25/11/2007
CHRISTMAS FAYRE:  Howwood Sports & Hobbies Annual Xmas fayre is on Friday 30th November 7pm - 9pm in Howwod Village Hall. Various stalls and craft tables.  Door Entrance £1.00 for adults and 50p for kids.  Price includes tea/coffee juice and shortbread.  Santa will be in his grotto with gifts for the children;  price £3.00 per child and includes a gift.  Come along and support your local Youth Group.

14/08/2007
Douglas Alexander MP will be holding an advice surgery at the Howwood Village Hall next Tuesday (21st August) between 3pm and 4pm? If villagers would like to make an appointment, they can do so by calling the constituency office on 0141 561 0333.

15/06/2007
CONCERT: last chance for tickets to hear the Glasgow Wind band playing on Friday 15th June in Howwood Parish Church. Concert starts at 7.30pm, tickets are on sale at the Post Office, or you can order them from Christine & Robert Scarsbrook (Tel: 01505 704083). The band are Scottish Gold medalists 2006, and British gold Medalists 2007, so at £5.50 (£4.50 concession) it is an opportunity not to be missed. There may be tickets at the door, but get them beforehand to avoid disappointment.
QUIZ NIGHT: at Midton Bowling club on Tuesday 19th June. I made an error, sorry, entrance fee is £1 per person, all money collected on the night, gets redistributed. This is always an excellent night, starts around 7.30pm; quiz masters, as in previous years George Mackay and Michael Quinn.
FETE: is Saturday 23rd June, starting at 1pm, as usual in the grounds of the Primary School in Semple View. You should have had a flier, telling you what is happening on the day. If you have not seen one, they are in both shops and the Post Office.
ROADS: there is much rejoicing! We have flashing "SLOW DOWN 30 MPH" signs, both directions Beith Road. I have seen cars slow down when they are flashed at, so think they will make a big difference. Also the Traffic Police have been in action in the village booking speeders, and that also is very welcome. The bus stop at the Post Office in Main Street, is to get a seat in it. Several people have requested one (it is certainly the most used stop), and the Council has responded by finding the funds. Hope it is to your liking. The parking bay in front of the new shop is due to get a half hour waiting restriction put on it, which should help to keep the space for those using the shop. Traffic calming measures and a proper pedestrain crosing are possibilities for the 2008-9 financial year, so I am told. That too is good news, better if it came sooner, but anything that makes our village safer is good for us all. Trust you all read and digested the Road Safety Leaflet? Extra copies available in the shops, Post Office, and the Hall.
COUNCILLOR SURGERIES: we have 4 Councillors for the Johnstone South, Elderslie and Howwood Ward. Three Labour, one SNP: so you can go to whoever you like, if you have issues. They are all anxious to prove that our village matters to them, even though or perhaps because we our outweighed 9 to 1 by the other settlements, bit like Scotland in relation to England one could say. The Labour ones (Iain McMillan, John Caldwell and John Hood) will hold a surgery in Howwood Village Hall on Friday 22nd June 5.30pm -7pm, then on the fourth Friday of the each month at the same time. I will pass on Tracie McGee's (SNP) surgery dates, when I have them. They all have e-mail addresses, go to the Council 's website: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk, or phone up member services on 0141 840 3490 or 0141 840 3495.3/06/2007
HOWWOOD PARISH CHURCH: Christian Aid week raised over £1,400 from contributions people made in Howwood.
FETE: June is always busy with outdoor events in almost every corner of Scotland, and we are no exception. Lilias Day was on the 2nd, Lochwinnoch Gala on the 9th, Kilbarchan Agricultural Show on the 16th, and Howwood Village Fete Saturday 23rd of June. Tickets for the wind band concert (Friday 15th June) are on sale at the Post Office, or you can order them from Christine & Robert Scarsbrook (Tel: 01505 704083). Douglas is back from holiday, so if anyone still wants a stall at the Fete, contact him (work number 0141581 2213). Don't forget the Quiz Night at Midton Bowling club on Tuesday 19th June. Teams of 4, entry £5 per team. This is always an excellent night, starts around 7.30pm; quiz masters, as in previous years George Mackay and Michael Quinn.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL: next meeting is Tuesday 12th June, 7.30pm Howwood Village Hall. Top of the agenda will be to make sure all arrangements are in place for Fete Day. If you can help on the day, please let a member of the CC know. The more help there is, the easier it is for the Fete to keep happening. At the last meeting there was a huge list of matters concerning roads. We are grateful for the attendance of Scott Allan from that department at 3 or 4 meetings per annum, and increasingly hopeful that traffic calming measures will be introduced along Main Street. Perhaps the support from our newly elected Councillors will make a difference? We expect speed activated signs (as have appeared in other ares) to be erected this month. The new bus stop appeared as requested at the foot of the steps pronto, then was moved along to where the buses have historically stopped, when travelling west. However we have been waiting, asking,pleading, hoping /praying for traffic calming for as long as I have been CC secretary (5 years), and still no sign! Strange how some things happen in days, others take years.
PARK CONSULTATION: 18 souls attended, including our two Community Bobbies and Councillor resident in the village. Pauline Gallacher "facilitated", she has considerable experience in this type of thing, and success in her own community of Neilston, where great things have been achieved with better facilities. Everyone was agreed the park needs decent paths, more seats, decent play equipment for older kids. Exactly how much can be achieved will depend on how flexible Renfrewshire Council is on the use of the space. They own it after all, and would probably be maintaining it once the work was done. In particular, if (and it is a big if) we got the funds, would they forgo a full size football pitch in place of an all weather 5 a side area, or one of these "Multi Use Games Areas", similar to the ones in Elm Drivel or Craigenfeoch road Johnstone? Maybe we could fit in both? How often are the changing rooms used, could that flat area be used for something far better? The next step will be to write to the Council, to see what they think about these questions. I also need to write up the group discussions; then find someone to draw up a proper plan, based on these ideas, and seek further comment. After that, we could be in a position to apply for grants. Thanks to all who took time to attend, and to the Howwood Inn for letting us meet there.
Meanwhile HOWWOOD WILDLIFE and WOODLANDSs have been awarded a grant from the "Breathing Spaces" Big Lottery programme, so if the Japanese knotweed can be eradicated, then plans can progress to make that area a woodland garden, where people can take time to sit and watch the world go by. If you see orange plastic fencing, keep out of the area: it is being sprayed with chemicals to kill the dreaded JK, and its tough stuff, so will need several doses this summer, and next spring. 30/05/2007
HOWWOOD PARISH CHURCH: a barbeque is planned for Sunday 3rd June, after the church service.
ROADS: Bridesmill road reopened last week, and now has a splendid new surface from Howwood as far as Markethill. Tandlehill Road (Gardener's Antiques to lower Kilbarchan) is due to be closed now that Bridesmill Road has been done, for anyone who takes that route. Increased road traffic is expected on these roads, when AMEY starts work on the Roadhead roundabout, which is due to take place, some time over the summer. Part of Midton Road is due for resurfacing, and Scottish Gas will be replacing a section of gas main on Midton Road, between Main Street and Bowfield road, but the work is scheduled for the school holidays (starting Monday 9th July).
FETE: June is always busy with outdoor events in almost every corner of Scotland, and we are no exception. Lilias Day is on the 2nd, Lochwinnoch Gala on the 9th, Kilbarchan Agricultural Show on the 16th, and Howwood Village Fete Saturday 23rd of June. Tickets for the wind band concert (Friday 15th June) are on sale at the Post Office, or you can order them from Christine & Robert Scarsbrook (Tel: 01505 704083). Douglas should be back from holiday, so if anyone still wants a stall at the Fete, contact him (work number 0141581 2213). Don't forget the Quiz Night at Midton Bowling club on Tuesday 19th June. Teams of 4, entry £5 per team. This is always an excellent night, starts around 7.30pm; quiz masters, as in previous years George Mackay and Michael Quinn
GUIDES: I have been asked to include the following statement from the Guider. "It is with great regret that I have to announce the closure of 1st Howwood guide Unit. After the unit closes for the summer, it will not re-open. This is due to a lack of girls in the village wanting to join their local Guide unit. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the village who has supported the guide unit over the past 43 years. I would especially like to express my own personal thanks to the last remaining 5 guides who have been a credit to themselves and their families. Their loyalty and support have been an inspiration."
Semple Ranger Unit will still continue as usual on a Wednesday evening Howwood Parish Church at 7pm. Young women aged 14 - 25 years are invited to come along and see what the Ranger unit is about. If you wish to join the unit, you will be made most welcome. I can assure you that you will find it most rewarding and enjoyable. You will certainly never get bored! Anyone interested in the Semple Rangers can either phone Gayle (07900610198) or Alexis (07833610462).

25/05/2007
HOWWOOD PARISH CHURCH: the minister, David Stewart was in Malawi recently. If you would like to hear about his trip and try some Malawian food, come to the church on Thursday 24th May at 7.30pm. Also a barbeque is planned for Sunday 3rd June, after the church service.
ROADS: Bridesmill road reopened at the weekend, and now has a splendid new surface from Howwood as far as Markethill. Tandlehill Road (Gardener's Antiques to lower Kilbarchan) was due to be closed last week. Increased road traffic is expected on these roads, when AMEY starts work on the Roadhead roundabout, which is due to take place, some time over the summer.
PUBLIC MEETING: took place last Tuesday, around 50 people attended. There were two presentations: one from the ASIST(Anti social investigation team), who made it clear that you do not need to put any complaint in writing, you can phone and give details, they will come out and see you at home, but must report incidents to them (they are available during "office hours" on 01505 325030). If you do not report incidents to them or the Police (01505 40400) then they cannot act. If you would like to know about the services offered to those on the receiving end of anti-social behaviour, I have information packs, and there are some in the Village Hall. The heads of Housing and Social work (child care and criminal justice) in the Council, came to the same meeting to speak about the Homeless unit in the village: there was widespread concern following recent press reports about a temporary resident in the unit. The end result has been that that person was moved on rapidly and the house is no longer a homeless unit, and will be returned to the Council's stock of properties for rent. That is good news, but some people were understandably still annoyed because they felt the situation should never have arisen, and wanted re-assurance that it would not happen again. This the officials were not able to give, but personally I feel I now know far more about the duties placed on the Council to rehouse all sorts of people, and what a difficult task that is, and what dedication is required from those entrusted with this task. I think they and our newly elected councillors are now aware of the strength of feeling in our community, and that communication will be much better in the future. Remember society includes a small number of dangerous people, whether or not they have been caught, so it is wise to be vigilant and report anything suspicious. In a village like ours' strangers acting strangely should be obvious.
GUIDES: I have been asked to include the following statement from the Guider. "It is with great regret that I have to announce the closure of 1st Howwood guide Unit. After the unit closes for the summer, it will not re-open. This is due to a lack of girls in the village wanting to join their local Guide unit. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the village who has supported the guide unit over the past 43 years. I would especially like to express my own personal thanks to the last remaining 5 guides who have been a credit to themselves and their families. Their loyalty and support have been an inspiration."
Semple Ranger Unit will still continue as usual on a Wednesday evening Howwood Parish Church at 7pm. Young women aged 14 - 25 years are invited to come along and see what the Ranger unit is about. If you wish to join the unit, you will be made most welcome. I can assure you that you will find it most rewarding and enjoyable. You will certainly never get bored! Anyone interested in the Semple Rangers can either phone Gayle (07900610198) or Alexis (07833610462).
PUBLIC CONSULTATION: the Community Council hopes to apply for money to improve the park, and Howwood Wildlife and Woodlands plan to make a community garden in the area opposite the Howwood Inn. We would like to hear what you want to see in the park and garden, so are running an evening when you can come and tell us. We will meet in the Howwood Inn on Wednesday 30th May at 7.30 pm. The plan is to walk round the park with a few questions in mind; then retire to the hotel, where your thoughts will be compiled with the help of Pauline Gallacher (she facilitated the consultation days for the Village Design Plan in 2004). Sandwiches and tea/coffee will be served, please let me know if you intend to be there, so I can tell the hotel how many people to expect.18/05/2007
HOWWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL: will be represented at the Cancer Research UK Race for life by a primary 5 pupil who will be doing the race in Bellahouston park on Sunday 10th June along with her Mum and Gran. Cancer is something that has touched a lot of people in the past and this very worthwhile event raises awareness and money for the research that has seen so much development in the field of cancer research.
They would really appreciate your support, if you would like to make a donation you can do this either at the Village Post Office or for those of you who have access, you can make online donations at: http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/howwoodprimary . All contributions, no matter how small will be greatly appreciated.
HOWWOOD PARISH CHURCH: the annual plant sale will be on Friday 18th May at 7pm. Entry price is £1.50, for which you get tea and drop scones. If you are looking for bedding plants be there early, as they tend to go fast. The church is planning to run a holiday club in August, so if you are interested in helping contact the minister, David Stewart.
HOWWOOD WILDLIFE and WOODLANDS: will be holding another walk on Sunday 20th May, meet 2pm in the "Triangle". The walk will be in the Linister glen, aiming to identify as many bird songs, trees and wild flowers as possible. All welcome, please see that you have adequate footwear for the terrain. Also the half barrels are now in place at all entrances to the village, and will be planted up next week, to provide a floral welcome to Howwood.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION: the Community Council hopes to apply for money to improve the park, and Howwood Wildlife and Woodlands plan to make a community garden in the area opposite the Howwood Inn. We would like to hear what you want to see in the park and garden, so are running an evening when you can come and tell us. We will meet in the Howwood Inn on Wednesday 30th May at 7.30 pm. The plan is to walk round the park with a few questions in mind; then retire to the hotel, where your thoughts will be compiled with the help of Pauline Gallacher (she facilitated the consultation days for the Village Design Plan in 2004). Sandwiches and tea/coffee will be served, and if you would like something stronger, there is the bar! I will be sending out invites to all organisations in the village. If you do not get an invite no offence is intended, so please don't be miffed, but just let me know that you intend to be there, so I can tell the hotel how many people to expect10/05/2007
HOMELESS UNIT/SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY 15TH MAY : you may have seen the petition circulating calling for the immediate relocation of the Homeless unit away from Hallside street. This follows a most disturbing discovery that a convicted rapist and murderer had been moved into the property. Had it not been for the vigilance of local residents who wondered why there were press photographers outside the property, none of this would have come to light. The person was moved out later that evening, and the property lies empty; the petition makes it clear that this is not a campaign against the principle of a homeless unit. There are concerns over the length of time that it has been in the middle of the village. There are concerns too over anti-social behaviour and risk. Many needy families have been housed there, some still live in the village, and have been an asset to the community. However sending someone such as the afore mentioned is not acceptable, and we need to know how that was able to happen, and what the plans are for the house in the future. Ann Carruthers, Housing Advice & Homeless Services Manager and Jim Chalmers from the Anti Social Investigations Team, will attend the meeting on May 15th at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall, to which all members of the public are invited. Speakers will not be able to discuss individual cases at the meeting, but they will tell us how their services operate, and questions from the public will be allowed through the chairman of the meeting.
HOWWOOD PARISH CHURCH: the annual plant sale will be on Friday 18th May at 7pm. Entry price is £1.50, for which you get tea and drop scones. If you are looking for bedding plants be there early, as they tend to go fast. The church is planning to run a holiday club in August, so if you are interested in helping contact the minister, David Stewart.
HOWWOOD WILDLIFE and WOODLANDS: will be holding another walk on Sunday 20th May, meet 2pm in the "Triangle". The walk will be in the Linister glen, aiming to identify as many bird songs, trees and wild flowers as possible. All welcome, please see that you have adequate footwear for the terrain. Also the half barrels are now in place at all entrances to the village, and will be planted up next week, to provide a floral welcome to Howwood.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION: the Community Council hopes to apply for money to improve the park, and Howwood Wildlife and Woodlands plan to make a community garden in the area opposite the Howwood Inn. We would like to hear what you want to see in the park and garden, so are running an evening when you can come and tell us. We will meet in the Howwood Inn on Wednesday 30th May at 7.30 pm. The plan is to walk round the park with a few questions in mind; then retire to the hotel, where your thoughts will be compiled with the help of Pauline Gallacher (she facilitated the consultation days for the Village Design Plan in 2004). Sandwiches and tea/coffee will be served, and if you would like something stronger, there is the bar! I will be sending out invites to all organisations in the village. If you do not get an invite no offence is intended, so please don't be miffed, but just let me know that you intend to be there, so I can tell the hotel how many people to expect.
ELECTIONS: our Constituency (West Renfrewshire) MSP Trish Godman (Labour) was re-elected. The list MSPs for our area (West of Scotland) are Annabel Goldie, Jackson Carlaw (both Conservative), Ross Finnie (Liberal), and Stewart Maxwell, Gil Paterson, Bill Wilson and Stuart MacMillan (all SNP). On Renfrewshire Council we have 4 Councillors for the Johnstone South Elderslie and Howwood ward. They are John Caldwell, John Hood and Iain MacMillan (all Labour), and Tracie McGee (SNP) who lives in Howwood. If you remember, our opposition to being swallowed up by this super ward was ignored by the powers that be. I hope attention is not just focused on the bigger settlements in the ward, time will tell. 27/04/2007
PARK: it was a very pleasant surprise to see that Environmental Services of Renfrewshire Council have managed to repair the steps up to the park from Beith Road, and it looks as though the workmen have done a good job. All we need now is to improve the paths and other facilities. If you have any bright ideas of how the park in Howwood could be improved please let me know. You can always send an e-mail to the website (www.Howwood.com), or use the suggestion box in the Post Office.
POST OFFICE: key charging facility is now available at Howwood Post Office, several people had asked about it earlier in the year. Now its here, no need to go into Johnstone to access one.
HOWWOOD PLAYGROUP: is looking for new kids to come along after the summer holidays. So if you are a parent with a child who will be aged between two and a half and five in August, why not go along to the Village Hall on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 9.45 and 11.30 in the morning, and make yourself known to Kate or Fiona. Alternatively you can get more details from Karen on 01505 705643.
HOWWOOD CHURCH: there will be a celebration of Holy Communion next week. Also the Fairtrade sales table stops at the end of the month, but will return later in the year.
HOWWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCIL: next meeting is Tuesday 8th May, when Scott Allan will attend to give us an update on all matters relating to Roads. Any matter to go on the agenda, please let me know before the meeting. We were hoping to introduce a "fun run" around the Fete, but unfortunately we have not been able to find a suitably safe route, so there will not be one this time. If you are wanting a stall at the Fete though Douglas Paxton is the man to contact on 0141 581 2213 or e-mail: djpaxton@reidkerr.ac.uk
SAT NAV: it appears satelite navigation systems in cars are the favourite items to be stolen. If you have one take it out of the car completely when you park your car. Hiding it in the glove compartment is no good, apparently an experienced tea leaf can tell its there by the marks on the windscreen, or so I am reliably told. Maybe map reading will come back into fashion

19/04/2007
FANTASTIC WEATHER: these past days have been wonderful , more like summer than spring. Anyone who has taken the opportunity to be outside should have heard the songs of the first summer visitors from Africa: both Chiff-chaffs and Willow Warblers were singing away to announce their arrival. They come to northern Europe to breed when there is a plentiful supply of insects, which we have in abundance as soon as the weather turns warm!
HOWWOOD WILDLIFE AND WOODLANDS: had a walk across Whittliemuir on Saturday (blue route on the walks leaflet), in perfect weather. 10 people and 4 dogs went, and all returned sun burnt but safe. We took the opportunity to put several "Scotways" signs up on fenceposts, to make the route more obvious across the muir. The discs are green with "Scotways" written on them, and a direction arrow. The arrows all presume the route was being walked from North Castlewalls road to Hartfield (south to north), then along the public road, past the Trout loch to Bowfield road. Hopefully these will help people doing this walk, as the way past the former reservoir is not immediately obvious, and we did hear reports of people getting lost, having to phone for help.
HOWWOOD CHURCH: along with other churches in the area is holding a "prayer vigil" between 12 noon and 8pm in Paisley Abbey, on Wednesday 18th April. That is the national day for Zimbabwe, and the day of prayer is a symbol of solidarity with the people of that country, who have suffered long and hard.
HOWWOOD COMMUNITY COUNCIL: will be putting out another newsletter early in May, in conjunction with a road safety leaflet. If you are involved in a group/club in the village, and have activities planned, please let me know by Friday 20th April if you would like events advertised in the newsletter. The newsletter will have the dates for the Fete (23rd June), the Wind band concert (15th June)and the Fete week quiz at the Bowling Club(19th June). We still hope to have a "fun-run", but that is not certain at this stage. 10/04/2007
NAME THE PATH COMPETITION: the network of paths around Castle Semple Loch is progressing. The latest plan is for a path from near St Bryde's Bridge on the Sustrans Cycle way, to the Fancy Bridge round the base of "Deerhill". From there, the plan is for a bridge across the Black Cart, and a path round the south side of the loch to the RSPB reserve. The section from the RSPB/Lochwinnoch Station to Lochwinnoch has been completed and the one from Lochlip road to the Castle Semple Visitor, and then on to Blackditch Bay and the Cycleway are under construction. Any way if you have a bright idea for a name for the path, get a form from Linda in the Post Office and put pen to paper. The prize is a family activity day at Castle Semple Visitor Centre. Anyone can enter, whatever age.
HOWWOOD WILDLIFE AND WOODLANDS: are planning another guided walk on Saturday 14th April. Meet at 12 noon in the "Triangle": wear suitable protective clothing and footwear, the route will depend on the weather and numbers, but is likely to be the long (blue) walk across Hartfield Moss, if the weather is good. It will also provide an opportunity to see where any new way markers could be placed, at points where the route is not necessarily obvious. The group now has the lease on the piece of land between the steps and the park, opposite the Howwood Inn (the area of tress and the dreaded Japanese Knotweed). Once the knotweed has been treated we want to make it into a Community Garden;
plans will be drawn up, and if grant applications are successful work will be done over the next two years.
RECYCLING: good weather meant much gardening, and the first crop of grass clippings, so I phoned to find out when the Brown bins collection would start. They sent out a leaflet with the dates, which arrived the day after they started! Did anyone get a leaflet at the right time? Anyway, for most of the village the next uplift will be Thursday 19th April, then fortnightly: Mayfield and Torbracken it will be Friday 13th April, then fortnightly thereafter.
26/03/2007
SPRING CLEAN: the annual litter picking/clean up of the village is upon us. Meet at 2pm in front of the Village Hall on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March: black bags, gloves, tabbards, and litter pickers will be provided. So come and lend a hand, even for half an hour. Children are welcome, preferably with a well behaved adult in tow, and will be kept clear of roads. The Primary School is having a special school assembly on Tuesday 27th March when the "Litter muncher" will be taking charge: the children have designed some wonderful posters on this subject, you can see them in both shops, the Post Office, and on the noticeboard outside the hall. My personal favourite had the caption "Don't be a litter bug, or you'll get a smack in the gub!" Somewhat militant, but expresses how you feel about people who litter our lovely countryside with bottles, cans, fast food wrappers, builders' rubble and all kind of other stuff. And there must be a lot of people who do, judging by the amount of stuff there is. In contrast, a good example has been set by one resident who lives just outside the village, who cannot make the "Spring Clean" dates, so went out and cleared a huge amount of stuff between the village and Elliston Bridge when he could. That area is particularly bad, from passing motorists flinging stuff out of cars, and his efforts have been a great help. Thank you. If you want to do the same please let me know. We will have a skip in the Village Hall car park at the weekend, bags will be picked up and taken back there, by those who have volunteered the use of their vans. We live in a pleasant village, in attractive countryside: have some pride and keep it that way.

HOWWOOD SPORTS & HOBBIES GROUP: "please note that due to our ever increasing popularity we are unable to take on any new members for the Junior Group. We do not foresee that this situation will change in the new future, but will keep you posted if any new places become available."11/03/2007
HOWWOOD SPORTS & HOBBIES GROUP: "please note that due to our ever increasing popularity we are unable to take on any new members for the Junior Group. We do not foresee that this situation wi