Brrrrrrrrrrr, it’s suddenly got cold and wet! Well, we do live in Scotland after all - the land of four seasons in one day. The sudden rain after months of relatively dry weather caused some slippery conditions and on the A761 between the Knapps and the Quarriers road end we saw two bad accidents in one weekend, with cars skidding off the road into the field. Please take care out there, and remember that conditions can catch out even the most careful drivers.
The rain and frost causes difficult road conditions. Please report road faults ASAP; you will save others a great deal of grief and might even save a life. You can report a road fault or pothole by phone or online. Visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk or www.inverclyde.gov.uk depending on the location, or call Renfrewshire on 0300 3000 300 from Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm. Outwith these hours, you can call 0300 300 0144 to report faults. For Inverclyde call 01475 714800 or out of hours contact RALF (Roads and Lighting Faults) 0800 37 36 35.
We prepare again for Christmas and look forward to the regular event which is the Gibb Stuart’s (Home Hardware) windows. Every year without fail, Sandy and his team go to great efforts to create a colourful and dynamic display - a visual extravaganza to brighten up the dark winter evenings.
For those with hectic schedules and unable to make the shops during normal hours, Gibb Stuart is staying open on Thursday evenings in the run up to Christmas. The shop will be open until 8pm on Thursdays 20th and 27th November, 4th and 11th December, with special offers in-store on those nights.
Last chance to get tickets for the local pantos. “Oh no it’s not” you say, “Oh yes it is!” And we are so excited at The Advertizer this year as, once again, one of our very own team is taking part in ‘Jack & the Beanstalk’ - we’ll leave it to our eagle-eyed readers out there to go along to the show and find out who!
Check our ‘What’s On’ listings for details of pantomimes, theatre events and fireworks displays - there’s plenty going on for all tastes.
Finally, if you’ve got any events for our December issue, please get these to us by our deadline of Friday 14th November.
NOTE: I wrote this last week, and today I'm hearing about yet another serious road traffic accident on the A761, where the water runs across the road at Scart Farm dip. Tragic that another set of people are hurt on this stretch of road.
Tuesday, 28 October 2014
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
March update
When I put together last month’s piece, the main theme was roadworks.
The drainage works at Brookfield have now been completed and a new 30MPH limit exists from the road end at Brookfield Cemetery all the way through to the junction at Gowanlea Nursery, which some drivers still seem to be unaware of.
I was hopeful that the impending closure of the A761 for a week would result in a much improved road surface between Kilmacolm and Bridge of Weir. Sadly, the new surface, a heavenly driving experience though it is, only stretches for a few hundred metres out of Bridge of Weir; thereafter it’s back onto the rumble strip. The improved section has to be commended, but it was clear from Social Media just how frustrated drivers have become, with various comments: “to be closed for that length of time to do what they did! Now the back road is horrific with potholes!” and “shocking that the road was closed for so long and how little has been fixed grrrr”.
I’m sure I can recall a time when the local council had a team of workmen who were on-call to fix the roads, clear the drains, cut the hedgerows, etc… Nowadays though, I guess possibly for cost saving reasons, all these maintenance jobs seem to be outsourced and subject to a tendering process. With potholes, we have someone quantify the job and highlight the proposed repair areas with coloured paint. Then nothing appears to happen for months, other than nature doing its utmost. Invariably by the time the work commences the job has grown in magnitude, but the contractor is only able to deal with their specific remit and the beautifully repaired pothole now has several unrepaired neighbours. And so it goes on, and on, and on; or am I just being cynical. But why are the roads falling apart? There must be a logical reason. Is it simply that the gulleys and roadside drains are blocked and the water now trapped under the road undermines the subsurface? If so, here’s an idea; maybe we should have a team of guys dealing with regular maintenance to keep the ditches clear!!!
Remember the clocks go forward one hour on Sunday 30th March!
The Advertizer is the ideal platform to tell the community your news as we reach over 14,000 homes and businesses in the Gryffe area. Send in your news and photos to: info@advertizer.co.uk, or by post to The Advertizer, Kilmacolm PA13 4QF.
Next deadline Friday 14th March!
The drainage works at Brookfield have now been completed and a new 30MPH limit exists from the road end at Brookfield Cemetery all the way through to the junction at Gowanlea Nursery, which some drivers still seem to be unaware of.
I was hopeful that the impending closure of the A761 for a week would result in a much improved road surface between Kilmacolm and Bridge of Weir. Sadly, the new surface, a heavenly driving experience though it is, only stretches for a few hundred metres out of Bridge of Weir; thereafter it’s back onto the rumble strip. The improved section has to be commended, but it was clear from Social Media just how frustrated drivers have become, with various comments: “to be closed for that length of time to do what they did! Now the back road is horrific with potholes!” and “shocking that the road was closed for so long and how little has been fixed grrrr”.
I’m sure I can recall a time when the local council had a team of workmen who were on-call to fix the roads, clear the drains, cut the hedgerows, etc… Nowadays though, I guess possibly for cost saving reasons, all these maintenance jobs seem to be outsourced and subject to a tendering process. With potholes, we have someone quantify the job and highlight the proposed repair areas with coloured paint. Then nothing appears to happen for months, other than nature doing its utmost. Invariably by the time the work commences the job has grown in magnitude, but the contractor is only able to deal with their specific remit and the beautifully repaired pothole now has several unrepaired neighbours. And so it goes on, and on, and on; or am I just being cynical. But why are the roads falling apart? There must be a logical reason. Is it simply that the gulleys and roadside drains are blocked and the water now trapped under the road undermines the subsurface? If so, here’s an idea; maybe we should have a team of guys dealing with regular maintenance to keep the ditches clear!!!
Remember the clocks go forward one hour on Sunday 30th March!
The Advertizer is the ideal platform to tell the community your news as we reach over 14,000 homes and businesses in the Gryffe area. Send in your news and photos to: info@advertizer.co.uk, or by post to The Advertizer, Kilmacolm PA13 4QF.
Next deadline Friday 14th March!
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Running to up the end of 2013...
Regular commuters through Bridge of Weir might recognise the front banner picture as one of Gibb Stuart’s (Home Hardware) windows. Every year without fail, Sandy and his team go to great efforts to create a colourful and dynamic display; this year is no exception - a visual extravaganza to brighten up the dark winter evenings.
For those with hectic schedules and unable to make the shops during normal hours, Gibb Stuart is staying open on Thursday evenings in the run up to Christmas. The shop will be open until 8pm on Thursdays 28th November, 5th and 12th December, with special offers in-store on those nights.
In Lochwinnoch, the following shops will also be staying open on Thursday 28th November: Calder Gallery and Framing, Now and Then and Little Now and Then, the Charity shop, Post Office, Quirky Florist, Penman’s Pharmacy and Castle Semple visitor centre - more info on the website http://lochwinnochextra.co.uk/whatson-late-night-opening.html
I was delighted to receive an invitation to visit the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre for their Grand Opening. The highlight of the day was being allowed to hold Orla, the Golden Eagle. I can’t tell you how fantastic it was to be that close to such an amazing creature. Closer than half an arm’s length, to make eye to eye contact was quite nerve-racking, but an unforgettable experience, one which I would encourage anyone to share.
If you are stuck for that unique Christmas gift, how about the ‘Hawk Walk’ for £35, where you will get to fly one of the hawks for an hour through the trees? Or ‘Meet the Birds Experience’ where, for £100, you can enjoy an action packed, four hour close encounter at the Centre with tuition on some of the basics of falconry, learn the falconers’ knot, encounter an Eagle Owl, meet and handle a selection of hawks, falcons, and owls, fly a hawk, and possibly handle “Orla” the Golden Eagle. Vouchers are available at the Centre, or online at the website www.llbopc.co.uk
Finally, I would like to wish you all a happy and restful (if possible) festive season. I am looking forward to 2014 and hope you will be too!
Regular commuters through Bridge of Weir might recognise the front banner picture as one of Gibb Stuart’s (Home Hardware) windows. Every year without fail, Sandy and his team go to great efforts to create a colourful and dynamic display; this year is no exception - a visual extravaganza to brighten up the dark winter evenings.
For those with hectic schedules and unable to make the shops during normal hours, Gibb Stuart is staying open on Thursday evenings in the run up to Christmas. The shop will be open until 8pm on Thursdays 28th November, 5th and 12th December, with special offers in-store on those nights.
In Lochwinnoch, the following shops will also be staying open on Thursday 28th November: Calder Gallery and Framing, Now and Then and Little Now and Then, the Charity shop, Post Office, Quirky Florist, Penman’s Pharmacy and Castle Semple visitor centre - more info on the website http://lochwinnochextra.co.uk/whatson-late-night-opening.html
I was delighted to receive an invitation to visit the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre for their Grand Opening. The highlight of the day was being allowed to hold Orla, the Golden Eagle. I can’t tell you how fantastic it was to be that close to such an amazing creature. Closer than half an arm’s length, to make eye to eye contact was quite nerve-racking, but an unforgettable experience, one which I would encourage anyone to share.
If you are stuck for that unique Christmas gift, how about the ‘Hawk Walk’ for £35, where you will get to fly one of the hawks for an hour through the trees? Or ‘Meet the Birds Experience’ where, for £100, you can enjoy an action packed, four hour close encounter at the Centre with tuition on some of the basics of falconry, learn the falconers’ knot, encounter an Eagle Owl, meet and handle a selection of hawks, falcons, and owls, fly a hawk, and possibly handle “Orla” the Golden Eagle. Vouchers are available at the Centre, or online at the website www.llbopc.co.uk
Finally, I would like to wish you all a happy and restful (if possible) festive season. I am looking forward to 2014 and hope you will be too!
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
welcome to our November issue
It's great to see continuing improvements at the frontage at Neva Place. On this occasion, many thanks to the Brighter Bridge of Weir group for planting the border in front of Bernie's, and thanks too to Bull's Garage for donating the red stone chips, and the efforts of Willie Carruth, Roy Holmes and the Brighter girls who managed to move enough red chips to cover from the edge of Bernie's paving all the way down to the bank. Well done!
Sadly, the availability of these stone chips is due to the, now obvious, closure of Bull's Garage. This was a business at the core of village life and will be sorely missed. For those villagers who live and work within the locality it provided a convenient and essential resource, even if only for filling-up your vehicle. Locals will now have to make a conscious decision to go elsewhere and in doing so may change their local shopping habits. Please remember that a village without local shops can be a very soul-less place, so please do your utmost to continue to support your local retailers and help keep the community alive.
It's Panto season....
"Oh no it's not" you say, "Oh yes it is!" And we are so excited at The Advertizer this year as one of our very own team is taking part - we'll leave it to our eagle-eyed readers out there to go along to the show and find out who!
On that same theme, we've got a special section in our centre pages, "Spotlight", with details of pantomimes, theatre events and fireworks displays- plenty going on for all tastes.
If you've got any events for our December issue, please get these to us by our deadline of Friday 15th November
Sadly, the availability of these stone chips is due to the, now obvious, closure of Bull's Garage. This was a business at the core of village life and will be sorely missed. For those villagers who live and work within the locality it provided a convenient and essential resource, even if only for filling-up your vehicle. Locals will now have to make a conscious decision to go elsewhere and in doing so may change their local shopping habits. Please remember that a village without local shops can be a very soul-less place, so please do your utmost to continue to support your local retailers and help keep the community alive.
It's Panto season....
"Oh no it's not" you say, "Oh yes it is!" And we are so excited at The Advertizer this year as one of our very own team is taking part - we'll leave it to our eagle-eyed readers out there to go along to the show and find out who!
On that same theme, we've got a special section in our centre pages, "Spotlight", with details of pantomimes, theatre events and fireworks displays- plenty going on for all tastes.
If you've got any events for our December issue, please get these to us by our deadline of Friday 15th November
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Mixed news for October
I was delighted to hear that the group, “Weir Saving our Village”, has offered to help meet the costs of improving the play area in Moss Road Park, Bridge of Weir. The group – formed to save the park from a sell-off for retail development – successfully campaigned for the Council to retain ownership of the park. The funds raised during their campaign became surplus to requirements.
On a sad note, I’m sure that you will share my surprise and disappointment at the imminent closure of Bull’s Garage (see the adjacent page). If local rumours are to be believed the possibility of the business continuing as a going concern is not an option and consequently the buildings may be demolished. If true, what is to become of the site?
The site of the garage includes the vacant land towards the River Gryffe, currently used for casual parking. This vacant land was referenced on the local plan and designated residential development, however, with the removal of the garage what is to become of this significantly larger plot. Rumours abound; more housing, affordable housing, a supermarket, a railway station, etc? I don’t know, but one thing is for sure, the convenience of the local garage which has been there as long as I can remember will be sadly missed. Not to forget the service which the Crawford family has afforded the community, having built the business over the years.
Finally, and on a lighter note, I was highly amused to hear that there were, in fact, no nearly new babies for sale at the recent ‘Nearly New Baby Sale’ in Kilmacolm. I’ve no doubt though that some big brothers and sisters might have thought this would be a really good idea.
I was delighted to hear that the group, “Weir Saving our Village”, has offered to help meet the costs of improving the play area in Moss Road Park, Bridge of Weir. The group – formed to save the park from a sell-off for retail development – successfully campaigned for the Council to retain ownership of the park. The funds raised during their campaign became surplus to requirements.
On a sad note, I’m sure that you will share my surprise and disappointment at the imminent closure of Bull’s Garage (see the adjacent page). If local rumours are to be believed the possibility of the business continuing as a going concern is not an option and consequently the buildings may be demolished. If true, what is to become of the site?
The site of the garage includes the vacant land towards the River Gryffe, currently used for casual parking. This vacant land was referenced on the local plan and designated residential development, however, with the removal of the garage what is to become of this significantly larger plot. Rumours abound; more housing, affordable housing, a supermarket, a railway station, etc? I don’t know, but one thing is for sure, the convenience of the local garage which has been there as long as I can remember will be sadly missed. Not to forget the service which the Crawford family has afforded the community, having built the business over the years.
Finally, and on a lighter note, I was highly amused to hear that there were, in fact, no nearly new babies for sale at the recent ‘Nearly New Baby Sale’ in Kilmacolm. I’ve no doubt though that some big brothers and sisters might have thought this would be a really good idea.
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
September round up
Renfrewshire residents turned out in their numbers to grab a glimpse of some vintage vehicles during the Fire Engine Rally held in Paisley in August. Hundreds of people gathered in Paisley town centre for the popular annual event, which is now in its fifth year.
A mixture of old-style and current fire appliances paraded through the town from Canal Street Fire Station before parking in County Square and Gilmour Street. The event was run by Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Heritage Trust.
Gibb Stuart’s CookLive 2013 event will be held over three days, in-store at the Bridge of Weir shop. Events kick off on Friday 13th until Sunday 15th September, with in-store promotions and demonstrations in abundance. See their advert on page 23 for details.
Rehearsals are already underway for the pantomime season.... Oh no they’re not!.... OH YES THEY ARE! This year we will be treated to ‘Cinderella’ by the Kilmacolm Dramatic Society and the “Flint Street Nativity” by Kilbarchan East Drama group. I’m sure there are plenty of others - if you are involved and would like us to publicise your event please get in touch.
An idea for Christmas (we can’t be thinking of that already!?) is the must buy for 2014 – The Bridge of Weir calendar. After last year’s success the Trustees of The Bridge have produced a local calendar for 2014 with the invaluable assistance of members of Paisley Colour Photographic Club.
The hanging A4 sized calendar incorporates 12 colourful photographs of scenes/landmarks around Bridge of Weir, along with a diary section to note all your important dates. The calendar will be on sale in The Bridge from Monday 9th September for £5.75.
And finally, to help get us all off the couch, Renfrewshire Leisure are hosting an ‘Open Weekend’ on 14th and 15th September when you can go along to Paisley Lagoon, ON-X Linwood, Renfrew Leisure Centre or Erskine Sports Centre, and find out which sport might be right for you. More details in their ad on page 39.
A mixture of old-style and current fire appliances paraded through the town from Canal Street Fire Station before parking in County Square and Gilmour Street. The event was run by Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Heritage Trust.
Gibb Stuart’s CookLive 2013 event will be held over three days, in-store at the Bridge of Weir shop. Events kick off on Friday 13th until Sunday 15th September, with in-store promotions and demonstrations in abundance. See their advert on page 23 for details.
Rehearsals are already underway for the pantomime season.... Oh no they’re not!.... OH YES THEY ARE! This year we will be treated to ‘Cinderella’ by the Kilmacolm Dramatic Society and the “Flint Street Nativity” by Kilbarchan East Drama group. I’m sure there are plenty of others - if you are involved and would like us to publicise your event please get in touch.
An idea for Christmas (we can’t be thinking of that already!?) is the must buy for 2014 – The Bridge of Weir calendar. After last year’s success the Trustees of The Bridge have produced a local calendar for 2014 with the invaluable assistance of members of Paisley Colour Photographic Club.
The hanging A4 sized calendar incorporates 12 colourful photographs of scenes/landmarks around Bridge of Weir, along with a diary section to note all your important dates. The calendar will be on sale in The Bridge from Monday 9th September for £5.75.
And finally, to help get us all off the couch, Renfrewshire Leisure are hosting an ‘Open Weekend’ on 14th and 15th September when you can go along to Paisley Lagoon, ON-X Linwood, Renfrew Leisure Centre or Erskine Sports Centre, and find out which sport might be right for you. More details in their ad on page 39.
Thursday, 1 August 2013
August news
As I write, PHEW! It’s hot!
In the June editorial I reflected on the somewhat distressing and variable weather which we were suffering at that time. And, trying to remain upbeat, I recalled the weather pattern from 1976 when there was a very cold Spring, culminating in a snow blizzard on the 2nd June, only to be followed by one of the hottest summers on record, with the temperature sitting above 80’C for four weeks mid June and into July. So similar to this year’s weather!
Apologies for not managing to include photos of Bridge of Weir Gala last month, but to make amends I’ve managed to save a page this month for a montage. Lots of smiley faces enjoying the freedom of the great outdoors and wall to wall sunshine. Again, congratulations to Gordon Lethorn and his support team for another wonderful day.
Over the last few years we’ve been following our local karting star, Tom Thickpenny. This month we don’t have an article from him since he has been invited to the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix, not to compete but to rub shoulders with the superstars, undoubtedly an experience which will help his blossoming racing career. I hope that once he gets to F1 himself as a driver, I might receive a personal invite to watch him (well, no harm in asking!).
A call to action Ladies! We’re looking for pre-loved, gently used, vintage or designer handbags. On the 20th September, in The Cargill Centre (Kilmacolm), an auction in aid of Orkidstudio is being held and more donations of handbags are required to ensure the night is a great success. See page 5 (over there --->) for further details.
We also have the welcome news that following a successful event last year, Gibb Stuart Home Hardware has decided to again host their CookLive! event in September. More news about this on page 14 and in our next issue.
Happy August everyone!
In the June editorial I reflected on the somewhat distressing and variable weather which we were suffering at that time. And, trying to remain upbeat, I recalled the weather pattern from 1976 when there was a very cold Spring, culminating in a snow blizzard on the 2nd June, only to be followed by one of the hottest summers on record, with the temperature sitting above 80’C for four weeks mid June and into July. So similar to this year’s weather!
Apologies for not managing to include photos of Bridge of Weir Gala last month, but to make amends I’ve managed to save a page this month for a montage. Lots of smiley faces enjoying the freedom of the great outdoors and wall to wall sunshine. Again, congratulations to Gordon Lethorn and his support team for another wonderful day.
Over the last few years we’ve been following our local karting star, Tom Thickpenny. This month we don’t have an article from him since he has been invited to the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix, not to compete but to rub shoulders with the superstars, undoubtedly an experience which will help his blossoming racing career. I hope that once he gets to F1 himself as a driver, I might receive a personal invite to watch him (well, no harm in asking!).
A call to action Ladies! We’re looking for pre-loved, gently used, vintage or designer handbags. On the 20th September, in The Cargill Centre (Kilmacolm), an auction in aid of Orkidstudio is being held and more donations of handbags are required to ensure the night is a great success. See page 5 (over there --->) for further details.
We also have the welcome news that following a successful event last year, Gibb Stuart Home Hardware has decided to again host their CookLive! event in September. More news about this on page 14 and in our next issue.
Happy August everyone!
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