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K9 First

Essential training to keep your Pet safe, gain the skills and confidence to act competently in the event of an emergency!

Book now at K9 First  (£10.00 off for any Pet First Aid course date booked on-line in August 2018)

What will I Learn? Latest life saving techniques, detailed practical demonstrations for new guidelines in pet CPR, canine Heimlich, how to read vital signs and more, using training manikins…

Training available in-house in Paisley or externally to your group within central Scotland, Email for details.

Course fee £50.00 (£40.00 if booked August 2018) covers the following:

  • 4 hours of Instructor-led training
  • FREE ProTrainings weekly video refresher email
  • ProTrainings certificate and wallet card (valid for 3 years)
  • FREE Dog First Aid Manual (PDF)
  • Tea and Coffee

Please join us and learn truly vital skills to keep your pets safe.

Call now on: 07714211749

Email: info@k9first.co.uk

Website: https://www.k9first.co.uk/training

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PIRATES MOVE FORWARD

paisley pirates

Paisley Pirates have altered their starting times for home games at Braehead Arena for the coming Scottish National League season.

paisley pirates

Secretary Jackie Turley explained,”We very much see ourselves as a club serving the local community, and families in particular, and in recent seasons a few people have said to us that the 6.00pm face off meant that families, with the prospect of school for the kids the next day, found it a little tight, if not impossible, to get children to bed at a reasonable hour after coming to watch their favourite ice hockey team.”

 

“With that in mind, our landlords at Braehead Arena were very accommodating in allowing us to bring the starting time on a Sunday forward to 5.00pm, meaning that matches shouldn’t finish much beyond 7.00pm, thus allowing parents to get their kids home and safely tucked up in bed in time to get a good night’s sleep before school on Monday morning. We think this will also help the many groups who come to watch the Pirates, in that parents will be able to pick up their kids an hour earlier and get them home in good time.”

 

“We always want to respond positively to supporters’ concerns, and given our desire to be a real community club we’re delighted when we can act on such suggestions put forward to us. In bringing the start time forward, and on Saturdays we’ll begin at 6.30pm, we’re hoping, too, that we can maybe encourage along a few more away supporters, as they in turn will be getting home that bit earlier. When you’ve got a two hour trip to somewhere like Dundee, getting home at 9.30pm instead of 10.30pm might just be enough to tempt you through, and that in turn might help improve the atmosphere on match nights-there’s nothing quite like having a few visiting supporters in the rink, as our own fans illustrate every time we play away, to ramp up the volume a few notches!”

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Intu Braehead volunteers help out at Elderslie school

DELIGHTED youngsters at Wallace Primary, in Elderslie came back to school to find they had a spruced-up courtyard that can now be used as an outdoor classroom and a space where they can spend time in with friends.

It’s all thanks to a donation of more than £2000 from intu Braehead shopping and leisure destination and the hard work of some of its staff, who volunteered to spend two days refurbishing what was a run-down and little-used part of the school.

The volunteer work was part of intu’s company-wide initiative encouraging staff to take the time from their work schedule to help support a local charity or community group.

Along with workers from landscape gardening experts, Cardwell Nurseries, based in Gourock, the intu Braehead team weeded pathways, power washed concrete slabs, carried out a general tidy-up, put in plants and flowers and painted the four walls surrounding the courtyard.

The school’s head teacher, Susan Dalrymple said: “This has been a fantastic transformation and everyone from intu Braehead has done an amazing job.

“The children are delighted with their new courtyard and it was a big surprise for them when they came back to school after the summer holidays.

“The area was very run-down and not used very much, but now we can get a real benefit from the space.”

Lydia Brown, intu Braehead’s community development manager said: “We hope the pupils enjoy their new space which is now all spick and span.

“After intu Braehead agreed to pay for the materials, our staff worked really hard to transform the courtyard.”

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First Community Empowerment funds being considered

Converting the former Johnstone Police Station into a health and wellbeing hub is one of the first projects applying for support from a new community fund being considered next week.

The £1.5million Community Empowerment fund, announced in March, is open to all community groups who want to take over ownership and running of a building or piece or land in their local area.

“We know there are so many people in our communities with innovative and imaginative ideas and we are excited to hear from them,” said Councillor Marie McGurk, Communities Housing and Planning Policy Board convener.

“This fund is open to all community groups and we want to hear from a diverse range of community voices, from those we have worked with previously to new groups who may be nurturing an idea and need help and support to get it off the ground.”

Councillors will examine the first round of applications at the Communities Housing and Planning Policy Board on Tuesday 21 August 2018.

Funding support can be put towards development of the business plan behind the idea or investment in the facilities to prepare them for community ownership.

Four applications were received for the first round of funding and have been assessed against the fund’s objectives including demonstrating the positive impact on local communities and involving the local community in the design and delivery of each project.

Councillors will next week be asked to consider accepting an application from local charity Active Communities, providing £10,000 funding for a feasibility study and development of the business case towards taking ownership of and transforming the former Johnstone Police Station into a community health hub.

The hub would also provide accommodation for KAIROS (Kind, Accepting, Inspiring, Renfrewshire’s Open Space), a new initiative supported by The Robertson Trust. Led by 15 local women, KAIROS offers free activities and support to Renfrewshire women, with a focus on tackling the social challenges they may face.

Plans for a cinema, arts venue and theatre at the former Arnott’s site being developed by Paisley Community Trust could also be boosted by £10,000 to progress its business case.

West End Growing Grounds Association are recommended to receive £20,000 towards relocation of raised beds and polytunnels to Underwood Road, while further assessment and development continue over a planned community garden project for Carbrook Street.

Linwood Community Development Trust received one of Renfrewshire’s largest ever land asset transfers and their plans to upgrade the Janitor’s House at the former Clippens School into a nursery are also recommended for further assessment and development.

Councillor McGurk added: “It is clear from the quality of initial applications that there are passionate people across Renfrewshire keen to lead on ambitious projects of real benefit to their communities and our fund is there to support these groups and realise their innovative ideas.

“We will consider every application in full and work closely with applicants towards achieving their goals. I would encourage all community groups to get in touch with us and find out more about all the available support on offer.

“This fund is one of a series of key investments in our communities, and we also be rolling out additional funds for our villages and for green spaces later this year.

“It is all part of our commitment to give communities a greater say and control than ever before over local decision making, empowering them to shape the future success of their towns and villages.”

The next deadline for Community Empowerment Fund applications is Friday 14 September.

To find out more, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/CommunityEmpowermentFund, call 0141 618 7408 or email communityplanning@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

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Broadband scheme can benefit businesses and communities

Local businesses and homes across Renfrewshire can benefit from faster internet connections through the UK Government Local Full Fibre Network Challenge Fund.

Small businesses and the local communities surrounding them can apply for the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, providing a one-off contribution to subsidise the installation cost of a gigabit capable connection.

Quicker file downloads and improved videoconferencing are just two of the benefits of a full fibre gigabit connection.

Businesses can claim up to £3,000 against the cost of connection either individually or as part of a group project, while residents can benefit from the scheme with a voucher worth £500 as part of a group project.

Find out more at: https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk

The voucher scheme complements a range of investments in Renfrewshire to provide the best available internet connections.

Key public buildings, including schools, will benefit from a £2million investment towards an ultrafast fibre network confirmed in the 2018 Council budget, with further funding being targeted from the UK Government’s Challenge Fund.

Renfrewshire will also benefit from the Scottish Government £600million digital infrastructure investment across Scotland.

And free public wifi is now live in Johnstone and Renfrew and coming soon to Paisley, making these town centres more attractive places to visit and driving footfall to local businesses.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “We live in an increasingly connected world where people rely on fast and reliable internet access. That’s why we are investing in our digital infrastructure, recognising the benefits this brings for residents, visitors and of course our business community, in turn boosting the local economy.”

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Paisley Pistons Basketball Club

To celebrate the start of the new season the Paisley Pistons Basketball Club are offering the first 4 sessions of the school term at half price (£2/£2.50 per session). The club caters to boys and girls aged between P1-S2. We would love to see new and returning players along to the Lagoon Sports Centre on a Monday evening, no experience required. Please book your spot at: https://basketballpaisley.class4kids.co.uk

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Thousands pound the streets in Paisley 10k and Fun Run

THOUSANDS took to the streets of Paisley yesterday (Sunday, August 19) for the town’s annual 10k Road Race and Fun Run.

A total of 3493 runners took part in the two events, organised by Renfrewshire Leisure.
From serious athletes to fun runners in fancy dress, they pounded the streets around the town.

Both the Paisley 10k and fun run was sponsored by sports and outdoors retailer, Decathlon and 2133 people took part in the 10k Race and 1360 in the Fun Run.

Paisley Fun run 2018

And for the third year the official charity partner was Macmillan Cancer Support.
Many of the fun runners were also sponsored to raise much-needed funds for local charities, clubs and good causes with several entire football teams of youngsters taking part.

This year’s Paisley 10k race had £2320 of prize money and trophies were presented to fun runners, with prizes for the first three boys and girls from primary and secondary schools over the finishing line.

Paisley 10k 19.8.18
Paisley 10k 19.8.18
RDC Paisley 10 k 19.8.18
Paisley 10k 19.8.18
Paisley Fun run 2018

The Paisley 10k Race men’s winner was Euan Gillham, from Kilbarchan AAC with a time of 30 minutes 47 seconds. Second place in the men’s race went to Lachlan Oats, from Shettleston Harriers, with a time of 31 minutes 13 seconds and third was Daniel Bradford, also from Shettleston Harriers with a time of 31 minutes 21 seconds.

The women’s 10k Race winner was Fionnulla Ross, from Shettleston Harriers with a time of 34 minutes ten seconds. Second was Gemma Rankin, from Kilbarchan AAC with a time of 36 minutes five seconds and third was Jo Williams, from Lothian AC with a time of 37 minutes 16 seconds.

Chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, Joyce McKellar said: “The Paisley 10k and Fun Run has grown incredibly over the years and the big race attracts a high calibre of athlete.

“It’s a fantastic sight to see so many people enjoying the Fun Run with young children and their families taking part. It’s also a great way for sports clubs to raise vital funds and lots of youth football teams take part with the youngsters kitted out in their football strips.”

Fiona Naylor, Renfrewshire Leisure’s head of Finance and Corporate Services added: “The is event really puts Paisley on the map for athletes who want to compete in road races.

“We now have a reputation for organising a really good event and both the 10k and Fun Run attracts thousands of people taking part as well as spectators supporting the runners as they make their way round the town.

“When it comes to organising the event, it’s more like a marathon for our staff  – who did a fantastic job – as there are many months of planning involved.”

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Paisley Tango flash mob in the Piazza Paisley

Photographs of the Paisley Tango flash mob in the Piazza Paisley yesterday (Saturday 18th August) Taken by Ruth Walsh for www.paisley.org.uk

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Shoppers urged to vote in the 2018 intu Braehead retailer awards

SHOPPERS are being given the chance to vote for their favourite store, restaurant and entertainment venue in the 2018 intu Braehead retailer awards.

Thousands of people are expected to pick their favourites in an online poll just launched.

There are awards for the store categories – menswear, footwear and accessories, food and drink, kids, specialist retailer, ladieswear, jewellery, health and beauty along with retailer of the year, entertainment venue and world class customer service.

All you have to do to vote is log on to www.intu.co.uk/braehead and those who pick their favourites in the poll will get the chance to win a £250 intu Gift Card. The closing date for voting is Thursday, September 6.

Marketing manager for intu Braehead, David Lyon said: “We’ve got some fantastic stores, cafes, restaurants and fun entertainment venues and this gives people the chance to vote for their favourites.

“And the awards are a great way of recognising the businesses that give shoppers such a great service.”

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Renfrewshire councillors undergo Dementia Friends awareness sessions in local government first

Renfrewshire councillors have become the first in Scotland to collectively undergo Dementia Friends Information sessions.

They have joined tens of thousands of people to learn more about dementia and the small things we can all do to help people with the condition, which can leave them feeling vulnerable and isolated.

Councillors from across the parties, including Council Leader Iain Nicolson and Provost Lorraine Cameron, turned out for the first session run by  trained Dementia Advisor Iain Houston, from charity Alzheimer Scotland.

It’s understood to be the first time an entire Council chamber has signed up to become registered Dementia Friends.

Councillor Nicolson said: “Sadly so many of us have a loved one or know a family affected by dementia.

“It has been extremely rewarding to take part in the Dementia Friends sessions to find out how we can all educate ourselves to help support people with dementia and help them go about their everyday lives.

“It’s clear that small things like being patient in a queue can make a big difference and we are all keen to play our part in helping families and communities cope with the challenges.”

Provost Cameron said: “It’s been great to get an added insight and understanding of what dementia is and how it affects people.

“We are all now keen to take the learning from the sessions and apply this to work together to break down the stigma of the condition.”

Dementia isn’t an inevitable part of ageing but is caused by diseases of the brain. There are around 90,000 people living with the condition in Scotland, with more than 3,000 under the age of 65, while in Renfrewshire around 2,750 people have dementia and related conditions.

There is a multi-agency group being led by the Health and Social Care Partnership which is looking at improving services within Renfrewshire for people with dementia and their carers.

More than half of Scots with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease but other forms include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia.

The village of Lochwinnoch has become the first in Renfrewshire to become a dementia friendly community.

Anne McWhinnie, Dementia Friends Programme Manager at Alzheimer Scotland said: “We’re delighted that Renfrewshire Council have taken positive steps to become Dementia Friends and have committed to making the small but vital changes that will help people with dementia to feel understood and valued in our communities. This is a crucial step towards building a Dementia Friendly Scotland, where nobody should face dementia alone.

“Dementia Friends information sessions demonstrate the small changes that can often make a big difference to people living with dementia such as adapting how you speak, giving clear information, removing some of the challenges that can cause confusion and changing behaviour – such as simply being patient in a queue.”

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