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315 JULY 2021 - Gryffe Advertizer

The Advertizer – Your local community magazine to the Gryffe area. The Advertizer is a local business directory including a what’s on guide and other local information and an interesting mix of articles.

The Advertizer – Your local community magazine to the Gryffe area. The Advertizer is a local business directory including a what’s on guide and other local information and an interesting mix of articles.

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No.315:

July 2021

L O C A L NE W S F O R: • B R I D G E OF WE I R

• B R O O K F I E L D

• H O U S T O N

• H O W W O O D

• K I L B A R C H A N

• K I L M A C O L M

• L A N G B A N K

• L O C H W I N N O C H

• Q U A R R I E R S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

P I C K U P Y O U R FREE C O P Y


Getting back into the swing...

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

COVER IMAGE:

Super Girl Freya & her Super

Dog Ludo

Next Deadline:

14th July 2021

for the AUGUST 21 issue

July is usually a quiet month for the Advertizer with people on holiday and schools closed.

This year, schools are closed for summer, but with current restrictions, not many are

getting to jet off to sunny countries. The great British stay-home holiday has really taken

off though. And going by the limited supplies at the trade depots, lots of you have been

upgrading your gardens to allow for visitors. So whether you’re staying home or staying

within the UK, we hope you have a lovely summer holiday.

We think we’re getting back on track to bring you your monthly dose of local news

and events. Our wonderful advertising clients have supported us throughout and we are

delighted that there are actually some LIVE events to tell you about. If we’ve missed any

out we’re sorry - please make sure you get your details to us in plenty of time for our

August 2021 issue. The deadline will be Wednesday 14th July.

Visitors to our office are still off limits but we would be delighted to hear from you via

email or social media, or leave a phone message, and we will get back to you as soon as

we can.

Please also keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.

Shop local - support your community!

Contact us:

01505 613340

info@advertizer.co.uk

www.advertizer.co.uk

@gryffeads

1st floor, Neva Place,

Bridge of Weir

PA11 3PN

Previous issues available online:

www.advertizer.co.uk/online-issue/

CONTENTS

investment in renfrewshire 04

Gryffe High watch the euros 04

Digital Schools Award 06

selected for GB&NI athletics 06

Digit Day at Houston Primary 06

barochan cross 08

Fairtrade in Inverclyde 08

Gryffe Rotary news 10

play parks £520K investment 10

village news 12-25

Tales of Ochwinnay 17

Host - Carrick Centre 22

Houston Agricultural Show 24-25

The Greenbelt Grab 26

Out & about 28-33

All about the bees 30

Parkhill-Johnshill loop walk 33

Clubs & Schools 34-41

Regular meets 41

Coming events 42-47

classified ads 48

Sales & Wants 49

Advertizer ads directory 50

History spot 51


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 3


£8million investment

The £8million investment this year by Renfrewshire Council forms

part of a £47million six-year investment in Renfrewshire’s roads

network - the largest of its kind ever in Renfrewshire.

There will be upgrades in every town and village in Renfrewshire

as roads and footways are either fully resurfaced, restored ahead

of future resurfacing or minor repairs carried out. The programme

also captures any projects from 2020 which were delayed due to

the restrictions in place during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s

Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, visited the

works at Dean Park Road in Renfrew and outlined the Council’s

commitment to providing a safe roads network.

Councillor McEwan said: “We recognise how important our roads

network is for those who live, work and visit Renfrewshire which is

why we’ve made this record investment to improve and upgrade

our roads and footways. The £8million investment this year will

take us to more than £30million invested in our roads network over

the past four years.

“We recognise that providing a safe, smooth surface for our drivers

is vital, but also for our cyclists and pedestrians as the pandemic

continues to encourage more people to walk and cycle instead of

using their cars. We’re confident that there is a noticeable difference

in the quality of our roads network and that it’s improving yearon-year

and I’m looking forward to seeing the latest investment

continue this improvement.”

As well as the resurfacing programme, the Council also ensure

that all potholes reported are visited as soon as possible and the

required work carried out as required, with the most extensive

potholes completed within 24 hours.

The street in which the initial pothole is reported is also checked

for further potholes to ensure that all the work can be carried out

by the roads team in the same visit where possible. For a full list of

the roads and footways set for investment in 2021/22, visit: www.

renfrewshire.gov.uk/Roads2021-22.

Cathy McEwan, Convener

of Renfrewshire Council’s

Infrastructure, Land and

Environment Policy Board

local community, local life ............... 4

Gryffe High News

Pupils enjoy the Euros

To mark the historic occasion of Scotland qualifying for a men’s

major tournament for the first time in 23 years, Mr Johnson

allowed pupils to watch their first game in school on Monday

14th June. This came after discussion with colleagues and

Renfrewshire Council. It has not been the easiest of years for

everyone and also coincided with the assessments finishing for

seniors. Pupils (and staff) were encouraged to wear something

national with proceeds of donations going to charity. The result

was a little disappointing for Scotland, but there was a lovely

atmosphere around the school. The music department even had

their own version of ‘Yes Sir, I can Boogie’ which was endorsed

with a message from Scotland player, John McGinn.

Mr Johnson said, ‘It seemed

very appropriate to allow

pupils to relax and enjoy

the game. It was time to

bring in an afternoon of fun.

Lunch was brought forward

to ensure that classes were

settled for the anthems.

Haggis, neeps and tatties

were on the lunch menu and

we were also selling cans

of Irn Bru and Tunnock’s

Caramel Wafers and

Teacakes.

“We needed a little fun back

after such difficult times

and this gave us a great

opportunity to do just that.

Some enthusiastic pupils

stayed behind for the last 10

minutes of the game, always

hopeful. It is back to our new

timetable now and pupils

will be back working to take

them up to the summer

term.’


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 5


Digital Schools Award

Written by the News Team (Alexander, Anya, Daisy and Rhys)

We are excited to announce that Bridge of Weir Primary School

has won a Digital Schools Award! The award, which is supported

by Microsoft, Intel, HP, and Education Scotland, is a three-step

programme to help schools assess their progress, and recognise

excellence in the use of digital technology.

We have won this award because we have successfully turned

Bridge of Weir Primary into a Digital School. A new platform built

by the News Team, Netbooks, has helped this. It gives pupils

personalised recommendations for books to read, and even gives

previews of those books. The results are filtered by the pupil’s

Renaissance reading age and the topics they’ve selected. The

platform will hopefully launch very soon.

We have also been using our new Chromebooks during lessons

to use our new Google tools, like Jamboard and Google Docs.

Every class in the upper school (Primary 4 to 7) has been allotted

weekly slots, and Chromebooks are always available for taking

Renaissance tests within the ICT suite. This article was written

on a Chromebook! Here’s what out pupils think about the

Chromebooks.

“I love the Chromebooks! They’re very easy when you’re used to

it. When I was in the school during lockdown, I used Chromebooks

every day – they were very helpful for everything,” said one

pupil.

“They’re cool, and they’re small and portable too. I love the

touchscreen features too!” said another.

“The Chromebooks are so useful during lessons – we can all

collaborate on one thing, which helps with sharing ideas,”

responded another.

You can read more about the Digital Schools Scotland award

online at news.tiny.us/award. Well done to everyone who worked

so hard to help us win this award!

local community, local life ............... 6

Senior VI Pupil Selected for Team

GB & NI Under 20’s Athletics Team

Congratulations to Jack P (SVI) at St Columba’s School, who has

been selected to compete as part of Great Britain and Northern

Ireland Under 20’s athletics team after having recorded a record

time (6 seconds faster than the European qualifying standard) for

3000m.

This is a key opportunity for jack which will prepare him for his

journey towards possible Olympic success. Good luck, Jack!

NSPCC Digit Day at Houston Primary

We were absolutely amazed at the creative costumes our pupils

and parents designed for Digit Day. We raised an amazing £618

to support the NSPCC. Thank you to all those who donated so

generously. The pupils and staff had a great day of ‘digit’ fun!


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 7


The Sad Removal of Barochan Cross

From 1965 to 1975, I spent most of my holidays at my grandmother’s

small cottage situated between Bishopton and Houston. One of our

favourite walks was to wander along the Barochan Road and climb

the hill on which the old Barochan Cross was sited. The views were

splendid and the characters carved across the surface of the cross

testified to its ancient origins. Inscrutable and solid, it had stood

on the hill after being moved there in 1790 on the orders of local

laird, Fleming of Barochan, where it served as a romantic fixture on

his estate. Before then, it was situated on the road next to the old

mill just below the hill. Some believe that it testified to the prowess

of the old Kings of Strathclyde for whom it was probably created,

but it was also a well-known way marker on the road towards the

crossing across the River Clyde a few miles away. In 1977, I was

distressed to learn that it had been removed by the Department of

Ancient Monuments for restoration. Admittedly, the carvings had

been somewhat eroded, but I fully expected it to be reinstated on

top of the hill after restoration had taken place. Unfortunately, a few

years later, the cross was moved to Paisley Abbey where it remains

today. All that remains is the base of the cross. To my mind, this has

tamed much of the power of the cross, for it serves as a curated

heritage object rather than a vital part of a local landscape.

As a geography professor at Manchester Metropolitan University,

I am carrying out research about this recent history with the aim

of writing a paper on the topic. I would be delighted if any readers

local community, local life ............... 8

could share any stories they might have about their own visits to

the cross. Also, I know that my misgivings about the cross’s removal

were shared by many local folk, and I would be very interested

in any opinions that readers might have about this and perhaps

its possible future reinstatement on top of the hill. Some have

suggested that a copy be made for this purpose.

If you would like to share your stories and opinions, my email is

t.edensor@mmu.ac. I’d be most grateful and will acknowledge you

in the article I intend to publish.

The base of Barochan Cross still remains on top of Barochan Hill.

By Professor Tim Edensor

A decade of Fairtrade in Inverclyde

The district has been a recognised Fairtrade area since 2013 and the latest extension secured

by the council will run until 2023. The status acknowledges the work locally, including by the

Inverclyde Fairtrade Steering Group led by retired school teacher Morag Paul.

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms

of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.

Provost Martin Brennan, who is also vice-convener of education, said: “It’s an honour for

Inverclyde to be a Fairtrade zone and to be recognised for the work being done to support

farmers and workers in developing countries in getting a fair price for their goods and services.

I’d like to congratulate Morag Paul from the Inverclyde Fairtrade Steering Group for all her

efforts in promoting Fairtrade.”

Among the things highlighted in the renewal confirmation was the successful ‘pop-up’ shop at

the Watt Institution last year run by the steering group and backed by the council, Inverclyde’s

support for the annual ‘Fairtrade Fortnight’ and work in local schools to promote Fairtrade,

with many being recognised for their efforts.

Morag Paul said: “Children and young people become very engaged with the concept of

fairness, and understand the need to promote equality, equity and sustainability in their lives

and beyond. Our schools do a brilliant job inspiring their pupils with these issues”.

Inverclyde became a Fairtrade zone at the first time of applying in late 2013 and was the

first local authority in Scotland to sign up to the International Fairtrade Charter and is also a

member of the Scottish Fairtrade Forum. The renewal of the status will support the work being

done by the council examining historical links to the transatlantic slave trade.


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 9


Gryffe Valley Rotary

MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

There is now a campaign to attract local business people. Local businesses can become

Corporate Members of the Club and their nominees join in our activities to support the

community. If you are interested, please email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com and we will talk

to you about the opportunities which Rotary brings.

ROTARY PLANNING

The planning cycle for the new Rotary year from 1st July has begun. It started with the training

of the President-Elect (Mike Farley) and next year’s Convenors. Rotary is putting emphasis

on “Shaping the road to recovery” from COVID and clubs are being encouraged to develop

projects – home or abroad – to help people and communities recover. Already the END POLIO

Infrastructure is helping with COVID vaccination programmes. The committee convenors for

the coming year (Ronnie Mercer – Community Services, Allan Gilfillan - International Services

and John Douglas – Youth Services and Andrew Macleman – Social) are making their plans. The

club is interested to hear from local organisations how we might help and interested in setting

up joint projects. Please email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com and we will talk to you.

WALKING GROUPS

Gryffe Valley Rotary is developing a project to encouraging walking and would like to make

contact with as many local walking groups as possible. Please email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.

com and tell us about your group and provide contact details.

CHARITY ACCOUNT

During the period of lockdown while the club has been meeting on-line members have been

generously donating the money that they would normally have spent on meals and drinks at

the River Inn to the Rotary charity account. In total to date over £8,000 has been collected this

way, and this has allowed the club to continue its charitable activities.

£1,000 has been donated to St Vincent’s Hospice to support the excellent local facility. “Clean

water and sanitation” is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus for humanitarian service and

the club gave £600 to Aquabox which provides clean drinking water in emergency situations.

£1,000 was donated to Mary’s Meals, and £500 to Freedom from Fistula (The club’s donations

of £1,500 over three years have been topped up to £3,000 by a matching grant from Rotary

Foundation!).

SPEAKER MEETINGS

Members and guests have enjoyed an excellent Spring fortnightly programme of speakers,

including George English on “The Voyage of the Mayflower”, Jim Dorward (welcomed back

again) on “Local Railway Infrastructure” and Graham Forsyth on the trip he and his late wife had

enjoyed to Nepal and the book he had published about it, based on his wife’s writing.

Fifteen members and guests also participated in an on-line Whisky tasting event on 19th May.

We sampled five drams from five different Scottish islands. A good night was had by all!

The speaker on 26th May was Bill Campbell of Alloway Rotary. He is District Secretary for the

West of Scotland and Humanitarian Service Team Co-Leader for Rotary in Great Britain and

Ireland and spoke about the challenges facing Rotary and new opportunities for service.

CLIMATE CHANGE

It is hoped to arrange a sub-programme of speakers on topics related to Climate Change in the

period up to the climate change summit in Glasgow in November. Guests will be welcome.

The club is participating in a national Rotary art competition for primary school children to

design a poster on Climate Change. All local schools are invited to participate. The club will

award prizes to the best two entries from each school and then choose the winning entries to

submit to the West of Scotland competition.

local community, local life ............... 10

Play parks in

Renfrewshire

receive £520,000

investment

Community projects to improve green

spaces, sports facilities and play areas

in Renfrewshire will receive more than

£520,000 from Renfrewshire Council’s

Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas

and Villages Investment Fund.

The fund is open to community groups

from across Renfrewshire to submit

ideas for local improvements and the

Council works with them to complete

their applications.

Councillors have already approved

projects which include upgraded

tennis courts and a brand-new Multiuse

Games Area (MUGA) in Langbank,

a new outdoor gym in Ferguslie Park

Gardens and a brand-new community

park in Spateston.

Play parks in Elderslie, Lochwinnoch,

Houston and Paisley are also set for

improvements, as are a new shelter in

Howwood Park and upgrades to the

sensory garden in Maxwellton Park.

Two environmental projects have been

funded which will see the Tuecheen

Ancient Woods in Inchinnan and the

Rossland Circle in Bishopton purchased

by community groups and developed

into community green spaces for

residents and visitors to enjoy.

Three projects have already been

awarded £5,000 through delegated

authority and will see an upgrade to

Kilbarchan Community Garden, a new

boundary fence for St Mirren YFC to

protect the playing fields and a bank

of gardening tools provided to the

West End Growing Grounds to ensure

everyone has access to equipment

regardless of financial circumstances.

For more information on the fund,

visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

GreenSpacesFund


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 11


local community, local life ............... 12

village news

The Bridge

www.thebridgebridgeofweir.com

The year marches on - we are just about to order the Bridge of

Weir calendar for 2022. As always we are very grateful to the

members of The Paisley Colour Photographic Club for producing

the picturesque images. We anticipate the calendar will be on sale

from mid to late September.

Shop - For all your purchases of stationery, greeting cards, and

pocket money toys please support The Bridge where our volunteers

work hard to meet your needs.

Post Office - are you struggling to find a suitable gift for a special

occasion? A gift card which can be exchanged in many outlets

may be the answer. Please ask Donald, Alison or Fiona for more

information.

Hearing Aid Batteries continue to be available on the production

of the appropriate user card. Please ask the volunteer on duty to

assist.

Our Gardens - as mentioned last time we appreciate the time and

talent of the members of Brighter Bridge of Weir in keeping our

front garden looking colourful.

Do you enjoy working in the open air? Why not help in the

Community Garden behind the Bridge. Please contact Janet Birch

via the volunteers for details.

As always, we thank you for your support - The Bridge is your Post

Office, Shop and Community Centre in the centre of the village.

(Opening Hours: Mon – 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm; Tues to

Sat – 10am to 1pm)

Christian Aid Week

2021

Wow! Thank you, yet again, Bridge of Weir! After a difficult year

last year because of the pandemic, this year’s Christian Aid Week

(10th – 16th May) really bounced back in style – thanks to you.

Although we were able to reintroduce the traditional “red envelope”

house-to-house collection in a limited number of streets, it is clear

that many people prefer the convenience of donating on line. So, we

created a dedicated Bridge of Weir Christian Aid Week “e-envelope”

for online donations. Between the traditional envelope and the

online “e-envelope” we received over 460 donations. Once gift

aid was added, these donations raised over £6,900. But the real

icing on the cake was the fantastic contribution of two of the BB

boys who took part in “Scotland’s Virtual Kiltwalk” to raise money

for Christian Aid. With the top-up kindly provided by the Hunter

Foundation, their walk raised nearly £1,500. Finally, we had a small

village stall on the Saturday at the end of the week where we sold

plants and received more donations – raising a further £260. In

total, the magnificent sum of £8,719 was raised for Christian Aid.

So, huge thanks are due to all the volunteers from Freeland Church

and St Machar’s Ranfurly Church who helped to make it all happen,

and to the members of St Mary’s Church who held a retiring

collection. But most of all, thanks are due to all the people who

kindly donated.

Christian Aid regards poverty as an outrage against humanity.

It robs people of their dignity and lets injustice thrive. For over

70 years, Christian Aid has been standing with the poorest of our

neighbours. It works in nearly 30 countries, with people of all faiths

and none, to stand up for dignity, equality and justice.

Please take some time to go to the web site (https://www.

christianaid.org.uk/our-work/about-us ) to learn about Christian

Aid’s aims, activities and beliefs.

Thank you, again, Bridge of Weir.

Dave Macdonald


WARD 11

Cllr James W.H. MacLaren

Congratulations to the team who managed to get

funding for a new MUGA on the old tennis court in Langbank. I

hope it proves to be very successful. Voices are being raised in

Bishopton asking if they can get one too. Funding is also available

for playpark improvements.

I’m not very impressed with the new shared footpath from Bridge

of Weir to Houston. Surely the bleeding obvious that bollards that

are easily removed, will be. Not many left standing now. Just wish

council had looked to a longer term solution by building a cycle

track on the field side of the wall. I will keep calling for this.

I understand the annoyance residents feel when they see their

recycling bin being emptied into the same wagon as their general

waste. Hopefully just a one off occasion in Langbank recently but

it isn’t the first time this has happened. I heard a very interesting

webinar about the recycling process in Renfrewshire and the

organiser would be willing to give a talk to my constituents.

Interested? Please let me know.

I pride myself on responding promptly to all correspondence I

receive. I have discovered that some emails go to junk while others

are marked as read before I have seen them. So I don’t have a lot

of faith in the council’s computer systems. Please, if you don’t get a

reply from me, can I ask that you call me so I can respond.

No surgeries at present but I hope they will be starting up again

soon. My mobile number is 07534 148794 or you can email me cllr.

james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk

Working with you and improving our local area. Please feel free to

contact me with any of your concerns, and I am happy to meet with

you at a mutually convenient time. If there is something that you

would like me to write about more often then please drop me a line.

It is always good to get feedback, particularly of the positive kind.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 13


School Crossing Patrol Recruitment

As some of you in the community may be aware, we have been

experiencing issues in maintaining a full School Crossing Patrol

presence in the Kilmacolm area.

School Crossing Patrollers are very valued members of our community

and many parents rely on patrollers on a daily basis to enable their

children to travel to and from school safely. Our bank of Sessional

School Crossing Patrollers is at an all-time low and we are keen to

recruit new patrollers from the Kilmacolm community.

If you, or you know someone, who may be able to work as a patroller,

or, if we can give you further information, please contact Inverclyde

Council Road Safety Officers, Eileen Bell on (01475) 715985 or Jane

Brown on (01475) 715987.

We hope you can help us find this special person within the local

community.

CHURCH Union

Councillor David Wilson reports, “Members of the Glasgow Presbytery

visited Kilmacolm to help decide the decision on which sanctuary would

be used following the Union of St Columba Church and Kilmacolm Old

Church.

“Their report was comprehensive, that merited a very difficult decision.

They recommended Kilmacolm Old and its fine manse. I am an elder

in the Old Kirk but have always felt at home in both churches and

been made welcome in both. The outcome will now go to a vote of

both congregations. That is Presbyterian democracy at work. People

are first.”

Planning deadline - Kilmacolm

Meadow

Inverclyde Council has published the draft Local Development Plan

(LDP) and the consultation period is coming to a close.

Kilmacolm Residents Association and the SAVE Kilmacolm Meadow

team have been working tirelessly to convince the Council to remove

R61 West of Quarry Drive (Kilmacolm Meadow) from the proposed LDP

and to reinstate the Green Belt Boundary to the previous location.

The proposed plan is available to view on the Council website at www.

inverclyde.gov.uk/newldp and responses can be submitted by email to

ldp@inverclyde.gov.uk with the subject heading ‘Local Development

Plan’, or by completing the representation form or e-form available

at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/newldp, or in writing to Planning Policy,

Regeneration & Planning, Municipal Buildings, Clyde Square, Greenock,

PA15 1LY

For more information please visit the KRA page at https://www.

kilmacolmra.co.uk/ or the SAVE Kilmacolm Meadow page at https://

www.facebook.com/groups/545961396409923

local community, local life ............... 14

ward 1 - inverclyde

Cllr David Wilson

PLANNING: The disastrously unsuccessful self

builds in Leperstone Avenue have become an eyesore and we

need a resolution. Residents in the Avenue had a horrible time

with the builders trying to peck into rock. They now often

cannot access their houses because of dog walkers, many

from outside the village.

We had the good news that the appeal by Gladman/ Quarriers

against our decision to refuse the Carsemeadow housing

application was refused. The Taylor Wimpy application at

Plannetreeyetts was refused but the McTaggart and Mickell

application was granted by my colleagues following an

officers recommendation to approve. The latter decision has

been a disappointment to many with Kilmacolm Civic Trust

and Kilmacolm Residents Association putting up a stern fight.

I remain personally opposed to major developments in the

Greenbelt. Development of Quarry Drive will still leave ample

space for any enlargement of the Cemetery.

I have had much representation regarding the current capacity.

A new granite bench has been placed in the cemetery on which

you can have the name of a loved one on a plaque. There is a

fee, and the duration is 20 years. There is not enough room for

everybody who would like to donate a bench.

INSTITUTE BUILDING: The situation of the incomplete

development at the Institute is now becoming outrageous.

The Council cannot accelerate the completion of a project

once it has been commenced. Life has been miserable for

many living down Smithy Brae. We need a fairy godfather

developer to buy the site and finish the job.

BUSES: I am pleased that after much lobbying the 530 McGills

Buses service now runs to the Port Glasgow Retail Park and

Knapps Loch. The No 1 bus from Kilmacolm to Johnstone has

been subsidised by SPT for a further 4 years from July. SPT

is contributing to enhance Port Glasgow Station accessibility.

The Park and Ride, another SPT project was starting to fill up

before the pandemic.

DOG FOULING: After complaints, dog fouling notices are being

placed at Birkmyre Park. The use of herbicides on verges and

around trees is to stop facial accidents caused by stones and

strimming.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Mike Jefferis has stood down as Chair

of the Community Council. We owe him a debt for his service

and welcome Morven Armour to the role. We are fortunate

to have capable residents who are happy to put themselves

forward for community service.

I can be contacted at david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk 07766

992294 01475 741969,712975.


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 15

Kilmacolm Library 10th anniversary

BOOKWORMS in Kilmacolm are celebrating the 10th

anniversary of the village library.

The facility opened on 31st May 2011 as part of the new Kilmacolm

Community Centre, also known as The Cargill Centre, following a

£2.2 million restoration of a former Victorian school building which

was part-funded by Inverclyde Council.

Over the past decade, the library has welcomed on average 25,500

visitors each year and issued over 160,000 books. The best read

adult novel has been ‘Entry Island’ by Peter May and Nick Sharratt’s

‘Shark in the Park!’ the most popular children’s title.

Since opening in 2011, the library has also hosted 455 Bookbug

sessions involving more than 9,000 children and almost 8,600

adults on average.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, depute leader of Inverclyde Council and

convener of education and communities, said: “It’s incredible to

think that it’s been ten years already since Kilmacolm Library first

opened its doors. The library has been established as a key part

of the village and a rich resource for people of all ages to enjoy

reading, take part in classes, access computers and the internet,

and study.”

Councillor Martin Brennan, Provost of Inverclyde and vice-convener

of education, said: “In an age of computers, internet, tablets and

mobile phones, there’s still great pleasure to be had from reading

a humble book.”

The Library offers free access to books, newspapers, computers,

wireless internet (Wi-Fi) and study spaces, with regular events and

activities for adults and children, such as Bookbug, ‘crafternoon’

sessions, ‘zoolab’, computer classes, author nights, ‘chatty café’ and

creative writing workshops.

Following the recent easing of national Covid-19 restrictions, people

can now resume browsing in most libraries across Inverclyde, albeit

on a limited basis.

Bookings are also being taken for PC use and services such as

‘Connect and Collect’, ‘Books on Wheels’ and ‘Device Advice’, which

were launched near the start of the pandemic while facilities were

closed, are also continuing to support people with access to books

and provide help with basic technological troubles.

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01505 863 863 www.nutechcleaning.co.uk


local community, local life ............... 16

Lochwinnoch International Aid and

Fairtrade News

Our offering of plants in exchange for donations continues. So, 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.

Alternatively if you have spare plants looking for a good home you

can drop them off at the same spot.

At our last meeting in May we decided to donate £200 to the

charity “STOP THE TRAFFIK”. This is a pioneer in human trafficking

prevention. It is working to unite people around the world by

inspiring, informing, equipping and mobilising communities to know

what human trafficking is, know how to identify it and know how to

respond appropriately if they saw it.

STOP THE TRAFFIK was founded in 2006 as a campaign coalition

to bring an end to human trafficking worldwide. Despite the

tremendous work by so many in the sector, global estimates on

human trafficking show the crime increasing not decreasing. “As

important as it is to rescue victims and prosecute traffickers, we

will never put an end to human trafficking if that’s all we do. We

need to prevent”.

In 2017, Scottish Government reported that victims of trafficking

had been identified in 27 of the 32 local authority areas. In 2017, 213

persons were referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)

from Scotland. Globally 71% of human trafficking victims are women

and girls and 29% are men and boys. Since 2012, 282 children and

young people from 33 countries have been referred to the NRM

from Scotland. The largest numbers identified were from South

East Asia, East Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, with Vietnamese

nationals accounting for 53% of all those referred.

A charity we donate to on a monthly basis is Mary’s Wheels. The

origins of the charity go back to 1983 when 2 brothers from Argyll

began charitable work in Bosnia Herzegovina. Over the years the

charity grew and changed its focus and became Mary’s wheels.

Their vision is that every child receives one daily meal in their place

of education and that all those who have more than they need,

share with those who lack even the most basic things. Their school

feeding programmes are owned and run by community volunteers

in the countries where they provide food. For example, there are

over 80,000 volunteers in Malawi who take turns to prepare, cook

and serve the daily meal in each school. They work in 19 countries

around the world.

Our 90 kilo Kilombero rice challenge continues and bags are still

available in the Heritage Farmers Market at £3.75 per kg

We are still unable to resume any fundraising events but we continue

to receive money via our regular monthly subscription scheme and

we are always ready to welcome new members.

Individual donations are also welcome. You can do this using “Just

Giving” which you can access via our Facebook page (Lochwinnoch

International Aid & Fairtrade). You can also get in touch through

lochintaid@gmail.com or telephone 07702 544868.


Explore Lochwinnoch’s history

and legends

A collection of short stories inspired

by the Lochwinnoch countryside

have launched online this week,

thanks to funding received from

Renfrewshire Council.

‘Tales from Ochwinnay’, created

by local authors Lyn McNicol and

Laura Jackson, was designed to

provide a free story-telling resource

for children across Renfrewshire,

helping to nurture reading skills during a

time where live story-telling events are unable to take place. The

five short videos were filmed on location in Lochwinnoch and

feature original illustrations created for each story.

The project has been supported by Renfrewshire’s Artist

Development Grant, launched in 2020 as part of Renfrewshire’s

Cultural Recovery and Renewal Fund to support Renfrewshire’s

cultural sector in adapting to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Artist Development Grants are supporting artists who live or

work in Renfrewshire to continue their practice at a time when their

livelihoods are threatened.

Author Lyn McNicol said: “This support has been a much-needed

boost to our creativity. In pre-pandemic years we have toured over

1,500 schools, libraries and festivals for author events with our

existing book series. In March 2020 our live sessions stopped so

we were a bit lost. I was hospitalised in February this year with a

serious illness and whilst in hospital, also tested positive for Covid-

19. This project has helped hugely in my recovery and in reminding

us both, as authors, of what we do best. “

Author and illustrator Laura Jackson said: “Renfrewshire’s Artist

Development Grant has been invaluable in allowing our creativity

to blossom again. The stories were great fun to write and I was

able to utilise my illustration – which was a joy. Creating the videos

in Parkhill Woods was a taste once again of our live events, even

though our audience this time, was mostly birds!”

Renfrewshire’s Cultural Recovery and Renewal Fund is part of

Future Paisley, a radical and wide-ranging cultural regeneration

programme, and is administered by Renfrewshire Leisure on behalf

of Renfrewshire Council.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure said:

“The Artist Development Grants were designed to allow our local

professional artists to continue with their work during this difficult

time and it is great to see our cultural sector beginning to thrive once

again. ‘Tales from Ochwinnay’ is a fantastic resource that can be

used across Renfrewshire and beyond in homes, nurseries, schools

and libraries to nurture reading and inspire our young people to try

some creative writing and story-telling of their own.”

Access online at: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/talesfromochwinnay

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 17


Kilbarchan Parish Church

As the Government has started the gradual easing of Coronavirus

restrictions, so we have been able to begin making changes to our

Sunday in-church worship, which takes place at 11 a.m..

Although the 2-metre social-distancing rule remains in place, we

are now permitted to use the gallery, meaning we can increase our

capacity, significantly, to a maximum of 61.

We have taken the opportunity to designate certain locations

as suitable for family groups and couples who wish to be seated

together and hope that this will prove popular.

Booking of places is still recommended – this can be done between

Monday and Thursday for the following Sunday’s service.

Please book a place by emailing bookings.kpc@gmail.com or by

texting or phoning 07876 201096 and provide your name and a

contact number.

Our regular Sunday Reflections continue and can be found via the

church website https://kilbarchankirk.org also on our Facebook

page and on Youtube.

You can also access the Reflections by telephone on 01505

805893.

While congregational singing is not yet permitted, we expect this

to be possible when the next major easing of restrictions is made.

However, we are now able to have musical contributions from other

singers and musicians, in addition to our organ music.

There have been further encouraging announcements from the

Government in recent days, which will enable us make services

closer to the normal experience.

We believe we have created a safe, welcoming environment for

worship and look forward to seeing you in church in the near

future.

AUGUST Deadline Date:

Wednesday 14TH JULY

contact info@advertizer.co.uk

local community, local life ............... 18

Kilbarchan and District Christian

Aid Group

Fundraising during Christian Aid Week

this year was rather different from our

traditional approach.

Our team of volunteers was boosted with

extra helpers and as a result we were able

to deliver donation envelopes to more households in Kilbarchan

and Brookfield than in recent years. We decided that we would not

re-visit houses to uplift donations, but rely on folk to donate via

our JustGiving page or drop off their donations at a central point

in both villages.

There was a steady stream of donors on Saturday 15th May,

dropping off envelopes and enjoying an opportunity to chat.

The result has been amazing. The total raised from the donation

envelopes and JustGiving has reached more than £4,700, of which

a huge proportion was gift-aided, raising a further £800+ for

Christian Aid.

This is substantially more than recent years. The generosity of

our local community is truly jaw-dropping. Thank you to all who

donated and thank you to the volunteers who made this possible.

Your support can make the world of a difference to communities

which are suffering NOW from the impact of Climate Change.

If you wish to learn more about how to support such communities

on a regular basis, check out https://www.christianaid.org.uk/

Kilbarchan National Women’s

Register

We continue to meet during the summer with walks and garden

chats. And hopefully will meet in person when regular meetings

resume in August. For further info about our group, please contact

the website: www.nwr.org.uk or phone Fiona on 01505 348627.

Name A Guide Dog Puppy ‘HABBIE’

We are delighted to announce that we have reached our target of

£2,500 to name the puppy.

We would like to thank Kilbarchan organisations, businesses and

members of the public who have made this possible. It has been a

challenge to reach the target especially as we have been unable to

hold any fundraising events since March 2020.

We can’t thank you enough for your support and look forward to

sharing the picture of Habbie the puppy in the near future. With

thanks Anne Ferguson and the West Renfrewshire Guide Dogs for

The Blind Fundraising Team.


ward 9

Cllr Derek Bibby

STREETS & PAVEMENTS: At the June Council

meeting I asked the council and its partners to

look into the matter of street furniture and other obstacles in

our streets and on our pavements, and the impact of this on the

visual impaired, wheel chair users and people with disabilities.

It is evident that this is a problem not only in terms of terms of

permanent installations such as refuse bins, but also through the

proliferation of temporary signs such as A boards and road closure

signs with pavements and pedestrian areas becoming increasingly

congested.

Navigating these is becoming more difficult and I have asked that

a report be brought to the September council meeting to see what

additional safety measures and improvements can be made.

At the same meeting I also raised the issue of the reopening of

Renfrewshire Libraries, for as we continue to ease restrictions it

is important that library services return to pre COVID -19 service

levels.

POST OFFICE CLOSURE: It is to say the least disappointing

that despite strong opposition the closure of the post office

in Lochwinnoch has been confirmed for October 21st. This is a

cold harsh business decision that has taken precedence over the

best interests of the village, and another example of businesses

abandoning rural communities without regard for the outcome

which in this case, will be older people and non drivers having to

travel outwith Lochwinnoch to access postal services.

I will continue to work with other ward councillors and the local

community in Lochwinnoch to look at options to maintain a service

within the village .

FUNDING: On a brighter note the Villages Local Partnership recently

approved grant applications from a number of local organisations

and I was pleased to support funding that was awarded to the Arts

Festival, Food Committee and, Choral Society in Lochwinnoch

and the Kilbarchan Singers. These groups and organisations are

a significant part of village life and it is important that wherever

possible they receive support from the council.

BUSES: The changes to the Kilbarchan to Glasgow bus service have

now been implemented and I continue to receive complaints from

passengers who now have to change buses in Johnstone Town

Centre to travel to Johnstone Station, Paisley and Glasgow

McGills need to respond to these passenger concerns, meantime

I will keep a close eye on the reliability of the new Johnstone

Kilbarchan 32 service.

CONTACT: In common with other councillors I am not currently

holding face to face advice surgeries. I can however be contacted

at cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk or by phoning 0300 300

1274 or 07534 156007.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 19


‘Outdoor Bingo’ at Howwood Park

Friends of Howwood Park held ‘Outdoor Bingo’ at Howwood Park

on Sunday 30th May 2021. It was a beautiful evening and around 60

people of all ages attended.

We held 5 games of bingo, and prizes included Amazon vouchers,

chocolates, and hanging baskets generously donated by ‘Jaggy

Thistle Gardening’. A good time was had by all and we plan to run

another outdoor bingo evening again soon.

local community, local life ............... 20

Houston & Killellan Kirk

Generous Foodbank Support

When the Outreach team first introduced the Foodbank collections

at the start of Lockdown at the West Halls of Houston & Killellan

Kirk in Main Street Houston on Tuesdays, little did they realise that

this would become a regular feature of community life. Apart from

the pausing of the acceptance of donations in December/January

for health safety reasons, the Foodbank has operated continually

for over a year. Rather than just hazarding a guess at the total

donations made in the first year by the generous folk in the Houston

Community, it was thought best to check with the Renfrewshire

Foodbank operators.

Feedback received from Elizabeth Alexander, the Manager, indicates

that the weight of essential items donated in the first 52 weeks of

collections totalled a tremendous 14,827.3 kg. This is possibly not

terribly meaningful until advised that “this equates to 35,304 meals

for people in our community in food poverty.” Elizabeth remarked

further “Thank you so much for everything, we really appreciate all

you are doing.”

Hopefully we can see the light at the end of the Lockdown tunnel.

However, sadly, this does not suggest that the levels of food

poverty are reducing. Indeed, the impact of Lockdown is more

likely to increase the demands on Foodbanks.

Food and other essential items continue to be accepted at West

Halls, Main Street: Tuesdays 10 – 12 noon and 7 – 8 pm.

The local Foodbank continues to be keen to receive:

• Most food and toiletry items, and in particular –

• Tinned and dried potatoes

• Bottles of squash and cartons of juice

• Cleaning items such as bleach and cleaning spray

• Washing up liquid and laundry detergent

• Shampoo, deodorant, shower gel, shaving gel and razors

Those supported by the Foodbank will be most grateful for the

continuing generous support of the Houston Community.

# LOVING … CARING … SHARING #


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 21

ward 9

Cllr Andy Doig

BUSES: At the last full

meeting of Renfrewshire

Council there were several motions on

the vexed question of the threatened cut

to the no 38 Glasgow to Kilbarchan bus

service by McGills Buses, upon which so

many of Kilbarchan residents depend

upon. Recently three of the four ward

Councillors for Kilbarchan, including

myself, signed a tripartite letter to McGills

management expressing our concern at

how these cuts will affect constituents.

In the debate in the Council chamber I

made clear that while I am a very strong

supporter of small businesses I do believe

that the bus sector should be re-regulated

under local authorities.

SPEEDING: After many months of raising

the vexed question of speeding through

Kilbarchan and Howwood I was very

pleased to see that the last meeting of

the Infrastructure, Land, and Environment Board approved both

villages as two of the three villages to take part in a pilot as part

of the Council’s new Safe Rural Walking Initiative. This means that

consideration will be given to looking at every kind of measure to

curb speeding through Kilbarchan and Howwood, speed bumps,

chicanes, or a blended menu of measures to make our villages safer.

Through time the scheme will be rolled out to other villages.

PLANNING: After the Scottish elections I congratulated Tom Arthur

MSP on his re-election and on his appointment as Planning Minister.

Prior to the election he was clear that he stood shoulder to shoulder

with the residents of Burnfoot Road, Lochwinnoch, in opposing the

release of that area for housing supply. Now as Planning Minister

he can, under Section 20 of the Town and Country Planning

Regulations (2009), compel Renfrewshire Council to change its

Local Development Plan to exclude Burnfoot Road, and this I urge

him to do. Finally, I have been working with Council officers to look

at various potential sites to establish a community post office as

sadly the current Lochwinnoch Post Office in the Spar is closing in

October.

CONTACT: 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.

House Wanted To Buy

Minimum of 3 bedrooms Detached or older Semi

preferred in Houston, Kilmacolm, or Bridge of Weir

area. South/South West facing back garden.

Please call: 07753 659804


What’s on

JULY

2021

H.O.S.T THE CARRICK CENTRE, HOUSTON

Mon - Fri: Gryffe Manor Out of School 01505 615438. Dance West Scotland

enquiries@dancewestscotland.co.uk

Coffee Shop: - Mon/Sat 10am - 4pm, Takeaways only due to Covid 19. Please

review FB for Sunday and Holiday open times. Coffee Shop/Centre 01505 229

597.

Please contact your Providers for start back updates in line with C19 Regs

MONDAY

Yoga 1pm Mary Laidlaw 01505 229112

Dance West Scotland R3 4.30pm

TUESDAY

Dance West Scotland MH 3.30pm

Paint Pot Tots 10am Dawn Campbell 07789 262350

Yoga 7pm M/s Lawson 01505 613690

Councillor Surgery 6.30pm Scott Kerr

Councillor Surgery 12noon Allison Dowling

WEDNESDAY

Gryffe Melody Makers 7pm

Community Council 7.30pm 19th

Dance West Scotland MH 4pm - 7pm

Dance West Scotland R2 6pm - 7pm

Baby Class (MOO MUSIC) 9.30am

THURSDAY

Ellie McLaren (Fiddle Classes) 3.20pm - 6.20pm 07521 499351

Primary Colours

3.30pm – 4.30pm

Crafty Friends

7.30pm

Folk Club

8pm 07786 078952 iaintdawson@gmail.com

Move It Or Lose It 10.30am – 11.30am

Councillor Surgery 7.15pm Audrey Doig

Moo Massage (Moo Music) 9.15am

FRIDAY

Yoga 10.30am M/s Lawson 01505 613690

Dance West Scotland MH 3.15pm - 7pm

Councillor Surgery 12.30pm - 1.30pm Gavin Newlands

SATURDAY

Weekly

Dance West Scotland MH 9.45am - 5pm

Dance West Scotland R2 9am - 1.30 pm

Councillor Surgery 11.30am - 12noon Jim Sheridan

SUNDAY

Baptist Church

11am and 6pm

Centre Patrons please advise date or time changes due to Holidays

to Centre Management

local community, local life ............... 22

Booking enquiries:

Bill Haddow 01505 690693,

Stewart Scally 01505 674277,

Email:

thecarrickcentre@gmail.com or

hostbookings@outlook.com

* New week long Work Shop :

Textile Artistry 9th-13th August

www.deborahcampbell.com/workshops/

Centre Patrons PLEASE ADVISE date or time changes due to

Holidays or C19 to Centre Management

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)

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 (entrance to

Faith Avenue)

Country View

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

details. If we’ve missed any, please let us know - info@advertizer.co.uk


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 23

ward 10

Cllr Audrey Doig

PLANNING: I am very disappointed that the last meeting of

the Communities, Planning, and Housing Board decided to

ignore the sixty objectors, and Houston Community Council,

who rightly opposed the proposal from Cala Homes to build seventy one

houses on the site of Woodend House, Houston Road, Houston. I am proud

that my husband moved against the application and was supported by some

of my SNP colleagues, but sadly the final decision was ten votes to approve,

and five against. All Labour and Tory Cllrs voted for the proposal and I am

especially bemused that one of the Ward Cllrs for Houston both spoke and

voted in favour of the application, and claimed there “was no local issue with

school provision”. Henceforth, if any new residents call me to complain they

cannot get their children into local schools I will point them in his direction.

SPEEDING: After many months of raising the vexed question of speeding

through Houston I was very pleased to see that the last meeting of the

Infrastructure, Land, and Environment Board approved Houston as one of

the three villages to take part in a pilot as part of the Council’s new Safe Rural

Walking Initiative. This means that consideration will be given to looking at

every kind of measure to curb speeding through Houston, speed bumps,

chicanes, or a blended menu of measures to make our villages safer. I am

delighted that the Administration listened to my representation on behalf

of Houston.

FUNDING: The last meeting of the Villages Local Area Partnership was a

very positive event with local groups in the Houston and Brookfield area

getting funding. For example, Houston Community Council was awarded

just under £2,000 for its annual Christmas Lights event this year, while

Brookfield Bowling Club was awarded nearly £900 for general running

costs. Although we are moving in the right direction, concerning the lifting of

Covid restrictions, it is really important from the point of view of community

cohesion that we give every support to our community organisations.

CONTACT: 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.

Great News For Langbank

Well, it certainly has been a busy time for many of our

villagers who have been working hard to try and improve

things for the local community.

We had a fantastic turnout for our Village Clean Up day

on 23rd May when approximately 50 villagers from all

ages joined in to pick up rubbish, clear overgrown areas

and plant up the village tubs – HUGE THANK YOU to

everyone who helped. We also had a fantastic display of

Clean Up Day posters drawn by the children of Langbank

Primary School.

It was lovely to see some of the local village groups back

in action and able to do some socially distanced, outdoor

fundraisers with the local church holding a plant sale and

the local Playgroup doing a Teddy Bear Hunt around the

village.

Thanks to the generous contributions of villagers, we have

also secured the funding to site a second defibrillator in the

east side of the village, with the exact location currently

being finalised. With the first unit sited at the village hall

and this second unit the village will now be well served

and in the unfortunate event that a defibrillator is needed

then it will be accessible.

We are delighted to announce success in our bid to

Renfrewshire Council’s ‘Green Spaces, Parks and Play

Areas’ and ‘Village Investment Fund’. We have secured

£79,086 to transform the existing tennis court into a

Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). The committee continue

to work hard to make this happen and are in consultation

with a local supplier to install the new facility later this

year.

We would like to thank Langbank Community Council,

Langbank Tennis Club, Renfrewshire Council, our local

Councillors and everyone who has helped and supported

us, despite the challenges of the past year.

If you would like to know more about the project or get

involved, please contact the group via info@langbankcommunity.com


“Goings on at the

Houston Village Hall”

You may have noticed some activity and

colour at the front of the Houston Village

Hall property on Main Street, in recent days

and earlier this year. As a local church,

we wanted to find ways to bless and

contribute positively into our community,

but in a way that respected the current

need for distancing. Thank you to those

who have given us positive feedback - for

your encouragement and appreciation for

our efforts.

As shown in the photo’s, we’ve enjoyed

setting up displays and sometimes giveaways,

as follows ...

Valentine’s Day love hearts for everyone.

Daffodils for Mother’s Day.

Easter banners - a reminder of God’s love

for all people.

92 free ice creams for local residents (for

92 days of summer) on Tues 1st June- the

1st day of summer.

Colourful summer display up for the month

of June.

Feathers for Father’s Day - display yet to

be erected at time of submitting this news.

And our community prayer garden, with

garden bench and jack and Jill seats with

table, is there for anyone who might like to

stop and sit and think and pray and eat and

chat and just be there.

You might like to bring your own seat

cushions for comfort.

Sharing God’s love, colour, joy and flavour

in our community, Houston Church of the

Nazarene.

local community, local life ............... 24

Virtual Houston Agricultural Show

A sunny Friday evening made for a wonderful backdrop to the inaugural Houston

Agricultural Show Tractor Run, held on the eve of show Saturday. The pandemic has

prevented the show taking place for the last two years. The resilient Committees have

triumphed in making sure the villagers do not forget about the show and this year have

kept the spirit alive by hosting a free Virtual Show online.

The streets of Houston were lined with hundreds of people in socially distanced family

groups. Tom Stewart, Show President, encouraged villagers to come out into the streets

of Houston to #WaveInYourWellies. The procession of a dozen tractors led by local

haulage businessman Robert Wilson in his shiny blue lorry was heartily cheered on. A

wonderful selection of tractors, some new and some vintage ones as well. There was a

special appearance from a’ Mini-COO-per car’ that even ‘mooed’!

The villagers of Houston were delighted to see the tractors traverse the local streets,

cheered, and waved them along the route. A poignant moment saw the tractors pause

on Kirk Road as a mark of respect to past President Mr Ian R Simpson who passed away

recently.

Local children and adults have been able to take part in some online competitions

showcasing their talents. The competition categories were sponsored by lots of local

businesses donating generous prizes. With hundreds of entries across all the categories

local judges chose the winners.

Behind the Barn Doors was a series of fun films showing behind the scenes of local

farms, and not to be missed was ‘Ask Aly’, where villagers could ask local farmer Aly

Young all sorts of farming related questions.

Mo Lyle, Show Secretary, “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Show Field

on Saturday 4th June 2022.”

Virtual Houston Agricultural

Show Winners

• Rachel Jones found the Moovin’ Milk

toy calf hanging out at the entrance of

the show field. (pictured right)

• Leigh Ann Barrett winner of the guess

the age in days of the Cow & Calf.

• Presidents Pick - Super Girl Freya & her

Super Dog Ludo. (our cover shot!)

• Houston’s Got Talent - Maisie Hunter

• TikTok – Aaria Nimmo

• Draw or paint a picture of a farm

animal or tractor - Abigail Turner

• Photo of pet or local animal – Isobel

Straw

• Cook, Shop and Eat Local - Roma

Crichton

• Floral arrangement in a Coffee Cup -

Rachel Hyslop

• Virtual Dog Show winners with their

good boys and girls. Kirsty Steel,

Lesley Campbell, Colette Morin and

Louise Crawford.


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 25

Draw or paint a picture of a farm animal or tractor - Abigail

Turner’s drawing of a Highland Cow

The Houston Agricultural Show Tractor Run - a procession

of a dozen tractors, new & vintage, led by local haulage

businessman Robert Wilson, including a’ Mini-COO-per car’

that even ‘mooed’!


local community, local life ............... 26

Many new housing developments have sprung up

in local areas recently and not all of them have

been met with positivity by locals who cite a lack of

equivalent investment in infrastructure and already

overcrowded schools. Others more sanguine, realise

that newcomers can boost businesses, enhance

community and help the economy too. However,

recent attempts to redesignate greenbelt areas in

the Local Development Plan by local councils have

united residents in Kilmacolm and Lochwinnoch in

condemning these moves.

In March 2019 Renfrewshire Council put its Local

Development Plan out for public consultation and

within it the Burnfoot Road area in Lochwinnoch

was included for proposed housing development.

There are many excellent reasons not to build

here according to Lochwinnoch’s Burnfoot Action

Group – or BAG for short. The site is greenbelt and

falls within the boundary of Renfrewshire’s ‘green

lung’ - Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. It forms a

crucial part of the Wildlife Corridor between the

Barr Loch Nature Reserve and the open moorlands

of the Renfrewshire Heights area of the Regional

Park and is home to many native species of plants

and animals, along with the rare Leiper’s bat.

Furthermore, the area is very susceptible to flooding

and developing on this fragile ecosystem threatens

to sharply increase this risk. BAG also challenged

the proposed ‘need for housing’ and claimed the

Housing Need and Demand Assessment entered in

the Local Development Plan was now of date. 900

Lochwinnoch residents objected to the proposal in

the summer of 2019, but their voices went unheard.

This may be because the story really began many

years before.

In 2015 Stewart Milne entered into an agreement

to purchase Burnfoot Road Site in the event of

planning permission being granted, with a view to

building over 100 houses. They applied pressure

to Renfrewshire Council to change the site’s

greenbelt status. Their proposals included making

contributions towards sewage works, building

affordable housing elsewhere and contributing

to school improvements if redesignation and

planning permission resulted. Consequently, the

Council proposed to redesignate the site to allow

development.

In Kilmacolm a similar story is unfolding. In January

2021 Inverclyde Council accepted a proposal from

their planning officers, to redraw the greenbelt

boundary, resulting in the area known as Kilmacolm

Meadow (or West of Quarry Drive) being removed

from the Greenbelt. Despite almost 500 residents

submitting formal objections to this proposal on

The Greenbelt Grab by Rona Simpson

4th May 2021, Inverclyde Councillors voted in favour 8-4 to remove Kilmacolm

Meadow from Greenbelt status and approved Planning Permission in Principle for

MacTaggart and Mickel to build 78 houses.

One of the main objections to development relates to sustaining biodiversity;

Kilmacolm meadow has not been grazed for over 20 years and is home to more

than 157 species of wildflower and grasses. Some of them are rare such as the

greater butterfly-orchid and the whorled caraway. The root system of wildflower

meadows creates very stable soil that can withstand heavy rainfall, meaning they

are vital in preventing flooding. The UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows

since the 1930s contributing to increased erosion, flooding and the current climate

emergency. However, it is not just plants but people we need to defend. This place

gives the west of the village – where garden space is in short supply - access to

a large, safe green area that is well used by children and dog walkers. And lastly,

there is the subject of housing need. According to Bill Crookson of Save Kilmacolm

Meadow Group and Colin Patterson of the Burnfield Action Group in Lochwinnoch,

there is no shortage of land in the Renfrewshire Housing Sub Market Area (RHSMA).

This has been confirmed by Clydeplan Strategic Development Plan (SDP), which

remains unchanged since 2017. It is also confirmed by a Scottish Government

Reporter in the Carsemeadow dismissal on 25th May 2021.

Kilmacolm Community Council initially objected to the planning proposal at

Kilmacolm Meadow, but then withdrew their objection. Chairperson Morven

Armour explains, “To be honest we were disappointed by the decision of Inverclyde

Council to change the status of the land. The previous chair was informed of the

redesignation two days before the pre application meeting so we felt that the

grounds of our objection, based on that decision and the figures (in support of

housing need), had been invalidated leaving us no option but to withdraw the

objection.”

What the Lochwinnoch and Kilmacolm situations show is that community voices

are being ignored, shutdown or dismissed.

These redesignations go against, not only local policy, but national climate change

policy. With climate change and loss of species increasing at a pace, there has never

been a time more important than now to support biodiversity, stand up for local

democracy and preserve our greenbelt. These redesignations must be resisted at

all costs.

For more information on how to resist or what to say in your objection email join

Save Kilmacolm Meadow or Kilmacolm Environmental Action or Burnfoot Action

Group on facebook.

To object to the Inverclyde Council’s Local Development Plan please email ldp@

inverclyde.gov.uk before 9th July.


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 27


local community, local life ............... 28

out & about

Brighter Bridge Of Weir

BRING ME SUNSHINE

For two spring seasons running our efforts have been hampered. Last year by

the pandemic, this year by the weather. Despite covid, we think we managed

a reasonable show last summer, and we’re determined to do it again.

This year though, poor weather in spring meant that our plant delivery was

delayed and also, we weren’t able to get everything we wanted. Anyway,

we cleaned the street planters and baskets (nearly 90 of them) and, by the

middle of last month, everything was planted. We’ll keep an eye on things

and adjust if we have to.

Our latest project, the Heritage Garden has received a lot of positive comments.

It was a mammoth task for our small group, but the help of other members of

the community made it easier. A freestanding sign is being produced and will

be installed at the front of the Garden. It will provide more detail about the

features on display and a list of those who contributed directly to it. There

are many more who contributed indirectly, but we just couldn’t get a space

big enough.

Our pictures show one of the barrier

baskets, cleaned and filled with its summer

plants, and a rear view of one of the

Heritage Garden features.

The latter image shows how landscaper

Dougie Adamson dealt with the problem

of representing a 350-year-old bridge over

the River Gryffe on a steeply sloping site.

River, bridge, weirs, sorted!

House Wanted To Buy

Minimum of 3 bedrooms Detached

or older Semi preferred in Houston,

Kilmacolm, or Bridge of Weir area.

South/South West facing back garden.

Please call: 07753 659804


Colourful Kilmacolm

We hesitate to remind you of the long, cold

spring that we experienced this year, resulting

in a slow start to the growing season. As

always, however, nature can cope and

compensates when the warmer weather does

arrive, and so it was that although the plants we

had ordered were a little later than usual in arriving,

and therefore in being planted, they have very quickly grown in size

and vigour and are flowering profusely.

It has been a busy time with the removal of the spring bulbs by

our volunteers, then our virtual AGM, the monthly maintenance of

the ‘hanging gardens’ at Carriages (thanks for the coffees!), some

weeding and replanting at the Port Glasgow Road lay-by and the

planting of well over 400 plants. Our regular watering teams will

make sure that the displays continue to thrive throughout the

summer.

Restrictions have resulted in fewer chances to publicise ourselves.

Despite that we have received several donations for which we are

very grateful, and we really do appreciate it when our volunteers

are thanked for the work they do. We are therefore pleased to

have been able to buy two new planters for the village. They have

been placed on the pavement on either side of Smithy Brae and

should add a touch of colour to an area that we all know still needs

attention.

We are always looking for new members – let’s be honest, especially

younger, agile ones to climb the ‘hanging gardens’. 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.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 29


Kilbarchan & District Beekeepers

After what seemed like an endlessly cold spring, warm weather

finally arrived with June. And the coming of summer marked a

special point for our association when membership numbers reached

100, a record high. Despite lockdown and all the restrictions that

have clamped down on life, the association has enjoyed a rise in

members over recent months with the one hundredth member

being welcomed in. Clearly the interest in bees and their wellbeing

has driven a new enthusiasm for this fascinating hobby, though for

many people it’s almost a daily activity at this busy time of year for

the honeybees.

Novice beekeepers have plenty to learn and by joining a local group

like ours, they are sure of an experienced mentor to guide them

through the first confusing months when the bees never do quite

what the books say they will do. Just opening a hive for the first

time is a step into an extraordinary and delightfully different world.

It’s not just a question of buying the right equipment and that all

important bee suit that can seem bewildering but where to safely

buy disease free bees. Mentors offer help and advice to beginners

and at this time of year there will be the thrill of seeing the bees

making the first stores of honey.

Thanks to the warmer weather and long light evenings July is a

month when the bees can fly non-stop. A single bee may make

just a teaspoon of honey in its short life but that means thousands

of visits to pollen and nectar rich flowers. Lime, rose bay willow,

thistle and clovers are all favourites while in gardens there is

lavender, nepeta and flowers with open centres that are easily

accessed. Then it’s back to the hives with full pollen loads where

the beekeepers have added ‘supers’ full of frames of wax to store

the precious harvest. July is certainly a wonderful month for bees

and beekeepers alike.

How to Identify and Deal with a Honeybee Swarm

First, check if what you have are bees or wasps (this may sound

obvious, but it is an easy and frequent mistake to make). Wasps

and honeybees are about the same size, but wasps have alternating

black and bright yellow body stripes. Honeybees are brown, with

paler brown or dirty yellow bands on the body. Bumblebees are

more rounded and ‘hairy’.

local community, local life ............... 30

See pictures above to help with identification.

If you do think you have Honeybees, and the bees have only

appeared within the last few days or are clustered in the open

hanging from a branch of a tree or bush, then you have a newly

arrived swarm (see picture of a swarm clustered.)

While a local beekeeper will do their best to be helpful, there are

situations when they can’t - particularly when bees are lodged in

a chimney or wall space or very high and inaccessible – or when

removing the bee colony successfully can be time-consuming,

difficult and success cannot be assured. The removal of a freehanging

swarm in the open is usually much simpler however, and

you are more likely to find a local beekeeper who is prepared to

come and remove it for you. They will not deal with wasps or

bumblebees. Do please bear in mind that beekeepers are not a free

pest control service and are giving up their own time to try and

help, and can’t always be with you in short notice, although they

will try where possible. In some situations, you may still have to call

in a pest control company to deal with a well-established colony or

one difficult or dangerous to reach.

Details of Local Beekeepers willing to be called to assess and try assist

in HONEYBEE swarm removal are available via the Renfrewshire or

Inverclyde Council Websites http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ or

https://wwwinverclyde.gov.uk and search on ‘swarms’.

Please do not contact the Swarm collectors for any other bees or

insects.

If you are interested in beekeeping for yourself, please contact our

secretary via helenajbee@gmail.com who will provide more details

about our association and how to join. We have a Facebook page

which is reserved for members and beekeeping friends, but you

can follow us on or Twitter @KilbarchanBees and Instagram via

kilbarchanbeekeepers

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society have worked hard at the Garden at the

Cross, we hope you can admire the garden when you visit the village, and

we thank Ian Morrice and Colin Houston for their efforts. It is disappointing

that we are still unable to give you details of the annual Flower Show, or

offer dates for the winter lectures syllabus. We understand the reluctance

of the council to allow large numbers to meet in a public place, but fingers

crossed that a more positive ruling will be given by mid to end July.

Meanwhile, enjoy your own gardening, appreciate the beautiful displays

of summer in other gardens, - stay safe.


Bridge Of Weir Horticultural Society

Gardeners, hoping for a warm and sunny Spring, were sadly

disappointed. Cold and dry conditions continued well into May with

occasional frosts nipping in, before settled conditions arrived. The

late May holiday weekend weather was great, bringing various Highs

which settled over the UK during early June. Plants responded

appropriately with a surge in growth but compared to last year....

were still - and remain - far behind.

Drought conditions and water rationing may be on the horizon,

exacerbated by the demands of “staycation” holidays! Buy more

water butts and store rain water and site these around the garden

for quick access. Prevent mosquitoes laying eggs on water with a

squirt of washing up liquid which will break the surface tension. Soap

weakens water molecules which cannot stick together so easily.

Remember, keep pots well watered and, if there are restrictions,

prioritise new plants and bedding, fruit and vegetables. Be

consistent. An erratic watering regime causes fruits and vegetables

to split or become misshapen. If the lawn dries out – it will recover!

Remember, if a plant is stressed (too dry) pests will move in. Do

not, under any circumstances put down Slug Pellets to kill off pesky

gastropods. There are animal-friendly products available which do

not poison hedgehogs or birds!!

After the first flush, deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms

and prevent flowers setting seed. Pick vegetables as soon as ripe for

the same reason and to prevent them becoming tough. The more

you pick the more you get! Fruiting trees will have shed surplus fruits

during the “June drop” but this year many will have been caught by

a late frost. If apples or plums are squashed together, remove the

weaker fruits to let light and air get to the developing ones.

The Committee met recently and members were notified by e-mail/

letter of the topics discussed.

Renfrewshire Grass Cutting

Communities are seeing the results of a £240,000 investment in

Renfrewshire Council’s improved grass cutting programme that

has seen two new John Deere tractors, six zero-turn grass cutting

machines, three sets of hydraulic triple units, two pedestrian flail

machines and 12 self-propelled hand rotary machines available for

the Council’s grass cutting teams – enhanced with additional staff.

Combined with an improved approach which sees all teams tackle

one area of Renfrewshire each day, grassed areas are now being

cut once every two weeks. This includes cutting all open spaces,

school playing fields, public parks, sports pitches and cemeteries -

as well as providing the grass assistance scheme for council house

tenants - and litter picking and sweeping the roads in the area too.

Hedge cutting is provided twice a year, with communities seeing

their first cut between mid-May and mid-July and their second cut

between mid-August and the end of September.

For more information, visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

grasscutting.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 31


Eadha Celebrates 10th Anniversary

by Planting Millionth Aspen Tree

Eadha Celebrates 10th Anniversary by Planting the

Millionth Aspen Tree

Local environmental charity Eadha Enterprises is celebrating its 10th

anniversary this year. Over this time Eadha (the old Gaelic word for

aspen) has been researching, conserving, propagating and planting

rare native Scottish aspen trees. In a ceremony at Dargavel Village

during a sunny May weekend, Eadha, with the help of local resident

Gavin Newlands MP, planted its millionth aspen tree. “When we

started out”, explains Peter Livingstone, Eadha’s co-founder and CEO,

there were only five aspen trees left in the whole of Renfrewshire and

only around 70 in the whole of South West Scotland. I think we can

safely say that we have secured its future in this part of the world.”

Eadha set out to collect samples of all of the surviving trees and

thanks to initial support from Forestry and Land Scotland (formerly

Forest Enterprise), developed a production system using a micro

propagation laboratory and then established a supply chain with

them. Eadha also supplies trees through its social enterprise to the

private and community sectors and NGOs as well as planting aspens

in its own varied projects. Eadha also maintains a specialist plant

nursery near Bishopton where it maintains the national collection of

aspen clones.

The ceremony was part of a wider community project to rewild

Dargavel Village Square by under-planting the mature Scots Pines

with a wide array of native wildflowers, shrubs and trees.

For more information visit www.eadha.co.uk or follow EADHA on

social media - facebook: Eadha Enterprises twitter: eadhaaspen

Photo: Peter Livingstone collecting cuttings from an aspen on Ailsa

Craig.

local community, local life ............... 32

Finlaystone Country Park

The 10 acres of gardens are looking fantastic this year so why

not come along and enjoy a picnic or sample the delights of

The Garden Café which delivers a fine selection of teas, coffees,

light lunches and ice cream.

Bring the kids to have a go on our zip slide or get all swashbuckled

and set sail on our very own pirate ship.

Opening times from 10am till 5pm, 7 days a week - No need to

book, just pay on arrival.

Upcoming Events: Treasure Island on the lawns featuring the

Quantum Theatre Group on Saturday 17th July at 6.30pm.

Wild Night camping tickets for August and September will be

on sale soon.

Scotland’s Gardens

Scheme Thanks

On behalf of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, I would like to thank

all our visitors, garden owners and volunteers who have taken

part in our open gardens in Renfrewshire this year.

It has been a challenging time for everyone, not least charities

and I am sure they will join me in thanking you all for your

support and generosity at this time. We were fortunate to

have lovely weather for all our garden openings which makes

the day so much more enjoyable for everyone !

If you are planning a holiday in Scotland, there are still many

gardens open until the Autumn - have a look online at http://

scotlandsgardens.org for up to date details.


Walk: Parkhill Woods/

Johnshill Loop, Lochwinnoch

LENGTH: 4K (EACH SECTION)

DURATION: 1-2 HOURS – DEPENDING ON STOPS AND

WHICH ROUTE YOU DECIDE TO TAKE.

RATING: EASY

POINTS OF INTEREST: GROTTO, REMAINS OF

COLLEGIATE CHURCH AND BETTY MCKELLER

POETRY VIEWPOINTS

NATURE SPOTTING: TAWNY OWLS, GREAT SPOTTED

WOODPECKERS, CHIFFCHAFFS, WILLOW WARBLERS

AND BLACKCAPS.

The

Collegiate

Church

Founded in

1504 as a place

of worship and

learning. Inside

you can see the

ornate tomb

of its founder

John, First Lord

Sempill. It was served by a college of priests whose main

duty was to pray for the souls of the Sempill family.

Grotto

This was originally built by the MacDowall family in 1758 as a

picnic spot and used as a symbol of the family’s wealth. It was

considered very fashionable in its time.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 33

Park at the electrical

substation. Then cross

the meadow pausing to

stop at the viewpoint

where is inscribed lines

by Lochwinnoch’s

famous poet, Betty

McKellar.

Continue down into

the woods where you

can decide which loop

to do. The Hill trail

will give you the best

views, but all areas of

this lovely woodland

are worth exploring

including the collegiate

church and the grotto.

If you wish to do the

Johnshill loop continue

along the woodland

trail and follow the

exit towards Castle

Semple, where you

join the cycle path and

walk back through the

visitor centre, back into

the village and up to

the car park again.

A beautiful woodland

walk at all times of

year.

Betty McKellar - Poet

Betty moved to the Lochwinnoch over 50 years ago where

she married a local sheep farmer and stayed, teaching in the

local school for 30 years. She began writing in retirement and

had her first book of poetry published when she was 65. The

Muirshiel, the hills, the legends and the history of the area are

her inspiration.


clubs & schools

local community, local life ............... 34

Houston Primary News

The pupils of Primary 7 are heading off to the

James Hamilton Heritage Centre for two days

of fun on the water. They will take part in raft

building, kayaking, canoeing, dinghy sailing

and paddle boarding. The following day we

will be holding our very first Houston Beach

Party, to say a final farewell to our wonderful

Primary 7 pupils. Here’s hoping that the sun

shines for us.

Eco School Pocket Garden Design Winner

Many of us in 2020 discovered the joy of growing something and noticing the natural

world on our doorsteps. This 2021 Pocket Garden Design Competition builds on those

positive experiences, linking garden design with health and hope for the future.

Pupils designed colourful and exciting pocket-sized gardens within a rectangular

footprint of 120cm x 100cm. They researched and created their own imaginative shapes

and designs, using colour and plants that thrive in Scotland. The winning design was

created by Dillon and is now starting to grow. We look forward to seeing it in full bloom.

Well done Dillon!

Primary 6 Science Project

The pupils in Primary 6 are taking part in a science experiment in partnership with the

Glasgow Science Centre. An amazing growing aeropod was delivered and our pupils

got planting. They are making comparisons on how different colours of light impact on

growth.

RAMHD Sunflowers

Every pupil in Houston Primary has planted a sunflower to seed to raise awareness of the

importance of our mental health and well-being. We hope that they make you smile when

you walk by the school grounds during the summer months.

Health Week

All pupils took part in Health Week following COVID guidelines. In normal times, we would

have a variety of experts in teaching our pupils and sharing their expertise. Since this was

not permitted, we met very many of our experts via Zoom. The pupils had a great time

trying out very many new sports.

Bikeability

Pupils from P5-P7 have all now received Bikeability training. Riding a bike safely is a

wonderful skill and this training helps our pupils to become more confident and safe when

out and about in the village. We thank our local residents for their patience.

Music Lessons Return

We are so delighted that our pupils can now engage in playing their brass instruments

outdoors. It was lovely to have Mrs Tennant back.


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 35

Bridge of Weir Primary School

Written by the News Team (Alexander, Anya, Daisy and Rhys)

This month, we are excited to announce that Bridge of Weir Primary

is the proud winner of a Digital Schools Award. Please see our full

story on page 6, and you can read more about the Digital Schools

Scotland award online at news.tiny.us/award.

Away from the computers, the P5s put together a ‘Mini Mudder’ to

raise money for their social enterprise projects ‘Bully Busters’ and

‘Litter Legends’. The course, which was completed by the P5-P7s,

consisted of a slime pool, a climbing net, hay bales, a tyre mountain,

a mud pit, and a slippy slide. At the start of the race, Head Teacher

Mrs Bell soaked the entrants with a garden hose. They then started

running around the playground with the P5s soaking them all the

way. It was lots of fun and the P5s managed to raise enough money

- through sponsorship - to buy litter pickers and other supplies for

their projects. The school would like to thank local farmer Mr Lyle

for the hay bales, and Active Schools for supporting the event.

Besides getting soaked, the P7s also got to take part in an outdoor

adventure at Castle Semple. There were lots of activities to enjoy

such as walking, a mini beast hunt, kayaking, team building games,

and much, much more. Luckily, they got a lovely sunny day to enjoy

all these outdoor activities ahead of their move to High School.


St Fillan’s Primary School

local community, local life ............... 36

Primary one Induction:

We were delighted to welcome our new Primary one boys and girls into our

‘St. Fillan’s Family’ for two consecutive afternoons in May. The girls and boys

were super excited for their visits and they enjoyed meeting with one another,

playing and listening to stories on their first visit to school. Their second visit

was centred around the theme of a ‘Teddy Bears Picnic.’ The picnic was hosted

outdoors in the beautiful surroundings of the St. Fillan’s Church grounds. A fun

time was had by all with games being played, ‘getting to know you’ activities and

of course, some goodies were enjoyed! The children were all superstars and it

was a pleasure to welcome them and their families. We look forward to formally

welcoming them when they start as Primary one pupils in August.

Finlaystone Country Park:

After a challenging academic school session, we were grateful that local restrictions

had eased in time for us to book and enjoy a whole school trip to Finlaystone

Country Park. Each class took part in Ranger led activities throughout the day

which were hosted within the vast grounds of the park. Activities included: den

building, a scavenger hunt and a nature walk. The children had a great time

feeding and cuddling some of the furry residents in the park – baby lambs, guinea

pigs, ponies and chickens! It was a wonderful way to spend some quality time

together as it had been such a long time since everyone had participated in a

school excursion altogether.

Star Boards:

Due to ongoing restrictions, our well-established system for earning house points

within our house families had come to a halt over recent months. Since returning

to school in February/March, we have been focussing on our school value of

‘Team work,’ so we decided to introduce ‘Class Star Boards’ where class bubbles

would work together to earn stars, reach a target number and achieve a class

reward for their efforts. Each class bubble chose a class incentive to collectively

work towards which ranged from: movie afternoons, ice lollies in the park and

outdoor picnics. It was brilliant to

see the children encouraging and

supporting one another to come

together as a team and work towards

achieving a common goal. The class

incentives have been a fitting way

to end a challenging session and to

provide opportunities for our children

to reconnect with one another.

We would like to take this opportunity

to wish everyone in our school family,

community and beyond a wonderful

Summer holiday and a time to relax,

have fun and make memories!

Duchal Nursery

It has been so wonderful to have had a full and busy

summer term, the children have certainly grown and

flourished over the past few months enjoying being

together. Learning so much through so many varied

activities and projects including science experiments

in the garden, football and gym work in the park, and

even walking Alpacas and Llamas around Birkmyre!

This time of year always has a tinge of sadness as

we say goodbye to our Blue Teddies as they head

to primary school, but we know that they are fully

prepared for their next step, and wish them all lots

of luck, but please remember to come back and visit

us!!

We are delighted that we will again be offering free

places for all children aged 3 – 5 years next year. Our

free funded hours are 8.30am - 2.30pm every day

during term time, and we are open until 6pm each

day for wraparound care. Giving all local children

an opportunity to benefit from the excellent Duchal

experience.

A wonderful opportunity to have your

very own little piece of Duchal

We are delighted to offer our Duchal friends and

families the opportunity to have your very own print

of this beautiful original painting of the nursery by

artist and former Duchal parent, Emma S Davis RSW

PAI.

The original painting “Duchal at the Park” was

commissioned by Duchal as a retirement gift for the

late Mrs Jean McCarthy, treasured Headteacher at the

nursery, who touched the lives of so many families. It

was always Jean’s wish that everyone should be able

to enjoy this special painting as much as she did.

If you would like to order your copy of the print,

please email: info@duchal.com

To keep up to date with all the latest news, visit our

website: Duchal.com and our Facebook page.

Finally a note from all the children and parents - a

BIG THANK YOU to all our fantastic staff who make

Duchal such an amazing place.


St Columba’s News

No term is ever idle at St Columba’s but since we emerged from the

most recent lockdown, we have been busier than ever!

Congratulations to…

Cara E-M (SV) who has been awarded a scholarship from the

Inverclyde Music Festival for her outstanding talent and continued

contribution to the festival.

Euan L (SIII) who recently won the Under 18 March, Strathspey and

Reel event at the Atholl Gathering competition. This is the first time

Euan has entered this highly competitive age grouping thereby

making his achievement even more impressive!

Charity Event

Strathgryffe House Captains asked pupils and staff to write an

open letter to the patients and residents of Glasgow Children’s

Hospital, Ardgowan Hospice or St Vincent’s Hospice with the aim of

‘making everyone smile’ Pupils were encouraged to decorate their letter with colourful

illustrations, and we hope that the many recipients felt our pupils’ warmth, hope and

friendship.

5k for St Columba’s Day!

In 2020 we celebrated St Columba’s Day by taking part in a sponsored run/walk/

cycle in aid of Belville Community Garden Trust’s “Bridge the Digital Divide” campaign.

This year, Mrs Carlton, Head of Charities & Teacher of PE, along with Depute Heads of

School, Cara B and Alexander D hosted our second St Columba’s Day in aid of Children

in Poverty, Inverclyde, a charity very close to our hearts. A huge thank you to everyone

who participated and donated.

Former Pupil Weekend

Our Former Pupil Weekend features rugby and hockey matches between previous year’s

leavers and the current Senior VI. The FP Weekend

is always very well attended, perhaps because it

embodies the Columban spirit: a sense of community,

a healthy competitive edge and lots of fun. Despite

the lack of spectators, the teams played with drive

and determination. Many thanks to our sponsors to

our former pupils for coming back to visit us!

For more news, please follow us on social media or

visit our website www.st-columbas.org.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 37


Kilmacolm Golf Club

There was a fantastic turn out for our recent

AM-AM competition, with players enjoying

glorious sunshine and returning some

impressive scores. The winners Mark Sloan,

Ian Lowing and their guests narrowly pipped

two generations of Reid brothers with a

spectacular -19 under.

57 ladies joined Captain Pat Briggs for Lady Captain’s Day playing

in the TriAm and enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea prepared by

new club chef Neil.

Lois Brown, Irene Hicks, and Fiona Laidlaw were winners in the

9 hole competition. Prizes for ‘Nearest the Pin’ and ‘Nearest the

Line’ were won by Jane Pirie, Kay Creevy, Morag Turner, and

Sylvia McDonald.

The launch of the new Ladies Academy has been a huge success,

with 42 ladies joining for a three month introduction to golf.

They have enthusiastically embraced their new sport and have

thoroughly enjoyed their lessons with the Pros and practice

sessions. As they reach graduation they are starting to venture

out on the course and it is fair to say many of them have truly

“got the golfing bug” and will be active members of the club in

the future.

Winners of the annual TriAm Shield were Marion Stewart,

Jane McDonald, and Rosemary Hammond.

Winners of the 18 hole competition and the Marr Trophy

were Lynda Bradley, Cherry Briggs, and Debbie Campbell.

local community, local life ............... 38

All our team matches are well under way, with

the Men and Juniors playing in the Newton Shield

Leagues and the Ladies in the Greenlees League,

as well as some friendly matches against local

clubs giving plenty of members an opportunity to

represent the club. There have been some thrilling

matches and great results so far, good luck for the

rest of the season.

Our Junior Section is going from strength to

strength, with many of our younger members

gaining their first handicaps, while there has been some fantastic

scoring and great play from our more experienced juniors. With the

summer holidays looming there are bound to be many handicap

cuts and improvements over the coming months.

Freedman Trophy

Alexander Farmer wins Freedman Trophy - Renfrewshire

Boys Match Play Championship

The final of the competition

was played at Kilmacolm

Golf Club on Sunday

20th June after a wait of

a year due to the Covid

pandemic. The final

matched Alexander Farmer

– Kilmacolm against Tom

Hepburn – Williamwood

and this turned out to be a

classic encounter by 2 of the

finest boys within the RGU,

with Alexander winning on

the day. Congratulations

to both boys for the spirit

in which the match was

played.

The competition which has

been running since 1979 is

always played at Kilmacolm

due to the long-standing

connection with the club,

but this is only the second

home player to win the

trophy, the other being in

2003. This is the first ever

family double victory as

Image: left Alexander Farmer – Winner,

Tom Hepburn - Runner Up

his father, Andrew Farmer won the trophy as a16 year old in 1990

beating that well known professional David Orr in the final.

The Renfrewshire Golf Union thanks Kilmacolm Golf Club for their

continued support of the event and the Freedman family though

Alison Murray for attendance and in presenting the trophy.


Old Ranfurly Ladies Section

On 5th June Old Ranfurly Ladies section held their First Ladies Day

competition in 2 years We all sorely missed this event last year due

to restrictions so all ladies were determined to make up for it this

year!! The theme this year was ‘Wear in Pink’ and many members

were happy to dress in pink to join in the fun!! This competition

is a lady members invitation mixed

greensomes. The weather was glorious

and 110 participants enjoyed a fun game of

golf in the much welcomed warm sunshine.

Golfers could take advantage of the beer

tent which was very much appreciated as

golfing in the sunshine is thirsty work!! This

was manned by the club bar staff. After

golf Heather and Loiuse our excellent

catering team were on hand for members

to enjoy a post match dinner in our newly

refurbished club house. The winners on

the day were Lana Wilson and Ricki Fildes

with an excellent score of 41.6 A prize for

best pink outfit was one by Susan & David

McFall

Our charities on the day raised £55 each for MND and Alzheimer’s

and £200 for Wear it Pink Charity. A very successful day all round

Another competition held

over from last year was

the traditional Rosebowl

This was held on Sunday

13th June It’s a mixed

greensomes competition

and open to all. Once again

great

turn out of members and

guests who played 18 holes

in lovely sunshine if just bit

breezy!! The Rosebowl was

won by Kelvin & Donna

Murphy with a score of 62.4 Members and guests were well catered

for in the club house after with our

post match menu.

Our next ladies competition is the

ladies open on Thurs 1July. It’s a four

ball ladies greensomes competition

and all entries are very welcome.

There are still some spaces so get

your name in quickly if you wish to

take part.

It’s £16 per couple and can be booked

on Empire Golf. Hopefully looking

forward to seeing you there and

good luck to all.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 39

Elisa and Tristan on The Road to

Wimbledon

Strathgryffe Tennis, Squash & Fitness Club recently held it’s annual

14 and under Road to Wimbledon tennis competition in glorious

sunshine.

The event attracted nearly 30 players competing for a place in

the regional qualifying finals with the winners of the regional finals

qualifying to play on the grass courts at the All England Club,

Wimbledon in the late summer.

After a hard-fought weekend of matches, Elisa Gibson prevailed

in the girls event, overcoming Megan O’Brien 6-2, 6-1. In the boys

event, Tristan Mills defeated Lucas Nolte 6-2, 6-4. Good luck to

Elisa and Tristan in the regional finals.

The club is running holiday tennis camps for children age 3-16 over

the school holidays. Members and non-members welcome. For

further details and booking, go to: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/

StrathgryffeLTC/Coaching/Camps

Castle Semple Sailing Club

The Club has been fortunate in being able to continue its activities,

with many new members joining us recently. Whilst we are still

not back to functioning “normally” we have managed to hold a few

races much to the relief of some members and our cadet and adult

training sessions continue to be well attended.

One Sunday proved to be very windy as per the pictures!

After our very successful Easter Camp, there will be 3 Summer

Camps will be held as below. Cost is £70 for the week either

mornings or afternoons.


Colourful Grading Success at

Clyde Judo

Returning to the judo mat after a long hiatus, players at the

new Clyde Judo Club dojo in Paisley celebrated their hard

work this week as coaches examined 22 players for their

next belt grade, with all achieving passing scores.

Gradings are an important part of judo where players

demonstrate what they have learned to date. Gradings

involve demonstration of techniques, learning Japanese

terminology and at higher grades examples of practical

application of techniques.

Congratulations to all who took part. To learn more about

judo or to join in a class, contact Clyde Judo Club at: www.

facebook.com/ClydeJudoClub

local community, local life ............... 40

Ranfurly Castle Ladies Section

Since restrictions were lifted on the numbers allowed to play together,

the ladies have taken full advantage of enjoying both sociable golf and

competitions.

The season started in March with the 5 Club, 12 hole competition being

played in pairs. Senga Nixon was the winner with a very impressive score

of 32 points. This was followed by the Macmillan Cancer Relief Stableford,

played over 2 days in April, where the winner was Geraldine Hughes with

40 points and Mary Hardie was runner-up with 39 points. £123 was raised

for the charity.

The first fun team event took

place on 28th April with 10

teams of 3 taking part. The

winners were Jan Macnab,

Pat Pennel and Alison

Templeton with a very good

score of 77 point. Runnersup

were Anne Judge, Jean

Irvine and Evelyn McDermid

with a score of 74 points.

The Coronation Foursomes,

played on 5th May, resulted

in Louise Cooper and Anne

Gordon going forward to represent the club with 42 points.

In the Daily Mail Foursomes Anne Judge and Sheila Biggart have now

made it through to the 5th round. They now play away at Bishopbriggs

Golf Club so we wish them the best of luck going forward.

The Lady Captain’s Day was held on 26th May in mostly dry but cool

conditions. Silver winner was Louise Cooper with 43 points and Bronze

winner was Vicky Rennie with 38 points.

The Renfrewshire County Foursomes were

played at Bonnyton Golf Club on 27th May.

Jan Macnab and her daughter Alison won the

event with a gross 81. This meant they went

on to represent Renfrewshire in the Inter

County Foursomes held at East Kilbride on 1st

June where they were overall runners-up with

a 79. Many congratulations to them both.

The Greenlees team have sadly lost both of

their away matches played and the West

Renfrewshire team have lost one, halved one

and won one. Well done to all the ladies who

played.

A reminder that the Ladies Open Tri-Am takes

place on Thursday 15th July. Application

forms can be downloaded from Ranfurly

Castle website or by calling the Professional

Shop on 01505 802999.

Finally, a huge congratulations to Rosemary

Ogilvie who had a Hole in One at the 7th hole

– her first.


Brookfield Bowling Club

The first competition of the year was a Mixed Triples which was run

in spectacular sunshine. The winning team, for the Cole Hamilton

Salver was Jean Monks, Peter Connell and President Campbell

Blaikie.

The Club has fully opened and wappenshaws are run on Tuesday’s.

Thursday’s and Saturday’s. New members are very welcome.

Please phone past President Dennis Taylor at 01505 612417 for

information about joining.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 41

Clyde Muirshiel Park

Regional Park car parks and trails are open at all locations.

Outdoor Activity courses for members of the public have resumed,

see the Make a Booking section for 2021 dates and give yourself

something to look forward to.

Group bookings with the Outdoor Activity team are going ahead

and booking up very fast. Please contact them on 01505 842 882

for more information.

For more information, visit https://clydemuirshiel.co.uk/

Regular Meet Classes

Jennifer Sloan Physiotherapy

Led Pilates

Kilmacolm Community Centre,

Wednesdays at 6.15pm - 7.15pm

& 7.30pm - 8.30pm

For more information or to

book a class call Jennifer 07731

303709 or email: jennifermcghee@hotmail.co.uk

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.

Move it or Lose it!

We are delighted that some

of our classes have returned.

It’s been great to see so many

smiling faces

Due to social distancing

numbers are limited so most

of the classes are full. I am

currently running waiting lists

so if you are keen to join the fun

please call Fiona and leave your

name and number.

Some people have chosen to

attend a different venue while

waiting for their class to restart.

If you would like to do this,

please contact me as I may

consider running additional

classes where necessary.

Gourock - Mondays at 1.30pm

Greenock - Tuesdays at 1.30pm

Houston - Thursdays at 10.30am

Kilbarchan class restarting in

August and it is hoped that

Bridge of Weir class will return

soon.

Please contact Fiona 07811

766672 or e: Fiona.bretherton@

moveitorloseit.co.uk

www.moveitorloseit.

co.uk or check out

moveitorloseitwithfiona

on

facebook

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.

Zoom Pilates classes

Mondays at 9.30am - 10.30am

& 7pm - 8pm

Tel: Yvonne 07786 224367 or

yvonne@clydephysiotherapy.co.uk

Energise with Laura

Online Yoga Classes.

Monday - Beginner friendly DDP

Yoga at 6pm

Thursday - Intermediate DDP

Yoga at 6pm

Contact energisewithlaura@

gmail.com or visit www.

energisewithlaura.com

Many of the classes which usually

feature in this section have been

unable to resume for the time

being. Check out previous

Advertizers or our website for

various class details and contact

information.


local community, local life ............... 42

coming events

EVENT INFORMATION: Due to Covid restrictions, we

STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/

organiser for updates on these events. Where we

can, we will update our listings to notify of cancelled,

postponed and rescheduled events.

SAT 26TH JUN - SUN 15TH AUGUST

BRICKLIVE’s Animal Paradise!

Paisley - various venues

Have a great family day out

in Paisley this summer with

BRICKLIVE’s Animal Paradise! This

interactive trail features hand-built

brick endangered animal statues

across ice caps, jungles, rivers and

forests with the Bengal Tiger, the

Macaws, the Dolphin or the Snow

Leopard?

Find all 15 models for

your chance to enter our free prize

draw! Free Event

THURSDAY 1ST - SATURDAY 31ST

Art for Erskine Online

Exhibition & Sale

virtual event

This month long fundraiser offers

a wide selection of contemporary

artwork and more available to

buy from the comfort of your own

home!

JUly

Artists include Graham

McKean; Katherine Sutherland;

Elaine Johnston; and many more.

Every sale helps raise vital funds

towards the care of Veterans in

Erskine’s four care homes. Thank

you for your support! Prices for art

will vary. Visit the event website at

https://www.erskine.org.uk/event/

artforerskine/

SATURDAY 3RD

Paisley’s annual Sma Shot

Day

virtual event

Following the success of last year’s

event, Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot

Day celebrations will once again

be marked with a programme of

online events to commemorate the

historic victory of local weavers.

Sculpture Treasure Trail

Geilsland Country Estate, Beith

11am to 4pm

X marks the spot!

Join us at

Geilsland for the official opening of

our summer sculpture trail. Collect

your free blank treasure map and

set off along the trail, marking off

the sculptures as you find them.

Once you reach the end and your

map is complete you can claim

your prize! Free entry for all. The

event is organised by Beith Trust

Sculpture Trail and Beith Trust.

Geilsland Country Estate is near

Beith, off the Geilsland Road.

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! Customer entry

restricted for everyone’s safety.

Please wear face masks or scarves

if you can. Hand sanitizer at the

entrance for you to use. We are

encouraging all of the stall holders

to take card payments where

possible. Looking forward to seeing

everyone! FREE ENTRY

SUNDAY 4TH

Bridgeton Garage Open

Sunday

Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust

Bridgeton Bus Garage

The Glasgow Vintage Vehicle

Trust is pleased to open our home,

Bridgeton Bus Garage, to the public

on the first Sunday of July, August

and September. Ticket prices: Adult

£5, Child/Concession £3, Family

£12. Child tickets are for ages 15 and

under, Concession is for over 65. A

family ticket is valid for 2 adults and

2 children or 1 adult and 3 children.

Booking is through our online shop

at https://gvvt-ltd-103047.square.

site/product/bridgeton-garageopen-Sunday-4-july/74

WEDNESDAY 7TH

Scottish Awards for New

Music

virtual event

8pm

New Music Scotland is delighted to

be holding the awards online, live

from the RSNO centre, Glasgow.

Presented by Tom Service, it will

feature a performance by RSNO

violist Katherine Wren, the driving

force behind Nordic Viola, of

Legend, written by Eddie McGuire

in 1974 for the late Jimmy Durrant.

Streamed online from the RSNO

Centre (via the NMS website).

This event is online and free to

view.

Find out more at https://

www.newmusicscotland.co.uk/

awards2021/

SATURDAY 10TH

Lochwinnoch Films 4U

Lochbarr Services, Newton of

Barr, Lochwinnoch PA12 4JB

2pm and 6.30pm

Lochwinnoch Arts Festival will

be presenting two movies: Mary

Poppins Returns (PG), doors open

2pm, film begins 3pm. Black

Panther (12), doors open 6.30pm,

film begins 7.30pm. A short movie

made by local film makers will

precede both showings. Tickets

available from Lochbarr (opening

times Monday to Friday 5pm to

10.30pm). No charge for tickets

but donations will be gratefully

received (cash only). Please bring

your own chair/blanket for the

screening. Scottish Government

social distancing rules will apply.

Paisley Farmers Market

The Cenotaph, Paisley PA1 1DG

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.


Art for Erskine

Online Exhibition

& Sale

Join us for Art for Erskine, taking

place online from Monday 1st July

– Saturday 31st July. This month

long fundraiser offers a wide selection of contemporary artwork

and more available to buy from the comfort of your own home!

Artists include Graham McKean; Katherine Sutherland; Elaine

Johnston; and many more. Every sale helps raise vital funds towards

the care of Veterans in Erskine’s four care homes. Thank you for

your support!

This is an online event - prices for art will vary. Visit the event

website at https://www.erskine.org.uk/event/artforerskine/

Lochwinnoch Films 4U

On Saturday 10th July, Lochwinnoch Arts Festival will be presenting

two movies at Lochbarr, Lochwinnoch.

Mary Poppins Returns (PG), doors open 2pm, film begins 3pm.

Black Panther (12), doors open 6.30pm, film begins 7.30pm.

A short movie made by local film makers will precede both

showings.

Tickets available from Lochbarr (opening times Monday to Friday

5pm to 10.30pm).

No charge for tickets but donations will be gratefully received

(cash only). Please bring your own chair/blanket for the screening.

Scottish Government social distancing rules will apply.

Kilmacolm Dramatic Society

In the hope of restrictions easing over the summer the Society has

tentatively started planning a pantomime with a view to performing

it at our usual venue, Kidston Hall in Kilmacolm, the last weekend

in November.

Our experienced local Panto Director, Mandy Robinson, who’s

previously brought us the delights of Jack & the Beanstalk, Dick

Whittington and Sleeping Beauty, has decided to thrill us with

Aladdin this year. The script, by Bob Heather, requires a fairly large

cast and anyone interested in joining us, be it on stage or behind

the scenes as part of our valuable backstage crew, is invited to

email Mandy at joerobinson@btinternet.com

Play readings will have taken place by the time you see this but

informal auditions will be held this month. Don’t be shy, we are

a friendly, welcoming group and are always delighted to see new

faces.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 43


local community, local life ............... 44

SATURDAY 10TH - SUNDAY 11TH

Art By The Burn

Fox and Hounds, Main Street,

Houston

11am to 4pm

Featuring local artists, crafters, and

designers from the Renfrewshire

area. A full list of exhibitors will

be found on the AOS social media

pages before each event. If you

would like to book a stall please

see our website for details www.

artonscotland.co.uk Support local,

buy handmade, meet the maker!

TUESDAY 13TH

Outdoor Fitness Tone Classes

Howwood Park, Midton Road,

Howwood

10.30am to 11.15am

by Alexis Holmes from ‘Train with

Alexis’. £2 donation per class

with a fully qualified and insured

instructor. Suitable for all abilities

and ages (over 16’s only please).

Dress for the weather. Booking

required via Eventbrite (Google

‘Eventbrite Howwood Park’ to find

the link, which changes weekly).

Organised by Friends of Howwood

Park. Classes will run every Tuesday

until the end of September, check

website for availability.

SATURDAY 17TH

Treasure Island

Finlaystone Country Estate -

Langbank

6.30pm

Featuring the Quantum Theatre

Group. Tickets: Adult £14, Child

£8.50, Family £40. For bookings

go to: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk

or call 0845 450 5157.

TUESDAY 20TH

Outdoor Fitness Tone Classes

Howwood Park, Midton Road,

Howwood

10.30am to 11.15am

by Alexis Holmes from ‘Train with

Alexis’. £2 donation per class

with a fully qualified and insured

instructor. Suitable for all abilities

and ages (over 16’s only please).

Dress for the weather. Booking

required via Eventbrite (Google

‘Eventbrite Howwood Park’ to find

the link, which changes weekly).

Organised by Friends of Howwood

Park. Classes will run every Tuesday

until the end of September, check

website for availability.

SUNDAY 25TH

Erskine Riverside Market

Erskine Riverside Market

Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine PA8 7AF

10am to 4pm

Runs on the last Sunday of each

month with a blend of fresh

produce, unique gifts, hand made

items & street food.

The ideal

family day out on your door step.

TUESDAY 27TH

Outdoor Fitness Tone Classes

Howwood Park, Midton Road,

Howwood

10.30am to 11.15am

by Alexis Holmes from ‘Train with

Alexis’. £2 donation per class

with a fully qualified and insured

instructor. Suitable for all abilities

and ages (over 16’s only please).

Dress for the weather. Booking

required via Eventbrite (Google

‘Eventbrite Howwood Park’ to find

the link, which changes weekly).

Organised by Friends of Howwood

Park. Classes will run every Tuesday

until the end of September, check

website for availability.

SATURDAY 31ST

Paisley Farmers Market

The Cenotaph, Paisley PA1 1DG

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.

AUGUST

SUNDAY 1ST

Bridgeton Garage Open

Sunday

Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust

Bridgeton Bus Garage

The Glasgow Vintage Vehicle

Trust is pleased to open our home,

Bridgeton Bus Garage, to the public

on the first Sunday of August and

September 2021.

Ticket prices:

Adult £5, Child/Concession £3,

Family £12. Child tickets are for

ages 15 and under, concession is

for over 65. A family ticket is valid

for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult

and 3 children. Booking is through

our online shop at https://gvvtltd-103047.square.site/product/

bridgeton-garage-open-Sunday-4-

july/74

TUE 3 AUGUST

Outdoor Fitness Tone Classes

Howwood Park, Midton Road,

Howwood

10.30am to 11.15am

by Alexis Holmes from ‘Train with

Alexis’. £2 donation per class

with a fully qualified and insured

instructor. Suitable for all abilities

and ages (over 16’s only please).

Dress for the weather. Booking

required via Eventbrite (Google

‘Eventbrite Howwood Park’ to find

the link, which changes weekly).

Organised by Friends of Howwood

Park. Classes will run every Tuesday

until the end of September, check

website for availability.

August Deadline Date: Wednesday 14TH july -

contact info@advertizer.co.uk


Sculpture Treasure Trail

Join us at Geilsland on Saturday the 3rd of July from 11am to 4pm

for the official opening of our summer sculpture trail. Collect your

free blank treasure map and set off along the trail, marking off the

sculptures as you find them. Once you reach the end and your map

is complete you can claim your prize!

Free entry for all.

The event is organised by Beith Trust Sculpture Trail and Beith Trust.

Geilsland Country Estate is near Beith, off the Geilsland Road.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1104846696675838/

Art By The Burn

‘Art by the Burn’ is a new Outdoor Artisan Market opening in

Houston, Renfrewshire this July. The weekend events will feature

local artists, crafters, and designers from the Renfrewshire area.

You can attend the market at the Fox & Hounds Car Park between

11am-4pm Saturday and Sundays. A full list of exhibitors will be

found on the AOS social media pages before each event.

If you would like to book a stall please see our website for details

www.artonscotland.co.uk Support local, buy handmade, meet

the maker! Visit the website at https://www.facebook.com/

events/949770379209173

Additional Dates: 14th - 15th August, 11th - 12th September

The 2021 Virtual London Marathon

You can run, jog or walk at your own pace over 24 hours, this could

be split into two distances over the 24 hours. We only have a few

places and all we ask is you register for £20 and raise a minimum

of £99 to support the work of SHA. Virgin London marathon have

created an APP and you can track your distance and it virtually

shows you landmarks in London – exciting to visualise you’re

actually being there. Also, if anyone has their own place, we would

be delighted if they wanted to support SHA and I can arrange for

fundraising materials.

Here is the link to sign up here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/

virtual-london-marathon-2021-tickets-141803751839

Some blurb on the event:

The 2021 Virtual London Marathon is set to be the biggest marathon

ever staged anywhere in the world, with an incredible 100,000

runners scheduled to take part on Sunday 3rd October. Be part of

50,000 walker, joggers, runners and take on the world’s greatest

marathon at your place and pace from 00:00:00 to 23:59:59 BST

on 3rd October.

On the same day, a record 50,000 participants will run from

Blackheath to The Mall in the traditional mass-participation Virgin

Money London Marathon on the streets of the capital, an increase

of more than 7,000 on the previous finisher record.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 45

Scottish Awards for New Music

New Music Scotland is delighted to be holding the awards online,

live from the RSNO centre, Glasgow at 8pm on Wednesday 7th July

2021. Presented by Tom Service, it will feature a performance by

RSNO violist Katherine Wren, the driving force behind Nordic Viola,

of Legend, written by Eddie McGuire in 1974 for the late Jimmy

Durrant.

Streamed online from the RSNO Centre (via the NMS website)

This event is online and free to view. Find out more at https://

www.newmusicscotland.co.uk/awards2021/

Bridgeton Garage July Open Sunday

The Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust is pleased to open our home,

Bridgeton Bus Garage, to the public on the first Sunday of July,

August and September 2021.

Initially these events will require advance purchase tickets to ensure

we can keep our visitor numbers within a safe limit. The garage will be

open from 11am - 4pm. Each ticket will allow you 2 hours at the event

and you must arrive within 30 minutes of the time you have chosen.

Ticket prices: Adult £5, Child/Concession £3, Family £12. Child

tickets are for ages 15 and under, Concession is for over 65. A

family ticket is valid for 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3

children.

Booking is through our online shop at https://gvvt-ltd-103047.

square.site/product/bridgeton-garage-open-sunday-4-july/74

Members will be advised separately by email on how to register

to attend, there is no admission charge for member, however you

must book a time slot for us to ensure we keep within our safe

maximum number of visitors in the garage. We’ll have a one-way

system around the garage. Our Café will be open with some seating

indoors and outside in gazebos. The GVVT stall will be open selling

books, models and merchandise.

We will have a small number of visiting vehicles on display to

compliment the vehicles in the GVVT collection.

A free shuttle service will operate every 30 minutes between

the Garage and the City Centre. Seats are limited due to social

distancing and

priority access will

be given to those

who are visiting the

garage to ensure

they meet their

booked time slot.

Please note there

will be filming of the

event during our

Open Sunday on 4th

July.


SATURDAY 7TH

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! Customer entry

restricted for everyone’s safety.

Please wear face masks or scarves

if you can. Hand sanitizer at the

entrance for you to use. We are

encouraging all of the stall holders

to take card payments where

possible. Looking forward to seeing

everyone! FREE ENTRY.

TUESDAY 10TH

Outdoor Fitness Tone Classes

Howwood Park, Midton Road,

Howwood

10.30am to 11.15am

by Alexis Holmes from ‘Train with

Alexis’. £2 donation per class

with a fully qualified and insured

instructor. Suitable for all abilities

and ages (over 16’s only please).

Dress for the weather. Booking

required via Eventbrite (Google

‘Eventbrite Howwood Park’ to find

the link, which changes weekly).

Organised by Friends of Howwood

Park. Classes will run every Tuesday

until the end of September, check

website for availability.

SATURDAY 14TH - SUNDAY 15TH

Art By The Burn

Fox and Hounds, Main Street,

Houston

11am to 4pm

Featuring local artists, crafters, and

designers from the Renfrewshire

area. A full list of exhibitors will

be found on the AOS social media

pages before each event. If you

would like to book a stall please

see our website for details www.

artonscotland.co.uk Support local,

buy handmade, meet the maker!

House Wanted To Buy

Minimum of 3 bedrooms Detached or older Semi

preferred in Houston, Kilmacolm, or Bridge of Weir

area. South/South West facing back garden.

Please call: 07753 659804

The Great Outdoor Cinema:

Inverclyde @ the Knapps Loch

21st - 23rd August

By the team that brought you The Drive-In Cinema in 2020, we

cannot wait to welcome you to The Great Outdoor Cinema in

2021.

This year it’s all about getting outside, enjoying the fresh air and

making up for lost entertainment. Enjoy our selection of street food

alongside cinema snack classics such as fresh popcorn and an ice

blast! Make the most of our mobile bar and sip on an ice cold gin &

tonic whilst you sit back and enjoy the film (subject to licensing).

21st August - The Lion King

22nd August - Grease

23rd August - Jurassic Park

Ticket link: http://bit.ly/InverclydeCinema

Tickets on sale from Friday 25th June at 11am

Book through the link for a 20% discount code. More event

information on the booking page.

Children (under 16)- £8 Concession- £9 Adult- £11.25

local community, local life ............... 46

KEEPING YOU

CONNECTED

WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK

INFO@ADVERTIZER.CO.UK

@GRYFFEADS

ANSWER THE CALL.

SUPPORT LOCAL.

#SCOTLANDLOVESLOCAL

#KEEPINGITLOCAL


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 47

Have a great family day out in Paisley this summer with

BRICKLIVE’s Animal Paradise!

We’re getting summer underway in Paisley town centre with our

free family adventure, BRICKLIVE’s Animal Paradise!

Running from Saturday 26th June until Sunday 15th August, this

interactive trail features hand-built brick endangered animal

statues.

We’re sure your mini explorers will have a great expedition hunting

down these stunning animals across ice caps, jungles, rivers and

forests, all in the heart of Paisley town centre!

What will our intrepid voyagers find first – the Bengal Tiger, the

Macaws, the Dolphin or the Snow Leopard?

Find all 15 models for your chance to enter our free prize draw!

What better way to get the whole family out and about for the day

with this fun, free activity!

Colette Cardosi, Chair of Paisley First, said: “It’s been a tough year

for everyone so we’re happy to be able to give everyone something

to look forward to this summer.

“BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise is made up of hand-built brick

endangered animal models and has been devised to entertain whilst

educating children and families about environmental issues and the

importance of conservation and biodiversity.

“So, if you are looking for a free day out and something fun to do

with all the family this summer, head to Paisley!”

Trail leaflets will be available from the leaflet racks in both the

Piazza Shopping Centre and also the Paisley Centre as well as town

centre businesses and the Paisley First office at 1 County Place –

just opposite Paisley Gilmour Street train station.

Once you’ve had fun with our trail, we have a wide range of great

shops and an abundance of fantastic food and drink venues,

catering to every taste and budget, where you can have a wellearned

rest!

Plus, Paisley is Paw Friendly so no need to leave your four-legged

friend at home!

Love the school summer holidays? Love Paisley!


local community, local life ............... 48

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

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

H o u s t o n re g i s t e re d

childminders. For an

informal chat to find

your best childcare, call

Helen Smith on 07952

390282

CHILDCARE

VACANCIES

Kilmacolm/Quarriers

a r e a r e g i s t e r e d

childminders. P/time

or F/time vacancies for

u-5’s and after school.

T: 01505 873839.

DELIVERY PROBLEM?

PLEASE GET IN TOUCH!

INFO@ADVERTIZER.CO.UK

01505 613340

WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK/DELIVERY-FEEDBACK


e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 49

sales & wants

ITEMS FOR SALE

BABY EQUIPMENT

Folding Childrens’ High

Chair – good condition.

£ 2 0 . Te l : 0 1 5 0 5

873295.

White Childrens’ Cot

with drop sides and

two drawers – good

condition. £30. Tel:

01505 873295.

Mothercare Classic travel

cot, Cot mattress,

Quilt cot/bed, Cellular

b l a n ke t f i t p ra m /

crib, Cot sheet. All as

new £50. Tel: 07843

088541.

Maxi Cosi car seat - Pebble

model. VCG. £50. Tel:

07837 980361.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN

Chrome/glass 2 seater bar

table with 2 matching

stools. VGC. £30. Tel:

07758 370044.

Roman blind. Perfect

condition (W) 187cms

(54ins); (L) 150cms

(60ins). Black/silver/

grey horizontal stripe

with beaded edge. £10.

Tel: 07837 980361.

3 4 x S q u a re White

Ceramic Floor Tiles, 13”

x 13” (33cm x 33cm).

£30. Tel: 01505 614900.

4 panel folding Shower

Bath Screen. £30. Tel:

01505 614900.

3 D o o r Wa r d r o b e

(currently collapsed).

£ 5 0 . Te l : 0 1 5 0 5

873295.

New fitted white gloss

K i tc h e n u n i t s a n d

fittings, uncut worktops,

dishwasher and sink. Fit

kitchen 3.94m x 2.46m.

Total cost £1,400, sell

£800 ono. Tel: 07307

170949.

Motor reclining single

chair. Westbury Model

f r o m H a m p t o n &

McMurray in Bryson

/Cappuccino colour.

Less than 2 years old,

perfect condition. Cost

£850, sell £250. Tel:

07557 564350.

Ryobi Long Handled

Hedge Trimmer – as

new. £30. Tel: 01505

873295.

Piece of pale green

wool carpet 16 feet x 8

feet (approx) – brand

new. £40. Tel: 01505

873295.

A varierty of Rosewood/

Mahogany, rope edged

f u r n i t u re by J o h n

Coyle, Ireland. Photos

Available. Tel: 07890

680179.

E x t e n d a b l e O v a l

Dining Table - (H)

77cm x (W) 160cm

x (D) 89cm, extends

to 205cm. Dining

Chairs x 4 + 2 Carver

Chairs by John Berry

Chipping, all matching

with Burgundy Stripe

& Pattern. £320.

Hi-Fi Unit - (H) 68cm

x (W) 91cm x (D)

45cm. (S1) Drawer and

cupboard below, (S2)

Glass door cupboard

w i t h o p e n i n g to p.

£150.

Rectangular Nest of

3 Tables - (H) 51cm x

(W) 58cm x (D) 38cm

(largest table). £75.

Lounge Unit - (H)

185cm x (W) 137cm

x (D) 44cm. Display

Cabinet with 3 Doors

and Mirror Back, 2

Side Cupboards and 3

Drawers. £295.

R o u n d S i d e / L a m p

Tables with glass centre

- (H) 63cm x (D) 56cm.

£60 for both.

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.

Oval Coffee Table with

glass protector - (H)

50cm x (W) 117cm x (D)

76cm. £60.

CD Swivel Storage Unit

- (H) 79cm x (W) 39cm

x (D) 42cm. £90.

Dining Room Unit - (H)

188cm x (W) 160cm

x (D) 44cm. 2 Side

Display Cabinets with

Mirror Backs, drop

down Drinks Cabinet,

2 Side Cupboards and

4 Drawers. £300.

SPORTS

Atomic pro race classic

cross country ski’s

191cm, Salomon SNS

profil binding. Cross

country ski poles with

w r i st stra p s E xce l

Nordic Explorer S2

150cm. £45 ono. Tel:

07914 147314.

John Letters Golf Bag

(Black) – as new. £30.

Tel: 01505 873295.

Set of L handed golf

clubs - Taylor Made

B u b b l e F i r e s o l e ,

Driver/3 wood, Irons

3-9/Wedge/2 putters

& Bag - All for £50. Tel:

07774 683835.

2 x Kayaks: includes

paddles, life jackets and

cradles for roof racks.

£40 for each kayak set.

Tel: 01505 706485.

Golf Clubs 8 steel woods,

11 irons most, Hogan

Edge, 2 putters, bag

and flight bag. £60.

Tel: 07519 252499.

2 R a l e i g h Ko m p a c t

folding bikes 20in.

Wheels, Shimano gears,

stand and carrier rack.

£80 each or 2 for £120.

Tel: 07519 252499 .

Salomon ski/snowboard

helmet shallow peak to

front, warm detachable

ear coverings, brown

size small, GC. £10. Tel:

07914 147314.

Salomon SNS profil fit

cross country padded

a n k l e b o o t g o o d

condition small repair

on left boot inside toe

area. Size UK 6.5. £15.

Tel: 07914 147314.

Fischer classic cross

country ski’s, Salomon

SNS profil binding.

Cross country ski poles

with wrist straps Fischer

RC5 Aircarbon 145cm.

Cross country ski poles

with wrist straps Excel

Carbon Nordic Explorer

140cm. £45 ono. Tel:

07914 147314.

A t o m i c w o m e n ’ s

snowboard Polarity

Edition white glitter with

pink checked underside

(147cm) black/pink

Ride bindings & black

Rossignol soft carry

bag. £45. Tel: 07914

147314.

K 2 H ave n b o a l a ce

system snowboard

boots. Black with Blue

stitching black/blue

comfort liner. Good

condition scuff on

toe area of one boot.

Women’s size 39.5/size

6, plus boot bag. £25.

Tel 07914 147314.

2 x Planet x padded bike

bags 1 x Blue/black 1 x

Blue/cream, VGC, no

tears. £20 each. Tel:

07914 147314.

S p o r t u b e s e r i e s 3

ex te n d a b l e a i r l i n e

friendly case. Light

weight high-density

polyethylene plastic

case offers high-level

protection for one/ two

snowboards, boots and

bindings or 3 sets of

adult skis with mounted

bindings and poles.

Size adjustable with

robust wheels for hand

transport. £35. Tel:

07914 147314.

Vintage Raleigh Royale

Racing Bike. £200. Tel:

07307 170949.

S p o r t u b e S e r i e s 2

extendable Airline

friendly case. Light

weight high-density

polyethylene plastic

case offers high-level

protection for 2 sets

cross country Skis and

poles or 1 adult downhill

skis with mounted

bindings and poles.

Size adjustable with

robust wheels for hand

transport. £35. Tel:

07914 147314.

OTHER ITEMS

Brand new full size

Steel Wheel & Tyre for

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

3. £100. Tel: 07740

281206.

Aquaroll & Waste Master,

never been used. £25

for both. Tel: 01505

673248.

WANTED ITEMS

Old records Wanted 45`s

& LP`s CASH Paid. Tel:

01505 873958 or 07710

777571.

Cash paid for Vinyl

Records and Music

CDs (a few or a lot).

Tel: 01505 324683 or

07765 115347.

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

St Columba’s blazer

Boys Size 29”. Good

condition. Tel: 07814

408192 .

Extra large Rabbit Hutch.

2 sections, possibly

requires re-roofing.

Must collect. Tel: 01505

614900.

L a r g e m a u v e / p i n k

Chinese Carpet. Good

c o n d i t i o n , n e e d s

cleaned. Approx. 10’ x

8’. Tel: 01505 229906.

www.advertizer.co.uk/submit-sales-wants


local community, local life ............... 50

ads directory by Category

Accountants &

Financial

Affluent Financial Planning . . 3

CLA Accountancy Services . . . 44

Architectural

Services

Abbey Architectural Services . . 13

CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 9

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Automotive Services

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Bathrooms

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7

Bedrooms

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 9

Blacksmith &

Metalwork

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 13

Building Services

A & M Sandstone Restoration . . 5

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 17

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 5

I & J Building & Roofing . . . 3

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 16

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 3

KC Roofing & Building Services . . 9

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 11

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

SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 3

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 16

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 43

Care Services & Homes

Home Instead Senior Care . . . 13

Catering

Karen Rankin Catering . . . . . . 35

Cleaning & PowerWash

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 44

Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 42

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 25

Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 9

KC Roofing & Building Services . . 9

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Platinum Cleaning Services . . 11

Cycle Repair

Spokes Bikes Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 35

Driveways

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Electricians

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

MAS Electrical & Security . . 15

Russell Milne Electrician . . 16

Fencing

McLaughlan Metal Fabrication . . 13

Firewood & Logs

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Funeral Services

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 11

John Roach Funeral Directors . . 17

Garage Doors & Gates

Powerdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Garden Service &

Design

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 31

Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 29

next Deadline

14th JULY 2021 for AUGUST 2021

issue

Dates may change - please watch our

website: www.advertizer.co.uk

or keep up to date on our Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/GryffeAds

CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 9

Cuillin Landscapes . . . . . . . . . 29

Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 29

I & J Building & Roofing . . . 3

Lady Grafters Garden Services . . 31

R & J’s Gardening Services . . 31

R Williams Tree Services . . . 29

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 28

West of Scotland Landscape . . 31

Gas & Heating Services

C Hunter PlumbingHeatingGas . . 43

Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 7

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 23

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 7

Glazier

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 9

Hairdressers &

Barbers

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 25

Bridge of Weir Barbers . . . . . 12

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 9

Health, Beauty &

Fitness

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 25

Erskine Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 47

Jamie Scott Personal Training . . 41

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Home Hardware

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Home Improvements

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 31

A & M Sandstone Restoration . . 5

Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 29

CHG Architecture Ltd . . . . . . . 9

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 17

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 43

Home Interiors

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 9

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

Joiners

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 23

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 16

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 3

M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 11

McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 25

SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 3

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 16

Kitchens

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 7

Burndale Workshop . . . . . . . . . 9

JBC Joiners and Builders . . . 3

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 16

Leisure & Recreation

Strathgryffe Tennis & Squash . . 37

Locksmiths

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Painters & Decorators

A Gallagher Painter&Decor . . 42

Andrew Hay Painter & Decor . . 47

James Martin - Painter &Decor . . 47

John H Barney . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Pest Control

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 19

Pet Services &

Training

Dog Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Plasterers

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 17

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 16

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16

Contact us!

WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK

@GRYFFEADS

Plumbers

C Hunter Plumbing eatingGas . . 43

Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 7

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 23

Property, Sales & Let

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 7

Refuse & Clearance

Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Removals

@ease Removals & Transport . . 47

Clyde Carriers . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Retail

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Twice Loved Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Roofing

A & M Sandstone Restoration . . 5

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 17

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 17

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 5

Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 9

I & J Building & Roofing . . . 3

KC Roofing & Building Services . . 9

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 16

SMG Roofing & Building . . . . . 3

Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 43

Solicitors

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 7

Special Occasions

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Twice Loved Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Stoves

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

Taxis

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Tiling

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 44

Tree Surgeon

Branch Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 29

Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 29

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

R Williams Tree Services . . . 29

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 28

TV & Satellite

Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 9

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 17

Upholstery Services

Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 42

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 25

Window Cleaners

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 44

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 25

Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 9

Matthews Cleaning Services . . 35

Window, Consv & Repair

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 9

1st Floor, Neva Place

Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN

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history spot

Kilbarchan Parish Church Burial Ground

Who lies here? Who do you think they are?

Before the neglected Kilbarchan Parish Church burial ground

completely disappears below the undergrowth, some research into

the identity and lives of the people who were interred therein may

be of interest. The two stones shown in the image above stand side

by side against the wall of the old church. Both stones have the

same shape and identical ornamentation, and appear to be carved

by the same stone mason and dedicated to the same James Black.

The inscription on the larger stone on the left of the image above

reads “Dedicated to the memory of James Black farmer in Penneld

who died April 1785 aged 64 years”. The inscription on the smaller

stone reads “JB MW 1785”. But who was James Black?

James Black, in Lochermiln, married Mary Wilson (MW) in 1851.

Mary was the eldest daughter of John Wilson, and Mary Henderson

of Sandholes. James and Mary started their married life in Locher

Mill where the first two of their seven children, Agnes and Mary,

were born in 1752 and 1754. Before 1757, the family moved to

nearby Penneld where James converted the old corn mill at Nether

Penneld on the River Locher into a barley mill which he operated

for some years. By his early forties, James appears to have been

a man of significance in the community and a prosperous farmer

and miller. In 1760 he was wealthy enough to purchase Glentyan

Mill in Kilbarchan village from Patrick Crawfurd, the last laird of

Auchinames, and in 1763 he was appointed as an elder in the Parish

Church. In 1770 he demolished his barley mill and on June 12th,

1775, he sold the lands of Glentyan with the corn mill to Alexander

Speirs, the linen merchant who built Glentyan House. By 1782 he

was carrying on both lime and coal work at his farm called Moor

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | July 2021 51

of Waterston and Tween–of-hills, the property of Robert Napier of

Milliken. Both John and his wife died in 1785. It can be assumed

that Mary died a few months after the death of her husband, and a

second stone was erected.

James and Mary’s second daughter, Mary Black, married James

Semple, Jun. of Middleton in 1776. The Semples of Middleton (now

part of Linwood) were thread manufacturers in the old Kilbarchan

Parish. Mary died young, in June 1779, aged 24 years. She too is

interred in the burial ground. Her large gravestone lies flat on the

grass beside Captain Stirling’s fenced enclosure.

© June 2021, Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum

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Johnstone History Society

Sadly we have no definite information as to when

our monthly meetings will be able to resume,

however be assured as soon as we can you will

be informed either in the press, social media or by

email from Valerie our secretary.

The Museum continues to open Wednesday Friday

and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm. Government

guidelines are in place and restricted numbers are

still in force. We have all our usual books leaflets

and maps on sale and these can also be purchased

online at johnstonehistory.org these can be paid

for through PayPal.

One piece of good news is that Doors Open day

will take place in September and we plan to take

part as usual.


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