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Hot fashions to beat winter chill

THE coats, hats and scarves are flying off the fashion rails as fast as the leaves are falling off the trees this autumn.

intu Brahead welcomes Fashion Bloggers
Mark F Gibson / Gibson Digital
infogibsondigital@gmail.co.uk
www.gibsondigital.co.uk
All images © Gibson Digital 2016. Free first use only for editorial in connection with the commissioning client’s press-released story. All other rights are reserved. Use in any other context is expressly prohibited without prior permission.

And that can only mean one thing – it’s time to find out about the latest trends for the coming season at the unique intu Braehead fashion garden, this weekend.

The shopping centre is holding a free Autumn Winter Fashion Event in the central atrium, which has been transformed into a unique interactive garden, featuring the latest fashions that will be setting the trend in the coming months.
There are lots of outfits and accessories from the fashion stores at intu Braehead to browse, as well as beauty products to try and demonstrations to see.

intu Brahead welcomes Fashion Bloggers Mark F Gibson / Gibson Digital infogibsondigital@gmail.co.uk www.gibsondigital.co.uk All images © Gibson Digital 2016. Free first use only for editorial in connection with the commissioning client’s press-released story. All other rights are reserved. Use in any other context is expressly prohibited without prior permission.
intu Brahead welcomes Fashion Bloggers Mark F Gibson / Gibson Digital infogibsondigital@gmail.co.uk www.gibsondigital.co.uk All images © Gibson Digital 2016. Free first use only for editorial in connection with the commissioning client’s press-released story. All other rights are reserved. Use in any other context is expressly prohibited without prior permission.
intu Brahead welcomes Fashion Bloggers Mark F Gibson / Gibson Digital infogibsondigital@gmail.co.uk www.gibsondigital.co.uk All images © Gibson Digital 2016. Free first use only for editorial in connection with the commissioning client’s press-released story. All other rights are reserved. Use in any other context is expressly prohibited without prior permission.

Fashion stylists and top make-up experts will be on hand to give out one-to-one advice on what’s hot and what’s not this winter.

Shoppers can also take an unusual selfie or two in the Fashion Garden’s Magic Mirror. And one person who posts their selfie on social media with #intuawfashion will win a £200 intu Gift Card.
The intu Braehead Autumn Winter Fashion Event began yesterday (Friday) and continues today, Saturday September 23 and tomorrow between noon and 4pm.

Marketing manager for intu Braehead, Christine Macdonald said: “We’re quickly heading towards autumn and winter and that means it’s time for the girls – and boys – to update their wardrobe for the new season.
“Anyone in the slightest doubt what they should be wearing this autumn and winter should come along and get some free expert advice from our stylists.”

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Ambitious plans unveiled to reshape Renfrewshire

Renfrew Town Hall taken by Natalie Murie

Plans to create a thriving Renfrewshire are set to be considered by councillors next week.

Thriving Places, Connected Communities is the new Council Plan being presented next week, which sets out the local authority’s vision and strategic objectives for Renfrewshire over the next five years.

Renfrew Town Hall taken by Natalie Murie

Renfrewshire has a population of 176,000 people and has a proud cultural heritage, including Scotland’s second highest concentration of listed buildings.

The area generates more than one-third of Scotland’s manufacturing exports, with highly qualified employees and jobs up by 9,000 in the last three years.

The area also faces significant challenges, with one in five Renfrewshire children living in poverty and life chances in some communities blighted by poor health and wellbeing.

Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “This plan sets out our ambitions as a local authority to deliver for everyone in Renfrewshire.

“Renfrewshire is a place of outstanding natural beauty, steeped in cultural heritage, with thriving business and economic activity. By listening to our communities and working together with our partners we can reshape Renfrewshire, our economy and our future.

“It is only by working together that we can give people a sense of pride in the place where they live. We want to remove the barriers to opportunities, building strong, safe and resilient communities, and make the most of what the area has to offer.

“This is a fantastic, yet challenging time for Renfrewshire and many people in our communities are affected by poverty, poor health and unemployment. These are unacceptable inequalities and we will address them by working differently, making decisions which ensure growth and investment reaches our most disadvantaged.

“Like many public services, we face significant financial challenges, a changing society and changing needs of local people, communities and businesses. It is vital that this plan is ambitious and flexible, enabling us to respond to the challenges and embrace the opportunities that will help us deliver the high-quality services local people and businesses rely on.”

Renfrewshire Council is the 10th largest local authority in Scotland, with 7900 staff and a £380million budget. It delivers a diverse range of services, from educating more than 27,000 children to managing more than 12,200 Council homes.

Councillors will consider the plan at the Council meeting on Thursday, 28 September 2017.

They will also discuss the details of Renfrewshire’s Community Plan, the new ten-year plan developed jointly by key public, private and third sector organisations including the Council.

Councillor Nicolson added: “Renfrewshire’s Community Plan marks a shared responsibility between the Council and its many partners to get things right for Renfrewshire people.

“Developing these two plans in parallel provides us with a real opportunity to agree on the collective outcomes we will all focus on going forward and create a ‘golden thread’ running through each one, together delivering a thriving Renfrewshire.”

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New partnership programme launches in Renfrewshire to keep young drivers safe on the road

Young drivers at Renfrewshire Council are set to improve their skills behind the wheel as Police Scotland launched a new partnership programme in Renfrewshire.

More than 40 driving instructors and learners attended a launch event at the Gleniffer Hotel which outlined the benefits of the programme through presentations by Police Scotland and the Motor Schools Association of Great Britain.

The new driver scheme aims to provide young drivers with the skills and knowledge needed to lower the risk of a collision for inexperienced drivers.

The scheme will link with the Council’s Modern Apprenticeship programme and young drivers will have the opportunity to attend workshops designed to improve their hazard perception.

The course will use case studies to identify the missed hazards which ultimately caused a collision, recognise why they were missed and provide the solutions to ensure that drivers will not make the same mistakes.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “This new programme will be a fantastic resource for our Modern Apprentices to take advantage of and will prepare them for life on the roads, both in their own vehicles and when using the council fleet.

“It is important that young drivers are able to deal with the hazards which may present themselves on the roads and the course allows the risks to be addressed in the classroom before facing them in reality.

“This training will ensure that all young drivers who have access to the council fleet will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive the vehicles safely and appropriately as they carry out their role within the organisation.”

Since the scheme was launched in February 2017, more than 1000 drivers have taken part in workshops with Police Scotland to enhance their hazard perception skills when behind the wheel.

Superintendent Nichola Burns, Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Division, said “Working in partnership with Renfrewshire Council is a fantastic way for us to reach out to new drivers through their modern apprentice programme.

“It allows us to promote road safety by discussing opinions and driving styles, and highlighting the dangers of peer pressure and bravado whilst in control of a vehicle.

“Working in partnership with Renfrewshire Council allows us to improve road safety by delivering the right messages to the right audience and at the most appropriate time.  We hope our presentations will change attitudes and behaviours.”

The Council will make the course available to all its modern apprentices, with an initial focus on those who will have access to the Council fleet.

All employees currently have to undergo a pre-assessment check before being allowed access to a council vehicle and the training will expand on this to ensure all necessary precautions are in place.

Constable Craig Beaver of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Department, said: “We will be delivering the New Driver Scheme to all apprentices within Renfrewshire Council over the next few months.

“Our resource is impactive, informative, and puts the hazard perception skills which new drivers have acquired into a real life context.”

If you are a new driver, or an employer of new drivers and feel you may benefit from this free opportunity, please get in touch via newdriverscheme@scotland.pnn.police.uk

For more information on the scheme visit: http://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/new-driver-scheme.

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Operational activity underway as part of Team Up to Clean Up campaign

The fruits of a £250,000 investment in the cleanliness of Renfrewshire’s streets will soon be visible as an enhanced programme of operational activity gets underway.

The Team Up to Clean Up campaign sees an additional investment in gully cleaning, road sweeping, litter picking and a refresh of the roads infrastructure to improve the standard of Renfrewshire’s environment.

Residents can expect to see an enhanced programme of gully maintenance on the roads which will complement existing activity and allow gullies to be examined, and where appropriate, drained and cleaned.

There will also be an increase in the road sweeping provision across the area with employment of two new drivers meaning Renfrewshire’s residential communities will now be swept every two months.

New dedicated litter pickers have been employed to complement existing street cleaning activity and will work to clear litter from their area whilst also addressing any other cleanliness issues they come across on their route.

The Rapid Response Team, who undertake patrols of Renfrewshire and tackle reports of fly tipping, fly posting and similar activity, will be boosted with additional employees.

Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Policy Board, said: “This campaign will make our streets cleaner, brighter and a more attractive place to live and work.

“Cleaning gullies, sweeping roads, picking up litter will all make an immediate difference to the perception of our area which is why we have chosen to make this investment.

“The increased programme of activity will ensure that the community can see tangible benefits in their area, which we hope they will then take pride in.

“We want this campaign to spark a sense of civic pride across Renfrewshire and we want the community to work with us by taking part in community clean ups, cleaning up after their dogs, reporting an fly tipping and addressing their recycling habits.

“If we all ‘Team Up to Clean Up’ then we will make Renfrewshire a better place to live, work, visit and invest in.”

The campaign also looks to motivate the community to become involved and invoke a sense of civic pride across Renfrewshire.

A number of engagement sessions have taken place to discover what those who live and work in Renfrewshire believe are the main issues affecting the environment, what can be done to change this and how best to get the community involved.

Two further evening sessions are scheduled for Wednesday 27 September at Park Mains High School in Erskine and Thursday 28 September at Renfrewshire House, Paisley.

To confirm your attendance, please contact 0300 300 1375.

Further information on the campaign can be found at: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/teamuptocleanup

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Further Engagement Sessions Announced for Team Up to Clean Up

Renfrewshire Council will be holding another round of local engagement sessions for the upcoming Team Up to Clean Up Campaign, which sees an extra investment of £250,000 devoted to cleaning up our streets and improving our local environment.
Renfrewshire Council want to make sure the views of local communities are heard within the campaign and celebrate and empower local community groups already active around Renfrewshire. A number of engagement sessions have already taken place to discover what local people believe are the main issues affecting the environment in their area and what can be done to change this.
The upcoming sessions that have been scheduled will be on Wednesday the 27th September at Park Mains High School and Thursday the 28th September at Renfrewshire House, Paisley. To book a place at one of the sessions Renfrewshire Council have asked you to call 0300 300 1375.
Councillor Natalie Don, deputy convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board, has encouraged local residents to get involved by attending the sessions.
Councillor Don said
“This campaign will see the council step up their efforts in a bid to make our streets cleaner and improve our local environment but we want to hear what is important to local people in their own areas.”
“If you have an opinion on the main issues affecting your area, how they could be improved and how we can change behaviours to ensure that this campaign has a long lasting effect, I would encourage you to attend one of these sessions and make sure your voice is heard.”
“I would also encourage local community groups to attend the sessions and give their opinions on how the council  can help the activities that they already carry out. There are many fantastic community groups in Renfrewshire and we want to celebrate and empower the work they already do voluntarily, to improve our local areas.”
Councillor Cathy McEwan, Convener of the Infrastructure, Land and Environment board, also highlighted the importance of the sessions for local people.
Councillor McEwan stated,
“To make sure your concerns about street cleaning in your area are addressed come along. Let’s work together to put a pride back into all areas of Renfrewshire.”
“Your views are what we need to take this campaign forward and help us to change a culture that has been allowed to develop into a situation that has seen Renfrewshire in second bottom position for street cleaning in Scotland’
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Renfrew Ferry – MSP Comments on ferry withdrawal due to safety concerns

Renfrewshire North & West MSP Derek Mackay has expressed his deep concern that the vessel used to operate the Renfrew ferry service has been withdrawn due to safety concerns.

The service has been out of operation for the past week. This followed a similar situation in July, when the service was suddenly out of operation for a number of weeks leaving passengers stranded at either side.

The private operator of the service was uncontactable and no explanation for the lack of service forthcoming. Mr Mackay wrote to the company in July seeking answers and reassurances the issues encountered would not happen again. To date no response has been received.

In a letter to Mr Mackay Transport Scotland have confirmed that following enquires with the port authority and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have indicated that following an inspection on 12 September “the vessel was found to be in a poor state of repair with a number of serious deficiencies noted.”

SPT removed the direct public sector ferry service the Renfrew Rose and Yoker Swan in 2010, a withdrawal then opposed by Derek Mackay.

 

Derek Mackay said:

“It is deeply concerning that the vessel has been withdrawn due to safety concerns.

“I was always worried that when SPT pulled their support for a directly run public sector ferry service that the route would suffer and be at risk, and now my warning may come to pass.

“This is the second time in a matter of months that the ferry has been taken out of operation without any reasonable notice from the private operator or explanation as to why. There has been complete silence, and now we know why.

“This is now a matter of public safety and if the vessel is in the condition it is believed to be in then the port authorities have done the right thing in taking action.

“There is serious safety concerns over this vessel, and the private owners ability to operate the service. These issues need to be addressed urgently.

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Influential women of Paisley to be celebrated as part of exhibition in twin town of Furth

Influential women from across Paisley and Renfrewshire have gathered to celebrate their heritage with a special visitor from Paisley’s sister town of Fürth.

Michaela Schneider, who is a member of the Women’s Museum in the German city, visited the town last week to find out more about the history of powerful women from Paisley.

The museum plans to include information on Paisley’s broad cultural diversity and feminine history in its latest exhibition which focuses on Fürth and its twin locations in France, Turkey, Greece, Tunisia and Scotland.

The exhibition will look at the ‘feminine side’ of Fürth and its twin cities, and will bring to life the stories of strong women, past and present.

Paisley has been twinned with Fürth since 1969 and also has further twin town links with Gladsaxe in Denmark.

During her visit, Michaela attended a special dinner at Paisley Town Hall to meet influential figures in culture, art, music, sport, business and politics from across Renfrewshire.

Among those attending the dinner were former Provost of Renfrewshire Anne Hall, director of Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 Jean Cameron, president of the Old Paisley Society Cath Mitchell, InCube Renfrewshire designer Dominika Zurawska, artist Caroline Gormley, Diane Mitchell of the Diane Mitchell Music School and local musicians Carol Laula, Linzi Clark and Lisa Kowalski.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron, who welcomed Michaela Schneider and guests at the event, said: “I was delighted to welcome Michaela to Paisley and celebrate the efforts of outstanding women in the Renfrewshire area.

“The exhibition in Fürth will go a long way to highlight the important work of women throughout Paisley’s history and their influence on society today.

“This event was a fantastic way to showcase the inspirational work and activity being carried out by women right here in Renfrewshire, whilst also building upon the strong relationship we have developed with Fürth.”

Michaela Schneider said: “The purpose of my visit was to get to know Paisley, introduce the Women’s Museum and to make connections for future collaborations between our museum and the town.

“Learning about Jane Arthur, the Mill Girls and Agnus Russell, to name just a few, and the businesswomen, politicians and creative minds I have met during my visit, I have found a town with an impressive spirit which has been inspired by these women.

“I have been moved by the unbelievable support and warm-hearted welcome, which was apparent even before I came over from Germany.”

Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron said: “Celebrating our international links is a key part of Paisley’s bid for UK City of Culture 2021 and it was fantastic to have Michaela visit from our twin town of Fürth.

“Paisley’s bid is also about highlighting the area’s cultural and historical figures – and the town’s rich history of strong women in the mills showcases just that.

“The town has raised women who have gone on to change the world and it is great that we will be able to mark this with our friends in Fürth.”

You can visit the International Women’s Museum website at www.frauenindereinenwelt.de

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21st edition of Provost’s Community Awards launches in Renfrewshire

Local heroes across Renfrewshire are to be recognised as the Provost’s Community Awards open once again for nominations.

The awards are into their third decade and aim to give civic recognition to those who work or live in Renfrewshire, and are making a difference to their community.

Nominations can be made in six categories this year, an increase from five in previous years.

A new Arts and Culture award has been created which will seek out the hidden, or not so hidden, gems who light up Renfrewshire’s cultural scene.

Five other awards, Community Group, Community Volunteer, Sporting Achievement, Carers’ Award and Employer of the Year, give the opportunity for local people to give recognition to their colleagues, friends and family for the work they do in their community.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “This will be my first Community Awards in my role as Provost and I can’t wait to see the nominations coming in.

“Our area is full of inspiring community members who deserve to be recognised for the difference they make to the lives of those around them.

“There are a number of different categories to nominate in so don’t miss your chance and nominate the people or groups who you think deserve to win a Community Award.”

The Community Group award is sponsored by the Piazza Shopping Centre and celebrates the organisations in Renfrewshire that have a positive effect on their communities.

Sponsored by Glasgow Airport, the Community Volunteer award recognises those who give their time and effort for nothing more than the knowledge that they are making a difference to their community.

Perennial award sponsor Acre Industrial will present the Sporting Achievement award to the person, team or group who have represented Renfrewshire to a high standard this year in the sporting arena.

Former Renfrewshire Provost Nancy Allison, who has been a part of each of the Community Awards since its inception, donates the Carers Award which recognises anyone who cares for a relative, friend or neighbour.

This year, Employer of the Year is sponsored by UNISON and encourages nominations for employers who have provided a positive working environment and have gone above and beyond the call of duty for their staff.

Anyone who lives or works in Renfrewshire can be nominated for an award.

Further information can be found on www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/provostawards

Printed nomination forms are available at Council offices and facilities.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 1 December.

The winners in each category will be invited to a special ceremony which will be held in March 2017

For further enquiries contact: provostawards@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

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Time to remember Absent Friends

To Absent Friends, the people’s festival of storytelling and remembrance, returns from 1 – 7 November, and is looking for people and organisations from across Scotland to join in.

The festival, started in 2014, gives people across Scotland the opportunity to remember loved ones who have died, through stories, celebrations and acts of reminiscence.

 

It is easy to get involved in any way you like. The festival website, www.toabsentfriends.org.uk, offers plenty of suggestions, from small private acts of reminiscence to larger events in which communities can come together to celebrate the lives of those who have died.

Photographed by David P Scott Photography. All rights reserved.

People can hold a To Absent Friends supper, a simple gathering of friends or family over food to remember and tell stories of people who have died. Alternatively, people can start a To Absent Friends wall at their workplace or community venue. All it needs is some triangles of coloured paper, some pens and an empty noticeboard. People write a tribute to an absent friend and pin it up, until the wall is filled with memories.

 

Other groups choose an activity more suited to them. Events already planned for this year include street parties, jazz evenings, coffee mornings, even a barber shop concert with an absent friends theme.  

 

Many people choose to hold their own private acts of remembrance as well, and the festival provides an opportunity for people to share their tributes on the online Wall of Remembrance, and their songs on the Remembrance Playlist. People can visit the site at any time to write a message.

 

November has long been associated with remembrance of the dead, through traditions like Samhain and All Souls’ Day. To Absent Friends is reviving those lost traditions and helping to create new ones, as a way to support active remembrance of dead people. Talking openly about someone who is dead can often cause discomfort or embarrassment, but To Absent Friends wants to change that.

“Just because someone has died doesn’t mean they are not a part of our lives any more,” says Robert Peacock of Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief, the alliance of organisations behind the festival. “They are there in our stories and memories. The festival gives people time and space to remember those people – whether it’s just raising a glass, or something more formal. In this day and age, we don’t often stop and do that.”

 

“To Absent Friends has really captured people’s imaginations since we started it in 2014. There have been some very poignant and moving events, as well as many lighter moments shared.”   

 

The festival welcomes anyone who wants to do something – whether it is a large event or a small personal remembrance – as part of the festival.

 

To Absent Friends will take place across Scotland from 1 – 7 November 2017.

 

To take part, contact Robert Peacock on robert.peacock@palliativecarescotland.org.uk or 0131 272 2735 or find out more via the website www.toabsentfriends.org.uk

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Linwood Farm Pub Quiz in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice

Kind hearted staff at Linwood Farm Restaurant have pledged their support for local hospice care by hosting a number of different fundraising activities throughout the year, in aid of St Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood.

Adding to their ongoing fundraising efforts, Linwood Farm will now donate the £1 entry fee for their pub quiz night that takes place ever Tuesday evening at 9pm.



Linwood Farm General Manger, Pamela McLachlan “We are delighted to have this opportunity to get involved in the community and to support St Vincent’s Hospice.  We hope our customers will give generously and help us support this deserving charity”.  

 

 Why not help to support St Vincent’s Hospice and have some fun at the same time!

The Linwood Farm Quiz night takes place every Tuesday from 9.00pm and costs only £1.00 to play which is donated to St Vincent’s Hospice.

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