Down Your Way
Published 18 Jan 2012 09:30
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Bridge of Weir
FESTIVAL COMMITTEE: The Bridge of Weir Festival Committee would like to thank all the organisations and their volunteers who assisted throughout last year and especially in December with all the Santa Sleigh events.
The Committee could not do all that they do without their help. The Annual general Meeting will be held in the Cargill Hall at 8pm on Wednesday February 15, and all are welcome to go along.
LEARNING CENTRE: The Learning Centre at the Cargill Hall is once again offering free courses, and crèche facilities may be provided on request. The courses are: Beginners Computing - an opportunity for total beginners to learn in a small group - commences Wednesday January 25, from 9.30-1130am. Internet basics - learn basic Internet skills, and gain a qualification at the same time - the course is SQA certificated, and commences on Wednesday January 25, from 12.30-2.30pm. Introduction to Psychology - this SQA certificated course commences on Wednesday January 25, from 6.30-8.30pm. For further details go along to the learning centre any Wednesday between 930am and 230pm, or telephone 01505 614012 or 01505 320573.
ROCK SOLID: The monthly Youth Club for P5, P6 and S1 pupils meets in St.Machars Ranfurly Church Hall from 7.30 until 9pm on Monday January 23. This is a fast-moving mix of messy games, chat, challenges, tuck shop, DVD clips, quizzes, discussions, gunge and fun. Admission is free.
PUBLIC MEETING: For those interested in growing their own vegetables on a site close to the village, a Public Meeting is being held in the new Community Centre (the Post Office building, formerly the Public Library) at 7.30pm on Tuesday January 24.
This is to hear and discuss a proposal to create Community Growing Grounds (i.e. Allotments). The prime mover in this venture is Anna McKenzie, from whom further information can be obtained on 01505 612082 or at mygardenanna@gmail.com.
ELDERLY FORUM: The Elderly Forum Committee meets in the Royal British Legion Club at 2pm on Tuesday January 24. All interested parties are welcome to attend. The Forum addresses local concerns, deals with matters affecting the aged and can supply information on pension rights.
SENIOR CITIZENS: The Association will meet in the Cargill Hall at 7.15pm on Wednesday January 25, when the entertainment will be provided by Jim and Dave. As usual, there will be a raffle.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Belatedly, here is a short report of the last meeting on November1 2011: 8 members were in attendance, plus 2 Police representatives. A total of 16 crimes were reported in October, including 7 incidents of vandalism and 4 thefts from dwellings.
A drug raid on a house had revealed that cannabis was being grown.
It was agreed to nominate community group "Brighter Bridge of Weir" for the Provost's Award in recognition of their work during the year.
The Council agreed to support Bridge of weir as a Fairtrade Village and an appropriate motion was passed, this having been requested by Mr Allan Forsyth of Fairtrade Village.
It was noted that none of the three Renfrewshire Councillors was in attendance, for the second consecutive month, and it was agreed to write to all three. Planning - an objection has been submitted to proposals at "Hermiston". The work at Scart farm was by Scottish Gas, not a building development as had been rumoured.
Primary School - it was agreed to congratulate the parents on the success of their campaign regarding supply teachers. The (then) impending opening of "The Bridge" Post Office and Shop was another success story for the village. Depressingly, there is still no success regarding Neva Place, and this matter will be on the Agenda for the next meeting on February 7.
Linwood
WOODLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL: Can you help? My name is Dean and the other press officer is Brooklyn - we are both p7 pupils and whenever something exciting happens in school we let the news know.
We hope you can help us. We are collecting Capri Sun containers to make into fabulous recycled bags-do you or your family drink Capri Sun ?
If so could you keep the containers for us to help us with our project? We would be very, very grateful if you could rinse through the cartons and hand them in to the school for us - we plan to make lots of bags for our May Fayre. Thank you very much.
ELDERLY FORUM: The first meeting of 2012 was held on Monday 9th January in the Tweedie Hall.
The secretary read out various letters and leaflets she had been sent which were all of interest to the ladies present.
LOFT INSULATION: Did you know you can have your loft insulated free and get a grant to help insulate your cavity walls?
CONTACT THE ELDERLY: Do you know anyone over the age of 75 who is lonely and isolated with no family to visit them ? Contact the Elderly hold monthly Sunday afternoon teas with a volunteer host and driver.
To host a tea you must have a downstairs toilet and not too many steps to your front door. We have a rapidly ageing population and this is one way to make new friends and brighten up someone's life.
You would host one or two afternoons a year with 6 to 9 older people plus 3 to 5 drivers .It is only for 2 to 3 hours but would make such a difference. Call 01505 874412 if you would like to volunteer.
CARERS EMERGENCY CARD: Emma Hodge from Renfrewshire Carers Centre spoke about the help and advice available for unpaid carers. You should carry a Carers Emergency Card incase something happens to you when you are out, and left the person you care for in the house for a couple of hours.
You would have set up an Emergency Plan with the help of Social Work with a list of contacts who could take over from you until you were well enough to come home.
This card would be with you at all times in your wallet or purse and alert people that you are a Carer. Emma also spoke about respite care for a holiday or a respite sitting service. For more information telephone 0141 887 3643
COUNCILLOR 'S REPORT: Councillor Anne Hall was present and said she had written to Tesco who told her they were waiting on licences to demolish.
She was going to write again as everyone just wanted to see the eyesore of a shopping centre demolished. She outlined the various complaints being raised mainly potholes in the roads and gritting on the roads and pavements.
One of the members brought up Dog Fouling, especially on the grass verge her neighbours children have to cross to get to their car. Careless dog owners wouldn't leave this mess at their own door. There was a call for more dog bins, and more patrols for the Wardens to monitor the situation.
TABLE TOP SALE: The monthly table top sales are restarting on 28th January , the last Saturday in the month. in Linwood Parish church. The doors open at 11am till 1pm.
Tables cost £5 and to book ,telephone 01505 328097. This is a chance to pick up a bargain book , toy or dvd .A tearoom is available and pies and mushy peas .
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: There was no meeting in December and the next one is on Tuesday in the Tweedie Hall at 7.30pm. Members of the public are welcome to come along to listen to the police report , one from Linstone and your local councillors
ST VINCENTS CHARITY SHOP: Your local charity shop is appealing for unwanted Christmas gifts ,handbags, toiletries etc
HOSTEL RENOVATED: The empty hostel for adults with learning difficulties has been turned back into individual houses with some already on the housing market. At last this will improve the area in North Clippens.
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU?: After a few weeks enjoying Chocolates, crisps, nuts and a few glasses of wine you may have noticed how your skirts and trousers have shrunk ? Now is the time to get fit, eat wisely and lose some weight. There is plenty of support out there with Slimming World holding meetings in the Tweedie hall on Tuesday evenings at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
Weight watchers is also running meetings. Try to fit in a bit more walking , get off the bus earlier or walk faster to the bus . It all helps.
ZUMBA: Allyz Zumba classes run on Thursdays from 6.30pm till 7,30pm. in the Tweedie Hall.
Kilbarchan
WEST CHURCH NEWS: On Sunday 22nd January morning worship is at 11am. Creche, Junior Church and Fewsion meet at 10.45am. The Wednesday Midweek Fellowship restarted on Wednesday 11th January meeting at 10.30am in the Session House. All are welcome.
EAST CHURCH NEWS: The service on Sunday 22nd January at 11am will be conducted by Mr Russell Banks. Sunday School, Bible Class and the crèche meet from 10.45am in the halls.
The Toddler Group resumed on January 9th at 10.30pm.
BOOK GROUP: "Hateship, friendship, courtship, loveship, marriage" by Alice Munro is the Book Group's next literary offering on 31st January at 7.15pm at the Old Kilbarchan Library. All are welcome to come along and give their view on the book.
OLD KILBARCHAN LIBRARY CLASSES: At the Old Kilbarchan Library classes commenced last week - Yoga on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.and Monday 7.30pm - 1hr 30 mins £36 for 8 weeks., Pilates Mon. 10.30am and Wed l.45pm, Computer Tuition -Wednesdays at 10.00am and 7.30pm - 2 hours tuition provided by Reid Kerr College tutors.- 18 weeks session £40, Bridge Fridays- 2.00pm- suitable for learners and those willing to learn. For more info call 706070
MINI BURNS SUPPER: Kilbarchan East Church Guild will be holding a Mini Burns Supper on Tuesday 24th of January at 7.30pm. Members both old and new are welcome.
FAIRTRADE WINE TASTING: On January 28th at 8pm in the Old Kilbarchan Library there will be a free Fairtrade Wine Tasting event.
The Co-operative are providing everything so that Premium Fairtrade red, white and sparkling wines along with delicious Co-operative nibbles can be sampled.
Tickets, along with a deposit of £5 [returnable on the night] can be had from the Old Kilbarchan Library by phoning 706070 or contact any Fairtrade Group Member.
BURNS SUPPER: The West Church will be holding a Burns Supper on February 4th at 6pm. Tickets can be had by phoning 350701 priced £20.
WHIST DRIVE: Kilbarchan Agricultural Society will be holding their Annual Whist Drive on Friday February 3rd in the Cargill Hall in Bridge of Weir. For more information contact Aileen on 07766 221369.
Houston
HOUSTON AND KILLELLAN WALKING GROUP: The first walk of 2012 is planned for the 14th of January (weather permitting).
The walk is at the golf course 'The Carrick', at Auchentullich, Arden, Loch Lomond, listed as 4 miles easy going.
For those not on a New Years diet bring a packed lunch. Please meet at the Church at 09:30 when details of the journey will be available.
Alan is planning a walk for the 28th January, again weather permitting.
Two walks a month are planned, one of these walks could involve some cross-country walking but these will be mainly on paths or track.
Lochwinnoch
LOCHWINNOCH HISTORY GROUP: The first meeting of 2012 will take place this Thursday 19th January at 7.30pm in the Guild Room of the Parish Church. The guest speaker will be Graeme Smith and the subject will be "The Alhambra Theatre".
VOLUNTEER FOR PAWSITIVE ACTION: Jacquie and Tony have been very busy over the past couple of years or so, promoting responsible dog ownership to members of the public at various venues in Renfrewshire and in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.
Their events have proved so successful that they are now working in partnership with Renfrewshire Council Parks and Recreation Department staff and Park Wardens to ensure that up-to-date educational information, the Outdoor Access Code, etc reaches dog owners when they are out and about in public places with their four legged friends.
The year 2012 is shaping up to be yet another busy one for Pawsitive Action, with commitments to hold their awareness days at 8 Park and Gala Day events so far.
As Pawsitive Action is a volunteer group, they are looking for help with this year's events. I have helped at some of these events and they're a lot of fun.
If you can offer some of your time, come along to their next meeting this Thursday night, 19th January at 7pm.
If you can't get along, then please contact Tony or Jacquie on: 01505 842885 to volunteer. You can also visit their website for more information at www.k9chat.co.uk
ART IN THE PARK: This year's annual Art Exhibition opens this Friday, 20th January at Castle Semple Visitor Centre during normal opening hours.
Lochwinnoch Art Group will be displaying their traditional and contemporary work, with a variety of styles, techniques and subject matter on show.
Lochwinnoch Art Group meet up twice a month on Monday evenings. The next regular meeting will be on Monday 30th January at 7.30pm in the Space Rooms at the McKillop Institute.
BURNS SUPPER: Lochwinnoch Golf Club is the place to be for a Burns Supper on Friday 20th January.
There will be Burns' songs from Pauline Valance, a ceilidh band and dinner. Book in advance, Tickets £20 and family tickets are also available. Tel: 01505 842153.
COUNCILLOR ARTHUR'S SURGERY: Date of the first surgery of 2012 is Saturday 21st January at 11.30am in the McKillop Institute. If you can't attend on that day, you can contact Councillor Arthur on: 01505 843507 or e-mail: cllr.david.arthur@renfrewshire.gov.uk
BIRDWATCHING WORKSHOPS: RSPB Lochwinnoch will be running Birdwatching Workshops on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd January between 1pm and 4pm on both days.
The workshops are designed to help you to learn more about garden birds and there will be tips and advice on identification and how to join in with the Big Garden Birdwatch on 28th/29th January. Price for sessions is £4 or £1 for RSPB members.
For more details, contact RSPB Lochwinnoch on: 01505 842663.
BEITH ARTS SUNDAY CONCERTS: I went along to the November concert, which featured Coro Alba, a group of professional singers who frequently perform with Scottish Opera. What a treat.
Coro Alba sang well-known arias and choruses plus solos and pieces from musicals. The audience loved it.
This month, the Committee have something different in mind - a highly accomplished couple of prize-winning instrumentalists playing flute and piano. Yvonne Paterson has earned widespread praise as a flautist and Scott Mitchell has also received accolades for his solo performances and accompanying skills.
The concert will take place on Sunday, 29th January at 2.30pm at Beith Community Centre, Kings Road, Beith. Tickets are sold at the door, adults £8, concessions £6, students and children £1. Everyone welcome.
Elderslie
ELDERSLIE KIRK: The Lunch Club continues to meet on a Monday from 12noon until 2,30pm and a warm welcome is extended to anyone interested in joining.
The midweek fellowship meets this Wednesday 18th January in the church hall. The meeting starts at 10.30am for a blether over a cup of tea or coffee followed by a short service at 11am and you are sure of a warm welcome whoever you may be.
Members are reminded that the Congregational Board meet for the usual business meeting tonight at 7.30pm in the Blue Room. The Finance Committee are requested to meet at 7pm prior to the Board Meeting.
The minister continues to remind people that they should contact him when they have information regarding someone requiring a visit in hospital or at home. Information can be passed through an elder or he can be contacted at 01505 321767.
The informal communion that had to be cancelled on Sunday 8th January due to the service being abandoned will now take place on Sunday 29th January.
ROAD MANHOLES: I notice that the manhole cover on the Main Road adjacent Ritchie Crescent has collapsed again and there are three cones indicating the hazard.
The last time this happened it took about six months before the manhole cover was replaced so let's hope the repair is made sooner rather than later as the road narrows in this area due to the island in the middle of the road.
Another area where the manholes seem to be sinking is at the island near the entrance to Wallace Court. The one on the south side collects rainwater from the car park at the Court and from the Ring o' Bells and people can get a right drooking if they happen to be caught in the area during heavy rain.
BILLBOARD HOARDING: If you have been near the Night Palace Restaurant recently you will have noticed that the billboard hoarding adjacent the restaurant has all but disappeared.
I don't know if this happened during the recent stormy weather or if someone is demolishing it ready for a development of some sort.
Howwood
PLEASE GIVE BLOOD: The donating bus will be in Morrisons Car Park, Napier Street in Johnstone on Wednesday 25 January at the following times: 9.30 am - 11.30 am and 1.00pm - 3.30 pm.
You can also pop along to the Community Centre in Ludovic Square on Thursday 26 January - between 2.30 pm - 3.45 pm and 5.15pm - 7.30 pm.
If you have never given blood before make this your first time - you really do have it in you to save a life.
Giving blood does not take long and the staff are all friendly and helpful. If you cannot manage on this date, please phone 0845 9090999 to find out other available dates and venues or go to www.scotblood.co.uk. Thank you.
HOWWOOD WOMENS' RURAL INSTITUTE: The first meeting of the new year will be held on Tuesday 21 February at the usual time of 7.30p.m. in Howwood Village Hall.
The talk is entitled Powder and Paint and will be given by Mrs Wendy Sandiford. The competition is Powder Compact. The hostesses will be Mrs Nana Glen and Mrs Agnes McCallum and the vote of thanks will be given by Mrs Nana Glen.
HOWWOOD PARISH CHURCH GUILD: The next meeting will be held on Monday 23 January in the Church hall at 7.45 p.m. This will be a slide presentation on Robert Burns given by Mr Douglas Keith.
If you are interested and would like more information please contact the leadership team: Pat Burns on 01505 843245, Laura Storrie on 01505 705731 or Anne Ross on 01505 702542.
HOWWOOD PARISH CHURCH: CONGREGATIONAL BOARD - The next Board meeting will be on Tuesday 31st January at 7.30pm in the Church.
If you miss a sermon or just want to listen again, the Sunday Sermons Howwood Parish Church are regularly updated and available online at www.howwoodparishchurch.com . Go to Resources>Media Library where you can listen or download an audio mp3 for listening later.
PRAYER - There is a prayer meeting in the vestry on Sunday at 10.00 and on Friday at 7.30pm. Please come along, you will be made very welcome.
Website: www.howwoodparishchurch.com
Renfrew
AFTER-SCHOOL CARE: There are places available at the Childrens After School Care at the Cherrie Centre. Pick ups are available from Newmains, Arkleston and St. James's Primary Schools. Open until 6p.m. during term time, if you are interested then call them or take a walk in and speak to them.
CHURCH NEWS: As a sign of his appreciation of all the hard work effort and dedication shown in serving the parish Father David and Deacon Brian over at St. Columba's are pleased to invite all 'Church Workers' and their spouses to join them for a Buffet Supper and refreshments on Friday 27th January 2012.
This event will take place in the church hall starting at 7p.m. For catering purposes they would be grateful if over the next couple of weeks indicate on the sheet at the stall if you are able to attend and the number of people you will be bringing.
The winner of the Justice and Peace Fairtrade Hamper was Agnes McCafferty.
The money raised from the raffle was an amazing £212 and this will go a long way to helping the Church's two African projects. Thank you to everyone who supported these worthy causes.
Father Boyd would like to take this opportunity to thank parishioners for all their efforts in recent fundraising events.
One parishioner has donated £910 raised through various fundraising initiatives which she held among her friends. The Walk Around the Block brought in £144 in sponsor money, with a special thanks to the boys and girls of the Childrens' Liturgy for that effort.
The recent Fashion Show raised an amazing £519 for the Building Fund, again thanks to all who worked so hard to provide these events.
Inchinnan
BETTER TIME: Say it quietly, but I think the worst of that windy weather is over - but who knows for sure.
When you look around the devastation of that latest storm is still obvious. I don't think we have seen so many roofers; tilers and tradesmen repairing or replacing broken or damaged slates; ridges and fences in the village.
It will take some time for things to get back to normal, so if you have been unlucky enough to experience some damage, I hope it will not be too long before things are back to normal for you.
ROAD TRAFFIC: It is with some relief the carriageways are back open on the White Cart viaduct on the motorway, because the delays; hold ups and downright nuisance factor was annoying rather a lot of people.
The roads were choked, and motorists were trying to take alternative routes in an effort to get in and out of the area.
However, that just caused no end of heartache for travellers with deadlines - be it into hospital; business or shopping. Goodness only knows how many missed appointments there were at the RAH and Southern General Hospital due to the chaos.
The carriageways are now all open so road traffic is getting back to something like normal, but don't hold your breath.
There will be more work on this route in the middle of February, and the carriageways will be restricted again - and Inchinnan motorists will again find it a nightmare to get in and out of Renfrew and Paisley.
FIDDLERS EVENING: Here is news of an event which will be held right here in the village - so you can buy a ticket and be confident you won't have to sit in a 40 minute traffic queue to get there!
The Bearsden Fiddlers will be playing a fund raising concert for the 1st Inchinnan Scout Group on Friday, February 3. The concert will be held in the Inchinnan Parish Church and will begin at 7:30pm.
Tickets are a great buy at £5 each, and you can purchase them from David Graham or Laura Graham on 0141 812 3908. If you prefer you can purchase tickets in the Church hall on Wednesday evenings between 8-10pm and Friday evenings from 6.20pm-9pm.
Light refreshments are also included in your ticket price - so get on the phone and book your tickets now.
Bishopton
PRACTISE: The BAA fire engines seen racing through the village recently are practising for any possible incident out with the airport itself should a plane get in difficulty.
Several people had reported seeing the BAA fire engines racing through the village, get to a certain point before killing the blue lights; turning round and travel back out the village. Now we know.
OBJECTION: The Bishopton Action Group is keeping me in the loop with their objections on various fronts concerning the planning application for the proposed new housing development.
The document is fairly detailed and they have objections on how and where the new access road will be built - they reckon the plans have changed; burning of dangerous material - they are not at all convinced it is being handled in the proper manner.
Once I have read it in more detail I will let you have some more details, but it is good to know there are interested people continuing to have an interest in what is or what could happen in and around Bishopton.
CAUGHT: Three people have been detained by the police for one of the alleged robberies at the Co-op.
FIASCO: This can be the only word to describe the carry on recently on the road and rail front in and out of Bishopton.
Trains were off due to overrunning engineering work; the work on the M8 White Cart viaduct which closed off four carriageways - was a joke as motorists quite rightly, tried to find other routes - but that just caused huge delays locally.
The storm added more difficulties and then the power cut to the sewage pumping station saw a major sewage overflow which was hugely unacceptable.
Something will have to be done to improve all these issues BEFORE any more houses are added to the village as at the moment the systems are not coping.
The community council is raising the issues with the appropriate people, and it is to be hoped they are listened to as we are dependent on basic systems working.
GRANTED: The council has, in principle, given the planning permission for houses to be built on land at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. There are a couple of conditions which have to be followed, but in principle the permission is granted.
DANGEROUS TREES: The dangerous mature trees on Ashy Path have now been scheduled for removal.
Erskine
ROAD WORKS: Remember, resurfacing work is being carried out on Newshot Road - again, at the roundabout and road leading up to it. This will cause yet more inconvenience, but it is to be hoped the repair this time will last a bit longer.
SAD LOOKING TREES: The recent storm might be behind us but the community still looks a bit dishevelled to say the least.
A massive amount of trees have come down and the council has done their best in making the roads passable and still open, by sawing the trees and placing them at the side of the road.
Due to the amount of trees that fell it was prudent for the council to get the roads open and deal with the clear up later on. Maybe, if trees have to be replaced, some won't be planted at the edge of house boundaries as in years to come they cut out the light for the folk in the house.
FOOTBALL COMES TO BARGARRAN: From tomorrow (Thursday) local football will be provided by training coaches from St Mirren Football Club.
At the moment I don't have any details as to where; when and what time but at least those who want to get involved can get along to Bargarran and at least look out for them.
I will try and get more details for next week and let you know more. I do know the coaching will continue through to March, but I'm not quite sure when the sessions will take place.
HOUSE BREAKINGS: Can I make you aware of the recent house breakings going on in and around Erskine and to make sure your windows and doors are closed when you turn in the night.
Mind you, some break-ins are taking place in day light - so you just need to vigilant.
There are also some dubious tradesmen been seen working in the area, so if you are not sure about them - check them out - or call the police - or crime stoppers. What not to do is let them in your home if you are in any doubt.
This article appeared in The Gazette 18 Jan 12
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