june-16 - Lochwinnoch Online

CHATTERBOX
No 270 June 2016
www.lochwinnoch.info
www.facebook.com/lochwinnoch
Community newsletter produced by Lochwinnoch Chatterbox Trust
What’s On & Dates for your Diaries
Village events, clubs, classes, etc are in the centre pages
Gateside Village Fete
Small Fezzes and Friends
Charity Concert
Small Fezzes Ukulele group and
their friends would like to thank all
those who turned out to their
singalong concert as part of the
Arts Festival.
More than double the original
number of people we expected
turned up and joined in the fun and
had a great night. Our guest artists
were fantastic and the audience
sang along to every song whether it
was classic pop, Scottish, Motown
or blues.
Dave Mellor explained the aims
and successes of Lochwinnoch
International Aid (LIA) and not
only was the fabulous sum of £591
raised for the charity but also a
number of people showed interest
in joining the charity group.
Already 3 new people have joined
the Fezzes and anyone who fancies
a singsong or would like to learn or
play the ukulele with us should
come along to the Corner Bar any
Wednesday evening or contact Tom
Moore on 01505 842237.
Saturday 4th June 2016
from 2pm till 4pm
Various stalls
tombola, bottle stall, plant stall,
face painting etc
Free Entry
Lochwinnoch Parish
Church
Summer Fete
Saturday 4th June
10am - 1pm
Entry £1.50
Oak smoked burgers
with unique flavour
on sale from 11am
Baking. Sweets. Tombola
Bric a Brac
Tea. Coffee & Biscuits
Volunteering: Give a
Little, Gain a Lot
Charity Shop – Our charity shops
in Lochwinnoch, Beith and Bridge
of
Weir
needs
additional
volunteers.
Kitchen - Helped needed in our
busy Hospice Kitchen.
Housekeeping
Volunteer
housekeepers are needed to assist
the housekeeping team to keep the
Hospice clean and tidy.
Other volunteer roles available,
please call 01505 705 635 or email
info@svh.co.uk
for
more
information.
Kiltwalk
Thank the village for the
incredible £850 going to
Glasgow
Children's
Hospital
Charity for Caitlin and I for the
Kiltwalk on 24th April - every
blister was worth it !
MATTHEW NEW & SONS
ROOFING — ROUGHCASTING — BUILDING MAINTENANCE
Emergency Repairs, Storm Damage
Insurance Work, New Roofs, Flat Roofs
Roughcasting — UPVC Cladding — Guttering
Thank you
Tel No 01505 843400
Tom Moore
FMB Certificate No 26366
1
Donna
Dear Lochwinnoch
For many years now the local
“Chatterbox” newspaper has been
freely available all over the village,
brought to you by a dedicated
production
team
of
volunteers,
currently Anne, Barbara, Christine,
Gordon and Nicola.
The production team members are all
unpaid and we give our time and effort
freely to produce “Chatterbox” because
we enjoy sourcing and writing articles
and gathering the photos that help
bring our pages to life. We also provide
an advertising service that puts
villagers in touch with businesses
operating in the area and vice versa.
Given the many positive comments
we’ve received over the years, we think
we’ve not done too badly!! We are
delighted that you enjoy what we do –
and that’s our only reward. We love to
hear your views and we listen to your
feedback – because we want to give you
the best little local newspaper that we
can.
Local Solicitors
Providing Personal Service
Whether you’re buying
or selling a home or are unsure
of your rights on any legal matter
the experienced team at JJ McCosh
will provide an individual
service from experts
with local knowledge.
Partner, and local resident,
Ian Briggs is more than happy to
consult at your home, and there is no
charge for the first meeting.
Feel free to get in touch to speak
to our team and see how we can help.
Telephone:
01294 832112
Email:
info@jjmccosh.co.uk
With this in mind, and looking to the
future, we thought that it would be
sensible to obtain public liability
insurance. Although hopefully an
unnecessary expense, it is important
enough to be one of the first actions of
the new Community Council and
likewise, not an expense that the
Chatterbox
volunteers
could
ignore. We are out in all weathers
gathering content, collecting printed
material, distributing Chatterbox and
should we have an accident, it is good
to know that, as volunteers, we have
insurance on which to rely.
We have always worked closely, in full
collaboration, with the Community
Council - indeed all profit from
“Chatterbox” has gone to the
Community Council for distribution
to worthy causes and to benefit
Lochwinnoch. – and hoped for its
support to establish “Chatterbox” as a
charitable trust that could obtain its
own insurance and still deliver all its
profit to the Community Council as
usual.
To our dismay, and without any
meaningful discussion with us, the
Community Council decided not to
support our efforts and have
subsequently decided to print their
own yellow newsletter.
Undaunted, we published as the
“Chatterbox Trust” – independent of
the Community Council - and will
continue to publish “Chatterbox” for
as long as you want us to. We are
extremely grateful to villagers for
their support and to the companies
that continue to advertise on our
pages.
We are happy to reassure villagers
that all profit from “Chatterbox” will
continue to go to the Community
Council for distribution.
The editorial team members are open
and honest in all dealings and will
publish
annual
accounts
in
“Chatterbox” every year to keep you
informed of where we obtain funds
and where we spend them.
Yours sincerely
CHATTERBOX TEAM
2
Teenage Cancer Trust
Old companions Dr Roger Carter and
John Delaney and young master Paul
Delaney are teaming up again in June
to take part in the Teenage Cancer
Trust 3-Peaks Challenge.
The National Three Peaks Challenge
is an event in which participants
attempt to climb the highest
mountains of Scotland, England and
Wales within 24 hours. Walkers climb
each peak in turn, and are driven
from the foot of one mountain to the
next. The three peaks are:

Ben Nevis / Beinn Nibheis
(1,344 m or 4,409 ft.), the highest
mountain in Scotland

Scafell Pike (978 m or 3,209 ft.),
the highest mountain in England

Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa (1,085 m or
3,560 ft.), the highest mountain in
Wales
The total distance walked is estimated
at 44 km (27 miles), with a total
ascent of 9,800 feet (3,000 m).
Please support the local team to raise
money for Teenage Cancer trust in
Scotland. You can donate online at:
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/
TCT3-Peaks
Or, people can also sponsor the team
from their phones by texting …
TPKS73 £10 to 70070
Thank you
support.
for
your
continued
John Delaney
would look quite bleak.
“I’ve been supporting RAMH for over
12 years now and wanted to do
something different to raise funds, and
highlight the important work the
charity is doing. I love cycling and
wondered how long it would take to
reach New York by bike, this is my way
of achieving that - in small chunks!"
RAMH promotes recovery from
mental ill health, and empowers
people to build independent, fulfilled
lives. Services benefit over 4,000 local
people every year.
Photo shows Provost Hall on the smoothie bike with RAMH staff at Paisley Town Hall
RAMH
Renfrewshire Provost Anne Hall got on
her bike for mental health to launch an
exhilarating weekend challenge on
Arran, all to support local people.
RAMH are running the 2016 Arran
Bike & Hike and Councillor Hall got on
the charity’s smoothie bike to show her
support for the event.
The 2 day challenge takes place on
Saturday 3rd- Sunday 4th September,
2016 and kicks off with a good luck
breakfast in Paisley, transfers to
Ardrossan and the ferry to Brodick.
The challenge then begins with a 42
mile cycle circumnavigating the island
towards Lochranza, followed by a
celebratory dinner and overnight in
Lochranza. Sunday begins with a 13
mile cycle to the foot of Goatfell
followed by a hike of Goatfell at 874m,
fish supper and ferry home, returning
to Paisley for sunset.
All meals, transport and overnight
accommodation are included and all
you need is a bike, helmet and
walking boots. RAMH ask for a £50
registration fee and £300 minimum
sponsorship, with all money going
directly towards services for those
affected by depression, anxiety,
bipolar
disorder
and
other
conditions.
Places are limited so register NOW at
enquiries@ramh.org or 0141 847
8900
The RAMH Chair of the Board of
Directors will cycle across the
Atlantic this summer for local mental
health services.
Norrie Murray,57, from Paisley will
build up the miles he cycles over the
next 12 months to reach 3,218 miles,
the same distance as Paisley to New
York.
You
can
sponsor
Norrie
at
www.virginmoneygiving.com
and
search for Norrie Murray. For more
information about RAMH events visit
www.ramh.org
***********
RAMH promotes recovery from
mental ill health, and empowers
people to build independent, fulfilled
lives.
RAMH believes that people have the
potential to recover from mental ill
health and uses the ideals of recovery
and support to reinforce hope, respect
and equality.
If you know someone whom RAMH
could help please ask them to contact
us on
0141 847 8900
or enquiries@ramh.org
Chair Norrie said “RAMH services
are extremely important to me,
because for many local people they
offer hope when otherwise things
Chief Executive Stephen McLellan said
“we welcome everyone on this fantastic
weekend away on Arran, it’s a great
opportunity to challenge yourself, meet
new people and have a brilliant bike
and hike experience.”
He added “It’s really important to
support people in our communities
who are facing mental ill health such as
depression,
self
harm,
bipolar
disorder, anxiety and other conditions.
We believe that everyone has the
potential to recover.”
Photo shows Norrie Murray, Chair of the Board of Directors at RAMH
3
Lochwinnoch Primary School
Press Gang
Primary 7 couldn’t have asked for a better week for their
residential trip to Ardentinny. The annual trip to this
outdoor education centre was once again a huge success
with children pushing themselves to overcome challenges
and reach new heights. The good weather meant children
were able to go canoeing, rock-hopping and gorge walking
as well as rock climbing, hill-walking and team building
activities. New friends were made as well as memories
which will last a lifetime.
Pupils have been making the most of the good weather
and participating in all sorts of outdoor activities. Children
are enjoying the Trim Trail and a range of lessons from all
curricular areas are taking place outside. The Green Gang
have been hard at work in the polytunnel sowing and
looking after their plants and we are looking forward to
tasting some of their vegetables when they are ready.
Nursery children had glorious sunshine for their Garden
Parties and Primary 6 pupils were invited to join in and
get to know the children as they will be taking on the role
of buddies next year.
The Competitions Council’s plans to publish a school book
are well underway. Winners have been selected from the
many entries from each stage and are being collated ready
to print. They had a visit from Spar with a kind donation
of £250 to help with printing costs. The £250 donation
was funded from the sale of carrier bags in the store and
Spar is committed to putting this money back into local
communities. The Competitions Council hope to be able
to give every family a copy of the book free of charge.
The Health Council and the Sports Superstars have been
busy planning Heath Week and Sports Day. They have
many exciting activities planned throughout the week as
well as a range of visitors coming in to school to help
deliver key messages about health and wellbeing. The
week will finish with Sports Day on Friday when children
will participate in their own choice of activity in the
morning and competitive events in the afternoon. Points
awarded during the afternoon will go towards the ‘House
Cup’.
The children of the International Council and the ‘Helping
Hands’ committees enjoyed a walk to the loch with
Stephanie Johnson to help her with a photograph for a
4
worldwide art project she is
participating in. The project is called
‘Swarm the World’ and is the
brainchild of a New York artist. A
swarm of magnetic butterflies were
placed and photographed. Mrs
Johnson will do this in several
locations around the local area before
sending the butterflies off to their
next destination. The butterflies will
travel the globe and eventually the
photographs will be brought together
in an exhibition in New York.
young people over the last year.
Two successful and well attended
evaluation sessions were held in
school with a random sample of
pupils and parents. The wider parent
body will be consulted on the
priorities identified from these
sessions and this information will
help formulate our next School
Improvement Plan. We would like to
say a huge thank you to all of the
parents who willingly gave their time
to help us in this process.
ReMode will be launched on 17th
June at 7pm, with bookings for
workshops being taken in advance.
For further information, to book a
place on the available workshops, or
to come along to ReMode’s launch
event, contact
She explained, ‘the focus for
ReMode, the unique boutique for
young people, is taking in quality
teen clothing, some of which will be
spruced up and put out onto the rails
for purchase using a tokens system,
with
other
garments
being
redesigned for our own designer
brand. We’ll also be running a range
of workshops from the ReMode shop
so plenty of opportunities to learn
new skills.’
gillian@myleapproject.org. In the spirit of the new ReMode,
Joseph Cameron and other young
people made the ReMode shop front
sign using reclaimed materials.
about Electric and Hybrid vehicles and
E-Bike travel.
Come along on the day to take a closer
look
for
yourself.
For
more
information, contact Mike Callaghan
LEAP’s Car Club co-ordinator on
01505
842530
or
email
mike@myleapproject.org.
Cheers to Scotland's
Best Pub
Congratulations to Laura, Fergus and
the entire team at The Brown Bull for
winning this year’s ‘Best Pub in
Scotland’ award.
The award was presented at a
glittering Scottish Entertainment and
Hospitality Awards night. Readers
will appreciate that this award is hot
on the heels of the pub being awarded
‘Pub of the Year’ from Renfrewshire
CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) only
a few months ago. Amazing!!
LEAP News
ReMode Information Evening –
a great buzz
The buzz around the member,
volunteering and workshop sign up
table said it all with over 40 young
people and adults coming along to the
information evening at ReMode, YEP!
s newly refurbished unique boutique
at 39 High Street, Lochwinnoch.
There were lots of opportunities for
everyone attending, to volunteer and
to sign up for workshops such as
Recycle
or
Dye,
Swike
bike
maintenance, Skills for Young Film
Makers for young people and Meddle
and Make for adults.
Gillian Steel of LEAP welcomed
everyone who came for the event and
presented the YEP! film to highlight
the achievements of the project and
Electric Vehicle and E- Bike
June
in
event
–
25th
Lochwinnoch
What’s not to tell about Electric
Vehicles or Electric Bikes? Whether
you’re familiar with EV driving or EBike cycling, are simply curious, or
on a fact finding mission, join us for
LEAP Car Club’s EV, Hybrid and EBike event on Saturday 25th June
between 10 and 1pm outside the
McKillop Institute, on Main Street,
Lochwinnoch.
It’s your opportunity to check out the
Nissan Leaf EV, try out the local EV
charging point, find out more about
the merits of EV and Hybrid driving
or to gather the facts and figures
about savings, both to your purse and
in reducing vehicle carbon emissions.
LEAP Car Club will be showcasing
the Nissan Leaf EV and the Electric
bikes available for hire.
We’ll also be answering questions
5
Laura believes that people enjoy a
good old fashioned atmosphere at the
pub. She explained:
“That’s the way pubs used to be
“There are too many pubs now that
have lots of singing and flashing lights
going, but that’s not us.
“Now we are looking at next year and
concentrating on our meals and trying
to build up the food side with the
restaurant.
“When
we
were
getting
our
photographs taken with the award and
the judges were there, I asked them
what was it that swung it for us.
“And they said it was me! One of them
said, ‘You have a passion for your job.
“And I do. I love my job and meeting
people.”
Congratulations to Laura, Fergus and
all the staff at The Brown Bull. You
should be well chuffed!
Editor
Utility Warehouse Scam?
10 Reasons NOT to be a Utility Warehouse Client
1. You are happy paying too much for your Telephone,
Broadband, Gas, Electricity and Mobile Phone
services;
2. You do not want FREE LED light bulbs fitted
throughout your house;
3. You are happy receiving your Utility Bills at different
times of the month or year;
4. You do not want to use the most trusted Utility
provider in the UK;
5. You do not want High St shops to help pay your Utility
Bills;
6. You are happy being in contracts;
7. You feel that it is ok to haggle instead of being offered
the best deal from the outset, and that new customers
should get a better deal than existing loyal customers;
8. You do not want a single supplier for all your Utilities;
9. You are happy dealing with non UK Call Centres;
10. You believe that the only way to get a good deal is too
use a Comparison Web Site.
Or ‘Join the Club and See the Light’
home. Boasting a magnificent terrace
and panoramic sun room you can take
in the spectacular local scenery during
you visit.
Local Business Focus
Shops and businesses in and
around Lochwinnoch
Shop name: The Loch House
Location: The Largs Road, a short
walk from the village
Owner: Cawley Hotels
What we offer: Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner amidst breathtaking scenery
Our specialities: Carvery, Serving a
choice of succulent roast joints with all
the trimmings, pan roasted gravy, char
grilled fruits and a fabulous array of
market fresh vegetables.
Opening times:
Bar open from
10am, serving beverages including
coffees
Lunch served 12noon - 5pm
Dinner served 5pm - 10pm
Carvery served 12noon - 9pm
We are open 7 days a week
Contact info: 01505 843848
The Loch House
What is still affectionately known as
'The Mossend' among many locals,
The Loch House has come a long way
since the days of Scotland’s first
Brewers Fayre opened way back in
1989.
The current owners, the Cawley
family, took over the restaurant in
2003, opening it as The Hungry
Monk, enjoying great success before
its renovation and reintroduction as
The Loch House in March 2013. Since
then, The Loch House has gone from
strength to strength, earning a fine
reputation for good quality food
situated in beautiful surroundings
with excellent service.
The Loch House has a warm,
welcoming atmosphere and with its
open fireplaces and bright, warm
interiors you are sure to feel right at
6
Our family style grill menu is sure to
have something to suit every taste,
from sandwiches and baked potatoes,
to fajitas and pasta, to good old
favourites like fish 'n' chips and steak
pie. One of the main features of dining
at The Loch House is our famous
Carvery. Serving a choice of succulent
roast joints with all the trimmings, pan
roasted gravy, char grilled fruits and a
fabulous array of market fresh
vegetables.
For those not wishing a meal, our
beautiful lounge serves an array of
home-made
scones,
cakes
and
strawberry tarts as well as freshly
ground coffee and a selection of teas.
The Loch House employs over 30
members of staff, most of whom are
from
Lochwinnoch
and
the
surrounding areas. Their friendly and
efficient manner has allowed The Loch
House to build up a strong band of
regular customers. We are very proud
of the fact that many of our staff
members have been with the company
for several years, a rare thing in the
industry nowadays. Indeed, our
General Manager began his career
washing dishes in this very restaurant
some 15 years ago.
Medics against Violence
Run for Health Hope and
Happiness
Join us for our Second Run for Health
Hope and Happiness in the beautiful
Pollok Park on Sunday 12th June. Our
three races, 2K (under tens only) 5K
and 10K follow a relatively flat course
within the grounds of the park. Last
year's competitors commented that it
was one of the more enjoyable events
of their running year.
Medics against Violence (MAV) is a
Scottish charity (SC04115) founded in
2008, and is run by healthcare
workers. We have all seen the
consequences of violence in our daily
jobs and our aim is to prevent it
happening. We do this through
educational programmes in schools,
youth clubs and prisons and through
training professionals of all sorts in
how to support those experiencing
domestic abuse via our training
programme, ASC (Ask Support
Care).
This year we’re running to raise
funds for a project that we support
called ‘A Community in Motion’
which works with 4 primary schools
in Glasgow's East End; an area where
inequality, deprivation and violence
are big issues for the community. The
whole school community works
together, along with input from
various partners like us, to improve
health, hope and happiness amongst
their young people by helping them
to become more resilient. By taking
part in our race you’ll also help
improve your own health and
happiness and feel a huge sense of
achievement at the end.
What can you expect? Three well
organized, risk-assessed runs, a
timed 10K, a picnic lunch, a MAV
medal, a goody bag, face painting
and a huge amount of fun. You can
also purchase a limited edition
‘Health Hope and Happiness’ t-shirt
or dri-fit running top for a small
extra fee. We are affiliated to
JustGiving if you’d like to raise
sponsorship.
Our run is for everyone from the very
young to the very old and we
welcome runners and walkers of all
abilities.
To enter go to our dedicated run
website, www.mavsrunforhope.co.uk
where you can find out lots more about
the run, MAV, A Community in Motion
and how to enter. Entry fees are
between £5 and £15 depending on the
race you choose, and your age.
For more information contact Isabel
on
01786
896789
or
Isabel.davis@vruscotland.pnn.police.uk
Ballroom Dancing?
Ballroom and Latin dancing!
Recently we did a workshop at the
Lochwinnoch Primary School! It was a
wonderful experience and a lot of fun!
If there is an interest we will start a
dance class for kids and one for adults
in Lochwinnoch area!
Please
contact
information!
us
for
You can contact us via our website
www.dance2inspire.co.uk
Or
dance2inspire@outlook.com
Join LEAP Car Club
Membership from £5 per month
Pay-As-You-Drive Car Club
Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan and Bridge of Weir
For more information, contact mike@myleapproject.org
or 01505 842530
7
more
The Local Gardener
Lunatic endangers Lochwinnoch
Those loyal readers of a gardening
column which never seems to appear
are in for a treat this month as, for a
change, there is at least some
peripheral interest in a subject which
is close to the heart of all gardeners:
hanging baskets. For everyone else,
this column should be taken as a
warning of a clear and present danger
faced by Lochwinnoch residents. It all
started a couple of months ago when I
ran into the obsessive maniac Fuller
Flugiston, my man with his ear to the
ground on local affairs. He was looking
perturbed, which is always a bad sign
with Flugiston. Enquiry on my part as
to the cause of his discombobulation
elicited the response that he had
recently attended a meeting of our
Community Council where it had been
reported that, in reply to a request to
Densefrewshire Council for hanging
baskets to be displayed on the lamp
posts in our village, the meeting had
been informed that there would be no
hanging baskets because the brackets
on the lamp posts could not support
them. “ But Flugiston,” I said, “This is
old hat: Densefrewshire Council, in
response to the same request some
years ago, informed the Community
Council that no hanging baskets could
be displayed because the lamp posts
were not rated for them.”
“Not rated!” he shrieked, “Not rated…
What on earth can that mean?... After
all, it was the council that put up the
brackets on the first place. The only
reasonable
explanation
is
that
Densefrewshire Council is in need of a
lamp post rater. I shall apply for the
post
forthwith.”
I
demurred,
suggesting to him that it was more
likely that, due to budgetary
constraints, the council might not
have the resources to put up hanging
baskets in our village, thanks to the
activities of the man Goodwin and his
dodgy menodge at the cross
(otherwise known as RBS, see
Chatterbox passim). “Not a bit of it!”
Flugiston enthused, his eyes alight
with the prospect of a bright future,
“For
that
would
mean
that
Densefrewshire Council, our much
lauded beacon of probity and straight
dealing in local government, would
have been pulling the wool over our
eyes; such behaviour on their part is
entirely out of the question and not to
be contemplated by any reasonable
person. I shall hie me to the council
offices. They will certainly appoint me
as their official Lamp Post Rater.”…
and with that, he made off in the
direction of Paisley with a spring,
indeed an outright leap, in his step.
I thought no more of the matter until
I met Flugiston some days later. He
was ashen faced and downcast. It
turned out that his offer to take up
the post of lamp post rater had been
refused; in fact, no such position
existed. His whole life had clearly
been made entirely futile by this huge
betrayal of his absolute trust in
Densefrewshire Council. I, of course,
commiserated with him, but while
doing so, a light appeared in his eye.
“I have the answer!” he cried. “You
are a gardener!... you will tell me how
to make hanging baskets and I will
take it on myself to brighten up our
dear little village with them.” I
demurred “ Flugiston,” I said, “ These
hanging baskets will be uninsured.
Have you any idea of the damage that
can be done by a gravitationally
challenged Petunia?... Imagine the
consequences of a falling Geranium:
It might take out someone's eye!” But
he was not to be gainsaid and in short
order I was dragooned into teaching
him the mysteries of the hanging
basket makers art.
He took to it with a will, even if without
much money. His basket liners were
made from bin bags. His compost is the
cheapest he could find, as are the
baskets, and the plants came out of a
discount supermarket and virtually had
to be brought back to life as they were
nearly dead of thirst when he bought
them. Nevertheless, the results, after a
few weeks in the greenhouse and
regular watering, are quite presentable
although they wouldn’t win any prizes
at the Chelsea flower show, or even our
own Gala day.
At any rate, by the time you read this
rubbish, Flugiston intends to grace at
least some of our lamp posts with his
work, so be warned… if Densefrewshire
Council are to be believed, we must all
stay away from these hanging baskets.
Neither the lamp posts or the brackets
are safe according to the council;
indeed, one of them outside the
McKillop
Institute
is
distinctly
lopsided. However, Flugiston informs
me that this was caused some years ago
by a young gallant trying to impress
one of our many local comely lasses
with his suitability as a mate by
climbing the lamp post in a properly
simian manner and then hanging from
the bracket while uttering apelike cries
of desire to his light o’ love before
falling in an ungainly heap at her feet.
Thus was the bracket bent, as was,
presumably, our Young Lochinvar.
Whether or not his suit was successful
is, thankfully, unknown. On the other
hand, if the bracket could support the
weight of a local swain on heat without
breaking, it should be able to support a
hanging basket, even if it is now, like
our swain, not quite as straight as one
might wish.
Finally,
Flugistons
free litter pickers,
given away in the St.
Vincent’s
Hospice
shop as foretold in
last month’s column,
have all now gone,
hopefully to be used
with assiduity to help keep our village
clean. As for those of you who didn’t go
and get one because you thought the
whole thing was a spoof, yah boo sucks,
go and buy your own.
Graham Lait
8
A Stroll Down
Lochwinnoch's Old Streets
Part 1
Mhairi Black MP
If you have a problem or an issue you
would like to raise with me my next
Lochwinnoch Surgery will be held at
10:00am in the McKillop Institute on the
second Saturday of the month.
Gorman McGee recalls the
village shops for Chatterbox
I was sitting one day meditating on the
shops that served Lochwinnoch in my
childhood. Very interesting it was too.
In my imagination I strolled along the
pavements attempting to recall the
shops which served the village in the
late 1930s and early 1940s.
My memory wandered something like
this.
Let's start at near the top of Johnshill
coming down the hill towards the
village. Mr Tam Hailey was the man
(part-time) to mend the buckled
bicycle wheels. I was born in No 4
Johnshill
where
Mrs
Graham's
bungalow now sits. I can recall the two
bungalows over the road being built,
and being drawn like most small boys
still, to the building site to watch the
workmen carry out their tasks.
Down to the bend at Auld Simon,
across the road, we went along the
drive to Auld Mrs Armstrong's door to
purchase apples, pears and plums.
Down to the foot of the brae, no
Mansefield Road then, we came to The
Corner Bar, I can't recall if that was
the name at that time, I don't think so.
Semple's comes to mind. My principal
memory is of a White Horse statuette
which was displayed in the window.
Let's turn down Factory Street now St
Winnoc Road, and find McAvoy's shop
on our right. We go right at the bottom
and travel along Harvey Terrace
towards the War Memorial and the
"Big Kirk". Left down Church Street
passing Struthers then garage and
lemonade factory.
We turn into the public park where we
had a drink at the water fountain all
watched over keenly by Mr Calderwood
the park keeper.
We come back via Church Street
passing the "Big Kirk" and the West
Kirk to White's paper shop, next door
is Duncan's the draper, then the pend
and the wee shop which was part of the
business of "Walker the Plumber".
Carrying on past Walker's we come to
Jeannie Jamieson's a shop possibly
regarded as a Jenny a' things business.
Alternatively, you can contact me at:
0141 571 4370
mhairi.black.mp@parliament.uk
Next Miss Wylie's which was probably
a haberdashery. Next port of call was
Nancy Guy's fish shop. The next place,
a shop window although actually a
store as it is to this day. Then it was
part of Jimmy White's grocery whose
frontage and entrance was around the
corner into Main Street. It used to be
a source of amusement to visitors to
see Jimmy White's on one corner of
the cross and John Black's on the
other.
This wee stroll now brings us to The
Cross where we take a left turn, past
White's main door to Miss Houston's
fancy goods shop. Passing Miss
Houston's we reach Jimmy Speirs the
butcher. The Co-op, always the largest
shop in the village is next. With its
tokens and a girl in a kiosk collecting
cash, tokens or both. The Co-op
butcher is next and the bake house
down the pend on the left with Jimmy
Lawrie in command. Back on Main
Street past the garage to Jimmy
Kennedy's the local stockist of Tizer. A
few yards further on was Connell's
bakery and, still today The Brown Bull
now over 200 years old.
Left down another pend was Love the
Joiners. The last business here was
Andrews - Chair Frame Makers. Can't
recall what the trade name was. The
big house where the Johnstones of
cabinet work fame lived, not of course
forgetting the stables where Dick the
cart house was faithfully looked after
by old Archie Dale.
Crossing the road to the lane leading
to The Bowling Green and The Silk
Mill, now converted to flats. 50 yards
along we reach the main gate to
James Hunter's Calder Cabinet and
Chair works. The McKillop on our left
we cross Calder Street to the bank on
the corner, sadly not any more.
9
Passing Bryson the drawers we reach
Auld Dom the alfresco cafe. Dom in
fact had two shops, The Cafe and The
Chip Shop. I can recall with relish his
delicious ice cream.Next door to the
chippy was the domain of Jules
Boullait baker and confectioner. Not
sure if that's the correct spelling of his
name, however I can still see him
dressed in white with his magnificent
tall hat. His badge of office. Through a
beaded curtain to the back was a small
tearoom. I never ever penetrated to
the tearoom.
Next was the ironmongers where you
could have the accumulator for your
wireless charged. Mary Kincaid ruled
here. The Gas Company showroom
was next and I think The Registrars
was around her somewhere, but I'm
not sure.
Now we arrive at the Co'pend where
Paddy the Co's white horse was
stabled, then Campbell's Drapery
Store and "The Wee School" now the
library.
Cross Craw Place to Robert Baird the
grocer. I have particularly happy
memories of this shop as I was
employed for a time as a message boy,
pushing a big heavy bike with the
basket carrier on the front. I
remember Mr Baird as a gruff but
kindly man who tried hard to
camouflage his kindly disposition.
Had we turned left before Baird's we
would have reached Willie Glen's
small dairy farm where it was literally
from the coo to you.
Part 2 next month...
What’s On

Drop-in T Bar—Lochwinnoch
Elderly Forum. McKillop Institute,
10-12 noon.


Regular clubs, classes and groups



Bokwa Fitness — Masonic Hall,
Thursdays, 7—8pm. Places limited.
Contact Rachel on 07795 100231 or
503362
Bootcamp– Lochbarr Centre Mon
10-10:45am, Sat 9:30-10:15am, Call
Steven 07939 808 629 for
availability
Boys’ Brigade—meets on Tuesday
evenings in the Parish Church Hall.
- Anchor Boys P1 to P3 (6pm—7pm)
- Juniors P4 to P6 (7pm- 8.15pm)
- Company P7 to S6 (7.45—9.30pm)
Tel Mark Brown 842209 or email
BB1stLochwinnoch@btinternet.com

Calder Drama Club—Thursdays,
from 8pm-10pm McKillop Institute.

Calder UF Church—Food for
Thought. Last Monday of the month
7.30pm in church hall

Community
Walks—Mondays
(but not public holidays) - meet
10.30am at The Cross, Lochwinnoch

Conservation
Volunteers—
Clyde Muirshiel
- Adult Group—Thursdays 12:303:30pm Castle Semple Centre
- Young Volunteers, 12-18yr old,
Sundays 10-12am, Castle Semple
Centre

Football
Training—St Mirrin
football training, Lochbarr Centre,
4:00-5pm age, 3-6, 5:00-6pm age 612yrs
Lochwinnoch
Community
Walks—Mondays
(ex.
Public
Holidays), meet at 10.30am at The
McKillop Institute.

Lochwinnoch
Toddlers—
Mondays and Wednesdays from 9.45
- 11.30am during term time in
McKillop, new members welcome,
free entry for babies under 6
months, tea, coffee available and free
healthy snacks for children.

Lochwinnoch Writers Group—
Monday from 2-4:15pm in the
Library. Contact 873581

Morag’s Keep Fit—Mondays and
Thursdays from 7pm, in the
McKillop Institute

Positive Thinking Group Meet
every 4th Wed in the Bridgend
Community Centre, Kilbirnie. Cost
£3.50 For further info telephone
Andrea on 07890 181 769

Pulse Dance Academy Lochbarr
Centre
Thu: Juniors 6-7pm, Seniors 7-8pm
Sat: Nippers 2-5yrs 10:45-11:30am

Pulse Stretch Class—Lochbarr
Centre, Sat 12-1pm

ROAR
Lunch
Club—every
Thursday from 11.45am PROMPT at
the McKillop Institute.
Please
Note - ONLY ONE SITTING.

Scottish Country Dance Club—
Every Tuesday, from 7.30-9.30pm,
McKillop Inst.

Sequence Dance Class—Every
Wed 7.30-9.30 at Bowling Club

TaeKwon-Do—Fitness and Selfdefence classes for youths and
adults.
Tuesdays from 5-6pm,
McKillop and Thursdays from 7pm8pm at Lochwinnoch Primary
School. Tel: 01259 210716.

Tai Chi— McKillop Hall, Tues 11-:15
-12:15, Tel 842374

The Gathering – An Open Mike
session for musicians, singers and
performers on the First Friday of the
Month, 8.00 pm, at Lochwinnoch
Golf Club.

Ukelele Band—Come and play,
any level, Corner Bar, every
Wednesday 7:15pm

Writing Group— every Monday in
the Library 2pm—4:15pm

Zumba—Lochbarr Centre,
Wed 7-8pm—Zumba with Cheryl
Girls Brigade—1st Lochwinnoch
Company, Wed evenings from 6pm9.15pm at the Parish Church Hall for
various age groups.

Hatha Yoga Classes with LauraJane Lawson. Wednesday- McKillop
Inst 7pm-8.30pm.
All levels
welcome. Tel: 07999 862 162 or
Email: ljlyoga@hotmail.co.uk

Healing
and
Creativity
Workshops
&
Classes—For
details or to book a place, please Tel
Becky: 0141 8816700 or Libby on:
01505 842604

Keep Fit—Improving With Age
classes—every Tues from 10-11am
at the McKillop. Tel 842 136

Knitting Group—Mondays 10am12 noon (or longer) at The Loch
House, all levels welcome

Krafty Kids—open to all Primary
School children 1.30—3pm in small
Parish Church room. For bookings
telephone Katharine Billany on
01505 844 944 or 07947 075 622
Liathach Dog Training—(prebooking necessary). Anne Moss, Tel:
01505
842367,
e-mail:
dogtraining@f2s.com

Linda Margaret School of
Dancing—Tuesdays from 4pm8.45pm, McKillop Institute.
For
details, Tel: 0141 581 9104.

Lochbarr Centre
 Mon 10-1045am—Bootcamp
 Mon 7-8pm—FitSteps
 Tue 7-7:30pm & 7.30-8pm Fat
Burn Extreme with Steven
 Wed 7-8pm Zumba with Cheryl
 Thur—Pulse Dance Academy
6pm-7pm (Juniors 5-8 yrs)
7pm -8pm (seniors 9+ yrs
 Thur—St Mirrin Football
Training
- 4-5pm age 3-6
- 5-6pmage 6-12yrs
 Sat 9.30-10.30am Bootcamp with
Steven
 Sat 10:45-11:30am Pulse Dance
Academy (nippers 2-4 yrs)
 Sat 12-1pm Pulse Dance Academy
Stretch class
Guaranteed
New Memorials
Additional Inscriptions
Cleaning & Renovations
SALE ITEMS ALWAYS IN STOCK
42 MAIN STREET
KILBIRNIE
Please Call 01505 685455
www.quinnmemorials.co.uk

Mon & Fri 10am-5pm
Tue-Thur 10am-2pm
Sat By Appointment
FitSteps—Lochbarr Centre, 7-8om,
starts 7th March.
Lochwinnoch Choral Society—
Rehearsals on Monday evenings,
Parish Church/ Hall. Juniors 7:158pm, and Seniors 8pm-9.15pm.


Personal Service & Quality

Lochwinnoch Art Group—Meet
fortnightly on Monday evenings,
7.30pm, McKillop Institute.
Some activities may cease during
holidays, please check
10
Upcoming Events
 Wed 1 June—Pound and Pace
Fundraiser,
Greenock
Visitor Centre
Cut
 Sat 4 June—Honda Junior
RIBs Event, 10am -13pm, Castle
Semple Centre
 Sat 4th June—Gateside Village
Fete, 2-4pm
 Sat 4th June—Parish Church
Summer Fete—10am-1pm
 Sat 11th June—Pedal the Park
Mini XC Event, an off road,
mountain biking event, open to
everyone aged 8 - adult , Muirshiel
Centre, see page 19 for details.
Animal Support & Rescue
 Sat 11th June—RSPA Bioblitz,
Based at Mid Gavin near Howwood
all day, Come along and see what
fantastic wildlife can be found,
Calling all Horsey people… we are
desperately looking for volunteers.
We have so many horses/ponies in
our care, and we need support to give
the best care that we can. If anyone
can offer a morning/afternoon/day
we would be so grateful.
 Sun 12th June—Ride 63 Tour
of Arran
 Sun
12
June—Hessilhead
Wildlife Rescue’s Open Day, 124pm
 Fri
We are also looking for a volunteer
who can make a firm commitment for
1 day a week. Expenses can be paid.
17th June—Action on
Hearing, FREE Hearing Aid help,
10am-12pm, Sheltered Housing,
Glenpark Rd, open to All
We have been let down over the last
few weeks and this has been soul
destroying so only genuine caring
committed volunteers. Horses are
with us through no fault of their own
and deserve respect and compassion.
 Fri 17th June—Remode Launch
 Tues
21
June—Summer
Solstice Walk, —7pm – 9pm,
Surround yourself with the beautiful
sights, sounds and smells of RSPB
Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve
Also… does anyone with experience of
applying for grants?
Desperately
trying to raise funds for hay, feed, vet
bills etc.
 Sat 25th June—LEAP Electric
Car & E-Bike Event, outside the
McKillop Institute
Cllr Andy Doig—4th Wednesday of
the month, McKillop Institute, 7:30pm
cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.uk
Cllr Chris Gilmour—1st Saturday of
the month, McKillop Institute, 9am
cllr.christopher.gilmour@renfrewshire.gov.uk
Cllr Derek Bibby—1st Saturday of
the month, McKillop Institute, 9am
cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk
RBS Mobile Bank
McKillop Institute
Monday & Friday
11:50—12:35
Thank you
 Wed 29 June—Spinal Injuries
animalrescueglasgow@gmail.com
Scotland Para Sport Day , Castle
Semple Centre, 10am-4pm
Regular Councillor
Surgeries
facebook.com/animalsupportandrescue
Mr
Joinery: All including Kitchens, Bathrooms, Flooring, Tiling, Garages, Sheds etc. Pain ng/Decora ng/Paperhanging. Fencing: Wooden & Metal. Ornamental Metalwork & Welding Monoblock/Slabbing & Gardening. FREE Es mates/Best Prices CHATTERBOX
Chatterbox is produced and distributed
by Lochwinnoch Chatterbox Trust with
support and financial assistance from
local sponsors and advertisers.
Lochwinnoch Chatterbox Trust (LCT)
welcomes all entries for possible
inclusion for publication in print, web or
audio format or any way as thought
appropriate by the editorial team
All views are of individuals. The Editor
accepts no liability for errors or
statements and claims made in
submissions.
LCT is a not-for-profit group run by
volunteers with all profits going to local
groups and clubs.
Tel: 07917 654 857 11
RSPB Lochwinnoch
Has
summer
arrived
in
Lochwinnoch?
The weather has
certainly been warmer recently, and
the reserve is starting to show signs
of the seasonal changes. Mute swans
have been spotted sitting on their
nests around the loch edges, and
summer migrants have also arrived
in abundance. Our swallow pair
have returned to their nest under the
tower of the visitor centre for the
third year, after yet another amazing
migratory journey from their
wintering grounds in Africa!
We have also spotted tiny willow
warblers
around
the
centre,
collecting soft feathers to line their
nests – this is another species which
travels the vast distance to Africa to
spend the winter months in a
warmer climate, rather than suffer
the unpredictable Scottish winter!
It’s not just the bird life that is
signalling the arrival of summer wildflowers such as pink campion
and cuckoo flower are blooming
along the trails, orange tip
butterflies have been spotted
fluttering over the meadow, and we
have started to get some interesting
moths in our light trap!
the reserve throughout the day to
help you learn more about
Lochwinnoch’s amazing wildlife – so
come along and get involved in some
citizen science!
If all this talk of wildlife gets you
excited and you’d like to learn
more, why not come along to our
Bioblitz event on Saturday 11
June? It will be a fantastic day out
for all ages, with the chance to help
look for and record a wide range of
different
species
–
birds,
wildflowers, butterflies, bees, pond
life and more!
If you would like to find out more
about any of our events, please call
the reserve on 01505 842 663 or
email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk.
There will be a range of
organisations and experts out on
For
further
information
and
booking, please contact the reserve:
Events at RSPB
Lochwinnoch Nature
Reserve
Email: lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk
NEW OPENING HOURS Tel. 01505 842 663
CLOSED SUN WED—SAT 10am—2pm, Thu, Fri 10am—4pm RSPB Lochwinnoch, Largs Road,
Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF
Bespoke floral arrangements June 2016
COME IN & HAVE A LOOK RSPB Lochwinnoch
Photography Competition
Submissions accepted until 15
Jul
Take part in our annual photo
competition! Photographs must be
taken on or from the reserve. For
more information on how to enter
please contact the reserve. There are
five categories:
free local delivery, na onal & interna onal delivery order line 9.30 ‐ 3.30 MON‐SAT 0800 689 0081 WEDDING FLOWERS & FUNERAL FLOWER SPECIALISTS 5 high street, lochwinnoch, phone: 0800 689 0081, 01505 842 288 web: thequirkyflorist.co.uk, mail: thequirkyflorist@gmail.com
12
Creative (only category allowing
manipulation of photo); Nature;
Junior; Other; Junior category
(under 15 yrs). Winners announced
on Facebook & posted at the reserve
Sun 11 Sep. Cost: £4 to enter
Test our Binoculars &
Telescope in the Field!
Guided walk & presentation
Sun 5 Jun—2 - 4pm
Test our telescopes and binoculars
under field conditions! Go for a
guided
walk
with
our
knowledgeable staff and try out a
range of different optics out on the
reserve! Enjoy the scenery and
wildlife, whilst finding out which
binoculars or telescope suits you
best.
Cost: £3 (refunded if you purchase
a pair of binoculars, or a telescope,
from the reserve shop on the day!)
Bioblitz!
Sat 11 June—All day
Come along and see what fantastic
wildlife can be found, if you know
how to look! Have a go at recording
(friendly advice on hand!), or join
one of the team for a walk to see
what you can find! We’ll also have
representatives
from
other
organizations to give lots of
interesting info! Organisations
attending in order to assist us
include: The Butterfly Conservation
Trust; Clyde Amphibian Group; The
Scottish Wildlife Trust; TCV – The
Conservation Volunteers; Field
Studies Council & Field Studies
Council Millport; The Glasgow
Natural History Society; and OPAL
will be sending two Community
Scientists. Cost: FREE
Summer Solstice Walk
Tues 21 June—7pm – 9pm
Surround
yourself
with
the
beautiful sights, sounds and smells
of Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, on
the longest day of the year. Led by
one of the knowledgeable and
friendly reserve team, this will be a
John Delaney IFA
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gentle stroll on the
trails.
Please
book, as places
are limited.
Cost: Adults: £5;
Children: £3 (RSPB members: £3/
£2). McMullan
Cllr Andy Doig
I would like to congratulate the
new MSP for Renfrewshire South,
my friend, Tom Arthur, on his
success
at
the
Scottish
Parliamentary elections. I also
commiserate with those who did
not taste success, and while the cup
of electoral failure never tastes
sweet at least other candidates can
live to fight another day.
I was pleased to support a
community
meeting
in
Lochwinnoch recently where a
council officer led a presentation
on cultural and heritage grant
available to village groups who
wish to run cultural events to
complement Paisley 2021.
Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum have
had
a
series
of
excellent
discussions led by Forum members
about local history in the village. I
have suggested to the Forum that
they
perhaps
explore
the
possibility of applying for a
heritage grant and am seeking to
involve Lochwinnoch Primary
School in an oral history project
for the Paisley 2021 bid.
At the last full council meeting of
Renfrewshire Council I was very
disappointed
that
the
two
administration
Cllrs
for
Lochwinnoch voted against a
motion I tabled to oppose
commercial grouse-shooting at
Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park.
This does not bode well for an
open discussion on the merits or
de-merits of grouse-shooting and
many constituents have contacted
me saying they oppose this, as I
do. I have done a Freedom of
Information request to get to the
truth of who is really backing this
retrograde move, and why.
I very much want to make myself
available to local residents in
Lochwinnoch and please note my
Lochwinnoch advice surgery is on
the 4th Wednesday of the month,
at 7:30pm, in the McKillop
Institute, excluding July. However,
I am available at any time to
constituents who can call me on
07534 148224, tweet me on
CllrAndy4Ward8, or e-mail me at
cllr.andy.doig@renfrewshire.gov.u
k.
Yours Sincerely,
Cllr Andy Doig (SNP),
Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, and
Lochwinnoch Ward
13
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PostcodeforSatNavKA257LQ
Cllr Derek Bibby
Recently there have
regrettable incidents of
anti social behaviour in the village.
These are a blight on the
community of Lochwinnoch which
require a firm response.
I along with the other ward 8
councillors attended a meeting at
the beginning of the month with
senior officers from the police in
Johnstone and an officer from
Renfrewshire Council to look at
ways of tackling these problems
more effectively with necessary
action. I along with the other
ward 8 councillors attended a
meeting at the beginning of the
month with senior officers from
the police in Johnstone and an
officer from Renfrewshire Council
to look at ways of tackling these
problems more effectively with
necessary action. This will involve
looking at policing in the village
the councils housing allocation
policy, and the deployment of the
street stuff resources.
I will continue to work closely
with all involved to deal with the
issues of anti social behaviour.
I will continue to work closely
with all involved to deal with the
issues of anti social behaviour.
On a far more positive note for
the community,
there was a
successful litter pick in the
outlying areas of the village
organised by Kerry MacKendrick,
a member of the community
council.
A generous and well deserved
thank you to Kerry and all who
took part.
Having
made representations
over many months regarding the
condition of
both Crookhill
Gardens road and Kibblestone
Road, I can report that they are to
be included in the current
2016/17 resurfacing programme
Given that work on the bridge is
imminent,
officers
from
Renfrewshire Council have been
asked to work with local
businesses
on
the
location,
visibility, and wording of signage
around the village, to ensure that
the daily life is minimally disrupted
and that visitors are well informed
and continue to use local
businesses.
As you may know, Castle Semple
offers a wide range of facilities to
groups across the community.
Good to report then that a
successful bid has been made for a
third pontoon, that will help
disabled sailors gain greater access
to Castle Semple facilities.
Having witnessed the enthusiasm,
commitment.
and
enjoyment
displayed by the sailors memorably
demonstrated during the race 2 the
games event in 2014 and since, I
know that this will be welcomed by
all participants.
My surgery is on the first Saturday
of every month except January and
July at 9 00 am in the McKillop
Institute
Meantime please contact me with
any issue at
cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk
or phone 07534 156007 or 0300
300 1274
JUNE
Facts about June
June is the 6th month. On the Roman
calendar, it was considered the 4th
month and had only 29 days. Julius
Ceasar gave the month 30 days in 46
B.C., when he reformed the Roman
calendar.
Spring ends and summer begins
around June 20, 21, or 22 in the
Northern Hemisphere. It's the time
that the flowers are beautiful. It is
especially the month for roses. In the
Southern hemisphere, winter begins
during June, and it brings cold, rainy
weather to this part of the world.
14

United States declared war on Great
Britain, June 18, 1812.
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Ford Motor Company founded, June
16, 1903

YMCA organized in London, June 6,
1844.
Gregor’s Curry Night

A huge Thank You to everyone who
helped to make Gregor’s Curry Night
fundraiser such a successful night.
Gregor is trying to raise over £3000 to
go on an expedition to Tanzania next
summer. An expedition to build life
skills and perform important hands on
community work in rural Tanzania.

The Bowling Club was the venue for
the evening, with music accompanying
the huge selection of curries and tasty
Indian nibbles.
The Auction was led by Ian Jones who
sold off a variety of items including
Gregor himself!
Particular thanks to:
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Lesley and Naveed Khan
Harveys Garden Services
The Osteopaths
Gregor Townsend and Glasgow
Warriors
Lesley Reid
The Brown Bull
The Corner Bar
And of course
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Everyone who attended the
function
Upcoming Fundraising—MP Mhairi
Black's maiden speech at Westminster
will be auctioned at the Brown Bull
soon, watch the press for a date, and
there will be a Big BBQ in the park on
16th July.
Ian Jones
Wes Nixon
Margaret Lee
Sandra Grant
Heritage Farmers Market Shop
All the people who donated
raffle prizes
Mhairi Black, MP
CK Contracts
Lochwinnoch Bowling Club
Joanne Scotland
Joan Dominy
Donna
15
a bird that has been ringed out with
the Clyde area. The bird was a male
siskin and I’m waiting to hear where
he was initially ringed. It is not
uncommon for siskins to turn up that
were ringed in Highland or
Grampian Region but some appear
from down South.
Clyde Muirshiel Wildlife
Update
The Clyde Muirshiel Wildlife Project
aims to bring people closer to wildlife,
gaining a unique insight to the furry &
feathered inhabitants of Castle Semple
Country Park. Countryside Ranger
Hayley Douglas gives us an update.
Wildlife News
What a fantastic spell of weather we
are experiencing at the moment. The
lighter evenings and warmer weather
has meant that wildlife sightings have
been more frequent and I have some
great news. We have not one, not two,
but THREE badger cubs in the sett
this year. To see them check out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=VoLYghBq8Xo&feature=youtu.be
The cubs put in an appearance on the
11th of April and look to be very
healthy and typically feisty. I’ve still to
think of names for them and will let
you know in due course. Having the
trail cameras in place really does allow
you to see the intimacies of the
animal’s private life and again Rough,
the two year old male badger, has
been taking a great interest in his
siblings. I’m looking forward to seeing
how their relationships develop and
will continue to update you with
footage. I was also lucky to meet Daisy
the badger cub at Hessilhead Wildlife
Rescue when we popped up to do
some filming for STV Glasgow. Daisy,
who is of similar age to our three cubs,
was found abandoned outside her sett.
It is not known what happened to her
mother but it is more than likely she
was an RTA. The centre is hoping to
get another cub to keep her company
before releasing her back into the wild
later in the year.
Events
June sees the return of Hessilhead
Wildlife Rescue’s Open Day on the
12th of June between 12am – 4pm.
This is the only day of the year that
the centre is open to the public and I
will be in attendance doing a bird
ringing demonstration. Hope to see
you there.
More Info…
Details can be found on the Park’s
website www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk or
by emailing
wow@clydemuirshiel.co.uk.
Footage can be viewed on the Park’s
Youtube channel or on the WoW
Facebook page. Talks to groups can
be arranged.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE
CONTACT:
HAYLEY DOUGLAS Countryside
Ranger – CMRP tel 01505 842 882
Hessilhead Open Day
Sunday 12th June
12—4pm
There will be tours around some of the
enclosures, the chance to see fox cubs,
badger cubs, cygnets, ducklings, owls
and many nestling birds being hand
reared.
There will also be a variety of stalls
including bric a brac, cakes, books,
plants, tombola, bottle stall and many
children’s activities.
Preparations are well underway. We
would welcome any donations of bric a
brac, books, plants, bottles, children’s
prizes, and nearer the time, cakes,
home made sweets and jams. Any help
with preparations would also be
appreciated. Give us a call or drop in
and ask for a job!
We look forward to seeing you there.
Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue
Gateside, Beith, KA15 1HT
01505 502415
Duck
www.hessilhead.org.uk
We have a Hen that chaps our French
Window looking for attention and
feeding. This morning she flew on to
the kitchen window sill and chapped
at the window, the blind being down
on the French windows, she boldly
walks into the kitchen and appraises
it.
Lawson
The mist nets have been out at
Muirshiel Country Park and I have
had regular catches of siskins
including two fledglings in recent
days. What surprised me is that for
the first time I re-trapped (the
technical ringer’s term is ‘controlled’)
16
Castle Semple Sailing Club
Cucina Minucci Cup - 24 April
Ah well we may as well give up reading weather forecasts
after this event Forecast from several different websites was
for very little wind all day. Well the wind came from this
direction and then that direction and was up and down like
a yo yo all day. But obviously it was the day for the lesser
spotted GP14s to make an grand appearance (Spring must
be in the air!) and make up nearly half the fleet taking
part .....4 GP14s in total plus another 5 boats at various
times plus of course Stan in the cruising section. The GP
sailors must have had access to a different forecast to be out
in force like that as it was definitely a GP wind type of day.
Since Jim and Janet Tytler and Janet Gordon were
organising the racing we started pretty promptly around
11. Almost instantly the wind decided to come up nicely and
then change its mind about which direction. However, Mike
and Jamie MacMillan in the RS500 were soon out in
front with Peter Collings and Hector Wedderburn in hot
pursuit which was the pattern for most of the races,
however, unfortunately the RS500 couldn't quite gain
enough of a lead to beat the GP on handicap. A fifth short
race reaffirmed that Peter and Hector were the winners.
an impressive 37th. Arthur and Fiona had expected to
enjoy the sun and scenery at the back of the fleet, but
managed to clamber up to 61st overall.
The high winds and surf resulted in a lot of broken
equipment and boats, but with a lot of local support, most
boats were straight back out into the waves. The Castle
Semple members had extensive help from Bill Tempro, a
Bajan who was the 1967 GP14 World Champion.
So the eventual winners were
1st Peter Collings and Hector Wedderburn (GP14)
2nd Mike and Jamie MacMillan (RS500)
3rd Steve Davison and Jules Whitestone (GP14)
The turtles, hummingbirds, lizards, monkeys, flying fish,
golden sand and turquoise seas made for a memorable
championship. Come along to Castle Semple Sailing Club
this summer, and have a taste of what sailing in the
Caribbean can be like.
Very well done to Hector (aged 12) taking part in his first
full day of racing and with Jamie only a year older - clearly
competition is coming up from the cadet section - very well
done to you both!
50th Anniversary Day - Sunday 29 May
Come along and join us in our day of celebration! Pursuit
race in the morning and sail as many boats as you can in
the afternoon plus extra activities for cadets!
Very many thanks as always to Marion and helpers for
organising the kitchen and Alice for her soup and Arthur
(oops slight accident with his soup making but still delicious
- very nicely packaged in supermarket tubs and much
appreciated!) and of course all those who helped out in the
rescue boat. I don't actually recall any capsizes today but I
could be wrong.
Many thanks to our sponsors Cucina Minucci
Lochwinnoch http://www.cucinaminucci.co.uk/
www.castlesemplesc.co.uk
in
GP14 Worlds in Barbados
Castle Semple Sailing Club members, Arthur and Fiona
Logan returned from the GP14 World Championship in
Barbados having avoided the sharks Fiona was worried
about, but contending with Force 6 winds, a fleet of 105
boats and some of the best sailors in the UK and Ireland.
Paul O'Neill, also a Rear Commodore of the club, lent his
GP14 to Ali Ireland and Pip Benson.
They were amongst the youngest competitors and achieved
17
Peddle the Park 2016
Photos—CMRP & Barbara Brown
Left Mark Jaffray 100km first finisher
Right Stewart Ormond
Special Olympics Time Trial line up at start
Winner Div 1 Time Trial Gary Winslow
Ride 63 Members Joanne McGrattan and
Mark Carey tackle the sportive
Highland Cow on the Dalry Moor Road
Duke of Edinburgh Volunteer Marshals
18
Regional Park
Round Up
New Pedal the Park Mini XC
Event!
Clyde Muirshiel and Ride 63 have
again teamed up this time to offer an
off road, mountain biking event at
Muirshiel Country Park on Saturday
11th June.
It’s open to everyone aged 8 - adult and
has age bandings/categories and FREE
bike hire provided by event partners
RT Cycles. Online entry is priced at just
£5, or £10 on the day. Enter now https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/
events/details/140421/Pedal-The-Park
-Mini-XC
Pedal the Park 2016 Raises
£1000 for CLIC!
Over 200 cyclists took part in the Pedal
the Park 75km & 100km Sportives
raising over £1000 for CLIC Sargent! It
was a great day and many thanks are
due to all riders and volunteer
marshals.
Castle Semple Conservation
Volunteers NEW Programme
The new volunteer programme for the
summer is now up online covering
from May through until the end of
August. Find the PDF on our
downloads page and join us every
Thursday 12.30 – 15.30 hrs.
Pound & Pace – Wed 1st June
Pay £1 to a local charity and pace the
12km Greenock Cut monument on
Wednesday 1st June. Register from
10.15am and walk begins at 11.00am.
Bring a few extra £££’s for the raffle!
See our Pictures on
Instagram!
Clyde Muirshiel is now on the image
sharing app Instagram. See beautiful
images on your feed by following us search Clyde Muirshiel and find us by
our logo. Tag your Instagram photos
with our handle @clydemuirshiel or
#clydemuirshiel too so we can see
them!
Duke of Edinburgh
Programmes at Clyde
Muirshiel
Over the Easter weekend we completed
a practice expedition with Glasgow
Academy on bikes! There’s a wide
range of expeditions and skills to suit
Duke of Edinburgh participants of all
abilities.
Get
in
touch
with
dofe@clydemuirshiel.co.uk if you
know of a group of 14-24 yr olds who
could benefit from a tailored
programme!
Ride 63 Club News
The next ride (after Pedal the Park of
course) is a Tour of Arran on Sunday
12th June – Meet at Ardrossan Ferry at
08.15am for the 08.45 ferry.
MORE INFO: tel 01475 521 458
Sat 4 June Honda Junior RIBs
Event
See the fast boats on the water and
enjoy woodland walks or refreshments
on dry land!
WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre
WHEN: 10.00 – 15.00 hrs approx
MORE INFO: 01505 842 882 ex 20
Email the Secretary at
ridesixtythree@gmail.com
to become a member, we can send you
a form – it’s FREE. Plus find us on
Strava, Facebook & Twitter.
CMRP Online
Keep up to speed with events and
activities taking place on the Park’s
Facebook
facebook.com/
ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark,
@Clydemuirshiel Twitter & Instagram
pages.
Regular Events
Mondays (but not public holidays) Lochwinnoch Community Walks
meet 10.30 hrs at The Cross,
Lochwinnoch.
Weekly Volunteer Groups
Newcomers always welcome!
Thursdays Castle Semple
Conservation Volunteers, Adult group,
from 12.30 – 15.30 hrs.
Saturdays Greenock Cut
Conservation Volunteers, Adult group,
10.30 – 14.30 hrs.
Sundays Castle Semple Young
Volunteers, 12-18 yr olds, 10.00 –
12.00 hrs
Sun 12 June Hessilhead
Wildlife Rescue’s Open Day
The Park will be hosting regular ringing
demonstrations throughout the day.
WHERE: Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue,
Gateside, Nr Beith
WHEN: 12noon – 4pm
MORE INFO: tel 01505 502 415
Sat 18 June
Survey
BeachWatch
Join us for the annual clean up and
record sea debris for the national
survey.
WHERE: Lunderston Bay
WHEN: 11am – 1pm
MORE INFO: tel 01475 521 458 &
bookings
Wed 29 June Spinal Injuries
Scotland Para Sport Day
Lots of wheelchair users will be visiting
today, limited parking available, take
away service only in the café.
WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre
WHEN: 10am – 4pm
FOR MORE INFORMATION
PLEASE CONTACT: FIONA
CARSWELL Development &
Marketing Officer, CMRP tel 01505
842 882 Ex 23
June What’s On
Wed 1 June Pound and Pace
Fundraiser
Donate a pound to join the circular
walk and remember your raffle
money!
WHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre
WHEN: 10.15am registration, walk
starts 11am, allow 3 hours
19
Tai Chi
Tai Chi class held in McKillop every
Tuesday morning, 11:15-12:15
Call 01505 842374
Community Resources
Section, Renfrewshire
Council
Main St. Bridge Repairs
someone else. Please also try to arrive
in good time for your appointment, or
phone if you expect to be late, so that
others aren't delayed. You may be
asked to rebook.
Discussions
with
the
utility
companies for when they can divert
their services onto the temporary
service bridge are complete and the
site start date is the 31st May 2016.
However, Main Street Bridge will not
be closed to vehicles or pedestrians
until the temporary pedestrian bridge
crossing the River Calder from the
A760 into the Lochwinnoch Annexe
playing fields is in place (due in
around 4-5 weeks after start date).
The contractor’s traffic management
subcontractor,
Contraflow,
has
submitted their temporary traffic
management plans to officers for
review.
Officers arranged to meet with local
businesses week commencing 23rd
May, to advise on the diversion routes
and discuss if any additional signs for
village businesses are required.
Mistylaw Medical Practice
Repeat Prescriptions
Repeat
and
special
request
prescriptions can be ordered via the
website, post-box, reception or phone.
In order to keep the line free for
patients looking for appointments,
please try to use your re-order slip
from the pharmacy or phone after 10
am. Please allow 48 hrs for repeat
prescription re-orders.
Contact Details
If you change your contact details,
particularly
mobile
telephone
numbers, please let us know. All
patient contact details are kept
confidential.
Minor illness
Self
help
guidance
for
the
management of minor illnesses is
available on the practice website at
Supporting the bid for UK
City of Culture 2021
A pack aimed at encouraging
organisations and individuals to
formally declare their support for
Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture
2021 and join Team Paisley is now
available – link below:
www.paisley2021.co.uk/get-involved
Many thanks.
Alan McNiven, Chief Executive
Engage Renfrewshire
www.mistylawmedicalpractice.co.uk
LAC Grant Awards
Chatterbox has been awarded a £1500
grant by the Renfrewshire Local Area
Committee. This will allow us to
upgrade the publishing software and
secures Chatterbox for the future.
Other Lochwinnoch groups did well at
this quarters LAC grant committee
Country Dance Group £450
SWI £300
Arts Festival £4490
Christmas Lights £1000
New Year Dance £480
Calder Drama £400
(amounts awarded are from memory)
& also on NHS inform. Patients can
seek help for treatment of any eye
problem from Opticians & many
minor ailments from pharmacists.
Travel Vaccinations
Information on travel health can be
obtained from the Practice Nurses or
complete the questionnaire on
practice website or via the website
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk.
Please
arrange 4-6 weeks in advance.
Editorial and Copy for the July
Chatterbox
Let us have your stories, notices, news,
information, events and items of interest
– either hand-deliver them to the
Chatterbox drop-box in the Library or
preferably e-mail them to us at:
chatterbox@lochwinnoch.info
Electronic submission with full colour
pictures are preferred.
Wasted Appointments
As a courtesy to other patients we
would be grateful if you would phone
to cancel your appointment if it is no
longer needed, freeing it up for
Tel: 01505 842632
chatterbox@lochwinnoch.info
COPY DEADLINE FOR JULY IS
SUNDAY 12TH JUNE
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