Paisley Town Hall Archives - Paisley Scotland

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Bid to gather Buddies’ Town Hall memories

Paisley Town Hall has played a huge part in the lives of generations of Buddies.

Now a new project to gather people’s memories and photographs of the much-loved iconic building has been launched.

Renfrewshire Leisure wants to hear from anyone who has a special memory of the Town Hall whether it involved a dance or concert held there, a first date, wedding, formal dinner, graduation or a special event.

The Memories of Paisley Town Hall project is being run as the building is about to be closed at the end of this year for a major refurbishment, which will see it re-open in 2021 as a major venue attracting events and people to the town.

All you have to do is log on to www.renfrewshireleisure.com/townhallmemories and post your memories and pictures of the Town Hall. People can also pop into the Town Hall before it closes at the end of this month and complete a postcard.

Victoria Hollows, chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure said: “While the Town Hall is closed we want to keep it alive in the hearts and minds of Paisley Buddies.

“We want to hear everyone’s Town Hall tales, from funny stories to how the building has played a part in their lives and memories of some of the shows and famous bands they have seen there.

“It’s well-known that music star Paolo Nutini was discovered by his first manager at Paisley Town Hall when he stepped in to give an impromptu performance on the stage while hundreds of teenagers were waiting for Fame Academy TV show winner, David Sneddon to appear. Were you there?”

Victoria added: “When we gather people’s stories and photographs we’ll publish them online so everyone can enjoy each others memories of the building over the generations.”

The refurbishment of the Town Hall is one of the key projects within Renfrewshire Council’s £100 million investment in venues and infrastructure over the next few years, as part of a wider plan to use the town’s unique heritage and cultural assets to transform its future.

16/12/2018/by Brian McGuire

Enthusiastic community members are being encouraged to sign up for their nearest Local Partnership ahead of the deadline for applications.

Local Partnerships meeting

Enthusiastic community members are being encouraged to sign up for their nearest Local Partnership and have their say on the issues that matter locally.

The community representatives will be a key part of the new Local Partnerships, sitting alongside local elected councillors and representatives from the public sector and the voluntary sector.

They will help shape the discussion and debate at Local Partnership meetings, bring their expertise and local knowledge to decision making and provide an important link to local people.

Local Partnerships meeting

The closing date for membership applications is Friday 14 December.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “I’d encourage anyone who has a passion for their community to put their name forward to become a member of their Local Partnership.

“We want to achieve a range of views and give local people the opportunity to have their say on the issues that matter to them within their community.

Local Partnerships meeting

“It’s important that the opinions of local people are highlighted so get in touch and take this opportunity to make a difference.”

A series of community events have been taking place across Renfrewshire to introduce the new partnerships and to encourage people to become community representatives, with the first official meetings of the new partnerships set to take place in early 2019.

The seven new Local Partnerships take on the same boundaries as Community Councils and replace the previous five Local Area Committees, with membership being split evenly between local elected members and local community representatives.

The partnerships will work together to identify the priorities for the local community and representatives will have a key role in the allocation of funding to local voluntary and community groups.

For more information on the Local Partnerships and to submit your application to become a member, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/localpartnerships.

12/12/2018/by Brian McGuire

A new fund designed to support Renfrewshire’s cultural sector launched this week as one of the legacies of Paisley’s UK City of Culture bidding process.

Skyline Paisley

The Cultural Organisations Development Fund is open to cultural and creative organisations from across Paisley and Renfrewshire, it will provide support to build the resilience and sustainability of organisations, helping them realise their cultural ambitions and fulfil their potential.

The fund will run for the next three years (to 2022) and could support organisations to cover core costs such as staffing, improve their governance and management, and build new audiences and partnerships across Scotland, the UK and internationally.

It is open to Renfrewshire based organisations or groups that have a cultural or creative purpose.

The fund will complement the existing Culture, Heritage and Events Fund which was set up during the Paisley 2021 bid and has supported more than 100 one-off events and projects since 2016.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “This new fund is key to continuing our ambitions to support Renfrewshire’s cultural sector to fulfil it’s potential.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson

“The Culture, Heritage and Events Fund has already succeeded in increasing the number of people getting involved in creative activity in Renfrewshire and the Cultural Organisational Development Fund will support organisations to develop their capacity and progress with longer term planning.

“The fund will support organisations within Renfrewshire to build and strengthen partnerships both locally and further afield and develop national and international profile.

“The ongoing work to expand our creative capacity goes hand in hand with our £100m investment to transform our cultural spaces, allowing Paisley to attract a wider range of cultural activity and events, and cement our place as a cultural town and as one of Scotland’s key destinations.”

Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Renfrewshire Leisure Cultural Services team, who administer the fund on behalf of Renfrewshire Council, before applying.

The first application deadline is 1 March 2019 with funding decisions due to be made in May 2019. Further funding rounds will take place in October 2019 and February 2020.

Advice surgeries will be held in January 2019 to allow organisations who are considering making applications to attend and seek further information and guidance.

To find out more and to view the application guidance, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/CODF or email codf-enquiries@renfrewshire.gov.uk

30/11/2018/by Brian McGuire

Buddies are being invited to have one last look inside Paisley Town Hall today/tomorrow (Thursday, November 29) before it undergoes a £22 million transformation.

The doors will be open for people to attend a free event which will not only celebrate the rich history of the iconic building, but will present early stage plans on how it might change.

The redevelopment plans for the Town Hall will be explained including the recovery of lost rooms and hidden gems in the building.

The night begins at 6pm with the developing plans being shared with the public. Then between 7pm and 9pm there will a Ta Ta Toon Hall celebration featuring film archive footage, music, song, artwork from local groups and the reading of a poem specially-commissioned from local poet, Jim Ferguson.

Although the event is free, anyone wishing to attend should book a ticket to attend by calling 0300 300 1210 or by calling into Paisley Town Hall or Paisley Arts Centre.

Paisley Town Hall’s £22 million transformation is part of a £100 million investment in the town’s cultural infrastructure. This includes investment to re-develop Paisley Museum, Paisley Arts Centre and the launch of our Library in the High Street, Paisley.

The Town Hall will close its doors at the end of 2018 for work to begin and will re-open in 2021.

Fiona Naylor, acting chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure said: “Paisley Town Hall has played a part in the lives of many generations of people living in Renfrewshire.

“It has a wonderfully rich history and we want to celebrate that. We also want to show people what they can look forward to when the transformation is complete in three years time.”

28/11/2018/by Brian McGuire

Some stunning photographs of Winterfest & The Big Wheel in Paisley taken last night by Muir Media and kindly allowed on Paisley.org.uk, these were taken when things were nice and quiet and were probably the first ones on the big wheel. It looks amazing and some superb views of the town.

If you have any photographs you would like to share with the public of Paisley simply use the hashtag #PositivePaisley and we will do our best to reshare via Twitter, Instagram or for Facebook just email them over to the Paisley FB Page. Also thanks to Muir Media we have our brand new logo for the #PositvePaisley Hashtag please feel free to download and use on your images.

#PositivePaisley

24/11/2018/by Brian McGuire

THE chilly winds of winter might be blowing around Paisley, but youngsters can have some fun at an INDOOR BEACH that’s been created inside Paisley Museum.

Making sandcastles and playing beach games is just one of the activities being organised for the Farewell Frenzy, at the Museum.

Now that the Museum, Central Library and Coats Observatory are closed for major redevelopment, staff at Renfrewshire Leisure decided to have a final farewell bash with free activities such as board games, roller disco, Laser Quest, pop-up cinema, indoor sports activities, gaming, family ceilidh and a kids messy play area, along with the indoor beach.

The Farewell Frenzy starts on Friday, November 23 and goes on until Sunday, November 25 with activities taking place both during the day and in the evening.

Two sold out music gigs are also being staged in Paisley Central Library with Brick Lane studios and Loud ‘n’ Proud presenting Dogtooth, Uncut, Vera, The Spyres and Ghostbaby on Friday, November 23 between 6pm and 10pm. The following evening, between 6pm and 10pm The Vegan Leather, plus guests will also perform at Central Library.

Log on to www.renfrewshireleisure.com/farewellfrenzy for full details of these events.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chairperson of Renfrewshire Leisure said: “It’s rather strange seeing Paisley Museum empty of all the fantastic exhibits and artefacts that have been there for many years.

“But before the work starts to refurbish the building, we thought we’d give kids and adults alike some fun by inviting them into the building for a whole host of different activities you wouldn’t normally find in a museum.”

The Farewell Frenzy is part of a bumper weekend of activities in Paisley town centre as it’s also the first weekend of the Paisley First’s Winterfest and the Paisley Winter Mela is being held in the Town Hall, on Sunday, November 25.

Paisley Central Library will move to a temporary home in early 2019 next to the Lagoon Leisure Centre before moving to the new learning and cultural hub being built on the High Street when it re-opens in 2021.

Public access PCs are available at the Paisley.Is offices at 5a High Street, Paisley. Library staff will be on-hand to assist visitors and the opening hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm and Tuesday and Thursday, 9am to 8pm.

To access the Paisley Museum collections, you can book a tour of The Secret Collection, 9 High Street, Paisley on www.renfrewshireleisure.com . The Heritage Centre has now moved to Mile End Mill, Abbey Mill Studios, Seedhill Road, Paisley. Opening hours are Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat 9am to 5pm, Thursday 9am to 8pm.

The redevelopment work is part of a £42 million investment in Paisley town centre venues by Renfrewshire Council to support a wider push to use the town’s unique cultural and heritage assets to transform the area’s future and bring new footfall to the town centre.

That programme includes the transformation of Paisley Museum, which will reopen in 2022, a revamp of Paisley Town Hall and Paisley Arts Centre and a new learning and cultural hub on the High Street.

22/11/2018/by Brian McGuire

Ensuring the benefits of Renfrewshire’s ‘buoyant’ economy reach right across the region was the hot topic at the area’s annual Economic Development Conference yesterday (Tuesday 20 November 2018).

More than 150 staff from jobs, skills and economic development agencies attended the popular conference organised by Renfrewshire Council’s economic development team Invest in Renfrewshire, held at Paisley Town Hall, which this year focused on tackling inequalities and delivering inclusive growth.

Delegates heard how Renfrewshire’s economy is greatly improved, with the highest employment rate across the Glasgow city region and more businesses generating a greater turnover than this time last year.

They also learned about new developments and opportunities set to boost the economy even more, including a manufacturing innovation district being developed next to Glasgow Airport and £100million being invested to transform Paisley town centre and its cultural venues.

Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills delivered the keynote speech.

He said: “The Scottish Government recognises a strong, vibrant and diverse economy is essential to our national prosperity. We are committed to delivering inclusive growth and tackling the inequalities that prevent people from achieving their potential.

“We have invested £48 million to develop a National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland. Located at Inchinnan, Renfrewshire, it will provide support for manufacturing businesses, help to attract investment, and connect all of Scotland’s engineering universities and colleges.

“Our devolved employability support service, Fair Start Scotland, offers a distinctly Scottish approach where participation is voluntary for everyone who chooses to take part. We want the process of finding work and starting a new job to be seen as an opportunity and choosing to take the opportunity of support can’t be driven by fear of sanctions.”

Colleagues from Creative Scotland and the Council’s regeneration team outlined plans to develop Renfrewshire’s creative economy, while delegates also discussed the changing labour market.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “Renfrewshire’s economy is buoyant, and this conference sees the organisations contributing to its success share best practice and consider the next steps.

“We’re helping more people find and sustain work and are working hard to create the conditions which bring new businesses to the area and enable established businesses to grow and innovate.

“Over the next five years we have made a long-term commitment to help people most in need into work and do more to support start-up and early stage businesses with exciting plans in place to grow the creative business sector and attract thousands of high skilled jobs in manufacturing.

“I am pleased that the conference focused on how best to achieve inclusive growth as this is central to improving the opportunities for current and future generations in Renfrewshire. It is vital the area’s economic growth benefits everyone and that’s why we are targeting our resources to communities facing deprivation and to help people unemployed and underemployed.”

Fast facts on the Renfrewshire economy

• Business incubator InCube supports the start-up of 300 new businesses each year

• Programmes to help people into work are rated the best performing in Scotland

• At 76.1%, our employment rate outstrips the entire Glasgow city region

• Weekly earnings for Renfrewshire residents are £28.50 higher than the Scottish average

• Hosting major events this summer boosted the local economy by £1.25million

• 80% of 16-64-year-olds are economically active, but by 2041, our working age population is expected to decrease by 2.1%

• Manufacturing provides employment to 11% of our total workforce with 358 different manufacturing sites in the area, including world-renowned Rolls-Royce and Diageo.

* Renfrewshire Economic Statistics, October 2018

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Photo 1 shows the Town Hall conference

Photo 2 shows (l-r): Ruth Cooper, Economic Development Manager, Renfrewshire Council; Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Scottish Government; Alasdair Morrison, Regeneration Manager, Renfrewshire Council and Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board.

21/11/2018/by Brian McGuire

Interns and entrepreneurs were among the outstanding talent recognised at the 2018 Renfrewshire Employability Awards.

Renfrewshire employers and employability services nominated local people who they’ve supported through the area’s employability programmes and the winners were announced at a glittering reception at Paisley Town Hall this week.

Television and radio presenter Bryan Burnett hosted the night with awards recognising people preparing for work, achieving in work and in-work progression.

They were awarded by employability partners across the region: West College Scotland; Skills Development Scotland; Developing Young Workforce (West); Engage Renfrewshire; Department of Work and Pensions; University of the West of Scotland; Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership and Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce

From the impressive list of finalists, nine winners were announced:

• Most Promising New Employee: Christopher Morris

• Most Promising New Entrepreneur: Bobby Quinn

• Top Intern: Rachael Gray

• Best Trainee: Toni Elliot

• CV Builder (Youth): Emma Gormley

• CV Builder (Adult): Lindsay Murray

• Apprentice of the Year: Rachael McGregor

• Progression in Work: Ronnie Lockhart

• Achiever of the Year: Amy Orr

More than 1000 local businesses support the Council’s Invest in Renfrewshire programme which is based at the Russell Institute building on Causeyside Street, Paisley. It helps 1400 people each year, providing direct access to vacancies, work experience, training, personal support and finance.

The night concluded with Special Recognition awards for local businesses who have gone the extra mile in helping people prepare and progress in work. These awards went to Glencoats Afterschool Care, Wholesale Domestic Equipment Company Ltd and Linstone Housing Association.

Renfrewshire Council Depute Leader Jim Paterson said: “These awards are always a proud occasion celebrating the outstanding successes of the people seizing the opportunities Renfrewshire’s employability programmes have given them.

“It is also a chance to give thanks to all the partner agencies and local businesses who are working collaboratively to deliver results. Together, our economy is growing and our employment levels now rank among the highest in Scotland.

“We are determined to build on this platform and this year committed five years of funding to further this, with support targeted to reach the people and the places who need it most.”

The awards are organised by Invest in Renfrewshire on behalf of the Renfrewshire Employability Partnership and the 2018 awards were sponsored by RAMH, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce; Skills Development Scotland and Linstone Housing.

Find out more about employability programmes in Renfrewshire at:

www.investinrenfrewshire.com

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• Photo 1 shows the award winners (l-r): Bobby Quinn, Rachael Gray, Emma Gormley, Christopher Morris, Amy Orr, Ronnie Lockhart and Lindsay Murray. (not pictured: Toni Elliot)

• Photo 2 shows the winners and finalists of the awards.

• Ronnie Lockhart is pictured with Bryan Burnett and Fiona MacKay, Head of Strategic Planning and Health Improvement, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

• Amy Orr is pictured with Bryan Burnett and Sandra Black, Chief Executive, Renfrewshire Council.

• Emma Gormley is pictured with Bryan Burnett and Bob Davidson, Programme Director, Developing the Young Workforce West.

Further pictures available on request.

CASE STUDIES

Ronnie Lockhart – Progression in Work

Ferguslie Park resident Ronnie Lockhart had been unemployed for 20 years before deciding to change his life. With the support of Invest in Renfrewshire, Ronnie started on a transitional employment programme as a gardener with Linstone Housing and has since flourished, completing a series of qualifications in everything from first aid and fire safety to cement rendering and landscaping. His commitment and positive approach combined with his natural aptitude has seen Ronnie gain the role of Grounds Maintenance Assistant with Tivoli landscaping services, where he recently transformed the grounds of his local Tannahill Centre.

Amy Orr – Achiever of the year

Low in confidence and coping with losing her mum, Amy Orr was struggling to find a job. Step in Project SEARCH, which supports young people with additional support needs. Over the nine-month programme and three work placements, Amy’s personality shone as she improved her confidence and transformed from scared-to-speak to addressing hundreds at her graduation ceremony. Her determination to succeed has seen Amy achieve her goal of employment, now enjoying her permanent position as a Housekeeper at Hunterhill Care Home and on top of this, Amy now has her own house and is also engaged.

Emma Gormley – CV builder Youth

Emma Gormley wanted to be a car mechanic, but was worried being female, coupled with her shyness, might thwart her dream. Undeterred, Emma spent her final year at Paisley Grammar building her CV in the best way possible, taking part in the Greenpower Programme at West College Scotland and studying a motor vehicle course part-time. Greenpower inspires engineers of the future by tasking Renfrewshire school pupils with building and racing a formula 24 race car. The driving force behind Renfrewshire’s Goldslam Team success – and setting the fastest lap time behind the wheel – Emma grew in confidence and after a rigorous recruitment process is now an apprentice mechanic at Arnold Clark, where she also acts as an ambassador encouraging more young females to consider a career in engineering.

Full list of 2018 Employability Awards finalists:

• Most Promising New Employee: Chris Cummings (Linstone Housing Association); Christopher Morris (YMCA); Jordan McWilliam (DM8 Signs)

• Most Promising New Entrepreneur: Bobby Quinn (Base Muay Thai Fitness Gym); Caroline Gormley (Made in Paisley); Laura Connor (Soaps by Laura)

• Top Intern: Amna Lateef (Renfrewshire Council); Cameron Kelly (Renfrewshire Council); Rachael Gray (Linstone Housing Association)

• Best Trainee: Amy McSloy (Renfrewshire Council); Euan Kilcullen (Renfrewshire Council); Toni Elliot (Barnardos)

• CV Builder (Youth): Caitlin Parry (Castlehead High School); Emma Gormley (Paisley Grammar); Michael Higgins (Linwood High School)

• CV Builder (Adult): Lindsay Murray (Home-Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde); Lucia Nimmo (Impact Arts); Maryann Wright (The Tannahill Centre)

• Apprentice of the Year: Heather Mills (Renfrewshire Council); Jack Bain (Renfrewshire Council); Rachael McGregor (Scotia Handling Services Ltd)

• Progression in Work: Caitlyn McLearie (Ralston Out of School Care); Cameron Esplin (McTaggart Construction); Ronnie Lockhart (Tivoli / Linstone Housing Association)

• Achiever of the Year: Amy Orr (Hunterhill Care Home); James Kelly (STAR Project); Ronnie Lockhart (Tivoli / Linstone Housing Association)

21/11/2018/by Brian McGuire

paisley christmas lights photograohs 2018

Families enjoyed a full day of free fun, with Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron carrying out the big switch on.

She was helped by 11-year-old Skye Thomson, from Paisley’s Heriot Primary School, who won the annual Christmas card design competition.

Earlier in the day, a glittering parade with hundreds of tinsel-clad youngsters and Santa Claus and his reindeers wound its way through the town centre.

Photographs of the Cutkelvins performing on stage before the big switch on was made as well as some photographs around the town taken by David Cameron on behalf of www.paisley.org.uk

18/11/2018/by Brian McGuire

More than 27,000 people flocked to Paisley town centre to enjoy this years’ Christmas Lights spectacle.

Families enjoyed a full day of free fun, with Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron carrying out the big switch on.

She was helped by 11-year-old Skye Thomson, from Paisley’s Heriot Primary School, who won the annual Christmas card design competition.

Earlier in the day, a glittering parade with hundreds of tinsel-clad youngsters and Santa Claus and his reindeers wound its way through the town centre.

Many families got an early start on Christmas shopping with the town centre shops open for business and The Urban Market at Paisley Abbey.

The main stage featured entertainment from Capital FM DJs Des Clarke, Steven Mill and Garry Spence, with performances from family favourites Funbox, while the Princesses of Pop paid tribute to the music of Ariana Grande and Little Mix.

X-Factor stars The Cutkelvins entertained the crowds just before the big Christmas countdown.

Provost Cameron said: “The Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the big events in the winter calendar and this year didn’t disappoint.

“It was great to see so many families and young people coming into the town centre to mark the start of the festive season and take part in all the activities on offer.

“I’d like to take this chance to wish everyone a peaceful and Merry Christmas when it comes.”

The winter event thrills will also extend across Renfrewshire with Christmas Lights Switch-Ons in Renfrew on Saturday, 24 November and Johnstone on Saturday, 1 December.

Paisley First’s WinterFest also opens in the town centre on 24November and runs daily until December 30, except for Christmas Day.

17/11/2018/by Danielle McGuire