Gold medal on home water. 

Get Ready To Bog Stomp! 

The event takes place on Sunday 2nd September 2018, 10am at Greenock 

Cut Visitor Centre, Loch Thom, Inverclyde, PA16 

9LX. A challenging but fun trail, with breathtaking 

views and a great spirit! Price from £10 per person 

which includes goodie bag, t-shirt and donation to 

Erskine Veterans. For more information go to www. 

clydemuirshiel.co.uk/event/bog-stomp-2018 



45 

Renfrewshire Golf Union 

Cameron Percy retains Renfrewshire Boys Match Play Championship 

The competition was played at Kilmacolm 

Golf Club on Sunday 5th August 

where the family, with a long standing 

connection with the club, presented the 

Freedman Trophy in 1979, the Trophy 

having been originally brought from 

Canada. The Renfrewshire Golf Union 

thanks them for their continued support 

of the event. 

The weather on the day, once again this 

year, was good for play with moderate 

Winner: Cameron Percy 

winds and for once no sign of rain. 

The semi-fi nals were played in the morning with the results as follows:- 

Cameron Percy – Caldwell bt John Jack jnr. - Gourock – at the 19th, Roddy 

McAuley - Fereneze bt Aaron McCue – Greenock Whinhill – 2/1. 

In the fi rst semi-fi nal this was an up and down game with first one player 

taking the lead and then the other. Coming down the back 9 Jack was 2 

up but lost 3 holes in a row, but recovered to be all square on 18, which 

was halved after he holed a great single putt for a 4. The game however 

was over at the 19th when Percy drove the green and 2 putts for a birdie 

sealed the victory. 

In the other semi-fi nal Aaron McCue found himself 4 down after 7 with some 

poor golf, despite winning the fi rst with a birdie. However he fought back 

and by the 11th was only 1 down. He lost the 13th and with the remaining 

holes halved in par lost 2/1. 

In the fi nal, both players started steadily and holes were exchanged early 

on, but some poor play by McAuley saw him 4 down after 8. However 

always a fi ghter he won the next 2 hole to reduce the deficit to 2 holes but 

despite his best efforts the next 4 holes were halved in par before he made 

bogey on 16 to lose the fi nal by 3/2. 

A fine victory for Cameron Percy, joining an elite group of Renfrewshire boys 

who have retained the title, with some well-known names among these. 

Interestingly Cameron never actually made the qualifying for the Match 

Play, but due to the non availability of another boy, was given a place as 

first reserve, and he made the most of his good fortune! 

The game was played in the best of spirits as you would expect from RGU 

Boys just a pity in such a great game that someone had to lose. 

Both boys are available for the RGU in future events and have been selected 

as part of the RGU Boys team to face Stirlingshire on the 19th of August. 

Results: Semi Final - Cameron Percy - Caldwell bt John Jack jnr. – Gourock 

– 19th, Roddy McAuley – Fereneze bt Aaron McCue – Greenock Whinhill 

– 2/1. Final - Cameron Percy – Caldwell bt Roddy McAuley - Fereneze – 

3/2 

SWI Golf Trophy 2018 

Langbank SWI won the Renfrewshire 

round of the annual SWI Golf 

Competition. It was played at Ranfurly 

Castle GC. 

The players from Langbank SWI, 

Marion Dornan and Jackie Gray now 

go to Duff House Royal Golf Club in 

Banff, to represent Renfrewshire in the 

National Finals. 

The winning team, who both play at 

Gleddoch GC, were delighted to win 

this beautiful trophy, and are looking 

forward to the Finals on Tuesday 28th 

August. 

Gleddoch Golf Club 

Over the past few months, Gleddoch Golf Club in partnership with Gleddoch 

Hotel and Spa have been raising funds for the Beatson Cancer Charity. 

Each month the Gleddoch Golf Committee has organised a prize draw for 

their monthly Medal competitions and the total raised so far is the fantastic 

sum of £1,212. 

Michael Donnelly, Gleddoch Golf 

Club Captain would like to thank 

all the golf members and staff 

at Gleddoch for their continuing 

support for this worthy cause. 

Pictured are Laura Osborne, 

Gleddoch Hotel Sales Manager, 

Jonny Robertson, Golf Shop 

Assistant and Michael Donnelly, 

Captain of Gleddoch Golf Club. 

Police Station Turns 

Community Health Hub 

A community project to turn Johnstone Police Station into a local health hub 

has taken a significant step forward. 

Active Communities has received £10,000 from Renfrewshire Council’s 

Community Empowerment Fund towards its plans to take over ownership 

of the former police station. 

It is one of three projects to receive support from the fi rst round of 

applications for the newly established fund open to all community groups 

who want to take over ownership and running of a building or piece or land 

in their local area. 

Starting out 15 years ago as a Paisley walking and jogging group, Active 

Communities now delivers physical activity and community sport, health 

and wellbeing classes to more than 700 people each week right across 

Renfrewshire, with a local school programme and a youth volunteering 

initiative. 

Their innovative idea to convert the station building into a community led 

health and wellbeing centre has received funds for a feasibility study and to 

further develop the business case. 

Plans for the facility also include providing space for women’s initiative 

Kairos, who provide support to vulnerable women facing social barriers and 

a men’s shed for men to make social connections and build friendships. 

The station kitchen could be adapted to give local people training in cookery 

and healthy eating and there are also plans to provide meeting rooms for 

other community groups. 

“The more we have grown and the greater the demand, we were keen 

to have a central hub so we can deliver lots more activities,” said Susan 

McDonald, Active Communities Manager. 

“Our classes and activities are about having fun and helping to tackle 

loneliness and isolation. We aim to encourage people who wouldn’t see 

themselves as sporty. We will have space for a drop in where people can 

join us for a cuppa, a chat and find out what is available.” 

The group are also in discussions with Police Scotland over the transfer of 

the station. 

The next deadline for Community Empowerment Fund applications 

is Friday 14th September. To find out more, visit www.renfrewshire. 

gov.uk/CommunityEmpowermentFund, call 0141 618 7408 or email: 

communityplanning@renfrewshire.gov.uk. 

LADY MEMBERS WANTED 

Please come along to Kilmacolm Bowling Club 

and try your hand at Green Bowling on any 

Tuesday or Thursday afternoons at 1.45pm. 

Bowls will be provided, fl at shoes required. 

Special membership fee of £50 for the first year. 

For details contact Sandra on 01505 873126 or 

Diane on 01505 874265. 


46 

Kilmacolm Golf Club News 

Ladies Section: It was 

8 years ago in 2010 

since Scotland won the 

home Internationals with 

Renfrewshire Megan 

Briggs part of that winning 

team. 

On the 12th August sister 

Eilidh has been able to 

celebrate this time with her 

International team mates 

after a fantastic win on 

the last day at Ballybunion 

against Ireland to win the 

2018 home International. Many congratulations Eilidh. 

● ● ● 

A lovely, if not showery, day was had by all for 

the Lady Captain’s Day (second time around 

as last time was cancelled due to horrendous 

weather!). The ladies came out in their droves 

and lots of fun was had by all. There were 

two competitions running, a 9 hole and an 18 

hole (greensomes). Winners of the 18 hole 

competition and the Marr Trophy (with 38 

points) were Romy Erskine and Lucy Woods; 

runners up Ann Tanner and Lucy Bliss. 

Winners of the 9 hole competition were Liz 

(Elizabeth) Gibson and Liz Lander. Showers 

were dodged and fun was had by all. 

● ● ● 

Gents Section: The championship qualify Redcliffe Rosebowl took 

place in wonderful weather with the course being presented in very good 

conditions. Over 50 players participated in the 36 hole competition; all 

attempting to qualify for the knock out stages of the club championship. 

On a very competitive day, the winner of the competition was A. Farmer 

with a gross combined score of 133 shooting a fine score of 67 in the first 

round followed by an even better 66 in the second round. It was a good 

day for the Farmer family with Andrew’s young son Alexander playing in 

his fi rst senior competition in which he returned a very creditable second 

round score of 75 - no doubt one to watch for the future. From the youngest 

competitor to one of the oldest, I. Kerr who successfully qualified for the 

knockout stages courtesy of having a hole in one at the twelfth hole. A great 

day for one and all. 

Juniors Section: Another fantastic Junior’s 

Day was held early in August with over 36 

participants. Whether they played over 2 holes, 

5, 7, 10 or 18, they all enjoyed great company 

and had good fun. Some very impressive talent 

was on show, especially on the putting greens 

and at the chipping nets. Whilst there were lots 

of prize winners, congratulations go to Romy 

Erskine on winning the Paterson Cup with a 

winning score of 67 and to Harry Kellock on 

retaining the Centenary Rosebowl with a nett 

score of 68. Keep up the good work and we 

hope to see all the girls and boys again next year. 

DA N C E 

Adult Jazz Class 

Mondays - Bridge of Weir, 10am 

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information. 

Thursdays - Bridge of Weir Primary School, 

8pm 

Call Kirsty McKay: Tel: 07793 452060. 

Adult Ballet Class 

Mondays - Bridge of Weir, 11.30am 

Tel: 01505 690757 for further information. 

Thursdays - Bridge of Weir Primary School 

7pm 

Call Kirsty McKay: Tel: 07793 452060. 

Baby Ballet 

Saturdays - Freeland Church Hall, 9.15am 

- 10am 

Contact Kirsty on 07793 452060 or Kirsty 

McKay School of Dance Facebook page. 

Pre-school Ballet 

Saturdays - Freeland Church Hall, 10am - 

10.45am 

Contact Kirsty on 07793 452060 or Kirsty 

McKay School of Dance Facebook page. 

Bishopton Belles Line Dancing 

Tuesdays - Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Hall 

6.30pm - 8.30pm 

Improver class. All welcome. Call David or Mair 

07886 034037. 

ATHLETICS 

Kilbarchan Athletic Club - On-X, Linwood 

Mondays & Thursdays, 7pm 

All abilities welcome. Tel: 07941 686990. 

MA R T I A L ARTS 

The Shotokan Karate Club 

Woodlands Primary, Linwood 

Mondays & Thursdays - 7pm - 8pm/8pm - 9pm 

www.linwoodkarate.co.uk 

Taekwon-Do - Johnstone Sports Complex 

PA5 0LD 

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6pm 

Call 07951 365166 for details. 

Falun Dafa practice 

Thursdays - Port Glasgow Library 5pm - 7pm 

With five gentle exercises, Falun Dafa is an 

ancient self-cultivation practice based on the 

principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and 

Forbearance. 

FO O T B A L L 

5-a-side Football 

Mondays - Powerleague Paisley, 6pm 

Tel: Jim on 01505 874215; or jimbretherton@ 

aol.com 

Football Training - Johnstone High School 

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6pm - 9pm 

Call Ali on 07775 578795 for details. 


SP O R T S 

Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton 

Mondays - Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Cres, 

7.30pm 

Gryffe Badminton 

Tuesdays - Strathgryffe Tennis Club, 8pm 

Greenock Hockey Club 

Wednesdays - Inverclyde Academy, 

Greenock, 6.30pm - 8pm 

Contact Liz Baldwin, mobile 07944 607005. 

Birkmyre Rugby Club, Kilmacolm 

Sundays - Youth Rugby Section, 11am - 

1pm 

www.pitchero.com/clubs/birkmyre 

KEEP FIT 

Zumba Light 

Mondays - St Fillan’s Church, Kilmacolm, 

10am 

Tel: 07505 126416 For more information. 

Reebok Step Class 

Mondays - Freelands Church, Bridge of 

Weir (Opposite Amaretto), 7pm 

Tel: 07505 126416 For more details. 

Move it or Lose it! FABS Fitness 

- more than just a Fitness Class for the over 

60’s. Come and join the fun! To check 

availability or to secure your place for the 

new term, please contact Fiona on 07811 

766672. 

Tuesdays - Cargill Hall, BoW, 10.30am 

Tuesdays - West Burn Church, Greenock 2pm 

Thursdays - Old Library, Kilbarchan, 2.30pm 

Pilates classes 

Mondays - St Machars Church Hall, Bridge 

of Weir 9.30am & 10.40am. Kilmacolm 

Community Centre 6.30pm 

Tel Yvonne 07786 224367 or yvonne@ 

clydephysiotherapy.co.uk 

Mondays - Kilellan Halls Houston 6.15pm - 

7.15pm & 7.30pm - 8.30pm 

For more information or to book a place call 

Katie on 07972 474965. 

YogaBellies - for Pregnancy 

Tuesdays, Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir, 7pm 

- 8.15pm 

Saturdays, Brookfield Village Hall, 9.30am 

- 10.45am 

YogaBellies - for Mum & Baby 

Tuesdays, Houston & Killellan Kirk, 

Killellan Halls, Houston, 10.30am - 

11.30am 

Contact: Lyndsey, Yogabellies Renfrewshire 

West & Inverclyde, 07732 056401, lyndseyp@ 

yogabellies.co.uk 

Advertise your regular classes here for £20 for 4 months - contact our office for 

full details on 01505 613340 or pop us an email to: info@advertizer.co.uk 

Paisley Pirates Prepare 

Paisley Pirates, Renfrewshire’s only senior ice hockey team are in training 

to take part in the Scottish National League for a twelfth successive season 

at Braehead Arena after the closure of the Lagoon Ice Rink in 2006. 

The club will commence away fixtures in the Stewart Robertson Cup 

competition in early September, during which time the Braehead Arena is 

unavailable, before opening their home in mid October. 

With Pirates’ home games normally taking place on a Sunday evening, 

face off times have been moved forward to 5pm to encourage families with 

younger children to 

come along and watch 

one of the fastest 

sports in the world. For 

further information, go 

to the Pirates’ website 

at www.paisleypirates. 

org, while you 

can make further 

enquiries by going to 

paisleypirates@gmail. 

com 



Ranfurly Castle Golf Club News 

Seniors Open: There was a huge field for the annual open 

competition at Ranfurly Castle GC on 31 July and only the green 

keeping staff were smiling as much needed rain dampened the 

players. The course had recovered well from the recent drought 

although the rain slowed the greens down from their normal fast 

pace. 

Scoring was excellent and the scorers had to make some 

complicated calculations to split up three players who all returned 

40 points. In the sweep, twelve players scored a two which would 

have gone some way to covering their bar bill! 

Full results were: 

Overall winner of the Quaich – Jack Whyte – Haggs Castle – 40 

points BIH 

Category A (55-64) – the youngsters: Alan Gray – Ranfurly Castle – 

40 points BIH, Phil Nethercote – Kilmarnock Barassie – 40 points, 

Paul Stewart – Old Course Ranfurly – 37 points 

Category B (65-69): Jack Whyte – Haggs Castle – 40 points , Sandy 

Mathieson – Paisley – 38 points, Robert Watson – Vale of Leven – 

34 points 

Category C (70 plus), Jack Cowan – Bonnyton – 38 points, Ken 

Bruce – Cowal – 37 points BIH, George Ballantyne – Ranfurly 

Castle – 37 points 

Special prizes generously sponsored by Brewin Dolphin were 

awarded to John Stirling of Dumbarton, Jack Cowan of Bonnyton, 

Jack Whyte of Haggs Castle and Lochwinnoch’s David Nicholls 


Toning Up and Gaining 

Strength 

advertizer.co.uk/clients 

To lose fat, exercise is a plus. To build muscle, exercise is a 

necessity. Building muscle facilitates fat loss as more calories are 

used to fuel the body on a day to day basis which helps the body 

be in a hypocaloric state; essentially you eat less calories than you 

burn! 

Many factors can help towards gaining muscle and toning up, so 

some things to consider are: 

TAKE IT SLOW. Exercise hard enough to stimulate muscle growth, 

but not so hard as to injure yourself or impair recovery. Muscle 

growth takes time and patience; it can only happen so fast. 

DON’T GIVE UP. At some point you will probably experience a 

plateau, be it in strength or muscle mass. Training is a journey and 

adaptations must be made in plans to accommodate changes and 

keep progressing. 

EAT ENOUGH BUT NOT TOO MUCH. Everyone has a calorie 

intake that will maintain their body as it is. Slightly over can 

maximize muscle growth if training appropriately. Too much over 

and you risk accumulating too much fat. If your primary goal is to 

lose fat you must eat below maintenance levels. 

EAT ENOUGH PROTEIN. It is essential for muscle gain! If you 

want to gain muscle, or tone up as it is often phrased for women, 

you need protein! 

EAT ENOUGH FAT. Eating a diet too low in fat, usually less than 

15% of your daily calorie intake can reduce testosterone levels to 

the point they inhibit the process of gaining muscle. This is more of 

an issue for males as females already have low testosterone levels 

which is why it is always harder for a female to gain muscle. So 

ladies... Lifting weights will not make you look like a bodybuilder! 

TIME YOUR CARBS. You can gain muscle and strength without 

many carbs in the diet, however don’t cut them out completely. The 

body needs them. There are ways to time carbohydrate intake to 

maximize performance and recovery if you are training at a level 

that requires it. 

‘Food factors’ and ‘exercise factors’ are both crucial for gaining 

muscle. These points are for reference and every factor varies from 

individual to individual. Find what suits you and stick to it! 

Lesley Handley, FitSmart Fitness Ltd. 

Ladies Section: The golfing season continues with the weather being kind so 

competitions have been played in dry conditions. 

The Walker Quaich was played on 25th July with Allison Murray the winner and 

Pamela MacKenzie the runner up. On 8th August we played for the Dorrie Hunter 

Trophy with Carol Reid the winner and Pamela MacKenzie the runner up once 

again. 

10th August the Ladies held their annual 

Invitation day and 36 ladies took part. The 

winning pair were Vicky Rennie and her 

guest – Jan Allan from Ralston Golf Club 

with 37 points and runners up were Agnes 

Williamson and her guest Carole Spy from 

East Renfrewshire Golf Club with 36 points. 

Everyone had a very enjoyable day. 

The Annual match between the Lady Invitation day runners up 

Captain’s team and the Vice Captain’s 

team for the Pooh Putter took place on 15th August in rather wet conditions to 

start with, so a slightly shorter course was 

played. The result was a resounding win for 

the Captain and the putter was presented 

to Marion Munro by Jan Macnab, the Vice 

Captain. 

The Greenlees team have continued to 

play well with a win at home over Prestwick 

St Nicholas. Only one more match to be 

played against Haggs Castle so good luck 

to all. 

Ranfurly Castle Ladies have been doing 

very well in the MG Rankings of the top 

Marion www.advertizer.co.uk/clients 

Munro with Jan Macnab 

ranked Lady Golfers in Renfrewshire. Week 

30 saw Allison Murray in 1st position and Jan Macnab in 2nd with Vivien Howe also 

in the top 10. Congratulations ladies. Congratulations also go to Maureen Cook 

who had a hole in one last week at the 14th hole while playing in a ‘bounce’ game 

with friends. She is lucky enough to be able to tell us that it was the 7th in her 

golfing career!! 

● ● ● 

Gents Section: It’s been a very busy 

month at the club, with members and 

visitors alike enjoying the fine weather 

and course conditions. 

Our Gents Invitational Day was 

played on Saturday 11th August 2018 

with some excellent scores returned! 

The winners were Martin McGoldrick 

and Graham Hutcheson (Old Course 

Ranfurly) with a total of 45pts. A close 

second were Hunter Paterson & David 

Kirkland. The 7 on course feature 

prizes were scooped up by a mixture 

of Ranfurly members and visitors, as 

Gents Invitational Day Winners 

was 3rd & 4th place prizes. 

Our new Assistant Professional Ken McLean and experienced Head Professional 

Tom Eckford ran a mixture of summer coaching sessions for junior golfers. Ken 

delivered the sessions over a number of days and it was great to see so many 

young kids getting involved. Ken plans to run coaching sessions in September 

during school holidays and over the winter period as a springboard for next season. 

We encourage any kids looking to either get into golf or improve their game to 

come along to Ken’s sessions. 

Our Senior Open was played on 31st July with 121 golfers enjoying the course and 

hospitality. Congratulations go to Jack Whyte who won on the better inward half 

over Ranfurly Castles’ Allan Gray with 40 points. 

47 


48 

Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club 

The Old Course Ranfurly Golf Club Finals Day 2018 was a superb showpiece 

of golf played on a dry but windy Saturday afternoon. Results as follows: 

Club Championship Winner- Stewart Watt 5&4, Ladies Club Championship 

Winner- Jen Owen 1up, Junior Club Championship Winner- Johnny Greig 8&7, 

McCulloch Cup- Paul McClelland 2&1, Jubilee Trophy- Colin Pearson & Brian 

Murray 2&1, Mixed Foursomes- Suzanne Smith & Danny Dyer 3&1, Senior 

Club Championship- Robert Ferris 2&1, Ladies Satterford- Mairi Milne 3&1 

Huge Congratulations to Birgit Clark and Fiona McMillan who won in the 6th 

round of the Daily Mail Foursomes, 2&1 away to Douglas Park Golf Club on 

Tuesday 7th August. Next round yet to be decided (ATTOW). 

Also on Tuesday 7th August 34 junior golfers attended the Junior Open at 

Old Ranfurly. 15 boys competed for the main competition and 19 boys and 

girls played in both red and blue 5 hole events. Johnny Greig won the main 

prize with Ruaridh Mackie and Rory Stewart being successful in the red and 

blue competition. 5 novelty prizes were also 

shared amongst the field. The junior convenor 

and committee would like to thank all the parent 

volunteers, all members who made donations 

towards the prizes and all the sponsors who 

contributed. As part of Johnny’s prize, he won a 

hosted 3 ball at any of the Gleneagles courses, 

kindly donated by Securigroup. A great day was 

had by all and fantastic potential shown by young 

golfers in Renfrewshire. 

Congratulations to Jamie Stewart who had 

a fantastic week at the Scottish Amateur 

Championship at Blairgowrie earlier this month. 

Sadly Jamie came out second best in 36 hole 

matchplay final to veteran Euan McIntosh. After 

qualifying T3rd from the strokeplay, Jamie safely 

navigated his way through 5 rounds to make the 

final. Great effort Jamie, we pass on our best 

Jamie Stewart wishes to him back at University in the USA. 

Club Championship Winner - 

Stewart Watt 

Ladies Club Championship 

Winner - Jen Owen 

Junior Club Championship 

Winner - Johnny Greig 


Dance for 

Parkinson’s 

Classes in 

Greenock 

People with 

Parkinson’s, 

their friends, 

families and 

carers can now 

book their place on the award-winning 

Dance for Parkinson’s programme 

starting in Greenock next month at the 

Beacon Arts Centre. 

The programme is specially designed for 

people with little or no dance experience 

and who are affected by Parkinson’s. The 

class is being established after a hugely 

successful taster session was held earlier 

this year. 

The Greenock class runs each Tuesday 

from 4th September to 4th December. 

Sessions will be held from 1pm – 3.15pm 

and will be led by Scottish Ballet. 

Refreshments will be available after each 

session where there will be the chance to 

chat with other participants and the Dance 

for Parkinson’s team. 

Lorna Fraser, Parkinson’s Local Adviser 

for Inverclyde, said: “The Dance for 

Parkinson’s programme has shown to 

help develop participants’ balance, coordination, 

confidence and creativity. The 

fun and friendly classes have proven 

to be very popular and I’d urge anyone 

interested to find out more and book their 

place.” 

Anyone interested in joining in or 

volunteering to help manage the classes 

should contact Tiffany Scott at Scottish 

Ballet at: tiffany.stott@scottishballet. 

co.uk 

2018 FISU World 

University Rowing 

Championships 

Huge congratulations to Lochwinnoch’s 

Emma McDonald (pictured) won gold 

in the women’s eight at the 2018 FISU 

World University Rowing Championships 

in Shanghai. 

Senior Club Championship - 

Robert Ferris 

Ladies Satterford - 

Mairi Milne 

Mixed Foursomes - Suzanne 

Smith & Danny Dyer 

McCulloch Cup - 

Paul McClelland 



1st & 2nd SEPTEMBER 

LOW GREEN, AYR 

The Scottish International Airshow returns to Ayr Low Green on the 1st and 2nd September! 

Scotland’s biggest family event returns to Ayr to provide the best weekend of the year with more air displays, 

more food, more craft fairs, more trade, and more fun! This year the airshow is moving away from huge 

structures on the site and making everything more open and visible so we can bring more to you on the ground, 

and everyone can see everything in the sky. 

For more information on access, tickets, or opportunities, please contact us - contact@tsia.scot - 01292 479 

500 

Keep up to date with what’s going on at TSIA18 www.tsia.scot 

Saturday 1st September 2018 

Car Park Opens – 9.30am 

Site opens at 10am 

Flying Displays Start – 11am 

Flying Display fi nishes at 6.10pm with the Red Arrows 

who will start their display at 5.40pm 

Site Closes – 6.20pm 

Car Parks Close – 7pm 

AIRCRAFT 

Swiss Airforce F/A-18C twin engined supersonic jet 

display 

Royal Navy Sea Fury – World War 2 fi ghter 

RAF Tutor aerobatic training aircraft 

RAF Typhoon supersonic jet 

Royal Air Force aerobatic team – The Red Arrows 

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Lancaster, Spitfi re and 

Hurricane 

Across the weeekend 

Huge funfair 

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths future 

technology Pavilion sponsored by Spirit AeroSystems and 

UTC Aerospace Systems 

Licensed bar 

World food outlets 

Many stalls, displays and activities for all ages 

OKFest 2018 

Enjoy a wonderful afternoon of 

music at OKFest 2018. Look 

forward to recitals by organist 

Steven McIntyre and the 

Bridge of Weir Choral Society. 

The event takes place on 

Sunday 30th September in the 

Old Kirk, Kilmacolm. 2.30pm 

till 4pm. Entry is free, but 

donations are very welcome 

to help cover the costs. 

Sunday 2nd September 

Car Park Opens – 9.30am 

Site opens at 10am 

Flying Displays Start – 11am 

Flying Display fi nishes at 5pm with the Red Arrows who will 

start their display at 4.30pm 

Site Closes – 5.20pm 

Car Parks Close – 6.30pm 

AIRCRAFT 

Swiss Airforce F/A-18C twin engined supersonic jet 

display 

Royal Navy Sea Fury – World War 2 fi ghter 

RAF Tutor aerobatic training aircraft 

RAF Typhoon supersonic jet 

RAF Falcons parachute team 

Royal Air Force aerobatic team – The Red Arrows 

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Lancaster, Spitfi re and 

Hurricane 

IN AYR TOWN 

RAF 100th / TSIA 5th Memorial Concert. Ayr Town Hall. 

Doors 7pm 

With The Swing Cats and the 78 Big Band. 

Wellingtons Bar – Open with a great menu and a selection 

of drinks 

More announcements to follow 

Girls’ Night Out hosted by 

Friday 21st September 

7pm – 1am 

Girls’ Night Out returns to Greenock Town Hall with very special 

guests FEEVA, the ultimate party show! Dance the night away to party hits from 

Motown, 60s, 70s, 80s and the 90s. 

Ticket price includes a glass of fizz on arrival and a buffet dinner. Tables are 

available to purchase through the link: https://ardgowanhospice.org.uk/event/ 

girls-night-out-2018/ 

Tables of 10 priced at £250. A limited number of 12s are available, to purchase 

these, email fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk 

Tables are likely to sell out fast, 

so make sure 

you buy your table ASAP! 

The Sound of 

Music 

49 

Tickets are selling fast for St. 

Paul’s Drama’s production of The 

Sound of Music. This takes place 

at Johnstone Town Hall from 24th - 

27th October 2018 at 7.30pm each 

evening, plus a Saturday matinee 

at 2.30pm. Tickets priced £12 for 

adults and £10 for concessions are 

available from Linda Rae 07901 

334952, Wendy Young 01505 

320554 or at Top Cards, High 

Street, Johnstone. Get your tickets 

now and don’t be disappointed! 

Supporting 

communities 

to thrive 

Calling all community groups - 

applications are now open for a new 

fund supporting you to take over 

ownership and running of a building 

or piece of land in your local area. 

On Tuesday the fi rst round of 

funds to local community groups 

are being awarded through the 

new £1.5million Community 

Empowerment Fund. And with the 

next round of applications due by 

Friday 14 September, there’s no 

time like the present to take forward 

that innovative idea you’ve been 

nurturing which can make a positive 

impact on your local community. 

We want to reach as diverse a 

range of community voices as 

possible and interest is welcome 

from groups old and new. 

This fund is one of a series of steps 

to empower our communities and 

give Renfrewshire residents a 

greater say. 

For more information call 0141 618 

7408 or email communityplanning@ 

renfrewshire.gov.uk, or visit 

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ 

CommunityEmpowermentFund 


50 


September 

WED 29 AUGUST 

SA T 1 SEPTEMBER 

SA T 1 - SUN 2 SEPTEMBER 

SUN 2 SEPTEMBER 

Comedy Night at The Stand 

The Stand, 333 Woodlands Road, 

Glasgow G3 6NG 

7.30pm 

Join ACCORD Hospice for a fantastic night 

of comedy and laughs, with great value and 

a great show planned! The best Comedy 

Club in the land will be hosting our event and 

providing the comedians free of charge – an 

amazing gesture. We will announce the line 

up nearer the time! Grab the tickets while you 

can though! Tickets £5pp 

FRI 31 AUG - SUN 2 

SEPTEMBER 

RAF100 Aircraft Tour 

Glasgow Science Centre 

Join us in Glasgow at the Science Centre for 

the RAF100 Aircraft Tour. Meet members of 

the Royal Air Force in an interactive STEM/ 

Techno Zone and learn more about how 

we’re creating the next generation Air Force. 

Aircraft on display: Sopwith Snipe Biplane, 

Supermarine Spitfire MkVb, Harrier GR3 - (first 

VSTOL production aircraft), Typhoon Full Scale 

Replica, F35 (LII) Full Scale Replica 


Renfrewshire Carers Fun 

Day & Balloon Race 

Morrison’s Car Park, Anchor Mills, 

Paisley PA1 1GZ 

12noon to 3pm 

Balloon Race tickets are £2 each. 1st prize 

£100, 2nd £50, 3rd £25. With a Bouncy 

Castle, Tombola, Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos, 

Home Baking, Refreshments & more. Call 

us on 0141 887 3643 or email enquiries@ 

renfrewshirecarers.org.uk 

send your event 

details to 

info@advertizer.co.uk 

Wildlife Photography 

Workshop: Intermediate 

Level 

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 

10am to 4pm 

Learn how to take great outdoor and wildlife 

photographs with your own camera, then 

see your results on screen. The workshop 

will be led by wildlife photographer David 

Palmar (www.photoscot.co.uk), who has over 

30 years of experience and is a volunteer 

photographer with the RSPB at their Loch 

Lomond & Inner Forth reserves. This will be an 

excellent opportunity to build on your existing 

photography skills. Advice, encouragement 

and ideas will be freely given! Cost: £42– 20% 

discount for RSPB members. For bookings 

and further information: Email. lochwinnoch@ 

rspb.org.uk Tel. 01505 842663. 

Erskine Art, Craft and Gift 

Fayre 

Erskine Salvation Army, 11 Kilpatrick 

Street, Erskine PA8 7AF 12noon to 3pm 

25 stalls bursting with gorgeous goodies! 

From Handbags and Jewellery to Fudge 

and American Products there is something 

for everyone! Free entry and parking, child 

friendly family event. Why not pop along for a 

look and treat yourself, grab a gift, browse the 

stalls and enjoy the atmosphere. 


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. 

FREE. For bookings and further information: 

Email. lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk Tel. 01505 

842663. 

The Scottish International 

Airshow 

2 Fairfield Road, Ayr, South Ayrshire 

KA7 2AR 

9.30am to 7pm 

Scotland’s biggest family event returns to Ayr 

to provide the best weekend of the year with 

more air displays, more food, more craft fairs, 

more trade, and more fun! Oh, and hopefully 

- more sun! This is Scotland though, so bring 

your umbrella and your shorts! FREE 

RYA Powerboat Level 2 

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch 

9.30am to 4pm 

This training course gives you the skills to 

handle a rescue boat in a safe manner. 

Alternative dates online. For more information, 

details & bookings online or t: 01505 842882. 

£150. 

RYA Dinghy Course Level 3 



9.30am to 4pm 

Adults can develop skills for being a competent 

sailor in moderate conditions. For more 

information, details & bookings online or t: 

01505 842882. £135. 


Largs Viking Festival 

The Promenade, Largs, KA30 8NE 

11am to 5pm 

This year the re-enactment group Swords 

of Dalriada will be in the Viking Village with 

Viking traders from Germany, Sweden and 

Ireland. Come and see how the Vikings lived 

in our extended living history 13th Century 

Viking Village. Entry £5 Adults, £2 children, 

students and Concessions (over 60s) with 

Under 5s FREE gives admission throughout 

the day of purchase. For full list visit www. 

largsvikingfestival.org/whats-on/ 

Glasgow Walk to Beat Blood 

Cancer 

Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws 

Road, Glasgow G43 1AT 

11.30am 

Join us to celebrate a life saved, to walk in 

memory of a loved one, or simply for a great 

day out in Pollok Country Park, Glasgow’s 

largest park. The walk will start at the Burrell 

Collection and you have the option of following 

the route once (5k) or twice (10k). £10 for 

adults, £5 for children, £25 for families of four 

(£50 minimum sponsorship). 

Bog Stomp 

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, 

Greenock 

9am 

A 10km trail run with a donation to charity. Get 

on your knobbly running shoes and enjoy fine 

views over the Clyde. Registration from 9am, 

first wave 10am. For more information details 

online & bookings or t: 01475 521543. £20. 

MO N 3 - SUN 9 

SEPTEMBER 

Explorer Challenge: Go on a 

Unicorn Hunt 


10am to 4pm 

Any time! Spend some quality family time 

together at RSPB Lochwinnoch! Simply pop 

into the Visitor centre any time, where the 

friendly staff will get you started. Then, go 

out on the reserve for a magical adventure 

and look for unicorns! Cost: £4 per child 

/ RSPB members £2.50 [Normal trail fees 

apply for adults] 

TUE 4 SEPTEMBER 

Bridge of Weir Choral 

Society New Season 

St Columba Church Hall, Kilmacolm 

7.30pm to 9.30pm 

We sing a variety of music from classical to 

modern and hold a concert at Christmas and in 

the Spring. We welcome new members in the 

choir. If you enjoy singing and would like to give 

it a try please come along. All welcome. 



51 

TH U 6 SEPTEMBER 


- Outlook 

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 

2pm to 4pm 

Coach outing – Highlights of Greenock. 

FRI 7 SEPTEMBER 

Dave Beaumont 

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, 

Renfrew 

7.30pm 

Dave Beaumont will deliver an illustrated talk 

entitled’ An Overview of RSPB in South and 

West Scotland-and our plans for the future’. 

All welcome. 


St Columba’s School, 

Summer Fete 

Birkmyre Park, Broomknowe Road, 

Kilmacolm 

2pm to 4pm 

With a food & drink marquee, novelty crufts, 

family rounders, mini-mudder, tennis, rugby, 

community stalls, raffle, tombola, Pipe Band 

performance and much more! Fun for all 

and free entry! To book a stall please email 

aberry@st-columbas.org 

Tag-n-Track Bird Ringing 

Demonstration 

Muirshiel Visitor Centre, Calder Glen 

Road near Lochwinnoch PA12 4LB 

11am to 3.30pm 

Come along and find out how we Tag-n-Track 

some of the bird species in the Park. For 

more information, t: 01505 614791 during 

office hours. 

Kilmacolm Flower Show 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 

11.30am 

Doors open 11.30am. Gardeners Question 

Time in the hall at 2pm will be a light-hearted 

attempt to answer your gardening questions. 

Prizewinners’ Trophies presented by Alda and 

Johanne of the Cross Café at 3pm. Show ends 

with the sale of cut flowers and produce, by 

donation. Entrance is free to members, £2 to 

visitors. Flower Show schedules for exhibitors 

to the Show can be obtained from Jill Russell 

by phoning 01505 872393. 


Doors Open Days: Tower 

Tours 



11am to 3pm 

Visit the ancestral homeland of the clan 

Sempill and get the best view of it from the 

Visitor Centre Tower, anytime, regular tours. 

For more information, details online or t: 

01505 842882. 


Doors Open Day 


10am to 4pm 

Come along and get a taste of what the reserve 

has to offer. There will be pond-dipping, bug 

hunting and even a treasure hunt! Cost: FREE 

(entry and activities). For bookings and further 

information: Email. lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk 

Tel. 01505 842663. 


Festival of Arts & Faith 

St Mary’s Church, Johnstone Road, 


St Mary’s Church in Bridge of Weir is holding 

a Festival of Arts & Faith from the 8th 

-16th of September. On display will be 

The Garments of Gethsemane - a series 

of four unique robes exploring hope, and 

suffering in the world. Open daily from 2pm – 

4.30pm with refreshments available. Private 

viewings for groups can be accommodated by 

arrangement. Other highlights include Doors 

Open Day on Sunday the 9th, a festival lecture 

on Wednesday 12th at 7pm and a Vintage 

Afternoon Tea from 2pm - 4pm. Contact Revd 

Heller Gonzalez on 01505 872961 for more 

information. 


Equine Rug and Tack Sale, 

Howwood 

Mid Gavin Equestrian Centre 

12noon to 3pm 

We have all sizes of outdoor and stable rugs, 

bridles, saddles, bits, girths etc for sale on the 

day. To be held in our indoor arena. Limited 

spaces available for anything equine £10 prebook 

only. All monies raised on the day will 

help to pay for the rescue horses and ponies 

in our care. 

Tag-n-Track Bird Ringing 

Demonstration 

The Cut Visitor Centre, Cornalees Bridge, 

Greenock 


Come along and find out how we Tag-n-Track 

some of the bird species in the Park. For 

more information, t: 01505 614791 during 

office hours. 

TUE 11 SEPTEMBER 

Bridge of Weir Choral 

Society Open Night 

St Columba Church Hall. Kilmacolm 

7.30pm to 9.30pm 

If you enjoy singing and you can hold a note 

and would like to give it a try please come 

along. We sing a variety of music from 

classical to modern and hold a concert at 

Christmas and in the Spring. We welcome 

new members in the choir. 

WED 12 SEPTEMBER 

Weir Networking 

Amaretto Ristorante and Pizzeria, 60 

Main Street, Bridge of Weir 

9.30am 

Business Network meeting: Breakfast starts at 

9.30am with cover charge of £5. Please email 

colin@magifilms.co.uk or visit our facebook 

page at https://www.facebook.com/Weir- 

Networking-350783798430333/. We look 

forward to welcoming you all. £5. 


Sòlas Bereavement Group 


2pm to 4pm 

Sòlas Bereavement Group. 


Gryffe High PTA BBq & Quiz 

Gryffe High School, Old Bridge of Weir 

Road, Houston 

6pm to 8pm 

This year we are kicking off our fundraising 

with a fantastic BBQ and family quiz. BBQ 

food provided by The River Inn - burgers 

including veggie option, hot dogs and nachos 

from 6.30pm. A variety of soft drinks and 

snacks available, with games, raffl e, tombola 

and a family quiz to round off the evening. 

Tickets £6 for adults and £4 for children (price 

includes a burger & side!) available from 

the school from September 1st. Advance 

purchase is required for catering purposes 

We look forward to seeing you all there. 

Supporting Communities 

Deadline 

Renfrewshire 

Deadline for applications for a new fund 

supporting you to take over ownership and 

running of a building or piece of land in your 

local area. For more information call 0141 

618 7408 or email communityplanning@ 

renfrewshire.gov.uk or visit www.renfrewshire. 

gov.uk/CommunityEmpowermentFund 

Advertizer Issue Deadline 

The Advertizer - Neva Place, Bridge of Weir 

If you would like anything published in our 

next issue, please email info@advertizer. 

co.uk or call the office on 01505 613340. 

Don’t miss out! 


Dancing through the 

Decades 

Pollokshaw Burgh Hall, Glasgow 

7.30pm to 11.45pm 

A Night of nostalgia with ‘Dancing through 

the Decades’ to help raise funds for people 

impacted by Huntington’s disease (HD). From 

the groovy tunes of the swinging 60s to the 

funckadelic disco boogies of the 70s through 

to the motown sounds of the 80s - something 

for everyone! Licensed bar, raffle and prizes 

for the best fancy dress costumes – so look out 

your flares, your ‘Peace and Love’ medallion, 

or your Day-Glo ankle warmers. Pay online 

https://hdscotland.org/dancing-through-thedecades/ 

by calling Linda on 0141 848 0308 

or by emailing linda.winters@hdscotland. 

org £10. 


52 


Scottish 

Opera’s 

Pagliacci 


St Columba’s School - 

Community Art Exhibition 

St Columba’s Senior School, 

Duchal Road, Kilmacolm PA13 4AU 


The artists of St Columba’s Art Evening Classes 

are delighted to exhibit their work alongside 

one of Scotland’s most prominent landscape 

painters, Robert Kelsey. All members of the 

community are welcome. www.st-columbas.org 

Freeland Messy Cafe 

Freeland Church, Main Street, Bridge 

of Weir 

2pm to 4pm 

Harvest theme telling the Parable of the Sower, 

with drinks and home baking throughout with 

some harvest based activities, the story and 

some songs. All welcome. Please bring a 

donation for the local food bank. 

Great British Beach Clean 

Lunderston Bay, Cloch Road, near 

Gourock PA19 1BB 

11am to 1pm 

Join us for this annual big beach up! Help collect and record all the litter 

cleanon 

Glasgow’s nearest sandy beach. Let’s 

turn the tide on marine litter. For more 

information, details online and bookings or t: 

01475 521458. 

Greenock Cemetery Bat 

Walk 

Greenock Cemetery, 1 South Street, 

Greenock PA16 8TY 

7.30pm to 9.30pm 

A very popular annual walk seeking out the 

cemetery’s nocturnal wildlife. For more 

information, look online and book or t: 01475 

521458. £5. 

Kilbarchan Messy Church 

Kilbarchan Steeple Hall, Steeple Square, 

Kilbarchan 

4pm to 6pm 

All young people welcome with an adult. 

Opera at its very best 

I was privileged to be invited to the 

Scottish Opera’s performance of Pagliacci. What a spectacle! If ever there was 

an opera that a novice of the art should experience at their baptism of fi re, as 

it were, this was it! The whole production was a moving, literally, experience. 

Everyone was encouraged to buy a hot dog and a drink and become a member 

of the cast for the evening. There were hardly any seats so it meant following 

the cast as they meandered through the massive marquee, temporarily the 

‘Paisley Opera House’. Engrossed as I was in the spectacle I nearly jumped out 

of my skin as the crowd I was in the midst of suddenly burst into song. My hand 

was grasped and I was whisked off to another staged setting as the fated story 

of Pagliacci unfolded before us. I hope by now you are getting the feel of this 

simply wonderful and unique production. If you ever have the opportunity to go 

to a similar spectacle then I urge you not to miss out. 

With a Punch and Judy show during the interval, a magician and a real donkey 

performing, everyone present I am sure, must have felt as uplifted and 

exhausted as I did. 

Thank you to the two main stars Ronald Samm and Anna Patalong for a brilliant 

performance and James Glossop for the use of his photos. 

Councillor Bill Binks - On behalf of the Glasgow Airport Fund committee who 

made a donation to Scottish Opera towards the operational costs. 


St Columba’s School - Intergenerational 

Concert 

St Columba’s Junior School, 

Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm PA13 4EQ. 

3pm 

All members of the community are welcome 

to attend our Inter-generational Concert, 

featuring St Columba’s Early Years and Senior 

School children who will perform alongside 

members of Campbell Snowdon House. 

Tickets are free but donations are greatly 

appreciated. Everyone is welcome to sing and 

experience some wonderful live music. For 

more information and to book tickets please 

contact schusterdani@icloud.com. www. 

st-columbas.org 

Vintage Tea 



2pm to 4pm 

Come and enjoy some delicious tea, coffee, 

sandwiches and cakes. All welcome. £5 

on the door. 

Birds for Beginners 



Are you a beginner to bird watching? Join the 

team at RSPB Lochwinnoch for a workshop 

ideal for introducing beginners to this fantastic 

hobby! Learn more about common garden 

birds and pick up tips and advice on wildlife 

watching techniques. After this, we’ll head 

out onto the reserve to put these new skills 

into practise and then top it all off with a hot 

drink back at the centre. You don’t even need 

your own binoculars, as they are available for 

hire from the shop! Please book, as places 

are limited. Cost: Adults: £6; Children: £4.80 

(RSPB members: £4.80/£3.80). For bookings 

and further information: Email. lochwinnoch@ 

rspb.org.uk Tel. 01505 842663. 



- Outlook 


2pm to 4pm 

A Scottish Roundup with William Kean. 


Girls’ Night Out 

Greenock Town Hall, Cathcart Square, 

Greenock PA15 1LS 7pm 

Hosted by Ardgowan Hospice. Girls’ Night Out 

returns to Greenock Town Hall with very special 

guests FEEVA, the ultimate party show! Dance 

the night away until 1am to party hits from 

Motown, 60s, 70s, 80s and the 90s. Ticket 

price includes a glass of fizz on arrival and a 

buffet dinner. Tables are available to purchase 

through the link: https://ardgowanhospice. 

org.uk/event/girls-night-out-2018/ Tables 

of 10 priced at £250. A limited number of 

12s are available, to purchase these, email 

fundraising@ardhosp.co.uk 

Langbank Fashion Show 

Langbank Village Hall, Langbank, PA14 

6XB 7.30pm 

Current fashions, from a variety of well known 

chain stores, will be available to try on, and buy, 

at greatly reduced prices. Ticket price includes 

coffee and cakes, and there also be a raffle. 

This is always a fun event, so come along and 

buy some new clothes, and help raise funds 

for Langbank Church. Village notice boards 

will give further information. £5. 

FRI 21 SEP - TH U 18 

OC T O B E R 

Creatures of the Deep 

Exhibition 

Edinburgh 

Featuring incredible cross-sections of animals 

from whales and penguins to Great White 

sharks. SEA CREATURES: Life Beneath The 

Ocean will provide a never-before-seen upclose 

glimpse of their complex organs. Sea 

creatures will be brought to life by a range of 

digital interactive experiences and will allow 

visitors to explore the deepest regions of 

planet earth’s oceans. Various prices. 


Eilidh Grant Album Launch 

Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 

7pm 

The multi award winning, international 

folk singer launches her latest solo album 

‘Charms of Nature’ embracing her passion 

for traditional Scottish song, in particular 

Robert Burns. Classics such as Ae Fond Kiss, 

My Love is Like a Red Red Rose and Westlin 

Winds are beautifully accompanied by many of 

Scotland’s traditional songs. For information 

about the night and to secure your spot, 

purchase the tickets now at www.eilidhgrant. 

com/buy www.eilidhgrant.com 

St Columba’s School - Open 

Morning 

St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm 

Junior School - Knockbuckle Road, PA13 4EQ 

Senior School - Duchal Road, PA13 4AU 

10am to 1pm 

There is no better way to experience the 

true atmosphere of St Columba’s School 

than to come and see it for yourself. Open 

Morning provides the perfect opportunity 

for prospective and current families to see 

our Early Years, Junior and Senior Schools 

in action. A minibus service will operate 

between Junior and Senior School. Please 

do come along from 10am-1pm and let our 

pupils show you what makes St Columba’s so 

special. www.st-columbas.org 

WED 26 SEPTEMBER 

Healing Service 


Bridge of Weir 6pm 

You are invited to a Healing Service. All 

welcome. 


Gleniffer Singers in Concert 

Houston & Killellan Kirk, Main Street, 

Houston 

A Paisley-based ladies choir that sing a wide 

range of different styles from traditional, 

folk and classical to modern, musicals and 

gospel. 

Bat Night 


7pm 

Receive a wonderful presentation on bats, 

followed by a guided walk with bat detectors 

and the experts if weather permits (Bring a 

torch). Please book, as places are limited and 

due to the popularity of this event, please pay 

at time of booking. Cost: Adults: £6; Children: 

£4.80 (RSPB members: £4.80/£3.80). For 

bookings and further information: Email. 

lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk Tel. 01505 

842663. 




Houston and Killellan Kirk - 

The Gleniffer Singers 

Houston & Killellan Kirk, Main Street, 

Houston 

7pm 

Performing for one night only in Houston Kirk. 

No tickets required. Everyone is very welcome. 

Just come along. 

KURC’s 80s DISCO! 

Kilmacolm Running Club’s 4th annual charity night will be held on 6th October at 

the Cargill Community Centre in Kilmacolm at 7pm. Each year KURC pick a local 

charity which is close to members’ hearts, this year it is FEAT the Sepsis Research 

charity. Past charities have been Beatson, Ardgowan and St Vincent’s raising over £9,500 from just 3 events! 

The Disco will be 80’s themed, with prizes for fancy dress, a raffl e, games, a lucky ticket, Rubik’s Cube challenge, an 

80’s sweetie stall and of course a bar. Tickets are just £10 including a hot buffet, they can be purchased from any KURC 

member or at the Cross Cafe Kilmacolm. 

53 


Elderslie Community 

Council Quiz Night 

Elderslie Wallace Bowling Club, 

Stoddard Square, Elderslie, Johnstone 

PA5 9AS 

7pm 

Come and join us for a fun filled night of 

quizzing. With a raffle, quiz rounds covering 

sport, current affairs, general knowledge, 

entertainment and a few picture rounds. The 

winning team taking £100 home! We would 

really appreciate your support! £5. 

SA T 29 - SUN 30 

SEPTEMBER 

Scottish Multi-Class Regatta 




A legacy event of ‘Race 2 the games’ 2014. 

Get involved and sponsor or support your 

nearest school, accessible club or individual 

with additional support needs. 


OKFest 2018 

Kilmacolm Old Kirk, High Street, 

Kilmacolm 

2.30pm to 4pm 

Enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music at 

OKFest 2018. Look forward to recitals by 

organist Steven McIntyre and the Bridge 

of Weir Choral Society. Entry is free, but 

donations are very welcome to help cover 

the costs. 

FRI 5 OC T O B E R 

Did we find the wildlife in 

Ayrshire? - An illustrated 

talk. 

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, 

Renfrew 7.30pm 

Helen Embleton will deliver an illustrated talk 

entitled ‘Did we find the wildlife in Ayrshire?’ 

All welcome. 

SA T 6 OC T O B E R 

KURC’s 80s DISCO! 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 7pm 

Kilmacolm Running Club’s 4th annual charity 

night will be an 80s DISCO! Each year KURC 

pick a local charity which is close to members’ 

hearts, this year it is FEAT the Sepsis Research 

charity. Prizes for fancy dress, a raffle, games, 

a lucky ticket, Rubik’s Cube challenge, an 

80’s sweetie stall and of course a bar. Hot 

buffet included. Tickets can be purchased 

from any KURC member or at the Cross Cafe 

Kilmacolm. £10. 

SUN 7 OC T O B E R 

Lochwinnoch Choral Society 

Lochwinnoch Parish Church 

7pm 

The concert will feature the magnificent 

‘Messa De Gloria’ by Puccini and all are 

welcome. Tickets can be bought at the 

door. £10. 

National Whisky Festival @ 

Paisley’s Spree Festival 2018 

Get ready to raise a 

glass as Scotland’s 

biggest full-day whisky 

event comes to Paisley. 

Taking place at Paisley 

Town Hall on Saturday 

13th October from 

12pm - 3.30pm and 

4.15pm - 7.45pm with 

two sessions of drams, 

master classes, food, 

whisky related arts, 

crafts and a fantastic programme of live music. 

With a ticket price of just £25 whisky lovers will be able to enjoy: access to 

over 50 whiskies on the tasting fl oor ● two £5 discount vouchers for use on 

purchases at the on-site bottle shop ● a complimentary line-up of fantastic live 

music ● your own NWF branded Glencairn crystal nosing glass to use on the 

day and take home ● access to masterclasses (ticketed separately) ● offi cial 

festival programme. 

Get your tickets early, as it’s likely to sell out fast! 

1ST TO 9TH 

SEPTEMBER 

www.largsvikingfestival.org 

We are delighted to present our varied family friendly Programme for 

2018. While we do everything we can to deliver the Programme as printed, 

circumstances outwith our control do occur where performers are unable to 

meet their commitments, particularly the Military whose participation is always 

subject to operational requirements. We therefore reserve the right to change 

the programme as may be necessary but will always endeavour to provide an 

alternative event. 

PLEASE NOTE: For reasons of safety, the flying of drones in the vicinity of the 

Festival locations is strictly prohibited. 

This year the re-enactment group Swords of Dalriada will be in the Viking Village 

with Viking traders from Germany, Sweden and Ireland. Come and see how the 

Vikings lived in our extended living history 13th Century Viking Village. Entry fee 

of £5 Adults, £2 children, students and Concessions (over 60s) with Under 5s 

FREE gives admission throughout the day of purchase. 

The Village opens at 11 a.m. Every day with last admission at 4.30 pm. Please 

note that the Village closes on the Opening Day, 1 September, from 12.30 to 

1.45 pm to enable the Vikings to participate in the Opening Parade and as 

required to facilitate Viking Skirmishes. 

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

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

On 01475 689777 for further details. 

As well as our Viking Village there will also be: 

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

with a difference. 

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

been hand reared and are used to being handled. 

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

Largs Labyrinth – Situated behind St Columba’s Scottish Episcopal Church 

in Aubery Crescent, just a short walk to the North from the Festival Site. It 

offers a sacred space, the chance to take a mini-pilgrimage, and to gain a 

new perspective. “A maze is for losing yourself in, but a labyrinth is where you 

may fi nd yourself”. 

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

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

town including The Belfagan Women’s Morris Side comprising dancers and 

musicians from the West Lakes area of Cumbria on 1 September and the 

Border Reivers Morris on 8 September and hope they enjoy their time with us. 


54 


EVERY MO N D A Y 

Lochwinnoch Community Walk 

The Cross, Lochwinnoch 10.30am 

This event will not take place on public holidays. 

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 

Strathgryffe Motorcycle Club 

Mondays - The Trust Inn, Kilbarchan, 9pm - 

10.30pm 

Visit www.strathgryffe.org for details. 

EVERY TUESDAY 

Singing for Wellbeing 

Bishopton Community Centre 6pm - 7.15pm 

A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs. 

Bridge of Weir Walking Group 

Outside the Co-op, BoW, 10.30am 

1 hour walks. Call Senga on 0141 842 3000. 

Bridge of Weir Choral Society 

Small Hall St Columba Church, Kilmacolm 

7.30pm - 9.30pm 

All welcome. 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

Knitting Group 

Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers 10am - 12noon 

Knitters of all levels welcome! 

EVERY TH U R S D A Y 

Weekly Volunteer Group 

Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 12.30pm - 

3.30pm 

Conservation Volunteers - adult group. 

Newcomers always welcome. 

Kilmacolm Walkers 

Birkmyre Park Pavilion, Kilmacolm, 10am 

David 01505 874192 kilmacolmwalkers@ 

talktalk.net 

EVERY FR I D A Y 

Singing for Wellbeing 

Bishopton Community Centre 2pm - 3.15pm 

A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs. 

EVERY SA T U R D A Y 


Greenock Cut Visitor Centre 10.30am - 

2.30pm 

Conservation Volunteers, adult group. 


EVERY SU N D A Y 


Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 10am - 12noon 

Youth Volunteer Group - age 14 - 18 years. 


Houston Litter Crew 

Co-op Car Park 10am – 11.45am 

All volunteers welcome and all equipment 

supplied. 

2N D & 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 TH U R S M O N T H L Y 

‘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. 

2N D WEDNESDAY M O N T H L Y 

Inverclyde Carers Outreach 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 11am - 2pm 

Email enquiries@inverclydecarerscentre.org.uk 

or call: 01475 735180. 

Gateway Garden Drop In Sessions 

Gateway Garden, Kilbarchan from 1pm 

Open Days with gardening and wildlife activities 

on offer. For more information contact 

07952169341 or hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk 

or join the group Kilbarchan Smile on Facebook. 

2N D TH U R S D A Y M O N T H L Y 

Sòlas Bereavement Support Group 

Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm. 2pm - 4pm. 

3RD FR I D A Y M O N T H L Y 

Hearing Aid Clinic 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 1 - 2pm 

Hearing aid batteries and hearing aid checks. 

2N D SA T U R D A Y M O N T H L Y 

‘Brunch & Browse’ 

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

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

L A S T FR I D A Y M O N T H L Y 

TheTerrace 

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall 

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

L A S T SA T U R D A Y M O N T H L Y 

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 

2N D THU & L A S T SAT 

Paisley Cross 

10am - 2pm Tel: 01655 770217 

2N D SUN 

Kip Marina, Inverkip 

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

Summer Fete 

Saturday 8th September in Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm - 2pm to 4pm. 

St Columba School will be holding our Summer Fete with a food & drink marquee, 

novelty crufts, family rounders, mini-mudder, tennis, rugby, community stalls, 

raffl e, tombola, Pipe Band performance and much more! Fun for all and free 

entry! To book a stall please email aberry@st-columbas.org 

1st - 2nd September 

Dumfries & Galloway 

East Renfrewshire 

Fife East 

Highland: Inverness and surrounding 

area 

West Lothian 

West Dunbartonshire 

8th - 9th September 

Aberdeen City (Saturday only) 

Angus 

Ayrshire 

Dundee 

East Dunbartonshire (Saturday only) 

Fife Central 

Highland: Black Isle and Easter Ross 

Inverclyde 

Midlothian 

North Lanarkshire 

Renfrewshire 


Glasgow (Monday to Sunday) 


Aberdeenshire 

Falkirk 

Fife West 

Highland: Caithness and Sutherland 

Perth & Kinross: Eastern & Highland 

Perthshire 

Scottish Borders 

Stirling 

22nd - 23rd September 

Argyll and Bute: Dunoon and 

surrounding area 

Highland: Badenoch and Strathspey 

Highland: Wester Ross (Saturday 

only) 

Moray (Saturday only) 

Perth & Kinross: Strathearn & Kinrossshire 


Clackmannanshire 

East Lothian 

Edinburgh 

Highland: Fort Augustus 

Perth & Kinross: Perth City 

South Lanarkshire 

www.doorsopendays.org.uk 



Little Mix Magic Tribute Concert 

Little Mix Magic- Glasgow’s Little 

Mix Tribute Act - are coming to 

perform their hits at Port Glasgow 

Town Hall! Come meet the girls 

and watch the show on 13th 

October at 5pm. Tickets are £15. 

Funds raised will go to Ardgowan 

Hospice. Tickets are available 

from www.ardgowanhospice.org. 

uk/events 

Bothwell Scarecrow Festival 

Save the date 8th - 16th September 

Last year’s event was brilliant. With over 450 Scarecrows displayed, 30 events 

and 30,000 followers it was our biggest yet! Once again this year we have 

a number of new events and activities, as well as some fi rmly established 

favorites and with the support of our sponsors and everyone in the community 

I know that we can make this years festival the best one yet! 

It all begins with Sport Weekend, which includes the Scarecrow Champions 

League Football Tournament on Saturday 8th September, followed by a choice 

of the On Road Cycle Ride to Glasgow or Family Cycle Ride and the 5K & 10K 

Fun Run on Sunday 9th September. 

Other highlights to look forward to this year include: 

The Famous Comedy Night (2 dates) Kids Party Night 

Farmers’ Market 

Family Outdoors Fun Day 

Art Exhibition 

Grand Scarecrow Parade 

The events will once again be spread around various venues in the village 

with Bothwell Primary School being used as our main arena for the Saturday 

and Sunday activities. Don’t miss the ‘Indoor and Outdoor Fun activities’ on 

Saturday 15th September including the Toddler Zone – the Fun fair, Live music, 

Face painting, Arts and Crafts, Balloon modeling and more! 

As with previous years we have activities for all ages. 

On Sunday 16th September we have the Grand Scarecrow Parade followed 

by an afternoon of fun as the playground goes ‘down on the farm’ with live 

entertainment, massage zone, and much more. 

The festive spirit provided by your Scarecrow creations is very important, so this 

year we are opening up the Super Scarecrow Street competition to A STREET, 

PART OF A STREET or any COMMUNITY GROUP that would like to enter. Find 

out what we are offering to encourage you to enter the Competition on our 

SUPER SCARECROW STREET page. For help on how to build your own very 

special scarecrow visit our Build a Scarecrow page on hints and tips as well as 

information on our scarecrow building events supported by our friends from 

Uddingston Craft Bomb and KraftyKidz. 

We’re hoping for sunshine but if it’s wet, the fun will continue indoors so be sure 

to come along. There is loads to do for everyone regardless of the weather. 

To keep up to date with progress and see the latest info check out www. 

bothwellscarecrowfestival.co.uk/ 

Get Your Dancing Shoes On 

The OIR Dance Group meet on a Monday at 1.30pm 

in the Clark Memorial Hall, Largs. Dancing consists 

of Ballroom, Sequence, Old Time and Scottish. 

All new members are made welcome, so dust off 

your old dance shoes and come along and join us, 

come alone or bring a partner. 

Contact: Bill Alexander 01475 522043 or Archie Adams 01475 649008. 

Explore 

Paisley’s 

Abbey Drain 

this Doors 

Open Days 

The Abbey Drain is an archaeological 

and architectural gem, and for the fi rst time members of the public have the 

chance to experience it fi rst-hand. 

Exclusively for Doors Open Days members of the public can enjoy 15-minute 

guided tours of the Abbey Drain on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September, led by 

an archaeologist and expert on the drain. 

Spaces on the tours are limited, however there will be a whole host of interesting 

activities inspired by the Abbey Drain available during the Doors Open Days 

weekend for those unable to take the tour. 

The Abbey Drain was fi rst discovered in 1879 and then rediscovered in 1990. 

It’s considered that the earliest phases date to between AD 1350 and 1400. 

Archaeological investigations have discovered many treasures preserved in the 

silts from the drain, some of which are currently on display in Paisley Abbey. 

Preliminary archaeological investigations suggest that there is more to the 

structure than it fi rst seems and there is much speculation about the drain’s 

true form and purpose. 

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said “The Abbey Drain is located right 

in the heart of Paisley town centre and is shrouded in mystery to many of us. 

“This is a very exciting opportunity to experience it fi rst hand and is perfect for 

anyone interested in architecture, archaeology and the heritage of Paisley. 

“If descending underground isn’t for you, don’t worry as there will still be a 

range of activities taking place outside the drain for archaeology buffs of all 

ages to enjoy.” 

Places on the tours will be allocated by a ballot. For more information and 

to enter visit www.paisley.is/listing/win-a-tour-of-the-great-medieval-drain-inpaisleys-abbey-close/ 

The tour is not suitable for those who have mobility issues, those who are 

pregnant, those with a history of heart conditions or claustrophobia, or children 

under 12 years old. 

Access to the drain is via a manhole and a 15-foot vertical ladder. The ground is 

not level underfoot and standing water of up to 4-inches exists in places. 

If you are successful, appropriate clothing and footwear is required to 

participate. 

Music halls speaker entertains 

Paisley & District U3A 

Not many people know that Glasgow has the 

world’s oldest surviving music hall, the Britannia 

Panopticon situated at the Trongate. However, 

if you come to Paisley & District U3A you can 

hear all about an exciting project to restore this 

unique building at their next monthly meeting on 

Thursday 4 October at 2pm. Guest speaker Judith 

Bowers will share the history of the Britannia 

Panopticon and mention some of the famous 

entertainers who appeared there such as the 

comic actor Stan Laurel, who made his debut, 

aged 16, on this music hall stage. 

U3A chair Kathleen O’Donnell said: “People still love to go out and see a show. In 

its heyday, Glasgow’s popular music hall tradition drew huge audiences. Some 

fans lived nearby but others would travel miles to the city from neighbouring 

towns like Paisley and surrounding districts just to watch their favourite acts 

performing live. In what promises to it be a fascinating presentation, Judith 

Bowers will regale us with tales about the world famous Britannia Panopticon 

and current plans for its restoration. Anyone who is semi or fully retired can 

attend and enjoy some light refreshments from 1.30pm before her talk starts. 

Information about our various groups and activities will also be available. 

Details of the venue will be posted very soon on the U3A website.” 

[Photo credit for the Stan Laurel to Kathleen O’Donnell. For more details please 

contact Kathleen O’Donnell on M: 07767134130. For more information on Paisley & 

District U3A, check out our website: https://u3asites.org.uk/paisley/welcome] 

55 


56 

HEALTHCARE/ 

BEAUTY 


TUITION 

TRADES AND SERVICES 

BUSINESS 

MISCELLANEOUS 

CHILDCARE 

Houston registered childminders. 

For an informal chat to fi nd 

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. 

PROPERTY TO LET 


ADVERTISING RATES 

TRADES/SERVICES/PROPERTY/CARS 

BOXED AD £7.75* per column cm 

PHOTO £7.75* (car sales only) 

* Prices subject to VAT 

The Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 

- the Law requires that Advertisers selling goods in 

the course of a business MUST include the word 

Trader, Dealer, Agent, Breeder or appropriate wording 

in the Advertisement to distinguish from private 

advertisers. 

ADVERTISING RATES 

PRIVATE SALES ONLY 

UP TO £500 FREE 

£501 to £1000 £5.00 

OVER £1000 Call for details 

MAXIMUM 40 words 

Email your items to info@advertizer.co.uk or fill 

in our online form at www.advertizer.co.uk 

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 

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It is hereby agreed that: 

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• All Advertisements in this Publication must not contravene the Standards. 

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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 particular Advertisement. 

• The Advertising Client agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect of all 

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legal actions or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the 

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in accordance with the copy instructions supplied to the Publisher. 

• Readers are reminded that when purchasing items or services advertised 

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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. 



57 

ITEMS FOR SALE 

BABY EQUIPMENT 

6 Next jersey dresses in 

excellent condition. Various 

sizes. £5 each or £23 for all 

6. Pics available on request. 

Tel: 07505 126416. 

Cinderella pink floral dress 

with matching bloomers. 24 

months. £8. Pics available on 

request. Tel: 07505 126416. 

Tummy tub bath tub for 

newborns. Baby feels safe 

and secure in upright position 

whilst washing. £10. Tel: 

07540 094944. 

LittleLife baby carrier. Ideal for 

hillwalking. For babies up 

to 15kgs. With instruction 

manual. In excellent condition 

from smoke and pet free 

home. £40. Tel: 07540 

094944. 

Caboo baby carrier in box with 

instruction manual. Dark 

purple +cotton blend. For 

use from newborn to age 2. 

Baby can face in/out/held 

on hip/supported during 

breastfeeding. £30. Tel: 

07540 094944. 

GroEgg thermometer for baby’s 

room. Colour changes to 

allow mum & dad to see 

at a glance if temperature 

needs adjusting. £6. Tel: 

07540 094944. 

Girl’s TED BAKER cosy winter 

jacket with fur trim. 12-18 

months. Excellent condition. 

Pics available on request. £25 

ONO. Tel: 07887506042 

Girl’s TED BAKER cosy snow 

suit with fur trim and gloves. 

18-24 months. Excellent 

condition. Pics available 

on request. £30 ONO. Tel: 

07887506042 

Girl’s TED BAKER beautiful 

cream coat with fur trim. 9-12 



ONO. Tel: 07887506042 

Girl’s TED BAKER pale green 

jacket. 18-24 months. 

Excellent condition. Pics 

available on request. £20 

ONO. Tel: 07887506042 

Girl’s JOHN ROCHA rain jacket 

with fleece lining. 18-24 



ONO. Tel: 07887506042 

Girl’s Agatha Ruiz jacket. 

12months. Pink velour. 



ONO. Tel: 07887506042 

Girl’s Boboli pink padded jacket. 

6 months. Excellent condition. 


ONO. Tel: 07887506042 

Girl’s Next pale pink jacket 

with fur collar. 12-18 months. 



ONO. Tel: 07887506042 

Girl’s Next red jacket with 

unusual print. 6-9 months. 



ONO. Tel: 07887506042 

Girl’s Next pink coat with 

hood. 6-9 months. Excellent 

condition. £15 ONO. Pics 

available on request. Tel: 

07887506042 

Girl’s red furry coat. Brand new 

with tags. 18-24 months. £8. 

Pics available on request. Tel: 

07887506042 

Baby pink snowsuit. 3-6 

months. Worn once. Excellent 

condition. £8. Pics available on 

request. Tel: 07887506042. 

Girl’s white padded jacket with 

hood. Excellent condition. 

3-6 months. Pics available 

on request. £10 ONO. Tel: 

07887506042 

Baby snowsuit white with 

blue flowers. 3-6 months. 

Excellent condition. £8. Pics 


07887506042. 

Girl’s TED BAKER “dressy” 

dress 18-24 months. Pink/ 

red floral. Excellent condition. 

£18 ONO. Pics available on 

request. Tel: 07887506042 

Girl’s TED BAKER “dressy” 

dress 18-24 months. Pink and 

purple fl oral with butterfl ies. 

Excellent condition. £18 ONO. 


07887506042 

Girl’s Monsoon yellow floral 

dress. Worn once. Excellent 

condition. 2-3 yrs. £18 ONO. 


07887506042. 

Girl’s TED BAKER jersey dress 

and matching headband. Pink 

and purple floral print. Age 2-3 

yrs. £10. Pics available on 

request. Tel: 07887506042 

Girl’s TED BAKER playsuit. 

Pale green 6-9 months. Very 

good condition. £10. Pics 


07887506042 

Girl’s JASPER CONRAN dress 

deep pink and white floral. 

18-24 months. Excellent 

condition. £10. Pics 


07887506042 

Baby changing table in light 

oak. Approx 78.5cm wide x 

57cm deep x 76cm high. Two 

shelves for storage (Four 

wicker baskets included). 

Great condition, smoke free 

home. £30. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Two sets of cot bed duvet cover 

and pillowcases suitable for 

boys or girls (farm animals 

on one, giraffe and elephant 

on the other). Good condition, 

100% cotton. £10 for both 

sets or £5 each. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Little Tikes 4-in-1 trike in brown 

and turquoise. Ages 9 months 

to 3 years. Great condition. 

£30. Tel: 01505 672175. 

Medela swing breast pump. 

Recommended by midwives. 

Used but still in box with all 

attachments incl bottle. £70. 

Tel: 07540 094944. 

Britax Baby Safe Sleeper Lie 

Flat Car Seat. Group 0+. 

Excellent condition from 

smoke and pet free home. 

£40. Tel: 07540 094944. 

NCT Bednest crib. Attaches to 

mum’s bed to allow mum and 

baby to sleep truly side by side 

or can be used stand alone. 

Portable design. Comes with 

brand new fi tted sheet and 

crib sides. Modification kit incl. 

£70. Tel: 07540 094944. 

Ems 4 bubs baby ear defenders. 

Be ready for Bonfire night! 

Pink. £10. Tel: 07540 

094944. 

Various “gro bags” in sizes 

ranging from 0-6 months 

to 18-24 months. Good 

condition. £4 each or £20 for 

all 6 gro bags. Pics available 

on request. Tel: 07505 

126416. 

Tommy Tippee Explora baby 

food blender. £10 ono. Pic 


07505 126416. 

Mothercare baby bath suitable 

from newborn. £8. Mamas 

and Papas baby bath £8. 

Pics available on request. 

Tel: 07505 126416. 

Angel sounds foetal heart beat 

doppler. £8. Pic available on 

request. Tel: 07505 126416. 

Mothercare potty chair (red) 

£7. Pic available on request. 

Tel: 07505 126416. 

Pink Clair de Lune crib and 

cot bedding (matching 

set) including quilt and cot 

bumpers. £8 each or both 

for £14. Pics available on 

request. Tel: 07505 126416. 

Knitted jumpers, cardigans 

and hats in various colours 

and sizes. £10 for all. 

Pics available on request. 

Tel: 07505 126416. 

Various sizes pink and white 

muslin cloths including 

Carter brand. Brand new 

without packaging. £5 for all. 

Tel: 07505 126416. 

Medela manual breast pump 

with box and instructions. 

£10. Pic available on request. 

Tel: 07505 126416. 

Fisher Price swing ocean 

theme. Has soothing side to 

side and front to back motion. 

Plays different musical 

sounds. Battery operated. 

Good condition. £25 ono. 

Pic available on request. 

Tel: 07505 126416. 

SmarTrike pink/red colour. £25 

ono. Bought new for £80. 

Good condition. Pics available 

on request. Tel: 07505 

126416. 

Red baby carrier suitable from 

0-2years. £5. Pic available on 

request. Tel: 07505 126416. 

Mamas and Papas ‘bumbo’ style 

seat in white and raspberry. 

Very good condition. £15. 

Pic available on request. 

Tel: 07505 126416. 

CLOTHES & SHOES 

Suzanne Neville Beaujolais 

wedding dress in ivory silk. 

Size 10. Professionally dry 

cleaned, good condition. 

£250. Tel: 01505 672175. 

STAR by Julien MacDonald 

black and white print chiffon 

dress, size 12. Never been 

worn, tag still attached, 

price £45. Selling for £20. 

Photos available. Tel: 07890 

564528. 

2 drizabone waxed riding coats( 

purchased in Oz) 1 small and 

1 medium. Both with hoods 

and vented at rear for riding. 

Excellent condition. £45 each 

or both for £80. Tel: 07963 

525951. 

Men’s light grey suit, + trousers 

+ free new tie. 44R size. £65. 

Tel: 07856 610671. 

Marco Tozzi light rose block 

heel shoes. £18. Tel: 07856 

610671. 

Men’s XL lightweight waterproof 

golf jacket with half zip in 

black and charcoal. Excellent 

condition as unworn. Smoke 

free home. £25. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN 

Children’s white cabin bed 

from Next Home. Comes 

with single mattress, build in 

ladder, desk, 3 drawers and 

wardrobe that fit underneath. 

£100. Te. 07885768894 

1 pair fully lined warm colours 

taped curtains 90ins x 90ins 

with tie backs and 4 cushion 

covers to match. £40 ono. Tel: 

07905 449959. 

Ryobi 30cc 2 stroke brushwood 

cutter/hedge cutter with 

extension bar. 10 years old 

but never used – still in box. 

£50; Garden Groom Safety 

hedge cutter. Used £10. Tel: 

01505 872035. 

Traditional Ercol style 3 piece 

suite, 2 seater & 2 chairs, 

high back with wooden arms 

neutral heathery muted pink/ 

beige/purple tones, good 

condition, smoke & pet free 

home. £100. Tel: 07954 

364125. 

Laminate Flooring Colour-Old 

Oak Mat. Approx 8 Sq meters 

packaged. £25. Tel: 01475 

540313. 

Ikea Childs flat pack Timber 

Bed 1.2m long x 0.9m wide. 

Good condition. £20. Tel: 

07950 261902. 

Pair of Tan Leather two seater 

Sofas. Very good condition. 

£500 ono. Tel: 07950 

261902. 

Thetford Porta Potti Excellence 

- Manual Flush - with folding 

mobility frame. Seldom used, 

still in box. 6 months old. £75. 

Tel: 07776 310907. 

Layezee Single bed with 

Headboard. Good condition. 

£35. Tel: 07788 915602. 

Men’s M&S waxed casual coat 

in dark green. Size large. 

As new. £25. Tel: 01505 

672175. 

Retro style oak and veneer 

coffee table from the House 

by John Lewis range. Handy 

shelves and drawers for 

storage. Approx H38cm x 

W110cm x D60cm. Excellent 

condition, smoke free home. 

£170. Tel: 01505 672175. 

Set of 3 metal plant pots in 

galvanised steel, 36cm high, 

11cm diameter at base. £15. 

Tel: 01505 672175. 

Fold out foam chair Z bed for 

guests (single) in mink jumbo 

cord. Excellent condition, 

smoke free home. £25. Tel: 

01505 672175. 

Log splitter with long wooden 

handle. Heavy duty. £10 ono. 

Tel: 01505 874949 

Maxi climber for sale £70 barely 

used. Collection preferred 

easily dismantled and 

folded for transportation. Tel 

07782329589 

Ikea Knopparp 2 seat sofa 

(grey). W119cm x D76cm x 

H69cm. Very neat, machine 

washable and sturdy. Really 

good condition. £20. Tel: 

07713 163639. 

1 pair fully lined heavy plain 

coffee colour taped curtains 

90ins x 90ins with tie backs 

and 4 cushion covers to 

match. £40 ono. Tel: 07905 

449959. 

ELECTRICAL & GAS 

Yamaha electric keyboard with 

stand (Portable Grand NP- 

30). Good condition, selling as 

no longer used. Lightweight, 

therefore, easy to move 

about. Looking for £150 Ono. 

Tel: 07419328156 

Black and Decker KW850E 

1100w Router new in box. 

£15. Tel: 01505 872035. 

Sewing Machine - Brother 

VX1100 electric sewing 

machine. Very good condition. 

£45. Tel: 01505 690426. 

Sony speakers 8 x 13cm size - 5 

speakers. £30. Tel: 07856 

610671. 

Sky HD box. £20. Tel: 07856 

610671. 

Sony DVD HD theatre system 

+controller. £28. Tel: 07856 

610671. 

Braun MR5550 MBC-HC 

600 Watt Turbo 12 Speed 

Multiquick Professional Hand 

Blender Includes ice crusher 

and other attachments. Brand 

new still in the box. £40. Tel 

07788915602 

SPORTS 

Mountain Bike, Ladies, like new, 

used very little. For quick sale; 

£20. Tel: 01505 612722. 

Small exercise trampoline, 

keep fit or child use. Round, 

3 feet broad. £14. Tel: 07986 

812483. 

Dawes Duchess 19” Ladies 

Bike, Burgundy, 7 gears, good 

condition, extras £150. Tel: 

07456 650066. 

Figure Ice Skates Sizes 1,2,3 

and 4. All great condition 

- barely worn. Good quality 

brands. Tel: 07803086346 

McGregor Golf Clubs +bag + 

caddy car £50 Tel. 01505 

322374 

Taylor Made Driver+cover £30 

Tel. 01505 322374 

Stand Bag £10 Tel. 01505 

322374 

Gents Raleigh Stratos Mountain 

Bike 18 gears. Fair condition 

£25. Tel: 01475 540313. 

TECHNICAL & GAMES 

Samsung WB210 Camera - 

World’s 1st 21mm Super Wide 

angle compact zoom camera 

with 14.0 megapixels, 12 x 

optical zoom, 3.5” super bright 

smart touch screen, smart 

filter and HD movie. Excellent 

condition. £45. Tel: 01505 

690426. 

Scrabble Prestige Edition never 

used £20 (cost £59) Tel 01505 

322374 

OTHER ITEMS 

Acoustic Guitar. Yamaha 

FG400A. £40 Kilbarchan 

01505705264 

Acoustic Guitar. Ryogi Mat 

Suoka. £40 Kilbarchan 

01505705264 

“Saris” Car Bike Rack. Fully 

adjustable. Takes up to 

three bikes. £20 Kilbarchan 

01505705264 

Immersion Suite Fladen Rescue 

System Constant Wear Suite 

West System. ClassD/150 

15027-1 Size Large, 

Brand New £50 Kilbarchan 

01505705264 

Portable Foolscap filing cabinet 

/ case in tough blue plastic, 

with 10 folders inside. Good 


672175. 

Tyre, new, never used, 

245/45ZR18 100W XL, £85. 

Tel: 07986 812483. 

Jaguar alloy wheel, never used, 

18 inch, Chalice 7 spokes, 

silver finish, £95. new. Tel: 

07986 812483. 

Camping gear. 2 Campingaz 

Bistro stoves with gas 

canisters, TRONIC camping 

lamp and small tent. All used. 

£10. Tel: 01505 872035. 

Massage Table. Excellent 


812 5531 

Dolls House, new with extra 

items included. £45. Tel: 

0141 812 5531. 

Michelin alpin winter runflat 

tyre 205 55 r16 91h, like new 

approx 2000 miles. £50. Tel: 

07954 364125. 

Natural amber bracelets - 3. £10 

each. Tel: 07856 610671. 

Amber necklace cognac colour. 

£30. Tel: 07856 610671. 

Motorcycle maintenance stand, 

waterproof cover and padlock 

£30 ono. Tel: 01505 872035. 

Brand new steel car wheel 

6JX15H2 and new Jinyu tyre 

185/60 R15. Stored as spare 

wheel only. £80. Tel: 07736 

067169. 

WANTED ITEMS 

Cash paid for Music CDs ( a few 

or a lot ). Tel: 0141 882 5594 

or 07765 115347. 

Infusion dance company 

clothing for ages between 

4-6 (would consider age 3-4). 

In particular for gymnastics 

an Eclipse leotard and Eclipse 

shorts. For dance a black 

Sheree leotard, black circular 

skirt, pink wrap cardigan, 

pink ballet tights, pink leather 

ballet shoes, black leather tap 

shoes. Any or all items would 

be appreciated. Tel: 07887 

506042. 

Westclox Big Ben alarm clock. 

Call 07756981917 

Local lily grower requires the use 

of a greenhouse/polytunnel in 

Kilmacolm area in return for 

light gardening duties. Tel: 

Vince 01505 872082. 

Old records Wanted 45`s & 

LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 07710 

777571. 

FREE CYCLE 

2 x Ikea High Chairs. 1 x Stair 

Gate. Tel: 01505 329049. 

Qualcast Suffolk Punch 35S 

petrol lawnmower. Not used 

for 10 years but seems 

OK with TLC. Tel: 01505 

872035. 

Wooden Mamas and Papas 

Cot (no mattress). Very good 

condition. Suitable from birth. 

Three height adjustments. 

Smoke free and pet free 

home. Tel: 01505 871832. 


58 


Accountants & Financial 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 14 

CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 14 

F Christie Accounting . . . . . . 14 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 

Architectural Services 

CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 7 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Automotive Services 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 59 

Bathrooms 

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 

Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 9 

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 

Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 19 

Bedrooms 

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 9 

Blacksmith & Metalwork 

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 50 

Building Services 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 53 

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 49 

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 48 

KC Building & Roofing . . . . . . 4 

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 3 

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 16 

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 29 

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 54 

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 41 

Business Services 

Hutton Creative Design . . . . . 10 

Laptop and PC Repairs . . . . . . 19 

Care Services & Homes 

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 7 

Home Instead Senior Care . . . 37 

Catering 

Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 

Cleaning & PowerWash 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 31 

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 25,7 

Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 


Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Computer, Web & 

Graphic Design 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 



Council Notices 

The Media Shop Scotland Ltd . . 17 

Driveways 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Driving Instructors 

AL Stewart - Driving School . . 41 

Education 

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 43 

Electricians 

Delta Electrical Services . . 16 

DMS Electrical Services . . . . 12 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Russell Milne Electrician . . 51 

Fencing 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 


Firewood & Logs 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 12 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Funeral Services 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 8 

Garage Doors & Gates 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Garden Service & Design 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 20 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 20 

Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 21 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 23 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 21 


M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 22 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 

R Williams Tree Services . . . 21 

The Garden Landscape Co . . . . 21 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 23 

Gas & Heating Services 

Bell Plumbing & Heating . . . . 14 

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 55 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 18 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Glazier 

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 

Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 5 

JayBee Double Glazing Repairs . . 51 

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Hairdressers & Barbers 

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 32 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Health, Beauty & Fitness 


Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Erskine Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 41 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 51 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 19 

Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 32 

Sole Therapies . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

BY CATEGORY 

Home Hardware 

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . 13,21,23,34,41,51 

Home Improvements 



Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 12 



Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk 


Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 3 


Orchard Flooring . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Scotland’s Bath Company . . . . 52 


Home Interiors 




Home Security 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 12 

Joiners 


CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 14 





McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 34 




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 51 

Kitchens 







Locksmiths 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Painters & Decorators 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 35 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 54 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

Pest Control 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Pet Services & Training 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 27 

Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 27 

Plasterers 

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 5 



Plumbers 




GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 



The Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . 29 

Property, Sales & Let 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Removals 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 10 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Retail 

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . 13,21,23,34,41,51 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 29 

R o o fi n g 











Solicitors 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 


Special Occasions 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Sports Clubs & Events 

Paisley Indoor Bowling Club . . 16 

Stoves 


Taxis & Minicoach hire 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 59 

Tiling 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 51 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Travel Agents 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Tree Surgeon 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 


Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 21 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

TV & Satellite 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 50 


Upholstery Services 


Window Cleaners 




Matthews Cleaning Services . . 51 

Window, Consv & Repair 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Window Scene Scotland . . . . . . Bk 

October ‘18 Issue 

Deadline: 14th Sept.Delivery: 26th Sept. 

ADVERTIZERS - A TO Z 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 10 



A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 35 


A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 20 

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 14 


AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

AL Stewart - Driving School . . 41 

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 12 


Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 


Bathroom Solutions by MPH . . 9 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 5 


Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 41 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 


Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 12 





CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 14 

CleanDryCarpets . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 


Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 5 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 54 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 

Computer Repairs . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 7 

Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 23 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 

Delta Electrical Services . . 16 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 50 

DJD Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 14 

DMS Electrical Services . . . . 12 


Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Erskine Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 

F Christie Accounting . . . . . . 14 


Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 41 


Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . 13,21,23,34,41,51 


Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 51 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Gryffe Garage Motor Engineers . . 59 


Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Home Instead Senior Care . . . 37 


Pick up a Copy 





James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 




John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 8 

Johnstone TOA Taxi Co . . . . . . 59 


Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 21 


Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 13,Bk 



Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 


LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Linda Stewart - Slimming World . . 51 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 


M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 

M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 22 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Matthews Cleaning Services . . 51 

McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 34 


Miller BioFuels Ltd . . . . . . . . 12 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 10 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 31 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 19 




Paisley Indoor Bowling Club . . 16 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 5 

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 


Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Russell Milne Electrician . . 51 

Scotland’s Bath Company . . . . 52 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 27 


Sole Solutions Podiatry . . . . 32 

Sole Therapies . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 43 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 

Suzanne’s Grooming Pad . . . . . 27 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir . . 29 


The Media Shop Scotland Ltd . . 17 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 

The Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . 29 


Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 22 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 23 

Window Scene Scotland . . . . . . Bk 

Woodburn & Beattie Joiners . . 51 

Bishopton: 

Woodrow’s Store, 

Library, May’s Coffee 

Shop 

Bridge of Weir: 

Gibb Stuart, Bernie’s 

Cafe, Lochnagar, The 

Bridge, Library (Cargill 

Hall) 

Erskine: 

Garden Centre, Library, 

Sports Centre, 

Swimming pool 

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, 

Post Office, Campbell’s, 

Newsagents, Bobbins, 

Old Library Centre 

Langbank: 

Finlaystone Visitor 

Centre 

Kilmacolm: 

Newsagent, Cross Café, 

Gibb Stuart, Library, 

Community Centre 

Lochwinnoch: 

Keystore, Library, 

Dolce Vita, 

Castle Semple Centre 

Quarriers: 

Three Sisters Bake 



59 

59 

Green Light for Bridge Over the 

Black Cart 

A purpose-built pedestrian bridge and cycleway will connect people to a 

major investment area being developed next to Glasgow Airport. 

Councillors have now given the green light to construction of the new bridge 

over the Black Cart at the south end of Greenock Road, providing a safe 

route for cyclists and pedestrians to cross the busy junction with Inchinnan 

Road. 

The crossing is one of a series of infrastructure improvements as part of the 

£39.1million Glasgow Airport Investment Area project, funded through the 

Glasgow City Region City Deal. 

Glasgow Airport Investment Area is delivering the infrastructure and 

environmental improvements underpinning a new 150-acre investment 

area. Planning consent has already been granted for the realignment of 

Abbotsinch Road and a new link bridge being built over the White Cart. 

Public feedback signalled strong support for the Glasgow Airport Investment 

Area, with 94 per cent backing the plans during extensive engagement over 

the last two years. 

Two national innovation centres have already been confirmed at the new 

site, the £65million National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland and the 

£56million Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre, which will be at the 

heart of an emerging manufacturing district. 

It is anticipated the district will create thousands of new permanent jobs and 

365 jobs are required during the construction of the City Deal-funded roads, 

bridges and cycle routes, which is expected to be completed by 2020. 

It is one of three projects in Renfrewshire funded through the £1.13billion 

Glasgow City Region City Deal, an agreement between the UK Government, 

Scottish Government and eight local authorities across the Glasgow 

City Region to deliver improved infrastructure, create new jobs, tackle 

unemployment and drive innovation and growth. 

Project details 

• A high-quality boulevard into the investment area through re-alignment 

and upgrading of Abbotsinch Road - including 1620 metres of new 

road 

• A two-lane bridge over the White Cart linking the investment area to 

Westway business park 

• A cycleway and pedestrian bridge spanning the Black Cart 

• All routes enhanced by pedestrian walkways and cycle lanes 

• New and improved junctions and connections to existing cycleways 

and paths 

Trying to sell your vehicle online? 

Don’t put photos of your documents on 

social media. Scammers can use this for 

identity theft or to clone your vehicle. Read more:https://www.gov.uk/ 

government/news/dvla-warns-customers-to-stay-safe-online 

Contact us 

1st Floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN 

t: 01505 613340 m: 07731 923970 

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

@GryffeAds 

Open Tuesday to Thursday 9am-4pm; 

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. 


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

you can contact us @GryffeAds using #Advertizer 

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

Distributed to: • Bishopton • Bridge of Weir 

• 

Brookfield • Elderslie • Houston • Howwood• Kilbarchan • Kilmacolm • Langbank• Lochwinnoch • Quarriers

288 September 2018 - Gryffe Advertizer

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