CHATTERBOX - Lochwinnoch Online
Transcription
CHATTERBOX - Lochwinnoch Online
Nuisance Helpline Anti-Social Behaviour Noise problems Support and Advice CHATTERBOX Every day 9am – 10pm Tel: 0800 169 1283 No 181 January 2009 ASIST Anti-Social Investigation Team Office 8:45am – 4:45pm www.lochwinnoch.info Tel: 01505 325 030 Community newsletter produced by lochwinnoch publicity committee for lochwinnoch cc What’s On • • • Dates for your Diaries see the back page. Details about regular clubs, classes and local groups see inside back page. Notices about other events are featured throughout this issue of Chatterbox. VILLAGE EVENT CALENDAR for 2009 Lochwinnoch Post Office has a wallmounted planner, where members of the public can enter details of forthcoming events. Please use this planner to • avoid any clashes when choosing dates to hold events, and • to help publicise your own events in and around the village and local area. Chatterbox is produced monthly for the Community Council of Lochwinnoch through financial assistance from local sponsors and advertisers. The editor welcomes all items for possible inclusion but will reserve all rights over them. All views are of individuals. The editor accepts no liability for errors. Sky at Night Lochwinnoch January 2009 Constellation of the Month Winter heralds the return of one of the most spectacular constellations, Orion. By 8pm, Orion fills the southern sky above the Braes and is easily picked out by his Belt and Sword. Above these are two of the principal stars, the red star Betelgeuse his right shoulder and a blue star Bellatrix, his left shoulder. Below the belt, Orion's knees are formed by Saiph (right knee) and the brilliant white start Rigel, (his left knee). Around Orion's sword can be seen one of the largest nebulous areas visible to the naked eye. Unless you get out into an unlit area, you will likely only see the bright part half way down the sword. Put the sword off-centre of vision for best results. Got a digital camera? Try a wide angle shot of 15 seconds or more and you will be amazed at what you can capture. Follow the line of the belt to the right and you will come to a red star, Aldebaran. This is the eye of Taurus the Bull and, beyond that, is a cluster of very blue stars -Pleiades. To the left of Orion is Canis Major the principal star of which is the Dog Star - Sirius - brightest star in the night sky. Leo follows Orion and is visible in the south-west until dawn. Saturn is still below Leo. Saturn takes roughly 29 years to orbit the Sun and during that time, our view of the rings changes from edge-on, as they are at present, to wide open (in 15 years’ time) and back again. Moderate magnification will allow you to watch this process. MOON: the Moon is Full on the 11th and New on the 26th January 2009. On 7th January, as the light dims, the Moon will be passing stars of Pleiades. If the sky is clear it is interesting to watch as the main group re-appears about 8.30pm. More information can be found on the Village website www.lochwinnoch.info Editorial & copy for Chatterbox Let us have your stories, notices, news, information, events & items of interest — either hand-deliver them to the Chatterbox drop-box in the Library or e-mail to: [email protected] MATTHEW NEW & SONS ROOFING - ROUGHCASTING - BUILDING MAINTENANCE Tel: 07899 746403 or e-mail: [email protected] Emergency Repairs, Storm Damage Insurance Work, New Roofs, Flat Roofs Roughcasting –UPVC Cladding—Guttering Copy Deadline for February 2009 Issue Is FMB Certificate No 26366 To advertise in Chatterbox Wed. 28th January ‘09. Tel No 01505 843400 Councillor Arthur’s Report Although I am a member of LMEG (Lochwinnoch Millennium Events Group) along with Carol Gemmell, Graeme Skelton, David McCusker, Duncan Bremner and Sue Richardson, it would be remiss of me not to mention how great the village Christmas Lights are and how wonderful it was to see such a large turnout from our community for the switch-on back in early December. My thanks to all the celebrities that performed the countdowns, the helpers who put the lights up, those who made donations, The Junction for the mulled wine and to my colleagues in the LMEG team for their enthusiasm. Well done all. Once again the annual New Year’s Dance was a massive success and a terrific evening. It’s great to see such a large group of people enjoying themselves from start to finish. Thanks to Julie, Fiona and Laura for organising it and also for raising funds for St.Vincent’s Hospice. Thanks also to Margaret and Laura our McKillop Hall caretakers who once again volunteered to open up the hall and to Lochwinnoch Community Council for their continuous support. This was the 9th year of our Hogmanay walk and it was the best weather that we’ve had. This year’s walk, entitled Walk of Witness, started at Auld Simon, then to Calder Church, Parish Church and finishing at Our Lady of Fatima Church. A healthy number attended and after sermon and prayers there was time for a chat over a cuppa. Renfrewshire Council are about to finalise a six-year investment programme making sure all 13,000 council houses in Renfrewshire meet the new Scottish Housing Quality Standard which comes into force by 2015. Working with the Scottish Government, Renfrewshire Council administration have found the solution which will unlock total housing investment amounting to £140 million over the next six years. The Scottish Government has announced an additional £10 million to the Central Heating Programme for this year. This will allow the programme to reach a greater number of fuel poor households than it was originally anticipated between now and the end of March 2009. Prioritisation has been extended to cover the pensioner households. Further information is available from:- Scottish Gas, Freepost, SCO 4421, Edinburgh, EH6 OBR; or you can telephone them on their freephone number: 0800 316 1653. My next Surgery is on Saturday 17th January but there is no need to wait for a Surgery if you require my help, you can contact me on 843507 and we can agree a time when we can meet. Councillor David Arthur Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum The Forum had no meeting in December, however enjoyed an excellent lunch in the Bowling Club on the 16th. Our thanks to Mr and Mrs Jamieson and other club members for their services and to Isabel Pratt and team for their well-received catering. Many thanks also to local businesses who generously gave donations for the raffle. We were also very pleased to be given parliamentary whisky from both Trish Godman MSP and Douglas Alexander MP. Local businesses who donated were The Corner Bar, Key Store, The Heritage Market, Pharmacy, The Cafe, The Junction, Cut & Care, Garthland, The Paper Shop, Now & Then, Spar, John Wilson (baker) and The Brown Bull. Some individual Forum members also donated prizes. Our membership has increased over the last few months, some due to their attendance at our successful T-bar in the McKillop on Tuesday mornings. This is run by Reta Parr and her group of volunteers. From April, the T-bar will also be opening on Thursday mornings. Our next meeting is on Thursday 29th January at 1pm in the McKillop Institute. All over 55 are welcome. My best wishes for 2009 to all Forum members. Gordon Nicholl (acting chairman). Lily Rose Bridal Boutique Designer Bridal gowns by Allure, Sweetheart Gowns, Linea Raffaelli, Trudy Lee, Nicola Anne and Sophia Tolli. Order your Junior Prom. Dresses now ! Also stocking bridesmaid and prom. gowns, jewellery, tiaras, veils, shoes, hats and fascinators. Contact Heather on 01505 843459 & 07834 419585 for an appointment or visit www.lilyrosebridal.co.uk 30 Church Street, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AD St. Vincent's Hospice Recycling We can raise money by recycling:Mobile Phones, Ink Cartridges, Stamps Foreign Coins, Old/broken Jewellery. These can be handed in to our shops in Renfrew, Johnstone, Linwood, Lochwinnoch, Paisley, Barrhead and Bridge Of Weir or at the Hospice itself. Unwanted Gifts Do you have any unwanted gifts that are in new or very good condition. Our Fundraising Team run various raffles, tombolas, etc at a number of events and donations of unwanted gifts or bottles can go a long way in helping to raise vital funds. For more information on any of the above, please contact Lorraine Valentine or Jane Cox in the Fundraising Team on Tel: 01505 705635 or by email at: [email protected] or [email protected] Recycling In January 2008, the Scottish Government outlined ambitious plans for a Zero Waste Scotland. The aim of the plan is to maximise recycling, minimise waste and ensure products are made to be reused, repaired or recycled. Buying an antique of any kind has been the ultimate in recycling long before it became “fashionable.” The products are certainly reused and very often repaired. 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. Valentine’s Gala Ceilidh is on Saturday 14th February The band, by popular demand, is ' The Last Tram Tae Auchenshuggle'. Tickets available from the middle of January from the usual outlets. Lochwinnoch Arts Festival March 26-29th 2009 Events will include Godspell musical Guest writer Janice Galloway Jazz/Folk and Classical music Arts and crafts Children’s events and more. Lochwinnoch Gala Day takes place this year on Saturday 13th June So mark that date in your diaries. It promises to be another exciting event. Our theme this year is Country and Western. If you think you can help us out in any way at all with this Gala Day, please contact Christine on 07815 087794. At the Stirrup Cup we not only offer an excellent restoration service but we can transform furniture based on our recommendations or on your own requirements. This can be achieved by using differing paint techniques, such as distressing, ageing and liming. Other techniques comprise, stencilling, decoupage, freehand and mosaic. We constantly have items in stock which you can transform using your own imagination. This is not just confined to furniture but can include light fittings, glasses, frames, jugs, decanters, wooden boxes, etc. In addition to breathing new life into a variety of items, we do try to be environmentally friendly at The Stirrup Cup. We use low energy light bulbs, have a wood burning stove for heat and try to keep packaging to a minimum by reusing bubble wrap and polystyrene packing. Most “antique” furniture is still worth restoring. There will still be unwanted furniture in skip sites and land fills. An antique can be a unique item which not only enhances your home but ensures that you are doing your bit to “save the planet”. LOCHWINNOCH ART GROUP NEWS First of all, Lochwinnoch Art Group wishes everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. Our first meeting of 2009 will take place on Monday 19th January at 7.30pm in the Lesser Hall, McKillop Institute. Helen Day will discuss Still Life using pencil tones. So, if you are interested then please come along (with pencil and paper!) for an interesting and informative evening. Everyone over the age of 18years is welcome. Our second meeting of 2009 is on Monday 2nd February, same time, same place, and that evening will consist of Acrylic Techniques by Sandra Fowles. Anyone who comes to the group does not need to follow what is on the syllabus. You can come along and ' Do your own thing ' if that is what you prefer. Look forward to seeing you there. Christine Brown, Chairperson Arts and Crafts for Young Teens, Lochwinnoch The Chameleon Club workshops recommence on Saturday 10th January. Anyone aged 12+ who would like to try some arts and crafts workshops should come along. The classes are held at the RSPB Centre, Lochwinnoch, 2.00-4.00pm and led by professional artist, Cait Gould. Each session costs £10, which covers all materials too. Next session’s dates are: 10th January, 31st January, 28th February and 21st March. In the past the group have created stop-frame animation from characters they made in clay; mosaic frames; clay piggy banks (but being creative types, we ended up with a bird, haggis and a cat as well!). If you have a particular area of interest Cait will always try to incorporate it into the workshops. We hope to see you soon. VISIT TO NAXAL ORPHANAGE In Kathmandu On 9th October last year, I flew out to Kathmandu (via Bahrain) to work as a volunteer for a month at Naxal Orphanage in Kathmandu city. Daily temperatures were still very high in October, rice was being harvested and preparations were being made for the spectacular Festival of Light, known as Tihar, one of many festivals held in Nepal throughout the year. The Naxal Orphanage is one of 3 run by the OCCED (Organisation for Community, Child and Environmental Development), which was established in 1999 to care for and campaign for Nepal’s most vulnerable children. The OCCED works to provide shelter, education and training whilst trying to find the children new homes. I was one of a group of 5 volunteers; 3 schoolteachers, one paediatrician and myself - a former social worker with a special interest in child care. Every day, we were bused from our hotel in Kathmandu to the orphanage, which was just over a kilometre from the city centre. Central Kathmandu is a lively, intense city with narrow lanes, motorbikes, rickshaws, traffic jams, pollution, ageless temples, fabulous architecture and sacred cows roaming the streets. The streets are filled with the sounds of bicycle bells, religious music, construction works, car horns and the smells of incense and spices from the bazaars and sewage and car exhaust fumes from day-to-day living. Power cuts, strikes, and protests are part of daily life, as are the many rich and spectacular festivals of the Kathmandu Valley and traditional buildings and palaces in the old city of Kathmandu. Children in the orphanage are grouped by age. Our team of 5 volunteers helped with the 1yr – 3yr old groups in the afternoons and the 3-6 year old groups of children in the mornings. At 7 years of age, the children go to a nearby school, where English, Maths, Science and Reading are on the curriculum, though educational books are rare in classrooms. The orphanage is located in 2 rented buildings, which are fairly basic structures with walls and roofing made out of beautifully crafted split bamboo, beaten earth floors and no windows or artificial light. No laptops or iPods here! The accommodation may be basic but it is spotlessly clean; solar panels heat hot water, bath nights are on Thursdays and the children are looked after by nursemaids, known as didis. Girls can become didis at age 17; some do the cooking whilst others do housework, laundry and general child-minding to name but a few of their duties at the orphanage. With our social, educational and paediatric backgrounds, our team of 5 volunteers was also able to assist and support local staff by spending time with the children. For me, as a mother and grandmother myself, this was a very rewarding experience. Although I don’t speak Nepali (or any of the numerous, regional languages of the outlying areas), it was still possible to communicate with the children on other levels and to witness the great joy and excitement they experienced in the daily reading sessions we shared and, just as importantly, the song and dance routines including jiving, salsa, doing the Hokey Cokey and Ring a Ring o’ Roses! The children are often confined to the buildings due to the intense heat and the cramped city-centre location of the orphanage, where outdoor space is at a premium. The photograph shows some of the children, from a range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, playing together on a small outdoor balcony area, YOGA CLASSES Classes for Beginners recommence on Tuesday 13th January 2009, McKillop Institute from 1pm till 2pm. Classes for Intermediate/Advanced students YOGA & MEDITATION are held on Wednesdays from 7.30pm till 9pm at the McKillop Institute. Contact: Mary for more info on 07971-277870 or 01505-842877 which is only partly shielded from the scorching rays of the sun. As volunteers, we were able to spend some of the money we raised on treats for the children, one of which was a day out at a local zoo. This proved to be a great hit with the children who spent hours gazing at the tigers, elephants, leopards and all manner of other exotic creatures. It was exciting for us too! The didis came along too and provided a fabulous lunch, which we all enjoyed under the canopy of huge trees nearby. There are many more happy memories that I would like to share with you but space is limited. However, if you would like to find out more about the Naxal Orphanage and about Nepal and its people, I will be giving a slide show and talk at some local events. The first of these presentations will take place on Thursday 29th January at 2pm at Paisley Abbey (as part of Women’s Friendly Hour) and the second event will take place on 19th February at 7pm at Barr Mill (as part of the SWRI evening). Finally, on behalf of the children and staff of Naxal Orphanage, I would like to say a very big thank you to family, friends, Lochwinnoch Community Council and St Vincent’s Hospice for your donations of money, school books, reading books, early reading books, crayons and other educational materials, all of which have brought such joy to the children we met. If you would like to donate or help with the Naxal Orphanage project in any way, please get in touch with me on Tel: 01505 843805. Diana Adam YOGA WORKSHOPS January 17th Saturday "JOY" February 21 Saturday "FREEDOM" March 14 Saturday "AWAKENING" April 26 Sunday "KINDNESS" May 17 Sunday "TRUTH" June 21 Sunday "ENTHUSIASM" All workshops are held in Kilbarchan Guide Hall and cost £15.00 Contact Rebecca on 0141-881-6700. Provost’s Community Awards Nominations are being sought for the 11th anniversary of the Provost’s Community Awards in Renfrewshire. They aim to reward those members of the community who tirelessly work to make life better for others. Provost Celia Lawson said, “As Renfrewshire's Provost, it's my privilege to meet many people in our community who show such dedication to others and achieve so much. The Provost's Community Awards are your chance to tell us that you admire these people too, and you'd like them to be rewarded for who they are and what they do. If you know someone who helps others, who makes a difference in their community or who battles to overcome physical or emotional barriers in their life, nominating them for one of these awards is a great way of showing what you think of them.” Two new categories have been added to the 2009 Community Awards: the Spirit of Fairtrade Award, introduced to support Renfrewshire Council’s commitment to raising the profile of Fairtrade in the area, and the Arts and Culture Award for any person or group who has (or have) shown commitment and passion for music, photography, painting or any other such creative outlet. The new categories join returning categories: Child of Achievement, Carer, Community Volunteer/Group, Special Needs and Adult Achiever. The awards ceremony takes place in March 2009. Each individual winner gets a trophy, a holiday for two in London (including flights and 4-star hotel accommodation), £200 spending money and a £500 donation to a charity of their choice. If a group wins an award, they receive £800 that can either be donated to a local charity or spent on their own specific needs, such as buying equipment. For further information please contact: Drew Gibson or Mairi Brown,Telephone: 0141 840 3363 or 0141 840 3706. 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] or come to one of my advice surgeries. Hear Here A Burns Supper will be held on Friday 23rd January Renfrewshire Hard of Hearing Support Group Renfrewshire Hard of Hearing Support Group is a new group formed to raise awareness, campaign for positive change and to provide support and activities for those of us with a hearing loss. It has been great to see our numbers gradually increasing. Hearing loss brings problems of understanding in a noisy world. It is an invisible difficulty and other people don’t realise the need to communicate clearly. Sometimes it is easier for us to withdraw and become isolated but we aim to encourage others to overcome these difficulties. At our meetings every effort is made to make sure we all understand by having a loop system and a text writer available. There will be no meeting in January. The next meeting will be on Thursday February 5th, 2009, 2009 at 1.30pm in the Mile End Centre, 30 Seedhill Rd, Paisley. The subject will be a talk on Deaf Awareness, a topic which will be interesting to family also. Hope to see you there. Tel: 0141 847 4950 (for further details) (7pm for 7.15pm) in the McKillop Institute, hosted by Lochwinnoch Choral Society This promises to be a good night of entertainment with local speakers, singers and other local musicians. Tickets are £15 and are available from any choir member. J Quinn & son Memorials Personal Service & Quality Guaranteed New Memorials Additional Inscriptions Cleaning & Renovations Mon 10am –5pm, Tue –Fri 10am –2pm Evening & Weekends by Arrangement 4a Dalry Road, KILBIRNIE Please Call 01505 68 54 55 From the Parish Church Look forward in faith, all time is in God’s hand. Walk humbly with him and trust his future plan. God has wisely led his people by his power. Look forward in hope, he gives us each a new hour. A. Scobie © 1988 The Panel On Worship, Church Of Scotland In years gone by, on Hogmanay, our family used to gather around the dinner table. As we ate, we would discuss the past year, remembering the good times; raising a glass to friends and family to whom we had said our final farewells; we would also mention, briefly, the times we wanted to forget. This past year I have learned that I have the wonderful gift to forget hard times. That doesn’t mean I remember the past through rose tinted glasses hankering for a glorious age which never existed; however, it does mean that I am lucky enough not to live in the past. Yet there are lessons to learn from the past and we ignore the past at our peril. The difference is whether we let the past inform our present, or define it. The Roman god Janus gives his name to the month of January. In Roman mythology, Janus was the god of gates, doors, doorways, beginnings and endings. Janus is usually depicted as having two faces, giving him the ability to look forward and backwards simultaneously. He looks to the future, but is forever also condemned to contemplate the past. He cannot contemplate the present; he cannot let go of the pain of the past – perhaps Janus, uniquely, does not have the power to forgive as he cannot let go. The Christian faith is based on forgiveness. When God forgives, God forgets. God refuses to live in the past. Being human we cannot let go of the past so easily. Yet faith is not a magic wand that means when we hand our hurt and pain to God the hurt and pain cease. Nevertheless, when we do hand our burdens to God, our load is lightened. While it is vital to learn the lessons of the past, we no longer live there. If we fail to forgive, in the end it is ourselves whom we hurt the most when we hold on to bitterness that should be laid to rest. We only need to look to the Middle East where the government of Israel and the supporters of Hamas seem unable to let go of the past. Both sides are letting the feuds and bitterness of the past define the present. If people on both sides could learn to let go and forgive then who knows how peaceful the future could be. If the past is a foreign country, so too is the future, yet we do not step into it alone. We step into the future together and with God by our sides. Therefore, we can look forward in faith, knowing that we take the best of the past with us and leave the worst behind. Whatever you face in 2009, may God bless you with health and happiness, Yours, Godspell As you will have read in Chatterbox before, as part of the bi-centenary celebrations of the Parish Church building in Church Street, we will be producing the Rock Musical ‘Godspell’ on the 26th and 27th March in the McKillop Institute. Godspell was written by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak and premiered in New York in May 1971. The play contains well known songs, such as Prepare ye The Way of the Lord and Day By Day. While written for 10 characters, the beauty of Godspell is there is a place for anyone who wishes to take part. Rehearsals begin on Tuesday 13th January in the Parish Church at 8pm. If you cannot come to the first rehearsal but would like to take part in any way, then please contact me on 843484 or by e-mail: [email protected] This musical is a lot of fun and no matter who you are, no matter how much singing or acting experience you have, we will find a part for you. We look forward to seeing you on the 13th January at 8pm. Rev. Christine Murdoch Many thanks. Christine Murdoch Fairtrade and Fair Prices for all Farmers Celebrating our Fairtrade Village Members of Lochwinnoch International Aid and its Fairtrade campaign group recently celebrated the village’s success in achieving ‘Fairtrade’ status with those who helped us reach this goal including representatives of Renfrewshire Council, the Community Council, the churches, LMEG and the Primary School. Thanks to the generosity of local people at Susan Lamont’s annual pupil concert, framed copies of the certificate ‘presented to the people of Lochwinnoch’ by the Fairtrade Foundation (see picture) will be displayed in those shops, caterers and organisations around the village that sell or provide Fairtrade products. and Scottish farming might seem unlikely bedfellows since Fairtrade is generally associated with the developing world. In reality however, NFUS and the SFTF share key common values. We both work to ensure food is produced in a manner that promotes and enhances the sustainability of agriculture and the wellbeing of families who rely on it. We both want a ‘Fair Deal’ for producers, whether for farmers in Scotland or in places like Malawi.” John McAllion, chair of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, said: “Scotland currently has a campaign to become one of the world’s first Fair Trade Nations, (and) our greater aim is to embed a commitment to fairness at We hope this will also remind everyone to support local farmers and retailers during these difficult economic times. The campaign group feels there is no conflict between supporting Fairtrade and, where possible, buying from local farmers and producers – at a Farmers’ Market for example - to ensure they are paid a fair price too. “As a woman, being involved with Fairtrade is very helpful. We understand the coffee business now and Fairtrade has taught us how to improve the quality of our coffee. It also helps women sell their coffee, we have a good market now. Fairtrade is also giving women freedom of speech. When we are paid we buy what we want and don’t have to ask our husbands and we know how to budget for our household needs. We have tasted Cafédirect which has our own coffee in it. It was very delicious!’ What can we do locally? The Lochwinnoch campaign group hopes to gather support in 2009 by persuading more local people to start choosing Fairtrade products and buying from local producers or shops where they can. This will guarantee support for poorer communities as well as local farmers and producers: research shows that 80% of every £1 spent in local shops re-circulates in the community. What Fairtrade stands for in Scotland and in the developing world ‘Fairtrade’ refers to products produced and sold with the now familiar Fairtrade logo on the packaging. ‘Fair Trade’ refers to the wider Fair Trade movement and national Fair Trade Nation campaigns. The National Farmers’ Union Scotland (NFUS) and the Scottish Fair Trade Forum (SFTF) recently promoted their desire for a fair deal for food producers, regardless of where they farm, whether in Scotland or in the developing world. Their common goal is to ensure producers are paid a fair price for their goods, allowing them to operate sustainably. all levels of Scottish society. Buy local meat, potatoes and dairy products to support your local economy and buy quality Fairtrade coffee, tea and other products that can’t be grown locally to help Fairtrade producers in the developing world get a fair deal. In tough economic times like this, buying local and Fairtrade goods is a sure way to get quality products while knowing that you are also supporting sustainable community and environmental development that impacts all of us positively in the long-run.” NFUS focuses on working towards this goal in Scotland while the SFTF works to achieve this in the developing world, through Scotland’s campaign to become one of the world’s first Fair Trade Nations. The Fairtrade symbol guarantees that people in developing countries get a fair price for goods like cotton and coffee that cannot be grown or produced locally. In addition some of their earnings go towards improving social provision such as health care and education which is often non-existent. According to Jim McLaren, NFU Scotland President, “At first, Fairtrade Jennipher Wattaka, a Ugandan woman belonging to the Nasufwa Co-op committee and its Fairtrade premium committee said, The bigger aim is to promote Scotland's contribution to Fair Trade with developing countries, working with other bodies, including Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Fair Trade Forum to help Scotland achieve Fair Trade Nation status. During Fairtrade Fortnight from 23 February-8 March 09, we hope to be able to hear from a banana producer who can tell us the difference that selling their produce through the Fairtrade scheme has made to his community. Other events will include fund raising coffee mornings at the Junction and a Fairtrade coffee tasting event. We also plan to produce another shopping bag or a T-shirt to celebrate our Fairtrade village status. If you are interested in helping in a practical way with any of these activities, please contact Bob Turner at Tel: 843068. DRUID DAYS IN LOCHWINNOCH locally as Downie's Mount or Downie's Castle, and which is distinguishable by its yew tree circle. by Derek Parker One of the most interesting aspects of Druid ritual was their veneration of the mistletoe plant. The milky juice of the berry symbolised fertility and lifesustaining milk while the whiteness represented bright light shining in winter darkness. Mistletoe, especially when it grew on oak trees, was cut down on the sixth day of the new moon by Druids using golden sickles and gathered in priestly robes to prevent it from landing on profane ground. WHILE working as a ranger at Muirshiel Country Park and its Barnbrock Farm HQ in the hills above Lochwinnoch, my journey home by bicycle took me past Clochoderick Stone in a meadow just off the back road between the village and nearby Howwood. At certain times of the year, when it was dark at night, I sometimes saw flickering flames around the massive rock, which measures several feet in height and circumference, and whose Gaelic name means 'Stone of the Druid.' Shadowy figures circling the rock, known geologically as a glacial erratic because it was swept down to its present site from Argyll at the end of the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago, informed me that men and women who still follow the old Druid religion of the Lochwinnoch area were celebrating ancient pre-Christian festivals like Samhainn (the start of the Celtic winter) on November 1; the winter solstice on December 21 or 22; and Imbolc (the start of Spring) on February 1. These celebrations at Clochoderick took the form of torchlight processions, music on drums and tambourines, and prayers to the Druidic sun god, Bel, urging him to return to his summer haunts and bring back life and light to a benighted Renfrewshire countryside darkened by winter desolation and barrenness. The people taking part in these nocturnal ceremonies were the heirs of a pre-Christian hierarchy dating back hundreds of years to a time when the Druid priests were the spiritual and political leaders of Iron Age Celts, who lived in fortified encampments and homesteads in the Lochwinnoch area at places like Walls Hill, Dunconnel Hill, Smeath Hill, Castle Hill and Knockmade Hill - all important archaeological sites within Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and dating from approx. 500BC to 300AD. The Druids, who were also the philosophers, poets and historians of their communities, wore distinctive white robes and hoods, sometimes embroidered with colours of the natural world like blue and green, to denote their rank in the hierarchical order. The Celts, who looked to them for guidance and spiritual nourishment, were garbed in long woollen trousers, tunics and cloaks fastened with brooches. Celtic women dressed in shawls and long, ankle-length woollen gowns, drawn in at the waist with leather belts. Men and women wore leather shoes or boots made from animal hides. The Druids, who were well-versed in nature lore, led the religious rituals of the people in wooded groves known as nemetons, which were regarded as sacred to the gods and goddesses of woods, rivers, rocks and hills. The word, 'Druid,' derives from Greek, 'drus' and 'idein,' meaning 'one who has knowledge of the oak trees' Like their modern counterparts, prehistoric Druids took part in torchlight processions in holy places at dead of night when fiery flames from their blazing beacons symbolised the light of life shining in winter darkness and strengthening the fading sun which was at its weakest during the night or winter time. They also chanted paeans of praise to the sun, which they learned during their long apprenticeships lasting for 20 years and obliging them to commit Druid knowledge to memory so it would not be misappropriated by the uninitiated. Among Lochwinnoch sites, where the Druids are believed to have held their rituals, is Beltrees whose name is said to derive from the trees of Bel, the Druidic sun god. Another location is thought to be the hillock in Parkhill Wood, known Although the Druids were brutally suppressed by the Roman legions, who occupied much of Britain from around 43AD to 410 AD, their secret knowledge lingered on underground before resurfacing during the Victorian era. During my time as a countryside ranger, I was invited to attend a number of Druid ceremonies, including a wedding at Muirshiel Park and a Beltane celebration at Courtshaw Hill overlooking Castle Semple Loch. Watching the re-enactment of ceremonies, which took part at these very sites nearly 2000 years ago, was an enlightening experience with their ritual kindling of sacred fires, the marking with wooden sticks of the temenos, or sacred enclosure, music, singing and the distribution of the fruits of the earth like apples and oranges, and prayers for people in need. In these hallowed sites once used by our Druidic predecessors, the ageless wisdom of the Old Religion flowed down through the ages, putting us in touch with our roots in the land, magnifying our souls and linking us to the eternal cycle of birth, life, death and resurrection, which unites our souls with the seasons of the universe. Derek Parker worked as a countryside ranger at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park between 1985 and 1999. Lochwinnoch Library Renfrewshire Libraries Present New books for January Being Elizabeth by Barbara Taylor Bradford Killer Year: Stories to die for by Lee Child A secret alchemy by Emma Darwin Daughters of Liverpool by Annie Groves Just after sunset by Stephen King Brute force by Andy McNab Salvation in death by J D Robb Baby & Toddler Coming soon Secret life of Evie Hamilton by Catherine Alliott The bodies left behind by Jeffrey Deaver The Associate by John Grisham Live fire by Stephen Leather Wednesday’s at 4 by Debbie Macomber You can request these books by calling into the library or reserve books on-line (see Renew and Reserve below). Renew and Reserve at www.renfrewshwire.gov.uk/libraries Library members can view, renew and reserve their library loans online. All you need to get started is your library membership number and a password. If you don’t have a password just ask at any library. “Your Village” Rhyme time AT Lochwinnoch Library Every Tuesday 2.30pm Starting 27th January Want to find out more? Why not browse through our collection of local photographs and step into a very different world that was … Lochwinnoch. ADVICE WORKS Tuesdays 10am –12.30pm Advisors are on hand to help fill in claim forms, check and advise on welfare benefits/money problems. Advisors can provide expert advice on a wide range of debt related topics, such as credit card, mortgage arrears, council tax, etc. The service is FREE, confidential and open to all Renfrewshire residents. The AGM of Lochwinnoch International Aid will be held in The Guild Room of the Parish Church on MONDAY 26th, JANUARY starting at 8pm. The agenda includes reports on LIA's work in the past year and the election of a new committee. Fairtrade refreshments will be served afterwards. All supporters are welcome. LIBRARY OPENING HOURS : Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 2pm–5pm & 6pm–8pm Tuesday and Saturday: 10am–1pm & 2pm–5pm Closed Thursday. Tel: 01505 842305 Lochwinnoch Scottish Country Dance Club BURNS SUPPER Are you fit, active and looking for a new interest? Lochwinnoch and Howwood SNP are holding their Annual Burns Supper in Lochwinnoch Golf Club, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the life and works of the bard. Guest speaker is John Swinney MSP and the programme for the evening also includes Cllr.Derek Mackay, Leader of Renfrewshire Council, with Cruachan providing the music. This is a mixed evening and all are welcome to attend. Tickets are £18.50 and are available by phoning Davie on 843507. Our Scottish Country Dancing Club resumes on 6th January 2009 in the McKillop Institute at 7.30pm. Learn how to enjoy our traditional country dancing with Reels, Jigs, Strathspeys and the various steps associated with them. It's all good exercise for the mind as well as the legs and a most enjoyable and inexpensive evening. New Members will be most welcome - come and have a try. On Friday 13th February SAVE YOUR REGIONAL PARK PETITION When I journeyed through to the Scottish Parliament for the Petition Committee meeting on 18 November, I was a bit down in the dumps because I was sure that the Petition was going to be closed and cast aside. As time has gone on, my responses to the Government’s comments have been more and more critical and I was sure that my last response would not go down very well at all. Bearing in mind that the Petition was launched in August 2007, it has been going for a very long time and I was concerned that today would be the day when it would be finalised. By 2 pm I was once again seated in the Parliament building with my fingers crossed and pretending to be optimistic. In order to explain the outcome, I think the easiest solution is to summarise the Petition Committee’s latest letter to the Government as below. “ The Public Petitions Committee considered the above current petition at its meeting on 18 November 2008 and agreed to write to the Scottish Government seeking a response to the specific points raised during the meeting. PURPOSE The purpose of this letter is to seek a written response to each of the following— 1. the points made in the written submission from petitioner received since the Committee last considered the petition i.e.— • Will the Scottish Government demonstrate in what way planning policies and the planning process fully reflect the wider social, environment, cultural, tourism and community benefits that regional and national parks offer and how are these interests properly and robustly protected and recognized? • If it is for developers to consider whether planning policies which apply to national and regional parks are sufficient to ‘discourage’ them from submitting such planning applications, what evidence is there that this is the case? • What has been the volume of planning applications made, broken down by those rejected and approved, made in each regional and national park in each year since 2003? • Whether the principle of creating a regional or national park, including the statutory aims of the national parks, is to ◊ conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area; ◊ promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area; ◊ promote understanding and enjoyment (including enjoyment in the form of recreation) of the special qualities of the area by the public; and ◊ promote sustainable economic and social development of the area's communities - and should this not be afforded a higher status in terms of protection and that, as such, applications for wind farms and other forms of industrialisation should be discouraged more robustly to ensure that the reason for designating the parks in the first place is not lost? 2. the specific issues raised during the discussion on the petition GUIDANCE ON RESPONSE The following information may be helpful in preparing your response— ◦ please limit your written response to no more than 3 sides of A4 ◦ the Committee would find it convenient if you were to identify in bullet form the relevant action the Scottish Government has taken, or will be taking, that will specifically deal with, resolve etc the issues raised (to provide in this format makes it easier for the Committee to easily identify the action points relevant to the petition and will assist in its understanding of the issue) ◦ the Committee is interested in specifics e.g. what is the action, how is it relevant to the petition, why is it being taken, when ◦ the Official Report of the Committee’s meeting will be available on the Parliament’s website from 26 Nov. 2008. TIMETABLE The Committee will give further consideration to this petition and the written responses received at its meeting on 10 February 2009. Accordingly, the deadline for your response is 5 January 2009. “ Needless to say I left the meeting very happy (actually dancing down the Royal Mile) that the petition was alive and well. Who knows what 2009 may bring regarding the Petition? Let us hope it is a vintage year!! Very sincere thanks to all who have supported this petition. Good health and happiness for 2009. Sybil Simpson EVENING HOSPITAL VISITOR TRANSPORT SERVICE: Notice from Renfrewshire Council In October 2006, a ground breaking hospital visitor transport scheme was launched for the residents of Glasgow City. Since then, the scheme has been extended to residents of East Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, Rutherglen and Cambuslang. On 6th October 2008, the service began in Renfrewshire, providing free transport for our residents to visit patients in the Royal Alexandra Hospital and other acute hospitals in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Area. Who can use it? The hospital evening visitor transport service is available for anyone living in Renfrewshire, but priority will be given to those who wish to travel to their nearest hospital, to older people (those over 60), people living with a disability and those in receipt of benefits. How to use it To use the service, phone a booking hotline: 0845 128 4027 (open every afternoon) and transport can be booked up to one week in advance. You will have to register and provide some information to ensure that those who really need the service are given priority. All information will be treated in the strictest of confidence and in compliance with the Data Protection Act. You will need to give your address, which hospital you want to visit and what time visiting begins and ends. Pick up time will be confirmed by telephone and you will be taken from your front door to a drop off point in the hospital. You will be given a time for the return journey back home after visiting. Who provides the service? The service is delivered through a partnership between Renfrewshire Community Health Partnership, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Renfrewshire Council, WRVS and Community Transport Glasgow. Community Transport Glasgow will host the booking hotline and schedule pick ups and drop offs. They will contact WRVS in Renfrewshire with the schedule for that evening by 5pm. WRVS will provide a driver and Renfrewshire Council will make a vehicle available. During the pilot period (6/10/08 – 31/03/09), usage of the service will be monitored, and a steering group will meet in February 2009 to agree a way forward from April 2009. What’s On • (Regular clubs, classes and local groups) • Lochwinnoch Community Walks - Mondays (ex. Public Holidays), 10.30 am at The Cross. • Lochwinnoch Toddlers Group - For under 5’s, every Monday and Wednesday from 9.30-11.30 at the McKillop. (Resumes Wed. 1st October.) • Kickjitsu for Kids - Monday nights, from 5pm-6.45pm in the Parish Church Hall. • Lochwinnoch Gymnastics Club - For primary school-age children every Monday from 5pm7pm at the Annexe. Phone Coby for details on: 0772 9051615. • • • Lochwinnoch Art Group Meet fortnightly on Monday evenings, 7.30pm, McKillop Inst. * • Advice Works - Tuesdays 10am -12.30 at the Library. * • Drop-in T Bar - Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum. Every Tuesday from 10am-1pm, McKillop Institute. All welcome. For details, call Reta on: 01505 842054. • • Scottish Country Dance Club - On Tuesdays, from 7.309.30pm, the McKillop Institute. • Boys Brigade - Anchor Boys and Junior Sections meet on Tuesday nights and Company Section on Friday evenings, Parish Church Hall. (See Church No- TaeKwon-Do Fitness and Selfdefence classes for all. Tuesdays from 5-6pm, McKillop Institute. For details Tel: 01259 210716. • Scottish Slimmers - Thursdays from 7/7.30pm, McKillop Inst. • Lochwinnoch Pre-School Gymnastics (children 18 mths to 5 yrs). Fridays, from 10.15am 1.45pm at the Annexe. Details from Coby on: 0772 9051615. • Tai Chi for Beginners Friday nights, 6.45-7.45pm, The Room, Lochwinnoch Library. • Roller Stroll. Skating will recommence in 2009. Details will be published in Chatterbox soon. • Muirshiel Stargazing Nights in 2009. More details in next month’s Chatterbox. tice Board for more details.) • Girls Brigade 1st Lochwinnoch Company Wednesday evenings from 6pm9.15pm at the Parish Church Hall for various age groups. • Yoga Classes - Tuesday Daytime Classes for Beginners from 1pm-2pm), and Wednesday Evening Classes for Intermediate/Advanced students - YOGA and MEDITATION - from 7.30-9pm; McKillop Inst. Tel Mary for details on: 07971 Morag’s Keep Fit - Mondays and Thursdays from 7pm, in the McKillop Institute. Lochwinnoch Choral Society. Rehearsals on Monday evenings, Parish Church/ Hall. Juniors 77.30pm, Intermediates 7.308.30pm and Seniors from 8pm. Linda Margaret School of Dancing - Tuesdays from 4pm8.45pm, McKillop Institute. For details, Tel: 0141 581 9104. 277870 or 01505 842877. • Yoga Workshops - see separate notice in this issue of Chatterbox about monthly Yoga Workshops. • Happy Harminis - Fun for pre -school children. Thursdays from 10am in the McKillop Institute. Contact Frankie Plater for details: 01505 612248. • Slinky Strollers - on Thursdays (see back page for details). • Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum Lunch Club. Every Thursday, 11.30 am-1.30pm, McKillop.* • Calder Drama Club— Thursdays, from 8pm-10pm McKillop Institute. RSPB LOCHWINNOCH Twilight Talks 2009 Tuesday 13th January Late Night Shopping at the January Sales and a movie Shop open 5pm-7.30pm Film show from 7.30pm-9pm featuring Mud Glorious Mud and short ID lesson by RSPB reserve team on 10 of our most commonly seen waders. Monday 9th February Madagascar Journey from 7.30-9pm Talk by volunteer, Ian Taylor, on the incredible flora and fauna of Madagascar. Monday 9th March The Return of the Beaver From 7.30-9pm Talk by Simon Jones of the Scottish Wildlife Trust about the ecology and history of the European beaver and the Scottish Beaver Trial in the Knapdale Forest of Argyll. BOOK IN ADVANCE FOR ALL EVENTS Tel: 01505 842663 Subscribe to the RSPB Lochwinnoch Blog! For weekly updates about what is happening at the reserve, visit: http://blogs.rspb.org.uk/ lochwinnoch/default.aspx and subscribe using the RSS link. What’s On • • • • • • • • • • • • • Tuesday 6th January Scottish Country Dancing Club starts again - 7.30pm, McKillop Institute. Details inside. * Saturday 10th January Chameleon Club workshop 2-4pm at RSPB Centre. Details inside. * and Big Garden Birdwatch - 30th birthday party! - 11am-4pm at RSPB Centre. Get information about this year’s survey (on Saturday 24th/Sunday 25th January). Saturday 10th January - January Sales ! Gift shop sales at all Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park shops - see opening hours. Sunday 11th January - Beach Clean Day at Lunderston Bay from 1-3pm. For info, Tel: 01475 521 458. Monday 12th January Local Community Walks recommence from The Cross, Lochwinnoch. Every Monday (except public holidays) at 10.30 hours. Tuesday 13th January - Late night shopping and a movie at the RSPB Centre. Details inside. * Tuesday 13th January - Yoga Classes recommence—see inside for full details of all classes. * Thursday 15th January Slinky Strollers - Thursday morning walks start again, meet at 10.30am at Castle Semple Centre. Thursday 15th January Lochwinnoch Historical Society evening, speaker Jim Grant on “The Maritime Museum” at 7.30pm in the Guild Room, Parish Church. Saturday 17th January - Yoga Workshop, Kilbarchan. More details inside. * Saturday 17th January Councillor Arthur’s Surgery from 11.30am at the McKillop Inst. * Sunday 18th January - See The Hot Seats and The Shed Inspectors, 7.3opm at the McKillop Inst. Tel: 01505 706346 for tickets. Monday 19th January Lochwinnoch Art Group fortnightly meeting - 7.30pm, McKillop Inst. * For All Your Garage Door Needs Garage Doors . Remote Control Openers Installation . Repairs . Spares FREE ESTIMATES FREE SURVEYS FREE INSURANCE REPORTS 0141 950 1423 GLASGOW 01505 842176 AYRSHIRE 01786 820130 STIRLING The Cross, Lochwinnoch PA12 4DB (10 mins from Glasgow Airport on A737) • • • • • • • • • • Wednesday 21st January Lochwinnoch SWRI next meeting is a Scottish Night - 7.30pm McKillop Inst. Visitors welcome. Thursday 22nd January— Coffee morning from 11am-1pm at RSPB Centre. Cost £2 p.person Friday 23rd January - Burns Supper - hosted by Lochwinnoch Choral Society, 7 for 7.15pm McKillop Inst. Details inside. * Fri 23rd January - Tues 10th February - Art in the Park exhibition at Castle Semple Centre from 10am to 4pm daily. Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th January - Optics Weekend 10am-4pm at RSPB Centre. Sunday 25th January Remember the fifty passages? Meet at 1.45pm, at Castle Semple • • • • Saturday 31st January Chameleon Club workshop 2-4pm at RSPB Centre. Details inside. * Saturday 7th February - Teenage Volunteers Group join us at the RSPB Centre from 11am-4pm and take part in bird surveying, outdoor work and much more. Saturday 14th February Dance the night away at the Valentines Gala Ceilidh at the McKillop Institute. Tickets available soon from usual outlets. * Saturday 14th February Valentine’s Day Special Wildlife Wander to see if love is in the air in the bird world. From 10am-12 noon. Wear stout footwear. * See inside Chatterbox for further information on these events. Visitor Centre for a walk to Parkhill. Monday 26th January - AGM of Lochwinnoch International Aid at 8pm in the Guild Room of the Parish Church. * Tuesday 27th January and every Tuesday - Baby and Toddler Rhymetime, 2.3opm at Lochwinnoch Library. * Wednesday 28th January Conservation Volunteer Session Start the new year with exercise and fresh air at Muirshiel Centre. Thursday 29th January Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum meeting 1pm McKillop Inst. * VISITOR CENTRES WINTER OPENING HOURS Castle Semple Centre Open daily, 10am-4pm. Tel: 01505 842882. Cornalees Centre - Open at Weekends only, 10.30am-3pm from Nov ‘08 to March ‘09. (Toilets open daily.) Tel: 01475 521458 Muirshiel Centre - Open at Weekends only, 11am-3pm from Nov ‘08 to March ‘09. (Park and toilets open daily.) Tel: 01505 842803 RSPB Reserve - Reserve is open at all times; Visitor Centre open daily, 10am-5pm. Tel: 01505 842663. ESTABLISHED 1989 19 YEARS IN BUSINESS AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS GO ON AND ON … UPVC WINDOWS AND DOORS MAINTENANCE FREE UPVC ROOFLINE AND FULL WINDOW REPAIR SERVICE OUR PRODUCTS ARE INSTALLED IN OVER ONE HUNDRED LOCHWINNOCH HOUSEHOLDS. HINGES, LOCKS AND MISTED AND BROKEN GLASS REPLACED. Tel: 01505 614654 Contact - PETER McGARVEY UPVC DOORS FITTED FROM £430
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