With the Christmas season over and New Year beginning, the somewhat unpleasant sound of children hammering away at their new instruments is still ringing in our ears. We look forward in hope, thinking there must be an easier way. For those of us lucky enough to reside in the Renfrewshire area there is…. with the arrival of Scotland’s first portable music school; Nomad Music.


The concept was created by a couple of local music tutors from Kilbarchan and they hope to be turning that riotous noise into something great to listen to. Through using some innovative technology in their classes which allows budding musicians to practice and play along with others, all through interlinked headphones, Allowing Nomad Music’s tutors to offer something a little different from your average music lesson. Classes will be held in Kilbarchan, Kilmacolm, Renfrew, Lochwinnoch, Johnstone and Kilbirnie for musicians of all levels, from novice to expert, the lessons will teach aspiring rock stars how to write and play using electric drum kits, guitars and pianos.


Why not take a look at www.nomadmusicschool.co.uk and see if their fun and easy to understand lessons could make another great gift for someone....or yourself.


Call one of our tutors for further information on 07534 730996 or 07538 496462 or visit the website at www.nomadmusicschool.co.uk


Houston Primary School Houston PS and Nursery Class wish everyone a very Happy New Year!


2011 ended with very many activities and events. All were a great success. Our Annual Technology Challenge was won by team 3 Drama Destructions. A prestigious judging panel, comprising Maria Antelmi, Primary Teacher, East Renfrewshire; Fraser Thomson, Structural Engineer with Arup, Glasgow; Darren Smith, Project Design Manager with Brookfield Multiplex and Steven Wilson, Principal Teacher of Business and Computing Faculty at Gryffe HS had the difficult job of choosing the winning


team.


All eleven teams produced fantastic models. Members of the winning team were presented with


Gryffe High PTA Xmas Fayre 2011


On Thursday 24th November, Gryffe High School PTA held its annual Xmas Fayre. Despite the awful weather, it was once again a fantastic evening full of atmosphere and the buzz of Xmas shopping among the many and varied excellent stalls on offer.


individual


trophies and a team trophy specially donated by Brookfield Multiplex. The other ten teams were presented with medals. The winning team are also looking forward to a special site visit to Southern General hospital.


Primary 7 musicians, accompanied by Mr Duffy, entertained the audience with a specially written musical piece which enthralled everyone.


Congratulations to our netball teams who took part in a local schools tournament at Linwood Sports Centre. Houston Primary’s Netball Club is made up of P6 and P7 pupils and 4 teams represented our school on the day. Our P7 team triumphed to win overall first place and were awarded gold medals. The children will soon be learning Scottish poems and musical items for our Scottish Afternoon on Fri 27th Jan. Primary 7 also look forward to a visit from Matthew Fitt, novelist and poet.


Primary 1 registration takes place on Wed 11th and Thurs 12th Jan, 9am-3pm. Please bring child’s birth certificate and proof of residence, including Council Tax.


Kilbarchan Toddlers Group


Kilbarchan Toddlers Group would like to invite mums, dads, grandparents and carers to come to play every Tuesday morning.


Entry is £1 per adult, teas, coffees, biscuits and snacks for the kids are included. Toys include bikes, slides, cars and dolls and a quieter area for babies.


We meet at the West Church Hall, from 9.45am-11.30am. Multiple Group


The Renfrewshire and Inverclyde Twins Club will be meets at the Lochwinnoch McKillop Hall every Monday from 2-4pm. Come along or contact Shona & Zara via ritwinsclub@gmail.com for details.


Please note we will be restarting on January 10th 2012. 40 |JANUARY 2012 | your LOCAL news every month - in print and online |


Those who attended could also sample delicious xmas mince pies and shortbread courtesy of McHargs Bakers. The highlight of the evening was the Xmas raffle which was kindly drawn by Radio Clydes George Bowie. The star prize was a 3 course meal for four at the River Inn, kindly donated by Jason Andrews and this was won by Mr Gerry O’Hare of Gryffe High School. The second prize of a luxury Xmas hamper donated by Mrs Amanda Gane was won by Coral McLaughlan, who also won a racing game donated by Gibb Stuarts. Mrs Fiona Lovett won third the prize of an evening of entertainment courtesy of The Weir in Bridge of Weir. There were many more fantastic prizes won by family, staff and pupils and the PTA would like to say a huge thank you to the following generous sponsors - Scentsations of Troon, Colours & Perfect 10 Nails of Johnstone, Tulip Hair & Shellac Nails of Bridge of Weir, The Gryffe Inn, Simple Financial, Hugh Holmes & Sons Butchers, Baytree Interiors, Jackie Semple Shoes and Pampered Chefs Lorna Harvie. Many of the stall holders also donated prizes and we extend our gratitude to them.


The PTA would like to thank everyone who attended and those who participated in making it a superb evening which raised over £1800.


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