Shortroods | Paisley Scotland

More than 60 volunteers have been working with staff from Renfrewshire Council and partners to support people in the community at this time.

Officers, partners and volunteers are working together as one team to support people in a flexible and innovative way from the council’s Neighbourhood Hubs.

The hubs are run by the council in partnership with key local organisations such as the Health and Social Care Partnership, Renfrewshire Leisure and local voluntary and community groups, to provide general support and information to residents who may need extra help in coping with the effects of coronavirus.

The volunteers, who have been recruited through Engage Renfrewshire’s Volunteer Reserve, are undertaking a number of roles to support the local community.

Volunteers have been carrying out a variety of tasks including; doing doorstep deliveries, helping with daily errands such as dog walking and posting letters, keeping in touch with residents by making friendship calls or becoming email pen pals.

One volunteer said: “I decided to volunteer at the local hub to help make people’s lives a bit easier during this virus situation. Everyone needs a little bit of support, some more than others, and I wanted to be that person who could lend a helping hand or even a listening ear to those in need.”

Another volunteer commented: “I am retired but still fit and healthy and wanted to help make a difference in my local community. At the moment there appears to be much more of a sense of community with many people looking out for each other and helping out where they can. This can only have a positive effect on local communities which will hopefully last.”

Renfrewshire Council Leader, Iain Nicolson, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the number of people wanting to volunteer to help those in need in their community in these difficult times.

“It is truly inspiring to see how our community has pulled together to support and look after one another. With next week being Volunteer Week across the UK I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has volunteered to help during this crisis for the important role they are playing in supporting their community.”

Volunteers’ Week takes place from 1-7 June 2020. The annual celebration marks the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering. This year, the focus of the week will be to thank volunteers for their work.

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Those looking to volunteer can still sign up for Engage Renfrewshire’s Volunteer Reserve by visiting: https://volunteer.engagerenfrewshire.com/.

29/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

A father-and-son golf duo were first off the tee at Barshaw Golf Course when the course re-opened yesterday.

Greig Martin, 48, and his 24-year-old son, Dean, from Renfrew were delighted to finally get a game of golf after the ten-week lockdown forced the course to close.

John Patton and Alan Scoular were one of the first to take advantage of Barshaw Golf Course re-opening.

But with the Scottish Government easing restrictions and moving into Phase 1 of the route map out of the coronavirus pandemic, Renfrewshire Leisure were able to re-open the popular golf course along with two of its bowling greens at Lochfield and Robertson Park, Renfrew.

After his long-awaited round of golf, Dean said: “We hadn’t played since the day before lockdown began and it was great to get back on the golf course at Barshaw.

“My dad and I are regulars at Barshaw and we play there at least once a week, so we’re looking forward to getting back out there a lot more often.”

Lawrence Newton gets in the swing of things after Barshaw Golf Course re-opened.

Within hours of an announcement that the course was being re-opened, all 36 tee-off slots on Friday were booked. Saturday is also fully booked and yesterday there were only a handful of tee-off times available for Sunday.

Renfrewshire Leisure has reduced the annual memberships of Barshaw for 2020 to reflect the lost playing period from April 1 and will be valid until March 31 next year.

Dean and Greig Martin 07919993201Reopening of Barshaw Golf Club 29.5.20

Dean and Greig Martin were first to tee off when Barshaw Golf Course re-opened.

The membership fee to play on the course all year round is now £152 for adults, £106 for concessions and £75 for juniors. Family memberships are the total price for all individuals minus a 25 per cent discount.

Renfrewshire Leisure chairperson, Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes said: “It’s been a long haul through lockdown, but with the Government easing restrictions, we’re delighted to be able to offer people the chance to enjoy a game of golf or bowling.

Reopening of Barshaw Golf Club 29.5.20

“And being able to open our golf course and bowling greens has come at the right time, as it looks likes we’ll be having sunny weather for a good few days.

“I’ve no doubt people will be keen to get out in the fresh air and enjoy a game of golf or bowls.”

Councillor Hughes added: “We are asking players to support our staff and those around them by adhering to social distancing and hygiene rules. Details are displayed at each facility and on our website.

“It’s important for the entire community’s health that everyone makes themselves familiar with the rules – and follows them.”

Go to www.renfrewshireleisure.com for more information on the health guidelines.

29/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

First stage of recovery for Renfrewshire Leisure services closed because of coronavirus pandemic

Renfrewshire Leisure will reopen a golf course and bowling greens tomorrow (Friday May 29) after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today confirmed the first phase of easing Scotland’s coronavirus lockdown can begin.

Barshaw Golf Club and Lochfield bowling green in Paisley and Robertson Park bowling green in Renfrew will each promote social distancing and strong hygiene measures among players after the Scottish Government said that non-contact outdoor sporting activities could restart.

Today’s announcement marks the first phase of recovery for Renfrewshire Leisure’s sporting and cultural services, which have been closed since March as measures to protect public health and slow the spread Covid-19 came into force.

Other facilities will reopen – with appropriate safeguards in place – as and when the Scottish Government deems it safe to do so as part of gradual measures outlined in the country’s route map through and out of the coronavirus crisis. Details will be shared when available.

Victoria Hollows, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “We are pleased to be able to reopen our golf course and bowling greens from tomorrow. We know how important they are to those who play there and hope this announcement will help their health and wellbeing.

“In line with Government guidance, we are asking every visitor to these sites to ensure they support our staff and those around them by adhering to social distancing and hygiene rules, details of which will be displayed at each facility. It’s important for the entire community’s health that everyone makes themselves familiar with the rules – and follows them.

“All players will be responsible for their own personal hygiene and should provide their own hand sanitiser.”

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “The reopening of the golf course and bowling greens is a small but significant step back towards a degree of normality, both for our staff team and the community. It’s important that we get this right and, by working together with the people who use our services to stay in-line with all Government guidelines, we can ensure a positive experience for everyone as these facilities and others are allowed to reopen.

“As the First Minister also confirmed, people will now be able to sit in our parks and meet people from one other household outdoors. While we are all keen to be able to spend time with our friends and loved ones in person, we would echo the Government’s message for everyone to please remain physically distanced.”

While phase one of Scotland’s route map out of coronavirus allows the reopening of the golf course and bowling greens, it does not currently allow for clubhouses or pavilions to return to use. Changing rooms and toilets will therefore not be open until this guidance changes.

Arrangements have already been made for Barshaw Golf Club members to safely collect their equipment, while one-off – carefully-controlled – access is being allowed for bowling club members to collect their bowls. After this, all players must store their equipment and other personal items at home until these buildings are allowed to reopen.

At each bowling green, bowlers will be responsible for the sanitisation of bowling equipment before and after use. Bowls, jacks and mats must be sanitised at the end of each play and before the start of the next playing day. Discussions have taken place with club committee representatives.

Barshaw Golf Course, Paisley

The course will reopen at 9am on Friday, May 29. The pavilion will remain closed to general access, apart from payment. The course will be operated by two members of Renfrewshire Leisure staff, one located at the pavilion to take card and contactless payment for memberships, take tee time bookings and provide support. The second will be located close to the first tee and car park, reminding users of health and safety guidance, social distancing and ensuring golfers begin their round at the correct time. Initially, bookable tee times will be restricted to two-balls at 10-minute intervals from 9am to 3pm. Any rule breaches may result in the player/s involved being restricted from accessing the course. To book golf, call 0141 848 7907.

Lochfield Bowling Green, Paisley

No public pay-as-you-play will be available without a sponsoring member. Non-members will require to join one of the three clubs associated with Lochfield and/or be signed on by a member. A storage box with a numerical Digi-padlock will be provided on site for players requiring to borrow bowls, jacks and mats. No members of Renfrewshire Leisure staff will be present.

Robertson Park Bowling Green, Renfrew

No public pay as you play will be available without a sponsoring member. Non-members will require to join the club and/or be signed on by a member. No members of Renfrewshire Staff will be present.

For more details, go to www.refrewshireleisure.com. Members of the public with any queries can email enquiries@renfrewshireleisure.com.

28/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

Renfrewshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres are set to be available for residents as part of nationwide approach to reopening from 1 June 2020.

The reopening will be subject to the Scottish Government advising it is safe. The centres will be open for essential visits only with additional health and safety measures in place to protect residents and staff.

From 1 June, all Renfrewshire sites will reopen on a phased basis and residents are being advised to double check opening times before they leave the house:

Underwood Road (Monday-Sunday) (8.30am-6pm)
Linwood (Monday-Sunday) (8am-6pm)
Erskine (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) (8am-6pm)
Renfrew (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) (8am-6pm)
Johnstone (Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday) (8am-6pm)

In the initial period, only bagged excess household waste will be accepted at recycling centres, with garden waste, scrap metal and small amounts of rubble accepted from 15 June.

From 22 June, residents can bring cookers, washing machines, tumble driers and dishwashers, unless these can continue to be stored safely at home, while all other items including TVs, computers, fridges, freezers and smaller electrical appliances will be accepted from 29 June.

To protect residents and staff members, reduce unloading times and ease congestion from potential traffic queues, only cars will be permitted to enter recycling centres at this time.

Traffic will be managed at each of the open recycling centres and residents are asked to follow the single file queue and be aware of site safety measures when they arrive.

Anyone visiting a recycling centre will be required, as normal, to show proof of residency and photo identification.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We’ve been working closely with the Scottish Government and CoSLA to ensure that when it was safe to reopen recycling centres, we were ready to implement the safety measures required.

“These will include only allowing a limited number of cars into the site at any one time, ensuring physical distancing is in place at all times and undertaking a strict cleaning programme.

“From 1 June, you will be able to visit a recycling centre but please only do so if it is essential and to dispose of any excess bagged waste you may have.

“The health and safety measures are in place to keep us all safe so please respect our staff who are there to assist you and continue to follow the health advice to protect yourself and our teams at all times.”

For more information on the reopening of recycling centres, please visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-bins.

22/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

The Scottish Government have set out their route map for schools and nurseries to reopen for children and young people across Scotland.

Route map

The route map includes:

Teachers, early years practitioners, and support staff returning in June to prepare for the new school term
Continued childcare for key workers and vulnerable children in June and during the summer
Transition support for children moving into primary one and secondary school
All schools and nurseries reopening after the summer break
A blended model of learning at school and at home for pupils from August

Director of Children’s Services, Steven Quinn, said:

“We welcome the update from Scottish Government that sets out a plan for how our schools and nurseries will return over the coming months.

“This has been a very challenging time for many parents and carers and I fully understand the issues this has caused, and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and support at this time.

“I’d also like to thank all our teaching and early years staff and the wider teams who have worked so hard to support our pupils over recent weeks. Through our experience with the childcare hubs we’ve put in place for our key workers, we’ve been able to learn from this and from practice elsewhere, to ensure that when the time comes for our pupils and staff to return, it is with their health and wellbeing as our utmost priority.

“I want to reassure you that we are working with headteachers and centre heads to ensure our schools and nurseries are safe, welcoming and familiar places for your child to return to and learn in. National guidance on safe working arrangements will continue to be our guiding principles for safe working environments

“The route map set out by Scottish Government, and the work of the Education Recovery Group that has informed it, provides clear guidance for how we continue to prepare to welcome back our pupils and staff.

“I, along with your child’s school and nursery, will be able to share further information with you over the coming weeks including information on transition arrangements for those either starting primary or secondary school and those returning to school in August. Importantly, this will also be done in consultation with our partners and on the understanding that plans may have to change if government advice changes.

“I am also working through the many questions parents and carers asked me through our recent survey and I expect to be able to provide answers to your questions next week. Thank you to everyone who took part in that survey and for those parents and carers who provided us with their email address, I have responded to you directly on your questions. This information has been very important in helping to develop our plans.

“Thank you for your continued support and patience during these challenging times. I will continue to keep you updated as new guidance and plans are announced.”

Schools and nurseries info

Steven’s statement

22/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

The scheme aims to prevent domestic abuse by empowering both men and women with the right to ask about the background of their partner, potential partner or someone who is in a relationship with someone they know, and there is a concern that the individual may be abusive.

The scheme aims to enable potential victims to make an informed choice on whether to continue the relationship, and provides further help and support to assist the potential victim when making that informed choice.

Police Scotland is empowering potential victims of domestic abuse with the right to ask about their partner. In the past, it could have been difficult for someone entering a new relationship to find out or be aware if their partner had prior convictions for violence or domestic abuse.

If police checks show that the individual has a record of abusive behaviour; or there is other information to indicate the person you know is at risk, the police will consider sharing this information with the person(s) best placed to protect the potential victim.

The police will discuss your concerns with you and decide whether it is appropriate for you to be given more information to help protect the person who is in the relationship with the individual you are concerned about.

If police checks show your partner has a record of violent behaviour; or there is other information to indicate that you may be at risk from your partner, the police will consider sharing this information with you.

The scheme aims to help you to make a more informed decision on whether to continue a relationship, and provides further help and support to assist you when making that choice.

This form is for everyone who wants to apply to the Scheme either for themselves or another person. It is for both members of the public and for professionals.

Once you submit the form you will have formally applied to the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland. Police Scotland will process the application – including conducting checks and meeting with you, the applicant.

At the end of the process a decision will be made as to whether or not a disclosure will be made.

If you live in England and Wales there is a very similar scheme to DSDAS called the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (also known as Clare’s Law), which is operated by the police forces there.

Link

https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/disclosure-scheme-for-domestic-abuse-scotland/

Paula McNeill who is involved in the organisation ‘No Feart’ telephone number is TEL: 07706 754817 -is very concerned that since lockdown domestic murders are up by over 50%. People who had just met someone before lockdown and decided to isolate together are now potentially in a dangerous situation if that person turns out to have a violent past they are unaware of. Normally people would have longer to get to know someone before moving in together.

Paula described that by 6 months into a new relationship with her ex David Kerr he had been arrested and faced 6 separate domestic abuse charges against her. On 12 April 2019 he made a plea deal with prosecution and pled guilty to charges of threatening and abusive behaviour and assault to injury from incidents covering a period of several weeks. He was sentenced to 275 hours community service, 2 years supervision, ordered to attend a dv choose to change programme and banned from contacting her. She is warning others that If she had trusted her instincts and asked for a disclosure when she was first wary of him before he moved in with her and was isolated with him she would have been told he already had 2 convictions for battery on his last girlfriend and a restraining order and could have been given help and advice on how to safely leave before he turned violent.

For more information and advice before contacting police there is a great organisation in Glasgow called No Feart run by Lynn Harris who started it after watching her mum suffer at the hands of her dad who eventually murdered her.

https://m.facebook.com/NoFeartCIC/?locale2=en_GB

21/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot day event will take place this year but not as you know it. For the first time a full programme of online events and activities will take place to celebrate this historical date in the town’s calendar.

This year’s online event will take place on Saturday 4 July – the time when the weavers and their families would traditionally always take their holidays.

The move to take the event online for 2020 is in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure celebrations can still take place in adherence with social distancing rules and national guidance.

The traditional Sma’ Shot holiday in Paisley takes its name from a famous dispute between the local shawl weavers and manufacturers in the 19th century. In 1856, following a long dispute, the manufacturers backed down and an agreement was reached to pay for the Sma’ Shot, the invisible stitch which bound the Paisley shawls, with a new table of prices published on 1 July 1856.

This year’s event will not only mark this important date in the town’s history but will also celebrate our fantastic key workers.

The day will commence with a mass drum-off on Saturday 4 July where the community will be invited to come together and make noise to mark the start of the day’s celebrations which will include a range of activities from film, dance and music, to spoken word performances by members of the local community and online tutorials and workshops.

Aerial dance theatre company, All or Nothing, will be delivering a dance and music project called Connecting Threads, inspired by the background and history of Sma Shot. The group will be inviting local groups and individuals to get involved by setting creative tasks and asking people to submit videos for inclusion in a short film that will be published online on Sma Shot Day.

Local upcycled fashion innovators ReMode will be showing the public how they can take inspiration from workers of the past, present and future to design and create a costume to wear on the day to get fully immersed in the day’s events. The group will also be encouraging people to get crafty with pattern to create some fantastic displays to decorate their windows.

Local theatre company PACE will also be developing some exciting new work for Sma’ Shot Day as well delivering online drama workshops for young people.

Young people involved with CREATE will be collaborating with local musician Michael Cassidy to produce a piece of music to be included as part of a film showcasing music by young people from Paisley on the day.

In addition Renfrewshire Leisure and The Bungalow are partnering up for the Sma’sh Hits Sma’ Shot Special music event, showcasing a selection of local musicians.

There are still more events and activities taking place on Sma’ Shot Day still to be announced and there will be plenty of opportunities for people to get involved in the lead up to the event.

The change to this year’s event does unfortunately mean that the planned Colours of the Cart performance, supported by the Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 events fund, managed by EventScotland, is no longer able to take place.

Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron, said: “Sma’ Shot Day is always one of the highlights of the annual events calendar, representing an important part of Paisley’s heritage. It’s excellent that we can still celebrate it this year albeit it in a different way.

“There is always a wonderful family atmosphere at the event and a real sense of community coming together – I’m sure this will continue this year when it has undoubtedly never been more important.

“The online programme will offer great opportunities for everyone to get creative and involved in celebrating this great day in a new way. I for one will be looking forward to logging on and getting involved in the fun.”

For the latest information on this event please visit www.paisley.is.

15/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

Renfrewshire Council has today announced that all large-scale Council-run events will be cancelled until the end of October in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The decision means that the following events will no longer take place: Renfrew Gala Day; Barshaw Gala Day; Johnstone Fire Engine Rally; Renfrewshire Doors Open Days; The Spree festival; and Paisley Halloween Festival.

Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations will be marked this year – but in a different way. A programme of online events will take place on Saturday 4 July to commemorate the historic victory of local weavers, as well as the invaluable contribution of today’s key workers across Renfrewshire.

All Council-run events after October will continue to be reviewed in line with national guidance from the Scottish Government and public health advice, with a further decision on the staging of Paisley Fireworks Spectacular and the Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew Christmas lights switch-on events expected by June 30.

The Council announced in March that its spring/summer events programme, including the Paisley Food and Drink Festival and the British Pipe Band Championships in Paisley, had been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “We are hugely disappointed to have to announce this news today but, given the ongoing public health and government advice, it’s the safe and prudent action to take.

“Since we announced the cancellation of our spring/summer programme, festivals and events in the UK and further afield scheduled up until October have continued to be cancelled. The current advice on mass gatherings and events is expected to be in place for some months to come, along with significant physical distancing restrictions.

“Our events programme is regarded among the highlights in Renfrewshire’s annual calendar – and we’re rightly proud of the economic and social impact it brings for our communities. As with many of our Council services, and sectors of our local economy, we want to be in a position to restart and support recovery as soon as possible – but only when the public health advice recommends it is safe to do so.

“Despite the cancellation of our large-scale events until the end of October, we will still celebrate Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day – but in a different way. The online programme of events will allow us to honour the historic victory of local weavers and thank the key workers in Renfrewshire today, who are doing a fantastic job on the frontline to support us all during this unprecedented time.”

Renfrewshire Council is continuing to plan its major events programme in Renfrewshire for next year, whilst monitoring the latest government and public health advice.

The Council advises everyone to continue to follow the national guidance on coronavirus set out by the Scottish Government and to consult www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus for up to date medical advice.

For the latest local updates, visit our ‘Information, help and guidance on Coronavirus’ webpage here: http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.

07/05/2020/by Brian McGuire

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papamacs home dining

Do you fancy things like oven-roasted lasagne al forno with ratatouille and a nice bottle of malbec? Or a slow-baked cottage pie with some lovely honey-roasted carrots, creamed savoy and a chilled glass of beer?

In that case, we have you covered. Check out our new home dining service. www.papamacs.co.uk/home-dining

16/04/2020/by Brian McGuire

Paisley’s MSP, George Adam, has welcomed confirmation that Paisley families unable to access food due to coronavirus will get support from the Scottish Government.

Local authorities are sharing £30 million of new investment from the Scottish Government Food Fund to support those struggling.

Renfrewshire Council have been allocated £1.063 million from the fund, which is one part of the £350 million Communities Fund.

This funding will support those most in need including families with children who are eligible for free school meals, older people, those with long-term health conditions, and pregnant women.

Councils will have the flexibility to use this additional resource in ways that best meet emerging local needs and circumstances, working with community groups and businesses to support home delivery, provide financial help and meet dietary requirements.

Commenting, George Adam, said:

“Coronavirus has brought enormous disruption to all of our lives, and some people will be concerned about accessing food. This is a distressing enough time with families and friends separated and unable to visit loved ones without having to worry about food or where their next meal is coming from.

“This investment will help those in Paisley who are most at risk – such as older people and children eligible for free school meals – to access food through this unprecedented crisis. I hope this will go a long way in helping to ease one worry many families will have right now.

“Free school meals are vital for families across Paisley and are an important way of ensuring children receive the nutritious food they need. That is why it is so important that support continues while schools remain closed.

“This is just one part of the support the Scottish Government is providing to individuals and businesses to protect jobs and incomes which we continue to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak.”

The £350 million Communities Fund was announced by Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell on 18 March 2020.

Since it was announced, over £100 million of new support has been delivered to local authorities to assist their efforts. This includes £50 million in hardship funding, £22 million to bolster the Scottish Welfare Fund and £30 million from the Food Fund.

The guidance shared with local authorities outlines seven key principles to support local thinking about how funding can best be targeted and deployed.

People worried about food during the COVID-19 crisis should therefore contact their local authority for further information on the help and support available to them.

06/04/2020/by Brian McGuire

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The route map includes: