1st Houston and Crosslee Scouts


The start of the new term has seen a dramatic rise in the number of cubs as a number of older beavers have moved up along with a number of new members. Group numbers are now at over 70 with an additional 14 attending the Chipmunks.


Therefore both the beavers and cubs are currently running at full capacity and a waiting list is required for both sections.


Although the group have a number of trained leaders, there is always scope for more qualifi ed helpers to help run each section. If you are interested in becoming more involved in the running of the group, please speak to any of the leaders. This offer is also open to any sixth year school students who wish to improve their leadership and organisational skills.


The cubs can look forward to another busy year with the new cubs due to sit their investiture in the near future.


A number of activities are currently being organised over the coming weeks, including a trip to the Renfrewshire Scout Outdoor Activity Centre at Lapwing Lodge on the afternoon of Sunday 6th November, when the older cubs will take part in Archery sessions and tackling an assault course. This will help towards the cubs achieving their Fitness Challenge.


The cubs will also attend the pantomime at Paisley Arts Centre on Wednesday 14th December. Parents of cubs who paid for the trip last year which was cancelled on safety grounds due to the extreme winter weather will only pay for the cost of the bus travel.


Future activities include a weekend cub camp to Lochgoilhead around Easter when all cubs will be able to try orienteering and water based activities.


The Compass Centre Hall is available to hire for meetings or children’s parties. Standard costs have now been introduced on any new bookings:-


• One off parties or meetings - £25 per hour Long Term bookings -


• £20 per hour


Please contact Iain Cameron on 01505 690455 or Colin Berry on 01505 612617 for availability. For further information on joining the Houston Scout group, go to www.Scouts-Scotland.org.uk or contact Scottish Scout Headquarters on 01383 419073.


Three Tennis Titles for Innes and Sophie


Strathgryffe Tennis Club


Innes McNicol (20) from Lochwinnoch claimed the Strathgryffe Tennis Club Championship Gents Singles title for the 3rd year in a row last month by defeating Cameron Mackie (17) also from Lochwinnoch in the fi nal 6-1, 6-3.


Strathgryffe’s tennis fi nals day clashed with the recent Davis Cup event which was held at the Braehead Arena. Cameron Mackie along with other players from Strathgryffe had been selected to be ball boys/girls at the event which meant that the Men’s Singles and a few other fi nals had to be postponed to a later date.


The Ladies Singles title was won by Sophie Dunlop (17) from Inchinnan who defeated Anna Daisley (12) from Greenock 6-4, 6-3. Sophie also claimed the Ladies Doubles title partnered by Catlin Inglis defeating Marion Barclay and Anna Daisley and she took her third title in the Mixed Doubles partnered with Cameron Mackie beating Greig Fraser and Heather Cook. The Gents Doubles event was won by Paul Barnes and Greig Fraser who defeated Cameron Mackie & Innes McNicol.


The coaching programme at Strathgryffe for both tennis & squash will continue throughout the winter. For more information please contact reception on 01505 615100.


It’s Now - Renfrewshire Mindfulness & Meditation Group


in the tradition of Vietnamese Zen MasterThich Nhat Hanh. Thursdays 7.30pm - 9pm in the Old Library Centre, Kilbarchan.


Meditation is a perfect way to relax and relieve stress and bring us into the here & now. By being mindful, we learn how to “live” in the present moment and truly appreciate our life and each other. Although the practice is based on Buddha’s teachings, this practice is NOT specifi c to religion, it’s about Mindfulness & Peace!


Non-Buddhists are welcome, as are all men, women, children & teens! There is no requirement to attend on a regular basis! The group is non-profi t making - recommended donation is £5 to cover hall hire.


For further information call 07921 829788 or visit the website at www. itsnowrenfrewshire.wordpress.com


54 |NOVEMBER 2011 | your LOCAL news every month - in print and online |


Lochwinnoch’s Marathon Man


Once again Ronnie Brown completed the Greater Glasgow 10k, this year in a commendable time of 65mins. For his efforts he raised £700 for the charity “Make a Wish Foundation”, which helps make the dreams of terminally ill children come true.


Ronnie said, “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me; Sandy Innes & Patrons of the Corner Bar for donating £100, The Garthland Arms & Patrons, the hairdressers, both Gilmours and Karens, The Hungry Monk, all the other local shops and businesses and, last but not least, all the people in the Village who kindly sponsored me. Thanks again to everyone for helping me raise a fantastic amount of money for charity.”


Ronnie has been running this event, and many others, for over fi fteen years, each time raising money for charity. As proof (if it were needed) here’s a photo of him fi nishing the same race in 1995, and still going strong.


GVRC - Sailability


Sailing is one of the few sports where disabled and able bodies sailors can compete on equal terms and the RYA Saleability programme exists to encourage and support people with disabilities to take up the sport and facilitate sites to develop sailing opportunities. Whilst there are many established ‘centre of excellence’ sites in England, there are only 2 in Scotland – at Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch and one in Fife - and these are still at an early stage of development. Overall there are currently some 20,000 disabled sailors in the UK.


David Hill is the area coordinator for Scotland and when he talked recently to Gryffe Valley Rotary club he explained that he was charged with building up and promoting these centres as models for all the sailing clubs around Scotland. He said that there is a huge pool of potential sailors aged from 8 years old upwards with a wide range of disabilities including deafness, blindness, cerebral palsy and amputated limbs. Standards range from some aiming for Para Olympic participation to beginners just seeking the opportunity to get out onto the water and enjoy themselves. Social contacts, family participation and self confi dence are just some of the additional benefi ts which accrue.


Sailability covers many different types of water sport including sailing, cruising and power boating, with many boats requiring to be adapted and with the need for special equipment including hoists to help sailors get aboard from wheelchairs. Whilst a good start has been made at Castle Semple, there is a great need to acquire more boats and equipment and to identify more volunteers to help ensure that the sailing is both safe and effective. David’s role involves fundraising and liaising with yacht clubs throughout the West of Scotland and beyond.


Following David’s enthusiastic talk, on what is undoubtedly a most worthy and rewarding cause, Gryffe valley Rotary club is currently looking at ways that it can provide support to Sailability at


Castle Semple.


David with President Steve Smith and David Fairbairn.


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