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Paisley Pirates Preview

PIRATES HEAD EAST

Paisley Pirates travel to Fife this Sunday evening where they take on Kirkcaldy Kestrels in a Scottish National League fixture (face off.6.15pm) Pirates will be looking to recover from a mauling by Solway Sharks, who beat them 14-3 last Sunday, after they had recorded a record 27-0 win at Kilmarnock the previous night.

The Renfrewshire side will require to find their best form to take East with them, as the Rosslyn St rink is a traditionally hard place from which to come away with a win. In the corresponding fixture last season, they headed home with a creditable 5-5 draw, but after the disappointment of last weekend at Solway they will be looking to put a win on the board. The fixture marks an early return to the rink for brothers Conor and Jay Duncan, both signed from the Kestrels before the start of the season, and who will be hopeful of making a successful return to their former regular base.

After their early diet of on the road ties, Pirates finally get a game on home ice next SATURDAY, when they come up against Aberdeen Lynx in a match which will face off at 6.30pm.

17/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

PEOPLE experiencing isolation and loneliness are being encouraged to use a new seating area at the intu Braehead shopping centre where they can sit in specially-created seats called Chatty Chairs.

It’s the first time a Scots shopping mall has installed a seating area that actively encourages people to talk to each other.

And today/yesterday Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Derek Mackay launched intu Braehead’s Chatty Chairs initiative with signage that says: “Take a seat if you don’t mind having a chat.”

The intu Braehead Chatty Chairs are in the upper mall and are configured to make it easy for shoppers to start a conversation with someone sitting next to them.

The move comes after the Age Scotland charity revealed that 282,000 older Scots feel lonely some or most of the time.

The latest Scottish Household Survey also found that one in four people over the age of 60 said they do not meet a friend, neighbour or relative at least once a week.

Derek Mackay, whose constituency takes in the shopping centre, said: “This innovative idea from intu Braehead to provide a seated area where people can start a conversation with someone will help tackle the very real problem of loneliness in our community.

“This is exactly the type of initiative the Scottish Government would encourage as part of our strategy to deal with social isolation and loneliness.

“Feelings of being alone in the world can have a significant adverse impact on someone’s physical and mental well-being.

“I’d like to congratulate the team at intu Braehead for creating the Chatty Chairs seating area, as it’s up to all of us to reach out in a compassionate way to make everyone feel welcome and valued in our communities.

“I hope the Chatty Chairs will be well used and that people will stop for even a few minutes to speak to each other.”

The move by the shopping mall to encourage visitors who would like a chat to use the seats has been praised by Age Scotland.

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland’s chief executive said: “This is a wonderful initiative which will hopefully give people of all ages the chance to have a chat with someone new and perhaps even forge new friendships.

“Often a smile and a friendly chat can make all the difference to someone who is experiencing loneliness.

“It would be great if the Chatty Chairs helped to stimulate more conversation and social interaction between the generations and younger people were encouraged to spend more time with older people they know.”

Lydia Brown, intu Braehead’s community development manager said: “The simple act of stopping to say hello to someone sitting on one of our Chatty Chairs could make a huge difference if they are feeling lonely.

“A few minutes chat started by a simple ‘hello’, or ‘how you doing, today?’ could make someone’s life a whole lot better and make them feel less isolated.

“We recognise loneliness is a problem for many people – of all ages – and we hope our Chatty Chairs initiative can play a small part in combating feelings of loneliness and isolation.”

Older people in Scotland can contact Age Scotland’s free Community Connecting service on 0800 12 44 222 to find local groups and activities which are of interest to them to help get them more engaged with others.

16/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Braehead, Events, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Pirates

Paisley Pirates Updates

To Dumfries

In an astonishing curtain raiser to their season in the Stewart Robertson Trophy, Paisley Pirates racked up a record breaking 27-0 victory over a hapless Kilmarnock Thunder side which tried hard but were simply overrun by the ruthless visiting team who, from the time they opened the scoring in the 3rd minute through Connor Spiers, thereafter beat a regular path to the door of netminder Wilkie, who in the course of the match faced no fewer than 136 shots, and who deservedly won his side’s Man of the Match award. The scoreline easily surpassed Pirates’ biggest ever victory either home or away since they entered the Scottish National League.

The visitors shrugged off any notion of rust in their first competitive match of the season and were three up after six minutes, and the goals continued to flow to the extent that they were seven ahead at the first interval. After the resumption of play in the middle period, the flow of pressure was maintained towards Wilkie, who conceded another eight times as he continued to face a proverbial barrage of 52 shots during the session. Pirates replaced netminder Meechan, who in facing only 4 shots in his 30 minutes had been a virtual spectator, with Donaghy, who in the remainder of the fixture faced only 6.

With the score already standing at 15-0 by the end of the second session, Pirates kept their collective foot on the gas in the final session, finding the net on another twelve occasions to take the final tally to an eye watering 27-0. New signing Connor Duncan topped the scoring charts with seven, Guy and Man of the Match Henderson helped themselves to four apiece, while Jardine Wallace and Trinity High School pupil Zak Kenneth, in his competitive debut for Pirates, both chipped in with hat tricks.

SOLWAY SHARKS 14 PAISLEY PIRATES 3

Following their high scoring performance the previous evening, Pirates faced a far stiffer challenge on Sunday as they travelled to Dumfries to line up against the much fancied Solway Sharks, new entrants to the SNL and members of the more highly rated NIHL. The difference in standard between the two sides was evident as Pirates came back to earth with a bump, finding themselves seven goals down after one period and 10-0 in arrears after forty minutes.

The visitors did mount a rally in the third period, showing their fighting spirit to score three times through Abercrombie, Kenneth and Guy, but their efforts did no more than take the bare look from a score line which showed a 14-3 defeat at the end of sixty minutes of action, leaving them to reflect on a weekend of vastly differing fortunes.

Pirates are on the road again this weekend as they travel to Fife to face the Kirkcaldy Kestrels, 6-1 victors at Aberdeen last Saturday.

15/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Braehead, Glasgow, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Pirates

JERSEY BONUS FOR PIRATES’ FANS

Paisley Pirates supporters have been given an early season bonus, following the news that supporters and sponsors have the chance to secure a game worn jersey featuring the latest design just as the new term gets underway.

Off Ice Operations Manager Jackie Turley broke the news just as the club finalised preparations for their opening fixtures in the new campaign. “We usually give supporters the chance to buy the jerseys anyway, but not until much later in the season,” she explained. “This year, we’re introducing a new feature in that any supporters/sponsors purchasing the top will have their name stitched into it, done professionally by one of our sponsors, Custom Sport Stitch, thus ensuring that everywhere we play their support will be recognised.”

“They will, of course, receive their jersey at the end of the season at a special club presentation, but it means that that this recognition is therefore for all to see for the duration of the season-the quicker they take up their option to buy, and pay their £60 to do so, the quicker their name will be shown on ice rinks all over Scotland. It seems a good deal to us, and, judging by the huge number of requests we’re getting already, the fans and businesses think so too!”

“Of course, in addition to letting everyone know they’re helping the club in a very direct way, clubs/sponsors are also getting the chance of buying a piece of club history. How so? Well, fans who bought jerseys last year now have in their possession a jersey which was worn when the club became playoff champions for the first time ever. We think that’s something that’s priceless to a Paisley Pirates fan so, the message is, if you want a chance of buying history, and you’ll pardon the pun, get your skates on and contact the club at paisleypirates@gmail.com without delay!”

10/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

FAMILIES can have some spook-tacular fun in Soar at intu Braehead during the October school break.

There’s a fang-tastic variety of free Halloween-themed activities for everyone to enjoy every day from Friday, October 11 until Sunday, October 20 between noon and 5pm.

And these fun activities for both adults and kids include joining in to create a creepy crawly spider picture to take home and use as a Halloween decoration.

There’s also a mysteriously spooky selfie mirror where everyone can pose for photos and then post them on social media as a great way to remember a great day out.

On Saturday, October 12 between noon and 5pm, Soar is also hosting an exclusive event for members of the intu Family Club with members receiving a goody bag filled with all sorts of things that will make the school holiday a week of family fun.

Family Club members are also being encouraged to come along in fancy dress to take part in a Halloween Fashion Show with a prize for the best-dressed family on the day.

And on Sunday, October 20, the PJ Masks cartoon superheroes will be visiting Soar to stage a Hero Training Camp.

There will be five meet and greet sessions with activities featuring Catboy, Owlette and Gekko.

These will be every hour on the hour for 30 minutes from 11am until 3.30pm. There will be an opportunity at each session to pose for a photo with PJ Masks characters.

Although there is free admission, the event will ticketed, so log on to www.intu.co.uk/braehead to book your place.

David Lyon, marketing manager for intu Braehead said: “There are lots of fun things happening in Soar for all the family this October school break.

“And since all the activities are free, you could say it’s a real free-ky Halloween event!”

Log on to www.intu.co.uk/braehead to join the intu Family Club for free and enjoy exclusive offers and discounts, a gift for youngsters, a membership pack, a magazine and much more throughout the year

10/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Braehead, Events, Glasgow, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Events, Paisley Pirates, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrew, Renfrewshire, renfrewshire events

PIRATES FANS PUSH AHEAD

With the new Scottish National Ice Hockey season only days away, Paisley Pirates supporters are girding their loins, as they look forward to a diet of activity for the next six months or so, combining vocal support for their favourites on the the ice with a programme of off ice events aimed at giving the players and management the maximum support possible as they once again bid for honours.

Chairwoman Marie Cadenhead looked back at activities over the last 6 months of a very long close season and, while declaring herself satisfied with events which tool place, declared that she wants to see supporters become even more involved with the Pirates, one of Scotland’s top amateur teams.

“Every year, the role of the Supporters Club becomes more and more important, as the cost of running an ice hockey team, even an amateur one like us, rises and we, as fans, have to do our bit to keep the Pirates’ ship afloat. In the close season just ended, we appeared at three Summer Gala Days, namely, Barshaw, Renfrew and Ferguslie Park, we had our AGM at the end of May, staged a very successful Meet The Players Night just a few weeks ago, and held a successful raffle thanks to the support we received from Morrison’s Falside Rd, Hannah’s in Johnstone, Chivas and Rangers FC and Celtic FC for raffle prizes, all of which helped ensure that the club had a financially viable close season. We also tool part in a recent Celebrating Renfrewshire event, and all of these are important in keeping the club in the public eye on an ongoing basis.”

“We’re now getting into the serious stuff at long last as in addition to giving the boys all the vocal support we can muster we continue to help with the match night stuff like Chuck a Duck, man some of the table and generally help in keep a smile on the Treasurer’s face, all in the name of supporting the Paisley Pirates. It’s hard work, but we wouldn’t change our job for the world!”

07/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Blog, Braehead, Events, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Pirates, Press Release, Renfrew, Renfrewshire, renfrewshire events

PIRATES BACK IN ACTION

The wait is finally over for the fans and players of the Paisley Pirates as they take to the ice in competitive action for the first time on Saturday evening when they make the short trip to Kilmarnock to play the local Thunder in a Stewart Robertson cup tie (face off 7.30pm)

The hosts have had a tough start to the season, with their young side taking several heavy defeats in competition in the first few weeks. “We won’t be taking any notice of Thunder’s results so far,” said Head Coach Ian Turley. “As we do against any opponent, we’ll treat Thunder with the utmost respect, and rely upon our own performance to get us off to a good start in a competition from which we failed to qualify last season. Certainly, there are two teams going through from each group this season, but with Murrayfield and North Ayr also in the section it will be no walkover. We have a few new guys making their competitive debut for us, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the heat of action.”

It will be a busy weekend for Pirates as they’re on the road again on Sunday when they head south to take on a strong-looking Solway Sharks at the Dumfries Ice Bowl. The hosts have joined the SNL while remaining in the Northern Ice Hockey League and player/coach Adam Walker is expecting a tough battle against a side which has recorded some impressive results so far. “It’ll certainly be a tough old night in Dumfries,” he commented. “I anticipate that the Sharks will be occupying a spot at the top end of the league table and we will really have to put in a top-notch performance if we hope to take anything from the game.”

The match faces off at .5.30pm.

07/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Announcement, Blog, Braehead, Events, Glenburn, Newsletter, Paisley, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrew, Renfrewshire, renfrewshire events

Science Fayre boost for autoimmune charity at intu Braehead

A FUNDRAISING Science Fayre is being held at intu Braehead on Saturday to raise money for research into autoimmune diseases.

Nicola McBride, centre, with members of the team helping her raise money for research into autoimmune diseases, Katie Warner, left and Claire Jones.

Mum Nicola McBride, from Glenburn, in Paisley has recently launched a new charity called Autoimmune Conditions UK, which aims to increase awareness and raising money by running fundraising events and applying for research grants.

Visitors to the Science Fayre will also get the chance to vote for their top five autoimmune diseases Nicola’s charity will raise money for during the next 12 months.

It’s estimated that up to four million people in the UK are living with an autoimmune condition.

The Science Fayre – in the shopping mall’s central atrium between 9am and 3pm on Saturday, October 12 – will feature exhibits and workshops from the Glasgow Science Centre and Glasgow University.

And there will be activities for children with interactive games about the human body, arts and crafts, decorating biscuits to look like different kinds of cells in the body and making DNA bracelets for youngsters to take home.

Nicola, 35, explains: “As well as raising money for research into autoimmune diseases, we’ll also be encouraging adults and children to learn about science.

“There is a shortage of funding for research into autoimmune diseases and I would like to our bit help make sure there is more funding into the causes and treatment of autoimmune diseases.

“We’re also running a poll just now for people to vote which autoimmune diseases they think needs funding most and we’ll donate whatever we have raised to the top five as voted by the public.”

Community development manager for intu Braehead, Lydia Brown said: “It says a lot about Nicola that she’s willing to launch a charity and raise money for research into autoimmune diseases, which can affect a lot of people.

“I hope lots of people come along to intu Braehead and support this worthy cause. If they do, they’ll also have fun and learn something new about science.”

Log on to www.facebook.com/AutoimmuneConditionsUK to find out more about the charity, donate and vote in their poll on which autoimmune diseases should benefit from its fundraising.

07/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

Volunteers, community groups, pupils and businesses have teamed up to remove more than 1000 bags of litter from Renfrewshire’s local environment.

A key part of Renfrewshire’s highly successful Team Up to Clean Up campaign, Spotless September saw 49 events held across the area and 931 volunteers take part to enhance their communities.

Litter picks were held in schools, by riverbanks, outside businesses, in parks and more as the local community joined forces to tidy their local area.

The campaign has sparked new community gatherings across Renfrewshire and the latest has been formed by Jenna Givens as she looks to clean up Gallowhill in Paisley.

Jenna said: “I’ve recently moved to the Gallowhill area and there is a real community spirit around here with volunteers coming out to help and more expressing an interest, I expect our fortnightly clean ups will become a growing movement.

“As ever my two children have a hugely positive impact and continue to do good and are still keen to make a difference, it’s very rewarding to see all those bags of litter piling up.

“The service from the wardens and StreetScene team is superb, always very reliable in dropping off and picking up on time, and I can’t wait to get back out there to Team Up to Clean Up.”

Renfrew White Cart Riverbnak and Nature Spot 2

Spotless September also saw the first Pooches in the Park event take place in Barshaw Park as the campaign aimed to raise awareness of the issue of dog fouling and encourage everyone to be responsible dog owners.

More than 40 people turned out in rainy conditions to show their support for the mile-long walk, which also saw an open training event from St Mirin Dog Training Centre to teach owners and dogs alike how to stay safe when out walking.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Team Up to Clean Up campaign continuing to grow and develop and with almost a thousand volunteers taking part throughout September, we really are seeing the difference in our communities.

“It’s more important than ever that we take care of our local environment and it’s great to see volunteers young and old taking part in the campaign. I take pride in where I live and it’s important the next generation recognise that we need to all work together to make Renfrewshire an inviting place to live, work and visit.

“Spotless September may be over but the campaign continues on and I can’t wait to get back out there along with others who enjoy”

The Team Up to Clean Up campaign forms part of a £2.5million investment across five years to make a real difference to the cleanliness of the streets in Renfrewshire and improve the local environment.

As well as the support from local communities, an enhanced programme of operational activity is underway to clean gullies, sweep the roads and repair the roads infrastructure to ensure the campaign is a joint approach between the council and its residents.

For more information and to find out how to get involved, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/teamuptocleanup.

03/10/2019/by Brian McGuire

THE world-famous Cirque du Soleil is coming to intu Braehead with their coolest show ever.

For the first time, the amazing Cirque du Soleil entertainers will take to the ice for a skating and acrobatic extravaganza in a production of their new show, Crystal.

Tickets are on sale from tomorrow/today, Friday October 4 for the spectacular shows – blending circus arts and exciting ice skating skills – being staged at The Arena at intu Braehead, between March 11 and 15 2020.

The international cast of 43 acrobats and skaters come from 24 different countries and their jaw-dropping performances will capture the imaginations of audiences who witness the spectacle.

Crystal, which is a Live Nation presentation, tells the story of a young woman who feels misunderstood and to escape her reality, ventures out on to a frozen pond and falls through the ice to an upside-down world.

The magical show then takes audiences into a suspended reality and they glide into a world that springs into a colourful life with astonishing visual projections and an original score that blends popular music with the signature sounds of Cirque du Soleil.

Marketing manager for intu Braehead, David Lyon said: “This new show by Cirque du Soleil pushes the boundaries of performance with a combination of stunning skating skills and acrobatics that defy the imagination and challenge the laws of gravity.

“I’ve no doubt this will be a very popular show and already many people have been asking about booking their tickets and tell us they are really looking forward to a spectacular and unbelievable night of awe and entertainment.”

Log on to www.braehead-arena.co.uk to book your tickets to a magical night.

03/10/2019/by Brian McGuire