296 May 19 - Gryffe Advertizer

Gryffe 

May 2019 No.296 

ADVERTIZER 

Delivered FREE to homes in the Gryffe area 

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LOCAL NEWS - LOCAL EVENTS - LOCAL PEOPLE - LOCAL BUSINESS 

Advertizer distributed to: • Bishopton • Bridge of Weir • Brookfield • Elderslie • Houston • Howwood• Kilbarchan • Kilmacolm • Langbank• Lochwinnoch • Quarriers

www.advertizer.co.uk 

Next deadline - Friday 17th May 

2 

Advertising Feature 

Spring time turns our attention to pressure washing and softwashing 

ready for the Summer ahead. With over 20 years experience of exterior 

cleaning systems, we are your local qualifi ed and experienced cleaning 

company with the state of the art equipment, knowledge and experience 

to achieve the best results. Whether it is soft-washing moss on roofs, 

algae from render, pressure washing decking, patios, monobloc drives or 

anything in between, please give us a call for free, friendly information on 

our services or for a free quotation. 

01505 863 863 www.nutechcleaning.co.uk 

This month 

I seem to always be going on about local groups and their reliance on the 

support of local people - whether through attendance at their events, or 

more importanly, through the giving of their time as volunteers. 

Sadly, my words have come true with the unfortunate news that Bridge of 

Weir’s annual Gala will not take place this year. It’s disappointing when this 

happens as typically when these events stop it’s a big struggle to get them 

going again. Having said that, I am delighted to say that Lochwinnoch has 

managed to resurrect their Gala event this year after not running last year. 

The Lochwinnoch event will take place on Saturday 8th June on the theme of 

‘Superheroes’ - a term that could apply to all the wonderful volunteers who 

make it happen! 

On to Planning and Gladman are back in the news. A fresh application has 

been submitted for 88 houses on North Denniston only - the land to the 

left of the main road approaching Kilmacolm. News of this came in too late 

to include in our last issue, and the comments deadline was 26th April so 

too early for this issue. However, the Kilmacolm Civic Trust held a very busy 

meeting to inform villagers of this new development proposal. 

In Linwood there are plans for a housing development which will be sited 

directly opposite St Benedict’s school, consisting of 200 houses on the 

Linwood side of the A737 and 50 on the Johnstone side, with the only 

vehicle access being via Bridge of Weir Road. Again, notice came too late/ 

early for our past and present issues. There is also news of a proposed 246 

development next to the Erskine Bridge Hotel which has been met with 

objection by the town’s community council. 

The Local Development Plan is currently under consultation and can be 

viewed at the Customer Service Centre, Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, 

Paisley, PA1 1AN between the hours of 8.45am to 4.45pm, Monday to 

Thursday and 08.45am to 3.55pm on Friday, online at www.renfrewshire. 

gov.uk/article/3070/Preparation-of-the-next-Local-Development-Plan or at 

Council Libraries. The closing date for comments is Monday 10th June 2019, 

so if you want to have your say please do so before the cut off date. 

I found a very interesting post on Facebook regarding fl y-tipping. It’s a horrible 

sight and terrible for the environment. It also costs the local councils every 

time they have to go out to clear up these dumps. Why people prefer to drive 

all the way into the countryside to dump rubbish when we are well served by 

our community refuse centres beggars belief. One thing we should all do is, 

if using a waste disposal company when helping to clear rubbish ensure they 

are fully accredited and that they have a waste carrier registration, otherwise 

you may inadvertently be sponsoring a fl y-tipper. The SEPA website advises 

that anyone who transports controlled waste within the UK in the course of 

their business must register as a waste carrier. The transport of waste is 

highly regulated to ensure that waste is properly and legally disposed of, and 

failure to comply will result in a fi ne of up to £5,000. 

May and June are the main months for our local shows and events. There’s 

lots of information in our village news pages and our diary section. 

Christian Aid collections will be taking place locally from 12th to 18th May. If 

you can, please give, and if you pay income tax, please complete the Gift Aid 

form on the fl ap of the envelope, to allow Christian Aid to increase the value 

of your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you. 

And fi nally, the Charity Car Wash held in April at Beaton Brothers in Bridge of 

Weir raised £800 for charitable causes. Well done Rotary in Action 

and many thanks to Beaton Bros and all the customers on 

the day. 

Rona

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

May 2019 

Contents 

local news.................4-11 

finance & tech ....... 12-15 

what’s on ................16-21 

village news ........... 22-33 

pet news ...................... 34 

on the road .................. 35 

outdoors................. 36-39 

sport news ............. 40-42 

local history ................. 43 

school news ............44-47 

business classified ..... 48 

sales & wants .............. 49 

advertizer directory..... 50 

pick up a copy ............. 50 

Contact us 

t: 01505 613340 

e: info@advertizer.co.uk 


3



No More Steamers by Guy Phillips 

Alison & Andrew’s 

Adventures in Abu 

Dhabi 

Local known gymnasts Alison MacKenzie, 

from Houston and Andrew Macintyre from 

Bridge of Weir bring home Gold, Silver and 

Bronze Medals from the 2019 Special 

Olympic World Games in Abu Dhabi. 

Just a few weeks ago, these good friends 

were representing Great Britain in the Special Olympic World Games. This 

is the fi rst time this event has ever been held in the Middle East. It was the 

biggest humanitarian and multisport event of this year. Uniting an estimated 

7,500 athletes, with intellectual disabilities from 190 countries around the 

World competing in 24 different sports. 

Alison was delighted to be selected for her 

second World Games. Back in 2015, she was 

chosen to represent Great Britain at the Los 

Angeles Special Olympic World Games. A 

memorable event for Alison, she won four gold 

medals and one silver. Alison’s Mum, Elizabeth 

says “I was so proud after Los Angeles, to see her 

come back this time with medals again.”Alison, 

is 29 and has been training at Bellahouston Park 

Sports Centre for over 

twenty years. This 

year in Abu Dhabi, 

Alison won fi ve silver 

medals in Rhythmic gymnastics for ribbon, clubs, 

ball, rope, as an overall competitor and a bronze 

for the group as well. 

Andrew, aged 31, had been training at 

Bellahouston Park up to three times a week in 

the lead up to the games. He won seven medals 

this year at his very fi rst World Special Olympic 

Games. Andrew has been competing since he 

was thirteen, proud Mum, Fiona says she was 

“absolutely overwhelmed”, watching Andrew. “I couldn’t take it in. I never 

thought when Andrew started out that he would compete.” 

Andrew won Gold for pommel horse, and rings, and Silver for all around, 

fl oor, horizontal bar and parallel bars. He also picked up Bronze for Vault. 

Alison and Andrew were in the minority when they fi rst started at training at 

Bellahouston Park. There are now fi fty gymnasts with disabilities or learning 

diffi culties who train regularly at the club. 

These two young gymnasts from Renfrewshire have opened doors to show 

what can be achieved. 

4



Laser Therapy at the Osteopaths 

An exciting new therapy has been introduced at The Osteopaths, designed 

to help speed up tissue repair and recovery for people with musculoskeletal 

problems. 

“We are always looking to provide the best care for our patients and Laser 

Therapy is proving to be very effective.” Says Teresa, Clinical Director. 

Treatment is gentle and can last up to 15 minutes or so, depending on the 

problem. It’s ideal for treating acute injuries and there is growing evidence 

for its effectiveness in treating more complex conditions like plantar 

fasciitis. Visit https://www.theosteopaths.org.uk/let-there-be-light/ for 

more information, or ring 0141 887 3734. 

5



Erskine at Ideal Home 

Show Scotland 

Erskine are once again 

looking for Volunteers to 

Assist at this year’s Ideal Home Show. 

The event runs from 24th to 27th May 2019, 

and Erskine needs your help raise vital funds 

for Scotland’s ex-servicemen and women. We 

are looking for volunteers to help with bucket 

collections, setting up and running the Erskine 

stand during the four days of the show. 

Would you be able to help us for 2 hours between 

10am and 6pm? You are welcome to do more than 

one shift if you wish! In return for you giving up 

your time you will receive free access to the Show. 

Please contact info@engagerenfrewshire.com or 

events@erskine.org.uk to apply, or call 0141 814 

4555. 

Accord Procession Virtual Balloon Race 

The fundraising team at ACCORD Hospice are delighted to introduce their fi rst every Virtual Balloon 

Race at a cost of £3 per balloon and a winning prize of £500! Visit www/rabr.co/accord and once you 

have created a login, you can design your own balloon, decide on how thick it should be, how much 

aluminium it should have and you can return back to your account and change elements of your 

balloon as often as you like, up to the race launch date at 12 noon on Saturday 8th June 2019. 

Once the balloons are ‘launched’ they will then be subject to a simulated set of weather conditions 

that are based on the prevailing wind and weather conditions at the actual launch site for the time 

of year. From that point onwards, the fate of your balloon is controlled by how it will react to the 

weather conditions it is subjected to. This 

is simulated using an advanced computer 

modelling programme linked to Google 

maps and weather data. 

At exactly 12 noon on Saturday 15th June 

2019 the race will be closed – and the 

balloon that has travelled the furthest 

from the start point in a straight line is the 

winner! The winner will be contacted that they 

have won the race. 

To Buy a Balloon visit www.rabr.co/accord 

Is hay fever affecting your eyes? 

6 

by Kerry Taher, New Vision Opticians 

For many of us the summer also means the start of seasonal suffering which is hay fever. If the 

eyes are involved it’s called seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, with symptoms varying from mild 

irritation to severely itchy, swollen, red, gritty and watery eyes, although vision thankfully tends 

to be unaffected. 

If you suffer, there are various ways to relieve your symptoms. Firstly, try not to rub your eyes 

because this will make things worse. Cold compresses are nice and soothing. Ocular lubricants 

fl ush out and dilute the allergens (eg pollen) – these are surprisingly effective and can be 

used as often as necessary. If you wear contact lenses, using daily disposables will be more 

comfortable. Other tips include wearing close-fi tting wraparound sunglasses, and keeping car 

windows closed. 

Oral antihistamines don’t fully reach the eye so something more direct is often needed to 

provide more relief. Over-the-counter anti-allergy eye drops (mast cell stabilizers) are very good 

but can take 2-4 weeks to start working effectively. Annual hay fever sufferers often start using 

these preseason to prevent symptoms occurring. For instant relief, a decongestant combined 

with an antihistamine can be used but only for a short time as prolonged use can cause more 

symptoms. 

Drops containing both antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers will provide instant and 

prolonged relief, but a GP prescription is required. However, before rushing to see your GP, you 

should have an eye exam to confi rm the diagnosis. If any prescription drops are required, we 

can contact your GP to request them. 

With all that said, most of the hay fever sufferers still wouldn’t wish away any of the rare good 

weather!



7


Age is no limit as 81- 

year-old wins Strictly 

Come Prancing 

At St. Vincent’s Hospice’s Strictly Come 

Prancing dance event, the unlikely 

duo of Lynn Ferguson and 81-year-old 

Alex Glass shocked both the audience 

and the judges by beating 12 other 

couples to win the competition. 

The 8th annual Strictly Come Prancing, 

based on the hit TV series, was the 

biggest in the organisations history 

with nearly 500 people in attendance, 

raising an astonishing £57,500 for the 

local charity. 

With 13 twinkle toed contestants 

taking to the fl oor, the audience were 

Photo: Alex and Lynn wowed our 

judges and live audience to take 

home the prize at Strictly Come 

Prancing 2019 

treated to quicksteps, cha-chas, jives, sambas and tangos as the couples 

looked to impress the judges following months of training and preparation, 

all to support St. Vincent’s. 

Argentine Tango Dancers, Lynn and Alex, put their best feet forward and 

triumphed in the dance off against joint runners up, Martin Innes and Toni 

Kane and Joe McCrystal and Morag Lewis. 

Alex said: “It was a joy to win the trophy and help raise such an amazing 

amount of money for St. Vincent’s. I have had such a wonderful time taking 

part and would recommend this experience to anyone. You’re never too old 

– I’m 81!” 

His partner on the evening, Lynn, added: “I had a fantastic time taking 

part in Strictly. I met great people, from fellow dancers, to Hospice staff 

and volunteers, it was just a great experience for a great cause and I can’t 

believe we won!” 

The Hospice are already looking forward to Strictly Come Prancing 2020 

and welcome all applications from potential dancers and sponsors. For more 

information, contact info@svh.co.uk. 


Houston Girl Double 

Scottish Swimming 

Champion 

Ren 96 brought home 3 national 

championships from the championships: 

in addition to Stella, Anna Williamson 

became Scottish National Age Group 

Champion at 200m Free (girls, 14); and 

Clare Wallace became champ at 100m 

Free (girls, 17-18). 

Stella lives in Houston, and swims for 

Ren 96, out of the Onyx in Linwood. She 

participated in the Scottish National 

Age Group Swimming Championships 

(SNAGs) at Tollcross International 

Swimming Pool in Glasgow from 27th- 

31st March. This is the primary national 

swim meeting of the year for young Scottish swimmers, and qualifying to 

participate at all is a great achievement. Over 1,100 swimmers participated, 

representing 102 Scottish clubs and selected clubs from across the UK and 

as far afi eld as Dubai. 

Stella had a very successful meet, becoming a double Scottish champion, in 

the 100m Fly and 200m Fly, amongst a haul of 2 gold, 2 silver & 2 bronze 

medals. Her full results were: 

• 100m Fly - Gold & Scottish National Age Group champion (PB) 

• 200m Fly - Silver & Scottish National Age Group champion (PB)* 

• 1500m Free - Silver (PB) • 800m Free - Bronze (PB) 

• 50 Fly - Bronze (PB) 

Stella also fi nished 4th in the 400m Free, 5th in the 400m Individual Medley, 

& 7th in the 200m Free, with PB’s in all swims. Stella also represented her 

club, REN96, in 3 relay events. 

* the gold medallist in this race was a non-Scottish guest swimmer, and so Stella is awarded 

a further gold medal & the Scottish title 

8



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9



10


Superman Syndrome 


by Sheila Macintyre, Practice Owner at Kilbarchan Dental Practice 

You may have heard of “Superman Syndrome” which a tendency amongst 

some men to think that they are invincible. 

This state of denial is common and can often mean that men are less 

concerned about their overall health. Rather than face up to any problems 

“supermen” ignore early warning signs in the hope they will just go away 

themselves. 

It may therefore be no surprise to know that men are lagging behind women 

when it comes to practicing good dental hygiene and ensuring good oral 

health. A recent nationwide survey conducted by the Oral Health Foundation 

found that more than three in fi ve (62%) men regret not taking better care of 

their oral health earlier in life. 

Another survey of both men and women by GSK revealed a real indifference 

towards bleeding gums – an early sign of gum disease. Only one in ten 

surveyed who noticed blood in their spit when brushing said they would visit 

the dentist about it. 

If you suffer from superman syndrome (or know someone who does) you can 

make some easy improvements. Whilst it can be diffi cult for a lot of man to 

speak openly about any concerns and worries go and speak to your dentist 

who can offer plenty of confi dential support and advice. Think about cutting 

down on alcohol – many alcoholic drinks and mixers contain high levels of 

sugar and/or acid that can increase the risk of dental erosion. Don’t use 

your teeth as a tool as men are prone to do and often leads to chipped teeth 

or enamel damage. Make a habit of chewing sugar free gum, this produces 

saliva that can help rinse off and neutralize the acids released by the bacteria 

in plaque, which are harmful to tooth enamel. 

Visit your dentist for regular check-ups that will help 

us catch any problems early and before they become 

more serious - we can also offer advice on improving 

your oral health to avoid them developing in the 

fi rst place. To fi nd out more or to make an appointment 

call us on 01505 704969 or visit our website at 

kilbarchandental.co.uk 

DELIVERY STAFF WANTED visit www.advertizer.co.uk/delivery or email your details to info@advertizer.co.uk 

11



Weir Networking 

Our meetings are now held quarterly, on a Wednesday in Amaretto, Bridge of 

Weir. Breakfast starting at 9.30am. There is a cover charge of £5. 

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 12th June 2019. 

Following dates are 11th September and 4th December. Venue may change 

for later dates, so please check facebook page nearer time or email colin@ 

magifi lms.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you all. 

New Practice Manager joins 

Affl uent Financial Planning 

Affl uent Financial Planning Ltd, the multi 

award winning independent fi nancial adviser 

fi rm based in Bridge of Weir has hired Kitty 

Stirling as their new Practice Manager. Kitty 

has more than ten years’ experience in the 

fi nancial services sector with a background in 

the compliance-led service of paraplanning. 

Kitty holds a 1st class honours degree from 

the University of Strathclyde and numerous 

professional qualifi cations and, until now, has 

been running her own business. All this aligns 

perfectly with her new role at Affl uent F.P. where Picture: Kitty Stirling 

her talents and experience will ensure that the 

Affl uent team are even better placed to deliver outstanding customer service. 

“Carl Melvin (managing director of Affl uent FP) has already demonstrated 

to me that customers come fi rst and that he’s willing to invest in technology 

and training to ensure that Affl uent continues to deliver for our clients.” 

says Kitty. “That’s one of the reasons why I am so excited to be joining the 

Affl uent team. I can’t wait to play my part in ensuring our clients get the 

fi nancial future they deserve.” 

Kitty will manage the operational, staff training, marketing and compliance 

functions for the company. She takes up the post in May 2019 and will 

operate from the newly refurbished offi ces in Main Street, Bridge of Weir. This 

appointment takes the Affl uent team to seven, as the company continues to 

grow by recruiting and developing stars of the future in the fi nancial planning 

world. 

Carl stated “We are delighted to have attracted a person of Kitty’s calibre 

to our senior management team. Kitty will help support our exciting future 

growth plans” 

Affl uent FP can be contacted on 01505 59 50 60 or info@affl uentfp.co.uk. 

Gryffe Valley Rotary Club 

CHARITABLE DONATIONS 

At the business meeting on 3rd April the Club agreed to 

make donations to three international charities: 

• Water Aid £500 • Freedom from Fistula £500 

• Sight Savers a charity which distribute tablets to prevent River Blindness 

in Uganda. The sum of £320 will help to protect about 1,700 families by 

distributing the tablets. 

YOUTH SERVICES 

Euroscola – this project offers an immersive experience in the Chamber of 

the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Shaun Sweeney was there at the 

end of January and had an experience of a lifetime which he described to the 

club at the meeting on 24th April. 

Youth Speaks – teams from St Columba’s represented the Club in the District 

Competitions at Caledonian University in February. The Intermediate team, 

Bronte Marritt, Laurie McDougall and Emma Ventham were the Runners-up; 

the Senior team performed well but was unplaced. 

Young Writer – Entries were received from Houston, Bridge of Weir and St 

Columba’s (Senior and Junior Schools). The judges (Mary Mungin, Rosemary 

Harrison and Brian Berry), made separate assessments then met to agree 

the award winners. Presentations will be made at assemblies or meetings 

and the pieces by the overall winners, Anna Carruth of Bridge of Weir Primary 

School and Stella McCardie of St Columba’s Senior School, have been 

entered for the District 1230 Competition. 

12



13


B2B Business Matters full page ad 

to go alongside editorial already placed 


14



Business Matters Event 2019 

Renfrewshire Chamber’s annual B2B event “Business 

Matters in Renfrewshire” returns for the ninth year. 

Renfrewshire’s largest free business event returns to Paisley for 

the 9th consecutive year on Thursday 16th May at the Lagoon, 

Paisley. 

“Business Matters in Renfrewshire – your local B2B event” is organised 

by Renfrewshire Chamber and is open to all members & non-members, 

business people, start-ups, senior school pupils and students. 

With 50+ exhibitors and 6 seminars running throughout the day the 

event is sponsored by Paisley.is, the new destination brand for Paisley & 

Renfrewshire. 

Seminar line-up: 

1. 10.15 - 11.00 “Paisley.is: “Future Paisley” cultural regeneration 

& game changing city deal developments” with the Paisley.is 

team & Renfrewshire Council. 

2. 11.15 - 12.00 “Social Now to Social Wow!” with NSDesign 

3. 12.15 - 13.00 “Doing Business with Renfrewshire Council” with 

Invest in Renfrewshire & Procurement Team. 

4. 13.15 - 14.00 “How to win business using LinkedIn” with fatBuzz 

5. 14.15 - 15.00 “How to Grow a Greener Business” with Resource 

Efficient Scotland 

6. 15.15 - 16.00 “Business Futures: Accelerating Digital, Social & 

Transformational Tech” with UWS 

Commenting on the event chief exec Bob Grant said, “Renfrewshire’s largest 

free business event is an excellent way to engage with the wider business 

community. There is a varied and interesting line-up of six informative 

seminars for you to attend throughout the day so please register your free 

place now. We are expecting 50 + exhibitors and where else do you get the 

opportunity to network with so many companies in one go? It’s a great use 

of time and I would encourage you and your colleagues to attend. The free 

informative seminars are an excellent way to learn new skills and refresh 

old ones. We look forward to welcoming you on the day.” 

For more information and to register your place please visit the Chamber 

events page at www.renfrewshirechamber.com The event is free to attend 

(there is a cost to exhibit). Hashtag for the event is #b2bpaisley 

Charges for Parking on Private Property by Dallas McMillan, Solicitors 

Commercial car park owners have for years legitimately charged drivers 

parking in their car parks. It is a matter of contract: the display signs make 

a contractual parking ‘offer’ to drivers, accepted by every driver entering the 

car park. 

A recent Dundee court case confi rmed that the legal position is very similar 

with regard to owners of private property generally. The case concerned 

a new private housing development along the Dundee waterfront and a 

daughter of the tenant of one fl at which had its own garage but no right in any 

parking space. The daughter had no greater parking rights than any ordinary 

member of the public. Nonetheless, she repeatedly ignored the numerous 

clear parking signs around the development setting out substantial parking 

charges, and regularly parked her car in the development. 

Eventually the lady was sued £24,500 of parking charges by the factoring 

company employed jointly by the development various owners. She argued 

that the owners (and therefore the factoring company) had no right to charge 

members of the public to park on private land. The court fundamentally 

disagreed, and found the lady liable to pay the whole parking charges of 

£24,500. 

Owners of property can quite legitimately charge members of the public to 

park on their land (in a similar way to commercial car park owners) as long 

as:- 

1. The parking ‘offer’ has been set out in clear terms and displayed 

prominently, giving all drivers fair notice of the parking charges they are 

accepting by parking. 

2. The parking charges are reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances, 

rather than clearly excessive or amounting to a penal charge. 

All drivers are therefore advised when parking (on public or private land) to 

locate and check all display signs, to be aware of the potential substantial 

parking charges. 

LITIGATION TEAM OF THE YEAR 

Law Awards of Scotland 2018 

15



MAY 

MON 29 APR - FRI 3 MAY 

Rumble in the Jungle 

Hope Hall, Maxwell Pl, Bridge of Weir 

PA11 3NT 6pm to 7pm 

Special Week of Kids Clubs. Singing, Quizzes, 

Bible Stories, and much more ... And loads 

of fab prizes! For more information contact: 

07828 267073. Come to as many as you can! 

bridgeofweirchurch.co.uk Free. 

WED 1 - SAT 4 MAY 

Legally Blonde, the Mmusical 

Johnstone Town Hall, Johnstone 

7.30pm (matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday) 

Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group presents 

this fabulously fun award-winning musical 

based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde. 

Tickets available from https://seaty.co.uk/ 

legallyblonde 

THU 2 MAY 

OUTLOOK 

Kidston Hall, High Street, Kilmacolm 

2pm to 4pm 

The work of Kilmacolm Community Council – 

with Mike Jefferis and Helen Cook. 

FRI 3 MAY 

RSPB Local Group - AGM and 

Members Night 

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, 

Renfrew 7.30pm 

The Birds of Great Cumbrae - An illustrated 

talk and the AGM. Eddie Williams will deliver 

an illustrated talk entitled ‘The Birds of Great 

Cumbrae’. All welcome. 

FRI 3 - MON 6 MAY 

Explorer Trail: Fantastic Minibeasts 

and Where to Find Them! 

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch 

10am to 4pm 

This is a self-led activity! Spend some quality 

family time together at RSPB Lochwinnoch! 

This event is not your usual kind – you do it 

with your own family in your own time! Simply 

pop into the visitor centre where the friendly 

staff will get you started. Cost: £4 per child/ 

RSPB members £2.50 [Normal trail fees apply 

for adults]. 

SAT 4 - SUN 5 MAY 

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 event. 

SUN 5 MAY 

Magic with Tickles the Clown 

Finlaystone Country Estate - Langbank 

1pm to 3pm 

Meet Tickles the Clown and be amazed at her 

magical skills and balloon animals. 

Pedal the Park 2019 

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Calder 

Glen Road, Lochwinnoch 8.30am - 3.30pm 

100km cycle ride tours through the park 

departing from Castle Semple Visitor Centre 

in Lochwinnoch. Cycle through the rolling 

countryside of Renfrewshire; enjoy coastal 

views in Inverclyde and an uphill to Loch Thom, 

before descending the Brisbane Glen to the 

popular seaside town of Largs. Over a third of 

entry fee goes to CLIC Sargent. £20. 

RYA Push The Boat Out Day 

Castle Semple Sailing Club 

11am to 3pm 

Come and try dinghy sailing at Castle Semple 

Sailing Club - wear something warm and old 

trainers. Buoyancy aids provided Come 

and meet our small friendly club and have 

a cup of tea and cake with us. Email info@ 

castlesemplesc.co.uk for further info. 

MON 6 MAY 

Introduction to Gardening 


1pm to 3pm 

Are you the next Alan Titchmarsh? Discover 

more about our wonderful gardens. 

THU 9 MAY 

BoW Horticultural Society 

The Bridge, Main Street, Bridge of Weir 

8pm 

Alan Mackenzie talks about “Growing 

Windowsill Orchids” – a must as we all have 

orchids! Visitors welcome! 

THU 9 MAY 

Consultation on Fireworks 

Trades Hall of Glasgow, 85 Glassford 

Street, Glasgow G1 1UH 1pm to 3pm 

Individuals, communities and professionals 

are invited to come along to give their views. 

This is an opportunity to explore and discuss 

the use and impact – both positive and 

negative – of fireworks use in Scotland and a 

chance for those with an interest in discussing 

views and ideas on what action can be taken 

to ensure fireworks continue to be enjoyed 

safely and responsibly. The closing date for 

comments is 13th May 2019. 

Sòlas Bereavement Group 


2pm to 4pm 

FRI 10 MAY 

Kilmacolm Friends of Ardgowan 

Hospice - donations for show 

The Old Kirk, 40 High Street, Kilmacolm 

2.30pm to 4.30pm 

Collecting donations of baking and preserves 

for our Baking and Bottle Stall at Kilmacolm 

and Port Glasgow Agricultural Show at 

the Old Kirk Church Hall. Bottles can be 

deposited in the box at the Cargill Community 

Centre Reception Area. We look forward to 

seeing you at the Show and thank for your 

contributions. 

SAT 11 MAY 

Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow 

Agricultural Show 

Knapps Loch, Bridge of Weir Road, 

Kilmacolm 9am to 4.30pm 

With lots of attractions including sheep, cows, 

horses (light and heavy), dogs, industrial, 

plus small pets in the Children’s Pet Show. 

Craft Tent, Trade Stands and entertainment 

including: Chainsaw Sculpture, Pipe Band, 

Birds of Prey, Dancers, Vintage Tractors and 

Country Capers. Schedules, Entry Forms and 

more details at: www.kilmacolmshow.co.uk 

Millport Classic Car Rally 

Millport Isle of Cumbrae 

Join us at the Garrison Grounds in Millport, Isle 

of Cumbrae and travel down memory lane, you 

may even get a chance to sit in the drivers seat. 

Great fun and you can vote for your favourite 

car. For more info and to enter a car please 

visit www.millportclassiccarevent.com/ 

Lilifest Events 

A great mix of music, comedy, theatre and 

entertainment, starting on Saturday 11th 

May and running until Friday 14th June. 

A list of events is available on p28. 

SAT 11 MAY 

Comedy Night Kilbarchan 

Performing Arts Centre in Steeple 

Square 7.30pm 

Lilifest Event: MC Graham Barrie with a 

selection of talented comedians. Doors open 

7.30pm. Tickets £10 available at the door. It’s 

Bring Your Own Bottle. 

SUN 12 MAY 

The Kilbarchan Singers Summer 

Concert ‘America’ 

Holy Trinity and Saint Barnabas 

Episcopal Church, Back Sneddon 

Street, Paisley PA3 2AB 7.30pm 

Summer Concert ‘America’, includes works by 

or made famous by Gershwin, Duke Ellington, 

Barber, Whitacre & The Kings Singers. 

Cunninghame Choir’s 40th 

Anniversary Concert 

Church of our Lady of Perpetual 

Succour 4pm 

The First Toll, Peter Shepherd (Chamber Organ) 

Tiffany Vong (Musical Director) Erin McCrystal 

(Soprano) Maciej Granat (Piano) Matthew 

McKinney (Tenor) Brodick Quartet Michael 

Longden (Bass-baritone). For more visit www. 

cunninghame-choir.org.uk Tickets: £7. 

Bible Prophecy Sunday 

Carrick Centre, Main St, Houston 11am 

Houston Baptist is hosting a special day of 

prophecy presented by Dr. Charles Sommerville 

who is a representative of Prophetic Witness 

Movement International. If you wish to know 

what God’s time-clock holds for this world, 

this is your opportunity to know God’s plan. 

Please call 01505 612722 for information. All 

welcome to this special event. 

MON 13 MAY - MON 19 AUG 

Paddlesport Taster Evenings 

Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip 

Road, Lochwinnoch 5.30pm to 7.30pm 

Most Mondays. Join us for an easy introduction 

to kayaks and canoes. Check online for exact 

dates & book today - very popular!!! Cost 

£25pp, details & bookings online or t: 01505 

842882. 

16



TUE 14 MAY 

The Big Conversation 

McKillop Hall, Main Street, Lochwinnoch 

2pm to 4pm 

An informal meeting to encourage open, 

supportive conversations about death, dying 

and bereavement. Organised by St. Vincent’s 

Hospice, to raise awareness and overcome 

fear about discussing these sensitive topics. 

Information available to help with practical 

planning for the future. The event is open to any 

adult, but may not be appropriate for someone 

recently bereaved. Free refreshments. Booking 

recommended. Contact: June.Burgess@svh. 

co.uk or 01505 705635. 

WED 15 MAY 

Meddle & Make, Lochwinnoch 

ReMode, 39 High Street, Lochwinnoch, 

PA12 4DA 7pm to 9pm 

One of our ever popular make, mend and 

upcycle workshops led by one of our team 

of experienced designers and makers. Bring 

along a garment you would like to adjust 

to a new size, mend with some beautifying 

embroidery, adapt a hem or add a new zipper. 

Or maybe you have an ambitious make-project 

you’d like some advice about? This event is 

free, no experience necessary. 

THU 16 MAY 

Buddy Beat Hit That Beat Open 

Session 

Johnstone High Parish Church Hall, 

Ludovic Square, Johnstone PA5 8EE 

10am to 11:45am 

Part of the Renfrewshire Mental Health Arts 

Festival and open to anyone of all ages to join 

our regular Thursday morning. It’s free and no 

experience is necessary. Just a willingness 

to have fun! Anyone can email to ask any 

question to tom.thebuddybeat@sky.com 

Business Matters Event 2019 

11 Christie Street, Paisley PA1 1NB 

10am to 4pm 

With 50+ exhibitors and 6 seminars running 

throughout the day the event is sponsored by 

Paisley.is, the new destination brand for Paisley 

& Renfrewshire. For more information and to 

register your place please visit the Chamber 

events page at www.renfrewshirechamber. 

com Free to attend. 

OUTLOOK 


2pm to 4pm 

Sunshine Wishes Children’s Charity with Linda 

Ford plus Christian Aid Week celebration with 

Gospel Music. 

FRI 17 MAY 

JAY LAFFERTY: WHEESHT! 


Jay brings her sell-out Edinburgh Festival 

run on tour. 

Kilmacolm Golf Club Bridge 

Evening 

Kilmacolm Golf Club, Porterfield Road 

Welcome drink and nibbles for £40 per table 

OPEN TO ANY COMBINATION OF GENTS 

AND LADIES Members and non members 

welcome. Reserve a table at the Bar or by 

calling Rosemary Hammond 01505 872345 

or 07757 705188. Prizes for Bridge and raffle 

on the night. 

Summer Concert: Magnificat 

Lylesland Church, 123 Rowan Street, 

Paisley 7.30pm 

The Arkleston Singers perform their summer 

concert, “Magnificat”. Tickets £10 are 

available from choir members, online from 

www.wegottickets.com/event/469220 (+ 

booking fee), by phone from 0141 580 6292 

/ 07398 102607, or at the door. 

FRI 17 - SUN 19 MAY 

Annual Plant Sale 

Kilmacolm Masonic Hall, Glebe Road, 

Kilmacolm 

Come along to our annual plant sale and pick 

up some beautiful summer blooms! Friday 

17th ~ 5pm - 8pm, Saturday 18th ~ 10am - 

3pm & Sunday 19th ~ 11am - 3pm. 

SAT 18 MAY 

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 17th May 

Calder Church Summer Fayre 


10am to 12noon 

Stalls include:- Home Baking, Plants and 

garden, Jewellery and Accessories, Books, 

DVDs & CDs, Toys, Bottle, Soft goods, Lucky 

Dip and more.... Adults £2.50, Children FREE 

includes Tea/Coffee and Cream scones. ALL 

WELCOME! 

Little Seeds Woodland Nursery 

Acorn House, Brediland Road, Linwood, 

PA3 3RX 10am to 2pm 

Open day at the nursery. 

SAT 18 MAY 

Art Evening Class Exhibition 

St Columba’s School, Duchal Road, 

Kilmacolm 10am 

Art Evening Class exhibition and sale of work 

in the Girdwood Building, St Columba’s Senior 

School. Guest artist - Robert Kelsey. This is a 

community event open to all. 

140th Anniversary Coffee Morning 

Kilmacolm Community Centre, 

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm 

10am to 12noon 

Quality plants from Parklea Nurseries, plus a 

gift Tombola, and a Garden Card Competition 

with special prizes. Entertainment from the 

Ceol Mor Trio will be the icing on a perfect 

morning’s cake. Come along, bring your 

friends, enjoy a celebratory morning, helping 

financially towards the Annual Flower Show on 

Saturday 7th September. 

Bridge Of Weir Horticultural 

Society Plant Sale 

Bridge of Weir Primary School, Warlock 

Road, Bridge of Weir 10am 

Come along and find bargains! 

Summer Fete Extravaganza! 

St Anthony’s Primary School, Hallhill 

Road Johnstone, PA5 0SD 

12noon to 4pm 

This event is being supported by so many 

different organisations it promises to be 

an absolutely activity packed time for all 

the family to enjoy. Community partners 

and stall holders welcome. Please email: 

stanthonyspc@gmail.com to explore how you 

can be part of our fun community event. 

Langbank Church Plant Sale 

Langbank Parish Church, Main Road, 

Langbank 10.30am to 12.30pm 

Taking place in the church car-park. Plants 

supplied by Parklea Association Branching 

Out in Port Glasgow. A wide selection of great 

quality plants available. Cream teas will be 

served in the church hall from 10.30am. 

Royal Gourock Yacht Club Open Day 

Royal Gourock Yacht Club, Ashton 

Road, Gourock PA19 1DA 

Come along and experience the exhilaration of 

sailing on one of the club’s six Piper keelboats 

and find out about our social activities 

throughout the year, including BBQs, cocktail 

parties, quiz nights and dinner dances. For 

more information check out our website at 

http://rgyc.org.uk 

17


It’s starting to hot up in Renfrewshire 


18 

British Pipe Band Championships, Saturday 18th May 2019 

Paisley has won the rights to host the British Pipe Band Championships 

– one of the most prestigious events in the world piping calendar - until 

2021, having also hosted the event for the past three years. Up to 130 pipe 

bands will compete at this year’s championships at St James playing fi elds in 

Paisley on Saturday 18th May. Thousands are expected to attend this year’s 

event, which will also feature a Highland Games, family entertainment and 

a Food and Drink Village. Event organisers Renfrewshire Council and the 

Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association will also be teaming up with McGill’s to 

provide a free shuttle bus service to take spectators to and from the event. 

Ian Embelton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, 

said: “Paisley is a popular venue with the bands for its central location, 

transport links and the many excellent options available locally to stay 

overnight and to enjoy a meal or a drink.” 

“This is the fi rst of the annual majors and many of the world’s best bands will 

be competing – for anyone who hasn’t been before, my message would be 

come along on the day and enjoy some top-class piping and drumming.” 

Cunninghame Choir’s 40th Anniversary 

In celebration of 40 years since its fi rst concert, Beith-based Cunninghame 

Choir, an amateur adult mixed-voice ensemble, is delighted to present a very 

special concert to mark this historic milestone. Taking place at 4pm on 

Sunday May 12th at the Church of our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Beith, the 

Anniversary concert takes its title from a brand new choral work specially 

commissioned by the choir for the occasion. 

Tickets priced £7 are available at the door, from choir members or by 

calling 01505 503822. | www.cunninghame-choir.org.uk 

Comedy Night Kilbarchan 

Join us for a Comedy Night on Saturday 11th May in the Kilbarchan Arts 

Centre. MC Graham Barrie with a selection of talented comedians. 

Doors open 7.30pm. Tickets £10 available at the door. It’s Bring Your Own 

Bottle. 

1ST SAT 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 

10am - 2pm 

1ST & 3RD SUN 

Loch Lomond Shores 

10am - 3pm Tel: 07977 179 861 

2ND THU & LAST SAT 

Paisley Cross 

10am - 2pm Tel: 01655 770217 

2ND SUN 

Kip Marina, Inverkip 

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

EVERY MONDAY 

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 

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. 

Crafty Play Café 

Quarriers Village Café, Faith Avenue, Quarriers 

Booking slots available 10am-12noon; 12noon 

-2pm; 2pm - 4pm 

Relax and have a coffee while your children or 

grandchildren play! Free entry; £2 for kids craft 

materials (optional) 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

Knitting Group 

Three Sisters Bake, Quarriers 10am - 12noon 

Knitters of all levels welcome! 

Weekly Memory Café 

Active Communities Hub, 16 Quarry Street, 

Johnstone, 10.30am -12.30pm 

A welcoming place for individuals living with 

Alzheimer’s, or any type of dementia, their families, 

friends & carers. Drop by to find out about Community 

Activities, Community Support, and professional 

advice. 

1ST WEDNESDAY MONTHLY 

Babies, Bumps and Boobs 

St. Columba’s Church Lesser Hall, Duchal Road, 

Kilmacolm. (term-time) 

A new-mums’ support group welcomes pregnant 

women as well as new mums, and is being run in 

conjunction with the Breastfeeding Network. Offers 

the chance for a chat and to swap stories of sleepless 

nights in a welcoming environment, whilst relaxing 

with a cup of tea and cake. Pregnant women and 

those with babies under 6m go free. For more 

information please contact playgroupmembership@ 

gmail.com 

2ND WEDNESDAY MONTHLY 

Inverclyde Carers Outreach 

Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm 11am - 2pm 

Email enquiries@inverclydecarerscentre.org.uk or 

call: 01475 735180. 

2ND & 4TH WEDNESDAY 

BoW Senior Citizens Club 

Cargill Hall 7 - 9.15pm 

Tea, biscuits & a raffle each meeting along with 

entertainment. Contact Sheila Patterson for further 

information on 01505 690521. 

EVERY THURSDAY 

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 

1ST & 3RD THURS MONTHLY 

‘Outlook’ 

Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm 2pm - 4pm 

Social activities group for the community in 

Kilmacolm. Guest speakers, afternoon tea, local 

issues of interest. Everyone welcome. 

Crafty Hobbies 

Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston 7.30pm 

No previous craft experience necessary. Call Lorna 

on 01505 612844 for further details. 

2ND THURSDAY MONTHLY 

Sòlas Bereavement Support Group 

Kidston Hall, Kilmacolm. 2pm - 4pm. 

EVERY FRIDAY 


Bishopton Community Centre 2pm - 3.15pm 

A fun, no pressure choir singing feel good songs. 

3RD FRIDAY MONTHLY 

Hearing Aid Clinic 

The Bridge, Bridge of Weir 1 - 2pm 

Hearing aid batteries and hearing aid checks. 

LAST FRIDAY MONTHLY 

TheTerrace 

St Machar’s Ranfurly Church Hall 

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

EVERY SATURDAY 


Greenock Cut Visitor Centre 10.30am - 2.30pm 

Conservation Volunteers, adult group. Newcomers 


2ND SATURDAY MONTHLY 

‘Brunch & Browse’ 

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

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

LAST SATURDAY MONTHLY 

Table Top Sale 

Linwood Parish Church, Blackwood Ave 11am - 1pm 

This is a free event. Call 01505 328802 for 

details. 

EVERY SUNDAY 


Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch 10am - 12noon 

Youth Volunteer Group - age 14 - 18 years. Newcomers 


Houston Litter Crew 

Co-op Car Park 10am – 11.45am 

All volunteers welcome and all equipment supplied.



SAT 18 MAY 

British Pipe Band Championships 

St. James Playing Fields, Paisley PA3 2LB 

Up to 130 pipe bands competing, featuring 

Highland Games, family entertainment and 

a Food and Drink Village. Free shuttle bus 

service to take spectators to and from the 

event. Come along on the day and enjoy some 

top-class piping and drumming. 

SUN 19 MAY 

Falconry Day 


1pm to 3pm 

Join us for a fantastic raptor experience. 

Family Volunteering 


1pm to 3.30pm 

Who says that volunteering is only for 

grownups! Kids bring the grownup in your life 

to our reserve. Come and do a day’s practical 

volunteering at our beautiful reserve and 

help us to give nature a home. Please book. 

Free event. 

Christian Aid Lunch 


12.15pm 

Please come along, bring family and friends, 

and enjoy simple Soups, a selection of Bread 

and Cheeses, finishing with tea/coffee and a 

few treats. Donations in thanks for a delicious 

lunch will be most welcome too, and will be 

forwarded directly to Christian Aid Scotland. 

GVRC 10K Run 

West Halls, Main Street, Houston PA6 7EL 

(next to Carrick Centre and Village Hall) 

Run on country roads around the villages 

of Houston and Bridge of Weir. Entry fees 

£13.50 online or £16 on the day. £5.50 for 

runners 16/17 years of age. Suitable for all 

abilities. Sandwiches, home baking, tea and 

coffee available to runners and spectators 

in the halls at the end of the race. Water is 

available at the halfway mark and at the end. 

Start and Finish: Houston Public Park, Houston 

Road entrance. 

MON 20 MAY 

Give Blood - Johnstone 


5pm to 7.30pm & 2pm to 3.30pm 

Give Blood - Bridge of Weir 

Cargill Hall, Lintwhite Crescent, Bridge 

of Weir 4pm to 7.30pm 

WED 22 MAY 

Give Blood - Johnstone 


4pm to 7.30pm 

FRI 24 - SUN 26 MAY 


Kilmacolm Masonic Hall, Glebe Road 

Come along to our annual plant sale and pick 

up some beautiful summer blooms! Friday 

24th ~ 5pm - 8pm, Saturday 25th ~ 10am - 

3pm, Sunday 26th ~ 11am - 3pm 

FRI 24 - MON 27 MAY 

Treasure Hunt - Wildflowers 


10am to 4pm 

Explore woodland trails and search for hidden 

wildflowers, match up to the creatures that 

may visit them using your handy guide. 

Collect the hidden letters along the route and 

un-jumble them to claim your reward at the 

visitor centre Cost: £3 per child non-member, 

£1.50 for child members (Usual trail fees 

apply to adults). 

SAT 25 MAY 

Birds for Beginners 


11am to 1.30pm 

Learn about common birds, pick up tips and 

advice on wildlife watching techniques. Head 

out onto the reserve with your new skills, and 

top it all off with a hot drink. Binocular hire 

available from the shop! Please book, as 

places are limited. Adults: £6; Children: £4.80 

(RSPB members: £4.80/£3.80). 

SAT 25 - SUN 26 MAY 

Super Hero Weekend 


1pm to 3pm 

Dress up as your favourite super hero and join 

the Rangers for a fun filled day with games and 

prizes for best dressed! 

SUN 26 MAY 

Ayrshire Motor Show 2019 

Livestock Auction Mart, Whitefordhill, 

Ayr KA6 5JW 12noon to 4pm 

Tickets £5 per adult (kids under 14 free when 

accompanied by an adult). We look forward to 

welcoming you along to our show whether you 

are showing a vehicle or just coming along for a 

day out. www.ayrshiremotorshow.co.uk 

WED 29 MAY 

The Buddy Beat Drumming Group 

Open Night 

The Charleston Centre, 49 Neilston 

Road, Paisley PA2 6LY 

Our sessions are easy going and always fun, 

no experience necessary - open to anyone 

regardless of a mental health condition. 

Check us out on Facebook at Renfrewshire’s 

The Buddy Beat or at www.thebuddybeat.co.uk 

THU 30 MAY 

Movie Night - West Side Story 

Old Kirk, 40 High St, Kilmacolm 7.30pm 

Free entry and the offer of a glass of wine. 

Donation if desired to support the creation of 

a Pilgrim Pathway in Kilmacolm. 

SAT 1 JUNE 

Houston and Killellan Agricultural 

Society Annual Show 

Houston Public Park, Four Windings 

Schedules for the Craft and Baking Section 

available from committee members, the 

Post Office, the Paper Shop or by contacting 

Isabelle Stuart at issistuart@gmail.com or 

telephone 01505 613479. 

Lilias Day 

Kilbarchan from 1pm 

Lots of new family attractions plus music, 

crafts and food, zorbing, pony rides, dog show 

and Tug of War. Parade of floats, pipe bands 

and historic costumes. Details on p29. 

Gryffe Manor Nursery Open 

Morning 

The Butts, Houston Road, Houston 

10am to 1pm 

Come along and explore the wonderful 

environment we offer children on a daily basis. 

Visit our beautiful purpose built facility set in 

acres of woodland. For children aged 0-5yrs 

with friendly staff members. Information on 

spaces available can be provided on the day. 

SUN 2 JUNE 

Renfrew Gala Day 

Robertson Park, Longcroft Drive, 

Renfrew 1pm to 5pm 

Enjoy live entertainment, music, dance, 

fabulous stalls, funfair rides, free activities for 

kids and the dress up parade! Free. 

19


Paisley Abbey 

Choristers 

DO YOU ENJOY SINGING? 

Applications are now being received from boys and girls aged 7½ and over 

for places in the famous Paisley Abbey Choir. 

The Choir enjoys an international reputation through recordings and 

broadcasts on both radio and TV. 

Choristers are given payments for singing in the choir as well as receiving a 

fi rst-class musical education. 

Although singing is centred around the Abbey services, there are other 

activities such as concerts with opportunities, for example, to sing with the 

Dunedin Ensemble. 

Saturday Recitals 

Rehearsals are on Tuesdays and 

Saturday 4th May - 12.30pm 

Thursdays from 4.30pm - 5.45pm and 

Abbey Strings with Margo Smith & 

often on Fridays from 7pm - 9.30pm. 

Catriona McGilvray (Violins), 

On Sundays the choir practice is at 

Claire Griffi ths (Viola) and 

9.45am for morning service, fi nishing 

Priscilla Routley (Cello). 

at 12noon. On the second Sunday of 

the month evensong is sung at 4pm 

Admission £5 payable at the door 

with a rehearsal at 2.45pm. 

Paisley Abbey (Church of Scotland) – 

Registered Charity No. SC007633 

Why not give it a try? 

Contact the Director of Music profmcphee@aol.com to set up a meeting or, 

for more information, call the Abbey on 0141 889 7654. 


The Carrick Players 

present 

Sketch on the Beach 

Thursday 6th & Friday 7th June 

from 7pm 

The Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan 

Tickets: £10 Available 

online at thecarrickplayers. 

eventbrite.co.uk or 

from Bobbins 

Coffee Shop 

(£1 booking fee 

for online ticket) 

Memories Café 

Drop-in for a Chat, Tea and Homemade 

Cake. 

Thursdays 1pm - 3pm 

Active Communities Hub 

Quarry Street, Johnstone 

The Arkleston Singers 

Summer Concert: Magnificat Friday 17th May at 7.30pm 

Lylesland Church, 123 Rowan Street, Paisley PA2 6RZ. 

The concert will contain the choir’s usual mix of music to suit 

a range of tastes including the beautiful ‘Magnifi cat’ by Kim 

André Arnesen, a “Back to the 60s” Medley and music by 

Carly Simon, Leonard Cohen, and young Paisley composer 

George Swann. The concert also features a piece especially 

written for bass fl ute by acclaimed Glasgow composer Eddie 

McGuire. 

Musical Director Marcus Kitchen is supported by Myrna 

Tennant (soprano), Ewan Robertson (bass fl ute), Javier 

Ucendo (accompanist) and The Arkleston Chamber 

Ensemble. 

Tickets priced £10 are available from choir members, online 

from www.wegottickets.com/event/469220 (+ booking fee), by 

phone from 0141 580 6292/07398 102607, or at the door. 

The Haven Kilmacolm 

Painting Workshop 

Saturday 18th May, 10am - 3pm 

All supplies included and you will take a painting 

home. Workshop taught by Elizabeth Humpfries. 

Tickets: 

• Painting Workshop only £15 

(10am - 1pm) 

• Full Day £30 (10am - 3pm) 

Afternoon Tea 

Saturday 18th May, 1pm - 

3pm 

Tickets: £15/person 

To purchase tickets: contact 

Sherri on: sherri@thehavenkilmacolm.com or 

01505 872099 

Royal Gourock Yacht Club 

Open Day 

Special Week of Kids Clubs 

Hope Hall, Bridge of Weir 

Monday 29th April - Friday 3rd May 

from 6pm - 7pm 

Singing, Quizzes, Bible Stories, and much 

more ... And loads of fab prizes! 

For more info contact: 07828 267073 

Free admission - Come to as many as you can! 

www.bridgeofweirchurch.co.uk 

Saturday 18th May 2019 

Come along and experience the exhilaration of sailing on one 

of the club’s six Piper keelboats; Learn about the advantages 

of keeping your yacht on a mooring serviced by two private 

launches for club members’ exclusive use. 

Sample our fi ne dining and members’ private bar facilities; 

Join in our social activities throughout the year, including 

BBQs, cocktail parties, quiz nights throughout the winter and 

dinner dances, entertained by local musicians and catered 

for by our own chef. Find out about opportunities for adults 

and children to learn how to sail at the club (cadets over 12 

years old). 

For more info check out our website at http://rgyc.org.uk 

20


The Buddy Beat 

Buddy Beat: Hit That Beat is a fabulous 

rhythm and drumming group for wellbeing. 

As part of the Renfrewshire Mental Health 

Arts Festival there will be an open session 

on Thursday 16th May at 10am to 11.45am 

at the Johnstone Parish Church Hall, 

Johnstone PA5 8EE. Our regular meetings 

(on Thursday mornings) are free and no 

experience is necessary. Just a willingness 

to have fun! For more info, and to ask any 

question, email: tom.thebuddybeat@sky. 

com 

We were recently 

awarded 

a 

Renfrewshire Provost 

Award in the Arts 

& Culture category. 

This is recognition for 

our work in helping 

people with mental 

health issues and for 

our outreach work. This is a great honour 

and thrilled everyone at Buddy Beat. 

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. 


Move it or Lose it! 

Come and join the fun throughout Renfrewshire and Inverclyde. We’ve 

celebrated St George’s Day with a little Morris Dance. Come and see if you 

can do the “Car Wash” or the “Helicopter”! Classes are very friendly - we 

would love to meet you. 

21



Kilmacolm Dramatic Society, photo taken by David Walker 

. . . BISHOPTON, BRIDGE OF WEIR, LANGBANK . . . 

22 

Lollipops for 

Langbank - by the 

Chamber Pots 

The Chamber Pots quartet has been 

playing together for about ten years, 

having met when they all played in 

the Glasgow Chamber Orchestra. On 

Sunday, 9th June they will present a 

selection of their favourite lollipops 

in Langbank Church from 2.30pm – 

3.30pm. The music will range from 

Pirates of the Caribbean to a medley 

from the Sound of Music. Admission 

is £5. Why not come along and 

enjoy an afternoon of light musical 

entertainment. 

Bridge fo Weir 

Elderly Forum 

Annual General Meeting: 

Tuesday 14th May, 2pm, The 

Pirie, Freeland Church 

All members are requested to 

attend. Our outing to Dundee is 

on Wednesday 29th May. If you 

would like to come please contact 

Margaret Mills or any member of the 

Committee. 

Your Ward 11 

Councillors 

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 

Bridge of Weir Community Council 

Roads: The Community Council were dismayed to learn that Carruth Road 

has not been included in in Renfrewshire Council’s capital programme for 

resurfacing works. We have campaigned for a number of years for this area 

to be resurfaced and once again our plea to the Council has gone unheard. 

A Community Councillor, a resident in the area, comments “It’s disappointing 

a 40 year old road surface has once again missed the annual list, as Carruth 

Road has required full resurfacing for a decade.” The Council’s stance of 

disproportionate funding to Paisley town centre means certain adopted 

roads will only receive minimal attention. The cost of the temporary repairs 

performed in the last decade would certainly exceed the cost of proper 

resurfacing. We have written to the Head of Roads strongly requesting this 

decision be revisited. 

Areas to be included in this year’s programme are Hazelwood Road to Eldin 

Place and Warlock Road. Perhaps if this resurfacing had been done properly 

in the fi rst place last year funding may have been available for other areas. 

Pavements, Main Street to Kirkinner Place. 

Signage: No date yet for the much awaited 30mph speed limit on the 

Johnstone Road beyond St. Mary’s Church. We have been informed that 

the traffi c order has now been fi nalised, and that Renfrewshire Council has 

requested quotations to reposition new signs, however these signs require 

to be illuminated and need a power supply. Until the quotations are returned 

and reviewed, they are unable to give a timescale for the works. 

Local Plan: The Planning Convener informed the Community Council 

that Renfrewshire Council is currently consulting on the proposed Local 

Development Plan 2019. The plan affects the entire council area, including 

Bridge of Weir, and outlines the council’s policy on housing and preferred 

sites for meeting the housing needs over the next 10 years. Maps associated 

with the plan show graphically the areas for potential development. There is 

no planned release of any green belt surrounding our village. However, this 

does not mean that developers will not try to have the proposals changed or 

breach the green belt with future planning applications. 

Anyone wishing further information on the proposals can access the plans 

via Renfrewshire Council’s web site www.renfrewshire.gov.uk 

Polling Places: In response to Renfrewshire Council’s review of Polling 

Places the view of the Community Council is that we prefer the Primary 

School not be used and this will be relayed to Renfrewshire Council. 

Police report: Community Police reported between 5th March and 2nd April 

there was a total of 15 recorded crimes, 5 of which have been detected. 

Speed Limit: A Community Councillor requested the speed limit on the 

Kilmacolm Road, Bridge of Weir to Kilmacolm, be reduced. We have 

written to our neighbouring Community Council in Kilmacolm seeking their 

views. Meanwhile we have asked the Traffi c Police to monitor the current 

situation. 

Pavements: The Community Council has agreed to support residents 

in Clevans Road who are attempting to have the pavement repaired to a 

satisfactory condition to allow Renfrewshire Council to adopt and take over 

full responsibility. 

Easter Egg Hunt event: A big thank you to everyone who came and supported 

the Community Council’s Easter Egg Hunt held on Saturday 13th April. It was 

hard to gauge the type of response we would receive, however the turn out 

exceeded our expectations. We were delighted with the positive feedback 

and hope this can become an annual event. Congratulations to the winners 

for fi rst back, fi nding the golden ticket and how many sweets in a jar. 

Sincere thanks to Bernie’s Cafe for donating the juice for the event. 

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 17th May 

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 - Sunday Morning 

Service 10.30am and Sunday Evening Service 

7pm. For details please check website: www. 

freeland.org.uk 

ST MARY’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Johnstone 

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 

BISHOPTON PARISH CHURCH: Sunday 

Services: 9.45am Early Bird Service @ The 

Cornerstone - Tea/Coffee followed by 45 

minute service commencing at 10am. Sunday 

School for children and easy access for 

those with mobility issues. 11.30am Morning 

Worship at The Church (Erskine Ferry Road) 

Tea & Coffee following service. Please see 

our website Bishoptonkirk.org.uk or Facebook 

page for further details as we have Family 

Services at the beginning of each month which 

alternate between Church and Cornerstone. A 

warm welcome awaits you and your family.




A fun, no-pressure choir singing feel-good songs every Tuesday from 6pm - 7.15pm 

and Fridays at 2pm - 3.15pm in the Bishopton Community Centre. 

Bridge of Weir Tenants & Residents 

Association 

The latest meeting of Bridge of Weir TARA was well attended and we’d like 

to thank Councillors Natalie Don and James MacLaren, P.C. Eilidh O’Hanlon, 

Housing Offi cer Joanne Devan, and David Sloan and P. McParland from 

Renfrewshire Wardens Service for their attendance. 

Police report: The Police have asked us to let residents know of possible 

scammers going door to door in the village looking for building work. If you 

are offered such services and are suspicious, and you can see any vehicle 

being used, please take details of its colour, make and number plate, and 

let the police know as soon as possible on 101. They may be genuine but 

better to be safe than sorry. There has also been an increase in phone 

scammers purporting to be from BT, Microsoft, etc., and even the Tax Offi ce! 

You are asked to remain vigilant when answering your phone and hang up 

immediately if you become suspicious. 

Dog fouling: The Wardens continue to fi ght the scourge of dog fouling in our 

village, with a number of areas having been highlighted for special attention 

over previous months and in the near future. 

Play Park equipment: TARA are delighted that after over two years of 

meetings and discussions with Community Services at Renfrewshire Council 

we have fi nally got a proposal rubber-stamped to provide new play equipment 

at Houston Road park which will include equipment more easily accessed by 

children with mobility problems. This has been the number one priority for 

us during these many months of negotiations, and we’d like to thank the 

Community Council for their support, and Councillor Natalie Don for helping 

us get our plans to fruition. 

Roads: In conjunction with the Community Council and Councillor Natalie 

Don, TARA had a site visit with Renfrewshire Council Roads Department 

concerning the junction of Prieston Road/Kilbarchan Road/Main Street 

earlier in the year. As a result of this site visit the junction has now had its 

road markings renewed, and a survey of traffi c usage at the junction is due 

to take place in the coming months. 

Garden/Food Waste: Four TARA members recently had a very informative 

visit to ENVA in Blantyre, the company that process the garden and food 

waste from our brown bins into compost. We were made most welcome 

during our visit as were shown around the facility, with each step of the 

process explained to us in detail. One point we were asked to convey to 

people was the need to put our brown bins out on its due date regardless 

of how much was contained within it. If a collection is missed there’s every 

chance the waste will start to breakdown into sludge which is of no use for 

composting. Our thanks goes to TARA member Neil Thomson for arranging 

the visit. 

Village clean-up: Members of TARA will be taking part in Renfrewshire 

Council’s ‘Team Up to Clean Up’ campaign during April and will be initiating 

a clean-up of Houston Road Park. 

Next meeting: The next meeting of Bridge of Weir Tenants and Residents 

Association will be on Tuesday 21st May at 7.30pm in the Pirie Centre at 

Freeland Church. So if you’ve got something you’d like to discuss concerning 

our village why not come along and air your views. All are welcome. 

Langbank Church Plant Sale 

Saturday, 18th May, 10.30 – 12.30pm, Langbank Church car-park 

The plants will be supplied by Parklea Association Branching Out in Port 

Glasgow, an organisation which provides horticultural training for adults and 

young people with special needs. There will be a wide selection of plants 

available, which are always of the best quality. 

Cream teas will be served in the church hall from 10.30am. 

Bridge of Weir Senior Citizens Assoc 

Our Annual Outing is going for a sail on Loch Katrine and then to Callendar 

for High Tea on Wednesday 5th June. There are a few tickets still available 

and if you wish to go please get in touch with Ann McEwing or any member 

of the Committee. 

BoW Lace Group 

Bridge of Weir Lace Group meets fortnightly on Tuesday mornings (10am - 

12noon) during the winter months. If you’d like to try lacemaking we can 

provide materials & tuition. For further details phone (01505) 613967. 


23


24 


Christian Aid Week 

Each year Christian Aid Week shines a spotlight on 

one specifi c aspect of Christian Aid’s work combating 

poverty and the causes of poverty in some of the poorest countries in the 

world. This year the charity is focused on reducing the rate of “maternal 

mortality” – mothers dying during child birth. 

In wealthy countries the incidence of maternal deaths is now around 12 per 

100,000 ‘live births’. In sharp contrast, the comparable fi gure in the world’s 

least developed countries is 436 deaths. And in the African country of Sierra 

Leone it is a staggering 1,360 deaths per 100,000 live births. Every day in 

Sierra Leone ten mothers die trying to give birth to their child. 

There is no single answer to this terrible situation. However, by working 

closely with local partner organisations, Christian Aid has developed an 

effective programme to address its multiple causes: building local health 

clinics, training midwifery staff, overcoming cultural barriers to healthcare, 

educating young women, empowering women’s groups, and even running 

programmes to enhance the status of women in the family setting. 

During Christian Aid Week a donation envelope will be delivered to your 

house and will be picked up later in the week by a volunteer collector. Please 

give generously – and if you pay income tax, please complete the Gift Aid 

form on the fl ap of the envelope, to allow Christian Aid to increase the value 

of your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you. 

Thank you. 

Bridge of Weir Christian Aid Group St Machar’s Ranfurly Church, Freeland Church & St 

Mary’s Church. For more information on Christian Aid please go to: christianaid.org.uk 

Annual Spring Fayre 

Saturday 11th May 10.30am - 12.30pm, St Machar’s Ranfurly 

Church Hall, Kilbarchan Road 

St. Machar’s Ranfurly Guild invite you to join them with Baking, Soft Goods 

and Letter Cards on sale. Come along and have a look and enjoy a cup of 

tea or coffee with your friends. 

The Bridge 

Post Office: Over the last month the post offi ce has had restricted opening 

with staff unexpectedly ill or on holiday. We are very sorry to report that 

Fiona is still seriously ill and we all wish her a full recovery. In the meantime 

we are trying to fi nd a replacement at least in the short term. Usual opening 

hours will be maintained for The Bridge and we will try to have the post offi ce 

open as much as possible. We may still have some closures on Fridays and 

/or Saturdays. We are grateful to Donald, Stuart and to all our volunteers for 

their valuable contribution and thank all customers for their understanding. 

Post Office and Shop - for all your Post Offi ce services, purchases of 

stationery, greeting cards and pocket money toys. Please support your 

Community Centre where our volunteers and Post Offi ce staff work hard 

to meet your needs. Our stock of greeting cards has expanded with most 

occasions catered for. 

Adding to the atmosphere are our regular Art Exhibitions. During May, 

Bishopton Art Group will be exhibiting a selection of paintings. Please pop in 

to view and purchase their pictures. 

Volunteers - the Community Centre and Shop is run entirely by volunteers. 

Do you have a spare four hours each month? Consider joining us, meet new 

friends and become involved in your community. Please speak to any of our 

volunteers for more information. We look forward to your involvement. 

What’s happening in May? - Apart from the usual activities, - Bridge Classes, 

Film Showings, Hard of Hearing Clinic, MSP/MP surgeries there is always 

the opportunity to sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in warm, pleasant 

surroundings. We thank you for your custom and continuing support. 


Langbank SWI Annual Dinner April 2019 

We held our Prizegiving Dinner and AGM at Gleddoch. Prizes were awarded 

to members for success in the monthly competitions. 

The President Marion Dornan thanked all her committee for their help during 

the year. 

Roads & Pavements: Council has announced its Roads 

Improvement Programme for this year. The following roads 

in Ward 11 are due to be resurfaced: 

• Bishopton: B815 Ferry Road , A8 Greenock Road, Stuart 

Road, Teviot Drive, Ettrick Drive, Carrick Road. 

• Bridge of Weir: Warlock Road, Hazelwood Road 

• Langbank: Barrochan Rd, Seath Ave, Beechwood Ave 

There are a number of roads that I feel and wish were included and will 

remind the Roads department of their obligation to keep the roads in a 

safe condition. Potholes continue to be an issue. There are a couple of 

pavements only that are to be resurfaced. These are Middlepenny Road in 

Langbank and Main Street (Kirkinner Place) in Bridge of Weir. If you would 

like more detail of the area and section being resurfaced then please get 

in touch. Likewise, if you feel your road should have been included then I 

would like to hear from you. But perhaps what is more important to some of 

you will be sorting our Renfrewshire’s drainage issues and I will endeavour 

to get you details of the Drainage Capital Schemes 2019/20 for next month, 

because so much damage is done to the roads due to water sitting on the 

surface. 

Bin Collections: Also of issue is the number of people reporting that their 

bins have not been emptied, and perhaps of even more concern is the 

number of times people report the problem before they approach me to sort 

it. Council really needs to get on top of the refuse collection and recycling. 

The problems have been going on for too long now. 

Charity Fundraising: I am in training for “The June 15 Big 200”, a 200 mile 

cycle from Kilmacolm to Newcastle on 15th June and will be fundraising for 

Freeland Church car park and garden, The Haven Kilmacolm, and one other 

(to be decided). If you would like to motivate me then please donate at www. 

justgiving.com or add your name to one of my sponsorship forms. Thank 

you in anticipation. 

Surgeries: 

• Langbank Parish Church Hall - 1st Monday of every month (6.30pm) 

• Bridge of Weir Cargill Hall - 2nd Monday (sorry, not in May) (6.30pm) 

• Bishopton Community Library - 3rd Monday of every month (6.30pm) 

For further information on any of the above, please contact me 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 copies of my 

community council reports etc. 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 SWI 

The AGM and Mini Show were held in April at Bernie’s. The speaker was 

children’s author Lindsay Littleson. Her latest book based on the Titanic will 

be launched at the end of April. In the mini show winners were as follows: 

Duncan Cup, Mabel McPherson; Muirhead Cup, Brenda Lindsay; Woodrow 

Cup, Rhona McLean. Brenda Lindsay was in fi rst place for the points cup 

followed by Joyce Bennie 2nd and Mabel McPherson 3rd. 

We will round off this session with an outing to Falkland Palace.



Report on Public Meeting 15th April 19 

At very short notice a public meeting was arranged to discuss the ‘New’ 

application made by Gladman Scotland for a development at North Denniston 

comprising 88 housing units of various types and sizes. This was held on 

Monday 15th April in Kilmacolm St Columba Church Hall. 

This came as a complete shock to the village as the previous application 

for this site had been refused by Inverclyde Council and by the government 

appointed Reporter. 

The lawyers for Gladman Scotland argued that this was a ‘New’ application 

because the area in question was different to the previous application in 

that it omitted the area of the Knapps. Under the government planning 

regulations, it does state that any application for more than 40 housing units 

is to be treated as a major development and as such it should be preceded 

by a 3-month Pre-Application Consultation period before the application can 

be submitted to the planning authority. This has not happened and the preapplication 

consultation report is a cobbled together version of the previous 

consultation held in 2017. 

Over 220 people turned out for the meeting where they were addressed 

by Louise Eadie of the Kilmacolm Civic Trust, Mike Jefferis who is Chair of 

the Kilmacolm Community Council and Nicol Cameron who is Chair of the 

Kilmacolm Civic Trust. They outlined the current situation and informed the 

meeting that time was short and all comments/objections are to be with 

Inverclyde council by close of play on 26th April. At the end of the meeting 

Councillor David Wilson informed the meeting of the situation regarding 

other application that are pending including Carsemeadow, Plaintreeyetts 

and West of Quarry Drive. 

Planning: I voted to amend the proposed plan to remove 

housing at West of Quarry Drive and from a strategic point 

of view I do not favour house building in Kilmacolm and 

Quarriers Village above that identifi ed in the proposed plan. 

I am glad to see that the reporters considering the Inverclyde 

Local Development Plan have determined that “there is 

not a requirement to allocate additional housing land in 

the Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village area of Inverclyde”. 

This, of course, does not stop developers making planning 

applications which will be considered by council offi cers with respect to 

the current and proposed local development plans. I attended the public 

meeting held on 15th April in Kilmacolm which discussed the current 

planning application by Gladman Developments at North Denniston. 

Public Transport: I am interested in trying to get a new bus service between 

Port Glasgow Train Station and Johnstone Train Station as I think that this 

will be a good way to improve connectivity in the Gryffe Valley. I would be 

interested to hear the views of constituents on this matter and their views on 

the existing X7 and 1/1A bus services. 

Surgeries: Kilmacolm New Community Centre from 7pm to 8pm on 22nd 

May 2019 and Port Glasgow Community Campus Enterprise Centre from 

7pm to 8pm on 29th May 2019. Please contact me directly to discuss 

any matters by telephone on 07768 460073/01475 712370, by email: 

christopher.curley@inverclyde.gov.uk or by messaging me via my Facebook 

page (@Ward1chriscurleySNP). 

Positive Thinking 

The only thing you can control in 

your life is your thoughts. The 

only thought you have power 

over is the present one. Find 

out how to control your thoughts, 

and attract exactly what you 

want into your life. Phone or text 

07463 570464. 

Summer 

Duplicate 

Bridge 

If you would like to play 

Bridge during the summer 

months why not come 

along to the Kilmacolm 

Community Centre on 

Monday evenings? 

Starting on 13th May at 

7pm for a 7.15 pm start. 

Come with a partner or 

come alone and hope to 

fi nd one there. 

Further information Tel: 

87 2345 

Every 4th 

Monday the local 

neighbourhood 

offi cer, will hold 

a surgery in the 

Community Centre between 

10.30am - 11.30am. 

Guide Hut to Hire 

A great venue with easy access near to 

the village centre. Main hall, 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 Heather on 07488 

287138. 

. . . KILMACOLM & QUARRIERS . . . 

25

. . . KILMACOLM & QUARRIERS . . . 

26 


Kilmacolm Village 

Litter Pick 

18 volunteers turned out on Saturday 13th 

April 209 to help with the Village Litter Pick. 

We were very lucky with the weather – cool 

and no rain. 

They were split into teams of two or three 

and sent off to differing areas which were 

checked out beforehand by Mike Jefferis, 

Chair of Kilmacolm Community Council. 

They were also equipped with litter pickers, 

high visibility vests and bin bags. 

The aim was to do as much as they could and be back at the rendezvous by 

12noon. 

As Chair of the Kilmacolm Community Council I would like to thank the 

following persons for turning out and doing their bit to help make the village 

a cleaner place to live: 

Joyce Jefferis, Drew Livingston, Adrian and Judith Kent, Peter McKerrell, 

Jennifer Hogg, Maureen Wells, Liz Finnie, Lisa Griffin, Judith Russell, Marion 

Armour, Louise and Ken McLaren, Caroline and Logan Muir, Jack Lamont 

and Councillor David Wilson. 

The village certainly looks a lot less untidy thanks to their efforts. 

Mike Jefferis, Chair, Kilmacolm Community Council 

Kilmacolm Community Council 

Details from our meeting on 26th March 2019. 

Police Scotland: There were no recorded crimes in the Kilmacolm and 

Quarriers area for the month of March. 

Planning/Licensing: 8 validated planning applications were considered at 

the meeting none of which were opposed but as one was for the conservation 

area it was agreed that the chair would comment on this to the planning 

officer. 

Parking: A new Traffic Regulation Order was being raised which would 

effectively turn four of the parking places in Barr’s Brae into electric charging 

vehicle spaces only between 8am and 6pm from Monday to Saturday. 

Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 30th April at 7.30pm 

Old Kirk News 

HOLY WEEK 

This year the Old Kirk marked Holy 

Week by creating the Stations of the 

Cross around the church. The Last 

Supper station was located in the 

Murray Chapel. 

Your Ward 1 Councillors 

David Wilson, Stephen McCabe, 

Christopher Curley | Advice 

Surgeries: http://www.inverclyde. 

gov.uk/meetings/councillors/ 


... Visitors are welcome at these 


KILMACOLM & QUARRIERS: Last 

Tuesday at 7.30pm, Kilmacolm 

Cargill Centre 

(NB: No meetings: July or Dec) | 

www.kilmacolmcc.co.uk 


Let ... 

Kilmacolm, Cargill Centre. Tel: 

873994 

Kilmacolm, Brownie/Guide Hut. Tel: 

07584 359007 

Kilmacolm, Masonic Hall. Tel: 

873059 

GENEVA TRIP May 2nd - 5th 

A group are going to Geneva and 

will visit a number of important 

sites related to the evolution of the 

Protestant church. A report of the 

visit will be in June Advertizer. 

OUTLOOK 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, 

2pm - 4pm. Everyone is most 

welcome. 

Programme for May: 

2nd May The work of Kilmacolm 

Community Council – with Mike 

Jefferis and Helen Cook 

16th May Sunshine Wishes 

Children’s Charity with Linda Ford 

plus Christian Aid Week celebration 

with Gospel Music. 

OUTLOOK will close for the summer 

after the May Programme. It opens 

again on 5th September with a 

coach outing to Paisley Abbey. 

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 

19th May Bread and Cheese Lunch 

at 12.15pm. Kidston Hall. 

Lunch will be soup, bread and 

cheese, tea/coffee to support 


Kilmacolm Dramatic Society 

Kilmacolm Dramatic Society’s production of Stepping Out was greatly 

enjoyed by our audiences last month. 

Under John Gilchrist’s enthusiastic direction and the expert dancing 

guidance of Liz Addison, Carol Biggin and Julie Gibb, the cast of ten women 

and one brave man put on a very entertaining show. They all put in a huge 

amount of effort in learning their lines and – for many - how to tap dance for 

the first time. They were well rewarded by the appreciative applause which 

greeted their rousing finale tap dance routine. Well done to John and the 

whole company – on stage and behind the scenes. 

We’re now busy deciding what our next production in November will be. We 

intend it to be something for all the family to enjoy, so look out for details. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about KDS, just visit our website 

kilmacolmdramaticsociety.co.uk/ or contact Claire Fraser on claire.fraser@ 

scotech.ltd.uk or Rosie Thirde on rosiethirde33@gmail.com 

We’re also delighted to welcome new members who want to act, help out 

with costumes, lighting, set design and building, hair and make-up or stage 

management – and you don’t have to have previous experience. As well as 

our two annual productions, we organise social events for members. Look 

out for details of our next production! 

Kilmacolm Dramatic Society, photo taken by David Walker 

Kilmacolm Golf Club Bridge Evening 

FRIDAY 17th MAY - Welcome drink and nibbles for £40 per table 

OPEN TO ANY COMBINATION OF GENTS AND LADIES Members and non 

members welcome. Reserve a table at the Bar or by calling Rosemary 

Hammond 01505 872345 or 07757 705188. 

Prizes for Bridge and raffle on the night. 

Christian Aid Week. Everyone 

welcome. Any donations to say 

thank you for a delicious lunch will 

be sent directly to Christian Aid 

Scotland. 

MOVIE NIGHT 

30th May West Side Story.7pm for 

7.30. The Old Kirk 

Free entry and the offer of a glass of 

wine. Donation if desired to support 

Churches in Kilmacolm & Quarriers 

the creation of a Pilgrim Pathway in 

Kilmacolm. 

SOCIAL MEDIA In addition to the 

website - kilmacolmoldkirk.org.uk, 

you can follow the Old Kirk on 

Facebook at Kilmacolm Old 

Kirk@kilmacolmold, and Twitter and 

Instagram @kilmacolmold 

KILMACOLM OLD KIRK: Church of Scotland (Charity no. SC009291). www.kilmacolmoldkirk.org. 

uk. Minister Rev. Dr. Peter McEnhill (01505 873174). All Sundays in May – morning worship at 

11am. Tea and coffee served afterwards. Sunday May 5th 6pm, Night Kirk in Murray Chapel. Sòlas 

Bereavement Group is held in Kidston Hall on the 2nd Thursday each month at 2pm. OUTLOOK 

on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 2pm. 

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. Please come and invite others: all welcome.



Planning: A packed St Columba’s Church Hall heard a 

protest meeting with regard to the Gladman planning 

application for 88 houses at North Dennistoun. Mike 

Jefferis and Nicol Cameron spoke respectively on behalf 

of the Community Council and the Civic Trust. There were 

many questions and observations. In my role as Chair of 

Planning I outlined the procedure that the Council observes 

when dealing with a major application, as this is. There will 

be a public hearing in Greenock Town Hall, probably in June 

when objectors, the applicant and council planning offi cers will state their 

case. The 11 members of the planning board will then come to a decision 

whether to approve or refuse and this result will then go to the Full Council 

of 22 councillors for their determination. 

Local Plan: The Inverclyde Local Development Plan has been examined by 

the Reporter and came back with few changes. During the fi ve years of the 

plan the reporter agrees with the Council that there is no need to release 

green belt in and around Kilmacolm for housing. This may be challenged but 

it is the settled position of the Council. 

Roads: SPT are considering new bus shelters in the village near the Cross. 

It is hoped that they will have lighting. The upgrading of the Lochwinnoch 

Road at the Cross has been completed. This area had been patched and 

patched to extinction and some who observed our staff at work commented 

on their professionalism. 

Rural roads continue to be upgraded. Craiglinsheoch, Muirhouse, Burnbank 

and Auchenfoyle Roads have been completed and works will be done to 

strengthen the parapet at the old Auchenfoyle bridge and widening of the 

one at Glenmill. The latter keeps getting damaged. 

Roads offi cers have been working with residents in Duchal Road to assist 

access to their driveways due to congestion. T Bars are being painted at 

driveways to attempt to deter parking nearby. I shall monitor this initiative 

closely but the parking study established clearly that we need extra long stay 

parking in the village. 

Public Transport: The Greenock/Kilmacolm/Quarriers/Houston/Linwood/ 

Johnstone1/1a/2a/X6a/X7 McGills bus services are going to SPT committee 

for renewal for 5 years at a cost of approaching £1m subsidy. I will report 

the outcome at the next edition. There is a social necessity to subsidise bus 

routes to towns and villages with no service. 

PGHS annual music concert: This was a tour de force. It featured 43 acts/ 

performances featuring a dozen winners from the Inverclyde Music Festival. 

A smashing evening and academically and musically this school is going 

places. The fi nal medley by the Soul Band was a show stopper. 

Stepping Out: presented by the Kilmacolm Dramatic Society had a fabulous 

fi nal act when the whole cast performed tap in top hat and tails. Given that I 

understand that only one member could tap before rehearsals it was a quite 

superb performance. I was happy to sponsor the society’s application for 

funds for stage lighting. 

Conservation: There is a Conservation Area appraisal of Quarriers Village 

being conducted. The Council have appointed architectural fi rm Austin- 

Smith for this purpose. The appraisal helps to identify the special interest 

and changing needs of a conversation area. They inform policy and assist 

development management. 

Cruise control: The cruise season has started in Greenock and 75 stop 

offs, a record , are expected. The Cunard Queen Victoria and Elizabeth 

return again to the Clyde. The council is in partnership with Peel in a £15m 

expansion of the Ocean Terminal. The development on shore and in the 

water will be ready for next year. 

Plant Sale: The Annual Plant Sale at the Masonic Lodge Glebe Road will be 

on the 17th, 18th, 19th and 24th, 25th and 26th May. 

Surgeries: at St Mary’s Episcopal Port Glasgow 5.30pm - 6.30pm 20th May 

and the Cargill 10am - 11am 25th May. 

I can be contacted at: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 01475 741969 and 

712975 and 07766 992294. 

Christian Aid Week. 

Kilmacolm Old Kirk are holding a Bread and Cheese 

Lunch in Kidston Hall on Sunday 19th May from 

12.15pm. Everyone is most welcome to come along, 

bring family and friends, and enjoy simple Soups, a selection of Bread 

and Cheeses, fi nishing with tea/coffee and a few treats. Any donations in 

thanks for a delicious lunch will be most welcome too, and will be forwarded 

directly to Christian Aid Scotland. 

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Kilmacolm and Port 

Glasgow Agricultural 

Show 

Saturday 11th May — at Knapps Loch, 

Kilmacolm from 9am to 4.30pm. 

There will be lots of attractions including 

hundreds of entries across dozens of 

classes of sheep, cows, horses (light and 

heavy), dogs, industrial, plus small pets in 

the Children’s Pet Show. Craft Tent, Trade 

Stands and entertainment including: 

Chainsaw Sculpture, Pipe Band, Birds of 

Prey, Dancers, Vintage Tractors and Country 

Capers. Schedules, Entry Forms and more 

details at: www.kilmacolmshow.co.uk 

Kilmacolm Friends of Ardgowan 

Hospice - baking & bottles 

We will be collecting donations of baking and preserves for our Baking and 

Bottle Stall on Friday 10th May between 2.30pm and 4.30pm at the Old Kirk 

Church Hall. 

Bottles can be deposited in the box at the Cargill Community Centre 

Reception Area. We look forward to seeing you at the Show on Saturday 

11th May and thank for your contributions. 

St Columba Church - 

Lazarus Awakening 

Come and join us for an 8 week course 

and open your heart to the truth that you 

are cherished by God. Study includes DVD 

teaching, discussion and a time of fellowship 

at St Columba Church Large Hall (Bridge of 

Weir Road end) from 7pm - 8.30pm, starting 

Thursday 2nd May. Please confi rm your place by emailing: edithforrest@ 

gmail.com or telephone 07764 765927. 

. . . KILMACOLM & QUARRIERS . . 

27

. . . KILBARCHAN, HOWWOOD, LOCHWINNOCH, ELDERSLIE . . . 

28 


Boys Brigade 

Annual Display 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Boys 

Brigade Annual Display takes place 

in the Parish church hall on Friday 

10th May at 7.30pm. 

Christian Aid 

Christian Aid week in Kilbarchan 

begins on Sunday 12th May. 

Your Ward 9 

Councillors 

Andy Doig, Derek Bibby, Bill 

Binks, Emma Rodden | Advice 

Surgeries: http://www. 





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 


Let ... 

Kilbarchan, Guide Centre. Tel: 

702758. 

Kilbarchan, Old Library Centre. Tel: 

706070 

Animal Welfare: This is not one of the usual subjects that a 

councillor, such as myself, would normally write about, but I 

feel sure the majority of you will be very pleased that action 

is being taken. 

A Consultation was sent out about to all Authorities, 

Amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) 

Act 2006. The closing date for the consultation was the 

26th April 2019. Currently the maximum penalty for cruelty 

to animals is twelve months imprisonment and a fi ne up to 

£20k. I am happy to say that in response Renfrewshire Council have elected 

to approve having the upper limit for fi nes being removed altogether and also 

the upper limit being moved from fi ve years maximum to no upper limit. This 

would allow more fl exibility when the courts make a decision on the level of 

punishment. Cruelty to animals in any form is unacceptable and I hope that 

these amendments will be adopted ASAP. 

Sheltered Housing: 

Link Housing is about to commence consultation 

meetings with tenants of the sheltered House in Glenpark Road, Lochwinnoch. 

Concerns have been expressed about the withdrawal of funding by two local 

authorities. I have asked for further details as it is another case where council 

cut backs can affect the most vulnerable and needs to be addressed. 

A737 Action Group: 

I attended the meeting in Howwood, organised by 

Howwood Community Council, to further discuss the ongoing issue of 

upgrading the A737 bypass. The group have now adopted the name of A737 

Action Group and representatives from the following community councils 

attended – Howwood, Lochwinnoch and Beith & District. Invitations have 

been sent to Kilbarchan, Houston, Bridge of Weir and Brookfi eld CC’s to join 

the group as they are all likely to be affected by any decisions made. I have 

been tasked with writing on behalf of the group to all our MSP’s and Chief 

Executives of the departments responsible for making major decisions with 

regard to infrastructure decisions. 

Charity Shop opens: It was a pleasure for me to be at the opening of the 

St. Vincent Charity Shop in Lochwinnoch after its major refurbishment. 

Congratulations to Eric Whitfi eld and all his co-workers who volunteered their 

time and expertise in carrying out this wonderful act of dedication. I was 

honoured to have been able to help in a small way with this worthy cause. 

Increases: In my previous report I gave my reasons for not supporting 

the increase of 4.79% and 2% increase in council tax and housing rent 

respectively. It seems that I have been proved correct in my prediction of 

the cost of these implementations to the community. Sharon Bell, head 

of StepChange Scotland (the debt advisory charity), said she was “alarmed 

by the increases in the proportion of clients struggling with household bills, 

particularly council tax”. Research 

by the charity “shows that our 

clients in Scotland are signifi cantly 

more likely to have council tax 

arrears compared to elsewhere in 

the UK”. StepChange Scotland said 

the average amount of arrears its 

clients had was £2,017. 

Surgeries: 

Week 1 Tuesday LOCHWINNOCH 

McKillop Institute 6pm/7pm. 

Week 2 Tuesday HOWWOOD 

Village Hall 6pm/7pm. 

Week 3 Wednesday JOHNSTONE 

Town Hall 6pm/7pm. 

Week 4 Wednesday KILBARCHAN 

Steeple Hall 6pm/7pm. 

Email: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire. 

gov.uk Tel: 0300 300 1423 


LiliFest 2019 

Saturday 11th May 8pm 

Comedy Night with Graham Barrie & 

“Friends” 

Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre 

This popular comedy night returns 

featuring a great line up of comedians 

in a great venue. With your host for the 

evening, the indomitable and irrepressible, 

Graham Barrie. £10/BYOB 

Sunday 12th May 2pm 

Kilbarchan Junior Choir & Village 

Voices: “Tea and a Tune” 

Kilbarchan Parish Church, Steeple Square, 

Kilbarchan 

A hugely entertaining afternoon of song 

and fun. Directed by the wonderfully 

inspiring Moira Gray both choirs are open 

to join to anyone interested, no experience 

necessary 01505 704948. Tickets: £5/ 

Family £12. Available from Moira on 01505 

704948 or in person from Bobbins. 

Thursday 23rd May 7.30pm 

Leon Hunt and Jason Titley 


As well as leaning heavily on traditional 

music from the US and The British Isles, 

their own compositions take on musical 

references from just about everywhere 

else. £12.50 from Dave Currie 01505 

70691. 

Thursday 23rd May 8pm 

The Legendary Trust Quiz with the one 

and only Quizmaster General The Trust 

Inn, Kilbarchan. Free. 

Saturday 25th May 9pm 

IKON Habbies, Kilbarchan. Classic Rock. 

Free. 

Thursday 30th May 8pm 

Special Lilias Day Quiz with the one 

and only Quizmaster General The Trust 

Inn, Kilbarchan 

Friday 31st May 7.30pm 

The Paisley Open Mic Collective 

Showcase 


The Paisley open mic scene regulars 

have recently returned from performing in 

Berlin… 

Come and join them for a full night’s 

entertainment with some of the best 

acoustic, duo and band performances in 

Renfrewshire. 

The night will be compèred by regular 

hosts of the Paisley open mic nights scene, 

Johnny Barr and Graeme Kerr, and will 

include the collective house band for all of 

the acoustic acts performing. 

Churches in Kilbarchan, Howwood, Lochwinnoch & Elderslie 

KILBARCHAN PARISH CHURCH: Services continue at 11am each Sunday, conducted by Rev 

Stephen Smith, with Junior Church and the Crèche meeting in the halls from 10.45am. All welcome. 

Refreshments served in the hall after the service. Donations for the Paisley Foodbank are collected 

every week in the hall. Be sure to visit Kilbarchan Parish Church stalls in the park on Lilias Day 1st 

June. There will be home baking, tombola and delicious strawberries and cream. Kilbarchan Parish 

Church Boys Brigade Annual Display takes place in the Parish church hall on Friday 10th May at 

7.30pm. Eastern Star. The annual service takes place in Kilbarchan Parish church on Sunday 

12th May at 6.30pm, conducted by Rev Stephen Smith. Christian Aid week in Kilbarchan begins 

on Sunday 12th May. Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club will be on holiday on 6th and 27th May 

but will be open on 13th and 20th from 9.15-11.30am. Kilbarchan National Women’s Register has 

3 meetings in May-firstly a walk around the West End and University, followed by a fi lm night, The 

Dressmaker and finally an evening of Random Questions when we shall talk about anything of 

interest! For further details, phone 703786 and visit the website: www.nwr.org.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.


Lilias Day Saturday 1st June 

We are delighted to announce our plans for Lilifest and Lilias Day 2019. 

Once again we have host of new entertainment and activities for you to enjoy 

and get involved with over the coming month and on Lilias Day. This year 

we are introducing a Village Scarecrow competition, to go alongside the ever 

popular ‘decorate your house’ competition, and following the success of last 

year’s art completion we are holding a kids photography competition. 

LILIFEST - After last year’s sell-out gig we are delighted to have Big Vern 

N The Shootas to headline Lilifest and welcome The Carrick Players on 

their fi rst appearance at the festival with Sketch on the Beach. IKON, The 

Shacklelton Trio and Start are just a few of the other acts to perform at 

venues throughout the village. For a full line up visit www.liliasday.co.uk 

LILIAS DAY - SATURDAY 1st JUNE - Lilias Day itself promises to be another 

fantastic day with plenty new attractions including parkour, mini golf, slime 

workshop and a nerf zone along with the tried and tested Lilias Day faithfuls. 

Johnny Barr’s music tent will be showcasing the best of local talent, Franc 

Karpo’s amazing magic show will top the bill in the kids tent, Britannia XIV’s 

will take to the battlefi eld whilst the craft and food villages grow each year. 

For the more active amongst you you can enjoy zorbing, pony rides, the dog 

show or take part in the Tug of War. 

The days celebration will kick off with the biggest historic parade in 

Renfrewshire. Leading the parade will be the best in local piping 

with Kilbarchan, St Columba’s and Houston Pipe Bands, followed by the 

historic parade, the renowned procession of fl oats and a few surprises along 

the way. 

Our grand fi nale this year will be the big prize raffl e, when one lucky winner 

will leave the park £1,000 richer. If you haven’t bought your ticket yet 

you can buy them at local shops throughout the village and on the day at 

the Lilias Day Committee stall. 

As always we are delighted to have the support of the village, local 

organisations and businesses without whom Lilias Day would not happen. 

Each year the event raises tens of thousands of pounds for charities and 

good causes. 

GET INVOLVED - Decorate your house or premises - give the village a real 

festival atmosphere to help us celebrate Lilias Day. Let us know if you’re 

taking part so that your masterpiece can be entered for the coveted prize of 

best decorated house. Judging commences at 10am on Lilias morning. 

New for 2019 - Build a scarecrow! - If decorating your house seems a bit 

daunting why not make a scarecrow to display? You can bring to life your 

favourite characters and enter our new competition. Judging commences at 

10am on Lilias morning. 

Enter a team in our annual Tug of War and compete for a shiny new shield, 

kindly sponsored by last years winners, Kilbarchan Pipe Band. Email us at 

info@liliasday.co.uk to enter a team. 

Get snapping for our Kid’s Photography Competition (5-11 years) - Whether 

it’s a selfi e with Habbie, the changing seasons or the scenic countryside, 

show off your creative talent. All entries will be displayed in the Kid’s Tent 

on Lilias Day and prizes awarded for the best photographs. All entries to be 

submitted to Kilbarchan Primary School or to the Co-op by the deadline of 

17th May. 

Come along and join the fun on Saturday 1 June! - The park opens at 12noon 

and the parade starts at 1pm at Tandlehill Rd and proceeds through the 

village to the park. Entry costs £2.50 for adults and 50p for children. 

Contact us: info@liliasday.co.uk or message us via Kilbarchan Lilias Day on 

Facebook 

You can keep up to date on all the latest news on the Lilias Day website www. 

liliasday.co.uk or follow on twitter: @LiliasDay 

MISS LILIAS 

The leading lady of 

Kilbarchan’s Lilias Day has 

been announced. Mabel 

Wylie is Miss Lilias 2019. 

The Lilias Day committee 

choose Miss Lilias each year 

based on her contribution 

to the community or good 

causes. Mabel is in 5th year 

at Johnstone High School 

and volunteers weekly to 

teach swimming to local 

kids. She also gives up 


Liz and Morag are now going for 1000 

people through the course! 

Morag and Liz beside the AED in Lochwinnoch 

Would you know 

what to do in an 

Emergency? 

♥ 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: 

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

♥ Heart Attack 

♥ Recovery position 

♥ Choking 

♥ Serious bleeding 

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

752814 to book onto one of our courses in 2019: 

Tuesday 28th May 7pm - 9pm Lochwinnoch Masonic Lodge 

Tuesday 18th June 1pm - 3pm 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. 

much of her summer to volunteer at Renfrewshire Leisure activity camps. 

She has completed her Duke of Edinburgh Silver award and really looking 

forward to take up her role as Miss Lilias. As part of her duties Mabel will 

read a proclamation to offi cially open Lilias Day and, later in the year, will 

have the honour of switching on the Christmas lights in Kilbarchan. 

Her attendants are Sarah Sandground and Lauren Breckenridge. 

SCHOOL KING AND QUEEN 

This year the school Queen, 

King and attendants have 

been chosen by Kilbarchan 

Primary school based on 

merit and exemplifying the 

core values of the school. 

The group takes a leading 

role in the parade and Miss 

Lilias crowns the Queen and 

King as the parade arrives in 

the park. 

Poppy Edgar and Ian Grant 

are the Queen and King, with attendants Kayla Drummond and Matthew 

McIvor. 

Tots’ Club 

Kilbarchan Parish Church Tots’ Club 

will be on holiday on 6th and 27th 

May but will be open on 13th and 

20th from 9.15am - 11.30am. 

Knitting Bee 

Meets fortnightly on a Tuesday 

from 7pm to 9pm at Knit Knax, 37 

High Street Johnstone, also weekly 

Thursday from 2pm to 4pm. 

Contact: Pamela 07743 156738 or 

email bknitting@hotmail.co.uk. 


29


30 


The Old Library Centre 

Kilbarchan Tea Towels: We have for sale a fabulous teatowel with pictures 

of Old Kilbarchan. These are high quality large linen tea towels which are 

being sold for £4.50. Profi ts from these will contribute too much needed 

funds for the centre, so please pop in and buy one. 

Pilates Class: We are starting a new Pilates class on 

a Thursday morning at 9.45am. This replaces the 

Wednesday afternoon class. If you would like to give 

Pilates a try but times didn’t suit then please do come 

along or phone the centre on 01505 706070 for 

further information. 

Tai Chi Class: Don’t forget the taster session for the 

Tai Chi class is on Tuesday 30th April at 10.30am with 

classes starting on Tuesday 7th May. Places for this 

class are fi lling up fast so phone 01505 706070 to ensure your place. 

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 

Howwood Village Fete 

Saturday 15th June 2019 1pm - 4pm 

Stall Holders Required 

The Howwood Village Fete is a great way to 

raise funds for your group or promote your 

business. Stalls cost £20. 

For more information and to book your stall 

please contact: 

Sarah Galloway 07982 042654 

sarah.galloway@rocketmail.com 

Calder Church Summer Fayre 

Tea Dance 

Thursday 6th June in 

Troon 

The next Tea Dance is a 

trip to Troon to join with 

Prestwick and Troon’s Tea 

Dancing groups. 

A free bus will be provided. 

Contact Ann on 07868 

752814 to book. 

Sat 18th May, 10am - 12noon, McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch 

Stalls include:- Home Baking, Plants and garden, Jewellery and Accessories, 

Books, DVDs & CDs, Toys, Bottle, Soft goods, Lucky Dip and more.... 

Adults £2.50, Children FREE includes Tea/Coffee and Cream scones. ALL 

WELCOME! 

LCDT - Have Your Say Before 10th May! 

The Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust Consultation is now 

underway! The survey has been completed by around 100 individuals at time 

of going to press, which is great, but we would like many more responses, 

especially from local village groups and organisations. 

The survey has around 10 questions and will take you around fi ve 

minutes to complete. If you are an individual, you can complete it online 

at: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Lochwinresidents for groups go to: www. 

surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Lochwingroups There are also paper copies available 

at The Junction and Brown Bull. 

LCDT are aiming to demonstrate community support for the Trust, which 

has a vision to see Lochwinnoch fl ourish and thrive. The fi rst project being 

developed is the Water Abstraction Project, which could provide a stream of 

income to the village through the sale of water pumped from an underground 

aquifer. 

A summary of the responses and recommendations for a community action 

plan will be collated by independent facilitators and experts from Community 

Enterprise. Feedback from the survey will also inform that community action 

plan. 

The directors are always keen to involve local people who have expert 

skills such as legal, fi nancial, managerial, project management, as well 

as the equally important skills of delivering newsletters, collecting surveys 

and putting up banners. If you think you can help, please get in touch at 

lochwinnochtrust@gmail.com 

LCDT will keep members updated on developments through our own 

newsletter, the new website www.lochwinnochtrust.org.uk and Facebook 

page @LochwinnochCDT 

You can become a member online, and it is a very simple and effective way to 

demonstrate your support for LCDT. You can also ‘like’ our facebook page. 


Fantastic Lochwinnoch Arts Festival ‘19 

There were over 4,000 people at the 16 day 2019 festival in March! There 

was something for everyone and many workshops and come and try events. 

Some of the highlights were Allan Bisset and his Moira Monologue with a 

fascinating Q and A session. Christine Bovill’s Piaf show and the Iconic 

women evening was also outstanding. For many the chance to see the 

Scottish musical legends Karen Matheson and Donald Shaw supported by 

the Orkney Quartet of Fara performing in our wee village hall is a special 

memory for many! 

There was a number of charities and groups who were able to raise some 

funds over the festival including: 

• £1,270 to Dementia friendly Lochwinnoch from Calder Church and Betty 

McKellar’s sales of her anthology of poems 

• £614 for the festivals chosen charity My Name’5 Doddie Weir Motor 

Neurone Disease research 

• £127 Lochwinnoch International Aid 

• £534 for St Vincent’s hospice (£400 at the sing for St Vincent’s and 

£134 Rowena’s second hand books) 

• £138 Johnstone High and Gryffe student’s world challenge 

• £110 Catherine’s wheels 

• £90 the Red Cross 

A massive thank you to all who helped, performed and attended the festival. 

Next Lochwinnoch Arts Festival is from 18till the 29th March 2020. 

Howwood 


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. 

Howwood WI 

May – Tuesday 21st: Day outing – 

details to follow 

Roads: The road and footpaths resurfacing programme for 

2019/20 has now been published by Renfrewshire Council. 

Kilbarchan will see road works on sections of Kibblestone 

Road, Wheatlands Drive, New Street, Church Street, and 

Glentyan Avenue and work on footpaths at Locher Road and 

Steeple Street. In Lochwinnoch Calderpark Avenue, Calder 

Street, and Braehead Avenue have been included for road 

resurfacing, with Calder Drive destined for footpath repair. 

Howwood, which did not see any resurfacing work in the last 

year, has Midton Road and Hill Road/Semple View for road resurfacing on the 

list. However it has again been excluded from the footpaths programme. 

While the residents of the above locations will welcome the news, others 

who have highlighted the state of their roads will be dismayed that they have 

not been included. Milliken Park Road and Cunnighame Drive in Kilbarchan 

are to name but two. It is evident that the administration has allocated 

the bulk of resources elsewhere in Renfrewshire, with for example Erskine 

having 12 roads included with three times the area to be resurfaced than 

Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch combined. This needs to change, 

and I will be exploring ways in which additional roads can be added to our 

villages in the forthcoming programme. 

Villages Local Partnership: The next meeting of the new Villages Local 

Partnership will be in June, when decisions on grant funding applications 

from community organisations are likely to be made. 

At its most recent meeting there was much discussion on identifying what 

the priorities are for West Renfrewshire Villages. Unsurprisingly connectivity 

in regard to rural public transport was seen as a key objective. In this 

regard it is vital that the Transport Bill currently going through the Scottish 

Parliament addresses issues such as re regulation of rural bus services and 

the transport needs of disabled and older people. 

Consequently I am urging all elected members, community councils and 

other community groups to make representation in order that a fi t for 

purpose rural transport service is delivered. 

Surgeries: On the fi rst Saturday of every month except January and July, at 

9am in the McKillop Institute Lochwinnoch, at 10am in Howwood Village 

Hall, 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.



Village Clean-up: One of the privileges of representing the 

ward that I do is that there are a great many community 

minded organisations who support regular litter picks in 

our villages to supplement the statutory role of the Council. 

These organisations include many of the Community Councils 

and bodies such as Kilbarchan Smiles. So it was with great 

pride that in recent weeks I supported the annual Howwood 

Community Council clean up, which attracted a fantastic 

twenty two adults, myself included, and fi ve children, which 

together managed to achieve a major effort in the environment in and 

around Howwood village. 

Roads: Renfrewshire Council has recently published its annual roads repairs 

list and whilst I can commend many of those in my ward which are included 

there are notable exceptions which really need attention. For example, many 

of my Kilbarchan constituents have frequently complained to me about the 

state of both Fulton Crescent and Milliken Park Road. I think two issues that 

need addressing are fi rstly, that the Council does not seem to have enough 

roads inspectors to actually check the repairs that are done, and secondly, 

the Council got all party support a year ago to investigate plastic infi ll for 

road repairs, as Glasgow City Council and East Renfrewshire Councils are. It 

seems bizarre to me that for most road repairs we are using tar macadam 

which was the material of choice some fi fty years ago. 

Clyde Muirshiel: I have had a meeting with the Council Leader expressing 

my concern that the current governance structure may not be the best for 

Clyde Muirshiel, and this may involve discussion with North Ayrshire and 

Inverclyde Councils as the three local authorities, including Renfrewshire, 

are custodians of the Park. I am actively seeking input from my Lochwinnoch 

constituents about their vision for the Park and how it can be improved. I 

make no secret of the fact that I think it requires nothing less than national 

park status to make the Park fulfi l its potential, but I am actively open to 

guidance on this from constituents. 

Surgeries: 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 December. But I am also always available to 

constituents who can call me on 07534148224, tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward8, 

facebook me on Independent Voice/Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages, or e-mail 

me at cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk. 

The Big Conversation 

McKillop Hall, Main Street, Lochwinnoch. 

An informal meeting to encourage open, supportive conversations about 

death, dying and bereavement. Organised by St. Vincent’s Hospice, the 

event will raise awareness and overcome fear about discussing these 

sensitive topics. Information will be available to help with practical planning 

for the future. The event is open to any adult, but may not be appropriate for 

someone recently bereaved. Free refreshments. Booking recommended. 

Contact June.Burgess@svh.co.uk 01505 705635 

Meddle & Make, Lochwinnoch 

One of our ever popular make, mend and upcycle workshops led by one of 

our team of experienced designers and makers. Bring along a garment you 

would like to adjust to a new size, mend with some beautifying embroidery, 

adapt a hem or add a new zipper. Or maybe you have an ambitious makeproject 

you’d like some advice about? 

This event is free, no experience necessary. 

Wednesday, 15th May 2019 from 7pm - 9pm at Remode, 39 High Street, 

Lochwinnoch 

Kilbarchan National 

Women’s Register 

We have 3 meetings in May. Firstly 

a walk around the West End and 

University, followed by a fi lm night, The 

Dressmaker and fi nally an evening of 

Random Questions when we shall talk 

about anything of interest! 

For further details, phone 703786 and 

visit the website: www.nwr.org.uk 

Community 

Coffee Shop 

First Friday monthly 

Howwood Parish Church: 

10am - 12noon 

“In the community, for the 

community” 

Adults £2 | Children free. 

All welcome. 

GCHC quiz night, Kilbarchan 

The 11th of April may have seemed like an ordinary day, 

but it was special; let me tell you why. 

That Thursday afternoon, our friends’ little boy John rang 

the bell at Glasgow Childrens Hospital to signify the end 

of his 8 months of treatment for renal cancer. 

Throughout his treatment, the Glasgow Childrens Hospital 

Charity made a massive difference to him and his family. This charity does 

so many wonderful things, from developing new treatments for sick kids, 

to organising family events that siblings can attend. It really helps families 

achieve a little bit of normality during what is a very stressful time. 

As a thank-you, friends of the family are organising a quiz night to raise funds 

for the Glasgow Childrens Hospital Charity. 

The quiz will be held in Kilbarchan Guide Centre on Saturday 11th May at 

7.30pm, tickets are £5, teams of up to 6. (BYOB) 

Highland Hustle Kilbarchan and an anonymous donor are sponsoring the 

hall hire, and if you would like to buy tickets for the quiz, the raffl e, or if 

you or your business would like to sponsor the winners’ prize, please email 

habbiecharityquiznight@outlook.com for more details. 

The Kilbarchan Singers Summer Concert 

‘America’ 

Sunday 12th May @ 7.30pm, Holy Trinity and St Barnabas Church, 

Paisley 

The Kilbarchan Singers invite you to their Summer Concert ‘America’, which 

includes works by or made famous by Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Barber, 

Whitacre & The Kings Singers. 

Dementia Friendly 

Dementia Friendly Meeting 10th April 

The Dementia Friendly Lochwinnoch had a very informative talk from Gillian 

Johnstone from the Renfrewshire Carers Centre on the many activities and 

support for carers. The next meeting is our end of year social on Wednesday 

5th June in the Calder Church 7.30pm. 

Gillian Johnstone and some of the Lochwinnoch Dementia Friendly Group 

Next Dance - Thursday 6th June in Troon 

The next tea dance is a trip to Troon to join with Prestwick and Troon’s 

dementia friendly tea dancing groups. A free bus will be provided. Contact 

Ann on 07761 114567 to book! 


31

. . . HOUSTON, CROSSLEE & BROOKFIELD . . . 

32 


I was very pleased recently to attend as an Elected 

Member the fi rst meeting of the new Bridge of Weir, 

Houston, Brookfi eld, Elderslie, Kilbarchan, Howwood, and 

Lochwinnoch Local Area Partnership. All village Community 

Councils, including Houston and Brookfi eld, were 

represented and one of the big improvements about the 

new LAP’s, which replaced the old Local Area Committees, 

is that all community representatives are on an equal basis 

with Councillors and also have a vote on the business 

before the LAP. Those present were enthusiastic about how the Villages 

LAP can become a powerhouse to listen to local village needs across West 

Renfrewshire, and actually act to improve the local quality of life. 

The administration of Renfrewshire Council believes very strongly in putting 

our money where our mouth is and supporting the educational needs of 

our children. Therefore I was very pleased to support, at the last meeting 

of the Finance, Resources, and Customer Services Board, new contracts for 

electrical upgrades for two schools in my ward, Houston Primary and East 

Fulton Primary in Linwood. These substantial investments, of £364,799.31 

for Houston Primary, and £588,333.05 for East Fulton Primary, will ensure 

that these local primaries are fi t for purpose for the 2020’s and beyond. 

Your Ward 10 

Councillors 

Audrey Doig, Scott Kerr, Alison 

Jean Dowling, James Sheridan 

Advice Surgeries: http://www. 





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 


Let ... 

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 

Across Renfrewshire many 

community minded individuals seek 

to serve their communities, from 

running youth groups to organising 

local gala days, and look for no 

recognition or reward save the 

satisfaction of doing a good job. 

Therefore, it was a genuine pleasure 

to recently attend the annual 

Provosts Community Awards Night 

where our unsung local heroes 

and heroines were recognised for 

their community service. There will 

be many such people in Linwood, 

Houston, Brookfi eld, and Crosslee, 

so I encourage all local Community 

Councils to nominate them for 

recognition. 

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. 


FANCY DRESS JUDGING: 12noon at Houston & Killellan Kirk 

followed by PARADE TO WEST HALLS 

We are nearly there, fi nal preparations are in hand and we are waiting in 

anticipation to see all our SUPERHEROES on Carnival day. 

The day starts off down at the Kirk at 12noon where the judging of the 

Fancy Dress takes place. We will then be led up to the West Halls by the 

1st Houston Boys and Girls Brigade Pipe Band. 

The Carnival Queen Jenna McKenzie and her attendant Beth Callaghan 

along with the King Jude Steele and his attendant Harris Clark will be 

driven in an open top car up to the hall. The parade is a very important 

part of the day, get your SUPERHEROES outfi ts on and join in. 

After arriving at the church hall our minister Rev.Gary Noonan will crown 

the King and Queen. The winners of the colouring competitions and 

fancy dress winner said will be announced before the Carnival opens. 

After the offi cial opening there will be so many things to do and see. 

There are many new stalls and attractions and not forgetting the food 

stalls which you will not be able to resist. Go to the tearoom where you 

can taste some lovely home baking and meet your friends. 

This is an immensely popular event for the community a lot of hard work 

is involved. We would love to see you all there in support!. 

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 Coffee shop/Centre 

01505 229597 

MONDAY 

Yoga (Weekly) @ 1pm - Mary Laidlaw 

01505 229112 | Complete Beginners 

Yoga (Start 13th) @ 11am - Mary 

Liadlaw 01505 229112 | Diaporama 

@ 7.30pm (13th) R2 | Galaxy (own 

room) | SNP Gryffe Branch (27th) @ 

7.30pm 

TUESDAY 

Paint Pot Tots (Weekly) @ 10am - Dawn 

Campbell 07789 262350 | Yoga 

(Weekly) @ 7pm - M/s Lawson 01505 

613690 | Councillor Surgery (Scott 

Kerr) @ 6.30pm - 7.30pm | Councillor 

Surgery (Allison Dowling) @ 12noon 

| Houston Show (7th) @ 7.30pm | 

Galaxy (own room) 

WEDNESDAY 

Gryffe Melody Makers @ 7pm (1st, 

15th, 29th) | Community Council 

(Monthly) @ 7.30pm 20th | Gryffe 

Camera Club, (Weekly) @ 7.30pm | 

Baby Class (MOO MUSIC) (Weekly) @ 

10am | Galaxy @ 3.45pm 

Please Note: 

A PORTABLE DEFIB UNIT is 

available at the 

West Halls (Church) on Main Street 

THURSDAY 

Gryffe Quilting Group (Weekly) @ 

1.15pm - 3.15pm (16th - 10am) | 

Primary Colours (Weekly) @ 3.30pm - 

4.30pm | Crafty Friends (Bi Weekly) 

@ 7.30pm (7th - 21st) | Folk Club 

(Weekly) @ 8pm - iaintdawson@gmail. 

com 07786 078952 | Galaxy ( own 

room) | Councillor Surgery (Audrey 

Doig) @ 7.15pm 28th | Move It or Lose 

it (Weekly) @ 10.30am - 11.30am 

FRIDAY 

Yoga (Weekly) @ 10:30am - M/s 

Lawson 01505 613690 | Galaxy 

Dancing (Weekly except 10th) @ 

3.30pm - 7pm | Gavin Newlands M.P. 

Surgery@ 12.30pm – 1.30pm (10th) | 

Kirk Carnival 10th @ 12noon Onwards 

| Houston Show 31st @ 7pm | Jennifer 

Tinney B/Party 31st @ 7.30pm 

SATURDAY 

KIRK CARNIVAL (ALL DAY) 11TH | 

Galaxy Dancing (Weekly except 11th) 

@ 9.30am - 5pm (25th fi nish 12noon) 

| Councillors Surgery (J Sheridan) @ 

11.30am – 12noon (2nd) R5 

SUNDAY 

Baptist Church (Weekly) @ 11am and 

6pm 

Booking enquiries to: Barry Walker 01505 614039 

Bill Haddow 01505 690693 Stewart Scally 01505 674277 

thecarrickcentre@gmail.com or hostbookings@outlook.com or The Coffee Shop



Houston Show – Saturday 1st June 2019 

Bible Prophecy 

Sunday 

May 12th, @ 11am, Carrick Centre 

Houston Baptist is hosting a special 

day of prophecy presented by Dr. 

Charles Sommerville who is a 

representative of Prophetic Witness 

Movement International. Dr. Charles 

shares the revealed Word of God 

throughout Scotland. His schedule 

is full for 2019 and quickly being 

fi lled for 2020. He also regularly 

speaks at Barnards Court Mission in 

Greenock as well as other locations 

in Scotland. 

Dr. Charles will present the, soon to 

be, future events, revealed in God’s 

Word. 

If you desire to know what God’s 

time-clock holds for this world, this 

is your opportunity to know God’s 

plan. 

If any questions, please call 01505 

612722 for more information. All 

are welcome to this special event. 

French 

Conversation 

Our French conversation groups 

are still going strong. We meet in 

the Fox and Hounds in Houston on 

Wednesdays 9.30am till 12noon 

and alternate Tuesday afternoons 

2pm - 4pm. If you want to join us 

just come along. Details phone/ 

text 07463 570464 or email avril. 

forbes2015@outlook.com We look 

forward to welcoming you. 

Churches in Houston ... 

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 

meet the fi rst and third Thursday in 

the month. Please come and join 

us. Contact Lorna Cairns - 01505 

612844. Shirley White - 01505 

610721 

Crafty Friends will fi nish for the 

summer on Thursday 6th June 

and start again on Thursday 5th 

September. 

Houston & 

Crosslee SWI 

After a very successful AGM and 

Spring Show last month the fi nal 

meeting of our 2018/19 year will be 

our MacMillan Tea and Chat Charity 

evening. 

We meet in the Compass Centre, 

South Street, Houston on the 

second Wednesday of each month 

at 7.30pm. Please come and 

join us, everyone will be made 

very welcome. If you wish further 

information please contact Arlene 

MacKay on 07932 459994. 

Houston and Killellan: The Services will be conducted by the Rev. Gary Noonan unless otherwise 

stated. Sun May 5th - Early Communion - 9.45am (last one until September). Morning Worship - 

11am. Sun 12th - 11am Morning Worship. Sun 19th - 11am Morning Worship (Worship Team). Sun 

26th - 11am Morning Worship.You can fi nd out more about us at www.houstonkillellankirk.org 

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. Paul 

Brady. Assistant Priest:- Rev. Chima Kingsley Opara. Pastoral Assistant: Sr. Mary Frances Collett, 

RNDM (Tel 01505 613514). Address: ‘Abbotsfield’, St. Fillan’s, Main St, Houston, PA6 7EL. T. 

01505 612046. E. StFillan@rcdop.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 

Join us in the Playing Fields right in the heart of Houston Village for our 

annual show. Gates open at 9am for a fun fi lled family day out. Come along 

and see our horse section with show jumping and different horse classes 

throughout the day. The ridden Clydesdale class and many more. See one 

of our local Farriers do a demonstration. See our cattle and sheep classes 

and our Sheep shearing demonstration. 

Visit the Secretary’s tent before 1pm and enter your prize pooch into the dog 

show. For the fi rst time this year we will have some Alpacas for people to see 

them close at hand. 

Come along and see the talented local school children perform in our 

Houston’s Got Talent Competition and see all our fantastic entries in our 

craft and baking section. Have a look and support our local community 

trade stands with all their goods to buy. Anyone who would like to have a 

trade stand please contact the Show Secretary. 

Cheer on your favourite Tug Of War Team enjoy all the fun on the Bouncy 

Castle and food provided by the Fox & Hounds. Ice cream van will also be 

there on the day. 

This year The River Inn and the Fox and Hounds are thrilled to bring a 

licensed bar to the Houston Show for the fi rst time. We will also be bringing 

back our famous BBQ with a selection of burgers and hot dogs. So look out 

for our tent on the day to enjoy a refreshing drink & tasty treat. 

Schedules for all sections of the show can be obtained by contacting the 

Show Secretary Mo Lyle at: houstonshow@hotmail.co.uk or by visiting our 

facebook page. 

Schedules for the Craft & Baking section available from committee members, 

the Post Offi ce, the Paper Shop or by contacting Isabelle Stuart at issistuart@ 

gmail.com or telephone 01505 613479. 

Houston Community Council 

Details from our meeting on 20th March 2019 

Planning: The revised local development plan was released for consultation 

during March and the Community Council have until 10th June to respond. 

Feedback on the plan from local residents is welcomed. Community Council 

members recently attended the Renfrewshire Community Council Forum. 

Fraser Carlin, Head of Planning and Housing for Renfrewshire Council talked 

about planning policy and answered questions. He reaffi rmed the Council’s 

policy that planning applications for Greenbelt land would be refused. 

Defibrillator: With Houston’s fi rst defi brillator now installed and activated at 

the church hall in Main Street, funding has been secured for a second unit. 

A second suitable location is now being sought. 

Policing: The attending Community Police Offi cers reported relatively few 

crimes within the last month. Five recorded crimes in total. These included 

theft, common assault and anti social behaviour. 

Speeding: Vehicles’ exceeding the speed limit in and around the village 

was again discussed at the meeting. A local resident attended to highlight 

the speeding issue in Main Street. The Community Council has joined the 

‘Community Speed Watch’ initiative. This is a national initiative where 

active members of the local community join with the support of the Police 

to monitor speeds of vehicles using speed detection equipment. Vehicles 

exceeding the speed limit are referred to the Police with the aim of educating 

drivers to reduce their speeds. To date Renfrewshire Police Division have not 

participated in this initiative but the attending Community Police Offi cers are 

working with the Community Council to explore the possibility of launching 

a pilot scheme. 

It is pleasing to see that since the Community Councils meeting in March, 

the Police have been actively monitoring the speed of vehicles in Houston 

with several drivers warned and educated regarding their driving. 

. . . HOUSTON, CROSSLEE & BROOKFIELD . . . 

33



SSPCA Rehoming Week 

Monday 13 to Sunday 19 May 2019 

https://www.scottishspca.org/events/rehoming-week/ 

34 

Re-homing Pets 

10 ways to help bees in your garden 

1. Set up a bee garden right away 

2. Choose bee friendly plants 

3. Plant through the seasons to provide year-round bee habitat 

4. Ask for advice on the best plants for bees 

5. Plant a mix of bee-friendly seeds and grow plants, fruit and veg 

6. Give bees shelter by letting the grass grow 

7. Save the bees and put away the pesticides 

8. Use peat-free compost to save wildlife 

habitat 

9. Grow from seed to create great bee 

habitats 

10. Welcome benefi cial insects in your garden 

Read more about helping the bees by visiting 

friendsoftheearth.uk/bees 

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 Rescue 

www.underheugharkrescue.co.uk 

Caspa- 

14 y/o male 

domestic short-hair 

14 year old Caspa has come 

into care of the branch as his 

elderly owner could no longer 

look after him. 

CASPA 

He is a friendly, tabby male 

cat that loves to be the centre of attention. Be careful as he likes to be 

around your feet when you’re walking and likes to make himself a tripping 

hazard. He is very vocal and likes to let you know that he is about and he 

loves to get a good head scratch from you. 

He is looking for an outdoor home, with no children or other pets and 

if you would like to offer him a forever home or know more about him 

please call the branch on 0345 371 2722 or homing@glasgowbranch. 

cats.org.uk and include your full address details & contact number. 

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

Telephone: 0141 779 3341 

PLEASE NOTE: By time of publishing the pets featured may have been 

rehomed but there are plenty others looking for homes. 

Do you run a local animal charity? Want to get the word out about fundraising 

or appeals? Contact us at info@advertizer.co.uk or call 01505 613340. 

Give a Dog a Bone 

www.giveadogabone.net 

Any Dog’il Do 

www.anydogildorescue.org 

Harvey’s Army Scotland 

harveysarmy.com 

Animal Support & Rescue 

www.animalsupportandrescue.co.uk| facebook. 

com/ASARCharity 

Lamont Farm 

www.lamontfarm.org.uk 

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

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

A Snail Tale 

Infection of dogs with the lungworm 

parasite (Angiostrongylus Vasorum) 

can cause a wide range of clinical 

problems and can be fatal. The adult worms live in the dog’s heart and large 

blood vessels leading to the lungs. The larval stages of the parasite live in 

slugs and snails and dogs are infected by eating these or from ingestion of 

slime from their trails. The peak times for infection are spring and autumn as 

numbers of slugs and snails are highest at these times of year. 

Signs of lungworm infection are varied and can be vague, making diagnosis 

diffi cult. The most common signs are coughing and tiring more easily on 

exercise, but signs of infection can include: 

• Weight loss 

• Reduced appetite 

• Lethargy and depression 

• Seizures 

• Bleeding problems such as nose bleeds, bleeding into the eye, excessive 

bleeding from cuts and anaemia 

Until recently lungworm was confi ned to specifi c areas in the south of the 

UK, however over the last few years it has been identifi ed in a number of 

other locations across the UK. While still a relatively uncommon disease it is 

gradually spreading and becoming more common. 

Diagnosis of the condition is based on clinical signs, chest x-rays and either 

a blood test or a faecal sample to confi rm the presence of the parasite. 

Once diagnosed lungworm can be treated with drugs to kill the parasite and 

most dogs make a full recovery. 

As it is potentially such a serious, sometimes fatal, disease use of preventative 

treatment in at risk dogs is recommended. Your vet can advise you on the 

risk for your dog and the best products available for prevention. 

Microchip Details 

If you have changed any of your contact details such 

as your phone number or you have moved house, don’t 

forget to update your pets microchip details. 

It could be what helps reunite you with them if they are 

lost or stolen. 

Indentibase 

Petidentity UK 

Petlog 

Pet Protect 

Pettrac 

Smarttrac 

0190 448 7600 

0800 975 1960 

0129 633 6579 

0800 077 8558 

0800 652 9977 

0844 542 0999



© Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park 

The startline at Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochwinnoch 

Call for 3 Hours Free Parking in Paisley 

Paisley First - an initiative to help create a better business environment - 

is calling on the public and members of the local business community in 

Paisley town centre to get behind their Free for Three campaign – a petition 

to allow free parking for three hours for visitors to the town centre. They 

are keen for Renfrewshire Council to implement a pilot project to test the 

scheme. 

Paisley First believes that free parking for three hours will bring the optimum 

benefi t to those businesses in Paisley who currently lose out to retail 

parks such as Braehead and Silverburn, and very soon, the new Wallneuk 

development. 

Furthermore, with visitor attractions such as Paisley Museum and Paisley 

Town Hall now closed for a number of years for refurbishment footfall to the 

town centre may be reduced. Paisley First believes that more people would 

visit Paisley to shop and socialise if there was increased free parking on 

offer. 

The petition will be available to sign on the Paisley First website until the 

28th May. For more details go to www.paisleyfirst.com 

Millport Classic Car Rally - 11th May 

Now in its 5th year and grows in popularity and number of cars each year. 

Come along on Saturday 11th May 2019 to the Garrison Grounds in Millport, 

Isle of Cumbrae and travel down memory lane, you may even get a chance to 

sit in the drivers seat. Great fun and you can vote for your favourite car. 

For more info and to enter a car please visit https://www. 

millportclassiccarevent.com/ 

LEAP Car Club 

Your car cost over £100 a week 

on average. 

• Join LEAP Car Club from £5 

a month. 

• Hire by the hour 24/7 

• Pay-As-You-Go 

• Cut your car costs. 

Contact: 

mike@myleapproject.org 

T: 0300 020 0639 

Ayrshire Motor 

Show 2019 

A brand new motor show for Ayrshire 

from the organisers of Dumfries 

Motor Show will be held on Sunday, 

26th May 2019 from 12:00-16:00. 

The venue is the Livestock Auction 

Mart, Whitefordhill, Ayr KA6 5JW. 

Gates open to the public at 12 noon. 

Tickets are £5.00 per adult (kids 

under 14 free when accompanied 

by an adult). 

We look forward to welcoming you 

along to our show whether you are 

showing a vehicle or just coming 

along for a day out. 

www.ayrshiremotorshow.co.uk/ 

Pedal the Park 2019 - 5th May 2019 

The longer days and lighter evenings have arrived and there is still time to 

get a few cycles in before the 2019 edition of this amazing cycling sportive. 

Pedal the Park, a 100km cycle ride is taking place on Sunday 5th May. The 

entry fee is just £20 and over a third of this goes to CLIC Sargent who help 

children and young people with cancer, and their families. 

The Sportive itself is 100km and tours through Clyde Muirshiel Regional 

Park. The route departs from the Park’s Castle Semple Visitor Centre in 

Lochwinnoch. Cycle through the rolling countryside of Renfrewshire; enjoy 

coastal views in Inverclyde and an uphill to Loch Thom, before descending 

the Brisbane Glen to the popular seaside town of Largs. 

The most challenging part of the sportive comes just slightly further on… 

the climb of the Fairlie Moor Road. Love or hate the challenge - it gets our 

cyclists talking (once they have their breath back) and keeps them coming 

back year after year. 

The event is hosted in collaboration with Ride63 Community Cycling Club 

whose members not only take part but volunteer as marshals and at the 

feed station. Volunteers and spectators are most welcome to cheer on 

and support our cyclists, contact routes@clydemuirshiel.co.uk with your 

availability on the day. 

Entry is through British Cycling as a registered Sportive. Just search Pedal 

the Park 2019. For more information see the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park 

website or visit the event Facebook page. Last year participants were very 

complementary with 5 star comments such as: 

“Thanks so much for a great day; everything ran very slickly and the support 

from staff and volunteers along the route was fantastic - those individuals 

standing in the rain directing cyclists along the route were absolute heroes! 

Well done, it was magic.” 

“Well done to all who played a part in PTP18, a great event as always, despite 

the rain this time. Thanks to all the organisers, marshals and the providers 

of the tray bakes at the feed station... much appreciated.” 

Organisers are hoping 2019 will be no different - well maybe more dry 

weather and less rain if this can really be organised! Regardless of the 

weather organisers would like more cyclists to take part, enjoy the challenge 

and the friendly atmosphere and so increase the donation made towards the 

valuable work carried out by CLIC Sargent. 

© Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park - Girl power at the finish line at Castle Semple 

35



Jane Robertson - Brian 

For more information about the reserve or 

any of our events, 

please call 01505 842 663 or email 

lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk. 

Spring has well and truly sprung! The wildfl owers are in full bloom, the trees 

are green once again, the sun feels warm and the birds are singing their 

hearts out, as if to celebrate! 

But would you be able to recognise the bird just by sound alone? Some birds 

are relatively easy to identify, such as the chiffchaff or the cuckoo that sing 

their own name, or the great tit that calls “teacher, teacher” but what does 

a robin or a chaffi nch sound like? These days, we have ready access to a 

wealth of technology via our smartphones, which offer a variety of birdsong 

apps. These are handy for learning a few songs at a time, which you can 

listen out for when you’re out and about, but what if you hear a song you’ve 

not learned yet, or a song you’ve never heard before? Nothing beats being 

outside with an expert, who can listen to what’s happening around you and 

point out the distinctive identifying features of birdsong in a way you’re 

unlikely to forget – through fi rst-hand experience. 

This month, we’ll be offering this opportunity 

through a ‘birdsong for beginners’ workshop 

which will provide expert tuition on common 

birdsong and hints and tips on recognising 

birds out in the fi eld. Spring is the perfect time 

to practise this skill, and Lochwinnoch is the 

perfect place, as the reserve is made up of a 

variety of different habitats, and experiences a 

hustle and bustle of activity as birds seek to impress potential partners and 

outperform the competition. By exploring the reserve at this busy time of 

year you’ll get the full surround-sound experience and will be enveloped in a 

diverse range of birdsong, with an expert on hand to keep you on track and 

hone your newly developed skills. An experience you won’t forget! 

RSPB Local Group 

Friday 3rd May 

AGM and members night 

The Birds of Great Cumbrae- An 

illustrated talk and the AGM. 

McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, 

Renfrew PA48LX. 7.30pm. 

Eddie Williams will deliver an 

illustrated talk entitled ‘The Birds of 

Great Cumbrae’ 

All welcome. 

Birdsong for beginners 

Saturday 25th May, 

11am – 1.30pm 

Non-members: £6 adults, 

£4.80 children, Members: 

£4.80 adults, £3.80 children 


The annual plant sale will take place 

in May in the Lodge, Glebe Road, 

Kilmacolm 

Friday 17th May ~ 5pm - 8pm 

Saturday 18th ~ 10am - 3pm 

Sunday 19th ~ 11am - 3pm 

Friday 24th ~ 5pm - 8pm 

Saturday 25th ~ 

10am - 3pm 

Sunday 26th ~ 

11am - 3pm 

Come and visit Finlaystone Country 

Estate, enjoy our beautiful bluebell 

woods, play areas and gardens. Join our 

Rangers for fun events at weekends. 

At this time of year, the gardens here at Finlaystone are a blaze of colour. 

The rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolia will be in full bloom and the apple 

blossom on the espalier apples in the walled garden will be fi lling the space 

with its wonderful sweet scent. Also fl owering this month are the bluebells, 

which can be seen all around the gardens and woodlands. 

Each spring the kitchen garden is a hive of activity and this year is no 

exception. Beetroot, parsnip, onion sets, and peas have already been sown. 

Squash, pumpkin, courgette, sweetcorn, leek, broad beans, French dwarf 

and climbing beans - all lovingly nurtured in the polytunnel thus far - will be 

planted out. We are always happy to welcome volunteers into the garden 

where the gardener will fi nd suitable work for those interested in getting 

their hands dirty. 

We’ve a range of exciting family and public events on this month, from our 

Falconry Day to our Superhero Weekend - there’s fun for all the family. See 

‘What’s On Section’ for more details. 

In addition to public events we also organise various activities for children’s 

parties, scout & guide groups or corporate events. We would be pleased to 

discuss your requirements further and would be pleased if you email us at 

info@fi nlaystone.co.uk 

Membership: Annual Memberships running from April 1st, 2019 – 31st 

March 2020 are available for purchase at the visitor centre. 

The tearoom is open at weekends bank holidays and school holidays. 

Wildlife Crime Liaison Offi cer 

These offi cers can be contacted to report crime or to seek advice on wildlife 

crime matters. Call Police Scotland on 101 to report a wildlife crime or email 

us at Contactus@scotland.pnn.police.uk. 

36



Garden Openings 

HIGHWOOD, off Lochwinnoch Road, 

Kilmacolm PA13 4TF - Dr Jill Morgan: 

A beautiful woodland walk around 50 

acres of native bluebells in a delightful 

setting bordering the Green Water 

river with tumbling waterfalls. A haven of tranquility only three miles from 

the centre of Kilmalcolm. Homemade teas and plant sale. 

Openings: Sunday 12th May, 2pm - 5pm. Admission £3, children free. 

WRAES: Corseliehill Road, nr Houston PA6 7HU - Tim and Jo Mack: A new 

seven acre garden developed since 2012, with far reaching rural views. Only 

surviving historic 1860 wood planted by Lady Anne Spiers of Houston House 

for the Wraes. Formal garden with raised herbaceous borders, with 100 plus 

rhododendron species and hybrids. Pond, burnside walk, peaceful woodland 

walk with seating areas to allow visitors to take in the surrounding views. 

Large productive garden. Croquet lawn. Homemade teas and plant sale. 

Openings: Sunday 19th May, 2pm - 5pm. Admission £4, children free. 

CARRUTH, Bridge of Weir PA11 3SG - Mr and Mrs Charles Maclean: 

Over 20 acres of long-established rhododendrons, woodland with good 

bluebells, young arboretum and lawn gardens in a lovely landscaped setting. 

Homemade teas and plant sale. 

Openings: Saturday 25th May, 2pm - 5pm. Admission £4, children free. 

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society 

Coffee Morning 

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society committee invite you to 

their fundraising 140th Anniversary Coffee Morning in the 

Community Centre at 10am - 12noon on Saturday 18th May. Quality 

plants from Parklea Nurseries will be on offer, plus a gift Tombola, and a 

Garden Card Competition with special prizes. Entertainment from the Ceol 

Mor Trio will be the icing on a perfect morning’s cake. Come along, bring 

your friends, enjoy a celebratory morning, helping fi nancially towards the 

Annual Flower Show on Saturday 7th September. 

Kilbarchan Smile 

A group of children from Kilbarchan Community Nursery visited the Gateway 

Garden for a session of bird feeding, tidying the garden of fallen twigs to 

provide nesting materials, bug hunting, colour matching in Nature and 

chasing blowing bubbles in the sunshine. They planted Sweet Peas and left 

with the Spring fl owers that they had grown from bulbs last Autumn. 

Lochwinnoch Community 

Garden 

We’re delighted to report that the garden has received 

lottery funding to develop a sensory garden and nature 

friendly community planting. 

Our garden group will be selling plants and veg at the Gala Day 8th June. 

We will be using proceeds to provide plants for the village. You can reserve 

plants and veg with Willie Thomson send message or email williethomson@ 

hotmail.co.uk Plants: Geraniums, lobelia, petunias, marigolds, sweet peas, 

begonias, lupins, Californian poppies, chrysanthemums. Veg: Tomatoes, 

cucumber, courgettes, kale, leeks, caulifl ower, cabbage, chilies mild to hot, 

hot hot! 

Come join us! We need volunteers to help plant on Sunday 26th May 2pm 

in community Garden. 

The North East 250 

North Coast 500 too long? Why not 

experience a journey of stunning scenic 

contrasts with The North East 250. The 

trail explores everything Scotland is 

famous for in a unique road trip taking 

you through the Speyside distilleries, the 

spectacular Cairngorms National Park, the 

castles of Royal Deeside, the Granite City 

& the rugged North Sea coastline 

www.northeast250.com 

Colourful Kilmacolm 

After a slow start, when it looked as if 

the bulbs in our displays were going to 

be stopped in their tracks the weather 

improved and they shot up. We hope 

you like the hyacinth (Blue Pearl) and 

daffodil (Minnow) combination which we were trying for the fi rst time. 

Our volunteers, including our Explorer Scout helpers, have been out weeding, 

cutting back and generally getting everything ready for the growing season 

ahead. The spring to summer turnaround is a busy time for Colourful 

Kilmacolm, with a nursery visit, plants to choose, bulbs to be cleared and 

summer displays planted, and just before all that our AGM on 6th May and a 

presence at the Agricultural Show. 

Colourful Kilmacolm is open to 

everyone. If you have not yet joined, 

your £5 annual subscription will 

help our efforts. You can opt just to 

be a supporter, or to be an ‘active 

gardener’ and assist with planting, 

weeding etc. It’s also another way 

to make new friends. 

Membership forms can be 

downloaded from our website www. 

colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk or you 

can phone Peter (01505 872448) 

or Liz (07963 973031). 

37



Welcome to Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park 

Countryside Ranger Bulletin 

It’s been a busy time for the three Ranger staff who look 

after Castle Semple and Muirshiel Country Parks over the 

last month as we have been getting the sites ready for 

spring. General tidying up around both centres has been 

carried out by our Duke of Edinburgh youth volunteer 

group. At Muirshiel you may notice our new pallet planters 

at the back of the visitor centre. These were built with 

the help of our monthly adult volunteers - Community 

Networks. They helped us to prepare the ground and fi t 

the pallets with lining before assembling them ready to fi ll 

with plants. Still a bit to go to fi nish them off. 

Our Thursday Volunteers have also been industrious. 

We had a lot of storm damage along the avenue after 

storms Erik and Freya which brought down some of the 

large beech trees – trapping our pickup for a couple of 

days until our Estate Team brought their chain-saws to 

cut them up and release our vehicle! The volunteers 

stacked the brashings into piles and did a bit of burning. 

Everyone has been busy burning the Sitka Spruce piles 

too after the conifer trees were felled as per our woodland 

management plan. We will have to stop soon until later 

in the year as the breeding season has started and the 

piles make cosy homes for Blackbirds, Robins and Wrens 

to make their nests. 

The Thursday volunteers also had the thankless task of 

fi lling our never-ending avenue of potholes in time for the 

Easter break. They only seem to last a few weeks before 

needing done again. We have seen an increase in the 

birdlife at both Castle Semple, and our feeders at Muirshiel 

with the welcome return of some of our migrants. Our 

Niger feeder has remained full for most of the winter but 

in the last couple of weeks the Siskin’s have returned 

and are hammering their way through the seed. Our 

male Nuthatch is very vocal just now and can be heard 

around the visitor centre or spotted on the feeders. He 

and his mate have both been colour ringed so if you see a 

bird with a red and white ring on its leg it is the male, the 

female has a green and white ring. 

On your drive up the Calderside Road it’s worth looking 

out for the primroses on the sheltered verges, one of the 

earliest spring fl owers or Wheatears standing on the fence 

posts. These wee birds are another migrant and can be 

easily identifi ed by their white rumps which are visible as 

they fl y in front of your car. 

Over the next couple of months remember the farmers 

around Castle Semple and Muirshiel are busy lambing so 

please keep your dogs under close control out with the 

country park area. The ewes can abandon their lambs if 

disturbed before they have bonded. 

Our centre at Muirshiel is open again at weekends for the 

season (10am – 3pm) but feel free to come in to the ranger 

offi ce if the centre is closed for further information. 

Tag-n-Track Project update 

It’s time for the monthly roundup from Countryside Ranger 

Hayley Douglas. 

Our gulls are returning and we were delighted that our 

fi rst one to return for the second year in a row was Gary 

from Greenock Police Station. Gary really is a special gull. 

We have followed his migration for two years now and it 

is fascinating to see the differences and similarities in 

his journey. When he left Portugal this year he followed 

the coast north into Spain before spending six and a half 

days, during a period of high winds, trying to cross the 

Bay of Biscay into France. Last year this crossing took 

him about 10 hours. This time, when he fi nally reached 

France we thought he might decide to rest up and recover 

his strength but not Gary. He motored across the Channel 

and headed 

up through 

England into 

S c o t l a n d 

and arrived 

at Greenock 

P o l i c e 

Station in 

the early 

hours of the 

4th of April. 

In fact he 

arrived on 

the same 

day but an 

hour later 

than he did 

in 2018. 

What a gull! 

Eric Flapton and Happy Gullmore are both in France at the 

moment. Eric is from Pladda and we are looking forward 

to seeing if he returns there for the breeding season this 

year. Happy was offl ine for most of the winter but his tag 

started to download when he came back within range in 

March. He is a Lochwinnoch bird and he spent the winter 

in Morocco in Casablanca along with another of our 

Pladda birds, Ollie, who has also just come back online. 

It’s not just our Lesser Black-backed Gulls who have some 

impressive journeys. Recently a ringed Herring Gull was 

spotted at Castle Semple. It was thought it was a local 

bird until the ringing report came back and we found out 

the bird was from Canna, one of the Small Isles. So if 

you are down at the Loch it’s worth reading the ring 

numbers on the birds and seeing where they are from by 

reporting at www.bto.org . The members of Team Gull can 

be identifi ed by their colour rings on their left leg which 

are white with red writing. Keep your eyes out for Roland, 

Stuart and co. 

Remember you can keep up to date with our gull 

movements in a number of ways. You can check out their 

web pages, follow us on Facebook or download the free 

“Animal Tracker” app on your tablet or phone. 

More Info… 

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 also has its own 

Facebook Page which can be found at www.facebook. 

com/TagnTrack/. We are happy to come along and deliver 

talks about the project, just get in contact. 

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. 

38


Bee Happy Houston 

Around a year ago Bee 

Happy began planning 

a small orchard to be 

planted in the village. 

Supported by the 

Community Council, our 

members spent a lot 

of time researching the 

project and looking for compatible Scottish heritage tress. 

The purpose of the orchard is to support local wildlife, including valuable 

pollinators, whilst hopefully providing fruit to be picked freely by members 

of our Community. 

On the day of the planting members of Bee Happy were assisted by 

enthusiastic residents and their children who planted 24 apple trees and 20 

fruit bushes. The trees have been temporarily fenced to protect them from 

deer and rabbits. One lovely lady provided us with tea, coffee and some 

lovely home baking to keep us going whilst another lovely lady took some 

photographs which will be on display at The Kirk Carnival in May. We very 

much hope that this orchard will thrive into the future to provide blossom, 

fruit and a little bit of colour to our beautiful village. 

Bridge of Weir Hillwalkers 

March and April saw six walking trips by BOWHW including a round at Glen 

Branter in Argyll, an exploration of the hills above the Sma’ Glen and a 

fabulous weekend in Braemar which saw an ascent of Lochnagar and a walk 

in the glens below the high Cairngorms. 

May will include a trip to Fife for the Chain Walk on the weekend of 10/12 

and an old favourite Ben A’an 

on May 20th. We are pleased 

that several new associates 

have joined in with us recently 

and you can follow us on the 

BoWHW facebook page. My 

contact is donwwsmith@gmail. 

com 

As always it is the company and 

coffee that is just as important 

as the walks and we have been 

benefi ting from some very good, 

if cold weather so far in 2019. 

Brighter Bridge Of 

Weir 

BULLS GARAGE 

Brighter Bridge of Weir decided to 

cheer up a corner of the village by 

planting at the former Bull’s Garage 

site at the Houston Road junction. 

Ultimately, that area will be the 

public access road into the site, but 

that’s about 18 months away, so the 

group thought: why not? The ground 

was prepared and Brighter Bridge of 

Weir set about it, transforming the 

area in a day. 

Beaton Brothers will be providing 

a load of tree bark which should 

fi nish it off nicely. That should give 

folks something soothing to look at 

while they’re stuck in the school run 

traffi c. 

Our annual delivery of the summer 

plants will touchdown sometime this 

month. It’s a frantic few days for the 

volunteers, but it’s always worth it. 


Bridge Of Weir Horticultural Society 

At our last gathering, garden designer Sandra Halliday described how 

to create a new garden in three years. First, cover basics: measure the 

garden, identify the soil Ph, check the gradient and aspect. Choose a layout, 

infrastructure and outbuildings. Select paving slabs refl ecting the house 

stone or brick - then retain professionals to undertake hard landscaping, 

cabling and water pipes. Check plants in neighbouring gardens for ideas. 

Work your soil - essential for new-builds - add compost and slow-release 

fertiliser. Aerate heavy clay with garden gravel. Ensure paths are wide 

enough for your wheelbarrow and for two people to walk along. For distance, 

narrow your paths towards the rear of the garden and place compact, 

smaller trees and white or pastel colours to enhance this perspective. Place 

brightly coloured fl owers and larger-leaved plants in borders near the house. 

“Skirt lift” tree canopies and under-plant with spring bulbs. Add a statue for 

summer interest. 

‘Borrow’ landscapes: include a neighbour’s tree or a fi eld by leading paths 

towards an interesting subject or view. A hedge with gate by a fi eld, or 

strategic trellis in front of a next door’s tree, implies this is your garden. 

On 9th May, Alan Mackenzie talks about “Growing Windowsill Orchids” – 

a must as we all have orchids! We meet at 8pm in The Bridge. Visitors 

welcome! On 18th May we hold our Plant Sale at the Primary School from 

10am. Come along and fi nd bargains! 

Tip: Bedding plants bought in-store need to acclimatise. Water and leave 

in a warm and sheltered spot. Bring in if frost is forecast and wait for good 

weather before planting out. DO NOT SPRINKLE WITH SLUG PELLETS. These 

are also deadly for hedgehogs and birds. Saucers of beer/cider placed 

nearby will prove irresistible and keep slugs off young plants. 

Before 

After 

39



Sailing on Castle Semple © Alex Workman 

40 

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club 

Tom Eckford Testimonial Dinner 

Friday 6th April saw a sold out event to mark the 25th 

anniversary of Toms’ appointment at Ranfurly Castle Golf 

Club. 

Firstly, can we congratulate and thank Heather, Louise 

and all the team for their efforts throughout the night - 

the food and drink service as ever, was fantastic. 

Guest speakers Alan Gordon and PGA Professional 

Campbell Elliott entertained an eager crowd with 

outstanding routines and Jack Snell, as ever, proved to 

be a great host for the evening. We were also delighted 

to have PGA Professional John Mulgrew in attendance to 

offer some memories from Toms’ early years. 

To mark Toms dedication and service to the club, we were delighted to present 

him with Honorary Membership on the night and this was met with a standing 

ovation – a fitting tribute for such a long standing and loyal servant of the club. 

If you missed out on Toms’ Testimonial Dinner, there’s still availability for team 

entry into the Testimonial Pro-Am which takes place on Friday 28th June. Please 

contact our General Manager for more details. 

Ladies news 

With the golfing season now under way it is good to see the weather taking a turn 

for the better. The first competition for the Ladies was played on 20th March in 

pretty cold conditions but there was a good turn out for the 5 Club event over 

12 holes. It was won by Captain Jan Macnab with 26 points and runner up was 

Anne Judge with 24 points. 

On Wednesday 27th March 12 couples played in the Winter Greensomes and the 

winners were Jan Macnab and Sheila Biggart with 41 points with Mary Hardie 

and Helen Abram runners up with 39 points. 

Unfortunately the first Medal of the season failed to have any entries due to the 

very wet and cold weather on 3rd April, but this was reversed on Wednesday 

10th April when 25 ladies played the Stableford Competition in sunny conditions. 

Agnes Williamson was the winner with 40 points and Helen Abram runner up 

with 37 points. 

On 17th April 14 couples played in the Coronation Foursomes competition. 

Winners, once again, were Jan Macnab and Sheila Biggart with 37 points and 

runners up we’re Allison and Jean Murray with 34 points. Congratulations to the 

winners who will now go on to represent the club in the Area Finals. 

Brookfield Bowling Club Open Day 

There was a great turnout to our Open Day. 

The first 

photo shows 

the winners 

of the first 

competition 

b e i n g 

presented 

with the 

President’s 

prize. Left to right: Robert Cherry, Catherine 

Gray, Mary Taylor and John Campbell along 

with President Dennis Taylor. The second photo shows the President’s wife, 

Mary Taylor, bowling the first bowl of the Season. 

Special Olympic 

Success 

for the Clyde Muirshiel trained GB 

Sailing Team 

Two local sailors from the Special Olympics 

GB Sailing Team, received bronze medals 

after competing in their first World Games 

in Abu Dhabi last month. 

The team have done all their training at 

Clyde Muirshiel with Senior Instructor and 

Head Coach David Hill at Castle Semple 

Centre in Lochwinnoch. They swapped 

the cold wet Scottish conditions for very hot and windy sailing on the 

Persian Gulf. 

Jamie Cairns and unified partner Darren MacGregor were awarded a 

bronze medal in the Division 2 fleet. Their team mates Shannon McGhee 

and Laura Carrick were 4th in Division 3, with Lewis Nicolson sailing with 

Mick Kelly finishing 5th. 

Bronze medallist, Jamie Cairns said: “A few days we couldn’t actually sail 

because it was far too windy. We capsized once only, but the water was 

quite warm, well very warm. It’s been an amazing experience”. 

As his unified partner, Darren MacGregor (19) added: “The whole thing, 

the whole journey has been amazing and it has been the people that 

have really made it amazing.” 

David Hill is also an RYA 

SOGB Team ready to go sailing 

Sailability coordinator, 

as Competition and 

Coaching advisor for 

the team, he said “It 

goes without saying I’m 

immensely proud of the 

team, not just at these 

World Games but also 

the journey to get there. 

They have shown great 

commitment to this for 

almost 2 years now and it showed during the competition with the guys 

holding their own against sailors with more experience of big events. 

So now, looking ahead, the challenge 

is to get more people into this kind of 

sailing, we have the boats at Castle 

Semple so we can develop crews for 

the other levels in Special Olympic 

Jamie and Darren in action 

Jamie and Darren with their 

Bronze Medal 

Lewis and Mick with their position 

medals with coach David 

Sailing. It’s only two years till the 

next national games in Liverpool 

and four until the next World Games 

in Berlin 2023.”


Children are Egg-static 

at Strathgryffe! 


Strathgryffe Tennis, Squash and Fitness Club had 

a successful Easter holiday camp, culminating in 

fancy dress day (pictured). The children took part 

in tennis coaching, skills challenges, races and 

of course an Easter egg hunt! 

The new block of tennis coaching has recently 

begun offering tennis coaching for children 

age 3 years age and upwards. There is also a 

comprehensive adult coaching programme for 

players who are new to the game or who haven’t played for several years and want to brush up on their 

skills. Players of all standards are welcome. For further information, visit: www.strathgryffe.net or email 

derekbrown@strathgryffe.net 

Kilmacolm Golf Club 

Ladies 

On Tuesday 26th March 40 ladies took part in the season opener. It was 

a dry but chilly day. They played 9 holes and then a fun 10th hole where 

you had to choose only one club !! 

Lesley Brown and Tricia Kellock won over 9 holes with 22 points, closely 

followed by Judy Scholes and Nicky Stirrup with 21 points. In third place 

was Liz Hunter and Jacki Sayers with 20 points. Well done Ladies! 

On the 10th hole Sally Dillion had a amazing 4 using a 5 Iron and Pat 

Briggs had a 5 using a rescue club. Clubs selected ranged from a driver, 5 

wood, and lots of rescue clubs. It was a most enjoyable fun day and here’s 

to a wonderful sunny golfi ng season. 

BIG NEWS @ Kilmacolm Golf Club ... New Membership Categories 

The golf calendar got underway with ladies and gents enjoying the Club Captain’s season opener, 

followed by hospitality in the lounge afterward. 

Our large screen coverage of the Home 

Nations rugby and Champions League 

football is proving very popular and the club 

went Gaga for ‘A Star is Born’ - our fi rst 

fi lm night. Look out for our next fi lm event, 

coming up soon. 

The BIG NEWS is our new membership 

categories. Social memberships now 

available for just £75*. And for golfers who 

fi nd they can’t commit to a full membership, 

there is K10 - enjoy being a member with the 

benefi t of full club and clubhouse access, 

maintain your handicap but with restricted golf. Cost is £500* with additional incentives for our fi rst 20 

members. Enquire today! 01505 872139 or admin@kilmacolmgolfclub.com 

*terms and conditions apply 

We’ll be hosting an Open Day soon too. Follow us and watch out for details on our Facebook page. 

Glasgow Mens 10k 

On the go since 2004, the Men’s 10K Glasgow has fi rmly set itself as THE run for men in the west. The 

life expectancy of a man in Scotland is, shockingly, still the lowest in the UK. Suicide, in addition to other 

mental health problems, continues to be an issue of high signifi cance to men in Scotland. Suicide is the 

biggest killer of young people (18 - 34) in Scotland and almost three out of four suicides are by men. Our 

aim is to help change this, little by little – and the Men’s 10K is how we are doing it! 

Entries are now open for The Glasgow Men’s 10K on Sunday 16th 

June. The route starts at the spectacular setting of the Riverside 

Transport Museum. The route heads East along the River Clyde and 

takes in the scenic views. Iconic buildings to look out for include 

the Glasgow Science Centre, The Armadillo, The SECC and the SSE 

Hydro and all within the fi rst 2KM. The route then heads under the 

Kingston Bridge, crossing over the Clyde via George V Bridge, and 

back via Glasgow Bridge as you approach the halfway point. 

The second half of the route will take you past the south side of 

George Square and down towards Glasgow Green, crossing the 

Clyde twice more via Crown Street and Kings Bridge before heading 

back towards George Square where cheering crowds await to help in 

one last effort to cross the fi nish line where you’ll receive your well 

earned medal, water and goodybag. To sign up or for more info visit 

https://www.mens10k.com/glasgow/ 

Old Course Ranfurly GC 

Ladies & Junior ‘Introduction to Golf’ Classes 

The very popular ladies “Introduction to Golf” 

classes, will start on Wednesday 1st May from 

7pm to 8pm, running for 5 weeks until 29th 

May. 

If you know anyone who would like to learn the 

basics at our fun and friendly sessions they 

should contact Marion Downie (downie.family@ 

ntlworld.com or mobile 07453 969569) to book 

a place. No equipment or prior golf experience 

is required and is guaranteed to be great fun. 

All welcome, whether you are entirely new to the 

game or have attended our classes before and 

would like a refresher. 

We are also running ‘Junior Coaching’ - open to 

members and non members aged 6 - 17. These 

sessions will run also from Wednesday 1st May 

till 29th between 6pm & 7pm. 

No dress code or equipment required for these 

fun and friendly coaching sessions. The cost is 

£10 for the 5 week course, payable on the fi rst 

evening. Meet at the putting green at 5.45pm. 

For more information contact Suzanne Smith 

07770 632999 or admin@oldranfurly.com. 

Ladies Open Greensomes, Thursday 4th July. 

£8 entry fee. Booking available through BRS 

and club website. Come along and enjoy a great 

friendly game of golf. 

41

42 


Avoiding Weekend Over-eating 

You have done great and followed a great eating plan all week, however when 

it gets to the weekend it’s time to relax and reward yourself a bit, right? 

While it may seem a bit harmless if you are trying to lose weight, the habit 

of weekend overeating can destroy health and fi tness goals and especially 

weight loss. And sometimes you don’t even realise how much you are overeating 

by! 

Here are 4 tips for healthier weekend eating habits: 

1. Good enough is better than perfect! Often strict meal plans can stress 

you out and sets you up to crave ‘cheat’ days where you can relax and 

eat differently. Eating what you want in moderation throughout the week 

will help prevent these strong cravings and stop you eating them in 

abundance at the weekend. Often having little things through the week 

that you enjoy will total less than what you would consume of it at the 

weekend when the cravings kick in. 

2. Let go of food rules. Having strict food rules or classifying foods as 

‘good’ or ‘bad’ often leads to failure. Eating at certain times of the day, or 

a set amount of meals and snacks throughout the day will undoubtedly 

fail. Instead, follow your hunger: eat when you are hungry and stop when 

you’re not. 

3. Don’t self-justify. When you make that unhealthy choice, don’t rationalise 

it. Instead look at everything else that is going on in your life at that time. 

This might allow you to see patterns in your over-eating behaviour that 

you can then address and work on. 

4. Finally, if you count calories, instead of having a daily calorie intake, work 

to a weekly one! This will allow you to consume more at the weekend if 

this is what you tend to do and compensate for it during the week - as 

long as the daily differences aren’t extreme. So, for example if you were 

targeting 1800 cal a day, this equates to 12600 cal a week, so you could 

eat 1600 cal a day during the week to allow you 2300 cal for sat/sun. 

Lesley, FitSmart Fitness Ltd 

‘Capped’ At 

Aged 80 . . . . 

Kilmacolm man, Alan McNeilage 

was recently selected to play for 

the Great Britain Team in the 

ITF World Super-Seniors Team 

Tennis Championships held in 

Umag, Croatia, in the 80 ’s age 

group, and he won 4 of his 5 

matches played. 

He fi rst played his tennis at 

Alan is pictured second from the right. 

Hillpark Tennis Club on the 

south side of Glasgow at the age of 7, and in 1954 he became Scottish Junior 

under 18 Champion, and played in Junior Wimbledon that same year. 

He retired from tennis for 30 years, and returned to play again at the age of 

55, and still plays every week, and has enjoyed competing Internationally for 

many years, culminating in winning his recent GB ‘Cap’. 

Gryffe Valley Rotary 10K Run 

The Gryffe Valley Rotary Club 10K returns on Sunday 19th May 2019. Save 

the date and plan your training! The club is delighted to announce that 

Arnold Clarke will support the event this year and St Vincent’s Hospice is 

the benefi ciary. Local sports clubs and groups, friends and families are 

encouraged to enter sponsored teams. The Strathgryffe Tennis and Squash 

club are already out recruiting their sponsored team. Why not resolve to get 

fi t and prove it by taking part? To register go to https://entries.runabc.co.uk/ 

listed-races/gryffe-valley-rotary-10k . 

Lady Bowlers wanted 

Kilmacolm Bowling Club Ladies Section invites you to try 

your hand at Green Bowling. 

Please come along for a try on any Tuesday or Thursday 

afternoons at 1.45pm. Bowls will be provided, fl at shoes 

required. Special membership fee of £50 for the fi rst year. For details 

contact Sandra on 01505 873126 or Diane on 01505 874265. 

ATHLETICS 

DA N C E 


Castle Semple Sailing Club 

Congratulations to Alice Lawrie, Health and Safety Steward of Castle 

Semple Sailing Club on being appointed to the RYA Scotland Pioneer 

Project. 

The Pioneer Project aims to increase the number of women and girls 

participating in sport and physical activity, in particular boating. Alice is one 

of 10 volunteers appointed to deliver initiatives that meet the aims below in 

their clubs and local communities: 

• Encourage Women and Girls, reaching out to at least one of the following 

demographics: age, disability, SIMDs 

• Build active partnerships with different local community group 

• Focus on both positive physical and mental wellbeing 

• Improve opportunities for groups or individuals to participate, progress, 

develop and achieve 

• Structured towards sustainability and offering a lasting impact 

Alice volunteered for the project having attended annual RYA Principals 

Conference. It was an informative conference including the changing 

face of sailing clubs becoming more integrated into the local communities 

and different ways of increasing memberships. Contact us as www/ 

castlesemplesc.co.uk 

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. 

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. 

Fitsteps with Jen 

Monday - Kilmacolm Guide Hut, 

Woodrow Ave 6.30pm - 7.30pm 

Strictly inspired dance/fitness class that 

allows you to learn the basics of ballroom 

and latin style in a fun environment. All 

welcome. Call Jennifer 07709 340675 or f: 

@fitstepswithjennifer. 

Boogie Effect with Jen 

Saturday - Kilmacolm Guide Hut, 

Woodrow Ave 9.10am - 10.00am 

A unique dance based fitness class, bringing 

together the heart-pumping fun of boogie 

with the strength and conditioning effects 

of dance techniqes to create long, lean, 

strong and healthy bodies that aren’t just 

the privilege of the pros! All welcome. 

Call Jennifer 07709 340675 or f: @ 

fitstepswithjennifer 

SP O R T S 

Bridge of Weir Ladies Badminton 

Mondays - BOW Primary School, 

Warlock Road, 7.30pm - 9.30pm 

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 

Suitable for all fitness levels. Tel: 07505 

126416 for more information. 

Zumba 

Tuesdays - Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm, 

7.45pm 

Entry level class suitable for all fitness 

levels. Come dance yourself fit at Zumba, no 

experience necessary! Contact Diane 07943 

862775. 

Move it or Lose it! FABS Fitness - 

Move it or Lose it! FABS Fitness classes. 

More than just a fitness class for the over 60s! 

Monday - Old Gourock and Ashton Parish 

Church, 3.15pm 

Tuesday - Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir, 10.30am 

Tuesday - West Burn Church, Greenock, 2pm 

Wednesday - Scout Hall, Canal Street, 

Johnstone, 9.15am 

Thursday - Carrick Centre, Houston, 10.30am 

Thursday - Old Library, Kilbarchan, 2.30pm 

Come and join the fun! First class is free! 

For more information or to check availability 

call, Fiona 07811 766672 

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. 

Wednesdays - Kilmacolm Community 

Centre, 6.15 - 7.15, 7.30pm - 8.30pm. 

For more information or to book a class 

call Jennifer Sloan 07731 303709 or email 

jennifer-mcghee@hotmail.co.uk 

Katie Black Pilates and 

Physiotherapy 

Pilates classes Monday Evenings in 

Killellan Hall, Houston, 6pm - 7pm, 

7.20pm - 8.20pm and 8.30pm - 9.30pm. 

To book contact Katie on 07972 474965. 

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.



Renfrewshire’s Slave Legacy: The 

Napiers of Milliken 

The Government’s slave compensation 

records from 1834 reveal that many of 

Renfrewshire’s landed elite owned hundreds of African men, women 

and children on sugar plantations. Contrary to the misconception that 

Scots were banned from the empire before the Union of 1707, the 

connections started early. From the 1640s, ships from the lower Clyde 

ports ventured to the Caribbean. 

James Milliken was born in 1669, the 

year after Port Glasgow was founded. 

One of the reasons why Renfrewshire’s 

slave ownership has been hidden for 

so long, is that those involved tried to 

cover up their activities. In the history 

books, Milliken was allegedly a career 

soldier who rose to the rank of major in 

the British army. However, Milliken’s 

father was a seafarer in Irvine, and his 

uncle was a partner in Glasgow’s fi rst 

sugar house. Through their infl uence, 

Milliken ventured to the Leeward 

islands c.1690, as a slave overseer 

(not a soldier). When the French The Sugar Works Chimney 

were driven out of St Kitts from 1710, 

Milliken acquired the 200-acre Monkey Hill plantation. This was the 

family’s main source of income for the next century. The Sugar Works 

Chimney, at Monkey Hill, St. Kitts still stands today. 

James Milliken was among the fi rst of the new sugar elite to invest 

in Renfrewshire. He came home from the Caribbean in 1729 and 

acquired half of Johnstone estate from the Houstons. He demolished 

Johnstone castle, and built a mansion, renaming his new estate 

‘Milliken’. He expanded his estate, and became patron of the parish 

kirk. 

Milliken died in 1741 and was succeeded by his son James II of 

Milliken. In the third generation, Milliken’s grandsons went on the 

Grand Tour, but died in Paris and Venice in their early twenties. In 

1768, the estate went to their sister, who had married a Napier, 

and the family became the Napiers ‘of Milliken’. By the 1780s the 

family were the third largest landowners in Renfrewshire, dominating 

Kilbarchan and surrounding parishes. 

Returning to our interest in the slave compensation records. In 1834 

the second Napier of Milliken was awarded £2,555 (nearly £200,000 

at today’s value) in compensation, for the loss of 161 enslaved 

Africans on his Monkey Hill sugar plantation, St Kitts. Given the death 

rate and through managing plantations of associates, the family had 

worked their way through thousands of Africans between 1710 and 

1834. 

Much of the money that the Napier-Millikens poured into Kilbarchan 

parish and its church, came directly from the labour of their African 

slaves. Through their sugar fortune, and the improving ideas brought 

home, the Millikens were described as the earliest enclosers and 

improvers in Renfrewshire, and the main fi nancers of new roads and 

bridges. 

The Milliken’s wealth and route to fortune infl uenced others to 

invest in sugar plantations. Two years after the return of the fi rst 

James Milliken to Scotland, his neighbour, Cunningham of Craigends 

acquired a plantation in Jamaica. More about the Cunninghams next 

month. 

© 2019 Stuart Nisbet, Renfrewshire Local History Forum 

Johnstone History Society 

Adam Birkmyre 1848 - 1906 

Adam Birkmyre was one of Kilmacolm’s greatest benefactors and a resident of 

Shallot now part of St. Columba’s School in the village of Kilmacolm. He purchased 

an eight-acre site, to the west of his house which he overlooked and presented 

it to the community. Opened in 1890, it was named by the community, not by 

Adam, as Birkmyre Park. Now held in trust by Inverclyde Council and maintained by 

them. It is in constant use and is the centre for a full range of sporting activities 

including rugby, cricket, putting, football, hockey and tennis. In addition, there is 

a gymnasium on site run by Inverclyde Leisure and in a separate building Duchal 

Nursery for young pre-school children. 

Adam was a popular and memorable character and a well loved member of the 

community although somewhat eccentric. He always carried an open umbrella 

regardless of the weather and wore a deerstalker hat and a cape. From the garden 

of Shallot across from Birkmyre Park, he viewed the Kilmacolm countryside through 

a small window in a totally enclosed Sudan chair mounted on a pivot, which rotated 

to follow the sun. 

Research on the Birkmyre name has led to several interesting fi ndings. The name 

can be traced with certainty from the Kilbarchan parish records during the sixth 

decade of the 18th Century. At that point in time, weaving was a principal village 

industry. These records show that Henry Birkmyre, a weaver, was born in 1762. At 

the age of 30, he joined the Gourock Ropework Company, which had established a 

sound reputation for the manufacture of rope and sailcloth. In 1814, he was made 

a partner in the fi rm having previously been made a foreman. In 1814, his sons 

and grandsons gained full control of the Gourock Ropework Company, which rose 

to be an international power in the rope and heavy canvas industry. 

Records show that Adam was a New Lanark World Heritage Site 

descendant of Henry Birkmyre and 

so confi rmed his association with 

Gourock Ropework Company. Adam 

was part of the fi rm’s operational 

team with responsibility for foreign 

travel and overseas business 

development. In 1894, Henry 

Birkmyre formed a partnership with 

his sons to run New Lanark where 

they introduced new machinery 

and broadened the product range signifi cantly. 

Eventually in 1983, New Lanark was placed in public ownership and became the 

fi rst Industrial site in Scotland included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. 

Adam died in Switzerland in May 1906 while on holiday. 

Our fi nal meeting of this session will be on the 14th May in the Masonic Hall Collier 

Street at 7pm. Our speaker will be Matthew Moranfrom the Scottish Maritime 

Museum and he will be showing us a selection of photographs from the Museums 

collection. It is hoped we will have a good attendance and all will be made most 

welcome. We had a fairly good attendance at our April meeting and all were 

treated to a very good talk about the Paisley Pamphlets something many of us 

knew nothing about for this we must thank Valerie Reilly our secretary for stepping 

in at the last minute we our arranged speaker had to cancel fo health reasons. 

The Museum continues to open Wednesday Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 

4pm. Our displays have all been updated so if you have not been in for some time 

now would be a good time to come. We also have many books and publications on 

sale, these can also be purchased online and paid via PayPal at johnstonehistory. 

org We still have a few Calendars left selling at the bargain price of £2 each. 

43



St Columba’s School Hockey 

44 

St Fillan’s Primary School 

Spring Chickens! 

Primary 6 welcomed some ‘newbies’ to their 

class during the last two weeks in March. The 

children embraced the challenge of nurturing 

and caring for eight baby chickens. They fed, 

cleaned and cuddled the babies until it was time 

for them to be re-homed in a nearby farm. It was 

lovely to see the children care for the chicks and they invited their parents 

and other classes into their classroom to learn more about the chick’s 

lifecycle and development. The whole school was fi lled with excitement as 

all eyes were on the chick’s daily progress. 

Fairtrade Community Coffee Morning 

At the end of March, we hosted our third ‘Fairtrade Community Coffee 

Morning’ of the year in our lunch hall. The Fairtrade Committee worked hard 

to organise the event which raised over £150 for SCIAF. The event was a 

huge success and we were delighted to welcome Minister Gary Noonan 

and some of his Parishioners along to join in this event. We hope everyone 

enjoyed our hospitality and the Fairtrade goodies! 

STEM Week 2019 

Our ‘STEM’ (Science, Technology, 

Engineering and Maths) Committee 

Group organised an amazing STEM week 

during ‘British Science Week’ where 

we enjoyed taking part in lots of STEM 

challenges. Each class participated in 

a variety of workshops which helped to 

develop their understanding of STEM 

subjects and their application in the 

world today. The children demonstrated enthusiasm, curiosity and creativity 

throughout the week and they enjoyed welcoming parents who are involved 

in STEM related careers including: engineering, digital technologies and 

genetics. St. Benedict’s pupils and staff delivered explosive science lessons 

as did a visiting Science specialist. There was even a visit to the Science 

Centre for Primary 6 children. There was lots of fun whilst developing skills 

for learning, life and work. 

St Anthony’s Primary School 

St Anthony’s Parent Council are delighted to announce the total raised by our 

latest fund raising event was £1061.30. This was raised at our Great Race 

Night last month. It was an evening of fun and frivolity. A huge thank you 

to all who attended and contributed 

so generously to making the night 

such a success. 

Summer Fete Extravaganza! 

Saturday 18th May at St Anthony’s 

Primary School Hall, Hill Road 

Johnstone: This event is being 

supported by so many different 

organisations it promises to be an 

absolutely activity packed time for 

all the family to enjoy. Community 

partners and stall holders welcome. 

Please email: stanthonyspc@gmail. 

com to explore how you can be part 

Houston Primary School 

St. Vincent’s Hospice Toadstool 

The pupils of Primary 6 raised over 

£300 for St. Vincent’s Hospice. 

With some of the money raised 

they purchased a toadstool from 

the hospice to be decorated and 

placed in the nearby woodland 

walk in Howwood. 

Rotary Quiz 

Houston Primary pupils took part in the annual Rotary Quiz, which was held 

at Houston Bowling Club in March. They were competing against Bridge of 

Weir Primary, Lochwinnoch Primary and St. Columba’s Primary. We were 

absolutely delighted to be this year’s winners. 

Well done to Sam, Eva, Owen and Kai. 

Gryffe High Partnership 

We were delighted to receive support from Mr 

McBlain from Gryffe High School, who brought 

down a group of secondary pupils to support 

our Primary 6 pupils with their Bridge building 

project. For many of the pupils it brought back 

fond memories of being at Houston Primary. 

Easter Parade 

Primary 1 pupils performed for their invited guests at the annual Easter 

Parade. They designed and made their own boater hats and fascinators with 

a little help from their wonderful Primary 7 buddies. A great time was had 

by all! 

Fairtrade Fortnight 

All pupils took part in Fairtrade 

Fortnight to raise awareness of 

the logo and what it means. Pupils 

were asked to donate a Fairtrade 

item to create delicious baskets to 

be raffl ed off to raise funds for local 

Fairtrade charity, Rainbow Turtle. 

We had such a fantastic response, 

we decided to share some of the delicious goodies with the oldest lady in 

Houston, Mrs Dawson. She was delighted with her gift. 

of our fun community event. 

Not one to rest on her laurels, our head teacher Mrs McBurnie after our recent 

Literacy Award success along with Miss Duffy, fl ew to Stanford University in 

San Francisco. They took part in a “Mindset Mathematics” course with Jo 

Boaler, a leading professor of Mathematics in Education based at Stanford. 

The growth mindset offers a different approach to teaching maths. It makes 

learning maths creative, fun and exciting. Mrs Mc Burnie and her dedicated 

teaching staff are embracing the opportunity to do this extra 2-3 hour a 

week training to further the schools passion of encouraging more and more 

children to achieve their full potential in numeracy. 

There will be an opportunity for the newly acquired skills to be used at the up 

and coming Maths Camp which will be hosted next month by St Anthony’s for 

primary 6 & 7’s from local primary schools. There will also be input from the 

team at Stanford University via the web. We wish staff and pupils alike every 

success and look forward to the feedback from it.


Gryffe Manor Nursery 


The children at Gryffe Manor Nursery have been working alongside “The 

Woodland Trust: Nature Detectives” for the past year and have been rewarded 

with the coveted “Gold Award”. We gained our wonderful achievement 

through enhancing our wonderful outdoor learning environment and our 

surrounding woodland areas by planting 50 trees and hedgerow bushes to 

create a wonderful habitat for wildlife for years to come, we viewed the world 

from a “Bug’s Eye View” and encouraged children to take photos of their 

experience, we also enjoyed “Inviting a Tree to Tea” where we encouraged 

children to investigate the existing trees within our setting. Great fun has 

been had along the way by both the children and staff! Well done everyone 

involved! 

Gryffe Manor Nursery are having an 

open morning on 1st June 2019, 

please feel free to come along and 

see our fabulous outdoor learning 

areas and nursery setting. 

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. 

Bridge of Weir Primary 

Sporting success seems to be our theme this month. 

Finally, after 9 years, the school is delighted to have won 

the Strathgryffe Tennis Club trophy. The P6 team did us 

proud; showing off their racquet skills and playing some 

excellent matches. 

We also hosted a Ninja Warrior tournament, as Sophie 

James from P6b reports: 

In March, pupils came in their sports clothes ready for 

a challenge. Mrs Calvert, Miss Pieczara and P6b were 

running a Ninja Warrior obstacle course race. Each pupil 

brought in a donation to raise money for the teachers’ 

trip to Malawi in July to help build a new nursery. 

All the pupils took part. For P1 to P3, the fastest person 

to complete the course would be the winner. For the older 

children, there were three knockout rounds to make it 

more of a challenge. Everyone gave it their all, with lots 

of encouragement from their teachers and P6b. 

The winner for P1 was Alexander Watt, the runner-up was 

Riley Rankin. In P2, Emilia Fabiana beat off competition 

from Murray Allan. The overall winner for P3 was George 

Mimnagh, followed by Joe Caldwell. 

Best ninja warrior for P4 was Hamish Pitcairn, Oliver Kerr 

as the runner-up. In P5, Holly Bright was the winner, the 

Houston Toddlers 

We have been busy making Easter crafts and enjoying 

playing with our friends. The boys and girls made Easter 

cards and pictures. 

We have also changed from using disposable cups 

for tea/coffee and we are now asking for you to bring 

a reusable cup for tea/coffee and toddler drink. This 

is cutting down on washing up and of course more 

importantly waste. 

We welcome all children age between 0-4 years old, 

together with their parents, grandparents or carers to 

Babies, Bumps and Boobs 

close second was Imogen Barratt. The fastest for P6 was 

Jack Cook, the runner-up was Peter Cook (no relation). 

The champion for P7 was Michael McLaughlin followed 

by Lucy McLaughlin (also no relation). 

It was a great effort by the whole school, and raised a 

fantastic £488 pounds. 

In other news, the Parent Teacher Council has a new 

Chairman: 

Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Rob 

Ramsay, and I’ll be supporting the PTC as Chair. I have 

already attended my fi rst meeting, and I take my hat off to 

the existing team; they’ve been working incredibly hard to 

support our children and the school. What’s immediately 

evident is that we need more volunteers to share the 

workload. I hope to meet as many of you as I can over 

coming months, don’t be surprised if I ask you to help! 

join in with the games, crafts and play 

on offer every Thursday. The children 

can enjoy playing, making friends and 

of course snack time while the adults 

can catch up with a cuppa. 

We meet between 9.30am - 

11.30am so come along when you 

are ready to the West Hall, Main 

street Houston PA67EL (next to Carrick centre). 

We look forward to meeting you all. 

Kilmacolm Playgroup and Toddlers has launched a newmums’ 

support group, ‘Babies, Bumps and Boobs’, to 

run alongside its existing toddler group on a Wednesday 

morning. As the name suggests, the group, which 

started on 1st May, welcomes pregnant women as well 

as new mums, and is being run in conjunction with the 

Breastfeeding Network. Also on hand, is Jo “the bra 

lady”, from Bosom Buddies, who is available to fi t and 

sell feeding bras and vests. 

Babies, Bumps and Boobs hopes to replace the 

breastfeeding support group which historically ran out of 

Duchal Nursery but which has ceased over recent years. 

This was a much-loved service which connected newmums 

and was where many friendships 

were made. The new group, therefore, 

offers the chance for a chat and to swap 

stories of sleepless nights in a welcoming 

environment, whilst relaxing with a cup of 

tea and cake. Pregnant women and those 

with babies under 6m go free. 

Babies, Bumps and Boobs will run on the 1st Wednesday 

of each month, term-time out of St. Columba’s Church 

Lesser Hall, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm. For more 

information please contact playgroupmembership@ 

gmail.com. 

45

46 



This month at playgroup the children explored 

traditional fairy tales. The story of Little Red Riding 

Hood was brought to life in our fun crafting activities 

and the children showed off their dramatic skills 

by putting on costumes and acting out the story! 

We’ve also been busy making Mother’s Day 

personalized crafts and we hope all our Mummies 

enjoyed opening these special gifts. Easter week 

has seen more crafting fun - painting Easter eggs 

and making Easter bunnies. We even had some time to make chocolate 

baskets for our little chicks. 

Playgroup is open to all children from 2 years 4months and operates on a 

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 0930-1130. Spaces available. Please email 

Kirsty on playgroupmembership@gmail.com for more details. 

Are you a new parent, or new to our village or surrounding villages, our baby 

& toddler group is open as a drop in session every 

Wednesday morning from 10-1130am. Pop in for a 

hot drink and cake while your child enjoys a play, a 

healthy snack is also provided for children .A great 

chance to meet new friends and fi nd out all about 

our fabulous group. Open to all parents, carers and 

Grandparents. 

For more information on any of our groups https:// 

kilmacolmplaygroupandtoddlers.jimdo.com or check 

out our Facebook page for latest information. 

Duchal Nursery 

The Spring term ended in great eggcitement with 

a visit from the Easter Bunny just as we were 

fi nishing off making our Easter Chocolate Nests. 

The children love a bit of cooking and baking using 

their measuring and mixing skills to the full! 

With the start of term we will be getting very 

creative with egg boxes and stone painting for 

the entries to this year’s Kilmacolm Show, we will 

have a stand there too so please pop over to say 

hello! 

The children have chosen our new topic for the term – “Transport” which will 

no doubt include some interesting and varied modes of getting from A to B! 

We have been making the most of our outside area, the “Mud Kitchen” has 

been producing some fi ne mud products, we have been out in the park and 

preparing for Sports Day – it’s going to be a hectic term! 

Things have all settled down after our wonderful night of celebrating our 

50th Anniversary, it was a great event with so many former pupils, parents 

and staff reuniting. We are now looking forwards to the next 50 years of 

providing specialist pre school education for the next generations of local 

children. 

We are now offering places for the intake in August 2019. If your child 

will be of nursery age after the summer and you are looking at your pre 

school options, please do get in touch to have an informal look around. With 

our extended hours we are open daily 8.15am – 3.30pm, offering greater 

fl exibility of care for parents. As an independent nursery our children move 

on to various schools in Renfrewshire, Inverclyde and Glasgow. Please 

visit our website for more information – www.duchal.com and fi nd us on 

Facebook. If you would like to come and visit the Nursery please get in 

01505 874358 or email info@duchal.com 


Kilbarchan Community Nursery 

The children were out and about in the community 

before the Spring holiday. We were delighted to 

be asked back to the local community ‘Gateway 

garden’ and discovered that all the bulbs which 

were planted on the last visit have grown into 

beautiful daffodils. These were then made into 

little bouquets to take back to nursery. While 

there the children also helped to fi ll the bird 

feeders and planted some seeds. 

We also visited the Foodbank in 

Johnstone taking parcels of food to 

donate. Children each carried food 

donations in their backpacks and 

then helped to put them into big 

crates for sorting into food parcels. 

Now in our last term, we are focusing 

on our outdoor area by; designing and 

creating our new pond and planting 

seeds and potatoes. 

Little Seeds Woodland Nursery 

As part of our transition model, the children at Little Seeds Woodland 

Nursery have been learning about plants and their process of growing – this 

has shown the children how a seed forms in to a fl ower with the correct care 

and nutrients. We’ve been planting in our big outdoor planters, as well as in 

our individual plant pots that we can take home to grow with our families. 

The children have been on a number of different 

bug hunts this month; searching for butterfl ies, 

lady birds, beetles and many more – this week we 

were focusing on lady birds and were able to fi nd 

out lots of different interesting facts about them 

– did you know there are 5000 different species 

of ladybird? 

Our Little Seeds spend a lot of their time in our 

community woodland – this month has been fi lled 

with role play; we have been building a boat out of 

branches and sticks, learning about survival skills 

and building our confi dence. 

Gryffe High School 

Paralympian Guide Brett returns to Gryffe 

S1 to S3 pupils were treated to an inspirational 

guest at their House Assemblies. 

Former pupil Brett Wild is a submariner for 

the Royal Navy. Brett has been given time to 

be a guide for skier Millie Knight and they won 

2 Silver medals and a Bronze medal at the 

PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. 

This was in the Downhill, Super-G and Slalom. 

Brett brought his medals in for pupils to see and he also gave pupils some 

very good advice about maximising the opportunity that they have at Gryffe. 

Brett has realised his dream and inspires all pupils to do the same. 

Awards Ceremony 2019 

Very well done to the pupils who received Awards at our annual Awards 

Ceremony in April. More than 550 awards were presented for a vast range 

of both academic and wider achievement, with the main focus on pupils 

excelling in giving their best. Guests presenting the awards were former 

Head Girl and Boy, Emma Harper and Calum Shiels, as well as Mr Steven 

Quinn Acting Director of Education/ 

Chief Education Offi cer Children 

Services. 

The evening was enhanced by some 

wonderful music from the Jazz Band 

as well as soloists on the bagpipes, 

piano and harp. 

School Captains Shaun Sweeney 

and Matthew McCaw gave a nicely 

balanced Vote of Thanks. We are 

extremely proud of ALL of our pupils.



St Columba’s School 

Former Pupils’ 

Hockey and 

Rugby Matches 

This year 

marked the 40th 

anniversary of 

boys joining St 

Columba’s and we 

celebrated this at 

our Former Pupils’ 

hockey and rugby 

matches. Our Scottish School’s Pipe Band Champions were there to pipe 

both rugby and hockey teams onto the pitch and set the scene for what was 

a wonderful weekend of sport. 

The School’s 1st XI hockey girls won 3 - 1 against the FP team, and the 

School’s Vice Captain won 19 - 7 against the Captain’s team while the Old 

Old Boys beat the Old Boys 36 – 0 in the rugby matches. 

Scotland’s Baby Box Competition Winner 

Holly Hendry (SV) was part of the winning team 

to have its design feature on Scotland’s Baby 

Box. The Baby Box helps families prepare for 

the arrival of their baby and comes complete 

with a mattress, bedding, clothes and lots of 

other useful items. You may have seen Holly 

on the evening news, along with her four 

team members, who received an award from 

Children’s Minister Maree Todd. 

Donation to Renfrewshire Foodbank 

Mrs Dickson, along with Junior 6 Class Captains, visited Renfrewshire 

Foodbank headquarters to deliver a huge amount of food and toiletries 

that Junior School families had so generously donated. Fully inspired, the 

children are now planning a presentation at assembly to share the great 

work being carried out by the Foodbank. 

Junior School Welcomes Wildlife 

There was much excitement at Junior School 

when the Early Years children received a 

special delivery of baby chicks. The children 

thoroughly enjoyed watching the chicks 

hatch and develop right before their eyes - 

as did many parents 

who were able to 

watch the chicks hatch 

out through a live 

webcam feed. Junior 

4 celebrated the end of their Clyde in the Classroom 

topic, by braving the inclement weather to release the 

baby trout they had been nurturing since January into 

the River Gryffe. 

Dates For Your Diary: 

Art Evening Class Exhibition - Sat 18th May, 10am-4pm 

Please join us, and guest artist Robert Kelsey, for an exhibition and sale of 

work from our talented evening class artists. Everyone is welcome. It will 

take place at the Girdwood Building at St Columba’s Senior School. (Please 

use the Gryffe Road entrance.) 

Silver Tablet Concert - Mon 10th June, 7pm 

The Silver Tablet celebrates the best of musical talent from Senior VI 

pupils who compete for this award by performing musical pieces of Grade 

8 standard. The concert will be held on Monday 10th June in St Columba 

Church, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm at 7pm. Everyone is welcome at this 

community event - please contact marketing@st-columbas.org if you wish 

to attend. 

We will be out and about at various gala days over the summer, please come 

along and visit us at the Kilmacolm Show on Saturday 11th May. 

Keep an eye out for further community events on our social media pages 

and website - www.st-columbas.org. 

47



SITUATIONS VACANT 

TRADES AND SERVICES 

BUSINESS 

PROPERTY TO LET 

TUITION 

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY 

CHILDCARE 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Houston registered ers. For an informal chat to 

childmindfi 

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. 

ADVERTISING RATES 

TRADES/SERVICES/PROPERTY/CARS 

BOXED AD £8.00* per column cm 

PHOTO £8.00* (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. 

48


ITEMS FOR SALE 

Baby Equipment 

Car seat for baby. Great condition. £25. Tel: 

07802 434912 . 

Kids baby walker car designed. Never used, 

pristine condition. Cost £90 - sell £30. Tel: 

07802 434912 . 

Child Safety Fireguard, extendable 3 sides & 

top, bronze - £15; Little Tikes child slide, suit 

age 2-5 - £15; Child table & 4 chairs, red 

plastic - £10; Folding/portable cot or play 

pen, square shape, Mamas & Papas - £30. 

Grandchildren outgrown them, excellent 

condition. Smoke and pet free home. Tel: 

07747 611003. 

Mothercare car seat (new) 9 - 12 kg. £50. 

Tel: 01505 872761. 

Boys Toddlers blue trike with dual controls for 

parent to steer. Sun canopy fitted and safety 

harness. Great condition as hardly used. 

£30. Tel: +44 7802 434912 . 

Clothes & Shoes 

Closet clearout: Long coats (size16-18) £50- 

£100, long skirts (14-16) £10, long dresses 

(16-18) £10, jackets (16-18) £10, shoes 

(size 6) £10, boots (size 6) £10. All good 

makes. Tel: 01505 704830. 

Nearly new, still in original packaging, Men 

Hunter Wellies. Size 8. £30 ono. Tel: 

07908 879043. 

Brand new, Ladies Knee High Black Knee 

High Leather Boots Size 39. £15 ono. Tel: 

07908 879043. 

Brand new, still in original packaging, Ted 

and Muffy Knee High Ladies Black Leather 

Boots, Size 38. £30 ono. Tel: 07908 

879043. 

BERGHAUS Women’s Walking Boots, 

Expeditor Ridge, Size 6.5 (eur 40), dark 

grey – as new. New £110 will accept £60. 

Tel: 01505 863630. 

Household & Garden 

Solid Pine (m&s) Heavy Duty Bunk Beds with 

both mattresses. Very good condition. Can 

be detached into two single beds. £120 ono. 

Tel: 07719 944783. 

Navy blue basic sofa bed from Ikea. Never 

been used. £40. Tel: 07968 048446. 

Beautiful Marks & Spencer mahogany coffee 

table. Excellent condition as good as 

new. Cost £750 sell for £100. Tel: 07557 

564350. 

2 Marks & Spencer 2 seater armchairs. 

Excellent condition, as good as new. Cost 

£1,000 each would sell for £100 each, 

collection required. Tel: 07557 564350. 

3 drawer bedside tables x 2- solid pine - 

suitable for up cycling. £50. Tel: 07867 

767106. 

Kingsize bed frame - good condition - solid 

pine. £80. Tel: 07867 767106. 

Wardrobe - large, solid good quality pine. Very 

good condition with 6 drawers. £150. Tel: 

07867 767106. 

Collectors Item: Black & White harlequin 

pattern floor cabinet. 1.5m long x 0.9m high 

x 0.5m wide. Cost £900 sell for £450. Tel: 

07950 261902. 

Double Z-Bed. £75. Tel: 01505 704830. 

Mahogany fi re surround with marble back 

panel, hearth and coal effect electric 

fi re. Very good condition. All for £100. Tel: 

07788 915602. 

Frisky Fox 18” Cut Self Propelled Lawnmower. 

Excellent condition, can be seen working. 

£80. Tel: 07971 843893. 

2 x 3 seater black leather sofas immaculate 

condition. Pet and smoke free house. 3 

years old from Harvey/Reids. £490. Tel: 

07508 450305. 

Metal Patio Table (approx. 5ft x 3ft). Good 

condition. £100 ono. Tel: 01505 874815. 

Sports 

Ladies bike - Giant Cypress DX. £10. Tel: 

07774 683835. 

Nike, Ladies SB Trainers Size 5.5, brand new, 

still in original packaging. £15 ono. Tel: 

07908 879043. 

Gents bike - Raleigh Pioneer Classic. £5. Tel: 

07774 683835. 

2 x cycle helmets for sale - Bontrager, 1 x 

S/M, 1 x M/L £20 for pair or £10 each. Tel: 

07774 683835. 

Ladies Raleigh Caprice Bicycle, lilac, 3 

gears, with front basket -vintage. Excellent 

condition. £90. Tel: 01505 324439. 

Gents Universal Epic Collection Bicycle. Good 

condition. £30. Tel: 01505 324439. 

Racing Cycle - ‘Merida Ride 77’. - 16 speed 

paddle shift gears, 21 inch white frame on 

700 x 23c tyres. Manual and purchase 

receipt available. Hardly used. Stored in 

garage - off the ground and under a cover. 

Pictures available upon request. Cost 

£500 - sell £300. Tel: 07843 484172. Email: 

canderson@sky.com 

Girls Raleigh bike, suit 6 - 8 years old. 

Excellent Condition, always kept indoors, 

immaculate. £30. Tel: 07802 434912 . 

Fold down bike classic puch 20inch wheels, 

3 speed sturmey archer gears, carrier, 

mudguards, metallic blue, £50. Also classic 

bmx chrome frame, 20inch wheels, £40. 

Text or call: 07810 523742. 

Boys Bike to suit 2 - 4 year old with stabilisers. 

Black and orange. Good condition. £15. 

Tel: +44 7802 434912. 

Technical & Games 

Brand new, still in original packaging, Bush 

DVD/VCR Player. Ideal for people wanting 

to play old video cassettes or DVDs. £10. 

Tel: 07908 879043. 

Toys 

Child’s Electric Go Kart, very good condition, 

with charger and helmet, suit 3-7 year old, 

and child’s Black and Decker Workstation. 

£30 for lot. Tel: 01505 322854 or 07867 

548973. 

Other Items 

Brand new steel car wheel 6JX15H2 and new 

Jinyu tyre 185/60 R15. Stored as spare 

wheel only. £80. Tel: 07736 067169. 

Brand New Tyre 225/45ZR18 95W XL 

Tubeless (Autogreen SSC5 National Tyres 

and Autocare Stock). £50. Tel: 07712 

751165. 

Large metal trunk with keys for sale. Size 

L99cm, W66cm, H64cm. Very good 

condition. £65. Tel: 07788 915602. 

Fujifi lm instax mini 8 camera, instant camera, 

raspberry colour, with matching case, perfect 

condition. £30. Tel: 07968 048446. 

Brand new, still in original packaging, 

15,000,000 Candle Power Search Light. 

£25 ono. Tel: 0790 887 9043. 

Card making materials. Books, stationery, 

lightbox, peel-offs etc. No charge - suggest 

a small donation to charity. Tel: 01505 

872564. 

Rietti 2 gun safe, black, new condition. £50. 

Tel: 07931 567003. 

Audi A3 spare wheel. New. Continental tyre. 

135-70-R-16. Tel: 07968 121750. £45 

donation to go to the RNLI. 

Pride Revo 2 boot/travel mobility scooter. 6 

months old. Still under guarantee. 170 KG 

user weight. Front and rear lights, front and 

rear suspension. Under seat storage. Used 

4 times at short distances, large wheels for 

rough ground. Adjustable tiller. This is a 

very strong scooter in very good condition. 

Cost £1400 looking for £850. Please call 

07983 656421. 

WANTED ITEMS 

Old records Wanted 45`s & LP`s CASH Paid. 

Tel: 07710 777571. 

Local lily grower requires the use of a 

greenhouse/polytunnel in Kilmacolm area in 

return for light gardening duties. Tel: Vince 

01505 872082. 

Cash paid for Vinyl Records and Music CDs 

(a few or a lot). Tel: 01505 324683 or 

07765 115347. 

Westclox Big Ben alarm clock. Tel: 07756 

981917. 

Collector seeking trains, model cars, etc. 

Any condition (not a dealer). Tel: 07939 

810653. 

Seeking old VHS Video Tapes and Vinyl 

Records, also Turntable Record Player 

or Gramophone (Collector). Tel: 07484 

331973. 

Yong Muli coloured wobbly Toast Rack, no 

longer available from Gibb Stuarts. Tel: 

01505 704398. 

Bowls, Ladies size ‘00’. Tel: 01505 873051. 

FREE CYCLE 

Raleigh mountain bike, free to a good home. 

About 25 years old. Would suit a teenager. 

In fair condition. Needs new tyres but 

serviced some years ago and not used 

since. Contact: 01505 873778. 

15 concrete blocks (Each measures 455 x 

225 x 150mm). Free of charge to take 

away. Must have your own transport. Tel: 

07710 896842. 


Public Defibrillator Sites 

in the Gryffe Area 

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 

The Gate House, Bridge of Weir 

Leather Works 

Houston & Brookfield 

Outside Church Hall, Main Street, 

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 

Bishopton 

The Cornerstone, Greenock Road 

Bishopton Community Centre 

There is limited access to the 

defi brillators, please check with venue 

for full details. 

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: 

Definitions: “Standards” means the British Code of Advertising Practice and the provisions of any law applicable to advertising including, but not limited to, the Trade 

Descriptions Act, 1968, the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, the Financial Services Act 1986, the Business 

Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 and all amendments and replacements. 

It is hereby agreed that: 

• The placing by the Advertising Client of an Advertisement is deemed to be acceptance of these Conditions of Acceptance of Advertising. 

• All Advertisements in this Publication must not contravene the Standards. 

• Insertion of Advertisements and/or Editorial is strictly at the discretion of the Publisher. 

• The Publisher shall not be liable for any loss or damage incurred by the Advertising Client as a result of any failure, negligence or omission by any party in the 

course of the distribution or circulation of the Publication in which the Advertisement is scheduled to appear. 

• In the event of any error, misprint or omission by the Publisher in the printing of an Advertisement, the Publisher will either re-insert the advertisement, adjust 

the cost or provide a refund. This does not apply if the Advertisement has been approved by the Advertising Client prior to publication. The total liability of the 

Publisher for such an occurrence shall not exceed the amount of a full refund for that particular Advertisement. 

• The Advertising Client agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect of all costs, damages or other charges falling upon the Publisher as the result of legal actions 

or threatened legal actions arising from the publication of the Advertisement, or any one or more of the series of Advertisements, published in accordance with 

the copy instructions supplied to the Publisher. 

• Readers are reminded that when purchasing items or services advertised in the Publication that the Publisher cannot be held in any way responsible for the 

quality or correctness of the items or services included in the Advertisement. 

Editorial throughout The Gryffe Advertizer: 

The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily the official views of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to edit or refuse any 

material submitted for publication. 

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 

49



BY CATEGORY 

Accountants & Financial 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 12 

CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 

F Christie Accounting . . . . . . 12 

Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

Bathrooms 

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7 

G Woods Bathrooms . . . . . . . . . 6 

Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 5 

Bedrooms 

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 4 

Blacksmith & Metalwork 

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 29 

Building Services 

A O’Hare - Building Services . . 5 

Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 21 

I & J Building & Roofing Serv . . 2 

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 17 

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 6 

KC Building & Roofing . . . . . . 4 

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 17 

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 3 

MBS Roofing & Building Contrac . . 33 

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 17 

Rukeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

SMG Roofing & Building Contrac . . 2 

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 28 

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 46 

Business Services 

Opere Facto Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

Ren Chamber of Comm . . . . . . . . 14 

Care Services & Homes 

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 8 

Home Instead Senior Care . . . 27 

Catering 

Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Childcare 

Gryffe Manor Nursery Ltd . . . 45 

Cleaning & PowerWash 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 28 

Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3 

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 20 

Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 6 


Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 25 

Computer, Web & 

Graphic Design 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 


Driveways 

Gryffe Driveways . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Education 

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 47 

Electricians 

Delta Electrical Services . . 33 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

JDPS All Trades . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Russell Milne Electrician . . 32 

Contact us 

Fencing 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 


Firewood & Logs 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Funeral Services 

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 16 

Garden Service & Design 

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 38 

A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 37 

Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 37 

Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Care & Repair Gardening Servci . . 39 


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 39 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 38 


M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 38 

MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

R C Garden Services . . . . . . . . 37 

R Williams Tree Services . . . 39 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 36 

Gas & Heating Services 

Bell Plumbing & Heating . . . . 17 

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 15 

Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 9 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 20 

Jack Murphy Plumbing & Heating . . 28 

Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 3 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Glazier 

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 3 

Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 9 

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Hairdressers & Barbers 

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 32 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Health, Beauty & Fitness 


Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Bridge of Weir Dental . . . . . . 23 

Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 20 

Footprints Podiatry . . . . . . . . 19 

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 11,Bk 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Lasting Perfection . . . . . . . . . 44 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 7 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 17 

The Osteopaths . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Home Hardware 

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Home Improvements 



Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 19 



Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk 


Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 5 


Scotland’s Bath Company . . . . 20 

Home Interiors 



Home Security 

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 3 

Joiners 


CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 12 





McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 



TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Kitchens 






Leisure & Recreation 

Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash . . 41 

Locksmiths 

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Painters & Decorators 

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 20 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 23 

David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

Pest Control 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Pet Services & Training 

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 34 

Waggys Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . Bk 

Plasterers 

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 8 



Plumbers 




GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 





The Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . 23 

Property, Sales & Let 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 15 

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 1 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Removals 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 16 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Retail 

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 

Roofing 











Solicitors 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 



Special Occasions 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Stoves 


Taxis & Minicoach hire 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Gryffe Radio Cars . . . . . . . . . 21,51 

Tiling 

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 17 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Travel Agents 

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

Tree Surgeon 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 


Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 39 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

TV & Satellite 

Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 3 

D Darroch Aerial & Satellite . . 22 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 31 


Upholstery Services 



JM Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

Window Cleaners 




Matthews Cleaning Services . . 20 

Window, Consv & Repair 


TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Window Scene Scotland . . . . . . Bk 

@ease Removals & Transport . . 16 



A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 20 


A Peebles Landscape Contractor . . 37 

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk 

Affinity Family Law Experts . . 3 

Affluent Financial Planning . . 12 


AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 1 

Alvic Sliding Wardrobes Ltd . . 19 


Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 


Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 9 


Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Bluewater Dental . . . . . . . . . . 18 

Boundaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Bridge of Weir Dental . . . . . . 23 


Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 3 




Care & Repair Gardening Servci . . 39 


CLA Accountancy Services Ltd . . 15 

Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 3 

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Cloudy2Clear Windows . . . . . . . 9 

ColCom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 

Colin Docherty Painter Decorat . . 23 

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 

Come Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Confident Care Ltd . . . . . . . . . 8 

Conservatory Conv & Windows . . Bk 

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 39 

D Darroch Aerial & Satellite . . 22 


David Kennedy Decorator . . . . 3 

Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 

Delta Electrical Services . . 33 

Derek McBride Aerials . . . . . . 31 

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 12 



Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

F Christie Accounting . . . . . . 12 


Fergusons CA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 20 

A TO Z 

Footprints Podiatry . . . . . . . . 19 


Gadds Gourmet . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 39 

Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 9 

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 


Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 17 

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Gryffe Driveways . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Gryffe Manor Nursery Ltd . . . 45 

Gryffe Radio Cars . . . . . . . . . 21,51 


Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Home Instead Senior Care . . . 27 






James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 3 



JM Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 16 


Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 39 


Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 11,Bk 



Lamont Electricians . . . . . . . . 3 

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 

Lasting Perfection . . . . . . . . . 44 

Lind Letting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 


M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

M&M Garden Services . . . . . . . . 38 


MAS Electrical & Security . . 2 

Matthews Cleaning Services . . 20 


McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 


MJ Lawnmowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 

New Vision Opticians . . . . . . . 7 

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 25 

NLP Positive Changes . . . . . . . 17 




PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 1 

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 25 

R C Garden Services . . . . . . . . 37 


Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Ren Chamber of Comm . . . . . . . . 14 

Rukeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 

Russell Milne Electrician . . 32 

Scotland’s Bath Company . . . . 20 

Scott Russell . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 

Smart Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . . 34 


St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 47 

Stewart Independent Financial . . Bk 

Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash . . 41 


TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

The Osteopaths . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

The Right Move . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

The Shower Expert . . . . . . . . . 23 


Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 3 

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 38 

Waggys Dog Grooming . . . . . . . . Bk 

West of Scotland Landscape . . 36 

Window Scene Scotland . . . . . . Bk 

1st Floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN 

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Pick up a Copy 

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 Offi ce, Newsagent 

Howwood: 

Village Store, 

St Vincent’s Hospice 

Johnstone: 

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Kilbarchan: 

Post Offi ce, Campbell’s, 

Newsagents, Bobbins, 

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