Nuisance Helpline

Anti-Social Behaviour
Noise problems
CHATTERBOX ASIST
Anti-Social
Investigation Team
Support and Advice
No 183 March 2009 Office 8:45am – 4:45pm
Every day 9am – 10pm
www.lochwinnoch.info Tel: 0141 840 2163
Tel: 0800 169 1283

Community newsletter produced by lochwinnoch publicity committee for lochwinnoch cc

See centre pages for club activities, See back pages for Visitor Centre/
village events & classes. What’s On RSPB events.

Lochwinnoch Arts Festival 2009

Lochwinnoch Arts Group - Exhibition in Lochwinnoch Library (free admission)
On MONDAY 23rd, WEDNESDAY 25th and FRIDAY 27th March from 2-5pm & 6-8pm, and
TUESDAY 24th and SATURDAY 28th MARCH from 10am-1pm & from 2-5pm.

THURSDAY 26th MARCH SATURDAY 28th MARCH (cont)

Godspell in the McKillop Institute at 7.30pm. John Cairney in the Parish Church, Church
Tickets £5/Conc. £2.50. Street, 3.30-4.30pm - ‘A Conversation with John
Cairney’ (Full details inside.) Tickets £5/Conc. £2.50.
FRIDAY 27th MARCH
Godspell in the McKillop Institute at 7.30pm Acoustic and Jazz Club in the McKillop Inst,
Tickets £5/Conc. £2.50. at 7.30pm Bar facilities. Tickets £5/Conc. £2.50.

Betty McKellar ‘The Bard of Lochwinnoch in SUNDAY 29th MARCH

Praise of Birds’ in the RSPB Centre, at 7.30pm.
Tickets £1, Conc. 50p.
SATURDAY 28th MARCH
Children’s Events with Franzeska G Ewart in
Our Lady of Fatima Church Hall, High St. from
11am-12 noon. Entry £1/Conc. 50p.
Janice Galloway Scottish writer in the McKillop
Institute with The Lochwinnoch Writers
1.30-2.45pm Entry £5/Conc. £2.50.
Classics on a Sunday Afternoon with local
artists and Neil Wilson, a leading international
Classical Guitarist. From 1.30-3.30pm in the
McKillop Inst. Tickets £5/Conc. £2.50.
Lochwinnoch Choral Society
Homecoming Concert, with Junior, Inter-
mediate and Senior Choirs, members of the
Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra, John Cairney and
Gordon Rigby in the Parish Church, at 7.30pm
(Full details inside.) Tickets £5/Conc. £2.50

Crafty Kids with Katherine Dillany 1.30-3.30pm Tickets available for sale in
in the Space Rooms, McKillop Inst. Entry £2.
Crafts of Calder and the Junction Bistro.

Editorial & copy for Chatterbox

Let us have your stories, notices, news,
information, events & items of interest —
MATTHEW NEW & SONS
either hand-deliver them to the Chatter-
box drop-box in the Library or e-mail to: ROOFING - ROUGHCASTING - BUILDING MAINTENANCE
chatterbox@lochwinnoch.info
Emergency Repairs, Storm Damage
To advertise in Chatterbox
Tel: 07899 746403 or e-mail:
Insurance Work, New Roofs, Flat Roofs
chatterboxaccount@btinternet.com Roughcasting –UPVC Cladding—Guttering
Copy Deadline
Tel No 01505 843400
for April Issue Is FMB Certificate No 26366
Tuesday 24th March ‘09

John Cairney
Renowned Actor and Author
Special Guest at
Lochwinnoch Arts Festival
Conversation with Cairney
Saturday 28th March 3.30pm
Parish Church
Wherever he is in the world, John
Cairney, actor, writer, Doctor of Phi-
losophy and raconteur par excellence
is never more at home than when he
is standing on stage talking to an audi-
ence.
The title tells you exactly what the
show is - a conversation between ac-
tor and audience. It is a happy con-
struct of biographical and autobio-
graphical anecdote, illustrated with
verse and comic comment on his ex-
periences in theatre, on film locations
over the years and as a travelling ac-
tor who seems to have been every-
where.
During the afternoon you’ll get some-
thing from his one-man shows on
Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, even
William McGonagall. Cairney also dips
into his vast bran tub of personal and
professional recollections. There is a
story from every production. John’s
recent academic adventures are also
part of the mix, as Dr Cairney reveals
the more esoteric strands of theatrical
life and work. He’s also inclined to
extemporise freely on whatever sub-
ject arises in the moment springing
from that instant communication that
exists between actor and audience.
It’s the audience on the day that deter
mines the excerpts, stories and com-
ment. And since no two audiences are
ever alike, nor are his performances.
As he says, ‘This show has been a
lifetime in rehearsal and I’ll keep on
doing it till I get it right.’
John will have copies of his works
available, and will be happy to sign
these and chat with members of the
audience after the show.
Treat your special mum to something special
on Mother’s Day (March 22).
From pocket money gifts to the seriously sumptuous -
or let her choose her own present with a gift voucher.
Gifts Cards Jewellery Leather Home
Lochwinnoch Choral
Society
‘Homecoming Concert’
Sunday 29th March
7.30pm
Once again the Lochwinnoch Choral
Society will be supported by mem-
bers of the Scottish Philharmonic
Orchestra in this specially prepared
concert to celebrate the Year of the
Homecoming.
The evening will commence with
members of the Junior and Interme-
diate Choirs, led by Laura Sands,
performing selected works by Robert
Burns, and from ‘The Lion King’.
The Senior Choir, led by Gordon
Rigby, will be performing a specially
arranged extract from Gordon’s
much acclaimed work ‘Oran Mor’,
commissioned by Oran Mor in Glas-
gow, and performed at last year’s
Proms in the Park at Glasgow
Green.
In the Spirit of the ‘Homecoming’,
tonight will also see the Premier of a
new work – Fantasia on Burns – a
collaboration between John Cairney
and Gordon Rigby. John, an ac-
knowledged expert on Robert Burns,
will be presenting his version of the
Immortal Memory with a score spe-
cially written by Gordon, and per-
formed by the SPO. The narration
will be interspersed and illuminated
by the Choir performing some of the
best known and loved of the Bard’s
songs.
This should be an exciting Finale to
the Arts Festival.
An evening not to be missed.
Pluscarden Priory:
Silence in the stones
shaped by hands
built for aeons
with the language
of God’s word
thanks comes within
silent prayers of solitude
no gain just contemplation
patrons working the soil
ancient scrolls for intuition
centuries of earthly toil
fruits of labour in season
harvesting complete inspiration
Pluscarden Priory spiritual beacon.
Ron Sinclair
Images of Man:
A man’s lot is made with his chisel
as he cuts his niche in stone
others can carve wood and shape
their future for all to see
my pen is my tool and with it
I leave my mark
neither cut in the rock of time
nor carved in wood.
only in the fluidity of ink
flows my life blood eternal.
Ron Sinclair
* * *
Ron Sinclair spent the last 9 months living
in Lochwinnoch and attending the local
Writers' group in the library, where he
made some friends and enjoyed writing
poetry. Images of Man is one of Ron’s
favourite poems. Pluscarden Priory, an
ancient place and retreat for monks out-
side Elgin, was written following a very
spiritual day visit to the Priory.
 LOCHWINNOCH
PARISH CHURCH
Bi-Centenary Special
Celebratory Services and
Organ Recitals
The last special service and recital was
on Sunday 23rd November and wor-
ship was led by the Very Rev. Sandy
McDonald, who is a former Moderator
of the General Assembly. This was an
excellent service, punctuated by much
humour. It was followed by tea in the
hall and afterwards, starting at 1pm, a
very enjoyable organ recital was given
by the Rev. John MacColl. John, who
of course, is very well know to us all,
played a variety of pieces, some famil-
iar, some less well known and some
that were his favourites. He also gave
a most amusing short talk on how he
came to be interested in music. Ap-
parently, it was really his parents’ idea
and to begin with he had to try out not
just one musical instrument but quite
a few! Some of these were various
recorders, the clarinet and for a very
short time the trombone, even the
Jewish harp! He also learned to play
piano and then the organ and we are
very glad he did, too.
Our next Special Service will take
place on Sunday 22nd March, which
will be Mothering Sunday Home
Coming Service. Worship will be led
by the Rev. John Christie, who
preached the Sermon at our Minister’s
Induction Service.
Invitations have been sent out to all
those who have been baptised in the
Parish Church since 1925 and we are
looking forward to having a large
turnout at this service. This will fol-
low the same pattern as before, which
will be tea in the hall and an organ
recital at 1pm. The guest organist this
time will be Mr Ian McCrorie from
Greenock. Ian is well known in musi-
cal circles as a conductor and, in fact,
conducts the choir at the Clic Sargent
Charity Concert, which usually takes
place in the Glasgow Concert Hall in
December. He is also the historian for
Caledonian MacBrayne and has writ-
ten much about the Clyde Steamers.
As you can see he is a very talented
gentleman so please come along and
hear him on Sunday 22nd March.
The next Celebratory Service will be
on Sunday 31st May and the guest
preacher will be the Very Rev. James
Simpson, a former Moderator of the
General Assembly.
Councillor
Neil Bibby’s blessing
Report dental care
I am aware of the ongoing concerns
about speeding in parts of Lochwin-
noch. Speeding is unacceptable
whether it be on main roads or quiet
country roads and I have contacted
the police to ask them to step up
their monitoring of the situation in
Lochwinnoch. I would like to en-
courage all local residents to report
people breaking the speed limit to
the Police. I have also reported spe-
New spaces
cific concerns about speeding on
Johnshill and Calder Street to the
available to register
Council. NHS patients
Although I understand that some
residents will be disappointed that
the Roads Department seem to have Check-ups are free
ruled out use of average speed cam-
eras on Johnshill I want to make
sure the Council do all they can to
tackle the issue of speeding. I have
Tel: 01505 843105
contacted the Roads Department
and requested that they agree to
hold a public meeting in Lochwin- 69 High Street,
noch on this issue so they can hear Lochwinnoch PA12 4AB
the concerns of local residents.
www.blessingdentalcare.com
In terms of other road issues I have
reported the large pothole on Brae-
head just before the corner with
Calderpark Street and hope this will We are now in Fairtrade Fortnight and
be repaired shortly. Please let me I am delighted that the county of Ren-
know if there are potholes in your frewshire has followed Lochwinnoch in
street which have not been repaired achieving Fairtrade status.
and I will report them also.
Lochwinnoch has led the way in help-
You may or may not know that the ing the world’s poorest peoples and
Council has decided to introduce nations and the whole village should
fortnightly bin collections. I am con- be proud at the difference that is being
cerned that this decision has been made as a community.
taken without any consultation with
local residents. Credit must go to the Lochwinnoch
International Aid Group and to every-
I am therefore currently carrying out one else who has played their part by
a consultation to find out the views buying and selling Fairtrade products.
of local residents on fortnightly bin
collections. I want to find out My regular advice surgery is on the
whether people in the village would first Saturday of the month at 9am in
prefer to have their household rub- the McKillop Hall. My next surgery is
bish collected weekly or fortnightly. on Saturday 7th March.
I would also like to know if local resi-
dents would be prepared to recycle If you have a problem you would like
more in order to keep weekly bin to discuss with me you can contact
collections. Please let me know your me at any other time on Tel: 335828
thoughts or if you want more infor- or by emailing me at -
mation on this policy.
cllr.neil.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk
At the recent Local Area Committee
Councillor Neil Bibby
I was pleased to support a £2,000
grant for Clyde Windsurfing Club.

CLEANER
AVAILABLE
FLEXIBLE RATES AND
HOURS TO SUIT!!
Are you too busy with work,
to keep up with the general
maintenance in your home and
need a bit of help?
If so, call me!
I have over 12 years
experience cleaning both
domestic and commercial
properties.
I provide an excellent service
and can produce
references if required.
I also have an enhanced
disclosure certificate.
Contact: Tracy on
07901 795 706
or e-mail:
tracyh17@hotmail.co.uk
CREATIVE CLASSES
All workshops last from 1:30 -
4:30pm and cost £15. Venue is
Lochwinnoch.
* Sunday 29th March:
Your Guardian Angel.
Explore your connection with
your guardian angel from your
birth to the present moment.
Allow space to nourish this rela-
tionship.
* Saturday 18th April:
Mind De-tox. The start of a 21-
day intention experiment to re-
build 'a positive state of mind'.
Request - we are looking for
groups who might be interested
in a talk and/or experiential
about meditation and healing
(free).
If you are interested
in any of the above,
please contact Becky on
Tel: 0141 881 6700.
Councillor
Arthur’s Report
Following on from my Johnshill
speeding traffic issue in last month’s
column, through the month of
March, the partnership of Ren-
frewshire Council, the Police and
Lochwinnoch Community Council
will continue with our survey on the
speed of the traffic that uses the
Johnshill in both directions. Once all
the information has been collated,
the partnership will be holding a
public meeting to allow villagers to
voice their opinion. This will help
us determine what measures are re-
quired to be put in place to encour-
age drivers to slow down, remain
within the speed limit and to drive
safely; at the end of the day road
traffic experts will have the major
influence in what type and at what
locations the required hardware will
be installed.
Dog fouling is still a big problem on
the pavements and roads in Calder
Street especially around the school.
In an effort to catch the culprit(s)
CCTV will now be deployed. If you
see dog fouling taking place in any
public place, then please report it by
calling 0141 842 4448.
At the recent LAC (Local Area
Committee) meeting there was one
application from a Lochwinnoch
based club up for our consideration
and that was from Clyde Windsurf-
ing Club. Their application, which
was considered over the 5 Ren-
frewshire LACs, was for a new Club
Safety Boat. I’m delighted to say
that their £2,000 request was
awarded.
Well done and thank you to the
ladies of Lochwinnoch Parish
Church for the delicious newly made
pancakes and the cup of tea that I
enjoyed at their recent Pancake Tea.
It was very pleasing to see such a
well-attended fundraiser.
At a recent policy board, the deci-
sion was made to accept service
changes to the way refuse is col-
lected across Renfrewshire, by
moving to Managed Weekly Collec-
tions (MWC) i.e. one week residual
waste and one week dry recyclate
material and changing the method of
kerbside collections for dry recyclate
to a co-mingled wheeled bin con-
tainer. This service will be the same
as the existing service in neighbouring
councils. Councils operating this
scheme report 83% higher yield of dry
recyclate.
So why has this decision been taken?
At present Renfrewshire Council are
meeting their recycling target of 30%
set by the ‘Government Waste Policy’
document but their 2010 target is
40%. This 40% target cannot be met
with the existing service and would
result in landfill penalties and taxes of
an estimated £1.6 million per annum.
In 2013 Renfrewshire Council’s target
rises to 50%, in 2020 to 60% and in
2025 to 70%. The implementation
timescale of the new service being
2010. If you wish a copy of the policy
board report, then contact me.
Thanks to volunteers who give of their
time to share their skills. Charity, ‘Tax
Help for Older People’ (TOP) offers
free professional tax advice to those
who are 60 years old or over and have
a household income of £17,000 or less.
We are all aware that the tax process
can be very confusing, but TOP pro-
vides free professional advice that can
help make it a less-stressful process.
Those who are eligible for the pro-
gram and interested in TOP’s services
should contact the national call centre
at Tel: 0845 601 3321, or at Tel:
01308 488066. Volunteers will be
able to answer questions via email and
telephone, and will be available for
further consultation as well. Home
visits can be arranged for those who
are homebound due to disability, car-
ing, or transportation issues.
Unfortunately I will not be holding
my Surgery in March therefore my
next Surgery is on Saturday 18th April
but remember that there is no need to
wait for my Surgery; if you require
my help, you can contact me on Tel:
843507 and we can agree a time
when we can meet.
Councillor David Arthur
 SAVE YOUR
REGIONAL PARK
CAMPAIGN
Update
First the good news - at the North Ayr-
shire Council February meeting, the
application by Wind Hydrogen Ltd for
a windfarm consisting of 24 x 125m
(410ft) high turbines on either side of
the upper section of the River Gar-
nock, was rejected. This windfarm
would have included approx' 12 miles
of new roads, 2 quarries, a substa-
tion, an anemometer and miles of
overhead power lines through Clyde
Muirshiel Regional Park.
As readers will remember, it was Wind
Hydrogen's proposal for the 125 tur-
bine Ladymoor windfarm that resulted
in the formation of the Save Your Re-
gional Park campaign. Last year,
WHL altered the name of the wind-
farm to Wings Law and reduced the
number of turbines to 24.
Recently Glenlora Estate indicated
that they too were proposing a wind-
farm on their land and were to make a
presentation to Lochwinnoch Commu-
nity Council at the meeting on 3rd
March. However, the presenta-
tion was cancelled and it remains to
be confirmed whether or not the pro-
ject has been shelved temporarily or
permanently.
The Scottish Parliamentary Petitions
Committee sat again in February to
consider the petition to safeguard Na-
tional and Regional Parks from indus-
trial development including windfarms.
Once again committee members were
not satisfied with the response from
the Government and have written
again for further clarification of policy.
The Petition is still alive and in proc-
ess.
Now the bad news - Kelburn Wind-
farm; RES appealed the rejection of
their planning application to North Ayr-
shire Council and the Scottish Gov-
ernment arranged for a Public Local
Inquiry (PLI) last June. This was held
in Radio City, Kilbirnie and many local
people gave evidence against the
windfarm proposals including repre-
sentatives of Lochwinnoch Community
Council.
The PLI was before two Reporters
appointed by the Scottish Government
who completed their report to the
Scottish Ministers in November 2008.
ACCA
The recommendation of the Report-
ers was that the windfarm, consist-
ing of 14 turbines and ancillary
roads, quarries, substation etc
should be allowed to proceed. Scot-
tish Ministers have now issued their
decision to support the appeal of the
developers and subject to satisfac-
tory agreement on certain conditions
during the next 3 months, construc-
tion of this windfarm will proceed.
This is bad news as it means that
the area of Clyde Muirshiel Regional
Park south of the A760 would then
have both the existing Wardlaw
Wood windfarm (6 turbines) and to
the north of it and adjacent to it the
Kelburn windfarm with 14 turbines.
The impact of both these on the
Park will be very considerable and it
beggars belief that the Scottish Min-
isters could be so insensitive to local
opinion all around Clyde Muirshiel.
The Save Your Regional Park cam-
paign will continue to fight all pro-
posals for windfarms in the Park and
take heart from the section in the
Reporter's report pointing out that in
giving the go ahead to the Kelburn
wind farm, it should NOT be taken
as an indication that other appeals
will automatically be allowed by
them in future. They will deal with
each application on its own mer-
its. The Save Your Regional Park
campaign continues to fight for the
protection of our great Regional
Park.
W. A. THOMSON
Tel: 01505 842498
Mob: 07778 680933
• Monoblock driveways
• Patios and walls
• All types of landscaping
• Ground maintenance
• Gardens cleared
Upper Floor
32 High Street
Lochwinnoch PA12 4AA
Tel: 01505 843083
Fax: 01505 843045
E-mail: info@stranvillejohn.co.uk
Web: www.stranvillejohn.co.uk
LOCHWINNOCH
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
NOTICE
The Community Council is looking for
ideas for a smallish project that would
provide lasting benefit to the village
and/or community. We are thinking of
something with a budget of around
£4,000 to £12,000.
If you have any ideas, please contact
the Community Council by the usual
channels, or come to the next meeting
on Tuesday 7th April at 7.30pm in the
Parish Church Guild Room.
Lochwinnoch
Elderly Forum
Our membership continues to increase
and now stands at almost 50.
The T-bar is always well attended and
we look forward to it being open on
Thursday mornings as well in April.
Our thanks go to Renfrewshire
Council for the £800 grant received
for this year and also for their quick
response to any queries/requests
which arise at our meetings.
Contact Gordon Nicholl Tel: 842632
• Tree and hedge pruning
and trimming
• Exterior painting around
the house and garden
• FREE estimates
 Fairtrade Fortnight
and visiting
Portrait Exhibition
in Lochwinnoch
There has been a buzz around the vil-
lage during the Fairtrade Fortnight
events that have been organised by the
local campaign group. These continue
until March 8th and are followed by a
unique photographic exhibition in the
week beginning March 9th. This co-
incides with the recent news of the
award of Fairtrade Zone status for the
county of Renfrewshire.
On Tuesday 3rd March (7.30pm) there
will be a talk by Cornelius Lynch, a ba-
nana producer from St Lucia. He will
speak at Lochwinnoch Parish Church
about the importance of Fairtrade for ba-
nana producers. Admission is free so
please come along to this event.
On Sun 8th March (11am–2pm) there is a
Fairtrade Stall at The Castle Semple
Centre: come and try some Fairtrade
products and find out what we stand for.
Events in Cucina Minucci at The Junction
continue on Wednesday 4th March (9am-
12 noon) with a coffee morning that will
raise funds to help subsidise a new
‘Lochwinnoch supports Fairtrade’ shop-
ping bag that should be available soon.
This is followed on Friday 6th – Saturday
7th March (noon to noon) by banana
themed menu: you can join the attempt to
set a world record for eating Fairtrade
bananas in 24 hours. To achieve a world
record we need to get people to register
online at -
www.fairtrade.org.uk/gobananas
Finally, as part of their initiative to get us
all to make Fairtrade our habit, the Fair-
trade Foundation has recruited familiar
celebrity faces to be photographed to
highlight the positive impact that buying
Fairtrade products can have on poverty.
Trevor Leighton has taken a series of
black and white portraits, showing high
profile celebrities having fun with a
range of Fairtrade products from pineap-
ples to cotton.
Accompanying the photographs are
quotes from the celebrities explaining
why they are committed to buying Fair-
trade. They make up an exhibition that
Renfrewshire Council has arranged to
show in Lochwinnoch Library in the
week beginning Monday 9th March.
Celebrities featured in the exhibition
are: Adrian Edmondson, Amanda Bur-
ton, Anita Roddick, Charlie Dimmock,
Donna Air, Emilia Fox, Fearne Cotton,
Gail Porter, George Alagiah, Harry Hill,
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Jemma
Kidd, Jon Snow, Lenny Henry, Nick
Knowles, Oz Clarke, Richard Wilson,
Starsailor, Vic Reeves and Yasmin
Alabhai-Brown.
Leighton, who has one of the largest
collections of photographs at the Na-
tional Portrait Gallery, explains:
“This exhibition shows how celebri-
ties are making a small change in the
way they shop, to make Fairtrade their
habit, and thus help to make a real
change in developing countries. This is
not about a single action people can
take - but a small change they can make
on an ongoing basis, helping individuals
every time they shop.”
Vic Reeves, who is depicted with a Fair-
trade banana, says:
“it’s so important that we keep
forging ahead - keep on until it is no
longer a conscious choice, but a habit
for everyone.”
Harriet Lamb, Director of Fairtrade Foun-
dation, reiterates:
“The theme of Fairtrade Fortnight
and the photo exhibition, Make Fairtrade
Your Habit, aims to encourage everyone
to get into the habit of buying a broad
range of Fairtrade products, now so many
more are available. We are delighted ce-
lebrities are showing how we can play our
part in effecting real change in people’s
lives. By making Fairtrade our habit we
can – cup by cup, banana by banana, help
Make Poverty History.
There are now more than 1,300 Fair-
trade products available from oranges
and tea to roses and wine, enabling more
farmers and workers to benefit.”
Fairtrade Fortnight is the annual promo-
tional campaign co-ordinated by the Fair-
trade Foundation, the independent certifi-
cation body behind the FAIRTRADE
Mark. The FAIRTRADE Mark appears
on products as a guarantee of a better deal
for farmers and workers in developing
countries. The Foundation was estab-
lished in 1992 by CAFOD, Christian Aid,
New Consumer, Oxfam, Traidcraft and
the World Development Movement.
These founding organisations were later
joined by Britain's largest women's or-
ganisation, the Women's Institute.
The local campaign group is working
with local shops to extend the range of
Fairtrade products so we hope we can all
include Fairtrade goods in our regular
shopping.
There is now a great choice of Fairtrade
products available - from oranges and tea
to roses and wine. It will also help if
readers sign our register and make a
commitment to helping farmers and
workers around the world achieve some
economic stability for themselves by
paying a fairer price for their goods.
To register as a supporter of the Lochwin-
noch Fairtrade campaign please complete
and return the forms available from us -
just one per household please.
If you wish to help, contact Bob Turner
(Tel: 843068).
 Antiques, Curios and Crafts
A dynamic selection of oils, watercolours and
limited edition prints.
Bespoke crafts by local artisans, vintage and
contemporary jewellery.
Well worth discovering for yourself.
The Barn on the Farm, open 10am till late every day.
Contact Greta Logan on Tel: 01505 683338 Mob: 07786 720586
e-mail: greta@thestirrupcup.co.uk www.thestirrupcup.co.uk

West Bankside Farm, Geirston Rd, Kilbirnie, KA25 7LQ

Just opposite the Golf Course on the Largs Rd.

Antiques and Collectables It is extraordinary how the interest in LOCHWINNOCH

Antiques are a gateway to bygone
collecting has grown over the last 10
years. Far from being a closed and
SWRI
days. Using the term to cover anything
stagnant world, populated solely by
old and interesting, antiques are a Members and friends enjoyed a pres-
scholarly experts, the field has entation by Chocolatz of Paisley and
pleasure to live with. Especially in the
shifted and expanded, with new cate- learned a bit about the history and
furniture area, their cost compares gories and new devotees emerging making of chocolate. There was
very well with the price of many mod- every year. Television coverage has chocolate tasting and a chocolate
ern items. fountain to enjoy as well as an oppor-
meant that antiques and collectables
have reached everyone and scarcely tunity to buy fine chocolate gifts.
Old pieces do not have to be put into
old homes. Carefully chosen, they can a week goes by without the publica-
tion of a new specialist book. THE COMPETITION
look just as well in today’s houses and WINNERS WERE:
flats if they are in scale with their sur-
roundings. They mix well with new You do not need to buy as an invest- Rich Jamaican Loaf - Pat Matthews.
fabrics and furnishings, and often ment, but because you genuinely This is an SWRI National competition,
benefit from the bright backcloth of appreciate an item. For example it the next round of which is in June.
today’s colours. may have a story to tell about where Good luck Pat!
it was made and about the lives of Prem. Baby hat and jacket -
Some folk just collect the ‘odd’ piece the people who made it. 1 L Benzie
here and there, sometimes an item is a 2 P Matthews
“must have” article, on occasion it is The Stirrup Cup might just have 3 D Donn
an investment but there are also peo- such an item. We also stock hand Three Cheese Scones -
ple who are avid collectors. The col- made pottery, dichroic jewellery, 1 L Benzie
lecting bug is highly infectious. Many pewter kilt accessories and jewellery 2 D Donn
of us catch it during childhood raiding and candles. 3 J Galbraith
the woods for conkers, tipping the ce-
real packet out to find the free goody Come along and browse for The next meeting is on
or pestering friends and relatives for Mother’s Day. Wednesday 18th March
used stamps or unwanted foreign at 7.30pm in the McKillop
Our vintage items start at £5! Institute, when there will be an
coins. Many of us never find a cure On trial are our Victorian teacups
but for others the magpie instinct lies AGM followed by “Caricatures” by
and saucers planted with spring Meg McLucas.
dormant until an interesting something
bulbs. Throughout the month of Visitors welcome.
is inherited or in taking a fresh look at
March you will receive a free potted
your own possessions you feel com-
Primula with all purchases over £10. ***
pelled to add to them.
SWRI
YOGA CLASSES Renfrewshire Federation
SHOW
I am pleased to announce that from March 11th 2008 there will be 2 classes of on Saturday 21st March
Yoga on Wednesdays in The McKillop Institute. from
6pm until 7.20pm Yoga and relaxation 10am to 4pm at Johnstone Town Hall.
7.30pm until 9pm Yoga and Meditation
Express interest by e-mail to maryhlaidlaw@aol.com or See a wide range of beautiful crafts,
Tel: 01505-842877 and leave a message if I am out. flowers and foods. Entry £1
Or come to The McKillop on March 4th to register between 7pm and 7.20pm. Tea, coffee, snacks. Freshly baked
Classes restricted to 12 people, so first come first served! items for sale. Tombola, Raffle, Sales
Tables, presentation of prizes at 2pm.
 THE GLENLORA
GRAVE
by
DEREK PARKER
DURING the time I worked as a
countryside ranger at Clyde Muir-
shiel Regional Park, well-known
Lochwinnoch lady Nan Crawford
showed me a large rock in the
hills above Glenlora House on the
outskirts of the village.
Situated on the windswept sum-
mit of a grassy ridge overlooking
the woods which embosom the
magnificent mansion, the stone
marks the burial place of Isobel
Mary Campbell who lived with her
family at Glenlora.
The elegant edifice, which is situ-
ated near Lochwinnoch golf
course, was built in 1840 by John
Buchanan who owned the vil-
lage's Calderhaugh Mill.
Later, Glenlora was acquired by
Isobel Mary's wealthy parents,
Sir James and Lady Jane Camp-
bell. Sir James, who was a part-
ner in the Campbell Stewart and
McDonald drapery firm in Ingram
Street, Glasgow, travelled every
day by train between Lochwin-
noch Station (which was in the
village centre at the time) and his
work-place.
He was driven to and from the
station in a luxurious limousine
by his punctual and ever-reliable
chauffeur, Roy Stewart.
A tall upright gentleman, de-
scribed as 'a military type’, Sir
James was a familiar sight with
his striped trousers, split-tailed
jacket, white shirt, collar and tie,
polished shoes and briefcase at
the close and start of each work-
ing day.
His wife, whose maiden name
was Lilburn, came from a famous
shipping family associated with
Trees House which stands in a
quiet country lane between
Lochwinnnoch and Newton of
Beltrees hamlet.
Being buried beneath a moss-
mantled boulder on a lonely
hillside might seem an unusual
final resting place for a woman
of Isobel Mary's opulent back-
ground when she could easily
have afforded to pay for a
monumental tomb in the Grand
Parade of some prestigious
graveyard.
But her choice was influenced
by her love of the beautiful
countryside above Glenlora
where she wandered the leafy
woods, fern-festooned burn-
sides, heather-scented moors
and hundreds-of-years-old pre-
historic homesteads like the one
on nearby Dunconnel Hill, close
to the rhododendron-robed
Glenlora curling pond.
Her tombstone is carved simply
with the epitaph of eternity:
ISOBEL MARY CAMPBELL,
BORN 15 JANUARY 1909
DIED 4 JANUARY 1971.
If the choice of grave seems
unusual to the modern
mind, her wishes for her final
journey from Glenlora may
seem macabre to those unfamil-
iar with traditional country
ways.
The nearest road was a long
way from the burial place and in
between there was a lot of
boggy ground and muddy
tracks. But the vagaries of the
terrain posed no problems for
son of the soil, Jim Henderson
of Fairhills Farm, who was ap-
pointed to transport Isobel
Mary's coffin on a tractor-drawn
trailer to the hilltop grave.
Funeral arrangements like these
were at one time quite normal
among Renfrewshire's great aris-
tocratic families. They reminded
mourners of the roots of the de-
ceased in the land and that all
men, women and children are
born from dust and will return to
dust at the end of their earthly
pilgrimages.
Another notable Renfrewshire
example of a farm funeral for
wealthy land-owners was that of
Colonel William Mure of Caldwell
who was carried to his grave at
Neilston Cemetery in a horse-
drawn cart lined with moss from
his vast country estate.
The only people present at Isobel
Mary Campbell's funeral were a
sister (whose name is unknown)
and the undertaker, who BOTH
made the journey along with the
coffin on the tractor-trailer, which
provided the humble hearse.
It was a difficult journey and the
wind blew sharply from the frost-
fringed slopes of the Misty Law as
Miss Campbell was lowered into
the ground and her sepulchre
sealed with turf and the heavy
stone engraved with her epitaph.
Today Isobel Mary Campbell still
slumbers in the Lochwinnoch hills
surrounded by the sights and
sounds which she loved in life.
The melancholic trill of the cur-
lew, the wistful call of the golden
plover and the exuberant song of
the skylark echo as sweetly
above her tenebrous tomb as
they did during her rustic ram-
bles.
And the sweet fragrance of
golden bog asphodels, heath-
spotted orchids and purple hare-
bells pour out their own heady
floral incense around her bucolic
bier.
May the silent sleeper in the
Glenlora grave rest in peace in
the serenity and solitude of the
countryside which she loved and
which was her earthly paradise.
Derek Parker worked as a
countryside ranger at Clyde
Muirshiel Regional Park
from 1985 till 1999.
 From the
Parish Church
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
in the lane, snow is glistening
a beautiful sight,
we’re happy tonight.
walking in a winter wonderland.
Richard B. Smith
I love snow. Let me qualify that, I love
the snow when it is crisp and dry enough
to go out and play in. I realise that during
the recent cold weather many people felt
trapped in their homes, frightened to ven-
ture onto slippery pavements. Certainly, in
our family, we all fell at some time during
the frost. Fortunately we only suffered
from bruised pride, for others broken
bones were the result of the cold snap. Yet
when the snow came, something seemed
to happen in our village. It was almost as
if our ages fell along with the snow.
On Monday 9th February, Iain and I joined
many other villagers sledging in the hills
around the village. Children were revel-
ling in what, for many, was the first time
they remembered sledging. Parents were
delighted to have to show their youngsters
what to do and I can assure you, I was
over the moon when Iain realised he could
go faster if I was on the sledge with him.
That night we returned home feeling in-
vigorated. I suspect my own feeling of
pleasure was not just due to the exercise. I
expect it had something to do with engag-
ing in childlike behaviour. Everyone I
spoke to the next day had said how much
fun they had in the snow. It is good to
have days when we can let our hair down
and be childlike.
In the Bible we read of parents bringing
their children to Jesus for a blessing. Je-
sus’ closest friends thought that he would
be too busy to be bothered with the chil-
dren. Far from it. Jesus not only took the
children into his arms and blessed them,
he also told the adults, “whoever does not
receive the kingdom of God as a little
child will never enter it.”
I have often pondered on that statement –
just what was Jesus saying? I believe that
we are being encouraged to trust like a
child and to see through a child’s eyes and
see the awe and wonder of God’s creation.
The snow helped many adults do just that.
As I write it is Shrove Tuesday and in a
while I will be off to the Parish Church for
my pancakes. I am also contemplating
what I will give up for Lent. Yesterday at
Assembly, the children of Primary 3/2
were sharing with us their thoughts on
spring. They reminded us that spring is a
time of new life and Lent offers us all a
chance to start life afresh. One little girl
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86 Main Street, Kilbirnie, KA25 7AA Tel/Fax: 01505 682125
OPEN - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 9am-1pm & 2.15-5.15pm
told us, “even the naughtiest person can
be less naughty and the best person can
Stained Glass
be better.” Perhaps that should be the Windows in the
aim for us all this Lent, to be less
naughty and to be a better person. Parish Church
In the past, Lent was seen as a time to
As many of you will know, there used
reflect on Jesus’ time in the wilderness
when he was tempted by Satan. Thus the to be two additional stained glass win-
season became associated with penance dows in the Parish Church at either
and fasting; a time to deprive our bodies side of the pulpit. These were removed
of any luxuries or occasion for sin (in some time ago. The congregation
other words indulging in some activity would very much like to see them re-
that could result in sin, for example stored to their original beauty.
some people thought dancing could lead
to inappropriate behaviour). People be- One of the main obstacles is the way in
which the windows were stored. This
lieved that by denying themselves then
more time would be spent in prayer; has resulted in our restorer having to
undertake a massive jigsaw puzzle
more time would be spent with God and
without the aid of a picture.
so people would become ‘holier’. The
problem with such thinking is how does
If anyone has a photograph of the
one describe luxury? How does one de-
windows or a detailed description of
fine “an occasion for sin”? Such thought
them, we would very much appreciate
led to the Bonfire of the Vanities of
a loan of the photographs or a copy of
1497 when the infamous Dominican
the description to aid us in this matter.
priest Savonarola, collected and publicly
burned thousands of objects such as
If you can help in any way, please
cosmetics, art and books in Florence on
either contact the Minister, Christine
the Shrove Tuesday festival.
Murdoch on Tel: 843484 or post
Today Lent is seen in a much more posi- photographs or description through
tive light; a time when we can take a the manse door at 1 Station Rise,
look at our lives and see what needs to Lochwinnoch. Please do leave a note
be changed. Thus, in the Primary School of your name and address, so that any
Assembly the children shared ways in photographs can be returned.
which we can be better people. I think Many thanks.
most of the school groaned when some-
one suggested they could all keep their Lochwinnoch Gala Day
rooms tidy. However, the other sugges- takes place this year on
tions would help to make a better world
Saturday 13th June
for us all – to be kinder, to be helpful, to
be caring. This Lent, in the manse we So mark that date in your diaries.
are going to try to remind ourselves that It promises to be
“even the naughtiest person can be less
another exciting event.
naughty and the best person can be bet-
ter.” We will also do our best to be less
Our theme this year is
naughty and to be a better people.
Country and Western.
Whatever you give up, or indeed, take
If you think you can help us out in
up for Lent, may God bless you.
any way at all with this Gala Day,
please contact Christine on
Rev.Christine Murdoch 07815 087794.

What’s On
(Regular Clubs,
classes and local
groups)
• Lochwinnoch Community
Walks - Mondays (ex. Public
Holidays), 10.30 am at The
Cross.
• Lochwinnoch Playgroup -
For under 5’s, every Monday,
Tuesday and Wednesday from
9.30-11.30 (during term time) at
the McKillop Inst. *
• Kickjitsu for Kids - Monday
nights, from 5pm-6.45pm in the
Parish Church Hall.
• Lochwinnoch Gymnastics
Club - For primary school-age
children every Monday,5-7pm at
the Annexe. Phone Coby for de-
tails on: 0772 9051615.
• Morag’s Keep Fit - Mondays
and Thursdays from 7pm, in the
McKillop Institute.
• Lochwinnoch Choral Soci-
ety. Rehearsals on Monday eve-
nings, Parish Church/ Hall.
Juniors 7-7.30pm, Intermedi-
ates 7.30-8.30pm and Seniors
from 8pm.
• Lochwinnoch Art Group
Meet fortnightly on Monday
evenings, 7.30pm, McKillop
Institute.
• Advice Works - Tuesdays
10am -12.30 at the Library. *
• Drop-in T Bar - Lochwinnoch
Elderly Forum. Every Tuesday
from 10am-1pm, McKillop Insti-
tute. All welcome. For details,
call Reta on: 01505 842054.
Get the new BBC Freesat system - also available in HD
Call now for a FREE quotation
LCD and PLASMA SCREEN INSTALLATIONS
DIGITAL UPGRADES MULTIROOM AERIAL AND SATELLITE FREE ESTIMATES
Tel: 01505 842056 Mob: 07940 705115
• Baby and Toddler Rhyme-
time - every Tuesday, 2.15pm at
Lochwinnoch Library. *
• TaeKwon-Do Fitness and Self-
defence classes for all. Tuesdays
from 5-6pm, McKillop Institute.
For details Tel: 01259 210716.
• Scottish Country Dance
Club - On Tuesdays, from 7.30-
9.30pm, the McKillop Institute.
• Linda Margaret School of
Dancing - Tuesdays from 4pm-
8.45pm, McKillop Institute. For
details, Tel: 0141 581 9104.
• Boys Brigade - Anchor Boys
and Junior Sections meet on
Tuesday nights and Company
Section on Friday evenings,
Parish Church Hall. (See Church
notice board for more details.)
• Girls Brigade -
1st Lochwinnoch Company
Wednesday evenings from 6pm-
9.15pm at the Parish Church
Hall for various age groups.
• Yoga Classes - Tuesday day-
time classes for Beginners from
1pm-2pm and, from 11th March,
two Wednesday evening classes
at the McKillop Inst. (See sepa-
rate notice in Chatterbox for full
details of new classes.)
• Yoga and Healing Medita-
tion Workshops (See separate
notice in Chatterbox.)
• Happy Harminis - Fun for pre
-school children. Thursdays
from 10am in the McKillop Insti-
tute. Contact Frankie Plater for
details: 01505 612248.
• Slinky Strollers - on Thurs-
days (see back page for details).
• Calder Drama Club—
Thursdays, from 8pm-10pm
McKillop Institute.
WALL MOUNTS SUPPLIED AND FITTED
• Scottish Slimmers - Thursdays,
7/7.30pm, McKillop Inst.
• Lochwinnoch Pre-School
Gymnastics ( for children from
18 mths to 5 yrs). Fridays, from
10.15am - 1.45pm at the Annexe.
Further details from Coby on
Tel: 0772 9051615.
• Tai Chi for Beginners -
Friday nights, 6.45-7.45pm, The
Room, Lochwinnoch Library.
Lochwinnoch Historical
Society
At our meeting on 19th February
Ian McCrorie, historian for Calmac,
gave an excellent and lively talk on
the history of Caledonian McBrayne.
The evening was enjoyed by all.
Our next meeting is on
Thursday 19th March
at 7.30 in the Guild Room of the Par-
ish Church. The speaker will be
Gordon Gibb, his talk is on the history
of India Tyres.
Fee for visitors is £2 which includes
tea/coffee, biscuits and cake.
Contact Gordon Nicholl Tel: 842632
VILLAGE EVENT
CALENDAR for 2009
Lochwinnoch Post Office has a wall-
mounted planner, where members of
the public can enter details of forth-
coming events.
Please use this planner to -
• avoid any clashes when choosing
dates to hold events, and
• to help publicise your own events
in and around the village and local
area.
REPAIRS
FULLY INSURED

Dates for
your diaries
• Tuesday 3 March at 7.30pm
Cornelius Lynch (banana pro-
ducer from St Lucia) speaking at
Parish Church (only Renfrewshire
venue!) – free admission. *
• Wednesday 4 March 9 am-12
noon Fairtrade Coffee Morning at
The Junction. *
• Friday 6th – Saturday 7th
March (noon to noon) Banana
themed menu at The Junction: *
join the attempt to set a world re-
cord for eating Fairtrade bananas
in 24 hours. To achieve a world
record we need to get people to
register online at -
www.fairtrade.org.uk/gobananas
• Saturday 7th March -
Councillor Neil Bibby’s Surgery, at
9am, McKillop Institute. *
• Sunday 8th March, 11am–2pm
Fairtrade Stall at Castle Semple
Centre, Lochwinnoch. *
• Wk. Beg. Monday 9th March -
Fairtrade Photographic Exhibition
in Lochwinnoch Library . *
• Saturday 14th March - Calder-
glen Football Club Annual Sports-
man’s Dinner - Lochwinnoch
Bowling Club. *
• Monday 16th March
Lochwinnoch Art Group fort-
nightly meeting at 7.30pm, McKil-
lop Institute. *
• Wednesday 18th March -
Lochwinnoch SWRI evening and
AGM, with speaker, at 7.30pm
McKillop Inst. Visitors welcome. *
• Thursday 19th March -
Lochwinnoch Historical Society
evening, speaker Gordon Gibb on
“The History of India Tyres” - at
7.30pm in the Guild Room of the
Parish Church. *
LOCHWINNOCH
BOWLING CLUB
Friday 27th March
FASHION SHOW
By Toggery
Last year, we offered a ’one-off’
membership at a special price.
We would like to repeat that this year -
bowl for a season for £25!
Apply to Marion Jamieson
on Tel: 01505 502975.
• Friday 20th March - Prize
Bingo Night at 7.30pm at the
Masonic Hall. All welcome.
• Sunday 22nd March -
Mothering Sunday Home
Coming Service, Bi-centenary
special celebratory services and
organ recitals at Lochwinnoch
Parish Church. *
• Mon. 23rd - Sat. 28th March
Art Exhibition by Lochwinnoch
Art Group at the Library (open
during Library hours). *
• Thursday 26th March -
Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum
meeting at 1pm, McKillop Inst.
•
Thurs. 26th - Sun. 29th March -
Lochwinnoch Arts Festival. *
(See front pages of Chatterbox.)
• Friday 27th March - Fashion
Show at the Bowling Club. *
• Sunday 29th March - Creative
Class - Your Guardian Angel. *
• Monday 30th March -
Lochwinnoch Art Group fort-
nightly meeting at 7.30pm,
McKillop Institute. *
• Friday 17th April - Chips and
Opera Night. (See separate no-
tice in this issue of Chatterbox.)
* See inside this issue of Chatterbox
for further details of these events.
CALDERGLEN FOOTBALL
CLUB
Fundraising Event
Annual
Sportsman’s
Dinner
on
Saturday 14th March
at
Lochwinnoch Bowling Club
at 7.30pm.
Tickets £20 per head,
includes a
3-Course dinner
and Speakers: John McKelvie,
former referee and Police Inspector;
and Peter Brown,
Director of Bank of Scotland.
For tickets,
contact J Hodgson
Tel: 01505 843164
POPPY’S
FLORIST
29 MAIN STREET
KILBIRNIE
Tel No: 01505 681212
Flowers for all occasions
Weddings
Funeral Tributes
New Arrivals
Birthdays, Anniversaries
Floral Arrangements
made to order
and don’t forget
Mothering Sunday
on 22nd March
and
Easter
10th-13th April
Lochwinnoch
Scottish Country Dance
Club
Are you fit, active and
looking for a new interest?
Join our Scottish Country Dancing
Club at 7.30pm on Tuesday nights in
the McKillop Institute and learn how
to enjoy our traditional country danc-
ing with Reels, Jigs, Strathspeys and
the various steps associated with
them. It's all good exercise for the
mind as well as the legs and a most
enjoyable and inexpensive evening.
New Members will be most
welcome - come and have a try.
STOP PRESS
March 31st is going to be Janie
Andrews’ last night with us, after be-
ing our teacher for the last 26 years.
Should there be any past members
who would like to come along and
join us on her final evening, you will
be more than welcome.
 Lochwinnoch residents -
Can I help? If so, please don’t
hesitate to get in touch.
Douglas Alexander, Lochwinnoch’s MP
Write to: 2014 Mile End Mill, 12 Seedhill Road, Paisley, PA1 1JS
Tel: 0141 561 0333. E-mail: dalexandermp@talk21.com
or come to one of my advice surgeries.
Lochwinnoch Library
New Books for
March
Jeffrey Deaver : Bodies left behind
A spring night in a small town in Wiscon-
sin. . . . A call to police emergency from a
distant lake house is cut short. . . . A
phone glitch or an aborted report of a
crime? Off-duty deputy Brynn leaves her
family's dinner table and drives up to de-
serted Lake Mondac to find out. She
stumbles onto the scene of a heinous mur-
der. . . .
Linda Fairstein : Lethal legacy
When Assistant District Attorney Alex
Cooper is summoned to Tina Barr's apart-
ment on Manhattan's Upper East Side, she
finds a neighbor convinced that the young
woman was assaulted. But the terrified
victim, a conservator of rare books and
maps, refuses to cooperate with investiga-
tors. Then another woman is found mur-
dered in that same apartment with an ex-
tremely valuable book, believed to have
been stolen…….
Elly Griffiths : The Crossing Places
When she's not digging up bones or other
ancient objects, Ruth Galloway lectures at
the University of North Norfolk. She lives
happily alone in a remote, wild place
called Saltmarsh overlooking the North
Sea under Norfolk's vast skies. For com-
pany she has her cats Flint and Sparky,
and Radio 4. When a child's bones are
found in the marshes near an ancient site
that Ruth worked on ten years earlier,
Ruth is asked to date them. The bones turn
out to be two thousand years old, and DCI
Harry Nelson, who called on Ruth for
help, is disappointed. He'd hoped they
would be the bones of a child called Lucy
who's been missing for ten years.
Renfrewshire Libraries
Present
Baby & Toddler
He's been getting letters about her ever
since - bizarre notes with references to
Rhyme time
ritual and sacrifice and quoting the Bible
and Shakespeare…….
AT
Tess Gerritsen : Keeping the Lochwinnoch
dead
For untold years, the perfectly preserved Library
mummy had lain forgotten in the dusty
basement of Boston's Crispin Museum.
Now its sudden rediscovery by museum
Every Tuesday
staff is both a major coup and an atten-
tion-grabbing mystery. Dubbed 'Madam 2.15pm
X’, the mummy (to all appearances, an
ancient Egyptian artifact) seems a
ghoulish godsend for the financially
struggling institution. But medical ex-
aminer Maura Isles soon discovers a
macabre message hidden within the
corpse; horrifying proof that this ADVICE WORKS
'centuries-old' relic is instead a modern-
day murder victim………. Tuesdays 10am –12.30pm
To Maura and Boston homicide detec- Advisors are on hand to help fill in
tive Jane Rizzoli, the forensic evidence
claim forms, check and advise on wel-
is unmistakable, its implications terrify-
ing……
fare benefits/money problems.
Advisors can provide expert advice
Renew and Reserve on a wide range of debt related topics,
at such as credit card, mortgage arrears,
www.renfrewshwire.gov.uk/libraries council tax, etc. The service is FREE,
confidential and open to all Renfrew-
Library members can view, renew
and reserve their library loans online. shire residents.
All you need to get started is your
library membership number and a
password. If you don’t have a pass- LIBRARY OPENING
word just ask at any library. HOURS :
Monday, Wednesday and Friday:
“Your Village” 2pm–5pm & 6pm–8pm
Want to find out more? Tuesday and Saturday: 10am–1pm
Why not browse through our collec- and 2pm–5pm
tion of local photographs and step Closed Thursday.
into a very different world that was Tel: 01505 842305
… Lochwinnoch.

A NICHT WI’ BURNS
There may have been bigger events com-
memorating the 250th Anniversary of
Robert Burns’ birth but none will have
captured the essence of this celebration
better than the community library’s
“ A NICHT WI’ BURNS “.
Traditional Burns Suppers have their
place but the programme necessarily ad-
heres to a pre-set formula and therefore to
a sense of “sameness”. A change in for-
mat was needed to help differentiate this
year’s special celebrations and the com-
munity library’s “A NICHT WI’ BURNS”
more than met that need. The event was
co-produced with the GARTHLAND ST
WINNOCH CRONIES who also pre-
sented the entertainment. By choosing not
to adopt the traditional “supper” for their
acknowledgement of Burns, the Library
provided a much broader base for the pre-
senters to express their admiration for the
man and his works. The result was a well-
balanced and impressive commemoration
of the national bard.
The GARTHLAND ST WINNOCH
CRONIES have been building their repu-
tation as exponents of Burns through ap-
pearances at various events this year. But
“A NICHT WI’ BURNS“ provided the
ideal structure for their narrative and spe-
cially selected readings to resonate
through their audience.
Johnny Mair launched the programme and
set the standard for the night with his ad-
dress “To a Haggis”, which had been
piped in by Julie Donn. Bill Davey then
provided the framework for the evening
with an intelligent insight into Burns, de-
livered with an evident passion but which
never betrayed the reality of the obvious
paradoxes in Burns’character. Using his
variation on a traditional Immortal Mem-
ory Toast, Bill guided the audience
through the Bard’s life and work with
particular focus on the farming aspect. At
intervals selected readings were given by
other “CRONIES” to emphasise or illus-
trate specific points in the narrative.
Malky Blair gave the first of these, a very
well received rendition of one of Burns’
most popular humorous poems, “To the
Toothache”. This was followed by the
raspingly barbed “Holy Willie’s Prayer”
superbly presented by Gavin Pratt.
Johnny Mair then produced one of Burns’
less well-known poems “The Death and
Dying Words of Mailie” – a commentary
on Burns’ favourite pet-sheep. The next
reading was stylishly recited by Malky
Blair, “To a Mouse” – a much loved trib-
ute by Burns to the “tim’rous beastie”.
The “moose’s reply”, “To a Ploughman”
was delivered by Johnny Mair and the 1st Lochwinnoch Company,
reading incorporated the humour of the The Boys’ Brigade
verses very well indeed. There fol-
lowed another of Burns’ tribute poems,
“To a Mountain Daisy” by Malky Blair 27th running
whose recitation of this excellent work Of
by Burns was much admired by the LOCHWINNOCH
audience.
The last of the selected readings was
OPEN
“Death and Doctor Hornbook” and this RACE
was delivered in costume and with
great panache by Johnny Mair and
Gavin Pratt. The audience were treated
to the thoughts emanating from a
“meeting” between an inebriated Burns
and the Grim Reaper about the local
self-taught apothecary (Dr Hornbook).
Burns’ view that the apothecary’s po-
tions were deadly harmful rather than on
healing is supported by hugely funny Saturday 13th June
examples; self-interest results in the
Grim Reaper concurring as the apothe- 2009
cary’s dangerous potions were losing Starting at Calder Street,
him business !!
Lochwinnoch at 2.15pm
The “NICHT WI’ BURNS” was con-
cluded with a toast to the Immortal
In 1983, the Lochwinnoch Fun Run
Memory proposed by Bill Davey and
was born as part of the Boys’ Brigade
drunk in a choice of either of our na-
centenary celebrations. Local events at
tional tipples - a single malt or an Irn
that time fixed the second Saturday in
Bru ! Those lucky enough to have
June as the best date and it has been
secured tickets for this sell-out event held on that Saturday ever since - so
were then treated to a medley of pipe this year’s race is on
tunes by Julie Donn while enjoying the
excellent Scottish food and (FRENCH!) Saturday 13th June.
wine prepared by the ladies from the Many changes have been made
library. over the years, with the adults now
racing over 6 miles (previously 7);
In appreciation for the excellent eve-
and the race is now firmly fixed in
ning’s entertainment the GARTH-
the Scottish Athletics Calendar.
LAND ST WINNOCH CRONIES were
presented with specially engraved
Last year, the adult trophies were
whisky glasses, with which it is hoped
won by local lass Jacquie
they raise many more toasts to Burns.
Donaldson and Michael Finlay
Julie Donn, a former World Champion
(Kilbarchan). Will they retain their
Amateur Solo Piper and therefore the
titles, is the big question - and will
village’s most accomplished piper, was
Allan Penny maintain his domi-
given a kilt-pin which it is hoped she
nance as the Leading Local, or will
wears when winning her next World
David Nicholls made a comeback?
Championship.
Finally, many congratulations and a There are also medals for veterans
huge thank-you to Margaret Sweenie (ladies and men) and Leading Lo-
and the team at Lochwinnoch Library cal boys and girls.
for producing yet another superb eve-
ning event. Entry forms will be available from
Lochwinnoch’s links with Burns’ work, the usual local agencies. Also,
in particular “Auld Lang Syne”, and the watch out for posters with more
influence on his stanza structure information - such as details of the
through Francis and Robert Sempill of Waterstone Trophy, entry fees and
Beltrees is a matter of record. In an- closing date for all entry forms.
swer to the question posed in last
month’s Chatterbox this IS very well
known to REAL Lochenyochians.
Alternatively, further details can
“A NICHT WI’ BURNS” fittingly re- be obtained from Race Organ-
established this link in a wonderfully iser, Murray Lawrie at Tel:
convivial atmosphere which Burns and 0141 887 8791 or by e-mail at:
the Sempills would have revelled in ! amurraylawrie@hotmail.co.uk
 BRIDGE
We’ve had an encouraging response
from people who are interested in be-
ing part of a local Bridge club. If you
missed our appeal in last month’s
Chatterbox, here it is again. There’s
still time to register an interest - the
more the merrier!

Over the years, a number of people

have commented about the lack of a
Bridge club in Lochwinnoch. The
Scottish Bridge Union is very keen to
support any new initiative when it
comes to the development of Bridge
as a game at all standards. They are
willing to give grants to aid the set-up
of a Bridge club. This will include the
provision of lessons both for begin-
ners and returnees to the game.
There are a number of conditions at-
tached, the most important of which is
that there are sufficient numbers of
people to make it viable in both the
short and medium term. Conse-
quently, I am trying to establish the
level of interest in the village and any
surrounding areas.
In order to do this, I would be inter-
ested to hear from anyone who would
like to participate. (There will be a
number of issues which will need to
be resolved, e.g. where we would
play, etc but these can be discussed
once it is identified that there is suffi-
cient interest.)
I can be contacted on 01505 842151
(please leave a message on the an-
swerphone if I am not in) or e-mail
at: rogerandjune@ukonline.co.uk
Alternatively, leave a message at the
Library, marked for the attention of
Roger Evans.
Sky at Night
Lochwinnoch
March 2009
Satellites Collide
On 10th February two communi-
cations satellites, Iridium 33
belonging to the US, and Kos-
mos 2251 owned by Russia, col-
lided over northern Siberia.
Hundreds of pieces of debris
have spread around the Earth
and the US Strategic Command
are current tracking 49 pieces
from Iridium 33 and 85 from
Kosmos 2251. Some of the or-
biting debris will re-enter the
atmosphere over time and pro-
duce spectacular fireballs.
The MOON is ‘full’ on the 11th
and ‘new’ on the 26th March.
Saturn remains alone in the
evening sky and is visible all
night reaching its closest to Earth
on 8th March.
2009 GLOBE at Night
campaign 16 - 28 March
Light pollution restricts our view
of the night sky. If you have ac-
cess to a computer, you can take
part in a very simple Worldwide
survey to evaluate just how bad
it was/is/has become. Visit the
website -
http://www.globe.gov/GaN/
and follow the instructions.
As Orion slips towards the
western horizon, the constellation
of Gemini - the Twins - Castor
and Pollux, reminds us that
Spring is not far away. Castor is
the upper of the two brightest
stars.

YOGA and HEALING The International Space

MEDITATION WORKSHOPS Venus - Jupiter - Mars
Venus has dominated the eve-
ning sky throughout the winter.
March 14 Saturday "AWAKENING"
The closest planet to Earth, it
April 26 Sunday "KINDNESS"
May 17 Sunday "TRUTH" reflects light at magnitude 4.7.
June 21 Sunday "ENTHUSIASM" Throughout the month,
Venus sets earlier in the eve-
ning and by the end of the
All workshops are held in Kilbarchan month, goes down with the
Guide Hall Sun, reaching inferior conjunc-
Cost £15.00 tion on March 27. As we move
into April, Venus joins Jupiter,
Contact Rebecca on Mars and becomes a 'morning
Tel: 0141-881-6700. star'.
Station is visiting the skies
above the village at the start
of the month.
For information on possible sight-
ings and other information, visit
our webpage -
www.lochwinnoch.info
Sky at Night Lochwinnoch.
(Also, see inside back pages of this
issue of Chatterbox for details of
Muirshiel Stargazing nights. Ed)

LW
LOCHWNNOCH
WRITERS
THE WRITERS MEET IN THE
LIBRARY, ON MONDAYS
9.30-11.30AM. All Welcome.
THIS MONTH—a wee trip in the
Village Tardis with PAT THOMSON!
A FEW REMINISCENCES
L OOKING BACK OVER THE
YEARS, it’s amazing the
changes that have taken place
in the village. For example, the build-
ing we use as a library used to be the
primary school. The first two classes
were based here and the part that is
now the kitchen, etc was the janitor's
house. The teachers there were a Miss
Holmes and a Miss Robb. Behind the
school at the back of what is now Key-
store was Willie Glen's byre. I remem-
ber being sent there with the money
and a miniature milk churn for a quart
of milk and being told to get the fresh
milk from the afternoon's milking
(more or less straight from the cow). If
it was Mr Glen himself he would give
you the fresh milk, but if it was his
sister you had to take the morning
milk, like it or lump it.
To get from Craw Place to Braehead
there was a track up the side of the
field with a burn running down it. This
is now Craw Road and the burn still
runs down it underground. At the top
was a gate that led into part of what is
now Braehead. At that time it con-
sisted of two large houses, a cottage
and four blocks of council flats. Cal-
derpark Street goes up the hill from
here to the school annexe (although
this is usually referred to as “the wee
school”). Calder Drive (hill 60) goes
back down into Calder Street and so
back to the Cross.
In those days what is now the Royal
Bank was the National Commercial
and that is where I opened my first
bank account. Don't think this showed
I was thrifty, far from it. My employer
had decided to pay our wages monthly
into a bank account so I had no option
but to open one.
The old churchyard at the foot of
Johnshill stood in magnificent isola-
tion surrounded by trees. It was well
looked after by Mr Calderwood. He
tended the graveyard, wound the
clock and generally kept an eye on
things. One day he allowed a few
children to accompany him as he
was going to cut the ivy on the back
wall and was looking for some ener-
getic labour. The ivy was duly cut
and to our amazement above one of
the graves, in the wall, was an old
penny. It had been cemented into
the wall. We were told it would be
removed and sent to Paisley mu-
seum. What happened I don't know
but although it was removed it never
made it to Paisley. In fact, it just
seemed to disappear.
Mr. Calderwood also looked after
the play park at the foot of Church
Street. Being the parkie he knew
most of the kids in the village and he
could stop any nonsense before it
started. He never seemed to raise
his voice but we always did as he
said. Perhaps it was because he knew
all our parents and could report to
them; you kept your nose clean.
The doctor's house at that time
was in the Harvey Square. The door
to the surgery was round the corner
in Harvey Terrace. Unlike today you
didn't need an appointment, you just
went into the waiting room and took
a seat. The doctor worked his way
through his patients and it wasn't
unknown for some patients to come
into the surgery on their way home
from the pictures. Surgeries could
go on until 10 o'clock or sometimes
even later. I remember my mother
saying he occasionally made house
calls as late as 11 o'clock at night if he
had a seriously ill patient.
There was a pend or wide path ran
up the side of the doctor's house and
right along the back of the terrace
houses giving access for anything
that was too large to go through the
closes. Across the road from the
terrace, where the wee bungalows are
now, was a market garden. If it could
be grown in this climate the gardener
grew it, if not he put it in the green-
houses and grew it anyway. I think he
kept the village going with fruit and
vegetables in season. Tomatoes, let-
tuce and a bunch of sweet peas. Cab-
bage, cauliflower and some chrysan-
themums it was all the same to him.
In those days anything you needed
you could buy in the village, what you
couldn't you could order through the
Co-op. Such things as a three-piece
suite or a bedroom suite which were a
bit too big to stick on a shelf. If you
had the right contacts your bedroom
or dining room suite may well have
come from Joe Johnstone's.
Because my family was in business
in the village we all used different
shops. My gran went to Jimmy
Whyte's the grocers, Alan Henry the
butcher and Beenie Arthur the baker.
My mother went to John Black’s, John
Chapman's and The Garthland Bakery
respectively. One of my aunts went to
Baird's and Campbell's the butcher.
Even the paper shops were split. My
gran and one aunt to Margaret Fer-
gusson's and my mother and the other
aunt to John Whyte's. This informa-
tion is stuck in my head because al-
though the grocers and butchers deliv-
ered, orders had to be taken to the
shops and everything else collected.
Guess whose job that was on a Satur-
day morning?
It might be of interest to those new to
the village, to know where the shops I
have mentioned were. The Spar shop was
Jimmy Whyte's, the Junction was John
Black's, the vet’s was Alan Hendry's and
part of the Garthland lounge was John
Chapman's. Baird’s is now Keystore and
Campbell's was in the High Street. The
paper shops were both in Church Street;
John Whyte's where the bridal shop is
now and M. Fergusson's is still the paper
shop today. © PAT THOMSON
A number of readers have written
in to Chatterbox in the past week
or so, with reports of stray dogs,
killer dogs and dogs not kept on
leads or under close control when
around livestock and farm animals.
The individuals who have suffered
at the hands of these irresponsible
dog owners and careless walkers
have asked us to publish their ex-
periences. The facts speak for
themselves and we have, again,
published the Scottish Outdoor Ac-
cess Code (opposite), outlining the
key principles and guidance.
A timely reminder, as the lamb-
ing and calving season gets under
way, that you and your dog share
the outdoors with others.
SHUT THAT GATE -please!
We suffered last year more than
ever in our 42 years here. A field
gate in a fence which stops sheep
and cattle from going into the
woods and the Maich Glen was left
open several times including 3
times in one week!
We were lucky because we noticed
in time to stop the animals escap-
ing but it has resulted in us having
to lock all the field gates which is a
pest for everyone including us, the
farmers.
The Strathclyde Police website con-
tains information on all of the new
local Community Policing Teams to
increase the visibility of the officers
within their communities. Take a look
at our website -
www. strathclyde.police.uk
for contact details of officers in your
local Policing Team.
Please note the new phone number
for ASIST (Anti-social Behaviour
Team) - see below and front page
(top right-hand corner) of this issue
of Chatterbox.
HENS KILLED BY DOG
As lambing time nears, it would
be a timely reminder for dog
owners using walkway/cycle
tracks to ensure that their dogs
are kept under control or on a
lead at all times when near live-
stock or farms. Recently, an irre-
sponsible dog owner allowed her
dog to kill several Free-range lay-
ing hens.
PREGNANT SHEEP
KILLED BY STRAY DOG
Two farmers lost 13 pregnant ewes
last week to a stray Alsation-type
mongrel dog. On the first night, 2 of
the sheep were fatally savaged by
the dog, 4 more (and their unborn
lambs) died from the stress of the
incident and the adjoining farm lost
a further 7 pregnant ewes to the un-
welcome attacks from this stray dog.
The dog has since been ‘dispatched’
but was wearing a collar and had
been micro-chipped and was traced
back to the owners, who live nearby
and who have made reparations.
Given that it takes around 18 months
to rear a sheep either for sale or for
breeding, this affects the livelihood
of a farmer, who has spent time and
money on raising a flock. Not only
were the sheep wiped out on this
occasion but so were the unborn
lambs.
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
Strathclyde Police – 0141 532 5900
Johnstone Police – 01505 404000
Johnstone Community Safety
Office – 01505 404023
Trading Standards – 0141 840 3233
Care and Repair – 0141 812 4111
Renfrewshire Council -
Tel: 0141 842 5000
Anti-social Behaviour Investigation
Team (ASIST) - 0141 840 2163
Victim Support – 0141 887 0328
Nuisance Support & Advice
Helpline – 0800 169 1283
Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
Community Safety Office,
Johnstone Police Station.
WALKIES !
Everyone has the right to be on most
land and inland water providing they
act responsibly. Your access rights
and responsibilities are explained fully
in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Contact SNH on 01738 444177 for
leaflets or advice or visit their website:
outdooraccess-scotland.com for fur-
ther information.
Whether you’re in the outdoors or
managing the outdoors, the 3 key
things are to take responsibility for
your own actions, respect the inter-
ests of other people and care for
the environment.
Here’s some guidance, reproduced
with permission from SNH, to help
you take the lead.
* Don’t take your dog into fields
where there are lambs, calves or other
young animals.
* Don’t take your dog into fields of
vegetables or fruit unless you are on a
clear path, such as a core path or right
of way - and keep to the path.
* Never let your dog worry or attack
farm animals.
* If you go into a field of farm animals,
keep as far away as possible from the
animals and keep your dog on a short
lead (i.e. 2 metres of less) or
under close control (i.e. this means
that your dog responds to your com-
mands and is kept close at heel).
* If cattle react aggressively and
move towards you, keep calm, let the
dog go and take the shortest, safest
route out of the field.
* During the bird breeding season
(usually April-July), keep your dog
under close control or on a short lead
in areas of moorland, forests, grass-
land, loch shores AND the seashore.
* Pick up and remove your dog’s fae-
ces if it fouls in a public open place or
where there’s a risk to farming interests.
* Some reservoirs and streams are
used for public water supply. If there
are intakes nearby, keep your dog out
of the water.
* In recreation areas and other public
places, keep your dog under close
control.
YOUR DOG
DOESN’T KNOW ANY BETTER.
MAKE SURE YOU DO.
 TEENAGE CANCER
TRUST NEWS
The Brown Bull Christmas Auction and
Raffle. Final Total: £6,600.40. This was
a fantastic amount raised, especially
considering the current economic cli-
mate. Well done and many thanks to
everyone.
Eastern Star. I have received dona-
tions for TCT from members of the St
Winnoch Chapter, and I wish to thank
everyone involved for their support.
TCT Yorkhill Appeal. Work is due to
begin on the 6-bed TCT unit at the
beginning of April. Despite fantastic
fundraising efforts throughout the
West of Scotland over the past 18
months (especially in Lochwinnoch!),
unfortunately we are still well short of
the amount required of £350,0000.
Please help us by continuing to sup-
port our fundraising events, and by
spreading the word to your friends,
families and work colleagues. I will of
course tell you all about the new unit
once work is in progress.
Chips & Opera - Yes, it’s back! Last J Quinn & son
year’s event was a sell-out success,
so get your tickets ASAP (details be-
low). Alternatively, you can order
Memorials
them from me, John, on Tel: 01505
844801. Personal Service
& Quality
The Midsummer Evening 'Not the
Booze' Cruise sets sail on Friday 19th Guaranteed
June. Tickets will be on sale nearer
the time - keep your diaries free.
2009 Teenagers. Later this year TCT
will be launching a campaign to have
2009 teenagers throughout Scotland
each pledge to raise £50 for the New Memorials
charity. I hope as many local teen-
agers as possible will sign up to help
us. Full details will be released at Additional Inscriptions
the time, but maybe the young 'uns
can get their thinking caps on now
and come up with ideas on how to
raise their money. (Do pupils still
Cleaning & Renovations
wear 'thinking caps'? It's been a
while since I left school, but I have
vague memories of being made to
wear a cap and stand in the corner). Mon 10am –5pm, Tue –Fri 10am –2pm
Evening & Weekends by Arrangement
John Delaney

4a Dalry Road, KILBIRNIE

Please Call 01505 68 54 55
Chips & Opera
Yes fans, it’s back !!! Another fabulous fun-filled night with bubbly, 3
course meal, outstanding opera from Scottish Opera members and danc- LOCHWINNOCH ART
ing the night away to the floor-filling sounds of Penny Dogs! So fluff up
your frocks, dust off the tux and enjoy yourself, all in aid of Teenage Can- GROUP NEWS
cer Trust’s Yorkhill Appeal.
The weather has warmed slightly
which is more encouraging for our
members going out to our fortnightly
meetings. Our last meeting was very
informative for those amongst us who
had never stretched a canvas before.
Our meetings during March are on:-
Monday 2nd - Drawing Horses
by Glenys McKee.
Monday 16th - Life Drawing
Monday 30th - Pastel Techniques
by Phil Arbon.
(The Life Drawing class is correct at the
time of going to press but may be subject
to change.)
As part of the Lochwinnoch Arts Fes-
Harry Ramsden’s Restaurant, Glasgow tival there will be an Art Exhibition in
Friday 17th April 2009 the Library Room, Lochwinnoch Li-
Champagne Reception 7.30pm Carriages - 12.30 brary from Mon 23rd March- Sat 28th
March. This Exhibition will include
Tickets £25 from TCT@KarenKellyDesigns.com works by The Art Group. There will
also be Craft Stalls on the Saturday
Tel: 01505 705767 / 07801 898196 only. The Exhibition will be open
or send a cheque to Karen Kelly Designs Ltd, 14 High Barholm, during Library hours.
Kilbarchan PA10 2EF (cheque made payable to TCT GladRags & Gowns) Christine Brown, Chairperson

Follow in the
Family Footsteps
at
Castle Semple Centre
from Friday 6 March 2009
As a start to the Homecoming sea-
son at Clyde Muirshiel Regional
Park, there will be a guided tour
around the historic heartlands of
Parkhill Woods and the loch shore
area, with the emphasis on the Sem-
ple and the MacDowall Families,
who used to own the estates.
Don’t forget to visit the Exhibition
in Castle Semple Centre.
For further details please call 01505
842 882, ext 22.
Castle Semple
Sundays
Castle Semple Centre, Lochwinnoch
are running a programme of Sunday
events for entertainment and educa-
tion. There will be something happen-
ing every Sunday throughout March
from the large Farmer’s Market on the
1st, to holistic Massage Therapy ses-
sions on the 29th. Programme is as
follows:
1st March: Lochwinnoch Farmer’s
Market – first of the year with local
producers bringing their wares to
Castle Semple Centre.
8th March: Fair Trade exhibition –
Exhibition and sale of Fairtrade goods
15th March: Glass Works – Demon-
strations of the art of leaded glasswork
and related skills - to be confirmed.
nd
22 March: Mothering Sunday
Craft Fair – Local Craft stalls.
29th March: Inverclyde Massage
Therapies – Get a relaxing massage at
the centre.
For further details please call 01505
842 882 ext 24.
Stargazing
Nights
Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park will hold
two more Stargazing nights in March &
April. These will be held at Muirshiel
Centre, where it is nice and dark.
Stargazing nights are on Fridays, from
7-9pm, which is probably the best day in
terms of attracting families. To book
and for more details, contact Regional
Park staff on: 01505 842882.
(Remember to wear warm clothing.) If
the weather is unsuitable for telescope
use there will be a talk and a planetar-
ium show on a similar theme to the
viewing programme below.
Programme:
20th March - Saturn returns to the
night skies throughout this month. Sat-
urn is an amazing sight through the tele-
scope, with its rings and moons clearly
visible.
3rd April - Moon week, part of a na-
tionwide initiative running for Interna-
tional Year of Astronomy. The subject
will be the Moon (strangely enough!!)
If anyone wishes to bring their own
viewing equipment (telescopes or bin-
oculars - 10x50 or higher) then that
would be great.
Do your bit for nature
at Muirshiel on Wed.
25th March at 1pm
Do you like watching nature pro-
grammes on the TV? Want to do some-
thing to help wildlife – and ‘do your bit
for nature’?
Then take a trip up to Muirshiel Centre
and join the Rangers with some conser-
vation tasks, which will be of benefit to
the local wildlife, on Wednesday 25th
March 2009 from 1pm onwards. It is
also of benefit to us humans – WE get a
good workout in the open air in the com-
pany of like-minded people!
The old phrase “many hands make light
work” is true and one squad can make
more of an impact in less time than one
or two people working over a longer
period and one day of disruption is less
stressful to the native wildlife.
If you would like to help please be pre-
pared to get wet and very dirty! Teas
and coffees will be provided at the end
of the session.
To book a place or for further de-
tails, Tel 01505 842 803.
Arts and Crafts for
Young Teens, Lochwinnoch
The Chameleon Club Art Classes are
for anyone aged 11+ who would like
to try some arts and crafts .
Our next class is on Saturday 21st
March from 2pm - 4pm at the RSPB
Centre, Beith Road, Lochwinnoch.
To date we have created short plas-
ticine animations, ceramic money
banks, printed and folded origami
creations, mosaic frames and boxes.
This March we will explore drawing
and creating comics.
Classes are led by local artist Cáit
Gould and cost £10 per session, all
materials included. Contact Cáit on
01505 842380 to sign up, or to ask for
more details.
DATES OF FUTURE CLASSES
From April, classes will continue to
be held on the last Saturday of each
month, from 2pm-4pm, with the ex-
ception of the months of April, July
and December when classes will be
held on Saturday 18th April, Saturday
18th July, and Saturday 19th Decem-
ber 2009.
Mothering Sunday
Craft Fair
at Castle Semple Centre on
Sunday 22 March 10am-4pm
Is it difficult to find a present for your
Mother? Why not come along to the Craft
Fair with your Mother and get her to
choose her own gift, and spend a pleasant
day together as well.
This Craft Fair is organised by the Re-
gional Park bringing together local craft
producers, where it will be ideal to pur-
chase a special Mother’s Day gift. Make
it a family visit and have a coffee or tea,
feed the swans and ducks or perhaps take
a stroll along the loch shore to Parkhill
Woods where the spring flowers should
be starting to appear.

RSPB
LOCHWINNOCH
NEWS
Subscribe to the RSPB
Lochwinnoch Blog!
For weekly updates about what is
happening at the reserve, visit:
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Here’s a lovely story, beautifully
written by Andrew Kyle, an RSPB
Lochwinnoch volunteer.
Them looking
in .....
Eating and doing what one
does day in day out every day
of the week is a mundane
thing. You must understand
that. Yet, we watch and we
love watching the little birds
flock to our feeders, eating
and doing what they do. They
sit and twitter, or perch and
peck, and go on, every day,
doing tiny things that set fire
to our hearts and let our spir-
its soar. However, I started
thinking, what do we look like
to them? We stand and watch
them doing things we find
fascinating, but if we were to
do those things ourselves
we’d think nothing of it. I
stood by the window watch-
ing a single blue tit the other
day and as it perched there
eating some of the newly dis-
covered Fruity Nibbles, it
stopped, and looked right at
me. Just for a moment, I was
transfixed. Was it as excited
about the meeting of the eyes
that I was…..
..…The man was staring straight
at me. He had in one hand a bot-
tle of juice and the other a sand-
wich and he seemed to have fro-
zen to the spot. Now usually
they’re always moving back and
forth behind their walls, carting
bags of food around, filling up
our feeders every now and then,
but most commonly watching us
through the windows, pointing
their telescopes, cameras and
binoculars out in our direction,
seemingly entranced by our an-
tics. Personally, I don’t see the
attraction. I visit the feeder, eat
what I feel like, then dart off,
hoping to catch the eye of the
little minx from Aird Meadow or
perhaps the cute one from the
tree by the road. Then I return
and repeat the process. If I’m
up for a little bit of DIY I collect
moss or bits of grass to pad the
inside of my box for warmth.
They’re kind, those people, for
saving me some effort. I use the
boxes they make for us instead
of making up nests myself. Al-
though I have done so on occa-
sion, don’t think me a sponger
of charity! I think they’re amaz-
ing!. They devote so much time
and effort to servicing us and
what do we do in return? We do
what we always do and would
continue to do even if they
weren’t there. Does that not
mean we’re taking them for
granted, letting them slave over
us for no reward? I feel guilty
sometimes.
Which is why, I guess, I every
so often do something to im-
press them. It can be the small-
est of things, but it gets them
all in a fuss, swarming round
the viewing windows and chat-
tering away in their strange
voices. I could fly close to the
window and hover for a few sec-
onds. Or, I could circle the feed-
ers a couple of times then land
atop the wooden peg. I’ve seen
them drop their books and rush
up for a better look.
The woodpecker and fieldfare
have it nailed – they simply stay
away for long periods and then
they make fleeting appearances,
knowing full well their rare pres-
ence is an event in itself. One
wonders whether the hen harrier
thinks the same.
To be honest, I’m not sure what
it is we’ve done for them or why
our little nothings make them so
happy, but I know I’m happy
when I see them watching us.
They’re our guardians I guess,
our angels. So when I see one
transfixed by me looking at him,
I feel a warm buzz inside myself,
and I thank them for thinking so
highly of me, never asking for
anything in return.
Andrew Kyle,
Lochwinnoch volunteer
Go Bananas on
Saturday 7th March
For this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight,
RSPB Lochwinnoch is going to have
an event involving visitors, staff and
the Young Volunteers group. We are
encouraging visitors to bring along a
Fairtrade banana (or two!) to eat on
the reserve and have their efforts
logged for the world record attempt -
www.fairtrade.org.uk/gobananas
Free Fairtrade tea and coffee will be
on offer in the RSPB Visitor Centre.
There will also be a great range of
handmade Tanzanian jewellery and
small crafts (made mostly by women)
for sale, to raise funds for the charity,
the Amani Centre for Children in
Morogoro, Tanzania.
 News & Events at
RSPB, Muirshiel,
Cornalees & Castle
Semple Centres
• Thursday mornings - Slinky
Strollers - Morning walks, meet at
10.30am at Castle Semple Centre.
• Friday 6th March - Family
Footsteps: Homecoming 2009 at
Castle Semple Visitor Centre. *
• Saturday 7th March - Teenage
Volunteers Group join us at the
RSPB Centre from 11am-4pm and
take part in bird surveying, out-
door work and much more. Book-
ing essential; Tel: 842663
Also, there will be a Fairtrade
Fortnight ‘Go Bananas’ event at
the RSPB Centre on 7th March. *
• Sunday 8th March - Fairtrade
Fortnight stall/exhibition at Castle
Semple Centre. *
• Monday 9th March - Twilight
Talk: The Return of the Beaver -
7.30pm-9pm at the RSPB Centre,
Lochwinnoch. Simon Jones of the
Scottish Wildlife Trust will talk
about the ecology and history of
the European beaver, why so
many people want to see it return
to the UK and he will also explain
all about the Scottish Beaver Trial
in the Knapdale Forest of Argyll.
To book Tel: 01505 842663.
• Sunday 15th March - Glass
Works demonstrations at Castle
Semple Centre. *
• Thursday 19th March - Coffee
morning at the RSPB Centre from
11am—1pm. Enjoy a hot drink, a
chat and the wonderful view and
wildlife of the reserve. £2 to cover
tea/coffee and biscuits.
• Friday 20th March - Muirshiel
Stargazing Night. *
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(10 mins from Glasgow Airport on A737)
• Saturday 21st March -
Chameleon Club workshop with
Cáit Gould, 2-4pm at RSPB Cen-
tre. See the Chameloen Club
notice inside for more details. *
• Sunday 22nd March -
Mothering Sunday Craft Fair -
10am-4pm, Castle Semple Ctre.*
• Wednesday 25th March -
Conservation Volunteer Session
It’s the last session of the season,
join in and enjoy the exercise
and fresh air at Muirshiel Centre.
Starts at 1pm - allow 2 hours.
Come dressed for the weather
and for getting dirty! For more
info. and to book Tel: 842803.
• Saturday 28th and Sunday
29th March - Optics Weekend
at the RSPB Centre from 10am
to 4pm. An opportunity to test
and buy a wide range of optics.
• Saturday 28th March - RSPB
Art: Watercolours. Local artist,
Kate Lilley teaches the basics.
To book, Tel: 01505 842663.
• Sunday 29th March -
Inverclyde Massage Therapies at
Castle Semple Centre. *
• Friday 3rd April - Muirshiel
Stargazing Night. *
* See inside back pages of
Chatterbox for further infor-
mation on these events/activities.
0141 950 1423 GLASGOW
01505 842176 AYRSHIRE
01786 820130 STIRLING
VISITOR CENTRES
WINTER OPENING HOURS
Castle Semple Centre Open daily,
10am-4pm. Tel: 01505 842882.
Cornalees Centre - Open at Week-
ends only, 10.30am-3pm from Nov ‘08
to March ‘09. (Toilets open daily.)
Tel: 01475 521458
Muirshiel Centre - Open at Week-
ends only, 11am-3pm from Nov ‘08 to
March ‘09. (Park and toilets open
daily.) Tel: 01505 842803
RSPB Reserve - Reserve is open at
all times; Visitor Centre open daily,
10am-5pm. Tel: 01505 842663.
CHATTERBOX
Chatterbox is a free community news-
paper, produced for the Community
Council of Lochwinnoch through finan-
cial assistance from local sponsors and
advertisers and distributed every month
by volunteers. The aim of those involved
is to produce an informative and enter-
taining journal for those who live, work
and visit in this area.
The Editor welcomes all items for
possible inclusion but will reserve all
rights over them, i.e. the right to shorten,
edit or not publish any item. Please
note, all views are of individuals and the
Editor accepts no liability for editorial
errors or statements and claims made in
advertisements.
OUR PRODUCTS ARE INSTALLED
IN OVER ONE HUNDRED
LOCHWINNOCH HOUSEHOLDS.
Contact - PETER McGARVEY
Tel: 01505 614654
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