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Motown legends Martha Reeves and the Vandellas among big name acts to play this year’s The Spree Festival

Legends of Motown, rock and dance music head-up a stellar bill of acts that will play this year’s The Spree Festival in Paisley.

The festival of music, comedy, theatre and arts – now in its seventh year – will take place between the 12 and 20 October and will welcome Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, famous for tracks such as Dancing in the Street, Jimmy Mack and Heatwave, to Paisley Town Hall alongside the London African Gospel Choir who will perform Paul Simon’s Graceland on 20 October.

Paisley returns to its punk roots by welcoming the Gang of Four to the iconic Spiegeltent in the town centre (19 Oct) bringing their unique mix of stripped-down punk rock, funk and dub.

Renfrewshire Leisure have programmed a number of shows for the festival including favourites Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert (20 Oct) and Gaelic singer and ‘the Bard’ from SonyStarz Outlander, Gillebrìde MacMillan and friends who will perform compositions from Donald MacIntyre ‘The Paisley Bard’ at Paisley Arts Centre (18 Oct).

The famous Spiegeltent will also host electronic music legends and ambient house pioneers The Orb (15 Oct) and former Kraftwerk member and German musician, Wolfgang Flür (13 Oct).

There will be a real eclectic feel to the Spiegeltent bill this year with Vieux Farka Touré (16 Oct), described as the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the Sahara’ and son of the Grammy-winning Malian musician Ali Farka Touré, alt-country and Americana group, The Wandering Hearts (14 Oct), rock bands The Leisure Society and Duke Special (17 Oct), Scots super group Big Minds featuring members of Simple Minds and Big Country (18 Oct), and a fantastic double-bill with Traceyanne & Danny (ex-Camera Obscura) and The Pastels (13 Oct).

The popular Comedy Night will return to the tent with Des Clarke, Janey Godley and Stuart Mitchell (12 Oct) and the revelry continues with The Spree Ceilidh (12 & 19 Oct) which has the added bonus of being a free event.

The festival also sees the return of the ever-popular ModStuff and scooter ride-out (20 Oct) by LNP Promotions at the Spiegeltent with the proceeds going to local charities.

The Wee Spree will also be back as part of the festival with plenty of fun activities to keep the kids entertained during the October holidays. Highlights include a musical fun day hosted by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and an exciting and unusual tour around Paisley with the National Theatre of Scotland supported by a soundtrack from local choirs. A full programme for The Wee Spree is available on The Spree website.

The Spree is run by Renfrewshire Council and programmed by Synergy Concerts.

Tickets will go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 18 July are available from the festival website at www.thespree.co.uk and from festival ticketing partner Ticketweb.

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Fun at the beach whatever the weather

The summer heatwave may have gone and there are grey rainclouds in the sky, but you can still enjoy a day at the beach without worrying about the weather.


A large indoor beach complete with sand, buckets and spades and games for kids has been created in the Soar at intu Braehead leisure destination.

The free activity gives youngsters all the fun of heading to the beach no matter what the weather’s like outside.

The indoor beach is part of intu Braehead’s summer activities for youngsters, which also sees a Magical Forest in the shopping centre, which runs until August 11.

Kids can go deep into the Magical Forest to play in a Fairy House; make a wish at the Wishing Well; build their own soft-play log shelter; have fun with musical percussion instruments; go across the Rainbow Bridge and down the slide, make an imitation campfire then take a selfie with a unicorn that’s hiding in the forest.

Kellie Lauder, intu Braehead’s assistant marketing manager said: “Summertime fun doesn’t stop at intu Braehead just because the weather has taken a turn for the worse.

“Youngsters have been having great fun making sandcastles and playing games on our indoor beach.”

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Disability centre’s art group work goes on show

An exhibition of creative work from an art group based at Paisley’s Disability Resource Centre has opened at the town’s Museum.


The Beyond Our Limits exhibition in the Sculpture Court will be the last showing in the space before Paisley Museum closes for a multi-million pound refurbishment.

The event is the result of a partnership between Renfrewshire Leisure, Renfrewshire Disability Arts Forum and the Disability Resource Centre.


Participants have been meeting once a week to create sculptures and artwork using both conventional and re-cycled materials under the guidance of local artist, Kevin Stewart Cantwell.
The Beyond Our Limits exhibition will run until September 8.

Joyce McKellar, chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure said: “Each person taking part in the art group goes on a personal journey of creative discovery, and produces art far beyond what they thought was possible.

“This exhibition displays an amazing range of artwork, illustrating the development of each person’s creative process and increasing self-confidence.

“The exhibition is well worth going along to see.”
David Crichton, Renfrewshire Disability Arts Forum trustee, said “We are naturally proud of the work our artists produce – as rich in variety as in form.

“At the Forum, we are as keen as ever that participatory art should be for all, and we know it benefits health and wellbeing.

“Participation in group activity such as this delivers a boost to mental health, fights isolation and an exhibition such as this raises visibility of capability.

“At the launch event, the excitement of the artists was palpable, and they spoke about how much they enjoy working with local artist Kevin Cantwell.”

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Local heroes honoured by Renfrewshire’s Provost

Renfrewshire’s hidden stars have been given civic recognition for their work in the community by Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron.

Eight inspiring community members were rewarded with a Provost’s Distinction Certificate at a special ceremony in Paisley Town Hall.

Refrewshire Council Provost awards at Paisley Town Hall 12.7.18

The Distinction Certificates provide the Provost the opportunity to recognise community members who have came to her attention for the positive difference they have made to Renfrewshire.

Provost Cameron said: “One of the most satisfying parts of my role as Provost is being able to recognise those who make a real difference to the lives of those around them and make Renfrewshire a better place for us all to live.

Refrewshire Council Provost awards at Paisley Town Hall 12.7.18
Refrewshire Council Provost awards at Paisley Town Hall 12.7.18
Refrewshire Council Provost awards at Paisley Town Hall 12.7.18
Refrewshire Council Provost awards at Paisley Town Hall 12.7.18
Refrewshire Council Provost awards at Paisley Town Hall 12.7.18

“Every one of the award winners is deserving of the accolade for the positive work they do and I’m delighted to be able to give them the recognition they deserve.

The Distinction Certificate award winners are:

Anne and John Bellshaw – What started as a one-off charity event in memory of Anne’s brother has turned into 22 years of daredevil challenges, race nights and raffles. Fundraising for MND Scotland and ACCORD Hospice, and with the support of family and friends, they have raised more than £132,000 for these two great causes.

Peter Stewart – A youthful 90 years old Peter is still raising money for charity, culminating in his latest exploit, a 165ft abseil off the Forth Road Bridge. Following the loss of his wife, Peter has dedicated himself to a variety of different causes and challenges to make a difference to the lives of others.

Stephen Torrance – A long-time supporter of the Choose Life and SOBS group in Renfrewshire, Stephen has fundraised in the memory of his brother Vinny who took his own life in 2009. Hosting an annual golf tournament, Stephen has managed to raise not only money but much-needed awareness of the issue of male suicide.

Howwood Emergency Amateur Response Team (HEART) – This inspiring group of volunteers worked diligently within the local Howwood community during the severe weather earlier this year. They cleared local roads, visited elderly neighbours to ensure they were safe and well and ensured local school routes were safe for parents and children.

Rekz Afzal – A well-known community figure, Rekz has created a community fridge which allows people to buy essentials for those who may be in need. He has also organised local music events with the proceeds going to the One Giant Leap programme which supports young adults with disabilities through music and art.

Brian McClure – Taxi driver Brian has been honoured for his quick thinking that saved the life of a elderly woman. Spotting that a car had crashed into a stationary car, Brian performed emergency CPR on the driver who had suffered a heart attack which helped save her life.

Margaret Beacom – A true community hero, Margaret has been looking after her neighbour through a long-term illness to ensure they are coping, have the essentials in the fridge and are able to make all appointments they need to, which has gone a long way to improving their quality of life.

Alongside the Distinction Certificates, community members can be rewarded through the Provost’s Community Awards in a variety of categories.

Nominations can be made for anyone who lives or works in Renfrewshire and the nomination period will open later in the year.

For more information on the award winners, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/provost.

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FREE TICKETS FOR THE OPERA

Ever been to the Opera? Now’s your chance to experience it for FREE at Paisley Opera House (Seedhill playing fields) on Wednesday 25th July 2018 at 6pm. One of the themes of Pagliacci is the circus and in addition to wonderful singing and a full orchestra, there will be aerial displays as part of the show. The event is a unique promenade performance where the audience moves around different areas of the performance space, however, there are also specific areas for wheelchairs users.

Have a look at the info and the video here https://www.scottishopera.org.uk/shows/pagliacci/ and for FREE tickets please email  events@renfrewshire.gov.uk with your name, the name of your organisation, a contact  number and email, and the number of tickets you would like.

Bravo!

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Book your tickets for Alan Stubbs question and answer night

smisa

The St Mirren Independent Supporters Association (SMISA) has announced a question and answer night with new manager Alan Stubbs on Tuesday 31st July.

smisa

Alan will be on hand to take your questions ahead of the new season starting.

The event takes place in the hospitality lounge at the Simple Digital Arena.

Entry is free but there will be a capacity so you need to register to guarantee your place. You can guarantee your place by registering via the Eventbrite link here: http://bit.ly/2L0eFHQ.

Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start and the event is only open for those 18 and over as it will take place in a licensed bar.

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SNP Tackling Crime In Renfrewshire

Cases of vandalism across Renfrewshire have fallen sharply since the SNP came to power in 2007, latest figures have revealed – proving that the SNP’s approach to crime and justice in the community is working.

In 2007/08, there was 199 instances of vandalism per 10,000 of the population in Renfrewshire – which has fallen sharply to 86 by 2016/17, a drop of 57%.

The latest figures back up Tory Justice Minister Rory Stewart’s comments that the rest of the UK “has a lot to learn from Scotland”.

Commenting, Paisley’s MSP, George Adam said:

“This is welcome news – and proves that the SNP’s approach to justice is paying dividends for our communities across Renfrewshire.

“Thanks to our approach to justice and well-supported police in our communities there has been a marked drop in the rate of vandalism across Renfrewshire – meaning everyone can enjoy living here more safely, without damage to property.

“Given this sharp drop in cases of vandalism – 57% since 2007 – it is no wonder that the Tory UK government are looking to Scotland for answers on how to tackle crime, acknowledging that they have ‘a lot to learn from Scotland’.

“The SNP has made justice one of its top priorities since coming to power in 2007 – putting more police on the streets and taking decisive action to reduce reoffending, meaning crime is at its lowest level in over 40 years and our communities are as safe as ever before.”

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Council cracks down on commercial dumpers

Renfrewshire Council is cracking down on businesses illegally dumping commercial waste – by bringing in a permit scheme at the area’s five Household Waste Recycling Centres.

In a move to stop commercial operators using the centres, anyone driving a van, pick-up, mini bus or towing a trailer must from 16 July register online for a free permit by 4:30pm the day before they plan to visit a facility.

Permit holders must ensure they bring photo identification and proof of residency to the centre when they visit.

The new system does not apply to residents using a car unless they are towing a trailer.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “We are unfortunately having issues with commercial businesses and traders attempting to use our Household Waste Recycling Centres free of charge to dump their trade waste.

“This is illegal and is not fair to other Renfrewshire residents who are using the sites correctly.

“Under the new system, drivers of commercial-style vehicles will need to apply for a permit each time they visit a site, and the permit will only be valid for the date and vehicle applied for.

“Waste brought to any of our five centres may be subject to inspection and, if deemed to be commercial waste, the person will be refused access to the site.

“This change brings us into line with other local authorities and aims to stop illegal commercial dumping and free up our centres for residents who are using the service correctly.”

Residents can apply online for a free permit by filling out an application on the Council’s website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/HWRC.

The website also includes detailed information and frequently asked questions to help residents familiarise themselves with the new permit system.

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Bin collections set to change for Renfrewshire residents

renfrewshire council logo .JPG

Residents are set to see a change to their bin collection service later this year as part of a drive to improve recycling across Renfrewshire.

renfrewshire council logo .JPG

With evidence showing 69% of rubbish being placed in the general waste bin could have been recycled, the new service aims to encourage people to be better recyclers and help Renfrewshire fulfil the national Household Recycling Charter objectives.

As part of the changes, residents will be provided with an additional bin to help separate out their recycling and reduce the amount of waste produced ahead of a ban on sending untreated biodegradable waste to landfill by 2021.

The changes to collections will include:

  • A new green wheelie bin, for plastics, cans and glass and will be collected on alternate fortnights with the blue bin
  • The blue bin will now be for paper and cardboard only and will be collected on alternate fortnights with the green bin
  • The grey general waste bin will be collected every three weeks
  • There is no change to the brown food and garden waste bin which is still collected fortnightly

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “The change to the bin collection service later this year will give residents the opportunity to reduce the amount of rubbish in their general waste bin and spread it out into an extra recycling bin.

“We recognise that that this is a change for residents but everyone will still receive a weekly collection and by recycling correctly they will be able to see a difference in the level of rubbish they are producing.

“Other local authorities who have moved to a similar service have seen a significant improvement in recycling, meaning there are less disposal costs and the money saved can be reinvested into other vital services including investing in our schools, our roads and caring for the most vulnerable in our communities.

“We will be launching a campaign in the next few months to ensure residents have all the correct information in advance of the changes and we will work closely with them to guide them through the new process to ensure the new service works efficiently.”

The new collection service delivery model will impact on the 90,000 properties across Renfrewshire which have a kerbside collection service and is set to be delivered in late 2018.

Approximately 30,000 Renfrewshire properties, which includes tenements, maisonettes and high flats, will see no change to their general waste collection but the service will be tailored to allow these properties access to the new service.

All residents affected by the changes will see receive detailed information in advance of the new service change on how to recycle correctly, what can be placed in each bin and the schedule of bin collections.

Information and updates will be provided via the Renfrewshire Council social media accounts and at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/mybins.

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Hose needing cooled down after marathon charity aerobics session?

Fitness fans certainly kept their cool when they took part in a marathon aerobics session to raise money for charity.


They took part of their Six-Hour Sweat Sesh outdoors in the sunshine at the ON-X, in Linwood and were cooled down by being sprayed with water from a hose.

Around 60 people took part in the Sweat Sesh as part of Renfrewshire Leisure’s annual fundraising effort for St Vincent’s and ACCORD hospices, which sees different charity sporting events being staged.


Charlie McDougall, senior facilities manager at Renfrewshire Leisure who organises the charity events said:
“It was scorching the day we had our Six Hour Sweat Sesh in the ON-X, so we took some of the exercises outdoor. And to make sure no one was suffering too much from the heat we sprayed them with water from a hose.


“It was great fun and thanks to everyone who took part.”

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