Nuisance Helpline

Anti-Social Behaviour
Noise problems
CHATTERBOX ASIST
Anti-Social Investigation
Team
Support and Advice Office 8:45am – 4:45pm
Every day 9am – 10pm No 173 May 2008 Ask for David McLaren or
Tel: 0800 169 1283 Barrie Anderson
www.lochwinnoch.info
Tel: 01505 325 030

Community newsletter produced by lochwinnoch publicity committee for lochwinnoch cc

• Saturday 17th May • Friday 13th June -

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.
• Lochwinnoch Community
Walks - every Monday (except
Public Holidays) at 10.30 am,
meet at The Cross.
• Slinky Strollers - parent and
pushchair walks every Thursday at
10.30am, Castle Semple Centre.
• 11th May to 17th May 2008
Christian Aid Week
• Tuesday 13th May -
AGM of the Save Your Regional
Park campaign at 7.30pm, Parish
Church hall, Lochwinnoch.
• Wednesday 14th May -
LIA Musical evening with the
Melville Wind quintet at
Lochwinnoch Bowling Club.
• Thursday 15th May -
SRANI Opening event for Phase 2
of the Semple Trail path. *
• Saturday 17th May -
Calder UF Church Summer Fete,
11am to 1pm, McKillop Hall. *
Councillor Arthur’s Surgery from
11.30am at the McKillop Insti-
tute. *
• Thursday 22nd May -
“Harry The Polis” , 7.30pm at
Lochwinnoch Library. *
• Friday 23rd May and
Saturday 24th May
Re-scheduled dates for
‘Murder at Checkmate Manor’ by
Calder Drama Group, 7.30pm at
the McKillop Institute. *
• Friday 23rd May -
Drumming Workshop with Mary
Boleweza in the Parish Church
hall from 7.30pm. *
• Thursday 29th May -
Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum
meeting at 1pm, the McKillop
Institute. *
• Friday 30th May - Prize
Bingo Night, 7.30pm, Masonic
Club. All welcome.
• Saturday 31st May -
Yard Sale at Ailort, Johnshill,
Lochwinnoch from 10am till
12 noon. All donations will go
to Africa.
• Sunday 1st June
Lochwinnoch Farmer’s Market
11am to 2.30pm at Castle
Semple Centre, Lochwinnoch.
• Saturday 7th June
Councillor Bibby’s Surgery, from
9am at the McKillop Institute. *
• 5th, 19th and 26th June
Jazz at the Junction with
Richard Mulhearn & Friends.
(Check posters for details.)
Re-scheduled date for TCT
2008 ‘Not the Booze Cruise’ Tick-
ets on sale now. *
• Saturday 14th June
Lochwinnoch Gala Day 2008 *
* See inside for more details
on these and other events.
VILLAGE EVENT
PLANNER
Lochwinnoch Post Office has a wall-
mounted calendar, where members of
the public can enter details of forth-
coming events.
Please use this calendar to avoid any
clashes when planning dates of events
and, of course, to help publicise your
events within the village.
I would like to wish
my big sis.
Catherine Donnachie
(Archibald) a very
happy 50th birthday
on the 10th May.
Lots of Love and have
a good one.

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 JUNE ISSUE
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J Quinn & Son Memorials  Report
Personal Service & Quality Guaranteed
New Memorials   Cleaning & Renovations  I recently held a roving surgery in
Additional Inscriptions  Indoor Showroom  Road, Craw Place, Mansfield Road
4a Dalry Road, KILBIRNIE  Mon 10am‐5pm, Tue‐Fri 10am‐2pm  ing on people to come to my regular
Please Call 01505 685455  Evening & Weekends by Arrangement  surgeries in the McKillop Hall, I have
Johnstone
High School News
Rotary Club of Johnstone
competitions
Young Designer – Euan Jarvis and
Calum Harley won their categories.
Music – Kirsten Holmes and Emma
McDonald were in the Intermediate
String group who performed at the
highly successful Renfrewshire
Schools Spring Concerts. Erin Hair
gave a stunning vocal performance at
this event.
Renfrewshire Teenage Book
Awards
Kirsten Holmes and Mala Stewart did
very good book reviews and were in-
vited to the ceremony at Paisley Town
Hall.
BBC School Report News Day
This was a UK-wide event to engage
young people in schools across Britain
in producing news to be published on
the BBC website, with some items
featuring on local TV and radio.
Louise Hiddleston was one of the in-
trepid reporters in the Johnstone High
School team.
Netball
Rachel Holmes has prepared a report
of this year’s team who made it to the
finals of the Renfrewshire Cup but,
sadly, were knocked out in the semi-
finals.
Later in the season, they stormed their
way to the last eight of the Scottish
Schools Cup but, unluckily, failed to
overpower a talented Duncanrig side.
Team members included -
Hannah Holmes (Captain), Caron
Dunn, Stephanie Donnachie and
Kirsten Oliver.
Rowing
Finn Campbell of S2 won the Scot-
tish Junior 13 Championship at the
Indoor (yes, indoor!) Rowing Cham-
pionship at Heriot-Watt University
in Edinburgh at the beginning of
February. At the same event, his
brother, Lorne, finished 5th in the
Junior 15 category, behind the four
boys who form the British squad in
this event.
Renfrewshire Young Achievers
Awards
These are awarded by the Director of
Education, Mr John Rooney, to
pupils who have made significant
achievements during the year.
Among the winners were:-
Helen Turner, Euan Jarvis, Caron
Dunn, Hannah Holmes, Kirsten
Oliver, Finn Campbell, Stephanie
Donnachie and Mala Stewart.
Art Class
for Young Adults
I am looking into organising an
art class in the village for young
adults (13-17) and would like to
hear from other parents or young
adults themselves, to see if we
could get such a class off the
ground.
I have a young artist friend,
trained at Glasgow School of Art,
who is happy to take the class
and has lots of ideas to
contribute.
If you’re interested, please e-mail
me at: lesley@scottkhan.net
as soon as possible. Thank you.
Lesley Scott
Councillor Neil Bibby’s
Braehead, Semple Avenue, Ewing
and Glenpark Road. Instead of rely-
started these ‘roving surgeries’, where
I can talk with local residents on the
doorstep.
It was great to meet so many people
and I’m determined to deal with the
issues that were raised including
schools, housing repairs, road safety
and anti-social behaviour.
It is essential for me to keep in touch
with the views and concerns of local
residents. These ‘roving surgeries’
will make it easier for local people to
let me know of any problems they
may have. I hope to expand these
surgeries to other areas in the coming
months. When I am holding a ‘roving
surgery’ in your street I will drop a
letter through your door beforehand.
The road re-surfacing programme for
2008/2009 has now been agreed by
the Council’s Infrastructure Policy
Board. I have made representations to
the Roads Department regarding the
roads and pavements in Lochwinnoch.
I am pleased to report that St. Winnoc
Road and Kilbirnie Road will have
their carriageways re-surfaced. Lang-
stilly Road, Balgreen Road and Corse-
field Road will also be repaired.
Footpaths to be resurfaced were also
agreed recently and I am pleased that
the footpaths on Braehead and John
Gregor Place will also be re-surfaced.
Of course there are many other roads
and pavements that require repair and
proper maintenance. I will be writing
to the Head of Roads shortly with evi-
dence detailing such areas. If you
have any areas which you would like
included in this letter then please get
in touch.
I hold regular advice surgeries in the
McKillop Hall on the 1st Saturday of
every month at 9am. I can of course
be contacted at any other time on 0141
840 3653 or by emailing
cllr.neil.bibby@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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ELIZABETH’S
RETAIL
RETIREMENT
Even before she left Lochwinnoch
Junior Secondary School in 1963,
Elizabeth Crisp’s career had
started. She was a “Saturday Girl”
with the well-known West of Scot-
land grocery chain GALBRAITH’S
in their Kilbirnie shop in her final
school year and enjoyed it so much
she applied to become full-time
when she reached school leaving
age.
Firstly she worked in the Largs
shop. Travel was no problem as in
those days there was an hourly
Western SMT bus service to Largs,
with an extra service at the morn-
ing and evening peak periods.
Later she transferred to Dalry;
again with no problem getting to
and from work on the hourly bus
that linked Lochwinnoch with
West Kilbride via Dalry.
Elizabeth then worked in the Kil-
birnie shop for several years before
her move ‘home’ to GALBRAITH’S
in Lochwinnoch. There she joined
her old school friend May Holmes
and other local ladies employed by
what was then the CO-OP’s major
competitor in the village. For more
recent arrivals, GALBRAITH's was
located at The Cross where the
Junction is today.
These were busy years in local
shops with shopping often being
undertaken twice a day, morning
and afternoon, and few people do-
ing their shopping anywhere other
than in the plethora of local shops.
Elizabeth had many happy years
in GALBRAITH’s at The Cross
before the company was taken
over and the local outlet was sold.
With some regret and sadness
she left the retail business and
went to work at the Silk Mill,
then in full production but now a
block of flats. There she worked
alongside her late brother Chris-
topher. But retail was what she
enjoyed most and an opportunity
arose to join DUNCAN’S, the gro-
cer on the opposite side of the
Cross to where Galbraith’s had
been.
There she worked for Callum
Duncan until his retirement and
the sale of the business to SPAR.
Elizabeth stayed on with the new
owners and has become the “weel
kent face” of the outlet.
In her retirement, which we all
hope is long, happy and shop-
ping-free, Elizabeth can be as-
sured that she will be missed by
colleagues and customers alike.
Her “weel kent face” was also a
much liked and respected one in
village shops for over 40 years.
Elizabeth’s last working day in
the village is Monday 26th May,
when she will finally hang up her
SPAR shirt at 3 o’clock in the af-
ternoon. So pop in and wish her
well but take your hankies as
there won’t be a dry eye in the
shop!
A HAPPY RETIREMENT IN
YOUR GARDEN, ELIZABETH.
YOU’RE A REAL
LOCHENYOCHIAN STAR !
OUR PRODUCTS ARE
INSTALLED IN OVER ONE
HUNDRED LOCHWINNOCH
HOUSEHOLDS.
CONTACT - PETER MCGARVEY
TEL: 01505 614654
CALDER DRAMA
‘Murder at
Checkmate Manor’
has been re-scheduled for
Friday 23rd May
and Saturday 24th May
at
7.30pm in the McKillop Institute.
This production, written by David
McGillivary and Walter Zerlin Jr, is
another play involving the Farndale
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.
A Wee Wriggly Worm
By
Alexander Lennox
A wee wriggly worm
came out of the ground
he turned his head an looked around
Oh! Hi, he said to a worm near by
I'm awful glad that I caught your eye
Well, he talked, and he talked
until his voice did fail
Only to discover
that he was talking to his tail.
Fin

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OPEN - Wednesday & Saturday 9am -1pm.
Councillor Arthur’s The Anti-social Behaviour Team
(ASIST) can also be contacted. See
Report the top of the front cover of Chatter-
box for their contact phone numbers.
I’m always delighted to see as many With the new financial year now
facilities within the village as possible upon us, application forms are now
therefore I am delighted that the mem- available for constituted groups to
bers of the village Seniors Forum have apply to Renfrewshire Council for a
reintroduced the tearoom drop-in small grant. In the past it was the
within the McKillop Hall. My best council ward Local Grant Board that
wishes and support to them. dealt with these but now it will be
the recently formed Local Area
Back in November’s edition of Chat-
terbox I reported that I lodged with the
Committee. Forms are available by
contacting Jean Wilson, Corporate
Planning and Transport Department, a Services, Renfrewshire Council,
list of 15 carriageways and 7 pathways
Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street,
to be considered for the 2008/9 to Paisley PA1 1TR or 0141 840 3564.
2009/10 resurfacing programme. At
the recent Environment and Infrastruc- The speed of traffic entering Newton
ture Policy Board the following works of Barr from Kilbirnie has always
were confirmed: Resurfacing on been a concern and residents from
St.Winnoch Road and on the A760 Newton of Barr raised this with me
between Lochwinnoch and Kilbirnie. when we were looking at resolving
Extensive repairs will be carried out the flooding of the road. Out of a
on Langstilly Road, Balgreen Road, discussion between the council’s
Corsefield Road and footways on principal engineer for traffic and
Braehead and John Gregor Place will myself, it is proposed that the stretch
be resurfaced. An extra £750,000 per
of the A760 from the Renfrewshire
year, which will complement the ex-
boundary at the Maich Bridge to the
isting £2 million per annum invest- 30 mph at Burnfoot Road will be-
ment levels, has been added to the come a 50mph mandatory speed
roads maintenance budget. limit. As part of the laid down proce-
dure a proposed Traffic Regulation
The Lochwinnoch Partnership re- Order (TRO) is currently advertised
cently marked its third anniversary. in the press.
Formed back in March 2005, it still
meets on a regular basis reviewing and My Surgery is on the third Saturday
focussing on our village policing is- of each month at 11:30am in the
sues and continues to be very success- McKillop Hall but there is no need
ful and instrumental in reducing the to wait for a Surgery if you require
level of anti-social behaviour within my help, you can contact me on
our community. If you have any issues
843507 and we can agree a time
of this type that you feel you need when we can meet.
help with, then please don’t hesitate to
contact me. Councillor David Arthur
Lochwinnoch
Community Council
‘The condition of the roads round here
is appalling’
‘Isn’t anybody going to cut back those
weeds?’
‘Don’t get me started on the dog poo
round here!’
‘I didn’t know they were going to
change that shop into flats’.
Ever said or thought anything like
that? If you want to know more about
what’s going on in your village and
get something done then join the
Lochwinnoch Community Council.
Meetings are every month on the first
Tuesday, 7.30pm in the Parish Church
hall. Next meeting is 3rd June.
If you have matters to bring up,
please either attend a meeting,
send a letter to the Secretary at
79 High St, Lochwinnoch or
e-mail: cc@lochwinnoch.info
Arts Festival
The Arts Festival at the end of March
is now as much a feature of spring in
the village as the tulips and daffodils.
This year’s festival was a great suc-
cess thanks, naturally, to the tireless
efforts of Morag Thow and Rowena
Murray.
I didn’t manage to everything but on
Saturday I did get to hear Neil Wil-
son, a brilliant guitarist, give a re-
cital ranging from Renaissance
dances to the tango. On Sunday af-
ternoon I listened to the talented
Richard Mulhearn play some cool
tenor and soprano sax. In the eve-
ning the choir’s concert featured two
outstanding works inspired by the
poetry of Betty McKellar, with music
specially written by Gordon Rigby.
After this arts feast all I can say is
roll on next spring.
Just as a coda to this I have heard
that the choir from Paisley Abbey
will be appearing in the village dur-
ing the autumn. I saw them the last
time they appeared here and was
amazed how kids – some who looked
no older than nine or ten - achieved
such a high musical standard.
If you missed the choir the last time
try to see them this autumn, you will
not be disappointed.
 Christian
Aid Week
11 – 17 May 08
Christian Aid Week is seven
amazing days of fundraising,
prayer and action against
global poverty. Add your time,
money and voice this week,
and see them multiplied to
make an impact around the
world through Christian Aid.
You add. We multiply.
Ten things to know about
Christian Aid
1. We believe in life before
death – we are passionate
about rooting out poverty.
2. We fund long-term develop-
ment work, respond to emer-
gencies, and challenge the un-
just systems that make and
keep people poor.
3. We are the official develop-
ment agency of 41 church de-
nominations in the UK and Ire-
land.
4. We help people of all faiths
and none.
5. We believe in helping people
to find their own lasting solu-
tions to poverty.
6. We work through more than
600 partners – local organisa-
tions – in nearly 50 countries.
7. We challenge those with
power to change things that
have an adverse effect on poor
communities, such as interna-
tional trade rules and climate
change.
8. We don’t give money to gov-
ernments – we work directly
with local organisations on the
ground.
9. We spend money where it’s
needed most. For each £1 given
in 2006/7, 83p was used for
direct charitable expenditure.
The remaining 17p was used to
raise the next £1.
10. You can find our more at
www.caweek.org or
www.christianaid.ie or
by calling 0845 7000 300.
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Empowering people Rekha explains that; “ In the
pani parishad, we give training
“ If we come together, we to help understand what they
can achieve amazing things” need and how to achieve it.
But, most importantly, they
Rekha Biswas from Bangla- understand that they can do
desh provides the most hum- things for themselves.
bling and inspirational exam-
Rekha tells people that if they
ple for Christian Aid Week.
come together, they can
This courageous lady goes
achieve things that they could
from house to house, talking
not if they were alone.
to families about the prob-
lems they face getting water. By giving up a couple of hours
And she challenges gender during Christian Aid Week, you
roles. She encourages are collecting (or donating) so
Women to meetings of the much more than money. Your
local pani parishad, the gifts can mean water, rights
village water council. and courage. By coming to-
gether we can achieve amazing
Getting clean water is a prob-
things.
lem throughout Bangladesh.
In the central low lying wet- This Christian Aid Week please
lands, the land is flooded for do your best to help Christian
more than half the year and Aid reach more people in need
underground water sources throughout our world. With
can be contaminated with ar- your help and support people
senic. In the southwest, the can be empowered to fight their
rise in sea levels, partly as a poverty and better their lives.
result of climate change, is
making fresh water salty. Peo-
For one week only ( 11th to 17th
ple often have to walk for up
May 2008) our collectors will be
to 24 hours to collect water to
in and around the village
drink. And when water is not
again, giving the people of
on tap, as it is for most of the
Lochwinnoch the chance to
developed world, women and
support Christian Aid’s work
children suffer most.
with the poor of our world.
Christian Aid partner The
From past years’ experiences,
Bangladesh Centre for Ad-
the response from Lochwin-
vanced Studies has set up
noch will be magnificent.
pani parishads in villages
throughout Bangladesh.
Please be as generous as you
These community organisa-
can be when the red envelope
tions discuss and agree the
comes through your door.
best water supply solutions
for their particular villages. Thank you.

Mandy’s
on a mission
to increase activity
and reduce obesity !
The Kickjitsu Easter Camp was
lots of fun this year and I would
like to congratulate everyone who
attended. They all gave 110% - I
had lots of fun and I am sure they
did too!
I am hoping some local children
would like to try Kickjitsu so I
have made spaces for new students
age 6 + to come along and try a
session any Monday night at 5pm.
Kickjitsu classes consist of a vari-
ety of concepts with the foundation
being the Martial Art itself and all
other concepts learned complement
this, i.e. gymnastics, self-defence,
citizenship, yoga, brain gym and
even my games complement the
whole system.
Watch this space because I am cur-
rently planning a Summer Camp!!!
If anyone wants further informa-
tion or an adult would like some-
thing for them, please get in touch
with Mandy on 01505 683575 or
07986 146418 or e-mail me at
kickjitsu@aol.com
(See What’s On section, front page
of Chatterbox, for Kickjitsu nights
for kids and adults. Ed)
Saturday 14th June 2008
The Parade’s ‘Carnival’ theme
promises to be a very colourful
event. If you would like to join in
the parade or assist in any way then
please contact one of the organisers.
Details below.
This year we are having a Tug o’
War Competition. So Tug o’ War
teams are a must ! Details out soon.
The Duck Race is new for this year
also. Ducks on sale at £1.00 each.
This event is not to be missed !
Childrens’ entertainments and
amusements as usual.
Last year’s winner of the Lucky Pro-
gramme Star Prize, which was
1 week’s accommodation in Santa
Ponsa, has just returned from that
holiday commenting on what a great
time they had. Well, we are pleased
to announce that we are able to offer
that same prize this year.
SO....DON’T THROW YOUR PRO-
GRAMME AWAY AS THERE IS A
LUCKY NUMBER PRINTED ON IT.
OTHER PRIZES ON OFFER TOO.
Lastly, those wishing to take a stall
on Gala Day can get an application
form from The Junction and Crafts
of Calder Gallery in Lochwinnoch.
All enquiries :
Tel : 844980 / 842139
or call in to Crafts of Calder Gallery
at 8 High Street , Lochwinnoch.
Beating the Drum
for Malawi
Mary Boleweza (Assistant Secretary
of Servas in Malawi) is to spend 5
days with hosts in Lochwinnoch as
part of her year-long stay sponsored
by Servas Britain: an international
host-a-traveller network whose mem-
bers want to promote peace and un-
derstanding through personal contact
with people from other countries. She
is working in Aids education in Malawi
and is a keen djembe drummer.
Mary will give a drumming workshop
on Friday May 23, in Lochwinnoch
Parish Church hall, starting at
7.30pm. It will be a rare chance to
hear African drumming and learn
some techniques for yourself as she
explains and demonstrates some of
the basic techniques used in djembe
drumming. The workshop is jointly
sponsored by the Lochwinnoch Inter-
national Aid group and Servas Scot-
land to raise funds for 2 Malawian
charities: Make for Hope For Aids
Charity and Namasimmba which buy
bicycles to transport people into the
hospitals and support under-
priviledged kids who are not going to
school and need food or clothes.
Drummers who wish to improve their
drumming should bring a drum with
them but this event is also open to
those with an interest in listening to
African music. Tickets costing £5 may
be purchased in advance from Cucina
Minucci at the Junction or at the door.
More information about Servas is on
its website: http://joomla.servas.org/
or from Bob Turner Tel: 843068.
CALDER UF CHURCH
SUMMER FETE
Saturday 17th May
from 11am to 1pm
in the McKillop Hall,
Lochwinnoch.
Stalls include home baking, arts
and crafts, soft goods, books,
DVDs and videos, jewellery bags
and shoes, garden plants and
accessories. Children can enjoy
hoopla, spot the ball, guess the
number of sweets in the jar and
much more. Bring your friends for
tea or coffee and grab a bargain.
 Local Biodiversity
group
5 Church Street, Lochwinnoch
BULB Tel: 01505 842047
Setanta Live Football - 50” Plasma screen
proudly present Beer Garden Open - Families welcome.

Meals Served daily

Local Provenance Mon, Tue, Wed from 12noon - 3pm Thursdays from 12 noon - 7pm
and Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 12 noon - 8pm.
Native Aspen What’s on
Trees Every Thursday - FUN QUIZ NIGHT
Every Tuesday - FREE POOL/DARTS
Saturday 10th May and Saturday 24th May - KARAOKE
Sunday 25th May - TABLE TOP SALE and BBQ in the Beer Garden -
FREE to Good Homes phone us to book a table for £5 and turn your old bric-a-brac into cash.

Aspens will grow quickly in any soil

but they need full sunshine and pro-
tection from grazing. Recipients
must allow occasional access for
root collection and scientific obser-
vation.
NB These trees make Japanese
Knotweed look pedestrian and are
not suitable for small gardens.
For information contact:
Joe on 07789897325 or e-mail:
BULBLochwinnoch@hotmail.com
BULB
BULB are a small group based in the
village which aims to protect and
enhance local biodiversity. We have
a long term vision of restoring a di-
verse natural forest, river and loch
ecosystem in the area, which will
perhaps one day support reintro-
duced species such as the beaver.
Our main project at the moment
involves Aspen trees. Only 3 aspen
trees survive within the whole of
Renfrewshire. This species of tree
has a similar fate across most of
Scotland. Aspens have declined
over hundreds of years not only
from forest clearance but also from
overgrazing of hill land and muirburn
practices.
This is a great loss as Aspen is not
only a beautiful tree with vivid
golden colour in autumn but has
fascinating cultural associations
and important conservation value.
In Scotland, the quivering leaves
were interpreted as gossiping and
the tree was known as “old wives
tongues”. There are at least 5 UK
priority insect and plant species
dependent on this tree.
BULB aims not only to conserve
the remaining stands of Aspen but
to significantly increase the dis-
tribution of this tree in the local
area. With the permission of land-
owners, we have been collecting
root cuttings from across Ren-
frewshire, Ayrshire, Dunbarton-
shire and Arran, Bute and Cum-
brae. We can now boast that we
have grown offspring from ap-
proximately 2% of Scotland’s as-
pen population.
These trees are now ready for
planting out and our next task is to
find suitable planting sites.
It would be wonderful to see aspen
return as a key component of local
woodland. Aspen are also the main
food for beaver, so perhaps one
day we could also see these crea-
tures return to the lochs.
LOCHWINNOCH
LIBRARY
Presents an
evening with
“Harry the Polis”
on
Thursday
22nd May
At 7.30pm
Come along and enjoy an
evening of laughter as Harry
Morris entertains you with
“truths“ and “half truths” from
his time as a police officer.
Since his retiral from Strath-
clyde Police, Harry has realised
his dream of bringing to life, in
print, his own sense of humour
and that of his colleagues,
coupled with many unusual
characters, disguised as every-
day members of the public.
To avoid disappointment,
please purchase tickets in
advance - numbers are limited
Tickets £2, including
refreshments.
Lochwinnoch Library
High Street
Lochwinnoch
PA12 4AB
Tel: 01505 842305 
 MAY 2008
somewhere in the woods and the peace of
the slumbering afternoon is broken.
Lochwinnoch I decide it’s time to move on but where to
go? I think on it for a wee while and decide
Writers to go to my granny’s. I retrace my steps
back to the High Street but carry on past
the shops, going along as far as Baird’s the
grocers on the corner of Craw Road. The
Harvey Square. There’s the four twenty
nine to Ardrossan leaving the station.
Almost home, what a lovely afternoon.
If only it was as easy to turn the clock
back for an hour or two to relive days
like these instead of drawing on them
from memory.

PAT THOMSON is well known in the
village. Here she takes us back to a sunny
Lochwinnoch just after World War Two.
Pat swears she hates to write poetry, but,
when asked by our tutor, she invariably
comes up with something beautiful, like “A
Dance”. Enjoy!
wee school is on the opposite corner but is
closed for the holidays, so there is no sign A DANCE Pat Thomson
of life. I turn up the Craw Road, along the
side of Willie Glen’s field where they have
The autumn wind dances through the
started building prefabs to house the men
trees
returning from the war and their families.
Catching golden leaves, lifting them aloft
T o get to Braehead I go up a track at
the side of the field. You have to be
careful as there is a burn running down the
Swooping and turning in a crazy waltz.

The autumn wind dances along the road

A SUMMER’S AFTERNOON middle of it. At the top is a gate that opens
so you can get out into Braehead. The road
by Pat Thomson
consists of council houses built before the
war, a cottage and two large houses.
Turning dust and papers into mini
ballets,
Dropping them in any place.

M OTHER IS BUSY through in the

front room, the baby asleep in his
cot. I tiptoe across the kitchen floor, out of
the door and down the stairs. I go under the
porches and run down the terrace until I am
far enough away to honestly say I never
heard anyone shouting on me.
Any tea in the pot? I ask as I go into
Granny’s, I’m parched!
The autumn wind dances round the
houses
The tea is just how I like it, half tar, half Whistling and howling, bushes bending
water with plenty of milk and sugar. and swaying
“Would you like some chocolate? asks As through dancing in a silent
my gran. masquerade

On through the opening at the end of the
houses and out on to the High Street,
opposite the row of shops. There’s a
bookmakers and a shop that lends and
sells books, it’s called Freddie Jacks. I think
the word ‘book’ attracts me. Further along
the street is Miss Wilson’s. She sells
paraffin and nails and all sorts of things so
dear to a man’s heart.
On along the street past the Corner Bar,
across Factory Street and up the foot of the
Johnshill, passing the old churchyard and
into the East End. A short way along this
road a dirt path [Skippers Path] runs down
to the Gates Road. From there it is only a
short walk to the West Gates.
A bout halfway between them and the
smallholdings I come to a gate. Going
through this and across the field, keeping
watch for the bull, I come to a stile at the
edge of the wood. Climbing over the stile I
enter what I call Bluebell Woods. It’s lovely
and cool among the trees after the heat of
the sun.
After splashing my face with cold water
from the burn and drying it on the hem of
my dress, I make my way up through the
trees looking for a spot of soft grass where I
can stretch out in the warm sunshine. How
pleasant it is lying there in the sun, eyes
half shut, listening to the distant drone of an
aeroplane.
Somewhere near my ear the buzz of a
bee collecting pollen and the hum of the
insects. Through my half opened eyes I see
a deep blue summer sky and the green of
the tree tops. A magpie starts flying
Yes, please, is my reply. I get handed a
full cake of chocolate. This is a great treat, The autumn wind dances over the pond
with sweets still being on ration. Turning the water from calm blue to
sparkling silver
You’re not going to eat all that chocolate
now? asks Granny. Swans regally sailing over the glittering
waves.
Why not, if I take it home I’ll have to share
it and anyway it’ll melt in this heat. So I may
The autumn wind dances over the
as well eat it. Greedy devil that I am, I scoff
rustling field of corn
the lot.
Playing with the heavy mist
Having been fed and watered I decide it’s Before it melts with the coming dawn.
time to head for home. I go along Braehead
and into Calder Street, turning down I wish I could dance over hill and vale
towards the Cross. On the way I stop to
Like the fickle autumn wind
have a look at the forthcoming attractions
On and on in a never ending dance
advertised outside the picture house,
Swooping and turning in a crazy waltz.
otherwise known a Johnny’s. I wander on
down to the Cross and look along the High
Street, wishing I had managed to cadge
three pence off one of my aunts for an ice
IN THE
THE WRITERS MEET
LIBRARY, HIGH STREET ,
ON MONDAYS 9.30-11.30AM.
cream from Dom’s.
All welcome. All types of writing.
I cross over into Church Street looking in
John Black’s corner window, past Nettie
Murray’s hairdressers, John Chapman the
Friendly Atmosphere. Tea and Biscuits.
Please Note: Our professional tutor, Gerry
Stewart, is currently on maternity leave, but
butcher’s and Willie Storrie the barber’s.
the group continues.
Then comes the police station before
Elaine Robertson BSc Podiatrist (HPC Registered)
Podiatry 
Chiropody 
Lower Limb Acupuncture 
Hot Stone Therapy  
Swedish Massage 
Aromatherapy              Tel:  01505 502675  &  Mob:  07824 618896 
59 Crummock Gardens, Beith   KA15 2HF 
www.podiatryandmassage.co.uk

RENFREWSHIRE’S
GREATEST PATRIOT
SINCE
WILLIAM WALLACE
When family and mourners gath-
ered at Gibson’s Tearooms in Pais-
ley after the cremation service for
Roland E. Muirhead on 5th August
1964, they heard an oration given
by his friend and fellow patriot,
Douglas Young. In this speech,
Young used Jimmie Maxton’s
words to describe Muirhead as the
“greatest patriot Renfrewshire had
produced since William Wallace”.
Roland E. Muirhead of Meikle
Cloak, Lochwinnoch was born in
1868. Political activism came
early. In his late teens he and his
brother Robert organised a meeting
in Glasgow at which the Russian
Prince Kropotkin promoted his
principles of anarchist socialism.
By the age of twenty Muirhead
was a friend and associate of Keir
Hardie in the Scottish Labour Party
of 1888 and subsequently the Inde-
pendent Labour Party of 1893.
But it was the establishment of an
independent Scottish Parliament
which was to be his lifelong politi-
cal aim. From his work with the
Young Scots League before the
First World War and in the 1920’s
as Secretary to the Scottish Home
Rule Assosciation, he was instru-
mental in securing widespread sup-
port for the Government of Scot-
land Bill which was moved at
Westminster in 1926.
In 1928 he left the broad-based
Home Rule Association and helped
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
form the National Party of Scot-
land which excluded members of
any other political party. This
can arguably be considered the
birth of the modern Scottish inde-
pendence movement, which has
resulted in today’s minority SNP
government in Edinburgh. But,
strangely, Muirhead was later to
consider the decision his biggest
political mistake.
Muirhead was also a successful
businessman; the family business
being the tannery in Bridge of
Weir. He brought the ideals of his
political life into his business phi-
losophy and introduced worker
sharing in the ownership and
management of the firm decades
before the concept gained wider
recognition.
Many older residents will remem-
ber the tall distinguished man be-
ing dropped off by taxi at the sub-
way to the station in Factory
Street. The taxi which brought
him from Meikle Cloak was sup-
plied for many years by Dan
Morrison’s Eagle Garage (on
Calder Street immediately adja-
cent to the bank building ).
When his son “young Dan” did
the driving, Muirhead would
always tip him with a silver
threepence, never a “wooden“
thruppenny bit !
Others will recall Muirhead’s
principled argument with the
Parish Church against paying
“teinds” which landowners then
had to do.
Treatments
Therapeutic Massage, Hot Stones
Indian Head Massage, Seated Acupressure,
Reiki Master/Teacher.
There were also the handwritten
posters on the trees outside Meikle
Cloak proclaiming “HOME RULE
FOR SCOTLAND”.
My own recollection is as a small
boy, sitting very silently on a train
to Glasgow in the late 1950’s and
listening to a conversation my fa-
ther was having with Mr Muirhead.
Instinctively I knew it was a
thoughtful discussion but not till
later did I know that this was when
Muirhead invited my father, a
quintessential Englishman, to join
the SNP. He very nearly
succeeded!
This short article is not an all-
encompassing one but, hopefully,
it generates interest in a truly sig-
nificant Lochenyochian.
Anyone who would like to read
more about Roland Muirhead can,
of course, find information on the
Internet. However, there is a small
archive file on Muirhead plus a
biography of and papers related to
Douglas Young held in the Com-
munity Library. Go along and read
what others have written about
these two remarkable Scots with
strong Lochwinnoch connections
and who influenced Scottish politi-
cal life throughout the 1900’s.
by Adrian Tharme
LIBRARY OPENING HOURS :
Monday, Wednesday and Friday:
2pm–5pm & 6pm–8pm
Tuesday and Saturday:
10am–1pm & 2pm–5pm
Closed Thursday.
 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.
The
"Not Quite Midsummer
Evening,
Friday 13th Fright Night,
Definitely Not The Booze"
CRUISE!
Hello Me Hearties!
Yes, it's getting near to that time of
year when we have a wee sail 'doon
the watter' and raise a few quid for
TCT.
As you may have deduced from
this year's title - (catchy, eh?) - the
only evening available was
Friday 13th June.
Apparently no-one ever sails on
that date - luckily for us!
We sail from Greenock's 'Dead
Man's Dock' - Pier 13 - at 7pm, and
our route will take us through 'The
Straits of Doom', then around 'The
Cape of No Return', with any survi-
vors returning to Greenock at
11pm.
Despite price rises all round, I
have managed to peg (leg?) cruise
tickets at the usual £10 per skull
(geddit?) - payable in advance.
Coaches have been booked again,
and perhaps optimistically I have
booked them for the trip home too.
We should be able to keep the fare
to £5 again - payable on the bus.
This year, the ship's owner Cap'n
Crabs has been particularly vocif-
erous about the "No Booze to be
brought on board!" message - not
even a discrete bottle of wine.
Never fear my little vin lovers, I
have come up with a cunning
plan!
They have agreed that I can sell
them cases of wine (decent stuff
that I should be able to procure at
a good discount) and they in turn
will flog it to you for £5 per bot-
tle. To help me get the quantities
about right, when buying tickets,
please give me some idea of how
much, and what colour of wine,
your party would like. (Please
remember to drink
responsibly).
The bar will be open as usual for
beer and spirits. As usual, it
might pay to check your change
and keep an eye on those playful
cabin boys!
Right, that's it.
I hope and expect to be swamped
with demand for tickets - so get
in quick! Even if you have al-
ready told me you want tickets,
please tell me again because the
list is open now.....
John
Contact : John Delaney,
Chair, Teenage Cancer Trust -
West of Scotland Group
Calder Lodge, Newton of Barr,
Lochwinnoch PA12 4AR
Tel: 01505 844801
Teenage Cancer Trust - helping
teenagers fight cancer.
www.teenagecancertrust.org
Lochwinnoch
Library
ADVICE WORKS
Tuesdays 10am –12.30pm
Advisors on hand to help fill in claim
forms, check and advise on welfare
benefits and money problems.
Advisors can provide expert advice on
a wide range of debt related topics,
such as credit card, mortgage arrears,
council tax, etc. The service is
FREE, confidential and open to
all residents of Renfrewshire.
***
LIBRARY OPENING HOURS :
Monday, Wednesday and Friday:
2pm–5pm & 6pm–8pm
Tuesday and Saturday:
10am–1pm & 2pm–5pm
Closed Thursday.
LOCHWINNOCH
ELDERLY
FORUM
At the AGM on 24th April 2008,
Mr Alastair Nimmo was voted in as
the new Chairperson, on the retiral
of Mr John Harris.
The Committee now comprises:
Secretary: Anne Nicholl
Treasurer: Mary Russell
Vice Chair: Gordon Nicholl
The next meeting is at 1pm on
Thursday 29th May 2008 in the
McKillop Institute; the speaker to
be confirmed.
The Drop-in Tea Room at the
McKillop Institute was opened by
Mr Alastair Nimmo, who cut the
ribbon. The four ladies on duty
were kept busy with a great flow of
customers.
The project received great help
from Margaret and Laura, the
McKillop hall staff. The service, in
such tasteful surroundings, was
much appreciated.
This venture will be available each
Tuesday until the end of July.
 From the Parish
Church
“When you wish upon a star
makes no difference who you are
anything your heart desires
will come to you.”
(Ned Washington & Leigh Harline)
So sings Jimmy Cricket in the film
Pinocchio. If you have not read
the book or watched the film turn
away now as plot spoilers follow!
Pinocchio was a wooden puppet,
made by Geppetto and throughout
the film both Pinocchio and Gep-
petto wish he could be a real boy.
By the end of the story, their
dream comes true.
During the holidays we visited
Orlando. Florida has everything a
theme park fanatic could want, the
biggest, the longest, the steepest,
the best of whatever it is that
makes a rollercoaster ride good for
you. Personally I like to keep my
feet on the ground. The thrills of
Big Thunder Mountain are about
as much as I can cope with. Big
Thunder Mountain is in the Magic
Kingdom, one of the many parks in
Walt Disney World. As you enter
the vast resort you pass under an
arch which announces, “Walt Dis-
ney World, where dreams come
true.”
Indeed 2008 has been hailed as
the year of a million wishes. There
is a sense in which the Magic King-
dom is indeed magic. For one
thing, the amount of money you
spend on the entry tickets ensures
you are not going to spoil the day
with petty arguments. Secondly,
Disney corporation does every-
thing possible to ensure you have a
magical time and want to return!
Not all children have magical lives.
This month, we commemorate
Christian Aid week by turning our
thoughts and prayers to people
who deserve to experience life in
all its fullness, but are prevented
from doing so by the grinding
poverty in which they live.
All poverty can be eradicated;
hunger could end immediately.
How? By people in the rich
northern hemisphere refusing to
accept there is nothing we can do
to change the lives of other peo-
ple.
In the past six months over 100
million more people have become
dependent on food aid because of
the rising cost of basic foods. At
the beginning of March, a ton of
rice cost $460; at the time of
writing the rice had risen to over
$1,000. The cause has nothing to
do with failed harvests or natural
disasters. It is entirely due to hu-
man beings deciding to stop
growing crops for food, and grow
crops for bio-fuel. The double
irony of bio-fuels is that not only
do they divert food away from the
most vulnerable people, because
they are reputed to remove car-
bon dioxide from the atmos-
phere, farmers are now destroy-
ing the world’s rainforests to
grow the crops!
Yet we can do something about
that. We can also do something
about the low wages millions of
people are forced to accept in ex-
change for their labour. We
wouldn’t let members of our own
families be exploited, so why let
any member of the human fam-
ily, the family of God be ex-
ploited. When we come together
to support Christian Aid week,
or support Fairtrade Week, or
work to make our village a Fair-
trade Village, we are holding out
a vision of a different future to
the world.
Walt Disney had a vision that
went beyond the magic kingdom.
His original idea was a
“community of the future”, which
would stimulate new ideas for
urban living.
The concept eventually evolved
into the Experimental Prototype
Community of Tomorrow
(EPCOT). Walt Disney wanted
EPCOT to be continually pushing
the frontiers of human knowl-
edge and to help solve some of
the biggest problems that hu-
manity faces.
At EPCOT we were not just
treated to thrilling rides, we also
had the opportunity to see some
of the projects EPCOT supports,
such as hydroponics, using water
instead of soil to grow crops and
aeroponics, with plant roots ex-
posed to the air. It was quite
amazing to see the fruit and vege-
tables grown in this way and
gives hope for the future that the
world will indeed be able to feed
all the people of the world.
This month, during Christian Aid
week, we can help to make
dreams come true. By insisting
that the world can be different,
perhaps 2008 will indeed be the
year of a million wishes.
Yours,
Rev. Christine Murdoch
Kilbarchan Chiropody & Integrated
Complementary Health Practice
Our extensive team of specialist practitioners are here to ensure you
get the right care at the right price. We offer a range of services and
treatments including Osteopathy/Cranial Osteopathy, private sessions with a
qualified GP, Medical Hypnotherapy and Well-being classes and training.
Please call 01505 705112 to arrange an appointment
or your free consultation with any of our practitio-
ners.
ST VINCENT’S
HOSPICE
Fund-raising events
Pawsitivity Dog Walk - Sun 11 May
Why don't you and your four-legged
friend join us at Castle Semple Country
Park, Lochwinnoch and do something
"pawsitive" for St. Vincent's Hospice.
Watch doggy displays, swimming
Newfoundlands, sledging Huskies and
Police puppies in training.
Door to Door Collections – 26 May
to 31 May. Volunteers are needed
please to distribute collection envelopes
to neighbours in streets in Lochwinnoch
and collect them again between 26th and
31st May.
Unwanted Gifts
Do you have any unwanted gifts that are
in new or very good condition? St. Vin-
cent's Hospice Fundraising Team run
various raffles, tombolas and other ac-
tivities at various events. Donations of
unwanted gifts or bottles can go a long
way in helping to raise vital funds.
Charity Collections
We have various collections arranged in
Shopping Centres and Supermarkets
throughout the year. Can you spare
some time to help out on any of the fol-
lowing dates:-
Saturday 5th July -
Bag Packing at Asda, Linwood
Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July -
Bucket Collection at Ikea, Braehead
Saturday 2nd August -
Bag Packing at Morrisons, Johnstone
Saturday 16th August -
Bag Packing at Morrisons, Paisley
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th October
Bucket Collection at Ikea, Braehead
Saturday 20th December -
Bag Packing at Asda, Linwood
Sunday 21st December -
Bucket Collection at Braehead Centre.
Recycling
We can raise money by recycling - Ink
Cartridges, Mobile Phones, Stamps,
Foreign Coins, Old/Broken Jewellery.
These can be handed in to our shops in
Renfrew, Johnstone, Linwood, Loch-
winnoch, Paisley, Barrhead and Bridge
Of Weir or at the Hospice itself.
CALLING ALL RUNNERS
Women's 10k - Sunday 18th May
Paisley Vision 10k - Sunday 31st
August
Great Scottish Run - Sunday 7th
September.
Why not get running and raise vital
funds through sponsorship. We
will give you sponsorship forms and a
t-shirt to help you on your way.
4k Fun Run & Buggy Fit - on
Sunday 22nd June
Put your best foot forward and take part
in our 4k fun run incorporating a buggy
fit for parents and small children.
Starting at Castle Semple Centre, Loch-
winnoch, all ages and abilities are wel-
come to take part in the Ultimate Stroll
In The Park!
Tea @ 3 - Friday 27th June
Join us at the Barn Tea Room for
Tea @ 3 on Friday 27th June. Come
along and enjoy home baking, fresh tea
and coffee and join our ‘Tea Party’.
Why not organize your own Tea @ 3 at
work, in your home or in your school.
For more information or if you
can spare some time to help out,
please contact Lorraine or Jane
in the Fundraising Team at
St Vincents
on
Tel: 01505 705635 or e-mail us at:
lorraine.valentine@svh.co.uk or
jane.cox@svh.co.uk
CYCLE THEFT
The theft of pedal cycles continues to
be a problem. Members of the public
are reminded that they can have their
cycles marked at local police offices
and they should use a chain at all
times when leaving their cycles unat-
tended.
BOGUS WORKMEN
There has been a marked increase in
Bogus Caller activity and this is a
crime that the Police take particularly
seriously. Any act of this nature,
where a person purports to be a work-
man who has carried out work on their
property for a substantial amount of
money, is a Fraud.
These bogus callers will pass on the
details of the person they have conned
to others, who will also come to their
door and try to get in. This can be
very distressing for elderly people in
particular.
DO NOT OPEN YOUR DOORS
TO ANYONE THAT YOU ARE
NOT SURE ABOUT.
REMEMBER
DON’T LEAVE YOUR
SAT. NAV. IN YOUR
VEHICLE
***
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
Strathclyde Police – 0141 532 5900
Johnsone 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) - 01505 325030
Victim Support – 0141 887 0328
Nuisance Support & Advice
Helpline – 0800 169 1283
Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
Community Safety Office,
Johnstone Police Station. 

Parish Church
Bi-Centenary Celebrations
The building of the Parish
Church in Church Street
opened for worship on
2nd October 1808. The
congregation are planning
several ways to celebrate
this anniversary and all
are welcome to join in
with any or all of them.
Sunday, 31st August A
service will be held in
the Collegiate Church,
starting at 3pm.
Worshippers are encour-
aged to walk there along
the cycle track; they will
be accompanied by rang-
ers from Clyde Muir-
shiel Regional Park and
the RSPB Reserve.
Transport can be ar-
ranged for those who
need it; contact the min-
ister Rev. Christine Mur-
doch on Tel: 843484.
Saturday 4th October
Concert in the Parish
Church at 7.30pm.
Paisley Abbey Choir;
Music over 200 years.
Tickets will be available
nearer the time.
Sunday 5th October
Bi-Centenary Service at
11am in the Parish
Church. Dedication of
the two embroidered
banners by the Modera-
tor, the Right Rev. Dr.
David Lunan.
Sunday 23 November
At 11am - Guest
preacher: Very Rev.
Alexander Macdonald;
At 1pm - Organ recital
in church.
Updates and further details will be published in Chatterbox.
SALE NOW
ON
Adult and Junior
Ex-hire cycles
Bi-centenary
Exhibition
This will open in the church
on 5th October and will be
open for visitors at specified
Mountain bikes for hire,
times during October; look
Tag-a-long bikes for kids,
out for details nearer the
Bike trailers and childrens’ seats,
time.
bicycle accessories,
Appeal Bike repairs – free uplift and
for information return delivery
We should welcome contri-
butions for this exhibition Open for bicycle hire
from villagers and others. every day, all summer.
Pictures, photographs or Discounts given
documents - referring to on group bookings.
your family, village life in
general or significant events EXPRESS CYCLE REPAIRS
in the wider world outwith At Castle Semple Centre,
Lochwinnoch. Let us know Lochwinnoch
what you have and would be
willing to lend. Photocopies Tel: 07867 790 889 and ask for
of precious pictures or docu- Martin Russell
ments would be acceptable.
In the first instance, please
contact Anne Nicholl (01505
842632) and tell her what
OLIVE TREE
you have and roughly what
size it is and its date. We
can arrange for collection of Saturday 24th May
items ready for the setting up From 10am to 1pm
of the exhibition.
The exhibition will move to Coffee Morning and
the Library Room for the Palestinian Pastries
month of November. After
the close, all items will be FREE entry
returned to the lenders. We
look forward to hearing from Come and buy glass from Hebron
you. Bethlehem wood, ceramics from
Jerusalem, Dead Sea Beauty
Anniversary Cairn
products, village embroidery,
It is planned to build an olive oil and olive oil soap, Eilat
anniversary cairn; all are
stone and silver jewellery
invited to donate a stone or
stones to be incorporated in Beautiful pictures and more..
this. Donations should be
given to the minister. The All profits to Palestinians in need
actual building of the cairn is
expected to take place in the Tel: (01505 612963)
late summer of 2009.
19 Carruth Rd, Bridge of Weir.

SPRINGING
INTO ACTION
COUNTRYSIDE AWAKENS
AND CLUB NIGHTS START
AT CLYDE MUIRSHIEL
REGIONAL PARK
With the lighter evenings well and truly
upon us and some warmer weather
not far away we hope, the flowers and
wildlife are appearing and outdoor
activity clubs and courses are getting
out at Castle Semple Activity Centre,
Lochwinnoch.
The Regional Park website provides
details of all the courses available for
this spring and summer for those keen
to learn to sail, kayak or canoe on the
safe inland water of Castle Semple
Loch or to join a river trip. The Centre
is a recognised Royal Yacht Associa-
tion (RYA) training centre. Courses
range in length from 2 hours to 2 days
and cost from £15 with some options
on Bank Holiday weekends for exam-
ple to do a 3-day sailing course.
Club Night at Castle Semple is basi-
cally Wednesday evenings. Clyde
Windsurfing Club start their weekly
club nights on Wed. 30 April. Castle
Semple Rowing Club are also out on
Wednesdays as well as weekends;
they are busy training for their regatta
taking place on Castle Semple Loch
on Saturday 17 May. Castle Semple
Sailing Club are just getting going for
the season with regular Wednesday
Club nights and weekend activities.
Full details of club activities can be
found on their own websites, links are
also available on the Regional Park
website www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk.
For those keen to stay on dry land the
Rangers provide a regular programme
of walks and events planned to ac-
commodate the better weather and
lighter evenings.
For further details about Community
Walks and Slinky Strollers, see the
front page of Chatterbox. Other Clyde
Muirshiel Regional Park events and
activities are detailed on the back
page of Chatterbox.
WILD GEESE
OVERHEAD YARD SALE
One of the great sights of na- Saturday 31st May
ture we are fortunate enough to
From 10am to 12 noon
see around here is the flight of
at
geese. It is quite simply breath-
Ailort, Johnshill,
taking and a real privilege to wit-
ness. Lochwinnoch
All donations
There is something about the
will go to Africa.
strength of these birds and the
way their lives are so organised
and focused, they decide to get
from one place to another and SEMPLE TRAIL
nothing – apart from a man with a
gun – will deter them. CELEBRATION
The way they converse with each
other, as though they are revel- Thursday 15th May
ling in the ability to fly, is some- from 6.30pm to 8pm
thing that always catches the
breath of the true countryman The first 3 phases of the Semple
and nature lover. The geese Trail are now complete and include
seem to be debating who should the new traffic-free section of Na-
tional Cycle Route 7 through Loch-
lead the formation; something,
winnoch, so let’s celebrate.
like the clouds, that is constantly
changing. Meet at the Annexe Car Park,
Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch, to
Every time I witness this gift to
walk the path to Castle Semple
man from wherever, I am re-
Centre. Enjoy music, refresh-
minded of the true story of some
ments, activities, free bike hire.
British king or other who, when
sailing in the southern seas, spot- Semple Trail is being taken for-
ted an albatross. The king was ward by South Renfrewshire Ac-
so ‘impressed’ with the sight of cess Network Initiative (SRANI),
such a magnificent bird he took a project that aims to establish a
up his gun and shot it. The king, network of paths linking routes,
facilities and attractions around
being a king, believed killing the
Castle Semple Loch.
albatross was paying it a compli-
ment. Such was the madness of
kings.
 MCS thanked the Scottish Govern-
ment, Scottish Natural Heritage
New boat for the
(SNH) and the Underwood Trust for
helping to fund the MCS Cool Seas
Commodore
Scotland programme, the Scottish
Environment Protection Agency
(SEPA) for supporting the Largs
launch event and rangers from the
Clyde Muirshiel Regional and Eglin-
Celebrating ton Country Parks for their assis-
Scotland’s Cool Seas! tance during the seashore safari.

On Friday 18th April 2008, The Marine
Conservation Society (MCS), the UK
charity dedicated to protecting our
seas, shores and wildlife, launched the
exciting Cool Seas Scotland project at
Largs Sailing Club, followed by an in-
trepid seashore safari on the shores of
the Firth of Clyde. Cool Seas is a
spectacular educational initiative,
run by MCS, to raise awareness of the
wonderful life in Scotland's seas.
Speakers at the event included Scottish
Environment Minister Michael Russell
MSP and Lady Isabel Glasgow, Chair
of the Firth of Clyde Forum. Clyde
Muirshiel Regional Park rangers were
among fifty invited guests and avid
supporters of the project.
Anne Saunders, MCS Scottish Projects
Officer, said “From basking sharks to
coral reefs, leaping dolphins to col-
ourful jellyfish, Scotland’s seas really
are cool, and we don’t just mean the
temperature! However, pollution of
our seas and beaches, over-fishing
and damage to fragile wildlife are
still a problem. This project will help
redress the balance by educating chil-
dren, families and the wider commu-
nity about our seas, the wonderful
wildlife that depends on them and
how to help in their protection.”
The MCS Cool Seas Scotland pro-
gramme will expand on an already
successful programme of marine con-
servation activities in Scotland. By
combining education, awareness rais-
ing and community activities to con-
nect people with the rich biodiversity
of Scotland’s seas and shores, the Cool
Seas project will help in the conserva-
tion of our precious marine natural
heritage. Unveiled at the event was an
exciting Cool Seas Scotland activity
booklet, Go Wild in the Clyde action
leaflet, stunning colour banners rais-
ing awareness of Scottish sea life and
other new MCS materials for use in
Scotland. These will complement the
fun learning activities on the colourful
Cool Seas web-pages - visit
www.mcsuk.org/coolseas/home
Minister for Environment Michael
Russell said: “Cool Seas Scotland
is a stimulating and engaging pro-
ject which will reconnect people
with the wonders of our seas
through education and community
action. I am delighted to support
this programme and offer funding
to ensure its success.”
Dr Fiona Manson, SNH Marine Ad-
visor at the Coastal and Marine Eco-
systems Unit, said “SNH is proud
to be part of the Cool Seas project
which will help to promote the im-
portance of the seas around Scot-
land and highlight the threats they
face. It's exciting and informative,
and we hope it will help children
and communities make the most of
their local marine environment.”
Mark Wells, Campaigns and Educa-
tion Manager for SEPA, commented:
"One of SEPA's tasks is to protect
Scotland’s seas from pollution. The
Cool Seas campaign will support
that work by showing people the
links between their activities and the
threats facing the marine environ-
ment. Raising awareness of the im-
portance of healthy seas is a chal-
lenging job but the Cool Seas project
provides lots of simple information
and activities to help parents and
teachers get the message across."
Charlie Woodward, Clyde Muirshiel
Regional Park Manager said “The
Firth of Clyde is important to Clyde
Muirshiel Regional Park and we
welcome this initiative. It dovetails
with the work our staff do, particu-
larly the Countryside Rangers.
Exploration of the seashore in the
magnificent setting of the Clyde is
something we want to encourage
and this new programme will do
just that. We look forward to pro-
moting the MCS Cool Seas project
and utilising the educational
materials with young people.”
With the publication of a draft Scot-
tish Marine Bill, 2008 will be a big
year for Scotland’s seas.
Paul O’Neill the Commodore of Castle
Semple Sailing Club, here in Lochwin-
noch, is now the proud owner of a
brand new Racing GP14 sailing din-
ghy. The boat was the top prize in a
national prize draw promoted by the
GP14 International Class Association.
The dinghy, which was manufactured
and donated by SPEED SAILS, had a
special sail number, 14000, a signifi-
cant landmark in the number of
GP14’s made over its 60 year history.
The boat, “ Golden Ticket” was
launched on 13th April, the first day of
the new sailing season and has created
quite a stir among the other members.
Paul has been the Commodore at Cas-
tle Semple Sailing Club for the past 2
years, where he has enthusiastically
sailed and raced his old GP14.
His most notable success to date was
winning the two handed h/cap dinghy
class in the Largs Regatta round Cum-
braes race. He has high hopes for
greater success in his new state-of-
the-art boat as he trains for the GP14
championship of Scotland in May at
Annandale Sailing Club. You can see
the new boat on the water Wednesday
Evenings and\or Sunday afternoons
during club meetings, where you will
be made very welcome.
STOP PRESS
Castle Semple Sailing Club, in part-
nership with Options, plan to hold a
24-hour Sponsored Sail in the middle
of June to raise funds for disabled sail-
ing. For more information, contact
Jon Hasler on 01505 503093 or call
into the club (on Wednesday evenings
or on Sundays) for details.
 News & Events at
RSPB, Muirshiel,
Cornalees & Castle
Semple Centres
• Saturday 10th May
Hen Harrier Country Walk
See Hen Harriers flying and hunt-
ing over the moors and video
highlights of last year’s Birds on
TV. Muirshiel Centre, at 1.30pm.
• Sunday 11th May
Pawsitivity Dog Walk Day -
Castle Semple Centre at 10.30 am.
Help raise funds for St Vincent
Hospice with a sponsored, family-
friendly, dog walk.
• Thursday 15th May
Semple Trail Celebration from
6.30pm to 8pm, meet at the
Annexe Car Park, Lochlip Road.
(more details inside)
• Saturday 17th May
Castle Semple Rowing Regatta
Watch out or be warned! Lots of
long thin boats from all over Scot-
land will be racing on the loch, as
long as it’s not too windy.
• Saturday 17th May and
Sunday 18th May
Wildlife Wander and Optics
Weekend from 12 noon - 2pm at
RSPB Centre. Wildlife walk, ideal
for beginners, led by an expert.
Book in advance. Tel: 842663.
• Monday 19th May to Sun-
day 25th May is Scottish Biodi-
versity Week.
• Wednesday 21st May—
Cornalees Conservation Day. Join
the Rangers for some healthy out-
door work and help the local envi-
ronment and wildlife. At Cor-
nalees Centre from 11am to 3pm.
• Friday 23rd and Saturday
24th May Moth and Bat Night
at RSPB Reserve. From 8pm till
late on Friday and 10am - 12 noon
on the Saturday.
Join Butterfly Conservation and
RSPB staff to delve into the noc-
turnal world of moths and bats.
Book in advance. Tel: 842663.
Chatterbox is produced for the Community Council of
Lochwinnoch through financial assistance by Lochwin-
noch Community Council, Renfrewshire Council and
advertisements. The editor welcomes all items for
possible inclusion but will reserve all rights over them.
All views are of individuals. The editor accepts no
liability for errors
VISITOR CENTRES - OPENING HOURS
Castle Semple Centre Open daily, 1000-1700 hrs Tel: 01505 842882
Cornalees Centre - Open daily, 1100-1600 hrs from April to October.
(Toilets open daily.) Tel: 01475 521458
Muirshiel Centre - Open daily, 1100-1600 hrs from April to October.
(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 24th May • Sunday 8th June
Hen Harrier Walk See Hen Har- Springwatch from 11am to 4pm at
riers flying and hunting over the RSPB Lochwinnoch. A day of fun-
moors and video highlights of filled activities for all the family.
last year’s Birds on TV. Muir-
• Sunday 8th June
shiel Centre, at 1.30pm.
Map and Compass Course at Cor-
• Sunday 25th May - nalees Centre. Ideal for beginners
Himalayan Balsam Blitz. Come or those keen to brush up on their
and help the Rangers pull out skills. Advance Booking is essen-
this alien plant, which over- tial. Tel: 01505 842 882, Ext 20.
whelms our native flowers. Meet
• Wednesday 11th June
at Castle Semple Centre at
Pound and Pace Walk round the
10.30am and/or 1.30pm and
Greenock Cut. The newly re-
stay as long as you like!
stored 6.5km narrow canal makes
• Sunday 1st June for an excellent 10.5km circular
Lochwinnoch Farmers’ Market walk with fantastic views over the
from 11am to 2.30pm at Castle Clyde to the Argyll hills beyond.
Semple Centre. Fresh local pro- Meet Cornalees Centre, 10.30am
duce direct from the farmers and for an 11am start.
local artisans.
• RSPB Centre - More Spring
• Wednesday 4th June activities running, including May
Goldenberry Hill Walk—a 7km, wildlife challenge, Family Pond
Level 2 walk with Feeling Fitter Dipping and lots more every
group, with lots of coastal views. weekend at the Reserve.
Meet at 11am at West Kilbride • Clyde Muirshiel Regional
Railway Station. Tel: Senga Park Wildlife Watch
0141 840 3861 for more infor- Swallow Cam at Cornalees Centre
mation. 11am to 4pm;
• Saturday 7th June and Birds on TV: Hen Harriers at
Sunday 8th June Muirshiel,
National Radio Boat Champion- Parkhill Challenge starting from
ships, A Class. A rare opportu- Castle Semple Centre every day;
nity to see these impressive 6 ft Walk in the Woods - bluebells in
scaled sailing boats, from all Parkhill Wood or primroses along
the Cornalees Nature Trail and
over the UK, racing on Castle
bird song any day in May.
Semple Loch.
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