Linwood Archives - Paisley Scotland

Spring has officially sprung, and it is safe to say that staff at Rukeri have a spring in their step as they are well and truly ready for the new landscaping season to kick off properly. Rukeri grow and supply premium lawn turf from their fields at North Arkleston Farm, Paisley. A lot of time is spent throughout the year preparing and maintaining the many acres of fields to ensure that the lawn turf they supply is green, healthy and sure to delight their customers.

Rukeri, a brand of Salt and Grit Solutions Ltd, has been growing and supplying turf for 6 years. The company has an expanding customer base that includes house builders, landscape gardeners and house holders. Rukeri has been in a fortunate position to expand year on year and now offers a full range of landscaping products – everything you need for your landscape project. Other products on offer include organic soils, colourful decorative aggregates, barks and sands, paving, fencing and decking. Tools, fencing hardware and other landscaping accessories are also available to purchase from their store.

Lisa Taylor, Business Development Manager at Rukeri says, ‘Both Salt and Grit Solutions and Rukeri are very seasonal arms of our business, and as we move into each season we are prepared and ready to go with gusto. This year we have invested in a new Rukeri curtain sider lorry with a colourful branded print on the side, and have designed new marketing material – including brochures, flyers and advertising campaigns. Keep an eye out for Rukeri about town!’

All products available from Rukeri can be viewed from their yard in Paisley. A colourful display area has been created to showcase the landscape products in mini garden concepts, giving a real-feel for how they will look in situ. Rukeri will be open this bank holiday weekend (excluding Easter Sunday) making it an ideal time to visit and get ready to transform your garden in time for summer.

For more information contact Rukeri on 0141 8891455 or visit www.rukeri.com .

19/04/2019/by Brian McGuire

Young footballers are being given the opportunity to sample life as a professional and take to the field at the Simple Digital Arena, home of St Mirren Football Club.

Part of the celebrations to mark Street Stuff’s ten-year anniversary of working in the Renfrewshire community, aspiring footballers will have the opportunity to cross the white line and play on the pitch as part of a festival of football.

The five-a-side football event is free for all Street Stuff participants, aged 8-16, and will take place in the evening of Wednesday 15 May.

Players can register individually or as a team, with all consent forms to be returned to St Mirren in advance of the tournament taking place.

St Mirren FC Manager, Oran Kearney, said “The people of Paisley and Renfrewshire have given the team brilliant support in my time at the club so it’s great that the young people of Renfrewshire will get the opportunity to play on the pitch at the stadium and have the chance to emulate their heroes.”

Since its inception in 2009, Street Stuff has seen more than 200,000 young people come through its doors, each having the opportunity to take part in sport, make new friends and engage in social activities.

Cllr Marie McGurk, Oran Kearney, Gordon Scott and Street Stuff participants (1)

A firm fixture of the community for a decade, the programme has contributed to a sustained reduction of 65% in reported youth disorder and anti-social behaviour in Renfrewshire.

Street Stuff provides activities such as football, dance and gaming six days a week, as well as hosting four holiday camps throughout the year where a healthy meal is provided to each young person who attends – with more than 26,000 healthy meals provided in the last four years.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “What a fantastic opportunity for our young people to make it out of the stands and onto the pitch at St Mirren and hopefully we can inspire the next generation of footballers for the club.

“Street Stuff works hard to provide opportunities for sport and exercise for young people that they may not otherwise have the chance to experience and the work of our staff, coaches and volunteers really is changing the lives of young people in Renfrewshire.

The project runs in partnership between Renfrewshire Council, St Mirren Football Club, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Engage Renfrewshire.

For more information on how to sign up, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/StreetStuff.

18/04/2019/by Brian McGuire

Communities are being urged to help shape their area by applying for a grant from their Local Partnership.

Applications for funding from the Local Partnerships, which replaced Renfrewshire’s Local Area Committees, are now open.

The funding, which used to be known as Local Area Committee grants, is available for projects which help each Local Partnership meet its local priorities. These priorities were set by each Local Partnership at meetings in March and April.

There have been important changes to the way this funding works since the introduction of the Local Partnerships in 2018, with groups now having to demonstrate how their application will contribute to the local priorities of the partnership they are applying to.

All applicants are advised to read the new guidance for Local Partnership funding, available on the Renfrewshire Council website, before submitting their applications.

Local Partnerships are a new way for communities, elected members and public organisations to work together at a local level. The partnerships adopt a more informal and inclusive approach which allows local people to have more of a say in decisions which affect their area.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “People in Renfrewshire are passionate about their communities and Local Partnerships are a great way for them to shape their community and get involved in decision making.

“This funding will allow Local Partnerships to support projects that are important to local people and address their local priorities, making a difference to their communities.

“If you are looking for funding and have a project that supports your Local Partnerships’ local priorities, I’d encourage you to apply.”

The Council’s Community Planning Team will hold two drop-in sessions to provide potential funding applicants with information on how the grants work, what the local priorities are for their Local Partnership and advice on alternative funding sources. The sessions will take place on Wednesday 24 April from 5.30pm-7.30pm at Johnstone Town Hall and Thursday 2 May from 2-4pm at the Abercorn Centre, West College Scotland in Paisley.

Anyone who cannot attend the drop-in sessions can call our Community Planning Team on 0141 618 4168 or email communityplanning@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

The deadline for applications is Monday 20 May 2019.

A decision on funding applications will be made by Local Partnerships at their next meetings in June.

To book a slot at our Johnstone drop-in session, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/local-partnerships-grant-funding-drop-in-session-tickets-59523195480. To book a slot at our Paisley drop-in session, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/local-partnerships-grant-funding-drop-in-session-tickets-60530532452

For more information on Local Partnerships and their local priorities or to download an application form, visit http://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/localpartnerships

18/04/2019/by Brian McGuire

A well-established, unmissable day in Erskine’s calendar is the Erskine Motorbike Meet, to be held on Sunday 26 May 2019. Once again the Veterans charity will open its Estate in Bishopton to welcome over 1,000 bikes from up and down the country for a fun filled family day.

This popular event will kick off with a spectacular parade of bikes and trikes led by Erskine Veterans in vintage cars. The parade leaves from the Park Mains High School in Erskine at 12.40pm and arrives at The Erskine Home for the official opening at 1pm. From then on it is an afternoon filled with attractions which will appeal to old and young alike.

This year’s entertainment includes fairground rides; Port Town Rockers; Rock Us Choir; Ardblair Stones; Kennedy Cupcakes; UK Garrison, Market Village and lots of street food. There is also military support on the day including 7 Scots who will have a deactivated weapons display and the Royal Artillery with their light gun display.

One of the highlights of the afternoon is the Boccia Bowls match between the Bikers and Veterans. Needless to say this is highly competitive and the Erskine Veterans have won on more than one occasion, but will they triumph this year?

The Erskine Motorbike Meet runs from 1-5pm. Entry is £5 per bike and £2 per adult (free for children) with parking available at HP, Bishopton, PA7 5PP which is a short walk from The Erskine Home or you can hop on the shuttle bus kindly provided by McGills.

For further information on the event please contact the Erskine Events & Corporate Fundraising Manager Jennifer Campbell on 0141 814 4729 or email: Jennifer.campbell@erskine.org.uk

18/04/2019/by Brian McGuire

Bishopton, Blog, bridge of weir, Business, Elderslie, Erskine, Houston, Inchinnan, Johnstone, kilbarchan, Linwood, Lochwinnoch, Paisley, Renfrew, Renfrewshire

Perfect Window Blinds

At perfect window blinds, Paul and team share many years experience in the industry. We aim to work with our customers on a face to face approach, this means cutting out any middle men. We carry out all the measuring and fitting ourselves as a team so you know who you are dealing with at all times, using good reputable suppliers to ensure you have the best blinds in the business.

Browse our range of fantastic blinds then either come and visit our showroom in Johnstone, or let us come to you by arranging an appointment.

17/04/2019/by Brian McGuire

iconic. – not just another gym. At iconic they help create an active and healthy community.

I’ve been asked in the past year “Mhairi, with so many gyms around, why do you go to iconic.?”

There is not one definitive answer. The reasons are many why I choose this diamond in the rough.

I may go off on a tangent, so please bear with me…….

Fiona, female gym owner. Marathon runner. Personal trainer. A mother. A friend. Motivator. Enthusiastic. Conscientious. Redefining the idea of working out in Paisley town centre. Designing a lifestyle brand to turn an exercisintoto an enjoyable routine. The right attitude and lots of energy!

Harry, James and Martin. Personal Trainers at iconic. All extremely focused, committed and knowledgeable. Notable results. Observing, learning and inventing new ways to challenge, inspire and bring fun and excitement in an ever expanding fitness market.

iconic. members. All ages, shapes, weight, sizes, goals and reasons for being there. Non-judgemental. Motivate, praise and encourage. Ignore how disgusting I look (and smell!) post workout.

On a very personal note, I started back training at the end of 2017 after being quite ill for a number of years. Exercise and strength training had always been my “go to”, my “sanctuary” but being poorly meant I could no longer escape. After being given the all clear from my consultant in Nov 2017, I started at iconic. and I’ve never looked back. I’m back to the old me. The me I’d never thought I’d ever find again. My health has improved. I’m on less medication. I’ve lost weight. I’ve gained a new sense of me. Gained friends, knowledge and a belief. These are all things money can’t buy.

So, this is my snapshot of “why I go” and also “why I’ll stay” at iconic. Yes it’s not quite the finished shiny gym that you see popping up ten a penny. Yes it got things that could be better. But that’s part of the appeal and charm. This coupled with the knowledge that I know Fiona is in this for the long haul. She has a vision and is committed to delivering it. It’s not a “one size fits all” attitude. It’s a determination and energy which is also reflected in the whole iconic. team.

I would recommend iconic. in a heartbeat to anyone looking to improve their fitness goals with a dedicated and knowledgeable team.

17/04/2019/by Brian McGuire

The award winning The Buddy Beat is a mental health drumming group for adults across Renfrewshire that meets every Thursday morning at Johnstone High Parish Church Halls, Ludovic Square, PA5 8EE, 10 am to 12.

We help promote social inclusion and drumming has been found to help reduce stress, session full of therapeutic, improves self-confidence and self-worth. No experience is necessary and our style of drums are easy to learn. We also include percussion and singing to make every session is full of invigorating music and fun.

Drumming helps people self-manage their week and has helped many find other community activities, education courses, volunteering and employment. And real, lasting friendships blossom too.

We also run an Open Drum Circle on the last Wednesday evening of each month at The Charleston Centre in Paisley. Open to anyone, this runs from 6.00 pm to 7.45 pm.

For anyone interested in joining either of our activities, please email tom.thebuddybeat@sky.com for more information. Please also visit our Facebook page– Renfrewshire’s The Buddy Beat

17/04/2019/by Brian McGuire

Who Cares ? Scotland Renfrewshire is an organisation that supports care experienced young people. We offer free quarterly training and information sessions and the next one is being held at the Lagoon in Paisley . We are trying to reach all those who support children and young people across Renfrewshire whether paid or voluntary.

We have our own Facebook page and it is the pinned post on here https://www.facebook.com/whocaresscotlandrenfrewshire/

*Free training and information session*

Do you work with children and young people either paid or voluntary?
Do you support, teach or coach young people in any capacity ?

Then you hold important relationships with our care experienced people. They would like you to understand more about their lives and invite you to a free training and information session.

Our next Listen and Learn is being held at Paisley Lagoon on 9th May – click below to find out more and for FREE registration .

https://whocaresscotland9thmay.eventbrite.co.uk

17/04/2019/by Brian McGuire

Victoria Hamilton, from Kilmacolm, is running the Loch Ness Marathon in memory of her dad because she is “determined” to raise £10,000 for St. Vincent’s Hospice to thank them for their care and support.

After being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer Tom Maitland (Victoria’s dad), was admitted to St. Vincent’s Hospice in October 2018 where he spent 27 days in their care, before sadly passing away on the 14^th of November.

Victoria said: “Ultimately, I am running this marathon for St. Vincent’s Hospice because I can. I have legs that work and have seen first-hand what happens when cancer robs someone of their physical strength. I feel I owe them for the compassion, professionalism, kindness and expertise they showed my beloved dad and our entire family for the 27 days he was in their care, until he lost his battle with cancer.

“The days and weeks leading up to Dad’s admission were dark. His illness had taken grip and spread to his brain. Every day he seemed to deteriorate further. We were close to breaking point, and simply didn’t know where else to turn.

“From the moment he was admitted to St. Vincent’s, we felt rescued. I had always naively thought a hospice was a place you went to die; but now I know that a hospice is a place you go to live. Where you need not suffer any pain. A place where emotional support is available around the clock for the family and a patient’s last breath is made as dignified and as comfortable as possible.”

St. Vincent’s Hospice is a specialist provider of palliative and Hospice care for people and families affected by life-limiting conditions all across Renfrewshire. They provide this in a number of ways, from comprehensive care in their Inpatient Unit, to support with wellness and symptom control in their Day Services, and even within the comfort of people’s own homes throughout the community.

Each year, it costs nearly £2.5 million to provide these services, more than half of which is generated through voluntary donations and fundraising.

Victoria added: “For the 27 days my dad was under their care, I estimate that it would have taken approximately £10,000 of charity funding to provide his care alone. It is my mission to repay these costs as a small gesture for my family’s gratitude for being our salvation when we needed it most.”

The Loch Ness Marathon takes place on the 6^th of October 2019. To support Victoria and help her reach this incredible target, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/victoria-hamilton7

17/04/2019/by Brian McGuire

Thousands of the world’s top pipers and drummers will again descend on Paisley for one of the biggest dates in the global piping calendar.

The British Pipe Band Championships will take place on Saturday 18 May at the St James Playing Fields – with 123 bands from across the UK and Ireland, and drum and pipe majors from as far afield as the USA, Denmark and Belgium set to compete.

The free-to-attend event will see a full day of family entertainment from 10am to 6pm – including a Highland Games competition, a food village, and sporty activity.

Scottish Power Win BPBC MFG

This will be the fourth year the championships have been in Paisley, with the town contracted to continue to host the event – one of piping’s five ‘majors’ and second-only in size to the World Championships – until 2021.

Last year’s event attracted 17,000 attendees and generated more than £300,000 for the local economy, with half the attendees visitors to Renfrewshire and 7% from outwith Scotland.

Event organisers Renfrewshire Council and the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association have also teamed up with McGill’s Buses to transport spectators to and from the event – free of charge.

There will be plenty local interest on the day – the Johnstone Pipe Band will have two entries, one going head to head with the world’s best in the prestigious Grade 1 competition, and another looking to win Grade 3a (having topped Grade 3b last year).

Kilbarchan Pipe Band will feature in the Grade 4b contest, while the Renfrewshire Schools Pipe Band will be hoping to equal or better last year’s brilliant performance, when they came third in Novice Junior Grade B in their first major championships.

Ian Embelton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Paisley to bring the British Championships to the town once again.

“Paisley is a popular venue with the bands for its central location, transport links and the many excellent options available locally to stay overnight and to enjoy a meal or a drink.

“This is the first of the annual majors and many of the world’s best pipe bands will be competing – for anyone who hasn’t been before, my message would be come along on the day and enjoy some top-class piping and drumming.”

McGill’s will run the shuttle buses from Paisley Gilmour Street station, West College Scotland and Swift Parking on Greenhill Road, with the latter two offering free event parking. Visitors should note there will be no public parking at the event.

Other transport options include getting the train to Paisley St James station, which is a short walk from the event site, or a McGill’s bus to Paisley town centre, and transferring to the free shuttle.

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “Hosting major events like this is helps to build on Paisley and Renfrewshire’s now-established reputation as a key destination on Scotland’s events map.

“Renfrewshire has many businesses who will be ready to welcome the thousands of visitors with open arms and I hope as many of them as possible of will enjoy a day, and evening or an overnight stay with us.”

Other major events coming up in Paisley over the next few weeks include the Paisley Food and Drink Festival – expected to draw thousands to the town centre on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 April.

More information about the British Pipe Band Championships and other Renfrewshire events is available online at www.paisley.is.

16/04/2019/by Brian McGuire