Saturday 10th May 2008

Rugby Open Day, Birkmyre Park, Park Road, Kilmacolm, Celebrating the opening of the refurbished and extended Birkmyre Pavilion. The opening will be performed by a Scottish International Rugby Player and there will be a presentation from Glasgow Warriors to mark the occasion. Apart from an opportunity to meet some of the big names in Scottish Rugby it will be the first chance for everyone to have a look under the covers of the new Pavilion. 1pm.

Saturday 10th May 2008

Paisley Farmers Market, County Square, Paisley – next to Gilmour Street Train Station, Get your hands on some of the best fish, seafood, organic vegetables and meat products in the West of Scotland. An early arrival is recommended. Call 01655 770217 for further information. 9am till 1pm

Saturday 10th May 2008

‘Brunch & Browse’, St Fillan’s Hall, Moss Road, Kilmacolm, Home made soups, home baking, tea, coffee, books & lots of stalls. Great value! Disabled access. £2. 10am till 2pm.

Sunday 11th May 2008

Beer Festival, Fox and Hounds, Houston, Live music, marquee, bbq, kids rides, real ale and cider available from throughout the uk.

Sunday 11th May 2008

Pooches in the Park, Barshaw Park, Paisley, Sponsored walk in aid of Accord Hospice. Registration from 2-4pm. Sponsor forms available from Vanessa Scott on 0141 581 2000. Sponsored by The Pet Shop, Johnstone, 01505 327722.

Sunday 11th May 2008

Gourock Highland Games, The Provost will lead Inverclyde’s major annual event.
Events confirmed for the day include highland dancing, pipe band competition, throwing the hammer, shot put, tossing the caber and tug of war. noon till 6pm

Sunday 11th May 2008

Dog Walk Day, Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch, Help raise funds for St Vincent Hospice with a sponsored family friendly dog walk. Contact Lorraine or Jane on 01505 705635 for further information. 10.30am

Sunday 11th May 2008

Glasgow Orchestral Society Concert, Paisley Town Hall, The ‘Oldest Amateur Orchestra in Scotland’ returns to perform a lively programme of Spanish & English music. Tickets £9 (£6) available on the door. 7.30pm

Sunday 11th May 2008

“Pawsitivity” Sponsored Dog Walk, Why don’t you and your four-legged friend do something “pawsitive” for St. Vincent’s Hospice. Join us in the beautiful setting of Castle Semple Park, Lochwinnoch for a lochside day of fun and frolics.
For more information please contact Lorraine Valentine or Jane Cox in the Fundraising Team on 01505 705635 or by email at lorraine.valentine@svh.co.uk or jane.cox@svh.co.uk

Monday 12th May 2008

Bridge of Weir History Society, Freeland Church Hall, Bridge of Weir, A Guided Tour of Kelburn Castle. 8pm

Thursday 15th May 2008

Neil Wilson the guitarist in concert, Kilbarchan Old Library, Tickets £8 (£6) To book Tel. 01505 706070. For further log on to www.neilwilsontheguitarist.com.

Friday 16th May 2008

Howwood Parish Church Plant Sale, Good choice of plants stalls – home baking – jams/marmalade tearoom entry adults £1 includes tea/coffee and tasty(children free)., 7.00pm

Friday 16th May 2008

The Arkleston Singers, Lylesland Church, Rowan Street, Paisley, Tickets from 01505 850 344 or 01505 352 753
A wide variety of music to suit all tastes from Pergolesi’s Magnificat to Les Miserables and including Ken Johnson’s trilogy of pieces based on poems from the First World War, ‘In Flanders Fields’. 7.30pm

Friday 16th May 2008

Gleniffer Singers, Paisley Town Hall, The 40th Anniversary Concert is in aid of the Accord Hospice. Tickets £6 available from 0141 889 5328., 7.30pm

Friday 16th May 2008

The Coal Porters, Paisley Arts Centre, A band in the ruest sense of the word. Sometimes pure country, sometimes old-time hillbilly. This gig is one not to be missed. Tickets £9 (£6) available from the hotline on 0141 887 1010., 8pm

Friday 16th May 2008

Gryffe High School PTA – Annual Quiz Night, Gryffe High School. Houston., Tickets are available from the School Office or pay at the door on the night. All welcome. Great fun. 7.30pm £3

Friday 16th May 2008

The Ultimate Eagles Story, Greenock Town Hall, This promises to be the show you will not want to miss!! Tickets £14 (£12 conc)available from 01475 723038 or email bookings@artsguildtheatre.co.uk 8.00pm

Saturday 17th May 2008

Calder UF Church Summer Fete, McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch., Stalls include home baking, arts and crafts, soft goods, books, DVDs and videos, jewellery bags and shoes, garden plants and accessories. Children can enjoy hoopla, spot the ball, guess the number of sweets in the jar and much more. Bring your friends for tea or coffee and grab a bargain., 11am till 1pm

Saturday 17th May 2008

Spring Exhibition, Kilmacolm Village Centre, New paintings by artist Pamela Randal, 10am till 5pm

Saturday 17th May 2008

Castle Semple Rowing Regatta, Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch, Watch out or be warned! Lots of long thin boats from all over Scotland will be racing on the loch as long as it is not too windy.

Saturday 17th May 2008

“Superfit 2008”, Waterfront Leisure Complex, Customhouse Way, Greenock, The event is in its 9th year and consists of the following 8 disciplines: cycle, row, lat pull down, press ups, box steps, shoulder press, treadmill and bench press. Should you wish to enter this event you can pick up an entry form and brochure at your nearest IL fitness gym or you can down load one from the IL website: www.inverclydeleisure.com . Entry costs are as follows: Individual entry £15 and the Team event (Consists of 4 competitors) £30.

Saturday 17th May 2008

Greenock Farmers Market, Clyde Square Greenock, Get your hands on some of the best fish, seafood, organic vegetables and meat products in the West of Scotland. An early arrival is recommended. Call 01505 503553 for further information.

Saturday 17th May 2008

Summer Fete, McKillop Hall, Lochwinnoch, Calder UF Church (Lochwinnoch)- Summer Fete, full details in May edition., 11am till 1pm

Saturday 17th May 2008

Peter Morrison and Friends in concert, The Arts Guild Theatre, Greenock, Peter is one of Scotland’s most popular and accomplished singers and entertainers. Tickets £10 available from 01475 723038 or email bookings@artsguildtheatre.co.uk 7.30pm

Sunday 18th May 2008

Paisley Philharmonic Choir May Concert, Paisley Town Hall, The classifical highlight of their annual concert programme. Tickets available on the door or from akerr82@hotmail.com. £9 (£7.50). 7.00pm

Sunday 18th May 2008

Women’s 10k, Ladies, why not get running and raise vital funds through sponsorship. We will give you sponsorship forms and a t-shirt to help you on your way.
For more information please contact Lorraine Valentine or Jane Cox in the Fundraising Team on 01505 705635 or by email at lorraine.valentine@svh.co.uk or jane.cox@svh.co.uk

Sunday 18th May 2008

Kilbarchan Pipe Band, Steeple Square, Kilbarchan, Join us for tea or coffee after the performance. Visit www.kilbarbarchanpipeband.org 2.30pm

Sunday 18th May 2008

Bluebells, Azaleas & Rhododendrons, Finlaystone Estate, Langbank, With walks, a fairy trail, children’s activities and much more – share the secret. Visit www.finlaystone.co.uk for further information., 1.00pm

Tuesday 20th May 2008

The Amazing Groanbox Boys, The Old Library, Kilbarchan, Doors open 7.30pm. Tickets (£12) from 01505 706070. Please not that this is a BYOB event (glasses provided).

Thursday 22nd May 2008

Harry The Polis, Lochwinnoch Library, Tickets £2 incl refreshments. To avoid disappointment, please purchase tickets in advance, as numbers are limited – Lochwinnoch Library, High Street , Lochwinnoch – 01505 842305., 7.30pm

Friday 23rd May 2008

‘Murder at Checkmate Manor”, The Calder Drama’s Spring Production. The performances will take place in the McKillop Hall on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th May. Doors Open 7pm with the Play starting at 7.30pm. Tickets £5 Senior Citizens & Children £3 available from Lochwinnoch’s Cut & Care Hairdressing, Now & Then, Wilson’s Bakery, The Paper Shop, The Brown Bull or any member of the cast. Further details can be found in the Entertainments section of this magazine.

Saturday 24th May 2008

Olive Tree Coffee Morning, 19 Carruth Road, Bridge of Weir, Sales of crafts from the Holyland. All proceeds to charities, hospitals, destitute families in refugee camps and the Bethlehem area etc. Free coffee and Palestinian pastries., 10am till 1pm

Saturday 24th May 2008

Brookfield Gala Day, Playing Field, Brookfield, This year’s Gala Day will be opened by Mrs Judy Denton at 2pm. As usual, the event is packed with all sorts of interesting stalls, something for everyone. The tearoom will open at 2. 30pm.
It promises to be a great day out. Tel: Jill McNevin 01505 324208 1.45pm

Saturday 24th May 2008

The Singing Kettle, The Arts Guild Theatre, Greenock, Scotland’s favourite children’s entertainers, The Singing Kettle are setting sail for a thrilling sing-a-long voyage to a tropical paradise. Remember to dress up as a pirate! Tickets £9.50, family saver £34, groups 10+ £7 each. Tickets from 01475 723038 or email bookings@artsguildtheatre.co.uk, 1.00pm till 3.30pm

Saturday 24th May 2008

Plant Sale, St Fillan’s Church Hall, Moss Road, Kilmacolm, Top quality bedding & container plants supplied by Greenhead Nurseries, Inchinnan. In aid of St Mary’s Church, Bridge of Weir. Registered Scottish Charity SC016832 11am till 2pm

Saturday 24th May 2008

Hen Harrier Country Walk, Muirshiel Country Park, Calder Glen Road, near Lochwinnoch,

See Hen Harriers flying and hunting over the moors (hopefully) and other wildlife. Plus video highlights of last years Birds on TV. Contact 01505 842803 for further information and bookings. 1.30pm

Saturday 24th May 2008

The Singing Kettle – Pirate Island, Paisley Town Hall, Ahoy Shipmates. Scotland’s favourite children’s entertainers. A delight for kids, parents and grandparents alike. Remember to dress up as a pirate! Tickets £9.50, family saver £34, groups 10+ £7. Babes in arms (12 months) £2 available from the ticket and information hotline on 0141 887 1010. 1.00pm till 3.30pm

Sunday 25th May 2008

The Singing Kettle – Pirate Island, Paisley Town Hall, Ahoy Shipmates. Scotland’s favourite children’s entertainers. A delight for kids, parents and grandparents alike. Remember to dress up as a pirate! Tickets £9.50, family saver £34, groups 10+ £7. Babes in arms (12 months) £2 available from the ticket and information hotline on 0141 887 1010. 1.00pm till 3.30pm

Sunday 25th May 2008

Dogs Trust Great Scottish Walk, A fantastic day out. Regardless of age or fitness, everyone can take part. Entries in a week before the event please. Email fundraiseforus@dogstrust.org.uk or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk for further information.

Sunday 25th May 2008

Mini Music Festival, Houston Inn, Houston, Several live acts playing throughout the day – outside if weather permits.

Sunday 25th May 2008

Inverclyde Ramblers – Organised Walk, Grade C+ walk, £2 contribution + ferry. Aircraft crash site on slopes of Beinn Tharsuinn. Opportunity to visit the site of USA Superfortress. 10km, 6mls along forestry track to crash site. Return across hillside by side of burn. Depart at 9am for Western Ferry. Contact A & M Wooler on 01475 727849 for further information.

Sunday 25th May 2008

Balsam Blitz, Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch, Come and help the Rangers pulling Himalayan Balsam. This alien plant overwhelms our native flowers. Himalayan Balsam can easily be pulled out and all equipment is provided. Come anytime between 10.30am and 12noon or 1.30pm and 3pm for as long as you like. Contact 01505 842882 x20 for further information.

Sunday 25th May 2008

Scottish SPCA, this years annual walk involves a group of individuals who will test their athletic prowess by walking eight lengthy but remarkably scenic miles from Howwood to Houston. Fortunately they will be passing four hostelries enroute. The starting point is The Howwood Inn followed by The Glenleven Innin Kilbarchan. Next is the Gryffe Inn in Bridge of Weir and finally the Fox & Hounds in Houston. If you wish a sponsor form adn to take part please call Mhairi on 07789 552 806

Tuesday 27th May 2008

Magic’, Paisley Town Hall, A production from the Elizabeth Cruikshanks School of Dance including elegant ballerinas, hip hop & street dancers tumbling gymnasts & tap – all from age 2 to 22. Tickets available on the door- price tbc.

Wednesday 28th – Friday 30th May 2008

The Johnstone Phoenix Youth Theatre are performing High School Musical on stage at the Johnstone Town Hall. This is not to be missed.£7.50 & £6.50

Tickest & Info:
07952712444 or 07713632444

Friday 30th May 2008

Lunch Club, Church Hall, Bridge of Weir, St Machar’s Ranfurly will be holding their Lunch Club as usual. Price £2. 12 noon till 1.30pm

Friday 30th May 2008

Summer Songs – and some are not!, Paisley Arts Centre, Opera Alba on this occasion is a trip of highly accomplished singers and accompanist providing luxury entertainment in a highly accessible and humorous style. Tickets available from the hotline on 0141 887 1010., 8pm

Friday 30th May 2008

Wine Tasting for the wicked! Fabulous night at the Liberal Club in Paisley, if you like wine! 7.30pm (small entry fee) Funds raised in aid of the SSPCA

Saturday 31st May 2008

Plant Sale and Pancake Morning, Kilbarchan East Church Halls, If you would like to order from our large selection of plants, please contact Fulton Dunn–tel: 704502. Come along and enjoy freshly-made pancakes with cream and jam with your tea/ coffee, entrance £1.50., 10am till 12 noon

Saturday 31st May 2008

Paisley Farmers Market, County Square, Paisley – next to Gilmour Street Train Station, Get your hands on some of the best fish, seafood, organic vegetables and meat products in the West of Scotland. An early arrival is recommended. Call 01655 770217 for further information., 9am till 1pm

Saturday 31st May 2008

The Lady of Burma, Paisley Arts Centre, The inspirational true story of Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi is told in this compelling solo performance. Rarely is a show so powerful. Tickets £8.50 (£5) available from the ticket & information hotline on 0141 887 1010., 7.30pm

Saturday 31st May 2008

The Johnny Cash Story, The Arts Guild Theatre, Greenock, A tribute to the music legend. Tickets £13 (£11.50 conc) available from 01475 723038 or email bookings@artsguildtheatre.co.uk, 7.30pm

Author

Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X