Go stargazing
ASTRONOMY enthusiasts will have stars in their eyes at a Lochwinnoch event that promises to be out of this world.
Back for a new season are the Clyde Muirshiel Stargazing Evenings.
This time, the team are hosting the event at Castle Semple Visitor Centre for an even wider panoramic view of the night’s sky.
It will take place on Monday, March 12, from 7pm to 9pm.
This event is hosted in collaboration with John from Coats Observatory, in Paisley, who will provide expert guidance.
If the weather is cloudy, guests will still be able to enjoy coffee and cake while John gives a talk on space exploration.
Entry is free but you must call Castle Semple Visitor Centre on 01505 842882 in advance to book your place.
Please note that this event is not suitable for those under eight years of age.

Say it with flowers
LINWOOD Community Development Trust has set up a new online ordering system for flowers.
The group is offering hand-tied bouquets ahead of Mother’s Day, which takes place on March 11.
Just like Roots of Linwood, all surpluses for Blooms of Linwood will go back into the community.
Visit the website at www.linwoodtrust.org.uk/store/category/14_flowers/ for more information.

Buddy Good Laugh
FOR one night only, Paisley’s favourite comedy club – A Buddy Good Laugh – comes to Lochwinnoch Arts Festival.
This will take place on Friday, March 16, from 7.30pm, at the McKillop Institute.
Guests can expect a line-up of hilarious performers, courtesy of Dead Sheep Comedy.
This gig will feature Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Scott Gibson, alongside a host of other guests.
Those interested are asked to book early to avoid disappointment.
Standard tickets cost £10, with concessions on sale for £8. A booking fee also applies.
Call 0300 300 1210 for more information about the event or to book tickets.

A less bumpy ride
A DATE has been set for postponed resurfacing work in Kilbarchan.
The work at Easwald Bank will take place in mid-to-late April.
This has been scheduled to avoid clashing with the impact of works at Deafhillock roundabout.
Roads chiefs have said that, as part of the project, there will be regular inspections to monitor the surface, with potholes being filled as and when required.

Food for thought
STAFF at the Co-op store in Houston have organised an ‘Ad-Lent Calendar’ for local foodbanks.
The concept, launched by The Trussell Trust, is a way to help others who need a little help over the Easter period.
Staff ask participants to collect one foodbank item each day of Lent and then, after the 40 days are up, all of the goods are handed over to foodbank volunteers.
Once the 40 items have been collected, they should be dropped off at the Houston Co-op foodbank donation bin.
To find out more about this and other fundraising ideas, visit http://bit.ly/2C8524A.

Have a wizard time
FANS of the theatre can follow the yellow brick road to an upcoming production in Kilbarchan.
The junior section at St Paul’s Drama Group, based in Johnstone, will be staging The Wizard of Oz.
Tickets are now on sale for the production, which takes centre stage at Kilbarchan Performing Arts Theatre from March 21 to 24.
Due to the limited size of the venue, organisers advise interested parties to buy tickets now to avoid disappointment.
Tickets, which cost £10 for adults and £8 for children and concessions, are available at the Top Cards shop, in High Street, Johnstone.

Go grappling
Wrestling fans are in for a treat as the sport makes a welcome return to Lochwinnoch.
Renfrewshire-based entertainment company Respect Pro Wrestling promises to bring the stars of the future to the event.
It takes place at the Lochwinnoch Annexe on Saturday, March 10, from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
Tickets cost £5 for kids and £8 for adults.
All money raised on the night will be used to help fund more clubs and groups for the people of Lochwinnoch.
Details of tickets and the competitors who will feature on the show will be revealed on the Respect Pro Wrestling Facebook page.

Snap happy
BUDDING photographers can learn how to take great outdoor and wildlife snaps.
A nature-themed photography workshop will take place at the RSPB nature reserve, in Lochwinnoch, on Sunday, March 11, from 1pm to 4.30pm.
The cost is £25, with RSPB members paying a reduced price of £20.
The workshop will be led by wildlife photographer David Palmer, who has over 30 years of experience and is a volunteer photographer with the RSPB at the organisation’s Loch Lomond and Inner Forth Reserves.

Boogie wonderland
REVELLERS can hit the dancefloor as a Renfrewshire hotel stages a theme night.
The Stepz Pop Party will take place at the Erskine Bridge Hotel on Saturday, March 17, starting at 7.30pm.
This is a chance for people to enjoy a three-course meal before strutting their stuff at a disco that will run until 1am.
Other upcoming events at the hotel include an 80s Revival.
Tickets for the Stepz Pop Party cost £18.
Call 0141 812 0123 to book or for more information.

Strictly good fun
TWELVE couples are set to compete to win the St Vincent’s Hospice Strictly Come Prancing trophy.
The event will take place at the Normandy Hotel, in Renfrew, on Friday, March 16, from 7pm to 1am.
The couples will perform a series of dance routines, including the tango, quickstep, waltz and samba.
These will all be danced by couples who started their challenge as non-dancers.
All funds raised from the event go directly towards supporting St Vincent’s Hospice – a specialist provider of palliative care for those affected by life-limiting conditions.
For more information, visit www.SVH.co.uk.

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.
These sessions are suitable for complete beginners.
Visit the website at activecommunities.co.uk or call 01505 391459 for more information.

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 takes place on the last Sunday of each month, with the next gathering being staged on Sunday, March 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.