ONLINE ISSUE 322 MARCH 2022

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

pick up your free copy

No.322:

March 2022

Cover Image:

Swans at the Knapps

by Douglas McNicol

Contact us:

01505 613 340

info@advertizer.co.uk

www.advertizer.co.uk

@GryffeAds

1st floor, Neva Place

Bridge of Weir,

PA11 3PN

Open:

Tuesday - Thursday 9am - 4pm

Friday 9am - 1pm

A change of perspective...

Hopefully, the first thing you’ll notice this month is

our revised page size layout.

During lockdown we moved to an online edition

and the 210x210 layout suited viewing on a PC

screen or tablet. When we started back in print we

stayed with the smaller magazine in the interim.

However, hopefully things are moving toward

normality and we are running an A4 magazine this

month.

We’d love to hear your views on this month’s larger

A4 format versus the smaller “lockdown version”.

We are more than delighted to hear that, all

things being well, the Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow

(Knapps) and the Kilbarchan Agricultural Shows

will be going ahead in 2022. Lilias Day will return,

sadly without the parade through the village,

but at least making a welcome comeback. Also,

the Bridge of Weir Gala Committee is hoping

to gather some more volunteers with a view to

bringing back this wonderful part of village life

for 2022.

The Scottish Local Government Elections will take

place in May 2022 - make sure you are registered

to vote! For more information visit your local

authority website or https://www.gov.uk/registerto-vote.

We like to think we give you all the news and

events for the local area. But if there is anything

we are missing please drop us a line.

Our next issue will cover April, so please make

sure we get all your details in plenty of time. The

deadline will be Wednesday 16th March 2022.

Next Deadline...

April 2022 Deadline: 16th March 2022

In this issue...

Local Shows 2022 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 06

Weaver’s Cottage opens ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 08

Local History ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 10

Defibrillator sites ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 12

Village News ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 12-23

Local Councillors ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 14

Brookfield Village Hall ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 15

Host - Carrick Centre ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 17

Kilbarchan Guide Centre ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 20

Cargill Centre ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 23

Coming Events ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 24-27

Schools & Sports ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 28-33

Regular Meets ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 33

Out & About ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 34-39

Walk the Kilpatrick Hills ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 36

Interview with Niall Traynor ~ ~ ~ 39

Sales & Wants ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 40

Classified Ads ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 41

Advertizer Ads Directory ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 42

Previous issues available online

Shop local - Support your community!

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

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

March 2022 3

Register to vote in Scotland

The 2022 Scottish local elections are due to take place on 5th May. Individuals must be registered to vote

by midnight twelve working days before polling day (19th April).

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who’s registered to vote. You need to be

on it to be able to vote in elections and referendums.

You can register to vote when you are:

You only need to register once - not for every

• aged 14 or older for Scottish Parliament and election. But you do need to register again if you

council elections

change your:

• aged 16 or older for UK Parliament elections • name

You must also be one of the following:

• address

• a British citizen living in Scotland

• nationality

• an Irish citizen living in Scotland

• a foreign national of another country living in

Scotland who has leave to enter or stay in the

UK, or who does not need leave

Reinventing stamps for the future

You can apply for a postal vote at https://www.

mygov.scot/apply-postal-vote where you can

download an application form. Quicker and easier

is to register to vote online at https://www.gov.uk/

register-to-vote. It usually takes about 5 minutes.

Royal Mail will be adding unique barcodes to all their regular ‘everyday’

Definitive and Christmas stamps. Each barcoded stamp will have a digital

twin and the two will be connected by the Royal Mail App. The unique

barcodes will facilitate operational efficiencies, enable the introduction

of added security features and pave the way for innovative services for

our customers.

Definitive stamps are the stamps that will be very familiar to most people. They feature the profile of HM The

Queen. The barcodes match the stamp colour and sit alongside the main body of the stamp, separated by

a simulated perforation line. The new barcode is an integral part of the stamp and must remain intact for the

stamp to be valid.

Non-barcoded stamps will be phased out but will remain usable until 31 January 2023. Customers are

encouraged to use their non-barcoded stamps before this date. Alternatively, non-barcoded stamps can be

exchanged for the new barcoded version through Royal Mail’s ‘Swap Out’ scheme.

The ‘Swap Out’ scheme will open on 31 March 2022. Forms will be available via a variety of channels,

including local Customer Service Points; the Royal Mail website and via our Customer Experience team.

Customers will be able to use a Freepost address. Further details will be announced shortly.

https://www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps



March 2022 5

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club Ladies AGM

The Ladies section held their AGM on Saturday 8th

January and, despite the restrictions still in place due

to covid, there was a good turn out. Gillian Donaghy

had her last time in the chair before welcoming

Morag Cunningham as the new Lady Captain for

2022. Morag told the ladies that she was honoured

to hold the post and would do all she could to make

the coming season as successful as possible and fun

for everyone. The Trophies from the 2021 season

were then presented to the winners.

The Club is looking forward to an improvement in

the weather before the start of the playing season

when the Ladies will hold their 1st Competition on

Wednesday 16th March, which is the 5 Club, 12

hole stableford and everyone is hoping for a good

year of golf.

Local shows make

a comeback!

We’re delighted to let you know about some of

the local shows making a welcome comeback

following the last couple of year’s restrictions!

The Knapps Show

We’re back! Save the date - Saturday 14th May

at the Knapps, Kilmacolm. Schedules available

soon. Trade/Craft applications open on our

website : www.kilmacolmshow.org/

Kilbarchan Agricultural Show

Happy to confirm our Show date for this year will be Saturday 18th

June, Roadside Field, Monkland Farm, Kilbarchan PA10 2PT, will

keep you updated as plans progress.

www.kilbarchanshow.co.uk/

Beith Show

Saturday 23rd April - 9am - 9pm, Manse Field, Glebe Road, Beith

See the kids show jumping, always good to watch. This is a great

day out for all the family. Fantastic show for the kids to get out

on their ponies and have fun. Beith Show is run by Beith Farmers

Society, please come along and support them!

www.facebook.com/beithshow

Party in the Park

After 2 years of no Lilias Day, the Lilias Day committee are absolutely

delighted to bring you Party in the Park on Saturday 11th June!

The event will bring all the fun of Lilias Day with a few new additions

to help us party. There will be music from Samba Ya Bamba,

ceilidh dancing and lots of new entertainment for the kids. We’ll

also have our Lilias Day favourites; the epic tug of war, the music

tent showcasing up and coming bands, the food village, stalls and,

of course, our favourite Lilias Day characters.

The only downside is that we won’t be able to hold the parade

this year due to more challenging logistics. We know this will be

disappointing for many of you, but we promise to come back

bigger and better next year!

Meetings

After another break due to Covid, regular meal/speaker

meetings recommenced in our new venue the Fox and Hounds

from 2nd February, with most also accessible on Zoom.

Prior to Christmas meetings included Carl Melvin from Affluent Financial Planning

speaking on Pension and estate planning and we are grateful for their £500

donation to our charity projects. On Zoom, Jim Dorward gave his regular update

on railways covering recent weather related accidents and decarbonisation of

Scottish Railways. In January, Dr Astrid Koening spoke about the Palliative Care

project at Mulanji Mission Hospital Malawi and our 2nd on-line Burns Supper

was held with a great selection of speakers, musicians and singers.

2nd February saw Allan Gilfillan speaking of his experiences as a naval architect

on Clydeside, 9th February was a Members Business Meeting and 16th February

a Valentines Dinner in the Fox and Hounds for members and partners. 23rd

February was Rotary day and we were addressed by Dave King, Editor of Rotary

magazine.

March meetings include, on 2nd March, Dr Astrid Koenig speaking on her

experiences of the NHS and Dutch and German Health systems and Alec

Galloway, Stained glass artist and painter on 16th March. In between these, there

will be a panel discussion on our strategy for support to the local community.

Our delayed Charter Dinner to celebrate 25 years as a club is proposed for the

30th March.

Other Charitable Activities

Santa’s Sleigh in Merchiston and Brookfield in December raised money towards

the outing in May for Renfrewshire Young Carers which we are funding at a total

cost of £2,000, aided by the donation from Affluent Financial Planning.

In addition, contributions have been made to Marys Meals (£500), End Polio

Now (£1,000) and Rotary’s own charity Rotary Foundation (£600)

Corporate Membership

We welcome new corporate members who would like to be associated with

Rotary and the charitable work we carry out. Gibb Stuart Hardware are the

latest corporate member and we welcome Sandy back to the club! Corporate

Membership 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 .



March 2022 7

Weaver’s Cottage, kilbarchan opens again

We are delighted to be reopening the Weavers Cottage from 5th March,

and welcome visitors once again!

At this traditional Kilbarchan weaver’s cottage we’ll transport you back to

a time when hand-woven textiles were the pride of Scotland’s weaving

industry.

Weaver’s Cottage vividly re-creates the living and working conditions of a

typical handloom weaver. With low ceiling beams and period furniture, it

helps give an insight into life before the Industrial Revolution.

Opening Hours: First weekend of each month Saturday & Sunday 10am

- 5pm (last admission 4pm). Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal events

throughout the year!

We have introduced an advance booking system to help manage visitor

numbers and maintain safe, social distancing. Members can book for

free and non-members are able to pay when booking. Please note that if

you do not book in advance, there is no guarantee that we will be able to

accommodate you.

Tickets are on sale now and can be prebooked at https://www.eventbrite.

co.uk/e/advance-booking-weavers-cottage-tickets-257895691957

St Vincent’s Hospice

Are you looking for a Renfrewshire

Charity Partner for 2022?

Choose your local Howwood Hospice and help support people with life

shortening illnesses and their families.

Contact Louise Strachan on 07436 817582 or email Louise.Strachan@svh.

co.uk

With over 20 years experience

in fashion and several years

spent in the wedding industry

- I discovered my love for

fascinators.

Creating bespoke millinery for

customers, whether it be for a

wedding, special occasion or

Handmade Fascinators and Hatinators day at the races led me to create

Fascination.

07540 077 402 info@fascination-fr.co.uk

At Fascination you will find a selection of handmade fascinators

www.fascination-fr.co.uk

and hatinators ready to wear, or why not request a complimentary

appointment for a one to one consultation at the studio for a

customised bespoke design. Here you can try on different shapes

to ascertain your requirements. It is recommended at this stage to

bring along your outfit so that we can discuss colours, materials and

suitable styles.

If you live further afield a telephone or video

call can be arranged and colour swatches sent.

Most designs are mounted on a silver or

gold metal headband which provides easy

coverage, even with fine hair. Or if preferred,

smaller designs are available on a comb.

I look forward to helping you create your

finished look for that special day!

Francesca x

Handmade Fascinators and Hatinators

07540 077 402 info@fascination-fr.co.uk

www.fascination-fr.co.uk


Old Ranfurly Ladies

Burns Supper

Burns Supper

On Friday 21st January the Old Ranfurly

Golf Club Ladies Section held the first

Burns Supper in 2 years. There was an

excellent turnout with the traditional

menu provided by our excellent

Stewart Catering and entertainment

provided by Davie Christie and Claire

Hastings. The toast to the lassies was

given by Brad McClure and Stephanie

Watson gave a very entertaining reply

to the ‘toast to the lassies’

An excellent evening - let’s hope many

more to follow.

Art Show is On!

18th-19th March - Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm

Everyone has missed so much over the past few years, so this is

something special to look forward to in the village centre.

This year there are lots more paintings, partially because the Art Show

had to be cancelled due to unprecedented times, plus a few new

artists have joined the group, adding different styles and subjects.

Some of the artists are influenced by the beauty of the local scenery,

city centre, others focus on figurative work along with colourful flowers,

not forgetting the drama of the sea and sky. A few in the group are

passionate about animals, dogs, cows, hedgehogs and horses. You

will discover both modern and contemporary colourful art originals,

oils, acrylics and water colour all ready to hang.

One of the artists says ‘there’s something for everyone’.

Open Friday 10am - 5pm & Saturday 10am - 4pm. Entry £1 for

adults, children free


March 2022 9

Local history

The Kilbarchan Linen Merchants, 1

The Speirs Family

In the mid-eighteenth century, long before Kilbarchan was renowned

for the weaving of tartan, a number of Kilbarchan entrepreneurial

families, the Speirs, Barbours, Hows and Houstons, became

prosperous linen merchants. They engaged local weavers, most of

whom worked looms in their own homes, and marketed the finished

textiles. By the end of the century, these early manufacturers of quality

linen had diversified their interests and their weavers worked mainly

in silk and cotton.

By the1740s Alexander Speirs and his brother Allan had built up a

successful manufactory as linen merchants and bleachers. In 1742

Allan Speirs was the first of the village merchants to introduce the

fine lawn and cambric, woven in Kilbarchan, to Dublin markets.

The partnership also carried out bleaching work for local cloth

manufacturers, including Kerr, Pollok & Co. in Paisley.

Alexander married Margaret Barbour, the sister of another Kilbarchan

linen merchant, Baillie John Barbour. After the deaths of Alexander

Speirs and his brother Allan, Alexander’s sons Allan and Alexander

continued to run the family manufactory and business continued to

prosper. This Allan, like his uncle of the same name, attended to the

sales and export side of the business. Sadly he had an unfortunate

end, breaking his neck in a fall from a horse in Paisley. He was

succeeded by his younger brother, Alexander. It is said that Allan

left a very considerable inheritance, to his younger brother, making

Alexander (jun.), the sole owner of this very successful business. At

the age of thirty Alexander Speirs was a wealthy young man. In 1775

he bought the lands of Glentyan and Glentyan Corn Mill from James

Black of Penneld.

Under this Alexander Speirs, the family textile manufacturing business

continued to prosper and by the 1790s his weavers were working

mainly in cotton. Alexander was an ambitious man and was keen to

improve the quality of his muslin. In 1792 he purchased fine finished

quality cotton yarn from Robert Owen (later of New Lanark), the

manager of Mr Drinkwater’s cotton spinning factory, Bank Top Mill,

in Manchester. Alexander Speirs’s first woven piece of exceptionally

fine quality muslin, regarded as ‘the greatest curiosity of British

manufacture’, was sent as a present to Queen Charlotte, the wife of

George II.

Next Deadline...


The Kilbarchan Linen Merchants

In the1790s Alexander Speirs was a very wealthy man. He built

Glentyan House, the prestigious mansion house which stands on the

estate today. He was also keen to diversify his interests and invest

in the new cotton spinning industry. This appeared to be an astute

financial move and would guarantee a supply of cotton yarn for his

weavers. In 1792 in partnership with Robert Barr, a Paisley muslin

manufacturer, and brothers James and John McIlwham, manufacturers

in Anderston, Alexander Speirs invested in the establishment of a large

cotton spinning mill at Crosslee. The building of Crosslee Mill was an

ambitious project. It was to be the largest cotton mill in Renfrewshire

and took three years to build, partly because of the length of the lade.

This 2,000 metre long lade can still be followed along the north bank

of the Gryffe from Bridge of Weir to Crosslee.

Crosslee Mill Lade

But his fortunes were about to change. His untimely and overambitious

investment in Crosslee Mill and the vast expense in the

rebuilding of Glentyan House resulted in his financial ruin and he died

a poor and broken man. He did not leave a will and there is no known

gravestone erected to his memory in the village.

©2022 Helen Calcluth, Renfrewshire Local History Forum

Further information on the Speirs, Barbours, Hows and Houstons is

contained in “Kilbarchan and the Handloom Weavers” (Chapter 3, pp

31-42) published by Renfrewshire Local History Forum, available at

www.rlhf.info


send your news to info@advertizer.co.uk


Meddle & Mend Workshop

Learn how to give old items of clothing some TLC or a complete makeover

at ReMode’s ‘Meddle & Mend’ workshops ... focusing on mending,

repairing and upcycling!

Come along to our garment mending workshop where you can get help

repairing and upcycling your clothes.

So often in our culture when something gets stained, damaged or we

lose interest wearing it, it gets stuffed to the bottom of a drawer, or worse,

thrown away!

At ReMode we can show

you multiple mending

techniques or ways to give

new life to an old piece of

clothing.

Reducing waste and

making things last longer

contributes to a healthier

environment.

No experience necessary, all equipment provided.

Masks must be worn throughout the workshop and we politely request

that participants take a lateral flow test before attending.

Limited capacity, booking essential.

Monday 14th March, Monday 11th April, Monday 9th May, Monday 13th

June. £3.50. Call 0141 258 1625 for further information or to book.

Johnstone History Society

The March meeting will be on Tuesday 8th of the month in the Masonic

Hall Collier Street at 7.30pm. This month we will be starting with a

short AGM which will be followed by a talk from our secretary Valerie

Reilly. On this occasion her topic is “The History of Garden Gnomes”.

Having such an intriguing topic we look forward to a good attendance

of members and visitors and everyone will be made welcome. Our

January and February meetings were well attended and both proved to

be enjoyable evenings. The Museum continues to open Wednesday,

Friday and Saturday from 10.30am till 4pm. The Museum is manned

by volunteers, so if you have a few hours to spare and would like to

help, as much or as little as you are able, please speak to one of the

volunteers. We have a wide selection of books, maps and pamphlets

for sale and a card machine is now available for purchases. These

items can also be ordered online and paid using PayPal at “ johnstone

History.org “. Masks and hand sanitising are still expected.

Walk for Health

Planning work continues on this project to encourage walking locally in

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

We are grateful to Renfrewshire Council who have awarded us a grant

towards the cost of implementing signposting, brochures and a website.

10k Run

We are pleased to confirm the Houston 10K Run is scheduled for 22nd

May (Covid permitting!) and application details will be available shortly.

School Competitions

Successful competitions have been held for Young Chef, Youth Speaks

and Young Writer and thanks are due to member John Douglas and

to the staff and pupils of St Benedicts, St Columbas and Gryffe High for

helping and competing.

Anyone interested in Rotary can contact us through our web or Facebook

page or email gryffevalleyrotary@gmail.com .

Looking to advertise? Download our media pack:

www.advertizer.co.uk/advertise/


March 2022 11

village news

The Committee

Bridge of Weir Gala Day

Next Deadline...


The Festival committee has transformed several times over the years. This year has seen some pretty

drastic changes, including the retirement of most of the previous members. We owe a huge debt

of gratitude to past committees who have worked so hard to make the Gala Day the success it has

been - they are a very hard act to follow! However follow them we must, and we now have a duty to

ensure that the gala day continues, a responsibility we take very seriously.

Going Forward

Gala day can’t happen without people helping to organise it. We do need people who are willing to

give up a couple of hours once a month to come and help renew this village institution. Perhaps you

run a group or a business in the village, maybe you and your children miss the gala day and would

like to be a part of the planning process. Perhaps you think that committees are only for old people

– we need the input of young people too. Whoever you are we would love to welcome you to the

festival committee. It isn’t such a hard job if lots of us are willing to help!

Committee Meetings

Committee meetings are on the last Tuesday of each month at 7pm in Hope Hall. We are grateful to

Hope Hall for the free use of their facilities.

Enquiries to: info@bowfestival.org.uk 07779 165 888

The Bridge

Bridge of Weir Gala Day has been a popular part of village life

for as long as many of us can remember. After being cancelled

for the last 3 years the Bridge of Weir Festival Committee is

delighted to be able to announce that Gala Day will happen

again this year on Saturday 11th June.

63 Main Street, Bridge of Weir www.thebridgebridgeofweir.com

The Bridge is your Post Office, Shop and Community Centre in the centre of the village

(Opening Hours: Monday: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm; Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 1pm)

Spring is upon us and already we are planning for Christmas 2022! Alison Bannerman is working

on our much acclaimed Christmas card and members of the Paisley Colour Photographic Club

are taking photographs for the 2023 Calendar.

Greetings Cards... Due to strong sales we are continually restocking our selection of cards

for all occasions.

Mother’s Day: 27th March - Send your love and good wishes in a card from our selection.

Easter Sunday: 17th April - Brighten up someone’s day, especially this year, by sending an

Easter Greetings card from our colourful display.

Post Office... The usual postal services are provided during opening hours.

Are you struggling to find a gift for a special occasion? A gift card which can be exchanged in

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

Hearing Aid Batteries continue to be available.

Cinema... A film will be shown at 7pm on the 1st Thursday of the month. Please call into The

Bridge for more information.

Thank you for your support over the last number of challenging months. We look forward to

serving you soon.

Local Public

DEFIBRILlATOR SITES

BISHOPTON

• The Cornerstone, Greenock Rd

• Bishopton Community Centre

BROOKFIELD

• Brookfield Village Hall Main Entrance

BRIDGE OF WEIR

• Co-Op

• Old Ranfurly Golf Club

• Ranfurly Castle Golf Club

• Gate House, Bridge of Weir Leather Works

ELDERSLIE

• Elderslie Golf Club

HOUSTON

• Outside Church Hall, Main St

• Co-Op

• Strathgryffe Squash & Fitness Club (Reception)

• Old telephone box on Houston Rd, Crosslee

HOWWOOD

• Howwood Hall, Station Road

• Christ the King Church, Bowfield Rd

• The Boarding House (opening hours)

JOHNSTONE

• Keystore, Spateston

• Keystore, Corseford

• Johnstone Town Hall

• Scottish Fire & Rescue, Thorn Brae

KILMACOLM

• Kilmacolm Golf Club

• St Columba’s Senior School

• Gym, Birkmyre Park

• Kilmacolm Library (rear of New Surgery)

KILBARCHAN

• Scout Hall

• Kilbarchan Bowling Club

LANGBANK

• Langbank Village Hall

• Langbank Doctors surgery , Station Rd,

carpark wall of building

LINWOOD

• Onyx Leisure Centre

• Spar, Clippens Rd

• Asda

PAISLEY

• Russell Institute

QUARRIERS

• William Quarriers House (entrance to Faith Ave)

• Country View

Some of these may have limited access.

Please check with venue for full details.

Please let us know if we’ve missed any.



ward 11

Cllr Colin McCulloch

Hopefully by the time of you reading this article, we will be taking ever

bigger strides towards a return to normal life. The pandemic has proved

the greatest challenge to face the country since the Second World War

and we have all been impacted by it some way. I would like to take this

opportunity to thank everyone who has played their part to help us get

through it, keyworkers, volunteers and ordinary citizens alike. We’re not

out of the woods yet, but hopefully happier days lie ahead of us.

BUDGET: The Council will vote on its budget on 3rd March. I will not

support any budget that does not protect the most vulnerable in our

communities and which does not invest substantial sums into our local

infrastructure and services. I hope the Scottish Government funding

settlement with Councils will truly reflect the level of ongoing funding and

investment needed to restore more than a decade of cuts and avoid the

need for excessive rises in Council Tax bills.

PLANNING: Planning issues continue to dominate the local political

discourse, with a contentious residential development application at

Station Road in Bridge of Weir rejected by the Communities, Housing

and Planning Board at their most recent meeting. It is important that we

protect the Sustrans route in its entirety, to leave open the possibility that

the railway could return in the future. We must do all we can to minimise

the number of car journeys and sustainable, affordable public transport

will be key to doing that. I will continue to lobby those who will listen

as to the benefits of publicly owned public transport that connects all

communities and contributes towards combating climate change.

ENERGY COSTS: The cost-of-living crisis continues to mount, and I am

worried that as energy bills soar many of our fellow citizens will face

desperate choices between eating

Surgeries:

3rd Saturday of the month

Cargill Hall, Bridge of Weir

Bishopton Primary School

10am

11am

No surgeries in July or December

cllr.colin.mcc@renfrewshire.

gov.uk

or heating their homes. If you are

struggling to make ends meet,

please get in touch with local advice

bodies such as the Citizens Advice

Bureau who can offer advice on a

range of issues such as personal

debt, fuel poverty, housing issues

and employment disputes. Help is

out there; please get in touch if you

need further assistance.


March 2022 13

Bridge of Weir Seniors

Forum Members

A special general meeting will be

held on Tuesday 5th April at 2pm

in Freeland Church Hall, Bridge

of Weir to discuss the future/

dissolution of the group.

ward 11

Cllr James MacLaren

ROADS & BINS: Potholes and missed bins have

filled my mailbox from Bridge of Weir and Langbank

residents in the last month. Hopefully your bins have now been emptied

but if not then please send me an email or call me and I will get straight

onto it. Sometimes a problem collection just keeps reappearing and I

have to ask why, why, why?

It is a similar situation for the roads with potholes that appear right next to

a newly laid tarmac road and you just think, would another six feet have

broken the bank? Could that not have been foreseen? Then the trouble

is that once they start filling the hole you just know that that pothole will

be back again in just a few weeks. I am happy to report potholes or

faulty street lights but please be specific as to where or which one it is

when you email or call me. Street lights should have a number on the

pole but not every one has this but one can usually work out the number,

or say the house it is in front of.

BROADBAND: After the recent Langbank Community Council meeting

I learnt that one of the members could not get a strong enough

Surgeries:

6.30pm - 7pm


2nd Monday of the month

Bishopton Primary School

3rd Monday of the month

Booking not necessary

0300 3001 291

cllr.james.maclaren@

renfrewshire.gov.uk

broadband signal to join the Zoom

meeting. Coming from a village in

Scotland’s Central Belt I found this

quite unacceptable and I raised

the issue of poor broadband in

Langbank at the planning board

meeting. I would welcome

correspondence from villagers

on the subject as I intend to do

something about this.

Your Local COUNCILLORS

WARD 9:

JOHNSTONE NORTH, KILBARCHAN,

HOWWOOD & LOCHWINNOCH

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/

Cllr Derek Bibby:

cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1274 | 07534 156 007

Cllr Bill Binks:

cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1423 | 07976 239 881

Cllr Andy Doig:

cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk

07534 148 224

Cllr Emma Rodden:

cllr.emma.rodden@renfrewshire.gov.uk

300 300 1431

WARD 10:

HOUSTON, CROSSLEE & LINWOOD


Cllr Audrey Doig:

cllr.audrey.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk

07768 130 935

Cllr Alison Jean Dowling:

cllr.alison.dowling@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1419

Cllr Scott Kerr:

cllr.scott.kerr@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1424

Cllr James Sheridan:

cllr.james.sheridan@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1425

WARD 11:

BISHOPTON, LANGBANK & BRIDGE OF WEIR


Cllr James MacLaren:

cllr.james.maclaren@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1291

Cllr Natalie Don:

cllr.natalie.don@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1426

Cllr Colin McCulloch:

cllr.colin.mcculloch@renfrewshire.gov.uk

0300 300 1427

WARD 1:

INVERCLYDE EAST

www.inverclyde.gov.uk/

Cllr Christopher Curley:

christopher.curley@inverclyde.gov.uk

07768 460073 | 01475 712370

Cllr Stephen McCabe:

Stephen.McCabe@inverclyde.gov.uk

01475 712 020 (office hours)

Cllr David Wilson:

david.wilson@inverclyde.gov.uk

01475 741969 | 01475 712727 | 07766 992 294


ward 11

Cllr Natalie Don

As we enter into Spring, I hope you are all well and

looking forward to the lighter nights

and hopefully, warmer days. Surgeries:

BISHOPTON HEALTH CENTRE: I

1st Friday, 1st Saturday

was extremely pleased last month

& 3rd Friday in March

to receive confirmation of a new Booking by appointment only

healthcare facility to be built in 0131 348 5085

Dargavel, with construction starting natalie.don.msp@

in summer 2023. This new-build parliament.scot

health centre will complement the

existing Bishopton Medical Practice which will see an expansion this

summer. With need growing for increased health provision within the

area, this is great news for local residents. This is an issue that I have been

working on throughout my time as a councillor so I am extremely glad

NHS GG&C have now acted on these calls.

CYCLE LANES: Within Bridge of Weir, I can confirm that I am continuing to

raise concerns around the temporary cycle lane between Bridge of Weir

and Houston. While I believe a permanent, well built cycle lane could be

a very positive thing for this stretch of road, the bollards that are there just

now are not fit for purpose. I am continuing to raise this with the Council

and enquire about a longer term, more appropriate solution.

SCAMS: I have been extremely concerned to hear increased reports of

scamming locally. Most recently, a scam involving fraudulent bank calls

and false police officers has been reported in the Bridge of Weir area.

While this specific incident happened in Bridge of Weir, I urge residents

across all areas to stay vigilant to this kind of fraud. If you’re unsure whether

an officer is legitimate, please call 101 for verification.

Bridge of Weir SWI

Our February meeting was a very informative talk by Dr Callum McHugh

on the applications of Forensic Science. He was able to make a technical

subject very accessible, including several colourful demonstrations.

Our next meeting is on March 3rd at 7.30pm at the Cargill Hall when

Karen Anderson will be speaking about Recycling in Renfrewshire. We

are pleased to be able to resume our in person programme.

SWI Federation Show

The Cargill Hall in Bridge of Weir will host the SWI Federation Show on

the weekend of 19th March. The hall will be open on Friday 18th in the

morning for entries to be delivered by exhibitors. We hope as many

people as possible will come to the hall on Saturday to view the crafts

and skills on display and the prizewinning entries. The hall opens at 10am

on Saturday 19th and refreshments will be served as well as a raffle. The

show is open until 3pm.

The show was delayed due to COVID and we are delighted that at last we

can display the range of talents amongst our members from across a wide

part of the west of Scotland. We will offer all visitors a warm welcome.


What’s on

MARCH ‘22

Brookfield

Village Hall

brookfieldvillage.org

brookfieldvpa@gmail.com

@BrookfieldVPA

New Karate ClasS: Johnstone Tora Kai Karate Club. Adults and

children welcome - minimum age 7 years. Instructor - Sensei James

Edgar 4th Dan. Registered and licenced with the Scottish Karate

Governing Body, fully insured and PVG approved. Gradings are held

on an ongoing basis.

07920 192439 or Johnstone Tora-Kai Karate Facebook page.

Class times: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm

Thursday 5.50pm - 6.50pm

Zumba®: A total workout, combining all elements of fitness: cardio,

muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, resulting in boosted

energy and a serious dose of awesome each time you leave class.

Gemma gems_paisley@hotmail.com

Class times: Tuesday 6.30pm - 7.30pm

Ballroom/Latin: Ballroom Basics with Stewart & Jane Wilson.

New members always welcome. Private/Wedding First Dance lessons

also available.

Stewart 07710 464 969

ballroombasics@live.co.uk

Class times: Thursday 7pm - 8pm (Beginners)

Thursday 8pm - 9pm (Intermediate)

Friday 7pm - 8.30pm (Beginners)

Saturday 11am - 12.30pm (Mixed Ability)

Yogabellies: Both classes are suitable for all levels of experience

including none at all! Limited places available.

Lyndsey yogabellieslyndsey@outlook.com

Class times:

Sunday 6.30pm - 7.45pm, YogaBellies for Pregnancy

Monday 10am - 11am, YogaBellies for Mum & Baby

Grateful Thanks: The Lamb family of Stanley Drive would like

to extend their thanks and appreciation for all the kindness shown and

support given in recent weeks following the sad loss of their beloved

Allana in December 2021.

March 2022 15

New gym set for Ardgryffe Park in Houston

Villagers in Houston will soon be able to get active outside as a new fully

inclusive, interactive outdoor gym is added to Ardgryffe Park.

The new gym equipment will cater for young and old, including people

of all abilities, and users will even be able to connect to an app which will

monitor performance and encourage continued use.

The project is being delivered after Houston Community Council were

granted £35,000 following their application to Renfrewshire Council’s

Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund. Having

already raised £7,000, this funding will allow a supplier to be appointed

and work to start on the gym ahead of the summer months.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s

Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “I’m delighted

that we’ve been able to support yet another project that people have told

us their community needs. This fund was created to deliver real change

for local people and ensure that they could take forward ideas which they

know will make a difference to where they live.

“More than £2million will be committed from the fund and it has seen

projects completed across Renfrewshire and created lasting relationships

between the Council and the community. I look forward to seeing the

new gym in Ardgryffe Park when it’s installed and I’m sure it will be a huge

boost for parkgoers in Houston.”

Since its inception in 2018, 66 projects have been completed in

Renfrewshire in almost every community, ranging from new play parks

and community gardens to outdoor gyms and new nature trails.

The fund has encouraged the formation of new constituted community

groups, created new play areas for young people and families, and made clear

environmental improvements to local green spaces across Renfrewshire.

The fund is now fully subscribed so cannot accept new applications for funding.

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

ward 10

Cllr Audrey Doig

NEW HOMES: It is with pleasure that I can inform

constituents that the new street name for the new housing development

on the site of the former Crosslee train station is Stationhouse Drive. At

least this alludes to the historic site of the old station in some way, and is a

recognition of local history.

FUNDING: Bids are now open for

local organisations in the Houston,

Crosslee, Brookfield, and Linwood

areas to apply to the Council’s new

Climate Challenge Fund, this is

for projects which tackle climate

change and with the total fund being

£50,000, local projects can apply for

up to £3,000. Local Government

is not as awash with cash as many

believe but I genuinely think it is fantastic that local authorities are trying

to meet the climate emergency which is coming down the track. Details

can be found on the Renfrewshire Council website at renfrewshire.gov.uk/

community-climate-fund.

Over the last few years many local organisations have benefited from the

monies provided by the Villages Local Area Partnership, which takes its

representation from both local Cllrs and the Conveners of Community

Councils, and which determines which local bodies are to benefit. The

next schedule of LAP’s begins in April so I would urge local organisations

which normally apply to get their applications in.

PLANNING: The planning officers are to meet representative of CALA

Holmes who now own the Woodend House site, where they have

controversially cut down most of the trees at that site, which were formally

protected by the planning permission which the Scottish Government

granted CALA on appeal. I take a very dim view of developers who

disregard the legal permissions under which they operate and I hope the

planning officers take appropriate action.

Houston & Crosslee SWI

Surgeries:

Brookfield Village Hall

Linwood TESCO Café

6.30pm

Thursday 17th March

Thursday 24th March


07768 130 935

cllr.audrey.doig@

renfrewshire.gov.uk

On Wednesday 9th March we are having an interesting, illustrated talk

on “The Attic Treasures of Dunrobin Castle”. In April our meeting on

Wednesday 13th will be our AGM and Spring Show.

We are meeting this year in The Carrick Centre, Main Street, Houston on

the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm. Please come and join

us, you will be made very welcome. If you would like further information

please phone 07932 459994.


What’s on

MARCH ‘22

Coffee Shop

Monday - Saturday: 10am to 3pm

Takeaways only

Coffee Shop/Centre 01505 229 597

Weekly

Booking enquiries:

Bill Haddow 01505 690 693, , Stewart Scally

01505 674 277

Joe O’Brien 07968 804 776

thecarrickcentre@gmail.com or hostbookings@outlook.com

MONDAY

Sewing Group

Handiwifes

Diaporama

DWL

TUESDAY

10am

14th at 7pm

14th at 7.30pm

4pm

Yoga

10.30am

Mags Young 07781 872 147

Hazel Connelly Art Class 1.15pm

DWL Private Class 4pm

WRADS

8th at 7pm

Elizabeth Benzie SWI 22nd at 10am

WEDNESDAY

Community Council 16th

at 7.30pm

DWL MH

3.30pm

DWL R2

4.15pm

MOO MUSIC

10am

Camera Club

7.30pm

Womens Institute

9th

at 12.30pm & 7.30pm

H.O.S.T

The Carrick Centre, Houston

Mon - Fri Gryffe Manor Out of School:

01505 615 438

Dance West Scotland:

enquiries@dancewestscotland.co.uk

thursday

Gryffe Quilting Group 1pm & 3pm

(3rd & 17th at 10am) 4th Cancelled

Crafty Friends 3rd, 17th, 31st

at 7.30pm

Folk Club

8pm

Move It Or Lose It 10.30am

FRIDAY

DWL MH 3.15pm -7pm

DWL R2

5pm – 7pm

MP Surgery 11th at 12.30pm – 1.30pm

Gavin Newlands

MP Surgery 4th at 12.30pm

Natalie Don

saturday

DWL MH 9.30am - 5pm

DWL R2 9am - 1.30pm

Cllr Surgery 5th at 11.30am – 12pm

Jim Sheridan

sunday

Baptist Church 11am & 6pm

Mr/Mrs Graham P/Party 6th at 1.30pm

Siobhan Vosloo B/Party 13th at 1pm

Jenniffer Brechin 20th at 1.30pm

Centre Patrons PLEASE ADVISE date or time changes due to Holidays to

Centre Management

Check FB for updates in line with Covid 19 Gov guidelines


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A new dementia friendly group organised by Froglife and in

partnership with Houston and Killellan Kirk is starting in Houston.

The “Houston Wild Times Group” will meet on the last Tuesday of every

month between 1pm - 3pm at Houston and Killellan Kirk, and will go on

a nature walk around Houston and do some nature inspired tasks and

crafts (indoors if the weather is not good!). The group will be a great

place to chat about our local heritage, meet new people, share stories,

discover new skills and help support us to stay healthy and active.

If you or someone you know is living at home and has a dementia and

you would be interested in finding out more about the Nature Walks

please get in touch with Louise Smith on 07985 566381 or Frankie

Greenwood on 07817 210777.

March 2022 17

Howwood Parish

Church

Things are starting to look a

little brighter on the Covid

front.

Getting much lighter at

night. The Women’s Guild

has started back again.

They meet at the Church

Hall on a Monday Afternoon

at 2.30pm.

Any ladies of any age who

would like to come along

to see what is happening

please do so.

Very interesting meetings

and a good time to be had

and make good friends.

Do come along on a

Sunday at 10am for a warm

welcome.

All are welcome in this

place.

ward 9

Cllr Andy Doig

CROSSING PATROLS: The After School Club based at the Scout Hut in Kilbarchan contacted

me recently regarding the axing of the School Crossing Patroller at Kilbarchan Cross. This was

due apparently to staff shortages but I have written an email to the Chief

Surgeries:

Executive and Head of Environment asking them to retain the Crossing

Patroller at the Cross, given that there are up to twenty children use the 2nd Wednesday of the month

service to cross to the After School Club, as well as the high volume of Lilybank Bowling Club, Johnstone

pedestrians who use no less than five local businesses in and around

6:30pm

Kilbarchan Cross. I am genuinely in fear for the lives of constituents unless

Old Library, Kilbarchan

Councillors act, it is so bad that on one day a passing police car put on its

7:30pm

lights to allow the children to cross to the After School Club.

HALLS: All four ward Councillors recently attended a meeting of Howwood

Community Council to talk specifically about the state of Howwood Village

Hall, and the fact it is not fully open to the public. On behalf of the village

and at the request of the Community Council all four Cllrs have signed a

collective letter to council officers calling for a site visit. In the 2018/2019

Budget I negotiated an upgrade of the kitchen facilities at the Howwood

Halls, and was pushing the administration on an action plan for the Hall in

November 2019, prior to the Covid pandemic. Now we are emerging from

the pandemic we must see action to upgrade Howwood Village Hall.

ELECTION VENUE: There will be a break with tradition at the forthcoming local

elections in May as Lochwinnoch residents will be voting at the Community

Annexe, rather than the McKillop, as the latter is not due to be finished until

at least June. Like all Lochwinnoch residents I am looking forward to the day

when the McKillop can be re-opened once again.

4th Wednesday of the month

Howwood Bowling Club

6:30pm

Lochwinnoch Bowling Club

7:30pm

No surgeries in July or December

07534 148 224

cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.

gov.uk

IndependentVoice/

Ward9JohnstoneAnd Villages

CllrAndy4Ward8

iF YOU HAVE ANY NEWS ITEMS YOU’D LIKE INCLUDED IN OUR NEXT ISSUE PLEASE SEND TO US BY wEDNESDAY 16TH mARCH


ward 9

CLLR BILL BINKS

CLYDE MUIRSHIEL: An agreement for the future governance of Clyde

Muirshiel Regional Park (CMRP) has been approved and adopted

by the Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board. It will be

overseen by two new groups. CMRP (Renfrewshire) Liaison Group

and Renfrewshire/Inverclyde CMRP Liaison Group.

0300 3001 423

07976 239 949

cllr.bill.binks@renfrewshire.

gov.uk

The Renfrewshire Group team will be made up of: Ward 9 elected

members, 2 elected members of the ILE Policy Board, a Lochwinnoch Community Council member, a

residents’ association Representative (as applicable), 2 representatives from locally based businesses within

ward 9, the Council’s Chief Economic and Regeneration Officer who will chair the group, and other council

officers as appropriate and invited by the Chair.

The Renfrewshire/Inverclyde CMRP Liaison Group will be made up of two elected members from the each

of the two authorities together with senior officers from both councils. The first group will meet Quarterly

while the second group twice a year. This is very welcome news and I feel sure that the residents in

Lochwinnoch and visitors will be heartened by the agreed changes.

VILLAGE HALLS: The Chair, Millar Leon, of Howwood Community Council convened a meeting with the

four ward 9 councillors in frustration at the way Renfrewshire Leisure (as the letting agents of the village hall)

has continually refused a request to hold HCC meetings in the building.

The outcome of our meeting with HCC is that I have been commissioned to write a letter, to be signed by

the four ward council members, to our new Chief Executive, Alan Russell explaining the frustration and

lack of interest that Renfrewshire council is fulfilling their obligations to the long-promised upgrade to the

village hall and their unwillingness to accommodate the wishes of the residents of Howwood. We wait with

bated breath for a positive response.

ROADS: Consultants were appointed at the end of last year by the Council to assess speeding issues and

the option of reducing speeding limits to 20 mph within the villages of Howwood, Kilbarchan and Houston. I

understand that a “story book” will be published of their findings with recommendations. We live in hope!

PARKS: Kilbarchan are proceeding quite nicely in their objective to improve the village park. I was pleased

to help endorse a donation from the Glasgow Airport Flight Path Fund of a donation of £2,000 towards

the purchase and installation of some very attractive metal seats for adults and children. Hopefully further

donations will be applied for in the future as things progress.

It is perhaps not widely known but the Flight Path Fund Committee is totally independent of the Airport

itself and any decisions made regarding donations rests with the Committee. The airport are simply the

donators and hosts to the fund.

Next Deadline...

April 2022 Deadline:

16th March 2022

Looking to advertise?

Download our media pack:

www.advertizer.co.uk/

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e: info@advertizer.co.uk | www.advertizer.co.uk | March 2022 19

What’s on

MARCH ‘22

Art

Kilbarchan

Guide centre leisure classes

All Guide Centre activities are fully up and running for 2022. Our

popular daytime classes are as follows:

Mondays 1.30pm - 3.30pm

Fridays

10am - 12noon or 1pm - 3pm

Informal classes for the amateur painter or aspiring painter under

Iain’s experienced and friendly guidance.

FITNESS

Tuesdays 9.30am - 10.30am

Low impact class, Hustle Zero, 0% of the jump impact, 100% of the

fun. Great for core strength and balance

Wednesdays 10am - 10.50am

For mature movers, as Tuesday, but at a slower pace

Thursdays 10am - 11am

YOGA with Jacqueline

Enquiries:

KilbarchanGuideCentre@gmail.com or drop by in person

All classes follow current Covid guidelines

Collette Green awarded an M.b.e.

Not all heroes

wear capes, some

wear uniforms.

We would like

to acknowledge

a resident of

Kilbarchan, who

is not only a

wonderful mother

and partner,

but also a great

friend, daughter,

and sibling. This

note is dedicated

to Chief Petty Officer Colette Natasha Green who

has recently been awarded an M.B.E. for her

contribution to the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service.

Colette has an impressive career history. Before serving in the Navy,

Colette served in the R.A.F. as a military nurse. Her nursing role took her

to Afghanistan where she cared for

casualties injured during front line

duties.

After Afghanistan she was posted

to Defence Medical Services

Whittington, where she trained

other nurses. She then went on

to become the Deputy Head and

eventually the Head of Department

in the Royal Centre of Defence

Medicine in Birmingham.

We are very proud of everything

that she has accomplished. She

has cared for and proudly served

her friends, family, and country.

Kilbarchan Parish Church

Sunday Worship

Our regular Sunday worship continues at 11am and the numbers

attending continue to grow towards pre-pandemic levels. On Sunday 7th

March there will be an All-Age Service for folks of all ages and it is hoped

to have more of these in the coming months. We hope to welcome you

to all of our services.

The recent announcements by the Scottish Government have eased

Covid19 restrictions significantly, but we continue to base our priorities

on ensuring that all attendees feel safe and comfortable when attending

worship. Although social-distancing rules have been removed, we continue

to advise attendees to occupy designated locations in the church, at least

1 metre apart and this has been welcomed by many. The Government’s

requirement to obtain contact details from all attendees has been

discontinued, but we shall continue to record the names of attendees, to

assist with the Test and Protect scheme should the need arise. We no longer

ask attendees to book a place in advance. The wearing of masks indoors

remains a Government requirement, unless you have an exemption.

By the time this issue of the Advertizer reaches you we shall have resumed

serving teas and coffees following Sunday Worship. We know how

valuable this can be in rebuilding community spirit.

We have recently installed cameras and a new sound system in church,

which enable our services to be “streamed” online. You can watch the

service live or catch up at a later time via the church website https://

kilbarchankirk.org or on Youtube. An audio-only version of each service

is also available for those unable to view the on-line service.

As a result of the introduction of this new service, the on-line “Reflections”

facility, which was started at the beginning of the Covid lockdown in 2020

has now been brought to an end. We are immensely grateful to all those

who contributed to these “Reflections” which proved to be so popular.

Resumption of other activities - In line with the easing of Covid restrictions,

many of the church and non-church organisations have resumed their

regular meetings and activities within the church and hall. We all look

forward to the time when concerns about Covid no longer impact on

what we would regard as “normal” life. The Tots’ Club will not resume until

after Easter at the earliest, when there is no longer a requirement to have a

door open. The Guild meets on Tuesday 8th March at 2.30pm in the hall,

when the speaker will be Gordon Wilson from the P.S. Waverley. The AGM

will take place on Tuesday 22nd March. All welcome.

Kilbarchan National Women’s Register

Our main meetings continue every Wednesday evening at 7.45pm on

Zoom but we are now meeting in person for coffee every second Friday.

Our weekly Zoom topics include: “A favourite piece of art which you would

take from a gallery”. Does birth order affect one’s life? Talk about a state

of America - the national country is USA in 2022 -, and “an item of news

which has recently caught your eye.” We are also joining a tour of the

forgotten parts of Central Station and finally a day trip to Edinburgh when

we shall visit the portraits of survivors of the Holocaust, in the Queen’s

Gallery, which were unveiled on Holocaust Day recently. March is certainly

a month to look forward to!

We also have our Book Group and in March we shall be watching the

2020 update of the film “Rebecca” and discussing the book. Future books

include: Songbirds, Big Brother and I am an Island.

We have recently started a Walking Group and, weather permitting, will

enjoy walks most Mondays, either morning or afternoon - and coffee if

wet!! Please visit our website: www.nwr.org.uk for more info or phone

Fiona on 348627 if you’d like to join the group


ward 1 - inverclyde

Cllr Christopher Curley

ROADS: Following a motion brought to Inverclyde

Council by myself and Cllr MacLeod, I am pleased to see that the recent

Environment and Regeneration Committee meeting has decided to

introduce 20mph speed limits in Town and Village centres and around

schools. I believe that this will have a positive impact on Kilmacolm in

particular, but I would like to see it rolled out further in the future.

PLANNING: I welcome the recent decision by the Renfrewshire

Communities, Housing & Planning Policy Board to reject the application

to build housing on the former Gryffe Valley railway line to Kilmacolm

which closed in 1983. I believe that the proposal was detrimental to

active travel. I also consider that it is also very important to protect

legacy railway infrastructure so enabling it to brought back into use.

The rejection of this planning proposals is especially pertinent given the

recently published National Strategic Transport Projects Review which

highlighted the need to improve active travel routes between towns

and the proposed Glasgow Metro to Glasgow Airport, which would be

the first stage in getting a rail link along the Gryffe Valley.

Any rail link along the Gryffe Valley will be a long way off, but it is

important that we continue to make the case for it to be included within

any Glasgow Metro proposals. It

is also important that we pursue Surgeries: 6pm - 7pm

better bus links along the Gryffe

Boglestone Community Centre

Valley, with greater connectivity to

23rd March & 20th April

the rail network, to give residents

Kilmacolm New Community Centre

more options than the car.

LOCAL ELECTIONS: The local

elections will be held on the 5th of

May. In case I do not get a chance

before the election, I would like to

take the opportunity to say it has

been a great honour and privilege

to represent Ward 1 Inverclyde

East over the last 5 years.

30th March & 27th April


07768 460 073

01475 712 370

christopher.curley@

inverclyde.gov.uk

@Ward1chriscurleySNP


March 2022 21

Kilmacolm Community Council

The hectic festive period is now well and truly over. The Kilmacolm

Community Council welcomed our first village ‘Elf’ in December and we

hope to establish this as an annual bit of festive fun. Thanks to all who

hosted the wee fella in the run up to Christmas. Our Christmas raffle raised

£682 for local charities – Inverclyde Women’s Aid, Ardgowan Hospice &

Inverclyde Toy Bank.

Thanks to all who participated in our online survey regarding the use of

local parks. This has provided valuable feedback for future proposals and

improvements.

The KCC would also like to remind you that the Kilmacolm and Port

Glasgow 187th Annual Show will take place at the Knapps, Kilmacolm on

Saturday 14th May.

Our focus now moves to Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee weekend at the

beginning of June. Events are currently under discussion and we hope to

reveal details soon. We do, however, expect to have something on in the

village on Friday 3rd June.

The next meeting of Kilmacolm Community Council will be on Tuesday

29th March at 7.30pm in the Cargill Community Centre. Residents of the

village are welcome to attend.

Should you wish to contact the Community Council, please email

secretary@kilmacolmcc.co.uk

ward 1 - inverclyde

Cllr Stephen McCabe

BUDGET: At the time of writing this column Councillors

on the Council’s Members’ Budget Working Group were

still deliberating on the hard choices we faced in balancing the Council’s

budget for the new financial year beginning on 1st April. Following a real

terms reduction in our funding from the Scottish Government the Council

was left with a recurring deficit of around £6m on our general fund. The

options available to us to close this deficit in 2022/23 were cuts to services

and jobs, increased charges for some services, an increase in Council Tax

and the short-term use of reserves. I will report on the outcome of our

deliberations next month.

CRUISE TERMINAL: Last month I paid a visit to the Council’s new cruise

terminal in Greenock, which is now taking shape and is due to be

completed later this year. I was also there to promote our restaurant

partner Buzzworks who will be opening a new restaurant in the terminal

under their Scotts brand. This will add a top class restaurant to Inverclyde’s

food offer and at the same time create around 70 new jobs.

SCULPTURE: If you have been through Port Glasgow recently you will

have seen that the new ‘Shipbuilders of Port Glasgow’ sculpture has

been erected. While the sculpture cost significantly more than originally

budgeted for and took much longer to create than planned, which is

not uncommon for such unique works of art, there is no doubt that it is a

magnificent tribute to the many generations of local people who worked

in our yards.

ROADS: The Council’s annual roads investment programme is due for

approval at the Environment &

Regeneration Committee on 3rd

March. I have been lobbying hard

to have Craigbet Road, which runs

through Quarrier’s Village, and

a number of roads in Kilmacolm

included in the programme. Further

major investment in carriageways

and pavements throughout the

ward will be a priority for me.

Surgeries:


Tuesday 15th March, 6:30 - 7:30pm

01475 712 020 (office hours)

Stephen.McCabe@

Inverclyde.gov.uk

10 Victoria Gardens,

Kilmacolm, PA13 4HL

Inverclyde garden

waste permits

STARTS MARCH 2022

Inverclyde residents can purchase

permits online via the council

website at £32 per brown bin.

Collections will take place at the

same time as blue bin household

recycling collections. Garden

waste collections take place from

the spring through to November

and will start this year on week

commencing 14th March and

week commencing 21st March,

depending on residents’ regular

recycling collection day.

To buy a permit visit www.

inverclyde.gov.uk/garden-waste

or call the Garden Waste Helpline

on 01475 714555.


ward 1 - inverclyde

Cllr David Wilson

ROADS: Complaints continue about speeding in the

village, particularly on the main access roads. Police

maintain that an average of 24mph

entails self-enforcing speed limits, Surgeries:

meaning speed cushions as the Cargill Centre, Kilmacolm

Police are unlikely to enforce 20mph 2nd March, 11am - 12noon

limits. All main roads in the village are


being measured and the 34.8mph

11th March, 2pm - 3pm

average speed on the Port Glasgow

Road is positively dangerous. I am Booking not necessary

pressing for action by the Council as 07766 992 294

soon as possible.

01475 741 969 / 722 975

FUNDING: As a member of the

EU the UK received some £2b in

Structural Funds to assist economic

development.

david.wilson@inverclyde.

gov.uk

The UK Government is now distributing funding of

some £2.6b direct to Councils. As leader of the Conservative group on

Inverclyde Council, Iain Stewart, the Scottish Office Minister has asked to

meet me in late January to discuss the distribution of funds to Inverclyde.

They want shovel ready projects as well as long term spend.

CROSSING PATROL: We are really missing Eddie from his road crossing

duties at the junction of Gryffe and Lochwinnoch Roads. We have

advertised twice to no avail. If interested please contact me and I will put

you in touch.

TV FILMING: I am starting to get a few moans about the filming of

Shetland. It is swings and roundabouts, some businesses do well out of

the presence of the crew, others not. We do wish to be hospitable for

such a good series but perhaps it has run its course in Kilmacolm? I look

forward to the reality.

MAINTENANCE: Many roadside drains and gullies are clogged up with

leaves, the batteries on the 30mph signs keep running out and Smithy

Brae has various matters that need fixed. I understand that negotiations

on the Institute are still progressing slowly.

LOCAL ELECTIONS: With the local elections coming up on the 5th of

May, I would like to take the opportunity to say it has been a great honour

and privilege to serve my constituents over the past 15 years. I have ideas

on what I would like to see happen in the future and would welcome

suggestions.

TRAVEL & ENVIRONMENT: Glasgow Airport is a major employer in

Inverclyde and Renfrewshire and I was sorry to hear that traffic was down

from £8m to £2m in 2021. A truly shocking figure with financial and

employment implications. It must be said that the lack of a four nation

policy by the Scottish Government on air travel put GLW at a disadvantage

compared to airports down south. There was a significant change in the

activity of wildlife around the environs, with for instance geese numbers as

much as 4,000. “The miracle of the Hudson” exemplified that geese and

737s do not mix. COP 26 brought 76 heads of state, their national carriers

and their entourage to the Airport. One delegation had 55 vehicles

meeting the delegates.


What’s on

MARCH ‘22

Centre Opening Times

Monday – Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

MONDAY

Outlook Group

The Cargill Centre

Kilmacolm new Community Council

9am to 10pm

9am to 3pm

Closed

Yoga 9.30am – 10.30am

Yoga With Mary 10am – 11am

Yoga With Janis 10am – 11am

Chair Yoga 11am – 12pm

Bridge 7pm – 10.30pm

TUESDAY

Rock Choir

Qi Gong

Zumba

Art Class

WEDNESDAY

10am – 12pm

12.30pm – 1.30pm

& 2pm – 3pm

6pm – 7pm

6pm – 8.30pm

Metafit

9am – 9.30am

Embroidery Group 10am – 12pm

Move It Or Lose It 10.30am–11.30am

Pensioners Lunch 12.30pm – 2pm

Friendly Bridge 1.30pm – 2.30pm

Pilates 6.15pm – 7.15pm

& 7.30pm – 8.30pm

Body Balance 7pm – 8pm

Cafe Opening Times

Monday – Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

thursday

10am to 4pm

10am to 3pm

Closed

Yoga 9.30am – 10.30am

Pilates 9.30am – 10.30am

Art Class 10am – 12pm

Acting For Fun 5pm – 8.30pm

Metafit

6.30pm – 7pm

Kettle Bells 7pm – 7.30pm

FRIDAY

Kettle Bells 9am – 10am

Moo Music Inverclyde 10am – 11am

Art Class 10am – 12pm

Enquiries & Room Hire:

01505 873 994

Reservations & Takeaway:

01505 874 663

www.cargillcentre.com

The OUTLOOK group organised by Kilmacolm Old Kirk

meet in Kidston Hall on first and third Thursdays monthly.

We offer fellowship and friendship and a warm welcome

to everyone, all are welcome. A delicious afternoon tea is

provided by the team, with homebaking, tea and coffee served.

3rd March: Spices and Fashions with our guest Indu Maini. Indu will

share her knowledge of Indian spices with us, many of us have enjoyed

Indu’s recipes; but at this meeting she will also bring along for display her

beautiful saris and jewellery. A real treat.

17th March: Gentle Keep Fit with our guest Grace who runs regular classes

for the Fitness League. Today her exercises will be as gentle or as active as

you wish, with popular music to keep your feet tapping.

We look forward to welcoming you to OUTLOOK.

March 2022 23

coming events IN March

Next Deadline...


Recurring EVENTS

Every Sunday

Battery Park Junior Parkrun

The Battery Park Eldon Street

Greenock PA16 7QG

9.30am

Open to everyone, free, safe

and easy to take part in. We

encourage people of every

ability to take part. Every week

we grab a post parkrun coffee in

Funworld.

Please register before your first

run:

www.parkrun.org.uk/

batterypark-juniors/

Barshaw Junior Parkrun

Barshaw Park, Paisley

9.30am

Open to everyone, free, safe

and easy to take part in. We

encourage people of every

ability to take part. Every week

we grab a post parkrun coffee in

the Rowantree café.

Please register before your first

run:

www.parkrun.org.uk/barshawjuniors/

More information on pg 33

Wednesday 5th January - Saturday 19th March

Future Paisley Exhibition

Unit 27-28, Piazza Shopping Centre Central Way, Paisley PA1 1EL

Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm (except public holidays)

Future Paisley Exhibition provides a look at Paisley’s past, present and future,

showcasing the exciting collection of transformational projects currently

happening in Scotland’s largest town! We’re a small town with big ideas -

and we’re looking for more. This is a free event. For more information, visit:

paisley.is/featured_event/future-paisley-exhibition/

About Us

Monday 28th February - Sunday 6th March

Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley

7pm to 9.15pm - shows last 25 mins (public preview 28th February)

‘About Us’ is a spectacular open-air event that combines live shows and

multimedia installations exploring our infinite connections to our planet,

the wider cosmos and each other. If you’ve ever looked up in awe at the

night sky and wondered how you’re linked to the stars beyond, this is the

show for you. This is a free event. For more information, visit:

Aboutus.earth/

Tuesday 1st - Saturday 5th March

The Ticket Meister by Peter McDougall

Beacon Arts Centre, Custom House Quay, Greenock

1pm

A Play, A Pie and A Pint return to Beacon Arts Centre! Williejohn is The

Ticket Meister, a man with a gift. He has an eye for the vulnerable, the

mentally-dishevelled, and the hapless lost souls of the streets; he’s a

professional people user and user-er... Pies and pints served from

12noon included in ticket price. Suitable for ages 16+

01475 723 723

www.beaconartscentre.co.uk/events/the-ticket-meister-by-peter-mcdougall

Entry £15

TUESDAY 1ST

Foodbank Donations

West Halls, Main Street,

Houston PA6 7EL

(next to Carrick Centre & Village Hall)

10am - 12noon & 7pm - 8pm

Donations collected every

Tuesday during the month

Further details on the Kirk

Facebook and our website:

www.houstonkillellankirk.org

SATURDAY 5TH

Scottish Arts & Crafts Fair

Geilsland Country Estate,

Wardrop Street, Beith, KA15 2EY

11am to 4pm

40 stalls filled with thousands

of quality hand-crafted items

at affordable prices, it’s a great

place to buy unique gifts & cards

for Mother’s Day, or just to treat

yourself! As well as visiting the

craft fair, you can enjoy a walk in the

grounds and lunch in Mocha JaK’s.

The craft fair, the grounds and the

cafe are all dog friendly too!

WEDNESDAY 9TH

Howwood Curling Club

Bowfield Rd, Howwood, PA9 1DE

Looking for new members to join our

friendly curling club. Great way to keep

fit and socialise. Anyone interested is

welcome to come along and try. All

necessary equipment provided.


Contact Lachie Carmichael:

lachiedcarmichael@hotmail.com

01294 823 643

Entry £7


EVENT INFORMATION:

Check with the venue/organiser. Where we can,

we will update our listings to notify of cancelled,

postponed and rescheduled events.

WEDNESDAY 9TH

Houston & Crosslee SWI

Carrick Centre, Main St, Houston

7.30pm

Illustrated talk on “The Attic

Treasures of Dunrobin Castle.”

Please come and join us, you will

be made very welcome.

07932 459994

THURSDAY 10TH

Solas Bereavement Drop-in

Group

Kidston Hall, High Street,

Kilmacolm

2pm

Lost someone you loved? The

Solas Bereavement Drop-in Group

supports those from Kilmacolm

and surrounding areas who have

lost a loved one. Get in touch for

more information.

Barbara Marshall 01505 872417

barbara@oochy.com

Bridge of Weir Horticultural

Society Gardening Club

Freeland Church, Main Street,

Bridge of Weir

8pm

‘Sow & Tell’ is an interactive session

on sowing and growing on seeds.

Our gardening expert will be on

hand to answer questions.

SUNDAY 13TH

Beatson Cancer Charity’s

Annual Glasgow Ladies Lunch

The Hilton, Glasgow G3 8HT

12noon

Arriving to a cocktail reception,

you and your guests will enjoy

a delicious two-course meal

with a half bottle of wine and

an afternoon packed full of

entertainment! Tickets: Tables of

10 at £550 (£55 per person)

susan.brodie@

beatsoncancercharity.org

0141 212 0505

MONDAY 14TH

Meddle & Mend

ReMode, 39 High Street,

Lochwinnoch, PA12 4DA

7pm to 9pm

Come along to our garment

mending workshop where you can

get help repairing and upcycling

your clothes. No experience

necessary, all equipment provided.

Limited capacity, booking essential.


0141 258 1625

remodeyouth.org/whats-on/

Entry £3.50

WEDNESDAY 16TH

Advertizer Issue Deadline

If you would like anything

published in our next issue, please

contact us. Don’t miss out!


01505 613340



March 2022 25

Farmers Markets

SATURDAY 5TH

Kilmacolm Farmers Market

Kilmacolm Community Centre

10am to 2pm

First Saturday of each month.

www.facebook.com/

kilmacolmfarmersmarket

SATURDAY 12TH & 26TH

Paisley Farmers Market

The Paisley Centre

10am to 2pm

www.facebook.com/

pages/Paisley-Farmers-

Market/207097172654332

SUNDAY 13TH

Renfrew Farmers Market

Robertson Park PA14 8LY

10am to 4pm

Second Sunday of each month.

www.facebook.com/RenfrewMarket

SATURDAY 19TH

Bishopton and Dargavel

Farmers Market

Bishopton Train Station Car Park

10am to 2pm

Third Saturday of every month.

www.facebook.com/The-

Bishopton-Dargavel-Farmers-

Market-109902924512969

SUNDAY 27TH

Erskine Riverside Market

Erskine Waterfront PA8 7AF

10am to 4pm

Last Sunday of each month.

www.facebook.com/

Erskine-Riverside-Market-

101613198665127

March

Tues 1ST

Wed 2ND

WEDNESDAY 16TH

Kilmacolm Horticultural

Society Spring Meeting

Kilmacolm Community Centre,

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm

7pm

Annual Spring Bulb competition,

postponed ‘Bring and Buy Sale’ in

support of the Ardgowan Hospice

fundraising event and more.

Everyone welcome. Refreshments

served, but with current guidelines

observed.


Jill on 01505 872393

FRIDAY 18TH - SATURDAY 19TH

Art Show

Kilmacolm Community Centre,

Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm

10am to 5pm

Modern & contemporary colourful

art originals, oils, acrylics and water

colours all ready to hang. This

show has something for everyone.


Entry £1 adults, children free.

SWI Federation Show


10am to 3pm

Come along and view the crafts

and skills on display and the

prizewinning entries. Raffle and

refreshments.


SUNDAY 20TH

Easter Craft and Gift Fayre

Guide Centre, Barn Green

Kilbarchan

1pm to 4pm

20+ stalls of beautiful gifts and crafts

all together right on your doorstep.

Entry £2 or item donation for

Renfrewshire food bank.

Wed 9TH

Thur 10TH

Friday 18th - Sunday 20th March

Little Luxuries Scotland Spring Pop Up Shop

Enjoy some complimentary drinks and nibbles and browse our unique

Mother’s Day, Easter and homeware gifts including tableware, floral

arrangements, soft furnishings, candles and much more. Please contact

us for full details and to book your browsing slot!

Stephlittle1973@gmail.com

07729 172321

Saturday 26th March

Paisley Gin & Fizz Festival 2022

Coats Paisley, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BA

@littleluxuriesscot

little_lux_scotland

1pm to 11pm

Expect the very best as we work together with local distillers and other service

suppliers from around the Scotland. Meet the distillers, chat, sample and even

buy a bottle or two of your favourites to enjoy at home. For tickets visit:

www.tickettailor.com/events/myginfestivals/602283/

Friday 1st - Saturday 30th April

Lambing

Experience

Muirhouse Farm,

Kilmacolm, PA13 4TH

Do you want to see behind the scenes of

quality Scotch lamb production? A warm

welcome awaits you from the MacDougall family in our busy lambing

shed. Watch and learn about sheep husbandry including lambs getting

to their feet for the first time and drinking from their mothers. Meet the

working sheepdogs, pet lambs and hopefully see a live birth.


KilmacolmFarmTours.co.uk

Thu 3RD

Frid 11TH

Fri 4TH

Sat 12TH

Pas Fars Met

Sat 5TH

Kill Fam Mre

Sun 13TH

Renw Fer Mk

Sun 6TH

Mon 14TH

Mon 7TH

Tues 15TH

Tues 8TH

Wed 16TH

Adet Dede Dt


SATURDAY 26TH

Sense Scotland Ladies Lunch

Grand Central Hotel, 99

Gordon St, Glasgow G1 3SF

Tickets £55pp or table of 10 for

£500. To book, or for further info,

fill out the online booking form:

fundraising@sensescotland.org.uk

Renfrew Meets Broadway

Renfrew North Church

7.30pm

An evening of your favourite songs

from Stage and Screen. Matinee:

4pm, Evening: 7.30pm Tickets: £6.

Box Office: 0333 666 3366

www.jazzhandsglasgow.co.uk/

box-office

SUNDAY 27TH

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is on a different day

every year, depending on when

Easter is, so make you sure that

2022 isn’t the year you forget!

Clocks go forward!

1 hour at 1am

The clocks change on the last

Sunday of March, moving forward by

one hour. This marks the beginning

of British Summer Time (BST).

TUESDAY 29TH

Houston Dementia Friendly

Nature Walks and Activities

Houston & Killellan Kirk, 13A

Kirk Road, Houston, PA6 7HW

1pm to 3pm

Last Tuesday of every month.

Chat about local heritage, meet new

people, share stories, discover new

skills, and stay healthy & active.


Louise on 07985 566 381

Frankie on 07817 210 777

Lochwinnoch Arts

Festival Weekend

18th-20th March

Friday 18th

Live Comedy - Alan Bissett’s

‘More Moira Monologues’

Doors open 7pm, Lochwinnoch

Golf Club. £10

Saturday 19th

Craft Fair & Little Coffee Caravan

12noon - 3pm, Lochbarr. Free Entry

Live Music - The Rose Room &

Juniper Three


Golf Club. £14

Sunday 20th

Book Launch with Q&A: Leeanne

Elizabeth Clark

My Journey Through Life: The

Real Me!

11am & 2pm, The Shop @ No8. £5

Includes tea/coffee. Tickets from

The Shop @ No8

Live Comedy - Stuart Mitchell


Golf Club. £10

Tickets and more information

available from Facebook and

Now & Then

facebook.com/groups/

LochwinnochArtsFestival/

Thank You!

Lochwinnoch Arts Festival had a

fantastic evening at the Whisky

Galore screening. Due to the

generous sponsorship from local

business support, we were able

to raise £525 for the Lochwinnoch

RNLI branch.

Thur 17TH

Fri 18TH

Sat 19TH

Bist & Dag Fars Met

Fri 25TH

Sat 26TH Pas Gin & sil, Pas Fars Met

Sun 27TH

Mot’s D, Esi Rved Mat, Cok G rad!

Sun 20TH

Mon 21ST

Tues 22ND

Wed 23RD

Thur 24TH

Mon 28TH

Tues 29TH

Wed 30TH

Thur 31ST

Hos Dema Frl Nar Was & Aive


March 2022 27

schools & Sports

Kilbarchan Primary School News

Burns Celebration

Primary 1 to Primary 7 enjoyed our Burns celebration day. Some pupils

did Scottish themed talents / acts for their own class and some performed

for our online Burns assembly. The children really enjoyed watching all

of everyone’s talents. “We ate shortbread and drank Irn Bru. It was very

delicious and the shortbread was very lovely.” (Isla-P6)

Burns Celebration - Kilts

Pupils in various classes enjoyed wearing kilts that were generously given

for the day by Emelia D’s mum. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed getting to

choose and try on the kilts. A huge thank for giving the school a loan of

the kilts. “It was especially fun when we were wearing the kilts during the

Robert Burns assembly.” (Finlay-P6)

New Outdoor Learning Area

Our Primary 2 and Primary 7 pupils have been thoroughly enjoying reading

together in our new outdoor learning area at the front of our school. This

is all thanks to our Primary 7 pupils last session who collaborated with Mrs

MacKenzie (Head Teacher) to assess quotes and choose the features of

this area. This was part of a garden project that the P7s participated in, in

order to obtain the John Muir Award. They focused on the front and back

gardens. They dug up the vegetable boxes and planted lettuces, green

beans, potatoes, carrots and flowers and they also built and painted

pallet planters. A big thank you to everyone that has helped make this a

beautiful learning area!

New Saplings

Our excellent Parent Council has managed to acquire 30 saplings from

the Woodland Trust. We are hoping that the saplings will arrive at the

beginning of March. A couple of our classes will then have an opportunity

to plant them in the area between the all-weather pitch and the nursery.

We have chosen that area as the drainage there would suit trees. Thank

you to all our Parent Council members. Our pupils will learn about

repairing the planet and improving the environment of our school through

participating in this work.

Regular Meet Classes

Reebok Step Class

Freelands Church, Main Street, Bridge

of Weir (Opposite Amaretto)

Tuesday: 6.45pm

Miss the Original Reebok Step

Class? Then come along for fun,

fabulous music, full body workout,

feel fantastic!

Limited spaces available.

Mo on 07505 126 416

Jennifer Sloan

Physiotherapy Led Pilates


Wednesdays: 6.15pm - 7.15pm

Thursdays:

7.30pm - 8.30pm

9.30am - 10.30am

Jennifer on 07731 303 709

jennifer-mcghee@hotmail.co.uk

Clyde Physiotherapy

Pilates classes

St Machars church hall, Bridge of Weir

Monday: 9.30am/ 10.40am/ 7pm

Booking essential. Zoom option

also available.

Yvonne on 07786 224 367

yvonne@clydephysiotherapy.co.uk

Zumba

Freelands Church, Main Street, Bridge

of Weir (Opposite Amaretto)

Monday: 10am

Come along, have fun to fantastic

music and feel FAB. All fitness

levels welcome.

Mo on 07505 126 416

ENERGISE WITH LAURA!

Thrive, Castle Terrace, Bridge of Weir

DDP Yoga Classes for improving

strength, flexibility and balance.

Wednesday: 10am - 11am

Mum & baby class

11.15am -12.15pm

Beginner friendly class

Thursday: 7pm - 8pm

Beginner friendly class

1-1 slots also available

energisewithlaura@gmail.com

www.energisewithlaura.com

Yoga and relaxation


Suitable for all ages over 16 to no

upper limit!

Mondays at 10am till 11.15am

Bring own mat, blanket, water if

needed. STARTS 28th February.

Mary on 07971 277 870

marylaidlaw38@gmail.com

the Practice of Qi Gong


Tuesdays: 2pm

Get in touch for more information.

Mary on 07971 277 870

marylaidlaw38@gmail.com

Chair Yoga

Kilmacolm (KNCC)

Monday: 11am

All the benefits of a yoga class

including breath work, movement

and relaxation, but seated and

working within your own abilities

in a small group.

Fiona on 07824 344 158

glenmoss_soap@hotmail.com

Yoga with Fi

yoga_with_fi

Move it or Lose it!

Bridge of Weir, Kilbarchan,

Houston, Kilmacolm, Greenock

and Gourock

Easy to follow exercises for the

over 60s which can be done

seated or standing.

Focusing on flexibility, aerobic

health, balance and strength

(FABS) exercises.

Classes are suitable for men and

women. Booking Essential!

Fiona on 07811 766 672

www.moveitorloseit.co.uk

moveitorloseitwithfiona

Next Deadline...

April 2022 Deadline:

16th March 2022


Bridge of Weir Primary School

Bridge of Weir Primary School Values Reading

Small Month – Big Challenge – Joint Reading Challenge

February might be the shortest month of the year, but that doesn’t mean

we didn’t achieve some big goals. We set our pupils, families and staff

the challenge of reading as many books as possible….we called it ‘Small

Month – Big Challenge!’

Every time someone finished a book, a ‘target ticket’ was placed in our

Big Read box.

At the time of writing, 259 tickets had been collected – our target is 1,000!

Did we do it? See our social media for updates.

Shelf Talkers

We are delighted that one of our parents, Aileen Jeffrey, has asked us to

partner with her in her fabulous new children’s bookshop, ‘The Ginger Cat’.

So far, we have helped in the creation of ‘Shelf Talkers’. These beautifully

written and illustrated recommendations of favourite books made by the

Bookworms Reading Leadership Group. You can see them for yourself at

‘The Ginger Cat’ bookshop in Kilmacolm, and perhaps treat yourself, your

children, or your grandchildren to a new book while you’re there.

P5 and 6 are also looking forward to a visit from local author Lyndsay

Littleson to talk about her new book, The Rewilders, and we are grateful to

Aileen for organising this.

Book Recommendation

This month our pupils recommend the ‘Kid Normal’ books by Greg James

and Chris Smith. These are fun books about Murph Cooper and his friends,

the Super Zeroes, and their unusual talents. These are recommended for

anyone who does not yet love reading – guaranteed to get you hooked!

Other

Just in case you think we are only interested in reading, we also have lots

of other exciting things going on including Coding Workshops, Poetry

Workshops and even learning Mandarin!

Duchal Nursery

Duchal Nursery was set up in 1967 and ever since has been a vibrant part

of the community, so it was with delight that the children have had the

opportunity to visit one of our newest members of the community – ‘The

Ginger Cat’ Children’s Bookshop which has been a welcome addition to

the village.

The children were totally entranced by the wonderful Jo James from

Musicland as she read to them and ignited a passion for reading amongst

us all. If you haven’t had a chance yet, please do make sure you pop in

and have a browse!

It was so nice for the children to be out in the village again, smartly walking in

their red Duchal coats reinforcing their road safety knowledge as they went!

Celebrating other cultures and festivals is an important part of our year

at Duchal. It’s been busy couple of weeks celebrating Burns Night and

the Chinese New Year of the Tiger there’s been a real variety in our snack

table ranging from oat cakes to jasmine rice and plenty of new Mandarin

words being perfected!

With the arrival of spring our next topic will be “Baby Animals”. There is

sure to be much excitement and fun getting involved with this and we will

also start our gardening for the year with some outdoor planting.

There is still time to apply for a funded place for those children turning

3 from August 2022. If you are yet to apply for funding please do get in

touch, we would be delighted to welcome you for a visit so you can find

out more. Cross boundary applications are also welcome.

A forward thinking independent nursery, Duchal is open 8am – 6pm daily

during term time with our funded hours of 8.30am – 2.30pm. Please

visit our website for more information – www.duchal.com and find us on

Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all our latest activities. If

you would like to come and visit the Nursery please call 01505 874358 or

email: info@duchal.com


March 2022 29

BoW United football

Labyrinth Construction Ltd are proud to announce their sponsorship of the 2007 Bridge of Weir United

football team. Owner Stephen Hambly presented the team with new soft-shell training jackets, for which

the players are grateful. Thomas McGown, who plays as left back, commented “they’re really good, keep us

warm and dry, and we look like a proper team at matches”

The team are currently in the fourth division of the Paisley and District League, with hard work at training

providing 9 wins and 3 draws so far.

St Columba’s School

This term we are celebrating achieving the Rights’ Respecting Schools Bronze Award which recognises a

school’s achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice.

External assessors read our Action Plan which was written by pupils, and agreed that our work shows that

we are “Rights Committed”. Our journey towards the Silver Award has now begun with Children’s Rights

regularly featuring in our assemblies and elsewhere throughout school.

As part of our work towards becoming a Rights Respecting School, we aim to strengthen attitudes towards

inclusion and equality. This term a number of initiatives are helping to raise awareness of discrimination. Our

local Schools Liaison Officer delivered talks to pupils in Senior I to Senior III focusing on Hate Crime, and in the

Junior School Mrs Duncan led an Assembly on equality, inclusion and discrimination. In a Senior School Assembly

dedicated to Holocaust Memorial Day, fourth year pupils appealed to the School with these powerful words:

“World War II showed us the extreme side of what happens when a racist or discriminatory ideology is given

room to grow: we can never let this happen again. We must take these awful events and try and learn from

them. We must challenge racism and prejudice of all forms because sadly, such ignorant ideas are so engrained

in our society that we must take every chance we get to stand up for each other. We owe it to the people of

these genocides to try and build a better community and a better society in order to honour their legacy. As

a world, we must strive for better. As a Rights Respecting School, we must

strive for better. But simply put, as people, our common goal should

be equality and the journey to achieve that starts with you.”

Congratulations to all the staff and pupils across the school

– from both Junior and Senior School – who have been

involved in driving forward this initiative.

Our School Magazine will be published online by the

end of February, so please keep your eyes out for it on

or website and social media. The magazine features

stories from all over school and offers a window

into our wonderful community – including some

of our very best ambassadors: our former pupils!

We are always thrilled to hear from Columbans

who have gone out into the world and triumphed

in their own way by following their hearts and their

heads.

If you are considering a Columban education

for your child, please do not hesitate to email

admissions@st-columbas.org to arrange a tour inperson

or online. st-columbas.org


Abbey Nursery Houston

This month children at the nursery have been

enjoying a wide range of new activities, starting

with our Salvador Dhali portrait which sparked the

children’s curiosity and they questioned why the

picture in our art area looked funny. This inspired

them to look more in depth at abstract art and create

their own masterpieces. The snail by Henri Matisse

seemed to be a firm favourite which led us to a

greater focus on nature throughout January in our

Grasshopper Room.

Our Eco School committee have been improving

our commitment towards biodiversity by installing a

wormery, bug hotel and squirrel café in our garden

areas. The children are beginning to learn about

caring for different animals and the process of

decomposition as a result.

Our little adventurers took part in the RSPB

Big Bird Watch 2022 where we monitored

the distinct types of birds seen in our nursery

garden and even made special Bird watching

Binoculars for our friends.

With a large focus on nurture and attachment

over the recent months alongside settling

new families and children into nursery life, we

feel this picture sums up the excellent bonds

that they are all beginning to make at Abbey.

Please note that we expect to have spaces

available for new children from July this year

if parents want to reserve a place.

Young Strathgryffe Players Enjoying Fun Competition

Young tennis players at Strathgryffe pictured recently enjoying

a fun matchplay session at the club. The club runs organised,

coach-led, matchplay every week on a Saturday afternoon for

children of all playing standards and is a great way for players to

learn to play the game.

Strathgryffe’s Easter holiday children’s coaching camps are now

open for bookings. Suitable for children aged 3-16, open to

members and non-members. Full day, half day and early drop

off available. For further details go to: https://clubspark.lta.org.

uk/StrathgryffeLTC/Coaching/Camps


March 2022 31

Old Ranfurly Ladies Section

Presentation

Last month one of our long standing club members, Maureen Mitchell, was

honoured and thanked for her services to the Greenlees Team over many

years. During that time she took the team from division 3 to division 1.

Maureen has been a member at Old Ranfurly for many years and has held a

number of committee posts including both lady captain and secretary. Golf

is a family affair for her and for many years she was involved in Renfrewshire

County golf and along with her husband Billy were course raters. We wish

Maureen all the best and many more years of happy golfing.

Ranfurly Castle Golf Club

8.30am on a Sunday morning seems very early, but that was the meeting

time for the Club Captains Drive in! Out going Captain Brian McLaughlin

welcomed Steven Scott as the new Captain and presented the Badge of

Honour to him before the drive in took place. The crowd gathered at the

1st tee to watch Stevie, Morag and Junior Captain, Ramsay Mcleod, drive

up the fairway before playing in the Captains Quaich Competition. The

weather on the day was mixed and congratulations go to Alan Gordon

who returned the winning score.

The Club is looking forward to an improvement in the weather before the

start of the playing season when the Ladies will hold their 1st Competition

on Wednesday 16th March, which is the 5 Club, 12 hole stableford and

everyone is hoping for a good year of golf.

Kilmacolm Golf Club

Despite the winter weather it has been busy time with members enjoying the course which is in fantastic

condition for this time of year. The Greens Team have been working very hard and with enthusiasm to

maintain and improve the course ahead of the spring and the start of the playing season.

The greens have been continued to be hand cut and rolled on a weekly basis, some of the tees have been

rested to encourage new growth and areas of gorse and self seeded trees have been removed. Hopefully

there will be no further periods of cold weather and the course will be set to be in fantastic condition for

the season opener in March.

We are delighted to be able to hold all of our Open Events this year, starting with the Seniors Open in June,

and the Gents, Ladies, Junior and Mixed Opens later on in the summer. These are a great opportunity for

non members to come and experience playing our course, we look forward to welcoming some of our

local non members. Please check our website for further detail www.kilmacolmgolfclub.com

We recently held a really successful Burns Supper Club with a superb menu delivered by our great chef

Neil. With further supper clubs, rugby specials and other events planned over the coming months in

addition to our fortnightly Friday Fish Supper there is plenty happening at KGC.

Here’s to the arrival of spring and the start of the golfing season!

Howwood Curling Club - Come & try

Come & Try on Wednesday 9th March at 6pm

Howwood Curling Club are always looking for new members to join our friendly curling club

which meets at Greenacres, near Howwood. It’s a great way to keep fit and socialise with people

in a friendly atmosphere with club members coming from Renfrewshire, Glasgow and North

Ayrshire. We are now looking for new players to play for the 2022/23 season.

We have organised this Come & Try session and anyone interested, whatever your age or ability,

is welcome to come along and try out curling, no experience necessary. We provide qualified

coaches to give you the tuition you need. You will also meet with our club members and get to play.

We will invite you to our closing bonspiel for the 2021/22 season on the 6th April if you continue to

be interested. All the equipment you need will be provided. The cost on the night for ice is £7.

Please contact Lachie Carmichael if you wish to attend.

E: lachiedcarmichael@hotmail.com T: 01294 823 643


Junior Parkruns

Junior Parkrun is a weekly, free 2km timed run held at 9.30am on Sunday

mornings at Battery Park, Greenock and Barshaw Park Glasgow Road,

Paisley PA1 - These are free events!

2km junior timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone and

are safe and easy to take part in.

The events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and we

encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their

first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more

experience; we welcome you all.

Please register before your first run: www.parkrun.org.uk/

The aim is to have fun. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!

Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in Funworld and the Rowantree

café - please come and join us!

What you doing in 2022?

Mountain Biking! Whether it’s to give it a go for the first time, build up your

points for the national series overall title, or just to watch this exciting sport,

the Scottish Cross Country (SXC) Mountain Bike Series offers everything

from Taster events for novice mountain bikers to full on Elite racing, and

everything in between.

They will be running a series of six events across Scotland, so come along to sample the most

fun and challenging mountain biking Scotland has to offer - here’s where they’re heading:

• Sunday 27th March - SXC event , COMRIE CROFT, PERTHSHIRE

• Sunday 24th April - SXC event 2, LOCHORE MEADOWS COUNTRY PARK, FIFE

• Saturday/Sunday 7th/8th May - BMBS round 3, DRUMLANRIG CASTLE, DUMFRIES

& GALLOWAY

• Sunday 5th June - SXC event 3, CATHKIN BRAES COUNTRY PARK, GLASGOW

• Saturday/Sunday 23rd/24th July - British Cycling XC championships, GLENTRESS

FOREST, SCOTTISH BORDERS

• Sunday 21st August - SXC event 4/Scottish Cycling XC championships, ABERFOYLE,

STIRLINGSHIRE

They’re also looking for a few new fresh faces to join the SXC team of volunteers. There aren’t many better ways

of putting something back into your sport and the team will make sure you always have decent coffee to hand!

Fancy it? Get in touch on FB or info@sxc.org.uk - they’d be delighted to hear from you.


advertising feature

Suzanne has worked in the leisure industry for the last 25 years, from

teaching many fitness classes, to personal training and designing

gyms. 7 years ago she left her job in gym design, and set up a local

business, SK Fitness – Simply Keep Fit. The move was to enable her

to focus on family first, having two young children, and establish a

personal training business in her local community.

The support of the local community has been invaluable, and

allowed the business to run successful PT sessions, classes and boot

camps. Across the years they have also supported local charities and

organised events to raise money for them.

The time has come for the business to expand, and will soon

operate from the ex Pro Shop at Ranfurly Castle Golf Club. Suzanne

is absolutely delighted to be working with the club and hopes to

have a strong relationship with members and staff, with an estimated

opening time of end Feb/ beginning March 2022.

Simply Keep Fit at the Castle will offer 1:1 and 2:1 fitness sessions, as

well as small group training, and golf fitness programmes. There are

new packages available, and all fitness levels will be welcome. Chloe

will be our newest addition to the team.

Find out more at:

www.sxc.org.uk

March 2022 33

out & about

£50,000 for Renfrewshire’s

Community Climate Fund

Community groups in Renfrewshire are being

invited to come forward with projects and

initiatives that will support the area’s ambitious

aim of becoming net-zero by 2030.

Applications are now open for Renfrewshire’s

Community Climate Fund where local

organisations can bid for up to £3,000 for projects

which respond to the climate emergency and

help build resilience within communities from

the impact of climate change.

A total of £50,000 has been allocated from

Renfrewshire Council’s Climate Change Action

Fund and grants will be targeted towards

groups where funding will make a significant

difference to community participation in climate

change aims.

Projects likely to be considered include

community gardens, food growing initiatives,

improvements to biodiversity, hosting of

climate change awareness raising events,

equipment or tools for green projects or active

travel initiatives – but all ideas are welcomed for

consideration.

Any community or voluntary organisation with a

constitution and a bank account can apply and

the Council will support individuals with ideas

to engage with a local group that may support

their proposal.

Next Deadline...


Successful applicants will require to show an

understanding of local need, outline how

their project aligns with the area’s climate

change ambitions, be inclusive and ensure

a partnership network is in place to signpost

people to additional support.

All applications for funding should be

submitted by 14th March 2022 via:

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/communityclimate-fund

For more information, visit:

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/climatechange


Brighter Bridge Of Weir

Tree Surgery

In May 2018,

Brighter Bridge of

Weir arranged for

some trees to be planted

in Gryffe Grove, in the centre of the village.

Kelsi Cameron was one of several children

who each got the chance to plant one. She

was devastated when, 3 three years later,

contractors accidentally cut down her tree

during grass-cutting.

Renfrewshire Council agreed to replace

the tree with one at the same stage of

development as the original, though it took

a while to find. The replacement arrived in

January - immediately followed by storms

Malik and Corrie!

As soon as the weather abated,

Brighter Bridge of Weir contacted

Kelsi’s parents and Operation

Transplant swung into action.

Although the winds had eased,

it was a cold and wet morning

on Saturday February 5th, but Kelsi was determined to be involved. Accompanied by her

mum, dad and wee brother, Kelsi planted the new tree in the same place as she had almost

four years ago. Her mum, Carol-anne, said, “She is so chuffed with the tree. Thank you so

much Brighter Bridge of Weir - I have one happy girl!”

BRIDGE OF WEIR HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

We’re back! The Gardening Club will hold its first meeting on Thursday 10th March at

8pm in our new venue, Freeland Church Hall. The larger venue will enable us to hold

demonstrations and spread out so everyone is comfortable.

We will start with a hands-on demonstration “Sow & Tell” which will be an inter-active session

on sowing and growing-on seeds until they are established and ready for planting out. Our

gardening expert Alan, Crawford not Titchmarsh, will be on hand to answer questions.

Increased energy prices will soon hit gardeners - larger plug plants will cost us more and so

will young plants brought on in Holland and shipped over. Now may be the time to look at

seed packets, marvel at the energy contained therein and grow our own plants.....

Also, gardeners should consider local nurseries before placing orders online and thus see

before they buy. Locally sourced plants will be acclimatised to our weather conditions and

obviously will not be damaged or wilted, as can happen.

March will continue to be affected by the North-South divide experienced last month but

here we can expect more settled, milder and drier weather. Hopefully, this mixed bag of

conditions will not prevent gardeners getting out and on with their Spring chores. The soil

is likely to be cold and wet but clearing weeds, digging over borders and top dressing with

Blood, Bone & Fish will improve soil structure in readiness for the season ahead.

Our April meeting will take place on Thursday 14th April when Enva Recycling will elaborate

on the murky mysteries of composting the contents of our brown bins. Details of our Plant

Sale on Saturday 7th May and a Garden Outing on Thursday 12th May will be confirmed

soon. Members will receive full details of the new programme, starting this month through

to October, via the Newsletter.


March 2022 35

The Walk...

Kilpatrick Hills and Duncolm

by Rona Simpson

Difficulty: Medium – steep and boggy/very muddy in places

Distance: 9-10 miles if you go to top of Duncolm. About 6 if you

do shorter loop via The Slacks.

Public Transport Accessible: Train at Old Kilpatrick Station

Point of interest: Great views over the city

Wildlife to spot (potentially): Waterbirds, Sparrowhawk,

Osprey, Otters and Red Deer

The Route:

Start: Kilpatrick Hills Car Park. Walk back out of car park and follow road under the A82. Pass the gasworks and

turn right at the junction with sign ‘Path – Kilpatrick Hills’. Follow tarmac path uphill crossing a cattle grid. Keep

following tarmac road. As you climb you are rewarded with great views of the Erskine Bridge and the Clyde.

Keep right at the Gavinburn Cottages.

Pass through a gate into moorland leaving views behind. Keep on walking and you will meet Loch Humphrey

(Fished for perch and trout by local angling club.) Follow the main track as it curves left. Keep on as the track

becomes a path. It’s boggy in places here. Follow the path

along a ridge. A smaller hill on the west is Little Duncolm.

Keep on over another dome (Middle Duncolm) and down

the other side or take the path that skirts the edge of this

hill on the northwest side. Both paths eventually meet and

you will see the main Duncolm rise up ahead.

Follow the path to the top climbs up until the trig point is

reached. Great views here on a clear day of the Campsies,

Loch Lomond and further mountains. If you need to get Osprey by Yathin S Krishnappa

back quickly, retrace steps the whole way. If not, retrace

steps until just after Humphrey’s loch. Take a left under the pylon and follow the slope up towards

a fence. Follow this fence line until it reaches the trig point of The Slacks. Here are wonderful

views of the city.

Clydebank from Kilpatrick Hills To return, follow a path that crosses a stile. Keep going over many boggy, heathery slopes.

Going a bit tough here. When path forks, stay on left-handed, main path. Quite soon cross a

drystone wall. Soon more amazing views of the Erskine Bridge. Follow the gently westerly path down the hill until you meet the main track again. Turn

left onto this and continue back to Old Kilpatrick.

Delay Garden

Spring Clean

RSPB Lochwinnoch

It’s officially spring on 1st March. (I know it’s hard to believe, considering in February we have had high winds,

rain, and weather warnings.) If you have been visiting the reserve, you will have seen carpets of snowdrops as you

walk our trails. Did you know that snowdrops are one of the earliest signs of spring? And that they are mentioned

in myths and legends, they symbolise hope and purity? It’s not just snowdrops that appear in spring: our male

songbirds switch into breeding mode. If you take a wee walk along our trails early morning you will hear beautiful

birdsong to lighten your day. Spring also heralds the arrival of our summer migrants to the reserve: swifts, sand

martins and swallows to name a few. We want to welcome our human visitors too. Our young visitors can take part

in our Spring Scavenger Hunt running through March. Did you know we also have a natural play area, fairy path and

acoustic play area? If you have never visited us before, why not come to our open day in March? For both events

keep an eye on our social media for more information. Our reserve shop is open where you can pick up all your bird

feeding requirements, gift for a loved one or even a new pair of binoculars as a wee treat for yourself.

For more information about the reserve:

Please don’t

SPRING

into your

garden

clean up

too soon.

Wait until

temperatures

are consistently above 10 o C

(50 o F).

Many butterflies, bees and

other pollinators are currently

wintering in dead leaves and

hollowed out stems of last

year’s plants.

Please let them BEE!

01505 842 663

lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk

@RSPBLochwinnochNR

@RSPBLochwinnoch


Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park

Kilbarchan & District Beekeepers Association

In mythology bees were the messengers of the gods and their honey was

a source of wisdom. But while our belief in the Greek gods may be no

more than history, there’s no doubt that bees are still as clever and amazing

as ever. Just as they have done for thousands of years, Queen bees are

responding to the season and setting about their crucial work of brood

rearing. With spring upon us the number of young bees will be increasing

by the hundreds this month. Depending on the weather, especially the

temperatures, honeybee Queens may have started producing some eggs

again around Christmas and now they will be really picking up the pace.

That means our beekeepers are back on their toes too, ready for a new season. Of course, all this fresh activity

is still dependent on weather. Sadly, not all the hives will have survived the winter, but for those that have, early

sources of pollen and nectar are crucial. Just as we enjoy the sight of flowering bulbs or blossom for bees it

means spring’s larder is open again. Snowdrops, aconites, winter heather, alder and hazel are all useful sources

of pollen, while crocus provides abundant amounts for colonies that are building up their numbers.

Pollen is the only source of protein for honeybees and it also provides minerals, lipids and vitamins. Like all

animals, bees need ten essential amino acids for building tissue which must come from pollen. So provided

the temperature is at least around ten degrees bees will be out collecting. Meanwhile our beekeepers will be

checking the hives to ensure that at the end of winter, and at the start of another possible cruelly cold spring,

there are still enough stores or supplementary fondant or sugar to ensure their bees will make it through spring.

Leaving it to chance or mythology isn’t an option these days.

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 or via Instagram

‘Kilbarchanbeekeepers’

Images courtesy of Helena Jackson

Throughout the last few months our Estate team, alongside our Rangers and Volunteers have been hard at work

carrying out repairs to our paths. The waterfall trail at Muirshiel Country Park has been fully refurbished and widened

for easier access. The plan for them is to carry on through the country park and refurbish all of our main trails!

Our volunteers have been carrying out some general maintenance on the drainage in Parkhill woods. This must

be kept on top of so that the paths are properly drained which keeps them in top condition. Another task that

our volunteers helped with was the removal of sitka spruce trees from the country park. Sitka spruce are removed

as they are a non-native species and by removing them it gives us the space required to plant native trees which

encourages more native wildlife to the park.

In February, our rangers worked on taking down old damaged bird boxes and replacing them with new ones. They

also put up some extra new ones around the park to ensure that they are suitable to be nested in over the next few

months.

Next Deadline... For April Issue 16th March 2022


March 2022 37

Kilmacolm Horticultural Society

The Spring meeting of the Kilmacolm Horticultural Society will be held on Wednesday 16th

March in the Community Centre, at 7pm. Firstly we will welcome Peter McKerrell, chairman

of the successful Colourful Kilmacolm team, for an insight into the work involved in producing

attractive floral displays throughout Kilmacolm each year. Secondly, the annual Spring Bulb

competition. Bring your entries along on the evening, we hope for a good display from our

members. Judging and presentation of the Jimmy Whittet trophy will be awarded by Peter.

Finally, and importantly, the postponed ‘Bring and Buy Sale’ in support of the Ardgowan Hospice

fundraising event. The principle is a simple one - Bring your donations to the sales tables. Bring

your purse. Browse the tables for bargain purchases. Buy until the tables are empty. Thank You.

(Donations to the tables could include Flowers/Plants, Homebaking/Jams, Unwanted gifts/of quality. Craftwork/Artwork. Small toys/puzzles. Sorry,

no books.) We hope to show massive support all for the benefit of Ardgowan Hospice who have continued their invaluable work despite the difficult

circumstances of the recent times.

We look forward to holding this trio of special events, everyone is most welcome. Refreshments will be served, but with current guidelines observed for

your safety. For more information - phone Jill on 01505 872393.

Try the Out There Award

Are you aged 18-26 and keen to learn the skills to

explore Scotland on foot?

The Out There Award has been designed to kick-start your journey

into the outdoors, while helping you meet people, boost your CV and

build confidence along the way. It’s for everyone, regardless of your

background, experience, location or budget.

It’s not a formal qualification and you’re not being assessed! It’s all about

taking part, learning skills and having fun in the process. We make sure we

provide a welcoming and fun atmosphere for participants. Most people

don’t know anyone when they turn up, so don’t worry if you’re signing up

alone!

The award is split over two non-consecutive days, with between four and

eight participants per award scheme.

Day one focuses on outdoor skills, then on day two you will enjoy a group

challenge walk, planned and led by you and your fellow participants. Each

day is designed to break down the barriers that sadly stop many young

adults from enjoying the outdoors.

Everyone who completes the award receives:

• A full year of Ramblers membership

• A Ramblers starter pack, including a Ramblers neck buff

• An Out There Award certificate

• Access to exclusive member training and away weekends

• And 1,000 Young Scot Reward points

When you’ve completed the Award, we’ll help you meet up with

your friendly local Young Walkers’ group, using your free Ramblers

membership. We’ll link you to our great network of like-minded people,

who lead amazing walks across Scotland.

Sign up for upcoming Out There Award events at https://www.ramblers.

org.uk/get-involved/out-there/out-there-award.aspx

Grow your own veg with Kilbarchan Smile

Have you ever fancied growing your own fruit and vegetables but don’t

have the space? Why not adopt one of our raised beds at the Gateway

Community Garden in Kilbarchan?

We still have a few small or large beds available for adoption this spring,

some of which are waist height.

We would endeavour to support you throughout, but planting and

ongoing care would be your own responsibility and you will naturally be

able to enjoy the fruits (or vegetables) of your labour.

So if you are interested in taking a step towards self-sufficiency, but lack the

garden space necessary, please drop us an email at hello@kilbarchansmile.

co.uk or text/ phone Francesca on 07952 169341and we can discuss how

you can start growing your own produce while enjoying the positive effects

of being part of this special garden project with fresh air, gentle exercise

and good company to name but a few valuable benefits.

The Dog Lover Show

It’s all about the dogs… and it’s back on 2nd and 3rd April at the

Glasgow SEC.

Every day from 10am to 5pm there will be non-stop thrilling fun with

agility, tricks, and stunts that will have you on the edge of your seat. Don’t

miss out on all the action! The main stage is sponsored by Seresto Flea

and Tick Control Collar and expect our best main stage yet!

The Dog Lover Show is Scotland’s biggest dog show, which means it will

be packed with lots of goodies for your dog including treats, toys, health

products and every kind of accessory imaginable. With a whole host of

new products to discover, shopping for your best friend has never been

so much fun. 2022 exhibitors list will be updated weekly.

Are you thinking about adopting a dog? Let some of Scotland’s favourite

dog charities show you who is waiting patiently for their forever home.

These worthy charities are where you could be meeting your new dog

and helping to support these amazing charities in the process. Check

out the dog rescue charities who will be attending the show you can help

and support.

We look forward to seeing you in 2022 at our new venue in Glasgow!

Tickets available to buy online.

Find out all about it at https://www.thedoglovershow.co.uk/


Interview with...

Wildlife Gardening Scotland’s Niall Traynor

by Rona Simpson

Can you tell us a wee bit about your background and how you came to create/found

wildlife gardening Scotland?

My grandparents are nature lovers. When I was very small, my grandfather and I would walk the

Fife coast identifying wading birds, he paid my membership to RSPB’s Young Ornithologists Club. I

remember first studying the photographs and years later reading the text of David Attenborough’s

‘Life on Earth’ when visiting my grandparent’s home in the 80s.

I studied Zoology and then Forestry Management and spent 10 years working for various

environmental charities managing nature reserves and greenspaces for people and wildlife. The

pandemic and the birth of my son in September 2020 helped me decide to start my own business;

turning people’s gardens into miniature nature reserves using the traditional techniques learned in

my career managing large areas of land.

Do you feel disheartened by the state of nature declines? What can be done?

To help insects and birds you need a wide variety of wild-type (as opposed to garden cultivars)

native plants – the most insignificant seeming native species can support far more species of insects than the showiest of garden centre plants. Mixed

native species fruiting hedges create fantastic complex habitats capable of supporting hundreds if not thousands of invertebrate species and a wide

range of birds.

The species most in need of gardener’s help is the hedgehog. Hedgehogs eat a wide range of invertebrates found in soil, leaf litter and decaying wood.

These features were once found in most gardens, but hard landscaping, herbicide, slug-pellets, synthetic grass and ‘brown’ garden waste bins have

destroyed these features in many gardens thanks to a condition named ‘Ecological Tidiness Disorder’ by Benedict Macdonald in his excellent book

‘Rebirding’. This loss has led to numbers declining from 30 million in 1950 to possibly as few as 300,000 now. Piles of grass and woody trimmings in

quiet corners of your garden will provide the food and shelter our few remaining hedgehogs need.

Using pesticides in gardens has widespread unintended consequences beyond the target species and there is always a simpler and more environmentally

friendly way to achieve better results. Most ‘pest’ species are happily eaten by birds, mammals and amphibians that will visit your garden if you provide

habitat for them. Native trees and flowers have evolved intimate relationships with the species that eat and live on them, these are not pests, they are

part of a healthy ecosystem.

What is your favourite month?

I love getting out meadow cutting in October with my trusty Austrian Scythe. It’s hard work, but great exercise.

What has been the most rewarding aspect about gardening

with nature and wildlife in mind? How has your garden

changed?

I visit my subscribed clients once per season so I can tackle jobs when

they will be least obtrusive to wildlife. As I think most gardeners will

say it’s the changes and developments over time that

are most exciting and seeing these changes as well

as hearing my clients tell me of new species they have

noticed or increases in existing species in their

gardens is very rewarding.

My garden is tiny, receives little sun and also doubles

as my workshop, but I have 3 small ponds, various

piles of sticks and mostly native species. I had

blue and long-tailed tits successfully raise

chicks last year.

That was wonderful to see!


March 2022 39

sales & wants

Submit your item(s) by completing the cut-out below

or online at:

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

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.

ITEMS FOR SALE

HOUSEHOLD & GARDEN

• John Lewis Bronze Curtain

rail expands to 9ft 6” with

rings and brackets. £95.

Tel: 01505 872813.

• Single bed, 3’ wide, black

and silver metal frame,

wooden slats, 8” quilted

mattress. VGC. £30. Tel:

07746 880749 .

• Solid wood dining room

sideboard: W 45“ x D 20”

with display top H 44”- 3

shelves, glass doors (Java

from Forrest Furnishing)

Cost £1,200, sell £500 ono.

Can sell separately. Tel:

07900 477277.

• Double bed headboard

and bed base (no mattress)

Single Two Door Wardrobe

with two drawers at the

bottom. Size: H199cm x

W83cm x D55 cm; Bedside

Table with three drawers

H28cm, W17cm, D18cm.

Exc. cond. Open to any

sensible offer. From smoke

& pet free home. Tel: 01505

873735 Kilmacolm.

• Ikea Lycksele Lovas 2-seat

sofa-bed in natural. Size: W:

142cm; D:100cm; H:87cm.

Exc. cond. Bought for £249,

will sell for £99. Tel: 07901

962407.

• White Chest Freezer- good

running order - must uplift.

£25. Tel: 01505 842558.

• Jiffy Residential Steamer

pressing unit to the clothing

trade. Cost £246, sell for

£150. Tel: 01505 872813.

PETS

• Large Chipmunk Cage,

unused. £40. Tel: 0141

589 1976.

SPORTS

• Ladies Bike - used only

twice. £40. Tel: 07549

313285.

OTHER ITEMS

• 4 x mini winter alloys/tyres.

Exc. cond. no puncture or

damage 15” 4 STUD. £120.

Tel: 07885 100077.

• Corgi Classic Limited

Edition Scammell Scarab

with Barrel and Figures set.

Certificate and original box.

£30. Tel: 07763 466490.

• Model Railway Track,

Gauge 1. £65. Tel: 0141

589 1976.

• Junior Accordion with case.

£130. Tel: 07549 313285.

• Jewellery making

equipment, plus lots of

costume jewellery for sale

at reasonable prices. Tel:

01505 842558.

• A variety of Art / Painting

Books, many by famous

artists. VGC. Offers

accepted. Tel: 01505

842558.

WANTED ITEMS

• 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.

• Old records Wanted 45`s &

LP`s CASH Paid. Tel: 01505

873958 or 07710 777571.

KEEPING YOU

CONNECTED

WWW.ADVERTIZER.CO.UK

INFO@ADVERTIZER.CO.UK

@GRYFFEADS

ANSWER THE CALL.

SUPPORT LOCAL.

#SCOTLANDLOVESLOCAL

#KEEPINGITLOCAL

Microchip Details

You must make

sure your dog

gets a microchip

implanted by

the time it’s 8

weeks old. Each

microchip has a

number that shows

up when your

dog’s scanned. This

number identifies

your dog.

You must also

register the

microchip number

and your details

on a database that

meets government

standards.

www.gov.uk/

get-your-dogmicrochipped

Local Community Halls

BRIDGE OF WEIR

Freeland Church

01505 612 245

BROOKFIELD

Village Hall

01505 335 562

HOUSTON

Carrick Centre

01505 612 203 / 331 488

Compass Centre

01505 615 441 / 612 617

council

www.inverclyde.gov.uk/


Animal Microchips

animalmicrochips.co.uk/

Animal Tracker

www.animaltracker.co.uk/

Chipworks

www.chipworks.co.uk/

identibase

www.identibase.co.uk/

MicroChip Central

www.microchipcentral.com/

MyPet

mypethq.io/microchip-search/

National Veterinary Data Service

nvds.co.uk/

Protected Pet

www.protectedpet.com/home

Pet Log

www.petlog.org.uk/

PETtrac

www.pettrac.co.uk/

Pet Identity UK

www.petidentityuk.info/

SmartTrace

smarttrace.org.uk/

KILBARCHAN

Guide Centre

01505 702 758

Old Library Centre

01505 706 070

KILMACOLM

Cargill Centre

01505 873 994

Brownie/Guide Hut

07584 359 007

Masonic Hall

01505 873 059

www.inverclyde.gov.uk/environment/

recycling-and-waste-services/whenare-my-bins-collected

www.inverclyde.gov.uk/environment/

roads-lighting

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/2320/

Check-your-bin-collection-day

www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/2159/

Roads-transport-and-parking

Find a list of local defibrillator sites online:

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


business classified

WE ACCEPT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

ADVERTISING RATES

Trades / Services / Property / Vehicles

Boxed Advert £8.00* per column cm

Photo

£8.00* (vehicle/property sales only)

* Prices subject to VAT

Advertising throughout The Gryffe

Advertizer

Definitions: “Standards” means the British Code

of Advertising Practice and the provisions of

any law applicable to advertising including, but

not limited to, the Trade Descriptions Act, 1968,

the Consumer Credit Act 1974, the Control of

Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988,

the Financial Services Act 1986, the Business

Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 and all

amendments and replacements.

It is hereby agreed that:

• The placing by the Advertising Client

of an Advertisement is deemed to be

acceptance of Conditions of Acceptance

of Advertising.

• All Advertisements in this Publication must

not contravene the Standards.

• The Publisher shall not be liable for any

loss or damage incurred by the Advertising

Client as a result of any failure, negligence

or omission by any party in the course of the

distribution or circulation of the Publication

in which the Advertisement appears.

• In the event of any error, misprint or

omission by the Publisher in the printing of

an Advertisement, the Publisher will either

re-insert the advertisement, adjust the cost

or provide a refund. This does not apply if

the Advertisement has been approved by

the Advertising Client prior to publication.

The total liability of the Publisher for

such an occurrence shall not exceed the

amount of a full refund for that particular

Advertisement.

• The Advertising Client agrees to indemnify

the Publisher in respect of all costs, damages

or other charges falling upon the Publisher

as the result of legal actions or threatened

legal actions arising from the publication

of the Advertisement, or any one or more

of the series of Advertisements, published

in accordance with the copy instructions

supplied to the Publisher.

• Readers are reminded that when

purchasing items or services advertised in

the Publication that the Publisher cannot be

held in any way responsible for the quality

or correctness of the items or services

included in the Advertisement.

Editorial throughout The Gryffe

Advertizer

The opinions of the Contributors to this

Publication are not necessarily the official views

of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the

right to edit or refuse any material submitted

for publication.

CONTENT OF THE GRYFFE ADVERTIZER

CANNOT BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT

CONSENT FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Gryffe Advertizer is published by The

Gryffe Advertizer Ltd


TRADES AND SERVICES

Promote your business

from only

£19. 20 (inc. VAT)

per month - ad this size

(2cm x 1col classified B&W)

Next Deadline...

April 2022 Deadline: 16th March

• Kilmacolm/Quarriers

area registered

childminders. P/time

or F/time vacancies for

u-5’s and after school.

T: 01505 873839.

TUITION

CHILDCARE

10,000 copies

delivered

monthly

to homes &

businesses in

Renfrewshire

• Houston registered

childminders. For an

informal chat to find

your best childcare,

call Helen Smith on

07952 390282

HEALTHCARE/BEAUTY

SITUATIONS VACANT

March 2022 41

ads directory by Category

Next Deadline...


Accountants & Financial

Affluent Financial . . . . . . . . . 19

CLA Accountancy . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Architectural Services

AllBuilt Consultants . . . . . . . 17

CHG Architecture . . . . . . . . . . 22

Grid Design Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Art, Gifts & Flowers

Fluffy Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Little Luxuries Scotland . . . 11

Automotive Services

Collins Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Bathrooms

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 31

Bedrooms

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

Blacksmith & Metalwork

McLaughlan Metal . . . . . . . . . . 17

Building Services

A&M Sandstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

AllBuilt Consultants . . . . . . . 17

B Hughes Builders - Houston .. 11

Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 13

Brookfield Custom Cabins ... 15

Cherry Picker for Hire . . . . . 35

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 27

I&J Building & Roofing . . . . . 25

James Kerr Joiner . . . . . . . . . 29

JBC Joiners & Builders . . . . . 16

KC Roofing & Building . . . . . . 2

Kilellan Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 4

Old Mill Chimneys . . . . . . . . . 29

SMG Roofing & Building ..... 18

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 30

Thomas McMaster & Son ...... 19

Cleaning & PowerWash

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 19

Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 14

Fastclean Scotland . . . . . . . . . 4

Gryffe Roofing & Cleaning . . 11

Contact us:

01505 613 340




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

Platinum Cleaning Services .. 16

Stark Exterior Solutions . . . 8

Councillor

Scottish Labour Party . . . . . . 22

Cycle Repair

Spokes Bikes Ltd . . . . . . . . . . 33

Driveways

A&G Driveways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Electricians

Delta Electrical Services . . 22

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

MAS Electrical & Security . . 14

Russell Milne Electrician . . 23

Farm Tours

Kilmacolm Farm Tours . . . . . . . 3

Fencing

McLaughlan Metal . . . . . . . . . . 17

Firewood & Logs

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34


W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Funeral Services

Beaton Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . 3

John Roach Funeral . . . . . . . . . 21

Garage Doors & Gates

Garolla Holdings Limited . . . 13

Garden Service & Design

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 37

Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 37

Bencairn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21


Cherry Picker for Hire . . . . . 35


Garden Services . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Glenmoss Landscapes ........ 37

I&J Building & Roofing . . . . . 25

J Andrews Garden Maintenance .. 35

Lady Grafters Garden . . . . . . . 35

R Williams Tree Services . . . 34

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 35

West of Scotland Landscape .. 37


McGowan Joinery ........... 30

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5



Gas & Heating Services

Roofing

Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 30

C Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

A&M Sandstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Gasfit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 2

Phoenix Gas Services . . . . . . . 25

Kitchens

Affordable Luxuries . . . . . . . 31

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


Bridge of Weir Roofing . . . . . 13

Bryan Slaven Slater&Plaster .. 17

Clippens Roofing . . . . . . . . . . 27


Taylor Made Joinery . . . . . . . . 30 I&J Building & Roofing . . . . . 25

Glazier


1on1 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Leisure & Recreation


Cloudy2Clear Windows ....... 3 Azure Pool Services Ltd . . . . 7


Kilmacolm Farm Tours . . . . . . . 3

Hairdressers & Barbers

Thomas McMaster & Son ...... 19

Arlene Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Locksmiths

Nix Hairdressing . . . . . . . . . . 23 Arco Locksmith . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Solicitors

Eckory Locksmiths . . . . . . . . . 14

Kingsley Wood & Co . . . . . . . . . 4

Elliott Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Lindsays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Health, Beauty & Fitness

Arlene Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . 19

LaserLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

SK Fitness Simply Keep Fit . . 33

Home Hardware

Gibb Stuart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Home Improvements

3D Garden Design . . . . . . . . . . 37

A&M Sandstone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Apple Tree Gardens . . . . . . . . . 37



Kieran Turner Aerial . . . . . . . 10

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

Renfrewshire Handyman ...... 2

Stark Exterior Solutions . . . 8

Home Interiors

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



Home Security

Brookfield Alarms Ltd . . . . . . 19

Painters & Decorators

A Gallagher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Andrew Hay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

James Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

M&E Painters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Pest Control

RED Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . 21

Plasterers

Bryan Slaven Slater&Plaster .. 17



Plumbers

C Hunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Gasfit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

GasMan Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

I D Plumbing & Heating . . . . . 2

Pool, Hot Tub & Spa

Azure Pool Services Ltd . . . . 7

Property, Sales & Let

Cochran Dickie . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Clearline TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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

Joiners

Hames Estates . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

CLH Joinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Kingsley Wood & Co . . . . . . . . . 4

DJY Joinery Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Lindsays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9


@GryffeAds

1st floor, Neva Place

Bridge of Weir

PA11 3PN

Open:

Tuesday - Thursday 9am - 4pm | Friday 9am - 1pm

Removals

At@ease Removals . . . . . . . . . . 28

Retail

Fascination by Francesca Rossi .. 8

Special Occasions

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Fascination by Francesca Rossi .. 8

Stoves


Taxis

ABC Taxis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Tiling

Gordon James Ceramic ....... 30

Tree Surgeon

Glenmoss Landscapes . . . . . . . . 37

Kenmore Tree Care . . . . . . . . . 34

LJX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

R Williams Tree Services . . . 34

W B Smith & Son . . . . . . . . . . . 35

TV & Satellite

Clearline TV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Kieran Turner Aerial . . . . . . . 10

Upholstery Services

Eclipse Deep Clean . . . . . . . . . 14


Window Cleaners

DS Cleaning (Windows) . . . . . . 19



Matthews Cleaning Services .. 14

Window, Consv & Repair

1on1 Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part

without written permission is strictly prohibited. The Gryffe

Advertizer cannot be held responsible for unsolicited

materials. The views and opinions by contributors

in this magazine may not represent the views of the

publishers. The Gryffe Advertizer takes no responsibility

for claims made by advertisements in this publication.



March 2022 43

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