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CHATTERBOX ASIST
Anti-Social Investigation
Team
Support and Advice Office 8:45am – 4:45pm
Every day 9am – 10pm No 171 March 2008 Ask for David McLaren or
Tel: 0800 169 1283 www.lochwinnoch.info Barrie Anderson
Tel: 01505 325 030

Community newsletter produced by lochwinnoch publicity committee for lochwinnoch cc

• Sunday 30th March—

What’s On
• Advice Works - Tuesdays 10am
-12.30, Lochwinnoch Library. *
• Kickjitsu for Kids - Monday
nights, Parish Church Hall.
• Kickjitsu for Adults - Mon-
day nights, 7pm, McKillop Hall.
• Tai Chi for Beginners -
Friday nights, 6.45-7.45pm, The
Room, Lochwinnoch Library.
• Yoga Classes - Wednesday
nights, 7.30pm McKillop Hall.
• Morag’s Keep Fit
Mondays and Thursdays from
7pm, McKillop Hall.
• Saturday 8th March
Blues and Soul music night at the
McKillop. *
• Monday 10th March
Lochwinnoch Art Group meeting,
7.30pm,Parish Church Guild Room. *
• Saturday 15th March
Councillor Arthur’s Surgery from
11.30am at the McKillop Institute.
• Tuesday 18th March
Formica, Fridges and Fish Paste
Sandwiches 1950’s evening at the
Library. *
Thursday 20th March
Lochwinnoch Historical Society
meeting at 7.30pm - Guild Room,
Parish Church. *
• Thursday 27th March to
Sunday 30th March -
Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 2008 *
• Friday 28th March
Prize Bingo Night - 7.30pm at the
Masonic Hall. Everyone welcome.
British Summer Time begins.
CONGRATULATIONS !
Put your clocks forward by 1 hour. to
• Sunday 30th March FIONA RITCHIE
Spring Concert at 7.30pm in
Lochwinnoch Parish Church. *
SOME MORE DIARY DATES
• Tuesday 1st April
Lochwinnoch Community
Council meeting, 7.30pm Parish
Church Guild Room.
• Saturday 5th April
Councillor Bibby’s Surgery from
9am at the McKillop Institute.
• Monday 7th April - Puppet
Animation Festival for children,
2pm at Lochwinnoch Library. * Lochwinnoch girl Fiona Ritchie was
• Monday 7th April very successful with her solo singing
Lochwinnoch Art Group meeting in the Inverclyde Music Festival this
at 7.30pm in Parish Church year. Fiona sang the Skye Boat Song
Guild Room. * to win the Church School of Motor-
• Saturday 12th April ing cup and also won the Victoria
High Street Brands Sale - Burns Club event with Ca’ the
10am-1pm at St Vincent’s Yowes. She came second in the
Hospice Daycare Centre. William Dunsmore trophy.
• Thurs 17th & Fri 18th April
‘Murder at Checkmate Manor’ by THANK YOU
Calder Drama Group. * from
• Sunday 20th April
Karen Browning
Viking Down ! Presentation at
RSPB Centre. * Karen would like to thank all friends
• Friday 25th April and family in Lochwinnoch and fur-
Chips & Opera Ball. * ther afield for all the beautiful cards,
• Saturday 14th June flowers, gifts and phone calls re-
Lochwinnoch Gala Day 2008. ceived during her time in hospital
• Friday 20th June and also as she recovers at home.
TCT 2008 ‘Not the Booze Cruise’
Tickets on sale soon. It has been much appreciated from
Karen and her family all the kind
* See inside for more details thoughts sent.

MATTHEW NEW & SONS Editorial & copy for Chatterbox

Let us have your stories, notices, news,
information, events & items of interest —
ROOFING - ROUGHCASTING - BUILDING MAINTENANCE either hand-deliver them to the Chatter-
box drop-box in the Library or e-mail to:
Emergency Repairs, Storm Damage chatterbox@lochwinnoch.info
Insurance Work, New Roofs, Flat Roofs To advertise in Chatterbox
Roughcasting –UPVC Cladding—Guttering Tel: 07899 746403 or e-mail:
Tel No 01505 843400 chatterboxaccount@btinternet.com
Copy Deadline for APRIL ISSUE
FMB Certificate No 26366 IS Monday 31st MARCH 2008
 Elaine Robertson BSc Podiatrist
(HPC Registered)
Podiatry  JUNIOR SECTION
Chiropody  5-A-SIDE COMPETITION
Lower Limb Acupuncture 
Hot Stone Therapy   The above competition was held in
Swedish Massage  Greenock Sports Centre on Saturday
Aromatherapy              Tel:  01505 502675  &  Mob:  07824 618896  2nd February, where 12 teams took
59 Crummock Gardens, Beith   KA15 2HF  part.
 
Striving for Fairtrade
Zone Status for all of
Renfrewshire
I believe Fairtrade is a simple way for
the consumer to make a big difference
through their purchasing power. By
picking the Fairtrade coffee, bananas,
or chocolate, we ensure a fair and reli-
able income for vulnerable and mar-
ginalised workers and their families
and we support the development of
their communities.
Fairtrade empowers those at the be-
ginning and end of the production
chain – producers get fair wages, good
working conditions, help with the de-
velopment of products and marketing,
while consumers are given the choice
to make a difference by buying Fair-
trade products whenever they can.
There is some incredible work already
going on across Renfrewshire in our
churches, schools, businesses and or-
ganisations to support Fairtrade. We
should be proud of the achievements
of Renfrewshire – Paisley has been a
Fairtrade Town since 2003 (one of the
first in Scotland) and Bishopton re-
cently became a Fairtrade Village.
Trinity High School in Renfrew was
one of the first Fairtrade Schools in
Scotland. These are great accomplish-
ments and it is our intention that the
Council’s renewed focus on Fairtrade
will build on this – bringing together
these Fairtrade champions and making
a big push for our Fairtrade Zone
status for Renfrewshire.
By working together and with in-
creased support from the community,
we aim to reach all corners of Ren-
frewshire to promote Fairtrade and
ensure that it is firmly embraced by
       www.podiatryandmassage.co.uk
the people of Renfrewshire.
This is an exciting time to be focus-
ing on Fairtrade – the word is
spreading and more and more shops
are heeding consumers’ wishes and
stocking an increased range of excel-
lent Fairtrade products. There are so
many opportunities to substitute
your normal products for Fairtrade
produce.
If you have never used Fairtrade be-
fore, I urge you to make that change
in your weekly or monthly shop. Not
only will you be enjoying an excel-
lent cup of coffee or delicious bar of
chocolate but you will do so in the
knowledge that your purchase was
ethical and fair – your chocolate will
taste even sweeter!
As for our part, the Council has
committed to encourage the use of
fairly traded goods when catering for
our functions and meetings and we
will also try wherever possible to
include a fairly traded option in rele-
vant tenders. Whilst this will be a
big change for us initially, we feel it
is vital to lead by our own example.
I know that becoming a Fairtrade
Zone will take both time and com-
mitment – it will rely on the enthusi-
asm and support of our communities
and it will not happen overnight but
I believe that this is a venture which
is worth our time and effort, and I
am confident that we will be suc-
cessful.
With your help we can make a real
difference.
Councillor Mackay
Leader of Renfrewshire Council
INVERCLYDE &
DISTRICT BATTALION
1st Lochwinnoch Junior Section
remained unbeaten throughout and
eventually WON 3-1 in the final
against a Greenock team.
Lochwinnoch Team - Rory John,
Fraser Lawrie, Jack Aitchison,
Aaron Davis and Erlend Frayling.
A marvellous achievement, as our
team did not have any substitutes and
the above 5 team members played in
every game. The parents were ex-
hausted watching them!
Thanks go to all who supported the
team and to coaches Alan Davis,
Steve Roebuck and Steve John for all
their hard work.
CALDER DRAMA
‘Murder at Checkmate Manor’
on
Thursday 17th and 18th April
at 7.30pm in the McKillop Institute.
This Spring Production, written by
David McGillivary and Walter Zerlin
Jr, is another play involving the Farn-
dale Avenue Housing Estate Towns-
women’s Guild Dramatic Society.
The play is set in the drawing room of
Checkmate Manor for the reading of
the will of the late Sir Reginald
Bishop. Someone has designs on the
Checkmate millions and will stop at
nothing to get them. During the
course of this ‘whodunit’ play, every-
thing that can go wrong, does and
players are left to muddle through as
cues are missed, entrances mistimed,
lines forgotten, mishaps to scenery,
sound effects and general mayhem on
stage.
Tickets £5, Children & Seniors £3.

Councillor Arthur’s
Report
I am currently working in partner-
ship with Lochwinnoch Primary
School, the Parent Council, the Po-
lice and Renfrewshire Roads Depart-
ment in assisting to compile the Pri-
mary School’s Travel Plan document.
The objective is to introduce ways to
improve conditions for children
travelling to and from school. By far,
the biggest issue is the compromis-
ing of children’s safety around the
school gates at the start and finish
times. This is the result of the
‘couldn’t care less drivers’ who drop
off and pick up some of the pupils.
At the recent Council budget meet-
ing, the base budget assessment for
all services of £409.283 million was
confirmed. As well as a freeze on
our Council Tax for year 2008/9 lev-
els, commitments were made to in-
vest a further £5.1 million to support
many key local priorities, such as
£958,000 towards class size
reduction in both P1 and P2 to 25,
from this August,
£347,000 as an initial contribu-
tion to the development of the Phase
3 Schools Estate Strategy, providing
the opportunity to convert this to
future borrowing of approximately
£5 million,
£170,000 to support alternative
educational provision through place-
ments in residential centres and/or
specialist provision for young people
whose needs cannot be met in a
mainstream school,
£257,000 to fund a ‘Clean Ren-
frewshire’ campaign launching in
spring 2008,
£2.211 million per year on recy-
cling and waste management,
£200,000 towards developing
community provision for young peo-
ple, by establishing a youth chal-
lenge fund, to be delegated to the
five Local Area Committees,
an increase of £750,000 per year
to the roads maintenance budget to
support the ongoing maintenance
and improvement in the condition of
Renfrewshire’s roads and which
will complement the £2 million per
annum investment levels which is
proposed as part of the Council’s
investment plan, with £1 million to
fund a replacement programme for
street lamps.
OPEN DAY @
LOCHWINNOCH GOLF CLUB
Great opportunity to play golf in the rolling Renfrewshire hills,
and join, all on the same day.
•£10 to play on the day (Normally £25) • No joining fee
• New members up to age of 25 pay 60% of the fees
• Buy one Lesson get one FREE with PGA Professional
Gerry Reilly (only available to those who join on the day)
• FREE drink from the bar.
• OFFERS AVAILABLE ON OPEN DAY ONLY.
Tel: 01505 843029 to book your tee time (between 10am-12pm) - spaces limited.
The foregoing gives a flavour of how
the budget unfolded. This is a
Lochwinnoch
budget that has been well received Choral Society
by the directors of Council depart-
ments and the Renfrewshire public Lochwinnoch Choral Society will be
in general. holding its Spring Concert on Sunday
30th March, 7.30pm, in the Parish
No objections were received against Church, Lochwinnoch, to coincide
the Planning Application No. with the Arts Festival being held that
07/0724/PP for the conversion of weekend.
existing buildings at St. Joseph’s
Nursing Home to form 30 flats and As well as songs from the junior choir,
selective demolition of outbuildings, the programme will include The
upgrading of access roads, car park- Chichester Psalms, the masterpiece by
ing and associated landscaping. It is the American composer, Leonard
expected that this application will be Bernstein, who also wrote the music
granted through delegated powers. for West Side Story. A rewarding and
uplifting piece, ‘The Psalms’ was com-
Worried parents, who had heard that missioned for the Southern Cathedrals
the Thursday night football for Festival in 1965.
primary school-aged children in the
Public Park Annexe was stopping, Our concerts often showcase local art-
contacted me over the last week or ists and this one will be no exception.
so. After having looked into this, I There will also be readings by Betty
had the pleasure of getting back to McKellar from her new book of
them to confirm that the community poems, "Muirshiel", and the choir will
football 'Healthy Goals' programme sing a version of her poem, "Silver
will continue to be delivered. Slip", about the drowning of Mary
Caldwell (which was featured in the
The current eight-week block comes last issue of Chatterbox), composed by
to an end on Thursday 28th Febru- Gordon Rigby, the Choirmaster.
ary but a further four-week block All accompanied by professional
will be offered prior to Easter and a orchestral musicians, as usual.
further eight-week block will be
offered over May and June. On Saturday 8th March, at 8pm, there
Discussions are currently underway will be a gig in the McKillop Hall,
between Renfrewshire Council, the Lochwinnoch by the Blues Brothers/
SFA and St Mirren FC to decide on Commitments tribute band, Republic
the most appropriate future delivery of Soul, featuring village resident
of this community programme. Richard Mulhearn. There will be a
bar and 'nibbles' (small articles of
My Surgery is on the third Saturday food, that is!) on sale, so please come
of each month at 11:30am in the and dance the night away to some
McKillop Hall but there is no need to great soul and blues. Profits from the
wait for a Surgery if you require my gig will go to support the Choir in
help. You can contact me on putting on high quality concerts for
Tel: 843507 and we can agree a time the village.
when we can meet.
Tickets for both events are
available from The Brown Bull,
Councillor David Arthur
from The Junction and from
choir members.

and Presentation of Lochwinnoch Primary School Poetry Competition
Lochwinnoch
Art Group
Once again an interesting evening
was enjoyed by all those who
attended the last meeting. Art
Group member, Mary Gildea,
brought flowers to arrange for the
evening’s project of 'Still Life '.
Our next meeting on the 10th
March, at 7.30pm in the Parish
Church Guild Room, is an evening
of painting in ' Three Colours ' by
member Sandra Fowles. You will
need to come along to find out
what it is about !
There will be no meeting on 24th
March as this is Easter Monday.
The next meeting on Monday 7th
April is ' Landscapes in Acrylics '
by member Margaret Emonds.
If anyone is familiar with Marga-
ret's work then this is an evening
not to be missed. We look for-
ward to meeting familiar faces as
well as those who would like to
come along for the first time.
Everyone is welcome.
Christine
Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 2008
Thursday 27th - Sunday 30th March
(All events in Parish Church, Lochwinnoch
except Thursday Jazz and Friday Book Launch)
Thursday 27th March
Evening Jazz in the Junction Bistro
(contact Junction Bistro for tickets, Tel: 842225)
Friday 28th March
7pm for 7.30pm
Betty McKellar book launch at Castle Semple Centre
(free entry)
Saturday 29th March
10am - 11am
Paintings, Prints, Crafts, second-hand books and more! (free entry)
11am-12 noon
Talks by broadcasters and authors on their books.
Peter Aitchison on the Eyemouth Disaster and
Vanessa Collingridge on Captain Cook
Entry - £2 and £1 (concession)
12 noon - 1pm
Paintings, Prints, Crafts, second-hand books and more! (free entry)
2pm-3pm
Classical Guitar Recital by Neil Wilson
A leading classical musician, Neil will play a mixture of world and classical
music, including Bach, Albeniz, Plazzolan and more.
Dynamic, passionate and technically brilliant. Not to be missed!
(See local advert. for more information.)
7pm
Scottish Music Night with local artists.
Entry: £2 and £1 (concession)
Sunday 30th March
1.30pm
Jazz on a Sunday afternoon
Richard Mulhearn (saxophone) and friends in Parish Church Hall.
Entry: £2 and £1 (concession)
2.30pm - 3pm
Paintings, Prints, Crafts, second-hand books and more! (free entry)
7.30pm
Lochwinnoch Spring Concert
In Lochwinnoch Parish Church
(see separate Lochwinnoch Choral Society item in Chatterbox
for full details and how to obtain tickets).

The Gala Committee would like to
thank everyone who helped to make
the Valentine’s Gala Ceildih a terrific
success. It was a great night and every
one enjoyed it. Our grateful thanks
go to all the " behind the scenes "
helpers as well.
We are pleased to report that we have
been able to make two donations this
year. One to Lochwinnoch Primary
School and the other to the Cardiac
Rehabilitation Department at the
R.A.H. in Paisley.
On to this year’s Gala Day, which will
be on Saturday 14th June and will
have a carnival theme this year. So, if
there are any acrobats, jugglers,
clowns, magicians etc., out there, then
we want to hear from you! If you
think you can help us in any way at all,
please get in touch. We also need
help on Gala Day itself and, again, if
you can spare a little bit of your time
on the day, then we want to hear from
you too.
Remember, this is a community event
for everyone in the community and
without your support it would not be
possible.
Please leave your details at:
' Crafts of Calder Gallery ' 8, High
Street, Lochwinnoch or contact
Tel: 01505 844980 / 842139.
ST. VINCENT’S
HOSPICE
Forthcoming Events
Saturday 15th March
Race Night in St John’s Church Hall,
Barrhead.
Saturday 22nd March at 7.30pm
Spring Dinner Dance at Glynhill Ho-
tel. Tickets £30.
Saturday 12th April 10am—1pm
High Street Brands Sale, St Vincent’s
Daycare area.
Door to Door Collections in Lochwin-
noch. Volunteers are needed to de-
liver collection envelopes to streets in
your neighbourhood and collect them
again between 26th and 31st May ‘08.
For more information on the above,
please contact Lorraine Valentine on:
Tel: 01505 705635 or e-mail:
Lorraine.valentine@svh.co.uk
What’s Yellow and Green?
Now and Then’s new range of Easter gifts
and home decorations.
Fairtrade, made from recycled and
natural materials
- and a lot less fattening than chocolate !
Open 9am - 5.30pm weekdays and Saturdays
Open every Sunday from Easter Sunday onwards
From 12 noon - 4pm.
Now & Then
8 Church Street, Lochwinnoch Tel: 843311
Gifts • Cards • Jewellery • Leather • Home
I hope now that further action will
News from be taken by the Parliament or Min-
Councillor Neil Bibby isters on this matter.
I have been contacted about yet
The Council recently announced its
more problems regarding bin col-
budget, which includes a massive
lections in Lochwinnoch. If you are
£8.6million worth of cuts to
experiencing such problems then
services.
please don’t hesitate to contact
me.
The Education budget has now
been slashed by £5.7million since
It would be remiss of me not to
May - that is approximately £232
mention Fairtrade in this Fairtrade
for every pupil in Renfrewshire,
Fortnight. I am delighted that our
there is an end to supported study
MP Douglas Alexander, who is also
before exam times and other sup-
the Secretary of State for Interna-
port services, despite my
tional Development, has an-
colleagues and I voting against
nounced a doubling of funds for
them.
Fairtrade labelling worth over
£1.2million - this will be spent to
Renfrewshire Council received the
worst settlement from the Scottish
expand the Fairtrade products
available to purchase.
Government of any local authority
in Scotland.
Fairtrade is an international effort,
which by definition aims to discard
I was pleased to attend the Clyde
national interest to help the poor-
Muirshiel Regional Park Committee
est people on earth. I am sure that
meeting recently at Castle Semple
if the commitments shown by the
Visitor Centre. I was glad to hear
UK Government and local people
at the meeting that a petition
continue then we can make great
lodged by Mrs Sybil Simpson at the
strides to help the world’s poorest
Scottish Parliament, which called
peoples and nations.
for greater protection of Regional
Parks from industrialisation,
My regular advice surgeries are on
received a good hearing from the
the 1st Saturday of the month at
Parliament’s Petitions Committee.
9am in the McKillop Hall. If you
would like to contact me before
Many strong points were made in
then you can phone me on Tel:
favour of greater protection includ-
01505 704874 or email me at
ing the fact that less than one half
cllr.neil.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk
of one per cent of Scotland’s land
is taken up by Regional and Na-
Councillor Neil Bibby
tional Parks
 AILEEN FERGUSON
MSc., FCIPD, MBACP, SMTO
COUNSELLOR & HOLISTIC THERAPIST
LOCHWINNOCH
Counselling (Individuals and couples)
Depression, Anxiety, Bereavement,
Relationships, Work Issues, Stress,
Trauma, Panic Attacks, etc.
www.aileenferguson.com
01505 843714
Lochwinnoch
Primary School
& Nursery Class
February News
Trees
During our Action Day, some of the
children in the school planted willow,
which will hopefully grow to form a
tunnel for the children to explore!
We have also been sent a Copse pack
from The Woodland Trust containing
10 rowan, 10 silver birch, 5 wild
cherry, 3 field maple and 2 hornbeam
trees. We are hoping to plant these
very soon.
Composting
We have taken delivery of 2 large com-
posting bins and 5 small
caddies. A representative from Waste
Aware Scotland will be coming to visit
the school soon to put on a short pres-
entation on composting.
Supergrounds
We have now received our first
Supergrounds payment of £1,000.
The children have suggested an out-
door dance/karaoke area, an Outdoor
Classroom and some large, sit-on
equipment for the younger children.
Our assigned project advisor visited
the school to discuss our ideas and is
going to be in touch again soon.
Thank you to all parents who have
volunteered to help. Your services will
be called upon very soon! If anyone
else would like to help, please get in
touch with a member of staff ….
Grants
We have also applied for two further
grants to help with our project. The
Parent Council has applied to Strath-
clyde Police and the other application
is for a Breathing Places Grant. We’ll
let you know when we hear about
them.
Treatments
Therapeutic Massage, Hot Stones
Indian Head Massage, Seated Acupressure,
Reiki Master/Teacher.
Awards
We were awarded an Eco Schools
Silver Award in September -
Yippee! - and we are hoping to
achieve a Green Flag in the near
future.
A HISTORY OF
JOHNSTONE HIGH
SCHOOL
Johnstone High School Deputy
Headmaster, Mr Graham Munro,
would like to develop a history of
the school. His group of 3rd Year
pupils is currently researching
the school’s history and it is
hoped that this will be put on the
school website and that former
pupils will read it and add infor-
mation, photographs - and make
corrections.
Mr Munro has written to all for-
mer pupils from 1940-1963 (who
are listed in ‘Friends Reunited’)
and pupils are putting out ap-
peals for information.
In the Autumn of last year, a
group of pupils spent some time
speaking to senior citizens in a
retirement home about their
memories of the Second World
War.
What do you remember about the
School, trips, special events and
teachers?
If you think you can help, please
contact Mr Munro on Tel: 01505
322173 or by e-mail at:
graham.munro@renfrewshire.gov.uk
From the Parish
Church
I wandered lonely as a cloud
that floats on high o’er vales and hills,
when all at once I saw a crowd,
a host, of golden daffodils;
beside the lake, beneath the trees,
fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
William Wordsworth
I love daffodils. I love their colour,
their vibrancy, I love the way you
can’t ignore them – they refuse to be
shrinking violets (no pun intended)
but are right in your face. I love the
way they herald spring, a reminder,
along with the more gentle and subtle
snowdrops in our gardens that winter
is on the way out and new life is just
around the corner. Their ancient name
is Lenten lilies from the old English
word Lent, meaning spring.
We have had a long, windy, wet win-
ter, again this year. January was the
wettest for some number of years and
February one of the windiest I can
remember. At times our mood seems
to reflect the weather. When the sun
shines, we smile, when the rain falls
and the wind blows, our heads go
down, along with our spirits.
Without wanting to sound too trite,
life, as you all know so well, can re-
flect the changes in the weather; at
times our life is full of sunshine, we
radiate joy for everything in the gar-
den is rosy, then without warning
storms are raging around us. Often life
can seem like an emotional roller-
coaster and if you are anything like
me, when things start to run out of
control, I want to scream, “Let me
off!”
Life, at best, is a balance between
times of sorrow and times of celebra-
tion. That is reflected in the life of the
Church. At the time of writing, in the
Church we are commemorating the
Season of Lent. Lent is the time in the
Church when we prepare for Easter.
We do so remembering the tempta-
tions that Jesus faced in his life. Not
just the temptations of the 40 days and
nights in the desert, but also the last
temptation, the final temptation, when
in spiritual and emotional agony, the
night before he was crucified, he
prayed that the cup he was about to
face could pass from him. Yet the
final words of that prayer were, “not
my will but yours be done.”
Sometimes the vagaries of life, are
made all the harder when we fight
against them. There are times when
we need to face up to our problems
and accept that the only person who
can solve them is ourselves. Yet there
are other times when we have to ac-
cept what is happening to us, accept
the cup which has come our way. Bad
things do happen to good people and
that is not because God is punishing
us, but entirely due to the very nature
of life. From the moment we are born,
the only thing we are assured of is that
some day we will die. That is a bold
and in many ways, frightening thing to
say. Death brings sorrow and we
would rather not have to think about
it.
In my work I am privileged to accom-
pany people who are facing their final
days. I have not yet met anyone who
was fighting death. It is amazing how
calm people can be in their final days.
My own mother said just two days
before she died, “I’ve had enough
gadding about since your father died.
It’s time for me to go and be with him.
… Provided he is in heaven!”
Such humour is only found in people
who are unafraid of death. Of course
the manner of our death may cause us
fear, none of us wish to die in pain.
Yet for those of us who profess the
Christian faith, we know that death is
not the end.
The 40 days of reflection of Lent are
balanced by the 40 days of celebration
of Easter, when we rejoice in the death
of death and remember Jesus Christ,
not just crucified, but raised to new
life. This new life in Christ is offered
to all.
Friends, this spring, as always, when I
see the return of the daffodils I will
rejoice that spring, the season of new
life, is on its way. I will also give
thanks for the new life offered to us in
Christ and I will pray that you all have
a glorious celebration this Easter.
Yours,
Church Street, Lochwinnoch Tel: 01505 842337
Newspapers • Magazines • Stationery,
Fresh Local Milk from the Dairy
Morning Rolls from the Bakery
Confectionery • Gifts • Greetings Cards
7-Day Newspaper Delivery Service
Agents for Dry Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Ironing, Press only,
Alterations and Repairs, Shoe Repairs, Laundry
LOCHWINNOCH Puppet Animation Festival
LIBRARY
Two Can Toucan
READ MỜR@
Lochwinnoch Library Folding Theatre
Puppet Company
Read Mòr is a national book pro- at
motion, timed to celebrate the contri-
bution of the Highlands to Scottish Lochwinnoch Library
culture. The promotion has five
themes (Fiction & Non-Fiction): Monday 7th April 2pm
.. on the edge
.. landscapes Suitable for 3 ~ 7 years
.. on the move
.. together This is a FREE event.
including Scottish Authors, such as Tickets MUST be collected in
: Brookmyre, Rankin , Banks and
advance, as numbers are limited.
many more…
LIBRARY OPENING HOURS : Children must be accompanied by
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: an adult.
2pm–5pm & 6pm–8pm
Tuesday and Saturday:
“ Formica, Fridges
10am–1pm & 2pm–5pm
Closed Thursday.
& Fish Paste
Why not go online -
www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/libraries Sandwiches “
to check the catalogue and order
your books from the comfort of your
own home. You will then be notified Chris Lee
by the staff at the library when your of Paisley Museum,
book is awaiting pick up. (There is a Takes a light-hearted look at
request charge of 35p per item.) Home Life & Growing up in
the 1950’s
ADVICE WORKS at
Lochwinnoch Library
at Lochwinnoch Library
Tuesdays 10am - 12.30pm Tuesday 18th March
Free, confidential advice service to 7.30pm
Renfrewshire residents on a wide Tickets : £2.00 including
range of money topics; experts on refreshments
hand to fill in and check claim forms,
advise on benefits, money problems, Please purchase tickets
etc, etc. in advance.
 FAIRTRADE
Cucina Minucci FORTNIGHT:
at The Junction   Let’s make Lochwinnoch
  a Fairtrade village!
Licensed Caffè 
2–4 High Street,   Fairtrade Fortnight is a national
Lochwinnoch Out of School Club (LOSC) is  campaign, running from 25th Feb to
currently looking for new members for  Lochwinnoch, PA12 4DA.  9th March. Events and activities are
their voluntary committee.  Anyone who  Tel: 01505 – 842 225  taking place throughout Renfrewshire
is keen to help the club move forward    with a Fairtrade Roadshow visiting
and get involved with fundraising, etc is  Castle Semple Centre on Saturday
Breakfast • Lunch• Jo’s Baking  March 8 (1-3) with free samples of
more than welcome to join. 
        Live Music Nights  Fairtrade products!
You do not have to be a parent of a child   
in the club to join either.  If you can spare  New Product range including:   What is Fairtrade?? It's a model of
one evening a month to attend the com‐ international trade which guarantees a
Fairtrade & Organic Food   fair price to producers exporting
mittee meetings, please contact Leanne 
(LOSC Manager) on Tel:  07757 801 042.  products  goods such as coffee, sugar, cotton and
  ECOVER Eco‐Friendly Cleaning  fresh fruit from developing to devel-
In April, LOSC is having an open night for  oped countries. This higher income
Nuts, Seeds & Whole Foods.  improves their social and environ–
parents to come along and have a look at 
   mental conditions.
all the interesting projects that take place 
in the club.  All staff and committee mem‐ EAT IN or TAKE AWAY 
In Lochwinnoch, a Fairtrade steering
bers will be there and will be happy to    group organised some events over the
answer any questions you have.  For more details and   Fortnight to draw attention to Fair-
 
upcoming events  trade principles and to recruit mem-
Look out for further details posted  bers to our group. Ivan and Jo at the
around the village or phone the club for  Visit: www.cucinaminucci.co.uk 
Junction, aka Cucina Minucci, hosted
more information.   That number again is    Ivan and Joanna Minucci   a coffee morning and an evening
07757 801 042.  and the team screening of the film “Black Gold”,
which highlights the injustices in the
world trade in coffee. For each cup of
Fairtrade tea or coffee sold at these
The project is designed and events, 50p will be donated to Fair-
managed by Amey, who operate the trade's innovation fund which aims to
A737 on behalf of Transport Scot- develop new products.
land.
The RSPB centre is also Fairtrading
and planning to do more. We are ap-
A737 LOCHWINNOCH Willie Watson, Amey’s Unit Manager
for south west Scotland said: proaching churches, businesses and
FINAL STAGES OF organisations to encourage them to
IMPROVEMENTS AT “The new roundabout will im- sell or use Fairtrade products. There
ROADHEAD ROUNDABOUT prove the flow of traffic on the A737 was a good response from Lochwin-
as all vehicles approaching it will noch Primary school, where we ran a
have equal priority. The dedicated taster session for some of their classes.
The £1.3m safety improvement project
on the A737 at Roadhead Round- bus and cycle lanes and new foot- Individuals can become supporters by
about, near Lochwinnoch is likely to paths will significantly improve the completing forms to register as Fair-
be finished by the end of March. usability of this part of the A737. trade shoppers living in the village: be
Additionally it will relocate this very one of the first hundred names – you
To complete the project it will be nec- busy road slightly further away from can pick up a form at the Junction.
essary to put traffic management on the doorsteps of nearby residents.
the road that approaches the round- There could be some delay on We are not saying that you should
about for the next 3 weekends. The the route during the remaining three stop supporting local farmers. Fair-
plan is to close the A760 (i.e. the weekends while we work to tie in the trade can be seen as supporting local
Lochwinnoch approach) for the next 3 existing road layout with the new initiatives, local producers and local
weekends. On the first weekend, we roundabout. We appeal to drivers to businesses as opposed to large
will be tying in the A760 side, on the remain patient and show tolerance conglomerates that squeeze the price
following weekend the northbound to the team working on-site while we out of the farmers who produce the
and on the third weekend the raw ingredients. The Lochwinnoch
finish off the final stages of this pro-
southbound side. Fairtrade group hope to produce a
ject.”
'Fairtrade Lochwinnoch' shopping bag
When complete, the new roundabout in the near future. We hope you'll
will have equal priorities, dedicated For further information,
want to buy one and support Fairtrade
bus bays to prevent buses stopping contact Amey SW Unit on
Lochwinnoch. For more info visit:
on the A737, plus a new cycle path. Freephone: 0800 085 7136.
www.lochwinnochaid.org.uk
New more environmentally friendly www.fairtrade.org.uk
Amey Press Office
drainage has also been installed. www.cucinaminucci.co.uk
 LCBG
The Struthers Project
Buy-out group appeals for
volunteers
What’s been happening about
the proposed village buyout of
the Struthers Factory?
What are the current outline
plans?
These plans, as you will be aware
from the information issued at the
time of the ballot, include: sports
facilities (much improved on
those currently provided by the
Annexe) and climbing wall; heri-
tage & orientation/interpretation
centre (bringing back to the vil-
lage the materials currently at
Paisley Museum).

You will recall that last summer,
after the massive job of balloting
the village to determine the level
of support for a community buy-
out of the Struthers factory, the
Scottish Executive gave the
Lochwinnoch Community Buy-
out Group the right to buy the
property and associated land.
This was fantastic news, which
was formally announced in
August at the Buy-out fundrais-
ing ceilidh. You may have seen
the press coverage at the time.
However, the owners (the Alfano
Brothers’ Retirement Benefits
Scheme) promptly took the site
off the market. And thus it
remains.
Despite this, the village holds the
right to buy for 5 years, when it
can be renewed if we wish. So
LCBG are still keeping active, to
be ready when the day comes
when the factory comes back
onto the market. LCBG is apply-
ing to the Big Lottery Fund for
85% funding of the £1 million
that the site was independently
valued at. Although the funding
application is for the purchase
only, it requires LCBG to hone
the outline plans for the factory’s
future use. Therefore LCBG is
using funds to conduct a profes-
sional feasibility study, which
should be starting soon. Follow-
ing this will be fun(d)-raising(!)
and more grant applications.
Space for after school care facili-
ties (currently LOSC cannot meet
demand due to limited space);
office/workshop space; meeting
places for senior citizens, for
youths and for parents and tod-
dlers and a soft play area; per-
formance/rehearsal and recording
studio space for the many crea-
tive people we have living in our
village. The hope would also be
to use the natural spring for water
bottling or brewing.
By creating a purpose-built
development, spaces can be
tailored to meet the specific needs
of the various user groups. By
bringing different interest groups
and age groups together, local
people can meet, build friend-
ships and gain an understanding
of one another.
Appeal for volunteers
The difficulty now is that there
has been a decline in active in-
volvement by villagers in the
buy-out group in the last few
months, even though there's a sig-
nificant amount of work still to
be done despite the site being off
the market.
Therefore LCBG is, at this very
important time for the project,
appealing to the villagers who
voted ‘yes’ last summer to bring
a marvellous asset into the con-
trol of the village, to come
forward and offer their time and
enthusiasm.
You don’t necessarily need ex-
perience - though new members
who have legal, architectural,
fund-raising or project manage-
ment experience would be most
welcome! Just a willingness to
give time and see a job through.
You’ll gain a lot of skills and
knowledge yourself as well as
making a significant contribution
to the village.
To get involved or find out more,
please contact Peter Livingstone,
Square House, Harvey Sq (Phone
No: 844827) or Cait Gould
(Phone No. 842380) or email
info@lcbg.org by Tuesday 25th
March.
Members and other volunteers
will be asked to attend a meeting
shortly thereafter to discuss op-
tions and actions for the future of
this unique project.
 “LOCHENYOCH MATTERS”
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
By Adrian Tharme
In the previous two articles, the origin and meaning
of “Lochwinnoch” was interpreted from the main lan-
guages used in this area from 500BC till about
1200AD, Britonic and Gaelic. However, a quite differ-
ent explanation has sometimes been advocated which
links the place-name to either St Winnoc or St Win-
ning. The “Lochwinnoch Info“ website chooses to
favour the latter.
The case against Lochwinnoch being derived from St
Winning is fairly straightforward so he comes first
under the microscope.
St Winning was an Irish Bishop and a contemporary
of St Patrick. He was known to the Britons as St Wi-
nan or Wynnin but, in Ireland, he was known as St
Finan or Finian. He founded the monastery at
Maighbile c 540AD and, as a result, is also known as
Findbarr of Moville (the anglified form of Maighbile).
His time in Scotland is well-documented, particularly
that spent in Ayrshire and Galloway and it is he who
is commemorated in the place-name Kilwinning and
the hill “Caerwinning“ near Dalry. He died in 579AD.
Despite the geographic proximity to Lochwinnoch
there is no mention of any direct connection between
St Winning and Lochwinnoch either historically or in
folk-lore. However, in 1892 James Johnston pro-
duced an interpretation of the origin of Lochwinnoch
in his book “Place-Names of Scotland”. This is given
below.
LOCHWINNOCH ( BEITH ), 1158 Lochynoc (very
near the local pronunciation today); 1207 - winnoc,
1710 - whinyeoch. Winnoc is the diminutive of St
Wynnin, died 579AD; see Kilwinning.
This seems to have become the unquestioned source
used by some subsequent compilers of place-names.
However, Johnston’s researchers made two crucial
errors. The earliest written form of the name is cor-
rectly given as 1158 but it was NOT spelled
“Lochynoc“, as Johnston claims. In the charter of
1158 the spelling was “Lochinauche“.
Linguists also confirm that Johnston is wrong to
claim that “Lochyno” was “very near the local pro-
nunciation today“. The linguistic pronunciation of
“Lochynoc“ would result in the “c“ being pronounced
in the same way as the “ck“ in “lock“. And this does
not match the known local dialect pronunciation.
So Johnston’s suggestion “Loch of little St Wynnin”
fails on two very important requirements. The rules
of toponomy place great emphasis on the earliest
known spelling and the earliest known pronuncia-
tion. Johnston got both wrong.
His researchers even linked Lochwinnoch with Beith,
compounding the need to question the accuracy of
the suggested interpretation.
The argument against the place-name being derived
from St Winnoc requires more detailed research than
the case against St Winning.
The main source used to support the claim that Loch-
winnoch was named after St Winnoc is the “Archaeo-
logical & Historical Collections relating to the County
of Renfrew, Volume 2”. Under the Parish of Loch-
winnoch it claims that there are three saints of that
name; one a native of Brittany, and the other two of
Irish origin. For one of these St Winnocs, it is
claimed “at what time he settled in Lochwinnoch is
unknown, but there he seems to have settled and built
his chapel on the west of the loch and around it grew
up the Kirk-Toun of Lochwinnoch“. So does this
claim stand up to scrutiny?
Authoritative sources concur that the St Winnoc who
was native of Brittany and of noble birth, became a
monk under Abbott St Bertin and went on to found
the Monastery at Wormhout near Dunkirk. He died
in 717AD, was buried at Wormhout, but then his rel-
ics were transferred to Bergues-Saint-Winnoc in
899AD. There is no documentary evidence that this
St Winnoc ever set foot in Britain. So this cannot be
the St Winnoc who is claimed to have settled in
Lochwinnoch.
There are references given in the “Archaeological &
Historical Collections“ for the two Irish St Winnocs it
mentions. It says that one was mentioned by Gregory
of Tours in his “History of the Franks“ and the other,
it claims, was named in the “Acts of St Patrick“ and
was one of this saint’s co-adjutors in his apostolic la-
bours.
However, a cross-check of the given sources fails to
support the claims made.
A St Winnoc does appear in both chapters of the
“History of the Franks“ by Gregory of Tours which are
quoted as sources in the “Archaeological & Historical
Collections“. But both are men from Brittany and not
Ireland as claimed. One is the St Winnoc of Worm-
hout, whose life is outlined above. The other is a St
Winnoc associated with the Monastery at Landeven-
nec in Brittany. The life of this St Winnoc is vener-
ated by the British Orthodox Church and the leading
theological historian of this church, Peter Farrington,
provided a comprehensive biography. He confirms
“there is no evidence linking this St Winnoc with
Lochwinnoch or anywhere else in Scotland“.
There are two Acts of St Patrick, “The Confessio“ and
the “Letter to Coroticus“. Neither contain any refer-
ence to a St Winnoc. This is confirmed by the St Pat-
rick’s Society who say “there is no evidence or men-
tion of a St Winnoc in any records held or researched
by this Society“.
So, this research has identified two St Winnocs. Both
are Bretons, not Irishmen, and both have recorded
biographies that contain no evidence of any link to
Lochwinnoch.
One final point; we should be suspicious of the claim
made in the “Archaeological & Historical Collections”
that a St Winnoc settled here and built a chapel
around which the Kirktoun of Lochwinnoch grew up.
The Kirktoun did not develop until after the Refor-
mation around the church established on the site of
Auld Simon!
No village folklore mentions St Winnoc; there is no
history of a fair-day or other commemorative event
in his name; the fastidious recorder of “Lochenyoch
Matters“, Dr Andro Crawfurd, gives no credence in
any of his volumes to a link with St Winnoc.
And, interestingly, no historical charter related to
this area makes mention of a St Winnoc. The Chapel,
which some claim to have been established or dedi-
cated to St Winnoc, is never referred to as such in any
of these Charters. Invariably it is described by a ver-
sion of the phrase “Chapel of Lochwinnoch”. Char-
ters covering neighbouring areas do quote Chapels
specifically in terms of a Saint, e.g. St Fillan (Kilellan)
or St Bryde’s (in the old village of Kenmure on the
Semple estate).
But, we do have the anomaly that the local Masonic
Lodge is named “Lodge Garthland St Winnoch“,
though sadly the history of that choice cannot be as-
certained as records have been lost. And we have the
obscenity of the name change of one of the oldest,
historical streets in the Kirktoun of Lochwinnoch
from Factory Street (for a period known as Factory
Close) to St Winnoc Road.
Next month, in the last of this series on the origin of
the place-name “Lochwinnoch”, a conclusion will be
presented based on the research summarised over
three issues of Chatterbox. Additionally, a more de-
tailed look will be taken at the two criteria that the
study of place-names gives precedence to, i.e. the old-
est spelling and the oldest local pronunciation.
LOCHWINNOCH
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Our next meeting is on Thursday 20th March at 7.30pm in
the Guild Room of the Parish Church.
The speaker is Steve Edwards, giving a talk entitled
“River Cart - Green Space”
Saving the greenbelt areas before house building robs
Renfrewshire villages of their original historical identity.
New members and visitors are always welcome. Annual
Membership is £8, evening visitors pay £2, which includes
tea, coffee and biscuits. For further information, contact
Gordon Nicholl on 01505 842632.
Support your local hardware store.
We stock hardware, electrical, plumbing, paint sundries,
gardening and fancy goods.
Mobile phone top-us, Competitive prices,
FREE local deliveries, all major credit cards accepted.
• NEW RANGE OF HAND-MADE CARDS
• CARPET CLEANING MACHINE FOR HIRE
• ONIONS & SHALLOTS NOW IN !
• SEED POTATOES IN STOCK IN MARCH
Spring offers running for 6 weeks
from 1st March - 12th April
30 items at great promotion prices!
including
Ronseal Fencelife, Berger paint, Pathclear, Moss Killer,
Tubes of Polyfilla, Solicon, Watering cans, planting tubs,
garden forks and spades and many, many more.
Visit us at
86 Main Street, Kilbirnie, KA25 7AA Tel/Fax:
01505 682125
OPEN - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
From 9am-1pm & 2.15-5.15pm
LOCHWINNOCH
COMMUNITY GARDEN
As the garden group is still preparing for the new season, this
would be an ideal time for anyone interested in becoming in-
volved and/or using a part of the ground or tunnel to come
along. Please phone for times when the gates are open
(contact details given below).
Thanks again to the rangers from Muirshiel Park who returned
with another group of pupils from Johnstone High School.
After a short talk on gardening in general and the purpose of
the Community Garden in particular, from me, the rangers
gave a demonstration on the safety aspects of handling garden-
ing tools, wheelbarrows, etc. Sturdy gloves were handed out,
tasks issued and work began.
Pupils, teacher and rangers did a remarkable job. All pupils
worked hard and enjoyed their day. Commendations to them
all for hard work and positive attitudes. Thanks to all who took
part.
I read with interest, the article in last month’s Chatterbox on
how to attract visitors to the village and to encourage patron-
age of local businesses. Thousands of people visit gardens and
garden centres every year and we hope to see a great many of
them on Sunday 20th July, when a number of Lochwinnoch
gardens will be open to the public, with the aim of raising
money for charity. It is to be hoped that they will take the op-
portunity to patronise the shops on that day too. More of this
at a later date.
Contact: Gordon Nicholl. Tel: 01505 842632

SMASH AND
GRAB.
DON’T LEAVE YOUR
SAT NAV IN YOUR
VEHICLE
Smash and grab thefts of portable
onboard satellite navigation sys-
tems are soaring. They’re small,
easy to steal and even easier to
sell, on the street or down the lo-
cal pub, for as little as £50 to £70.
All it takes is a few seconds to
smash your windows, grab your
system and the thieves are away.
Sat Nav theft now accounts for
8% of all car crime - and it’s
growing.
UK-wide estimates are that
nearly a quarter of a million Sat
Nav systems were stolen from
vehicles last year. But it only
takes a minute or two to protect
yourself.
Tips to keep your Sat Nav safe –
• Remove your Sat Nav,
charger and dashboard /wind-
screen bracket when leaving
your vehicle – and wipe away
any suction pad marks. If left
in place, they advertise that a
Sat Nav is on board.
• Don’t put your Sat Nav in the
glove box – that’s the next
place thieves look. Take it
with you or lock it in the
boot.
• Leave the glove box open to
show there’s nothing in it and
keep your vehicle registration
documents elsewhere.
• Park in secure, well lit areas
and always lock your vehicle
when you leave it, even if you
are just getting petrol.
◊   Fundraisers approaching you in the 
street should wear an ID badge and 
be able to prove that they have per‐
mission to collect on behalf of a char‐
ity. 
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS  
◊   Fundraisers contacting the public 
Strathclyde Police – 0141 532 5900 by phone should be able to provide 
Johnsone Police – 01505 404000 the charity’s registration number. 
Johnstone Community  
Safety Office – 01505 404023 ◊   You can access charity accounts 
Trading Standards – 0141 840 3233 and other data by visiting a user‐
Care and Repair – 0141 812 4111 friendly website called Guidestar UK. 
Renfrewshire Council 0141 842  
5000 ◊   Don’t forget, many absolutely wor‐
ASIST (Anti-social Behaviour
thy and legitimate voluntary organisa‐
Investigation Team) – 01505 325030
tions are not registered charities.  If 
Victim Support – 0141 887 0328
Nuisance Support & Advice you are in doubt, take a note of their 
Helpline – 0800 169 1283 contact details and check them out in 
Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111 the appropriate way.  For example, if 
they are a registered company, they 
Community Safety Office can be researched through Compa‐
Johnstone Police Station nies House.  Ask the organisation or 
person contacting you how the com‐
pany is set up and why is it set up in 
this way. 
DOORSTEP SCAMS  
This guidance comes from The Office 
A Lochwinnoch resident has written 
of the Scottish Charity Regulator and 
in regarding doorstep clothing  
The Charity Commission for England 
collections by bogus charities.    If 
and Wales websites.  Here are some 
you receive a notice through your 
useful websites and phone numbers – 
letterbox from any organisation pur‐
porting to be collecting household 
England & Wales Charity Commission 
goods, clothes, books, etc in the 
Tel:  0870 333 0123 
name of a UK or Overseas charity or 
Website –   
good cause, here’s some useful  
www.charity‐commission.gov.uk 
advice to follow before you part 
with your possessions. 
Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator 
Tel:  01382 220446 
◊   Look out for the charity registra‐
Website – www.oscr.org.uk 
tion number on any literature that 
 
you receive.  This should be dis‐
Northern Ireland Charities Branch,  
played on all advertising or fundrais‐
Dept. of Health & Social Services 
ing material if the charity has an 
Stormont, Belfast 
income of more than £1,000 a year. 
Tel:  028 90 522 78 
 
◊   Details of all registered charities 
Trading Standards Office, Glasgow 
in England and Wales can be found 
Tel:  0141 842 500 
on The Charity Commission website.  
 
Registered charities in Scotland ap‐
Trading Standards Division, 
pear on the website of the Office of 
Renfrewshire Council, Paisley 
the Scottish Charity Regulator and 
Tel:  0141 840 3184 
you can check out charities regis‐
e‐mail:  tradingstan‐
tered in Northern Ireland by con‐
dards@renfrewshire.gov.uk 
tacting the Department of Health 
and Social Services in Belfast.  
Local Police – Tel:  01505 404000 
 IMPORTANT
NOTICE
The Licensing (Scotland) Act
2005 aims to help address the
problem created by alcohol
misuse and tackle Scotland's
drinking culture to create a
better environment for every-
one.
The Act will affect the majority
of outlets where alcohol is
sold, one of which will be the
SPAR store in Lochwinnoch.
Some of our customers will
have already noticed signage
and leaflets in-store highlight-
ing our under 25 policy, this
being, if you look under the
age of 25 you will be asked to
provide I.D. if you wish to
purchase cigarettes, tobacco,
alcohol, lottery or any other
age restricted product to
prove you are of legal age.
The penalty for a member of
staff who mistakenly sells al-
cohol to an under 18 is severe,
they could be charged by the
police and possibly fined, lose
their job and end up with a
criminal record.
The 25 policy has been put in
place to help protect both our
customers and our staff, so the
next time you are in the store
and are asked for I.D., please
try to refrain from taking of-
fence and bombarding the
staff with angry comments and
understand that we are only
doing our job.
If you are over the age of 25
and you do get asked for I.D.,
at least you will know that
your anti-wrinkle cream is do-
ing exactly what it says on the
tub!
Thanks
SPAR.
SAVE YOUR
REGIONAL PARK’S
PETITION
The outcome of the December
meeting of the Petition Commit-
tee at the Scottish Parliament was
a number of statements from or-
ganisations such as Scottish Re-
newables, the Scottish Planning
Department, Scottish Natural
Heritage, the RSPB as well as
both National parks and the three
Regional parks. LWFAG had to
respond to all of these statements
and submit our response to the
Petitions Committee in time for
the next meeting on Tuesday,
19th February.
A group from the Committee at-
tended the meeting in Edinburgh
and had asked Kenneth Gibson,
MSP to speak in support of our
petition. Kenneth gave a first
class summary of the key issues
which concern us and then con-
siderable discussion by the MSPs
took place around the table.
Frank McAveety, MSP and Chair
of the Petitions Committee then
asked the MSPs to vote for or
against our petition being referred
to Parliament for further consid-
eration. All parties are repre-
sented on the Petitions Commit-
tee - Conservative, Labour, SNP,
Liberal Democrats and the Green
Party. Our group was delighted
when all parties voted in favour
of our petition being progressed
for further consideration by the
Government. This is a significant
step forward but there is still a
long way to go because, at the
next stage, the aim of our petition
could be turned down. However
we are pleased with the outcome
so far.
As a result of the proposal to
have a wind farm on Kaim Hill,
LWFAG members held a meeting
in Fairlie Parish Church for the
residents. There was a large turn-
out and Reverend James White
chaired the meeting. The speak-
ers were Nigel Willis, Robert
Maund and Charles Woodward,
Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park
Manager. At the close of the
meeting, by a show of hands,
every member of the audience
voted against having wind farms
in the Park. The group pledged
their support to help the residents
of Fairlie when the planning ap-
plication for Kaim Hill is lodged.
The LWFAG Committee are now
busy preparing for the Public In-
quiry regarding the Kelburn
Wind Farm application. There is
never a dull moment!!
For more details about the
campaign to
“Save Clyde Muirshiel
Regional Park”,
visit our website at:
www.saveyourregionalpark.com

NEW CAMPSITE
FACILITIES
PROVIDE A NEW
DIMENSION FOR
RESIDENTIAL COURSES
The main campsite in Clyde Muir-
shiel Regional Park has a brand new
group- use facilities block, with
kitchen, meeting room, drying room,
shower and toilet facilities. This,
along with the additional shielings
(or wooden tents), is already proving
popular with groups keen to have a
‘new’ residential experience.
The facilities at Barnbrock Campsite,
just 4 miles from Lochwinnoch, are
designed for group use. The camp-
site opens for the season in April and
has 8 shielings – some with wheel-
chair access - which sleep two to four
people each.
Ellie Bounds, Group Leader Tullo-
chan Trust said
“I would highly recommend the
accommodation for children and
young people in particular who en-
joy the outdoors. The site is a safe
distance from the roadside making
it a very secure and child friendly
location. The open plan dining area
provides an ideal sociable area for
preparing meals or having presen-
tations.
Overall we would rate it 10 out of 10
(at least!) for activities, location and
accommodation.”
Outdoor activity taster sessions such
as archery, mountain biking and hill
walking can be run by the Regional
Park Instructors either on the camp-
site or at Castle Semple in Lochwin-
noch where there is a range of water
sports such as sailing, canoeing or
raft building available.
An overnight visit allows more time
for the development of life skills
such as menu planning, shopping,
cooking, and socialising. Staff can
also provide training in ‘Heart Start’
a basic 2 hr certificated First Aid
course, team building or even night-
time orienteering or archery.
The Instructors based at Castle Sem-
ple Centre can tailor a one night
visit, or a week to suit your group’s
requirements and preferred activity
options. Please call David or Willie
on Tel 01505 842882 Ext 21, to dis-
cuss your requirements or complete
a ‘Contact Us’ form on the website
at www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk
Alternatively contact the campsite
office direct on Tel: 01505 614791
to book accommodation and take
care of your own activities.
The campsite is an ideal base or
stopping off point for Duke of Edin-
burgh groups planning expeditions
through Locherwood to Muirshiel
Country Park and the hills beyond.
TEENAGE CANCER
TRUST NEWS
The total proceeds from the 2007
Brown Bull auction and raffle etc have
again topped £5,000! (£5,081 to be
precise). On behalf of TCT, I want to
thank Laura and Fergus and all the
staff and customers for their fantastic
support and generosity.
The 2008 'Not the Booze Cruise' is
provisionally arranged for the evening
of Friday 20th June. The usual ar-
rangements should apply. Tickets will
be on sale very soon.
Chips&Opera Ball
Friday25thApril 2008
A dressed up, fun night out!
The finest 3 course fish supper from
the world class HarryRamsden's,
Complimentary wine on the table,
serenaded by the outstanding Opera
group 'Dieci'
and then dance the
night away to the out-
standing sounds of
Penny Dogs.
All proceeds to Teenage
Cancer Trust.
Harry Ramsden's Res-
taurant,
Paisley Rd, Glasgow,
7.30pm arrival Car-
riages 1am
Dress code-flamboyant
& fun, black tie
Tickets £25 each
Cheques (made payable to
TCT Glad Rags & Gowns)
to Armannoch House, Harvey Square,
Lochwinnoch, PA12 4HE
or call Karen 01505 705767 or
01505 843286
(Opera Group sponsored by Giles Insur-
ance Company)
Otherwise, I plan to walk the West
Highland Way in August to raise some
more funds for the new Yorkhill Unit.
I will be joined by an old pal,
Des Flanagan, from Northern Ireland
who is also raising funds for TCT and
also raising the awareness of the char-
ity in N.I. Again, I will be looking for
the continued support and generosity
of the people of Lochwinnoch and
sponsor forms will be available nearer
the time.
John Delaney

VIKING
60th ANNIVERSARY
In the September 2007 issue of Chat-
terbox we discussed Viking Down!,
our book project focusing on the crash
of a Viking airliner on a hill near
Largs. In this issue we would like to
let you all know of our forthcoming
event to commemorate the 60th anni-
versary of the crash.
To recap, our book Viking Down! tells
the tale of the men and women aboard
a British European Airways flight
from London to Renfrew in April
1948. Onboard were a crew of 4 and
16 passengers, amongst them a honey-
mooning Norwegian couple and sev-
eral business executives. While at-
tempting to land at Renfrew, the air-
craft impacted upon the northern
slopes of Irish Law, a few miles from
Largs.
By the time the aircraft had bounced
to a halt, the engines, wings and parts
of the fuselage were already in flames.
The dazed passengers thankfully man-
aged to escape from the rear of the
fuselage just before the passenger
cabin became engulfed in flames. Re-
markably, all 20 occupants escaped
with only burned hands and other mi-
nor injuries. The passengers and crew
then watched on as a raging inferno
consumed the fuselage of the aircraft.
In order to reach help, the pilot and a
passenger stumbled across the moors
before reaching Largs 3 hours later. A
number of rescue parties were then
organised, the first of which was led by
the pilot himself. Meanwhile, the sur-
vivors huddled near the burned out
airliner. Dressed only in suits and
frocks, they had no choice but to en-
dure a long, very cold night suffering
in the elements. At dawn, the Radio
Officer and 3 passengers were keen to
make their own way to safety, and left
the scene. Three hours later they ar-
rived at Ladyland House, situated be-
tween Lochwinnoch and Kilbirnie.
Nearly 60 years later, the twisted
remains of the Viking still lies on the
VILLAGE EVENT
shoulder of Irish Law. Over the dec- PLANNER
ades countless hillwalkers have vis-
ited the wreck and viewed the air- Lochwinnoch Post Office has a wall-
liner’s carcass. The wreck remains mounted calendar, where members
as a constant reminder of the in- of the public can enter details of
credible drama that unfolded during forthcoming events.
a very cold night in April 1948. Please use this calendar to avoid any
clashes when planning dates of
Over the past 18 months we have
events and, of course, to help publi-
been researching the crash for our
cise your events within the village.
book Viking Down!, with an in-
tended publication date in 2009.
To commemorate the 60th anniver- DID YOU GO TO
sary of the crash, we are holding an
event at the RSPB Nature Reserve ARDENTINNY
Centre at Lochwinnoch at 2pm on OUTDOOR
Sunday 20th April 2008. This is
a free event and all are welcome. To EDUCATION CENTRE
book a place at the event please call BETWEEN 1973 & 1996?
the Reserve on 01505 842663 or
email lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk.
During the event, we will be holding
an illustrated talk detailing many
aspects of our project. This talk will
cover how and why the crash oc-
curred, and show just how ‘close a
call’ it had been for them all. But we
will also concentrate upon the hu-
Photograph by Nigel Scriven
man element of the story by discuss-
ing the lives of the passengers and
I’m carrying out a research project
crew. We will discuss how they
into what you remember about your
escaped from the burning plane, how
experience at Ardentinny and whether
they fared on the hillside, and their
you think it has influenced you in any
treks to safety.
way in your life.
The steward’s two sons are both in-
Loved it? Loathed it? Can’t remem-
tending to travel from Buckingham-
ber a thing about it? I’m trying to
shire to the event. They are kindly
find out whether outdoor education
allowing us to show some fascinating
has any long-term impact and, if so,
video footage of their father Con Mo-
what that is. Could you spare 15 min-
roney discussing the crash. Dougie’s
utes to fill in a Questionnaire about
father ,John Martindale, will also
your time there? If you didn’t go
deliver a slide show covering some of
yourself but know someone who did,
more interesting wrecks he found in
please tell them about this project.
the ‘70s with the investigation group
SWAIG. This will feature a few of You can find the questionnaire and
the local wrecks, the Hudson on Ben more information at:
Lui, and the story of how the group http://web.mac.com/jonnytel/iWeb/
were involved in the recovery of a Ardentinny%20project/Welcome.html
German bomber’s engine from the
Moray Firth. Or contact John Telford at:

The terrible conditions on the boggy
moorland hindered the efforts of the
rescue parties and none of the rescue
parties had managed to find the crash
site. By 9am the elements were taking
their toll on the remaining survivors.
Now suffering from exposure as well
as shock, it was agreed they must
make their own way off the hillside
and a few hours later, the bedraggled
survivors reached Largs, signalling the
end of their ordeal.
If you are free on Sunday 20th April,
why not call in and find out about
another Viking’s visit to Largs in
1948?
For more information,
visit our website
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/
VikingCrash1948/ or
Tel: (01505) 706456, or
Email: viking1948@tiscali.co.uk
James Towill & Dougie Martindale
University of Edinburgh,
Moray House School of Education,
St Leonard’s Land, Holyrood Road,
Edinburgh EH8 8AQ
Tel: 0131 651 6353
Mob: 0775 396 6157
E-mail:
john.a.telford@education.ed.ac.uk
Any help you are able to give would be
very useful and greatly appreciated.
John Telford
 News & Events at VISITOR CENTRES - OPENING HOURS
Castle Semple Centre Open daily, 1000-1600 hrs from October to
RSPB, Muirshiel, March & from 1000-1700 hrs from Easter Sunday. Tel: 01505 842882
Cornalees Centre - Open 1030-1500 hrs weekends only until March.
Cornalees & Castle (Toilets open daily.) Tel: 01475 521458
Muirshiel Centre - Open 1100-1500 hrs weekends only until March.
Semple Centres (Park and toilets open daily.) Tel: 01505 842803
RSPB Reserve - Reserve is open at all times; the Visitor Centre is open
daily from 1000-1700 hrs. Tel: 01505 842663.
• Saturday 8th March and
Sunday 9th March
• Saturday 22nd March
Wildlife Wander and Optics
Easter EGGStravaganza from SILVER FOR
Weekend. Try out our optics on
Wildlife Wander demo days from
11am to 3pm at RSPB Centre.
Children of all ages can join us
TESSA
12 noon - 2pm at the RSPB Cen-
throughout the day for wildlife-
tre for a guided walk in search of
wildlife wonders. Tel: 01505
themed Easter activities includ- The members of Lochwinnoch
ing egg decorating, a treasure RNLI Guild were delighted to
842663 for more details/to book.
hunt and face painting. hear that Tessa Mackendrick
• Saturday 8th March -
• Friday 28th March - Betty has been awarded a Silver
Fairtrade Roadshow at Castle
McKellar Book Launch at Castle
Semple Centre. An opportunity Medal for her loyalty and hard
Semple Centre, 7pm for 7.30pm.
to find out about and sample work to the charity.
(See Arts Festival notice, inside
Fairtrade products. From 1pm-
Chatterbox, for more details.)
3pm. Tessa joined the Guild in 1973,
• Sunday 30th March
• Sunday 9th March - Aren’t
Conservation Volunteer Day - giving 35 years of experience
Birds Brilliant: Spring Arrivals
from 1pm-4pm at Castle Semple
from 10am to 4pm at Muirshiel and expertise in fund raising
Centre. Do a bit of healthy out- and organising events. She has
Loch, Lochlip Rd, Lochwinnoch.
door work, keep fit and help the also served as the President of
• Tuesday 11th March natural environment. Full in-
Twilight Talk: Water Voles the Guild and put in numerous
structions, tools and hot drinks
presentation by Gillian Neil,
provided. Tel: 01505 842803 years as a member of the or-
West Dunbartonshire Ranger ganising Committee.
for more details.
from 7.3o-9pm at RSPB Centre.
• Friday 11th April
Booking essential - Tel: 842663.
Minibeast Safari: 3 separate The highlight of our RNLI year
• Friday 14th March hourly hunts for children of all is Christmas Lunch at Tessa’s
Star Gazing Night at Muirshiel
ages at RSPB Centre. To book home and this event raises a
Centre, 7pm-9pm. Join staff
and for more info, Tel: 842663. considerable sum each year.
from Coats Observatory to look
• Sunday 20th April
at Saturn. Saturn is spectacular
Viking Down ! 60th Anniversary
and you must see this before the
presentation at RSPB Centre.
Tessa will receive her medal
rings turn edge on. To book a some time in April, at the
The event starts at 2pm, booking
place Tel: 01505 842803. Award ceremony in Perth.
is essential.Tel: 01505 842663
• Saturday 15th March to book a place or e-mail:
Travelling Art Gallery Re/trato
at Castle Semple Centre for one
lochwinnoch@rspb.org.uk Good luck, Tessa - your award
(See Viking Down! Article inside is well deserved.
day only from 10am-4pm. A
for full details.)
mobile, international exhibition
of sculpture, film, paintings and
photography that will appeal to
all ages of visitor.
• Saturday 22nd March
Sponsored Toddle & Easter Egg
Roll - Lochwinnoch Toddlers
Group are off on a sponsored For All Your Garage Door Needs
toddle up Windy Hill to raise
money for their group, roll eggs Garage Doors . Remote Control Openers
and have a picnic, weather per- Installation . Repairs . Spares
mitting! Sponsor forms avail-
able from Karen Hutton. Meet in FREE ESTIMATES 0141 950 1423 GLASGOW
Muirshiel Car Park at 10.30am. FREE SURVEYS 01505 842176 AYRSHIRE
FREE INSURANCE REPORTS 01786 820130 STIRLING
Chatterbox is produced for the Community Council of
Lochwinnoch through financial assistance by Lochwin-
noch Community Council, Renfrewshire Council and
The Cross, Lochwinnoch PA12 4DB
advertisements. The editor welcomes all items for
possible inclusion but will reserve all rights over them.
(10 mins from Glasgow Airport on A737)
All views are of individuals. The editor accepts no
liability for errors