Say cheese
CHEESE enthusiasts can get stuck into a charity lunch in Kilmacolm.
Members of the village’s Christian Aid Committee will host a bread and cheese lunch at the Kidston Hall on Sunday, March 18, from 12.30pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend, with organisers asking for a small donation to be made to help the charity continue its work to help those in need.
Lunch will include home-made soups, bread, a variety of cheeses and shortbread, as well as tea or coffee.
For further information, contact Jill Russel on 01505 872393.


Art fair
LOVERS of all things arts and crafts can head along to an event in Bishopton this weekend.
Members of Bishopton Art Group will be hosting their Spring art and craft fair on Saturday.
This free event is being staged at Bishopton Community Centre, in Gledstane Road, from 10am to 3pm.
A variety of products will be on offer from local amateur artists and craftspeople.
Tea, coffee and home-baked goodies will also be available, with visitors able to take advantage of free parking.
All are welcome to attend this free event.


Wing your way over
Young birdwatchers can get in a flap at an event dedicated to the feathered creatures.
The next Explorer Group event at the RSPB reserve in Lochwinnoch takes place on Saturday, from 10am until noon, and will focus on the theme of birdsong.
Organisers say many questions around birdsong will be answered, such as bird accents and the amount of breaths they take to keep up their melody.
Those who plan to go along are advised to wear clothing that is suitable for the great outdoors.
The event is aimed at those aged from five to 14. Those aged eight and under should be supervised by an adult.
Booking is essential and the cost is £5 per child, although there is a discounted price of £3 for RSPB members. Accompanying adults will be admitted free of charge.

Make a splash
boating enthusiasts can make a splash at a course taking place in Lochwinnoch.
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) will be running the sessions to enable participants to gain their powerboat licence.
This will involve practical water activities.
It will run from Saturday, March 17, until Wednesday, April 18, and the cost is £150 and more information on how to book can be found on the RYA website.

Safety first
WORKSHOPS focusing on home safety and first aid will be staged at St Columba’s School, in Kilmacolm, next week.
Experts from housebuilders Barratt and David Wilson Homes will be hosting the event on Monday, March 19.
People can take part in 45-minute sessions starting at either 7pm or 7.45pm.
The workshops will cover tips and strategies on keeping younger children safe from the dangers that can lurk in the home, together with advice from the St Andrew’s First Aid organisation.
There is no fee involved but spaces are limited, so anyone who would like to sign up is asked to send an email to marketing@st-columbas.org as soon as possible.

Cash grab
GROUPS across Renfrewshire are invited to grab their share of a cash pot being offered by the Co-op.
Over the past two years, the well-known retailer has given away more than £25million to worthy causes.
And it now wants to hear from other local groups and charities that could do with a much-needed financial boost.
To apply, complete the application form online at https://causes.coop.co.uk.
The closing date for applications is Sunday, April 8.

Art class
CREATIVE folk are welcome to attend an art group in Erskine.
The classes take place at Erskine Baptist Church every Wednesday morning, from 10am until noon.
Organisers promise a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with people of all levels of artistic ability welcome to attend.
Tea, coffee and plenty of chat is provided.
Some materials will also be available to help get participants started.

Gardeners wanted
GREEN-FINGERED volunteers are being sought for planting duties at a Linwood school.
Riverbrae School has been donated tree saplings by the Woodlands Trust to help develop an area of the school playground – and desperately needs people to help plant them.
Members of the Parent Council are inviting gardeners – either professional or amateur – to help out at the school on Thursday, March 29, from noon to 3pm.
This would suit someone with a bit of time to spare or an organisation which is keen to give something back to the local community.
Anyone who would like to help should contact the school on 0300 300 1372.


Jogging club
people who are keen to get fit are being encouraged to join a local jogging group.
A mixed ability running and jogging group meets every week at Erskine Sports Centre.
All are welcome to attend.
Visit the Erskine Jogging Buddies Facebook page for more details.

Changing times
A COMMUNITY fruit and vegetable shop in Linwood has changed its opening hours.
Roots of Linwood, which is run by the Linwood Community Development Trust, is located at Mossedge Industrial Estate, where the new opening times for Mondays to Thursdays are from 9am to 1pm.
On Fridays, the hours are 9am to 4pm and, on Saturdays, people can pay a visit between 9am and 1pm.
The team is also continuing to run a pop-up shop at the Compass Centre, in South Street, Houston, from 9.30am until noon.
You can find out more by logging on at www.linwoodtrust.org.uk.

Walk this way
THOSE who enjoy fresh air can walk towards better health by joining a Walking Buddies group.
The Johnstone Castle-based group meets at 9.30am every Monday, leaving from 31 Maple Drive.
And, on Tuesdays, the Johnstone group leaves from 16 Quarry Street at 9.30am.
Linwood Walking Buddies get together every Tuesday at 1pm, starting at Belmar Court.
Ramblers can join these groups for a stroll, some friendly chat and a cuppa afterwards.
Walks last for around an hour and are suitable for all abilities.
For more information, phone 0141 258 9923 or send an email to info@activecommunities.co.uk.

Scout support
JOHNSTONE Central Scout Group are actively recruiting for new members and new adult supporters.
The Beavers, aimed at six to eight-year-olds, runs on Monday nights, from 6pm to 7.15pm.
Eight to 10-year-olds can attend Cubs on Monday nights, from 7.30pm to 9pm.
Meanwhile, the Scouts, for those aged between 10 and 14, and the Explorers, for those aged from 15 to 18, meet on Friday nights, from 7pm to 9pm.
Any adults who are able to offer up some free time to assist in Scouting, either as a leader or as a behind-the-scenes supporter, are also encouraged to get in touch.
The Scout hall is located in Canal Road, Johnstone.
For further details, call group Scout leader Alisdair Connell on 0786 474 0299 or email johnstonescouts@hotmail.com.

Bargain hunt
AN art, craft and gift fair is coming to Crosslee this month.
This will take place from noon to 3pm on Sunday, March 25, at The River Inn.
Around 30 stalls will be offering a range of goods, including everything from jewellery to fudge.
Admission is free and parking will be available.
There is also the opportunity to enjoy a mini massage.
Snacks and refreshments will be available or guests can tuck into a Sunday carvery, which will be on offer until 8pm.
A raffle ticket will be handed to everyone coming through the doors, with the chance of winning a meal for two at the River Inn.
This event will run on the last Sunday of each month, with a variety of stallholders in attendance.