CHATTERBOX
Transcription
CHATTERBOX
Nuisance Helpline Anti-Social Behaviour Noise problems Support and Advice Every day 9am – 10pm Tel: 0800 169 1283 CHATTERBOX ASIST Anti-Social Investigation No 177 September 2008 www.lochwinnoch.info Team Office 8:45am – 4:45pm Ask for David McLaren or Barrie Anderson Tel: 01505 325 030 Community newsletter produced by lochwinnoch publicity committee for lochwinnoch cc What’s On As we have a special story to feature on the front page of Chatterbox this month and our list of What’s On events is growing larger, you will find this month’s details on the following pages See centre pages for village events, classes and activities See back page for RSPB and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park events, activities and contact details. CHATTERBOX WE DID IT ! Chatterbox is a free community newspaper, produced and distributed every month by volunteers. The aim of those involved is to produce an informative and entertaining journal for those who live, work and visit in this area. I am happy to report that Des and I managed to complete the 95 miles of The West Highland Way from Glasgow to Fort William without serious mishap. My knee held up and we were blessed with fair weather most of the time. We did carry all our own gear throughout the 5 days, although I doubt if at any point we looked like real men! The Editor welcomes all items for possible inclusion but will reserve all rights over them, i.e. the right to shorten, edit or not publish any item. Thanks to your help, Des and I have raised over £6,000 so far from the West Highland Way walk for Teenage Cancer Trust. In addition to the online donations, we have received fantastic donations and support from Scotland and Ireland. We still have some outstanding pledges to be collected, therefore, please get in touch with us if you signed a sponsorship form but have yet to pay. Contact details given below. Special request - when writing to us, please provide your name and contact details in order that we may get in touch with you for clarification on any items for Chatterbox. Your personal details will not be published unless you ask us to do so. If you haven't sponsored us yet, please consider doing so, as we need to raise a total of £350,000 for the new TCT Unit in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill. It’s simple to donate online using a credit or debit card. Just visit http://www.justgiving.com/johndelaneytct and send our Justgiving page on to anyone else who might like to donate. Justgiving sends your donation straight to Teenage Cancer Trust and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you're a UK taxpayer. Please note, all views are of individuals and the Editor accepts no liability for editorial errors or statements and claims made in advertisements. Thank you. For more details about the TCT Yorkhill Appeal, contact me, John Delaney, on 01505 844801 or visit our website at: www.justgiving.com/tctyorkhillappeal I hope you'll join us in supporting Teenage Cancer Trust. Thank you. 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] To advertise in Chatterbox Tel: 07899 746403 or e-mail: [email protected] Copy Deadline for October Issue is Monday 29th September ‘08 John and Des MATTHEW NEW & SONS ROOFING - ROUGHCASTING - BUILDING MAINTENANCE Emergency Repairs, Storm Damage Insurance Work, New Roofs, Flat Roofs Roughcasting –UPVC Cladding—Guttering Tel No 01505 843400 FMB Certificate No 26366 Councillor Arthur’s Report After requests from dog owners, I am delighted that I have secured from Environmental Services the supply, fitting and servicing of two new Dog Bins within the village. Lets hope that they are well used. Bad Weather Ahead Auld Simon stared into the branches of a rowan tree and said: ‘Aye, it’s going to be a bad winter. I’ve rarely seen the rowans so heavy with fruit, a bad sign if there ever was one.’ Other signs the handsome old sage directed me to were moles, worms and acorns. ‘In the run up to a bad winter the moles dig deep, so do worms and you’ll find the oak heavy with acorns, dear, dear’. I asked how a wee furry creature could make a long-term weather forecast when the scientists in the Met. Office, armed with gigabytes of sophisticated computer software, can hardly predict what the weather will be like over the next few days. ‘Animals and plants have millions of years of forecasting behind them and throughout all these years they have been exposed to all the elements.’ Perhaps man has lost the art because he scurries indoors at the first dribble of rain. ‘Look as the tsunami a few years ago. Tragic event, no doubt, but there were few casualties among the animals. Why? Because they sensed the deluge was on its way and headed for shelter. My old cats Wipey and Darcy deBum never go over the door if rain is on the way. They stay by the fireside and wash each other.’ ‘I’ll tell you another thing,’ Auld Simon said, ‘it’s going to rain today’. As the sun was shining as bright as a button, there was hardly a cloud in the sky and I was keen to tap into the fine old sage’s superior knowledge. I asked: ‘How on earth do you know?’ ‘Heather the Weather.’ he said, then he tipped his hat and made his way to The Cross. Thankyou Dan and Irene Morrison would like to thank everyone for the lovely cards, flowers and presents they received for their 60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. All money received was donated to MacMillan Cancer Support. Village residents, Mary Currie and Billy Craig, reminisce about the June day when the Royal Navy Sea King helicopter landed on Viewfield Rovers’ football pitch, after it developed a crack to its windshield. They recall being awakened to the sound of the helicopter flying around before landing on the football pitch next to Billy’s. Ealonour said “the pilot requested he would like to land there in an emergency”. She replied, “Yes, you can and I’ll open the bar!” POETRY A’ the lare was tapselteerie Wi’ foumarks keekin’ O’er the leerie Hoots man it’s gettin’ stoorie Ah doot it’s doon ye’ll hae tae coorie. ANON Just prior to their fitting I was walking the village streets with the Animal Warden and, judging by the evidence around, we still have a problem with some dogs (accompanied by their irresponsible owners) fouling our pavements. If you witness dog fouling taking place then report the owner and the dog to the Animal Warden Service on 0141 840 3106. It’s easier than you think to find out where the culprits live. It is very heartening to see that the tea room drop-in within the McKillop Hall, which is run by our Elderly Forum, continues to be very popular with people. This is a wonderful community facility, organised and run by terrific volunteers. If you haven’t visited the tearoom yet then make a point to do so. Tea/coffee, biscuits and a good natter are always on the menu every Tuesday from 10am - 1pm. The recent Maich Dam incident is one that I never want to see again. Having been kept fully briefed at all times by the services handling the incident and having attended the location on a few occasions to see the situation first hand, I have nothing but praise for all the services involved who handled a difficult situation extremely well. It’s times like these that you think, ‘boy aren’t we lucky to have such dedicated people available to call upon in a time of need’. In the run-up to the primary school stopping for summer in July, parents and grandparents were excellent in responding to pleas not to park their cars on the zigzags at the school gates. Hopefully this trend will continue for the new term and we don’t see the safety of the children being compromised. My next Surgery is on Saturday 20th September 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 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 LOCHWINNOCH COMMUNITY COUNCIL ‘The condition of the roads round here is appalling’ ‘Isn’t anybody going to cut back those weeds?’ ‘Don’t get me started on the dog poo!’ ‘I didn’t know they were going to change that shop into flats.’ Lochwinnoch Historical Society The 2008-2009 syllabus is complete. We begin the new season on Thursday 18th September with Colin Campbell, who will talk about his book “Can’t shoot a man with a cold”. This is the story of Lt. E. Alan Mackintosh MC 1893-1917, poet of the Highland Division. Ever said or thought anything like that? If you want to know more about what’s going on in your village and get something done, then come along and join Lochwinnoch Community Council. The book, by Colin and his coauthor Rosalind Green, aims to give this little known First World War poet’s life and works more of the publicity they deserve. Meetings are on the first Tuesday, every month, at 7.30 in the Parish Church hall. The next meeting is on Tuesday 7th October. The meeting takes place in the Guild Room of the Parish Church, beginning at 7.30pm. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be served. Membership for the year is £8, Evening visitor £2. The CC deals with planning matters, liaises with the police and the SRANI path group and deals with the council on matters relating to roads and pathways. But we could do more if we had more members! Right now, the CC also really needs a Treasurer. Not an onerous task - you need to be methodical and be able to get to an RBS bank every so often. Without a Treasurer, the CC is in dire straits! If you’ve ever thought of becoming involved, now’s the time to do it! If you have matters to bring up to the Community Council, please either attend a meeting, send a letter to the Secretary at 79 High St or email us at [email protected] It’s your village …. make it your community council. Lochwinnoch Art Group News The Art Group is due to start again on Monday 8th September at the usual time of 7.30pm. As yet, on going to print, we are unable to confirm the venue. However, as soon as details are confirmed we will post these in the window of Crafts of Calder Gallery. We are pleased to announce that Lochwinnoch Art Group will be holding their forthcoming exhibition in the Library Room from Wednesday 24th September until Saturday 18th October. The Exhibition is open to the public during Library hours only. For further details and information please Tel: 01505 844980/842139. THANK YOU To LMEG (Lochwinnoch Millenium Events Group) for the donation of the nice new benches at the library. Library staff and customers are delighted with the new seating and they make a huge difference to the outside space and the elderly find them far more comfortable than the old benches that had no backs or arms. J Quinn & Son Memorials Personal Service & Quality Guaranteed New Memorials Cleaning & Renovations Additional Inscriptions Indoor Showroom 4a Dalry Road, KILBIRNIE Please Call 01505 685455 Mon 10am‐5pm, Tue‐Fri 10am‐2pm Evening & Weekends by Arrangement Teenage Cancer Trust As you will know from last month’s Chatterbox, Karl Jenkins is making another appearance at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Armistice Sunday (9th November) with his award winning piece - SHELTERED HOUSING GLENPARK ROAD LOCHWINNOCH Complaint The presence of teenagers passing through the complex is very disturbing to most of the elderly and not so elderly residents. SCOTTISH SONGS QUIZ The quiz was won by PC Baird and PC Davidson from Kilmarnock Police Station and they receive the prize of £20. Thanks to all who purchased and completed the quiz and, apart from the odd spelling mistake, there were no wrong answers! There were a couple of mistakes on my part with the printing so where these errors occurred (Q19 and Q24) I discounted the questions and entered them if returned completed. Quiz sheets came back from England, Buckie and Rothes in the north, Muasdale and Lochgilphead in the west, Kincardine, Sauchie and Alloa in the east and Dumfries in the south - as well as the local areas. I managed to raise over £300 with the quiz sheets, so well done to all. 'The Armed Man' Those of you who have heard his work on Classic FM will know this is an incredibly emotive piece. Coupled with the beautifully romantic Concerto de Aranjuez for guitar by Rodriguez, this promises to be another outstanding evening. I urge you to get a group of friends together and book tickets quickly for a spectacular night out for a most worthwhile cause. Profits will go directly to building a second Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Yorkhill. Tickets are on sale now from either the Royal Concert Hall’s website http://www.glasgowconcerthalls.com/ whatson/event/72453 or from the Box Office on Tel: 0141 353 8000. Wondering about transport to the concert? John Delaney will be organising a coach from Lochwinnoch. To book a seat on the coach, contact John as soon as possible on Tel: 01505 844801 or by e-mail at: [email protected] And finally, here’s a very popular event to put in your diaries. The 3rd Annual Ladies Champagne Tea and Fashion Show for TCT will take place at Mar Hall on Sunday 26th October. Tickets are £25 and are available from Karen Kelly Designs on 01505 705767 (9am-3pm) or 01505 843286 (evenings). Thank you. Karen www.TeenageCancerTrust.org The answers are as follows:If these teenagers were quieter and less animated, I’m sure this ongoing problem would not have reached the state it has grown into. A large sign is quite prominent at one end of the Complex, clearly stating that entry is for residents only, but this is clearly ignored. The other many entries are not signposted, though I’m quite sure that if they were to contain a ‘Don’t Trespass’ notice, these same young people would just accept this as a challenge! What action could be levied against them anyway? It is not just boys who create a disturbance. Girls’ raised excited squeals are often heard over the raucous music they have, but don’t ever seem to be listening to! Some adults, who are not tenants, frequently pass through our complex. They invariably proceed to their destination without disturbing anyone. Recently, two young boys persistently rode bikes through the front lawns and then completed a circle to come back and do the same thing again and again. They had enough sense not to come back a fourth time. This stupid invasion was very disturbing. It was as if they were goading the tenants with their mindless bravado. In the past, damage has been done to plants and garden furniture by some mindless unwanted visitors. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. Ally bally, Ally bally be A fond kiss and then we severed A Gordon for me, a Gordon for me A wee cock sparra’ sat oan a tree A Guid New Year tae ane an a’ By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes Gin a body, meet a body Hark when the night is falling O ye canny fling a piece oot a twenty storey flat The northern lights of old Aberdeen Westering home and a song in the air Step we gaillie on we go Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing I sing of a river I’m happy beside I love a lassie, a bonnie, bonnie lassie O isle of my childhood, I’m dreaming O flower of Scotland My love is like a red, red rose Flow gently sweet Afton among thy green braes O ye canny shove yer granny aff a bus There was a soldier, a Scottish soldier Ye banks and braes o’ bonnie Doon Should auld acquaintance be forgot Is there for honest poverty Will ye no come back again. I would like to say a huge thank you to my sister, Catherine Adam, for selling so many quiz sheets for me and to everyone who bought them. Thanks also to the very kind people who donated to my fundraising efforts. I was humbled by the kindness and generosity of people I don’t think I have met and whose names I don’t even recognise. Nan Morrow Maich Dam The Maich Reservoir was built over 100 years ago and consists of 2.2 acres of water held behind an earth dam and was used to provide the public water supply to those living near the western side of Lochwinnoch parish. The Renfrewshire/North Ayrshire border/ march is across the middle of the reservoir (north/south), which was originally mid-stream in the burn prior to the building of the dam. The burn was diverted to the west of the reservoir and higher than the level of the dam with a holding wall to control the flow of water from the burn to the dam. Some years ago the reservoir was sold by West of Scotland Water to a private buyer who then became responsible for its upkeep. The reservoir holds just below the area of water that requires an annual inspection of the dam, which is calculated on the basis of the surface area rather than the volume of water. There were dramas with the Maich dam resulting from the heavy rainfall that caused the bad flooding in Kilbirnie on the 1st August. On Sunday 3rd August, the first local residents knew of a problem with the Maich dam was when the Police helicopter was seen flying up and down the Maich burn and landing to tell people to keep clear of the burn because the dam was likely to burst! Some residents were evacuated from their houses and all roads in the area were closed. 5 Church Street, Lochwinnoch Tel: 01505 842047 Setanta Live Football - 50” Plasma screen Beer Garden Open - Families welcome. Lounge available for private functions. Meals Served daily Monday & Wednesday from 12noon - 3pm, Thursday from 12 noon - 7pm What’s on Every Wednesday - POKER LEAGUE, starts on Wednesday 3rd September at 7.30pm - free to play ! Every Tuesday - FREE POOL/DARTS Saturday 6th September from 9pm - KARAOKE NIGHT (see sandwich boards/posters for dates and details of other events) Renfrewshire Council Roads Department organised a battery of powerful pumps to pump the water out so as to reduce the pressure on the dam, while North Ayrshire Roads Department helped from the Ayrshire side of the Maich. The burn was put into two large pipes and the breached wall was blocked with bags of sand and gravel in an attempt to stop the flow of water into the reservoir. The broken pipes and breached dam. During Thursday, about 5 metres was taken off the top of the earth dam to allow water to drain away into the Maich burn, relieving the pressure. Despite the contractors’ best efforts this inevitably sent an enormous amount of silt down the burn plus a totally unacceptable quantity of litter which had been allowed to accumulate by the Fishery management. The quantity of litter at the fishery has to be seen to be believed, it is disgraceful. The pumps at work Despite the success of the pumping, further heavy rain fell during Wednesday and by early 7th August, the reservoir was full again after the pipes burst and the burn’s retaining wall was breached again. The pumps couldn’t keep up! Picture of the dam on 5th August showing the damage. The plastic sheeting is on the reservoir side of the earth dam and the water had been running over the top, which caused the landslide on the ‘down’ side. At 3 a.m. on 7th August, the Police ‘phoned local residents to tell them that once again the dam was likely to burst and several residents were evacuated again. Local residents’ thanks have been sent to Renfrewshire Council Roads Dept, The Police, the Fire Brigade and North Ayrshire Council Roads Dept for their considerable efforts involved with this ‘near’ disaster. LOCHWINNOCH WRITERS September 2008 TWO POEMS ABOUT THE VILLAGE AT ITS BEST The Lane Beside The Calder Geoff Cooper Perfect perfect shimmersway of sunlit leaves, hayscent and heavensent this morning - is it for you, is it for me, under soft hoops of leaning grass, the birds and wind have stitched the lane with tiny flowers? It is summer now, shaded, shadowing, those flowerfloods of spring and the bright-maned hedges of the hawthorn fade and the bluebell withers, and the beech has darkened just to green Beyond the lane the oldest tree forces out a few thin leaves high in the flaking coppice of old stems a living henge, how many thoughts - loving, hurting, nonsensical, routine were framed and lost in that heaven-clasp? Once no one knew how beyond the bank the river flows and the heron, sharp and slender, fishes there, deadly, beautiful Yes, deadly before it was ever beautiful, the heron silhouettes against the swag of leaves - and once the songs of birds were lonely in the perfect sky and the wind knew no bitter rumours Hayscent and heavenscent this morning perfect perfect shimmersway of sunlit leaves Poised on the crumbs of ancient mountains a heron fishes through the wordless day. THE WRITERS ARE BACK FROM THEIR AUGUST HOLIDAYNEXT MEETING MONDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER, LIBRARY 9.30-11.30AM Hidden Depths Ginny Davis First impressions, A long, stark, straight street Running through a quiet village. Narrow pavements edging the doorstep, As sandstone houses huddle close, Some rendered and painted, Each one coloured a different hue, but As you penetrate deeper, A bubble of activity emerges. Around chip shop, grocer and bakery, The daily rituals begin to show. A group of men gather on the corner, While women with baskets bustle about. Cut by a crossroad, a country view Leads high up into the hills. At this junction a cafe sits; The buzz and heart of the place, Where poets and artists reflect, Friends and neighbours collect. A meeting place for coffee and chat, A hub of activity and tittle-tat. There we savour the rich aroma Of dark, creamy espresso, while Being inspired by the talk of the day. There we experience the fun of jazz and wine On many a Thursday night, what may. This is the Italian element, Enriching a silent Avalon. This is cosy cosmopolitan life, That nestles amongst the nature, Prolific in this village by the loch. Swans in their dozens fight for food Amongst mallards and coots, As children bring bread, While the hungry heron sits and waits, Preferring fish on his menu, Body so still, poised on one leg, head tilted One eye glued to the rippling water, As tall rushes whisper in the wind. So much to experience, So much to think about, to talk about, In a perfect country village. NEWS FROM JOHNSTONE HIGH SCHOOL Pupils from Lochwinnoch were amongst those who collected awards in the year 2007/2008. Awards in S1 Katy Dominy Erin Hair Jade Wishart, and Nicole Gilmour Awards in S2 Emma Brander Paul Reilly Kirsty Stewart Louise Hiddleston, and Robbie Scarff Mathematics Challenge Gillian Brown Kirsty Stewart, and Emma Brander Awards in S3 Mala Stewart - 1st in Physics Kirsten Holmes - 2nd in Physics Mala Stewart - 2nd in French Stephen O’Neill - 2nd in Graphic Communication Angus Collins - 2nd in Craft and Design Mala Stewart - 2nd in Maths. Stephen O’Neill - 2nd in English Kirsten Holmes - 1st in English Johnstone Festival Young Artists Laura-Ann Phillips was among the ‘Best in Category’ winners in the annual Art competition. Karate Nicole Hiddleston is a Scottish champion in Karate, in addition to being in the Scotland Team. Awards in S4 Gareth John - 1st in German Simonas Stilius - 1st in Art, 1st in Graphic Communication and 2nd in Physics. Claire Hiddleston 1st in Mathematics, and 2nd in Biology Marcus Guy 1st in Chemistry, and 1st in Modern Studies Paul Williamson - Merit Award in Graphic Communication. Awards in S5 Duncan Holmes 1st in Information Systems Kerri Dock Merit award in History Gordon Reilly Merit in Physical Education Laura-Ann Phillips 2nd in Art Caron Dunn 2nd in Physical Education Bethany Nicholls Merit award in English Awards in S6 Helen Turner 1st in Biology, and 1st in Chemistry. Other awards Toni Duck - Paired Reader David Stevenson - Befriender, Paired Reader, and Coaching in the Community Rebecca Pietryga Millenium Volunteer, and Befriender Volunteer Rachel Holmes 1st in Physics 1st in Mathematics Befriender Volunteer, and Millenium Volunteer Rebecca Colbron 2nd in Human Biology Befriender Volunteer Paired Reader Mairi Collins 1st in Human Biology Chloe Patterson 1st in Geography Befriender Volunteer Millenium Volunteer Paired Reader Coaching in the Community Vicki Waddell Befriender Volunteer Millenium Volunteer Paired Reader Megan Robertson Befriender Volunteer Paired Reader Holly Wiszniewski Befriender Volunteer The Matt Carruth Trophy was won by Rachel Holmes for sporting achievement. (Well done to all—we hope we haven’t missed anyone out. Ed) BEITH DOMESTICS 54 Main Street, Beith New domestic Appliances Reconditioned Appliances Spares and Repairs Dyson specialist • SAME DAY callout • FREE estimates and advice • NO CALL OUT CHARGE for local customers Phone George on – Tel: 01505 500009 Modern Cookery Hello darlings. I love bread, all kinds, but especially these long, shiny slightly suggestive French baguettes. Actually, I prefer the long thin ones, they call flutes, they are slightly harder than the conventional baguettes. My friend Passion Flower (pass the sick bag – she was too young to protest) prefers the fatter baguettes; but, there again, she had rickets as a child. I used to make all my own bread by hand, but the old fingers, as Cyril has recently noticed, are not as supple as they used to be; a touch of arthritis. I now use a breadmaking machine. A marvel of modern technology, pour in the water, flour and odds and ends switch on, a couple of hours later, voila, a hot freshly baked loaf. One problem, though. Cyril and I can’t eat the amount of bread I make, so most of it has to go out to the birds. The birds around Chez Fishslice are now so big they can’t get into the air; they are grounded like the dodo. Just as well, darlings, when you see the size of their droppings. Kill an ox if they hit one! Anyway, happy cooking, darlings. Fenella Fishslice What’s On • • • Lochwinnoch Community Walks - Mondays (ex. Public Holidays), 10.30 am at The Cross. Lochwinnoch Gymnastics Club - for children of Primary school age. Every Monday from 5pm-7pm at the Annexe. All abilities welcome. Details from Coby on: 0772 9051615. Morag’s Keep Fit - Mondays from 7pm, McKillop Institute. • Advice Works - Tuesdays 10am -12.30 at the Library. * • Drop-in T Bar - Lochwinnoch Elderly Forum. Tuesdays from 10am-1pm, McKillop Institute. All welcome. For details, call Reta on: 01505 842054. • • • Kickjitsu for Kids - Monday nights, from 5pm-6.45pm in the Parish Church Hall. • • • TaeKwon-Do Fitness and Selfdefence classes for beginners, children and adults. Tuesdays from 5-6pm, McKillop Institute. For details Tel: 01259 210716. Lochwinnoch Pre-School Gymnastics for children from 18 months to 5 years. Every Friday, 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. *** Dates for your diaries • Monday 1st September— Lochwinnoch Choral Society rehearsals recommence on Monday evenings, Parish Church/ Church Hall. Juniors from 77.30pm, Intermediates 7.308.30pm and Seniors from 8pm. • Tuesday 2nd September Scottish Country Dance Club evenings recommence, then every Tuesday from 7.309.30pm, the McKillop Institute. • Wednesday 3rd September Jogging Buddies - Open Evening at 6.30pm, McKillop Institute. (Beginners course starts on 10 September.) * • Saturday 6th September Meditation/Creativity Workshop from 9.30-1.30pm. Call Libby for details: 01505 842604. Linda Margaret School of Dancing - classes include ballet, tap, poms, freestyle, etc. Tuesdays from 4pm-8.45pm, McKillop Institute. For details, Tel: 0141 581 9104. • Saturday 6th September Come and see ‘Elvis’ Live at 8pm at Lochwinnoch Bowling Club. Girls Brigade 1st Lochwinnoch Company Evenings recommence from Wednesday 3rd September,6pm9.15pm at the Parish Church Hall for various age groups. • Monday 8th September— Lochwinnoch Art Group evenings due to recommence. * • Thursday 18th September Lochwinnoch Historical Society meeting at 7.30pm in the Guild Room of the Parish Church. * • Yoga Classes - Wednesdays, 7.30pm, McKillop Institute. • Morag’s Keep Fit - Thursdays from 7pm, McKillop Institute. • • Parish Church Bi-Centenary Celebrations All are welcome to join in with any or all of the events. Saturday 4th October Concert in the Parish Church, at 7.30pm. The theme of the concert will be music over 200 years. Organist John Langdon. Tickets - £5 for adults, £3 for children and these will be available soon from Church Members or pay at the door. Sunday 5th October Bi-Centenary Service at 11am in the Parish Church. Dedication of the two quilted and embroidered banners by the Moderator, The Right Rev. Dr. David Lunan. Bi-centenary Exhibition This will open in the Church on 5th October and will be open for visitors at specified times during October; look out for details nearer the time. The exhibition will move to the Library Room for the month of November. Updates and further details will be published in Chatterbox. • Friday 19th September Garpel House Bingo Night at the Masonic Club (see posters for details). Slinky Strollers - on Thursdays (see back page for details). • Happy Harminis - Fun for pre -school children. Thursdays from 10am in the McKillop Institute. Contact Frankie Plater for details: 01505 612248. Saturday 20th September Councillor Arthur’s Surgery from 11.30am at the McKillop Institute. * VILLAGE EVENT PLANNER • Wednesday 24th September - Saturday 18th October—Art Exhibition, Library Room. * Lochwinnoch Post Office has a wallmounted calendar, where members of the public can enter details of forthcoming events. • Thursday 25th September— Jazz at the Junction with Richard • Calder Drama Club— Thursdays, from 8pm-10pm McKillop Institute. • Scottish Slimmers - Thursdays from 7/7.30pm, McKillop Institute. Register for free. Mulhearn from 7.45-10.15pm. Tel: 01505 842225 for details. * See inside this issue of Chatterbox for further details. Please use this calendar to avoid any clashes when planning dates of events and, of course, to help publicise your events within the village. Lochwinnoch Library Thank you The staff at Lochwinnoch Library would like to thank everyone who supported the "Cancer Research Tea Party" which took place on Thursday 28th August. Everyone seemed to have a really good time…….. lots of chat and laughter. We raised an amazing £350. “Your Village” Want to find out more? Why not browse through our collection of local photographs and step into a very different world that was … Lochwinnoch. 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. New Books coming soon to Lochwinnoch Library. Why buy when you can borrow? More details in next month’s Chatterbox. 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. LIBRARY OPENING HOURS : Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 2pm–5pm & 6pm–8pm Tuesday and Saturday: 10am–1pm & 2pm–5pm Closed Thursday. Godspell In this issue of Chatterbox, you will read of the celebrations planned for the bi-centenary of the Parish Church building in Church Street. The celebrations will continue well into next year and a major event will be a production of the Rock Musical, ‘Godspell’ on the 26th and 27th March, in the McKillop Institute. Godspell (an old fashioned spelling of the word gospel) was written by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak and premiered in New York in May 1971. The play follows the stories told by Jesus (most famously played by David Essex) and 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. Castings will take place later in the autumn for our own production of the musical and a role will be found for all who come along. In the meantime, we need to put together our backstage crew, therefore a meeting will be held in the Parish Church on Wednesday 22nd October 2008, for anyone interested in taking part in any way. While Godspell is a minimalist production and as such is very simple to produce, we need help with stage management, scenery, choreography, costume, make-up, props, prompting, catering, publicity and a myriad other tasks. If you have ever wished to be part of a production crew, but don’t know where to start, then Godspell is the answer. Simple choreography; outlandish costumes made up of clothes we all have hidden away; outrageous make-up, which is simple to design and apply; straightforward props all go towards creating a production that stimulates senses. If you can help in any way, please come along to the Parish Church, on Wednesday 22nd October at 7.30pm. Many thanks. Eat Fresh !! Eat Local !! Cucina Minucci at the Junction, Lochwinnoch. NEW MENU NEW HOURS* Same Values Same Passion for Food Mon to Wed 9am to 5pm Thursdays 9am to 7.30pm Fri & Sat 9am to 8.30pm Sundays & B/H 10am to 4pm *As of the 18th of September To book call: 01505 842225 www.cucinaminucci.co.uk Lily Rose Bridal Now Open ! Designer Bridal gowns by Allure, Sweetheart Gowns, Linea Raffaelli, Trudy Lee, Nicola Anne and Sophia Tolli. Also stocking bridesmaid and prom. gowns, jewellery, tiaras, veils, shoes, hats and fascinators. Contact Heather on 07834 419585 for an appointment. 30 Church Street, Lochwinnoch PA12 4AD www.lilyrosebridal.co.uk Approved Contractor Licence No. WML/0220082 WANTED SCRAP CARS TOP PRICES PAID All Registration Documents Destroyed On Uplift Of Car. All Cars Destroyed Through DVLA Regulations. BEITH SALVAGE CO., MAINS ROAD, BEITH 01505 504949 DOORSTEP SCAMS A Lochwinnoch resident has asked us to make readers aware of the continuing problem of doorstep clothing collections by bogus charities. Without naming names, if you receive a notice through your letterbox from any organisation purporting to be collecting household goods, clothes, books, bric-a-brac etc in the name of a UK or Overseas charity or good cause, here’s some useful advice to follow before you part with your possessions. ◊ Look for the charity registration number on any literature that you receive and check it out. This number should be displayed on all advertising or fundraising material if the charity has an income of more than £1,000 a year. ◊ Details of all registered charities in England and Wales can be found on The Charity Commission website. Registered charities in Scotland appear on the website of the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and you can check out charities registered in Northern Ireland by contacting the Department of Health and Social Services in Belfast. ◊ Fundraisers approaching you in the street should wear an ID badge and be able to prove that they have permission to collect on behalf of a charity. ◊ Fundraisers contacting the public by phone should be able to provide the charity’s registration number. ◊ You can access charity accounts and other data by visiting a userfriendly website called Guidestar UK. ◊ Don’t forget, many absolutely worthy and legitimate voluntary organisations are not registered charities. Just because an organisation chooses to make donations to charities and good causes, this does not necessarily mean that the entity itself is a registered charity. If you are in doubt, take a note of their contact details and check them out in the appropriate way. For example, if they are a registered company, they can be researched through Companies House. Ask the organisation or person contacting you how the company is set up and why is it set up in this way. This guidance comes from The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and The Charity Commission for England and Wales websites. Here are some useful websites and phone numbers – England & Wales Charity Commission Tel: 0870 333 0123 Website – www.charity-commission.gov.uk Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator Tel: 01382 220446 Website – www.oscr.org.uk Northern Ireland Charities Branch, Dept. of Health & Social Services Stormont, Belfast Tel: 028 90 522 78 Trading Standards Office, Glasgow Tel: 0141 842 500 Trading Standards Division, Renfrewshire Council, Paisley Tel: 0141 840 3184 e-mail: [email protected] Local Police – Tel: 01505 404000 Open Evening on Wednesday 3 September at 6.30pm at McKillop Institute. New Beginners 10 week course starts on 10 September Our aim is to help to improve your quality of life. Come along and find out how you can have a big impact on your long-term helath and wellbeing. Discover a whole new world of increased energy, feeling better about yourself and eating things you enjoy - there can be gain without the pain! For more details, e-mail: [email protected] or Tel: 0141 847 1357. USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS Strathclyde Police – 0141 532 5900 Johnsone Police – 01505 404000 Johnstone Community Safety Office – 01505 404023 Trading Standards – 0141 840 3233 Care and Repair – 0141 812 4111 Renfrewshire Council Tel: 0141 842 5000 Anti-social Behaviour Investigation Team (ASIST) - 01505 325030 Victim Support – 0141 887 0328 Nuisance Support & Advice Helpline – 0800 169 1283 Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111 Community Safety Office, Johnstone Police Station. 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 Bankside Stables is a family run livery yard, approved by the British Horse Society, with 24/7 supervision. Full-time, Part-time and Assisted Livery at DIY rates offered. For further details, please contact John Logan Tel: 01505 685371 Mob: 07990 501240 E-mail: [email protected] www.banksidestables.vpweb.co.uk West Bankside Farm, Geirston Road, Kilbirnie, KA25 7LQ Just opposite the Golf Course on the Largs Road. Hello, We would like to introduce ourselves to you, the good folk of Lochwinnoch and surrounding area, to The Stirrup Cup our Antiques, Curios and Craft shop. You can find us in a stone-built 18th century barn at West Bankside Farm, Kilbirnie. We are located on the outskirts of Kilbirnie just 300 yards off the Largs Road, opposite the golf course, on a tarmac road. The Stirrup Cup promotes an eclectic mix of antique furniture and jewellery, vintage ceramics and glassware, a diverse selection of original oils, water colours and limited edition prints. Specially made crafts by local artisans and contemporary jewellery, plus a variety of curios, add up to a quirky mix of items to suit all tastes and pockets. West Bankside has been in the Logan family for 3 generations and was a dairy farm until 1986 when John changed career to work in development agencies. In 2002 he returned to self-employment as a freelance business consultant, establishing Bankside Business Services. Upper Floor 32 High Street Lochwinnoch PA12 4AA ACCA Tel: 01505 843083 Fax: 01505 843045 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.stranvillejohn.co.uk We converted the redundant byres and sheds into livery stables and individual tack areas. Bankside Stables has recently been accredited by the British Horse Society as an Approved Livery Yard. Greta inherited her interest in antiques and collectables from her Grandmother who used to trade in Glasgow. Our barn was the one remaining undeveloped building and we revitalised it to provide the premises for The Stirrup Cup. Like every start up The Stirrup Cup has had its ups and downs. But, overall business has been very encouraging. Already, we are lucky to have had a number of customers from Lochwinnoch. Surrounded by a mature garden and overlooking the Garnock Valley we are extremely fortunate in our idyllic location. Please call in and you will be assured of a warm welcome. Thank you Greta and John Logan. We opened the office at the side of our house on the High Street in November 1998. We cannot believe that we are fast approaching our 10th Anniversary and now have fantastic new offices—just along the road at number 32! We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. Lochwinnoch has proved to be an excellent location for the business and a delightful place to live. Steven and Janet 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. WEE ARCHIE'S GHOSTLY PLAYMATE by Derek Parker During my 15 years as a countryside ranger at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, I heard many uncanny ghost stories. My rural work-place seemed haunted by the restless spirits of headless horsemen, drowned heiresses, mad monks, phantom drummer boys and strangled dairy maids. One tragic tale remains evergreen in my memory. It was told to me by a family who lived in an 18th century farmhouse in the conifer-crested, moorland hills above Lochwinnoch and reed-fringed Castle Semple Loch. Like many of the farms and cottages in the countryside around the village, the house where my informants lived had been renovated and modernised. But 100 years earlier, it was just a grey-walled hovel, with a sable-slated roof and kailyard garden. The humble dwelling was occupied at that time by a poor farm labourer and his wife and son, who was about 6 years old. One day the new occupants, who had a small son of their own aged about 6, heard their little lad chattering away excitedly in the back garden. Initially, they thought Wee Archie (not his real name) was blethering to himself, as children of that age often do when fantasising about childhood adventures like fighting dragons and exploring distant lands. But the curious parents were surprised when the boy announced he had a playmate called Johnnie. The couple knew there was no one of that name in the neighbourhood. Besides, they hadn't seen any other child when they looked out of the open window and saw Wee Archie playing alone in the garden. During the next few weeks, Wee Archie and Johnnie continued to meet in the garden. But, try as they might, the mystified husband and wife could never catch a glimpse of their son's mysterious pal. But their son did tell them that Johnnie's ragged clothes were always muddy and wet and that he gave off a fishy smell. He spoke a peculiar dialect and was always barefoot, with tufts of sodden grass, leaves and water weeds dangling from his shoulders, hair and neck. Then one day Wee Archie's face whitened and he started to weep as he told his bewildered parents: "Johnnie keeps telling me to stay away from the loch because something terrible happened there. Then he starts crying and runs away." Some time later, the family were out walking in the fields near their home. As they made their way through a small wood, they came across a flat, mosscovered stone half-hidden among the undergrowth. It was roughly carved with an inscription which they could scarcely decipher. But when they were able to read what was written on the rock, they recoiled in horror. Because, chiselled on the slab, was an eerie epitaph lamenting the death of a child drowned in the the deep waters of Castle Semple Loch a century earlier. Suddenly, it all made sense. Shuddering and shivering with fear, the horrorstruck mother and father remembered their son's wet, bedraggled playmate, his old-fashioned speech, the water weeds wreathing his small, frail body and his chilling warning to their own son to stay away from the loch 'because something terrible happened there.' Because the name on the lichenmantled memorial was 'Johnnie' - their son's phantom playmate. It revealed that the drowned child's home was the cottage where they now lived - and that the little boy was buried beneath the stone. From that day on Wee Archie always played alone - and he never saw Johnnie again. RSPB LOCHWINNOCH NEWS NEW ! Subscribe to the 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. Twilight Talks 2008 Last year, the RSPB’s evening events included talks from reserve managers at (upland) Inversnaid and (lowland) Baron’s Haugh RSPB Nature Reserves, a fascinating Hawkwatch USA powerpoint presentation, the premiere of the RSPB’s new film “Waterlands”, and a wonderful slideshow of wildlife in Tanzania by RSPB Lochwinnoch Reserve Manager Zul Bhatia. This year, don’t miss our evening events with a twist during the remainder of 2008. Get thinking about your wildlife question time stumpers, sit back and enjoy an award winning film and relax and listen to the reserve manager’s African Tales. Tuesday 7th October Wildlife question time 7.30-9.30pm Tuesday 11th November Shopping and a movie - 5-9pm Film: “The Flying Dustbin a portrait of the fulmar”. (film show time 7.30-9pm) Tuesday 16th December Twilight Talk: Serengeti National Park 7.30-9pm Book in advance for all evening events. £2 for RSPB members, £4 for non-RSPB members. Tel: 01505 842663 From the Parish Church All people that on earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice. Him serve with mirth, His praise forth tell, come ye before him and rejoice. Psalm 100, verses 1 & 2 Psalm 100 is one of my favourite Psalms. It is a great marriage of words and music. Ralph Vaughan Williams arranged the tune (Old 100th) for choir and orchestra for the coronation of the Queen in 1953. On Sunday 31st August it was sung at an open air service at the Collegiate Church in Castle Semple, a service to which all our friends in the village, regardless of church allegiance, were invited. It is a very appropriate Psalm to sing on such an occasion. All people are invited to sing and to sing cheerfully – not necessarily tunefully, but with gusto and joy! As you will read elsewhere in Chatterbox, this service is just one of many events taking place to celebrate the bi-centenary of Lochwinnoch Parish Church in Church Street. Everyone in the village is invited to all of these celebrations for the Church is not there just for the members. All Churches exist for all who wish to worship. The Church of Scotland in particular has enshrined in its founding documents, not just a desire, but a requirement to serve and care for all people in Scotland regardless of their creed, race, or where they live. In other words, no matter who you are, no matter what your background, the Church of Scotland exists to serve you and to help care for you and your family. As a minister, people often say to me that they are not sure what to wear to Church or if they would be welcome. I can assure you that you would be made most welcome at all the churches in Lochwinnoch and as far as what to wear? Come as you are. It is hard for people like me who have grown up attending church to know just how big a step it is to cross the threshold of somewhere unknown. Our anniversary celebrations offer an opportunity for anyone who has not been in the Church before to come alone and share with us, either on a Sunday or at one of our other events. Kilbarchan Chiropody & Ferrington’s Therapies INVESTORS IN PEOPLE 10 Steeple Street, Kilbarchan, PA10 2JE Clinical & Medical Hypnotherapy ~ Reiki ~ NLP It is hard to believe that there has been a Christian presence in Lochwinnoch for over 800 years. In the passing years parishioners have worshipped in many different buildings, the last one before Church Street being what is now known as Auld Simon. Two hundred years ago, the congregation paraded from their church in Johnshill down to Church Street to lay the foundation stone for our present Church. Last September some of our members, led by a pipe band, re-enacted that parade. On that day, we were welcomed and encouraged by our friends from Our Lady of Fatima and many of our neighbours in the village as you came out onto the streets to wish us well and cheer us on our way. We were so heartened by the support you all gave to us on that occasion. We would be delighted if you could join with us at any of our celebrations. On Sunday 5th October, the Right Rev. David Lunan, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, will be leading worship in the Parish Church. The congregation will also be joined by many of our elected representatives. So please accept this invitation from all the members of Lochwinnoch Parish Church to join us at our anniversary service. We cannot think of a better way to celebrate. Yours, Rev. Christine Murdoch ~ Osteopathy ~ Swedish & Hot Stone Massage ~ Kinesiology ~ Private GP ~ Huna ~ Physiotherapy ~ Paraffin Wax Treatments To arrange an appointment or a free consultation with any of our practitioners please call us now on 01505 705 112. Acknowledgement EMIL McNAB Sincere thanks to all friends and family for their practical and emotional support during Emil’s short illness. Thanks too, to all who attended his funeral, visited and sent cards and flowers in sympathy following Emil’s death. Special thanks to Dr Waterston, Anne Miller and staff at Lochwinnoch Surgery; Dr Gray, Mairi Ranald and staff at Wards 19 and 28 of the Royal Alexandra Hospital; Joe Hughes, humanist celebrant; Co-op Funeral Care for funeral arrangements and staff at the Hungry Monk for funeral catering. Also, particular thanks to officers from Johnstone Police Station for peace of mind by ensuring safe and disruptionfree passage of the funeral cortege from East Hills. With many thanks. Elizabeth “New Homes Constructed at Muirshiel Centre! On Sunday 10th August 2008, several hundred pirates ‘invaded’ the sleepy village of Lochwinnoch. Summer Events at Muirshiel Centre This summer saw a few different things happening at Muirshiel during the Nature Notes and Wildlife Watch events run by the Ranger Service. The Hen Harrier day resulted in some giant ‘nests’ being constructed on the ground near the path to Windy Hill, as children tried to create their own nests after watching the Hen Harrier live cameras at the Centre. The Water Wildlife event had several families exploring the ‘dipping’ pond at Muirshiel and producing many squeals of delight when they uncovered what they had caught – Dragonfly larvae and Great Diving Beetles being the largest creatures. Hidden Worlds encouraged the participants to look closely at their surroundings – trying to find numerous hidden objects – including a couple of the Rangers who were camouflaged to the point where the group walked right by them when they were hidden! The session finished off with a little face painting. Natural Artworks was a session inspired by the art of Andrew Goldsworthy and the group managed to construct three sculptures from the sticks left behind after the rhododendron clearance at Muirshiel. The poor weather this summer didn’t deter everyone and the Rangers would like to thank all those who came along to the sessions and joined in the fun. Pirate Day at Castle Semple Centre On Wednesday the 13th August 2008, several new homes were constructed in a very short time at Muirshiel. They are highly desirable and will no doubt attract a lot of attention, especially in the spring. This was the final event in the Wednesday Wildlife Watch series and was fully booked. The construction crew consisted of 16 children with 4 adults and some of the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Rangers, and the new homes are nestboxes suitable for a variety of birds from Blue Tits, Great Tits, Robins and Spotted Flycatchers. Castle Semple Visitor Centre was renamed pirate headquarters Port Royale for the day as 50 families searched for clues in the Treasure Hunt competition. The treasure was a full day of visits to the hills and beaches of the Regional Park and water sports activities. The clues were to be found by scaling the Fire Mountain; rowing out on the loch to search for the message in a bottle; walking the plank over a shark infested tarpaulin; solving the Pirate Crossword; decoding the treasure map and finally discovering the last clue at the top of the Lookout Tower. The winners were the Farquhar family from Foxbar. The nestboxes will be put up in suitable sites around the Park over the next couple of weeks, ready for occupation in the spring. Each box has been numbered so that the ‘builders’ will be able to identify their boxes. This is part of the plan of woodland regeneration at Muirshiel, gradually replacing the old conifer plantations and former rhododendron areas with native trees, to encourage a diversity of wildlife in the area.” Contestants dressed like pirates and each chose a suitable name for their pirate passport; such as Griff the Gruff, Freya the Fierce, Erin the Enchantress and Cutthroat Pete Pintle. Face Painters Isobel McColl and her niece Kate Dowson were kept busy all afternoon. There was an exhibition on ‘How to Talk like a Pirate’ and a ‘Best Dressed Pirate’ competition. The event was a joint venture featuring the Regional Park’s Rangers and Instructor staff, and Andy Pollock of North Boat Hire. It was such a success that a further event is being contemplated. SAVE YOUR REGIONAL PARK (SYRP) Campaign www.saveyourregionalpark.com Kelburn Public Local Inquiry (PLI) This commenced on 10 June and finally wound up on 7 July and those in the team are saying thank the Lord it is finished and let’s hope we don’t have to go through another; that is probably wishful thinking! A huge thank you to all those who turned out in support. The size of the public attendance was noticed by the Reporters as being greater than the Trump golf course PLI in Abedeenshire, so it made an impression. Thank you also to members and supporters who participated in the ‘Hearing of Individuals’. SYRP campaign and the Scottish Council for National Parks (SCNP) joint submissions were led by Robert Maund who also covered his involvement with setting up CMRP, planning aspects and what we considered the dereliction of duty towards the Regional Park by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) which withdrew its objection at the last minute and refused to appear at the Inquiry. James Fraser (a generous volunteer Consultant from Dunblane) covered Tourism; members, Ross Anderson covered the visual and landscape issues;; Sybil Simpson covered the Parliamentary petition, the importance of CMRP to people and the natural environment; Nigel Willis covered LWFAG / SYRP’s involvement with the public, Community Councils, Councils, Structure Plan organisations, MSPs & MPs. All built their cases around the need to preserve CMRP from inappropriate industrial development for current and future generations and the fact that the placing of Wardlaw Wood windfarm in CMRP was already one development too far. Each group’s final submission can be downloaded from http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/ click p followed by planning and on the 3rd line click on New, Kelburn Wind farm public Inquiry. Windfarm Roundup Leapmoor, Inverkip – application still with Inveclyde Council Planning Dept. Kelburn, see across. Wings Law, Kilbirnie – Wind Hydrogen Ltd have lodged a planning application with North Ayrshire Council (No 08/00576/OPP) for the construction of an electrolysis plant for the production of Hydrogen at Longshore, Glengarnock. It would be close to Kilbirnie Loch but outwith CMRP. Despite the Advertising Standards Authority ruling reported recently, their advertisement re: the application could still be easily misconstrued to mean that the Hydrogen plant is connected to Wings Law by a direct cable and we would remind people that, if built, the electricity produced by Wings Law would be sold through the National Grid and electricity for the Hydrogen plant purchased through the Grid. Therefore, the windfarm could be situated anywhere and doesn’t need to be in CMRP. Millour Hill, Dalry – No new news, application still with North Ayrshire Council Planning Dept. Ardrossan, No further news Waterhead Moor, Largs – Planning application still with the Scottish Government, however, not all the required documentation has been lodged so we cannot lodge objections yet. New proposals are expected to be lodged in autumn 2008. Kaim Hill. Here we go again! This application is for 5 x 3 MW turbines, each 125m/410’ high on Kaim Hill, (near to Wardlaw Wood and the proposed Kelburn and Millour Hill windfarms. We have until 20th September to lodge objections. Please act now by addressing objection letters to:Mr Ian Mackay, Assistant Chief Executive (Legal & Protective Services), North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE and headed:- Fred Olsen Renewables Ltd / Natural Power Ltd – Kaim Hill windfarm, Fairlie; 5 turbines, access roads, quarries, cable trenches, anemometer mast & substation etc – Application No 08/00662/PP You can also object online at www.saveyourregionalpark.com click objections then Kaim Hill, complete the form and click send. The objection will go direct to North Ayrshire Council. CHATTERBOX SPECIAL DELIVERY One of our readers has written in to us with a great suggestion to make Chatterbox more accessible to those village residents who are not able, personally, to collect a copy of Chatterbox from the various outlets around the village and visitor centres. We know that some of our readers are unable to negotiate the steep hills in the village and/or perhaps live alone and would like to keep up-to-date with village life and local news and depend on friends, family or neighbours to deliver Chatterbox to their homes. If you fall into this category and you would like to have a copy of future issues of Chatterbox delivered to your door by our volunteers, please complete the coupon below, cut it out (after you have finished reading Chatterbox, of course!) and either hand it in or have a friend or neighbour handdeliver it to the Chatterbox Drop Box in Lochwinnoch Library for our collection. Chatterbox is a free publication and we are not in a position to post copies out to readers. For those living further afield, Chatterbox is also available in electronic form on the Lochwinnoch village website, at www.lochwinnoch.info/chatterbox NAME ………………………………. (Block Capitals please) FULL ADDRESS (for deliveries) ………………………………. ………………………………. ………………………………. POSTCODE ……………….. Contact number (in case of queries) Tel: …………………………….... News & Events at RSPB, Muirshiel, Cornalees & Castle Semple Centres • • • • • • For All Your Garage Door Needs Garage Doors . Remote Control Openers Installation . Repairs . Spares Thursday 4th September Slinky Strollers - regular Thursday morning walks recommence, starting at 10.30am from Castle Semple Centre. Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September - Adult Dinghy sailing course - Level 1 from 9.30am-4pm at Castle Semple Centre. To book, Tel: 01505 842882, Ext 20. Saturday 6th, 13th and 20th September - Art classes taught by local artist, Kate Lilley. At the RSPB Centre, from 10am-12 noon. For details and to book in advance, Tel: 01505 842663. Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September - Marine Weekend. Visit the RSPB Centre between 11am and 4pm to find out more about the ‘Safeguard our Sea Life’ campaign and how you can help. Sunday 7th September Lochwinnoch Autumn Farmers Market at Castle Semple Centre from 11am to 2.30pm or until sold out. Wednesday 10th September Roller Stroll. A relaxed, informal skate along the cyclepath. Meet at Castle Semple Centre at 7.30pm. For details and to check that the skate event is on, please contact Don Morton on: 07733 276 902. • Friday 12th September Guided Bat Walk. Meet at Castle Semple Centre, from 7pm till late. Tel: 01505 842882, Ext 20 to book • Sat 13th and Sunday 14th September - Renfrewshire Open Doors. Castle Semple Visitor Centre Lookout tower open to the public from 2pm-4pm. Also view the full-size copy of the 18th century Semple Estate Plans. Chatterbox is produced for the Community Council of Lochwinnoch through financial assistance by Lochwinnoch Community Council and 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. 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) • Saturday 13th September Greenock Cut Tours, starting from Cornalees Centre at 11am and 1.30pm. Tel: 01475 521458 for details. • Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September - Amazing Autumn. Join RSPB staff to celebrate autumn at the RSPB Reserve between 11am and 4pm. • Saturday 13th September Second-hand Natural History Books and Optics Sale . Pick up some bargain books and optics or dispose of your old ones. Sale starts at 10am, RSPB Centre. • Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September. Adult Dinghy Sailing Course—Level 1, from 9.30am to 4pm at Castle Semple Centre. To Book, Tel: 01505 842882. Ext 20. • Sunday 21st September Amazing Autumn. Join RSPB staff to celebrate autumn at Castle Semple Centre from 11am-3pm • Sunday 21st September Beach Watch at Lunderston Bay from 1pm. Help with the beach clean-up and record finds. Gloves and equipment provided. • Wednesday 24th September Feeling Fitter Walks Guided Level 1b 4 mile/6.4km circular walk. Starts at 1pm from Castle Semple Centre to Parkhill & Collegiate Church and return; and Guided Level 2 linear walk (10 miles/16 km). Starts at 10.50am from Dalry Railway Station, cross country to Fairlie Railway Station. Tel: 01505 842882 Ext 22 for more information on these walks. *** STOP PRESS Hen harrier update ! The 3 hen harrier chicks, born in June of this year, are now fully fledged and hunting in the local area. This year, the CCTV nest camera captured a very impressive 7 weeks of nest and feeding activity as the fledglings returned to the nest from time to time. The team at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park would like to say thank you to all the landowners, farmers, volunteers, rangers and many more helpers for their support and co-operation in making this year’s breeding programme such a success. A talk with CCTV footage of this year’s hen harrier family will take place on Sunday 9th November, between 2 and 3pm at Muirshiel Centre. More details to follow next month. VISITOR CENTRES OPENING HOURS AND CONTACT DETAILS Castle Semple Centre Open daily, 1000-1700 hrs Tel: 01505 842882 Cornalees Centre - Open daily, 1100-1600 hrs from April to October. (Toilets open daily.) Tel: 01475 521458 Muirshiel Centre - Open daily, 1100-1600 hrs from April to October. (Park and toilets open daily.) Tel: 01505 842803 RSPB Reserve - Reserve is open at all times; the Visitor Centre is open daily from 1000-1700 hrs. Tel: 01505 842663.