319 NOVEMBER 2021 - Gryffe Advertizer

No.319:

NOVEMber 2021

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

LOCAL N E W S FOR:

• 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

Falling into Autumn...

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

We are very excited at the Advertizer office as we have been hearing from more and more of our

clients who are, at long last, able to get back to business. It’s also lovely to see new businesses

moving into some of the shops that have been lying empty, maintaining the variety and vibrance

of our village streets.

Our local groups and clubs are getting back to face-to-face meetings, albeit with social distancing

and safety in mind. And possibly the most exciting news so far is that the Santa Sleigh team are

getting ready and planning their routes for December! Anyone who is interested in getting

involved is invited to attend at the Hope Hall, Bridge of Weir on Tuesday 2nd November at 7pm.

COVER IMAGE:

Poppies for Remembrance

Sunday, which will be held on

14th November 2021.

Next Deadline:

10th November 2021

for DECEMBER 21 issue

We’ve heard that many of the regular local bonfire and fireworks events will not be taking place

this year. The Knapps event and Inverclyde Council’s event at Battery Park have been cancelled,

along with the regular Paisley extravaganza.

Unfortunately, we had issues with our email and phone lines last week, so if we have missed any

news items due to this, we can only apologise - it was outwith our control.

Finally, don’t forget to put your clocks back one hour on Sunday 31st October. The old saying,

“Spring forward, Fall back” helps us remember which way to go.

Shop local - support your community!

Contact us:

01505 613340

07521 651936

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/

In this issue...

10th Erskine walk of hope 04

Angel voices 04

St Vincent’s Firewalk 04

Toy bank Christmas appeal 04

Guide Dogs fundraiser retires 06

Gryffe Valley Rotary 08

GPS Signage installed at Gryffe 10

Soroptimists Centenary 10

village news 12-24

Host - Carrick Centre 18

Coming events 28-33

panto season 31

Which online safety campaign 32

BoW Festival Santa Sleigh 33

Book release 34

Winter festival 34

Schools & Sports 35-41

#Youdecide 39

Regular meets 41

Out & about 42-47

classified ads 48

Sales & Wants 49

Advertizer ads directory 50

Local history 51

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk |

November 2021 3


The Firewalk

Join us for our Hottest Fundraising event EVER!!

SATURDAY, 13TH NOVEMBER 2021 at St. Vincent’s Hospice, Howwood,

7pm - 9pm

For more information and details on how to register please;

Email info@svh.co.uk or Tel 01505 705635 Ext 303

Registration: £10, includes a free T-shirt!

10th Erskine Walk of Hope

Angel Voices

St Fillan’s Community Children’s Choir

Rehearsals on Fridays at 6pm in St Fillan’s Church Hall, Moss Road

Kilmacolm

Music Director, Mrs Anne Lawrence and Teacher/Accompanist, Mr

Michael Hepburn.

Administrators: Dr Vivienne Smith, Mrs Maureen Russell

New members welcome! (ages range from 4 to 13) Contact: Maureen

Russell: maureenmrussell@hotmail.com or on mobile: 07905-950028

Renfrewshire Toy Bank Christmas Appeal

We have been preparing for Christmas for a long time behind the

scenes and cannot thank all of the local businesses and organisations

enough for getting behind us yet again.

Referrals have started to come in and we are expecting this year to be

our busiest yet with more places referring than ever before.

Drop-off points will open on the 1st of November with even more

locations to make it as easy as possible to donate. We are however

looking for somewhere else in Bishopton if anyone can help us out?

Check our Facebook page for drop off points. *Please note that we only

accept donations of new toys and gifts*

We cannot thank everyone who supports us enough. The toy bank

has become such a vital service to the children of Renfrewshire and we

hope to be able to complete all referrals this year to help ensure no local

child goes without this Christmas.

We have an Amazon wish list and we are delighted to take PayPal

donations or bank transfers. Please check out our Facebook page for

details:

https://www.facebook.com/renfrewshirechristmastoybank

Thank you, Renfrewshire we couldn’t do this without you.

On Saturday 11th September 2021 Margaret Moncrieff and friends did

a sponsored Walk of Hope along the banks of the Clyde at Erskine to

increase awareness of Huntington’s disease and to raise funds for Scottish

Huntington’s Association (SHA). This was the 10th anniversary of this

Walk.

SHA is the only Scottish charity dedicated to helping people affected by

Huntington’s disease (HD). HD is a desperately cruel condition which over

a period of perhaps as long as 25 years reduces an adult to a state of

total dependence for emotional and physical support. Other members

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

child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 risk of inheriting the faulty gene and

therefore developing the condition.

It was a lovely day and we all enjoyed the Walk. We were joined by friends

from Houston, Erskine, Bishopton and Glasgow. The amazing sum of

£1,300 has been raised to date.

Thanks are due to members of Houston & Killellan Kirk, staff and partners

of Walker Laird, Solicitors, friends from Erskine and surrounding areas and

our families.

Very many thanks to all who contributed. Donations can still be made to

the following JustGiving page:

http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/margaret-moncrieff11


November 2021 5


Local Guide dogs fundraiser retires after 10 years volunteering

Guide Dogs has paid tribute to volunteer Anne Ferguson who has retired after leading the charity’s

West Renfrewshire fundraising group for 10 years. Anne, from Johnstone, helped raise both money and

awareness of Guide Dogs in the area in her role as group coordinator - and the charity is now appealing for

a new volunteer to take on the challenge.

Tammy McMichael, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager, said: “Anne has been a huge part of the

fundraising family at Guide Dogs, leading the way with passion, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to

Guide Dogs’ mission to support people with sight loss to live the life they choose.

“By giving her time and energy, Anne has allowed our charity to continue supporting people with sight loss

in West Renfrewshire and beyond. It is with great sadness that I wish Anne a very happy retirement from

volunteering and hope she knows how much she will be missed – not just by me, but by all the staff and

volunteers who have had the pleasure of working alongside her these last 10 years.”

The group, run entirely by volunteers, is now in need of a new group coordinator to help organise events

and raise funds for the charity.

Tammy continued: “Being part of the group is a great way to make new friends, while helping to raise

awareness and funds for Guide Dogs, especially now that we can get back out and about again. The group

coordinator is the key contact for the branch in the local community, helping to organise a variety of activities

such as collections, social events and tea parties. We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, a good communicator and likes working as a team.”

The West Renfrewshire fundraising group is open to anyone who would like to support a good cause and be part of a local social group.

Tammy said: “It costs around £60,000 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement and Guide Dogs relies almost entirely on public donations, so the

support we get from our local groups is vital. If you’re from the area and think you could help us, please get in touch.”

Volunteers must be aged 16 or over and Guide Dogs will provide all the training required for each role. Visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or

contact Volunteer Coordinator Heather Valentine at: Heather.Valentine@guidedogs.org.uk or on 07867 141453 for more information.


November 2021 7

ADVERTISING FEATURE


Travel Actually Has Moved

Having worked from home for the past 20 months whilst the Travel

Industry came to a complete standstill, we have decided to close the

doors of our shop in Kilmacolm, and continue to work from home.

Our business remains the same. We are still fully ABTA and ATOL

bonded, and we remain members of the Barrhead Travel Group.

Although travel had all but ceased, we have been extremely busy

rebooking holidays and securing refunds for every cancelled booking.

We have to say a huge Thank You to all of our loyal customers for their

patience and understanding over this period and we take pride in

the knowledge that we looked after every customer; refunded every

cancelled booking in full; and rebooked many for 2022 and 2023.

As the Advertizer goes to press we are delighted to say that restrictions

are easing and the world of travel is beginning to return to some signs

Rotary Gryffe Valley

We hope to commence regular meal meetings in our new venue the Fox

and Hounds from the 27th October.

End Polio Now:

Our annual Curry Night, held on 21st October in aid of End Polio Now,

was once again a Carry Out Curry night on Zoom. All funds raised will

go to End Polio Now and will be matched by the Gates Foundation on a

2 for 1 ratio.

Walk for Health:

The club has started work on a project to encourage walking locally in

the knowledge that walking is good for both physical and mental health.

We would like to make contact with all local walking clubs in our area

(Kilmacolm, Quarriers, Bridge of Weir, Houston, Crosslee, Brookfield,

Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch) with a view to promoting them

through the project. Please email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com with

contact details for walking groups.

General:

Club Representatives attended the Rotary District Conference and heard

an interesting array of speakers. We were pleased to nominate our own

Andrew Macleman as an Assistant District Governor for the forthcoming

year.

of normality. It is still early days, and whilst many will wait a while longer

before their confidence returns, we can report that for those who have

taken the plunge to travel in the last few weeks, it has been surprisingly

easy, and everyone has felt very safe.

Now, more than ever, it is important to book with a reputable Travel

Professional, who will guide you through the requirements and ensure

your booking and money is safe if things go wrong.

The World is opening, and you can be assured of First Class service at

Travel Actually, with knowledgeable and experienced professionals.

Thank you again to everyone who has booked with us in the past, and

you look forward to booking your long awaited holiday in the future.

Are, Shan Chat.

Corporate Membership:

We welcome new corporate members

who would like to be associated with

Rotary and the charitable work we carry

out. This offers opportunities to network

with members and support our work. Anyone interested in Rotary can

contact us through our web or Facebook page or email gryffevalleyrotary@

gmail.com .

Speaker Meetings:

Meetings using Zoom on the internet have continued giving the

opportunity for a variety of interesting speakers from near and far. Our

series of speakers on Climate Change ahead of the COP 26 Conference

continued and John Waddell spoke on Rotary Foundation, the international

Rotary Charity.

The series concludes with Peter Grant, Business Director INEOS

Grangemouth – Environmental issues for INEOS as we move towards

2050 on 6th October, Professor John Gibbons – Net zero gas emissions

for 2050 on 13th October, Stuart Hazeldine – Managing Greenhouse

gas emissions and storage in Scotland on 27th October and on 3rd

November- Lucia Fawsset & Karen Gilmore- Legal observers at COP26.

We are pleased to invite people interested to join in these meetings on

this important topic. Please email gryffevallyrotary@gmail.com to arrange

an invite.


November 2021 9


Renfrewshire Council to install GPS signage to improve safety along the river gryffe

Councillors in Renfrewshire have agreed to install GPS signage along the

banks of the River Gryffe as part of a drive to improve water safety.

Seven new signs will be placed at six potentially dangerous areas along the

river and will have a designated code which allow emergency responders

to know exactly where a distress call is coming from.

It is one of the first actions of the Renfrewshire Water Safety Working Group

which brings together Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire Leisure, Police

Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service

and Open Water Rescue, and formalises the ongoing work to improve

water safety in Renfrewshire.

The enhanced safety measures at the River Gryffe follow the tragic death

of a young boy earlier this year at this location and the new measures have

been implemented following discussions with his family, local community

members and Community Councils.

With assistance from the Glasgow Humane Society, temporary life belts,

poles and throw ropes have already been located on the riverbanks and

these are regularly checked by the community and have been replaced

by the society when any issues have arisen.

The new GPS signs will add to this equipment and new permanent life

belts, throw ropes and ‘Danger – Deep Water’ signs will also be installed

by the Council.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s

Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “It’s important

that young people know how dangerous open water swimming can be

and the tragic accident this summer was a harrowing reminder to avoid

swimming in locations like these.

“We want to make sure though that these areas are as safe as they can

be if people ignore this advice and the new GPS signage will mean the

emergency services can respond as quickly as possible should they be

needed.

“It’s an important first step for our new working group and I’m pleased

that we’ve created this partnership approach to ensure that we can give as

much information to young people as possible and equip them with the

knowledge to stay safe and out of the water.”

Where the equipment is located on land not in Council ownership, liaison

will take place with landowner wherever possible, and the Council has

committed to working with the community and landowner to assist with

any damage to the life-saving equipment.

The Renfrewshire Water Safety Working Group will also continue to work

closely as a partnership to educate young people about the dangers of

open water swimming and will deliver presentations to schools, as well

as in-person talks with local young people at known spots for open water

swimming.

Soroptimists in Paisley Prepare to Celebrate

Members of Soroptimist International of Paisley held their first face to face meeting for eighteen months last week. The timing was perfect as they

prepare to mark the centenary of Soroptimist International on 3rd October with an online conference which will be attended by members from across

the globe.

As part of a global ceremony, four candles were lit – one each for the Club, our Region of Scotland South, our Federation of Great Britain and Ireland,

and for Soroptimist International itself. Along with our Soroptimist sisters, we wish for a brilliant future for all women and girls.

The very first Soroptimist Club was founded in Oakland, California on 3rd October 1921. The first major project undertaken by the Oakland Club

concerned the environment with legislative advocacy to “Save the Redwoods”– the

great ancient trees which were being felled unmercifully. Soroptimists lobbied the

legislature, took on the powerful lumber companies, and gained public support for

the project. The result was that the major portion of the redwoods was set aside in a

protected reserve and still stands today. Many trees are being planted by clubs as an

appropriate way to mark this special year reflecting our continuing concern with the

environment.

In the years that followed, the organisation spread across the globe, expanding and

developing the original intent to be a service organisation looking to bring about change

to the lives of women and girls worldwide. Through this global network, members are

driven by the mission of transforming lives through education, empowerment and by

enabling opportunities for women and girls.

To read more about us and our history, visit www.sigbi.org/soroptimistcentenary2021

Ladies in the attached photo L – R: Sheena Macfarlane, Sheena McDonald, Margaret

Neil, Elsie Sutherland


November 2021 11


village news

WARD 11

Cllr James MacLaren

The group which I tentatively called Blooming Bishopton have agreed

to call themselves Bonnie Bishopton and work has begun to transform

the land at the edge of Greenock Road in front of the Community Centre, where in a

few days, there will be a delivery of top soil and we will be there planting bulbs and

shrubs. Membership is growing fast and new members are coming on board to help.

You may have seen them at work tidying up the bushes around the library. Funding from

the community council and the Co-op has been welcomed. Future projects, including

Christmas lighting, are being considered.

It is anticipated that this work to upgrade the existing Bishopton Health Centre will

commence early 2022 and be completed in the summer 2022. The work on a new

build facility in Dargavel is anticipated to begin summer 2023 with completion spring

2024. Then we will have one health centre in two buildings. Dargavel Primary School will

open on Thursday 6th January. To support transition both schools will finish the term on

Monday 20th December 2021.

The council have allocated £1.2 million of the annual roads capital budget over three years

for communities to decide on how it is spent. The funding is split across Renfrewshire so

not all the funding can be spent in the one place. You have until 14th November to submit

suggestions. Here are some of my suggestions: Bridge of Weir: - i) Resurface part of Mill

of Gryffe Road. ii) Add additional Gullies to Houston Road (this should mean less puddles

on the road meaning children walking to school stay drier, and the road lasts longer. iii)

Upgrade the footpath through The Glen and Horsewood Park.

Bishopton: - i) upgrade and adoption of footpaths such as Yarrow Crescent to Kingston

Rd, and those in Dargavel, etc.

Langbank: - i) Repairs to the footpath and its adoption at the west side of Station Road

Park. ii) Additional gullies at the bottom of Station Road and on Main Road. iii) A barrier

between the A8 and the cycle track leading to Hatton Brae. iv) A pedestrian bridge over

the A8. All suggestions are welcome.

From February 2022 all homes in Scotland must be fitted with interlinking smoke and

heat alarms. In addition carbon monoxide alarms are required if there is a carbon-fuelled

appliance or flue. All alarms must be powered either from the mains electricity circuit or

by a sealed battery lasting the full life-span of the alarm. Smoke and heat alarms must

either be interlinked by cable or by wireless radio-frequency interlink. Whilst nobody will

be prosecuted, this is a safety measure, and it is hoped most people will see the benefits

of it.

So far only my Bridge of Weir surgery is available - the others are still to be agreed. Tel:

0300 300 1291 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.

The Bridge

www.thebridgebridgeofweir.com

Happy 10th Birthday to The Bridge!!!.

The Bridge became a viable entity due to the help and

support of many individuals and organisations - money

raised by residents of the village, provision of the

building at a nominal rent from Renfrewshire Council,

various grants to enable us to grow, practical work

carried out to make The Bridge a pleasant place to visit,

financial and organisational expertise and the support

of trustees, volunteers, employees and customers all of

which we greatly appreciate.

The Shop - we started off by with two spinners of cards

and a limited selection of stationery for sale. Over the

years our stock has grown to provide customers with a

great selection.

The First Christmas and beyond - we bought packs

of Traidcraft cards from a local shop. We now buy

Traidcraft cards direct from Traidcraft and commission

our own “The Bridge” cards which promote our Mission

Statement far and wide as well as selling a large variety

of individual Christmas cards.

For many years the Paisley Colour Photographic Club

has produced stunning photographs for The Bridge Of

Weir calendar - a must buy for 2022.

Please come in and purchase from our selection of

goods.

Post Office – a Gift Card is a good way of sending

Christmas good wishes. These can be exchanged in

many well known stores. Please ask Donald, Alison or

Fiona for details.

Christmas stamps will be on sale on 2nd November.

Please remember the overseas posting deadlines!!!

Ask our Post Office staff for details.

In the run up to Christmas even although there is no

mandatory requirement for Social Distancing please

be mindful of the safety of your fellow customers. Hand

sanitizers are available throughout The Bridge.

Opening Hours: Mon – 10am to 1pm then 2pm to 5pm;

Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat 10am to 1pm


November 2021 13


Houston and Killellan Agricultural Society

The Annual Quiz Night will be held on Friday 26th November in the

J.G.Fleming Bowling Club, Houston. We hope that this will be well

supported as we missed out last year. Tickets are £5 to include a light

supper. For more information please contact Isabelle Stuart on 07508

905298 or e mail: issistuart@gmail.com

ward 10

Cllr Audrey Doig

1st Bridge of Weir (Wednesday) Guides

Many congratulations to Amie Carson and Beth Robinson who were

recently awarded their Guide Section Gold Awards, the highest award

they attain. Both girls worked really hard to finish their award which wasn’t

made easy when the Unit, during lockdown, moved to online meetings

over Zoom. Well done girls!

Both girls will continue in Guiding and will be Young Leaders with the

Rainbow Units in Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm.

Girlguiding Bridge of Weir & Kilmacolm currently have spaces in the Guide

Section (girls aged 10-14 years). Any girls interested should register at

girlguiding.org.uk/joinus

Bridge of Weir SWI

We had an enjoyable evening in October for our first meeting in the Cargill

Hall with a beautifully illustrated talk on China. We next meet on Thursday

4th November at 7.30pm when we will be making Christmas wreaths.

House Wanted

House or Bungalow - Min 3 beds - Detached or

older Semi preferred in Houston, Kilmacolm, or

Bridge of Weir area. Sunny back garden.

CASH WAITING

Please call: 07753 659804

I am pleased to report that the last full meeting of

Renfrewshire Council passed a motion which committed the Council to

expenditure for specialist Locator equipment which will complement the

lifesaving equipment on the River Gryffe. This equipment provides for

exact co-ordinates to be provided which will be of enormous assistance

to emergency services when trying to locate the exact site of an incident,

this was a serious issue in the recent tragic case of the Linwood boy who

died swimming in the river Gryffe, so this is a tremendous step forward in

health and safety terms.

I am pleased to report that council officers have contacted me this week

to confirm that all the tenders for the Rural Safe Walking Initiative have

just been received, and the contract as to who the consultant is will be

awarded in November this year. Following that a report will be provided

so that community consultation can begin with communities in Howwood,

Kilbarchan, and Houston. This initiative has ‘to consult with Elected

Members, Police, Community Councils and other local resident groups

to understand the nature, severity and location of the issues’, before and

after the installation of the traffic calming measures. I am very excited

about this as this will be a solution made in Houston for Houston, not the

usual situation where Paisley-based Council Officers dictate to Houston

what they will get.

At long last, after a Covid ban of 18 months, Councillors are being allowed

to resume face to face surgeries once again. Whilst most enquiries can

be dealt with by either phone or email many council enquiries can be of

a sensitive and discrete nature so a face to face discussion can be much

better.

I am delighted to report that my new advice surgeries will be held on

Thursday 21st Oct in Brookfield Village Hall at 6.30pm, Thursday 28th Oct

in Linwood TESCO Café at 6.30pm, and Thursday 18th November in the

Carrick Centre, Houston, also at 6.30pm.

Contact Details for Cllr Audrey Doig: Councillors are now resuming advice

surgeries again, but in addition you can also email 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.


November 2021 15

Houston & Killellan Kirk

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR CHILDREN

CrossReach is the social work arm of the Church of Scotland. Among

the services they offer is a visitors’ support and advice service at Perth

Prison and a visitors’ centre family hub at Polmont Prison. These services

offer safe and welcoming places for families to relax before and after a

prison visit. For children there are toys to play with and books to read,

and free refreshments.

Keeping families in touch with prisoners is a “golden thread” which

helps to minimise re-offending. Many of the children of prisoners

have very little and, when it comes to Christmas, they can feel very

left out. The CrossReach prison visitor service aims to provide a gift at

Christmas to each of the children with whom it comes into contact. It

can only do this through the generosity of donations. It is hoped that

the congregation of Houston & Killellan Kirk will generously support

it again this Christmas. The request is to put NEW unwrapped gifts in

open gift bags, with an indication of age, and boy or girl.

The plan is to have the gifts collected at the Small West Hall, Main Street,

Houston, with no social contact, at the same time as the Foodbank

donations continue to be received on Tuesdays 23rd & 30th November

10am – 12noon and 7pm – 8pm.

We’re looking for gifts like colouring, craft or jewellery sets, board

games, books, clothes, action figures, dolls, gadgets, puzzles etc.

Please don’t donate anything too heavy or bulky, since most families

travel by public transport.

WARM CLOTHES FOR THE HOMELESS

Warm clothes for the homeless & vulnerable, supported by

organisations such as the Simon Community & the Lodging House

Mission, is again a key Local Outreach appeal at Houston & Killellan

Kirk. We are seeking donations of, essentially in the current COVID

climate, NEW CLOTHES:

• warm underwear

• t-shirts

• warm nightwear

• waterproof jackets & trousers

• joggers

• jumpers

• woolly hats

• scarves

• gloves

• socks

to keep these vulnerable men & women as warm & dry as ourselves

during the winter.

The Kirk’s Mission Team are confident that those in the congregation

& in the wider community will respond generously, as they have done

so in previous years, by bringing their donations to the Small West Hall,

Main Street, Houston on the following Tuesdays: 2nd or 9th or 16th

November. The donations will be accepted, with no social contact,

between 10am & 12noon & between 7pm & 8pm.

At the same time as Foodbank donations continue to be received.

(Alternatively, to arrange collection, contact bob.ross7@gmail.com)


What’s on

NOV ‘21

H.O.S.T

THE CARRICK CENTRE, HOUSTON

Monday to Friday Gryffe Manor Out of School

01505 615438. Dance West Scotland enquiries@dancewestscotland.co.uk

Coffee Shop: - Mon/Sat 10am - 3pm Takeaways only. Check FB Café at the

Carrick for updates in line with C19 Gov Guidelines. Coffee Shop/Centre

01505 229597.

Booking enquiries:

Bill Haddow 01505 690693, Stewart Scally 01505 674277

Joe O’Brien 07968 804776

Email: thecarrickcentre@gmail.com or hostbookings@outlook.com

MONDAY

Rhythm Time

Sewing Group

DWS

Diaporama

Handy Wives

Weekly

9.30am

10am R4

4pm

8th at 7.30pm

15th at 7.30pm

Houston Show (Ladies) 8th at 7.30pm

TUESDAY

Paint Pot Tots

10am

Dawn Campbell 07789 262350

Yoga

7pm

M/s Lawson 01505 613690

DWS

4pm

WRADS

9th at 7pm

Andrew Leggate

Rhythm Time

9.45am

Clair Dolan 07458 396550

Cricketfield Residents 16th at 7.30pm

WEDNESDAY

Community Council 17th at 7.30pm

DWS

15.30pm

MOO MUSIC

9.30am

Camera Club

8pm

Womans Institute 10th at 19.30pm

Centre Patrons PLEASE ADVISE date

or time changes due to Holidays to

Centre Management

THURSDAY

Gryffe Quilting Group

11th/25th at 1pm - 3pm

4th/18th at 10am - 3pm

Crafty Friends 4th/18th at 7.30pm

Folk Club

8pm

Move It Or Lose It 10am

Councillor Surgery 18th at 6.30pm

Audrey Doig

Little Petals Massage 10am

FRIDAY

Yoga

10.30am

M/s Lawson 01505 613690

DWS

1.30am

DWS

5.30 pm

M.P. Surgery 12th at 12.30pm

Gavin Newlands

MSP Surgery 5th at 12.30pm

Natalie Don

SATURDAY

DWS

9.30 am

Councillor Surgery 1st at 11.30am

– 12noon Jim Sheridan

Deborah Campbell Textile Artist

6th at 9.30am

SUNDAY

Baptist Church 11am & 6pm

Deborah Campbell Textile Artist

7th at 9.30am


November 2021 17

Expert Gutter Cleaning

Advertising

Feature

Clean and clear blocked gutters and help protect your property

from water damage by removing moss, leaves, twigs, silt, etc. Our

lightweight telescopic carbon poles with specially designed cleaning

brushes also allow us to gently remove the algae, dirt and grime from

fascia, soffits, conservatories and other hard to reach areas.

For further information or a free quote on any of our services please

call 01505 863 863.

Kilbarchan Singers

The Kilbarchan Singers are delighted that we are now able to rehearse

in person once more on Monday evenings. Having only been able to

rehearse via Zoom for a year or so it is wonderful to be able to meet

up and sing together again. Should anyone feel they would like to

pursue joining the choir please email Myra Grant, our Secretary at

myragrant4@gmail.com We would be delighted to hear from you.

Kilbarchan NWR

November is a busy month for our group with 6 zoom meetings which

include the annual national Telephone Quiz ,a speaker on Foetal Alcohol

Syndrome Disorder and a speaker from the NatWest bank talking about

how to be aware of the many scams which seem to be increasing

nowadays. We also have our own topics to discuss. If you’d like to learn

more about our group please telephone 348627 or visit the website:

www.nwr.org.uk

Early Bird Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre

Kilbarchan Guide Centre, Barn Green, Kilbarchan

We are back … 20 stalls filled with gorgeous gifts and crafts for all

the family. We welcome some of our favourites including Nicole

McCarron’s silver jewellery, Threepwood fayre, All things nice and

Bumble Buttonz to name a few.

Come along to browse our stalls and get Christmas shopping started.

Entry: Choice between £2 OR donation for Renfrewshire food bank

(non-perishable groceries dried/ tinned goods, toiletries, baby items,

pet food).

Put the date in your diary we would love to see you there. https://www.

facebook.com/Fionasfundraisers/posts/4728510597161721


ward 9

Cllr Andy Doig

I am pleased to report that at the last full meeting

of Renfrewshire Council I moved a motion to get

the pesticide, Glyphosate, banned for use across

Renfrewshire where it has been used by the Council for decades in parks

and other public area. In 2015 the World Health Organisation said that

Glyphosate was “Probably carcinogenic”, and it was widely used by local

authorities. My motion was thankfully approved and I am indebted to

constituents from Kilbarchan who lobbied me on the matter and brought

this issue to my attention. Renfrewshire Council is now the 31st Council in

the UK to ban Glyphosate but it will be on a phased basis so the Council

can put in place other, safer, alternatives.

I am delighted that my anti-speeding initiative which I persuaded the

Council to adopt is speeding ahead, if I can say that. The Rural Safe

Walking Initiative is a pilot in three villages, two of which are Howwood

and Kilbarchan, and by the beginning of 2022 a report will be provided so

that community consultation can begin with communities in Howwood,

Kilbarchan, and Houston. This initiative has ‘to consult with Elected

Members, Police, Community Councils and other local resident groups

to understand the nature, severity and location of the issues’, before and

after the installation of the traffic calming measures. I am very excited

about this as this will be a solution made in the Villages for the Villages,

not the usual situation where Paisley-based Council Officers dictate to the

Villages what they will get.

The final motion which I got passed at the last full council was to call on

the Scottish Government to devolve the power to local authorities to

introduce 20mph zones in residential, village, and town centre areas where

they see fit. Currently this has to go through the Traffic Commissioner

and many constituents from Lochwinnoch and the surrounding villages

have lobbied me to say they feel that 20mph is essential for public safety

and not just desirable. This is not the end of my campaign but only the

beginning as 20mph zones have to be statutory to be effective and I hope

Holyrood listens to the united voice of Renfrewshire Council.

Contact Details for Cllr Andy Doig –

My constituents can see me at my advice surgeries on the second

Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm, Lilybank Bowling Club, Johnstone,

and 7.30pm the Old Library, Kilbarchan. On the fourth Wednesday of the

month they are at 6.30pm, Howwood Bowling Club, and then at 7.30pm

in Lochwinnoch Bowling Club, all excluding July and December.

Constituents can also email 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.


November 2021 19

Kilbarchan Old Library Centre

Classes currently running are:

Yoga - Wednesday 10am and 7.30pm. Both of these classes will be taken by

Elizabeth Hughes.

Yoga - Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm. Friday 10am -11am. Classes taken by Kerry

Yoga.

Move It or Lose It - with Fiona Bretherton Thursday at 2pm

Craft group - meets every 2nd Tuesday at 2pm.

Book Group meets monthly on a Tuesday evening

Bridge class - Friday 2pm - 4pm

“Tales if Land and Sea - from Smugglers Coast to handloom weaving village” -

in the Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan

Join Anne Pitcher and Andy Shanks for an evening of stories and song. Andy

will be sharing tales from Johnshaven, a small coastal village in the Northeast of

Scotland along with specially written songs. Anne will be sharing some tales of

Kilbarchan and original artwork depicting the place the stories come from.

Starting at 7.30pm - tickets are available from The Old Library Centre and cost

£6. Tel: 01505 706070 or 07708 059770 BYOB

Kipco is a recognised Scottish Charity (no SC031251) and is run by

volunteers. The Old Library Centre , 9 High Barholm, Kilbarchan. PA10 2EF Tel

01505 706070 email: kipcokil@hotmail.com

Lochwinnoch International Aid

CLIMATE CHANGE CRISIS. The COP 26 Conference (Glasgow, November)

will host people from all around the world. Some rich, some poor. The

poorer countries are often the ones most damaged by Climate Change;

their delegates need help with accommodation at a time when Glasgow

prices are high and rising. That’s why the Human Hotel is helping to find

free or cheap accommodation for visiting delegates.

There is a ‘payback’! Opening your home (and your heart) to an

international network of visiting activists, scientists, and policy makers is

one of the most impactful ways you can contribute to the movement.

It’s good that some Lochwinnoch people have already volunteered as

hosts (more volunteers are needed). [www.humanhotel.com]

Donations from LIA. We have sent £200 to the EMFERD project in

Tanzania, a charity we regularly support (as do Jenny and Zul Bhatia). It

helps with schooling and support for disabled children in a country where

official help is sadly, very limited.

We also sent £200 to Sightsavers International – an organisation dedicated

to fighting the several diseases which cause many thousands of people in

the developing world to suffer blindness. Also, they fight for the rights of

people who have been disabled by blindness. [sightsavers.org]

Who’d like a toilet for Christmas? Thousands of people around the

world. In many rural areas a proper ‘latrine’ would bring great health


Kilbarchan Parish Church

Services continue on Sundays at 11am conducted by Rev. Stephen

Smith. For up-to-date details of the guidelines and church news,

please visit our website: www.kilbarchankirk.org where you will also

find details of the Remembrance Service.

At the recent Harvest Thanksgiving service a collection was held

for Mary’s Meals when the amazing sum of over £1,700 was raised,

which, when Gift Aid is added, will be over £2,000 for this excellent

charity.

The members are also filling shoeboxes for the Blythswood Shoebox

Appeal which we have supported for more than 20 years.

A Christmas Coffee Morning will be held in the halls on Saturday

27th November from 10am-12noon, entrance including mince

pies and shortbread, is £3, children £1. There will be various stalls

including home-baking, preserves and Aloe Vera. We shall be

complying with all of the Church of Scotland guidelines, however it

is good to be returning to some kind of normality after 20 months of

no social events.

Kilbarchan Parish Church Guild. There are 2 meetings in November

on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm in the large hall - a talk about last

year’s Guild project, the Boys’ Brigade, by Jackie Wilson on 9th and

Gift Wrapping by Jan Carr on 23rd. All welcome-please bring your

own cup for the moment.

benefits. That’s the purpose of

ToiletTwinning ‘toilettwinning.

org). They run a scheme where

donors get to choose where to

fund a ‘latrine’ and then receive

a display certificate showing

exactly where the latrine has

been built.

It’s only £60. Merry Christmas.

The Junction, The Corner Bar and the McKillop have already got

certificates as do a number of local people. If we get enough to join

we could become a ‘toilettwinned’ village. If people would like to club

together to fund one or more latrines, they can send a donation to LIA and

we’ll put all the donations together.

If you just want to make the occasional one-off donation to LIA use our

JUSTGIVING link https://link.justgiving.com/.../donate/charityId/3085816

If you want to join LIA (£5/10 a month would make a big difference).–

here’s how.

We’re with the Coop bank.

Name: Lochwinnoch International Aid

Account no. 65425730 Sort Code 08-92-99

If you sign up, let us know and we’ll put you on our list.

And you get to help choose where the next donations go!


November 2021 21


ward 1 - inverclyde

Cllr Stephen McCabe

The Council allocated £260,000 in grants to

community groups last month. Among the local

groups to benefit were Colourful Kilmacolm,

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society and Birkmyre Rugby

Club.

There is growing concern in Kilmacolm about the potential closure of

the village post office as the general store that hosts it is up for sale.

This issue of course is not unique to Kilmacolm. Local post offices

are closing across the country as they are often not financially viable

without cross-subsidy from other business income. It would be a

major blow to the village to lose its post office as it is well-used by local

residents and businesses. I have asked the Council’s Chief Executive

to arrange a meeting with the national Post Office to discuss the

post office network in Inverclyde as there are other areas where the

local post office has closed or is in danger of closing to see if there is

anything that can be done arrest the decline.

Following the recent theft from Glebe Court sheltered housing

complex I contacted River Clyde Homes to ask them to review security

at the complex to see if it can be improved. They have taken a number

of actions in response.

The annual fireworks display organised by the Council has been

cancelled. The event was due to take place on Saturday 6th November

at Battery Park in Greenock, but has been called off due to a lack of

stewarding staff required to keep people safe and carry out Covid-19

vaccination checks for those attending. Most stewarding companies

are under contract to support the COP26 climate conference in

Glasgow, which runs from 31st October - 12th November, meaning

there is a lack of available staff to work at other events.

Birkmyre Park has been allocated £80,000 from the Council’s Covid

Recovery Fund for improvements. I have asked Council Officers to

consult the Community Council on their proposals for utilising this

funding. Funding has also been allocated to renew the surface of the

multi-use games area in the park and Council Officers are considering

the best time to carry out this work given the approach of winter. It

may be that the work is delayed until spring next year.

With the Council elections due next year I am keen to hear from

constituents on what they think the Council’s priorities should be for

the next five year term. Details of how to contact me are given below.

I have an advice surgery in Boglestone Community Centre on Tuesday

23rd November from 6.30pm -7.30pm. In the meantime you can

contact me directly to discuss any matters that are of concern to you

by telephone on 01475 712020 (during office hours) or by email to

Stephen.McCabe@Inverclyde.gov.uk. Alternatively you can write to

me at 10 Victoria Gardens, Kilmacolm PA13 4HL.

Saturday 20th November from 10am - 3pm, Kilmacolm

Community Centre.

A perfect place to buy all your unique and handmade Christmas gifts by local

artists, crafters and creatives. There will be a wide range of stalls including

homeware and gifts from Tammie Norries, Orieano Candle Shop, Claire

Cameron Cakes, Coco Stone clothing, painting from Helen McDonald, needle

felting, silver jewellery, sustainable fabric crackers, knitting and baby clothes.

KEA, Kilmacolm Environment Action

KEA, Kilmacolm Environment Action is gathering momentum. We had an

excellent meeting in September - in person, and including a couple of young

dynamic participants who want support in banning single use plastics in their

school.

Some of the group’s main interests were: protecting the greenbelt, rewilding

our gardens, developing areas to encourage wildlife and pollinators and

stopping the use of weedkillers in public green spaces.

We also heard an inspiring presentation about the vision for a Community

Eco Space which would be accessible to all and include plots for vegetable

growing but also creative space for children and young people.

NEW MEMBERS VERY WELCOME - CONTACT Sue/Lottie at: ecokilmacolm@

gmail.com


November 2021 23

Duchal Nursery

Advertising Feature

A forward thinking nursery providing first class early years care, Duchal Nursery School, based in Birkmyre Park Kilmacolm, is now open from

8am – 6pm daily during term time and offers free places to 3 – 5 year olds.

Established over 50 years ago this independent nursery specialises in early years with the children progressing to a variety of primary schools in

Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and Glasgow. With 3 separate rooms, and a fabulous garden and outdoor learning area, this purpose built nursery offers

a warm, caring, secure and stimulating environment, where children grow in confidence and flourish.

If you are looking for a pre school nursery place, please get in touch for more information and to arrange a visit by emailing: info@duchal.com

december Deadline: Wednesday 10TH november contact: info@advertizer.co.uk

Cllr David Wilson

It will be strange this year not participating in the Kilmacolm

Bonfire and Fireworks. Many villagers have grown up with

this event and let us hope an alternative site can be found

for next year.

As Depute Provost I will be laying the Council wreath at Port Glasgow

this year. The Church service of Remembrance on the 14th is followed

at 12.15pm by a parade through the town terminating at the War

Memorial. There are bands from the Port Glasgow Boys Brigade and the

St Columba’s School Pipe Band. Veterans, town clubs and societies, youth

organisations and the Army Cadets make up a considerable parade. As

in previous years we will observe the 2 minute silence on the 11th with a

short act of remembrance at the Memorial Board in the Cargill Centre.

A Clyde River Foundation water Bailiff has confirmed that a Smolt (a

young Atlantic Salmon) has been found in the upper Gottar Water above

Quarriers Village. This means that the recent salmon ladder at the weir

in the village is doing its job and facilitating the movement of mature

fish to the spawning grounds. Many were involved in this exercise, but

the Bridge of Weir Angling Club members deserve special mention for

their enthusiastic support and initiation of this significant environmental

project. The young fish will soon begin their migration to faraway parts

of the Atlantic.

The application for a 20 metre 5G Telecommunications pole at Craigbet

Road in Quarriers has caused displeasure in some quarters. As Chair of

the Planning Board I cannot comment as the determination may end up

in front of the Board.

Inverclyde has 3 existing Glasgow City Region City Deal projects ,the

£19.2m Greenock Ocean Terminal, Inchgreen and Inverkip Power Station.

Scottish Office Minister Iain Stuart spoke to me recently regarding direct

investment in Councils from Westminster. I endorsed this as an excellent

idea with funds now not forthcoming from the EU and council budget

cuts in recent years.

In my SPT and Glasgow Airport roles I am involved in COP26, when the

World will come to Glasgow. Transport is a major user of hydrocarbons

and there are many schemes to reduce the dependence. First Bus will run

the 15 minute shuttle buses around Glasgow, all electric. Similarly McGills

Buses have purchased 65 electric single decker buses which we are

hoping will be on Inverclyde routes. Bus patronage is slowly returning to

pre pandemic levels but is still well behind. Recent surveys by Transport

Focus found that 80% of travellers felt that bus travel was safe.

We continue the development of Cornalees and Lunderston Bay as

significant leisure and tourist attractions. We will engage and work

together with the newly formed Friends of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.

Our excellent community Policeman Constable Jamieson apprehended

a shoplifter in the CO-OP who hid three bottles of spirits on his person

while standing beside him. Collar felt.

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

and 712975 and 07766 992294. My surgery is 27th 10am - 11am in the

Cargill.


Kilmacolm Scarecrow Trail

The Kilmacolm Community Council are supporting a great Halloween

family event which is taking place in Kilmacolm over the Halloween

Weekend (there will be a map available). Wander around the village

on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st October and see how many you can

spot!

The Scarecrow Festival builds on last years event this year expecting

more than 50 scarecrows! Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/

events/417831459732587

Kilmacolm CO-OP Inverclyde Food Bank

Donation Bin - CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Our Christmas meal plans are well

underway here at Inverclyde Food Bank

and we’re hoping that you can help

us stock-up on the following essential

ingredients:

• Tinned Meat: Steak Pie, Ham,

Corned Beef, Mince, Chicken

• Tinned Potatoes and Tinned Vegetables

• Tinned Fruit, Tinned Custard, Tinned Creamed Rice Pudding

• Fizzy Drinks (non-alcoholic), Crisps, Chocolate Biscuits & Sweeties

• Toiletries: let’s look and feel good on Christmas Day

• Toothpaste and Toothbrushes, Shampoo and Conditioner, Body

Wash, Soap, Men’s and Ladies Shave Gel and Razors, Deodorant

• Child and Baby Toiletries

Inverclyde Food Bank accepts all tinned, jars and packets of food

Inverclyde Food Bank CAN’T accept fresh food

Food can be purchased in the Kilmacolm CO-OP or bought elsewhere

and brought to the Kilmacolm CO-OP Donation Bin.

A couple of items from the above Christmas List will help us prepare for

an exceptionally busy festive season at the Food Bank this year.

Thank you for your kindness... Jenny x

Ladies Fellowship Meetings

Invitation to Grace Church Kilmacolm Ladies Fellowship November

meetings, alternate Tuesdays at 2.15pm – 3.30pm in the Guide Hut,

Woodrow Avenue, Kilmacolm, PA13 4QF

Tuesday 2nd November; Speaker: Linda Fox (Boldly Go)

Tuesday 16th November; Speaker: Sheena MacFarlane

Tuesday 30th November; Speaker: Marion Cunningham (Tearfund)

All ladies welcome


November 2021 25



November 2021 27


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.

OCTOber

MONDAY 25 TH - FRIDAY 29 TH

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

RSPB, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch

The cost for this activity is £3.50 with

normal trail fees applying for non-

RSPB members, and also includes an

activity bag with pencil, activity booklet,

certificate, wild challenge nature activity

sheet and pin badge.

THU 28 TH MON 1 ST NOVEMBER

Paisley Halloween Festival

Paisley - various venues

The festival’s 2021 edition will take on

a very different format this year with a

series of spectacular installations that are

‘Out of This World’ popping up across

Paisley town centre over five-days. Part

of the celebrations for Scotland’s Year of

Coasts and Waters 20/21. Find out more

at https://paisley.is/featured_event/

halloween/

SATURDAY 30 TH

Paisley Farmers Market

The Cenotaph, Paisley PA1 1BG

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.

SATURDAY 30 TH - SUNDAY 31 ST

Halloween Pumpkin Hunt


The cost for this activity is £3.50 with

normal trail fees applying for non-

RSPB members, and also includes an

activity bag with pencil, activity booklet,

certificate, wild challenge nature activity

sheet and pin badge.

SATURDAY 30 TH - SUNDAY 31 ST

Kilmacolm Scarecrow Trail

Kilmacolm village general

The Kilmacolm Community Council

are supporting a great Halloween

family event which is taking place in

Kilmacolm over the Halloween Weekend

(there will be a map available). The

Scarecrow Festival builds on last years

event this year expecting more than 50

scarecrows! https://www.facebook.com/

events/417831459732587

SUNDAY 31 ST

Renfrewshire leisure

Monster Dash - Halloween

Fun Run

On-X Sports Centre, Brediland

Road, Linwood

12noon

Everyone taking part will receive a

goody bag, with spot prizes for the bestdressed

runners in Halloween costumes.

The route will take fun runners on two

laps of the scenic Linwood Moss and

is a flat course with only a few gentle

undulations. Entrance fee is only £3 for

adults and £2 for children. Go to www.

renfrewshireleisure.com/monsterdash to

register for the event.

Erskine Riverside Market


Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine PA8 7AF

10am to 4pm

Erskine Riverside Market will run 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.

CLOCKS CHANGE -

31 st October ‘21

Turns your clocks

back 1 hour at 2am

on the last Sunday in

October.

November

MONDAY 1 ST - TUESDAY 30 TH

Teddy Bear Scavenger Hunt


10am to 4pm

The cost for this event will be (£3 normal

trail fees apply for non – members £3

adult £1.50 child under 5 free this event

will include an activity bag). Please ask at

the welcome desk.

TUESDAY 2 ND


Grace Church, Guide Hut,

Kilmacolm

2.15pm to 3.30pm

Ladies Fellowship meetings, alternate

Tuesdays. Speaker: Linda Fox (Boldly Go)

Bridge of Weir Festival -

Santa Sleigh

Hope Hall, Maxwell Place,

Bridge of Weir PA11 3NT 7pm

We would welcome all who are interested

in the Sleigh’s outings to come along to

the meeting. Also, all who would like to

help on committee for other activities

such as Gala Day to come along.

Donations of Warm Clothes

for the Homeless

West Halls, Main Street, Houston

PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre &

Village Hall)

10am to 12noon, 7pm to 8pm

We are seeking donations of, essentially

in the current COVID climate, NEW

CLOTHES please. Other dates for

donations are on Tuesday 9th & 16th.


November 2021 29


SATURDAY 6 TH

Kilmacolm Farmers Market

Kilmacolm Community Centre,

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm

10am to 2pm

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. Looking forward

to seeing everyone! FREE ENTRY

THURSDAY 11 TH

Animation Workshop with

Russell MacEwan

artspace33, Paisley

11am to 3pm

How To Think When You Draw Comics

is a fun introduction to comic art, no

previous experience necessary; you

can even borrow pencil and paper. The

workshops will provide exciting and cool

techniques to kickstart your own comic

ideas, at whatever level you’re working at.

Lots of practical ideas to get you started in

character design and everything else we

can fit in. Free entry, booking required.

Visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/

steven-thomson-creative-producer-

16475076871 for details.

FRIDAY 12 TH - SATURDAY 13 TH

BGCP Comic and Toy Market

Tour: Greenock

Oak Mall Shopping Centre,

Greenock

10am to 5pm

With traders selling everything from

Comics, Art, Action Figures, Art, T-Shirts

and much more. Free entry, no tickets.

Please keep social distance, wear a mask

and use hand sanitizer when needed.

Find out more at https://www.facebook.

com/BGCPComicCon/

SATURDAY 13 TH

The Firewalk

St Vincent’s Hospice, Midton

Road, Howwood

7pm to 9pm

Join us for our Hottest Fundraising event

EVER!! For more information and details

on how to register please. Email info@

svh.co.uk or Tel: 01505 705635 Ext 303

Registration: £10, includes a free T-shirt

SATURDAY 13 TH



10am to 2pm






SUNDAY 14 TH

Renfrew Market

Robertson Park, Longcroft Drive,

Renfrew PA4 8LY

10am to 4pm

Held on the 2nd Sunday of each month,

showcasing fresh produce, artisan crafts,

unique gifts and street food from local

businesses! Come down and support

small and local businesses! Upcoming

dates: 12th December 2021

Winter Wetland and

Waterfowl Walk


11am to 1.30pm

2 guided walks with a free lunch, walks

led by our warden. To book or find out

more information please visit https://

events.rspb.org.uk/events/7810

TUESDAY 16 TH



Kilmacolm

2.15pm to 3.30pm


Tuesdays. Speaker: Sheena MacFarlane

WEDNESDAY 17 TH

Kilmacolm Horticultural

Society Winter Lecture


Lochwinnoch Road 7pm

We are very pleased to be welcoming

Nancy Stevens from Baldernock

Gardening Club. Nancy’s intriguing

subject will be SHRUBS ARE BORING -

ARE YOU SURE ?? Tea/coffee available

prior to the start of the lecture. Face

masks should be worn within the

building until you are seated. Further

details for the KHS are on the website.

www.kilmacolmhorticultural.com

SATURDAY 20 TH

Bishopton & Dargavel

Farmers Market

Bishopton Train Station Car Park,

off Birch Road 10am to 2pm

Full compliment of stalls plus Fish from

Oban, Taste of Espana, Three Sisters

Bake, and All things Nice for home made

chutneys and preserves. Held on the 3rd

Saturday every month.

Crafty Kilmacolm

Christmas Market


Lochwinnoch Rd 10am to 3pm

A perfect place to buy all your unique

and handmade Christmas gifts by local

artists, crafters and creatives. With a

wide range of stalls including homeware

and gifts from Tammie Norries, Orieano

Candle Shop, Claire Cameron Cakes,

Coco Stone clothing, painting from

Helen McDonald, needle felting, silver

jewellery, sustainable fabric crackers,

knitting and baby clothes.

SUNDAY 21 ST

Early Bird Christmas Craft

and Gift Fayre

Kilbarchan Guide Centre, Barn

Green, Kilbarchan

1pm to 4pm

20 stalls filled with gorgeous gifts and

crafts for all the family - get Christmas

shopping started. We welcome some

of our favourites including Nicole

McCarron’s silver jewellery, Threepwood

fayre, All things nice and Bumble Buttonz

to name a few. Entry: Choice between £2

OR donation for Renfrewshire food bank.

We’d love to see you there. https://

www.facebook.com/Fionasfundraisers/

posts/4728510597161721

TUESDAY 23 RD

Donations of Christmas Gifts

for Children of Prisoners


PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre and

Village Hall)


Please give generously and support

us again this Christmas. Please donate

NEW unwrapped gifts in open gift bags,

with an indication of age, and boy or girl.

THURSDAY 25 TH

Johnstone High Christmas

Gift and Craft Fayre

Johnstone High School, Beith

Road, Johnstone PA5 0JN

6pm to 8pm

Jump right into the Christmas spirit at

our annual Christmas Gift and Craft

fayre. Plenty to choose from with over 20

stalls, gifts for all the family. We welcome

back, Nicole McCarron’s Silver Jewellery,

Kilbarchan soaps, and many more ... lots

of new crafters to buy from. Get lucky

on the raffle and tombola and stop for a

coffee and cake. Entry £2/ Under 12 go

free (inc tea/coffee)

FRIDAY 26 TH

Houston and Killellan

Agricultural Society

Annual Quiz Night

Fleming Road, Houston

Tickets are £5 to include a light supper.

For more information please contact

Isabelle Stuart on 07508 905298 or

email: issistuart@gmail.com

THU 25 TH FRI 26 TH SAT 27 TH

KDS Aladdin

Kilmacolm Kidston Hall

Things are hotting up in Widow Twankey’s

laundry and this year, in order to comply

with social distancing, you will be able to

book your seats online with TicketSource.

Booking will be opening soon and details

on how to book will be on Kilmacolm

Dramatic Society’s website and facebook

page. In the meantime if you have any

queries please contact Rosie Thirde on

01505 873088 or Mandy Robinson on

07719 309960.

SATURDAY 27 TH

Brighter Bridge Of Weir Pop-

Up Shop

Livery Walk, Bridge of Weir

The first fund-raising Pop-Up Shop

since 2019 - the group’s now traditional

rustic reindeer will be among the items

available to buy. Check out the group’s

Facebook page for a pre-order option

also.


Panto season is back! oh yes it is

November 2021 31

A “Not So” Silent Night

Old Johnstone Baptist Church,

Walkinshaw St, Johnstone PA5 8QL.

Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group

(amateur) are delighted to be able

to present A “Not So” Silent Night,

on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th

December 2021.

Doors open at 7pm with curtains

up 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and

can be booked on the booking

hotline 07748 827 727 (Tuesday

- Friday 6pm - 9pm) or email:

johnstonephoenix@gmail.com

PACE announcement

KDS Aladdin

Things are hotting up in Widow

Twankey’s laundry as the cast of

Aladdin are fully immersed in

rehearsing for their performances

on 25th, 26th and 27th November.

This year, in order to comply with

social distancing, you will be able

to book your seats online with

TicketSource. Booking will be

opening soon and details on how

to book will be on Kilmacolm

Dramatic Society’s website and

facebook page. In the meantime

if you have any queries please

contact Rosie Thirde on 01505

873088 or Mandy Robinson on

07719 309960.

Cinderella

Get your tickets for the biggest

ball in town this Christmas at the

Beacon! Taking place from Friday

10th to Friday 31st December.

The Baroness Demonica and

the Wicked Stepsisters Senga

and Sadie treat poor Cinderella

appallingly but perhaps with the

help of her best friend Buttons and

the Fairy Godmother she will find

that dreams can come true...

Book now for the show that proves

that a pair of shoes really can

change your life!

https://www.beaconartscentre.

co.uk/events/cinderella-2021

We reluctantly confirm that there will be no PACE Theatre Company panto for Christmas 2021, and neither do

we have plans at this time for an online panto alternative. Last year’s “Lost in Pantoland” was made possible with

support from an emergency arts relief fund and without this additional funding the model is not sustainable.

This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we understand that many people will be disappointed. Our

annual pantomime is a highlight of the year for many people, as it is for us, but we’re looking forward to being

able to come back bigger and better next year.

As a registered charity, we are hugely dependent on ticket sales to subsidise the work we do with young people

throughout the year. Over 95% of our income comes from ticket sales and fees, meaning that we have been

especially hard hit during the pandemic, and the loss of panto from our schedule for a second year running will

leave a massive hole in our funds.

If you are a regular audience member, please consider making a donation here: https://www.pacetheatre.com/

donate/. Or to donate £10, text PACE to 70191.

Wizard of Oz Panto

Friday 10th & Saturday 11th

December, at Renfrew North

Church PA4 8RG. Performances,

Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm &

7pm. Tickets £9 adults, £7 children

under 16 & concession.

The story’s familiar - a tornado

blows Dorothy Gale and her home

to the Land of Oz, where she

encounters a scarecrow who longs

for a brain, a tin man who really

wants a heart, and a cowardly lion

who’s desperate to become brave

and courageous. The elusive

Wonderful Wizard of Oz is the

key to all their hopes and dreams,

Dorothy’s being to return to her

home in Kansas. This Pantomime

has been written by James Barry &

by Special Arrangement with Lazy

Bee Scripts.

https://www.jazzhandsglasgow.

co.uk/wizard-of-oz

APOLOGIES IF

WE’VE MISSED

ANY!

Which? © campaign for online protection

Have you filled in quizzes on social media which ask you questions like

your first pet’s name, favourite colour, eldest child’s name etc? Did you

realise that answering these could put you at risk of identity theft?

Which? © magazine has launched a petition to make tech giants take more

responsibility to protect consumers. They argue that tech companies

aren’t doing enough to protect us online from scams, dangerous products

and fake reviews, and are demanding strong new laws be introduced by

the government to make tech giants protect you online.

Almost 1 in 10 people fall victim to scam ads on social media or a search

engine, and fake customer reviews hoodwink consumers into buying

billions of pounds worth of poor qualtiy and unsafe products online.

If you would like to add your name to the petition, please visit the website

at https://campaigns.which.co.uk/tech-giants-responsibility/

Which? © has also launched a Scam Alert Service. You can add your email

on their webpage to receive regular updates on the latest scams doing

the rounds – and practical advice to keep you one step ahead of the

scammers. Your friends and family can sign up too.

Sign up at https://campaigns.which.co.uk/scam-alert-service/


SATURDAY 27 TH



10am to 2pm






Christmas Coffee Morning

Kilbarchan Parish Church Hall,

Steeple Street

10am to 12noon

With various stalls including homebaking,

preserves and Aloe Vera. We

shall be complying with all of the Church

of Scotland guidelines, however it is

good to be returning to some kind of

normality after 20 months of no social

events. Entrance including mince pies

and shortbread, is £3, children £1.

SATURDAY 27 TH - SUNDAY 28 TH

Helensburgh Winter

Festival 2021

Colquhoun Square,

Helensburgh 10am to 5pm

Over 70 stalls with 12 hot food units, over

50 craft stalls and at least 12 market stalls.

Kiddies fairground rides, a twister ride

and trampoline. Festival Stage where

music and dance acts will perform over

the two days, featuring many local acts.

Sunday is our Classic Car Show, & there

will also be a vintage fire engine!

SUNDAY 28 TH



Kilpatrick Drive, Erskine PA8 7AF

10am to 4pm

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 30 TH



Kilmacolm

2.15pm to 3.30pm


Tuesdays. Marion Cunningham

(Tearfund)

TUESDAY 30 TH

Donations of Christmas

Gifts for Children of

Prisoners


PA6 7EL (next to Carrick Centre &

Village Hall)


Please give generously and support

us again this Christmas. Please donate

NEW unwrapped gifts in open gift bags,

with an indication of age, and boy or girl.

December

FRIDAY 3 RD - SATURDAY 4 TH

A “Not So” Silent Night

Johnstone Baptist Church,

Walkinshaw Street, Johnstone

PA5 8QL 7pm

Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group

(amateur) presents A “Not So” Silent

Night. Doors open 7pm. Curtains up

7.30pm. Book tickets now on: booking

hotline 07748 827727 (Tuesday - Friday

6pm - 9pm) or email: johnstonephoenix@

gmail.com Tickets cost £10.

SATURDAY 4 TH

Kilmacolm Farmers Market


Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm

10am to 2pm

Kilmacolm Farmers Market is held on

the first Saturday each month featuring a

great selection of local Scottish produce!

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.

december Deadline:

Wednesday

10TH novemBER


November 2021 33

Bridge of Weir Festival - Santa Sleigh

As the relaxation of restrictions progresses The Bridge of Weir Festival

Committee will be becoming more active again, but with some significant

changes. After many years of service Brenda Lethorn (Treasurer), Meg

Gilzean (Secretary) and Margaret Dymond will all be standing down.

Anne and Paul Matthews will also be leaving the committee. A huge

thank you to ALL for the service and hard work committed. This still

leaves a strong committee, but more people are needed to carry on the

good work.

I suspect that Covid, and the hiatus in activities it has created, will leave

us sadly wounded in many ways and possibly for quite a while. We may

not be out of the wood yet at all, but we need to go forward as carefully

as we can.

Christmas is hurtling towards us and Santa is already preparing his Sleigh

for the tour of Houston, Kilmacolm, and Bridge of Weir. He will start his

runs on Friday 3rd December and hope to finish, weather permitting, on

18th Dec. More details of this will follow.

The next meeting of the Festival Committee will be on Tuesday 2nd

November, 7pm, at Hope Hall. We would welcome

all who are interested in the Sleigh’s outings

to come along to the meeting. Also, all who

would like to help on committee for other

activities such as Gala Day to come along.

to be here someday : Book release

A new book about Scottish band Deacon Blue has been written

by a Kilmacolm-raised writer.

Journalist Paul English, who grew up in the village and attended

Kilmacolm Primary and St Stephen’s in Port Glasgow in the 80s

& 90s, collaborated with the multi-million selling act on their first

authorised book.

Entitled To Be Here Someday, after the lyric from their best-known song Dignity, the

book is a chronological history of the band, originally formed in Glasgow in 1986.

Paul, a freelance newspaper journalist and broadcaster, conducted extensive

interviews with band members past and present, charting their early days, their rise

to become an arena act in the 1990s, their split and eventual reformation.

The book also contains entries from hundreds of fans, including well-known names

like Hollywood actor Alan Cumming, American chat show host Craig Ferguson and

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Paul said: “It was a really big deal to be given the opportunity, because Deacon Blue

are one of the bands whose music has stayed with me since I was a teenager. They’ve

a really loyal fan base, and some of the stories the fans shared about what their music

has meant to them are quite moving.”

Deacon Blue, fronted by lead singer Ricky Ross and wife Lorraine McIntosh, have sold

seven million albums worldwide in a 30 year career, with hits including Real Gone Kid,

Fergus Sings The Blues and Chocolate Girl. Their drummer, TV presenter Dougie

Vipond, comes from Inchinnan.

Paul said: “It was fascinating to have access to the band’s own collection of photos

and other archive bits and bobs from down through the years. They were really

generous with their time, and quite frank with their stories, too.”

The book, published by This Day In Music, is being released next month in standard

issue hardback, with a special limited edition box set featuring a new 7” single with

two unreleased versions of Dignity also available to fans.

Paul said: “Hopefully fans of the band will learn a few things they didn’t know, as well

as just how much this band’s music means to people.”

To Be Here Someday is available for pre-order from

thisdayinmusicbooks.com.

images: © Carlo Paloni / BAFTA Scotland


Port Glasgow High School

Councillor David Wilson reports, “The new head at Port

Glasgow High School has settled in. We wish her predecessor

Stuart Clark well in East Renfrewshire.

“The school continues to impress with 5 pupils attaining 5

A’s in the highers and 24% achieving 5+. Advanced higher

Chemistry and Biology and higher Sociology are now available

in the curriculum.

“My schools are slowly opening up and I certainly have missed

prizegivings, musical extravaganzas and parent councils. 5

minute telephone call, parents nights are the best that can be

done under the circumstances, but it does give the teacher

an opportunity to update parents on their children’s progress.

Needs must.”

Helensburgh Winter Festival 2021

This year the Winter Festival is back and will be held in

Helensburgh on Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th November

from 10am - 5pm!

Over 70 stalls with 12 hot food units, over 50 craft stalls and

at least 12 market stalls. The School’s Penguin Competition

has already been launched, which follows last year’s very

successful virtual competition.

This year we have a number of kiddies fairground rides, a

twister ride as well as the ever-popular bungee trampoline.

In the centre of Colquhoun Square will be our Festival Stage

where music and dance acts will perform over the two days,

featuring many local acts. Returning this year on Sunday is our

Classic Car Show, & there will also be a vintage fire engine!

We are planning for Frozen characters & penguins to be

out and about in the Square giving photo opportunities for

families. There will be a Tombola stall with some fantastic

prizes to win all donated by local businesses.

Grey Matters are holding a knitted Penguin Hunt Competition

supported by local businesses. The Rotary Club of Helensburgh

& Lomondside is hosting Santa’s Grotto on Saturday and The

Round Table Santa Dash is back on Sunday.

New for this year will be a Best Dressed Pet competition as

well as a buskers corner. The Xmas light switch on is the week

before, so the square will have a real Christmas feel and a

great atmosphere!

The Helensburgh Winter Festival is a registered charity and

relies on the help of volunteers all year round. If you wish to

help in some way or volunteer over the weekend, please send

us a message!

https://www.facebook.com/events/618392962903355/


November 2021 35

schools & Sports


Duchal Nursery

Using some of the amazing Julia Donaldson books as inspiration the children have been

immersed in some imaginative play and learning over the last few weeks. The Smartest

Giant in Town and the Squash and the Squeeze were a great hit and provided a great deal of

entertainment while also giving the opportunity to learn.

With the arrival of Autumn the park has provided us with our craft resources for leaf painting

and creative art displays, as usual we make the most of our magnificent surroundings and use

the park and its surroundings for exploring, learning road safety, football and fitness.

Having our own native speaking French teacher is wonderful and the children so enjoy the

visits from Madame, as she makes learning a new language at a young age so much fun.

We are currently taking registrations for August 2022, Duchal is an independent nursery with

our children moving on to various local schools in Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and Glasgow.

We are open daily from 8am until 6pm during term time and offer free funded hours. If you

would like to find out more, please get in touch and we can arrange a visit the Nursery to

meet the teachers and see our facilities. Email: info@duchal.com. Visit our website: www.

duchal.com and our Facebook page for further information.

Bridge Of Weir Primary

BRIDGE OF WEIR PRIMARY LOVES READING!

When parents ask us what they can do to help

their children during the school holidays, our

advice is always simple: Get outside, play with

friends, hug loved ones, ride a bike, spend time

in nature, and READ FOR FUN!

Throughout the holidays many pupils and staff

took our advice; they enjoyed being read to,

listening to audiobooks, reading independently,

reading aloud, and trying ‘paired reading’

together.

The feedback from children and adults was

that they loved it. Every participant logged and

rated their books in a special ‘Read for Fun’

booklet. We also celebrated our love of reading

by presenting certificates and ‘reading related’

badges. It’s been a great partnership project.

This month’s reading recommendation comes

from Zara Christie-Cree in P7a.

“I recommend ‘ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s

Stone’ – I loved studying it in P4 with Ms McCann.

It’s a really attention grabbing book with an

exciting storyline”

BRIDGE OF WEIR PRIMARY AND COP26

This term every class in our school has focused on

the subject of climate change and the protection

of our environment. We’ve been learning about

the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow in

November, when world leaders will gather to see

if they can make changes to benefit the planet.

One highlight was the One Planet Picnic held

in P6/5. All food eaten at the picnic was locally

sourced, including honey from Charlotte’s and Mr

Lowit’s bees, fruit and bread from Barnhill Farm,

and pumpkins from our very own allotments.

Pupils feasted on pumpkin soup, which they

made, and locally baked bread, followed by fruit

salad and double cream. Daisy Hickman said, “It

was yummy and it felt good to know all the food

was sourced locally.”


Houston Primary

Harvest Food Appeal

A massive thank you to all those who donated so generously to this year’s

Harvest Food Appeal. The staff at the Renfrewshire Foodbank were

delighted to receive such a huge delivery, which will help very many

families in need at this time.

November 2021 37

Nursery Demolition

Demolition of our original nursery started this week. So many families

attended here and I’m sure will have very many happy memories of the

time they spent there, making friends and learning so many exciting

things through play.

The land will be used to extend our playground area, and pupils are

currently being consulted on what things they would like. Watch this

space!

Fundraising

At this time of year when online

spending is at a peak we would very

much appreciate it if you can help us

by collecting free donations each time

you shop online. Click on the link to

register http://easyfundraising.org.uk/

causes/houstonpsc

Christmas Light Competition

Congratulations to Isla from Primary

2, who is this year’s winner of the

Christmas Light competition. Her

design will take pride of place in the

village display and for many years to

come.


Old Ranfurly Ladies Section

A great Old Ranfurly ladies section summer golf season is now over. It

was very well supported and all who participated greatly enjoyed it.

Now October sees the start of a programme of 3 winter competitions.

This includes winter greensomes where ladies choose their own partners

and form a team of 2. They are then matched against other ladies in the

group. All teams play each other in a round robin format. These games

are keenly fought and eventually those with most points go through to

next round. There’s also a 5 club competition where ladies choose only

5 clubs to play a round and are matched with one another. Making the

best choice for you is vital to best outcome!! The winner goes through

to next round. Finally there’s a well supported and enthusiastic winter

swingers competition where all ladies play each other in a round robin

format. In addition to these competitions there are monthly medal,

stableford competitions and American greensomes. Good luck to all our

participants!! Clearly ladies will be very busy through the winter season

with plenty of golf to enjoy. Let’s hope the weather is kind and not too

inclement!!! Happy winter golfing ladies!!!

Kilmacolm Golf Club

Despite the outcome in this year’s Ryder Cup with the dominance

of the Americans, members at Kilmacolm Golf Club thoroughly

enjoyed a day of Ryder Cup competition at the club. With teams

consisting of juniors, ladies and gents the 3 days of the Ryder Cup

were condensed into 18 holes, with 6 holes of four ball match

play, 6 holes of foursomes followed by 6 holes of singles match

play. A great fun format of playing golf followed by an afternoon

of watching the real thing on the big screen in the clubhouse.

With the arrival of Autumn and the odd day of wet weather now is

the time to make the most of our fabulous indoor golfing facilities,

the 2 bay indoor studio is the perfect place for some fun social

golf or an opportunity to improve your game through practice or

make the most of our Professional staff and their winter coaching

offers.

As the ladies golf season draws to a close social golf will continue

with our weekly Tuesday 10 hole competitions a fun informal

chance to keep out on the course throughout the winter, as well

as the winter matchplay knockouts. Also we are delighted that

our weekly bridge afternoons will also re start on Tuesdays for the

winter months.

NEXT ISSUE Deadline Date:

Wednesday 10th november 2021


November 2021 39

#YouDecide - submit your ideas now

Renfrewshire Council wants you to have your say in how they spend their

budget. The power of local knowledge can’t be underestimated.

Of course, there are areas like education, health and social care, bin

collections and housing investment that they need to allocate money for,

but they want to give you the chance to use other areas of the budget to

make the improvements you know are needed in your community.

#YouDecide is how they will let you choose what projects will make the

biggest difference to Renfrewshire.

Double Olympic medallist Jack Carlin (pictured with Cllr Michelle

Campbell) helped launch the scheme this month. Jack is a passionate

advocate of safe cycling routes - and you can see that he has already

submitted his idea!

This time, £1.2million is available for your ideas - taken from the

Environment and Infrastructure service’s budget (2020-2023) -

and available for you to spend on infrastructure projects across

Renfrewshire.

Renfrewshire Council wants all your ideas so think big! Is it new walking

and cycle routes? Safer local roads? Outdoor gym equipment? Anything

that will make where you live better!

They’ll cover pot holes, road resurfacing and things like that in our own

wider budget, so let them know what else needs improved. You can put

forward your ideas in our #YouDecide survey - send in as many as you

can think of!

The team will assess each idea as it comes in and carry out a feasibility

study to ensure that it would be possible. They’ll then compile a shortlist

of all possible projects to put to a public vote.

You’ll then cast your votes and pick the ones you think are most needed

in your community. They’ll announce the winners and they carry out the

work. So stay tuned to all their channels and make sure you have your

say on how this money is spent.

Find out more at https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/11737/

YouDecide---submit-your-ideas-now

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: Sunday 14th November 2021

Strathgryffe Club Championships 2021

Strathgryffe Tennis, Squash and Fitness Club held their annual tennis club

championships recently. There was a total of 27 finals played catering

for all age of player. Highlights were the men’s singles with Lee Wishart

overcoming Liam O’Brien 6-4, 7-5 in a high-quality final. In the women’s

final, the tennis was of a similarly high standard with Carla Ward defeating

Sophie Dunlop 6-7, 6-3, 6-1.

Strathgryffe is currently running a 1-week trial membership to allow

people to try our tennis, squash and fitness facilities. For further details

visit: www.strathgryffe.net

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club

As temperatures drop and the daylight shortens golf events are slowing

down at the Castle. However, September was still pretty busy for the

Ladies section.

The winter Greensomes were played on 15th September and the winning

partnership were Alison Templeton and Lilias Lamont with 37 points.

On 22nd September there was a Fun Competition called an Australian

Scramble. 10 teams of 3 played over 12 holes and, despite the difficult

weather conditions, there were no call offs. The winning team consisted

of Denise Cowan, Fiona Christie and Evelyn McDermid with Pamela

MacKenzie, Vivine Howe and Anne Judge taking runners up slot.

The Vets Trophy had been scheduled for earlier in the summer, but due

to dreadful weather on the day, no one actually played. It was decided to

re schedule and it was played for on 6th October with Eleanor Cannon

winning the Silverware.

The Greenlees Team have finished the year in the top position in Division

Two. This means they will once again be playing in Division One next year.

Many congratulations to all the Ladies who played in these matches.

The Club held its Finals Day

at the end of August and

there were some close fought

matches played in good

conditions. The new Club

Champion is Mac Menzies

having defeated Alastair

Frood. Seniors Champion

is Hunter Paterson having

defeated Paul Morrell and the

Junior Champion is Gregor

Rawson having beaten Iain

Milne on the 18th green.

Very many congratulations to

all our Champions.

The 2021 Ranfurly Castle Golf

Club Junior Championship

final was a tense encounter

between Iain Milne and

Gregor Rawson. Iain played

Club Champion is Mac Menzies

some great golf on the way

to the final and had the difficult task of challenging Gregor who was

defending his title.

Congratulations go to Gregor who successfully defended his Junior

Championship crown in an excellent match.

Both played well and both had their nervy moments but played the match

in great spirit. Iain did well to get in front on the outward nine and will rue

some shots on the back nine but equally Gregor will say the same about

the front nine! It really was that close!


It was all square down

the last and Gregor

prevailed. It is little

consolation, but Iain

will learn much from

this and his ball striking

was impressive. I look

forward to seeing how

next year goes for Iain.

Well done, again!

Gregor now has 3

championships in a

row and has done the

double for the second

year in succession as he

won the Old Ranfurly

junior championship

again a few weeks

before. A great

achievement!!

It is great to see the

Seniors Champion is Hunter Paterson

juniors from both clubs in the village playing with and against each other

in good spirit and long may that continue.

Also, well done Kenny

& Elaine Rawson and

Mairi and Derek Milne

whose nerves must

have been shattered

watching their boys

going through the

experience!! Derek

was an excellent

caddy.

Junior Convenor, David Provan and

Junior Champion, Gregor Rawson

The Junior section at

Ranfurly Castle has

welcomed a number

of new members in

2021 and if you are

interested in joining

for the 2022 season

you should contact

the Junior Convenor,

David Provan at the

Club by email to gm@

ranfurlycastlegolfclub.

co.uk or come along to

any of our events for an

informal chat.

e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk

|

November 2021 41

New £200k park is pitch perfect

SPORTS fans will be having a ball at a Greenock outdoor sports facility thanks to improvements worth nearly £200,000.

A new 3G pitch has been installed at Lady Octavia Sports Centre following investment by Inverclyde Council. The surface meets quality standards set

out by world football governing body FIFA and comes complete with a brand new set of 11-a-side goals.

Councillor Jim Clocherty, depute leader of Inverclyde Council and convener of education and communities, said: “The investment in the pitch and

sports centre here at Lady Octavia highlights our ongoing commitment to sport and leisure to provide first-class facilities right across Inverclyde.

“We have incredible outdoor and indoor facilities, but it’s important

to maintain high standards and that’s why we’re continuing to invest,

along with our partners Inverclyde Leisure, in sites like Lady Octavia. Regular Meet Classe

Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld, Inverclyde’s sports champion, said:

“Continued investment in our leisure sites, including here at Lady

Octavia, ensures residents all over Inverclyde have high-quality facilities

that are easy to access and where they can enjoy exercising whether

that’s with a game of football or other sports that can be played on 3G

pitches all year round.”

Robert McVitie, Inverclyde Leisure operations manager, said: “In

partnership with Inverclyde Council, we are delighted to welcome

another upgrade across our football estate.

“This will be a welcomed addition at Lady Octavia to help serve the

community of Inverclyde. The facilities are well used by local grass

roots football team as well as the wider community for recreational

football.”

For booking enquiries for Lady Octavia and other outdoor pitches

in Inverclyde, including school lets, phone 01475 213131 or email:

bookingoffice@inverclydeleisure.com

From left, Councillor Michael McCormick, Robert McVitie and Stewart Burns

from Inverclyde Leisure, and Councillor Jim Clocherty at the new 3G pitch at

Lady Octavia Sports Centre in Greenock.

Energise with Laura

Online and in person yoga classes

@ Thrive, 7 Castle Terrace, Bridge of Weir

Monday - beginner friendly DDP Yoga:

11am - 12noon

Wednesday - mum & baby DDP Yoga:

10am - 11am

Thursday - beginner friendly DDP Yoga:

7pm - 8pm

1-1 slots also available

Contact: energisewithlaura@gmail.com or

visit: www.energisewithlaura.com to book

your sessions.

Zumba Light

Monday 10am in Freelands Church, Main

Street, Bridge of Weir (Opposite Amaretto).

Come along, have fun to fantastic music

and feel FAB. All fitness levels welcome.

For more information contact Mo 07505

126416.

Reebok Step Class

Tuesday 6.45pm Freelands Church, Main

Street, Bridge of Weir (Opposite Amaretto).

Miss the Original Reebok Step Class? Then

come along for fun, fabulous music, full

body workout, feel fantastic!

Contact Mo 07505 126416 for more details

and to book (limited spaces available).

Little Down Dogs Yoga

Howwood (Parish Church):

Tues - After School Yoga - 3.30pm

Thursday - Adults Yoga - 6.15pm or

7.30pm

Houston: (Compass Centre)

Monday - After School Yoga - 3.45pm

(Strathgryffe Tennis Club)

Tuesday - Adults Yoga - 9.30am

Friday - Pre School Yoga - 1.30pm

Kilmacolm (KNCC):

Thursday - Yoga HIIT - 9.30am

For more information please contact

Jackie on 07977 139251

jackie@littledowndogs.co.uk

Move it or Lose it!

A warm welcome awaits you. Come and

meet your friendly instructor and see what

FABS can do for you.

Easy to follow exercises which can be done

seated or standing. Flexibility, Aerobic,

Balance and Strength (FABS) exercises. With

music to spark memories! Come and join

the fun and make new friends.

Classes in Gourock, Greenock, BoW,

Kilmacolm, Houston and Kilbarchan. First

class is free for new members, booking

essential!

If you would like to join the fun please contact:

Fiona 07811 766672 or www.moveitorloseit.

co.uk or moveitorloseitwithfiona on

Facebook

Jennifer Sloan

Physiotherapy Led Pilates


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

Clyde Physiotherapy Pilates

classes

All classes held in St Machars church hall,

Bridge of Weir. Monday 9.30am, 10.40am

and 7pm. Booking essential. Zoom option

also available.

For more information or to book contact

Yvonne on 07786 224367 or yvonne@

clydephysiotherapy.co.uk

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.


out &

about

Picture:BoW Hillwalkers Corran Ferry

RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve in November

A heart felt welcome to RSPB Lochwinnoch in November, with colder days and early dark, there is

still plenty to see at your local nature reserve. Our winter migrants are arriving with the first Whooper

swans and Teal arriving the beginning of October. Our Wigeon, Goosander, Goldeneye, and Pochard

will also be on their way, to settle on the Aird and Barr Lochs for the winter. Our visitor centre is now

fully open for visitors, with our seating area now open, for you to enjoy a wee coffee, sandwich, or

snack. Our shop is open with lots of Christmas stock available, so why now come and choose a unique

gift for a loved one. Come and enjoy the beautiful outdoors, and relax as you wander our trails, you

never know what amazing wildlife you might spot. In November we are running our winter wetland

and waterfowl walk, on the 14th at 11am – 1.30pm. During this event there will be 2 guided walks

and free lunch, the walks will be led by our warden. To book or find out more information please visit

https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/7810

We haven’t forgotten our younger explorers we have a teddy bear scavenger hunt running in November

every day 10am - 4pm. The cost for this event will be {£3 normal trail fees apply for non – members £3

adult £1.50 child under 5 free this event will include an activity bag}. Please ask at the welcome desk.

Our opening times are 10am – 5pm 7 days a week.

december Issue Deadline: 10th november 2021

send your news to info@advertizer.co.uk

Bridge of Weir Hillwalkers

The BoWHW have been active over the

summer months with weekends away

in Ardnamurchan and Corran Ferry and

walks in Perthshire, on part of the West

Highland Way, two trips down the Borders

and numerous other outings and most in

good weather.

We are just back from Corran Ferry where

the weather was a bit challenging at times

but a good time was had by the 11 who

attended.

Up and coming trips include the fairy hill

near Aberfoyle, a trip to Abernethy for

a walk and a clootie dumpling and our

anniversary celebration weekend in Oban.

December sees us back at the panto and a

Christmas walk and lunch planned (by bus)

to Arrochar.

Follow us on facebook and new faces are

always welcome - contact: donwwsmith@

gmail.com


November 2021 43

Well, well what a difference!

Kilbarchan Smile joined forces with village volunteers to clean up and

tidy Wellstrand in Kilbarchan. This historic footpath and drinking well

had become overgrown in recent years and Renfrewshire Council’s

Spotless September was the perfect motivation for a village tidy up.

Weeds were scraped from the pathway and the overgrown bank

weeded and planted up with bulbs and violas. It is once again the

pleasant walk beside the burn with its ‘Pooh Sticks’ bridge enjoyed by

Habbies for generations.

A massive thank you to all involved, especially Alex who powered his

way through the work with the help of his trusty shovel and leaf blower,

also the Co-op for helping us stay Covid safe with their kind donation.

Other areas within the village that would benefit from a tidy up have

already been identified, and

if you would like to help make

a positive difference to your

community, please email us at:

hello@kilbarchansmile.co.uk

or watch out for our posts on

Facebook.

In the meantime Kilbarchan

Smile volunteers will continue

to maintain the various areas

around the village including the

Gateway Garden which is open

weekly to visitors on Tuesdays

between 2pm and 4pm.


Bridge Of Weir Horticultural Society

Kilbarchan & District Beekeepers

Association

There’s not a lot to do at our hives now as they are

closed for the coming winter. So it’s the season for

sitting back and reminiscing at the summer’s successes

and hopefully not too many failures.

Some beekeepers will tell you that the new beekeeping

year begins when the honey is removed, others in spring

and some will say that there is no start or end to the year.

It is a continuous cycle for the bees and those who enjoy

looking after them.

The winter preparations for the colony begin in autumn

when the Queen reduces her laying and honey is stored

in the brood chamber instead. As the temperature

drops, gaps in the hive boxes are filled with propolis to

keep out draughts and the bees cluster into a ball for

warmth.

Meanwhile the beekeeper has been careful to insulate

the hives well, reduce the entrance size and add guards

over it to keep out invading rodents. A mouse seeking

a warm home can do damage inside the hive before it

is overcome. Many hives have a large lump of fondant

or dampened sugar bags placed on the frames for extra

winter stores.

Away from the hives beekeepers can use these quieter

times of the year to repair and replace equipment, read

books – on bees of course and attend on-line lectures.

Warmer days give an opportunity to check ‘heft’ to see

if there is still plenty of food available, so bees don’t

go hungry. And if there isn’t regular monitoring of

the varroa mite presence using the removable correx

inserts, then hives will suffer. So it’s an ongoing circle of

loss and renewal whatever the season.

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 Twitter @KilbarchanBees and Instagram via

kilbarchanbeekeepers

We meet on Thursday 11th November at 7.30pm in The

Bridge. This will be “an evening at the pictures”! We will be

watching a presentation to members and those new-togardening,

called “Swapping Garden Views“ which will show

just what we gardeners get up to in our gardens. As we know,

gardeners always like to peek into other gardens so this will be

an eagerly anticipated evening! For “newbies” this will also be

a great opportunity for you to find out what is growing nearby

and perhaps can be grown in your garden? It will certainly be

a chance for everyone to exchange ideas and information.

Last month we got the ball rolling with a relaxed “reunion” for

old members and a “welcome” to newcomers. Frequently

we hear that gardens are one of the best places to de-stress,

so we were very pleased to welcome several new faces who

have made this discovery and are now interested in growing

their knowledge as well as their gardens. With our unsettled

weather patterns even seasoned gardeners have to think

ahead, reflect on these changes and plan accordingly.

October started off as a blustery month of showers and yoyoing

temperatures. This was the forecast for the month and

also for November, so it has been a good time, between

showers, to get on with an autumn tidy. It is always best to do

this sooner rather than later - but do not be too tidy – remember

that insects will hibernate in herbaceous foliage! These insects

will then provide much needed food for birds in Spring when

supplies are low. Hedgehogs too are more likely to hibernate

in a quiet, over-grown corner of your garden. We need to

remain vigilant and wildlife-aware in our gardening habits.

Members’ houseplants feature here, Calathea and Ginger Lily/Hedychium Forrestii, as do

autumn plants, Callicarpa and Sedum Atlantis which illustrate that colour is not just for Spring

and Summer.


November 2021 45

Are we There

Yet?

CLOCKS CHANGE - 31 st October 2021

In the UK the clocks go forward 1 hour at 1am on the

last Sunday in March, and back 1 hour at 2am on the

last Sunday in October.

Have we reached the

point where it’s OK to mention

Christmas? It’s just that Brighter

Bridge of Weir is planning to have

its first fund-raising Pop-Up Shop

since 2019 on Saturday, 27th

November. And the group’s now

traditional rustic reindeer will be

among the items available to buy.

Such is the popularity of the

reindeer that the group have again

opened a pre-order option. You

can find details on the illustrated

panel, and more information is

available on the group’s Facebook

page.

Brighter Bridge of Weir have also

tackled the scruffy bit at the gable

end of Livery Walk, opposite the

Heritage Garden. It certainly looks

better now than it did. Thanks to

Ian Beaton, John and Mark Baxter,

and Ryan of JBX for their help.

The 11/11

Challenge

Take on the 11/11

challenge to support the

Poppy Appeal

Join us in our centenary

year and take on the 11/11

challenge. Inspired by the

11th day of the 11th month,

we’re asking you to raise funds

to help serving and ex-serving

personnel and their families during

this time of Remembrance.

We have lots of ideas that you can

choose from. All can be done

within a safe environment and with

minimal resources. You can take

on the challenge in a way that suits

you, from baking 11 cupcakes or

repurposing 11 items to running

up 11 flights of stairs or knit 11

poppies for 11 friends – the choices

are endless!

By supporting the Poppy Appeal

you ensure that those who have

served are being looked after no

matter what challenges they, and

the country faces.

Now more than ever, every poppy

counts.

Join the nation for a 2 minute

silence on 11/11 knowing you’ve

made a difference to those who

need our help today.

Find out more and order your free

fundraising pack at https://www.

britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/

things-to-do/fundraise-for-us/11-

11-challenge/

In Remembrance. Two letters to Kilbarchan.


John Meikle, 27, single, a Kilbarchan plumber, was called up in March 1916. He joined the 1/7th Argylls, in

France, in August 1916. By October he was hospitalised with trench fever, returning to duty in January 1917.

At the Third Battle of Ypres (July to November 1917), John was wounded in the left leg, and in hospitals from

30th September until January 1918. He had been recommended for the Military Medal and was offered

several months work as a plumber at the hospital, which he refused.

He wrote home regularly: on 11th March 1918, to his sister:

Dear Bella,

‘……we are having very warm weather, fairly good

rations and Jerry not bothering us too much.

So you have been having a real good week-end

instead of writing to your big brother, you were

walking round the Dampton and visiting the Picture

House with Bill. Well, you are a lovely girl and I

would like to be doing the same thing. However, it

may not be very long now before we are all home

enjoying ourselves again.

I will stop now by asking you to remember me to all

at home.

Your loving brother.

John.

That was his last letter to his family.

………………………………………………………

Picture: John Meikle’s name is on a panel in Arras.

1st May, 1918

‘Dear Mr. Meikle,

I have just heard from one of my company that you have not been informed about your son’s death. I am

extremely sorry but the Minister of the regiment usually writes to the relative, thus the reason I did not write

sooner.

On the 23rd March our company was ordered to hold a wooden track at all costs, about 10 o’clock in the

morning a Major of the 4th Seaforth Hdrs. was seen to fall about 50 yards in front and Johnnie jumped out of

the small trench and crawled out to where he lay and bound up the officer’s wound which was very serious.

Having finished he turns and was coming back and a German sniper, who had crawled forward, fired and got

him through the head, killing him instantly.

About half an hour afterwards, the German Hordes started to advance and owing to casualties we were forced

to withdraw.

I have been his Company Sergt. Major for some time and during the three and a half years I have been out here I

have never met a braver soldier or better man. He was first and foremost at everything, sports as well as fighting,

and Mr. Meikle none of those who knew him out here know how he is missed in this company. He was loved and

respected by all in the regiment, his comrades along with myself send their deepest sympathy in your loss.

I remain yours in sympathy,

C.S.M. Cunningham D.C.M., C de G. (Croix de Guerre). B Coy. 7th A&SH

Corporal John Meikle, Military Medal has no known grave.

Extracts from Listen Closely, an oral history of Kilbarchan 1900-2000. Campbell and MacLeod.

Available in Kilbarchan from the butcher, Bobbins and Usave. Also at www.thirstybooks and www.abbeybooks

Profits will be shared between Erskine and St Vincent’s.


November 2021 47

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society

The winter lectures organised by the Kilmacolm Horticultural Society started on a high note last month when

Louise Bustard (Glasgow Botanic Gardens) spoke with her usual brilliance in describing the gardens of the Italian

Lakes. We are very pleased to be welcoming Nancy Stevens from Baldernock Gardening Club on Wednesday

17th November at 7pm in the Kilmacolm Community Centre. Nancy’s intriguing subject will be SHRUBS ARE

BORING - ARE YOU SURE ??.

Subscriptions for the current year of £5 can be paid at the door. There will also be the chance to pick up several

interesting books on gardening, on offer for a small donation, proceeds to the Ardgowan Hospice charity.

Tea/coffee available prior to the start of the lecture. Face masks should be worn within the building until you are

seated.

Further details for the KHS are on the website. www.kilmacolmhorticultural.com


business classified

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including, but not limited to, the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968, the

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Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 and all amendments and

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incurred by the Advertising Client as a result of any failure,

negligence or omission by any party in the course of the

distribution or circulation of the Publication in which the

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in the printing of an Advertisement, the Publisher will either

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This does not apply if the Advertisement has been approved

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respect of all costs, damages or other charges falling upon

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• Readers are reminded that when purchasing items or services

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Editorial throughout The Gryffe Advertizer:

The opinions of the Contributors to this Publication are not necessarily

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edit or refuse any material submitted for publication.


November 2021 49

sales & wants

www.advertizer.co.uk/this-months-sales-wants

ITEMS FOR SALE

CLOTHES & SHOES

Brand new, never been

worn, ‘Minuet’ (Petite)

Ladies Wool Jacket.

Fuchsia Pink. Perfect

for an Autumn/Winter

wedding. Purchased

from House of Fraser for

£99, sell £49 ono. Tel:

01505 391536 or Text:

07864 520883.

Dinner suit, gents, BHS,

worn once, jacket 46”

chest regular, trousers

38” waist, 31” inside leg.

Great condition, £100

new, sell for £30. Pics

available. 07730 541977.

Ladies golf waterproof

jacket (navy & purple),

trousers (navy) and

showerproof pullover

(silver check pattern).

£15 for all. Good

condition. Pics available.

07730 541977.

Children’s M&S insulated

salopettes, 3 pairs

(would sell separately).

Hardly worn. Red 5-6

years, Blue 7-8 years,

Pink 7-8 years. £10 each.

Pics available. 07730

541977.

B o y s r u g b y b o o t s

Decathlon Kipsta UK 3/

EU 36 (hardly worn). £5.

07730 541977.

Girls party/occasion shoes

in winter white. Worn

once, excellent condition.

Size 3. Pretty flower

and pearl design, small

heel and strap. £5. Pic

available 07730 541977.

Trespass Girls outdoor

jacket, waterproof/

windproof, two-tone

pink, brand new, never

worn, labels attached.

Age 7-8 (122-128cm).

Ski jacket style £10. Pics

available. 07730 541977.

Trespass Boys outdoor

jacket, waterproof/

windproof, black, brand

new, never worn, labels

attached. Age 7-8 (122-

128 cm). Ski jacket

style £10. Pics available.

07730 541977.

Boys black M&S pleat

front trousers, non-iron,

adjustable waist, size for

12 years (height 152cm/5

ft). New, can’t return. £5.

07730 541977.

Girls’ hockey shoes from

Decathlon Kipsta FH100,

UK 4/EU 37 (hardly

worn) in purple and pink.

Included is a pair of girl’s

white trainers UK 4/EU

37 (excellent condition).

Both pairs for £15. 07730

541977.

Boys Foot Joy golf shoes,

Junior GJ. Size UK 4/EU

36.5 (hardly worn). £20.

07730 541977.

PROPERTY WANTED

House/BUNGALOW Wanted To Buy

Min 3 beds - Detached or older Semi

preferred in Houston, Kilmacolm, or

Bridge of Weir area. Sunny back garden.

CASH WAITING

Please call: 07753 659804

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.

G i r l G u i d e s j a c k e t

(28”/71cm) and polo

shirt (size 30”/76cm),

great condition. Age 10-

12. Jacket has 2 pinholes

where patrol badge was

displayed. £20 for both.

07730 541977.

B r o w n i e s t e e - s h i r t

(30”/76cm) and trousers

(24”/60cm). Good

condition. £10 for both.

07730 541977.

Boys Brigade Junior

section sweatshirts £6

each (32”, 30” & 28”),

polo shirts £4 each (28”

& 26”) and caps with hat

badges & surrounds. £5

each (sizes 2 & 3). All

good condition. 07730

541977.

Boys grey school trousers,

2 pack, 11-12 years (height

152cm, 5ft), regular leg,

flat front, stain and

weatherproof, crease

resistant. Were £15, now

£10. Change of school

and school colours!

07730 541977.

Boys black 2-piece suit,

great for Christmas

parties. From H&M,

great condition, worn

twice (carefully!). 11-

12 years, black silky

lining, adjustable waist

for trousers. £20. Pic

available. 07730 541977.

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN

Gateleg table and 4 chairs.

£30. Tel: 01505 331019.

Shower Tray 900 x 800

white stone resin with

chrome finish hi-flow

outlet. Brand New. £75.

07551 947132.

Table chairs & sideboard

- 67” long x 39.5”

wide table: 62.5 long

x 18.6 wide x 33” high

sideboard. £450. Tel:

07796 225146.

Motor reclining single

armchair. Westbury

model from Hampton

& McMurray in Bryson

Cappuccino colour.

Less than 2 years old in

perfect condition. Cost

£850 will sell for £200.

Tel: 07788 917365.

W P R O re p l a ce m e n t

water filter cartridge

compatible with Maytag,

Whirlpool, KitchenAid

and Amana fridge

freezer, 1 still in box, no

longer required. Cost

£40 sell £5. Smoke and

pet free home. Tel: 01505

615156.

Single “Adjustamatic”

bed. Good condition

(serviced regularly)

bed can be adjusted to

raise foot, head of the

mattress or both, also

has a massage function.

Cost £3,000 new. Must

collect. £100 ono. Tel:

07780 705763.

2 seater Bed Settee,

never been used. Good

condition. £200. Tel:

01505 506385.

ELECTRICAL & GAS

Washing machine, Beko

1-6kg load, 1200 rpm.

Size W 60cm, D 38

cm, H 85 cm. Excellent

condition, must be

collected. £60 ono. Tel:

07780 705763.

M o r p h y R i c h a r d s

supervacuum lightweight

and comes with tools for

cleaning car and couch

etc. Cost £150 sell £20.

Rarely used, smoke free

and pet free home. Tel:

01505 615156.

OTHER ITEMS

C u r t a i n s , m a d e t o

measure, countrystyle/berry/fruit

fabric

on cream background

(Montgomery fabric),

with gold eyelets on

header tape, 54” wide

x 52” drop, fleecy lining,

never been used. £25. Pic

available. 07730 541977.

Caravan awning curtains

8 of (4 pairs), fresh

spring green colour

with pattern. Used with

curtain rods - pole fitting

32” x 58” drop. £15.

07730 541977.

Find a list of local defibrillator sites online:

www.advertizer.co.uk/local-defibrillator-sites

www.advertizer.co.uk/submit-sales-wants

Caravan awning curtain “J

rail”. Used as a curtain

track in many awnings:

Dorema, NR, Pyramid,

etc. One continuous

length of 4 meters. Cut

it up into smaller pieces,

turn it upside down and

it becomes curtain hooks

for use on the same rail.

£4. 07730 541977.

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 329638

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

Ikea Billy book case, 5cd

racks and a corner desk,

all in matching Beech

veneer. Free to collect.

Tel: 07840 692532.

3 Worcester varnished

light oak doors with clear

glass panels. 2 doors are

826 by 2040, 1 Door is

762 by 1981. Must collect.

Tel: 07890 680179.


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december issue: 10th novemBER 2021

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LadyGraftersGarden Services . . 45

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West of Scotland Landscape . . 45

Gas & Heating Services

C HunterPlumbingHeatingGas . . 37

Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 13

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 15

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 21

Glazier

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 23

Hairdressers & Barbers

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 9

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 17

Health, Beauty &

Fitness

Arlene Mitchell Hair & Beauty . . 9

Decorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Ferringtons Hypnotherapy . . . 11

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

The 1 to 1 Diet with Joan . . 37

Tranquil Couples Spa . . . . . . . 29

Home Hardware

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

Home Improvements

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 43



Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 21

Nutech Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Renfrewshire Handyman Hire . . 11

Stewart Design Studio . . . . . . 11

Home Interiors




Stewart Design Studio . . . . . . 11

Home Security

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 37

Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 5

Joiners

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 47



M Addison Joiners & Builders . . 17

McGowan Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . 9



Kitchens

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 9




Locksmiths

Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Painters & Decorators

A Gallagher Painter&Decor . . 33

Andrew Hay Painter & Decor . . 11

James Martin - Painter&Decor . . 37

John A Kilburn . . . . . . . . . . . 37

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Pest Control

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 11

Pet Services & Training

Dog Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Plasterers

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 6



Contact us!

Plumbers

CHunterPlumbingHeatingGas . . 37

Gasfit Plumbing & Heating . . 13

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 15

Property, Sales & Let

Cochran Dickie Estate Agents . . 25

Corum Property . . . . . . . . . . . . Bk

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 19

Lindsays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

MQ Estate Agents & Lettings . . 33

Removals

@ease Removals & Transport . . 6

Retail

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


Moovin’ Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Swanieston Farm Shop . . . . . . . 29

Roofing


Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 15

Bryan Slaven Slater & Plaster . . 6

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 7






Thomas McMaster & Son Ltd . . 5

Solicitors

Kingsley Wood & Co Solicitors . . 19

Lindsays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Special Occasions

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Stoves


Taxis

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Tiling

Gordon James Ceramic Tiler . . 47

Travel Agents

Travel Actually . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Tree Surgeon

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 43

Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 47

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

R Williams Tree Services Ltd . . 47

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 45

TV & Satellite

Clearline Aerial & Satellite . . 5

Kieran Turner Aerial&Satellite . . 21

Upholstery Services

Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 3


Window Cleaners

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 11



Matthews Cleaning Services . . 28

Window, Consv & Repair

1on1 Double Glazing . . . . . . . . 23

1st Floor, Neva Place

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November 2021 51

Local history

Johnstone History

Society

Our second monthly meeting

takes place on the 9th

November at the usual time

of 7.30pm in the Masonic

Hall Collier Street. Before

we hear our speaker there

will be a very short AGM.

The speaker for the night

will be Mr Jim Renfrew and

his subject will be “Norway

to Neilston” this should be

a very interesting talk as it

will include somewhere very

close to us.

Tonight was our first meeting

and it was very well attended

and everyone enjoyed it and

were pleased to meet up with

friends they may not have

seen for a while.

The Museum continues to

open Wednesday Friday and

Saturday from 10.30am till

4pm. We still have COVID

restrictions in place hand

sanitizing and the wearing of

masks. We have all our usual

books and maps on sale this

includes copies of Jackie

Whittet’s book “Len’me yer

Ear” to obtain a copy of this

book a donation to Erskine

Hospital is what is asked for

as it and author does not want

any monies for himself.

the history spot

Cartbank Laundry,

Kilbarchan

Cartbank Laundry was

founded about 1903 by

brothers, John and Tom

Gibson, the sons of Robert

Gibson, the owner of Glentyan

Laundry. Cartbank Laundry

was built on what is now the

flat grassy area, on the right

of the entry to the cycle path

opposite Waterston Terrace.

Over the seventy years of its existence little change was made to the west frontage of the main building, and the

cobbled path leading up to the laundry which, according to family descendants, was designed specifically to allow

easy access to horses and carts. It was still in its original form when photographed in 1974. The building on the right

was a later addition.

From an early age the two brothers had worked in their father’s laundry, gaining experience in all aspects of the

trade. They were ambitious young men and well able to run their own business. In 1910, both brothers were

married with young families and lived Easwald Bank. John was in No.18 and Tom was in No.17. Business prospered

and before 1915 John, the elder brother, bought Riversdale in Tandlehill Road and Tom bought St Katherines in

Ladysmith Avenue. The brothers were now men of property - no more bed recesses, no more shared toilets, and

their own private gardens!

In the 1920s Gibson Bros. Of Cartbank Laundry continued to expand and modernise. They had clients not only in

surrounding villages, but also in Paisley and Glasgow. They no longer used horse and cart for deliveries, and owned

a small fleet of delivery vans. In the 1920s it was a regular procedure for Cartbank Laundry delivery van drivers to

hand over their week’s takings to the company’s main office on a Thursday. Unfortunately, this regular procedure

was public knowledge in the area. On the evening of February, 1925, two robbers broke into the laundry main

office and over three hundred pounds of silver coins were stolen.

(More about the Cartbank Robbery will appear in the next issue.)

In 1937 Gibson Brothers became a Limited Company, with John

and Tom as Directors and members of the next Gibson generation

joined the family firm. John died in 1950, and Tom in 1965 and the

next generation of Gibsons continued to run the company.

In the 1960s, laundry businesses all over the country, including

Cartbank Laundry, saw a slow steady decline in demand for their

services. Although Cartbank Laundry was still a viable, solvent

business, the company ceased trading in 1974. The laundry

buildings, later used as a store by the paper manufacturers, Smith

and McLaurin, were destroyed by fire in July, 1977.

Sketch based on OS map: Renfrewshire, XI7, 1912

© 2021, Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum

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