Nuisance Helpline

Anti-Social Behaviour
Noise problems
CHATTERBOX ASIST
Anti-Social
Investigation Team
Support and Advice
No 192 December 2009 Office 8:45am – 4:45pm
Every day 9am – 10pm
www.lochwinnoch.info Tel: 0141 840 2163
Tel: 0800 169 1283

Community newsletter produced by lochwinnoch publicity committee for lochwinnoch cc

What’s On Thank you This Hallowe’en he came to us and

asked if he could dress up in his toy
See centre pages for to a kind-hearted Royal Marines outfit, wear his
club activities, village events Village poppy and collect money for Help
and classes. for Heroes instead of asking for
See back pages for sweets when he went guising.
Visitor Centre/RSPB events and
Gregor registered as a fundraiser
outdoor activities.
with Help for Heroes and committed
to a target of £100.

There are times when your children

Season’s Greetings make you especially proud, but when
and thank you an exhausted little "soldier" col-
lapsed on the settee after 3 hours of
to everyone - guising, with a full collection tin and
we counted it out and discovered he
our readers, writers, had collected £126.51p, it had to
sponsors, volunteers and be up there with the best!
all contributors who have No-one turned him away. He met
supported Chatterbox one ex-RAF serviceman and one
throughout 2009. serving soldier on his rounds as well
as many kind villagers, including
other children who put their own
We wish you all a very Hallowe’en money - which they had
Merry Christmas and good Our 10 year old son Gregor is pas- received - into his tin.
health and much happiness sionate about support for our lads in
the armed forces and has always Thank you to all who supported him.
in 2010. been greatly touched when hearing Your kindness is very appreciated
from about those who have laid down and a postal order is on its way to
their lives in the service of their Help for Heroes, courtesy of a Kind
Yvonne, Hazel, Hearted Village.
country, as well as those heroes who
Margaret and Ken have been seriously injured; most of
at Team Chatterbox them we will never hear about. Neil & Donna Armstrong

Editorial & copy for Chatterbox

Let us have your stories, notices, news,
information, events & items of interest —
MATTHEW NEW & SONS
either hand-deliver them to the Chatter-
box drop-box in the Library or e-mail to: ROOFING - ROUGHCASTING - BUILDING MAINTENANCE
[email protected]
Emergency Repairs, Storm Damage
To advertise in Chatterbox
Tel: 07899 746403 or e-mail:
Insurance Work, New Roofs, Flat Roofs
[email protected] Roughcasting –UPVC Cladding—Guttering
Copy Deadline
Tel No 01505 843400
for JANUARY 2010 Issue Is FMB Certificate No 26366
Tuesday 29th December
 From the sublime to the ridiculous (but fun) We’ll Remember
He was a quiet child.
From: coveted Coeur de Lion Swarovski and glass jewellery; He hid himself
lovely leather handbags, purses and wallets; glamorous glass-
ware; handsome handmade Belltrees iron candlesticks; funky
behind his wide dark eyes
chunky necklaces and bracelets; sensuous silver; seriously scented so we misjudged his size
sachets and fragrances; stylish scarves; yummy Yankee candles; never guessed
terrific Terramundi money pots; tremendous toys and well loved the depth
Willow Tree. inside that quietness -
the rare raw braveness.
To: comical Christmas toilet rolls; singing Santas; seriously silly
Christmas cards and funny, Festive Fair Trade reindeers - in short We see it today
everything that brings out the child in us all at Christmas. in photograph -
the soldier-man
We have something just a little different for every member resplendently red-dressed
of the family and your home at prices that will surprise you
standing forever at attention
and friendly personal service. Keep it local and interesting this
year - even if you can’t decide, we do gift vouchers.
on his mother’s mantel-shelf.

We come with our respect

to see him
wrapped in the Union Jack
this boy who’d overcome Iraq
this soldier-man who’d shown
his same rare courage
Gifts Cards Jewellery Leather Home in the streets of home.

May he have rest

near where our Calder River flows
where pointed spires of yew
have grown.
LCBG So we are now researching
We’ve gathered him in,
possible sources of funding. In
The Struthers Project the past the Big Lottery Fund he’s with his own.
would have been our first port Come next November
of call, but it is closed just now We’ll remember him.
while they reconsider their pri-
After a long spell of no move- orities. ***
ment, LCBG were recently con-
tacted by the owners of the Help from anyone with fund- A tribute to Paul McGee
Struthers site to find out if the raising experience would be and the Scots Guards
villagers still wanted to buy the much appreciated! who brought out the fine man in him.
site.
Of course, the committee replied Please email : Betty McKellar
in the affirmative! [email protected]
November 2009

CHATTERBOX VILLAGE EVENT

Chatterbox is a free, community newspaper, produced every month on behalf of the
CALENDAR for 2010
Community Council of Lochwinnoch through support and financial assistance from Lochwinnoch Post Office has a wall-
local sponsors and advertisers and distributed by volunteers.
mounted planner, where members of
The aim of those involved is to produce an informative and entertaining journal for the public can enter details of forth-
those who live, work and visit in this area. coming events. Please use this plan-
ner to avoid any clashes when choos-
The Editor welcomes all items for possible inclusion but will reserve all rights over ing dates to hold events, and to help
them, i.e. the right to shorten, edit or not publish any item. Please note, all views are publicise your own events in and
of individuals and the Editor accepts no liability for editorial errors or statements and around the village and local area.
claims made in advertisements.
ST VINCENT’S HOSPICE Lee McKinlay ………. Holistic & Beauty Therapies
Swedish Massage Waxing
Aromatherapy Massage Eye Treatments
Reflexology Manicure
Facials Pedicure
A Mobile Service to promote Relaxation
Gift Vouchers Available
Telephone 07854 715625
St. Vincent’s Hospice has been caring for
Renfrewshire patients and their families I recently had the pleasure of at-
for over 21 years. They touch the lives of Councillor Arthur’s tending the Renfrewshire Provost’s
an average of 500 people each month, and Report Charity ball which was in support
their focus has always been to provide
of Multiple Sclerosis. It was a
their services to the highest of standards to Three village groups were suc-
the community. fabulous night with £23,000 being
cessful with their applications for raised, of which £12,000 came
To celebrate their 21 years of caring and grants to our Local Area Commit- from a charity auction on the
to launch their Precious Moments Cam- tee:- night.
paign, St. Vincent’s have decided to ac- Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum
knowledge their journey by bringing a were granted £1300, The recent full house performance
fresh eye to their look. The chosen iden- Calder Drama £499 and from the Garthland St.Winnoch
tity is the result of working closely with the recently formed Lochwinnoch Cronies, which told the story of
patients and staff on how they feel St. ROAR (Reaching Older Adults in Robert Burns through his poetry
Vincent’s should be represented. Renfrewshire) Lunch and Social and music, was truly enjoyable.
Club got £499. The Cronies just simply get better
St. Vincent’s will be represented by our
living tree, an icon which represents en-
and better. My thanks to Johnny,
It’s great to see that ROAR, this Gavin, Bill, Malky Willie 1, Willie 2
ergy, individuality and the sum of many
parts to make a whole, in much the same
recently formed club, which is and Julie for another great eve-
way that patients, their families and those held on a Thursday in the McKil- ning’s entertainment. My thanks
who work, volunteer for and support the lop Hall, is very well attended. also to our library staff for their
hospice make St. Vincent’s the place it is Long may it continue. organisation and dedication.
today.
I would like to offer my congratu- May I take this opportunity to wish
St. Vincent’s hopes that you enjoy their lations to Gordon and Ann you all a very Merry Christmas and
new look, although it’s important to re- Nicholl who recently celebrated a Happy New Year.
member that whilst their identity has their Golden Wedding Anniver-
changed, many other things will stay the sary. My next Surgery is on Saturday
same: like their care, the level of service
they provide, and their dedication to pa- 19th December but there is no need
tients and their families who are affected
My thanks to Lochwinnoch Pri- to wait for a Surgery if you require
every day. mary 6 pupils who invited me my help, you can contact me on
along to meet with them and to 843507 and we can agree a time
pass on some tips to help them when we can meet.
with one of their projects. Visits
MARY LAIDLAW’s like these are always most enjoy- Councillor David Arthur
able.
Yoga Classes
There will be no classes in December
but classes will resume in the New
Year on Wednesday 6th January 2010.

Two classes will be held on

Wednesday evenings - the first class
at 6pm and the second class at 7.30pm
Classes will include yoga, breathing
practice, introduction to meditation.

There are spaces available in both

classes. If you would like to join us,
contact Mary on: 01505 842877.
 From the
Parish Church
www.corekitchensbathrooms.co.uk
Love came down at Christmas, Studios -
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star and angels gave the sign. Free estimates • Quality kitchens & bathrooms priced to compete in today’s challenging market
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Yesterday’s Pain • Building, alterations and extension work by our professional builders

Some of us walk into Advent

tethered to our unresolved
yesterdays Christmas Cards. The shepherds wit- am not going to try and create the per-
the pain still stabbing nessed “a multitude of the heavenly fect Christmas. This year I am going
the hurt still throbbing. host” 1. That implies, not a choir of to open myself for new opportunities
It’s not that we don’t know better; blue-eyed blond children, but an and if the turkey is not accompanied
it’s just that we can’t stand up army of warriors. No surprise that by exactly all the trimmings we have
anymore by ourselves. the angel had to say, “Do not be planned, well I may just be more re-
On the way to Bethlehem, afraid!” 2 The shepherds could have laxed when I sit down to share it with
will you give us a hand? ignored what they had witnessed; my nearest and dearest. This year I
Ann Weems
they could have decided that the saf- will try to remember that the true gift
est thing was to stay with the sheep – of Christmas is Love.
Have you written your list yet? Have
after all going to Bethlehem was not
you bought all your presents? What The carol which I quoted at the begin-
the best option for their livestock
about the Christmas Cards – are they ning ends:
and could have led to them losing
all written and waiting to be posted?
their jobs. Yet they were open to Love shall be our token,
There is just so much to do and every
new opportunities. Love be yours and Love be mine,
year seems to be busier than the one
Love to God and all men.
before. Why is it that at the time of The Magi at least had the benefit of Love for plea and gift and sign.
year when we celebrate the birth of a little preparation, they had their
the Prince of Peace, peace seems to be presents organised. Nevertheless There are those in our village who will
the last thing that we can experience they too had to be open to new not be looking forward to Christmas
or share? Sometimes we can be so opportunities. They had assumed this year – perhaps redundancy has
wrapped up (no pun intended) in try- that the Son of God would be born in meant budgets have had to be slashed;
ing to create a perfect Christmas, that a royal palace; they never thought for in many homes there will be empty
we fail to notice the possibilities for a minute that Jesus would be in an chairs, reminding husbands and wives,
having a good time, as we worry ordinary house, yet they were open sons and daughters, mothers and
about what we may have forgotten to to new opportunities and were pre- fathers, sisters and brothers of those
do or if we really have bought the cor- pared to look in unexpected places. who have passed away this year. They
rect present for our fourth cousin will be limping towards Christmas,
twice removed. Sometimes with events like Christ- still tethered to unresolved yesterdays,
mas we end up in a rut. We create the hurt still throbbing. Many people
On the first Christmas, the inn-keeper traditions for ourselves which, in- in our village can’t stand up anymore
was certainly not ready – he had nei- stead of enhancing the season, only by themselves and are asking us for a
ther the room ready nor the presents serve to take us to breaking point. helping hand. We can help them,
bought. Perhaps if he had known the Love can be our token and we can
Son of God was to be born in his So what is the solution? Perhaps we share love with all – regardless of our
property, he may have kept the best need to remember what the first faith, regardless of our beliefs.
suite for Mary and Joseph. Yet despite Christmas was about. Whether you
the stable not being the best accom- share the Christian faith or not, there However you choose to spend
modation for a newborn baby, he did- is much that we can learn from the Christmas, may you have the time to
n’t turn away the unexpected guests; Nativity. That first Christmas, ordi- experience the peace of the Season
despite being busy with his other nary men and women were open to and may God’s Love dwell in your
guests, he found the time to be open to new possibilities; they were open to hearts and homes.
new opportunities. I can only begin to having their expectations changed.
imagine his joy when Jesus was born. They welcomed the strange intru- Yours
sions into their lives and in doing so
The shepherds too were hardly expect- they met Love face to face.
ing a celestial choir to entertain them Rev. Christine Murdoch
on the hillside. We also need to forget This year, I am going to try and fol-
the image of chubby faced cherubs low my own advice (please don’t ask 1 Luke 2.13
that smile out to us from our if I succeeded or not). This year I 2 Luke 2.10
 LOCHWINNOCH
POPPY’S
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
FLORIST
SWITCH ON
6.30pm on SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER
29 MAIN STREET
DON’T FORGET - the parade will start at
Auld Simon at 6.30 pm on Saturday. KILBIRNIE
Come along – whatever the weather – dressed in something festive if you like. Tel No: 01505 681212
Enjoy carols and mulled wine, kindly donated by Ivan and Jo at The Junction
and see the unveiling of the winning Christmas Light from the Community
Council Competition. For more information, please contact Carol
Gemmell on Tel: 843 858. Flowers for all occasions
STOP PRESS - Visitors to the Christmas Lights Switch On will also have the chance to
do some late shopping as both Now & Then and Crafts of Calder will remain open. Ed. Holly Wreaths ready
to order now - £12.50
Mary Russell Festive Floral
All the family would like to say thank you for all the cards that were sent to Mary in Arrangements
hospital and to friends, Rev. A. Ford and Rev. C. Murdoch for visiting. made to order
The family would like also to thank everyone for attending Mary’s funeral on Monday
the 9th November at the Calder Church and then at Woodside Crematorium. The
Weddings
services in both places were lovely and the flowers in the church, done by the Funeral Tributes
Women’s Association, were beautiful.
New Arrivals
A thank you to everyone above - friends, colleagues, Women’s Association, minis-
ters, undertakers and the Bowling Club for a lovely tea and all the doctors and Birthdays, Anniversaries
nurses at the Paisley (RAH) Hospital for all the hard work.

ELLISTON GRILL
Have you tried the totally refurbished and fabulous Elliston Grill ?
If the answer is no, why not come along and try one of our delicious menus. We cater for your every need,
be it a quiet coffee and scone in our lounge or a full night’s dining in our stunning, comfortable and relaxing
restaurant. Serving afternoon tea, senior citizens, high tea, children, lunch and a la carte menus. We also
cater for all occasions from funerals to weddings and all celebrations. We cook everything fresh; from our
bread, pasta, scones, desserts and sauces. We have full disabled access, ample parking and a small private
dining area, so why not come along and enjoy one of our delicious menus.
For more information and offers please visit our website at ellistongrill.com or call on 01505703020

Haven`t booked your festive night out? Elliston Grill is the answer.

Christmas menus
Christmas eve 8 course feast £39.95
Festive Christmas 4 course lunch £17.50
Festive Christmas 4 course dinner £26.50
Selected menus
Main course £9.95,2 course lunch £12.95 or 3 course 15.95
Senior citizens menu from £8.95 including tea or coffee
High tea & afternoon tea
Tea, coffee and scones
A la carte menu available
 TEENAGE CANCER Vanda’s Mobile Hairdressing
TRUST NEWS
Ladies and Gents.
The TCT Yorkhill Unit opened "for
business" on Monday 23rd November, LOCHWINNOCH, BEITH,
with the full staff in place and the first KILBIRNIE and HOWWOOD
patients being admitted.

That good news has been very much

25 years’ hairdressing experience
overshadowed by the death of one of Book now for an appointment.
our young people who was a member Tel: 01505 842329
of our West of Scotland fundraising
group. Elaine Davidson, who was one
of the young people featured in the We also have to keep a very keen The Brown Bull TCT
TCT Yorkhill Appeal Brochure, eye towards finding the money for
passed away on Tuesday 24th Novem- the TCT Unit that will be part of the Auction
ber. Despite the severity of her con- new Hospital for Sick Children that
dition, Elaine kept on with her fund- is to be built in Glasgow in the
raising for TCT almost to her last grounds of the Southern General
days, and even managed to complete a Hospital. The planned completion
sponsored cycle just a few weeks ago. date of the new hospital is 2015, so
we have some time, but the cost is Saturday 12th December
We will all miss her, and our thoughts likely to be even higher than the new
are with her mother Maureen, who is units, so the work goes on... I can hardly believe it’s that time of
also a member of our fundraising year already. The auction will start
As ever, I am very grateful for the
group, and the rest of the family. We around 9.30pm and, as John has just
fantastic support and generosity of mentioned, we will be raising funds
have decided to delay the 'official'
the Lochwinnoch community, and I for Teenage Cancer Trust this year.
opening of the Yorkhill Unit for the
wish you all a very happy Christmas
time being. If you feel you can help out by donat-
and a peaceful New Year.
Elaine had mentioned previously that ing an item of interest for the auction,
John Delaney then please get in touch with me,
she would have loved to have the Laura, on Tel: 01505 843250. Any
chance to fly a plane, and so some help would be appreciated.
mutual friends - Kyle and Jill of
'Blether Media' - gave her a voucher WHERE So far, the items to be auctioned in-
for a 30-minute Flying Lesson at YOUR MONEY clude -
Glasgow Airport. Unfortunately,
Elaine wasn't well enough to be able WENT A signed copy of Ellen MacArthur’s
autobiography;
to use it, so she sent it to me and asked A day sailing, with lunch provided by
that we auction it at the TCT Christ- This is just a wee note to let my the Brown Bull
mas Auction in the Brown Bull on many sponsors in the village A signed Rangers football
Saturday 12th December. know how their money was even- A flying lesson at Glasgow Airport
tually spent. A painting by Sandra Fowles
Please come along on 12th December A set of children’s golf clubs
and support the Auction and Raffle. The Yorkhill Foundation benefit- A sack o’ tatties (tbc)
Please remember to drink responsi- ted by a total of £130,000 from A cuddly toy … and much more.
bly, yet still manage to bid outra- the half-marathon I participated Come along for a night of fun and
geously high amounts for the lots on in and this has gone to securing catch that item in auction for a Christ-
offer! Laura and Fergus at the Brown 10 Foetal Monitors for the Baby mas gift.
Bull will welcome all donations of Unit at the hospital. So, many
items for the Auction and Raffle any Laura, Fergus, family and staff
thanks for your contribution to would like to wish all villagers a
time from now until the night of the this fantastic outcome. very Merry Christmas and a
auction. happy New Year in 2010.
The immediate focus for TCT in Scot- I’ll sign off now by wishing you
land is now finding the £1 million all a very Happy Christmas and a
needed for a new unit at the Western prosperous New Year ... I’ll be
General Hospital in Edinburgh. As after more of your money in MASONIC CLUB
well as helping out our cousins from sponsorship during the coming PRIZE BINGO NIGHT
the East in joint fundraising ventures, year!!
Friday 11th December
the West of Scotland group will be 7.30pm at the Masonic Club
continuing to raise funds locally for The ROAD-RUNNER
(aka Ronald McKellar Brown) Everyone welcome.
the upkeep of the Yorkhill Unit.
 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: [email protected]
Friday or come to one of my advice surgeries.

1st January 2010

LOCHWINNOCH ART GROUP
at the McKillop Hall
Doors Open from 7.30pm The Art Group held their AGM on Monday 23rd November. Discussions were
till 12.30am held and this proved to be a constructive evening, with a lot of input from club
members.

Band - FREEDOM We hope to have the artist and Tutor, Neil MacDonald, back with us on March
1st to demonstrate landscape painting. Not to be missed if you have not seen
Neil's demonstrations before.
Tickets £9 from
The Corner Bar, January 22nd sees the opening of Art in the Park again at Castle Semple Visitor
Garthland Arms Centre.
And Brown Bull The Art Group meets again on December 7th and January 18th in the McKillop
Institute at 7.30 pm. Everyone welcome.
Organised by Christine Brown
Julie, Laura and Fiona ( Chairperson )

The UK’s Largest Independent Letting Agent

Opens Branch To Serve Renfrewshire
Belvoir is the UK’s largest independent, specialist letting agency with over 150 offices nationwide and currently managing
a property portfolio well in excess of £1 billion. The success of the Belvoir organisation is based on providing exceptional
levels of service to its Landlords and Tenants whilst operating to the highest ethical and regulatory standards.

The company provides Landlords with access to advice from a

large specialist support team including leading solicitors in the
residential property lettings sector. This service is built into the
Company’s standard management fee, and therefore available at
no extra cost.

To give peace of mind to both Landlords and Tenants, Belvoir is

a member of the Government operated National Approved Let-
ting Scheme and the Property Ombudsman Letting Scheme.
They are also authorised and regulated by the Financial Services
Authority.

The company operates a very competitive and completely trans-

parent fee structure which includes a “no let – no fee” clause for
Landlords.

Belvoir understands that its continued success is dependent on a premier lettings experience i.e. satisfied quality tenants
providing maximum occupancy for landlords. The company therefore aims to build long term relationships with both.

Although part of a national chain, Belvoir Paisley is owner-managed, bringing you the guarantee of absolute commitment
to quality of service and direct accountability.
For more information on what Belvoir can do for you,
visit them in their new premises at 8 Silk Street Paisley PA1 1HG, or telephone 0141 848 0333.
 Christmas
at Calder UF Church
and Lochwinnoch
Parish Church
SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER
11 am Calder Church -Morning
Worship + Gift Service. An opportu-
nity to donate a wrapped gift for a
child or an adult (gifts should be la-
belled girl / boy and approx age or for
a lady or gentleman).
Parish Church - morning worship
Lochwinnoch Choral Society 6.30pm Carol Service in Calder
Church - joint service with tea and
mince pies etc afterwards.
Christmas Concert SUNDAY 13TH DECEMBER
11 am Joint Service to include Boys
Tuesday 22nd December Brigade Battalion Junior Section Pa-
in the Parish Church at 7-00pm rade to Lochwinnoch Parish Church
Junior Choir – conducted by Laura Sands THURSDAY 17TH DECEMBER
Senior Choir conducted by Gordon Rigby 7 pm Christingle Service in the
With members of the Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra Parish Church This is a short service
which allows us to explore the true
This year’s Christmas Concert will be a little different from our usual meaning of Christmas.
format. As usual, we will be singing a wide variety of Christmas music
with many favourite carols for all to sing along to. However, this year the SUNDAY 20TH DECEMBER
concert will also include the highly acclaimed ‘La Befana’ which was writ- 11 am Joint Nativity Service in
ten by two of our own villagers: Gordon Rigby and Adrian Wiszniewski. Calder Church.
TUESDAY 22ND DECEMBER
'La Befana' is the Italian version of a Father Christmas story. No one
10 am School Service-Crèche available
(including the Italians) seems to know the details of how La Befana came
about, except that she's an old lady/hag who delivers presents into the THURSDAY 24TH DECEMBER
hung up stockings of the good children and sticks a lump of coal into the 7 pm Christmas Eve Family Worship
stockings of the naughty ones. Adrian created and wrote a history for the in the Parish Church
character to which Gordon then wrote the musical score. La Befana had 11.15 for 11.30pm – Watchnight
its début at ‘A Play, A Pie and A Pint’ in Glasgow’s Oran Mor earlier this Service, with Carol Singing - in
year and received 4 star reviews from the national press. 'La Befana' is a Calder Church.
one-person show acted by Danielle Stuart and accompanied by members
of the Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra. It is a captivating story told by FRIDAY 25TH DECEMBER
Danielle while the orchestra plays Gordon’s haunting and beautiful 11 am Christmas Morning Worship
score. The music and text blend together to create a fantastic, energetic in Calder Church.
Christmas story.
SUNDAY 27TH DECEMBER
11 am Morning Worship in both
This is a great opportunity to see one of the ‘best new works this year’ at
churches.
its Lochwinnoch debut as part of our traditional Christmas concert. The
choir is committed to keeping our ticket prices as low as possible. An THURSDAY 31ST DECEMBER
adult ticket will cost £7 with concession tickets £5 and family tickets £15. 7 pm Walk of Faith Around the
The ticket price includes seasonal refreshments. Churches - meet at Auld Simon with
tea/coffee etc in the last church visited
To accommodate the inclusion of La Befana into this year’s concert we
will start the concert earlier at 7-00pm and have a short interval, where SUNDAY 3RD JANUARY 2010
we hope to serve mulled wine and Christmas pies. The second half of the 11 am Joint Communion Service in
concert will be La Befana followed by more community carols for all to Calder Church.
sing.
A warm invitation
Tickets from any Choir Member, The Brown Bull & The Junction. is extended to all to join us
Please get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. at any of the above services.
 The Lochwinnoch Liz Callaghan DTM. ADCMC.
Mystery Play Therapeutic Massage Therapist
Therapeutic Massage will directly help with Stress and
The Lochwinnoch Writers’ Group have Anxiety It will alleviate muscle pain, in particular back
now completed the script for our Mys- pain, frozen shoulder and sciatica.
tery Play. We have still to decide on a
final title – “Wet, Wet, Wet,” “Love is Massage assists with all circulatory problems including varicose veins.
All Around” and “Singing in the Rain” It plays a crucial role in the treatment of Sports Injuries and the maintenance of fitness.
are among the contenders. There are fewer better treatments for the promotion of General Health and Well-Being.

The performance will be on Sun- • Fully qualified and experienced Massage Therapist.
day 28th March in the afternoon. • Able to visit you at home or in treatment rooms in
Lochwinnoch or Glasgow.
Rehearsals begin on Tuesday 5th Janu- • Introductory Massage Workshops are also run monthly.
ary in the Guild Room of the Parish
Church at 8pm. This is a very differ- Contact Liz Callaghan: 01505 842 052
ent kind of production and with the or email: [email protected]
exception of the two main characters,
the parts are very short.
It’s never too late. tightened. The following day I
So, if you have never tried acting be- was totally peg-legged, unable to
fore, this could be your chance to de-
velop new skills. There are also some It was an early evening in May walk down stairs, fit for nothing.
non-speaking parts. Below is a list of when I arrived back from a day’s What was I thinking! Dreading
all the characters – those in italics work. Too tired to venture any- the following Wednesday I went
have speaking parts: where near the kitchen, I decided along regardless.
upon the inevitable fish supper.
The Radio Reporters: I didn't feel as bad as that again.
Adam Hope - Radio reporter I was returning to my car, fish and
chips in hand, when my two I was a bit stiff but it got easier
Eve Faith - Radio reporter
friends staggered round the corner each week and I managed to actu-
The three wise men: ally run more than I was walking.
Will Turner, Billy Piper and joyfully exhilarated, 'Liz, we've
Ian Summer just been running, we've joined I have been running with Jogging
Jogging Buddies.' Buddies for over 18 months now.
Zacchaeus
Good Shepherd 'What, running?' I could hardly I ran my first 10k in September
A volunteer believe it - Lyndsay and Helen, and ran my first half marathon
Davina this year. Next year I am aiming
Goliath running!
'You will have to come next week.' for my first marathon; a marker
Ticket seller
Man with ticket for Ark My mind raced ahead. What, for a very prominent birthday.
Noah running, could I?
Booking Clerk
Jogging Buddies have over 250
The following Tuesday I shot off members in the west of Scotland,
Bestman
Mrs Struthers to TK Maxx and bought a pair of 16 of which meet in the Mac-
Mr Struthers running shoes and the appropriate killop on a Wednesday evening at
3 wedding guests attire. I joined Jogging Buddies the 6.30pm, so why not come along.
The Joiner following day.
Some extra non-speaking
wedding guests
We are a friendly group of mixed
A jester I hadn't done any form of exercise abilities from virgin runners to
Issy for about 15 years but had been full the more accomplished but, to
Issy’s gang of good intentions. You know what tell the truth, some nights you
Phil’s gang I mean! As I am in my mid 40's wouldn't know the beginner from
An Usher
Bride and Groom I thought, if not now then when? the rest. But, most importantly,
People to make up the crowd I remember that night. The first everyone looks after one another.
run; run for 5 minutes then walk
We hope to involve as many people in for 1 minute. I am not sure how So take the plunge and join us -
our community as possible in this play
far we went, 2 or 3 miles, but it it’s a good laugh believe it or not!
which has been written for the com-
munity. Having read through the seemed a long way at the time. My Interested, contact Ellen on
play, it contains some wonderful legs felt like lead weights, my 07947 763704 or just drop in
Lochwinnoch jokes! groin tightened so much that I on Wednesday. See you there!
Please do come along and share could hardly lift one leg in front of
in Lochwinnoch’s own play.
the other, and then my calves Liz Callaghan
 Get the new BBC Freesat system - also available in HD
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Complete disaster was averted
Auld Simon’s when I rushed into the garden Christmas Fair
with my chopper and cut down a on
Column replacement. Meanwhile, the Sunday 13th December
Around the turn of the century the vil- neighbours rallied round with
lage was entertained by the writings of
from 12.30 – 4pm
spare decorations. I was soon
one, Auld Simon. For a couple of at
gladdened to watch Mrs Simon,
years he wrote articles describing the like the fruit on Carmen Bowfield Hotel and Country
daily comings and goings of his fam-
Miranda’s hat, totter on the top of Club, Howwood
ily: Mrs Simon, the twins and the two
cats Wipey and Darcy de Bum.
a ladder, clutching Mr Alexan-
der’s sparkling balls and glitter- In partnership with Howwood Pri-
ing tinsel. mary Parents Association,
These articles took the form of the Bowfield Hotel and Country Club
confession type pieces certain dull A year or so after this our Christ- are hosting a Christmas Fair to
journalists regale us with ad nauseum mas dinner was almost ruined fundraise for the School and for St
in the heavy Sunday newspapers.
when an old goat gobbled up the Vincent’s Hospice.
Simon’s pieces were different from
these dire pronouncements in that they Brussels sprouts and roast pota-
toes. Afterwards Mrs Simon Raffle tickets are available from
were pertinent, interesting and amus-
said: ‘That’s the last time we’ll Bowfield Hotel, the Post Office,
ing.
invite Aunt Tizzy for Christmas Howwood Inn and the Village
Simon suddenly stopped writing dinner’. Shop. All welcome.
(rumour has it he now concentrates on
playing the flute; in one article, he Then there was the year when
wrote of the pleasure he derived from Darcy de Bum leapt from the IMPROVING
Welsh dresser and grabbed Uncle
playing with his flute well into the
night). No more dispatches flowed Willie’s giblets. It wasn’t funny
WITH AGE
from the Simon farm. So, to remind at the time but now we look back Keep Fit Class
folk of what Simon wrote, here is his on it and roar with laughter
Christmas offering from December whenever Mrs Simon tells the
HELP! HELP!
2002. tale. HELP!
The Simon family have spent all What about this year? As usual Here are only some of the “HELPS”
day getting ready for the big day, the family will gather and feast that you can expect by taking regular
on turkey, roast potatoes and exercise.
the turkey is plucked, Aunty
Peggy’s puddings are wobbling Black Forest gateau. When it’s
“Helps” to reduce blood pressure, con-
away on the kitchen table and Mrs all over we’ll sit by the fire and trol cholesterol, control weight, reduce
Simon is off to bed with a piece of listen to Uncle Dick’s barnyard risks of strokes, heart disease, cancer,
crackling. I, Auld Simon, am sit- impressions. These he does fast diabetes, osteoporosis, well-being,
asleep, full of turkey and brandy. improve sleep, confidence and seri-
ting by the fire listening to the rest- ously improve your social life!
ful purring of Wipey and Darcy de Another Christmas will peace-
Bum. In this peaceful setting I like fully come to an end. Classes are held Every Tuesday from
to recall Christmases past. 10am-11am at Lochwinnoch Annex in
From all the Simon family have a the Park. A fully qualified instructor
A few years ago, just as Santa was lovely Christmas…..and a Happy is in attendance and classes are for
poised to begin his epic journey, New Year. males and females so, don’t be shy,
our Christmas tree caught fire. Auld Simon come and join us.
 Antiques, Curios and Crafts
A dynamic selection of oils, watercolours and
limited edition prints.
Bespoke crafts by local artisans, vintage and
contemporary jewellery.
Well worth discovering for yourself.
The Barn on the Farm, open 10am till late every day.
Contact Greta Logan on Tel: 01505 683338 Mob: 07786 720586
e-mail: [email protected] www.thestirrupcup.co.uk

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

Just opposite the Golf Course on the Largs Rd.

THE STIRRUP CUP

INVITES YOU TO OUR
OPEN EVENINGS (AND AFTERNOONS)
WHICH RUN FROM
TH
MONDAY 7 TO SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER.
2.00 pm to 8.30 pm

WARMING WINTER REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED WHILE YOU BROWSE

LOCHWINNOCH LOCHWINNOCH
SURGERY SWRI
Tel: 01505 842200
On 18th November, members who
It’s been a fun year getting to know braved the stormy weather were re-
you all in Lochwinnoch and I'd just
warded with an excellent diaporama
like to take this opportunity to USEFUL
thank all patients and staff for making presentation by Hugh Kerr and Bob
me feel very welcome. I hope we will Douglas of Gryffe Camera Club. CONTACT NUMBERS
spend many more happy years getting The presentation took us from the
to know each other better. Bass Rock to Monet’s Garden and Strathclyde Police –0141 532 5900
many other interesting places, each Johnstone Police –01505 404000
We have faced certain challenges this accompanied by appropriate music. Johnstone Community Safety
year, the biggest being H1N1 flu (I pre- Office – 01505 404023
fer that to the fear-engendering Competition winners were: Trading Standards 0141 840 3233
"swine" term). Our vaccination pro- 3 Cherry Scones Care and Repair – 0141 812 4111
gramme is going ahead as planned 1. K Brunton Renfrewshire Council -
and the good news is that this particu- 2. R Gould
lar strain of flu has proved no more Tel: 0141 842 5000
3. L Benzie Anti-social Behaviour Investigation
dangerous than previous seasonal
strains. I would urge all eligible pa- Christmas Decoration Team (ASIST) - 0141 840 2163
tients to take up the offer of vaccina- 1. E Richmond Victim Support – 0141 887 0328
tion where it arises. Nuisance Support & Advice
2. R Gould
3. L Benzie Helpline – 0800 169 1283
It can be a stressful time of year and Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111
people’s moods can dip in the dark
nights and long evenings. I would like The next meeting is on -
to draw people’s attention to the web- Wednesday 20th January 2010, The Strathclyde Police website con-
site www.stepsforstress.org which can when our guest speaker will be local tains information on all of the local
give great advice, not just for those of poet Jim Carruth. Jim, who is this Community Policing Teams, which
us who are struggling, but also those aims to increase the visibility of the
year’s winner of the James McCash
of us who are coping well but can do officers within their communities.
Scots Poetry Competition, will read
with a little self-help.
his poetry which reflects a celebra- Take a look at our website -
We wish you all a Merry Christmas tion of rural life. www. strathclyde.police.uk
and a Happy New Year. The competitions are: for contact details of officers in your
Dr McLaughlin (Dr Waterston, Carrot Soup and local Policing Team. You can also
Dr Kirk and all the staff) e-mail us from this website.
a Favourite Teaspoon.
 What’s On
(Regular clubs,
classes and local
•

•
Advice Works - Tuesdays
10am -12.30 at the Library. *
Linda Margaret School of
Dancing - Tuesdays from 4pm-
8.45pm, McKillop Institute. For
J Quinn & son
Memorials Q
details, Tel: 0141 581 9104.
groups) Personal Service &
• TaeKwon-Do Fitness and Self- Quality Guaranteed
defence classes for youths and
• Healing and Creativity Work- adults. Tuesdays from 5-6pm,
shops on Sundays & Classes McKillop Institute. For details
on Mondays. For details or to Tel: 01259 210716.
book a place, please call Becky on:
0141 8816700 or Libby on: 015105 • Lochwinnoch Scottish
842604. Venue: Lochwinnoch. Country Dance Club Every
Tuesday, from 7.30-9.30pm,
• Lochwinnoch Community McKillop Inst. New Memorials
Walks - Mondays (ex. Public
Holidays), meet at 10.30 am at • Jogging Buddies - Wednes-
The McKillop Inst. day evenings. Meet at McKillop Additional Inscriptions
Inst. at 6.30pm. For details, Tel:
• Lochwinnoch Playgroup - For 0141 887 1357 or 07947 763704. Cleaning & Renovations
under 5’s, every Monday, Tuesday
and Wednesday from 9.30- • Girls Brigade - 1st Loch-
11.30am at the McKillop Institute. winnoch Company Wednesday
evenings from 6pm-9.15pm at
• Lochwinnoch Toddlers - Mon- the Parish Church Hall for vari- 42 MAIN STREET,
days and Wednesdays from 9.30 -
11.30am, McKillop Institute.
ous age groups. KILBIRNIE
• Boys Brigade - Anchor Boys Please Call 01505 685 455
• Lochwinnoch Gymnastics and Junior Sections meet on
Club - For primary school-age Tuesday nights and Company Monday & Friday 10am-5pm,
children every Monday,5-8pm at Section on Friday evenings, Tuesday-Thursday 10am–2pm
the Annexe. Phone Coby for de- Parish Church Hall. Saturday 10am - 1pm
tails on: 0772 9051615.
• Yoga Classes - Wednesday
• Lochwinnoch Writers evenings - 2 classes - at 6pm &
Group—Monday mornings from at 7.30pm. * Yoga, breathing
9.30-11.30am in the Library.
practice, intro. to meditation.
LOCHWINNOCH GOLF
• Morag’s Keep Fit - Mondays For details Tel Mary: 01505 842877. CLUB
and Thursdays from 7pm, in the • Happy Harminis - Fun for pre Burnfoot Road
McKillop Institute. -school children. Thursdays Lochwinnoch
• Lochwinnoch Choral Society. from 10am-11am in the McKillop (01505) 842153
Rehearsals on Monday evenings, Institute. Contact Frankie Plater
Parish Church/ Hall. Juniors 7- for details: 01505 612248. BECOME AN ASSOCIATE
7.30pm, Intermediates 7.30- • Slinky Strollers - on Thursday MEMBER TODAY!!
8.30pm and Seniors from 8pm. mornings (details on back page).
• Club Latino - weekly Merengue, • ROAR Lunch Club - every
SPECIAL OFFER
Salsa and Mambo classes for Thursday at 12 noon at the JOIN AS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER
adults on Monday evenings at McKillop Institute. Please TODAY FOR JUST £15 & GET £10
Lochwinnoch Bowling Club from Note - the last sitting is at 12.15 WORTH OF FOOD AND DRINK
8.30-9.30pm. Details from Hazel ABSOLUTELY FREE
on: 07812 023343. • TaeKwon-Do Little Tiger
Cubs. Classes are for 3-5 year ASSOCIATES GET FULL USE OF OUR
• Lochwinnoch Art Group olds, held on Thursdays from CLUBHOUSE FACILITIES…
Meet fortnightly on Monday eve- 4.15pm-5pm at McKillop Inst. EXCELLENT CATERING
SKY SPORTS & ESPN ON THE BIG SCREEN
nings, 7.30pm, McKillop Inst. * Tel: 01259 210716 for details. WONDERFUL VIEWS

•
HIRE OF THE CLUBHOUSE
Keep Fit - Improving With • Calder Drama Club—
Age classes, every Tuesday from Thursdays, from 8pm-10pm
10am-11am at the Annexe building McKillop Institute.
in the Park. (See separate notice.)
• Scottish Slimmers - Thurs-
• Drop-in T Bar - Lochwinnoch days, 7/7.30pm, McKillop Inst.
Elderly Forum. Every Tuesday
and Thursday from 10am-1pm, • Lochwinnoch Pre-School WHAT’S ON AT LGC ?
McKillop Inst. For details, Tel Gymnastics ( for children from Saturday 19th December – Annual Dance
Reta: 01505 842054.* 18 mths to 5 yrs). Fridays, from Entertainment & Buffet - £12 per ticket
10.15am - 1.45pm at the Annexe.
• Baby and Toddler Rhyme- Further details from Coby on Thursday 31st December –HogmanayDisco
time - every Tuesday, 2.15pm at Tel: 0772 9051615. 9 pm till 3am – Tickets £8 Adult £4 Child
Lochwinnoch Library. *
 Dates for A
your diaries “VICTORIAN”
• Saturday 5th December - CHRISTMAS
Councillor Neil Bibby’s Advice Sur-
gery, at 9am, McKillop Institute. FAYRE
(Cllr Bibby Tel: 0141 840 3653)
at
• Saturday 5th December -
Lochwinnoch Parish Church LOCHWINNOCH
Victorian Christmas Fayre from PARISH CHURCH HALLS
10am—12 noon. * Joinery: All including kitchens,
on
• Saturday 5th December—Krafty bathrooms, flooring, tiling,
Kids class 10am-11.30am for Pri- Saturday garages, sheds, etc.
mary School children at Space th Painting/Decorating/
Rooms, McKillop Inst. 5 December Paperhanging.
Tel Katharine on: 01505 844944.
from 10am-12 noon Fencing: wooden and metal.
• Saturday 5th December -
Christmas Lights Switch On Parade Ornamental metalwork.
- starts at Auld Simon at 6.30pm. Baking, Tombola and Welding.
All welcome. * Usual Stalls Gardening/Landscaping.
• Sunday 6th December - Craft Tea & Coffee DIY Disasters put right.
Fair, Barrmill Community Centre, *Hot* Mince & Apple Pies
Beith from 12 noon—4pm. *
and Shortbread All jobs considered.
• Monday 7th December -
Lochwinnoch Art Group meeting at Orders for Christmas FREE estimates/Best prices.
7.30pm, Lesser Hall, McKillop Inst *
• Friday 11th December - Prize Wreaths can be taken
Bingo Night, starts 7.30pm at the
Phone: 01505 682027
Masonic Club. * Tickets available at the Door Mobile: 07917 654857
• Saturday 12th December - Adult - £1.50: Child £1
Brown Bull Annual TCT Auction, E-mail: [email protected]
from 9.3opm at the Brown Bull pub* All Welcome.
• Sunday 13th December - Fund-
raising Sale for Ally Bhatia’s Expe-
dition to Costa Rica and Nicaragua
from 2-5pm at 23 Main Street,
Lochwinnoch. *
• Sunday 13th December -
Christmas Fair to raise funds for
Howwood School and St Vincent’s
Hospice. Event will be run from
12.30-4pm at Bowfield Hotel & SPECIAL OFFERS ON MEAT EVERY WEEK
Country Club. *
SCOTTISH FREE RANGE CHICKENS - NOW IN !
• Wednesday 16th December -
Annual Christmas Whist Drive at DISCOUNTED MEAT PACKS - AVAILABLE IN VARIOUS SIZES
7.30pm at Barrmill Community SEASONAL GAME - PARTRIDGE, PHEASANT,
PHEASANT, WILD RABBIT
Centre, Beith. *
AND VENISON AVAILABLE NOW !
• Saturday 19th December —
Councillor Arthur’s Surgery from
11.30am, the McKillop Institute. * Beat the credit crunch, Shop Local and visit us at:
• Saturday 19th December— 39 High Street, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AB Tel: 01505 844941
Krafty Kids class from 1.30-3pm for
Primary School children at Space or e-mail your order to us at: [email protected]
Rooms, McKillop Inst. To book,
Tel Katharine on: 01505 844944.
• Tuesday 22nd December - CUT OUT THIS COUPON TO CLAIM 10% DISCOUNT ON YOUR NEXT
Christmas Concert at 7pm in Loch- PURCHASE FROM HERITAGE FARMERS MARKET SHOP AND HAVE
winnoch Parish Church. * YOUR NAME ENTERED IN OUR CHRISTMAS HAMPER DRAW.
• Friday 1st January 2010 - New
Year Dance with band “Freedom” Name ……………………………………………………………………………..
from 7.30pm at the McKillop Inst. *
Address …………………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………………………
* For further details about these events
………………………………………….. Contact Tel No: …………………….
and activities, see separate notices
inside this issue of Chatterbox.
 WHEN COPPER
WAS MINED AT
KAIM BURN
by DEREK PARKER

The entrance to Renfrewshire's largest

copper mine occupies a dramatic set-
ting in a deep glen in the hills above
Lochwinnoch.

It's marked by a black hole gouged

from a wooded hillside overlooking
the Kaim Burn. The sepulchral spot
is wild and gloomy with a claustro-
phobic atmosphere darkened by the
raging of a cascading waterfall at the
head of a wooded ravine.

Inside the tunnel there's an over-

whelming aura of melancholy. The In addition to the hillside tunnel - thoughts and feelings, he died so his
walls are four feet wide and the arched known as an adit - there were several old existence was born anew.
roof looms just a few inches above deep shafts about 200 feet deep,
head height. The stone floor oozes which dropped dizzily into the mine His emergence from the tenebrous
with muddy water which squelches from the ground above. tomb after the stipulated time was his
beneath one's feet. The passage ex- second birth. If he survived spiritually
tends for about 100 yards into the tree All have now been sealed shut but enriched and enlightened, he
-mantled hillside far below the the remains of a 19th century fur- was accepted into the priesthood of
ground. nace can still be seen among the the Mother Goddess.
trees where copper metal was sepa-
The Kaim Mine was functional be- rated from the mineral ore. Large It's likely that the copper mine at
tween 1848 and 1878 when it shut heaps of black shiny rock thrown up Kaim Burn was used for this purpose -
down following the collapse of the City by the workings still litter the site of especially as there's archaeological
of Glasgow Banking Company. Its the sylvan smelter. evidence of Bronze Age presence at
maximum tonnage was around 800 in burial mounds as well as homesteads
1861. The Victorian miners were not the and hut circles in the countryside
first to quarry copper at the Kaim. around the melancholic mine.
Much of the copper was transported to
Swansea in South Wales where it was Around 500BC, copper deposits
were being excavated by the Bronze Today the Kaim Mines lie abandoned
sold for between £5.30 and £9.50 per in their woodland glen - but they are
ton. The main vein extended for 600 Age inhabitants of the neighbour-
hood. They alloyed the copper with stony reminders of brave men who
yards and was worked by two compa- toiled there with picks and shovels
nies - Lochwinnoch Consols at East tin to manufacture bronze items like
weapons, agricultural implements more than 100 years ago to feed,
Kaim and the West Kaim Copper Min- clothe and house their families.
ing Company at West Kaim. and domestic tools.

These new utensils marked a huge And for modern mystics searching for
step in human history in the Loch- their higher selves and a deeper mean-
winnoch area and heralded the arri- ing to their lives in a materialistic
val of the Bronze Age in Ren- world, the centuries-old mines remind
frewshire. us that, when our goals are attained,
we shall emerge from spiritual dark-
Deep within the mine, one experi- ness into light and self-knowledge.
ences a mystic aura of peace and
tranquillity. It's a rocky reminder
that sages and mystics of earlier ages NOTE: Old mines like the workings at
spent several days sealed up alone in Kaim are dangerous and MUST not be
deep caverns in the quest for self- entered. Although the writer of this
knowledge. article explored the mines 25 years
ago, he was equipped with special-
The ritual entombment was regarded ised protection gear and working un-
as the return of the candidate for the der the guidance of a highly-qualified
prehistoric priesthood into the mining engineer and pot-holer.
womb of the Earth who was his
Mother. Derek Parker worked as a country-
There, in the awesome stillness and side ranger at Clyde Muirshiel
silence, communing with his own Regional Park from 1985 until 1999.
 SKY AT NIGHT Meteors - Geminids peak about 5am 1,000 times bigger than our Sun, it
LOCHWINNOCH on 14th but the Gemini Radiant, the would occupy the space held by all of
area of sky from which the meteors the inner planets, Mercury, Venus,
December 2009 appear to emerge, rises about Earth Mars, and would swallow up the
6pm. You will find it at the top of orbit of Jupiter.
the Constellation Gemini- the Twins.
The MOON is Full on the 2nd and The UK is ideally placed for viewing One day, our Sun will also be a red
31st(Hogmanay), New on the 16th. At and the radiant is visible all night. giant and the Earth as we know it, will
around 2am on the 29th, the Moon The nearly new Moon is per- be no more.
passes below Pleiades, a challenging fect. Active between the 7th and
shot for photographers. 17th December, the peak is on the Around Orion's belt and sword is a
13th/14th. The meteors tend to be large nebulous area which is visible to
PLANETS bright. the naked eye. Put the sword off-
centre of vision for best results. Got a
Jupiter is still visible in the west Constellation of the Month: Orion digital camera? Try a shot of 15 sec-
throughout evening. Despite its low - the Hunter. onds or more and you will start to see
position, good views of the cloud the nebula.
bands and moons are still possible. As winter approaches, the constella-
tion Orion, the Hunter, fills the Follow the line of the belt to the right
Mars can be seen in the east after southern sky above the Braes by and you will come to a red star Alde-
9pm. Look to the right of Leo. Saturn 10pm and is easily picked out by his baran, the eye of Taurus the Bull. Be-
is in Virgo and visible by 1am. Belt and Sword which some see as a yond that is a cluster of very blue stars
big arrowhead. The red star top left - -Pleiades.
Venus and the Moon may just be visi- his right shoulder is Betelgeuse.
ble together over Howwood just be- This is a super-giant red star nearing This and more appear Online at
fore sunrise on the 15th. the end of its life. It’s immense! www.lochwinnoch.info

Lochwinnoch
International Aid Fairtrade Activities
Appeal The Lochwinnoch Campaign marked the passing of its first year
of Fairtrade status by applying for a renewal of this recognition.
Please set an extra place at your table this Christmas. To achieve this, we collected evidence of continuing support for
Fairtrade ideas and products as well as good press coverage. We
Christmas is an expensive time but we, Lochwinnoch In- hope that the increased level of support across the village for Fair-
ternational Aid, ask you to think about children who will trade will convince the Fairtrade Foundation to renew our status
not have a meal at this time. LIA is sending its next dona- for a further two years and we wish to thank the many folk who
tion of money to Mary’s Meals this Christmas. Mary’s have assisted us in getting this far.
Meals is a very simple idea, ‘one meal, every day to a
In the run up to Christmas, there will be two Fairtrade stalls in the
hungry impoverished child in school’. Nothing more.
village selling a wide range of goods supplied by the Rainbow
Nothing less. They work in many poor countries around Turtle. The first will be at the Lochwinnoch Farmer’s Market on
the world. £5 will provide a child with a Mary’s meal for a Sunday 6th December, from 11am to about 2pm at Castle Semple
whole year! 99% of money raised goes to fund the feed- Centre. The following weekend, On Saturday 12th December, we
ing programme directly. will be at the RSPB Festive Fun event that takes place from 1pm-
4pm at the RSPB Centre, Lochwinnoch. These will both be great
If you could just ‘imagine’ an extra person at your table opportunities to buy some special Christmas presents and help
this Christmas and donate the money you would have producers in poorer countries make a living for themselves. We
spent on them to LIA, we will send ALL the money col- hope to see you there and would welcome your support.
lected to Mary’s Meals. Unlike some national charities,
Finally, plans for Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 'The Big Swap' are
Lochwinnoch International Aid has no high administrative
underway. We'll be asking Lochwinnoch folk to swap their usual
costs. We have collecting tins in The Junction, The Corner stuff for Fairtrade stuff; your usual wine, sugar, or oranges for
Bar, Heritage Meats, or you can pay in money to our ac- Fairtrade wine, sugar or oranges. Each swap will be proof that the
count at the Royal Bank. Thanks from LIA. village wants developing world producers to get a better deal.
A READER WRITES... Great Fall Ball ! Lochwinnoch
I see from the November issue of A good crowd enjoyed a great night on Library
Chatterbox that the final step in the 14th November. The charity for the
evening was the Lochwinnoch Samba
the consultation process on the Band who played at the interval. £200 ADVICE WORKS
management proposals for was donated to the band to purchase
Parkhill Wood (Castle Semple) new drums. Tuesdays 10am –12.30pm
has now started and that these
Kirsty Davidson, a visitor from Orkney
proposals are open for comment who was at the dance, said - “It was Advisors are on hand to help fill in
until 31 December. the best ceilidh she had ever been to.” claim forms, check and advise on wel-
And they know in Orkney how to have fare benefits/money problems, etc.
I understand that one of these a ceilidh up there! Advisors can provide expert advice on
proposals is the removal of ALL a wide range of debt related topics,
The ‘Last Tram tae Auchenshuggle’ such as credit card, mortgage arrears,
the Sycamore trees which border were also in great form, with some
council tax, etc. The service is
Courtshaw Hill. These are the new and fun music.
FREE, confidential and open to all
trees which lie on the slope be- Renfrewshire residents.
The next ceilidh is the Gala Ceilidh on
tween the "Maze" (Fifty Pas- the 20th February 2010. Don’t miss a
sages) and the path which leads great night! Please note - with effect from 11th
from the Black Ditch towards the January 2010, the surgery will be
area of the Collegiate Church. held on Mondays from 2pm-4.30pm.

I feel very strongly that anyone

who has enjoyed access to the FREE Computing Class
Estate including the sight of these
Lochwinnoch Arts for Complete Beginners
trees, in all conditions of light, Festival 2010 Would you, or someone you know,
and as the seasons progress (in like to learn to email and surf the
my case for over 75 years) will be Next year’s Festival will run from Internet? Classes are held
aghast at this proposal. In my the weekend of 20th/21st March at Lochwinnoch Library:
opinion their removal would be right through to the weekend of the Wednesdays 9.30am – 11am
27th/28th of March 2010. The course lasts for 5 weeks.
an act of vandalism.
For details Tel: 01505 842305
There will be Jazz, Folk and Classical
It seems that the reason for re- music (including Neil Wilson), the
moval of these trees is that Syca- Mystery Play in the village, the Baby & Toddler
mores are not a native species. Cunningham Choir, Children’s events,
Thank goodness those who laid including Julia Donaldson of the Rhyme time
out the Estate for the Mac- Gruffalo, Franzeska Ewart and
Dowalls did not work to this rule Katharine Hardie
or we would not have the legacy and much more!!
we all now enjoy.

I would ask any readers of At Lochwinnoch Library

Chatterbox who share my views every Tuesday at 2.15pm
on this matter to express their
opinions to the Park Authority STOPS 15th December
(before the end of the year). RE-STARTS on 12th January

This may be done

by mail to - Renew and Reserve
Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park at
HQ at Barnbrock PA10 2PZ, www.renfrewshwire.gov.uk/libraries
by e-mail to -
Lochwinnoch Arts Festival will once Library members can view, renew and
[email protected] again be holding an Art Exhibition in reserve their library loans online. All
or by drop in to Castle Semple the Library Room in March. We will you need to get started is your library
Centre at the lochside. be looking for submissions of exhibits membership number and a password.
for the exhibition. Details to be pub- If you don’t have a password
Iain Crosbie (Senior) lished in February's Chatterbox. just ask at any library.
 Lochwinnoch Library
and on the cusp of enormous success,
New books Michael's perfect life begins to un-
for December ravel when he finds himself the target Join the staff at
of a depraved madman, a man who Lochwinnoch
Stephen Booth: The kill call covets everything Michael has and will
stop at nothing to take it all away. Library on
On a rain-swept Derbyshire moor,
hounds from the local foxhunt find the In a desperate fight to survive, Mi- Friday 18th December
body of a well-dressed man whose chael is forced to confront the dark for refreshments…..
head has been crushed. Yet an anony- secrets of his past in order to save his and take the oppor-
mous caller reports the same body family ……...
tunity to stock up on
lying half a mile away. Called in to in-
Chris Ryan : Who dares wins
your reading material
vestigate the discovery, detectives DS
Diane Fry and DC Ben Cooper become Two brothers, one mission, and a for the festive season
entangled in the violent world of hunt- whole world of trouble...They are Sam
ing and hunt saboteurs, horse theft and Jacob Redman. Two brothers,
and a little-known sector of the meat SAS through and through. They fight
trade. As Fry follows a complex trail of alongside each other; they watch each
her own to unravel the shady business other's backs. They are ruthlessly pro- Lochwinnoch library will be
interests of the murder victim, Cooper fessional in the field of war, fiercely closed over the Christmas and
realizes that the answer to the case loyal wherever they are. But when New Year period as follows.
might lie deep in the past. History is Jacob is booted from the Regiment for The library closes at 8pm on
everywhere around him in the Peak a moment of madness, he disappears. Wednesday 23rd December and
District landscape -- particularly in the Not even his family knows where he is, reopens at 2pm on Wednesday 6th
'plague village' of Eyam, where an out- or even if he's still alive. All that is January.
break of Black Death has been turned about to change. On his return from a
into a modern-day tourist attraction. brutal mission in Afghanistan, Sam is We are happy for you to stock up
But, even as the final solution is re- ordered to conduct another dangerous with your reading material to
vealed, both Fry and Cooper find operation into an inhospitable part of cover this closed period and, so
themselves having to face up to the the world. He soon learns, though, you don’t have to worry about
disturbing reality of the much more that his unit are not being told every- when to bring anything back, the
recent past. thing by their government paymas- due back date for all items bor-
ters;………………. rowed after 27th November will be
Lisa Gardner : The Neighbour Monday 11th January.
This is what happened in the last six Anita Shreve : A change in alti-
hours of the world as I knew it...It was tude Remember you can renew and
a case guaranteed to spark a media Margaret and Patrick have been mar- reserve items online at -
feeding frenzy - a young mother, ried just a few months when they set www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/libraries
blonde and pretty, disappears without off on what they hope will be a great
trace from her South Boston home, adventure-a year living in Kenya. Mar- If you don’t already have a pass-
leaving behind her four-year-old garet quickly realizes there is a great word to access this, the library
daughter as the only witness, and her deal she doesn't know about the com- staff will be happy to set one up
handsome, secretive husband as the plex mores of her new home, and for you – ask the next time you
prime suspect. But from the moment about her own husband. are in the library.
Detective Sergeant D. D. Warren ar-
rives at the Joneses' snug little bunga- A British couple invites the newlyweds All our online information re-
low, she senses something off about to join on a climbing expedition to sources will be available as usual
the picture of wholesome normality Mount Kenya, and they eagerly agree. from the website.
the couple worked so hard to create. But during their harrowing ascent, a
On the surface, Jason and Sandra horrific accident occurs. In the after- We would like to wish all readers
Jones are like any other hardworking math of the tragedy, Margaret strug- a very Merry Christmas and
young couple raising a child. But just gles to understand what happened on Happy New Year and look for-
under the surface things grow murk- the mountain and how these events ward to welcoming you to the
ier……………… have transformed her and her mar- library in 2010.
riage, perhaps forever.
Richard Montanari : The Devil’s
garden NORMAL LIBRARY
Michael Roman is finally living the life Coming soon ………………… OPENING HOURS :
he always dreamed of - he has a suc-
cessful career, a beautiful wife and David Baldacci : True Blue Monday, Wednesday and Friday:
adorable twin daughters. But his idyl- Sue Grafton : U is for undertow 2pm–5pm & 6pm–8pm
lic life is about to come crashing down Quintin Jardine : Blood red Tuesday and Saturday: 10am–1pm
around him - because Michael is a Dean Koontz : Breathless and 2pm–5pm
man with a past. A rising star in the Stephen Leather : Nightfall Closed Thursday.
New York District Attorney’s office Lesley Pearse : Stolen Tel: 01505 842305
 ANITHER NICHT with feeling by this Cronie !

WI’ BURNS GAVIN PRATT used the poem

“MAN WAS MADE TO MOURN“
After their performance at the to divulge the profound under-
Calder UF Church in September, standing Burns had for the frailty
the GARTHLAND ST WIN- and suffering of mankind. And in
NOCH CRONIES were asked if this poem, Burns alludes to a recur-
they had any future events ring theme in his work with the
planned. Their response was lines “ Or why has man the will
vague; “ maybe something in the and pow’r, To make his fellow
library before the end of the mourn “. And it was left to this
year“. That was enough to cre- Cronie to deliver the essence of the
ate a demand for tickets and the evening’s theme in what is proba-
Community Library had to open bly Burns’ best known poem,
a reservation list which was full “TAM O’ SHANTER“. It is no
within a week. This was not to- mean feat to memorise this epic
tally surprising, however, given tale, but to deliver it with the pa-
the excellent name the CRO- nache of an accomplished story-
NIES have acquired during this teller is a real skill. The audience
special Burns 250th Anniversary were treated to a masterpiece of
Year and the Library’s equally recitation.
high reputation for delivering JOHNNY MAIR’s rendition of
superb community events. “THE RONALDS O’ THE BEN- The latest recruit to the CRONIES
NALS” gave insight into Burns’ is WILLIE GAMBLE whose in-
During 2009 the CRONIES have insecurity with his sharp reaction put of songs and music has added
presented several quality produc- to criticism and fear of rejection. a much applauded element to the
tions of Burns’ life and works. His jibes at the daughters of a pros- group’s original programme. The
On each occasion they have perous farmer at the Bennals near selection of songs included
brought variation to their basic to Lochlie resulted from their hav- “RANTIN’ ROVIN’ ROBIN“,
event structure and ensured no ing been impervious to his over- “MY BONNIE MARY“,
two performances have been the tures. The poem also showed “PARCEL O’ ROGUES“, and
same. Recently they have added Burns’ obdurate pride as reflected “SCOTS WHA HAE“. His ap-
the music and songs of Burns to in the lines “ My stomach’s as prenticeship in the folk-scene has
their narrative and recitations. proud as them a’ man “. The hu- served Willie well and today he
This has resulted in a well bal- mour of “ SIC A WIFE AS WIL- is regarded as an accomplished
anced programme which informs LIE HAD “ was delivered with ex- singer-musician who can even get
and entertains the audience in pressive gusto by the same Cronie the audience to sing in tune ! His
equal measure. who also provided the audience instrumental arrangement of “A
with a fine rendition of the ballad RED, RED ROSE“ was particu-
For their last performance of the extolling the worth of “ JOHN larly well-received.
year, the CRONIES selected BARLEYCORN “.
“ John Barleycorn “ as the aspect The programme closed with Willie
of Burns on which their narrative MALKY BLAIR reminded the au- Gamble leading the audience in
would focus. BILL DAVEY dience just how good his version is “THE STAR O’ RABBIE
delivered this with humour and of one of Burns’ best-loved tribute BURNS“. This is not necessarily
more than a little empathy. poems, “TO A MOUNTAIN a favourite of the reviewer espe-
Burns himself would have en- DAISY“. Then, in a recitation of a cially given the use of “ Rabbie “
joyed and approved of the senti- poem central to the “ drink “ theme which Burns was never referred to
ments. of the evening’s narrative, the au- in his lifetime. But it did provide
dience was left in no doubt as to the appropriate words of apprecia-
The selected recitations were an the worth of “SCOTCH DRINK“. tion of the Bard which rounded the
eclectic mix; but then the charac- Burns used the poem to rail against programme admirably.
ter of the poet, as evidenced in the tax on whisky with the immor-
his life style and in his works, tal line “thae curst horse-leeches o’ Mention should also be made of
was, to say the least, paradoxical. th’ Excise“ and these were said the “ assistant Cronies “ whose
musical skills contributed signifi-
cantly to the success of the pro-
SAVE YOUR days. It seems quite extraordinary that
planning regulations allow these two
gramme. REGIONAL PARK processes to be ongoing at the same

JULIE DONN, arguably our most

News time.

accomplished local piper, was a Wings Law, Kilbirnie

The public meeting on Wednesday
delight to listen to. A Public Inquiry has been announced
11th November in Kilbirnie was
for this windfarm and the Pre-meeting
very well attended. The meeting
WILLIE GRAHAM’S guitar and will be on 2nd December at which the
was opened by SYRP Chairman,
keyboard accompaniments in the date of the Inquiry will be announced.
Nigel Willis and committee member,
To have all the preparation work for
song segment were to a high stan- Robert Maund, introduced our guest
two PLIs at the same time would be
dard and much enjoyed by all. speaker, James Mackinnon, the Scot-
well nigh impossible and totally un-
tish Government’s Chief Planner for
reasonable and we have made this
It is now axiomatic to say that the Scotland.
point to the Reporters office.
Community Library team puts on a
Robert Maund is also chairman of
standard of function which is sec- Kaim Hill, Fairlie
the Scottish Campaign for National
ond to none in the village. But The application for Kaim Hill wind-
Parks. He was formerly the Director
some things should be said “loud farm above Fairlie, is expected to be
of Planning for Strathclyde Region
and often“ if only to waken up before North Ayrshire Council next
and was responsible for the actual
those residents who haven’t come month. If this too is refused we will no
establishment of Clyde Muirshiel
doubt be involved in our 4th Inquiry.
along to any of the events ! Be Regional Park.
warned though that tickets are al-
Waterhead Moor, Largs
ways in high demand. The hospi- Robert led our combined Save Your
The Environmental impact statements
tality at this event had a Scottish Regional Park and Scottish Cam-
for The Waterhead moor application
food theme and, though the wine paign for National Parks team of
behind Largs, with 26 of the 29 pro-
was French, the “John Barleycorn“ volunteers at the Kelburn windfarm
posed turbines within the Special Pro-
Public Local Inquiry in a most pro-
was very definitely Scottish ! tection Area, are still not completed.
fessional manner and we are enor-
No doubt this too will require a Public
mously grateful to him for agreeing
So, many thanks to Margaret Inquiry.
to do the same for the upcoming
Sweenie, Dorothy Donn and Janet Millour Hill PLI and the Wings Law
Stirrat. windfarm PLI.
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
Finally, the GARTHLAND ST Mr Mackinnon explained how he
Meetings were held at the Consents
WINNOCH CRONIES have added sees the future planning system in
Unit in October, concerning a resur-
a dimension to the long-standing Scotland and the role of Regional
rected proposal to place 25 turbines
excellence in locally delivered en- Parks within the overall plan for
behind Skelmorlie, with the developer
tertainment. They are to be espe- Scotland. This was followed by a
making out that there is capacity for
useful question and answer session.
cially congratulated for their ef- 100 turbines. This is at the scoping
forts to adhere to the original plan stage, as is a single turbine proposal at
that 2009, the 250th Anniversary of WINDFARM ROUNDUP
Glenlora, near Lochwinnoch.
Burns’ Birth, was to be a year sin-
Lochwinnoch Community Council
gularly dedicated by the country to Millour Hill have a standing objection to the siting
the recognition of Burns’ place in A Public Inquiry has been arranged of wind farms of any size in Clyde
our national culture and in the for what we call Millour Hill wind- Muirshiel Regional Park and will
wider world. farm, for another 6 turbines immedi- therefore always aim to object to any
ately beside the existing Wardlaw such proposals.
Lochwinnoch should be justifiably Wood windfarm, Dalry and the 14
turbine Kelburn windfarm approved The latest form of industrial-sized de-
proud that Burns was properly rec-
by Ministers following a 10 day In- velopment is in the form of an appli-
ognised in a series of events held cation to Renfrewshire Council for an
quiry in June 2008 but as yet, not
throughout the year and which cul- constructed. Not content with an 18,500 tonne per year capacity
minated in this outstanding eve- Inquiry, the developer has submitted anaerobic digester being proposed,
ning at the Community Library. a second application, exactly the alongside a single track Core Path in
same as had already been rejected by the Regional Park at Glenlora.
CRONIES AND LIBRARY North Ayrshire Council and is the
STAFF – YOU ARE REAL subject of the PLI. This will be held For more information,
in Radio City, Kilbirnie in April visit our website at: -
LOCHENYOCHIAN STARS www.saveyourregionalpark.com
2010. This is likely to last about 6
 • The Semple Flag and Visitors Centre, displaying their works for a
Book couple of weeks.
• An archaeological survey report Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park also
for the Collegiate Church played hosts to a visit by members of
• Semple Displays & DVD the board of Eurosite (which is the
presentations largest european network of organisa-
MERRY CHRISTMAS • Photographic competition pho-
tions devoted to nature conservation
management across Europe with over
AND A HAPPY NEW tographs. 27 countries and 100 member organi-
sations) who were very impressed with
YEAR TO ALL What a year this has been at Clyde
the whole park and the various pro-
grammes, events and activities which
from Clyde Muirshiel Muirshiel Regional Park. As well as are undertaken here.
their duties of patrolling the area,
Regional Park conservation, biological recording, February saw lots of activity about
and facilities management the birds from making birdfeeders and
This has been a busy year at Clyde Ranger Service provided a myriad of food, through a coastal bird survey to
Muirshiel Regional Park. Consulta- events and activities, predominately the RSPB visiting the Castle Semple
tion continues on the Parkhill Wood- FREE for the visitors to Clyde Centre to talk about Swans.
land Plan until 30th December 2009. Muirshiel Regional Park.
There has been quite a lot of interest
March was the first Farmers Market
in the draft proposals, which are avail- January saw a successful of the season and also the first Craft
able on the website - Stargazing night up at Muirshiel Fair of the year both at Castle Semple.
www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk or on with clear skies and wonderful views The Stargazing evenings continued at
hard copy at Castle Semple. of the stars, galaxies and even some Muirshiel, concentrating on Saturn in
meteorites flashing overhead. March and then on the Moon at the
If there is sufficient interest, the Park Conservation work was continued start of April.
Authority would like to support a with more Rhododendron removal at
“Friends of Parkhill Wood “ group that Muirshiel, opening up the area for The Seasonal Rangers arrived on the
could be the focus of both planning native plants and wildlife, and a 1st April but were no fools,and they
and practical work in the wood. Beach Clean at Lunderston Bay – were soon in the thick of things with
after the winter storms. The Ranger schools and events. The 6th of April
Service also brought Johnstone High saw the first ‘raising of the Semple
School pupils to the community Flag’ (a Homecoming 2009 initiative)
garden one very cold January day, to by Jim Semple.
help clear up the plots and move the
compost bins – ready for the burst of
spring activity at the garden.

Homecoming 2009 saw Clyde

Muirshiel Regional Park running a
programme of linked events, starting
in January with three shadow
puppet shows at Cornalees on the
popular Burns poem ‘Tam O’
Shanter’, and also a winter walk
through Parkhill Woods.
Stargazing has become very popular at
Muirshiel Centre with monthly
meetings over the winter period from
October 2008 to the end of March
2009 - starting again in October 2009.
The site is ideally suited as there is no There was an Easter Bunny hunt at
light pollution up in the hills, despite Castle Semple and a Ranger-led
being so close to Glasgow and Paisley. ‘Spring walk’ through Ardgowan Es-
tate at Inverkip. Volunteers helped
Homecoming 2009 was a national with a Spring clean up at the Peel
project to which Clyde Muirshiel (Tower) at Castle Semple Loch, and
linked an event and activities pro- also another Beach Clean at Lunder-
gramme. This has provided a legacy ston Bay. People were encouraged to
for the Park of: take the newly improved road back to
Muirshiel and to walk up on the moor-
• Improved facilities at Castle Sem- land tracks to spot the elusive Hen
ple Centre; Harriers and other moorland birds.
There was also ‘Pawsitivity’, a dog ori-
• A stock of publications, including entated day with a sponsored dog
“Castle Semple Rediscovered” walk, facepainting and other activites
(with some financial support from Lochwinnoch Art Club held their to raise some funds for St Vincents
Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority) annual exhibition at Castle Semple Hospice.
May was a lovely month weather wise, woodland, moorland, seashore and events in the Regional Park, starting
and saw lots of people out and about poetry walks all over the Regional with the Photographic exhibition of
in the Regional Park. The clubs – Park. pictures taken as part of the
rowing, sailing, windsurfing all got Homecoming 2009 Photographic
busy with lots of activity on club Competition.
nights and at weekends, our activity
staff helped with training, equipment Outdoor activities began to get a little
and the provision of facilities. Cor- quieter, although there are still groups
nalees was host to a Wildfood Cook making regular use of the facilties
School. Jim Carruth a local poet gave throughout the winter month. Club
people a taste of his poetry on a walk. nights finished on the water with a
There was a Kids pond survey at Cor- ‘Rescue Me’ training day on the loch
nalees for Scottish Biodiversity Week, for all the clubs, kindly organised and
a moorland walk at Muirshiel, themed for Hallowe’en by the
a Coastal walk at Fairlie and the RSPB Windsurfing Club.

In November there was a

The biggest event of the summer was demonstration of how a sheep’s fleece
the ‘Knights & Princesses Day’ held is turned into wool and clothing, a talk
at Castle Semple on the 9th August, on Bats, conservation volunteer work
with over 350 people attending over and another Stargazing evening at
the day – costume parades, dragon Muirshiel, and an autumn ramble in
mountain, the Water Dragon and the Parkhill Woods. Castle Semple held a
jousting arena gave people lots of second Craft Fair at the end of
FREE things to do with their chil- November for all the people buying
dren. There was a Semple Estate early Christmas presents. Students
walk – giving the history of the area from Kilmarnock College organised
in relation to the Semples and Mac- their own charity triathlon using Park
Dowalls, as part of the Parks Home- boats and bikes.
visiting to look at moths and a spring coming 2009 programme. During
walk in Parkhill Wood. this time there was a visit by 12 Coming up in December there is
international volunteers who partici- the Christmas Farmers Market, the
June had the second Farmers Market pated in a variety of projects around annual Tinsel walk, Stargazing at
of the year at Castle Semple, and the the Regional Park. Renfrewshire
third annual ‘Pound and Pace’ walk Active Weekend saw nearly 100 peo-
around the Greenock Cut from Cor- ple 'Walkaboutabit’ - basically 10
nalees this year raising funds for St miles from Paisely to Castle Semple.
Vincents Hospice. The RSPB were
once again at Castle Semple for a day, September was a good time for the
and this was the start of six free bus Farmers Market, outdoor activities,
trip days up to Muirshiel for their early autumn walks, a very success-
Moorland Walks programme. ful Bat walk and another Beach
Watch at Lunderston Bay. The
May and June saw the Green Doors Open Day weekend gave ac-
woodworking team visiting several cess to the Watch Tower as well as
agricultural shows and also Eglinton some interesting history on the area:
Park to show off this skilled craft and in photographs with the ‘Then and
to promote the park. April to June Now’ display and in an archaeologi-
were, as usual, a very busy few months cal ‘dig’ in Parkhill Wood. Cornalees
for school visits to all park centres also held an Archaeology day where
with students engaging in environ- people could try their hand at an-
mental education as well as taking cient skills or take part in a simu- Muirshiel, making natural Christmas
part in a variety of activities such as lated ‘dig’. decorations at Castle Semple and
sailing, kayaking, archery, map- Cornalees, and then a chance to have a
reading skills and mountain biking October saw the beginning of the
autumn/winter programme of day outdoors doing conservation work
with our Outdoor Activities team. on the 30th December to complete
this year’s events.
In July the Muirshiel Wildlife Won-
ders short summer programme aimed So there is still time to come and enjoy
at children ran Watery Wildlife, Hid- the Regional Park for the remainder of
den Worlds, Woodland Wander, Drag- 2009 – why not make a date to visit
ons and Damsels. There were Sea- us?
shore days at Lunderston and Largs, a
Funday at Kilbirnie and more Moor- See the back page
land and Poetry walks. of this issue of Chatterbox
In August the Wildlife Wonders were for Winter Opening hours
Natural Artworks and Bird-brained for all Visitor Centres.
day (making nestboxes), more
 Wildlife Action Awards are given for
doing four things – finding out what
wildlife is around, looking after it,
being environmentally friendly and
spreading the word.

Lochwinnoch Wildlife Explorers is for children

aged 5 to 14, with most of the Loch-
Annual Christmas winnoch group being under 12.
Farmers’ Market Lochwinnoch Why not come along to our next event
RSPB the Art Masterclass,
Get into the Christmas mood Wildlife Explorers which will be take place on
at Castle Semple Centre on Saturday 5th December
Sunday 6th December 2009. The Wildlife Explorers Group at from 10am - 12 noon
Lochwinnoch has just been given a at Lochwinnoch Library.
Castle Semple will host a Christ- bronze Wildlife Action Award by
mas Farmers’ Market on Sunday 6th the RSPB.
December from 11 am until 2.30 pm All are welcome to attend for indoor
or until sold out—so try and come The Group’s leaders were astonished and outdoor activities.
early! This annual festive market because they had never applied for To find out more about the group and
gives everyone the opportunity to one of these awards, but it seems how to join, contact Margaret and
taste and buy fresh local products, that the group’s meetings over a Michael Jarvis on 01505 842 563 or
direct from the producers. number of years had unintentionally e-mail them at: [email protected]
met all the conditions.
This year there is something for
the WHOLE family with live music
provided by the Gryffe High School Barrmill Community Association
Jazz Band, seasonal children’s ac-
tivities provided by the Ranger Annual Christmas
Service, the Climbing Wall will be
Craft Fair
back (staffed by the Activities on Sunday 6th December from Whist Drive
12am to 4pm in Barrmill Com- on Wednesday 16th December at
team) and the Lochwinnoch Fair-
munity Centre, Barrmill, Beith. 7.30pm in Barrmill Community
trade stall with goods from Rain-
Stalls cost £8. If anybody would Centre, Barrmill, Beith. Anyone
bow Turtle. There will be a small
like to take a stall, please contact wishing to take a table, please con-
stall from the Juniper conservation
Jean on 01505 502521. tact Jean on 01505 502521 or just
project (a joint promotion by Clyde
come along on your own. You will
Muirshiel Regional Park and the
Art Classes be most welcome.
Pentland Hills Regional Park) and
the opportunity for some Gin tast- Classes re-start on Monday 11th
ing, supplied by Hendrick’s. January 2010 at 7.30pm in Barr- Tai Chi Classes
mill Community Centre. £2 per Re-start on Thursday 14th January
This is a good chance to buy some class. For more information, 2010 from 7.30pm - 8.30pm in the
special festive food and drink, as contact Jean on 01505 502521. Community Centre.
well as the normal supplies. Or
perhaps make some special Christ-
mas orders too such as your
Christmas tree, which will just be
going on sale. Stalls will be both
inside the centre and outside at
this scenic loch side location.
There will be a free prize draw for
a hamper of goodies. Refresh-
ments are available all day in the
Centre, so why not have a day out,
get some shopping, try some fun
activities perhaps followed by a
walk along the loch shore and
through the woods, before finish-
ing with a refreshing hot drink and
then heading home.
 RSPB LOCHWINNOCH NEWS prevent the spread, so you may notice
this work beginning to happen within
The plant is notoriously difficult to the next few weeks.
Something to be on the look out
control; it grows back very easily
for: New Zealand Pygmy-weed when cut, cannot be killed by herbi- What can you do?
(Crassula helmsii) cides (without killing everything
else!) and can spread from one wa- 1. Check your own pond/water
ter body to another from only one bodies for this plant, you might have
small fragment (1cm) of plant mate- already found it to be a problem. The
rial. plant is sometimes found in garden
centres and is mislabelled as Tillea
One of the most extreme examples recurva, so be on the look out for this.
of the effect that this plant can have,
is found in Derwent Water in the 2. Have a look at other water bodies
Lake District. This water body has when you’re out and about, and in-
now been so widely affected, that form landowners/managers where
from the air, the water appears to be possible.
emerald green, because the plant
has formed a mat on the floor of the 3. Please do not bring your own
lake. pond dipping equipment to the re-
serve. We have many nets that we are
The ecology of the lake has com- happy to provide you with. This will
pletely changed, crowding out na- also stop it from spreading to your
New Zealand Pygmy-weed has just tive plant species and affecting own or other sites water bodies.
been discovered at RSPB Lochwin- other water life such as inverte-
noch nature reserve. This plant was brates and fish. 4. Visit the UK non-native species
introduced to the UK by people in 1911
website to find out more information
as an oxygenator for ponds, but unfor- For us, the course of action is that about this species and what you can
tunately has become one of the UK’s we will have to drain the affected do to limit its spread.
most damaging species, especially area of water, treat the plant with www.nonnativespecies.org/ and
when found on a wetland site, because rock salt and cover the plant with search for New Zealand Pygmy-weed.
of its ability to spread and the difficul- plastic sheeting, and then fill the
ties in controlling it. pond in. Once we are sure the plant Alternatively, pop in to see us at the
is under control, we will create a visitor centre, where we can provide
This was not good news for us, as you new pond near to the feeding sta- you with more information and an ID
can imagine, but luckily, the patch of tion, so that our visitors can con- chart to take home with you, email us
plant that has been found is limited to tinue to enjoy close up views of the at [email protected] or
one of our small ponds. ducks. We will have to act quickly to phone us on 01505 842663.

RSPB LOCHWINNOCH
Wildlife viewing all year round, nature trails and hides
open at all times, Visitor Centre open from 10am-5pm
daily, Bird Feeding Station and Treetop Tower, daily activi-
ties for families, school holiday activities, drinks, snacks
and a superb RSPB Shop.
For bookings and information, Tel: 01505 842663
or e-mail us at: [email protected]
or visit: www.rspb.org.uk/scotland

Keep up to date with the latest RSPB gossip.

Find us on Facebook:
Search ‘RSPB Lochwinnoch’, click on us and
receive regular updates.
Follow us on Twitter:
at http://twitter.com/RSPBLochwinnoch
Subscribe to the RSPB
Lochwinnoch Blog!

For weekly updates, visit:

http://blogs.rspb.org.uk/lochwinnoch/default.aspx
and subscribe using the RSS link.
 What’s On at RSPB,
Muirshiel,
Cornalees & Castle
Semple Centres For All Your Garage Door Needs
Garage Doors . Remote Control Openers
• Monday mornings - Loch- Installation . Repairs . Spares
winnoch Community Walks -
Mondays (ex. Public Holidays), FREE ESTIMATES 0141 950 1423 GLASGOW
10.30am at The Cross. FREE SURVEYS 01505 842176 AYRSHIRE
• Thursday mornings - Slinky FREE INSURANCE REPORTS 01786 820130 STIRLING
Strollers walks (for parents &
pushchairs) - meet at 10.30am at The Cross, Lochwinnoch PA12 4DB
Castle Semple Centre.
(10 mins from Glasgow Airport on A737)
• Saturday 31st October-
Sunday 10th January 2010 -
Homecoming Photographic Exhi-
bition at Castle Semple Centre
• Sunday 13th December - VISITOR CENTRES
Wildlife Wander Plus: Wonder-
during opening hours. ful Winter from 10am—12 noon.
• Saturday 5th December - NORMAL OPENING HOURS
Enjoy the RSPB Reserve’s winter
RSPB Wildlife Explorers: Art life, make the most of the cold, RSPB Reserve
Masterclass from 10am - 12 noon crisp days ahead. Booking The Reserve is open at all times;
at Lochwinnoch Library. (See in- essential - stout footwear and Visitor Centre open daily, 10am-5pm.
side back pages for more details.) waterproofs recommended. Tel: 01505 842663.
• Saturday 5th December - Tel: 01505 842663.
Teenage Volunteers Group join us Castle Semple Centre
• Monday 14th December -
from 11am-4pm at the RSPB Re- Open daily from 10am—4pm
Twilight Talk: South African
serve and take part in bird survey- from 25 October to 29 March 2010.
Adventure. Annual talk by
ing, outdoor work, etc. Booking RSPB Lochwinnoch Reserve Tel: 01505 842882.
essential. Tel: 01505 842663. Manager, Zul Bhatia from Cornalees Centre
• Sunday 6th December— 7.30pm-9pm at the RSPB Cen- Open weekends only from 11am-3pm
Lochwinnoch Festive Farmers’ tre. Booking essential, Tel: from 25 October to 29 March 2010.
Market at Castle Semple Centre 01505 842663. Tel: 01475 521458
from 11am-2.30pm or until sold • Thursday 17th December -
out. (See inside for more details.) join us for a Coffee morning Muirshiel Centre
• Wednesday 9th December— from 11am-1pm at the RSPB Open weekends only from 11am-3pm
Annual Tinsel Walk around Loch- Centre. Cost £2. from 25 October to 29 March 2010.
winnoch. Meet at 11am at Castle • Sunday 20th December - Tel: 01505 842803
Semple Visitor Centre. Christmas Decorations. Join the
• Friday 11th December - Regional Park Rangers to make FESTIVE OPENING HOURS:
Stargazing Evening (or indoor decorations from natural materi- Thursday 24th December - Castle Semple
lecture if weather is poor) at Muir- als - from 1pm at Castle Semple Centre closes at 2pm, until
shiel Centre from 7pm-9pm Centre (Tel: 01505 842882) and Saturday 26th December - All Visitor
Booking essential as spaces are at Cornalees Centre (Tel: 01475 Centres Open at 12 noon.
limited. Tel: 01505 842803. 521458). Booking essential. Sunday 27th December - All Visitor
• Saturday 12th December - • Wednesday 30th December Centres OPEN normal winter hours.
Festive Fun Day from 1pm—4pm! - Conservation Volunteers. Get Thursday 31st December - Castle Semple
Crafts, Stalls, meet Father Christ- some fresh air, keep fit and help Centre closes at 2pm, until
mas, mince pies, mulled wine (for nature at the same time. Gloves Saturday 2nd January - All Visitor Cen-
adults!) at the RSPB Centre. & equipment provided, come tres Open at 12 noon.
Entry £2 for non-RSPB members, dressed to get dirty! At Muir- Sunday 3rd January - All Visitor Centres
FREE entry to RSPB members. shiel Centre, from 1pm for 2 hrs. OPEN normal winter hours.

ESTABLISHED 1989
20 YEARS IN BUSINESS AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS GO ON AND ON …
UPVC WINDOWS AND DOORS OUR PRODUCTS ARE INSTALLED
MAINTENANCE FREE UPVC IN OVER ONE HUNDRED
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Contact - PETER McGARVEY
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AND BROKEN GLASS REPLACED.

UPVC DOORS FITTED FROM £430

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