310 OCTOBER 2020 - Gryffe Advertizer

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No.310: OCTOBER 2020

IMAGE: PCPC Raymond Gargaro -Pine Martens

COVERING:

• Bridge of Weir

• Brookfield

• Houston

• HOWWOOD

• Kilbarchan

• Kilmacolm

• Lochwinnoch

• Quarriers

local community, local life ............... 2

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02-05 INTRO 310 OCTOBER 2020.indd 2 24/09/2020 12:27:58

It’s good to be back!

Gryffe Advertizer

SEPTEMBER 2020

Contact us!

01505 613340

info@advertizer.co.uk

www.advertizer.co.uk

@GryffeAds

Our office is open but on

restricted hours until further

notice. Please contact us via

email or social media, or leave a

phone message, and we will get

back to you as soon as we can.

We plan to run regular monthly

issues, but delays may be caused

due to the ongoing situation.

Please keep an eye on our

website and social media for

updates.

1st Floor, Neva Place

Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | October 2020 3

preparing for autumn.....

Thank you everyone for the kind words of ‘welcome back’ that we

received after the September issue. It is indeed good to be back,

albeit in a slightly different form.

Normally at this time of year we would be bringing you all the free copy

wonderful events leading up to the winter season. Sadly, the annual

bonfire and fireworks events are all cancelled this year due to the

Coronavirus. Most of the regular sales and fetes are also on the back

burner for now. And there will be no pantomimes for 2020 either.

Does that all sounds rather gloomy? Well, brighten up because here in

Renfrewshire we are very inventive and we still have some events to share with you.

As with the summer events, people are getting their heads together and working out how to

participate online. Already sold out is a series of Halloween events at Finlaystone, and they

are planning more leading up to Christmas. Find out more on their webpage or on Facebook.

Spaces are limited though so get booked asap!

If you’re looking for something to do at the weekend, one kind of event that has managed to

restart with safety measures in place is the monthly farmers market. Our closest ones take place

in Kilmacolm and Paisley. In fact, the next time the market is on in Kilmacolm, please pay it a

visit. We are lucky enough to have some lovely shops and cafes to visit, both for food, essential

items and gifts. So while you’re there, pop into the other shops in the village - they would be

delighted to see you!

I hate to bring up the ‘C’ word, but with Christmas not that far away, a bit of thinking outside

the box may be required this year. Why not do your shopping locally rather than visiting the

big, busy shopping centres? A friendly face and less stress can make this whole situation a lot

easier to deal with.

Local businesses are offering gift vouchers, which can be ordered online or by phone, and sent

directly to your loved one. Or shop for unique and individual gifts in our many lovely shops.

How about putting together a delicious food hamper with produce from our local area? There’s

certainly plenty of ideas out there, so best start planning now.

And finally, one benefit of this prolonged ‘stay-at-home’ has been the wonderful countryside

that we can all enjoy. The weather certainly has helped, but as a family, we have been able to

get out and about on many local walks.

What surprised me though was the number of people in the area who are not aware of many of

these easily accessible wanders. Over the next few months we’re hoping to bring some of these

to your attention in the magazine. And if there are any you would like us to highlight, please get

in touch. Or even better, write up a wee review of the walk with some pictures, and we’ll feature

it in a future issue.

We do indeed live in a wonderful part of the world! And remember...

Shop local - Be friendly!

KEEPING IT LOCAL

KEEPING YOU CONNECTEDPick up your

Rona



in this issue.....

Advertizer directory 50

Bishopton Development Trust 06

Christmas Eve Pyjamas 10

classified ads 48

Community Fund 12

events 36-39

Fun palaces renfrewshire 10

grasping the nettle 39

gryffe camera club 39

HISTORY 18

LEAP Volunteer Opportunity 08

Outdoors 14-19

local public defib sites 47

Pedal it Purple 38

PETS 19

rascally dinners 39

Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Bank 08

Rotary news 06 & 12

Sales & Wants 49

schools & clubs 40-47

Scottish Huntington’s fundraiser 08

Startup Summit 10

Strictly come prancing 2021 38

the 11/11 challenge 12

Useful NUMBERS 44

village news 20-35

your local councillors 47

schools: duchal nursery

CLUBs: ranfurly castle golf

schools: houston primary

CLUBs: kilmacolm golf club

Outdoors: SEMPLE STORIES

community fund

Outdoors: clyde muirshiel

Outdoors: beekeepers


Cover image:

Pine Martins by Raymond Gargaro

Paisley Colour Photographic Club (PCPC)

Like so many things, the Pandemic has had an impact on the operation of the

PCPC with its 2019/20 season of Thursday meetings brought to a premature

halt in March.

The 2020/21 season will be in the format of online Zoom meetings for our

usual range of high quality presentations and judging nights. For anyone with a

potential interest in coming to join us in these online meetings, details of when

and how can be found on the club’s website via this link

https://www.paisleycolour.com/programme

The Scottish Photographic Federation Portfolio competition comprises entries

from all member clubs throughout Scotland, with the best of the clubs’ projected

images, colour prints and monochrome prints all under the scrutiny of the judges.

PCPC: Richard Bennett’s

“Wren Singing”


PCPC had a very good set of results, securing first

place in the monochrome print section and second in

the projected images. The irony of a club with Colour

in its name winning the Monochrome section is not

lost on us! Out of 50 images that were submitted for

consideration, 43 were accepted for inclusion in the

Portfolio. Additionally, 3 of these images: Raymond

Gargaro’s “Sliding” and Richard Bennett’s “Wren

Singing” and “Bear Family” scored the maximum 20

points and achieved a judge’s choice award.

The three judge’s choice images are shown here......

you might recognise one from our June cover!

PCPC: Richard Bennett’s “Bear Family”

PCPC: Raymond Gargaro’s “Sliding”

Villages Investment Fund

Villages are communities with a unique sense of identity, history

and heritage that requires to be strengthened and enhanced to

retain their unique character and integrity.

£370,000 has been ring fenced from the overall £1.87million fund

specifically for investment in Renfrewshire’s villages.

Applications can made up to a maximum of £30,000 for the Villages

Investment Fund.

Examples of opportunities that communities might consider

which strengthen the character, identity and heritage of the

community could include:

Unique signage and branding for a community, reflecting its

heritage and identity

Heritage trails or walks highlighting local points of interest that

reference the unique identity of the community

Reinstatement, renovation or improvement of features within

the community that reflect its identity or history or that are of

significance to the community

Environmental or physical improvements, art works, cultural or

design features that enhance the character and identity of the

village

Events or features that strengthen the community and bring

together people to celebrate the character and history of the village

in a sustainable way

The examples above are illustrative and not exhaustive. Innovative

and creative projects from community groups that meet the

objectives of the fund are welcomed.

Constituted voluntary or community organisations from the

following communities are eligible and encouraged to make

applications to the ring-fenced Villages Investment Fund:

n n

Bishopton Bridge of Weir

n Brookfield

n Crosslee

n Elderslie

n Houston

n Howwood

n Inchinnan

n Kilbarchan

n Langbank

n Lochwinnoch

http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/villagesinvestmentfund?s=03



local news

25th ANNIVERSARY

Gryffe Valley Rotary was founded in 1995 and is celebrating twentyfive

years of community service and enjoyment. More than £267,000

has been raised (60% for local Community and Youth Services, 40% for

International service for a total of 435 projects. Eight Founder Members

are still active in the club which currently has 34 members, one Honorary

Member and four representatives of Corporate Membership. Faced

with the rising average age of members, club committees are actively

discussing how to sustain the services that the club provides into the

future and seeking views and input from around the Gryffe Valley villages.

Watch this space for news of developments and opportunities!

WEEKLY MEETINGS

Gryffe Valley Rotary continues to meet weekly on Wednesday using

ZOOM.

Recent speaker meetings have been very interesting:

• Past President Andrew Macleman talked about “Get Oot, Get Active”,

a project he ran when he was Police Community Officer in Lochwinnoch.

It engaged with 13 to 16 year old kids at 5 Children’s Units in the area,

providing a week’s activities at Castle Semple

• Mariela Gaitlan on Rotaract - clubs which bring together people aged

18-30+ to develop leadership and professional skills and have fun through

enterprising activities. There are already Rotaract Clubs in Glasgow and

Renfrew and if there is interest Gryffe Valley will consider setting up one

here.

Forthcoming speakers include:

• Derek Porter CA on a Fraud in the Retail industry on Wednesday 30th

September

• Dr Donald Macaskill, Chief Executive of Scottish

Care, on Wednesday October 28th. Scottish

Care are the membership body for independent

social care and Donald has appeared many times

on TV discussing Care Homes generally and the

controversial topic of the spread of Covid19.

Potential new members and those interested in a

topic - including those interested in Rotaract and

potential Corporate Members - are invited to join

these meetings. Please e-mail gryffevalleyrotary@

gmail.com to arrange an invitation.

Development Trust News

An exciting

new project

to transform

the Holmpark

playing fields

into a community

sports and

recreation facility

is underway

in Bishopton.

D r a i n a g e

improvement

works have now

commenced

and involve

constructing a

new culvert under

the road and

the Community

Centre car

park which

will see a new,

supplementary

50-metre long

drainage pipe

installed that will

vastly improve

the capacity

of the existing

drainage system

and allow areas

of the field to be

Image courtesy of M. Tomenson developed into

new community

sports facilities. This is a significant investment by the

Bishopton Community Development Trust and forms the first

phase of improvements to the Holmpark field. The works are

being delivered by Mackenzie Construction with the technical

and project management support of BAE Systems. Scott

Wilson, Trust Chairman said ‘this is a significant milestone in

the development of Holmpark into a sports and leisure hub for

the whole community. We have been developing the plans for

the Holmpark site in full consultation with the community and

local sports clubs over the past year, and now look forward to

being able to move onto further phases of the development

following the completion of these drainage works’.

06-13 FEATURES 310 OCTOBER 2020.indd 6 24/09/2020 16:13:27



Fundraising for Scottish

Huntington’s Association

On Saturday 12th September Margaret Moncrieff and a few

friends from Erskine and Langbank did a sponsored Walk

of Hope along the side of the Clyde at Erskine to increase

awareness of Huntington’s disease and to raise funds for

Scottish Huntington’s Association (SHA).

SHA is the only Scottish charity dedicated to helping people

affected by Huntington’s disease (HD). HD is a desperately

cruel condition which over a period of perhaps as long as

25 years reduces an adult to a state of total dependence

for emotional and physical support. Other members of the

family may have to accept that this is a genetic condition and

every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 risk of inheriting

the faulty gene and therefore developing the condition.

Unfortunately the walkers were not lucky with the weather. It

poured! But they battled through it and in the process raised

a fantastic £1,351.

Very many thanks to all who contributed.


Charity Trustee Volunteer

Opportunity, LEAP

The LEAP Car Club is a charitable organisation with a manager

supported by a volunteer Board of Trustees. The current board

members are now seeking some more people willing to help with

the running of the organisation. Joining a board of trustees is not

only fulfilling because you can give back to society, but it can also

enhance your own skills along the way. As a trustee you will have

the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction

of LEAP, currently a car club but which could expand once again

into other areas.

The Board of Trustees provides direction to LEAP, making sure

that the charity fulfils its purpose to protect and improve the

environment. The Trustees safeguard the charity’s assets and make

sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.

The Board is not involved in the day-to-day running of LEAP, but

does have to make decisions that affects the organisation and

there are some tasks trustees must undertake. We meet about

once a month for an hour or so (currently by zoom) with emails in

between. No particular experience is required.

If you are willing to have a go, please contact the Leap Board on

contactleap.board@gmail.com and we can arrange an informal

chat about it.

Thank you - Lesley, Martin and Kevin.

LEAP is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation no. SC044019

Renfrewshire Christmas Toy Bank

We know Christmas might seem a million miles away, however we

have been working hard behind the scenes coming up with ideas

and polices for Covid. Already speaking to referring agencies, we

now realise we are preparing for our busiest year yet!

If you own a business or know someone who does - we would like

to know if you would be up for acting as a drop off point for us!?

We are also looking for volunteers. Whether you have previously

volunteered with us or would like to come on board this year we

would love to hear from you!

We are looking for drivers to collect donations from drop off points,

and people who can come to the unit to support working with our

referring agencies. We’re also looking for help in the unit organising

all of the amazing donations as well as making up referrals for all

the boys and girls.

Please note PPE will need to be worn and will all be provided by the

toy bank. We are going to need all the help we can get this year.

Contact us through our facebook page at https://www.facebook.

com/renfrewshirechristmastoybank/ or email rctb2018@hotmail.

com





Women’s Aid - Christmas Eve

Pyjamas 2020

Following on from last years 250 pairs of pyjamas so generously donated

for the women and children staying in the Renfrewshire Women’s Aid

Refuge to wear on Christmas Eve – we’ll be collecting pyjamas and

fluffy socks again this year.

If you would like to donate pyjamas and fluffy socks for the women

and children, then they can be left with a member of staff in the CO-

OP stores in HOUSTON, BRIDGE OF WEIR and KILBARCHAN from 1st

NOVEMBER 2020. I run the Renfrewshire Food Bank Donation Bins in

these three stores.

Brand new pyjamas and fluffy socks in the following sizes would be

most welcome –

Women’s XS – XXL (size 6 – 24), Girls and Boys 0 – 12 years and for

Teenage Boys (Men’s size S – XXL)

Due to COVID-19, I am only collecting pyjamas and fluffy socks this

year. I can’t accept any second-hand clothes, toys, books or baby

equipment.

For the women and children escaping from domestic violence (often

with only the clothes that they are wearing) – a new pair of pyjamas

to wear on Christmas Eve in the safety of the Women’s Aid Refuge

truly means so much... Jenny x I can be contacted JennyMeadows10@

outlook.com

Fun Palaces Renfrewshire

Make your mark on a new Creative Activity Map for Renfrewshire

and join in with Renfrewshire’s Fun Palaces Weekend on the 3rd &

4th October 2020!

Fun Palaces is a UK-wide campaign for community at the heart of

culture. Fun Palaces are about anyone and everyone sharing their

interests, skills and the things that they love doing; bringing people

together to make and strengthen local communities.

Here at Renfrewshire Leisure, we have been working with a range

of local partners to deliver lots of fantastic Tiny Revolutions

Renfrewshire activities - including ideas for creating simple stop

frame animations, colourful twisted braids, 2 metre letters and

recycled Buddy-the-Lion masks. Head over to our arts projects

page for inspiration...

Building on this programme, to coincide with the Fun Palaces

weekend, we will be launching a new interactive Creative Activity

Map for Renfrewshire on our website!

More details to be announced! Find out how you can be involved.

www.renfrewshireleisure.com/opportunities/

Start-up Summit 2020 is the place for ambitious entrepreneurs and

their teams. A two-day deep dive into all things start-up, SUS20

features 50+ world-leading experts, interactive workshops and a

virtual networking space filled with all the support and connections

you need.

Join us online on 28th & 29th October 2020 to gain the knowledge,

information and connections your company needs to succeed!

This year, we’re inviting leaders from internationally recognised

companies to share their insights on key themes, including:

Marketing & Sales | Finance & Legal | People & Culture | Innovation

& Technology | Growth & Scaling

Tickets at www.startup-summit.com Join the conversation

Twitter - @Startup_Summit_ Instagram - @StartupSummit_




The 11/11 Challenge

Take on the 11/11 Challenge and support your

Poppy Appeal

As we approach the 11th day of the 11th month,

we’re asking the nation to raise funds to help serving

and ex-serving personnel and their families.

If you’re 5 or 105, we have tons of ideas that you can choose

from, all can be done within a safe environment and with

minimal resources.

You can take on the challenge in a way that suits you, from

baking 11 cupcakes or repurposing 11 items, to running up 11

flights of stairs or knitting 11 poppies for 11 friends – the choices

are endless!

Join the nation for a 2 minute silence on 11/11 knowing you’ve

made a difference to those who need our help today.

Find out more and order your free fundraising pack at

https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/things-to-do/

fundraise-for-us/11-11-challenge/

Rotary Gryffe Valley

25th Anniversary Fundraiser for ENDPOLIO NOW

Over the years the club has supported the highly successful Rotary

International campaign to eliminate polio worldwide by organising

immunisation campaigns. Polio is now endemic in only two countries

and the number of cases per year of this dreadful disease has been

reduced by 99.9%. In the last ten years, Gryffe Valley has donated

nearly £12000 to this cause, much raised through Annual Curry

Nights in partnership with the Shimla Cottage restaurant in Bridge

of Weir, often organised to coincide with WORLD POLIO DAY

(24thOctober 2020 this year). The END POLIO campaign continues

with the target of totally eliminating the disease.

Rotary International has set up a remarkable matched funding

arrangement that means that every pound donated is matched

with five pounds from Rotary Foundation and the Bill and Melinda

Gates Foundation. So a donation of £20 will be worth £120 to the

ENDPOLIO campaign. This is a great opportunity to make a big

impact and donations are being encouraged. Please see www.

gryffevalley.rotary1230.org or the Gryffe Valley Rotary Facebook

page for details how you can donate to secure the top-p funding.

CARRY-OUT CURRY for ENDPOLIO NOW

Members and friends will enjoy a Carry-Out Curry (delivered to

your door) arranged in conjunction with Shimla Cottage and meet

on Zoom for chat, raffles, music and to hear an update on the

ENDPOLIO progress. See www.gryffevalley.rotary1230.org or the

Gryffe Valley Rotary Facebook page for details how to join the

event which will be held on Thursday 22nd October. Book by 16th

October please. Due to the multiplier (above) each ticket (price

£20) will be worth more than £50 to ENDPOLIO!


Affluent Financial Planning Ltd

Community Fund

2020 has been very tough year for many small community groups

and local charities in dealing with the impact of the Covid19

pandemic. We are still in lockdown and it may be some months

before we get back to some sort of new normal. However, these

small groups continue to feel the financial effects of the pandemic,

with some unable to complete projects and others fighting for

survival.

The Affluent FP Community Fund based in Bridge of Weir is open

and available to local community groups seeking funding. We have

helped a number of local groups including Brighter Bridge of Weir,

Renfrewshire Foodbank, Whitefeather Charitable Aid and a 2 year

sponsorship of St Columba’s School Pipe Band.

Grants of between £100 and £2500 are approved each quarter and

an application form for funding can be obtained from our website

“http://www.affluentfp.co.uk/community-fund”www.affluentfp.

co.uk/community-fund





out & about

Clyde Muirshiel News

Park Facilities Update

All car parks and trails are open for autumnal walks, runs and cycles.

Castle Semple café is open for takeaway limited hours (closed

Wednesday). Please continue to keep appropriate distance from

other visitors and use good hygiene measures.

October Week Sailing Courses for Kids

Running in the October school holiday week we have two sailing

courses for youths aged 8-15 yrs. There’s a stage 1 that covers all the

introductory skills for beginners, Monday - Thursday in the mornings,

priced at £100. If you have done a little sailing before there’s a stage

2 in the afternoons, also £100. It would be a great treat with a little

adventure in a safe environment with our experienced instructors.

Book online today!

Muirshiel Country Park’s Road Resurfaced

If the potholes within Muirshiel Country Park were putting you off

visiting, fear no more! There’s now lovely smooth tarmac all the way

to the Visitor Centre. Local Cycling Club Ride63 have enjoyed road

biking all the way to the main car park.

Outdoor Learning with the Ranger Service

The Ranger Service are now available to take bookings for outdoor

education. Contact rangers.castlesemple@clydemuirshiel.co.uk for

Muirshiel and Castle Semple Rangers or rangers.cut@clydemuirshiel.

co.uk for Greenock Cut (and Lunderston Bay) Rangers.

Wildlife Spots

Look out for orpine at the Aird Meadow. This plant may be

mistaken for the related ice-plant, but orpine has leaves that are

alternate whilst ice plant’s leaves are opposite one another. Devil’sbit

scabious can also be seen this late in the season with peacock

butterflies and red admirals feeding on it as last minute fuelling for

their winter hibernation.

Volunteers Resume

We expect our conservation volunteer groups to resume shortly.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for information on what the

revised sessions will entail.

Join us online: www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Clydemuirshielregionalpark

Twitter & Instagram @Clydemuirshiel #Clydemuirshiel

14-19 OUTDOORS 310 OCTOBER 2020.indd 14 24/09/2020 12:07:22

Kilbarchan Smile

Kilbarchan Smile volunteers hosted a covid secure Tattie Pick in the

Gateway Community Garden and in plots around the village. The

group has been hard at work, while observing physical distancing,

maintaining the garden patches from the Rose Garden opposite the

Weaver’s Cottage, the Barrels on the Green, Steeple Street Garden

next to Bobbins, the Traffic Lights Border opposite the Bog Park

and the Gateway Garden on Cartside Terrace by the roundabouts.

Colourful Kilmacolm

In a year when it seems that virtually everything is being done

virtually, Colourful Kilmacolm is no exception. However, although

we have held a virtual AGM and several virtual committee meetings,

our floral displays have been the real deal. Admittedly we had to

work a little harder to source our plants, but in the end we got there

and did not have to resort to plastic flowers. (Just a joke, we would

never go that far!)

Restrictions have meant that we could not involve our volunteer

gardeners, including our helpful local Explorer Scouts, in planting,

weeding and watering. Instead, committee members have carried

out these tasks while observing social distancing. Most of us would

have preferred a sunnier July to September period, but at least it

reduced the need for constant watering.

Our displays should continue to perform well into October, before

being removed to make way for spring bulbs. It would be nice to

think that by the time they are flowering we might be enjoying a

more normal life, but whatever the situation Colourful Kilmacolm

will ensure that the village continues to benefit from beautiful floral

displays.

If you would like to be involved, either actively or by donating, visit

www.colourfulkilmacolm.org.uk or phone Peter (01505 872448) or

Liz (07963 973031) for more information.



Semple Stories, Lochwinnoch’s

Glories update

Wow, what a journey we’ve all been on recently but the

project and its volunteers keep going, in a physically

distanced manner, of course! Although the project is nearing

the end and COVID has been a major stumbling block there

will be self-led walks for Muirshiel and Lochwinnoch that

you will be able to access and download information for

from the Clyde Muirshiel website. These were intended to

be guided but, that’s a wee bit more difficult now. There

will also be activities aimed at primary schools and families,

again, downloadable from the website and includes peevers,

curling (without ice) and an old game called bullets.

There will also be audio posts around Castle Semple Country

Park and one at the Muirshiel mine with stories from local

residents about living and working in Lochwinnoch.

Three new interpretation boards have just been put in at

Castle Semple visitor centre, close to the loch, to whet your

appetite about the Sempills and McDowalls and what they

did for the Lochwinnoch parish, and one board reflecting

on the life of the village with some personal tales.

Keep an eye on the Clyde Muirshiel website and the Semple

Stories, Lochwinnoch’s Glories Facebook page for further

updates!


Kilbarchan & District

Beekeepers Association

The leaves may be

falling and the flowers

fading but during

October nature has

one last gift to give

bees and other insects.

Ivy in gardens and

hedgerows has flowers

that produce a precious

last source of nectar.

A storehouse of food

to help bees prepare

for winter and feed

those who will survive

the coldest wettest

months to keep their

colony alive. So a plea

for gardeners to leave

pruning until spring

This autumn things

have been quite

different for members

of the Kilbarchan and

District Beekeepers

Association. No annual

honey show is possible,

and meetings being

planned to continue online after our first successful virtual

gathering in September. Over thirty members took part

all enjoying an amusing talk on the mistakes beekeepers

make! Yet despite restrictions new members have joined

the Association over the summer months with the intention

of having their own hives and learning how to manage them.

Hopefully, it will be the start of a fascinating and rewarding

hobby and they are all being given advice and mentoring by

mentors from KDBA.

With winter approaching we should be valuing our bees even

more and helping them through the dark Scottish months

ahead. Meanwhile beekeepers will be completing their honey

extraction and making wax into candles and other products.

Nothing is wasted, even a substance called propolis which is

used to seal the hives can be used in cosmetics such as lip

balm and healing creams, it is said to have anti-inflammatory

and antioxidant properties.

If you are interested in beekeeping yourself, please contact

our secretary via helenaj@gmail.com who will provide more

detail of our association and how to join. We have a Facebook

page which is reserved for members and beekeeping friends,

but anyone can follow us on Twitter@KilbarchanBees.


Bridge Of Weir Horticultural

Society

As forecast, September was a cocktail of weather conditions but a

warm spell mid-month helped gardeners get on with an Autumnal

tidy up. Late flowering perennials, such as elegant Acteas and

frothy Gauras continued with a cheery show, as did the ever-reliable

Potentillas and smaller shrubs such as Hebes or Sedums – popular

with butterflies.

Coming into their own are Callicarpas, which produce leaves in late

Spring, followed by a display of purple-tinted leaves and tiny, pink

flowers. These will soon become shiny glaucous purple berries.

Autumn Heathers also provide great ground cover and require

minimum care. Foliage plants always lift interest when gardens

are between seasons, such as a Phormiums and Acers in a range

of reds or maroon shades, silver-leaved Senecio (including the

new introduction ‘Angel Wings’ but note, this is frost tender) or

shrubs with variegated leaves. Don’t forget Autumnal bulbs such

as Nerines and Colchicums. The latter are best in larger gardens

because of the foliage which appears after the crocus-type flower is

over. The delicate Kaffir Lily, Shizolstylis is also a border brightener

in autumn.

Members set themselves the challenge of growing Chillis. These

germinated well so members had as many young plants as they

could manage, particularly as we were not able to give any to

BoW Primary as planned! When growth was compared, they all

developed at different rates and some fell by the wayside, after

developing white fly/aphid infestations. By now Chillis should be

ready for use and more feedback can be found in the Society’s

E-Newsletter.

If you don’t feed birds throughout the year, now is the time to

buy in mealworms, sunflower seeds and peanuts for the autumn.

Robins are laying claim to their territories, so one will be watching

your efforts from a nearby lookout! Blackbirds have stripped the

berries from Cotoneasters and other berry-laden trees. Geese are

flying overhead on their way North and look out for Fieldfares, large

Thrush-like birds, as they feast on berries on their migration South.


RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve

We’re open again as of Monday 14th September, and are changing

our opening times still 7 days a week but from 10am – 4pm. Our

visitor centre won’t be the same pre – covid. But we have made our

retail space larger and safer, with our usual and much-loved RSPB

products for sale. For visitors that just want to access the trails if we

are not set up outside, then we have our own visitor engagement

space inside.

Our winter migrants will be thinking about coming to visit us soon,

our Whooper swans, Goldeneye, Pochard, Teal and Widgeon.

We have just completed our new scrape; this area will encourage

waders to come to feed.

Some recent wildlife highlights seen at the reserve have been Marsh

and Hen harriers, with pink footed geese flying overhead. Also, an

American wood duck at Castle Semple, Nuthatch at our feeding

station and an otter spotted on the Airds Meadow loch.

So, come and walk our trails, enjoy the beautiful views you never

know what you might see!



Microchip Details

Its always worthwhile to take a minute to check your pet’s details so

your furry friend can always be returned safely should they wander

away. 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.

Kilbarchan Litter Pick

Kilbarchan Smile’s Big Autumn Clear Up on September the

20th brought the community’s, physically distanced, litter

pickers out to work. The discarded face masks have been a new

problem this time, but thanks to everyone who gave their time

the village is now a cleaner and safer place. Anyone wanting to

join the regular ‘doorstep pickers’ can get in touch at hello@

kilbarchansmile.co.uk or 07952 169341.

Local

history

Johnstone History Society

The Museum has now been open two weeks and numbers are

beginning to pick up as people become aware we are open. Our

opening hours remain the same 10.30am till 4pm Wednesday

Friday and Saturday. We are following Government guidelines

so face coverings must been worn and hands sanitized .

We are very sorry to announce that until at least the New Year

we will not be holding any of our monthly meetings.



pets

Arthritis

Arthritis is a painful degenerative

condition of the joints caused

by erosion of the cartilage in

the joint leading to chronic pain

and reduced mobility. It is very

common in our pets, affecting

20% of adult dogs and 50% of

cats over 10 years old.

Arthritis is most commonly seen

in older animals but is also more

common in certain breeds, in

cases of previous joint injury

and in overweight animals.

Signs of arthritis can include:

• Limping

• Reduced activity

• Resenting being stroked in

certain areas

• Sleeping more

• Increased grumpiness

• Withdrawing from

interaction with owners/

other animals

• Increased clinginess

• Chewing or licking joints

Treatment of arthritis is

normally with a combination

of medication and lifestyle

changes.

Joint supplements are used to

aid flexibility, protect remaining

cartilage and may help reduce inflammation. Anti-inflammatory

medications are used to reduce inflammation and pain. Additional

pain relief can be provided in cases of severe arthritis using opioid

medications.

Control of exercise routine to provide regular, gentle exercise

helps prevent joints stiffening up. Hydrotherapy (controlled

swimming exercise) is a good option for some patients.

Weight management to maintain an ideal body weight is an

important factor in control of arthritis as being overweight

increases the strain on joints.

Ensuring your pet keeps warm and dry and has a comfortable

bed to sleep on can also help reduce joint pain. Aids such as

orthopaedic foam beds, ramps, steps, low sided litter trays, etc

can also help your pet keep comfortable.

Complimentary therapies such as physiotherapy and acupuncture

can be used in addition to medication and lifestyle changes.

In severe cases of arthritis where good pain control is not possible

surgery such as joint replacement can be an option.

NOVEMBER DEADLINE

WEDNESDAY 14TH OCTOBER



01505 613340

DELIVERY BEGINS 27TH OCTOBER



village news

ward 1 - inverclyde

Cllr David Wilson

Kilmacolm

Our schools are back, up and running full time. The original

Scottish Government schools recovery plan was for secondary

schools to open 50% and a mixture of times for primaries.

Staff have worked really hard to achieve the current structure, which is best

for our pupils. There is much to catch up. School transport in Inverclyde costs

£2.4m per annum and is negotiated on behalf of the Council by SPT. The

Scottish standard for free school transport is over 3 miles for secondary and

over 2 miles for primary schools. We are 2 miles and 1 mile.

We are proud of our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award success having 236

youngsters achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold in 2019. Unfortunately another

casualty of Covid 19 this year. Parents were compensated by the council for

monies lost on cancelled school trips last term.

Stuart Clark has left PGHS for pastures new in East Renfrewshire. He is a

great loss as from day one he impressed with his principle of improving

performance and subsequent outcomes for the young people in his keep.

Big shoes to fill. We wish his successor well.

I sit on the Council’s Recovery Sounding Board. We oversee the workings

of a multi disciplined structure of Educational, Humanitarian and Economic

recovery groups. The latter has significant Inverclyde business leaders on

board. As we move on it will be necessary to contemplate the last 8 months

for the purposes of learning for the future. The direction from the Scottish

Government to block purchase 50 additional beds in care homes across

Inverclyde cost a considerable sum. We moved 54 folks from Inverclyde Royal

to care homes. The merits or otherwise of this are still to be examined.

The parking restrictions in the village July made under emergency legislation

were quickly suspended. This is what can happen without councillor scrutiny.

The B788 at Milton has been completed, the last of the farm roads to be so.

The rubbish bin outside the Co-op has been replaced. Work has stopped on

the building, it is rumoured a Bank is involved in the resolution. West Glen

Park (the Wee Park) is to have accessible play equipment installed. There

was a complaint about dog poo in the park, this is a no no. Our wardens

issued 30 fines last year for this offence. We are contacting the owners of

Balrossie to have it boarded up. If they do not we will. In the meantime

wardens and Police are patrolling the site.

The Cargill has opened under strict Covid 19 national guidance. Names and

addresses must be given. No groups or societies yet. The library should have

opened on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday basis.

I can be contacted on: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 01475 741969, 712075

and 07766 992294.

The Bridge

63 Main Street,

Bridge of Weir

Good News from The

Bridge - On Tuesday

1st September, opening

hours of The Bridge

changed. We are open

for 6 days each week.

The hours will be 10am

to 1pm, Monday to

Saturday inclusive, and

from 2pm to 5pm on Monday.

Post Office - with our banks either closed or opening on

a part-time basis please remember you can make cash

withdrawals and pay cheques into your bank account

through our post office counter. Donald , Stuart and

Alison will be happy to assist with your banking needs

and all other postal services.

The Bridge preparations are well under way for Christmas.

From the middle of October our selection of Christmas

Cards, Wrapping Paper, Tags, Diaries and Money Wallets

will be on sale.

Alison Bannerman, local artist and trustee of The Bridge,

has designed a Christmas Card for 2020. A further

selection of “The Bridge” charity cards will also be on sale

as well as a variety of Traidcraft Cards. All cards, including

the ever popular individual “Greetings from Bridge of

Weir” will be available from our Christmas display.

Our 2021 Calendar is on sale and makes a perfect gift.

Our thanks again go to the members of the Paisley

Colour Photographic Club who have provided stunning

photographs. The A4 sized calendar incorporates

landmarks around Bridge of Weir.

Hearing Aid Batteries - on production of your yellow

Hearing Instrument and Battery Record Book and the

signing of the battery receipt sheet, the volunteer on duty

will issue you with one battery card for each hearing aid.

Please view The Bridge as the place to go for all your

postal and general banking needs and your stationery

and greeting card purchases.

Finally a big thank you to all our customers and our

dedicated team of volunteers.

www.thebridgebridgeofweir.com

20-35 NEWS 310 OCTOBER 2020.indd 20 24/09/2020 11:29:10


Advertising Feature

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We use a state of the art carbon fibre gutter vacuum system which

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saving you money. Call now for a free quote on 01505 863 863.


Pirie Information Centre

Bridge of Weir

Round about 1984 the then Outreach Committee of Freeland

Church felt that because of the church’s position on the Main Street,

the Church could be more involved in the community. As a result,

after a number of years of planning, the Pirie Information Centre

was opened in 1986 staffed by employees whose salaries were paid

by the Manpower Services Commission. This ran very successfully

until 1988 when funding ran out. Financial support thereafter

proved difficult to source, so in order to keep the Centre going,

15 volunteers were recruited from the congregation and the wider

community and the centre was again established. A co-ordinator

(myself) was appointed in 1989.

The Centre provided a range of information and materials ranging

from bus timetables to theatre information, limited DSS leaflets,

passport forms, Further Education and leisure classes etc. The

Centre also provided a village information leaflet outlining all the

organisations within the area. At one time it also established a

Helping Hands scheme to help housebound people with small tasks

around their home but after a few years. this was not in demand as

much as it had been at its outset, so came to a stop The Pirie as it

became known, also acted as a host to the Credit Union for a good

number of years.

However, with more and more people having access to the internet

and therefore able to source their own information, The Pirie has

become much quieter in the last few years and latterly, most of the

inquiries were mainly for bus timetables. Recently, it was felt that

closure for a long period of time because of the COVID 19 situation

would not help the situation and so after discussion with the Pirie

Board of Management, the decision was made to bring this venture

to a close.

The Information Centre has served the village for over 30 years

in one form or another. It has helped many people along the

way, thanks to a wonderful group of volunteers manning the centre

initially three mornings a week and then over the last few years,

two mornings per week Freeland Church hopes that this venture

has been a useful service in the community through the years and

thanks everyone who supported it.


WARD 11

Cllr Natalie Don

Having recently chaired The Villages partnership

and attended the Erskine, Inchinnan, Bishopton and

Langbank partnership, it was such a pleasure to see lots of local

groups and community organisations receive funding for projects

in their areas.

Leading on from that, I want to remind people that aside from

the Local Partnership funding, the council do have other funding

options available for community groups. One of these is the Village

Investment fund which aims to support projects that look to

promote and maintain village character and identity. I know how

passionate people in Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank are

about their areas so I would encourage anyone, if you have an idea

about something that could utilise this fund, get in touch with me

and I would be happy to discuss the options. This is funding to

better our villages, I would really love to see residents in the villages

get involved with this.

We have just finished Team Up to Clean Up’s Spotless September

challenge in Renfrewshire and despite being a year like no other,

the effort of our volunteers has surpassed itself one again. Thank

you to every single person who has taken the time to pick up, even

just one bit of litter.

As our roads are now pretty much back to pre-lockdown levels, I

have been getting several complaints about speeding. Kilbarchan

Road and Houston Road in Bridge of Weir and Ferry Road,

Greenock Road and Old Greenock Road in Bishopton. Speeding

should always be reported to the Police in the first instance but I am

always happy to report residents concerns to both the Police and

the council to look at options available. I have requested further

speed checks are carried out in each of these areas but if you would

like any further information, please get in touch.

Due to current guidelines, face to face surgeries are still not

recommended. As I try to be as accessible as possible and

contactable most days, I do find it a bit strange setting a specific

time for remote surgeries but it does give residents a guaranteed

chance to discuss issues there and then.

My advice surgeries are therefore still taking place on the first

Saturday of the month at 10am. I will be available by phone, email,

social media chat or if you would prefer online meetings via Zoom or

Microsoft Teams, although I would ask you contact me in advance

to arrange this.




Girlguiding needs you!

Bridge of Weir

Were you a Rainbow, Brownie or Guide? Do you remember

the fun you had at weekly meetings, camps or sleepovers?

Most importantly, do you remember the leader who made it

all possible?

Thanks to the dedication and support of 100,000 amazing

volunteers girls and young women have a space where they

can be themselves, have fun, form brilliant friendships and

gain valuable life skills.

Girlguiding in Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm have units full

of girls - Rainbows (5-7 years), Brownies (7-10 years) Guides

(10-14 years) and the Rangers (14-18 years).

We are URGENTLY looking for adult leaders for our Brownie

Unit in Bridge of Weir, without more adult help the future of

the Unit is in real jeopardy.

Kim Cowling, District Commissioner for Girlguiding Bridge

of Weir and Kilmacolm said “We’re really looking for people

who are happy to give up a few hours every week. Of course,

we will be as flexible as possible but just one night a week

would be a fantastic help”.

In return, Girlguiding can offer everyone support, specialised

training and the opportunity to develop new skills, meet new

people and have fun. It has helped many of our volunteers

to learn new skills including leadership and organisational

planning that might be of use at work or add value to your

CV.

If you would like to find out more please log on to

www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested


WARD 11

Cllr James Maclaren

Recent heavy rain has once again scoured out the pavement

on Clevans Road in Bridge of Weir and I have requested

more hard core be put down. Replacement drainage is in the pipe line,

so to speak. Once new drainage is laid then council has budgeted for

resurfacing of the footpath in the current financial year, however there

is a stream running onto the road above the new houses and the council

officers are trying to get this sorted.

I was recently contacted by a young man about the condition of Horsewood

Park and it has certainly gone downhill since I was a boy. I have requested

various tasks such as cutting back overhanging branches, repairs to the

footpath etc. It is a lovely park that needs some TLC. It would be great

to see a basketball court where the old ice rink used to be but I think that

would involve the setting up of a Friends of Horsewood Park group to coordinate

funding etc. There are other parks in my ward that could benefit

from a “Friends of” group. If you are interested then please let me know.

As mentioned last month in my article about plans to let the grass grow.

Council is calling it biodiversity and has held a 3 week consultation. I

managed to distribute a leaflet around areas most affected encouraging

residents to let the council know their views. There has been huge

opposition from the Queens Drive, Lamont and Chisholm Avenue residents

in Bishopton but other areas seem to have remained fairly quiet on the

matter. Hopefully my leaflet helped to alert people. As there are plenty of

areas that have been left to grow wild, I think it would have been nice of

the council to try this experiment in one of these abandoned areas before

rolling it out where the grass used to be cut.

I thought it might be useful to give you a list of roads due to be resurfaced

this year for my ward. Some of these will already have been resurfaced

by the time you read this. I am pleased to see that a good few of them are

roads that I have requested:

Bishopton: A8 - Greenock Road (at Kingston Rd) 2000 sq m; A8 -

Greenock Road (at Nether Southbar) 3650 sq m; Station Road 1537 sq m;

Bruce Road 1350 sq m.

Bridge of Weir: Carruth Road 1513 sq m; Hazelwood Road 3874 sq m;

Ranfurly Road (Kilbarchan to Hazelwood) 3549 sq m; Kilgraston Road

(Part) 912 sq m; St Andrews Drive (Part) 3,286 sq m.

Langbank: Middlepenny Road 2339 sq m.

Please note my new surgery details:

I am available for face to face meetings but am also available by phone.

For the moment my surgeries will be by telephone only. My mobile

number is 07534 148794.

If you have problems getting through on the main council switchboard

then you can try contacting me by phone on 0300-300-1291 or by email to

cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk . I am happy to receive messages

via Facebook but I do prefer an email. No community council reports at

present but hopefully C Councils will be meeting up before too long. More

on www.facebook.com/councillormaclaren








ward 10

Cllr Audrey Doig

Congratulations to Jake Fulton and his Houston

Litter Crew, and also the Be Happy Gardening Crew,

which have consistently been out volunteering to

make Houston a brighter and better community. Many others across

Renfrewshire have also done the same, and this has led to Team Up to

Clean Up having the highest levels of community engagement out of all

Council programmes. I know many were sceptical about the Team Up

to Clean Up initiative at the beginning, but I have always believed that

the Council and our communities should work together in partnership.

I want to put on record my appreciation to all the Council Departments,

and indeed all emergency and essential workers, who have worked

throughout the Covid 19 Crisis. I do not think we will be really back to

anything approaching normal until a vaccine is found, and I especially

feel for those constituents who have been shielding for health reasons

since March. I ask everyone to be patient with the Council Departments

as all the focus of the Council has been on delivering emergency

services to many vulnerable groups, so many normal civic activities

have halted.

Soon the results of the Council’s Consultation on Biodiversity Areas

will be published. As we try to do everything we can to deal with the

challenge of climate change I can see the clear and compelling case

for these areas, however, I do think there has to be definite community

agreement, through channels like the Community Councils, as to where

the Biodiversity Areas should be sited.

Contact details for Cllr Audrey Doig

Councillors are not at the moment having face to face surgeries due

to the Covid 19 restrictions. But please e mail me on cllr.audrey.doig@

renfrewshire.gov.uk or call me on 07768 130935 if you have a civic

matter you wish to raise with me.

Come Zoom with Me!

“Come Zoom with Me!” is a dementia inclusive weekly online sing along

which takes place on Zoom every Wednesday at 3pm.

We started the group in May this year and it has continued to grow in

popularity as we come together each week for an hour of singing, fun

and lots of laughter.

So far, we have sung along to songs from our favourite musicals, the rat

pack, Doris Day, Elvis Presley, and many many more, and we continue

to add to our repertoire!

No musical ability is required, just a willingness to have some fun and

make new friends online!

If you would like more information about joining the group please

contact our Family and Community Development Worker, Frankie

Greenwood on: familyandcommunity.houstonkirk@gmail.com or phone:

07817 210777.


Houston & Killellan Kirk Carnival

Despite the carnival being unable to go ahead we have still

managed to raise some funds for the church and community

projects. We have now finalised the total and we are delighted

to share with you that we have raised £4,688!! The money was

raised from all the advertising in the programme. There was

also a raffle which was done online and very successful. Here is

a list of the winners.

• Sue Campbell: Bernies - £20 afternoon tea voucher

• Matthew Alexander: Amaretto- £50 voucher

• Thomas Langley: Gowanlea Nurseries - £20 voucher

• Ian Spearing: Strathgryffe Tennis, Squash and Fitness Club: -

3 month family membership

• Karen Wyaat: The River Inn - £50 meal voucher

• Francis Kinloch: Shimla Cottage - £40 meal for 2 in restaurant

• Helen Dunn: Slimming World - 12 week countdown

membership voucher

• Sheila McHarg: Home Fire Protection Scotland - Bottle of

champagne

• Irene McLaughlin: Harrods Dry Cleaning - £20 voucher

• Fiona Calvert: Abbey Nursery - 2 children’s toys

• Vicky Moon: Gryffe Manor Nursery - Wooden toy

• Ruth McGeachy: C Fowler Gas Services - 1 x boiler service

• Robert Ross: Ardarden - £20 voucher for the cafe or shop at

Ardarden Estate

• J Haddow: Gibb Stuart - Mystery prize

• Fiona Rhodes: Sugar Fairy Cakes - Box of 12 cupcakes

• Kirsty McKay: Forever - Gift pack

• Ann Hall: The Little Flower Shop - Gift arrangement or

bouquet

• Julia Cree: GRL FLWR - Friday Pick Me Up arrangement

• Lorna Brown: Olapip - Double wick candle

• Graeme & Kate Jackson: Cafe at the Carrick - £10 voucher

• Mary Mgarrie: Julz Hair - 1x cut and blow dry, 1 x spray tan

• Ian Griffiths: Houston Hair Salon - Cut and blow dry

• Elaine Mills: Rockstar - 2 x 1 month membership voucher

• Jennifer Henderson: Houston Inn - £30 food & drink voucher

• Dana Stevenson: New Vision - 30% off any complete

prescription glasses (ie frame and lenses) that cost £100 or

more

• Clare Callaghan: Versari - Massage voucher

• Victoria Sawers: Pure Dead Glam Beauty Therapy - Gift voucher

Thankfully life is a little less strange now than it was back in May

however we have no plans as yet for next years carnival as the

future remains quite uncertain for large gatherings and events.




Houston Church of The Nazarene

Prayer Garden

During lockdown, hearing daily on the news the affect that Covid-19

was having on individuals and families and the losses being suffered,

some members of Houston Church of The Nazarene felt moved to

provide somewhere for the Houston Community to be able to go and

spend quiet time and reflect or remember.

From this came the idea to set up a prayer garden in the grounds of

the Village Hall.

In recent weeks, Church members have been busy planting and

preparing the area to create a peaceful spot, sheltered slightly by the

trees, where anyone in the community can come and spend some quiet

time and pray, think or simply be still and relax.

If people want to place a plant or something appropriate to

commemorate a loved one, we would invite you to do this and we hope

the garden will be a space we can share with the wider community.

Houston Community Quilt


Continuing Despite Lockdown

Houston

During Lockdown, the congregation of Houston & Killellan Kirk

& the wider Houston Community have been enthusiastically

supporting the Renfrewshire Foodbank to the extent of over

18,000 meals & this has been covered in a separate article.

Lockdown is also not going to deter the generous folk of

Houston from continuing with initiatives undertaken in previous

years.

For example, it has become traditional to have a Warm Clothes

Collection in November for the homeless, or perhaps no longer

homeless, but in need of some warmth in the winter months.

Generally the NEW clothes donated are passed to organisations

such as the Simon Community for the vulnerable men & women

they support. The plan this year is to accept donations without

social contact at the West Halls, Main Street, Houston (Rear Fire

Exit door facing the Manse), when open for the Foodbank on

Tuesdays during the month of November i.e. 3rd, 10th,17th &

24th November – between 10am & 12noon & between 7pm &

8pm.

It should be stressed that, in the current COVID climate,

only new items of clothing can be accepted. Such items as

warm underwear, t-shirts, warm nightwear, joggers, jumpers,

waterproof jackets & trousers, woolly hats, scarves, gloves &

socks, to keep these vulnerable men & women warm & dry, will

be welcomed.

Another tradition has been to have a Christmas Gift Service in

December to accept donations for vulnerable children. Again

the gifts are to go to CrossReach, the social work arm of the

Church of Scotland, supporting the families of prisoners at Perth

& Polmont Prisons. This year the plan is to accept these also at

the West Halls, again when they are open for the Foodbank but

on the first two Tuesdays of December i.e. 1st & 8th December.

Further details will follow next month & on the Kirk Facebook &

web site www.houstonkillellankirk.org.

Calling all Houston residents to share something positive that is helping them through the covid-19 pandemic and become

part of Houston’s history.

The Houston and Killellan Kirk are launching a COVID-19 Lockdown Quilt Project to help combat the isolation and loneliness

that many of us might feel over the winter months given the current restrictions. If you live in Houston, we would love you

to share just one word or short phrase that sums up what is helping you get through this period of restriction. It might be

something like “neighbours” or “walking in the woods”.

Once we have gathered all of the words we will be looking for people who are able to sew these different words or phrases

onto a square of fabric which will then be gathered and sewn together to form a large community quilt to show our

resilience and community spirit.

When the quilt is finished, we hope that it will take pride of place in one of the indoor public spaces in Houston, to be

admired by many generations to come.

If you have a word or phrase to share, please email Frankie on: familyandcommunity.houstonkirk@gmail.com If you would

like to assist our quilting team in sewing the words or phrases on a piece of fabric, please let me know by email, and I will

get in touch with you.




From a Tin at a Time to 18,000 Meals

Houston

Before Lockdown the congregation of Houston & Killellan Kirk were

encouraged to bring to the Kirk on a Sunday a tin at a time for the

Renfrewshire Foodbank. Since the Kirk building closed, there has been

a Foodbank collection at the West Halls every Tuesday. Incredibly, in

the 6 months since the start of Lockdown, these donations at the

West Halls have provided over 18,000 meals for those dependent

on the Renfrewshire Foodbank. This may be described as “very

generous, fantastic, phenomenal, dedicated support,” not just by the

congregation, but the extended Houston Community.

However, it’s best to quote Elizabeth Alexander, Foodbank Manager:

“What a wonderful effort from the good people of Houston. Your

support is helping to make sure we can provide parcels of food which

contain a good variety of meals and some treats for everyone and

the toiletries and cleaning items people need too. We see, on a daily

basis, the relief this gives to those people who need our help.”

Sadly, these people continue to need the support of the Foodbank and

the donations from those in the Houston Community and other areas

of Renfrewshire. The bar has been set very high and the challenge is

to strive to continue this phenomenal support. The Houston folk have

shown before that they can certainly do it!

Loving!!! Caring!!! Sharing!!!

Friends of Howwood Park

Friends of Howwood Park held a Litter Pick on Sunday 20th September

in support of ‘The Spotless September Challenge’ from Renfrewshire

Councils Team Up to Clean Up Campaign, and Keep Britain Tidy’s

‘Great British September Clean’.

A total of 34 people attended and 2 large green bags were filled. Our

park is now looking fabulous and litter free.

Our special thanks for the children who attended, including Lucy,

Finlay, Evan, Bobbie, Macy, Kyle, Reiss, Sam, Eva, Grace, James,

Alexander, Eilish, Charlotte, Lucy and Abbie.


Old Library Centre, kilbarchan

News from the Board of Directors regarding the building and

when we can open:

Following the initial closure of the centre due to covid 19 and the

general delays regarding the structural repairs to the stonework

etc, it has been difficult to establish when the centre could

reopen.

We can now confirm, that subject to any new government

health regulations being put in place, work on the stonework

repairs will begin at the end of September and is estimated to

take two weeks thereafter to complete.

On completion of the stoneworks, it is intended that the new

replacement windows to the street frontage of the upper hall

will be installed and the hall then redecorated.

It is therefore anticipated if all goes to programme, the building

could again, subject to government health regulations in place

at the time, be able to be in use early November.

Janis Green, the Wednesday morning yoga tutor has informed

us that she will not be able to continue with the class when we

re-open. This is a very popular class and Janis will very much be

missed and we wish her well. However, the good news is that

Elizabeth Hughes, our Wednesday evening tutor has agreed to

take the class. People will be contacted when the classes are

starting back.

Although the library has been closed some of our volunteers

have been busy working. Special thanks go to our garden

volunteers for all the hard work they have done during this time

and the garden is looking great.

Volunteers have also been busy working on our calendar. This

will be ready soon and will be available for purchase when we

reopen. We will be making arrangements for posting as well.

If you require any information on reopening or purchasing a

calendar the please contact us by phone: 01501 345940 or email

kipcokil@hotmail.com. Hope to see you in November.




ward 9

Cllr Andy Doig

At the last meeting of the Communities, Housing,

and Planning Board I was delighted to speak up for a

recommendation to award the Friends of Howwood

Park £10,000 for the Friends to do a feasibility study on taking over

the currently unused Howwood Pavilion. I have been in the Pavilion

for a tour and the possibilities are endless to add yet another string

to the bow of Gillian Whyte and the Friends Group. Their work has

rightly earned the gratitude of the whole village community.

I have been involved with supporting the parents and families of

Howwood to fight against the retrograde decision of Renfrewshire

Council to remove the School Crossing Patrollers from the Bowfield

Road crossing to the Primary School. This is one of the most

challenging school walking routes in Renfrewshire, and there are

signs the Council may be doing the right thing and reinstating

them, I sincerely hope so.

The Greenspaces and Village Investment Fund has really taken off.

Kilbarchan Community Council have been awarded £50,000 to

upgrade Kilbarchan Public Park. Following a lengthy consultation

there are excellent plans to create new features, and I have been

approached by some individuals who are interested in doing an

asset transfer of the Park Pavilion to put it back into use for the

whole community.

Not to be outdone, Lochwinnoch Parent Council have been making

sterling efforts to brighten up the environment of Lochwinnoch

Primary School. I have asked the Convener of Education to deliver

funding to upgrade the playground surface, and this is very likely.

Contact Details for Cllr Andy Doig –

Councillors are not at the moment having face to face surgeries due

to the Covid 19 restrictions. But please e mail me on cllr.andy.doig@

renfrewshire.gov.uk, call me on 07534 148224, facebook me on

Independent Voice/Ward9JohnstoneAndVillages, or tweet me on

CllrAndy4Ward8, if you have a civic matter you wish to raise with me.

Kilbarchan Parish Church

We are back ! Our Church buildings have reopened for worship.

We are confident that we have put in place all necessary measures

to ensure that Government and Public Health guidance is observed

so that folk may return to worship. While our capacity may be

restricted, and the format of our service will be different from how

it was before Covid19, you are still guaranteed a warm welcome

each Sunday at 11am

We look forward to seeing you in church. If you cannot manage to

be with us in person, why not join us for our Online Reflections or

our telephone Service -

http://www.kilbarchan-kirk.btck.co.uk or 01505 805893.


Cllr Derek Bibby

Covid - 19 and the recent new restrictions across

Renfrewshire continue to concentrate our minds.

As I write this month’s column a total of 10 schools

in Renfrewshire have seen positive tests. It is clear

that we live in rapidly changing times, which will

result in other measures being taken, and the council

has a crucial role in keeping schools open, reassuring parents and

children, while supporting the local economy and keeping us all

safe.

Despite the latest Scottish Government funding package of

£675,000 for the provision of safety cameras on 20 roads in

Scotland, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch have once again

been ignored.

The situation in Kilbarchan which is being used as a rat run for drivers

travelling to Bridge of Weir and beyond is particularly concerning,

and speeding has become the norm. This has to change. I have

called on the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland, to

increase the funding and treat Kilbarchan as a priority for a speed

camera, together with a review of the overall policy and criteria for

the provision of such cameras, that takes into account the needs of

Renfrewshire’s villages.

The recent decision by Renfrewshire Council to dissolve the Clyde

Muirsheil Park Joint Committee is troubling. The committee and

its consultative forum made up of councillors and members of the

community, provided scrutiny and promoted the best interests of

the park. This has now gone, and the decision goes against the

principle of local consultation and community empowerment.

Vigilance will be required to ensure that the assets and features of

what is a premier visitor attraction are protected.

Howwood residents have expressed relief following the rejection of

the planning application for glamping pods at the Bowfield Hotel.

There was strong opposition from local residents to the proposals,

and it was made clear to elected members that there would be

a negative impact on the village. The overwhelming view is that

rejection was the right decision.

I am not presently holding face to face surgeries, however I have

been busy on representing constituents on a wide range of issues.

I am available to be contacted by constituents at any time at cllr.

derek.bibby @renfrewshire.gov.uk or by phone 0300 300 1274 or

07534 156007.

Kilbarchan National Women’s

Register

Members continue to meet on Zoom twice a week with topics

including “The most terrifying position I have been in” and a

“favourite book from childhood”. For further info please see the

website: www.nwr.org.uk or phone: 01505 348627.


Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust

Lochhead Avenue Update

The veg has been blooming over summer and there have been regular

contributions to food parcels, which is exactly what was intended, so thanks to

all who have contributed to these activities. We had a meeting with Renfrewshire

Council recently and are negotiating an 11-month lease on the site. This will give

us some security to continue the veg-growing, and trial some other initiatives.

Given that the proposed borehole now looks as though it will not be financially

viable, at least in the near future, we recently launched a survey into various

possible options for the site and around 150 people contributed, thanks to all.

Lochwinnoch CDT are holding two public meetings.

The Future of Lochhead Avenue: October 27th at 7.30pm

This is an open meeting (all welcome) and will take place online. The purpose

of this meeting is to explore ideas for the use of the land in Lochhead Avenue,

outlined in the recent online survey and draw up a plan for the next 1-2 years.

Agenda

1. Introduction and summary of current position regarding the site. (10

mins)

2. The results of the survey and descriptions of the options proposed. (10

mins)

3. Any additional proposals.

4. In break-out groups, consider the proposals in more detail. The groups

may decide to rank the proposals or eliminate some of them. (20 mins)

5. In a plenary session consider the reports from the groups and develop a

plan. (20 mins)

At present the Covid restrictions mean that the meeting is likely to be via zoom

or skype. A decision will be made nearer the date. Look out for announcements

on Facebook.

Annual General Meeting: Tuesday November 10th at 7.30pm.

At time of writing (early September) we are planning this to take place on

Zoom. If the restrictions on gatherings ease, we will re-assess and endeavour

to be in person. Please stick this date in your diary! We will post details of the

Zoom meeting via Facebook and Chatterbox. The AGM is required for us to

function as an organisation. Under our current rules, we require to have 20% of

the membership present to be quorate (legal). Our membership is around 170

people, which is brilliant, but that means we need 35 people there. We know

this can be difficult, but as a member, you can vote by proxy, assigning your

vote to someone else to cast on your behalf. We encourage you to complete a

proxy voting form if you are unable to attend, don’t have or like using Zoom, or

if you have other things on at that time – I know it is a tricky time for members

with children for example. You could assign your vote to the Chair to cast, or

you could assign it to another Director or member. Please consider taking this

action to help the meeting proceed. If you would like a proxy form please email

Lochwinnochtrust@gmail.com

More details will be forthcoming, check out our Facebook page @

LochwinnochCDT. We hope to see you at one or both of our meetings. You

can contact us any time via FB or email.

Martin Mansell, Chair, Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust.


Lochwinnoch International Aid

News

The offering of plants for donations has continued to

raise funds: many thanks to those who’ve donated plants

and/or money. By end of August another £60 had been

raised. So as mentioned last month if you are walking

down Calder Street towards Bridgend, look out for plants

on offer on the left just before you get to the bridge.

Despite not being able to resume our planned fundraising

activities, the plant offerings and regular monthly

donations meant we had £400 available to give. We

had a socially distanced outdoor meet up and decided

to give £200 to Positive Action in Housing and £200 to

Plan International UK, specifically for the work they are

doing to help deal with the aftermath of the Beirut blast

tragedy.

Positive Action in Housing is an independent, anti-racist

homelessness and human rights charity working in

Glasgow dedicated to supporting women, children and

men from refugee and migrant backgrounds to rebuild

their lives. They are driven by a belief in a society where

everyone has the right to live safe and dignified lives,

free from poverty, homelessness or inequality. Amongst

other things they provide advice and practical help

to asylum seekers and emergency support and free

shelter to those at risk of destitution through Room for

Refugees.

They also try to arrange respite from oppressive

situations in Glasgow. To this end supporters outside

the city have invited individuals to spend a weekend (or

longer) in their homes, including in Lochwinnoch. Some

lasting friendships have resulted. These visits are not

possible at this time due to covid-19, but hopefully will

be able to recommence, probably next year.

Plan International UK is a global children’s charity. Their

main focus is working with girls and boys growing up in

some of the world’s poorest communities, making sure

they have access to the education, health care, clean

water and future opportunities they need to thrive. They

also respond to significant events which adversely impact

on children and their families. The huge blast in Beirut

in early August led to multiple deaths and injuries and

left over 300,000 people homeless. Plan International

is on the ground in Beirut working with local partners to

support some of the worst-hit families and children

We continue to raise money from our monthly

subscription scheme and are always ready to welcome

new members. Individual donations are also welcome.

Get in touch through lochintaid@gmail.com or tel 07702

544868.



events for October

NOVEMBER DEADLINE




01505 613340


PLEASE NOTE:

BY TIME OF PUBLICATION

SOME OF THESE EVENTS

MAY HAVE CHANGED

OR BEEN CANCELLED.

Friday 2nd

St Columba’s Virtual Open

Days

Virtual Event

The Senior School event (Transitus

to Senior VI) will start at 10.30am

and the Junior School event (Early

Years to Junior 6) will start at

11.30am. Prospective families are,

of course, welcome to attend both.

To register, please complete the

online form on our website.

Saturday 3rd

Kilmacolm Farmers Market

Kilmacolm Community Centre,

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm

10am to 2pm

Kilmacolm Farmers Market is held

on the first Saturday each month

featuring a great selection of local

Scottish produce!

Saturday 3rd - Sunday 4th

Fun Palaces Renfrewshire

Virtual Event

Fun Palaces is a UK-wide campaign

for community at the heart of

culture. Fun Palaces are about

anyone and everyone sharing

their interests, skills and the things

that they love doing; bringing

people together to make and

strengthen local communities.

Find out how you can be involved.

Www.renfrewshireleisure.com/

opportunities/

Tuesday 6th

Foodbank Donations

West Halls Main Street

Houston PA6 7EL (next to

Carrick Centre and Village Hall)

10am – 12noon & 7pm – 8pm Helping

to provide food parcels with a good

variety of meals, some treats for

everyone and toiletries / cleaning

items that people need too.

Thursday 8th

Grasping The Nettle

Virtual Event

7.30pm to 8pm

Join ReMode on Facebook Live

for a half hour guided studio tour

showing the process of transforming

nettles from plant fibre to a knitted

sample! https://remodeyouth.org/

tc-events/grasping-the-nettle/

and

https://www.facebook.com/

remodeyouth

Saturday 10th

Paisley Farmers Market

The Paisley Centre

10am to 2pm

A huge variety of produce for sale.

A leisurely walk round the market

provides many opportunities to

taste produce and discuss the

characteristics and uniqueness of

each offering.

Monday 12th

Rascally Dinners

Virtual Event

11am

An icky, sticky, tasty, wholesome

interactive online cook-along for

children age 6+ and their grownups!

Bookings close on October 5th.

Please log on 10 minutes early at

10:50 am. Tickets £3 - A single ticket

is valid for your household. Https://

renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve.

com/shows/1173604865?s=03

36-39 EVENTS 310 OCTOBER 2020.indd 36 24/09/2020 12:11:30


Tuesday 13th

Foodbank Donations









Tuesday 20th

Foodbank Donations









Thursday 22nd

Carry-out Curry For

Endpolio Now

Virtual Event

Members and friends will enjoy

a Carry-Out Curry (delivered to

your door) arranged in conjunction

with Shimla Cottage and meet on

Zoom for chat, raffles, music and to

hear an update on the ENDPOLIO

progress. See www.gryffevalley.

rotary1230.org or the Gryffe Valley

Rotary Facebook page for details

how to join the event. Book by

16th October please.

Due to the

multiplier (above) each ticket (price

£20) will be worth more than £50

to ENDPOLIO!

Tuesday 27th

Foodbank Donations









Wednesday 28th

Rotary Gryffe Valley

Speaker Meeting

With Dr Donald Macaskill, Chief

Executive of Scottish Care, the

membership body for independent

social care will discuss Care Homes

in general and the controversial

topic of the spread of Covid19. For

more information please e-mail:

gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com

Saturday 31st

Paisley Farmers Market

The Paisley Centre

10am to 2pm

A huge variety of produce for sale.

A leisurely walk round the market

provides many opportunities to

taste produce and discuss the

characteristics and uniqueness of

each offering.

November

Tuesday 3rd

Foodbank & Clothes

collections




7pm to 8pm

Warm Clothes Collection donations

without social contact accepted at

the West Halls, Houston (Rear Fire

Exit door facing the Manse), when

open for the Foodbank on Tuesdays

during the month of November i.e.

3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th November –

between 10am & 12 noon & between

7pm & 8 pm. Further details on the

Kirk Facebook & web site www.

houstonkillellankirk.org.

Saturday 7th

Kilmacolm Farmers Market


Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm

10am to 2pm

Kilmacolm Farmers Market is held

on the first Saturday each month

featuring a great selection of local

Scottish produce!


Strictly Come Prancing 2021

Strictly Come Prancing - Can’t Stop the Beat!

St. Vincent’s

Hospice are

looking for

couples and

volunteers

from the same

household to

sign up to take

part in their

Strictly Come

Prancing event

in Spring 2021, as

the charity begin

preparations to

allow the event to go ahead in a safe, fun and socially distanced

dance spectacular.

St. Vincent’s Hospice is a local charity Hospice at the heart of

the community, providing specialist care for those affected by

life limiting conditions in Renfrewshire. Every year, Strictly Come

Prancing generates thousands of pounds in essential revenue to

provide this vital support for people across the community going

through some of the hardest times of their lives.

Director of Income Generation for the Hospice, Jackie Young, said:

“Strictly Come Prancing is the biggest event on our fundraising

calendar, with couples and dance partners coming together in front

of hundreds of supporters and sponsors every year, to find out who

will be crowned the Strictly Champions.

“With the current pandemic, we have no way of knowing what

will be allowed in March: so we are currently working on plans A,

B, C and D to make sure that we are able to go ahead in some

format. Currently this has involved discussions with venues of

limited numbers, doing it across multiple nights, all the way to a

live streamed online event. Whatever it takes, to keep everyone

involved safe and keep everyone dancing!

“What we do know, is that we need volunteers to sign up and be our

dance couples for 2021! So, if you are from the same household or

extended household, and want to get involved, learn how to dance,

have fun and help out a great cause, we want to hear from you!”

Couples who sign up will undergo dance training from experienced

choreographers to make sure they are ready to go on the big night

in a way that matches their skill level and is sure to wow the judges.

All training will be carried out in line with government guidelines to

ensure everyone is safe.

Jackie added: “This event is open to everyone, with former

champions including an 81 year old dancing the tango, so please

support St. Vincent’s Hospice and get in touch to find out more.”

To learn more, sign up, or speak to the Fundraising Team call 01505

705 635 or email Info@svh.co.uk.

Pedal It Purple


Cycle your purple socks off this October with by taking park in

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity’s brand new cycling challenge...

Pedal It Purple!

As part of our annual #PlasterItPurple activities, we’ve launched

Pedal It Purple - the cycling challenge with a purple twist raising

funds for our young patients and their families at Scotland’s busiest

children’s hospital.

Your fundraising matters now more than ever, as our vital services

continue to be put under strain by the global pandemic. Our young

patients, their families and the heroes who care for them are relying

on your support.

How to take part?

Set yourself a distance from our three challenges and start your

online fundraising page. Choose from:

Lands’ End to John O’Groats - 874 miles

Scottish Borders to John O’Groats - 320 miles

Glasgow to Edinburgh - 50 miles

From 1st October, saddle up and see how long it takes you to reach

your target. Don’t forget to sport your purple gear with pride when

you’re on the road - it could be your purple charity top, purple socks

(to really cycle your socks off) or even purple face paint.

While we take every opportunity to ensure the details for

Pedal It Purple are accurate, we always advise that you contact

the event organiser before setting out for the event to avoid

disappointment.

Entry is £8 Adults - Free for children and NHS employees. To find

out more visit https://www.glasgowchildrenshospitalcharity.org/

support-us/events/246-pedal-it-purple or https://www.facebook.

com/GlasgowChildrensHospitalCharity/

All information (whether in text or photographs) is given in

good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of

representation or fact.


Grasping the Nettle

Join us on Thursday 8th October,

from 7.30pm, for a half hour guided

studio tour showing the process of

transforming nettles from plant fibre to

a knitted sample.

ReMode’s Creative Director Gillian

Steel will be in conversation with Peter

Livingstone from EADHA Enterprises.

The project has been looking at

different ways we can explore the

intrinsic value of fabric as a creative

resource – whatever its origin. This has

involved looking at what local resources

are available that can be used as raw

materials for future projects – whether

that be resources from nature such as

nettles; waste from local manufacturers; or discarded second hand

garments.

We have been working with groups of local people in Paisley to

share skills in using discarded fabrics and industrial off cuts from

manufacturing to create new garments.

This is a Facebook Live event - join in at https://www.facebook.

com/remodeyouth This event is part of ReMode’s “Reel Lives”

project – funded by Renfrewshire Council’s CHEF fund.


Rascally Dinners

Monday 12th October at 11am

An icky, sticky, tasty, wholesome

interactive online cook-along

for children age 6+ and their

grownups! Cook along with Rufus

Skumskins O’Parsley, the chef

famous for creating mingin’ meals

like bogey burgers and brown rat

roast! Rascally Dinners makes

healthy food fun; dressing it up as

disgusting dishes that kids can be proud of. Bookings close on

October 5th and you’ll then be sent your shopping list and activity

pack to prepare for the show as well as a unique zoom code! On

the day itself, we’ll all make a meal of it together; and at the end

we’ll tuck in to our devilish dishes with gusto!

Tickets: £3*

*A single ticket is valid for your household - On the 5th October

we will email you instructions on how to join the event along with a

zoom code. Please log on 10 minutes early at 10:50 am*

https://renfrewshireboxoffice.ticketsolve.com/

shows/1173604865?s=03

LEFT: Gryffe Camera Club - Rhona Miller (2018)

Gryffe Camera Club

As a Club, we had intended starting back to the

2020/2021 Session on the 2nd September 2020.

As this was not possible due to Covid19 restrictions

and guidelines set by the government, the

Committee will constantly review our ability to

meet as a Group.

As soon as we can advise the start date and the

forward programme of meetings and where

possible, Speakers and Judges, this will be

communicated.

This session is going to be a challenge and we ask

that Members and Potential new Members bear

with us during these difficult times as we try to

keep the Club moving forward.

Please watch the Website, Facebook and

Newsletter/E-shots for any further news.

Stay safe and keep taking the pictures.

Find us at http://www.gryffecameraclub.co.uk/ or

https://www.facebook.com/Gryffe-Camera-Club-

221339407904347

ABOVE: Gryffe Camera Club - Pat Allan (2018)

BELOW: Gryffe Camera Club - Matt Johnson (2018)



clubs & schools

Bridge of Weir Primary School

Back to School, by the P6 news team

The start of this year was a bit different to others (enter COVID-19 stage

right) but Bridge of Weir Primary is off to a great start!

With staggered break and lunch times, new seating, and quite a lot of

handwashing, this year might feel strange, but our teachers are ensuring

the best safety for all of us. New seating arrangements ensure no-one

faces each other in class and we are always washing or sanitising our

hands. At the end of each day all the desks are cleaned. Cleaners also

work throughout the day.

When we go outside, we have a rota of playground zones. There are

eight zones which ensure the different classes stay inside their “bubble”

groups. Each class also has an outside learning area. We asked some

pupils what it is like in class...

“It is quite different but I kind of like it!” said one pupils.

“It feels weird to be in bubble groups right now” explained another.

Some of the learning is different too. An example of this are the

“mini topics” (instead of normal, term-long topics) and more outdoor

learning.

Because we can’t always stay in for break or lunch, we now prepare for

all types of weather with waterproofs! We go outside to ensure all pupils

are getting enough exercise after the long summer break. Each class has

their own mini zone right outside their class for outdoor learning. We

all love to learn outside - as long as it’s a sunny day! It also supplies the

best ventilation. The teachers and other staff are also social distancing

between each other, and pupils aren’t allowed to walk the corridors.

The first Pupil Council meeting has listened to the views of the pupils.

Feedback has shown pupils are glad to be back in school and understand

why things are a little different.

In summary we’d like to say - nothing can stop Bridge of Weir Primary

and our learning.

Duchal Nursery

The term is really getting into full swing now and all of our

teddies are becoming familiar with the nursery routine. New

friendships are being forged and we are learning what kind

of activities are favoured by our new children as well as

discovering how much progress our blue teddies have made

over the summer months.

This term we are learning through colour and shape, we

have created blue triangle fish, green smoothies and red fruit

kebabs.

We have also been utilising ideas from the STEM curriculum, to

make blue rain (falling from shaving foam clouds in a beaker).

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects

fascinate young children and it is brilliant to have access to

resources which enable us to stimulate their curiosity about

the world around them in such simple but entertaining ways.

As a specialist pre school nursery our teachers are dedicated

to giving the children the best start in life and preparing them

for their school years. With an experienced team of staff

our children really do benefit from the low pupil to staff ratio

together with our three separate rooms allowing quiet study

areas, away from the hustle and bustle of our busy creative

areas.

Our extended nursery hours are proving very popular with

both children and parents, giving greater flexibility of childcare.

We are now open until 6pm daily during term time. We now

offer free funded places, if you would like further information

or would like to arrange a visit please do get in touch on 01505

874358 or email info@duchal.com, Please visit our website at

www.duchal.com and our Facebook page to keep up to date

with all the latest news.

40-47 SCHOOLS-SPORTS 310 OCTOBER 2020.indd 40 24/09/2020 11:32:09


Kilmacolm Primary School and

Nursery Class

Since returning to school there has been a major focus on Outdoor learning

within the school. We have taken full advantage of our wonderful school

grounds and have further developed the grounds to maximise outdoor

learning opportunities allowing pupils to be work safely outdoors in a

stimulating environment.

Outdoor Learning

@ Kilmacolm Primary School

and Nursery Class

Each teacher and the nursery team have taken responsibility for developing

an outdoor area and this is taking place over the coming weeks. Pupils are

enjoying their outdoor learning experiences and the various learning spaces

available to them.

The school trim trail has been extended, this has proved hugely popular with

all pupils within the school. An outdoor classroom area consists of a large

bark area with wooden seating, allowing lessons to be taken outdoors. The

school fairy garden has a story telling chair and seats providing magical story

telling time. The garden also has tyre swings which have been a bit hit with the

nursery and primary pupils. Teachers have cleared the wildlife garden and the school nursery are currently creating a wildlife meadow.

We are so lucky to have the support of our parents and our partnership charity The Haven. The Haven have erected fence poles throughout

the school garden which has allowed ten large shelter canopies to be quickly erected, allowing outdoor lessons to take place no matter the

weather. Pupils are enjoying working outdoors, exploring their environment and being surrounded with nature.

The school has invested in a variety of outdoor learning equipment allowing pupils to have stimulating learning experiences. New den

building equipment provides the opportunity for pupils to work together to design and create their own shelters and they look forward to

using the new fire pit to take cooking outdoors.



Houston Primary School

Outdoor Learning

Thank you to our parents, carers and wider community

members who consistently support our school. This month,

local tree surgeon Mr McGill of Branch Out, provided logs

for our pupils to sit on for our outdoor classroom.

Welcome Back

The pupils from Houston Primary School have returned after lockdown and have clearly grown over the past five months . We welcome

our new Nursery and Primary 1 pupils and also very many other pupils who have joined us in other stages of the school. We also welcome

a number of new nursery and school staff to our team.

Scottish Maths Week 28th September - 4th October

This is our fourth year of promoting maths as part of Scottish Maths

Week. The aim is to give pupils the opportunity to experience the

benefits, joy and beauty of maths in exciting new ways during this

week, whilst making links to real life experiences. This year our activities

will be a bit different, but just as much fun with online events, our

favourite competitions and an abundance of activities for our pupils to

do at school, at home or out and about!

Gardening Club

Our school gardening club has been unable to resume as yet, due

to COVID 19 restrictions, however this has not stopped our inter

generational volunteers from harvesting a wide selection of flowers,

fruits and vegetables.

Hi5 Awards

Four pupils completed individual Hi5 challenges during lockdown and

received their awards from Sports Scotland. We are very proud of

their hard work and commitment to staying healthy and active during

lock down.InkedHi5 photo (1)_LI.jpg

New EL & CC Building

Due to lockdown the completion of our new Early Learning and

Childcare Centre has been delayed. Completion is now expected to

be November.




St Columba’s

Five Ferries Challenge - Our Sports Department recently set out

to complete the Five Ferries Challenge. Mrs Bellew and her team

cycled over 70 miles, using five different ferries to hop between

islands and peninsulas in the West of Scotland. The department

raised £1600 in aid of the mental health charity, Young Minds. The

charity works to assist young people facing difficulty with their

mental health, helping them to feel empowered and supported to

overcome life’s difficulties. Thank you to the team for their drive to

complete this challenge for a most worthwhile cause!

SVI Team-building - Last week our SVI pupils participated in

a team-building day, enjoying a range of problem-solving and

creative activities such as creating the tallest structure possible

from marshmallows and spaghetti. SVI also spent some time

reflecting on the year ahead, considering their new responsibilities,

not to mention identifying the values they wish to exemplify this

year.

One of the more comedic elements of the day was a task which

required pupils to create garments from old newspapers. Corsages

of political leaders, some fabulous pleating and darting not to

mention haute couture accessory design were all shown to best

advantage on our male models. The hilarious ‘fashion show’ brought

this busy but fun and insightful day to a close – it was delightful to

hear so much laughter emanating from the main hall!

Gilbert Murray Classics Competition - The Gilbert Murray Classics

Competition is hosted by the Glasgow and West branch of The

Classical Association of Scotland. Academics from Glasgow

University assist in the programming of the competition with

entries open to any pupils from Scottish schools from Junior

6 upwards. We are delighted to announce that some of our

Classicists did particularly well this year. Hilary E-M (SV) and Callum

H (SIII) were awarded certificates for excellent contributions. Hilary

submitted a piece of work on the topic of medication administered

by doctors in the Roman army. Callum H gained a certificate for

his contribution of a travel brochure that advertised the town of

Pompeii. A certificate and prize were presented to Stella McC

(SIII) for presenting alternative interpretations of two different


stories from Greek mythology. Stella was also one of only six pupils

nationally who received a prize in this competition.

Sector-Leading Outdoor Education Programme Resumes - We are

so pleased that pupils working towards their Duke of Edinburgh

Award have been able to resume training. Bronze Award walkers

have been out practising their navigation skills and Bronze canoeists

have been developing their paddling skills. Pupils completing their

Silver Award in walking and canoeing participated in a training

weekend, during which both pupils and staff battled the elements

to develop and practise the necessary skills for their qualifying

expedition. We are thrilled that our sector-leading programme,

managed by Mr McConnell is back on track following lockdown!

Summer Fete - Thank you to everyone in the School community

who entered our competitions and supported the innovative stalls

at the recent Late Summer Fete. No masks, no social distancing

and no praying for a dry day were required because this event was

run entirely online – no surprises there!

At the heart of the Fete were four very special stalls run by SVI

pupils fundraising for their chosen charities: My Name’5 Doddie

Foundation; Glasgow Women’s Aid; Starter Packs Glasgow and

Look Good Feel Better. The sums raised are yet to be announced

but we wish to highlight the determination of our philanthropic

(and entrepreneurial) SVI pupils.

Virtual Open Days - We cannot wait to welcome prospective

families to St Columba’s online Open Day on Friday, 2nd October.

The Senior School event (Transitus to Senior VI) will start at 10.30am

and the Junior School event (Early Years to Junior 6) will start at

11.30am. Prospective families are, of course, welcome to attend

both. To register, please complete the online form on our website.

During your brief virtual visit, you will meet some of the key members

of staff who will accompany you on your Columban journey, not to

mention a number of our teaching staff - the inspirational individuals

who make our pupils’ time here so memorable and worthwhile.

We look forward to receiving your registration!

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Police/Fire/Ambulance 999

or 101 (non-emergency)

Gas Emergency 0800 111 999

Scottish Water 0800 077 8778

SEPA 0300 99 66 99

Floodline 0345 988 1188

Pollution Hotline 0800 80 70 60

Flytipping 0845 2 30 40 90

HOSPITALS

NHS 24 111

Royal Alexandra 0141 887 9111

Inverclyde Royal 01475 633777

Queen Elizabeth 0141 201 1100

Gartnavel 0141 211 3000

COUNCILS

Inverclyde 01475 717171

www.inverclyde.gov.uk/

Renfrewshire 0300 300 0300

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

usefuL NUMBERS

POLICE

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Police Scotland 01786 289070

ROADS

R.A.L.F 0800 37 36 35

Traveline 0871 200 2233

HELPLINES

Alcoholics Anon 0800 9177 650

Childline 0800 1111

Citizens Advice 0808 800 1007

Consumer Direct 0808 800 9060

Financial Conduct Authority

0800 111 6768

Missing People 116 000

ParentLine 0800 028 2233

Renfrewshire Care 24 0141 314 7148

or 0141 314 7147

Samaritans 116 123

Trading Standards 03454 04 05 06

Victim Support 0800 160 1985


Gryffe High News

Dance News

National 5 and Higher Dance are new courses running this year at

Gryffe High School. These courses cover various Dance styles such

as Hip Hop, Jazz and Contemporary. There is also an opportunity for

pupils to be creative when choreographing their own routines as part

of the final assessment.

So far, all dancers involved in National 5 and Higher Dance have

made fantastic progress. Despite dancing in the rain, our dancers

have worked hard to learn technical exercises in both Jazz and Hip

Hop, and they have started the choreography process demonstrating

commitment, determination and motivation towards Dance.

Well done dancers, keep up the excellent work!

Ms K. Thornton – Teacher of PE and Dance


Community Litter Picking

We are delighted to support our local community,

especially on a Friday to help the village be clean and

tidy for the weekend. We have ten teams of pupils, 2

teams out each afternoon. The picture shown is one of

our Friday teams.


Kilmacolm Golf Club

Our Club Championship weekend saw some outstanding golf from our top players, with our

gents and ladies finals contested by four players all playing off scratch handicaps, it is great to

have such quality golfers amongst us.

The Gents final was played between 12 times champion Andrew Farmer, and joint course record

holder Matthew Clark. Andy aiming to be the first Club Captain to be Club Champion but Matt

shattered his dream by outplaying his opponent and lifting the cup for a 3rd time.

The Ladies final was a family affair with the Briggs sisters doing battle. Reigning champion

Megan Briggs taking on Curtis Cup player and younger sister Eilidh Briggs. This was a real

tussle of a match with Megan sinking a great birdie putt on 16 to retain the Championship for

the 17th year in a row!!

Long time Kilmacolm member Roddy Hammond took on the new boy Les Pirie in the inaugural

Seniors Championship, playing for the Iain Nicolson Cup. With some great play from both men

it was Les who was victorious in the end.

The Junior Final saw a brilliant display of golf by Mackenzie Holmes and Alexander Farmer and

despite Alexander shooting a level par round (5 under his handicap) Mackenzie clinched the

trophy for the 4th year on the trot on the 18th green.

It has been a strange year for our new Professional Stuart Roberts, who joined us in March just

before lockdown, so we were delighted that we could finally hold our first big club event of the

year with our Captains’ / Pro Day. Over 150 members from all sections of the club took part on

a blustery day, but that didn’t affect the golf. We had a hole in one, on the Beat the Pro hole

and the Nearest the Pin, generously sponsored by FW Filshill Ltd. http://Flavourly.com, was

ridiculously close to another hole in one. Thanks to all the generous donations we are delighted

that we raised over £2000 for Down’s Syndrome Scotland on the day.

It has been a fantastic season, and we have welcomed many new members to the club over

the past few months, who have all been enjoying the course and facilities, if you would like to

join us, we have a range of memberships starting from only £500, there’s something to suit

everyone, whether you have time to play throughout the day every day, or if you have work

and family commitments where evenings and weekends suit you better. Visit the website for

more information: www.kilmacolmgolfclub.com/join/the-club

To keep up to speed with the latest news and events follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.

com/KilmacolmGolf/


Regular Meet

Classes

Move it or Lose it

We had hoped that by mid September

some of our classes would have

been able to recommence. Sadly,

things are proving more difficult with

guidelines constantly changing and

most halls still unavailable.

Class members should have received

a letter in the post or via email. If

you have expressed an interest in

returning then I will contact you

directly as soon as I have an exact

date. If you have not received your

letter and would like to return then

please contact me.

Take care and stay safe!

Fiona - 07811 766672

Jennifer Sloan Physiotherapy Led

Pilates


Wednesdays at 6.15pm - 7.15pm &

7.30pm - 8.30pm

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o b o o k

a class call Jennifer 07731 303709 or

email: jennifer-mcghee@hotmail.co.uk

Zumba Light

St Fillan’s Church, Kilmacolm

Mondays at 10am

All the fun and energy of Zumba but at a

lighter pace! Fabulous music, full of fun - a

fantastic class for for all levels. Contact Mo

07505 126416.

Rebok Step Class

Freeland’s Church Hall, B of W

Tuesdays at 10am - all levels

Tuesday at 6.45pm - all levels

A brilliant new Reebok Step class. Lots of

fun, fab music and a fantastic workout. Why

not come along and give it a go? Booking

essential. Contact Mo 07505 126416.

Due to current government advice many of the

classes which usually feature in this section have

been unable to resume for the time being. Check out

previous Advertizers on our website for various

class details and contact information.


Ranfurly Castle Golf Club

Finals Day at the Castle!

Good weather finally

greeted this years

participants on Finals

Day at the end of

September.

Some wonderful golf

was witnessed by some

good crowds(all socially

distancing of course!)

and congratulations go

to all the winners and

commiserations to the

runners up!

In the main events

Andy Cunningham

beat Darren Christie in

the Club Championship Final and Denise Cowan beat Jan McNab

to win her 5th Ladies Final. Joy McLeod beat Helen Abram in the

Bronze Trophy, and Hunter Paterson beat James Andrew in the

Senior Club Championship. There were also wins for Stephen Scott

Local Public DEFIBRILlATOR SITES

BISHOPTON

The Cornerstone, Greenock Road

Bishopton Community Centre

BROOKFIELD

Brookfield Village Hall Main Entrance

BRIDGE OF WEIR

Co-Op

Old Ranfurly Golf Club

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club

The Gate House, Bridge of Weir

Leather Works

ELDERSLIE

Elderslie Golf Club

HOUSTON

Outside Church Hall, Main Street

Co-Op

Strathgryffe Squash & Fitness Club

(Reception)

HOWWOOD

Howwood Hall, Station Road

Christ the King Church, Bowfield Road

The Boarding House (opening hours)

Some of these may have limited access. Please check with venue for full details.


JOHNSTONE

Keystore, Spateston

Keystore, Corseford

Johnstone Town Hall

Scottish Fire and Rescue, Thorn Brae

KILMACOLM

Kilmacolm Golf Club

St Columba’s Senior School

Gym, Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm

Kilmacolm Library (rear of New Surgery)

KILBARCHAN

Scout Hall

Kilbarchan Bowling Club

LINWOOD

Onyx Leisure Centre

Spar, Clippens Road

Asda

PAISLEY

Russell Institute

QUARRIERS

William Quarriers House at entrance

to Faith Avenue

Country View

in the Men’s Singles knockout and also

for Alistair Lyle in the Holms Plate.

The clubhouse has undertaken

extensive work in the past year and

the new professional shop (inside

the clubhouse)is now ready for

the arrival of a new prate General

Managers office has also been moved

downstairs, creating a much more

welcoming atmosphere.

New caterers too have now started

at the Castle and we wish Mandy and

her team all best for the future.

The golf course itself has stood up

beautifully to the various changes in

the elements that have been thrown

at it this year, and many thanks go

to Craig Drummond and his team for

presenting the course so well under

sometimes very difficult circumstances.

As we creep nearer towards the end of the golfing season, I know

we are all looking forward to 2021 with renewed energy and

enthusiasm. Please feel free to come and join us!

Your Local COUNCILLORS

WARD 9:

JOHNSTONE NORTH, KILBARCHAN,

HOWWOOD & LOCHWINNOCH

Cllr Derek Bibby:

E: cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk

T: 0300 300 1274 | M: 07534 156007

Cllr Bill Binks:

E: cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk

T: 0300 300 1423 | M: 07976 239 881

Cllr Andy Doig:

E: cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk

M: 07534 148224

Cllr Emma Rodden:

E: cllr.emma.rodden@renfrewshire.gov.uk

T: 0300 300 1431

WARD 10:

HOUSTON, CROSSLEE & LINWOOD

Cllr Audrey Doig:

E: cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk

M: 07768 130935

Cllr Alison Jean Dowling:

E: cllr.alison.dowling@renfrewshire.gov.uk

T: 0300 300 1419

Cllr Scott Kerr:

E: cllr.scott.kerr@renfrewshire.gov.uk

T: 0300 300 1424

Cllr James Sheridan:

E: cllr.james.sheridan@renfrewshire.gov.uk

T: 0300 300 1425

WARD 11:

BISHOPTON, LANGBANK & BRIDGE OF WEIR

Cllr James MacLaren:

E: cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk

T: 0300 300 1291

Cllr Natalie Don:

E: cllr.natalie.don@renfrewshire.gov.uk

T: 0300 300 1426

Cllr Colin McCulloch:

E: cllr.colin.mcculloch@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Tel: 0300 300 1427

WARD 1:

INVERCLYDE EAST

Cllr Christopher Curley:

E: christopher.curley@inverclyde.gov.uk

M: 07768 460073/01475 712370

Cllr Stephen McCabe:

E: Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk

T: 01475 712020 (office hours)

Cllr David Wilson:

E: david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk

T: 01475 741969 and 01475 712727

M: 07766 992294



business classified

WE ACCEPT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

TRADES AND SERVICES

ADVERTISING RATES

TRADES/ SERVICES/ PROPERTY/ VEHICLES

BOXED AD

£8.00* per column cm

PHOTO

£8.00* (vehicle/property sales only)

* Prices subject to VAT

SITUATIONS VACANT

Qualified Gentleman

seeks position in caring,

driving, befriending,

or small jobs, anything

considered.

Honest and trustworthy,

with high levels

of integrity and

confidentiality.

References supplied on

request.

Tel: 01475 792919, or

Mobile: 07748 233 734

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

PROPERTY TO LET

Houston registered

childminders. For an

informal chat to find your

best childcare, call Helen

Smith on 07952 390282

CHILDCARE

Kilmacolm/Quarriers area

registered childminders.

P/time or F/time

vacancies for u-5’s and

after school. T: 01505

873839.

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.

48-51 CLASSIFIED 310 OCTOBER 2020.indd 48 24/09/2020 11:53:44


sales & wants

ITEMS FOR SALE

CLOTHES & SHOES

Dickies lined groundwater

safety boots, size 11.

Excellent condition as

hardly worn. £15. Tel:

01505 672175.

Men’s pair of Frye’s formal

black leather shoes,

size 10 (come up small,

more like a 9). Excellent

condition as totally

unworn. £50. Tel: 01505

672175.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN

Cheval mirror dark wood.

£25. Tel: 07757 705188.

Le Creuset cast iron square

Grillit in Marseille (blue).

Good condition. £40.

Tel: 01505 672175.

Fireside Chair, Forrest

Furniture, high seat.

Good condition. Non

smoking household. £50.

Tel: 07757 705188.

2 Bar stools cream leather.

Perfect condition. £75.

Tel: 07757 705188.

B e e c h w o o d V e n e e r

Sideboard with 3 doors

and ample shelf space.

25.5” (H) x 5ft 2” (L) x 16”

(D). £80 ono. Tel: 07934

607953.

Multi circles mirror approx

89cm x 89cm (16 circles

in total, each 20cm in

diameter). Gold and

silver coloured metal.

Good condition. £60.

Tel: 01505 672175.

3 x polished brass window

stays. 250mm/10ins.


new and unused. £15. Tel:

01505 672175.

Beautiful large dining table

loved for over 50 years.

Very good condition.

£200 ono. Tel: 07757

705188.

2 Seater Chocolate Brown

Leather Sofa. Very Good

Condition. £150 ono.

Kilbarchan area.

01505 228267.

ELECTRICAL & GAS

DELIVERY PROBLEM?

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH!

Tel:

Philips digital voice recorder

(dictaphone). With

instructions and cable for

downloading digital files

onto computer. Good

condition. £15. Tel: 01505

672175.

41” Techwood TV. Very

good condition. £50. Tel:

07597 913000.

SPORTS

Proquip Golf Jacket &

Trousers, hardly worn.

Trouser length 29”. £50.

Tel: 07922 339218.

TECHNICAL & GAMES

Samsung 31” TV, black, vgc.

Would make excellent

gaming monitor. £20 .

Tel: 01505 612769.

Wooden inlaid chess board

(approx 45cm x 45cm).

Good condition. Smoke

free home. £15. Tel:

01505 672175.

OTHER ITEMS

Brand new steel car wheel

6JX15H2 and new Jinyu

tyre 185/60 R15. Stored

as spare wheel only. £80.

Tel: 07736 067169.

Guess ladies black hand

bag NEW. (H) 9.1/2 inches

x (W) 13.1/2 inches. £30

ono. Tel: 01505 614503.

Canon EOS 1000F

autofocus SLR (not

digital) camera with

Canon 28-90mm lens

(bought new), Canon

camera bag and original

instructions. GC. £30.

Tel: 01505 672175.

Stainless steel hip flask and

2 collapsible shot cups

in a presentation box.


unused. £10. Tel: 01505

672175.

WANTED ITEMS

Cash paid for Vinyl Records

and Music CDs (a few or

a lot). Tel: 01505 324683

or 07765 115347.

Old records Wanted 45`s

& LP`s CASH Paid. Tel:

07710 777571.

Local lily grower requires

the use of a greenhouse/

polytunnel in Kilmacolm

area in return for light

gardening duties. Tel:

Vince 01505 872082.

FREE CYCLE

Garden chair cushions 4

x 15” x 15”, 2 x 19” x 42”.

Cream and candy stripe.

Reply to: 07906 529716.


01505 613340

WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK/DELIVERY-FEEDBACK

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.



ads directory by Category

Accountants &

Financial

Affluent Financial Planning . . 13

CLA Accountancy Services . . . 37

Architectural

Services

CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 43

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Automotive Services

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

AK Vehicle Rental . . . . . . . . . 22

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Bathrooms

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 29

Instyle Kitchens & Bathrooms . . 31

Bedrooms

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 13

Blacksmith &

Metalwork

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 25

Building Services

Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 21

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 9

I & J Building & Roofing . . . 9

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 23

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 13

KC Roofing & Building Services . . 11

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 36

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 33

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 25

SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 25

SW Scott - Joiners & Builders . . 37

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 43

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 43

Cleaning &

PowerWash

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 37

Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 43

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 36

Gryffe Carpet Cleaning . . . . . 23

NOVEMBER DEADLINE




01505 613340


Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 7


Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 31

Cycle Repair

F4 Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Driveways

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Education

St Columba’s School . . . . . . . . 45

Electricians

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

MAS Electrical & Security . . 43

Russell Milne Electrician . . 23

Equestrian

Integrated Animal Therapy Vets . . 19

Fencing

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 25

Firewood & Logs

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Funeral Services

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 7

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 11

Furniture

Restoration

Chairbird Upholstery . . . . . . . 37

Garage Doors & Gates

Garolla Roller Shutter Doors . . 33

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Garden Service &

Design

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 15

Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 15

Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11


Craig Kennedy Gardening . . . . 15

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 15


Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 17

R Williams Tree Services . . . 18

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 17

West of Scotland Landscape . . 18

Gas & Heating

Services

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 11

Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 33

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 23

Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 36

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 29

Glazier

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 11

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Hairdressers &

Barbers

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 43

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 23

Health, Beauty &

Fitness

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 43

Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 25

Kilbarchan Dental Practice . . 29

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Home Hardware

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,27

Home Improvements

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 15

Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 15



Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 25

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 21

The Bath Works . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Home Interiors




Joiners

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 11



M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 33

McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 37




TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Kitchens

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 29





Locksmiths

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Painters &

Decorators

A Gallagher Painter&Decorator . . 36

Andrew Hay Painter & Decorator . . 21

James Martin - Painter & Decor . . 23

John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 25

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Ranfurly Decor . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Pest Control

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 29

Pet Services &

Training

Contented Cats . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Integrated Animal Therapy Vets . . 19

PetVets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Photographers

Your Pets Portrait . . . . . . . . . 19

Plasterers

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 23



Contact us!


@GRYFFEADS

Plumbers

C Hunter Plumbing Heating Gas . . 11

Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 33

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 23

Mackie Plumbing & Heating . . 36

Property, Sales & Let

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 21

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 7

Re-Max . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Refuse & Clearance

Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Removals

@ease Removals & Transport . . 25

Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Retail

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26,27

Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Roofing

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 21

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 23

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 9







Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 43

Solicitors

Dallas McMillan Solicitors . . 21

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 7

Special Occasions

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Stoves


Taxis

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Tiling

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 37

Tree Surgeon

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 15

Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 18

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

R Williams Tree Services . . . 18

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 17

TV & Satellite

Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 11

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 25

Upholstery Services


Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 43


Window Cleaners

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 37



Matthews Cleaning Services . . 43

Window, Consv &

Repair

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 11

TD Cameron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

1st Floor, Neva Place

Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN


01505 613340

Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 9am - 4pm

Friday

9am - 12:30pm

Not open for visitors

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

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

contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the publishers. The Gryffe Advertizer

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




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310 OCTOBER 2020 - Gryffe Advertizer

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