Nuisance Helpline
Anti-Social Behaviour
Noise problems
CHATTERBOX
Support and Advice
Every day 9am – 10pm
Tel: 0800 169 1283
Community newsletter produced by lochwinnoch publicity committee for lochwinnoch cc
What’s On & Dates for your Diaries
Village events, clubs, classes, etc are in the centre pages this month
Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and RSPB events and outdoor activities are on the back three pages
Chatterbox, n Contemptuous or
playful name for a habitual
chatterer . (OED). (informal )
someone who talks or chatters
incessantly (Chambers) Quite a
good name for a village newsletter,
I think, so well done to Ronnie for
coming up with that one twenty
years ago!
Both these definitions have an
emphasis on doing it a lot – if not
too much! Lochwinnoch‘s
Chatterbox has been published
fairly regularly by the Community
Council for around twenty years
and the current one intends to carry
this on. However, we now need
some more help to carry this on,
Editorial and Copy for
Chatterbox
Let us have your stories, notices,
news, information, events and items of
interest – either hand-deliver them to
the Chatterbox drop-box in the
Library or preferably e-mail them to
us at: chatterbox@lochwinnoch.info.
Electronic submission with full colour
pictures are preferred.
To advertise in Chatterbox
Tel: 07866 373254
chatterbox@lochwinnoch.info
COPY DEADLINE FOR
OCTOBER CHATTERBOX
IS FRIDAY 24
TH
SEPTEMBER
No 201 September 2010
www.lochwinnoch.info
CHATTERBOX
continue to produce it regularly
every month and, if possible,
make it even better.
If you have some spare time
every month and an interest in
any aspect of producing a
newsletter like this, please let us
know. Jobs that need doing range
from talking to (or e-mailing)
contributors and advertisers,
writing copy and proof-reading
and editing others‘ text, taking
photographs, laying out the pages
ready for the printers and
distributing the finished copies to
the various outlets. I‘m sure there
are more that I‘ve missed (or that
didn‘t get done this month). If
you fancy yourself as a journalist,
or think you could do a cartoon
strip – or occasional one-offs –
let us know. Are you thinking of
a career in publishing? Get
involved in Chatterbox and have
something good to put on your
C.V.
As we want to make Chatterbox
ASIST
Anti-Social
Investigation Team
Office 8:45am – 4:45pm
Tel: 0141 840 2163
even better, we are taking
advantage of our printer,
Renfrewshire Council‘s Document
Solutions, revising their rates for
external customers like us. This
means that we can afford to
include some colour pages without
having to carry more advertising.
We are doing this this month as an
experiment. If it works, and there
is enough material which would
benefit, we‘ll do it again – possibly
regularly. Let us know what you
would like to see. The Community
Council will also discuss what
changes, if any, it thinks would
improve Chatterbox.
What goes into Chatterbox
depends largely upon what
material is available and this comes
largely from YOU, the readers, so
please send in your stories, news,
announcements of forthcoming
events and anything else you think
we could include. As we would
like continue with including some
colour pages, please send in colour
pictures to illustrate your articles.
During September receive a
FREE
TV Power Down Plug when
you have a
HOME ENERGY CHECK
carried out by one of our
Energy Advisers
The prospect of not having
enough energy to go round is
unthinkable; power cuts in
Lochwinnoch are a distant
memory. Yet if Scotland
continues to use energy at its
current rate, demand could
outstrip supply as early as
2016. New energy sources
must be developed, but
increasing supply is only part
of the equation. A more
immediate and cost effective
strategy is for us all to use
less. Big increases in the
price of power have caught
our attention, but household
energy use is still not going
down. Being more aware of
how you use energy at home
and when you use it is the
first step in reducing
consumption and cost.
Over the next 10 years every
household in the UK will be
fitted with Smart Meters, one
for gas and one for electricity.
These meters will come with
two-way communications
enabling meter readings to
be taken at any time without
the need for a visit from a
meter reader. Imagine: no
more estimated bills,
knowing how much energy
and money you are using at
any given time, more
flexible methods of paying
your bill and being able to
see if you are using less
e n e rg y c o m p a r e d t o
yesterday, last week, or last
year.
There‘s no need to wait 10
years ! – there are things we
can do now to monitor the
energy we use . To find out
more contact one of our
energy advisers and, during
September, receive a free TV
Power Down Plug :
If you’d like Rob or Alan,
the LEAP Energy
Advisers, to visit you to
help measure and reduce
the energy you use, go to:
www.lochwinnoch.info/leap
e mail leap@lochwinnoch.info
or phone Carol Gemmell
on 842040
News from the RSPB
It‘s been a great summer for
us here at the reserve, with
both interesting sightings and
great events.
Wildlife wise, we have
enjoyed some good sightings
this summer. Starting back in
April, we had a greenshank
on the 6th and then our first
migrant sightings of swallow
on the 7th, sand martin on the
9th, house martin on the 25th
(along with 30 sedge
warblers) and swift on the
26th.
In May we were getting
regular visits from an osprey
and on the 8th it was seen 4
times fishing over the Aird
Meadow loch and then
intermittently for several days
before and after that and into
June as well. Other May
highlights include a merlin
on the 1st, a jay on the 3rd, the
first cuckoo on the 4th along
with 9 grasshopper warblers
and 84 sedge warblers
around the Barr Loch. On the
17th of May a little ringed
plover was seen in the nearby
pond.
 Immature Sparrowhawk photographed recently at the Lochwinnoch RSPB Reserve
We also had daily sightings of
the great spotted woodpecker
family with up to 5 individuals
being seen at any one time!
Into June we had up to 7 great
crested grebes on the Barr
Loch, more sightings of the
osprey, water rail calling
regularly and the first spotted
flycatchers on the 5th June. In
July, our main attraction was
sandwich terns, with 7 seen on
the 21st, 1 on the 23rd and then
12 on the 3rd August (our largest
number on the reserve to date!)
and a lesser whitethroat very
briefly seen at the feeding
station on the 9th.
We had up to 10 great crested
grebes on the Barr Loch, 2 little
grebes, 1 shelduck, 1 gadwall,
1 scaup, almost daily visits
from a sparrowhawk to the
feeding station and 2 barn owls
flying over the Aird Meadow at
midnight (on my way home
from the pub!) Phew!
Other wildlife highlights have
included a mole and a shrew
feeding in broad daylight just
outside the office, a four-
spotted chaser dragonfly, lots
of moths including the ever
popular garden tiger and
elephant hawkmoths and
meadow brown, small heath
and ringlet butterflies.
Our summer events have also
proved to be very popular,
with all of the school holiday
clubs and mini-beast Mondays
being very well attended.
We also held a very successful
Summer Solstice Guided walk,
mostly promoted through
Facebook, on which 30 people
turned up when we only
expected 5!
We had a gorgeous evening for
it and went out to see the
greater butterfly orchids on the
Aird Meadow – of which we
had over 50 this year, the best
year for a long time! Other
flower highlights included green
heleborine growing along the
Aird Meadow trail, we counted
over 20 plants one evening, and
I was taken for a very nice walk
by local botanist Elizabeth
Connacher who introduced me
to over 30 plants in 30 minutes!
Amazing!
We have lots of exciting events
coming up, including our second
hand natural history book sale
(please send us your donations
now or we can sell books on
your behalf), Amazing Autumn,
Wildlife Quiz Night and of
course the ever popular Fright
Night.
We hope to see you at the
reserve soon, Paula Baker
 Lochwinnoch’s Public Houses
Lochwinnoch has three public houses in the village, pictured here.
The Garthland Arms, 5 Church St
This pub has recently changed hands. We are
hoping to interview the new landlords, Martin
and Karen, next month.

The Brown Bull, 33 Main Street

Celebrated its 200th birthday last summer with
a street party! Landlords are Laura and
Fergus.

The Corner Bar

Junction of High St and St Winnoch Rd
Sandy Innes is the Landlord. Used to be called
The Glue Pot.
 Councillor Arthur’s
Report
I recently had the pleasure of meeting
up with 11 International volunteers
who were carrying out restoration and
upgrade work within Clyde Muirshiel
Regional Park through the auspices of
Xchange Scotland.
I joined them for a morning up at the
Muirshiel Centre where we were
constructing a habitat pile for the
various forms of life that roam and
grow within the park.
Ranger Len gave a briefing on the
Hen Harrier project which took in live
footage of this year‘s nest and the two
chicks but sadly a few days later, on
two separate occasions within a short
space of time, a fox visited the nest
which for the Hen Harrier is located
on the ground and had the chicks for
dinner. Ranger Michael gave a talk on
the different species of sheep and the
wool that they produce. This was then
followed by a hands on go at ancient
wool spinning. It was then on to a
demonstration in the art of turning
green wood (known as Bodging) and
then the morning was complete with a
walk up Windy Hill and yes I‘m sure
you‘ve guessed, it was windy.
Over their two week stay it was not all
work as the group joined the Sailing
Club, Rowing Club and Windsurfing
Club on the water at Castle Semple, a
kayak trip and barbeque on Loch
Lomond, a visit to Edinburgh, a
Scotch-Hop at Linlithgow Palace and
a farewell Ceilidh in the Parish
Church hall.
The volunteers had travelled from
Belgium, Czech Republic, France,
Germany and Spain and I‘m pleased
to say went home with some great
memories of their visit to Scotland
and of our village in particular.
As chairman of Clyde Muirshiel Park
Authority, my thanks go to all who
took the time to provide for our
visitors and to the park staff who
made their visit such a great
experience for them as well as a
roaring success. Can I also say a
special thank you to Maggie and Bob
Gorman from Newton of Belltrees
who gave a very friendly welcome, a
loan of camping equipment and a lift
up to Barnbrock to Millo and
Mederick from France whose first
stop was into the Brown Bull.
Four village groups were successful
with their applications for grants to
our recent LAC (Local Area
Committee). The awards are as
follows: Lochwinnoch Community
Council £1500 for a project to
enhance the village website, LMEG
(Lochwinnoch Millennium Events
Group) £2,100 towards the cost of
this year‘s Christmas lights switch-
on event and for the purchase of a
PA system, Lochwinnoch Art Group
£499 and Lochwinnoch SWRI £200.
The village will also benefit from the
LAC‘s decision to set aside money
from the General Fund to restore the
War Memorials in Lochwinnoch,
Howwood, Kilbarchan and Elderslie
£12,000 was awarded as match
funding to further develop the
existing Johnstone and Lochwinnoch
ROAR (Reaching Older Adults in
Renfrewshire) Clubs and to create a
further new ROAR club whose
location has still to be agreed.
My congratulations to the following
residents who picked up prizes in
this the 82nd year of the council‘s
Annual Garden Competition which
is run by Renfrewshire Council‘s
Department of Housing and Property
Services.
Arthur & Rita Parr, 24 Harvey
Terrace, picked up the first prize in
the category of Best Flower Garden
in Lochwinnoch for the third year in
a row while Bert Matthews, 60
Crookhill Gardens, once again is a
treble winner. Bert won The Alastair
Nimmo Trophy for Best Garden in
Lochwinnoch for the 4th year in a row
and has won it 7 times overall and
also for the last 4 years has won the
Gryffe Trophy for the Best Complete
Garden in the Landward Area and first
place for the Best Flower and
Vegetable Garden in Lochwinnoch.
Please note that my next Surgery on
Saturday 18th September is IN THE
LIBRARY at the usual time of
11:30am but if you require my help
before then, you can contact me on
843507 and we can agree a time when
we can meet.
Lochwinnoch Art
Group
Lochwinnoch Art Group will
recommence after their summer break
on Monday 13th.September at 7.30pm
- 9.30pm in the McKillop Institute.
Meetings are fortnightly thereafter.
As usual new members will be made
very welcome.
The Annual Art Exhibition by
Lochwinnoch Art Group will take
place in the Library Room from
Wednesday 6th.October - Saturday
30th October. The Exhibition will be
open during Library hours.
We would also like to express our
thanks to Renfrewshire Council for
helping fund the Art Group for the
coming year.
The Committee
Lochwinnoch Art Group
 Find out what a LEAP Energy Adviser
can do for You during September

Receive a free TV Power Down Plug (worth £15)

with a HOME ENERGY CHECK

Visit www.lochwinnoch.info/leap or email

leap@lochwinnoch.info or phone 842 040

Chat from the Chair
As this publication is important to
the Community Council as a means
of communication to the
community we represent, I
undertook to keep it going until a
new team is in place to publish it
regularly. This means that – as you
will have seen on the front page –
we need people to take it on. Our
plan is to build up a team of people
so that the various tasks can be
shared out and the workload for
any individual is relatively small.
It was good to see the return of the
Community Police to our meetings
– PCs John Denholm and James
McWilliams came along to give
their report. Unfortunately it‘s not
practicable for them to make every
Community Council meeting due
to other duties, days off, leave, etc.
This month, they had few crimes to
report and the good news is that the
incidence of youth disorder at
weekends is much reduced. They
must have been dong something
right!
We were pleased to see some of
the Committee of the Baby &
Toddler Group. These ladies are
new to this position and came
looking for our help. To improve
the facilities for young babies, they
needed funds to purchase some
interlocking play mats and the
Community Council was happy to
award them a grant of £100 for
this. This will also, hopefully,
encourage new members with
babies to join the Group.
Anne Nicholl is working on
improving life for the red
telephone box in Church St. This
is a rather neglected listed
building with a phone that rarely
works and is used as a place for
teenagers to hang around and
keep dry, and as a toilet. Her
suggestion is to have it adopted
by the community and moved to
a more open location, where it
will be less likely to be abused.
BT have an adoption scheme, but
moving it will necessitate having
it de-listed first. If this can be
done, it will no longer have a
telephone.
The area around the McKillop
continues to attract much
comment and debate. Some
people like it, some don‘t, but
regardless, it‘s a popular spot to
sit an pass the time of day, have a
rest and catch some rays (on
those rare occasions that the sun‘s
out to play! I‘ve seen it busier
(and sunnier) than when I took
the photo on p17.
A note from Anne McNaughton,
Renfrewshire Council‘s
Community Council Liaison
Officer about the introduction of
the new Community Council
scheme… Despite our best efforts,
the statutory legal process has
delayed the review timetable and it
is now likely to be nearer the end
of the year or early next year,
realistically, before elections to the
26 proposed new community
councils will be held…So you have
a few months to decide to join us.
There are several ways to contact
the Community Council: e-mail
communitycouncil@lochwinnoch.info
or use the online contact form on
the Community Council page of
the Village website (http://
www.lochwinnoch.info/
community/cc/); write to the
Secretary, Lesley Scott, 79 High
St, PA12 4AB; or leave a message
in the drop-box in the Library. The
Community Council does not
accept anonymous correspondence
so you must include your name and
address.
Or you could come to a meeting,
which are all open to the public.
They are at 7.30pm in the Guild
Room of the Parish Church on the
first Tuesday of the month (except
maybe January, depending on the
date).
This is my personal take on things
– for the official Community
Council line you‘ll have to read the
minutes!
Chris Gould
 Beith Arts Guild
New Concert Season
Our first concert is a very special one -
the Millennium Quartet from
Venezuela are members of the Simon
Bolivar National Youth Orchestra, and
are on tour in Scotland. They are also
helping to teach children in Raploch,
Stirling - to teach them music in the
same way they themselves were
taught, by means of `The
System`. Children from the poorest
slums of Venezuelan cities have been
taught music this way for years, and
have at the same time learned that
they can have a future worth
having. Many of them are now
professional musicians, like the four
who will play for us..
They have been brought to Scotland in
a partnership between Enterprise
Music Scotland and Sistema Scotland.
Enterprise Music Scotland is the body
funded by the Scottish Arts Council to
support top quality chamber music
concerts. Sistema Scotland is a charity
which runs the Big Noise orchestra in
Raploch, Stirling - the first in Europe
to be modelled on Venezuela`s El
Sistema movement which produced
the Millennium Quartet, using
orchestras for social change.
Beith Arts are privileged to be
included in the quartet`s tour, and look
forward to hearing them at 2.30 on
Sunday, 19th September at Beith
Community Centre. All are
welcome. Further information on the
website - www.beitharts.org.
Lochwinnoch
Historical Society
The 2010 - 2011 season begins on
Thursday September 16th at 7.30pm
in the guild room of the Parish
Church.
As this year marks the bicentenary of
the death of Robert Tannahill,
Paisley's premier poet 1774 - 1810, we
will have as guest speaker David
Mullen president of The Robert
Tannahill Federation.
We look forward to seeing all of our
regulars and to welcoming new
members. Annual membership We can provide advice about
remains at £8 and evening visits entitlement to benefits.
are £2. Advisors can help fill in claim
forms and advise on welfare
Tea and coffee will be served. benefits and money problems.
We can check you are receiving all
Gordon Nicholl 842632 the benefits due to you.
Lochwinnoch
Library Opening
Elderly Forum
Hours
A reminder that the Forum
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
September meeting is on Thursday
2pm – 5pm and 6pm – 8pm
30th at 1.30pm following the ROAR
lunch club.
Tuesday & Saturday
Doreen and her team from the
10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm
Community Alarm Service will give
a presentation outlining the aims and
Closed Thursday
objectives of the service and explain
how it all works
Public Holiday - Closed
Gordon Nicholl 842632 Saturday 25th and Monday 27th
September
Lochwinnoch
Library Renew and Reserve
at
Baby & Toddler Rhyme www.renfrewshwire.gov.uk/
libraries
time
At Lochwinnoch Library Library members can view, renew
and reserve their library loans
Every Tuesday online.
From 24th August at
All you need to get started is your
2.15pm
library membership number and a
password. If you don‘t have a
password just ask at any library.
Advice Works Surgery
@
Lochwinnoch Library
This is now an APPOINTMENT
ONLY based surgery. For further
details please contact :
 a 12 month digital TV aftercare If you get a good TV picture now,
Digital TV service. your aerial should still give a good
Switchover picture after the switchover. If you
Over seven million people in the get a poor picture at the moment,
This will occur in this area between UK will be eligible to receive you may need a new aerial or
April & June 2011. help. satellite dish.

The Switchover Help Scheme
can help you make the switch to
digital TV.
We can help you convert your
TV to digital if you:
 are aged 75 or over; or
 get or could get Disability
Living Allowance, Attendance
Allowance, Constant Attendance
Allowance or mobility supplement
or
 have lived in a care home for
six months or more or
 are registered blind or partially
sighted.
The Help Scheme explained
We have been set up to help people
to switch one of their TV sets to
digital. If you are eligible for our
help, we'll explain digital TV to
you clearly and simply. We can
install what you need in your
home. And we'll make sure you're
happy with how it all works.
Our standard offer includes:
 easy-to-use digital equipment;
 home delivery and installation
if you wish;
 an aerial check and
replacement if needed, where we
can;
 a helpline and retuning advice;
If you are eligible for the Help
Scheme, we'll be in touch in
plenty of time to ask if you want
our help.
Will I have to pay?
We will ask you to pay £40
towards:
 easy-to-use digital equipment
 home delivery and installation
if you wish
 an aerial check and
replacement if needed, where we
can
 a helpline and retuning advice
a 12month digital TV aftercare
service.
If you are eligible and you also
get pension credit, income-related
e mp l o y m e n t a n d s u p p o r t
allowance (ESA(IR)), income
s u p po r t o r i nc ome - b a se d
jobseeker's allowance, the help
will be free.
Information on new or
replacement aerials for
rented property
Most people will not need a
replacement aerial to continue
to receive TV after the digital
TV switchover.
The Switchover Help Scheme
offer includes a new aerial or
satellite dish, if needed, supplied
and fitted at the property at no
additional cost.
For people who own their homes,
this process is easy. However, if
the eligible person rents their
home, the Help Scheme can only
install the new aerial or satellite
dish where the eligible person can
show that they have got, or have
made all reasonable attempts to
get, the landlord‘s permission to
any works.
As evidence for this, the Help
Scheme needs confirmation in
writing from the eligible person or
the landlord that they have got or
have made all reasonable attempts
to get the landlord‘s consent to the
installation of a new aerial or
satellite dish.
If a landlord has eligible tenants
and they are responsible for the
a e r i a l , t h e
Help Scheme is happy to receive a
general letter from the landlord or
organisation confirming this and
giving permission for the
installation. The Help Scheme has
created a letter that landlords can
use.

Live locally? Try shopping locally and save on

fuel, time and temper in a pleasant village
environment with good, old-fashioned
personal service.

With Christmas on the horizon, why not spread

Gifts Cards Jewellery Leather Home the cost and start early by
investigating our huge selection of gift ideas?
8 Church Street We also have cards for every occasion plus the
perfect finishing touch for an outfit or home.
Lochwinnoch 01505 843311
Open 9-5 Monday-Saturday Different, affordable and interesting.
and 12-4 on Sundays
In the meantime, if you want more
information for yourself or
someone you know, please call us
on 0800 40 85 900. You won't
have to pay for the call, and our
friendly staff will be delighted to
help.
St Vincent’s Hospice
Moonlit Walk
What’s happening?
On Saturday 11th September 2010
at 10pm in Paisley Town Centre,
St Vincent’s Hospice will be
holding their first “Moonlit Walk”.
You can look forward to an
enjoyable, exciting evening
walking for fun or in memory of
loved ones. Walk with friends,
family members, work colleagues
or just come along and make
friends along the way.
The 5k and 10k walking route will
Start and Finish at the Lagoon
Leisure Centre, Paisley and will
take in some of the historic sights
of Paisley.
Who can take part?
Anyone can take part in the walk,
men, women and children all are
welcome. All you need is
determination and a sense of
adventure. Anyone under the age
of 18 must be accompanied by an
adult on the night
What sponsorship do I require?
To enter we ask you to reserve
your place with a £15 booking
deposit (non refundable) which
includes personal accident
insurance. You will also receive an
event t-shirt, a snack bag and a
medal at the end. We then ask
that you raise a minimum of £50
sponsorship, we would however,
love it if each participant could
raise in the region of £100.
How do I reserve my place?
Contact St Vincent’s Hospice for
an information pack, fill in the
entry form included and return to
the Fundraising Team. Once you
have completed and returned the
form with your deposit, this will
secure your place and in return
you will receive confirmation,
sponsorship forms, and more
details for the night and
directions to the event.
Who benefits?
All the money you raise will go
directly towards providing care
and comfort to our patients in the
Hospice bedded unit, daycare
centre and in the home. The
money also helps us to offer
short time respite care to provide
breaks for carers.
All cheques should be made
payable to St. Vincent’s Hospice
Ltd.
If you require any further
information or have any question
please do not hesitate to contact
the Fundraising Team.
Tel: 01505 705635
Fax: 01505 705975
Whitecart Viaduct
Open Day
Transport Scotland and its partners are
currently delivering a £30 million
package of improvements on M8
White Cart Viaduct near Glasgow Air-
port with the latest phase of works
ongoing until Summer 2011.
Most of these works are taking place
below the bridge deck with little or no
impact on the travelling public. How-
ever some work on the bridge deck,
expected to start late December, will
require vital traffic management meas-
ures to be put in place for around 4-5
months.
The M8 is one of Scotland‘s busiest
routes, with the White Cart Viaduct
section carries over 95,000 vehicles a
day, and this phase is likely to impact
on journey times.
As this matter is likely to be of inter-
est to you, we would like to invite you
to an open day where you will have
the opportunity to gain more informa-
tion and ask any questions.
Event Details
Date: 14 September
Time: 08:00 – 14:00
Venue: Watermill Hotel, Lonend,
Bladda Lane, Paisley, Ren-
frewshire PA1 1SR
This is a drop in event with regular
presentations throughout the day
and representatives of all partners
on hand throughout.

What’s On
(Regular clubs, classes and
local groups)
 Healing and Creativity Work-
shops & Classes. For details or
to book a place, please Tel Becky:
0141 8816700 or Libby on:
015105 842604.
 L o c h wi nno c h C o mm u n it y
Walks - Mondays (ex. Public
Holidays), meet at 10.30 am at
The McKillop Institute.
 Lochwinnoch Playgroup - For
under 5‘s, every Monday, Tues-
day and Wednesday from 9.30-
11.30am at the McKillop Institute.
 Lochwinnoch Toddlers - Mon-
days and Wednesdays from 9.30 -
11.30am, McKillop Institute.
 Lochwinnoch Gymnastics Club
- For primary school-age children
every Monday, 5-8pm at the An-
nexe. Phone Coby for details on:
0772 9051615.
 Lochwinnoch Writers Group—
Monday mornings from 9.30-
11.30am in the Library.
 Advice Works - Surgeries BY
APPOINTMENT ONLY - Mon-
days 2-2.30pm at the Library. *
 Morag’s Keep Fit - Mondays
and Thursdays from 7pm, in the
McKillop Institute.
 Lochwinnoch Choral Society.
Rehearsals on Monday evenings,
Parish Church/ Hall. Juniors 7-
7.45pm, Intermediates 7.30-
8.30pm and Seniors 8pm-
9.15pm.
 Club Latino - weekly Meren-
gue, Salsa and Mambo classes
for adults on Monday evenings
at Lochwinnoch Bowling Club
from 8.30-9.30pm. Details from
Hazel on: 07812 023343.
 Lochwinnoch Art Group
Meet fortnightly on Monday
evenings, 7.30pm, McKillop
Institute.
 Keep Fit - Improving With
Age classes, every Tuesday
from 10am-11am at the Annexe
building in the Park.
 Drop-in T Bar - Lochwinnoch
Elderly Forum. Every Tuesday
and Thursday from 10am-1pm,
McKillop Inst. For details, Tel
Reta: 01505 842054.*
 Baby and Toddler Rhymetime
- every Tuesday at 2.15pm at
Lochwinnoch Library. *Linda
Margaret School of Dancing -
Tuesdays from 4pm-8.45pm,
McKillop Institute. For details,
Tel: 0141 581 9104.
 TaeKwon-Do Fitness and Self-
defence classes for youths and
adults. Tuesdays from 5-6pm,
McKillop Institute and Thurs-
days from 7pm-8pm at Loch-
winnoch Primary School. For
details Tel: 01259 210716.
 Lochwinnoch Scottish Coun-
try Dance Club Every Tues-
day, from 7.30-9.30pm, McKil-
lop Inst.
 Jogging Buddies - Wednesday
evenings. Meet at McKillop
Inst. at 6.30pm. For details, Tel:
0141 887 1357 or 07947
763704.
 Girls Brigade - 1st Loch-
winnoch Company Wednesday
evenings from 6pm-9.15pm at
the Parish Church Hall for various
age groups.
 Boys Brigade - Anchor Boys and
Junior Sections meet on Tuesday
nights and Company
Section on Friday evenings,
Parish Church Hall.
 Yoga Classes - Wednesday eve-
nings: at 6pm and 7.30pm,
McKillop Inst. Yoga, breathing
practice, intro. to meditation. Tel
Mary: 01505 842877.
 Happy Harminis - Fun for pre-
school children on Thursdays
10am-11am, McKillop Inst. Tel:
Frankie : 01505 612248.
 Slinky Strollers - on Thursday
mornings (details on back page).
 ROAR Lunch Club - every
Thursday from 11.45am
PROMPT at the McKillop Insti-
tute. Please Note - ONLY ONE
SITTING.
 TaeKwon-Do Little Tiger Cubs.
Classes for 3-5 year olds, on
Thursdays from 4.15pm-5pm at
McKillop Inst. Tel: 01259
210716 for details.
 Calder Drama Club—
Thursdays, from 8pm-10pm
McKillop Institute.Scottish Slim-
mers - Thursdays, 7/7.30pm,
McKillop Inst.
 Lochwinnoch Pre-School Gym-
nastics ( 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.
DogTraining at The Annexe
(Pre-booking necessary)
Mondays 9.30am - Advanced/Intermediate
Mondays 10.30am - Juvenile/Intermediate
Tuesdays 6.30pm - Puppy Course
(8 week blocks)
Tuesdays 7.30pm - Juvenile/Intermediate
Tuesdays 8.30pm - Ad-
vanced/Intermediate
Thursdays 6.30pm - Puppy Course
(8 week blocks)
Thursdays 7.30pm - Juve-
nile/Intermediate
Thursdays 8.30pm - Ad-
vance/Intermediate
Please phone/email for further informa-
tion, to book a place or for information on
outdoor classes.
Anne D Moss MSc (CABC), PGCE,
 More What’s on and
diary dates
Lochwinnoch SWRI
The first meeting of the new
session is on Wednesday 15
September when Mrs Margaret
Mungavin will demonstrate simple
floral arrangements designed to
impress. There will be a hands-on
opportunity to create your own
small masterpiece to take home.
The competitions for members are:
a Jar of Raspberry Jam and a Fresh
Flower Corsage.
We have a varied programme
planned for the coming months
with something to interest
everyone and we welcome new
members and visitors. Our
meetings are held in the McKillop
Hall on the third Wednesday of
each month. With annual
membership costing only £10 (£2
per meeting for visitors) it is an
inexpensive night out and you
will be made most welcome.
Look forward to seeing you on
the 15th September.
Evening Classes at St
Columba’s School – start
14 Sept
A new session of evening classes
at St Columba's School in
Kilmacolm will start on Tuesday
14 September – Art, Bridge,
Creative Writing, Cake Creations,
Crafty Cards, Digital
Photography with Desk Top
Publishing and Beginner‘s Golf.
These will run for eight weeks,
ending on Tuesday 16 November
(closed 12th and 19th Oct) and
will cost £60. The classes are fun
and informal and suitable for all
levels.
Classes will be held at the Senior
School, Duchal Road,
Kilmacolm, PA13 4AU, except
Beginner's Golf which will be
held in the Games Hall at Junior
School, Knockbuckle Road,
Kilmacolm, PA13 4EQ.
For more details and a booking
form please visit the school
website http://www.st-
columbas.org/page/
Evening_Classes.aspx
T: 01505 872238, E: kzhang@st-
columbas.org
Thursday 16th September
7.30pm
Lochwinnoch Golf Club
An evening of live Jazz with the
Lorne Cowieson Band
Including Italian antipasti meal
Tickets £17 pp bookings
essential. Price includes .25p
daily membership
Lochwinnoch Golf Club
'Fridays' starting mid September
'7 to 11 Club'
Set 3 Course meal for £10.95
Price includes .25p daily
membership
Yoga with Mary Laidlaw
I have begun a new Yoga Class in
Houston's Carrick Centre on
Mondays at 1.15pm until 2.45pm
especially for the Over 50's and
although we are in the 3rd week,
there is lots of room for others to
join in......men and women.
(although it's all women so far)
I decided to try an Over 50's class
as many older people seemed to be
put off by "bendy young things"
and the 6/8 women who
have joined up appear to
appreciate the space and the
pace! Very suitable for
beginners....no matter what
a i l m e n t s .
I would also be interested to know
if any men out there would like a
Men Only class for beginners
yoga???? Just a thought....!
Coffee Morning
Saturday 2nd October
Fall Ball Ceilidh
Friday 29th October
McKillop Institute
VILLAGE EVENT
CALENDAR for 2010
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 publicise
your events and to avoid any clashes
when planning dates to hold events.
 Funded IT Training
for the Unemployed
The University of the West of
Scotland has a number of fully-
funded places available on its IT
Academy training program at the
Paisley, Hamilton and Ayr
campuses, aimed at enhancing
career prospects for the
unemployed by providing industry-
recognised qualifications.
Eligibility is subject to individuals
meeting the Government fee
waiver criteria for part-time
students. Funding may be available
to assist with travel expenses and
c h i l d c a r e c o s t s .
Courses start: Monday 27th
S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0 .
Courses available:
 Microsoft Certified Systems
Administrator (MCSA)
 Microsoft Certified Desktop
Support Technician (MCDST) plus
Technology Specialist for Vista
Client along with CompTIA A+ IT
Essentials
 Cisco Certified Network
Associate (CCNA)
 Microsoft. NET 3.5 Web
Applications Developer
CIW Master Website Designer
along with CIW Database
Specialist
that are normally closed to the
public. Some open up once a
year, some just once in a
lifetime...
Doors Open Days in
Renfrewshire this year are
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th
September.
This is a great 2-day event across
Paisley and Renfrewshire with
over 60 buildings taking part.
There is a Children's Passport
Scheme whereby Children can
collect a passport highlighting
buildings taking part in DOD. If
they visit at least 5 buildings and
get their passport stamped they
will receive a prize!
For more information about
what‘s on across Renfrewshire
and the rest of Scotland go to:
http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/
opendays/
Doors Open
in Lochwinnoch
Castle Semple Visitor Centre
and Peel Tower open both days
(10.00-20.00)
Tower tours on demand between
2pm &4pm - admire the views
over the Loch! Illustrated talk "In
Search Of Castle Semple". If you
are a Semple come along and raise
the Semple flag!
Events will take place between
14.00-15.00
Parish Church, Church Street
Open Sunday (13.00-16.00)
St John's Church - Auld Simon,
Johnshill Open Sunday (Open ac-
cess)

Further information:
Morag Robertson
0141 848 3912
morag.robertson@uws.ac.uk

Doors Open Days

11th and 12th
September
These give you free access to
hundreds of fascinating buildings
across Scotland. Every weekend in
September you can explore places
 Lochwinnoch's
Noah's Ark
by Derek Parker
THE old Lochwinnoch railway
station at St Winnoc Road fulfilled
an important role in the
commercial, recreational and social
life of the village until its closure
in 1966.
The station was the starting point
in June, 1950, for the record long
distance train removal in the
history of British Railways. This
took place when local famer Hugh
McLean Walker transferred his
entire family, along with 40 brown
-and-white Ayrshire cattle, horses,
poultry, farm implements and
motor car all the way from
Lochwinnoch to Bude in Cornwall,
not far from Land's End.
The 'Noah's Ark Special,' as it was
called, travelled a total of 550
miles and the journey lasted for
nearly 24 hours. Special
arrangements were made for the
steam engine-drawn train to stop at
Birmingham in the English
Midlands to allow farmer Walker
and his staff to detrain and and
milk and feed the cows. An
additional stop at Okehampton in
Devon was cancelled because the
train ran 90 minutes late.
Mr Walker lived at Conveth Farm,
halfway up the lonely Calder Glen,
between Lochwinnoch and
Muirshiel estate. The farm, also
known as East Tandlemuir, was
subsequently occupied for many
years by well-known sheep-farmer
Quinton McKellar and his wife,
Betty, our renowned village poet.
Mr Walker was aged 29 when he
decided to seek pastures new and
move to Cornwall. He looked all
over England before choosing
Great Beer Farm, near Bude, which
covered 188 acres. Sadly, things may not have gone as
It was an amazing spectacle as well as Mr Walker hoped. Less
the livestock moved from the than eight years later, on January
Renfrewshire hill farm and were 10, 1958, the freehold of Great
driven down the road from Beer Farm was offered for sale by
Conveth to the railway station public auction. Also on the market
where they were loaded into was what was described as the
covered wagons. 'Conveth' herd of 58 TT/attested
and officially milk recorded cattle -
along with a 'splendid collection of
farm implements, machinery and
baled hay.
According to the brochure, the sale
was held to dissolve what was
described as the Messrs McLean-
Walker and Co partnership. We
can only hope that farmer
Walker's agricultural pilgrimage on
the Noah's Ark Special to his
promised land of milk and honey
did not terminate in a flood of tear.
Mr and Mrs Walker and their
children sat in a passenger coach
at the rear end of the train, along
with their dog, cats and portable
wireless. They were accompanied
by their cowman, Mr Andrew
Todd, and his wife, who also
travelled to Cornwall to make a
new home for themselves.
Following his arrival at Bude, Mr
Walker told newspaper reporters
he would concentrate on dairy
farming. He expected his first
two years to be hard work but the
winter feeding of livestock would
require less of his time than in
Renfrewshire because the
Cornish climate was milder and Derek Parker worked as a
drier. countryside ranger at Clyde
Muirshiel Regional Park from
And he was confident his family 1985 till 1999.
would have a comfortable living
once he recouped his capital. He
considered his Ayrshire herd
would do well in the Cornwall
weather and that he would breed
them for milk and beef. But
he reckoned the land and
buildings needed considerable
attention to get the farm up and
running.

What’s happening on
the Village Website
The month of August has flashed
past as we hurtle our way towards
Christmas at an alarming rate. The
forums have been as busy as
always seeing 22 active threads
this month, ranging from ―Happy
Birthdays‖ in which Dez Drynan
turned 40, and pseudonym Crystal
Healer celebrated a birthday. Many
happy returns to the both of you.
Also in topics was ―Masonic
Symbols‖ ...Kitkat2 wrote
"I just noticed the other day that
there appears to be a plaque with
Masonic-like symbols on the gable
end of the McKillop (the gable
nearest the bank).
Anyone any idea why this is there,
or, if it is not Masonic, what it is?
I don't know why I've never noticed
this before."
to avoid law suits!), things you
wish you had known before
starting out, smart solutions you
stumbled upon, good/bad
materials,
etc. Thank you."
The website is used by many in
and around the village and further
afield. If you haven't yet done so
you can log on to
www.lochwinnoch.info and
check it out for yourself. It's easy
to join and you can use your own
name or a pseudonym. You
choose, it's your choice.
The photo gallery has many
fantastic pictures of events and
locals over the years. So if you
have any pictures you have taken
and would like to share them with
us, you can register online or
s e n d t h e m t o
barbara@lochwinnoch.info. They
would be most welcome.
Having computer problems?
Then why not try ―Geek speak‖
This is the place to get answers to
all those techie questions about
computers you were always afraid
to ask. If you have problems telling
a nybble from a byte, this is for
you.
You can also keep up to date with
what's happening with the ―RSPB
Grapevine‖ or visit ―Distant
Voices‖ where many family's have
reconnected after moving away.
―For sale and wanted‖ forum is
well used within the village
ranging from concert tickets to
items of furniture. Well worth a
visit on the run up to Christmas!
Any way new users are always
welcome on any of the forums.
There are some guidelines which
can be found in ―Talkback‖ under
―Forum Guidelines & Admin
Policy‖
We look forward to your visit.

Some posters looking for help/

advice... Coffee Junkie asked VOLUNTEERS OF ALL AGES WANTED IN
"Lost 2 large tom cats. Black & LOCHWINNOCH!
white. One has a blue collar.
Are you interested in becoming involved
Missing 10 days from Corsefield in your community?
Rd.. If you spot my cats please
telephone 07817 442409
Thank you"
We need volunteers of all ages in your area to help out at the ROAR
Lunch and Activity Club every Thursday in the McKillop Institute.
Catnap was looking for info on...
" Can any one wi th recent If you would like to know more about our services, please
experience offer advice on having contact us for an informal chat on
a new kitchen fitted - good/bad 0141 889 7481
experience with particular
companies (better make that by PM

From the
Parish
Church
If a child...
If a child grows up with criticism, she will
learn to criticise;
if a child grows up with hate, he will learn
to fight;
if a child grows up with shame, she will
learn to feel shame;
if a child grows up with praising, he will
learn to appreciate;
if a child grows up with encouragement,
she will learn to be confident;
if a child grows up with understanding, he
will learn to be patient;
if a child grows up with justice, she will
learn to be fair;
if a child grows up with security, she will
learn to trust;
if a child grows up with approval. he will
learn self-esteem;
if a child grows up with acceptance and
friendship, she will learn to love in life.
Anonymous
In his play ―Richelieu‖, Edward
Bulwer-Lytton claimed ―the pen is
mightier than the sword‖. The Bible
tells us, ―the tongue is a fire‖1. In
other words, use your words wisely.
Words matter; how we use them
matters; the tone of our voices matter.
Words can be used to build up and to
tear down. A friend told me a story
recently of two contrasting maths
lessons. In an inner city
comprehensive in England a class
were given maths questions in terms
of, ―If you have 6 oranges and ate two
and gave away three, how many
would you have?‖ While in one of the
top public schools pupils were asked,
―You have £2million and wish to buy
a manufacturing plant which will cost
£5million. How much extra money do
you need to raise?‖ We can laugh at
the difference, yet in one school pupils
are being taught about ordinary every
day things, while in another pupils are
being taught, not just how to add and
subtract, they are being told, ―You
will be the owners of manufacturing
plants, you will be the entrepreneurs
and the bosses in life.‖
Of course we all know of the
exception that breaks the rule;
children born with little or no
opportunities who grab every chance
that comes their way to make
something of their lives. A couple of
nights ago I was amazed to hear a
good news story while watching the
news. It was a story about a 24 year
old British basketball player,
originally from the Sudan, currently
playing for the Chicago Bulls. Luol
Deng and his family fled the civil
war in Sudan and were granted
refugee status in the UK. Luol now
has a British passport having
become a naturalised citizen. He
showed talent in basketball and
studied in America before turning
professional. Luol knows he is
lucky. Lucky to have fled to Egypt
to escape the civil war aged just 5
years of age. It was there he began
playing basketball. Lucky, too, to be
one of the highest paid sportsmen in
the world.
Yet Deng has not been affected by
fame or the celebrity status he has
achieved and he genuinely cares
about other people. He believes he
owes a debt of gratitude to his
adopted home of the UK and to the
land of his birth. While he may have
signed a multi-million dollar
contract with the Chicago Bulls,
Deng recently played a match for
Team GB for a fee of just £72. He
hopes to represent Team GB at the
2012 Olympic Games. Deng also
uses his fame to help those still
affected by the crisis in his former
home. He has signed up to a scheme
where every basket he makes, he
donates $50 to a foundation which
helps children in southern Sudan.
Luol Deng has won numerous
awards for his work off the court, in
particular his work with the Luol
Deng Foundation 2 and UN Refugee
Agency.
Recently the young sportsman
returned to the Sudan. He said that it
felt like he had finally come home
and he hoped his trip would inspire
others to help those less fortunate
than themselves. He has said of
himself, ―My athletics abilities have
opened many doors of opportunity
for me, along with playing in the
NBA, I am fortunate to be in a
position to genuinely help others and
I intend to take full advantage of that
opportunity.‖ It is hardly surprising
that he has been chosen as an
ambassador for the 2012 Olympic
Games.
It would have been so easy for
someone like Luol to look back on his
hard start in life and wallow in self
pity. However, he has risen to the top
of an extremely competitive sport and
he has remembered his roots. I wonder
what would have happened if he had
not been encouraged to play
basketball? I wonder what would have
happened if his family had focused on
the rivalries and hatred of the civil
war? Yet clearly he is part of a family
that looked to a new future when they
left Sudan; this boy has been taught to
be confident and have self esteem, he
has been taught to be fair, to share his
good fortune and above all,
somewhere along the way, he has
learned to love other people.
It is not just children who are affected
by the words we use. Adults too need
to hear words of encouragement and
acceptance. My prayer is that we all
hear words which build us up and
never tear us down.
Yours,
Rev Christine Murdoch
1 James 3. 6
2 see http://www.luoldeng.org/ for more
information.
USEFUL
CONTACT NUMBERS
Strathclyde Police –0141 532 5900
Johnstone Police –01505 404000
Johnstone Community Safety
Office – 01505 404023
Trading Standards 0141 840 3184
Care and Repair – 0141 812 4111
Victim Support – 0141 887 0328
Nuisance Support & Advice
Helpline – 0800 169 1283
Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
Renfrewshire Council -
Tel: 0141 842 5000
Anti-social Behaviour
Investigation
Team (ASIST) - 0141 840 2163
 Pawsitive Action
I just want to say a huge Thank
You to all those involved on
Sunday 15 th August. The
weather was stunning and the
atmosphere was buzzing. All the
dogs were enjoying the
stimulation and it was great to
see how the owners were
relaxed while out and about in
our Country Parks. See the
pictures opposite.
What a fantastic surprise it was
for the students, Gleniffer Braes
Rangers and for Pawsitive
Action to have Councillor
Lorraine Cameron, SNP Paisley
South West, to join us with her
little puppy. She enjoyed
participating in our class and
picking up some positive helpful
tips to recall her puppy back to
her when walking on a loose
leash. Thank you for making the
time and spending it with our
class, as well as giving them
your support and encouraging
them to become responsible dog
owners.
Gael and John Hunter,
Proprietors of Multidrop UK,
stood faithfully at the tent and
presented a free goodie bag to
all dog owners which contained
information leaflets, poo bags
and treats. Everyone in the park
that day was delighted to see us
there to raise the issues of: Dog
Fouling, Outdoor Access Code
and Getting Your Dog Under
Control.
Joe Waclawski, RC Parks and
Recreation manager and his
rangers Judith and Claire have
invited us back and is delighted
with the comments already
received by the public and Clean
Renfrewshire Dept. They have
expressed a sincere
appreciation to our voluntary
group supporting them in their
daily issues of concern in their
parks.
Suzanne Reid, Capricorn Film
Productions and Dog Training
Instructor thought the training
and educational day was a
great success and is excited to
continue her support for future
events. She has got some good
footage and is already working
on a DVD for Pawsitive
Action.
All of the above would not
have been achieved if it was
not for all of the help of great
volunteers. I cannot thank you
all enough for your time,
dedication and the belief in
bringing education to the
public in a positive, relaxed
and friendly way. Helping to
promote the message of dog
owners‘ responsibilities whilst
Out and About, doing so in
safety and consideration to the
general public.
Tony Gibb, Bryony White and
myself, Jacquie Dougan,
(instructors) have had a terrific
time going from park to park
with you all, rain or shine.
Each week it was wonderful to
hear your stories and watch
you all progress in a pawsitive
manner. To watch your
confidence grow with training,
giving you the skills to help
get your dog under control
whilst distractions where all
around. To see you relaxed and
enjoying meeting other dogs
with confidence gives us great
reward.
Thank you for being great
students and practicing positive
training games at home with
your family pack member.
Last but not least I would like to
say Thank You to all of our
sponsors, helpers, Park Rangers
and Managers, the radio, TV
and press for support and news
coverage
If anyone would like to get
involved or know more about
Pawsitive Action and how we
may help your group or
community, please do not
hesitate to contact us.
Volunteers are always
welcomed, needed and
appreciated.
Thank you to everyone above,
your help has been gratefully
received and appreciated. We
look forward to working with
you again in the future.
All the very best
Jacquie Dougan and Tony Gibb.
P.S. We have received a number
of enquires to continue our out-
door classes so look out for
more information on Pawsitive
Action page in the near future,
VISITOR CENTRES
SUMMER OPENING HOURS
RSPB Reserve The Reserve is open
at all times. Visitor Centre open
daily, 10am-5pm. Tel: 01505
842663.
Castle Semple Centre Open daily
from 10am - 5pm from April to Octo-
ber 2010. Tel: 01505 842882.
Greenock Cut Centre Open daily
from 11am-4pm from April to Octo-
ber 2010. Tel: 01475 521458
Muirshiel Centre Open daily from
11am-4pm from April to October ‗10.
Tel: 01505 842803
 Kenmuir Hill & Temple at Dawn

A Class underway at the

Pawsitive Action day at
Glennifer Braes

YOU might not like the new look around the McKillop, but…
 Regional Park Round-Up
Early Autumn 2010
Len Howcutt, Countryside Ranger,
to retire in September
Len started work at Castle Semple in
1978. His last weekend in the Park is
during Doors Open Day Weekend
11/12 Sept. He has always been keen
on local history hence his connections
with the Semples Family and his
recent Barites Mine walk.
Len as 1st Lord Semple
Summer Activities
There have been some wet moments–
but overall lots of people, young and
old have been enjoying getting
outdoors in the Regional Park this
summer. The Ranger lead summer
activity programmes have all been
very popular – do look out for the
winter what‘s on guide or look online
soon to see what events and activities
the Rangers have on this autumn.
Len with Barites mining tools
Wildlife on Screen
The 2010 Hen Harrier family
provided lots of entertainment for
visitors to Muirshiel during the
summer holidays. We hope you have
been able to visit and you gave us
your feedback too. We will be
showing highlights of the footage until
early September and there this is still
‗wildlife at the window’ to look at
on a daily basis.
A Gander at our Menagerie
The gaggle of assorted Swans and
Ducks that hang around Castle
Semple Loch has been increasing
lately. Have you noticed the two
Greylag Geese and a Canada Goose
that have joined the party? The
waterfowl frequent the beach area
near the entrance to the car park
waiting for visitors to throw them
left over chips, pizzas or even whole
loaves of bread. The resident Mute
swans, some with families, Mallard
ducks, black-headed gulls and the
Whooper Swan with the broken
wing have had to make room in the
pecking order for these newcomers.
Visitors are asked to throw bread
into the water to aid digestion and
not to feed the birds too much in
order that they have a balanced diet
and ‗eat their greens‘.
Water Rollers at Castle Semple
The two huge inflatable water rollers
or ‗Zorbs‘ are proving popular at
Castle Semple, have you had a go
yet? Two children can get in one so
it‘s only £2.50 a head and they
provide plenty of exercise in a short
space of time! Andy of North
Adventure has them for hire at
weekends from 10.00 hrs each day.
Alternatively there are row boats, sit
on kayaks, canoes or aqua trikes.
K9 Visitors
Members of Pawsitive Action were
at Greenock Cut Visitor Centre in
August to promote responsible dog
ownership, we are looking forward to
seeing lots of responsible dogs….and
their owners!
International Volunteers
CMRP have just been hosting 11
volunteers from Xchange Scotland for
2 weeks, they stayed on our campsite
at Barnbrock did a range of
conservation work and community
activities as part of their cultural
exchange. Thanks to everyone in the
village that came along to their final
night ceilidh in the church hall, a great
night was had by all.
Mountain Bike pals?
Enjoy getting out on your bike but
would like some local company?
Send us an email to
routes@clydemuirshiel.co.uk and
we‘ll let you know when folk are
going out.
Reminder ‘Calling all Cyclists‘
We are slowing gathering information
on where and how often people cycle
within the Regional Park and what
developments you would like to see in
the future. What ever type of cycling
you do or don‘t do (!), on road, off
road, on your own, with your family
we‘d like to hear from you. Please get
in contact preferably by email to
routes@clydemuirshiel.co.uk. In the
future there will be other consultations
and surveys to inform the Park‘s
cycling initiative. Currently we are
trying to establish a baseline of
activity and need.
Regular Events or Activities
Lochwinnoch Community Walks
take place every Monday (but not on
Public Holidays) –meet 10:30 at The
Cross, Lochwinnoch.
Slinky Stroller walks (parents &
pushchairs) take place every Thursday
meet 10.30 at Castle Semple Visitor
Centre. They do stop for a few weeks
in the summer holidays. Contact
Castle Semple for more information.
Castle Semple Bike Hire Mountain,
electric, comfort, and children‘s bikes
plus tag-a-long, tandems and trailers
are available for hire all at weekends,
public and school holiday. Contact
Martin of Express Cycle Repairs on
07867 790 889 to arrange hire out
with these times.
Castle Semple Boat Hire. Zorbs,
row boats, pedal boats and kayaks are
available for hire at weekends, public
and school holiday. Contact Andy of
North Adventure on 07949 984 181
for more info and operating hours,
equipment availability is subject to
weather conditions.
Outdoor Activity Courses such as
kayaking, sailing, archery, map and
compass skills run all season primarily
at Castle Semple. Some courses are
listed here, please look on the web
www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk for more
dates. Castle Semple has an AALS
(Activity Adventure Licensing
Service) number and is a RYA and
BCU Training Centre.
Talks & Presentations Our
Countryside Rangers are available to
give advice or talks to groups on
countryside issues, walks and natural
history. Contact them as early as
possible for assistance.
Walks Each Visitor Centre has a
variety of walks ranging in length
from a wheelchair friendly 400m to
10km plus trails. These can be
completed at anytime.
Sun 5 Sept L o c h w i n n o c h
Autumn Farmers Market
Celebrate Scottish Food Fortnight in
Lochwinnoch. This market provides
the opportunity to buy local food and
drink in a very scenic loch side
location. Come by bicycle to collect a
free bar of Caunrie Soap and or enjoy
the samples from Houston Brewing
Company. Stalls are located inside
and outside. Fencebay Fishery are
making a welcome return.
Castle Semple 11:00 - 14:30 hrs or
until sold out
Tel 01505 842 882 Ex20
Fri 10 Sept
Wild Food Ranger Walk
Autumn is a great time to visit Clyde
Muirshiel Regional Park. At this
time of year, woods and hedgerows
are bursting with seeds, nuts and
berries. Getting out and about is the
best way to experience Scotland's
seasonal offerings. Join a foraging
Countryside Ranger on a short walk
t h r o u g h t h e S S S I
designated Shielhill Glen wood and
discover how to identify common
food plants and learn about the Wild
Food Code.
Greenock Cut Visitor Centre
13.00 – 15.00 hrs
Info & bookings 01475 521 458
Fri 10 to Mon 13 Sept
Taste of Inverclyde
It‘s the weekend for Doors Open
Day in Inverclyde, the Park is
opening its doors as well as doing a
wild food forage, walks or tours start
at 13.00 hrs.
Greenock Cut Visitor Centre
13.00 – 15.00 hrs
Info & bookings 01475 521 458
Fri 10 Sept Batty About Bats
Jojn Rangers Pat and Len for their
annual bat walk and talk. This will
be Len‘s last bat walk as a
Countryside Ranger as he is about to
retire, although he plans to continue
his bat survey studies and will still
be helping in the running of Clyde
Bat Group.
MEET: Castle Semple
19.30 hrs – 21.30hrs approx
Info & bookings 01505 842 882
Ex20
Sat 11 & Sun 12 Sept
Doors Open Day: Tower Tours,
Historical Display, Fly the Flag.
Tour the top of the Castle Semple
Visitor Centre tower, view old
photos, illustrated presentations and
artefacts from the 2009 Dig.
Numbers are limited on each tour
but they do run throughout each day.
Castle Semple 10:00 – 15:30
Tel 01505 842 882 Ex20
Sat 11 & Sun 12 Sept
Fly the Semple Family Flag
Castle Semple opens its doors to all
Semples and invites them to join
Countryside Ranger Len Howcutt
(Honorary Semple) to raise the
Semple Family Flag. Len is keen to
meet as many Semples as possible on
this, his last weekend as a Countryside
Ranger at Clyde Muirshiel. Len
started his Ranger career at Castle
Semple in 1978.
Castle Semple 10:00 – 15:30
Tel 01505 842 882 Ex20
Sat 18 & Sun 19 Sept
Adult Sailing Course
This RYA Level 1 course provides a
basic introduction to dinghy sailing,
ideal for beginners or those needing a
general refresher.
Castle Semple 10.00 – 16.00 hrs each
day Cost: from £85
Info: tel 01505 842 882 Ex20,
booking ESSENTIAL at least 7 days
in advance.
Sat 18 & Sun 19 Sept
Beach Watch Survey Weekend
It‘s happening all round Scotland‘s
shores this weekend. Head to your
local beach to help collect the rubbish
and record the finds. Gloves and litter
pickers provided.
Lunderston Bay 13.00 hrs
Info & bookings 01475 521 458
Fri 24 to Mon 27 Sept
Boots, Bikes & Boats
Explore outdoors on bikes, in boats or
on foot. Enjoy early autumn at Castle
Semple Country Park, mountain,
electric and kids bikes for hire; boats,
kayaks, zorbs for hire subject to
suitable weather conditions!
Refreshments available in the Visitor
Centre
Castle Semple From 11:00 or until
poor weather stops play!
Info: Castle Semple Visitor Centre
01505 842 882
Andy of North Adventure on 07949
984 181 or
Martin of Express Cycle Repairs on
07867 790 889
Mon 27 Sept
Paddling Course
A BCU certificated 1 Star course ideal
for those keen to develop their
paddling skills in a kayak or a canoe.
Castle Semple 10.00 – 16.00 hrs each
day Cost from £30
 PAISLEY OPERATIC SOCIETY
giving Concert of
Well Known Show Tunes
in
Lochwinnoch Parish Church
Friday 8th October 2010
@ 7.30pm
(further details to follow)
Forthcoming
Events at the RSPB
Reserve
SEPTEMBER
Sat 11 - Sun 19 Sept
10am - 4pm Daily
Second-hand natural history
books and optics sale
Here is your chance to pick up
some bargain books and
optics. You can also dispose
of your old ones, either as a
donation or for us to sell on
your behalf. Donations can
be accepted throughout the
year.
Sat 18 –Sun 19 Sept
11am - 4pm
Amazing autumn
Crunchy leaves, fungi hunts
and camouflaged creatures.
Join us for a weekend of
autumn fun. Stout footwear
and waterproofs
recommended.
Cost £2 non-members
FREE for RSPB members.
Sat 25 & Sun 26 Sept
10am – 4pm
Optics Weekend
An opportunity to choose
from a wide range of
competitively priced
binoculars and telescopes,
including RSPB Optics, with
the added bonus that 100%
of the profits go directly to
helping conservation. FREE
expert advice available all
weekend.
OCTOBER
Mon 11 Oct 11am – 4pm
Wildlife Fun Day!
Join us for a fun filled day full of
games, crafts and wildlife fun
suitable for the whole family.
Stout footwear and waterproofs
recommended.
Cost £2 non-members
FREE for RSPB members.
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