Lighting up Linwood

IT will be party time in Linwood this weekend as they town’s Christmas lights are switched on.

The fun takes place at Kintyre Park on Saturday, from 3.30pm.

Pupils from local schools will be entertaining local residents.

All are welcome to attend this free event.

Special delivery

MEMBERS of the Bishopton Christian Aid Group will be delivering a special service this festive season.

The merry band of volunteers are offering to hand-deliver Christmas cards to homes across Bishopton, including the Dargavel estate, and Erskine.

Cards will be specially stamped and delivered for a minimum donation of 25p each.

They can be deposited in special boxes at the Co-op, KeyStore and U-Save shops in Greenock Road from December 4 until noon on December 17.

Cards can also be dropped off at The Salon, in Greenock Road, from December 4 until noon on December 16 and at The Cornerstone, also in Greenock Road, from 10am until 2pm on December 9 and 16 and from 12.30pm until 2pm on December 10 and 17.

Alternatively, cards can be left after services at Bishopton Parish Church on December 10 and 17.

John Littler, of the Bishopton Christian Aid Committee, said: “To ensure speedy delivery, please print the name and full address the cards are to be delivered to.”

Festive fair

HOUSTON Primary School is to host a Christmas fair.

Guests can expect fun and games at the event, which will support local businesses and raise funds for the school.

Shoppers can also start or finish their Christmas shopping as there will be a range of stalls on display, selling the likes of sweet treats, jewellery, beauty products, decorations, candles, framed prints, books and paintings.

Kids can visit a secret Santa room, enjoy some crafts and jump for joy on a bouncy castle.

The event is being hosted by the Houston Primary School Council and takes place on Thursday, December 7, from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Family fun

REVELLERS can get their party shoes on for a festive display and fair in Erskine.

DancExcel will host the event at Bargarran Community Centre on Saturday, December 2, starting at noon.

Guests can enjoy tea, coffee and some biscuits while watching the group singing Christmas songs.

There will also be stalls selling hot dogs, pizza, home-baking, jewellery, Christmas decorations, picture frames and more.

Kids can get involved in face painting and glitter tattoos, as well as visiting a cupcake decorating station, where they can design their own treats to take home.

And there will be a very special visit from Santa, with presents handed out to the children.

Entry, which includes the concert and refreshments, costs £4 for kids, £2 for adults and £1 for concessions.

It’s showtime

FAMILIES can get into the Christmas spirit by enjoying a festive show, courtesy of Kilbarchan Craft Fayres.

This takes place on Wednesday, November 29, from 6pm to 8pm, at Johnstone High School.

There will be a performance by the Johnstone High School Choir and guests can also have a chat over a cuppa and a mince pie at the cafe.

For shoppers, there will be more than 20 gift and craft stalls.

And those who require a bit of TLC can visit a pamper corner for a neck massage or nail polish.

The £2 entry fee includes refreshments. Children of primary school age can go along for free.

Foodbank plea

RENFREWSHIRE Foodbank is urgently in need of donations.

Due to high demand for this service, stocks have almost run out.

Volunteers need donations to support people in the local and wider community who are experiencing financial crisis.

In particular, they are asking for tinned goods such as meatballs, peas, carrots, potatoes, hot dogs, Irish stew, macaroni, chilli and curry.

Sugar, coffee, noodles, rice, pasta, soup, beans, cereal, porridge and UHT milk are also required.

There are also calls for tinned fruits, custard and rice pudding, as well as cat and dog food.

You can find your nearest foodbank collection point at https://renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk

Children’s party

BROOKFIELD parents are looking forward to the village’s Christmas party.

This event will take place on Saturday, December 9, from 3pm to 5pm, and include fun and games courtesy of the Song and Dance Factory.

There will also be a visit from Santa.

Anyone who would like to go along is advised to submit ticket requests as soon as possible by emailing brookfieldvpa@gmail.com.

Information in the email should include the names and ages of those attending.

Tickets cost £5 and must be pre-booked.

Crafty fun

CRAFTERS are being sought for a festive fair in Linwood.

East Fulton Primary School is hosting the event on Wednesday, November 29.

Tables can be reserved for £15 and organisers also ask that a raffle prize is donated.

Those who wish to take part are asked to contact the school in advance by phoning 01505 324851.

Recruitment drive

RENFREW Community Council is on the lookout for new recruits.

Current members want to ensure the organisation can represent all age groups and people from all backgrounds and abilities.

A spokesperson said: “It doesn’t matter who you are, there is no typical community council member.

“If you think you have something to offer, we would love to have you.”

Monthly meetings take place at Renfrew Town Hall.

For more information about the group or to offer your services, send an email to renfrewcommunitycouncil@gmail.com.

Get socialising

ELDERLY people who are looking to meet new friends are invited to a monthly tea party.

Those aged 70 or over who are isolated and could do with more company are welcome to attend.

The tea party group covers Erskine, Inchinnan, Bishopton and Renfrew.

One Sunday afternoon each month, volunteer drivers take their older guests to a volunteer host’s home for some tea and companionship.

The service is free and guests do not host tea parties themselves.

For more information, call Caroline McGinlay on 0141 812 1555 or send an email to caroline.mcginlay@contact-the-elderly.org.uk.

Bingo time

IF you are feeling lucky, head along to a bingo night at a Johnstone church.

The fun takes place at St Aidan’s Church every Sunday and all are welcome to attend.

Doors open at 6.30pm, with the bingo starting at 7.30pm.

Nifty with needles

ERSKINE Baptist Church is hosting crochet, sewing and knitting sessions.

Guests can also go along for hot drinks and some chat.

Meet-ups take place at the church, at Park Hill, on Wednesdays, from 10am to noon.

Time to get messy

KIDS can get their hands – and everything else – dirty by taking part in Messy Church sessions in Bridge of Weir.

Regular gatherings take place at the village’s Freeland Church.

All are welcome to attend.

For more information, including details of the next gathering, check out the Messy Church Bridge of Weir Facebook page.

Flowers and fun

BUDDING gardeners can have a blooming lovely time at the Garden of Dreams.

The Renfrew Association of Growers and Gardeners (RAGG) run the community garden in the Broadloan area of Renfrew.

A wide range of people from the local community are able to use the garden, where they can learn about growing and harvesting their own fruit and vegetables.

Those who aren’t blessed with green fingers can just go along to relax and enjoy the view.

Anyone who would like to join the group or find out how they can benefit from the community garden is welcome to go along on a Wednesday or Saturday, anytime between 10am and 4pm.

For more details, visit the website at www.gardenofdreams.org.uk.

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