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CHATTERBOX
No 251 November 2014
www.lochwinnoch.info
www.facebook.com/lochwinnoch
Community newsletter produced by Lochwinnoch Community Council
What’s On & Dates for your Diaries
Village events, clubs, classes, etc are in the centre pages
Bowling Club Event
The ‘Fall Ball Ceilidh’
Trampas, the traditional country
music band will play at Lochwinnoch
Bowling Club on
The McKillop Hall
Saturday 1st November, 8.30pm
Band ‘Clamjamfrie’
For tickets, £6 each, contact Suzanne
by phone or text on 07740 397 396.
Saturday 8th November
8.00pm - 12.30am
Lochwinnoch Arts Festival Outreach
Saturday 8th November
McKillop Hall
11am to 2pm
Entry by ticket only £8.50p
Bar, Buffet & Raffle
Tickets @ Calder Gallery and
Café Cucina Minucci at the Junction
Calder U F Church
Christmas Fayre
Saturday 22nd November
10am - 12noon
in
Xmas Craft Fayre
The McKillop Hall
Lochwinnoch Annexe
Sunday 7 December 11am – 4 pm
Santa’s Grotto, Children’s Face Painter,
Fairground Rides, Sand Art, Jewellery,
Arts & Crafts,
Tea Room, Sandals & Bags.
Host Of Other Goodies.
Pre-Christmas Craft Fair
And A
Adult £2 Child FREE
includes Tea/coffee and Christmas
goodies!
Browse the stalls for gifts, wrap and
cards, delicious home baking, a new
book or just enjoy a coffee and a
blether!
Bring the kids along for a great family
day out.
Mary Sinclair’s Thanks
On Sunday 14th September the water
tank in the loft burst flooding Mary's
home in Calderpark Street. Due to
Mary's limited mobility this disaster
would have been even worse had
neighbours not come to her rescue and
bailed out all of the water with buckets
etc.
Mary wants to express her thanks to
everyone who helped.
1
Over 25 Local Crafters
Crafts include Knitting, Felting,
Prints, Jewellery, Cards, Pottery, Glass
work, Textiles, Photos, Buttonwork,
Plaques, etc.
Free entry
Free tea and coffee
Also featuring LEAP’s Yep!
Lochwinnoch Parish
Church
Drop in Cafe.
Entry £2.50
Saturday 15th November 10am - noon
LPIG
A huge thank you to all
who voted for us in the
Bank of Scotland Community Fund, as
this went to print the results had not
been released yet but we hope to hear
from them soon. We could have won
up to £3000 with your help!
We really need your help to raise even
more money for the park and our next
improvements. We have been allotted
a bag-packing slot at the new Tesco in
Linwood on Saturday 15th November.
We need to fill 8 tills and can have as
much of the day as we want. Please let
us know if you can volunteer by
emailing Laura Wishart [email protected]
The joint AGM for the Lochwinnoch
Playground Improvement Group and
Lochwinnoch Millennium Events
Group will be held on
Wednesday 26th November
at 7.45pm
upstairs in The Brown Bull. All
welcome. Come along to learn more
about us and to ask us any questions.
Please remember, we are always in
need of more volunteers!
Elderly Forum
Following the success of the lively
September meeting when our three
Councillors gave their reports on
village local issues and then took
questions from all those present, we
propose to do that again at this
month's meeting on Thursday 27th
November at 1.30pm.
Macmillan Coffee Morning
When Caitlin saw on TV the
Macmillan ad about hosting the
ordinator) .We also had countless
promises of home baking from many,
adults and touchingly, other kids!
World's Biggest Coffee Morning, she
took it to heart and declared that she
wanted to hold Lochwinnoch’s
Biggest Coffee Morning in memory of
her Grannie Annie who we sadly lost
2 years ago to bowel cancer.
Macmillan were particularly good
with Caitlin, just 8 at the time, and
made themselves available to her to
chat with during Gran's last few
months.
Over a 5 week period Caitlin booked
her venue, organised the event,
ordered her decorations, shopping
and entertainment requirements and
threw herself into organising the
event, placing an article in the
Chatterbox which was beautifully
promoted by the editorial team as
usual!
She started baking 2 weeks prior to
the event resulting in us having to
procure freezer space all over the
village and put up posters, flyers and
a public invitation on Facebook. We
had no idea how many would come,
which was a bit daunting, but we
were encouraged by the village
businesses who all donated raffle
prizes. (Caitlin delegated Annette
Gulliver to be raffle co-
Local child-minder Lee McKinley had
her young charges decorate 100
cupcakes, young Innes Neal proudly
made us crispy cakes and the Kids
Play Out of School club donated their
weekly baking and a huge hand
painted banner. Heritage Farmers
Market shop donated cups, plates and
takeaway containers. Lesley Adam
offered to photograph the event.
Caitlin finished decorating the hall at
1am on the Friday morning and was
up at 6am to start setting up.
People started streaming in an hour
before the event, not to demand early
service, but to help, food kept arriving,
as did helpers, and a seven piece folk
music band! Special thanks to young
Sarah Jayne Sibbald and Melissa
Davis who rolled up their sleeves to
help and also to our fabulous baristas
– Jennifer Saunders and Anne
Connelly who kept the coffee mugs
full. Janet Sibbald did a sterling job
on the home baking stall whilst Lynne
Neal acquired a new toy and had to be
prised away from the candyfloss
machine afterwards! Our very own
Andy Doig arrived and had a
congratulatory word with Caitlin and
people, from a few weeks old to 97
years young, all arrived in droves and
were impressed with the décor,
volume of baking and the atmosphere!
The jumping castle, candyfloss and
colouring tables kept the kids
occupied, the music kept the Dad's
entertained and the food kept
everyone smiling! The band (who just
turned up of their own accord,
orchestrated by Megan Mullen and
Sean Middleton) passed round a
bucket and added the proceeds to
Caitlin's total, the raffle and
sweepstakes brought in more
donations, and the donation boxes
started to groan! We were queued out
the door and everyone was HAPPY!
When we finished, Caitlin had a total
of £831, within a couple of hours of
arriving home and some knocks at the
2
door, this rose to £861. We then received a call from
Victoria Lee to inform us that she was waving the venue
hire costs as this was such a great cause. Unbeknown to
Caitlin and I, one of the musicians and Annette Gulliver
issued a plea on Facebook for pledges to help Caitlin get to
the £1000 mark, by the following morning, this was
achieved, but donations still trickled in with people
stopping us in the street every time we left the house up to
5 days after the event, to hand us cash. Caitlin will be so
pleased to deposit £1,135 into the bank tomorrow, thanks
to our wonderful village. Grannie Annie will be smiling
down on her, I am quite sure xxx
Donna
Ronnie Runs Again
Ronnie Brown, pictured here with our granddaughter, ran
the Glasgow half marathon and raised over £800 for SNAC
(Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children).
Janice Tait
A huge thanks from Tracy, Leah and all who will benefit.
Well done Ronnie!
Matt Pickles of Oxford took this picture when he
visited his granny in Lochwinnoch. As he says, it is a
metaphor for the survival of nature over politics.
3
Charity Supper Dance Night
Saturday 29th November 7.30 pm
Lochwinnoch Annexe
£10 adults, £5 Children
Charity Dance Competition
Do you have what it takes?
We need 12 couples to volunteer to take to the floor in
aid of Crohn’s, colitis, cancer and stoma patients
Bring your friends along to support you
Polish up your dancing shoes & sequins
If you are game for a laugh contact us as
Lochwinnoch Does Strictly
Bring your friends along to support you
Regional Park Round Up
You don’t need to be a dancer just join in the fun
French Xchange Scotland Group
Depart
A group of 12 French students visited
and volunteered for the Park during the
first fortnight of October. Amongst their tasks were
rhododendron clearance, sitka spruce removal, sampling
the local cuisine (haggis!) and Scottish dancing with the
Ranger Service! The group also achieved their John Muir
Discovery Level Award as well as certificates of
appreciation from the Park itself for all their hard work.
we will even supply a dance teacher
For a registration form contact me on 07766 116 551
So come on Lochwinnoch get dancing !!!
Throwing out this challenge to the lads of Calder Glen,
the Viewfield Boys, Lochwinnoch Young Farmers, all
you Zumba Girls, our village kids, Pensioners, Adults,
Community Council, Councillors and Teachers.
Scottish Boat Show
Over the weekend of 11-12 Oct, Clyde Muirshiel helped
over 100 children experience sailing in free taster sessions
at the annual Scottish Boat Show, Inverkip. Our attendance
was in partnership with RYA Scotland and as members of
the Discover Inverclyde tourist group. Let’s hope we got
some potential sailing stars of the future interested in the
sport!
You don’t need to be a dancer, just join in the fun.
Contact me on 07766 116 551 for a registration form.
Race2theGames – Evening Reception
On Thursday 25th Sept Clyde Muirshiel hosted a joint
reception with RYA Scotland at Glasgow Science Centre to
thank all the sponsors, supporters and volunteers involved
in Race 2 the Games & the Commonwealth Flotilla. There
was an exhibition with photographs and art from both days
as well as breathtaking views over the finish line. Everyone
was delighted to relive their experiences and share happy
memories of the day!
R2tg Legacy – The Regatta
Dates are set for the Scottish Multi-Class Access Regatta –
Sat 20 and Sun 21 June 2015 with training days running on
the Thurs 18 and Fri 19 June. Please note the date and get
4
in contact if you can help with
sponsorship or the organising.
Photographic
Competition
Autumn Category – Closing date
soon!
The closing date for casting your vote in
the autumn category is coming up! Like
your favourites and help decide who
wins the £50 prize by voting on our
facebook page by 10th November.
Stargazing Returns to Muirshiel
Centre
The nights are drawing in but at
Muirshiel Country Park this is a good
thing as it means there are some
amazing views of the night’s sky! Events
are arranged for this year on Fri 21 Nov
and Fri 19 Dec. Please book on 01505
842 882 Ex 20 as event can be
relocated at short notice due to weather
conditions affecting the road.
Duke of Edinburgh Programmes
Clyde Muirshiel is an approved activity
provider to deliver Duke of Edinburgh
programmes. We’re currently working
on new opportunities for 14 – 25 year
olds, no matter what their ability, to do
their Duke of Edinburgh at Clyde
Muirshiel. There are new offerings
contributing mainly to the skill,
physical and expedition sections of the
award. Look on our website for details.
Ride 63 Club News & Ride Out
Info!
A Community Cycle Group ‘Ride 63’ is
up and running. More info on when
they’re going out on their Facebook.
Email the Secretary at
[email protected] to become a
member or email the Park at
[email protected] for more
information.
CMRP Online
Keep up to speed with events and
activities taking place on the Park’s
Facebook facebook.com/
ClydeMuirshielRegionalPark or Twitter
@Clydemuirshiel pages.
Sundays Castle Semple Young
Volunteers, 12-18 yr olds, 10.00 –
12.00 hrs
Events

WHERE: Castle Semple Centre
WHEN: 10.00 – 16.00 hrs
MORE INFO: 01505 842 882 Ex 20



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
WHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre
WHEN: 13.00 - 15.00 hrs
COST: £2.50 per child
MORE INFO: 01475 529 543
Email:
[email protected]
Fri 21 Nov Stargazing Evening
Join the Rangers and staff from the
Coats Observatory for some night sky
exploration. See 24th Oct for details.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
PLEASE CONTACT:
Sat 23 Nov Swan Chat
Find out about the wildfowl. See Sat
18 Oct for details.
WHERE: Castle Semple car park
entrance
WHEN: 11.45 – 12.45 hrs
MORE INFO: 01505 842 882 Ex 20

Sun 23 Nov Tricky Tracks
Ever wondered whose pawprints are
whose? Come along for a tracking
session in the woods to see if we can
spot some of the inhabitants.
WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor
C
e
n
t
r
e
WHEN: 13.00 – 15.00 hrs
MORE INFO: 01505 842 882 Ex 20

Thurs 27 Nov C h r i s t m a s
Shopping
Late
Opening
The usual beautiful display of
Christmas gifts and trinkets, all are
available to browse and purchase.
Mondays (put not public holidays) Lochwinnoch Community Walks meet
10.30 hrs at The Cross, Lochwinnoch.
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.
Sun 16 Nov Lantern Making
At the darkest time of the year it’s
nice to be reminded of the beauty of
light. Learn how to make your very
own paper lantern to help drive away
the darkness.
WHERE: Muirshiel Visitor Centre (or
Castle Semple Centre)
WHEN: 19.00 – 21.00 hrs
MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex
20 & booking essential
Regular Events
Weekly Volunteer Groups
Newcomers always welcome!
Thurs 13 – Tues 25 Nov C l y d e
Muirshiel
Photographic
Exhibition You voted for them!
Now see the top images from each
season on display in the Visitor
Centre.
Local Solicitors
Providing Personal Service
WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre
WHEN: 14.00 – 19.00 hrs, drop in
anytime
MORE INFO: 01505 842 882 Ex 20
5
FIONA CARSWELL Development &
Marketing Officer, CMRP tel 01505 614
791
Lochwinnoch
SWRI
The November meeting of
Lochwinnoch SWRI will be on
Wednesday 19th at 7.30pm in the
McKillop Hall.
The speaker is Mrs Gillian Connolly of
Lochwinnoch's very own "Quirky
Florist". With Christmas now very
much on the horizon, Gillian will be
demonstrating a Christmas table
decoration and wreath, so our tables
and homes will be very elegantly
presented this year!!
There will also be a Sales table.
Please remember to bring a cup/mug
for your tea!!
Looking forward to
members and visitors
welcoming
For any further information please
contact Elma: 01505 843193 or
[email protected]
Post Office is under-utilised. I myself
use the local Post Office service in
Giffnock which is also located in Spar
to do some banking amongst other
things.”
Robert Scarff Ltd
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John’s response: “There will be limited
post office facilities in Spar, but I
understand there will not even be a
separate PO counter, or staff member.
That will mean anyone wanting to use
the ‘banking’ facilities, e.g. local
businesses paying in their cash takings,
will have to queue up alongside people
buying their messages, carry-outs, and
lottery tickets. That is totally
unacceptable.”
John pointed out that the Post Office
is also closing, that the nearest RBS
branch is in Kilbirnie - 4 miles away
– and that there is no direct public
transport between Lochwinnoch and
Kilbirnie.
Cllr Derek
Bibby
RBS: “the number of customers
using the branch has dropped by
19% since 2011 and there are now
only 19 regular customers who use
the branch on a weekly basis”.
RBS Lochwinnoch Closure
John Delaney has shown amazing
persistence in trying to get an
explanation from RBS on how the
decision to close the Lochwinnoch bank
was made.
For legal and space reasons we can’t
include the whole correspondence
between John and Paul Cunningham,
LCEO, RBS Argyll and Barrhead, here
are some salient points:
RBS: “With regard to the Customer
Charter article 9 you refer to: this was
a commitment we made RBS in 2010
and much has happened since,
including updated Charters issued
since then. The Charter was issued
again in 2012 and in 2013 in line with
changing customer trends,
particularly with the advancement of
technology. The Charter issued in 2013
states "We pledge to maintain banking
services wherever we are the last bank
in town, that is, where the nearest
alternative bank is more than 1 mile
away".
When John pressed to reveal how
RBS defined “regular customer” the
answer is someone who has made a
counter transaction (deposit/
withdrawal) at least once every
week for 6 months! So if someone
missed a week they were not classed
as a regular customer! This explains
why customers find themselves
queueing in a bank that has only 19
‘regular customers’.
RBS: “Our banking services will be
maintained through the Post Office
service that will operate in the local
Spar and through the remaining
cashline machine. I understand your
concerns regarding the banking
service that will exist within Spar.
This is a model employed up and
down the country where the local
“We have reached an agreement with
the Post Office, which is near the
branch that allows our customers to
withdraw cash, check balances and
pay bills free of charge.”
6
Police Scotland
increase its patrols.
Following a rise
in incidents of
vandalism
in
the village, I am
pleased
to
report in an
attempt to catch
the culprits that
has decided to
The issue of dog fouling in the village
has also again been highlighted and I
have asked the wardens service of
Renfrewshire council for an update on
action being taken in regard to this
problem.
Vigilance from the community is a
great help in these matters, and I
would ask that any incidents of
vandalism and dog fouling are
reported to the authorities.
These were two of the many issues
raised at a very lively September
meeting of the Elderly Forum, during
which my colleague Chris Gilmour and
myself were quizzed on a whole variety
of subjects ranging from the future of
the bank and post office to transport
and environmental issues.
Of immediate concern are future
plans for both the bank and the post
office.
Feedback on representations made to
RBS is still awaited, and we need to
keep the pressure on the bank to
review its decision.
At the time of writing confirmation
has been received that the move of
the post office to the Spar is to go
ahead as planned. Concerns raised
previously included access into the
Spar, availability of space inside, the
range of products available at the new
branch, waiting times and car parking
in the surrounding area.
It is fair to say that there has been
some reassurance on the issues of
internal space and waiting times. I am
also told that the new branch will
continue to provide the majority of
post office transactions and longer
opening hours, but a small number of
products such as Parcelforce
worldwide international parcels and
some business deposits will not be
available.
The implications of the move for
roadside parking and potential
congestion is being reviewed through
discussions with council officers.
Autumn is now upon us and attention
switches to the need to monitor street
lighting and to ensure pavements are
free from leaves. I am grateful to
constituents for their feedback on
these matters and also the recent
improvements on cutting back the
hedges on the pavement leading from
Lochwinnoch railway station to the
village.
As promised Wi-Fi is now installed in
the village library and will provide
quicker access to information through
the council and other organisations.
Lastly but no by no means least, ,I
attended the Race 2 the Games
exhibition at the Glasgow Science
Museum on the 25 September where
once again I had the privilege of
meeting the disabled sailors who took
part in the pre Commonwealth games
event organised by Clyde Muirsheil
Park.
It is important that the legacy from
the event is encouraged and I look
forward to offering my full support to
future events of this kind
Meantime please contact me at:
[email protected]
k or phone 0300 300 1274 or
07534156007
THE • PAPER • SHOP
Papers • Magazines • Cards
Gift Wrapping • Home Deliveries
Yours sincerely
Derek Bibby
As well as all the usual Paper Shop
services, don’t forget all the other
services available, such as
Milk • Rolls • Dry Cleaning
Clothing Alterations
Get Ready for Christmas
Lochwinnoch Library
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday
10am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm
Wednesday 2pm-5pm, 6pm-8pm
CLOSED THURSDAY
Lochwinnoch 2015 Calendars
Christmas Wrapping Paper
Boxes Christmas Cards
Christmas Tags
Open until 5pm Mon-Fri in Nov/Dec
Sat/Sun 1pm
The Paper Shop
16 Church Street
01505 842337
Tel: 0300 300 1188
WWI Centenary Exhibition
To commemorate the 100th
Anniversary of the outbreak of World
War One, the Local History
Exhibition will include photographs
and stories of local men who were
involved in the war as well as a
selection of related books. Mon 03 - Sat 29 November
JOBSEEKERS
WOULD YOU BE
INTERESTED IN A
COMPUTER HELP
SESSION?
Job Searching Online – Email CV transfer Universal Job Match
The GET ON! Digital Services
team will be available at
Lochwinnoch Library
PLEASE SPEAK TO A MEMBER
OF STAFF TO BOOK YOUR
APPOINTMENT
www.renfrewshirelibraries.co.uk
My surgeries are at 9.00 am on the
first Saturday of the month at the
McKillop Institute except July and
January
7
Attention Children!
Skoobs
The Skoobs, a group of friendly
monsters, have taken up residence in
Renfrewshire libraries.
Children who join the library will
receive a special Skoobs passport and
goodies every time they complete a
Skoobs task. Completing three
SuperSkoob challenges – book reading,
fact finding and treasure hunting – will
net kids a SuperSkoobs certificate.
Youngsters can also get help with their
homework, be able to get online in a
safe environment and develop creative
skills through arts and crafts.
Pop into the library and find out more
or phone 0300 300 1188.
THE STIRRUP CUP ANTIQUES AND
VINTAGE SHOP
THE STIRRUP
CUP
WEST BANKSIDE FARM
GEIRSTON RD
KILBIRNIE
Whether your passion is Downton or The Paradise, for
Upstairs or Downstairs you can add some vintage glamour
to your home, your table or even yourself.
We specialise in vintage
& modern jewellery,
antiques, curios, art and
local crafts
Find us just off the Largs Road on the outskirts of
Kilbirnie opposite the Kilbirnie Place Golf Course.
Open 7 days 10.00am – 5.30pm
Telephone Greta on 01505 683 338
Post code for Sat Nav KA25 7LQ.
Great for Gifts or treat
yourself
www.thestirrupcup.co.uk
www.thestirrupcup.co.uk
Castle Semple
Sailing Club
Castle Semple Sailing Club was very
proud to take part in "Barts Bash",
a global sailing race to
commemorate the life of Andrew
Simpson and to raise funds for the
Andrew Simpson Foundation. The
charity was set up in 2013 to
honour the life and legacy of
Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson MBE,
Olympic Gold & Silver medallist
and America’s Cup Sailor by using
sailing to transform the lives of
young people.
On behalf of Castle Semple Sailing
Club Committee a huge, huge,
thank you to everyone who came
along whether it was to sail, help
with the organisation, catering or
just generally offer support, thank
you everyone.
A very special thank you to David
Hill and all his instructors from the
Centre and the people who sailed
the Access boats bringing our total
entries past the magic figure of 25
up to 29 - fingers crossed that once
all our results are submitted along
with the paper work and
photographs confirming what we
did we should get our names
printed in the Guinness Book of
Records.
I cannot recall having seen so many
people in the compound before. I
know of several people who were
unable to join us because of prior/
family commitments which cannot
be avoided but a significant number
of members with family and friends
turned out to support a very worthy
cause.
Of course the fantastic weather
helped; I don't think we have had
so many boats on the water since
our 45th anniversary sail.
BBQ Steve more than lived up to
his name and fired up the
barbecue well before 11 o'clock
ably assisted by his friend Lesley.
A huge amount of burgers,
sausages, chicken and corn were
devoured before Arthur
summoned us to the pontoon for
a photo call. Never had so many
people been seen on the pontoon
at any one time before when
suddenly I had that sinking
feeling........and wet feet - we had
probably broken a H&S rule
exceeding the maximum amount
of people on the pontoon….. oops!
The race started promptly at 2pm
but unfortunately the wind had
dropped to something less than 1
mph meaning that some of us
only just made it back in under
the 2 hours, in time for tea and
cakes!
Congratulations to Douglas and
Pamela winning the race in an
enterprise (beating the vortex and
vago).
Approximately £150 was raised
on the day for the Andrew
Simpson Foundation plus money
from just giving.
For a small club
fantastically well.
we
See website
www.castlesemplesc.co.uk
for further info.
did
Calder Drama
November Production
Like to get that Christmas feel
good factor early this year, then
why not come along to the
McKillop Hall on Thursday 27th or
Friday 28th November at 7.30 pm
where Calder Drama are staging a
Quintet of Christmas Comedies for
your enjoyment.
‘Clausarella’, an extremely funny
Christmas version of Cinderella.
‘Santa and the Garden Gnomes’
where a pair of Gnomes seek
employment at the North Pole
much to the infuriation of the
residing Elves.
‘Revenge of the Gingerbread Boy’
where the Gingerbread Boy seeks
the assistance of Santa in bringing
a criminal to justice.
‘Grandma Remembers Something
‘where an old lady reminisces
about her love affair with her
husband, and finally
‘Santa Retires’ where an ageing
Santa decides to pass the mantle of
office on to his nephew, Kris
Kringle, who just happens to be an
American Gangster. We hope you
will come along and share with us
the hilarious episodes we have on
offer.
Tickets £6.00 for Adults £4.00
for Children & Seniors Citizens are
available from Now & Then, Cut
8
& Care Hairdressing, Wilson the
Bakers & Any member of the
Calder Drama.
Refreshments & Alcoholic
Beverages on sale at Bar.
What difference a
month makes!
It is hard to believe as we have
listened to the UK political party
conference speeches that just a
month ago electoral fever had us in
its grip and far different plans were
afoot than the old party lines now just
set out again.
What has happened I wonder to the
endeavour to get Regional
Government for the North from our
borders down to the Humber and
across to Liverpool?
Where is the clamour for an
independent Cornwall that would
force an independent south east to
become a reality, London to be finally
recognised as a Region and for The
Midlands to encompass Birmingham
as its centre? Has that all been
forgotten or are we hopefully waiting
to see what actually happens next
May?
Meanwhile back to the present. Poor
Mr Milliband, does he really think he
could take his brother’s place in the
hearts of people nationwide? Does no
one tell him has does not have the
touch? Did he not watch and hear
every word Gordon Brown displayed
too many years too late?
Does Mr Cameron protest too much
about the NHS that he leaves us all in
fear that for its future?
Does it not occur to these politicians
that most of us know that from one
end of a Parliament to the other
An eclectic collection of
Vintage crockery and props
for hire. Let us help create
a truly memorable event with
vintage style and charm.
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E: [email protected]
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nothing we seek to change will ever
happen if it is not in the winner's
Manifesto? Or that what we call a
democracy is no such thing? Which
maybe just as well because at least
some decisions get made under the
present system.
RSPB Local Group
The next meeting of the Renfrewshire
Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds Local Group will be held on
Friday 7 November at 7.30 pm.
Do these politicians never step back
and realise that if they were in any
other walk of life with their present
efficiency and production capacity
that no trains would run on time if
they ran at all, bridges would fall
down, air planes never take off and
we would all starve to death?
There will be an illustrated talk
entitled RSPB Inversnaid by Fraser
Lamont.
These are just a few thoughts as I
recently recovered in The RAH
where the efficiency compared well
with a good watch and even the food
was not too bad, where the surgeons
explained that if you did not have a
good work ethic and a good sense of
Public Service you should not be
there. They wrapped their arms
round me to convey how much they
cared and that we and the NHS are
actually one big family.
Carol Service
Families are what make up Nations
so politicians need to tread very
carefully and keep their interfering
hands off.
The meeting will be held in the
McMaster Centre, Donaldson Drive,
Renfrew, PA4 8LX. All welcome.
Salvation Army Carol Service
Calder U F Church
Sunday 7 December at 7 pm
Alan Lovegreen
FREE Thermal Image!
The nights are fair drawing in!
If you’re feeling the winter chill, why not book one of our FREE
Thermal Images to find out where your home is losing heat.
For more details contact Ingrid at [email protected], on
01505 842530 or drop into our office at 22 Church Street.
Lochwinnoch
Let LEAP help you stay warm this winter.
9
Regular clubs, classes and groups

Advice Works—At the Library by
appointment only. Contact 0300
300 1238

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



every Mon, 5-7pm at the McKillop.
Tel Coby on: 07729 051 615.
Tones host an open mike session at
Lochwinnoch Golf Club,
What’s On

Girls Brigade—1st Lochwinnoch
Company, Wed evenings from 6pm
-9.15pm at the Parish Church Hall
for various age groups.

Hatha Yoga Classes with LauraJane Lawson. WednesdayMcKillop Inst 7pm-8.30pm. All
levels welcome. Tel: 07999 862
1 6 2
o r
E m a i l :
[email protected]


Hea ling
and
Crea tivity
Workshops & Classes—For
details or to book a place, please
Tel Becky: 0141 8816700 or Libby
on: 01505 842604
Jogging Buddies—Tuesday
evenings.
Meet at Lochbarr
Football Club at 6.30pm.
For
details, Tel: 0141 887 1357 or
07947 763704

Children's Drama Workshops—
Thursdays in McKillop Hall 5-8yrs
4.30-5.30pm, 9-12yrs 5.30-6.30pm
Tel: 07814 699127 Email:
[email protected]
Keep Fit—Improving With
Age classes—every Tues from 1011am at the McKillop. Tel 842 136

Drop-in T Bar—Lochwinnoch
Elderly Forum. McKillop Institute,
10-12 noon.
K i d d i es
C ei l i d h
C lu b —
Traditional dancing for you and
your little ones. Thursday 9.30am
McKillop Institute

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
First Friday of Month—Semple
Q
J Quinn & son
Memorials

Liathach Dog Training—(prebooking necessary). Anne Moss,
Tel: 01505 842367, e-mail:
[email protected]

Linda Margaret School of
Dancing—Tuesdays from 4pm8.45pm, McKillop Institute. For
details, Tel: 0141 581 9104.
Personal Service & Quality
Guaranteed
New Memorials
Additional Inscriptions

Lochwinnoch Art Group—Meet
fortnightly on Monday evenings,
7.30pm, McKillop Institute.

Lochwinnoch Choral Society—
Rehearsals on Monday evenings,
Parish Church/ Hall. Juniors 7:158pm, and Seniors 8pm-9.15pm.
Cleaning & Renovations
SALE ITEMS ALWAYS IN STOCK
42 MAIN STREET
KILBIRNIE
Please Call 01505 68 5455
www.quinnmemorials.co.uk
Mon & Fri 10am-5pm
Tue-Thur 10am-2pm
Sat By Appointment

Lochwinnoch Community
Walks—Mondays (ex. Public
Holidays), meet at 10.30am at The
McKillop Institute.

Lochwinnoch Country Dance
Club—meets Tuesday evenings
7.30 in the McKillop Hall and new
members welcome

Lochwinnoch Gymnastics
Club—For primary age children
10

Lochwinnoch Playgroup—For
children from 2.5—5 years, every
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
from 9.30-11.30am at the McKillop .
New children are always welcome.
Please contact Diane on 01505
843054, 07710 630828, Email:
[email protected]

Lochwinnoch Pre-School
Gymnastics—(for children from 18
months to 5yrs).
Fridays, from
10.15am - 1.45pm at the McKillop.
Tel Coby on Tel: 07729 051615

Lochwinnoch Toddlers—
Mondays and Wednesdays from 9.30
- 11.30am, McKillop

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

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

S li n k y S tr oller s — T h u r s d ay
mornings

Scottish Slimmers—Thursdays,
7.30pm, McKillop Inst.

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.

TaiChi—Masonic Hall, wed 11-12
noon, Thursday 6:45-7:45pm

Zumba—Lochbarr Centre, Wed
7pm - 8pm
Zumba by Cheryl.
Saturday morning 9.30am - 10.30
am Zumba then 10.30am - 11.00am
Metafit -both by instructress Toni

Zumbatonic for kids—Fridays
4-7 yrs 4-5.30pm, 8-14yrs 5 . 3 0 7pm, Lochbarr Centre. Toni
Some activities may cease during
holidays, please check
Upcoming Events
 Wed
29 Oct—Heart Start
Course 2-4pm Lochwinnoch
Masonic Lodge. Contact Morag
T h o w
E m a i l :
[email protected] Tel: 01505
843 183
 Sat
1 Nov—‘Trampas’ at
Lochwinnoch Bowling Club
8.30pm-12.30am. Tickets £6 text/
call Suzanne on: 07740397396
 Sun 2 Nov—Charity Car Boot
Sale (outdoor and indoor), 10am,
Lochwinnoch Annexe, £10 per car,
£10 per table inside. To book call
07766116551.
 Mon 3 – Sat 29 Nov—WWI
Centenary Exhibition, in the
library, featuring the history of
local men involved.
 Fri 7 Nov—RSPB Local Group
illustrated talk entitled RSPB
Inversnaid by Fraser Lamont, 7.30
pm, McMaster Centre, Donaldson
Drive, Renfrew, PA4 8LX. All
welcome.
 Sat
8 Nov—Pre-Christmas
Craft and Food Fayre, 11am,
McKillop Hall
 Sat 8 Nov—Fall Ball Ceilidh
featuring Clamjamfrie,
McKillop Hall
8pm,
 Sun
9 Nov—Coffee and
Cupcakes in aid of Crohn’s
disease, Colitis and Cancer. 11am
Lochwinnoch Annexe.
 Sat 15 Nov—Drop-In Café,
Parish Church, 10am-12 noon,
entry £2.50.
 Sat 22 Nov—Calder Church
Christmas Fayre, 10 am-12
noon, McKillop Hall, Adult £2
Child FREE includes Tea/coffee
and Christmas goodies!
 W e d
26
Nov—AGM
Lochwinnoch Playground
Improvement Group and
Lochwinnoch Millennium Events
Group, upstairs in The Brown Bull,
7.45pm. All welcome.
 Thurs 27/ Fri 28 Nov—Calder
Drama Quintet of Christmas
Comedies, 7.30pm, McKillop
Hall. Tickets £6.00 for Adults
£4.00 for Children & Seniors
Citizens. Available from: Now &
Then, Cut & Care Hairdressing,
Wilson the Bakers & any member
of Calder Drama.
Lochwinnoch Annexe, tickets:
Adults £10, Children £5. Contact
07766 116 551.
 'Sun 3 0 Nov—Beith Arts
Concert 2.30 p.m. with
McFall`s Chamber quartet, they
play a very wide range of music
"from tango to jazz to rock, to
contemporary classical"
Beith
Community Centre, Kings Road,
Beith KA15 2BQ . Adult £11,
Concessions £9, Students and
children £3.
Advertising in Chatterbox
 Sat 6 Dec—Parish Church
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 – 10cm x
14cm (or 14cm x 10cm)layout - £45
per month.
D. Half page advert – 20cm x 14cm
(or 14cm x 20cm) layout - £90 per
month.
E. Full page advert – 20cm x 28 cm £180 per month.
Christmas Fayre
 Sun
7 Dec—Xmas Craft
Fayre, 11am-4pm, Lochwinnoch
Annexe
 Sun 7 Dec—Salvation Army
Carol Service in Calder U F
Church at 7pm.
Events at the Annexe
Sunday 2nd November 10am
e-mail : [email protected]
Charity Car Boot Sale
for further information.
(outdoor and indoor)
In aid of Crohn’s, Colitis, Cancer &
Stoma Patients
£10 per car outside £10 per table
inside
TO BOOK CALL 07766 116 551
--Sunday 9th November 11 am
Coffee and Cupcakes
In aid of Crohn’s, Colitis, Cancer &
Stoma Patients
Ladies Come Along & Have A
Treatment, Get Your Nails & Make
Up Done, Slimming Wraps &
Massage, Kiddies Rides, Jewellery,
Shoes, Fashion & Handbags. Raffle,
Tarot Readings, Music. Baking By
Caitlin & Donna
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.  S a t
29
Nov—Strictly
Lochwinnoch Charity Supper
Dance
Night,
7.30pm,
FREE Es mates/Best Prices Tel: 07917 654 857 11
overall. Nearly a thousand
Lochwinnoch residents have signed
my petition opposing closure so I
can open a dialogue with RBS with a
clear mandate from the village
saying NO to closure. I am also very
concerned about the flawed
methodology that RBS seem to have
used to justify closure.
I am extremely concerned about
reports of anti-social behaviour and
vandalism in certain parts of
Lochwinnoch and so am pushing
council officers to install CCTV at
strategic points in the village. I have
also lobbied Inspector Gerry
McBride of Police Scotland to
increase police patrols in the village.
Lochwinnoch is a beautiful village
which I am proud to represent, and
I will not tolerate the decent
majority, especially pensioners,
being terrorised by a thuggish
minority.
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
[email protected]
Cllr Andy Doig
A big congratulations
to Johnstone High 1st
year pupil, Caitlin
Armstrong, from Lochwinnoch, for
organising a massive Coffee Morning
for MacMillan Cancer Support in the
Annexe on Friday 26th September, a
very worthy charity, and a terrific
morning was had by all. Over £1,000
was raised and Caitlin is a credit to
her parents, her school, and her
community. Over £800 was raised at
the event itself and a Facebook appeal
to all the village elicited donations to
take it beyond a four figure sum.
Lochwinnoch should be proud of its
generosity to a good cause.
I have a forthcoming meeting with
Royal Bank of Scotland management
to oppose the closure of the
Lochwinnoch Branch and I will not be
slow to highlight the loss this will
cause to businesses, to those reliant
on public transport, and to the village
Yours Sincerely,
Cllr Andy Doig (SNP)
LEAP
Electric Bike
After our launch of the LEAP
electric bike, we are now taking
bookings for longer periods. If you’d
like to hire the electric bike for up to
a fortnight for FREE please get in
touch
with
Diane
at
[email protected] or on
01505 842530.
We will need to see photographic
ID, proof of address and will take a
deposit of £40 which will be
returned to you on return of the
bike in the same condition you
hired it.
We provide a charger, a bike helmet
and lock and will give instruction on
how to use it (it’s very simple!). The
12
hires are proving pretty popular, so
get in quick to book your slot!
Youth Engagement Programme
LEAP’s Youth Engagement
Programme, YEP! got off to a great
start. We’ve had a bunch of very
creative young people making new
clothes from old, making films, doing
animation and doing woodwork in the
woods. Come and see some of what
they’ve been up to at the Craft Fair in
the McKillop on the 8th of November
between 11am and 2pm.
Car Club move to Kilbarchan
We had a very successful launch of the
Car Club in Kilbarchan on the 11th
October, with 4 members signing up.
We have very a special offer running
in Kilbarchan at the moment, where
the first 15 members get their
membership for £15 (a saving of £45).
If you want to take advantage of this
offer or know anyone in Kilbarchan
who might, please contact Mike at
[email protected] ASAP.
When it’s gone it’s gone!
Thermal Images
With the cold weather here it’s time to
start thinking about how we can keep
warm this winter without spending a
fortune on our heating bills. LEAP
has helped hundreds of householders
to cut their energy usage by
implementing small changes within
the home and Thermal Imaging is a
great way to see where you are losing
heat. Why not book in for your Free
Home Energy Check and we can add
your home to our list for a free
Thermal Image?
Our intrepid
photographer will be out in November
with his thermal image equipment,
the photograph you receive will help
you identify exactly where the heat in
your home is escaping from, so get in
touch with us either by dropping in to
the office in Lochwinnoch or Bridge of
Weir or giving us a phone on 01505
842530 or 01505 612034 and let us
help you stay warm this winter.
THINK ECO Competition
LEAP have launched their inter school
THINK ECO competition. They are
challenging each class in Bridge of
Weir, Howwood, Kilbarchan and
Lochwinnoch Primary Schools to
enter a visual display, for example, a
film clip, comic strip or wall mural,
with an eco-theme.
There will be prizes awarded to the
best overall school and also to the
class who submits the most
innovative entry. The competition will
run until 23rd February, 2015. For
more information, contact your class
teacher.
New Calendar on Website
With our Youth Engagement
Programme, YEP! in full swing, we
have added a calendar to our website
so you can see at a glance what events
are taking place when. Of course, the
calendar is not only for YEP! but also
all LEAP’s other activities. It is at
http://www.myleapproject.org/
calendar/. Please have a look to see if
there’s anything there for you.
Parking at The Cross
The issue of unsafe parking at the
Cross has been highlighted to the
Community Council over the last few
months. If you are turning from High
St into Church St this is the sight that
often you will be met with, a car
parked illegally on the double yellow
lines, with another one directly across
the road. It is also a daily sight to see
cars parked on the zig-zags outside
Spar, on the bus stop or at the ATM
outside the bank.
As well as being illegal and dangerous
it is anti-social behaviour.
The
number of comments and complaints
passed to the Community Council
shows that your neighbours and
friends don’t want you doing this.
The police have already issued a
considerable number of tickets and
they, and Renfrewshire Council, are
workin g
to
increase
enforcement. There is plenty of legal,
free parking available just a few yards
away, so why take the risk? It is easy to
avoid the fine, penalty points and
upsetting other villagers.
CHATTERBOX
BUDGET 2014: PENSION CHANGES
FOR EXPERT, INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE ON
RETIREMENT PLANNING, PENSIONS AND INVESTMENTS:
John Delaney IFA
For a free initial consultation, without obligation, contact:
01505 844 801
07715 579 312
[email protected]
www.johndelaney-ifa.co.uk-co.uk
Calder lodge, Newton of Barr, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AR
Positive Solutions (Financial Services) Ltd. is authorised and
regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered as a Limited
Company In England And Wales No. 3276760.
13
Chatterbox is produced and distributed on
behalf of Lochwinnoch Community
Council, with support and financial
assistance from local sponsors and
advertisers.
Lochwinnoch
Community
Council 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.
RSPB Lochwinnoch
Reserve
been keeping our eyes peeled for the
otter family. Thank you to our Name
the Otter competition winner Ruth
Black for the fantastic names Scooby,
Dooby and Doo. Hopefully we will see
more footage of them soon from the
Windows on Wildlife team at Clyde
Muirshiel.
It’s that time of year again when the
days are shorter and we are all
thinking about spending more time
indoors where it’s dry and warm.
However, you might be surprised to
learn that it’s an amazing time to get
outdoors for wildlife watching. If the
crunch of leaves underfoot and the
crisp, clean air aren’t enough then be
sure to look up into the bare tree
branches where you might catch a
glimpse of a flock of long tailed tits or a
beautifully bright bullfinch. Trees and
bushes with berries on them might
even attract some special winter
visitors like waxwings so keep an eye
out for them!
If you would like to visit the reserve or
come along to one of our events then
please pop along or get in touch by
emailing [email protected] or
calling us on 01505 842663.
Whooper Swans by Ben Hall (rspbimages.com
Bullfinch by Zul Bhatia
The Barr Loch has been proving
popular with huge numbers of
wildfowl arriving to take advantage of
the vast quantities of waterweed on
offer there. Along with hundreds of the
more common species like tufted
ducks and wigeon we have had quite a
few special visitors including gadwall,
scaup and pintail already. The
whooper swans arrived in their usual
noisy fashion all the way from Iceland,
where they breed. Whooper swans can
be distinguished from their resident
relatives the mute swan by their yellow
and black bill and their deep honking
call.
Autumn Wild Food Foraging, one of
our tastiest events, went down
beautifully this year and was busier
than ever. Chloe and Lesley delighted
everyone with their culinary skills
and a few lucky bystanders were able
to try a selection of Bramble
Pancakes, Nettle Soup and
Himalayan Balsam Seed Pakora with
Sorrel Dip. We then washed it down
with some Elderberry or Rosehip
Cordial and a Beechnut Biscuit which
was surprisingly outstanding. What a
delicious day at the reserve that was!
Although our upcoming events might
not be as delicious as Food Foraging
there should be something for
everyone. If you look out of your
window and long to identify the
feathered visitors around you then
our Birds For Beginners workshop on
Saturday 29 November is the ideal
event for you. This workshop is an
introduction to common garden birds
and the chance to explore the winter
wildlife that the reserve has to offer.
As well as the wonderful bird life
around at this time of year, we have
November Events
 Astronomy Evening: Fri 7
Nov 8pm-9:30pm Come and
hear about the stars and galaxies up
in the night sky! If the weather is
kind to us, we’ll go outside and see
some of these wonders for
ourselves. Cost: £5 or £2 for
RSPB members (& Astronomy
Society members). Please book
as places are limited.
 Family Volunteering: Sat 8
Nov
1pm – 4pm Fancy a bigger
backgarden? RSPB Lochwinnoch is
YOUR reserve and YOUR
backgarden! Come along for some
quality family time, whilst getting
the chance to get nice and muddy as
well as doing something great for
nature! This is a pilot programme
and will initially only run 6 months
(Sep to Feb). Contact us for more
information.
Please book in advance as
spaces are limited.
 Wildlife
Explorer Group:
Winter wind-down Sat 8
Nov
10am 12noon Come and
join this fun children’s nature
activity group! Every session has a
different theme to do with wildlife
and the natural world, but all
sessions are informative, great fun
and involve a good chunk of time
outside. Ages: up to 14yrs (under
fives must be accompanied by a
parent/guardian). Cost: £2
Booking is not necessary. For more
info, please visit the Lochwinnoch
Wex website:
www.rspb.org.uk/groups/
lochwinnochwex
 Hessilhead Visit: Sat 8
Nov
12noon – 3pm Come and learn
about the wonderful work done by
the local Hessilhead Wildlife
Hospital. Meet some of their
patients and hear about the
different things the staff deal with at
the hospital. Cost: FREE
Martyne Ferry
14
ENGLISH TUITION IN YOUR HOME
Lochwinnoch Art
Group
New members are always made
welcome to join this self-help group
which meets fortnightly on a
All Grades
M.STEWART Ph.D., BA (Hons) 01505 502357 07920 797 700 E‐mail, [email protected]  Birds for Beginners:
Sat
29 Nov
11am – 1:30pm
Make the most of the cold, crisp
days ahead as we take you for an
introductory guided walk to look at
the reserve’s winter wildlife. Join
the team at RSPB Lochwinnoch for
a workshop session ideal for
beginners to birdwatching, to help
you learn more about common
garden birds and put your new
wildlife watching techniques into
practice. Cost: £5 or £2 for
RSPB members. Please book
as places are limited.
 B i n o c u l a r
&
T e l es c o p e
Demonstration: Sat 22 & Sun
23
Nov
An opportunity to
choose from a wide range of
competitively priced binoculars
and telescopes, including RSPB
brand, with the added bonus that
100% of the profits goes directly to
helping conservation. FREE expert
advice available all weekend.
Monday evening
from 7.30 - 9.30pm
in the McKillop Institute.
This month we are thrilled to have
Gareth Reid presenting a tutorial
demonstration one evening.
Programme
November 20th: "HMS Dasher Aircraft Carrier Disaster. Clyde
Estuary 1943"
January 15th: Ailsa Turner. "Sir
David Wilkie - From Cults to
Constantinople"
February 19th: Glenda White.
"David Stowe - A Sort of Amateur
Teacher"
Thank you to all who visited our
Annual Exhibition in the Library last
month.
Val Boa. "Clyde
Phone 842632
NEW OPENING HOURS
CLOSED SUN & MON
TUE, THURS, FRI 9:30am—3:30pm
WED & SAT 9am—1pm
For further information and booking,
please contact the reserve:
Address: RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature
Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch,
PA12 4JF
Email: [email protected]
New Florist Enlisted Bespoke floral arrangements Tel. 01505 842 663
Lochwinnoch Historical
Society
Nov.24th: Life Drawing - clothed
model, (in charcoal & pastel).
We really appreciate your interest and
continuing support.
March 19th: Dr Paul Maloney.
"Panto in Scotland - Your Other
National Theatre"
April 16th:
Potteries"
Nov.10th: Tutor Demo "Portrait
Drawing in Charcoal"
Local handmade gi s, personalised gi s also available COME IN & HAVE A LOOK free local delivery, na onal & interna onal delivery order line 9.30 ‐ 5.30 Meeting on the third Thursday of the
month from September to April,
except December.
In the Parish
Church guild room at 7.30pm.
MON ‐ FRI 0800 689 0088 Annual Membership is £8
New members and visitors are always
welcome. Charge for visitor is £2 and
includes tea, coffee, cake and biscuits.
WEDDING FLOWERS & FUNERAL FLOWER SPECIALISTS
5 high street, lochwinnoch, phone: 0800 689 0088, 01505 842 288 web: thequirkyflorist.co.uk, mail: [email protected]
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Christmas is Coming…
Looking for a Christmas
gift that’s special,different
and 10% off?
Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be a last minute, stress
inducing headache. With some clever planning and
forethought then you should be able to shop more
effectively, make good choices, save money and actually
enjoy it.
We have it all wrapped up for every
member of your family at Now&Then and
Little Now&Then. From artisan items
handmade in Scotland to stocking fillers
galore plus cards and wrap.
There are a few things which can make the process a whole
lot easier.
1. Have a budget. Christmas comes at the same time each
year but many people don’t get around to thinking
about paying for it until November and December.
Ideally you should set aside some cash each month or
think about joining a savings club. Both Now&Then and
Little Now&Then operate a club into which you can pay
as much or as little as you like whenever you have some
spare funds. That way Christmas and birthdays or a wee
treat for you are a lot less painful.
And, on Thursday November 27, we’ll give
you 10% off of spends over £20 from 9am 9pm.
2. Make a list. Decide who you are buying for. Is it just
close family? Do you concentrate on the children? Do
you have to think about neighbours, dog-walkers,
teachers and work colleagues? Do you need a secret
Santa gift?
Come and enjoy browsing our huge stock
of amazing goodies at the Christmas late
night opening with refreshments served
after 5pm. Doesn’t that sound more
appealing than slogging round the mall?
Keep it local and interesting at:
3. Try to listen to the recipient for clues about anything
they may need or like, jot these down on your phone or
diary and allocate a budget to the item. Be attentive to
their comments when you are perhaps in a shop with
them and remember anything they admired.
4. Look out for early bird sales. Many shops like
Now&Then and Little Now&Then offer discount days.
As a result of the success of our annual day in
November when we offer 10% off and a late night
opening we have this year decided to spread the same
deal to also cover a day in October (Thursday 30) as
well. This will also mean more leisurely shopping as
things aren’t so crowded.
5. Don’t procrastinate. Set realistic goals and decide when
shopping should be done, requesting annual leave days
to accomplish it or allocate several weekends.
6. Keep track of anything you buy. Don’t put things
“somewhere safe” and rediscover them next Easter. Tick
them off on your list so you don’t end up with two
things for the same person. If you are really stumped
for ideas then what about gift tokens?
8 Church Street,
Lochwinnoch
01505 843311 7. Don’t like shopping? Go somewhere like Now&Then
and Little Now&Then where you can find something for
every member of the family from Granny to the kids.
Don’t like crowds? Don’t leave the village. There are
plenty of shops to cater to even the most difficult person
on your list. Don’t like hunting for a parking space?
Walk. Then have a coffee or a meal at one of the many
great eating places in Lochwinnoch. Bored with the
same stuff in every shop? Look around at what is on
your doorstep. You’ll find beautiful and different items
all over the village. Now&Then has even commissioned
its own Lochwinnoch mugs this year.
39 High Street
Lochwinnoch
01505 843883
Not just for babies, we have lots of toys, gifts and clothes
for older kids too.
8. Don’t forget your own Christmas nights out and special
occasions. Now&Then will always have the perfect
finishing touch for your outfit from a huge selection of
jewellery, bags and scarves.
Keep it local and interesting.
Better than that, because we’ll also give you
9. Remember to make your home as attractive and
welcoming as possible at Christmas. Think about your
another money off voucher for your next visit.
16
decorations, table settings and home fragrance to
complete that Festive experience for your family.
10. Most people love to receive a Christmas card and
thoughtfully wrapped gift. You’ll find an enormous
range of special family cards, boxed cards, charity cards,
humorous cards, Lochwinnoch cards as well as
wrapping and trimming in the village shops.
.
Charity Walk Across Scotland
Lochwinnoch sisters Anne and Moira Adam of the farm in
Gates Road are undertaking a walk all the way across central
Scotland in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice.
Castle Semple Sailing Club - Topper
Team Racing - Sunday 24 August
What a great sunny afternoon it turned out to be.
Many thanks to Peter for organising us all so well.
The forecast for wind was not great and it certainly
wasn't worth starting at 12.00 so we delayed for lunch
and a light breeze did appear around 1pm.
We managed to rustle up five teams of 2 and the
competitive spirit certainly took over with plenty of
shouts of "protest” and numerous penalties being
taken with two people ending up in the water twice Angus no less (seemingly handling a topper against
enthusiastic young cadets was too much for him!) and
Katy W. The cadets Niall, Hector and Ross Mc G, all
in different teams, proved to be formidable
opponents, obviously Duncan has been teaching them
well.
Arthur apparently had some sort of an
encounter with a stray canoe at one point no doubt he
will explain to any willing listener in due course. We
even managed to have quite a number of spectators ring side seats were at a premium due to the
applauding from opposing teams on the pontoon and
shouts from the water.
They will follow the John Muir Way from Helensburgh on
the west coast to Dunbar on the east coast – a stroll of 134
miles!
Please support them. There are sponsor forms and
collecting boxes around the village.
on each race. It was mentioned that never had so
many people been seen out in the rescue/committee
boat before - all vying for a birds-eye view of the
action.
Hopefully we will repeat this event next year.
For more info see www/castlesemplesc.co.uk
Jon and Niall were the eventual winners, with Ross
McG receiving a prize for being in the most teams
(usual CSSC tactic - he's learning young!) and Angus
for the best capsize (off the pontoon ha ha!).
Have to mention that even though he didn't take part
Crawford received a drenching not of his own volition
either. I am sure there will be a retaliation at some
point, someone had better watch out!
Niall and Ross battling it out over a good chat : - )
Pics courtesy of Avril, more pics from Alice are on the web site
Many thanks to Duncan and Alan F for starting us off
17
Now 6 months pregnant, she is
enjoying her new role of Practice
Manager and is loving getting to
know the patients and promoting
the practice. She said:
“We have greatly enjoyed our first
couple of months in Lochwinnoch
and would like to thank all the
patients for being so welcoming
and indeed for all the kind
comments they have left on the
Lochwinnoch and Bluewater
Facebook pages. We really look
forward to immersing ourselves
in the community – especially
with Christmas and a new baby
coming up!
We have been busy painting the
practice and making a few
cosmetic changes but would like to
reassure our patients that there
will be no more changes in
dentists - this is where we want to
settle as a family.
Bluewater Update
In August, principal dentist, Barry Lemon,
and partner, Francesca Webster took over
Bluewater Dental Practice. Originally from
Donaghadee in Northern Ireland, Barry
studied dentistry at Dundee University.
Following his degree, he practiced at
Kirriemuir where he was well-known for
his cheery disposition and ability to ease
nervous patients and children.
After two years working back in Bangor,
his love for Scotland prevailed. He and
partner Frankie were delighted when the
opportunity arose to take over the Lochwinnoch practice.
Frankie, originally from Pitlochry, is new to the world of dentistry,
formerly being an award-winning Drivetime DJ and Assistant Distillery
Manager at Blair Athol and Dalwhinnie distilleries.
18
We will be remaining an NHS
practice and are currently
registering new patients. We have
already introduced new whitening
treatments and for special
introductory offers, please see our
advertisement.
A final thank you to everyone that
sponsored our very own Shonah
for the Great Scottish Run. She
made a fantastic time at 2 hours
13 minutes in aid of ‘Finding your
Feet’.”
Marion Pollok
Over the last few years many
villagers will have missed Marion
Pollok and the delicious
blackcurrant and bramble jelly she
made and sold in aid of the SSPCA.
Sadly Marion suffered from
Alzheimer’s disease and could no
longer remain home at Glenhead
but received specialist care at RAH
and latterly Arran View Care
Home, Saltcoats. She passed away
on 6th October.
Marion was a former Champion
and Lady Captain of Lochwinnoch
Golf Club as well as a keen bowler.
She was possibly most comfortable
with animals, not surprising in
someone from a farming
background.
You rarely saw Marion without a
beloved dog. The death of her last
dog, Corrie, a border terrier of
great character and an enthusiastic
football fan, affected her greatly.
Marion was fortunate that her
brother, John, supervised her care
diligently to the last.
We’ll remember Marion when we
open a jar of bramble jelly
(probably not as good as she
made).
Beith Arts
www.beitharts.org
Our first two concerts of the
season have been wonderful: the
first with the super-talented Taylor
Wilson and her marvellous
accompanying piano and cello
players transported us by their
music to another time and place,
and it was very pleasing to be
there! The October concert was
very popular too with our
audience, who know a good jazz
quartet when they hear one. The
group is called Quattro MacJazz,
and they plied us with hot
Dixieland jazz and Gospel Songs and a few surprises in between.
They were new to us, but I don`t
think they`ll remain strangers for
long. So our first two concerts of
the season have set the very high
standard that we hope to retain
through all the concerts still to
come.
The next will be on Sunday, 30th
November - the last concert until
January. The visiting quartet is
called McFall`s Chamber, and they
play a very wide range of music
"from tango to jazz to rock, to
contemporary classical" and
making many stops along the way.
This ensemble of violin, viola, cello
and double bass has been much
praised by the music critics: The
Times described their
performance as "engaging, witty,
relaxed, sophisticated, exquisitely
played and just plain fun"!
So do join us for their first
concert for us in Beith
Community Centre, Kings Road,
Beith KA15 2BQ at 2.30 p.m. on
30th November. Our concerts last
about two hours, with an interval
of twenty minutes when
refreshments are available. Prices
are as follows: Adult £11,
Concessions £9, Students and
children £3 each. There is easy
wheelchair access, and guide dogs
are welcome.
Do please come to see what it`s
like: quite apart from the music,
it is a welcoming, social
afternoon, where you might well
meet friends old and new, and
there is a warm, easy atmosphere.
If you tell one of the committee
that it`s your first time we will
introduce you to some of our
regular audience, so that you can
ask all the questions you wish.
We look forward to meeting you.
Sky At Night
Lochwinnoch Nov/Dec
INTERNATIONAL SPACE
STATION
ZHR = 15 (ZHR (Zenithal Hourly
Rate))
Rates are not expected to be high
this year. The year 2032 is the next
expected storm from this shower.
It storms roughly every 33 years
and rates have been in the
hundreds to many thousands per
hour. One for the diary.
GEMINID METEOR SHOWER
Evening to dawn
December 13-14,
Active: December 4—17;
Maximum: 7pm December 13th to
5pm December 14th
Dark nights are with us again and
it is almost time for the Geminid
meteor shower, one of the best and
most reliable meteor showers of
the year, the is predicted to be in
the region of 120.
Active throughout the night,
Geminid meteors may be seen
from 7pm onwards. You still need
to be patient though. While hourly
rates are optimistic, they are
sporadic. The bright ones are a joy.
The Radiant is in the constellation
of Gemini -The Twins - close to the
stars Castor and Pollux. The
Radiant will rise over the Braes
south of the Village by 7pm and If
the sky is clear there should be
plenty to see without staying up
into the early hours.
Jupiter rises about 10.30pm and
its 4 moons, Io, Europa, Ganymede
and Callisto may be seen.
This QR link provides viewing
times for the ISS. Two weeks of
evening viewing, sometimes twice
a night with a number of good
opportunities including one of 5
minutes duration.
It usually comes into view over
Glenlora with the shorter times
closer to the horizon.
Meteor Showers
LEONIDS
Active: November 6—30;
Maximum: November 17
19
Geminid meteors are often bright,
some very bright. The Moon rises
about 2.15am and should not be
too much of an issue.
If the weather is kind, spend some
time watching.
Edited from the regular Sky @
Night post on the website forum
from George
Support Our Soldiers
Last year the Lochwinnoch community
generously donated many items to
send out to all the armed forces
deployed on peace keeping missions in
places such as Afghanistan; though
troops are being brought home there
are still many who will be away at
Christmas, some without family.
Sean at Heritage Farm shop has kindly
agreed to be a drop of point once again
and anything, even a bag of sweets, is
very much appreciated.
For All Your Garage Door Needs
Garage Doors • Remote Control Openers
Installation • Repairs • Spares
FREE ESTIMATES
FREE SURVEYS
FREE INSURANCE REPORTS
Nothing inflammable, no aerosols,
alcohol, tobacco products and any
empty shoe boxes, no larger than an
adult size 6 box, would be of help.
0141 950 1423
01505 842 176
01786 820 130
Roadhead, Lochwinnoch PA12 4JG
(10 mins from Glasgow Airport on A737)
If you are putting food items in please
can you make sure there is a long life
date as those in remote locations can
take extra time to get there.
Flu Vaccination
@ The Surgery
The appeal is running from now until
the first week in December as we need
time to post everything.
Many thanks on behalf of the troops
and SOS.
Catherine Coe
Area Co-ordinator Support our soldiers
Vandalism
We had a memorial bench installed at
Castle Semple Loch 10 years ago after
our dad (Archie Harkins) passed away.
When our mum (Margaret) died in
June this year we decided to replace
the bench and dedicate the new one to
both of them.
GLASGOW
AYRSHIRE
STIRLING
ROAR Activities
Nov – Dec14
Date
Activity
6/11/14
Curling
13/11/14
LEAP Energy Advice
20/11/14
Pauline with her harp
27/11/14
Elderly Forum
4/12/14
Jo James
11/12/14
Christmas Quiz
18/12/14
Christmas Party
25/12/14
Club Closed
1/1/15
Club Closed
The ‘flu jab’ is available for all patients in
the eligible groups : over 65’s, chronic
respiratory disease, heart, kidney, liver
or neurological disease, diabetes,
immunosuppressed, pregnant woman
and carers.
Any patients’ outwith the criteria can get
a flu vaccination privately at
participating outlets e.g. pharmacies or
shopping centres.
Editorial and Copy for
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]
Imagine our disgust when we
discovered that it (and another new
bench next to it) were mindlessly
vandalised on Friday night 11th Oct).
Electronic submission with full colour
pictures are preferred.
We hope those who did it are proud of
themselves!!!
[email protected]
Tel: 01505 842632
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MAINTENANCE FREE UPVC
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Tel: 01505 614654
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20