Clean getaway

RESIDENTS in Johnstone are being encouraged to join forces this weekend for a community litter pick.

The clean-up operation is being organised by the recently-formed Thomson Avenue/Ferguson Street Residents and Tenants Association and takes place on Saturday.

Ronnie Wylie, secretary of the new association, said: “We would like to invite residents and tenants to meet at the top of Thomson Avenue at 11am.

“The more, the merrier, as many hands make light work and it is a good opportunity to meet the neighbours.”

Everyone who takes part in the event will be made welcome.

Craft fair

MEMBERS of the Johnstone Business Consortium are gearing up for their next craft fair and mini-market.

Shoppers will descend on Houstoun Square for Saturday’s event, which will take place from 11am until 3pm, weather permitting.

There will be stalls courtesy of local businesses and there will also be plenty of entertainment in the square.

For more information, go online at www.facebook.com/johnstonebuzz

Can you dig it?

INCHINNAN Historical Interest Group is inviting people to unleash their ‘inner Indiana Jones’ and search for lost artefacts.

An archaeological dig has been taking place at the village’s All Hallows site, supported by funding from the National Lottery.

It is believed people first settled in the area in the sixth century, while a church dedicated to the Knights Templar was built in the 12th century.

There are even claims that the Holy Grail could have been buried at All Hallows, which predates the famous Rosslyn Chapel, in Midlothian, that featured in Dan Brown’s book ‘The Da Vinci Code.’

And there will be a chance for people to visit the dig site on Saturday, September 2, when it welcomes visitors as part of the Doors Open Day programme.

The group will display information on the dig, the village of Inchinnan and the church through the ages.

All are welcome to attend, with representatives of the group on hand to provide further information.

Refreshments will also be available at Inchinnan Parish Church.

Visitors can go along to the church, in Old Greenock Road, anytime between 10am and 4pm.

On a high

THRILLSEEKERS are invited to take part in a zipslide across the River Clyde to help raise cash for a Renfrewshire charity.

The team at St Vincent’s Hospice, in Howwood, still have a few spaces left for their fundraising challenge.

Two dates are available - Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27.

Contact the hospice by email at info@svh.co.uk or call the fundraising team on 01505 705635 for more information or to sign up.

Gala day

VILLAGERS in Brookfield are getting ready to party at their annual Gala Day.

This will take place on Saturday, from 2pm, at Brookfield Village Park, in Woodside Road.

The event will welcome back the Radio Clyde Roadshow team, with host Gina McKie.

There will be a variety of stalls and activities to enjoy, as well as a bar.

Guests can also enjoy an afternoon tea, with home-baked goodies on offer at the village hall from 2.30pm.

Yard sale

SHOPPERS can splurge without the guilt at a charity yard sale in Lochwinnoch.

The Courtyard at the Heritage Farmers Market Shop will host the event on Sunday, from 11am to 2pm.

Located at 17-19 High Street, the summer charity yard sale will be in aid of Alzheimer Scotland.

There will be a variety of craft stalls and a bottle stall, with all proceeds going to the charity.

Touching tributes

VILLAGERS are welcome to attend a summer gathering of remembrance in Howwood this weekend.

This will take place at St Vincent’s Hospice on Sunday, from 2pm to 3pm.

The event is a celebration of life and will include songs, readings and reflections.

All are welcome to go along.

Girl power

MEMBERS of the 1st Houston Girls’ Brigade are set to host an information and enrolment night for those keen to join.

Youngsters looking to get involved can head along to the Houston and Killellan Kirk for the session.

It will run on Monday, August 21, from 7pm to 8pm, and girls of all school stages are welcome to attend.

Officers are looking forward to seeing current members and are ready to welcome new members too.

For more information, contact Lisa Dickson by calling 0773 964 1816.

Alternatively, send an email to 1sthoustongb@gmail.com

Go on the run

PREPARE to get messy at Accord Hospice’s annual Rainbow Ramble.

The colourful event will take place at Ferguslie Park Gardens, in Paisley, on Sunday, from 2pm to 5pm.

Start the run in a white T-shirt and watch it change into the colours of the rainbow.

The course will see participants take on four loops of the park - a distance of around 3km.

Pop into Accord Hospice, in Hawkhead Road, Paisley, to collect a form. Alternatively, send an email to fundraising@accord.org or call 0141 581 2000.

Registration costs £10.

Art showcase

PEOPLE who are looking to brighten up their home or find a unique gift are invited to attend an art showcase.

Art Off The Square takes place at Kilbarchan Parish Church, with organisers promising an impressive display of artwork and jewellery.

A range of sculptures, ceramics and glassware will also be on display at the event, which runs from Thursday, August 24, until Saturday, August 26.

The sessions on Thursday and Friday will run from 2pm to 9pm, while the Saturday event is from 10am to 4pm.

A tearoom with home-baked items, made by members of the church, will be on offer too.

Entrance to the event costs £3 and includes afternoon tea.

Garden plan

AN informal meeting will take place to give an update on the progress of the new Erskine Community and Memorial Garden.

It is hoped the community garden will offer a space that will be used for remembrance, consolation, meditation, comfort and support.

There will also be an opportunity to grow fruit and vegetables and flowers to share among vulnerable people within the community.

The planning meeting will take place on Monday, August 21, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, at Erskine Sports Centre.

Anyone is welcome to attend.

They will be able to hear all about the plans and find out how to get involved.

Feel-good factor

THE Active Communities team is hosting drop-in sessions every Friday to give Johnstone residents the chance to find out about health matters, community issues or simply pop in for a chat.

People can go along to the Feel Good Friday sessions at the Old Credit Union, from 10am to noon.

There are also opportunities for people of all abilities to get involved in gentle exercise.

Visitors can bring a friend and stay for a cup of tea or coffee.

The sessions are free of charge.

To find out more, call 0141 258 9923 or visit www.activecommunities.co.uk

Psychic night

SPIRITUALISTS can prepare to be spooked at a psychic night in aid of MND Scotland.

Scottish psychic Carol McGee is coming to Inchinnan with her brand new show.

Her performances have been described as funny, entertaining, sometimes heartbreaking and often controversial.

The event will take place at Inchinnan Community Centre on Saturday, from 7.30pm. There will also be a raffle on the night, with prizes to be won.

Tickets cost £12, with proceeds being used by MND Scotland to support those who have been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Log on to www.carolmcgeepsychic.com for more information.

It’s a date

A DATE has been announced for the next meeting of the Renfrew and Gallowhill Local Area Committee.

It will take place at Renfrew Town Hall on Tuesday, August 22, from 5.30pm until 7pm.