Swan around
NATURE lovers can swan over to an event dedicated to the white feathered creatures.
Swan Chat will take place at the Castle Semple Visitor Centre, in Lochwinnoch.
Guests are invited to talk about swans and find out more about these elegant birds.
There will also be an opportunity to feed them.
The fun takes place on Saturday, February 24, from 1pm to 2pm.
For more information, call 01505 842882.

Flipping great fun
PANCAKE fans can get their teeth into a special event on Shrove Tuesday.
A coffee morning with a difference will take place at St Fillan’s Church Hall, Kilmacolm, on February 13, from 10am to noon.
Those who go along will be able to enjoy freshly-made pancakes, as well as home baking.
A raffle and various stalls will also keep guests entertained.
Entrance costs £3.

Hive talking
BEE enthusiasts will be buzzing at an event dedicated to the fuzzy insects.
Kilbarchan Beekeepers will be hosting their Products of the Hive session at Kilbarchan Steeple Hall on Tuesday, February 13, from 7.30pm to 10pm.
Those interested can go along to find out more about honey bee husbandry and related topics.
All are welcome to this free event.

Tartan walk
RAMBLERS can get decked out in their favourite tartan for a very Scottish themed stroll.
The Tartan Walk will take place at the Castle Semple Visitor Centre, in Lochwinnoch, on Wednesday, February 21, starting at 11am.
Those taking part are encouraged to wear ‘see you Jimmy’ hats for the occasion, as well as singing traditional Scottish songs.
The walk is expected to last for around two hours, although it may be curtailed if wet weather arrives.
For more information, phone 01505 842882.

Stitch up
members of the Bridge of Weir Embroiderers’ Guild have invited a special guest to their upcoming meeting.
Local textile artist and tutor Toni Hanley will be making a return to speak about containers.
This will take place on Wednesday, February 21, starting at 2pm, at the village’s Freeland Church.
All members and visitors are very welcome to attend.
For more information, send an email to fionna.p@ntlworld.com.

Winter talk
GREEN-FINGERED guests are welcome to attend the Kilmacolm Horticultural Society Winter Lecture.
This will take place at the Kilmacolm Community Centre, in Lochwinnoch Road, on Wednesday, February 21, starting at 7.30pm.
Guest speaker will be Carol Rowe, who will discuss her favourite subject of fruit and vegetables at Kilarden.
The lecture will be followed by refreshments and the chance to mingle.
All are welcome to attend and no advance booking is necessary.

Kids’ club
LITTLE ones can have lots of fun at a new mother-and-toddlers group in Johnstone Castle.
This runs every Tuesday morning at the community centre in Pine Crescent.
Sessions start at 9.30am and finish at 11.30am and are suitable for children aged up to five years.
It costs £2.50 to go along and a snack is provided on the day.

Best foot forward
people who are keen to get fit can get things up and running by taking part in a free Couch to 5k programme.
Active Communities has launched a Linwood-based jogging club, with gatherings taking place on Mondays, from 9.30am to 11.30am.
Each week, participants work with friendly, qualified jog leaders who will encourage and support their running efforts.
In nine weeks, it is hoped that those taking part will be fitter, healthier and able to run 5km.
These sessions are suitable for complete beginners.
Visit the website at activecommunities.co.uk or call 01505 391459 for more information.

Blooming great
THE team at Roots of Linwood are now offering flower bouquets for sale.
Volunteers at the Linwood Community Development Trust (LCDT), which is behind the fruit and vegetable shop, have recently been trained up to make beautiful floral arrangements.
These can be purchased via the online order system or directly at the shop, based at Mossedge Industrial Estate.
Much like the fruit and vegetable orders, all surpluses from Roots of Linwood will go back into the community.
Visit www.linwoodtrust.org.uk for more information.

In the frame
time is running out to visit an art exhibition in Bridge of Weir which is raising funds for St Vincent’s Hospice.
The Bridge, located in the village’s Main Street, is hosting the exhibition until Saturday, February 17.
All cash raised will go towards the Howwood-based charity.

Community choir
LINWOOD Community Choir is welcoming new members to the group.
Singers can head along to Linwood Baptist Church, in Erskinefauld Road, to join in the fun.
Sessions run every Tuesday, from 6.15pm to 7.45pm.
No prior experience is required, nor is the need to read music – the group promotes singing for fun.
It costs £3 per week to take part.

Get crafty
BARGAIN-hunters can go along to the River Inn, in Crosslee, once a month to enjoy an arts and crafts gift fair.
The event will take place on the last Sunday of each month, with the first gathering being staged on Sunday, February 25.
Entry is free and doors will be open from noon until 3pm.
There will be a variety of artisan goods for sale, along with various other merchandise.
Organisers have also made sure there will be plenty going on for kids to enjoy, including a treat for every child who goes along.

Here for the beer
DATES have been confirmed for this year’s Paisley Beer Festival.
The ever-popular event, organised by the Renfrewshire branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale), will take place at Paisley Town Hall from Wednesday, April 25, to Saturday, April 28.
A spokesperson said: “This festival has been packing them in for 30 years now. Expect an array of Scottish, UK and international ales and lagers to suit all tastes.
“The festival will see over 250 beers from breweries in Scotland and the rest of the UK, covering a range of styles – from pale, hoppy ales through to darker stouts and porters.
“Whatever your taste, there will be a real ale for everyone.”

Taking shape
Creative types can take part in an origami lampshade workshop later this month.
The event is being hosted by Misty Concepts at 8 Arniston Way, Paisley, on Sunday, February 25, from 10am until 2pm.
A spokesperson said: “We’re so excited to be hosting this event once again in Paisley, where Misty Concepts was first created.
“If you’ve been looking to learn a new hands-on skill or hobby this new year, then this is the perfect workshop for you.
“This four-hour workshop teaches you the basics of the art of paper folding – origami – through the construction and assembly of a paper lampshade, which will be yours to keep and use in your own home.”
The event is suitable for beginners and can be booked at the early bird price of £39 until Sunday, February 11. After this, the price rises to £45.
This includes the costs of tools, materials and refreshments.

Market time
The Farmers’ Market returns to Paisley town centre this weekend.
All sorts of goodies will be on sale at the event, which takes place on Saturday, from 10am until 2pm.
A spokesperson said: “Up to 30 producers bring their amazing array of produce, adding colour and vibrancy to this busy event.
“As a community market, it has won recognition from the BBC Good Food Magazine as among the best in the UK. 
“Produce on offer includes Aberdeen Angus beef, wonderful pies, dry cured bacon, chicken, fish and seafood, organic and other fresh vegetables, home baking and free-range eggs.
“A leisurely walk round the market provides many opportunities to taste produce and discuss the characteristics and uniqueness of each offering.”