chatterbox - lochwinnoch village website · 2017-04-05 · eventually 8 boats started a slow drift...
TRANSCRIPT
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Parish Church
AFTERNOON CREAM TEA
Wednesday 26th April. 2pm
Baking Stall
£2.50
Lochwinnoch Art Group
The final two Art Group sessions before we finish up for the summer take place on the 3rd and 24th April.
As usual, we will meet in the McKillop from 7.30 - 9.30pm. Newcomers are very welcome!
Justine Young
Lochwinnoch SWI
The April meeting of Lochwinnoch SWI is on Wednesday 19th, in the McKillop hall at 7.30pm. It is our 64th Birthday Social with entertainment and some delicious things to eat.
This evening is for members only.
We look forward to a splendid evening and to welcoming all our members.
ensures a process overseen by disinterested parties, in a transparent and fair manner.
Groups interested in requesting funds in this round should email
Deadline Sunday 30th April
Please give your group name, project information, total project cost, amount being requested and best contact details. Fiona will be manning the mailbox and collating applicants. The shortlist and selection process will be made public in future issues.
St Vincent’s
Your local charity shop needs you!
Our charity shop in Lochwinnoch urgently needs more volunteers. No experience necessary.
Other are volunteer roles are available, please call 01505 705 635, email [email protected] or pop in the shop for an application form.
CHATTERBOX No 280 April 2017 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
Community Council Refuses Donation
Following on from the publication of the Chatterbox Trust accounts in March, as has always been the intention, the Chatterbox Trust offered to donate the 2016 profits from Chatterbox to the Community Council for distribution to local groups. Unfortunately the Community Council has refused to accept this donation.
“I have read the contents of your email with interest and I am pleased that members of our community will benefit from this and future donations however Lochwinnoch Community Council are not currently in a position to accept and manage your proposal at this time.
Davie Arthur On behalf of the Office-bearers Lochwinnoch Community Council
We have since heard rumours circulating that ‘strings were attached to the donation’. I can assure readers that the only suggestions accompanying the donation were the money benefit local groups, and that successful bids be published. Suggestions, not strings, and not onerous suggestions to take on-board.
The distribution of funds is not within the focus of the Chatterbox Trust, and, following the refusal of the offer by the Community Council, The Chatterbox Trust has been exploring other mechanisms to distribute the funds fairly.
This first year, the modest sum of £400 will be made available, so that small amounts can be offered to a number of groups in the village.
The Trust will plan and organise a procedure for subsequent years which
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recorded via collections from the drop boxes. In addition 300 letters were sent directly to the council planning department.
No letters of support have been recorded by Renfrew Council Planning Department.
The involvement of the community to this extent should carry much weight in a decision that greatly concerns Lochwinnoch.
In preparation for making a decision the council called a pre-determination hearing due to the significance of the site and the large number of objections received. It was scheduled for March 14th.
The following is an extract from their Pre-determination Hearing Procedures:
“Pre-determination hearings will be held when the application is of a national category or a major category where the proposal involves a planning application for development which is substantially contrary to the provisions of the development plan. The test which will apply would be whether an approval would be contrary to the vision or wider spatial strategy of the plan.”
By the time this article has been published Renfrewshire Council will have made a decision. If the application was refused at the full planning meeting on March 17th it is almost certain to be reviewed by the Scottish Government at the request of the applicant.
This type of review can take several months to come to a final conclusion.
If the review decides to support the application it will go against a previous refusal to allow building on this site by the Secretary of State for Scotland in 1992.
At that time he used the same key arguments as the ones expressed by us in our campaign which in turn mirrored those of Lochwinnoch CC in their detailed submission objecting to the proposal.
“The Secretary of State has no doubt that the development would represent an extension of the built-
Johnshill Planning
Proposed Development at Site on Northern boundary of Beech
Burn, Johnshill
The “Lochwinnoch Needs You” campaign resulted in 1340 letters of objection being submitted to
Renfrewshire Council Planning Department in relation to planning application 16/0806/PP.
This is a massive display of community spirit and, no matter if you were for or against the proposal, demonstrates that Lochwinnoch cares strongly about both its future and its environment.
Many people from the surrounding area also contributed to the total by supporting the campaign.
The leaflet campaign itself resulted in 1040 letters of objection being
Local Solicitors Providing Personal Service
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Partner, and local resident, Ian Briggs is more than happy to
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up area of Lochwinnoch into open countryside within the green belt. There is is no evidence to suggest that it should be regarded as 'rounding-off' as distant views show the site is clearly lying beyond the main built up area of the village. ...... there would be an area of open land left between the southern boundary of the appeal site and the eastern edge of the development. It is considered that this area would consequently be almost impossible to defend against further development.”
“The Secretary of State concludes that there are strong visual and environmental objections to the development, and that it would be contrary to national, regional and local policies relating to development within the countryside and green belts.“
“The Secretary of State is not persuaded that there is such a serious shortage of housing land within the district as to justify development of a site with such serious disadvantages.”
If the current application is rejected on March 17th then that may be the time to lobby your MSP and MP to get involved on behalf of Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire and Clyde Muirshiel Park.
Our thanks go to all those who supported, advised, commented, got involved and most of all expressed their opinions in writing to Renfrewshire Council.
Thanks also to Lochwinnoch Community Council for their patience in the face of our many queries and for submitting a carefully crafted and detailed 18 page argument against the application.
“Lochwinnoch STILL Needs You”
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launched and drifted over the start line ..... toots for starting the race were all over the place, clearly the race officers of the day were testing the sailors' intelligence. However eventually 8 boats started a slow drift up to buoy 2; 3 lasers, 1 enterprise, phantom, 505, MV2, Vago. The wind did manage to pick up a little after buoy 2 in the first race but as I said after a short tea break (all that the OODs permitted us!) it was out again for a 1 lap second race. It wasn't exactly an exciting sail but at least those who wanted a sail got out.
Fairtrade Coffee Break on Saturday March 11th
This event was part of Fairtrade Fortnight and the theme this year was to promote Fairtrade tea and coffee and snacks. We had a huge array of homemade cakes made with Fairtrade ingredients. We were also selling goods from the Rainbow Turtle in Paisley. They supplied the wonderful hamper of Fairtrade goods for the raffle. During the morning we had a film projected for people to watch as well as a display of information about Lochwinnoch International Aid and the worthy causes around the world that we support. One of our members was selling crafts and jewellery from Tanzania to support a charity there.
As can be seen we had a visit from Mhairi Black. She arrived early and helped us set things out. She supports Fairtrade and was pleased to be invited.
We are a Fairtrade village. This is maintained by Lochwinnoch International Aid. We urge businesses and organisations in the village to support Fairtrade. The Junction is a great supporter, selling some goods and offering their very tasty coffee which is all Fairtrade.
We encourage every household to make the choice to buy Fairtrade products where possible, to make life better for those people who produce them.
Thanks very much Jenny Bhatia, Secretary LIA
Castle Semple Sailing Club
Open Day/RYA Push The Boat Out Day/mini dinghy show - Sunday 14 May Ever fancied trying dingy sailing or other watersport? Come and try on Sunday 14 May at Castle Semple Sailing Club, Lochwinnoch 10.30 - 4pm. Castle Semple Sailing Club has a variety of dinghies which you will be able to see both on and off the water. For further info and book a sail contact
During the winter months the Club has enjoyed a visit to Greenacres courtesy of Erskine Curing Club, met regularly for badminton and held its Whacky Winchester Pursuit Series followed by the Winter Series.
The first week of the winter series drew out a total of 12 boats, including 3 vortexes. GP14, Dart, Phantom, Laser, Vareo, Enterprise. The first race was fiercely contested with Mark in the dart way ahead pursued by Colin and Steve C in the vortex fleet but alas they were not far enough ahead.The second race saw three fewer boats, leaving only 1 vortex (Angus) but if that fleet keep up their appearances could be a very interesting season.
The following week with Storm Doris out of the way all was looking good for Sunday when ...late on Saturday night Storm Ewan suddenly appeared on the weather map. On arriving at the club house on Sunday morning the usual suspects were found huddling inside muttering ah well looks like soup and cake and heading back up the road..... so the soup was had and more suspects arrived and as the rain and wind lashed at the club house there were more mutterings..... hmm I'm not going out in that ....and similar comments. Even the keenest were definitely not looking keen to go out. Then a GP sailor arrived eager for a race - although he was a little perturbed that his crew i.e. Arthur "have you seen the forecast" had not shown any sign of arrival, likewise Jon (Vago) was patiently awaiting the arrival of his crew Iain. Eventually 1 GP and a fleet of toppers took to the water.
On the third week , the forecast had been changing on a daily basis but hopes were high for a reasonable sail. It looked promising but sadly the wind dropped. Cadet Hector arrived eager for his first sail of the year but was soon pacing the compound with the rest of the group. There was much gnashing of teeth in frustration so soup and rolls were consumed whilst to race or not to race was debated. Eventually some wind appeared ....and it was declared that we were racing.....however... by the time we were all changed and ready to go....the wind had other ideas and enthusiasm dwindled and ...returned.. boats were
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Warrior Missing
A replica Chinese Warrior guarding in his garden in Lochwinnoch was kidnapped on the night of Sunday the 12th of March.
To gain access to the garden the perpetrators of this heinous crime had to clamber over a high wall, then crept over a lawn, cut through a link fence, crossed another lawn, attempted to climb over a 170 year
old wall which collapsed under their weight.
Hopefully they weren't on the wall at the time as they might have injured themselves.
As yet there has been no contact from the kidnappers.
Cheque Presentation, Mary Sweenie
Mary Sweenie received care from St Vincent’s Hospice a few years ago. Knowing that it costs around £6,000 a day to provide Hospice services, she and her family decided that they would organise a charity fundraising night, as a way to say
thank you for the all the care shown during her stay, at Ferguslie Bowling Club in Paisley.
Family and friends were invited for a night of fun with karaoke, a raffle, a DJ and a buffet, made by family member Caroline Beatson. Caroline was happy to make her famous buffet, as a way of thanking the Hospice for her father-in-law’s care.
For Mary, the best Christmas present would always be a night out with all her family, so she decided to use some of the money that would have been spent on gifts to cover the costs of the DJ and buffet food. The hall was kindly donated for use by Ferguslie Bowling Club free of charge for this wonderful cause.
A grand total of £1,140 was raised, including a donation of £180 from colleagues of Mary’s son, Bobby, at Renfrewshire Council Building Services.
The whole family would like to express their thanks to all who attended, donated, purchased raffle tickets and offered their support to what was an incredibly successful fundraising night. Bobby Meiklejohn, Mary’s brother, said, “We couldn’t have done it without them”.
The family’s support for the hospice doesn’t stop there though. Stuart Ritchie, husband of Mary’s granddaughter Ashley, will be taking
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part in a sponsored cycle - The Paisley-Whithorn 100 Mile Challenge - in April this year. Says Stuart, “I’m happy to be fundraising for the Hospice as my grandfather received end of life care, and my aunt is currently receiving care there”.
Pictured in the photo from left to right are Bobby Meiklejohn, Mary, Brian, Angela, Caroline and Jacqueline, presenting the cheque to Karen Gallacher from our in-patient unit and Laura McDade from the fundraising team.
Laura said “On behalf of all at St. Vincent’s Hospice we want to sincerely thank Mary and all her family for this wonderful sum of money raised and for all the ongoing support they are giving to us.”
“If you are interested in holding your own fundraising event in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice please contact the fundraising team on 01505705635 or email [email protected]”
Cllr Derek Bibby
As Depute Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s
Finance Board I was pleased to recommend that the budget for the coming year be approved. The budget included a freeze on the Council Tax. Five years ago the current Labour administration promised to freeze the council tax year on year, and has kept to that promise.
The £6.716 million pounds towards roads, pavement and pathway repairs represents the biggest ever single year investment, which will be welcomed by those numerous villagers who have, over the years, raised this issue with me. The full list of repairs is currently being finalised but residents can be rest assured that I will be fighting for Lochwinnoch to get its fair share.
Some other points in the budget include resources totalling £4,406 million being made available to meet Social care needs for adults, people with disabilities, and the elderly and which will, amongst other services, protect aids and equipment, community care and occupational
therapy resources. The care of our older citizens is a priority for me, and availability of community care and community health services is vital to ensure a good quality of life for our citizens. That is why I recently successfully opposed Scottish government and health board cuts to Podiatry services, School nurses, Hospital transport and Mental Health services.
The budget also approved a freeze on charges on council services, which was accompanied by the removal of music tuition charges within schools across Renfrewshire.
With regard to education those Lochwinnoch parents who have children who attend St Anthony's Primary School will welcome the £1.5 million additional finance that will deliver enhanced high quality education.
An increase in funds of £20,000 to the Johnstone and Villages Local Area Committee will help provide additional financial support for Lochwinnoch Community groups and organisations.
Finally on a different matter, villagers will be aware the new bridge was opened at the beginning of February. Consequently, I will be writing to the bus companies to request that services which currently bypass the village are diverted to provide an enhanced service for local passengers. I will keep Chatterbox readers updated on this important issue.
My next surgery is on Saturday the 1st April at 9:00 am in the McKillop Institute
Meantime please contact me at
cllr.derek.bibby@renfrewshire .gov .uk
or phone 0300 300 1274 or 07534156007
Best wishes
Councillor Derek Bibby
Historical Society
Thursday 20th April
Joy Blair
"Shetland"
Parish Church Hall
7:30pm
Following a holiday in the Shetlands, Joy’s talk will offer some insight into many aspects of these islands, including historical detail.
Gryffe Camera Club
Wednesdays 7:30pm
Carrick Centre
Main Street
Houston
New members welcome, so if you are interested in joining just pop along to any Wednesday evening meeting or visit our website for more details.
www.gryffecameraclub.co.uk
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
10am in the McKillop Institute on the second Saturday of the month.
Alternatively, you can contact me at:
0141 571 4370
9 Wellmeadow Street, Paisley. PA1 2EF
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Model Yachts: Sailing in to Castle Semple will be the Scottish District Championships, sailing all weekend on the 1st and 2nd April. Great spectator sport and not an April Fool!
Easter Fun & Summer Courses Online now: Planning ahead? Courses are filling up now for both Spring and Summer through our new online booking system. Keep your kids busy and give them a taste of adventure in the holidays.
Open for Summer: On the 1st of April summer hours return to the Park’s 3 Visitor Centres. Castle Semple will be open daily 10am – 5pm and Greenock and Muirshiel will be open weekends and public holidays 11am – 4pm. With the brighter nights coming in we have lots of opportunity for you to get outside and walk, run or cycle.
Ride 63 Community Cycle Club: Pick up the new club calendar and check out our AGM meeting notes at the Castle Semple noticeboard. Join our new ‘group style Facebook page’ contact the secretary by email [email protected] for a membership form and ride info.
CMRP Online: Keep up to speed with events and activities taking place on the Park’s Facebook facebook.com/ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark, @Clydemuirshiel Twitter and
Instagram pages.
Events
Sat 1 Apr Summer’s Here! Summer hours begin, enjoy the fresh air, stop for a coffee and or appreciate the beautiful countryside.
WHERE: All Visitor Centres until the end of September WHEN: Castle Semple 10 –5pm daily, Muirshiel and Greenock Cut, 11am – 4pm at weekends. Sat 1 & Sun 2 Apr Scottish
Model Yacht Championships Watch the International One Metre Yachting elite racing at the lochshore.
WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre WHEN: 10am - 4pm approx MORE INFO: http://www.caledoniasailing.com/tag/international-one-metre
Mon 3 – Fri 7 Apr or Mon 10 – Fri 14 April Junior Multi Activity Weeks A full week of activities for 8-15 yr olds to get active, learn new skills and make new friends, on land and water! Get 6 or more children together and book your own course.
WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre COST: 5 FULL DAYS £160 MORE INFO: look online or tel 01505 842 882 Sat 15 & Sun 16 Apr Sailablity Spring Regatta Lots of accessible sailing boats will be training on Saturday and racing on Sunday.
WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre WHEN: 10.30am – 4pm each day MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Sat 15 & Sun 16 Apr Easter Entertainment Drop in at any time to complete the self-guided hunt for the Easter Bunny.
WHERE: Castle Semple and Muirshiel WHEN: 11am – 3.30pm Sun 16 Apr Easter Egg Decorating and Rolling Decorate an egg then rolling down one of Inverclyde’s highest hills!
WHERE: Greenock Cut Centre WHEN: 12.30 – 3pm COST: £5 per child MORE INFO: Look online and book or tel 01475 521 458 Sun 23 Apr Pedal the Park Road Sportive A 100km open road sportive organised with Ride 63 Community Cycle Club, fundraising for CLIC Sargent. Help always welcome to marshal the route – please get in contact.
START/FINISH: Castle Semple
Pedal the Park – 23 days to go (on 1 April)!: A 100k road cycling sportive, Pedal the Park takes in most of the Regional Park’s boundary and stunning scenery. Sign up now via British Cycling online for just £15 in advance, or £20 on the day (Sunday 23rd April). This includes a £5 donation to local charity CLIC Sargent in Scotland supporting their work with young people with cancer and their families. See you there!
10k Bog Stomp Run - Entry now LIVE!: The off road hill run due to take place at Greenock Cut Visitor Centre on Sunday 3rd September is LIVE on the Clyde Muirshiel website. See clydemuirshiel.co.uk/event/bog-stomp-2017 for more details and online entry, just £20.
THESTIRRUPCUPANTIQUES&VINTAGESHOP
Antique and Vintage items are an ecofriendlyway to furnish your home.Thefunandexcitementof indingatreasureto keep perhaps for a lifetime. It isalways intriguing to wonder who haspreviouslyowneditandhowmuchitwaslovedandadmired.FindusatWestBanksideFarm, justoffthe Largs Road on the outskirts ofKilbirnie opposite the Kilbirnie PlaceGolfCourse.Disabledaccessandparkingatthedoor.Open7days10a.m–5p.m.Telephone Greta on 01505 683338 or07786720586.
PostcodeforSatNavKA257LQ EasyFreeParkingOPENEVERYDAY10amto5pm
THE STIRRUP CUP
ANTIQUES AND VINTAGE SHOP
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methods of tree protection by planting in dense clumps and exploiting thorny and unpalatable species to protect against browsing deer. We will be monitoring the site over the next three years. There is approximately 100 square kilometres of derelict opencast mine land across Scotland so if our techniques prove successful we could be very busy!
Another interesting dimension to the project is our use of volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds. This includes groups from the Maryhill Integrated Network who provide support and activities for refugees while they await visas. It has been inspiring working with these groups who have demonstrated a fantastic work ethic in such challenging conditions.
Eadha has also commenced some native woodland planting at Knowes Road Landfill Site near Beith. Again we are planting a range of native pioneer species which will hopefully provide some screening and wildlife habitat. We are sourcing local native willows as well as planting our own aspen trees supplemented by birch, alder, broom, crab apple and a range of native shrubs. Give us a wave if you are passing on the train to Ayrshire!
Contact: Peter Livingstone
[email protected] 07968745197
www.eadha.co.uk Facebook: Eadha Enterprises
Twitter: eadhaaspen
and Angus Estates, we are planting 8000 trees to create areas of scrub and pioneer woodland. This has been designed as a trial to test how well certain pioneer species succeed in colonising the former mine land.
There is no topsoil on the site (or hardly a blade of grass) and we have been adding small amounts of forest soil sourced from long established native woodland sites in the hope of introducing the essential range of mycorrhizal fungi necessary for healthy trees.
We are trialing our full set of Galloway and Arran aspen clones to see which performs best to enable selection for future mine sites. We have also been sourcing cuttings of rare mountain willows found high in the Perthshire hills to see how they perform, a first for the UK.
While the conditions are certainly harsh, in many ways they resemble the landscape immediately after the ice age and we can take guidance from the pollen record to learn which trees were the early colonisers once the ice retreated. We are effectively trying to speed up processes which happened over 1000s of years. A challenge indeed!
We are also avoiding tree guards and fencing at this site which, while standard practice in most new woodland projects, is neither practical nor affordable in this case. We have therefore been experimenting with innovative
Visitor Centre WHEN: From 8am COST: £15 in advance MORE INFO: www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/events &
British Cycling online entry Sat 29 April BeachWatch As part of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive help the Rangers & Greenock Conservation Volunteers record the sea debris.
Where Lunderston Bay WHEN: 11am – 1pm MORE INFO: tel 01475 529 543 & bookings FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: FIONA CARSWELL – DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING OFFICER CMRP or Claire Paterson tel 01505 842 882
Eadha News
Eadha is currently involved in some interesting woodland creation projects during this winter and spring. All the projects are on reclaimed land and all focus on land reclamation and habitat creation. The first is at Glentaggart Opencast Mine near Douglas in South Lanarkshire.
Thanks to funding from the Brown Forbes Memorial Trust and Douglas
Re Mode is NOW OPEN at 39 High St, Lochwinnoch
ReMode is the Unique Boutique run by young people who’ll be upcycling and re-designing youth clothing for
their own designer label.
For more information, contact [email protected]
or 01505 842530
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It was a fantastic day at the Glasgow Climate Festival in George Square on Saturday 4th March. The event was organised by community-led organisations, funded through The Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund and supported by Keep Scotland Beautiful and CEMVO Scotland. The outdoor marquee in Glasgow Square was open to the public and projects showcased their work and got everyone involved in stunt cycling, Dr Bike checks, board games, ‘take one action pledges’ with LEAP holding a fashion show promoting ReMode’s work in creating zero waste fashion.
Cllr Andy Doig
Many constituents will now be aware that the SNP
Leadership decreed that I was not good enough to be approved to represent them at the forthcoming local elections. My view is that this is a matter for the people of Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, and Lochwinnoch to decide, not faceless party bureaucrats in Edinburgh, so I now sit as an Independent Cllr in Renfrewshire Council. I further intend to contest the new Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Lochwinnoch, and Howwood Ward as an Independent candidate in May, and would like to thank all those
constituents who have contacted me offering their support for my decision to go Independent. As always, I will seek to stand up for the interests of all constituents, regardless of their own political views, and will seek to put my ward first, freed from the constraints of party politics.
I have an update for constituents on my campaign to upgrade the A737, which is vital for health and safety reasons but also for enabling economic growth for the whole Johnstone and the Villages conurbation. At the last full council meeting I asked the Leader of Renfrewshire Council if he would write to the Finance Secretary of the Scottish Government asking for the £78 million allocated for the City Deal Renfrew to Yoker Bridge project to be diverted to the upgrade of the A737, which would only cost an estimated £50 million, so far, the Council Leader has not replied. My rationale for this was that the Finance Secretary stated in the local press that he would struggle to support the Renfrew Bridge project in its present form. This represents a window of opportunity and I call on both Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government to set aside their differences to deliver a major benefit for Lochwinnoch and Howwood residents.
My advice surgery in Kilbarchan is on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in the Steeple Hall at 7:45pm, and my advice surgery in Lochwinnoch is on the 4th Wednesday of the month in the McKillop at 7:30pm, excluding July. But I am also always available to constituents who can call me on 07534 148224, tweet me on CllrAndy4Ward8 or e-mail me at [email protected].
Yours Sincerely,
Cllr Andy Doig (Independent),
Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, and Lochwinnoch Ward
LEAP
Lampshade Re-use Workshop fun
Much fun was had at the first LEAP
Lampshade Re-use Workshop, where the 6 participants learned how to strip back their old lampshade and recover with reclaimed material.
This workshop was oversubscribed, so if you would like to put your name down for the spring workshop, or would like to find out more, please email [email protected]
Manos Amigas craft organisation visits LEAP’s ReMode shop Yannina Meza from Manos Amigas, the Peruvian based organisation that brings talented artisans together, to export their crafts to the growing Fair Trade markets in Europe, recently visited ReMode in Lochwinnoch. Gillian Steel of ReMode showed her samples of young people’s own label up-cycled, re-designed and zero waste clothing. ‘I was really impressed at how this project has cultivated a drive for new artisan skills for young people.‘ Liz Cotton from Rainbow Turtle, who hosted Yannina’s visit to Renfrewshire, added that ‘ReMode is challenging young people to consider and take action to reduce the detrimental impact of fast fashion and the throw away clothes culture on the environment ’
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positive and welcoming atmosphere for both men and women. We have introduced activities that give people an opportunity the engage in new and old interests such as quizzes, talks, music and storytelling. Laughter is included regardless.
An essential elements to staying independent and mobile in older age is to take regular exercises that are designed purely to help with just that. We deliver OTAGO exercises, which are suitable for all and have a proven track record of improving strength, balance and increasing confidence in walking ability.
And yes, there is still a 2 course lunch to enjoy in the companionship of others.
If you are over 65, want to invest in your health and wellbeing and are free on a Thursday between 12 – 2pm we would like to hear from you. Places are available for both
ROAR
ROAR - Connections for Life Ltd is an innovative, and expanding social enterprise based in Paisley but operating throughout Renfrewshire. We design and deliver services with a focus on health and wellbeing in later life. People who engage with us report feeling better connected, more confident and happier.
Lochwinnoch is home to one of our longest running weekly clubs. Although this is a triumph that the club has been sustained, many people in the village still think of it as purely a lunch club, but it’s so much more than that these days.
The key to wellbeing starts with a
members and volunteers. No upper age limit applies to either.
If you would like to know more about Roar Services in other areas. Visit our website to find out more information - www.roarforlife.org Or phone us on 0141 889 7481.
ROAR – Connections for Life Health and Wellbeing Club
Thursday from 12-2pm at the McKillop Institute
Lunch included
Tel: 0141 889 7481 for more information
Advertising in Chatterbox
A. Standard size advert – 5cm x 13cm (or 13cm x 5cm) layout - £30 per month.
B. Special (customised) advert – 7.5cm x 13cm (or 13cm x 7.5cm) layout - £40 per month.
C. Quarter page advert – eg 9.5cm wide x 13cm high layout - £45 per month.
D. Half page advert – 19cm x 13cm (or 13cm x 19cm) layout - £90 per month.
E. Full page advert – 20cm x 28 cm - £180 per month.
Sizes may vary slightly. Contact for colour pricing.
e-mail : [email protected] for further information.
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What’s On Regular clubs, classes and groups
Bokwa Fitness — Masonic Hall, Thursdays, 7—8pm. Places limited. Contact Rachel on 07795 100231 or 503362
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 [email protected]
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 12:30- 3:30pm Castle Semple Centre - Young Volunteers, 12-18yr old, Sundays 10-12am, Castle Semple
Cunningham Choir—Wednesdays 7:30-9:30pm, Beith Community Centre, all welcome
Drop-in T Bar—Elderly Forum. McKillop Institute, 10-12 noon.
FitSteps—Lochbarr Centre, 7-8om, starts 7th March.
Football Training—St Mirrin football training, Lochbarr Centre, 4-5pm age 3-6, 5-6pm age 6-12yrs
Girls Brigade—1st Lochwinnoch Company, Wed evenings from 6pm-9.15pm at the Parish Church Hall for various age groups.
Hatha Yoga Classes with Laura-Jane Lawson. Wednesday- McKillop Inst 7pm-8.30pm. All levels welcome. Tel: 07999 862 162 or Email: [email protected]
Healing and Creativity Workshops & Classes—For details or to book a place, please Tel Becky: 0141 8816700 or Libby on: 01505 842604
Keep Fit—Mon and Thur from 7pm, in the McKillop Institute
Keep Fit—Improving With Age classes—every Tues from 10-11am at the McKillop. Tel 842 136
Knitting Group—Mondays 10am-12 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—(pre-booking necessary). Anne Moss, Tel: 01505 842367, e-mail: [email protected]
Linda Margaret School of Dancing—Tues 4pm-8.45pm, McKillop Inst. Tel: 0141 581 9104.
Lochbarr Centre * Monday -Pilates 6pm-7pm call
07930 324 276 to book. * Monday - Fit-Steps with Jennifer
7.15pm -8.15pm * Tuesday- FBX with Steven 7pm -
7.30pm & 7.30pm-8pm * Wednesday - Clubbercise 6.30 -
7.15pm * Wednesday -Pilates 7.30-
8.30pm call 07930 324 276 * Thursday -Pilates 10.30-
11.30am call 07930 324 276 * Thursday St Mirren Football
Training 4pm -5pm (age 3-6) 5pm-6pm (age 6-12)
* Thursday Pulse Dance Academy - 6pm-7pm Juniors (primary 1-4) 7pm-8pm Seniors 1 (primary 5-7) 8pm-9pm Senior 2 (1st year onwards)
* Saturday Bootcamp 9.30-10.30am * Saturday Pulse Dance Academy
10.30am -11.15am Minis (age 2-4)11.15am -12pm, Tap & Stretch
Juniors (primary1-5) 12pm -1pm Tap & Stretch Seniors (p6 onward)
Lochwinnoch Art Group—Meet fortnightly on Monday evenings, 7.30pm, McKillop Institute.
Lochwinnoch Choral Society—Rehearsals on Monday evenings, Parish Church Hall. Juniors 7:15-8pm, Seniors 8pm-9.15pm.
Lochwinnoch Community Walks—Mondays (ex. Public Holidays), meet at 10.30am at The McKillop Institute.
Lochwinnoch Toddlers—Mon and Wed 9.45am - 11.30am during term time in McKillop, new members welcome, free entry for babies under 6mths, tea, coffee available and free healthy snacks.
Lochwinnoch Writers Group—Monday from 2-4:15pm in the Library. Contact 873581
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 Self-defence classes for youths and adults. Tuesdays from 5-6pm, McKillop and Thursdays from 7pm-8pm 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, 8pm, at 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
Some activities may cease during
holidays, please check Mon & Fri 10am-5pm Tue-Thur 10am-2pm Sat By Appointment
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your profile you will receive an email with a one-time password and a link to activate your account.
Coming Soon
The Council is looking at the best ways to add additional services to MyAccount such as the reporting of missed bins, potholes and street lighting faults as well as arranging a bulky uplift. We will keep you up to date with progress and timescales.
Feedback
Take a look at what MyAccount has to offer – it really could save you time. You can tell us what you think of it and what kinds of services you would like to added to MyAccount by emailing the team at
Regular Councillor Surgeries
Cllr Andy Doig—4th Wednesday of the month, McKillop Institute, 7:30pm
Cllr Chris Gilmour—1st Saturday of the month, McKillop Institute, 9am
Cllr Derek Bibby—1st Saturday of the month, McKillop Institute, 9am
RBS Mobile Bank
McKillop Institute
Wed 11:15—11:55
Friday 11:50am—12
Upcoming Events
Sat/Sun 1st & 2nd April—Model Yacht Championships
Fri 7 April—RSPB Local Group, McMaster Centre, Renfrew @ 7.30 pm.
Thu 20th Apr—Historical Society, Shetland, 7:30pm, Parish Church Hall
Sun 23rd Apr—Pedal The Park
Wed 26th Apr—Parish Church Cream tea, 2pm
Sun 30th Apr—Deadline for Chatterbox funding requests.
Sun 7th May—Gryffe Valley Rotary 10k Run
Sun 14 May—RYA Push The Boat Out Day/mini dinghy show, 10:30-4pm, Castle Semple
RAMH Challenge
Are you ready to take on a challenge in 2017 for RAMH? Push your comfort zone, achieve something you never expected you could, meet a great bunch of new people, all while supporting local mental health services. Join us for the 2017 Canyoning Challenge on the River Tay! You'll be jumping, swimming, and even abseiling through a beautiful gorge, and seeing sights you can only see from the river.
It's on Saturday 26th August 2017 and includes return transport from Paisley or Barrhead, half day’s canyoning, pub dinner to finish and home before sunset. A fantastic, unique experience
for only £15 registration fee + £75 sponsorship, all going directly to local mental health services. Book [email protected] or 0141 847 8900
Renfrewshire Council MyAccount
MyAccount – Online at a time that suits you
MyAccount is your digital customer account with Renfrewshire Council. Available on a smartphone, tablet or pc, you can access a variety of council services online at a time that suits you.
What does MyAccount offer?
You can view your Council Tax and rent accounts; apply for benefit, council tax discount or exemption; and notify us when something’s changed. Smart online forms make applications quick and simple to complete and electronic upload of supporting evidence is a straightforward camera click away.
Almost 40% of MyAccount customers currently log in from a smartphone which means they have access to their council tax and rent balance, payments, and transaction history at the touch of a button, wherever they are online.
www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/MyAccount
It’s quick and simple to register with MyAccount - all you need to get started is an email address. Simply visit the Council website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/MyAccount. Once you have set up
Mr
Joinery: All including Kitchens, Bathrooms, Flooring, Tiling, Garages, Sheds etc. Painting/Decorating/Paperhanging. Fencing: Wooden &
Metal. Ornamental Metalwork & Welding Monoblock/Slabbing & Gardening.
FREE Estimates/Best Prices
Tel: 07917 654 857
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.
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centre to feast on bird seed, giving us lovely close views of the little families from the visitor centre. It is great to see the ducklings return day after day and have the chance to see them grow until they are almost adult-sized and are ready to make their own way in the world.
If talk of fluffy ducklings and newly hatched chicks puts you in mind of Easter, don’t forget to come along to our Easter Eggstravaganza on Monday 17 April! There will be plenty of fun family activities throughout the day, including Easter crafts, a treasure hunt, face painting and our now infamous egg drop challenge – can your egg survive the fall from the tower?
For more information about any of events, please call 01505 842 663 or email [email protected].
Events in April
For further information and booking, please contact the reserve:
Email: [email protected] Tel. 01505 842 663 RSPB Lochwinnoch, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF
Wildlife Photography Workshop – Intermediate Level 10am – 4pm Saturday 1 April Learn how to take great outdoor and wildlife photographs with your own camera, and then see your results on screen. The workshop will be led by wildlife photographer David Palmar (www.photoscot.co.uk), who has over 30 years of experience and is a volunteer photographer with the RSPB at their Loch Lomond & Inner Forth reserves.
This will be an excellent opportunity
At RSPB Lochwinnoch, spring has sprung and new life is everywhere! Many birds have spent the past weeks collecting feathers, grasses and moss for their nests, and some have already laid a clutch of eggs. It won’t be long before the first blue tits of the year begin to hatch! Did you know that blue tits can lay as many as 16 eggs in a clutch, and each hungry little chick needs to eat around 100 caterpillars a day! This means that both parents need to work incredibly hard every day to find enough food to feed their young. We have a special nest box on the reserve which is linked to a camera, and we’ve been keeping a close eye on the video feed to see whether the box will be home to some baby birds this spring. If you pop in to the visitor centre, don’t forget to have a look at the screen and see what you can spot!
Elsewhere there is lots of new life around, although some of it isn’t so easy to see. In the depths of our ponds, tiny tadpoles emerge from the swathes of frogspawn and begin to explore the underwater world, feeding on algae and tiny water fleas. Now is the time to start looking for pond skaters too, speeding across the pond’s surface. These long-legged insects return to water in April after spending the winter hibernating in groups in sheltered places.
One of my favourite moments of spring is the first glimpse of a group of tiny fluffy mallard ducklings being herded across the meadow by their mum. The female ducks often bring their young right up to the visitor
to build on your existing photography skills. Advice, encouragement and ideas will be freely given!
Cost: £40 – 20% discount for RSPB members Binocular & Telescope Open Day 10am-4pm Sat 1 & Sun 2 April Come and peruse a range of telescopes and binoculars, with knowledgeable staff on hand to help you find the right one for you! Our optics are competitively priced, with the added bonus that you are helping conservation.
Cost: FREE Family volunteering - volunteer with your children or grandchildren... 1 – 3:30pm Sun 2 Apr Who says volunteering is only for grown-ups? Definitely not us! Here’s an opportunity for grown-ups and children to do something practical together in the great outdoors, and to help us Give Nature a Home. It’s a chance to spend some quality time with the children in your life, and it’s free.
Please book. Cost: FREE Explorer Challenge: Wheel of natural wonders! Any time! (Visitor centre open 7 days; 10am – 4pm) Sat 1 – Mon 10 Apr Spend some quality family time together at RSPB Lochwinnoch! This event is not your usual kind – you do it with your own family in your own time! Simply pop into the Visitor centre any time between Saturday 1 and Monday 10 April, where the friendly staff will get you started. Then, go out onto the reserve to make your “wheel of natural wonders”. When you’ve finished, come back to the centre to show us your wheel, get a special sticker and tell us all about it!
Cost: £3 per child (RSPB members £1) [Normal trail fees apply] Make Your Own Mondays: Bushcraft – Super Sticks! 11am - 1pm OR 2pm - 4pm Mon 3 Apr
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12noon - 3pm Mon 17 Apr Fancy some egg-cellent Easter fun? Come and join us for some egg-tastic Easter activities at Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve. We have plenty of wildlife-themed Easter activities for children of all ages, including egg decorating, a treasure hunt, face painting and the ever popular Egg Drop Challenge! No booking necessary.
Cost: £6 (RSPB members £3). Adults go FREE! Lochwinnoch Explorer Group: Raptors! 10am – 12noon Sat 22 Apr Calling all children! Come along and learn about nature, but most importantly, get dirty and have fun doing it! We’ll be learning all about birds of prey! Please wear suitable clothing for being outdoors.
Ages: 5 to 14 years. Please note that all children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential. Cost: £5 (£3 RSPB members) (adults go free)
Birds for Beginners 11am – 1:30pm Sat 29 Apr Are you a beginner to bird watching? Join the team at RSPB Lochwinnoch for a workshop ideal for introducing beginners to this fantastic hobby! Learn more about common garden birds and pick up tips and advice on wildlife watching techniques. After this, we’ll head out onto the reserve to put these new skills into practise and then top it all off with a hot drink back at the
What can you do with the humble stick? Come along to find out! We will make bows and arrows and have a go at some target practice! We’ll make stick people – or stick creatures, and then create some beautiful natural mobiles.
Booking essential. Cost: £5 (RSPB members £3) - Adults go free! Make Your Own Mondays: Nature Detectives 11am - 1pm OR 2pm - 4pm Mon 10 Apr We’ll become nature detectives for the day! We will make our own detective books, and then head out on a scavenger hunt to looks for tracks, prints and other signs of animal activity.
Booking essential. Cost: £5 (RSPB members £3) - Adults go free!
Explorer Challenge: Going on a bear hunt! Any time! (Centre open 7 days; 10am – 4pm) Tues 11 – Sun 16 Apr Spend some quality family time together at RSPB Lochwinnoch! This event is not your usual kind –
you do it with your own family in your own time! Simply pop into the Visitor centre any time between Tuesday 11 and Sunday 16 April, where the friendly staff will get you started. Then, visit different stations along our main trail to go on a bear hunt!
Cost: £3 per child (RSPB members £1) [Normal trail fees apply]
Easter Eggstravaganza
centre. Please book, as places are limited.
Cost: Adults: £5; Children: £3 (RSPB members: £3/£2) Binocular & Telescope Open Day 10am-4pm Sat 29 Apr – Mon 1 May Come and peruse a range of telescopes and binoculars, with knowledgeable staff on hand to help you find the right one for you! Our optics are competitively priced, with the added bonus that you are helping conservation.
Cost: FREE
RAMH
Start swotting up for the RAMH annual Dinner & Quiz - this year hosted by the wonderful broadcaster & writer Vanessa Collingridge, with headline sponsors University of the West of Scotland. It's on Friday 19th May 2017 at the Normandy Hotel Renfrew and guests will enjoy a fizz reception, 3 course meal with coffee and 8 rounds of celeb-hosted quiz. The sports round will be hosted by St Mirren FC legend, Tony Fitzpatrick.
Teams of maximum 10 guests will compete to win the much coveted RAMH Quiz Trophy, sponsored by Linstone Housing. And the best bit is that the event aims to raise £15,000 for local mental health services. Tickets are just £29.95 each with the early bird discount; book before Friday 31st March and save £50 per table. Bookings after this date will be charged at £35 per person, so reserve your place now [email protected] or 0141 847 8900.
The evening is perfect for corporate hospitality, team building, or socialising with friends. Dress is smart/casual (no denim, no trainers). It kicks off at 7pm, the trophy is presented at midnight and the dancing finishes at 1am. It’s a terrific evening of competition and fun. All guests are warmly welcomed and furthermore, you will be supporting recovery from mental ill health with RAMH.
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promise….
At any rate, if you’ve got a worthwhile community project that needs a little bit of support, get your bids in to Barbara now. She’s trying to organise an independent assessment team of some sort so that she has no hands on involvement. The Lochwinnoch Ukelele Orchestra is already pitching for help to buy a simple PA system, though some might suggest, perhaps uncharitably, that the Ukelele Orchestra makes quite enough noise as it is. Speaking as someone who has just joined that band of musical maestros, I, of course, couldn’t possibly comment.
By Graham Lait
Ed Note: Chatterbox has an Editorial team rather than it just being me, Barbara. Although yes the Community Council has refused to accept the profits as a donation, there is no ‘rod of office’ or lambasting going on in the Chatterbox office.
Despite wishful thinking, funds have not yet been allocated and there will be no preferential treatment, even for regular columnists in the bidding process. See page 1 for details on how to apply. If unsuccessful then perhaps Flugston could look to the CC for hanging basket funding? The baskets certainly brightened up the street last summer. Great solo effort.
same kind of people who won’t take the money in the first place. That’s why she’s insisting that I do the hanging baskets and Chatterbox will fund the cost of plants, compost and liners, because nobody can reasonably object to that as a worthwhile use for some of the money which is all very fine, except for the fact that it takes ages to do that many hanging baskets and that’s before we get to the time and effort it takes to maintain them once they’re up. Set against that, the cost of the baskets themselves is peanuts and it’ll still be muggins here struggling up the lamp posts with them.
Still, there’s only myself to blame. I offered to write a gardening column in this paper when I heard that at the Community Council meeting over a year ago when they decided to take the Chatterbox ‘in house’, without realising that it was, in fact, not theirs to take anywhere anyway, Barbara, our editor, was not allowed to speak, despite sitting there with her hand up for half an hour… and she had given her time and efforts free for years. We don’t know the ins and outs of the situation between Barbara and the Community Council. We do know that this was a disgraceful way for the Community Council to proceed. Whether Barbara had any worthwhile contribution to make to the discussion nobody will ever know and that doesn’t matter anyway. All that matters is that, as editor of the paper, she was gagged and that is not acceptable…. Still, what a shame that the gardening column itself never seems to make it to the page. It will, one day it will,
Basket Cases
‘Take the money and be grateful!’ lambasted the editor of this scurrilous rag ‘… and get on with the hanging baskets without any more of your nonsense!’ I grovelled and whined in a suitably cowed manner, ‘But I don’t want to do the hanging baskets again. It’s Flugiston (my man with his ear to the ground on local affairs) who’s responsible for the hanging baskets. He dragooned me into it last year and now you’re doing the same thing this year. It’s not fair.’ ‘You’ll do as you’re told!’ snapped our august editor, slapping her rod of office (a compositors rule) down on the desk with awful menace. ‘Somebody’s got to take the money and if you think I’m letting your idiot friend Flugiston anywhere near it you’re very much mistaken. The man’s not fit to be in charge of a half-eaten Curly Wurly!’. She’s quite right, of course, Fuller Flugiston’s about as much use as a one legged man at an arse kicking party, but I’d been hoping to oil out of anything to do with decorating the village lamp posts with hanging baskets this year… fat chance of that, and here’s why…
Surprising as it may seem, this little paper actually makes some money. In the good old days, this money was donated to the Community Council, who used it at their discretion for local good. Barbara, our editor, recently offered last years profits to the Community Council as usual and they wouldn’t take them. This is not a joke. They really won’t take the money. So now she has to dispose of it on worthwhile local projects herself. The thing is that she’s convinced that whatever she does with the money will be subjected to the usual mean spirited whispering campaign she’s been subjected to for God only knows how long by the
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Calder lodge, Newton of Barr, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AR
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A short history: Karen, who has owned the shop for 13 years, worked in even it before that, so her experience spans more than 30 years! Some customers who still come regularly even pre-date her arrival, and she has many regular and loyal customers who have been coming for many years. Often, Karen recognises customers when they ring, before they have given their name, and can usually anticipate what they want.
Amongst her many younger customers, colour treatments including ‘foils’ (colour streaks and highlights) are proving very popular at the moment. Fashions and treatments have changed over the years, and there is always a need to be aware of current trends. Karen keeps herself up to date, and her assistant is young and enthusiastic and brings in the latest ideas.
Flexibility is vital in offering what has become an increasingly broad range of treatments to a whole community. The only shop-based hairdresser in the village now, being able (and willing) to help beyond the normal shop hours is a bonus, and offering a ‘hair-up’ (hair dos for special events) service is very popular.
For those who appreciate being able to visit a welcoming salon in the heart of the village, and at ground level, with experienced stylists, and a flexible approach to everyone’s needs, this is another of the village’s treasures.
Contact Info: 01505 842125
Cats Protection
Smudge is an older lady, age 16, a domestic long-haired tortoiseshell. Her elderly owner was devastated to give her up. She would be best in a quiet home, without other cats or children. She is an indoor cat.
If you think you could give Smudge or any other cat a new home please contact Cats Protection
t: 0345 371 4218
Local Business Focus
Shops and businesses in and around Lochwinnoch
Shop name: Cut and Care
Location: 3, Church Street
What we offer: A range of hair treatments, including cutting, colouring, and styling, for everyone from babies to our oldest villagers. A salon in the very centre of the village, which is easily accessible to everyone, young and older, men and women, traditional and adventurous!
Opening times:
Mon – Wed; 9 – 5, Tues, 9 – 4, Sat, 8.30 – 12.30 (closed Thurs)
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Not because of the birds we caught (which included a total of 6 long-tailed tits another new bird for Muirshiel), but for the engagement with the visitors. Many came after hearing about our previous events with a few repeat visitors too. The McAlindon family arrived early on with their two young girls with bird spotter guides in hand. It wasn’t long before birds started coming into the Centre and we worked through the girls’ books to help them ID blue tits, robins and the long-tailed tits. As many of the birds are moulting just now it wasn’t uncommon for a few feathers to fall off and the girls started to cellotape these into their books next to the relevant species. For me this is what Tag-n-Track is all about. Inspiring our visitors and the next generation. Intrigued? Future event details are below!
Event News Our next ringing event will take place at Muirshiel Country Park on Sunday 9th April between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Please do come along and see what surprise birds we get in the net this time.
More Info… Details can be found on the Park’s website www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/tag-n-track or by emailing [email protected]. The Project also now has its own Facebook Page - www.facebook.com/TagnTrack/ Talks to groups can be arranged if you are interested in finding out more about the project and its findings as the project progresses.
fences to get my very first sparrowhawk out of the net. He was a stonking adult male and he completely enthralled everyone who was present. Before long all his biometrics were recorded and before a sea of mobile phones he was released flying higher and higher above the Centre.
It’s funny how things work out though...That evening, back at Castle Semple telling the Rangers about the sparrowhawk when we heard a massive bang at one of the office windows. I opened the window to see 15ft below another sparrowhawk, this time a big female. Another mad dash outside saw the bird safely retrieved. It was suffering from concussion but was lucky not to have killed itself. After an overnight visit to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue for meds and observation, she was collected and released back at Castle Semple much to the delight of the visitors present at the time.
Our most recent ringing event has to be one of my favourites so far.
RSPB Local Group
The next meeting of the Renfrewshire Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Local Group will be held on
Friday 7 April at 7.30 pm.
There will be an illustrated talk by Paula Baker entitled Loch Lomond - building the dream.
The meeting will be held in the McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive, Renfrew PA4 8LX. All welcome.
Tag-n-Track Project Update
It’s time for the monthly roundup from Project Officer Hayley Douglas. TnT is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Greater Renfrewshire and Inverclyde LEADER and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park
Project News We have been busy over the last month here at TnT. Two more ringing events carried out, school workshops developed and advertised and talk requests being dealt with. I even spotted my first lesser black-backed gull the other day in Linwood. Our ringing event at the end of February was hit with bad weather but we persevered and after a few hours we started to get a run of birds at the net. First a blue tit, then a great tit and then, just as we were getting ready to let the great tit go, one of the visitors shouted that there was a big bird in the net. A quick glance and suddenly I was out of the Centre like a shot, jumping over the
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Admiring the long tailed tit
Sparrowhawk
Identifying the blue tit
Val Crookston and family with Hayley (and sparrowhawk)
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Gutter Cleaning
Lochwinnoch Parish Church has recently had its gutters cleaned with a state of the art, ground based Vacuum Cleaning system By Nutech Cleaning a Bishopton based Company.
Utilising carbon fibre poles and an Industrial wet vacuum cleaner coupled with a wireless camera and
flats, office blocks, retail units and Churches where access would normally be difficult expensive or both.
Keeping gutters clear is essential for your building, maintaining a clear route for rain and stopping it from overflowing and potentially damaging your building. The high level wireless camera system can also be used to inspect roof and gutter condition etc, checking integrity of the tiles/slates etc.
April Fun Facts
There is some uncertainty about how the month got its name. One suggestion is that it comes from the Roman word Aprilis meaning ‘top open’, or it may come from Aphrodite, the Greek name for the goddess of love
The birth of Christ was celebrated in April up until 350 when Pope Julius I declared that Christ’s birth would be celebrated on Dec 25th.
April is national kite month. Legend has it that the first kite was flown centuries ago by a Chinese farmer who tied a string to his hat to keep it from going aloft.
monitoring system the gutters were safely cleaned without the use of expensive access equipment. The gutters required 8-10 metres of poles to reach some high and difficult places, The gutters containing moss, silt, small weeds, many slate chippings and some large sticks, were all safely cleared. This system is suitable for many buildings and is being put to use above conservatories, on blocks of
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We are pleased to welcome Terence, a local resident and partner in the firm of Aberdein Considine as a new contributor to Chatterbox. Aberdein Considine is a Scotland wide firm of solicitors with four offices in Glasgow. Every month Terence will outline and discuss a legal, financial or estate agency matter that he feels will be of interest and importance to many of you.
If you have a particular query or point of interest that you would like Terence to consider please get in touch with us at [email protected] and we will ask him if he can write us a paragraph or two on the subject.
Legal Blog
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a legal document which gives someone authority to act or make decisions on your behalf if you become incapable of looking after your own affairs. It contains a list of powers you would like the person(s) (the “attorney(s)”) to have and details of what circumstances in your life would have to change to allow the attorney to begin acting for you.
It allows you to decide who will deal with your affairs if you lose mental capacity arising from any number of conditions, such as stroke, brain injury, concussion, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Having a Power of Attorney in place avoids stress and expense for your loved ones dealing with your affairs should you become incapable.
A suitably qualified medical practitioner will be able to confirm whether or not a person is incapable.
If you become incapable without a Power of Attorney in place, it can cause real difficulties for your partner or family. No-one, not even your spouse or partner has the right to act on your behalf without legal authority. He or
she may have to apply to the court to get authority to act on your behalf, involving a formal application and medical certificates which can be expensive, worrying and time-consuming. It is too late for the “vulnerable adult” who has become incapable to grant a Power of Attorney.
In the Power of Attorney document itself you can include powers dealing with your finances and property, such as accessing your bank accounts, paying bills, collecting your pension, dealing with investments and even making gifts, such as birthday presents. Your attorney will also be able to deal with all matters to do with your house including a sale should that be necessary. It is possible to provide that such powers can only be exercised when you are unable to do so yourself. Welfare powers (which are now usually included in the document along side the more general powers) allow your attorney to deal with more personal matters such as deciding whether or not you should have medical or dental treatment. They can also include power to decide what sort of clothes you wear and even to decide on your hairstyle.
Anyone can be appointed as your attorney. This can be a partner, family member or friend or your solicitor or a combination. A person who is currently declared bankrupt cannot be appointed. The Power of Attorney document must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before it can be validly used.
Terence Docherty, Partner Aberdein Considine, Solicitors
138 Ayr Road Glasgow, G77 6EG Tel: 0141 639 2277
E-mail: [email protected]
Lochwinnoch Community Library
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Sat-urday
10am – 1pm,
2pm – 5pm
Wednesday 2pm-5pm, 6pm-8pm
CLOSED THURSDAY
Tel: 0300 300 1188
BookBug Sessions: Every Tues-day 10-10:30am
Songs, rhymes, rhythm and move-ment! Free, friendly and fun for chil-dren aged up to four and their par-ents. No need to book, just drop in!
Citizen’s Advice Surgeries: held in Lochwinnoch Library on selected Tuesdays 2 - 4pm. Appointment only, these can be made by telephoning 0141 889 2121 or by booking online at
www.renfrewshirecab.org.uk
Foodbank Collection Point: Lochwinnoch library is now a collec-tion point, details of foodstuffs re-quired can be found at this website.
www.renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk
Easter Holidays: Library will be closed Friday 14, Saturday 15 & Mon-day 17 April. We are always open online at
www. renfrewshirelibraries.co.uk
20
Surgery News
Dr Tracy McLaughlin We're pleased to announce that Dr. Tracy McLaughlin has joined the practice and will be working Wednesday, Thursday & Friday each week. She has several years experience of working in a busy, city centre practice in Glasgow and has a particular interest in the management of diabetes. We're sure she will be a very positive addition to our practice team.
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.
Mjog Text System We recently installed a text reminder system which allows patients to text back the word “cancel” to automatically cancel the appointment. This has proved successful in reducing the number of wasted appointments. Please keep your contact details up to date.
Thanks Sadie
Wee shout out for a very special lady in the village, Sarah Burns.
Sadie has supported every single one of my hare-brained schemes over the past 8 years and has helped me and the kids raise money for Help for Heroes, Support our Paras, Forces Support Charity, Support our Soldiers, Erskine hospital, Glasgow Children’s hospital charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, Poppyscotland and Soldiers off the Street Scotland.
She also provides me with regular goodies to fill up my shoe boxes to send to my adopted deployed squaddies.
Without people like Sadie and all the other kind hearted villagers and businesses, we would not be able to help these great causes xxx
Donna
Minor Illness Self help guidance for the management of minor illnesses is available on the practice website at
www.mistylawmedicalpractice.co.uk
& 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.
Wasted Appointments Like many other practices, we're experiencing difficulties obtaining locum cover for doctors’ holiday leave which may result in reduced appointment availability and we would appreciate patients' understanding and help with this.
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 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.
ESTABLISHED 1989
25 YEARS IN BUSINESS AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS GO ON AND ON…
UPVC DOORS FITTED FROM £460
UPVC WINDOWS AND DOORS MAINTENANCE FREE UPVC
ROOFLINE AND FULL WINDOW REPAIR SERVICE
HINGES, LOCKS AND MISTED
AND BROKEN GLASS REPLACED
OUR PRODUCTS ARE INSTALLED
IN OVER ONE HUNDRED LOCHWINNOCH HOUSEHOLDS
Contact—PETER McGARVEY
Tel: 01505 614654
Editorial and Copy for the April 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: [email protected]
Electronic submission with full colour pictures are preferred.
Tel: 01505 842632
COPY DEADLINE FOR MAY IS MONDAY 10TH APRIL