Shortroods | Paisley Scotland

Renfrewshire pupils and older adults teamed up for the seventh annual staging of IQ, Renfrewshire’s Intergenerational Quiz.

More than 300 people took part in IQ2019, which saw primary school pupils team up with older people from the local community.

Ten teams of primary six and seven pupils each joined forces with older adults from local day centres, sheltered housing, seniors’ forums, extra care housing and members of the community.

Together, they were tested on a range of topics including natural history, general knowledge and flags and capital cities alongside practical tests and an opportunity to sing together.

The annual event at the Lagoon Leisure Centre is the culmination of each team meeting regularly in recent months to gen up on their knowledge and build long-lasting relationships.

In a close-run contest, Todholm Terrors were crowned 2019 champions, winning by one point from the Thorn Squad, with Mighty Mossys in third.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron was on hand to award the prizes.

She said: “I’ve been fortunate enough to hand out the prizes at the Intergenerational Quiz for the last few years and the event continues to grow from strength-to-strength. I really love the energy and excitement in the room, congratulations to everyone who took part, it looked like everyone had great fun and more importantly built really strong bonds, friendship and respect with one another. Roll on IQ2020!”

Participating teams were:

Fordbank Primary and Johnstone Seniors Forum
Mossvale Primary and Springbank Sheltered Housing
Newmains Primary with Renfrew Day centre
Ralston Primary with Ralston Day Centre
St John Ogilvie Primary with Hanover court tenants
Todholm Primary and Renfrewshire Council Springbank Sheltered Housing
Thorn Primary and Linstone Housing Farriers Court
Thorn Primary 7 with Johnstone Day centre and Altpatrick Gardens
West Primary with Linstone Housing Newton St tenants
Woodlands Primary with Arnott Gardens extra care tenants

The annual event is organised by Sally Logan, Health & Wellbeing Co-ordinator at Renfrewshire Council, Jane McTaggart, Activity Officer and Carolyn Russell, Community Link Worker with Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership.

09/12/2019/by Brian McGuire

Paisley woke up to a thick covering of mist the other morning which for those that went up to the braes could see above the low cloud cover and captured some spectacular images and video. One being our long term member Gerard Ward who has taken some amazing footage as seen below.

Gerard also posted some amazing photos of buildings poking through the mist, thanks Gerard just stunning and thanks for letting us share, the following is Thomas Coats poking through.

and one of the high rises poking through.

A Plane taking off from Glasgow Airport

04/12/2019/by Brian McGuire

03/12/2019/by Brian McGuire

Anyone unable to visit a polling station on the day of the election is being reminded to register for a postal vote, with the application deadline arriving at 5pm on Tuesday 26 November.

Once registered, a pack will be sent out on 2 December to allow electors to cast their vote and return it to their local election office in advance of polling day on Thursday 12 December.

Due to the increased volume of mail in the run up to Christmas, postal voters are encouraged to complete and return their postal votes as soon as possible.

If voters cannot send the postal vote in advance, it can be handed in to their polling station on the day of the election.

Sandra Black, Returning Officer for Renfrewshire, said: “If you’re unable to visit your polling station on election day, that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance to vote.

“Register for a postal vote by Tuesday’s deadline and you’ll still be able to have your say in the election.

“Once you receive your voting pack, please return it as quickly as you can to ensure it reaches the election office in sufficient time.”

To vote in the election, residents must be registered on the electoral roll and this does not take place automatically by paying council tax.

Anyone over the age of 14 in Scotland can register but to vote in this election, voters must be over 18 and a UK Citizen.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Tuesday 26 November.

Voters can also request a proxy vote – where a person votes on their behalf – and the deadline for this method is 5pm on Wednesday 4 December.

For more information on the election, please visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/GeneralElection2019.

25/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

SCHOOL pupils in Ferguslie have been praised for their enthusiasm for reading books.

A special celebration was held for the young people from St Fergus and Glencoats Primary schools to mark the big increase in pupils completing this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

This year, a total of 113 pupils signed up to take part and 25 completed the challenge to read six books during the school holidays compared to 34 children taking part and nine reading the required six books in 2018.

This was an increase of 232 per cent for participation and a 178 per cent increase in pupils completing the challenge.

And last week they were invited to Ferguslie Library to enjoy games and activities, along with a bite of lunch as a reward for their reading efforts.

Morag Macpherson, Renfrewshire Leisure’s head of cultural services said: “Well done to the pupils of St Fergus and Glencoats who participated in the challenge. The numbers of pupils involved are impressive, and we hope that they really enjoyed discovering some new books and authors with us this summer.

“Thanks also to their parents and carers, teachers and the staff at Ferguslie Library for supporting them in their love of reading.”

The event was supported by the School Libraries Attainment team as part of the Renfrewshire Attainment Challenge.

21/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

To mark the 90^th anniversary of the Glen Cinema disaster a commemoration event is to take place in Paisley town centre on Saturday 7 December.

The event will begin with a lantern procession involving more than 150 young people from community groups and schools at 5.15pm, starting at Dunn Square, and journeying up St Mirren Brae, towards Abbey Close. Following the procession, a service at Paisley Abbey will see a number of local performers, and community groups pay tribute to the victims, survivors and their families.

A number of invited guests will attend the service including survivors Robert Pope and Emily Brown along with their families.

The Glen Cinema tragedy took place on 31 December 1929 when a smoking film canister caused a panic during a packed children’s matinee where more than 600 children were present. As a result of the crush that followed more than 30 children were injured and 70 children died.

News of the disaster was far-reaching with letters of condolence being sent to the town from people across the globe. The impacts were also global – the Cinematograph Act 1909 was then amended to ensure all cinemas had more exits, that doors opened outwards and were fitted with push bars. A limitation was also placed on the capacity of cinemas and a requirement for a sufficient number of adult attendants to ensure safety of children.

In addition to the procession and service a commemorative film ‘The Glen Cinema Disaster’ directed by Paul Mothersole has been commissioned with ticketed, free screenings taking place on Saturday 7 December between 1pm and 4.15pm at POP Community & Arts Space in The Piazza Shopping Centre. A small exhibition of printed letters held in the Secret Collection will also be on display in POP from 7 – 20 December.

Louisa Mahon, Head of Marketing, Communications and Events at Renfrewshire Council, said: “The Glen Cinema disaster is a real tragic point in Paisley’s history with deeply traumatic consequences for so many families.

“The 90^th anniversary gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of the disaster and reflect on what took place by paying tribute to and remembering the victims, survivors and their families.”

Members of the public who wish to pay their respects are encouraged to attend the lantern procession as there are only a limited number of tickets available for the Paisley Abbey service on a first come first served basis from InCube Shop, 9B Gilmour Street. Those who would like to participate in the procession can sign up to attend a Lantern Making workshop taking place on Saturday 30 November in POP, Piazza from 10am – 4pm – please be aware there are limited spaces available for this workshop.

Also, as part of the 90th anniversary commemorations an artist will be commissioned to create a public piece of art, in collaboration with the local community to commemorate and raise awareness of the disaster.

The event taking place on 7 December is in addition to the annual memorial service and wreath laying which takes place at Paisley Cenotaph on the morning of 31 December, which is run by community members and supported by Renfrewshire Council.

The Glen Cinema 90^th anniversary commemoration event is funded by Renfrewshire Leisure and Renfrewshire Council through Renfrewshire Council’s Future Paisley programme.

To book a place at the lantern making workshop please visit: https://glencinemalanternworkshop.eventbrite.co.uk

To secure a ticket for The Glen Cinema Disaster film screening please visit: https://glencinemadisasterfilm.eventbrite.co.uk

A limited number of free tickets will be available to the public for the commemorative service at Paisley Abbey on a first come first served basis from InCube Shop, Paisley Office, 9B Gilmour St, Paisley PA1 1DG from Friday 22 November. The shop is open from 11am – 5pm Tuesday – Saturday.

21/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

More than 21,000 people headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

Families enjoyed a full day of free, Christmas-themed fun, with Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron carrying out the big switch on alongside Santa and X Factor stars, Reggie ‘N’ Bollie.

They were helped by 11-year-old Taylor McPherson, from St Peter’s Primary School, who won the annual Christmas card design competition.

Earlier in the day the gathered crowds marvelled as the 300-strong parade, led by Santa himself, wound its way through the streets featuring festive floats, costumed characters and choreographed displays from local community groups and professional performers.

A new addition to this year’s event – the Winter Roller Disco – proved a firm favourite with visitors with hundreds taking a spin on the rink before the day was through.

The live stage offered plenty of music and entertainment with performances from; Funbox, The Swinging Santas, Nickajack Men and this year’s stage headliners, Reggie ‘N’ Bollie. A number of local community and school choirs also delighted visitors with classic carol performances in Paisley Abbey to help make everyone feel merry and bright.

Kids were given the chance to give their wish lists to Santa in his Grotto in The Piazza Shopping Centre. The Coats venue also offered plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained. There was also a funfair, Creative Craft Trail around the town’s local cafes and businesses and Crafty Christmas Market for people to do a little Christmas shopping.

This year the lights extend to the top of the High Street leading to a giant illuminated Christmas bauble in the grounds of the Coats venue, delivered in partnership with Paisley First. The bauble will be in place throughout the festive season, offering the perfect festive selfie spot.

Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron said: “The Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the big events in the winter calendar and this year didn’t disappoint with a packed programme with something for everyone.

“It was a great way to celebrate the start of the festive season and it was wonderful to see so many families and young people coming into the town to take part in the day.

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

The festive fun continues across Renfrewshire with Christmas Lights Switch-Ons in Renfrew on Saturday, 23 November and Johnstone on Saturday, 30 November.

Paisley First’s WinterFest also opens in the town centre on 23 November and runs daily until December 30, except for Christmas Day and is sure to provide even more opportunities for people to spend local.

To find out more about future events taking place please visit: https://paisley.is/list_event/.

16/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Paisley will welcome the festive season in style this weekend at the town’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.

The family-favourite, free event will begin at 12pm on Saturday 16 November before Santa and his sleigh ride into town at 12.30pm to lead the 300-strong parade that will greet the gathered crowds.

The parade will have a new, extended route for 2019 and is set to wow spectators with giant festive floats, costumed characters and choreographed displays from local community groups and professional performers. Following the parade there will be a number of street performers entertaining the crowds.

Visitors can take a spin around the Winter Roller Disco in County Square – a new addition to this year’s event it’s sure to be a family favourite with six sessions taking place throughout the day.

The live stage will offer plenty of music and entertainment with performances from; Funbox, The Swinging Santas, Nickajack Men and this year’s stage headliners, special guests – X Factor stars, Reggie ‘N’ Bollie.

For those looking for a more traditional Christmas celebration there will be a series of local community and school choirs performing classic carols in Paisley Abbey – a sure way to get everyone in the festive mood.

There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained as Coats Memorial will be transformed into the perfect Christmas playground bursting with activities to keep the little ones entertained such as writing letters to Santa, making Christmas cards, face painting, soft play and much more.

Kids can meet Santa at his Grotto in The Piazza Shopping Centre to tell him what’s on their Christmas list, while those looking to do a bit of Christmas shopping can head to the festive Urban Market offering plenty of fabulous gift ideas.

A Creative Craft Trail will be taking place as part of the event in some of the town’s fantastic local cafes and businesses, where visitors can learn to make festive jewellery, decorations and fascinators among other activities.

The big finale moment of the day will be the switch-on moment which will take place at the Live Stage at 6pm.

This year the lights will extend to the top of the High Street leading to a giant illuminated Christmas bauble, delivered in partnership with Paisley First. The bauble will be located in the grounds of Coats venue offering the perfect festive selfie spot.

Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron said: “Paisley Christmas Lights Switch-On is a fantastic family day out with plenty of opportunities to get the whole family in the festive mood.

“This year’s event is even bigger with a longer parade route and children’s activities taking place in the stunning Coats venue.

“It’s sure to attract lots of visitors to the town centre and encourage people to see what fantastic festive goodies they can get their hands on in some of our great local businesses.”

There will also be a funfair at the event located on Bridge Street with smaller rides on Gilmour Street.

To find out more about future events taking place please visit: https://paisley.is/list_event/.

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Tickets for the Roller Disco are £2 including booking fee and e-ticket charge and skate hire is included in this charge. Children under 8 years-old must be accompanied by an adult.

Sessions are limited to 40 places.

You can purchase tickets in advance here: https://paisley.is/winter-roller-disco/

A quiet space will be located in POP inside the Piazza Shopping Centre and Coats Venue -this will be an autism friendly space with soft lighting, comfortable seating and noise cancelling headphones.

11/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Paisley Cenotaph Remembrance Sunday Service

Renfrewshire has paid tribute to the Armed Forces as hundreds attended services across the area to mark Remembrance Sunday, with the largest service taking place at the Cenotaph in Paisley town centre.

More than 200 people paid their respects as military personnel from the Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy paraded around the town centre before finishing at the Cenotaph.

A short service then saw a series of readings by local ministers, before the Royal British Legion presented their standards.

A bugler played a moving rendition of the Last Post ahead of the traditional two-minute silence, following which wreaths were laid on behalf of the Armed Forces, schools, local organisations and community groups.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron, who laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Renfrewshire, said: “This weekend provides us all with an opportunity to pay our respects to the Armed Forces, past and present, for all they do to keep us safe, while remembering those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

“It’s fantastic to see so many people turn out to services across Renfrewshire and it shows the spirit within our communities that they want to come together to show their appreciation for our service personnel.

“It’s also great to see the interaction between our veterans and young people each year as we educate the next generation on why it’s so important that we mark Armistice Day and encourage them to continue this tradition in years to come.”

Renfrewshire’s weekend of remembrance began on Friday 8 November as the annual Children’s Remembrance Service took place at the joint-campus of Mossvale and St James Primary in Paisley.

Depute Provost, Councillor Cathy McEwan, joined veterans from the Royal British Legion as they visited the school to see a presentation from the pupils on what they’ve learned about Armistice Day, before speaking about their experiences of having served in the Armed Forces.

For more information, visit: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/RemembranceServices2019.

10/11/2019/by Brian McGuire

Cllr Cathy McEwan, Gail Scoular, the Unpaid Work team, Cochrane Castle Primar, St David's Primary

Pupils are set to get their hands dirty as every primary school in Renfrewshire receives a brand-new mud kitchen.

Designed to inspire imagination and creativity through messy play, the mud kitchens were a huge success with the area’s nurseries after being gifted earlier this year and now primary school children are set to see the benefit.

Made from recycled pallets, they provide an immersive, multi-sensory experience for children to get their hands dirty making mud pies and soil smoothies while interacting with their peers.

Gail Scoular came up with the idea while in her role as Renfrewshire Council Senior Warden and fundraised in her own time to ensure there was no cost to the forty-nine primary schools, with the council’s Unpaid Work Team carrying out the work to create them.

Gail Scoular, Cllr Cathy McEwan, and a Cochrane Castle Primary & St David's Primary pupil

Cllr Cathy McEwan with St David's Primary pupils

Gail said: “I’m so happy that more and more young people will have access to a mud kitchen and have the chance to discover the joy of outdoor play.

“They’ll be able to use their imaginations to create culinary inventions, while bonding and building relationships with their peers.

“It’s a fantastic way to encourage young people to enjoy the great outdoors and who doesn’t like to get their hands dirty once in a while!”

The kitchens will encourage young children to see the benefits of working together and to find enjoyment in the great outdoors, ensuring they appreciate their local environment which is a key tie in with Renfrewshire’s Team Up to Clean Up campaign.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to provide brand-new mud kitchens to each of our primary schools after the brilliant reaction we had from our nurseries earlier in the year.

“A big part of our Team Up to Clean Up campaign is encouraging people to work together while enjoying being outdoors and appreciating our local environment and these kitchens will hopefully inspire our young people to get out in their gardens and green spaces and take care of where they live.”

Donations were made by UNITE, GMB Union and enva which facilitated the purchase of tools for use in the mud kitchens.

For more information on the Team Up to Clean Up campaign, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/teamuptocleanup.

07/11/2019/by Brian McGuire