Sunny outlook
YOUNGSTERS can get involved in autumn-themed fun at a kids’ group in Johnstone.
The Saturday Sunshine Club is based at St Paul’s Church, in Quarrelton Road, and the next get-together will be on Saturday, from 4pm until 6pm.
There will be a selection of crafts, games and activities to enjoy.
For tea, little ones can tuck into macaroni cheese and cake at no charge.
All children of school age are welcome and they do not need to be accompanied by an adult after registration has taken place.

Spinning yarns
KILBARCHAN is to host the Scottish International Storytelling Festival on Tour.
The event takes place on Friday, October 27, and the theme will be ‘Open Word, Open World’ – engaging audiences with a rich tapestry of tales.
Guests can enjoy Maori stories from New Zealand as Joe Harawira waxes lyrical about ‘The Land of the Long White Cloud.’
There will also be readings from multi award-winning storyteller Michael Kerins.
Kilbarchan woman Anne Pitcher will host the event, with music provided by Alissa Murray, on the harp.
Tickets are priced at £7 for adults and £4 for concessions and will be available at the door.
They can also be booked in advance at the Kilbarchan Performing Arts Centre, in Steeple Square.
The fun takes place from 7.30pm.
For further information, call Anne on 0770 805 9770 or send an email to annepitcherstoryteller@hotmail.co.uk.

Spooky fun
THOSE who are feeling brave are invited to a spooky family fundraiser.
Pulse Dance Academy will be hosting their Hallowe’en-themed event at Lochbarr Leisure Centre, in Lochwinnoch, on Sunday, October 29, from 4pm to 6pm.
There will be prizes, including a family pass to M&D’s theme park,for the best-dressed guests.
The event will also feature a tuck shop, chocolate fountain, games and contests such as guess-the-teddy-bear’s birthday.
Entry costs £3 for adults and £2 for children. All youngsters under the age of nine must be accompanied by an adult.
Those who wish to attend can pay at the door on the night.

Poppy appeal
WITH Poppy Scotland’s annual collection approaching, the British Legion’s Bridge of Weir branch will be fundraising for the cause.
The group will be placing collection tins in various buildings across the village.
Poppies will also be on sale from the British Legion Club, in Main Street, in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.
Sandy Clark, a spokesman for the Bridge of Weir branch, said: “The poppy symbol has always had a dual purpose. It is both a national symbol of remembrance and a means to raise vital funds for our Armed Forces community.
“We are all inspired by those who have gone before us, so please support the appeal.”
The club will also be hosting an evening of music and dancing on Saturday, with entertainment provided by Pete West.
This event takes place from 8pm until late, with tickets priced at £5.
Mr Clark is also hoping to attract some new members to the branch.
He added: “It’s a perfect time to consider joining. By being a member, as well having use of our excellent club facilities, you will help the Legion Scotland charity to support veterans through comradeship, befriending and much more.
“As part of your membership package, you receive discounts with Glenton Holidays, as well as access to Legion Scotland branches and clubs across the country.”
For more information, call 01505 613530.

Driving force
petrolheads are getting revved up for Lochwinnoch’s annual Classic Car Show.
The event will take place along the shores of Castle Semple, where guests can admire a dazzling array of beautiful vehicles.
Around 80 models will be on display at this free event, which takes place on Sunday, from 11am to 3pm.
Those who would like to attend should head along to the Castle Semple visitor centre.
Entry costs £5, which will be donated to St Vincent’s Hospice, in Howwood.
Send an email to classicsatcastlesemple@gmail.com for more information.
Organisers ask that those who are interested in taking part in the show submit their contact details and information about the car being entered.

Clearing up
members of the Kilbarchan Smile group are inviting the community to join them for a clear-up operation in the village before winter arrives.
The Big Kilbarchan Smile Autumn Clear-Up will take place on Sunday, October 29, from 2pm to 4pm.
Participants should meet at the Ewing Street car park area, opposite Bog Park, for a briefing and to receive the equipment they will need.
Organisers advise that you should bring sturdy footwear and waterproofs if it looks likely to rain.

Winter warmers
members of the Salvation Army in Paisley have launched their annual winter woollens appeal.
The charity will welcome donations of new hats, scarves, snoods, gloves and thick socks to distribute to vulnerable people and those living on the streets.
Volunteers will hand these out locally in the Paisley area and to the Salvation Army in Glasgow city centre.
This will greatly help vulnerable people keep warm throughout the winter months.
Donations of woollen items can be handed into the Salvation Army base in Mill Street, Paisley, on Saturday, November 4, from 1pm to 4pm.
Call Susan Niven on 0141 580 0208 for more information.

Messy Church
FAMILIES are invited to Kilbarchan’s latest Messy Church event to enjoy fun for all ages.
There will be crafts, music, stories and food on offer, following the theme of ‘Harvest and Caring for the Earth.’
After taking part in the activities, youngsters and their families will sit down to enjoy a meal together.
Anyone is welcome to come along, meet with friends, make new ones and have some messy fun.
It will take place on Saturday, from 4pm to 6pm, at Kilbarchan Kirk, in Steeple Square.

Recruitment drive
AN adult learning club in Renfrew is on the lookout for new members.
The Workers Education Association (WEA) is the largest voluntary sector provider of adult education in Scotland.
The Renfrew meetings take place at the ENABLE Renfrew hall, in Sandy Road, every Thursday, from 2.15pm until 4pm, and are aimed at those aged 45 and above.
The next session is on Thursday, October 19, with tea and biscuits served afterwards to give guests the chance to get to know each other better.
For more information, call Moira on 0141 885 0992 or visit www.wea.org.uk.

Let’s make music
members of the 1st Houston Girls Brigade are looking for volunteers to play the piano at their opening worship on an occasional Monday evening.
Any musician who is happy to lend a hand would be required to play for up to 15 minutes from 6.30pm.
If you are interested, contact Lisa Dickson on 0773 9641816.

Time for tea
FUNDRAISERS at St Vincent’s Hospice are encouraging people to pay a visit to their tearoom.
Home-made soup, sandwiches, toasties, baked potatoes, salads and cakes are among the treats on offer.
The tearoom’s opening hours are from 10am to 4pm on Mondays to Fridays, as well as on the first Saturday of each month.
All proceeds are used to support the vital services provided by the dedicated team at the Howwood-based hospice.
While there, guests can also take a walk through the community garden.

Join the club
A Johnstone-based club for retired or semi-retired professional people is on the lookout for new members.
The Probus Club meets at Cochrane Castle Golf Club on the first and third Tuesdays of every month.
It is open to men and women and all visitors or possible members will be made welcome.
A spokesperson said: “The Probus Club is for retired or semi-retired professional people who enjoy meeting and having good friendship with like-minded people.“We have very interesting speakers, giving talks on a variety of subjects.”
For more informationor to find out how to join, head along to Cochrane Castle Golf Club at 2pm on Tuesday, November 7.