This month will see the eagerly-awaited launch of local author Louise Turner’s debut novel Fire and Sword.  Based on events in the life of John, First Lord Semple, the book’s release takes place 500 years after the Battle of Flodden, where Lord John died along with around a third of the Scots nobility. 

WHERE: Castle Semple Centre
WHEN: 19.00 – 20.30
MORE INFO: 01505 842 882 Ex 20.

Last week Rangers at the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre noticed  5 eggs in the nest on10/06/13. Then on 14/06/13 the Rangers found an egg shell on the ground. Today 17/06/13 the Rangers saw on the webcam an adult feeding at least two chicks! Come up to the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre and see the new wee chicks for yourself!

The weather was kind on the day with blue skies gracing the 100 walkers going around the Greenock Cut.

The walkers set off shortly after 11am and had completed the 13km walk just after 2.30pm.

The timing was perfect, as clouds had bubbled up during the afternoon, all the walkers were comfortably drinking a well earned cup of tea and checking to see if they had won any raffle prizes as the clouds opened and a heavy downpour came down.

The sun really does ‘shine on the righteous’!

Finally a big thank you also goes to Senga Mcleod, Renfrewshire’s sports development walk coordinator, who has helped organise the annual “Pound and Pace” walk since 2007. Thank You!

We hope to see you all again next year.

On Tuesday 4th June 4 volunteers from EE call centre Greenock gave up their valuable time and came down to Lunderston Bay to help paint the children’s play area. The weather was perfect for painting, dry and warm and leader Jamie and his volunteers finished the task very quickly.  A quick litter pick on the beach and a environmental lesson on rock pools finished a perfect day. Many thanks to Jamie and his team. Remember if you would like to volunteer at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park to check out the website http://www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk/volunteering/

In 2012 over 50 participants took part raising over £300! It is hoped that this year the total raised will be even higher.  You do not need to be a member of a walking group to get involved, anyone can take part  – all you need to do is donate a POUND (£1 to charity) & PACE (walk).

The RAF Lossiemouth Search and Rescue Service was chosen as beneficiary due to the involvement of its services when a member of the Renfrewshire walking network had to be airlifted to hospital last summer after sustaining an ankle injury.  The walker made a full recovery due to the team’s quick response.  The incident then featured on an episode of Channel 5’s Highland Emergency.

Since the first walk in 2007 nearly 600 members and friends of the Health Walking Groups in Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde & North Ayrshire have taken part.  The route is 10.5 km or 7.5 miles long and follows the historic line of the restored Greenock Cut, the mini canal that took water for power and drinking water to the people of Greenock in the 19^th and early 20^th century.

Senga McLeod, Walking Development Officer for Renfrewshire Council’s Youth & Sports Services said: “Pound And Pace has become a popular Annual Walking Event, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park plays host to many people from surrounding local authorities who come and take part and enjoy a day of healthy sociable walking whilst raising funds for local charities.”

Michael Holcombe, Senior Ranger at the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre said:  “The recent restoration work has given the 180 year old Cut a new lease of life with more people getting out and enjoying the health benefits of this very scenic level route way.  We hope this organised walk will encourage more people to get out and take advantage of the access improvements as well.” 

It you would like more information about taking part, or would like to donate a raffle prize please contact tel 01475 521 458 or drop into the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre at Cornalees. The Centre is open Monday to Sunday all season from 11am until 4pm with an interactive exhibition about the Greenock Cut, a family friendly wildlife tank, swallowcam plus information on walks and wildlife, events and activities plus refreshments and gifts.