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Spree for All programme returns across Renfrewshire

Music fans can enjoy a bumper line-up of gigs across Renfrewshire in September with the announcement of this year’s Spree for All.

The programme, established in recent years as a ‘fringe festival’ to Paisley’s annual The Spree festival, will see live music events take place in the area’s towns and villages across 1 – 11 September.

This year’s Spree for All has been programmed by Tommy McGrory of local music charity Loud ‘n’ Proud and Alan McEwan, director of Brick Lane Studios.

The packed programme will see venues in Paisley host fantastic gigs and open nights across the 11 days, with something to suit everyone’s tastes at The Bungalow, The Cave, The Keg, The Old Swan and Rocknrolla’s.

There’s an afternoon of performances to enjoy at Johnstone Band Stand on Saturday 3 September before live music at The Trust Inn and Habbies Bar and Grill in Kilbarchan later that evening.

Lochwinnoch’s Lochbarr Centre will host a Village Live night on Friday 9 September, while Lochwinnoch Golf Club, The Three Churches, The Brown Bull and The Corner Bar will stage a variety of shows on Saturday 10 September.

There’s a packed weekend in Renfrew with live entertainment at the Victoria Bar on Saturday 10 September before performances from top local acts in Robertson Park from 12pm – 5pm on Sunday 11 September.

Alan McEwan said: “I am absolutely delighted to be involved with what is going to be a fantastic Spree for All again this September. It’s great to be back working with artists in venues this year and we have a mix of indoor and outdoor shows for you to come and see free of charge across Renfrewshire.

“We have great artists such as Spiders on Mars, The M65s, Berry Tweed and The Chasers and North to Abeline to name a few – and also the wonderful Village Live youth project at our partner venues.

“I would like to thank Morag (Lochwinnoch Arts), Danny (Raptor Studios) and Ali and Jason (Erskine Arts) for helping make this happen.”

Pauline Allan, Events Manager at Renfrewshire Council, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming back the Spree for All events next month, which will once again provide a great accompaniment to The Spree festival in Paisley.

“The exciting programme offers something for everyone to enjoy and provides even more opportunities to get out and enjoy the wealth of talent we have here in Renfrewshire at our fantastic local venues.”

Full listings for the Spree for All programme are available online at www.thespree.co.uk/spree-for-all.

The Spree music and comedy festival is organised by Renfrewshire Council. This year’s events take place from Thursday 1 – Saturday 10 September, with tickets still available for top shows including Tinariwen, The Bootleg Beatles, Barbara Dickson & Rab Noakes, Horse McDonald, Altered Images, Susie McCabe and The Slow Readers Club.

The Wee Spree programme for kids and families will take place from Saturday 15 – Sunday 23 October to coincide with the mid-term break for Renfrewshire schools. Tickets for the Wee Spree events are on sale now.

For tickets and further details of shows at The Spree and Wee Spree, visit: www.thespree.co.uk.

Blog, Bungalow, Business, Events, Music, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Events, Paisley Photographs, Paisley Visitor Attractions, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire

Gigs this Weekend

Rocknrollas have an absolutely superb band in tomorrow night called The Signatures. They are a ten-piece soul backing band and they play rare soul associated with the 1970’s underground dance scene “Northern Soul”.

The Signatures can be seen across the UK playing at many music festivals, live music venues as well as hosting their own Northern Soul nights working with various DJ’s across the UK. The Signatures have been fortunate enough to work with many original Northern Soul artists and so far have worked with and backed the following: Tommy Hunt, Dean Parrish, Tobi Legend, Brenda Holloway, Spyder Turner, Jimmy Thomas, Pat Lewis, Ruby Andrews, Chairmen Of The Board FT Ken Knox, The Flirtations, Nolan Porter and also worked with Bobby Wilson (son of the late Jackie Wilson).

The Signatures have supported March of the Mods for several years. Joining them will be Stefan Taylor for an evening which sees them playing the very best of Northern Soul. All profits raised from the event will go to Teenage Cancer Trust via Glasgow March of the Mods. Tickets are £12.50 and doors are 7.30pm. You can get tickets on entry. On Sunday it is Hitsville PA1 from 2pm.

Tonight The Best Bad Influence returns to The Bungalow with their outstanding Rock n Roll Live performance. They are one of the most energetic and exciting bands on the circuit and their brand of old and new Rockabilly is exceptional. The gig is free and doors open are at 7pm.

It is Rock Day at The Bungalow on Saturday and the venue has a full line up of the best local rock covers bands around. The day starts with: Heavy Traffic 2.30pm: Drty Luv 4.15pm: Canyon 6pm: Shardlake 7.45: The Dead Flowers 9.30pm. Local guitarist Iain Forbes will be performing outside in outside stage from 2.30pm.

Introducing Night this week features another line up of emerging talent and they are Ghostbaby, Frog Mountain and Catlash. Tickets are £5/£3 and available from Eventbrite/on the door on the night. Doors are 7pm with the first band going on approx 8pm.

The Keg have 3 piece band Canyon in tonight from 9pm and tomorrow night at the same time of 9pm up and coming Glasgow band Northern Holiday bring their blend of groovy garage rock and spaced-out psychedelic swagger. In support is Tape Deck 45.

The Cave have local new band on the scene Bits n Pieces in tonight from 8pm. No Class are playing tomorrow in the early slot at 6pm then later from 9pm playing till late it will be Wildcard. To finish off the weekend Rumours will be on stage at 6pm on Sunday.

Rheumatoid Rockers are playing at The Swan tonight from 8pm then tomorrow Inn He ‘Shoppers Slot’ at 4pm it is Headhunters. As it is Paisley Fair, The Swan has put on aextra gig on Sunday from 5pm and local band Abbey Road will be playing at this tea time special. The rest of the week looks like this: Clyde are in their usual slot at 5pm on Mondayand Lee James on Tuesday and Thursday at 3pm. Just announced – It’s back for the 6th year running on 3 September, T in the Swan a live music all day festival. This is a belter of a day and is jam packed with 8 live bands, solos, stage inside and out, BBQ and cocktail bar. All this for £6.You can get tickets at The Swan but be quick, this is a very popular event, so to avoid disappointment get down quickly and get your tickets.

Sunday Live continues at Kennedy’s on Sunday from 3pm and Jenni and the Blockheads are at The Anchor also on Sunday from 4.30pm.

This week’s Open Mic sessions are: Abbey Bar on Monday with Dunky Hunter at 8pm, Jason Flood is the host at Gantry on Tuesday from 9pm; Johnny Barr will be at The Keg on Wednesday from 8.30pm. Have a great week and Keep Music Live.

Blog, Howwood, Johnstone, Newsletter, Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire

New doctor for St. Vincent’s Hospice

St Vincent’s Hospice, which serves patients across Renfrewshire and the neighbouring areas of North Ayrshire, has appointed a new Specialist Palliative Care Doctor to its medical team – Dr Catherine McCallum.

Palliative Care Consultant, Mairi-Clare McGowan said “We are delighted to have extended the medical team at St Vincent’s with the addition of Dr McCallum. Cath joined us last year on an interim basis and impressed us all with both her knowledge and experience and her very deep commitment to person-centred approaches to care. We are delighted she has now joined us on a permanent basis”.

Blog, Gavin Newlands MP, Newsletter, Paisley, Press Release, Renfrew, Renfrewshire

GAVIN HAILS STUDENT SUPPORT SUCCESS

The Scottish Government’s Educational Maintenance Allowance has been hailed as a “huge success” after figures showed Renfrewshire households have received over £12 million since the scheme’s launch.

New statistics released this week by the Scottish Government show 875 students in Renfrewshire benefited from the allowance in academic year 2020/21.

That added up to a £725,000 windfall for young people across the county.

Across Scotland over 25,000 awards were made for the year, totalling over £22 million.

Since 2007 the EMA scheme has paid out over £356 million in payments to young people and their families, with Renfrewshire households receiving £12.5 million in that time.

A similar scheme in England was cancelled in 2010 by the then Tory – LibDem government, but Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have continued with the allowance, which pays £30 a week to eligible students aged 16 to 19 years old.

The figures were welcomed by Paisley and Renfrewshire North MP, Gavin Newlands.

Gavin said:

“These latest figures from the Scottish Government show the direct financial help students across Renfrewshire and Scotland are receiving through the academic year.

“At a time when the cost of living crisis is hitting households harder than ever, the EMA provides crucial support to allow young people to stay in education and fulfil their full potential.

“The EMA is Scotland has been a huge success, in contrast to the actions of the Government down south who scrapped their equivalent over a decade ago.

“I would urge anyone in full time education who think they might qualify for the allowance to speak to their school or college after the holidays and make sure they’re getting the financial support they’re entitled to.”

More information on the Educational Maintenance Allowance is available at: www.mygov.scot/ema.

This year’s event, brought to you by OneRen, will take place on Sunday 21st August 2022. The 10K Road Race is suitable for runners of all levels from novices to experienced club and international runners. For families, friends and youngsters, there is the shorter Fun Run that takes in some of Paisley Town Centre’s most famous landmarks.

In 2019, 3500 people raced around the streets of Paisley in the 10K road race and Fun Run, and the 2022 event is sure to be another great one not to be missed!

Erskine Hospital return as our race charity this year, with donations being able to be made to them during sign up. Erskine provides unrivalled support to Veterans in Scotland, through four care homes and a Veterans Village, comprising of 44 cottages, an Activities Centre, five Assisted Living Apartments and 24 Transitional Supported Apartments.

Sign up now!

Blog, Braehead, Business, Events, Newsletter, Paisley, Press Release, Renfrew, Renfrewshire

Youngster Ide had a wizard time at Braehead mall’s Harry Potter Weekend

YOUNGSTER Ide MacNeil had a wizard time dressing up as Harry Potter at Braehead shopping centre at the weekend.

The five-year-old from Paisley was at the mall when it played host to Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity for a Harry Potter Weekend of fun-filled activities including a treasure hunt and some magical arts and crafts.

Kids also had their photograph taken in front of a green screen and thanks to some Harry Potter magic, when the pictured is emailed to them, the backdrop will make it look like they have been in Hogwarts.

The three-day event was held to raise much-needed funds for the charity’s life-changing projects and services for children in hospital and their families.

Anyone taking part was asked to make a minimum of a £1 donation for each activity to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Braehead’s community development manager, Lydia Brown said: “We had a magical weekend of wizards and witches and everyone enjoyed becoming Harry Potter – even for just a little while.”

William McGowan, Head of Partnerships and Events, Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity said “We are incredibly grateful to Braehead for their continued support and generosity.

“Funds raised through our Harry Potter Weekend activities will help to continue our charity-funded play and events programme, family support services and well-being support for NHS staff, giving children and their families the best possible hospital experience.”

Blog, Events, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Photographs, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire

SHOPMOBILITY PAISLEY AND DISTRICT SIGNS SCOTLAND’S CHARTER FOR A TOBACCO-FREE GENERATION

Shopmobility Paisley and District is looking forward to playing a vital role in raising local awareness of the mental, physical and financial benefits of being smoke-free and the support that is available in Renfrewshire for those considering stopping smoking.

The organisation, which aims to tackle social exclusion caused by mobility problems, has signed Scotland’s Charter for a Tobacco-free Generation, which gives their employees and volunteers access to health charity ASH Scotland’s free expert advice, training and resources to increase their knowledge of smoking and tobacco issues.

The training delivered via e-learning modules and online sessions is helping staff and volunteers to become more confident in talking sensitively about quitting smoking with individuals who use the Shopmobility services and understand the tobacco industry’s tactics to manipulate people, especially youngsters, to take up smoking or use tobacco products.

As part of the Charter initiative, a small grant of £500 was awarded to the organisation to help towards creating a space to better facilitate conversations about giving up smoking with service users dropping into its premises at the Paisley Centre’s car park on Storie Street.

Karen Miller, Office Manager for Shopmobility Paisley and District, said: “We are pleased to sign Scotland’s Charter for a Tobacco-free Generation and pledge our commitment to supporting people using our services to look forward to a healthier future by stopping smoking.

“We have started displaying and sharing ASH Scotland’s resources about the harms caused by smoking and the benefits of being smoke-free, signposting people towards the local Quit Your Way service and encouraging our staff to take paid time-out from their work to attend smoking cessation appointments if they would like support to give up.

“With Scotland aiming to have a tobacco-free generation by 2034, we are keen to contribute our time and space to help individuals visiting us in Paisley and across Renfrewshire to take positive steps towards achieving their personal goals of a better life and creating a healthier society.”

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “We are delighted that Shopmobility Paisley and District, an organisation embedded in Renfrewshire, has signed up to the Charter and will play a vital role in informing local people about the person-centred support that is proven to increase a person’s chances of success in quitting smoking.

“Our partnership working with committed community-based organisations like Shopmobility Paisley and District is vital in helping to reach more people with details about quick positive impacts such as improving mental health and halving the risk of coronary heart disease that can be delivered within a year of giving up smoking.”

ASH Scotland is encouraging other charities and community groups in Renfrewshire supporting people facing the most challenges to good health, including residents experiencing poverty, mental health problems, homelessness, young carers, or people who are care experienced, to sign the Charter. For details about how to apply for the tailored training and a small grant, go towww.ashscotland.org.uk/smallgrants or email: enquiries@ashscotland.org.uk before the Monday 29^th August deadline.

Bob Gibson and Agnes Rowland from Renfrewshire’s Quit Your Way community service provide specialist, personalised one-to-one stop smoking support via telephone or video/virtual meetings, along with access to free stop smoking medication. For more information, call telephone: 0800 916 8858 or visit www.QuitYourWay.Scot

Blog, Bungalow, Business, Events, Music, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Events, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire, renfrewshire events

What Gigs are on this Weekend

The first of 3 free gigs at The Bungalow starts tonight with Parliament of Owls and The Dughoose Ska Band. This will be a high energy night of Ska, Punk and Soul from these two popular bands who are no stranger to The Bungalow. Doors are at 7pm.

Tomorrow afternoon The Byres Road Big Band are playing at The Bungalow for the first time. They were booked to play way back just as the Covid Pandemic started and unfortunately the gig was cancelled. It is free entry, doors are 1pm and the band fires up at 2pm.

Tomorrow evening is Summer Festival 90’s Club Night which re-Lives the 90’s. Why don’t you join in on the fun celebrating all things 1990s. This is an era of music defined by The Stone Roses, Oasis, Pulp, Blur and many more iconic bands. Be prepared for a Now That’s What I Call the 90’s kind of night. Seems like yesterday but it was 30 years ago, so it now qualifies as long enough ago to be a nostalgic tribute night. It’ll be a memory jogger reminding you of not only the music but also it’s a time to remember Beanie Babies, Furbies, and Tamagotchis. Dressing up for the occasion is absolutely encouraged. The staff wants to see a crowd rocking up wearing sportswear, slip dresses, bucket hats, and combat trousers. It will be a fun night and really is a blast from the past and you’ll be sure to feel like you’ve been taken back in time and make sure to sing along on your trip down memory lane. Doors open at 7pm.

On Thursday it is Introducing Night and The Bungalow welcome up and coming indie band Flair and young Paisley punks The Wee Reprobates to the stage for a night filled with young talent. Tickets are £5/3 students. Doors are 8pm.

At The Cave tomorrow night at 6pm is North to Abilene and in the later slot at 9pm it is Sad Ida. On Sunday from 6pm the Jim Keilt Blues Jam is back for their monthly get together. Just in case you didn’t know how A Blues Jam is run it is an inclusive night when everyone is welcome to take part and play with the house band. The jam is headed by someone in the band that is usually a local musician that has some following or reputation in the local scene. In this case of course it is the very popular and talented Jim Keilt. That band supply the “backline” for the jam including the amps, drums and PA system and if you don’t bring your own instrument Jim will sort you out. The session usually attracts some of the best players but anyone can join in.

The Old Swan have Sin City in tonight from 7pm. Memphis are playing tomorrow in the ‘Shopper’s Slot’ at 4pm and Clyde are in their usual slot at 5pm. Lee James will be singing some swing on Tuesday and on Thursday he’ll be taking you through the decades. Both gigs start at 3pm. Mike Edwards is at The Keg from 9pm tonight then it is the turn of Peely Wally tomorrow night also at 9pm. Peely Wally are a rock cover band who play nothing but classics from the likes of AC/DC, Metallica, Nirvana, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Queen to name a few.

Jenny and the Blockheads are at The Anchor on Sunday from 4.30pm. Unfinished Business will be playing at Kennedy’s Sunday 3pm. I saw them on stage at The Bungalow’s Sunday Open Stage afternoon having a jam and they were great fun. Well worth going to see.

This week’s Open Mic sessions are: Abbey Bar on Monday with Dunky Hunter at 8pm, Jason Flood is the host at Gantry on Tuesday from 9pm; Johnny Barr will be at The Keg on Wednesday from 8.30pm. Have a great week and Keep Music Live.

Blog, Business, economy, Events, Newsletter, Paisley, Paisley Photographs, People from Paisley, Press Release, Renfrewshire

Engagement period set to close on regeneration plans for Causeyside Street in Paisley

Local residents, businesses and community groups are being asked to ensure they submit their feedback on regeneration plans for Causeyside Street in Paisley before the engagement period closes on Sunday 7 August.

The plans aim to make Causeyside Street an attractive place to live, work and visit by enhancing walking provision in the area with clearer footways making it safer for residents, commuters and visitors, as well as improved accessibility at bus stops to make it easier for passengers to board and disembark.

There would be increased parking spaces, with four being added north of the Canal Street junction and the potential to add a further 51 spaces and designated loading bays south of the junction by removing the current single yellow line restrictions.

A new two-way cycle route on Causeyside Street would connect Paisley Gilmour Street train station with Canal Street Station, as well as the popular National Cycle Route 7, and would be separated from the main road carriageway and pedestrians.

Council officers have been visiting businesses on Causeyside Street in-person to answer any questions and found support from local butcher James Peacock of WM Phelps who believes the plans will improve the look and feel of the street.

James said: “I’m all for investment coming into Causeyside Street as it’s important that regeneration takes place to improve the look and feel of the town.

“The addition of parking spaces as well as new cycle lanes will bring more people into the town and, as long as it is policed properly, it should make a positive difference.

“I know the Council and Scottish Government are encouraging people to use sustainable transport more often and this will definitely help people to do that on Causeyside Street.”

In addition to the bus and cycle improvements, pedestrian crossing facilities would also be upgraded and new electric charging infrastructure is currently being added at Stow Brae to support the move to sustainable transport.

The proposals form part of the ongoing transformation of Paisley town centre, in which major investment is being made in its historic venues, including the plans to turn Paisley Museum into a world-class destination, Paisley Town Hall modernisation into a landmark entertainment venue, the new Learning and Cultural Hub on the High Street, and an extension and upgrade to Paisley Arts Centre.

Councillor Michelle Campbell, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “These proposals would modernise Causeyside Street by providing sustainable transport links that walkers and cyclists will want to use and feel safe while doing so, as well as improving public transport connections too.

“We recognise it would be a substantial change to the current infrastructure on Causeyside Street, but the plans could actually increase the parking available by more than 50 spaces in addition to the active travel improvements.

“We want the proposals to make a positive difference to Causeyside Street and support the community and our businesses, so please take the time to look through the plans and give us your feedback so we can incorporate this into the next stage of the project.”

Concept designs, visualisations and a short survey for feedback are available on the Council website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/CauseysideStreetSurvey, with a closing date for responses of Sunday 7 August 2022.

Renfrewshire Council’s project team are keen to hear from local Paisley residents, nearby businesses and regular users of Causeyside Street and will be available to meet with the public every Wednesday and Friday between 12pm-2pm at the PaisleyIs branded 5A High Street in Paisley during the engagement period.

Lochwinnoch musician and TikTok star, archie, 18, sets out to follow in the footsteps of musicians like Paulo Nutini and Oasis as he headlines the main stage at King Tut’s in Glasgow on Sunday 7th August. The gig will also launch his debut solo single, “Everything She Does Is Beautiful” which will be released on Friday 5th August on all major streaming platforms.

Super-talented archie, who sings and plays 11 different instruments, has already performed at iconic venues such as the Barrowlands and the Glasgow Green main stage for the 2018 European Championships. His first major hit, “Nicotine” – which he wrote and sang for Drum and Bass DJ/Producer Goddard – made the top 10 on the iTunes dance charts with nearly 5 million streams – winning archie the honour of closing out London’s Tobacco Docks music festival to a sell-out crowd of over 2,000 people. His new song is the first release from a forthcoming EP showcasing two years of solo writing and recording with top Scottish and London producers, with much of his inspiration coming from walks in the Renfrewshire countryside.

Ahead of his gig, archie will be supporting the Summer Jam 2022 fundraiser for the Teenage Cancer Trust at the Three Churches in Lochwinnoch on Sunday 31st July and he’s also performing at the Cycle Arts Festival at Castle Semple Visitor Centre at 3:45pm on Thursday 4th August.

archie said:

“I’ve always had amazing support from my local community, helping me grow in confidence and improve, and it’s a real privilege to give something back by supporting local charities such as the Teenage Cancer Trust and St Vincent’s Hospice.

“My debut single had its very first airing in the cancer ward in Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital when I sent it to a friend who was having treatment there. She said it made her cry – hopefully because she loved it!”

“I’ve been writing and recording for over two years and I’m looking forward to finally starting to share my music with a wider audience. It’s always great to see local faces in the crowd at a gig and I hope to see lots of friends at my King Tut’s debut.”

Tickets for the King Tut’s gig are available at www.kingtuts.co.uk/artist/archie.

Group shot Convener M McGurk with kids and staff at St James' summer club in Renfrew - 27 Jul 2022 (2)

Hundreds of children and young people are having a whale of a good time at Renfrewshire Council’s summer clubs.

Taking place across the area, the Summer of Fun clubs and activities are available both during the day and evening to help kids aged between 5 and 16 have a good holiday break.

From sports, art and crafts to field trips and wall climbing, children and young people have lots to keep them occupied over the six-week break. Those who go to an activity over lunchtime also receive a free healthy meal.

All the activities are supported by the council’s community learning and development team, Children’s Services, OneRen, St Mirren Football Club and Class4Kids.

Communities and Housing Convener, Councillor Marie McGurk, visited St James’ Primary School, Renfrew, to see firsthand how the clubs were going.

She said: “Having time to socialise with friends and others of the same age is important for all of us, but especially for children and young people after the experiences of the last few years with lockdown and restrictions due to the pandemic.

“The Summer of Fun activities are part of a large programme that supports children and young people of all backgrounds to enjoy the holiday period. With funding from the Scottish Government, we have put additional activities into targeted areas to support low-income families. We also have our regular summer playscheme for children and young people with additional support needs (ASN) and provided our regular activities like StreetStuff and Duke of Edinburgh.”

Summer of Fun daytime activities are taking place in Gallowhill, St Paul’s, St James’ (Renfrew), Woodlands and Glencoats primary schools as well as West Johnstone Campus and the King George V in Renfrew. Most places are booked out.

StreetStuff will be at different areas each Monday to Saturday. Visit https://renfrewshire-cld.class4kids.co.uk/term/4 for information and to book.

Young people aged 10 to 16 living in Erskine, Foxbar and Glenburn can also go to local activities each night. Visit https://renfrewshire-cld.class4kids.co.uk/term/7 for information and to book.

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