Clyde Life

£

P

ri

celes

s

ClydeLife.co.uk

For Local Living

12 Days of Christmas – A Mother’s Alternative A Butcher’s look at the Christmas Turkey

Nick Nairn & Vanishing Willows

Delivered by hand

Skelmorlie Wemyss Bay Port Glasgow Gourock Greenock Inverkip Langbank Kilmacolm Quarrier’s ■

■

■

■

■

December/January Issue 4 2012

■

FREE to over 15,000 homes

Unwanted furniture & electricals?

We’ll collect them for FREE to help save lives Call 0844 248 9127* or book online at bhf.org.uk/collection • Suites & Lounge furniture • Tables • Beds & Bedroom furniture • TVs, DVDs, Hi-Fi’s • Washing machines & Fridges • Dishwashers • Small electrical items

British Heart Foundation Furniture & Electrical Store 69-71 West Blackhall Street Greenock PA15 1XE We also offer a house clearance service (charges may apply).

beating heart disease together Please don’t be disappointed if we are unable to accept items for reasons of safety or quality. Free collection on small items is at the discretion of the Store Manager. Our van drivers will make the final decision on any donations collected. *Calls cost 6p per minute from a BT landline. Charges from other providers and mobiles may vary. Registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426)

Welcome Welcome from the Editor

December/January Issue 4, 2012 Publisher: Life Magazines & Publications Editor: Charles Briggs

Welcome to the Christmas edition of Clyde Life.

Features Editor: Ellen Arnison ellen@clydelife.co.uk Journalists / Feature writers: Karen Orr Julie Ellen 3 Sisters Bake Jenny Provan Angela Darroch Nick Nairn Iain Milligan Stewart Phillips Nancy Cameron Claire Paterson David Finnis Gareth Welsh Latte Man Angela Barr Mariessa Devlin Drew McKenzie Jean Adamson Neil McIntosh Contact Info: Editorial: 07788-923054 Advertising: 01505-871962 Email: editor@clydelife.co.uk Web: www.clydelife.co.uk Printers: Buxton Press, Derbyshire, UK Graphic Design: Phil Cunningham www.creative-magazine-designer.co.uk Advert Design: Nicole Partridge BA(hons)

This year was very unusual for me, with all this talk about Christmas in October. I’ve always thought it wrong to get excited about Christmas before Remembrance Day and even more so now with so many of our services personnel on active duty overseas. We are therefore delighted to include in this edition recipes from Nick Nairn (pages 30 and 31) who is a fantastic supporter of Erskine through the Vanishing Willows Café.

As Christmas begins to draw near and the stress levels rise, Ellen Arnison offers a mother’s alternative to the traditional 12 days of Christmas (pages 38 and 39) and for turkey lovers you must read Drew McKenzie’s A Butcher’s Look at Christmas (page 28) For those with dinners to plan there are tips on creating the ideal menu from 3 Sisters Bake (pages 20 and 21) and Christmas baking ideas from Jenny Provan at Cookie Catering (pages 26 and 27). Talking of catering, Fiona Phillips of Aulds takes us through their Christmas specials and why this is such a magical time of year to be at Aulds (pages 24 and 25).

Starting in this edition we have a new regular column from Angela Barr, a well known local Interior Designer (pages 52 and 53) and from February we have new regular columns written by well known local people covering finance, technology and marketing.

We are pleased to welcome new advertisers to this edition. One Union Hair Spa (page 33) who are offering music and a DJ during December while you are at the salon and Sherlocks (page 61) who are running a free-to-enter competition with a great prize. We also have One Cove Road, a new bistro in Gourock which, from personal experience, we can confidently recommend.

We have a number of health and wellbeing features from back pain, to pilates, to hypnotherapy, to eyecare and promotions from locally based practitioners and experts.

With Christmas coming there is no need to head out of Inverclyde to find that perfect gift – unique jewellery and handbags at Ulla Jewellery in Greenock and special gifts available at Kilmacolm Antiques, Threads of Kilmacolm and its neighbour Fernie and Florence.

So may I be the first to wish you a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year – see you again in February.

gs Charles Brig Charles Briggs

£

P

ri

Editor Clyde Life Magazine

celes

s

ClydeLife.co.uk

For Local Living

Clyde Life is delighted to announce that from the next edition (Feb/Mar) we have extended our distribution to include Largs and Fairlie.

This will take our distribution up to 21,000 hand delivered copies with a further 3,000 available in selected outlets including Tesco @ Port Glasgow.

12 Days of Christmas – A Mother’s Alternative A Butcher’s look at the Christmas Turkey

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial

Nick Nairn & Vanishing Willows

Delivered by hand

Skelmorlie Wemyss Bay Port Glasgow Gourock Greenock Inverkip Langbank Kilmacolm Quarrier’s ■

■

■

■

■

FREE to over 15,000 homes

■

December/January Issue 4 2012

Front Cover Photograph: Don’t forget to recycle your tree.

contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors, or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. The Sales Partnership Limited does not officially endorse any advertising material included in this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 1

Contents Clyde Life Issue 4

4

6

10

14

20

24

Pets & Vets

4 An egg-scrutiating moment in one vet’s life

Arts Scene & Heard

6 The Arts Guild Theatre and The Beacon: A View of the Clyde

8 Book Reviews 10 The Art of Framing 12 Top 10 Christmas Singles 14 Blogging for Happiness 16 Arts Beat roundup for Christmas

Food & Drink

22 Ready, steady, festive 24 Ding Dong Merrily with pie 26 Let the Magic Begin –

Health & Wellbeing

28 A Butcher’s look at

44 The eyes have it 64 An exercise system that

Christmas Baking Christmas Dinner

30 Share some kitchen magic 33 Music from the hairdresser Christmas Features

34 Christmas Gift ideas 36 Cycling Stocking fillers 37 A little special and a lot

40 Back again 42 From Mesmer to Therapy Centre

really works

Children & Family

46 How to choose childcare 48 Growing children 72 Buying a Kids bike for Christmas

Scottish

38 An alternative 12 days of Christmas

18 Come on in 20 How to cook up the best dinner party ever

2 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

@clydelifemag

Your complete guide to Christmas and beyond

36

44

46

52

56

68

Home & Lifestyle

52 An illuminating way to decorate 54 Something’s gone wrong with the

Polished black granite headstone.

plumbing

For only

56 Duvet Day 58 How to choose the right

£450* The price includes:

wedding dress

Up to 100 painted letters in silver or gold†

62 Friends of Wemyss Bay Station

Delivery and installation to NAMM specifications using an approved ground anchor system and foundation

Outdoors & Activities

Flower container One of a large selection of high quality headstones

66 Clyde Murshiel Country Park roundup

68 A tree is for life 70 Gardeners relaxation 74 Finlaystone Christmas Programme

MM NA

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MEMORIAL MASONS

For further information please contact your local funeral home

Greenock

78-84 West Blackhall Street

01475 723376

Terms and conditions apply. *The price is for a polished black granite headstone as shown and is inclusive of VAT. The price does not include Cemetery or Permission fees (which are set by the burial authorities). Cemetery or permission fees will be added to the price shown and we will advise you of these. †Additional costs apply in excess of 100 letters. A deposit is required for all orders, with the balance payable upon completion.

194822_Greenock_TCF_masonry_leaflet_A5_1-1.pgs BLACK YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 3

An egg-scrutiating moment in one vet’s life Daily Record vet Neil McIntosh tells his favourite story of life at the business end of a night time visit to a farm.

Picture the scene.

The quiet of a snow-covered farmyard is disturbed by the crunch of tires and a young vet is able to find his way to the cow shed solely by the light of the moon. To save his embarrassment, we shall call him Kevin, even though his real name is Colin.

Inside, a young heifer lies groaning, stuck in the process of giving birth for the first time. The farmer is anxious: his beast is in great discomfort and her survival, along with that of the calf, is very important to his herd.

Two hours later, both farmer and vet are sweating despite the cold. As they leave the byre, their breath misting in the morning air, we can look inside and see a cow, now come of age, gently licking the head of a newborn calf as it struggles to take its first, tentative steps. The farmer, contented and grinning, pats Kevin on the shoulder and invites him in for breakfast.

Kevin, his heart rate soaring, freezes.

Because Kevin, unusual though it may seem, has had a lifelong aversion to eggs. In fact, they make him feel quite sick.

And he knows this farmer just loves his eggs.

Certainly, the numerous hens and ducks pottering around give a clue to this but Kevin knows that every visit he has previously done here has been proudly rewarded with a present of a half dozen eggs, carefully boxed and handed to him as he leaves. These, although apparently gratefully accepted, he has always given away as soon as possible, as even the sight of them turns his stomach.

Now, however, he finds himself seated at the breakfast table, filled to the brim with apprehension and too embarrassed to speak out. As the farmhand joins them to eat, the farmer approaches and deposits, with aplomb, a smooth, brown, boiled egg into each of the three egg cups in front of them. Hands shaking, Kevin swallows hard in the knowledge that he does not even know what to do with the horrible thing.

As he begins to sweat again (though this time his skin is clammy) he glances to his right and realises he must take his cue from the farmer who has lifted his egg and is tapping it gently with a spoon.

4 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

With uncertain fingers and a nervous gulp, Kevin picks up his egg, completely alien to him though it is.

His trembling hands manage to grip it and he bravely succeeds in a tap tap tap with the spoon until its hard outer breaks. Furtively looking right again, he spies the farmer meticulously peeling the remaining shell from the egg. Although completely revolted by the glistening white flesh that he is exposing, Kevin does the same, his mouth dry and his heart thumping in his chest.

Completely clean now, the egg squats fat, ugly and naked in front of Kevin, grimacing up at him. In his mind, Kevin fears it is alive and wonders how he will ever eat it. But now the farmer continues, grinding the egg up with a fork. Incredulous, Kevin does the same until his egg is a nasty pulp on his plate. The sudden appearance of the moist, oozing, yellow centre gives him the dry boak.

Kevin looks up now and sees both farmer and farmhand staring at him in astonished bewilderment.

And in an instant he understands why, as the farmer takes his own mashed egg and swiftly puts it on the floor for the cat to eat. He then replaces it with another, which he deftly cuts the top off with a knife so that he can scoop it out with a spoon, just as the farmhand has done with his.

Kevin, realising he is well past the point of explaining his aversion, takes as long to nibble at his devastated, unappetising egg as he did to calve the cow.

@clydelifemag

Pets and Vets

A dog or cat is for life... really Puppies and kittens don’t make the best Christmas presents… there is just far too much going on for you to be able to concentrate on the first two weeks they are with you. This period is really important. Instead of just mollycoddling, it is when you should concentrate on house training, basic training and socialisation.

Remember puppies have an important socialisation period between the ages of three and 10 weeks.

During this time, they are accepting of new people, sounds, smells and sights. Unfortunately, at this age, pups need to be confined to the house before they are vaccinated. It is crucial therefore that they are introduced to a wide variety of experiences and that they receive a positive response to them. So it’s great to let them hear the hustle and bustle at Christmas as long as they do not appear frightened but avoid shrieking kids.

The curse of fireworks recurs at Christmas and New Year. Never mind “a dog is for life, not just for Christmas”, it now seems “fireworks are not just for Guy Fawkes”. If you have a new puppy in the house, it is really worth desensitising him to loud noises.

You could start just by clanging a few dishes at feeding times, so that the noise is associated with having a good time. Don’t overdo it. Your vet may be able to help by providing desensitisation CDs, which contain

a variety of sounds. Heh. It also helps to turn on the vacuum cleaner every now and then. (and the hairdryer, iPod, washing machine etc etc) Never make a fuss at loud sounds. If the kids are jumping around, screaming at fireworks, then the dog will too.

Don’t let your dog become a “foreign body” statistic at Christmas. Every year, we have to operate on unfortunate pets who have succumbed to the temptation of the treasures beneath the tree and swallowed something they shouldn’t have. Setting aside the risk from chocolate poisoning, foreign bodies include tinsel in cats and soft toys in dogs. In fact, our animals will eat just about anything.

Surgery is expensive and not without risk.

Don’t let your pets have a shocking time at Christmas.

Every year, electric cables are bitten. Use a circuit breaker in those Christmas lights and in rooms where pets are left unattended.

“With over 100 years of experience we are very proud that we are now the only veterinary practice in Paisley and Inverclyde that still provides a personal 24/7 Emergency Service, which is run by our own staff at our own surgery at reasonable cost.”

WHO WOULD YOU TRUST TO LOOK AFTER YOUR PET? SPECIAL OFFER: BUY 4 DOSES OF WORMER AND ONLY PAY FOR 3 (we are already cheaper per tablet than Asda, Tesco, Pets at Home and Lloyds)

Paisley 0141 887 4111 Greenock 01475 721155

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 5

The Arts Guild Theatre and Julie Ellen, artistic director of the emerging Beacon Arts Centre reflects on the river and what it means to her as she looks forward to the changes over the next few months.

My first view of the Clyde was when, whilst training as an actor in Edinburgh, I came to see Bill Bryden’s play The Ship at Harland and Wolff, Govan. As I crossed the bridge heading south I was surprised and saddened to see that the riverside was empty, with few people and no facilities to attract anyone down to the waterside, that in many cities would be a centre point of social life. When I saw the play it was a moving, powerful reminder of the Clyde’s past and on-going identity as a place of heavy industry.

The relationship between the river and leisure time becomes more apparent as you journey west into Inverclyde. The Clyde widens, the horizon opens out and sign posts to the ferries at Gourock, Wemyss Bay, Largs and Ardrossan lead to thoughts of day trips and holidays; ice cream on the beach and chips on the promenade. It’s easy to imagine the excitement of all those from times past for whom trips out of the city to the seaside was a great adventure, time away from daily struggles.

Since the early 1950s many people have spent some of their leisure time in a different way; on the stage,

6 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

back stage or in the auditorium at Greenock’s Arts Guild Theatre. It is a busy, popular venue and as far back as the mid 1980s it was clear that the well-used and much-loved facilities would need comprehensive renovation and upgrading. We are unable to provide toilet facilities for wheelchair users and the wiring, plumbing and heating all need replacement as they are so costly to maintain.

So the task of raising funds began and, after years of hard work, an application was made to the National Lottery in October 2004 for grant assistance for the full renovation and extension of the existing buildings.

That application was approved, which allowed the Guild to appoint a design team in June 2006. It was quickly apparent that the most effective and economical option would be to demolish the existing premises and create a purpose designed arts centre.

A first stage of a new-build design was completed in December 2006 at an estimated cost of £5.7million.

In December 2006, given the advice to opt for a new-build project, Inverclyde Council suggested that the Guild should move its premises to a more central site in Greenock within the boundaries of Riverside Inverclyde, the local Urban Regeneration Company.

This would give greater prominence to the building and enhance public access. When a site became available on the waterfront, adjacent to East India Harbour it was a fantastic opportunity to create a

@clydelifemag

Arts Scene & Heard

The Beacon: A View of the Clyde leisure facility of the highest standard and building began in late 2010.

In July this year I took up post as artistic director for the Arts Guild Theatre to lead the company towards the move to The Beacon in September 2012. Every day as I travel to work I get a few minutes to look out over the water to the north and appreciate the splendour of the scenery.

I am glad to say that leisure activity on the Clyde has grown in recent years with the opening of the Transport Museum, Greenock-based company Clyde Clippers extending their ferry services and the SECC building a new National Arena. There are however still only a few places to kick back and relax in comfort with a drink or a meal that make the most of views of the river and the surrounding countryside.

I, and many of the users of the Arts Guild Theatre, will be sad to see it close but in doing that we will move to a new site for the new arts centre. Like its predecessor, The Beacon will provide the best of arts facilities for its time but it will have that very special added extra, a spectacular view through floor to ceiling windows in the bistro and other public rooms.

I have thought of that first sight of the Clyde often over the last few months and the sense of disappointment I had that there wasn’t a place to go to really enjoy the river view. As 2011 draws to a close and our thoughts turn to the year ahead all of those involved look forward to welcoming you to The Beacon, providing the best quality bistro facilities, the best arts facilities and an opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful of views, across the river Clyde to the hills beyond in 2012.

ARTS GUILD THEATRE Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs Date: 3-17 Dec (excluding Sundays) at 7:30pm (plus 2:30pm on 3rd & 10th) Tickets: £7 Greenock Players Annual Pantomime

By John Morley Fun for families of all ages !

For tickets contact Margaret Hoey at www.greenockplayers.org.uk or call 01475 792745 Christmas Crooners Tuesday 20th December at 2:30pm and 8pm Tickets £16.50, Matinee £12 Now in its’ sixth year “Christmas Crooners” features many of the Christmas favourites of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Ol’ blue eyes himself, Clyde Life Magazine

Frank Sinatra.

A fantastic cast of West-End Singers, backed by the superb and talented Jazz All-Stars perform over 30 well known Christmas hits including “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire”, “Little Drummer Boy and many swing arrangements of Christmas hymns and songs including “God rest ye merry gentlemen”, “Deck the Halls and “Silent Night”.

The Wizard of Oz Thursday 22nd December at 3:15pm and 6:30pm Tickets £9, concessions £7 M&M Theatrical Productions takes children’s entertainment to a new level as you are transported to an enchanting

and magical land in this wonderful adaptation. Dorothy thinks she is lost forever when a terrifying tornado crashes through Kansas and whisks her and her dog, Toto, far away to the magical land of Oz. To get home Dorothy must follow the yellow brick road to The Emerald City and find the wonderful mysterious Wizard of Oz. Dorothy Paul Date: 10 Mar 2012 7:30pm Tickets: £18 (Concession £17)

Arts Guild Theatre Campbell Street, Greenock PA16 8AP www.artsguildtheatre.co.uk

Bookings Hotline 01475 723038 Programme for next year will be printed in the next edition of Clyde Life published on 3rd February 2012 www.clydelife.co.uk | 7

Arts Scene & Heard

The Help: The Author

where matters aren’t always black and white Book review by Gareth Welsh The Help, Kathryn Stockett, £7.99 Penguin Books

Kathryn Stockett was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi.

This is her first novel.

This book has been on the bestseller lists since it was published last year and has now been made into a film. I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype and wanted to read it before seeing the film.

This book is set in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962, “where black maids raise white children but aren’t trusted not to steal the silver”. A time and place where overt racism is endemic, where blacks and whites go to different schools, shop in different places and live in different parts of town. This is also a turbulent time, as the Civil Rights movement is starting to gather momentum.

This book focuses on the daily lives of a group of white American women and their maids. The women’s days are spent together but they are worlds apart.

It is a novel told from the perspectives of three characters Aibileen, Minny and Miss Skeeter. Feeling more and more frustrated at her inability to change things Miss Skeeter begins a project persuading Aibileen and Minny to help her compile a book of the maids’ stories at great risk to all and with potentially drastic consequences.

The great thing about this book is how well-drawn all the characters are. Skeeter whose growing sense of outrage and her will to do something about it alienates her from the world she knows; Aibileen who tragically lost her son two years before the story

8 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

starts, and is raising her seventeenth white baby; and Minny, hard as nails, but moved to tears when her white boss stands up for her.

Even the loathsome characters are well-rounded and believable. Hilly, the chairman of the Women’s League is truly awful and personifies the real invidious nature of racism. She is so much a product of the world she inhabits she has no conception that there is anything wrong with the way she thinks or behaves.

This is a really engrossing and compelling book that transports you so effectively into its characters’ world.

It is also a really important book. It is easy to forget how recently the views of some of the main characters were completely accepted. I would urge anyone to read it.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy – John Le Carre

This is one of those books that everyone thinks they know - a classic spy thriller and the first in Le Carre’s ‘Karla’ trilogy. In fact, given that it has been adapted for television – the seminal 1979 series starred the late Sir Alec Guinness as George Smiley - and more recently turned into a new movie, in which Gary Oldman puts on the famous glasses and steps into the role, some would argue that watching is enough, so why bother reading?

The answer is that no adaptation, however good, could hope to truly replicate the intricate plots and subplots of the novel itself. Not for nothing is Le Carre recognised as the master of espionage writing, managing the different story strands and using his own inside knowledge to immerse the reader in the world of Cold War intelligence – even down to the famous use of ‘Tradecraft’ jargon.

The initial premise may seem straightforward.

Following a disastrous operation in Czechoslovakia, resulting in the shooting of a key agent, Smiley is brought back from his enforced retirement to investigate the possibility that there may be a Soviet mole amongst the highest ranks of MI6. Smiley and his trusted associate Peter Guillam, must proceed without alerting the leaders of ‘The Circus’, unpicking the knot to discover the truth, and ‘spying on the spies’.

A truly great spy thriller which perfectly captures the fear and tension of the Cold War era – guaranteed to keep you turning the pages until the very end. @clydelifemag

Gorgeous & Affordable Christmas

Clothes & Bag - Threads

Our FabNewlous store Filled with oodles of new ideas Fab fashions & great gifts All welcome!

Threads of Kilmacolm

3 Drumpellier Place, Kilmacolm, PA13 4HE ~ 01505 873841 HILLY & BOO ~ 165b Hyndland Rd, Glasgow, G12 9HT ~ 0141 334 5057 Clyde Life Magazine www.clydelife.co.uk |9

Advertorial

How thoughtful framing can transform your rooms Good picture frames shouldn’t be reserved for expensive works of art, in fact, done right an unloved old picture can become a stunning centrepiece.

We all agree, a house should be turned into a home, and one of the most effective – yet often overlooked – ways of doing this is by furnishing the walls.

Decorating the walls throughout the house needn’t be a chore or cost the earth. In fact you may already have something hidden away that will do the job perfectly.

Alan Wilson of WD Art & Framing in Quarriers Village explains: “As picture framers we see clients everyday who tell us about old pictures or photos which have been lying around the house for years.

They have never even considered hanging them on the wall, as they feel the current frame does not do the image justice.

“We’ll ask them to bring it in and, of course, when they do they are amazed to see their old tired picture transformed into something beautiful.

“We can tell you from experience that there is a perfect picture frame for every picture. In fact there is an old saying in the framing business ‘a great picture deserves a great frame and a bad picture needs one’.”

The point is you shouldn’t discard an old image because you don’t think it will work. If you take it to an experienced and passionate framer the results will be inspired.

They will make the whole process as easy and enjoyable as possible. Andrew Hillcoat, picture framer from WD Art & Framing considers it the best part of the job.

10 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

Picture perfect: Andrew, left, and Alan from WD Framers

“I love helping customers pick the perfect frame.

We have great fun together pulling mouldings off the wall and looking through all the options.

Sometimes we get it first time and other times it takes a few tries, but to the customer this is a very important process so I take great pride in helping them pick the perfect frame,” he says.

So, start by having a good look around the attic, basement, drawers or garage and see what you find.

It could be anything from the kid’s school painting you stuck to the fridge to a large canvas artwork. And don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can’t frame it due to size or shape.

Andrew adds: “Believe us when we say anything can be framed. In fact the more wacky the more fun our job becomes. We have a unique approach to framing that leads to fantastic results. We offer all styles and prices and specialise in hand finished frames making our service unique which creates a more diverse range of options for our customers.”

A well-framed photo could also be the ideal gift this year, especially as many people are hoping to be more clever than extravagant this year. Equally, a new frame for a loved old picture could be perfect.

“After all, a beautifully framed picture’s not just for Christmas. It’s for life,” adds Andrew.

WD Art & Framing is an art gallery, framers and studio located in Quarrier’s Village. The gallery stocks a wide range of original artworks by some of Scotland’s leading artists, as well as signed limited edition prints, ceramics and glassware, jewellery and gifts.

@clydelifemag

Advertorial

Here’s an example from Andrew and Alan of just how effective the right frame can be.

BEFORE This framed print of The Botanic Gardens was brought into us recently. Obviously the glass is cracked, but the most obvious mistake for me is the choice of frame - not only has it been bashed about a bit, but why was a brown frame chosen? It doesn’t do the image any justice.

People often think choosing a frame that matches the furniture is the correct thing to do but, in this case, it completely kills the image. Notice also the discoloured text in the small window on the mount. There must be literally thousands of similar frames lying around people’s houses, and perhaps some actually still on the walls.

Arts Scene & Heard

AFTER Now, isn’t that immediately more interesting to look at? Firstly, the frame was chosen to complement the colours in the image. We used an antique silver with a charcoal undercolour, but a modern and uncompromising shape ­- simple is best most of the time. We nearly opted for plain black which would’ve looked good also, but this choice of frame is more subtle.

We used a triple mount, which works well, drawing the eye into the image - almost a frame within a frame.

Neutral tones are most often used with mounts we’ve used a pale grey between the inner and outer mounts, which again complements the colours in the image. And a new, larger, more readable text area means you don’t need to squash your nose against the glass to read it.

Winter Moon

by Emma S Davis RSW

WILSON DAVIS Art & Framing Faith Avenue Quarriers Village Bridge of Weir Inverclyde PA11 3SX info@wilsondavis.co.uk www.wilsondavis.com TELEPHONE +44 (0)1505 610810 Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 11

Stop the cavalry, do they know it’s merry Christmas everybody?

Latte man wonders if it’s possible to have a credible Christmas top ten single?

That time is almost upon us again and we may be hitting the most controversial subject of all in pop music - the Christmas top ten singles.

If we don’t completely ditch our music credibility at Christmas then it is at least put on a back burner. Do I need to remind you of Mr Blobby or, even more criminally, The Cheekie Girls?

Can you have a “credible” Christmas single, or do we have to accept that nostalgia and naffness go together at this time? When we read that Rolf Harris’s Two Little Boys has become a classic, then it may well be time to reach for the happy pills.

If you search the internet via the medium of Google then you can find “credible” Christmas top tens although you may not recognise any of the songs within them.

Unremitting musos, such as Jo “live lounge” Whiley, will have one with unreleased bootleg Bob Dylan tracks or Nick Cave singing Frosty the Snowman in Warlpiri (aboriginal language) and there is bound to be an Andy Kershaw African Christmas compilation blue vinyl album lying in a dusty corner of what we used to know as a record store.

I believe however that Christmas is about tradition and is about being proud to say you like at least one Mariah Carey track (it’s okay, go ahead it’s Christmas, people will understand). It is fair to say that there have been some very famous Christmas singles which are, not to hold back, just rubbish: Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas? – appalling drivel written by Midgure (Gavin and Stacey gag) and Bob Geldof, who both proved this fact by never writing anything remotely entertaining ever again; anything

family run Italian bistro breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffees 7 days a week 9am ‘til late

12 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

by Cliff Richard; or Paul McCartney, for example The Frog Chorus. Need I say more?

However there are some songs that manage to be both cool and popular at the same time.

Last Christmas by Wham, Merry Christmas Everybody by Slade, and I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day by Wizzard will all have knowledgeable people nodding their sage heads in due respect. Put these together with classics such as White Christmas, The Christmas Song and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and you really can’t go wrong.

Here are my top ten Christmas singles. There are many good tunes missing, you may not agree with the list and yes, Andy Williams is really uncool, but I love them all, every last one of them. In this festive season have yourself a merry Christmas and God bless you one and all.

I am a music lover and music bore to boot. I am keen to know what others out there would have as their Top Ten Christmas singles. Please let me know your suggestions on our Facebook page.

White Christmas – Bing Crosby Last Christmas – Wham The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year – Andy Williams Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland All I want for Christmas is You – Mariah Carey I’ll be home for Christmas – Frank Sinatra I wish it could be Christmas everyday – Wizzard Merry Christmas Everybody – Slade Fairytale of New York – The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl

3 course Christmas menu now available

01475 520011

W NE Italian

ice cream in a variety of delicious flavours

www.cafebongio.com

Kip Park, Main Street, Inverkip PA16 0AS

@clydelifemag

A Musical Celebration Hosted by Professor John Wallace CBE

Principal, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Enjoy a magical evening of Christmas classics and festive favourites performed by junior and senior pupils from St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm – soloists, ensembles, choirs, orchestra, pipe band and some carols for all.

Thursday 15th December, Greenock Town Hall, 7.00-9.30pm Tickets: £6 each/4 tickets £20 (inc light refreshment at interval) To order tickets, please visit www.st-columbas.org t: 01505 872238 or e: nmckay@st-columbas.org St Columba’s School, Duchal Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4AU St Columba’s School Ltd is a registered charity SCO 12598

Kilmacolm Antiques

The Old Post Office Faith Avenue Quarriers Village Bridge Of Weir PA11 3NP

01505615122 Clyde Life Magazine

(next to Wilson Davis Fine Art)

Proprietor

Hilary Maclean

www.clydelife.co.uk | 13

Blogging for

Arts Scene & Heard

Happiness

A local mum, whose often hilarious and sometimes sombre online take on family life became an internet success story, has gone old school and written a book on how she did it.

Ellen Arnison, 44, has dropped the keyboard for the pen and written Blogging for Happiness, a guide to Improving Positive Mental Health (and Wealth) from your Blog.

The book offers the reader the inside track on how to make money, ease your mind and make sense of the world around you simply by sharing the joy and the pain with the unseen online universe.

The book is based around the mumof-three’s experiences of writing a successful blog that has seen her go through post natal depression, three

bouts of intense grief and come out the other side smiling, still writing and making money.

The book is based on her blog In A Bundance - an online and very public diary that tells the story of the pitfalls of her day to day life with three boys, a husband and various other frustrations.

The journalist and professional blogger, from Bridge of Weir, found that as more people started reading her tales of woe and joy, companies became interested in her promoting their products and looked for advertising space.

And now her book, due out this month, details the process of getting a blog recognised, building up a following, how the whole process of writing and communicating with the world at large can act as a therapy and release pent up anger and frustrations.

Ellen said: “Blogging for Happiness is a book that is about doing just that; writing online to make you feel better about what is going on around you.

“I suffered a series of terrible tragedies very close together and found myself drowning in a sea of emotions I could not contain.

“Writing them down and finding others who understood was fantastic therapy.

14 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

“I didn’t realise at first how much it was helping me break free from my depression but as the blog grew so did my confidence.”

And Ellen, who also works with STV, claimed that as she became more confident, the blog became more successful which in turn led to it starting to make money.

She added: “The book details the process from simply how to get the blog up and running, how to avoid the pitfalls and how to get your views out there.

“It also explains the best way to try and make some money from your writing.

Blogging is one of the fastest growing markets out there and there is plenty of room for more people to join in and tell the world about their lives.

“This book is about showing people how that can be done and what it can do for you in both the short and long term.”

Through her own experiences and including advice from other online specialists, Blogging for Happiness will show readers how this massively popular social media can enrich their lives both mentally and financially.

Blogging for Happiness is published by Nell James Publishers and costs £9.99 from Amazon.co.uk.

@clydelifemag

Home Furnishings • Jewellery • Card, Wrap & Ribbon Ceramics & Textiles • Bags & Scarves • Flowers 6 St James Terrace | Kilmacolm PA13 4HB Tel: 01505 872880 | www.fernieandflorence.com Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 15

Art beat Is it that time of the year again already? Christmas is on the charge and the January blues are just around the corner. From a visual arts perspective Karen Orr of RIG Arts has a look at what to get up to during the countdown and beyond.

Karen Orr

The long-anticipated Glasgow Boys exhibition is now open at the McLean Museum, Greenock and will run until mid January. It’s a fascinating exhibition which draws together works by some of Scotland’s most famous artists.

The exhibition displays all the paintings by members of the Glasgow Boys in the Museum’s collection for the first time. In addition to works by John Lavery, George Henry, David Gauld and James Patterson there are many other wonderful works including two paintings

by E A Hornel.

Pottery St, Greenock either to look at the work or to take part in a class. Please visit www.rig-art.co.uk.

As ever, Gourock is a hub of creativity with its eclectic mix of interesting shops selling unique and original gifts. Original Artists sells a diverse range of art from its trendy little gallery along with original handcrafted gifts, cards, ceramics and jewellery. An exciting display is the vibrant furniture of local artist Janette Sultan who makes bright and colourful work from recycled materials. It looks amazing.

It covers oil and watercolour paintings and contains a fine group of watercolours by James Patterson and a spectacular scene of a Spanish bullfight by Arthur Melville. In addition to some of the Museum’s most popular works, the exhibition also displays some less familiar works such as James Nairn’s Portrait of a Woman, which shows the influence of Whistler and George Henry’s Portrait of Mrs. Riddell, a member of the well-known Inverclyde family.

RIG Arts’ Christmas show is on from November 25 to December 10, just off the M8 in Greenock. A wide range of diverse and exciting work is on display.

There is artwork to suit every pocket and taste. It’s an amazing sight, like a salon hanging with work covering every space from floor to ceiling. An added extra is that the RIG Gallery has different talented artists and crafters selling their work over the weekends of December 3 and 10. RIG is situated beside the Cottage Café where folks can sit down and enjoy a hot cuppa and bite to eat whilst enjoying the beautiful watercolours of talented artist Aileen Wrennall. Don’t drive past, stop and pop in. It’s definitely worth visiting the artists at RIG Arts, Ladyburn Business Centre,

16 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

As I Kneel (Stirling Fine Art Gallery)

@clydelifemag

Arts Scene & Heard Have you thought about becoming a volunteer? Take on a voluntary role with RIG Arts, a local and socially engaged arts and film charity or contact the Volunteers Centre, Greenock to reach more organisations. If all else fails, simply mess about and create your own work.

Being artistic is fantastic. It’s therapeutic, challenging and stimulating all at the same time and do you want to know a secret? It can be taught and learned at any age. So go on, don’t just think about it go ahead and do it!

Glasgow Boys Exhibition, Mclean Museum, until mid January RIG Arts Christmas Show, Rig Art, Pottery St Greenock, Nov 25 to Dec 12 Sisterly Love (artist’s own)

If jewellery and original gifts are a passion don’t miss Designs by Lucy and also on Kempock Street and Once a Sheep, has a large range of yarns, knitting tools, spinning wheels, looms and accessories for sale.

For those who need a tranquil interlude during the festive season, a warm welcome and a feast of creativity awaits them at the Seagull Gallery. During December and January more than 80 artists from the gallery’s ever-expanding and prestigious portfolio will be exhibiting artwork which promises diversity in style, scale and specialism. If you are seeking an imaginative gift or a little artistic magic for your own home, the Seagull Gallery is the place to wander and be inspired,www.seagullgallery.net.

Another place to escape to is WD Art & Framing which is an art gallery, framers and studio located in the picturesque Quarrier’s Village, by Bridge of Weir. The gallery is owned by husband and wife team Alan Wilson and multi award-winning abstract artist Emma S Davis RSW. The gallery stocks a wide range of original artworks, as well as signed limited edition prints, ceramics and glassware, jewellery and gifts,www.wilsondavis.com.

Down the coast, The Station Gift Shop, at Weymss Bay Station is opening its doors to the public on November 1. The shop is selling craft work and a variety of art. This is a new and exciting venture which will be open to the public 9.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Well worth a visit. Make a creative resolution So that’s what’s happening in December now it’s time to think of January, New Year resolutions and activities to do to stop the January blues.

Why not be good to yourself and think about taking up drawing and painting lessons, a life class or a Master class at RIG Arts or why not think about a craft workshop? Once a Sheep in Gourock is kicking off the year with a creative crochet class on the January 28.

Another idea is to join the Greenock Art club. An open invitation to visit the club is extended to all and new members are always welcome.

For details visit www.greenockartclub.co.uk.

Clyde Life Magazine

Original Artists, Gourock Designs by Lucy, Gourock Seagull Gallery, Gourock The Station Gift Shop, Wemyss Bay, all of Dec WD Art & Framing, Quarrier’s Village

www.clydelife.co.uk | 17

Advertorial

Welcome to the Seaview Cafe in Wemyss Bay, come on in...

The Seaview Cafe has been welcoming ferry and train passengers, tourists and locals alike for generations.

The striking beauty of the Edwardian railway station (now nearing the completion of a multi million pound refit) can’t help but capture the imagination of those arriving down the coast.

Only eight miles south of Greenock, Wemyss Bay is the gateway to Bute with spectacular views across the Clyde to the Cumbraes and Arran. At the turn of the last century steamers regularly puffed their way across to Rothesay and today the modern Cal Mac car ferry follows the same.

It is widely believed that Wemyss Bay takes its name from the Gaelic for cave. Much of the area was originally part of the Kelly estate owned from the 15th century by the Bannatyne family, with Dr. David Livingstone a regular visitor.

Curiously H.M. Stanley, commissioned to find Dr. Livingstone (and who on doing so uttered the famous words, “Dr Livingstone I presume”), was also a visitor to Lord Inverclyde of Castle Wemyss. Others notable guests have included novelist Anthony Trollope, Peter II of Yugoslavia, General Sherman and Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia.

Unfortunately for them, this was before the opening of the Seaview Cafe, and they missed out on some of the best coffee and warmest welcomes in the area. The Nardini family have been operating the cafe for more than a decade and have built up a loyal following who have come to appreciate timeless favourites and good old fashioned service.

Home made soup, fish teas, double nougats, shortbread and cakes made in-house are all still as popular today as ever. Our resident baker Marion and her magic fingers recreate classics such as the fruit

18 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

slice and empire biscuits. Complimented with a wide range of espresso coffee, fresh panini and all-day breakfasts, the Seaview makes for an ideal stop over.

Our rare and distinct Italian blended coffee, Caffè Pellini keeps our regulars coming back for more. The ice cream is supplied by award winning Porrelli’s, the best of Scots-Italian quality since 1925.

During the week promotional deals such as our popular Good Morning Break and Soup and Panini Deal provide excellent value.

Look out for our themed evenings where the cafe transforms into a BYO restaurant. Our customers have been serenaded by Scottish Opera singers in the past, competed in our monthly quiz night and been served the delights of rural Italy.

The cafe also famously doubled as Café René when local drama group the Attic players expertly staged the play ‘Allo ‘Allo with the audience treated to a sumptuous meal following the performance. More recently, when the QE2 visited for its 40th anniversary all ice creams were on sale at 1967 prices, eight pence a pokey hat! And this summer the Tall Ships could be seen gliding past in the distance.

Our popular pizza and pasta quiz night sells out every time, and with good reason. Offering exceptional value our all-you-can-eat buffet sets you up for the quiz, which itself is both competitive and fun with plenty of prizes. Reservations are essential, and the quiz takes place usually on the last Friday of the month. Enjoy a night out with a difference for only £12.50.

We also offer a full buffet service delivered within the Inverclyde area – visit seaviewcafe.co.uk for details or contact Alessia on nardinialessia@hotmail.com.

@clydelifemag

Kip Kip Hooray for a new addition to the family

Coffee Breakfast Cakes

Seaview CAFE

Clyde Life Magazine

Advertorial

Food & Drink

Now open year round, why not visit us at Cafe Riva within Kip Marina (Inverkip) just 10 minutes from Gourock. The complex boasts an excellent location, fabulous facilities, superb berthing and extensive services.

Cafe Riva itself offers a relaxed environment with plenty of parking, serving breakfast all day, along with coffee and patisserie. Take time out and cast your eye over the magnificent boats.

And on those crisp clear winter days, why not walk or cycle from Lunderston Bay along the picturesque seaside path admiring the views and spotting the wildlife as you go. By the time you get to Cafe Riva you’ll have earned your hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream.

All our items are available to sit in or take away at both locations.

Please note that though we do not have a table licence, customers can bring their own bottle (BYO) of wine if they wish.

For more details and to be the first for news and latest offers, register for our monthly newsletter at www.seaviewcafe.co.uk or telephone 01475 521 733.

You can be sure that a warm welcome and excellent value awaits.

Reception Building, Kip Marina, Inverkip

Across from the railway station in Wemyss Bay

www.seaviewcafe.co.uk www.clydelife.co.uk | 19

Three Sisters Bake

Advertorial

How to cook up the best dinner party ever Here are Three Sisters Bake’s top tips on how to wow your guests and create a mouth-watering menu at home The domestic guru within us all dreams of that winning Come Dine With Me moment – who doesn’t want to be crowned the hostess with the mostest by their guests for all their culinary and hosting efforts.

The heart of every dinner party is the food, but, without a great combination of courses and a well-balanced menu, how can you wow your guests and make your at home dining experience memorable?

When it comes to creating the perfect menu bursting with the very best foodie delights the newest and hippest restaurant in the area has it well and truly covered. The family trio behind Three Sisters Bake, a new food haven offering casual-cafe dining in the idyllic countryside of Quarrier’s Village, know exactly what the right ingredients are for creating the perfect dinner party menu at home.

Gillian Reith, Front of House Manager at Three Sisters Bake, explains: “With the festive entertaining season upon us every dinner party enthusiast worth their salt wants to be known for being an attentive host but also for having a sparkling and memorable dinner party menu.

“The pressure is definitely on now more than ever especially as we’ve seen such an upsurge in the popularity of TV chefs, baking programmes and dinner party hosting competitions who all make it look easy – but with a little forward planning, it can be.

Nichola Reith, Pastry Chef at Three Sisters Bake adds: “Dishing up hip and modern foodie delights doesn’t come easy to us all but it needn’t be a daunting task

20 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

either. We might have spent months eagerly chopping, baking, cooking and sautéing our way through hundreds of recipes to create the perfect menu for the opening of Three Sisters Bake but for a dinner party at home it doesn’t need to be so complicated.

“What you serve in your home is a direct reflection of you. Your menu should match your personality – are you old school and prefer a fail-safe roast or more experimental and try out new dishes with seasonal produce. Be true to yourself when making your menu, make what you love and want to share.”

Make your menu shine and create the most tasty dinner party menu your guests have seen with these top tips from Linsey Reith, Chef at Three Sisters Bake: Think about what inspires you. We are self-confessed food fanatics and have been heavily influenced by our global travels. Wholesome, high-quality, fresh, colourful and tasty homemade foods sums us up and our ethos for good food. If you had to sum up your ideal food combinations in three words what would they be? Hot, spicy and experimental or hearty, seasonal and cosy.

Start planning your menu with these key buzz words in mind to help guide your recipe choices.

The star of any dinner party is the food. What do you love to cook, what can you cook and what needs a bit of practice. Think carefully about starter, main course and desert and how they work together. It’s all about experimenting with your favourite ingredients and foods. Have a few dry runs before the big night – don’t treat your guests as guinea pigs.

Set the scene. We aim to create a casual vibe in a @clydelifemag

Food & Drink

relaxed rural neighbourhood setting, consider how your home feels to your guests. Is it formal, relaxed, elegant, cosy, or modern, work this out and then match your food and servewear accordingly.

Nutritious and healthy food which tastes amazing.

Try to only use the freshest fruit, vegetables and raw ingredients that are in season and buy local if you can.

Organic fresh ingredients also ooze natural flavour so you are able to avoid the overuse of oil, butter, or sugar.

Last of all, enjoy. Your guests will be at ease and fun and if you do.

Three Sisters Bake was founded this year by the Reith sisters Gillian, Nichola and Linsey. The 50-seater restaurant serves wholesome, high-quality,

fresh, colourful homemade foods in a relaxed rural neighbourhood setting. The exciting menu starts with breakfast treats, lunchtime savouries and mouthwatering cakes, scones and traybakes all freshly made on the premises. Three Sisters Bake also serves homemade salt-free baby and toddler food.

Three Sisters Bake offers a breakfast menu between 9am and noon, followed by an all-day deli style menu from noon through to early evening with a range of wines and prosecco. Speciality coffees and a range of home baking is on offer throughout the day.

The opening hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday 9am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 9pm, closed Monday.

Three Sisters Bake also offer an extensive outside catering service, direct to your home or venue of your choice.

Visit: www.threesistersbake.co.uk for more information or contact the sisters threesistersbake@gmail.com Tel: 01505 228087.

Three sisters Bąke C H R I S T M A S pa r t i e s . . .

christmas menu 2 COURSES £14.95 3 COURSES £16.95

STARTERS Soup of the day served with bread & butter Prawn & smoked salmon board Grilled goat’s cheese with red currant marmalade (v) Chicken liver parfait with tomato chutney

Looking for something a little bit different this year for your Christmas party... mulled wine, afternoon tea with prosecco, festive antipasto boards, children’s Christmas tea party or turkey with a twist!

Call 01505 228087 for details! www.threesistersbake.co.uk www.threesistersbake.co.uk

Clyde Life Magazine

MAINS Christmas turkey burger, stuffing & cranberry sauce with roast potato wedges Haggis served with rumbledethumps Fillet of teriaki salmon with seasonal veg Puy lentil, gorgonzola & cranberry pie (v) DESSERTS Mini Christmas pudding with brandy butter and cream Apple & cranberry crumble with custard Sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce Selection of cheeses with oatcakes RUNS LUNCH & DINNER THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

www.clydelife.co.uk | 21

Getting festive with bubble, squeak and a foodie gift Angela Darroch is enjoying the festive feeling and sharing some tips for getting organised this Christmas We are so excited here at the Cookschool at Stepwell - Christmas is coming and the geese, turkeys, puddings and so on are getting fat in readiness for some fantastic festive feasting.

Yes, yes, we all know that we need to watch how much we eat during the Christmas period but let’s not kill this classic foodie season before we’ve even started.

With the harvest gathered in the focus of expectancy turns to preparing for one of the greatest celebrations and a time in our yearly calendar when food once again plays a major part in drawing us together as friends and family; a time when everyone’s palate can be tantalised by the tastes of Christmas.

But (and there’s always a but) if you’re anything like us, you’ll have a few questions that need answered as you start to plan for the celebration.

We think we can help with a couple: What will I do with all the leftovers and what will I buy friends/family as a gift this year?

Spice up your leftovers Like most of us you may have the main event sorted for the 25th (if not why not book onto one of our Christmas Cookschools for some fabulous, festive recipes), but are struggling to think of tasty recipes - apart from the ubiquitous Boxing Day curry - that use up the inevitable leftovers but which are still fit for invited guests. Here are a couple of tried and tested classic leftover recipes for you to spice up the day after the day after.

22 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

Spiced bubble and squeak cakes with raita Ingredients 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 spring onions, washed and sliced Leftover potatoes, peeled, boiled, mashed and left to cool Leftover cooked cabbage or brussels sprouts, chopped and shredded Salt and pepper for seasoning 1-2 teaspoons curry powder 150ml natural yogurt ¼ cucumber, peeled and grated 2 handfuls of watercress for garnish Method 1. For the bubble and squeak, heat half of the olive oil in a frying pan and gentle cook the spring onions for 3-4 minutes until softened but not coloured 2. Mix the curry powder, spring onions, potato and cabbage together in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper 3. Heat the remaining olive oil in the frying pan 4. Mould the mixture into cakes and cook until golden brown on the bottom 5. Turn over carefully and cook on the other side 6. Remove from the pan and keep warm until ready to serve 7. Mix the yogurt with the cucumber and season 8. Serve with the cakes and a handful of watercress.

Tip: for a different global flavour why not replace the curry powder with some harrisa paste (authentic Moroccan), Thai green curry paste (Thailand) or jerk paste (Caribbean). @clydelifemag

Thai turkey salad Ingredients 2 tbsp fresh lime juice 55ml soy sauce 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ground star anise 2 tablespoon fish sauce 2 teaspoon honey 450g cooked turkey meat, cut into half inch strips 2 red chillies, seeded and finely chopped 4 spring onions, sliced 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and sliced into 1cm half moons 3 tomatoes, cut into wedges 2 tablespoon chopped mint 2 tablespoon coriander leaves 2 tablespoon basil Black pepper Mixed salad leaves to serve Method 1. In a saucepan combine the lime juice, soy, ginger, star anise, fish sauce and honey.

2. Cook for 2 minutes over a medium heat then allow to cool.

3. Add the remaining ingredients, except the salad leaves.

4. Season to taste and serve on the dressed salad leaves.

Clyde Life Magazine

Food & Drink

As you read this perhaps you are looking forward to welcoming your son or daughter back from the heady heights of university or college; catching up with long standing (not old) friends; exchanging gifts with family or simply having some quiet space to relax, recharge and enjoy some culinary treats.

With Christmas approaching and the impending present shopping looming why not take the pressure off what to buy, and the stampede around the shops, and treat your family and friends to a cookschool gift voucher redeemable against their choice of any cookschool experience? Valid for 12 months.

Our three-day Student Survival cookschool (Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 January 2012) is ideal for your budding, or maybe not so competent, young chefs before they head back to their studies. This cookschool experience will build their knowledge, skill and confidence to prepare and cook a weekly menu of healthy, affordable meals.

Whatever your plans, can we take this opportunity to wish you a very happy Christmas and wonderful new year. We know it’s early but there’s no harm in getting into the festive spirit even if it is the middle of November.

Oh, and one last thought, as you are enjoying good food in great company why not look out for someone who lives nearby and who may this Christmas have less to cheer about? Why not pop over with some left-over classics or even invite them over to one of your festive feasts?

ating Happy celebr

www.clydelife.co.uk | 23

D o g n i D ng Advertorial

Merrily with Pie...

Thoughts often turn to matters tasty at this time of year. So, it’s no surprise that the team at Aulds are cooking up some treats for us.

It won’t come as a surprise to learn that this an exceedingly busy time of year for bakers, and Aulds is no different. Business development director Fiona Phillips explained exactly why it’s an exciting time too.

She was delighted to give a behind-the-scenes insight into life at the local company. She said: “At Aulds, we’ve always taken great pride in using only the best of ingredients and when you’re baking fresh for eating fresh we don’t need to fill the products with preservatives.”

That same principle applies all year round at Aulds, including when the bakers are getting competitive.

At the moment, they are getting ready for the Scotch Pie Championships.

“It’s like the Oscars for the butchers and bakers. We always enter our special pies, our bridies and our sausage rolls and have had some fabulous results.

We’ve twice won the coveted World Scotch Pie Trophy , a huge wooden replica of a scotch pie, for our special pie and have won top medals for our bridies and sausage rolls too,” Fiona added.

The reason the pies are called “special” is that at one point most scotch pies were baked with minced mutton. Aulds decided to make a better pie using beef, making it “special”. In recent times when most bakers and butchers now all use beef , Aulds choose the best of Scottish beef and put only Aberdeen

24 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

Angus beef into Aulds Special Pies. That and the secret blend of peppers and spice is what Aulds believe really makes their scotch pie special.

However it’s not just the scotch pie that is made with Aberdeen Angus beef, all the beef used in the bakery is Aberdeen Angus, The bridies the steak stoaters, the steak and haggis pies and the sausage rolls too.

Fiona continued: “There are new classes in the competition for other savoury products and we’re constantly trying to develop new winning ideas for the competition, But more importantly for our customers.

It’s always great to win in the competition but the real judge is the customer who loves the product and comes back to buy more.”

Meanwhile, it’s also exiting times at the Greenock Bakery where there is a new bakery manager, Eddie Gallacher. Eddie’s career has gone full circle he started his bakery training more than twenty years ago, served his apprenticeship with Aulds, left and joined Safeway as bakery manager, rejoined Aulds as a manager at Aulds Delicious Desserts in Inchinnan (where Aulds make fantastic desserts for the hotel and catering industries), and has now returned to Greenock to take charge of the Aulds Day Fresh Production in the Greenock bakery.

“We’ve a new team working on development with lots of exciting new products ready to launch, some traditional lines with new twists, some old or should we say Auld favourites and some totally new concepts,” said Fiona.

@clydelifemag

Advertorial

“The Christmas range is looking great, but not just looking great, tasting really yummy too and that’s what’s really important. In current times, we’re all looking for good value people don’t want to waste money on food that doesn’t taste good.”

New lines coming out between now and Christmas include American styled cookies in two flavours, oat and raisin and double chocolate. Blasts from the past include Highland shorties, delicious handmade shortbread rounds finished with demerara sugar, traditional Aulds snowballs and two well loved luxury lines “Japs and Macs” the Japonnaise meringue a hazelnut meringue cake and Macaroons a rich almond, sugar and egg combination, both make a return.

Fiona said that the advent of more cookery programmes about baking has rekindled an interest in some of the old recipes. The Japs and Macs also contain no flour so will be of interest to those looking to reduce gluten in their diet.

The taste of Christmas

When it’s cold out and you’re in need of a pick-me-up, just pop into one of Aulds cafes. There’s that delicious aroma of fresh baking from the hot savouries coming out the ovens, there’s home-made soups bubbling on the hob and the grinding and gurgling sounds from the bean to cup coffee machines.

If you haven’t been in an Aulds branch for a while

Clyde Life Magazine

Food & Drink

pop in and rediscover Aulds. There’s still the Auld favourites the morning rolls, the tasty fruit scones, delicious fudge doughnuts, fresh cream meringues, and caramel shortcake - but call in and see what’s new too.

As Christmas approaches there’s that delicious smell of fruit and spice as hundreds of Christmas pies in all shapes and sizes come out the ovens. Choose from beautiful short pastry or lovely flaky puff pastry and for the sweet-toothed there’s a fondant topped variety too.

Christmas novelty products include snowflake biscuits, chocolate Christmas tree biscuits, Santa chimney cakes. The shop windows will overflow with novelty products and of course the traditional Madeira, cherry, sultana and a range of Christmas cakes too.

A Scotch tradition for Hogmany was Black Bun or Scotch Bun to accompany a wee dram of Scotch whisky. The rich fruit and spice mix encased in pastry is still made to a traditional recipe handed down through generations of the Auld family but has also been given a modern twist by offering it this year in a new cake finger style. Aulds sister company Delicious Desserts makes spectacular gateaux for discerning hotels and restaurants and you can order from a selection of these at any Aulds branch.

Making sure your Christmas or New Year meal finishes with a really Delicious Dessert. For some customers, the retro Black Forest Gateau or Fruit and Cream Oyster has become a traditional part of their Christmas whereas others look out for the new lines for something exciting and different every year.

For parties or family gatherings, don’t spend hours in the kitchen labouring over sandwiches and snacks, get Aulds to do the work and buy a salver of sandwiches.

Add sausage rolls with Aberdeen Angus beef and dainty little strawberry tarts and entertaining becomes easy.

www.clydelife.co.uk | 25

Festive baking

let the magic begin Its almost Christmas and time to get your baking hats on. Jenny Provan of Cookie Catering has some traditional recipes that have served her well over the years.

Homemade anything is always going to cost less, and be so much tastier. So give your house a shimmer of twinkly magic with the spicy-sweet smell of Yuletide treats baking in your oven.

Christmas Stollen

This is a rich, fruity yeast bread from Austria and is wonderful served warmed through at breakfast. It is also delicious lightly toasted if it’s not all eaten when fresh.

350g strong white bread flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons easy-blend yeast 50g caster sugar 150ml milk 110g softened butter 1 egg beaten 40g currants 50g sultanas 40g no-soak dried apricots, chopped 40g dried sour cherries 25g whole candied peel 25g chopped almonds grated zest of 1 lemon 175g white almond icing (marzipan) For the glaze: 110g icing sugar, sifted 2 tablespoons lemon juice Sift 300g flour together with the salt, sprinkle in yeast and sugar and stir, then make a well in the centre. Pour in milk, then add butter and egg mix until well-blended.

Chocolate and panettone pudding

This is a Christmas take on bread and butter pudding –super easy and it gives you something to do with that panettone you received as a present.

Serves 8-10 Butter for greasing 900g fruit panettone 5-6 tablespoons of amaretto liqueur 100g dark chocolate chopped 30g caster sugar 800ml double cream

26 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

Work in the fruits, peel, nuts and zest. Knead the dough on 25g of the remaining flour for 5 mins until it is springy and elastic. Now leave the dough in a bowl in a warm place, covered with clingfilm, until it has doubled in size (can be up to 2 hrs).

After that turn the dough out onto the remaining flour and knock the air out of it and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. At this stage roll or press out the dough into an oblong 25x20cm. Using your hands, roll out the marzipan to form a sausage shape and place this along the centre of the dough, finishing just short of the edges. Fold dough over the marzipan and carefully place the whole thing on a baking sheet allowing plenty of room for expansion. Leave it prove in a warm place until it has doubled in size again.

Preheat the oven to 190c/gas mark 5 and bake for 35-40 mins. Meanwhile make the glaze by mixing the icing sugar and lemon juice, use a palette knife to spread this all over the surface of the stollen (while it is still warm). Cut into thick slices with or without butter, and be transported to a magical, snowy Christmas market in Vienna.

Preheat oven to 180c/gas mark 4. Grease a large ovenproof dish. Slice the panettone into thin wedges and arrange in the dish, overlapping.

Drizzle with half of the amaretto then scatter over half the chocolate. Repeat. In a large bowl, mix the eggs and sugar and then whisk in the cream. Pour evenly over the panettone and let it stand for 30 mins. Bake for 25 mins until puffed up and golden and allow to rest before serving with lashings of double cream. You can go to the gym in January.

So, fill up your glasses and have a very Merry Christmas, baking and eating memorable food!

@clydelifemag

Food & Drink Last-minute mini Christmas puddings

If you love Christmas pudding but cannot face hours of boiling and condensation on your windows then these are the puds for you. They are made in minutes and are cooked in less than an hour. They also freeze beautifully.

200g mincemeat 60g self-raising flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon mixed spice 1 med egg 25g softened butter 40 ml black treacle 55g Guinness 1 tablespoon dark rum 40g Bramley apple, diced 10g roasted chopped hazelnuts 75g currants grated zest of 1/2 lemon and 1/2 orange

on top and then an 18cm square of foil large enough to fold under the edges of the basins, making a pleat al the way around to seal. Now place basins in a shallow roasting tin with about 2.5 cm of boiling water, place in the oven and bake for 40-45 mins, or until springy and firm to the touch in the centre. Let them stand for 10 mins before carefully running a small knife around each one to turn out.

Serve with homemade crème anglaise or cream... delicious and hardly any bother at all!

Sift dry ingredients into a bowl and add egg and butter. Mix treacle, stout and rum and pour into dry ingredients and using an electric whisk mix thoroughly. Now add everything else and mix until everything is well distributed. Butter 4 175ml mini non-stick pudding basins and divide the mixture between them.

Put a small circle of buttered greaseproof paper

Dinner Parties | Functions | Christenings | Small Weddings | Corporate Catering

catering Try some of our delicious cakes, home baking made to order for functions or just a treat!

Taking orders now for Christmas

Edible Christmas tree Decorations ~ Christmas Party CanapĂŠs Cakes ~ Puddings ~ Mince Pies ~ Christmas Stollen Freezer food & much, much more...

07966 655443 or 01505 321700 jenny@cookiecatering.co.uk ~ www.cookiecatering.co.uk Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 27

It’s not really Christmas without a turkey...

Drew McKenzie of Robert Alexander Butchers takes a butcher’s look at the most important dinner of the year

Turkey Dogs

Let’s face it, when it comes to Christmas dinner, despite the occasional notion that we might have beef this year, or a leg of lamb perhaps, or even a goose, we always tend to go back to turkey.

Prior to the Second World War, turkeys were not big business in Scotland. In fact Christmas itself was not big business in Scotland with the national tendency being to focus on the New Year.

Those who did choose turkey for their festive celebration at that time would be eating a bird quite different from today’s offering. Turkeys still had a bit to go before they would benefit from a selective breeding programme that would contribute to plumping up that all-important breast meat.

The turkey boom really started in the fifties. They became big business at about the same time Christmas was welcoming commercialisation.

I remember my late Grandfather, Bob Alexander, telling me that he and his boss at the time, Andrew Mackenzie, would drive round the farms of Blairgowrie looking for stock in the cold of winter. They were garbed out with car coats, gloves, soft hats and with hessian rusk sacks around their ankles to keep warm – cars did not have heaters in those days.

The turkeys gathered in those far off parts were eventually delivered to Greenock to be both slaughtered and dressed in the family’s West Blackhall Street shop. I’d love to see the Environmental Health Officer’s faces if we tried that nowadays.

Then those turkeys would be hung from their ankles throughout the shop with all their heads folded up in the same direction and resting on a wing. The feathers would be left on the neck and on the wings.

The featured display to the meat purist would be a thing of impressive beauty; it would create a special atmosphere in the shop…a sense of occasion.

Many would suggest that the modern consumer would balk at such a display and they might be right. One thing is certain though most modern butchers would balk at the idea of having to clean all those birds out.

Yes, Christmas turkeys have become a much more sanitised affair than they once were. The early 70s brought the boom in frozen birds courtesy, in no small way, of Mr Bernard Mathews and his contemporaries.

These birds were prepared throughout the year and their quality wasn’t great. They were pumped with all sorts of buttery chemicals that the marketing people told us was for self basting and then loads of extra water was frozen into them for additional manufacturer’s profit. You can still buy this type of bird

28 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

Turkeys looking forward to Christmas

all the year round from the supermarket. It is said that they glow in the dark.

The next type of bird to hit the market was the fresh frozen or dry frozen bird. These were well received by the trade and tended not to leave the same mess when thawing them out.

People’s attitudes to what they were eating were starting to change, however. Freshness was becoming all important and many were prepared to pay a premium to get what they wanted. Vacuum packing and gas flushing allowed a new market for “fresh oven ready” to develop and this is still the predominant type of bird offered for the Christmas trade.

But you must beware. Just because a bird is described as “fresh” or even as “free range” it doesn’t, in any way, mean that this is the best you can buy. Free range only tells you that your particular wee bird lived half its life with the front door open. It doesn’t tell you what the hoose was like, how many lived in it or what they had for their tea every night. Be careful with free range.

Over the past ten years or so we have seen the strong emergence of the ultra premium turkey led by the likes of Kelly Turkeys and Copas and this is where the discerning consumer is now heading.

It’s a bit about provenance, it’s a bit about welfare, and it’s a lot about confidence. Confidence that what is being put on the table is the best it can possibly be and the difference between these birds and the mass produced variety is quite staggering.

These new favourites are slow maturing, they live a long, happy life trooping about cherry orchards until the time comes to kick off their slippers and lay down their pipe.

They live about three times longer than their intensive cousins and get by nicely on their cereal diet without having to scoff any of those nasty growth promoters.

And when at last they depart this mortal coil they don’t just dive into a polythene bag right away. They hang around for a couple of weeks to mature like all good game birds should. Then, when the time is right, they climb gently into their sturdy wee box with their cooking instructions and their wee pop-up thermometer and their sprig of rosemary and they say hello to the cranberry sauce, the gravy, the stuffing and the chipolatas.

A turkey Christmas the way it should be. @clydelifemag

Celebrity chef and Erskine supporter Nick Nairn shares some kitchen magic Nick Nairn, who sponsors the cafe at the Erskine Garden Centre, has revealed a couple of his favourite recipes. Last year the famous Scottish chef threw his weight behind the Vanishing Willow Cafe – creating the menu and overseeing the food.

His enthusiasm for the veterans’ charity hasn’t waned and now he is happy to share some of his favourite recipes if it highlights the work of Erskine. Nick said: “Of all the projects I’ve been involved with, it’s the one I feel best about. It’s such a worthwhile cause when we’re all thinking of our troops overseas. Erskine is a very poignant place - they care for our troops when active duty is finished. The Vanishing Willows is not just about delivering nice food, it’s knowing the money generated will make a difference”.

And here are a couple of Nick’s favourite recipes.

RECIPES Poached fillet of beef With soy and ginger Serves 4 650g centre cut fillet of beef (or four steaks) 2 cloves of garlic sliced 2tbsp soy sauce Enough chicken broth to cover the meat 2 carrots cut into thin strips 4 spring onions sliced at a steep angle

30 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

4 thin slices of root ginger 12 coriander leaves Wilted spinach to serve Maldon salt Mill pepper Method Place the beef into a suitably sized sandwich bag and add the soy and sliced garlic. Massage the soy and garlic into the meat then place the bag in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight if the dish is to be served at lunch.

To cook the beef, heat a frying pan over a good heat and as the pan is heating remove the meat from the bag and brush off any garlic sticking to the meat.

Add a little sunflower oil to the pan and sear the beef on all sides to a good colour. This should take about four to five minutes.

Lift the beef from the frying pan and tip off any excess fat. Add some broth to the hot pan to deglaze the pan then tip the juices into a pan large enough to hold the beef. Bring the juices to the simmer then add the meat to the simmering broth and add more broth as needed to cover the meat.

Increase the heat on the pan and hold the temperature of the liquid at 80˚c to 84˚c to cook the meat. A 175g steak should take 8 minutes cooking while a joint will take about 12-15 minutes.

Now if you don’t happen to have a thermometer to hand don’t panic! Look for steam rising from the liquid but with no sign of simmering and you should be bang on.

When the meat is cooked lift it from the pan onto a @clydelifemag

Food & Drink warm plate and keep in a warm (not hot!) place to rest.

Drain off some of the liquid leaving just 500ml of stock to make into the sauce. Freeze the spare liquid or keep it for other sauces.

Add the vegetables and ginger to the remaining cooking stock and simmer for three minutes.

Taste the sauce, it shouldn’t need much if any salt and add the coriander leaves at the last moment.

Wilt the spinach in a hot pan with a little oil while the sauce is been finished.

To serve place a mound of spinach in the centre of four deep plates. Pop the beef into a hot oven for two minutes then cut into thickish slices.

Set the slices on the piles of spinach and pour the finished sauce over the meat arranging the vegetables around the meat. Sprinkle one or two grains of Maldon salt onto the meat and serve.

Roast Goose with Cider Gravy Serves 6 A goose has a higher bone-to-meat ratio than turkey, so a 4kg bird will only feed six. For a frozen goose, unwrap it and thaw it slowly in the fridge (this can take two to three days) or at a very cool room temperature.

Don’t forget to pull out the bag of giblets from inside the cavity as soon as the goose is thawed enough to do so and pour off any liquid that collects in the dish.

1 goose, dressed weight 4.5-5kg, with giblets thyme sprigs, sage leaves and parsley 1 lemon and 1 orange, quartered For the cider gravy 150ml chicken stock 150ml medium cider 1 tablespoon of chicken gravy granules Method Preheat the oven to 220C/200Cfan/425F/gas 7.

From a fresh or frozen and thawed goose remove the bag of giblets from the cavity and set aside. Feel around the cavity entrance, grab any big lumps of fat clinging to the carcass and pull them out. Render these down into pure goose fat by putting them into a pan of cold water, bringing to the boil and simmering until the fat liquefies and floats. Lift any brown lumps out once all the fat has melted and throw out. Strain the liquid into a jug, cool, then chill and then simply lift off the solidified fat and discard the water. To use for your tatties, gently re-melt the fat in a roasting dish and roast as per my recipe below. To store, pour the melted fat into a screw top jar and keep in the fridge.

Back to the goose. Lightly prick the bird’s skin all over, trying not to pierce the flesh. Use a little goose fat to rub over the whole bird. Sprinkle with sea salt then stuff the cavity with the lemon and orange quarters, herbs, salt and pepper.

Now sit the goose on a wire rack in a roomy roasting tin so that it doesn’t boil in its own fat and to make drawing the fat off easier. Calculate the cooking time, allowing 15 minutes per 500g total cooking. Start by roasting at the high temperature for 20 minutes then lower the heat to 180C/160Cfan/350F/gas 4 for the remaining time. You won’t need to baste it – the fat under the skin will do that for you. But do remember to keep spooning or pouring the fat off from the tray as it collects during cooking. Once cooked, let the bird rest for 30 minutes. The juices will be retained and will redistribute around the bird maximising the flavour and succulence, making it easier to carve and preventing it being too dry.

Make the cider gravy while the goose is resting.

Remove any remaining fat from the roasting tin and place the tin on the hob over a medium to high heat.

Add the cider and boil until all the goosey bits have come unstuck from the tin. Reduce by half then add the stock and continue to reduce a little, adding in a tablespoon or so of gravy granules to thicken it up.

Strain the gravy into a hot jug and serve.

The Vanishing Willows Café is open every day from 9am until 5pm. www.erskinegardencentre.co.uk 0141 814 4626 (Next to the Erskine Bridge) Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 31

Whats on in December Christmas Party Nights Fri 9th £30.00, Sat 10th DecSOLD OUT Fri 16th Dec £30.00, Sat 17th £30.00 Sun18th £15.00 Special Offer Fri 23rd £30.00 3 Course meal with Live Entertainment and DJ.

SOLD OUT

Hogmanay Dinner Dance Saturday 31st December £30.00 for 3 course dinner and DJ. Bookings now being taken.

Christmas Menu Available throughout December £9.90 for 2 courses or £12.90 for 3 courses. Menu’s available at the bar or can be emailed.

Drinks promotions Mon- Thurs Tennents £1.95 Carlsberg & Tuborg £1.50 Smirnoff, Bacardi, Grouse & Veccha Romagna with a dash £1.50

Christmas Eve Sing-a-long with santa Party games and dancing for all the family and a pressie from Santa for the kids. £5.00 ticket includes food and entertainment.

1 Ashton Road, Gourock Tel: 01475 632202 Email: staceygatens1@hotmail.co.uk

Something tasty happening in your one-stop beauty shop Advertorial

Food & Drink

W

ell-loved One Union Hair Spa has been cooking up an additional special service for clients and for the people of Greenock.

The salon has a long-established reputation for excellence in hair design and colour, as well as for providing something more for clients who want a total pampering experience.

As part of a continued push to improve and enhance what’s on offer, salon owner Marc McCabe has opened a coffee kiosk on the premises.

He said: “We are constantly trying to bring something new and fresh that will make a visit more enjoyable.

“Clients were already bringing something to eat with them when they came at lunchtime or for an appointment during our evening opening on Thursdays and Fridays. So it made sense to make that easier for them.

“We also offer lunches as part of our all-day spa packages, so now we offer them something healthier prepared in-house rather than going out to get them something.”

Spa customers can enjoy the full range of luxurious ESPA facial and body treatments as well as relaxing and therapeutic massage. The One Union nail bar adds it’s full menu of products and treatments to the mix.

The kiosk – called Pocco – has an extensive range of coffee and tea as well as hot food and snacks. Opening at 8.30am for breakfast, Pocco has something delicious on offer all day until closing time.

“Of course, Pocco isn’t just for salon clients. There’s a window onto the street so anyone can come and buy delicious takeaway drinks and food. There are quite a lot of offices here and I think many people will love the lighter options we have here,” added Marc.

Clyde Life Magazine

On Saturdays throughout December Marc is adding an extra dimension to his business by bringing live DJs in to entertain clients.

DJ himself, Marc said: “These are experienced DJs and they are expert at knowing exactly the right thing to play.

I’m anticipating some chilled jazz as well as popular tunes.”

Special offers include: All cut and blow drys will be upgraded to a luxury version with head massage and Schwarzkopf Seah treatment A Platinum spray tan for £13 instead of £20 Calgel acrylic nails for £22 instead of £37

www.clydelife.co.uk | 33

What to Buy

For the hardto-buy-for!

We all have them. It might be your dad, your boss or your sister-in-law. I’m talking about those tricky souls who just seem so darn difficult to buy for!

Never fear though. We’re here to help. First let us suggest that you put on your thinking cap! After all, thoughtful gifts require some thought!

Think of things you’ve heard them talk about. If you’ve never given that much thought then really listen next time you’re with them. What sets them alight? It might be their garden, their hobby, books they’ve read or films they’ve watched. These are all valuable starting points.

Some people play their cards close to their chest but if you are in their own environment look around you.

People litter their homes and offices with clues to what

is important to them. Perhaps they have lots of photos of their family around. A beautiful photo frame or album might be an idea, or what about a session with a local photographer?

Are there magazines around? What sort are they?

Consider taking out a subscription for them, or use the knowledge that they like to read about cameras, cars or history to buy them a related gift.

Food is a good choice. We all have to eat. Buy something luxurious they wouldn’t normally buy: what about making them a gift basket using their favourite luxury brand of chocolate or, if they’re a healthy sort, how about an organic fruit and veg box delivered to their door?

Teenagers are a nightmare to buy for. Their tastes tend to be expensive and change from week to week. Think quirky and cool for teens and you won’t go far wrong.

Carnivorous plants and science toys always seem to go down well but if you don’t want to take a chance then try a music voucher for their MP3 player.

Donate in someone’s name. It’s a lovely thing to do and is a brilliant gift for the person who seems to have everything not least because it tells them you think they have a generous spirit. You can buy goats, school equipment and even cataract surgery for people in developing countries, all in the recipient’s name, or you can donate closer to home. Sponsor a guide dog or a zoo animal. The choices are endless.

The old cliché, ‘It’s the thought that counts,’ is true. The more thought you put in the more likely you are to make the recipient feel special.

Happy hunting!

Strapped for Cash?

Thoughtful gifts don’t have to cost a penny!

Make your own gift certificates!

What about a car-valet for your dad?

A friend who has just bought a new house would probably appreciate your offer to help decorate.

Busy mums might love the idea of you offering to babysit so they can go out for the evening.

If you think hard the gift of your time is often the most precious gift of all.

34 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

@clydelifemag

Taj Mahal

fine indian cuisine

Celebrate Christmas with us at the Taj Mahal

Book Now!

Just ÂŁ5 per person to guarantee your celebration!

Follow us on Facebook Taj Mahal Gourock

01475 633268

89-91 Kempock St, Gourock, PA19 1NF

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 35

Christmas gift guide: Bike gifts for cyclists Whether the cyclist in your life is an urban commuter or a thrill-seeking mountain biker, there’s sure to be something for them in our selection of the best biking gifts.

Craft Active Rain Jacket

Cat Eye Light set

The Cat Eye light set and computer contained in the 135/130/Velo5 set represents great performance and fantastic value at £44.99.

The EL130 front light with a single Led using Opticube technology is both light and compact and a fantastic and economical way of staying safe on the roads.

Added to this is the LD135 LED rear light and the ever-popular Velo 5 multi function trip computer.

Everything the discerning cyclist needs.

Muc-off cleaning range

Muc-off have created an innovative range of bike cleaners, protectors, shiners and lubes. They have a fast growing reputation in the cycling community and offer a range of products from £6.99 for a bottle of spray cleaner to £19.99 for a top quality chain cleaner set or up to £39.99 for an 8 piece set which includes cleaners, protector spray, 3 brushes and a handy bucket!

A good quality waterproof jacket is a riding essential, because as every cyclist in Scotland knows that sooner or later it will rain.

Craft’s Active Rain Jacket is a good choice for wet rides, and is made from a waterproof lightweight knit that lets air out but not the water in, resulting in one dry and very comfortable rider. Little touches from Craft ensure that even in a downpour comfort is maintained, with features like lined mesh arms so your skin never comes into contact with the outer material, effectively preventing that sometimes cold/clammy feel akin to touching the inside of a tent on a wet day. If the rain does abate and you need to bring your temperature down, the jacket has dual side zips to aid ventilation. Reflectivity is a must in the wet, and this is taken care of with lashings of pipe and trim, whilst a large rear pocket provides enough space for snacks and spares. One full length zip completes the jacket, which features an inner storm flap and zipper garage, whilst a microfibre lined collar adds a welcome touch of comfort. All for an outstanding £60.

RSP Flex Lights

Waiter, waiter, there’s an RSP micro flex light rear in my soup...Keep your voice down sir; they’ll all want one. Superb weather seals, shapely, tactile design and impressive power to size ratio, this little light should be of particular interest to casual winter riders don’t want to find themselves caught out the onset of darkness. Run times range between an impressive forty-five and ninety hours depending on usage and they secure, limpet like, to seatposts, bars or frames and subtract little from your bikes aero qualities. At just £9.99, these make the ideal stocking filler.

Gift Vouchers

Most independent cycle shops will have their own gift vouchers or will take vouchers from recognised cycle voucher schemes. If you don’t know what the best present would be a voucher can be used as part of a bigger purchase or set against any part, accessory or servicing costs.

36 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

@clydelifemag

A little bit special

Advertorial

Christmas Feature

and a lot Scottish...

Scotcrest has been manufacturing and supplying top quality Scottish products for over 30 years so they are the ideal place to turn when looking for the perfect gift for someone with a Scottish connection.

Their exciting clan gifts include woodcarver clan crested wall plaques and coat of arms, Scottish whisky, bone china mugs, whisky glasses, clan cloots (tea towels) and key rings showing a wide selection of clan crests and tartans.

The ScotCrest team, based in the Blairgowrie workshop, are experts in Celtic heraldry and they pride themselves on being able to offer a complete range of Scottish clan crests including all associated spellings and sept names. They are also craftsmen who are expert in creating high-quality fully authentic products from carefully sourced Scottish materials. It is this blend of expertise, quality material, craftsmanship and commitment to excellence that combines with an in-the-blood understanding of what it means to be Scottish, that is the secret to ScotCrest’s success.

All of the clan plaques are made to order and individually signed by the craftsmen who make them. Having taken many years to establish, in 1985 their designs received the approval of the Standing Council of Scottish Clan Chiefs and each plaques bears this important mark of both quality and authenticity. Every clan crest was hand carved and the original carvings are still used to produce exact copies for clan crest plaques produced today along with the clan designs on all of the other products.

Many cheap, mass produced and imported copies are on the market however, the Scotcrest brand means the

exact opposite and their high quality and widely appreciated products are bought by a large variety of individual collectors, societies and organisations worldwide.

But a plaque is more than a record or heraldry, for example, to commemorate a wedding day, two family crests can be joined on one plaque – symbolic and beautiful. ScotCrest’s ten-year-old Speyside malt whisky is really something extraordinary. It is a fine example of skills going back centuries, generation after generation. The whisky on its own is highly recommended on quality alone, however, ScotCrest have added their other proud tradition to create a unique blend and clan crested label.

ScotCrest can also vary their product designs to create sporting and corporate logos as gifts or awards and as wedding favours. ScotCrest have a growing order book because many people and organisations appreciate the craftsmanship and time and care that goes into each product. If you appreciate quality Scottish craftsmanship then visit ScotCrest.net to see all of the products and get more information.

Q ua

ish Craftsmansh lity Scott ip

ScotCrest Quality Scottish Craftsmanship

ScotCrest

Shawfield Lane, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Scotland, PH10 6GY Tel: (+44) 01250 876600 www.ScotCrest.net Our opening hours are 9.00 to 5.00 Monday to Friday.

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 37

Jangled nerves, jangled nerves, jangled all the days...

By Ellen Arnison

By now there will can be no more denial, the festive season is coming our way like a juggernaut hurtling down the motorway, scattering glitter as it gathers speed.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing more lovely than Christmas morning with pajamaed children clambering into bed with me exclaiming “he’s been” as they delve into the bottom of a stuffed socking.

But the first ads started sneaking onto the telly and the first tat into the shops a good two months ago – by the time I get to December 25, I’ve just about had enough.

I’ve partied and cooked; shopped and wrapped; planned and re-planned; eaten and drank; cried and laughed at nativity plays, and even had to remind myself (once again) that I don’t much like mince pies.

And the climax of it all – putting that huge roasted bird down on the dining table and calling the kids away from their new toys – somehow leaves me limp and exhausted. Once again, it’ll have been a bit of a marathon to get to that point.

The absolute high point for me is after the children have finally given in and gone to sleep on Christmas Eve. Sneaking into their rooms with a crackling, misshapen tube of wool stuffed with treats and surprises. Oh that and putting the clocks back in the hope they won’t get up until something like a decent hour. (Try it, it really works) Meantime, in the spirit of do what I say not what I do, try not to take it too seriously, there’ll be another Christmas along in a few short months and don’t forget to have a merry little time for yourself too. And if you can, cheat – no one’s life was ruined by eating shop-bought sausage rolls or getting presents out from under an artificial tree.

And here’s an alternative version of a seasonal classic.

A Mother’s Twelve Days of Christmas On the first day of Christmas, My family sent to me A list of things for under the tree (The first sign of the approaching season, “just watch this advert mum” and “look at this catalogue, mum”. ) On the second day of Christmas, My family sent to me Two oven gloves (For all the cooking that’s going to be done over the next few weeks) And a list of things for under the tree On the third day of Christmas, My family sent to me socks, large men’s, (Bigger, the better to be stuffed with presents) Two oven gloves And a list of things for under the tree On the fourth day of Christmas, My family sent to me Four calling cards (Left by delivery people when I wasn’t in so I have to phone to arrange another day for whatever essential gift to be delivered) Socks, large men’s, Two oven gloves And a list of things for under the tree On the fifth day of Christmas, My family sent to me Five old things, (mysterious, crumpled and found at the bottom of the decorations box once we finally remembered where we put it in January.)

Four calling cards Socks, large men’s Two oven gloves And a list of things for under the tree

38 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

@clydelifemag

12

Home & Lifestyle

On the sixth day of Christmas, My family sent to me Six bills for paying, (if we get away with six, it’ll be a miracle) Five old things, Four calling cards Socks, large men’s Two oven gloves And a list of things for under the tree

On the seventh day of Christmas, My family sent to me Seven songs we’re singing (you know the ones, in all the shops “I wish it could be, have yourself, stop the cavalry, let it snow, I saw mummy kissing...)

Six bills for paying Five old things, Four calling cards Socks, large men’s Two oven gloves And a list of things for under the tree On the eighth day of Christmas, My family sent to me Eight children sulking (I know it’s Christmas, but you can’t have it/do it/eat it/stay up to see it) Seven songs we’re singing Six bills for paying Five old things, Four calling cards Socks, large men’s Two oven gloves And a list of things for under the tree

On the ninth day of Christmas, My family sent to me Nine hours of dancing, (well it was the office party) Eight children sulking Seven songs we’re singing Six bills for paying Five old things, Four calling cards Socks, large men’s Two oven gloves And a list of things for under the tree On the tenth day of Christmas, My family sent to me Ten toys a-beeping, (every flipping single one will make an annoying noise) Nine hours of dancing, Eight children sulking Seven songs we’re singing Six bills for paying Bleep!

Five old things, Four calling cards Socks, large men’s Two oven gloves And a list of things for under the tree

Bleep!

Bleep!

On the eleventh day of Christmas, My family sent to me Eleven days of wiping, (housework needing done) Ten toys a-beeping, Nine hours of dancing, Eight children sulking Seven songs we’re singing Six bills for paying Five old things, Four calling cards Socks, large men’s Two oven gloves And a list of things for under the tree

On the twelfth day of Christmas, My family sent to me Twelve people coming (how are we going to fit them around the table for turkey?), Eleven days of wiping, Ten toys a-beeping, Nine hours of dancing, Eight children sulking Seven songs we’re singing Six bills for paying Five old things, Four calling cards Socks, large men’s Two oven gloves And a list of things for under the tree

e about Next tine on g their in do s shepherd ! ry nd lau

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 39

Back Again!

Do you or someone you know suffer with back pain?

If so you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) back pain is the most common musculo-skeletal problem in the developed world. It’s also a leading cause of disability and absenteeism from work. 30% of workers worldwide will take at least some time off with back pain during their working lives!

Perhaps you’re one of them.

Back pain is a modern condition. We can guess that our ancestors suffered very little in this regard by examining primitive tribes in existence today. Australian Aborigines for instance don’t experience back pain in significant numbers, and their lower back curve is less marked than our own.

Our bodies were designed for movement and flexibility.

Spending several hours a day sat motionless in front of a computer, in a car or slumped in front of the TV eventually takes its toll. Our joints become less flexible and our muscles are thrown out of balance. Most of us in the developed world have poor posture due to tight hamstrings; tight upper lumbar spine and weak abdominal muscles.

Prevention and Relief of Back Pain Activity Stay active. Joining a gym will help, but make sure you’re properly trained in how to use the equipment.

Dancing and yoga are great exercises for improving flexibility.

The Alexander Technique This is a successful method of relieving and preventing back pain. It works by releasing unnecessary muscular tension which builds up through bad postural habits, often dating back to childhood. It works by making you aware of balance, posture and co-ordination. It’s important only to use a qualified practitioner.

A good mattress We spend a third of our lives asleep, so if your mattress is over ten years old then it’s about due for replacement. There are different types of mattress: open coil; pocket sprung; memory foam etc. and while no one type is right for everyone you really do get what you pay for, so go for the best you can afford. Take advice and take your time: you wouldn’t buy a new car without a test drive.

Osteopathy Osteopaths are trained to correct muscular and skeletal problems. They can see you at the first sign of any problem, when in acute pain, or for maintenance to keep you pain free. That way they can give advice enabling potential problems to be avoided, and if problems do occur they’re better placed to help solve them. Back pain is an inevitable part of modern life but there is much we can do to prevent it, relieve it and get ourselves back to normal...sorry, couldn’t resist.

40 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

@clydelifemag

John Cleat

E e n E nut tio e) FRMi ltarang u ar 10 nsl to o l C (ca

Inverclyde Osteopathic Clinic

ARE YOU READY FOR...

Cold weather? Slips and falls? The rigours of Christmas?

Why osteopathy?

No waiting for appointments Hands on treatment Typically 2-6 treatment session Follow-up advice & exercise Maintenance programme if required

Why our practice?

Established 1988 – over 70,000 patients treated Experienced fully registered practitioners Good working relationships with local GP’s & consultants Cost of treatment can be claimed through most health policies

What do we treat?

Back pain - Headaches & migraine - Sciatica Neck pain - Sports & work strain injury Frozen shoulder & other conditions...

FREE ICEPACK FOR NEW PATIENTS

Let us help you keep 206 bones & 650 muscles working as one this Winter!

Open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 6.30pm 13 Union Street, Greenock, PA16 8JL

01475 888132 www.iosteo.com

Open 7 Days

Open 6 Days

The ‘Gents Only’ Barbers THE HARBOUR BARBERS 35 Cathcart St., Greenock

01475 726727

THE PORT BARBERS

21 John Wood St., Port Glasgow

01475 745533

£5

Haircut for just

MerrytoChristmas all the customers!!!

Clyde Life Magazine

Offer with this voucher ~ ends 31/01/12

------------------------------------------------------------------Get your next

www.clydelife.co.uk | 41

Hypno erapy: from th re t Mesm n e er to Therapy C As the popularity of therapeutic hypnosis increases, advanced clinical hypnotherapist Jean Adamson considers where it all began Even if you have never considered hypnosis or thought about hypnotherapy, you will probably be familiar with the word “mesmerized”.

It comes from Franz Anton Mesmer who lived from 1734 until 1815 and, although it is possible to find historical remnants of hypnosis prior to his escapades, he is generally considered the charismatic figure that inspired today’s hypnotic inductions.

Mesmer studied theology and medicine at university.

He was interested in the gravitational influence of planets on the human body and illness, which led to his research into “animal gravity” and “animal Franz Anton Mesmer magnetism”.

He set up in medical practice but became dissatisfied with painful treatments of the time, finding they often led more to terror than cure in patients. He moved away from traditional medicine and drugs, towards alternative methods.

Mesmer experimented with the use of magnets, discussion of invisible fluids, and observation of exorcism. However, as Mesmer’s fame increased, acceptance by the medical profession moved in the opposite direction and he faced total rejection and professional disgrace. That said, typically velvet cape-clad Mesmer saw 200 people day and treated them with a tub of I am prepared to put amagnetized water, iron rods and ropes.

When Mesmer died, a modified my neck on the line “mesmerism” continued to be practiced in stating that, with by the Marquis de Puysegur, an aristocratic Frenchman who achieved your cooperation a sleep-like state in one of his hypnosis works. patients, which he termed “magnetic somnambulism”.

Until his death, Mesmer held onto his belief in a magnetic fluid’s significance in disease and health, but Puysegur, although not rejecting Mesmer’s

42 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

views, understood that the connection with his subjects was crucial to his power to heal.

He identified psychological connections included rapport, suggestibility, and conscious sacrifice of will.

Time passed and the “mesmerisation” of patients continued in various forms, until Scot James Braid, who studied medicine at Edinburgh University, coined the term “neurohypnology”. Braid was impressed by a performance of what we would now term stage hypnosis by Charles Lafontaine, a traveling Swiss hypnotist. Dressed in black with a dark beard, the steely eyed Lafontaine presented was both popular and profitable. Even skeptics were hushed by his torturous antics that included burning fingers, breathing ammonia and lancing with pins his hypnosis subjects.

However, Lafontaine overstepped himself by making unsubstantiated claims of causing deaf mutes to hear.

This led to his retirement.

Not fooled by outlandish claims, Braid was hooked on finding an explanation for the goings on behind this mesmeric trance and his description related to the “physical and psychical condition of the patient”. He was moving towards a scientific understanding of the observed effects on patients.

Braid was the first to use the terms “hypnotism” and “hypnotize” derived from “hypnos” the Greek word for sleep. In his only book, Braid discussed neurohypnology and how he “cured” his patients of conditions ranging from skin disorders, stroke-induced paralysis, backward curvature of the spine, and rheumatism. @clydelifemag

Health and Wellbeing

James Braid

By the late 1940s, Braid’s theories were commanding increasing respect as was his work with inducing patients into an altered state of consciousness, which he termed “nervous sleep”. Parallel work in France suggested that a patient’s expectation had a significant impact on success, but Braid - credited with the invention of induction techniques based on eye-fixation - held onto his belief of focused attention, which he believed showed great consistency.

The death of Braid in 1860 paved the way for others such as doctors James Esdaile and John Elliotson to continue the study of hypnosis.

Scot Esdaile trained an army of “mesmerists” in India, which involved hours of compassionate stroking. His technique was clearly problematic, leaving him wide open to charges of sexual impropriety and when Esdaile left India in 1851, his stage-like techniques departed with him.

Elliotson, an English surgeon, introduced the stethoscope and the founded a hospital in 1842 where he used hypnosis to carry out surgical operations including amputations. Despite this success in producing anesthesia by hypnosis, his work was rejected in the medical world.

From Mesmer’s magnetic beginnings, hypnosis has come a long way to the therapeutic treatment of today.

With the wisdom of more than 200 years of practice, we arrive at the following description of hypnosis.

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, which includes suggestibility, and to some extent a sacrifice of your will. A session requires rapport to be built up between therapist and client, and overuse of touch is professionally unacceptable. No self-respecting hypnotherapist will use dangerous or unnecessary tests during a session, but your expectations will be a factor in successful treatment, as will your ability to focus your attention on your problem.

I am prepared to put my neck on the line in stating that, with your cooperation hypnosis works.

The Virtual Gastric Band is in your area!

Inverclyde Therapy Centre

Licensed Hypno-Band Practitioner Like any medical or therapy procedure there can be no definite guarantees. A surgeon cannot guarantee that an actual gastric band will work, but the virtual gastric band has proven effective in aiding significant weight loss.

However, it is YOU that holds the key to success.

Clyde Life Magazine

What if you could have all the benefits of a Surgical Gastric Band, without the surgery and cost? Well now you can!

By using the Hypno-Band hypnotherapy system we create a state of mind where you will believe you actually have a Gastric Band fitted! You will eat smaller portions and feel full.

The Hypno-Band system is a long term solution to your weight problems.

Contact Jean at Inverclyde Therapy Centre for full details :-Jean Adamson, Adv. Hyp. (GHR) (CNHC) tel: 01475 744116 e-mail: jean.adamson@inverclyde-therapy-centre.co.uk web: www.inverclyde-therapy-centre.co.uk

www.clydelife.co.uk | 43

The eyes have it,

make sure you keep it that way Eyesight is easy to take for granted, until something goes wrong. That’s why it’s really important to take advantage of the free eye tests available in this country Here’s a look at some of the common eye problems and the ways an optician can help.

Short-sightedness (myopia) This happens when light focuses before it reaches the back of the retina. It’s commonly noticed in childhood when the youngster complains they can’t see in class. Spectacles may only be needed for some tasks.

Long-sightedness (hypermetropia) When light doesn’t focus by the time it reaches the retina, the eye has to make a concerted effort to make the image clear. This can cause discomfort, headaches and even an inability to read. Spectacles may only be required for reading.

Astigmatism This describes an eye which is not perfectly spherical. Most eyes have a certain amount of astigmatism but not enough to need correction.

A large degree of astigmatism can cause marked visual difficulties and spectacles will be required.

Presbyopia This is a condition which eventually affects all of us, no matter how good we think our eyesight is. Inside each eye is a flexible lens. As we age this becomes less flexible, which is why reading becomes more difficult. Spectacles will help with close-up tasks.

Problems using a PC Contrary to popular belief computers don’t damage your eyes. However, using one is visually demanding. Because the resolution of a computer screen is less sharp than that of a printed page, experts have calculated that our reading rate is reduced by up to 25 per cent when we use a PC compared to when we read a newspaper.

Fortunately optometrists can advise about maximising comfort and will prescribe spectacles if necessary. Some employers may provide financial assistance if you need spectacles to do your job.

Cataracts These are caused by clouding of the lens. They are not painful but vision may be smudged or blurry.

Diabetics and those taking certain medications are more at risk but most cases are caused by old age.

The cure is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear, artificial one.

44 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

Glaucoma With glaucoma the optic nerve at the back of the eye is damaged. It is usually, but not always, caused by raised pressure inside the eyeball. Almost all sufferers experience no symptoms until there has been significant damage to their sight.

The risk becomes significant once you are 40 and it increases with age. Anyone with a family history of the disease is more at risk, along with diabetics, very short-sighted people and anyone from an AfroCaribbean background. If detected early Glaucoma can be controlled with eye-drops, and in some cases surgery.

Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) This happens when the delicate seeing-cells at the back of the eye stop working. It usually affects both eyes. The risk of getting it increases with age but poor diet, too much sun-exposure and smoking are all contributory factors. You are also more at risk if there is a family history of the condition.

Diabetes Although not an eye disease, diabetes can cause eye complications. An optometrist will check for signs of problems with the blood vessels of the eye. If any are discovered then you will be referred for laser treatment

@clydelifemag

How to choose childcare Deciding on childcare for your most precious person can be agonising, Mariessa Devlin offers some suggestions to help make up your mind

You have had your baby, spending many months of quality time together and now, with knots in your stomach, the decision of finding quality childcare is looming.

You may be feeling sick at at the thought of choosing the right person and place to look after your child or children. This decision coupled with the idea of potentially leaving your child in the care of a stranger is a daunting one. Often many family members have their opinion of who is best to look after your child, adding to the anxieties parents face when choosing a place to care for their child.

One of the best ways to choose your childcare is through word of mouth as this will provide you with some reassurances from those who have already used the service. In today’s modern world, information on childcare services is readily available in the public domain.

All childcare services - both childminders and nurseries - are regulated by the Care Inspectorate (formerly Care Commission). The Care Inspectorate

46 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

is the independent regulator of social care and social work services across Scotland. It is responsible for regulating, inspecting and supporting improvements to care.

Since 2008 whilst inspections are based on the previous system of National Care Standards, assessments have been grouped into Quality Themes.

These themes are care and support; environment; staffing; leadership and management. Quality grades in each area are rated as unsatisfactory, weak, adequate, good, very good and excellent.

Inspections are carried out unannounced so care providers don’t have the opportunity to prepare and, therefore, create an inaccurate impression.

All inspections reports, as well as information regarding a nursery or childminder, are available on the Care Inspectorate’s website (www.careinspectorate.com).

These reports will assist you in making informed choices about care providers.

Inspection reports as well as word of mouth are a good starting point in your hunt for childcare. And they will provide some background knowledge before you visit.

Which is best – childminder or nursery?

Childminders provide a flexible service and care for children in domestic premises, usually in the @clydelifemag

childminder’s own home.

A childminder can often be flexible about the hours they work and some childminders can accommodate unsociable working hours.

Childminders often offer care for children from a few weeks of age until their teenage years, thus providing a valuable continuity of care in both environment and carer. From a young age your child will benefit from the security of familiar surroundings and people. All childminders should be registered with the Care Inspectorate before they begin to work. Checks are carried out to ensure they are suitable to care for children and checks are made on the childminder’s home to make sure it too is suitable and safe.

Childminders should care for no more than six children under the age of 12, including the provider’s own children. There are also rules about the number of babies and children not yet attending primary school.

The Care Inspectorate considers the appropriate ages and numbers of children that childminders may care for, all details can be found on their website.

Nurseries can include all services where children are cared for on non-domestic premises for more than two hours a day in total, this includes places that provide wrap-around care and often are privately, publically or voluntarily run.

Clyde Life Magazine

Children & Family

Nurseries offer flexible options for parents and most offer childcare for babies aged sex weeks until they reach school age.

Nurseries offer flexible sessions and work within staffing ratios set by the Care Inspectorate. As a minimum, ratios for care in nurseries are one member of staff to three children aged under two years old, one member of staff to five children aged two years old and one member of staff to eight children aged 3 to 5 years old.

Nurseries follow new nationwide guidelines introduced by the Scottish Government under their Curriculum for Excellence plans for pre-school children. They also follow the new guidance on Pre-Birth to Three: Positive Outcomes for Scotland’s Children and Families for the children in their care. Staff work in teams of a minimum of two at anytime and are trained either vocationally or via college and university. It is now a requirement for all nursery staff to be regulated by the Scottish Social Services Council.

And as the sickly feeling may not have left completely, watch out for the next edition to find out all the important questions to ask during prospective visits, as well as the key insider tips of what to look out for.

Mariessa Devlin, Managing Director, Enchanted Forest Nurseries

www.clydelife.co.uk | 47

Tree Tops Community Nursery where bodies are fed as well as minds A visitor to Tree Tops Community Nursery in Port Glasgow will be welcomed by delicious smells of home cooking. And delicious, nutritious food is part of the recipe that the nursery believes sets them apart.

The purpose-built nursery opened its doors in 1996 in response to a demand from parents in the local community. At the time it set down its core values of feeding the children’s bodies as well as their minds.

Assistant manager Kate McKechnie said: “Healthy eating gets talked about a lot these days, but we’ve been doing it for years. It seems there are always surveys and reports coming out saying that children need to eat well. We look at them and think that’s just what we’ve been all about from the beginning.”

And it’s true. Everything the children eat during their days at the nursery are sourced locally, where possible, and made fresh from scratch. Seasonal menus are set down and include such things as a roast dinner and home-made fruit crumbles.

The most popular dish every week is fish pie. This comes as a surprise to many parents who think their youngsters aren’t keen on fish other than fish fingers.

But Kate said: “It’s the favourite meal. There are clean plates all round.

“It’s amazing how children eat here when it’s what’s expected of them. I suppose we are educating their palates as well as everything else. We introduce them to tastes and textures from when they are tiny – eating well becomes a life skill.”

The pickiness that exasperates many parents at home, just doesn’t happen at Tree Tops, consequently parents relax in the knowledge that their children have had a balanced nutritious meal during the day. And that they are learning good eating habits that will last a lifetime.

Tree Tops children are taught how to eat as well as what to eat. Every lunch is served on table cloths at tables set by the youngsters. They are expected to – and do – observe all the usual rules of good manners.

They also get home-made fayre for morning and afternoon snacks and these can include freshly baked bread, seasonal fruit and milk. And quite often the children will help put together their own picnics for outings such as to the woodland walk at the top of the Tree Tops property or out to the Clyde shore.

48 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

The nursery has plenty of outdoor space with both paved and grassy areas. The children spend lots of time enjoying the fresh air and nature. They are currently enjoying observing the occupants of a bug hotel they built.

And the same ethos of good quality “real” food even applies on high days and holidays. The little ones love a party but their treat food will include healthy – but fun – morsels such as fruit kebabs and little sausages.

“We take great pride in the quality of the food we give the children, as well as the way it’s served. It’s one of the things that makes us special,” Kate added.

Tree Tops Nursery has the equivalent of spaces for 50 full-time children and is open from 7.30am until 6.30pm.

Sample party menu

Quality chocolate Cheese and pickled onions Strips of pitta bread Pizza squares Breadsticks Toast fingers Cherry tomatoes Fruit kebabs Popcorn Vegetable kebabs Cheese and tomato kebabs Chipolata sausages Low fat crisps

Food Sticks Cheese Courgettes Carrot Cucumber Celery Peppers

Spreads and dips

Cheese spread Cottage cheese and pineapple Cottage cheese and chives Mild curry Mild salsa Yoghurt and cucumber

@clydelifemag

Children & Family

Typical menu

Monday

Cream of chicken soup ce Roast pork and apple sau Boiled potatoes and swede

Tuesday

Mince and potatoes Carrots rries Natural yoghurt with mixed be

Wednesday

Potato and leek soup sauce e tomato Meatballs in home-madlls she sta Pa

Thursday

Smoked fish pie Green beans ing and fresh fruit dd pu Rice

Friday

Lentil soup and parsley sauce m ha Boiled Boiled potatoes Broccoli

Learning Outdoors.

Breadth & depth to the curriculum are provided by: Learning in different environments, locally & further afield.

We welcome the diversity of Scottish weather.

Community

We welcome local culture by: Meaningful engagement with families, friends & neighbours.

Supporting local events & celebrations.

Embracing social justice.

Curriculum

Our approach is creative & imaginative.

We encourage children’s aspirations by: An individual approach to learning styles.

Providing opportunities to maximise potential.

Celebrating achievements.

Tree Tops Community Nursery provides healthy, freshly made meals and snacks daily from ingredients that do not contain additives.

All produce is organic whenever possible and Fairtrade products are also used.

Any particular dietary requirements are taken account of as well as babies who are being weaned.

Contact us

We are registered for babies from 6 weeks to children of 5 years old. We welcome enquiries and will arrange a suitable time for visits to the nursery. We believe that prospective parents should have dedicated time & attention where they can ask questions & see the nursery in action

4 Mansion Avenue

PORT GLASGOW, PA14 6QF

01475 700500

reception@treetopscommunitynursery.co.uk

www.treetopscommunitynursery.co.uk

We are open from 7.30am to 6.30 pm for 52 weeks, only closing on 6 public holidays Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 49

At such a sparkly time of year kids love a chance to get dressed in their very best Visit a local children’s clothing shop for some beautiful gift inspiration Christmas is a magical time for children.

Their eyes are wide and filled with wonderment at all the Christmas lights, special events and family occasions that opportunities for all kinds of treats and surprises. And these special times also give opportunity for our babies and young children to be dressed to the best to enjoy all that is going on.

Babywear and young children’s clothing remain popular Christmas gifts as we all love our children to be looking their best and as cute as a button. Independent clothing shops have a wide range of beautiful designs – possibly more than you imagine - giving you a more exclusive look for your little ones.

There are a number of good quality independent babywear and young childrenswear shops in our area adept at bringing you designs and styles from across the world, with many from Spain, France and Italy in particular. And they come from quality manufacturers with clothing built to last and able to be handed down to other family members for continued wear.

Remember too, the much loved and promoted Lelli Kelly highly sequined boots, sandals and shoes (including school shoes) are available locally which make great presents.

As well as special dresses and outfits for Christmas time, there is a wide range of very attractive winter Cradle Care 176x100 with bleed_Layout 1 01/11/2011 10:58 Page 1 wear for babies and young children to keep them snug

50 | Clyde Life – August/September 2011

in the colder weather, again with styles from around the world.

A visit to the retailers is guaranteed to bring some “oohs” and “aahs” from parents, aunts and grandparents as well as some “oh, isn’t that lovely” comments too. Make a visit one of your priorities over the coming days.

@clydelifemag

Pennyfern Baby Shop

Providing a warm, caring & stimulating environment for 3-5 year olds

Our ranges include: Established for over 40 years

Visit the website for more information www.duchal.com New Purpose built building within park setting & enclosed outdoor play area Tel: 01505 874358 Birkmyre Park, Kilmacolm, PA13 4JA Registered Charity SC036984

Clyde Life Magazine

- Christening wear - Couche Tot - Customised Pram Sets - Hand Knitting - Pex - Pretty Originals

- Pretty Me... USA ...and much more

Opening Hours: 10 am - 5 pm Mon -Friday 10 am - 4.00 pm Saturdays (Closed Wed)

Pennyfern Babyshop

www.pennyfernbabyshop.co.uk 01475 745275 | Church Street, Port Glasgow

www.clydelife.co.uk | 51

An illuminating way to decorate

Winter this far north means that for much of the time we’re at home, we are dependent on artificial light.

It’s so easy just to flick a switch and the light will go on, but the right kind of lighting can make a world of a difference. Interior designer Angela Barr explains how to set a shining example.

With shorter days of natural light we’re relying more and more on our artificial lighting in our homes. But how many times have you seen yourself switching from chair to chair turning this lamp on and this light off just to try and create the right atmosphere but it just doesn’t seem right?

Decorating with light is less about selecting an attractive table lamp but more about recognizing the subtle ways in which lighting can make us feel at ease in our surroundings – it has an emotional as well as a practical role to play.

So here our tips in planning a successful lighting solution that will bring a bit of sparkle to your life and interiors.

Lighting Basics Explained Accent lighting is low-level targeted at decorative interior features such as artwork, statement pieces and architectural details. Spotlights are commonly used as accent lighting as well as floor-level uplighter.

A collection of flickering candles can also create a cosy effect.

General ambient lighting is the light we see by. It is the substitute or supplement for natural day light and can be pendant lights, table lamps, floor lamps and recessed downlights.

Task lighting is lighting that aids a specific activity to be carried out efficiently such as a reading lamp angled

52 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

over a desk or a downlight over a kitchen worktop We would recommend layering all three types of illumination in a room for a phenomenal effect. We’ve put together some tips and suggestions for things to consider when planning the all-important lighting.

Plan your lighting scheme before you start to decorate.

This will ensure that sufficient sockets are installed to meet your lighting requirements in a room. Consider furniture placement so that sockets can be installed underneath tables to avoid unsightly trailing wires. If wall lights are to be included, the wires can be chased through the walls before you decorate with wallpaper.

An inexpensive way to give you the power to finetune the lighting level is to install a dimmer switch.

Dimmers also significantly extend the life of all filament light bulbs.

@clydelifemag

Home & Lifestyle

To maximize daylight, clear unnecessary clutter from the window. Use mirrors to amplify light so place a large mirror opposite the window to reflect light around the room. Just make sure that the view you are reflecting is a pleasant one. Setting wall sconces into a mirror will create a dazzling effect too.

Always use the services of a reputable qualified electrician when installing light fittings or any alterations to the lighting or power supply.

Angela Barr is an experienced and well-regarded interior designer. From starting her career in 1997, she has successfully built up a loyal client base throughout central Scotland. Her approach is innovative and exciting while still practical and surpassing clients’ aspirations with imagination. She comes from a long line of artists and has had a lifelong interest and passion for art and design. This passion and skillset is showcased through the diverse range of styles she offers.

Angela Barr

Window Dressing ~ Blinds ~ Soft Furnishings ~ Lighting Upholstery ~ Wall Coverings ~ Furniture ~ Flooring Not only do we supply lighting from our ranges of over 3000 designs in contemporary & traditional styles, we will install using our own recommended electricians, & trim intricate chandeliers with all their crystal finishing’s

01505 872223 www.abarrinteriors.co.uk

Home consultations available Showroom open Tue ~ Sat 10am ~ 5pm Carmichael Place, 8 Lochwinnoch Road, Kilmacolm, PA13 4DT Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 53

Oh no. Something’s gone wrong with the plumbing It’s a nightmare when you have a leak or a blockage. You can guarantee it’ll be at the most inconvenient time. So don’t panic and read our guide to what to do.

If you have to find a plumber yourself, ask your family and friends if they’ve had good service from an engineer or company. These personal recommendations are often the best way to make sure your plumbing is done well.

When contacting a plumber, especially if you’ve found their name in the phone book or on the internet, ask if they are members of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE).

Make sure you get at least three quotes and check the following areas are covered: whether there is a call out fee; how many people will be doing the job and whether the fee is a flat rate per hour or per person, and whether parts are billed separately.

Get your final quote in writing, on headed paper.

The final cost of the job shouldn’t be too different to what is written, unless there are unforeseen circumstances.

When the job is finished, ask for a complete breakdown of what’s been done, so you know exactly where your money went.

What you can do in an emergency

When something goes wrong with your plumbing, the stress can be made worse by not knowing what to do or who to contact to get it fixed. What if you get a cowboy? We’ve all seen the TV programmes with their tales of time wasting, overcharging and replacing parts needlessly. How can you ensure that you choose a reputable engineer?

Check with your insurance company whether you are covered and if you need to pay first and claim the costs back. Also check the excess on your policy; it might be more cost effective to pay for the work yourself, especially if it will affect your no claims bonus.

It may be worth joining a plumbing insurance scheme, such as those offered by British Gas or The AA, where you pay monthly and know that if something goes wrong, qualified engineers will come and fix it, usually at a fixed price or for no extra charge.

54 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

Frozen Pipes Turn off the mains water supply. If the frozen pipe has a split, empty the cold water cistern by opening all the cold taps. If the pipe hasn’t split, thaw it out slowly by applying hot water bottles. If any part of the hot water system is frozen or there is a split, turn the central heating off and call a professional.

Burst pipe Turn off the mains water. Open all the cold taps so the system drains quickly, but do not turn on the hot taps.

Turn off the central heating, any electric immersion heaters and call a professional.

Blocked sink or toilet If the sink is blocked, unscrew the trap - the U-shaped pipe under the sink (don’t forget to put a bowl underneath to catch any water!) - and check. If the blockage isn’t there, or your toilet is blocked, use a plunger that completely covers the outlet. It creates a vacuum to suck and push the blockage away. A chemical dissolver breaks down organic material, clearing the blockage away with little or no mess.

Call a professional if the blockage remains. @clydelifemag

WARE IS THE BEST COLLECTION OF BATHROOMS IN GREENOCK? Vitra Villeroy & Boch Kohler Hansgrohe

You’ll find WareWithAll next to the Battery Park in Greenock.

You’ll also find one of Scotland’s finest ranges of bathrooms and accessories at prices to suit all budgets.

Visit WareWithAll soon and find out ware the best collection is....

RIVER CLYDE

TO

G

TO GREENOCK & GLASGOW

O

K OC R U

ELDON ST

FORT MATILDA IND. ESTATE

ShowroomClyde open: Tue, Wed and Fri 9am - 5pm | Late night Thursday 9am - 7pm | Sat 10am -| 55 2pm LifeMon, Magazine www.clydelife.co.uk

ZZ Z The perfect ingre

st duve e b e h t t or f t n d ie

day

ZZ

Go on, you know you want to: Give in to the urge for a duvet day – but, first, assemble your equipment Create a cosy, inviting sanctuary of warmth in your bedroom with a luxurious new duvet. Nestling into the perfect duvet is a great way to spend the cold, dark winter.

When choosing a new duvet think about your sleeping habits. Do you get too hot or cold during the night?

Would you prefer a heavy quilt or a lightweight one?

Would a natural or synthetic filling appeal more? If you have allergies take these into consideration too. Invest in the best quality duvet you can afford and it will last for many years.

A duvet’s tog rating indicates how warm or cool it will keep you. A tog is a unit of heat; the higher the tog number, the warmer the duvet. So a 13.5 tog is ideal for people who feel the cold. The tog number has no bearing on how heavy or thick the duvet is though, that depends on what the duvet is filled with.

Natural fillings have better insulating properties than the cheap synthetic variety. They usually feel lighter and appear thinner than synthetic duvets of the same tog.

The most familiar of these natural fillings is combined feather and down. You can also get down-only filled duvets.

Pure goose down is the best quality natural filling. It’s more fluffy than duck down, giving a soft and incredibly lightweight duvet. When down is mixed with feathers the duvet becomes more affordable and a bit heavier.

This is ideal if you like a more weighty cover. Look

56 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

for a high percentage of down in relation to feather.

Feathers add weight but don’t contribute to the softness of the quilt.

Synthetic-filled duvets are more practical and generally cheaper than natural fillings but a good one can be just as soft and warm. You can wash them yourself whereas a natural filling requires specialist cleaning.

They are also hypoallergenic. Polyester microfibre is the best option as it mimics the feel of natural fillings.

Relatively new to the market are sumptuous silk-filled duvets. These are much flatter than other duvets yet afford the same warmth. They are exceptionally light and very soft. The best silk duvets are made from long strands of mulberry silk. As silk is naturally hypoallergenic and repels dust mites these quilts are perfect for those with allergies, including skin conditions. Silk is a breathable material so helps regulate your body temperature, reducing the effects of night sweats. At the moment, there is no official standard for a tog rating on silk-filled duvets, so different companies may have different measurements.

Many suppliers give the number of grams of silk per square metre; the higher this number, the warmer the quilt.

A good night’s sleep is tremendously important for health and wellbeing, so treat yourself this winter and snuggle into a soft, welcoming duvet to keep the cold at bay.

@clydelifemag

Fantastic contemporary and traditional German and British bespoke kitchens A stunning range of appliances and work surfaces Free professional 3D planning and design service Expert installation, fully project managed all trades service Open and honest quotations, no commission based sales people

Design, Quality, Service & Value...It’s what WE do!

Come dine on US! Buy your kitchen before the 24th of December 2011 and Christmas dinner is on us! Dine at home or your favourite restaurant, the choice is yours, now that’s a real Christmas present.

T&C apply.

Tel: 01475 727774 | 52 Regent Street, Greenock

www.affordableluxuries.co.uk

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 57

How to choose the right wedding dress for your shape Y

ou may have always dreamed you would swish down the aisle in top-to-toe chiffon or a duchess satin meringue, but childhood fantasies aside, it’s a good idea to choose a dress that will compliment your shape and personal style, not one you’ll look back on in years to come and cringe because it made you look any less than your most fabulous.

You’re a princess for the day - so dress the part Your wedding photos will be around forever and you’ll hopefully want to show them off to all and sundry; they’ll be dragged out at every family do and you’ll imagine your grandchildren poring over the faded images with gasps of “Oh what a beautiful dress grandma wore”.

So with that vision in mind it’s imperative not to waste your big opportunity. This is your chance to look the best you’ve ever looked. It’s also important that you feel comfortable in your bridal gown as you’re going to be wearing it all day. A low-cut dress for instance that you can’t bend down in may not be appropriate if you are likely to spend much of the reception bending to greet elderly relatives or picking up small children.

Try before you buy and take along a friend Trying on wedding dresses is a rite of passage for many a girl and it’s a special day out to enjoy with your best friend, mum, sister or all three. It’s a good idea to try on as many different styles as you can as it will give you a better idea of what you like and what you feel comfortable in. Sleep on a decision rather than buying spontaneously. If you’re travelling a long distance to dress shops it’s a good idea to try dresses on in the morning and then break for lunch to mull over how you felt about each dress and then go back and buy one later.

Your ideal dress should say something about your individual style The overall style of the dress should ideally reflect who you are in some way. If you’re a classic English rose who loves feminine dresses and always wears heels then your bridal gown should perhaps be a traditional, full-skirted style; whereas if you’re a grungy tomboy who tends to sport a mini skirt more than any other type of dress then perhaps your style will be more contemporary.

Stylish classic Hollywood-inspired brides may want more of a Grace Kelly look complete with ivory chiffon scarf thrown elegantly backwards over their neck for the reception and worn more conservatively over their shoulders for the ceremony.

58 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

@clydelifemag

If you like to break the rules, then who says you have to wear white? Rebels should consider coloured or short-skirted bridal gowns – very modern and uber cool.

The main aspects to consider when choosing your ideal dress are: The neckline – does it flatter your body shape and enhance your bust or just serve to highlight what’s missing?

The material – does it cling unforgivingly to every lump or skim your line to perfection?

The length – does it elongate you or serve to make the most of your elegant stature if you’re tall?

The skirt shape – does it fall elegantly to the floor, giving the illusion of perfectly curvaceous hips or cruelly accentuate your heavy thighs?

The colour – does it lift your skin tone and make you look like a well-lit film star or drain you of colour and leave you looking unwell?

The detail – do you want to sparkle with beading and crystals or is your dress so heavily embroidered and busy it’s wearing you?

Here are the rules: Hourglass Choose anything you like, especially dresses that accentuate your tiny waist and curves. A fishtail will look amazing on you. Think Hollywood glamour of the 1950s, Marilyn Monroe, the hourglass shape can wear any style and look amazing.

Petite Choose A-line or long-line styles with detail at the neckline and hem to draw the eye up and down the length of your frame.

But avoid ball gown or full-skirted ‘fru fru’ meringue styles. A high neckline or an empire-line may also give the illusion of length.

Detailing at top and bottom of the dress will give the illusion of a longer line and thus make you magically appear taller. Heels will complete your look.

Pear shape Choose slim A-line styles with wide or square necklines and especially strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses where the horizontal line gives the illusion of a wider top-half.

But avoid clingy materials around your hips and bias cut skirts which accentuate wider hips. If you have small boobs avoid a deep v-neckline or low-cut dress. As pear-shapes are smaller above the waist than they are below, it’s best to streamline the shape by taking the emphasis away from the hip. A heavier material wrapped around your top half such as a velvet or fur stole will also help to balance you and complete your look.

Plus size Choose deep v-necklines will give the illusion of a slimmer you while enhancing your best assets. A fitted bodice with a longer length gentle A-line skirt will also help to streamline. But avoid high necklines, short skirt lengths and strapless or off-theshoulder styles which may make you look wider. Gathered and pleated styles will add bulk so a plus size bride should go instead for a longer line. A gentle A-line gown with sheer sleeves or straps and a deep v-neckline will be your best choice, a pretty sheer wrap will complete the look.

Clyde Life Magazine

Fine

Things BRIDAL WEAR

37 Church Street Port Glasgow PA14 5EH Tel: 01475 791524

Stockists of : Maggie Sottero, Justin Alexander, Sincerity Plus Bridals, Phil Collins , Oppulence Bridal, Romantica of Devon, Mori Lee, Mon Cheri, & Forever Bridals.

Fine Things carries out all Bridal and Non Bridal Alterations….. please call for details..

£100 £100 worth of Accessories Free

with Bridal Gown Purchases In December 2011 & January 2012 This offer is not in conjunction with any other offer

www.clydelife.co.uk | 59

Irene Clyde Advert:Layout 1

Barony Brides

27/10/11

15:32

Page 1

The Bridal Suite 87 West Blackhall Street Greenock

Stockists of unworn vintage wedding dresses – 60s, 70s, 80s Hilary Morgan ~ Ellis ~Veronica Moss We have a selection of Maggie Sottero, Venus Bridal, Amanda Wyatt and more Ex-Display Dresses at fantastic prices.

Amanda Wyatt

We carry a small but select range of locally handmade tiaras and handmade silver jewellery set with precious stones.

OPENING HOURS: Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am – 5pm Private appointments also available on request Warm and friendly atmosphere

Tel: 01475 729 888 / 07816 626 384

CANVASS HAIR DESIGN

Stylish Handbags for your Every Day!

Come along to a charity event run by Canvass Hair Design in aid of My New Hair.

A pioneering new charity who provide public advice & support to a national network of independent salons & professionals who provide a wig styling service for people suffering from cancer & medical hair loss.

Tickets just £10 & includes a glass of wine, catwalk show & a mini treatment varying from file ‘n’ polish, mini neck ‘n’ shoulder massage to head massages

60 | Clyde Life – August/September 2011

@clydelifemag

Kevin Murphy Products* To be entered into the prize draw, present this advert when purchasing any Kevin Murphy products during November & December

keep up to date with all of our promotions & services on Facebook

*applies to one years normal usage. Terms & Conditions apply.

WIN a years supply of

124 Cathcart St, Greenock

01475 552515

Wemyss Bay Station A new Class 380 arrives at Wemyss Bay on 10 September, Doors Open Day.

and its Friends.

By 1903, when Wemyss Bay Station and Pier were built, steam trains and steam boats were providing affordable transport for everyone, not just the well-off, and everyone could get away from the grime of the cities and the grind of the daily job to have a holiday - doon the watter.

Small coastal towns and villages became resorts. The wealthy built their holiday homes and villas, and the less so rented houses or rooms. Steam travel was the equivalent of cheap flights today.

The present station at Wemyss Bay replaced a much simpler one, increasing the number of platforms from two to five, and steamer berths at the pier were also increased to five.

Its design engineer was Donald Matheson, of the Caledonian Railway Company, who created the beautiful curving lines of the platforms and concourse, topped with glass canopies which provided protection from the Scottish weather from the moment you stepped off the train until you boarded your boat. This was a huge improvement.

The architect, James Miller, provided handsome accommodation in a Queen Anne-style building that faces the street with a curved frontage and includes a distinctive clock tower. Rest rooms, refreshment rooms, a newsagent and even a fruiter’s shop were all provided, and, from the very beginning, the station was decorated with potted plants in tubs and hanging baskets. This custom continued into the 1970s, by which time rail staff numbers were greatly reduced in numbers and the problem of vandalism had arrived. So the flowers, which had won the station and its staff many prizes over the years, disappeared.

ScotRail operate a program called Adopt a Station by which they try to encourage local communities to take a practical interest in their stations, particularly by installing containers of plants.

62 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

Under the scheme a group of volunteers got together as the Friends of Wemyss Bay Station. In 2009 we began filling a few tubs around the Ticket Office.

Then we were offered the use of empty rooms, which we have converted into a second-hand bookshop and gallery. These have become our point of contact with the travelling public as well as locals. They are also a means of raising funds for some of the things we wish to do at the station.

ScotRail’s maxim is to put stations at the heart of their communities, and that has become our aim.

The gallery space has been used by individual artists to show their work, and for local groups to put on exhibitions. We collect stories and photos about the station and pier and put them on display. We have published a history of the building of the station in 1903 with a fascinating collection of photos of its construction.

And just this year we have created a garden with raised beds and a polytunnel, in which we plan to grow plants for displaying in the station and around it.

Wemyss Bay Station is the last remaining example of a Clyde coast rail and ferry terminal, and is probably the finest. The Friends are keen to see it preserved intact, and maintained. Major repairs, especially to the canopies and ironwork, are required. It would be a tragedy to lose such a splendid structure through neglect and we would welcome support and encouragement from anyone who shares our concerns.

During December the gallery will host a ‘Station Gift Shop’, selling a range of hand-made crafts by local artists and makers.

On the morning of Saturday 4th December, from 11:00am, there will be carol-singing by members of the local church, with mince pies and mulled wine on offer, to add a festive flavour.

Article courtesy of: Nancy Cameron, Chairman, Friends of Wemyss Bay Station. Contact : cameron.nancy@virginmedia.com Website for www.friendsofwemyssbaystation.co.uk

@clydelifemag

G I L L E S P I E ’S F

U

R

N

I

T

U

R

E

Quality needn’t cost the earth

Avoid disappointment order now for pre Xmas delivery

207 Dalrymple Street, Greenock PA15 1LD | Tel: 01475 720559 | www.gillespiesfurniture.com

eet 81 Kemplock Str Gourock 667 T: 01475 637 pm Mon–Sat 10am–5

Clyde Life Magazine

Goody2Shoes Goody2Shoes

118 Main Street Kilwinning T: 01294 553 593 Mon–Sat 9am–5 pm

www.clydelife.co.uk | 63

Pilates: an exercise system that really works “I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They’d be happier.” Joseph Pilates in 1965 aged 86 So what is pilates and what makes it such a good way to exercise?

In 1926, Joseph Pilates set up what he called a ‘contrology’ studio in New York . He had been working on and perfecting his exercise system for many years in Europe inspired by the classical Greek notion of a man who is balanced equally in body, mind and spirit.

Joseph believed that modern lifestyle, bad posture and inefficient breathing were the roots of poor health.

Contrology was his answer to this.

He created a unique series of life-enhancing physical exercise that help to correct muscular imbalances and improve posture, coordination, balances strength and flexibility as well as to increase breathing capacity and organ function.

While the word Joseph coined for his effective exercises didn’t catch on, his methods certainly did – known simply as Pilates.

He said: “I’m fifty years ahead of my time.”

And he was, as he taught a few ballet dancers, actors and singers who were searching for physical excellence, he can’t possibly have imagined how popular his methods would be.

64 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

Pilates provide increased strength, flexibility and balance, improved posture and alignment, enhanced breathing and circulation as well as improved muscle tone, energy and mental concentration.

Joseph developed a series of efficient and intense exercises that work, particularly, the core muscles and pay great attention to breathing.

Pilates fans are quick to endorse the benefits of Pilates. Three students of Jacqui McKeown at Breathe Pilates have all felt the benefit.

Cecilia, 63, said: “Pilates is starting to change my shape. My posture has improved and I can feel a big

difference in myself. Other people have commented on how well I look. My only regret is that I never started doing this years ago.”

Liz, 32, said: “I love it. Sometimes I arrive feeling shattered but always leave feeling positive and full of energy. I don’t know if it is the exercises or taking time to breathe properly that helps most but it’s a definite stress buster. I’m the strongest I’ve ever been.”

And Linda, 37, added: “I always feel a little bit taller after a class.”

Jacqui has 15 years experience as a personal trainer and learned Pilates at The Pilates Institute.

She holds classes and one-to-one sessions at her Breathe Pilates studio the RopeWorks building in Port Glasgow. Students can work out while enjoying stunning views across the Clyde. For more information call 07971719414. @clydelifemag

W ishing all our customers a very

Merry Christmas & a happy and prosperous 2012

Our full Christmas list & order form is NOW available in store.

Or for information on festive ordering and up-to-date offers on food and wines for Christmas visit mccaskiebutcher.co.uk or call 01475 520192

Yoga & Meditation Classes Mindfulness Meditation Group Monday 8.15 – 9.15 pm Kilmacolm Adult’s Yoga Classes Monday 7.00 – 8.15 pm Kilmacolm Wednesday 10.00 – 11.15 am Greenock

Restorative Yoga Class Tuesday 11.00 – 12.30 pm Kilmacolm Children’s Yoga Classes Thursday afternoons 3.00 – 6.00 pm Kilmacolm (Children’s class times depend on age group)

Combining physical movement with breathing, relaxation and meditation practises to help you relax, re-balance and improve your overall fitness, health and well-being.

Classes held in a beautiful private yoga space -

please book in advance

Janis Binnie janisbinnie@yahoo.co.uk 07813 924922

Baby Ganesha: Remover of Obstacles

An Inner Yoga Trust teacher and member of the British Wheel of Yoga and Yoga Scotland

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 65

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Round Up for November/December 2011 Photographic Competition 2011 The winner has been announced! Congratulations to Tracey Brown and her winning entry ‘James and the Giant Beech’. The display of entries for this year is now on a park wide tour. See the events section of our website for when the display will be visiting your local centre!

St Columba’s Pupils Report on Outdoor Activity Day A group of transitus pupils visited Castle Semple Loch recently and reported back to the school magazine saying that their day at Castle Semple was ‘absolutely amazing’. The pupils sampled mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, raft building and various team games. They said: ‘We all had mixed feelings about our favourite activities, but it didn’t matter because we enjoyed it all!

Although the water activities were cold and wet and the land activities were muddy, we still had a great time. We would recommend it.’ If you would like to book a taster session for a group you know contact Dave or Willie 01505 842 882 Ex 21.

Weekly Walks in Lochwinnoch Did you know that there are two walks that happen every week in Lochwinnoch? Every Monday is the turn of the Community Walk, who meet at the McKillop Centre at 10:30 hrs for some gentle exercise and a good chat. Or if you have a little one why not join the slinky strollers? Parents and Pushchairs meet weekly on a Thursday at Castle Semple Centre at 10:30 hrs.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas… …and a Happy New Year - from all the Regional Park Staff. All Visitor Centres will be closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and shall be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Park’s walks and trails remain open all year for you and your family to enjoy during the festive season.

66 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

@clydelifemag

Outdoors and Activities

November

Thur 24 Nov Christmas Shopping Night Pick up some bargains for Christmas presents with our late evening opening. 10% discount on all Christmas gifts.

Mulled wine and mince pies will be served.

WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre WHEN: Drop in between 18.00 – 21.00 hrs MORE INFO: tel 01505 842 882 Ex 20 Fri 25 Nov Star Gazing Evening An evening with our friends from the Coats Observatory in Paisley at one of the few dark sky sites in Renfrewshire.

Indoor lecture if the weather is unsuitable for viewing.

WHERE: Muirshiel Visitor Centre WHEN: 19:00 – 21:00 hrs MORE INFO: 01505 842 803 & bookings

December Sun 4 Dec

Lochwinnoch Festive Farmers Market

Enjoy the lochside location as you purchase fresh produce and drinks from local suppliers. Stalls inside and out. Free prize draw to win a hamper full of tasty produce.

WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre WHEN: 11.00 – 14.30 hrs or until sold out MORE INFO: 01505 842 882 Ex20 Wed 7 Dec Festive Tinsel Walk A circular 5.0Km/3.1m walk, suitable for everyone! Come and join us for this festive walk around Lochwinnoch.

Tickle your tonsils with the tunes of Christmas and wear a festive hat or a bit of tinsel.

MEET: Castle Semple Visitor Centre WHEN: 11.00 hrs MORE INFO: 01505 842 882 Ex 20 & bookings

Wed 30 Nov Lyle Hill - Feeling Fitter Walk A Level 2, Linear 8.3Km/5.2m walk. Starting at Gourock Pier/railway station before climbing gently to Tower Hill. Features include Gourock Park, Coves community woodland and reservoirs, the Free French Memorial on Lyle Hill, Highland Mary’s grave to Greenock Central station. Walk mainly on paths, pavements or tracks.

MEET: Gourock Pier/Railway Station finish Greenock Central WHEN: 11.00 hrs MORE INFO: 01505 842 882 Ex 20 & bookings

Fri 16 Dec Star Gazing Evening An evening with our friends from the Coats Observatory in Paisley at one of the few dark sky sites in Renfrewshire.

Indoor lecture if the weather is unsuitable for viewing.

WHERE: Muirshiel Visitor Centre WHEN: 19:00 – 21:00 hrs MORE INFO: 01505 842 803 & bookings Sat 17 and Sun 18 Dec Christmas Decorations Join the rangers to make your own individual Christmas Decorations from natural materials. Help our feathered friends out too with bird feeders for your garden.

WHERE: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre WHEN: 13.00 – 15.00 hrs MORE INFO: 01475 521 458 & bookings Sun18 Dec Natural Christmas Decorations Using natural materials get into the festive spirit with the rangers making yule decorations.

WHERE: Castle Semple Visitor Centre WHEN: 13.00 – 14.00 hrs & 14.15 – 15.15 hrs MORE INFO: 01505 842 882 Ex 20 & bookings Booking essential for all events, contact the centre to book your FREE place!

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 67

A tree is for life … not just for Christmas It’s true, a tree is a gift in more ways than one, but is it for life?

Well, if you choose the right variety it could be, and we’re not talking Christmas trees here. Trees make great gifts for people of all ages, and if planted at around this time of year, should establish very well. Traditionally the best planting time for trees and shrubs is November to March, as this is when the plants are dormant and won’t ‘notice’ that they have been moved (shhhhh!).

Planting a tree is a momentous occasion, and it will hopefully bring years of pleasure to you, your family and your neighbours … as long as you plant the right type that is. Choosing the right variety is extremely important, so see below for my favourites, which should do well in most garden situations: Malus ‘Royalty’ – deep burgundy leaves, pink spring blossom and red fruits Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’ – ornamental silvery leaved weeping ornamental pear Amelanchier arborea ‘Robin Hill’ – white blossom, fruits, great autumn colour Malus trilobata – oak like leaves, stunning red in autumn Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’ – a designer favourite, but short lived (50-60 years) Tree huggers (as they used to be referred to) are thankfully no longer mocked, and the recent eco-movement has educated us to the benefits of planting trees, both for their environmental benefits and also their aesthetic appeal. Research shows that the presence of established trees can actually increase the value of the roads we live on, as well as making us feel generally healthier

Jobs for December: Brush off any snow from conifers and structures such as greenhouses Make sure you feed the birds daily and give them fresh clean water Order seeds and new plug plants for next year Tidy out the shed and clean propagation trays and pots Sort through your old stored seeds and review the successes (and failures) of the year Until next time, happy gardening, oh, and merry Christmas!

Plant for Success Plant only if the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Soak the roots in water for 30 minutes while you dig a large square hole twice the width of the pot: no cheating here, as you’ll get caught out in years to come. Fork over the bottom of the planting hole and lower the tree to the bottom. Backfill, adding some bone meal and well rotted compost. Ensure the tree is planted no deeper than it was in its pot, and firm it down. Water, and attach to a wooden stake with a plastic tree tie.

Easy! So go on, give someone a tree this Christmas, and you never know, it could be a present which lasts for generations.

68 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

@clydelifemag

Open 7 days 9.30am to 6.30pm (opening times may vary subject to season)

We have introduced a new entry price for Funworld customers. It is an ‘All Inclusive Pass’ which allows the customer access into Funworld for 2 hours & 1 game of laser* for £6.50 for kids & £1.00 for adults.

T Inchl e All u Daysive Pas s

© OpenStreetMap contributors, CC-BY-SA

PARTY - PLAY - RELAX FUN ALL IN ONE PLACE

Unit 1 - 2, Fort Matilda Industrial Estate

Eldon Street, Greenock, PA16 7QB

Tel: 01475 783003 Fax: 01475 783007 reception@funworld-leisure.co.uk

www.funworld-leisure.co.uk



*This offer is only available when booking in at the Funworld reception & the laser game must be played at the end of their play time in Funworld.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHOOSE OUR FABULOUS

ALL INCLUSIVE PASS

OFFER & RECEIVE

ONE FREE GAME ON PRODUCTION OF THIS VOUCHER

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 69

Gardeners, it’s time to relax with a seed catalogue While there isn’t an enormous amount to do during the heart of winter, Iain Milligan of Erskine Garden Centre has some suggestions for the milder moments We are now well in winter’s grasp and, quite frankly, unless we get some unseasonal weather there is not really a great deal that can be done in the garden at this time of year.

If we do have a mild spell, however, this is a good time to add some winter colour if it is lacking. There are a great many shrubs that are good at providing winter colour. Some types produce berries, some have variegated evergreen foliage, others may have coloured stems. There are also a few types that flower naturally at this time.

Don’t worry about planting just now as container grown shrubs can be planted at any time of year as long as the ground is not frozen or waterlogged, and these are the types you will find in your garden centre.

I would however recommend that if you have bought some plants and they are still in their pots, to get them into the ground as soon as possible. The pot will offer less protection from the cold than the soil.

There are still of course a few general maintenance jobs to keep on top of, for example: Don’t allow leaves to blow onto and accumulate on the lawn as they will damage the grass.

Knock the snow off trees to stop branches breaking.

Mulch around any plants that have not been done to help keep the cold at bay.

Spare a thought for our feathered friends and , keep bird feeders topped up. Birds add a great deal of winter colour to the garden and their

70 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

antics can be quite entertaining. They will appreciate any help we can give to get them through the winter months. They will also help with pest control during the summer when they attack many of the bugs that infest our gardens.

Whilst it may not always be possible to do much gardening, I find this time of year an excellent time to be thinking about the year ahead. I get stuck in to all my seed catalogues and make a list of the plants I would like to grow the following season. This usually results in a list ten times longer than it should be which then requires careful consideration to see which ones I really can live without. At the end of the day I will have a plan, that in my head always looks superb. The reality is sometimes different! That is gardening, we are always learning.

Erskine Garden Centre is one of five social firms run by the charity Erskine. They not only provide supported employment to disabled and ex service workers but all profits are channeled directly back into the charity, enabling it to carry on delivering the high standard of care for which it has become renowned.

Founded in 1916 Erskine now cares for more than 1,350 ex-service men and women by providing respite and long-term care in five purpose built homes across Scotland.

@clydelifemag

Chubby Cyclist’s guide to buying Kids’ Bikes A recurring favourite on Santa’s list for many will be a shiny new bike. In this guide I would like to offer a few tips to help select the right bike for your own little angels.

During tougher economic times even cycling enthusiast parents may consider economising when it comes to buying a child’s bike– they do grow out of bikes just as they grow out of everything. Right? But, here’s a thought - you don’t get forever to sell cycling to your kids. They grow up fast with many other distractions and if you want to enjoy cycling together, now and in the future, your son or daughter needs a bike that fits properly and that’s light enough for them to ride and manoeuvre easily.

While some adults may collect a range of bikes, most kids will only have one. This needs to be a good all-rounder, so ask yourself if it is suitable for off-road riding, for riding to school or friends’ houses. What about its appearance? Colour and style are a big deal for kids and far more important for them than tyre types or gear mechanism manufacturer.

The golden rule when buying a child’s bike is to ensure it is the right size. In general the child should ride the bike that is the biggest they can comfortably handle.

Parents are often tempted to buy a bike that they can grow into. However it is more important that the child can be in proper control because if they can’t reach the brakes or can’t put their feet down, it won’t be much fun to ride and the bike will quickly be ignored. There is always a market to sell on a used bike.

Kids’ bikes are measured in wheel size rather than frame size. I have grouped bikes into four categories, but remember; these are not definitive and you should always look for the bike that fits properly. The groups are: pavement bikes (12"- 14" wheel), age four to six (16"-18" wheel), age six to 10 (20" wheel) and age nine to 12 (24" wheel). After that, children will be on small adult bikes.

Things to consider: Bike Weight makes more of a difference to the ride and manoeuvrability of a child’s

72 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

bike than an adult bike, simply because children are smaller, lighter and weaker. You should expect to pay a premium for an alloy framed bike, but this bike will be lighter and more fun to ride, the frame won’t rust if it is occasionally left out in the rain and it will be easier to lift.

Don’t buy big wheels for small riders, they need scaling down too. While a larger wheel will roll over bumps and kerbs better, it will also be heavier and the steering less responsive. Brake levers don’t necessarily need to be scaled down though.

Suspension forks should be avoided on 16" bikes and below. On small bikes they tend to be of low quality and small kids are rarely heavy enough to activate them. On larger bikes, if suspension is required, try to find air-sprung forks as they are lighter and more easily adjusted.

Pavement Bikes Children can learn to ride a two-wheeler at three years old. Balance bikes are becoming popular (this is a bike on a 12" wheel which has no pedals or brakes).

Kids learn the art of balance without the complexity of pedalling or braking. You can turn a starter bike into a balance bike by removing the pedals and lowering the seat so your child can put both feet flat on the floor.

Find a gentle slope and let them coast down it. When they’ve got the idea, refit the pedals. These bikes usually come with stabilisers as standard which can be used if preferred but are easily removed.

Ages four to six Bikes with 16" – 18" wheels sometimes still come with stabilisers: if so, bin them. All 16" wheel bikes come with a single speed gear. Most 18" bikes are single speed @clydelifemag

Outdoors and Activities although some have gears and may therefore suit the older but smaller rider.

Low overall weight will give a more easily manoeuvred bike. A chainguard will keep clothing or inquisitive fingers out of the drivetrain. By this age, children can hurtle along so easily operable good quality brakes are essential.

Ages six to 10 Gears are the obvious extra with 20" wheel bikes where a six-speed gear grip shift system is introduced.

Your local mechanic should be able to lock the gears into single speed setting if required.

For knocking around on the street, don’t discount single speeds as they are lighter, simpler and rarely develop problems. BMX bikes are good examples of this.

Some 20" wheel bikes come with suspension forks.

There are two disadvantages with this, extra weight and less money to go round elsewhere. If the bike costs £150 or more, front suspension may be adequate. Rear suspension on kids’ bikes tends to be a useless and should be avoided.

If the bike has a rear derailleur, check to see if a guard has been fitted for when the bike is dropped on its side. A kickstand is useful too.

Ages nine to 12 24" wheel bikes are much closer to real adult bikes.

Spending in the region of £200 and you’ll get a lighter weight aluminium mini-mountain bike that can be passed on to siblings.

Clyde Life Magazine

You tend to get six or seven speed freewheel hub and most likely a triple chainset giving between 18-21 gears. Again the front mech can be locked until the child gets used to the concept, but it really does not take long.

Bike spec should compare to an adult’s bike at the same price.

Big kids’ bikes Children aged 12 or 13 – and some tall younger ones – may be ready for a small-framed adult bike. Most manufacturers make frames down to 14" or 15", and some do 13". Urban freeriders and serious off-road riders may want the smallest frame for the extra clearance over the top tube, but most teenagers can go straight to15".

But don’t be tempted to put your 9 or 10-year-old on a 13" adult frame just because they happen to be able to reach the pedals.

The above is a general guide, if you are unsure consult your local bike shop for advice.

Buying at your local independent bike shop will give you access to service and support which will not be available at the supermarket or from online dealers.

www.clydelife.co.uk | 73

Events programme for November – February 2011

FINLAYSTONE Country Estate great family day day out out a agreat family

FINLAYSTONE Country Estate

Date and Time

Event

Sat 19th Nov

Christmas Tree tagging begins Bring the family to choose and ‘tag’ your Christmas tree. Return in December to either dig up or cut down your choice.

FINL

Sun 27th Nov 1pm – 4pm

Getting to Know ‘Yew’ To celebrate ‘ National Tree Week’ join a Ranger led guided walk around the woodlands and afterwards help decorate the trees on Captain’s Field.

Daily during December 9am – 4pm

Christmas tree sales Support the estate by buying our home grown Christmas trees, freshly cut or bare rooted! Free family admission if you buy a tree. Check the web site for prices & wholesale opportunities.

Sat/Sun 3rd/4th/10th/ 11th/17th and 18th Dec 1pm – 4pm

Santa’s Grotto. Ticket only Follow the woodland trail to find Santa.

Tickets cost £9.50 per child (1 accompanying adult free).

Sat/Sun 3rd/4th/10th/ 11th/17th/18th Dec 11am – 4pm

Festive Craft stalls in the courtyard A good variety of stalls each day so no excuse for not finding that special Christmas present!

Sun 11th Dec 1.45pm & 3pm

Carol Singing The ‘Langbank Singers’ will be here singing Christmas Carols. Please support them.

Sun 8th Jan 11am – 4pm

Winter Wonderland Walk Blow away the Christmas cobwebs on this 7 mile guided walk up to Knockmountain. Steep inclines and bring packed lunch.

Sun 29th Jan 1pm -4pm

Big Garden Bird Watch Join in with nationally important ‘Big Garden Bird Watch’ to count birds in the garden.

Every Sun in Feb 2pm – 3pm

Snowdrop Strolls with a Ranger Join a 1 hour led walk to explore Finlaystone estate and witness the beautiful, white carpet of snowdrops in the woodlands. Snowdrop posies and potted bulbs for sale in February. Snowdrop bulbs ‘in the green’ available in March.

February 2pm

Wild Days Out Mon 13th Mask Making* Tues 14th Ranger Hike Wed 15th Lantern making for the ‘Lantern lit Snowdrop Trail’* *Additional charge of £1.50 to cover materials used.

Sat 18th Feb 7pm

Lantern Lit Snowdrop Trail – ticket only Bring your laterns and join the latern and candle lit trail to see the snowdrops in moonlight. Hot drink included in the ticket price. Tickets £7 adults, £5 children.

Sun 19th Feb 1pm – 4pm

Go Nuts As part of ‘National Nest Box Week’ join the Rangers making bird boxes and feeders.

Additional charge of £7.50 to cover cost of materials.

74 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

Coun

@clydelifemag

Outdoors and Activities Tea room Frances changed to ‘winter opening’ in November and is only open at weekends between 12noon & 4pm.

Hot & cold drinks are available in the Visitor Centre Monday – Friday 11am – 4pm when the tearoom is closed. In the meantime Frances continues providing a range of hot & cold food & drinks and you can contact her direct to discuss catering requirements on 07845 527804.

Christmas Craft Stalls Craft stall bookings are already being made for the Christmas period and would be grateful for more Craft people to contact us. Our prices are very competitive.

The ‘Stables’ which are located in the courtyard between the visitor centre and walled garden are available on a daily or weekend basis. In addition, East & West Barns and the ‘Victorian Room’ are also available. Please ring 01475 540505 if you are interested.

‘Snowdrop Festival’ there will be an exciting self-led trail which will take visitors into the ‘Paradise area’ of the estate where the snowdrops will be spectacular.

In addition on Wednesday 15th February, during the school holidays, there will be a lantern making workshop in preparation for our ‘Snowdrops by Moonlight’ event on Saturday 18th February.

Paying visitors who come during the week in January & February, that is Monday to Friday, will be entitled to a free hot drink of tea or coffee in the Visitor Centre.

Snowdrop posies and potted snowdrop bulbs will be available for sale in February and bulbs ‘in the green’ will be available from March’

Scottish snowdrop festival and finlaystone The Scottish Snowdrop Festival will be running between 1st Feb and 13th March 2012 and Finlaystone Country Estate in Renfrewshire will be one of the estates participating in the event.

During February the snowdrops will be at their very best and on each Sunday at 2pm Rangers will be leading guided snowdrop strolls. Throughout the

Contact Neil ~ 01505 610274 or 07836 208817

Lavishly furnished but with all the charm of a traditional Arran house Open plan lounge leads on to a large sun room with panoramic views Top of the range facilities ~ Bed Linen provided ~ Washing Machine Freezer/Ice Box ~ Coffee maker ~ Tumble Drier ~ Dishwasher Microwave ~ Towels ~ TV ~ Pub 100m ~ DVD ~ Fridge Tiered garden ~ off road parking for 3-4 vehicles Dining area easily accommodates all guests 5 bedrooms (3 x double and 2 x twin) 4 Bathroom Facilitie (2 Ensuite)

Clyde Life Magazine

www.clydelife.co.uk | 75

Opening Hours

Mon-Sat 8am-6pm Sunday 9am-6pm Serving an extensive breakfast menu, lunches, coffee & delicious cakes made on the premises.

We are fully licensed serving fine wine, cocktails & one of Italy’s premium lagers on draught.

1 Cove Road, Gourock, PA19 1RS Tel: 01475 637336 www.onecoveroad.co.uk Cafés & Restaurants Café Bongio Café Continental Seaview Café Riva Café 3 Sisters Bake Aulds Buckley Firth Hotel Taj Mahal Vanishing Willows One Cove Road

12 14 19 19 21 24-25 32 35 71 76

Florists & Gifts Fernie & Florence

15

Food & Drink Cookschool @ Stepwell Cookie Catering Robert Alexander McCaskie Butcher

23 27 29 65

Homes & Interiors British Heart Foundation Ware with All Affordable Luxuries Gillespie’s Furniture

IFC 55 57 63

ADVERTISERS INDEX Children’s Clothes & Shoes Cradle Care Cherry Blossom Boutique Pennyfern Baby shop Goody2Shoes

50 51 51 63

Clothing Hairy Beastie

68

Fashion, Gifts & Jewellery Threads of Kilmacolm Kilmacolm Antiques ScotCrest VV. Amore Eternal Design Ulla Jewellery

9 13 37 60 65 IBC

Funeral Directors The Co-Operative Funeral Care

3

Garden Centres Cardwell Garden Centre

BC

Hair and Beauty One Union Hair Spa Harbour Barber Canvass Sherlocks

33 41 60 61

Health & Wellbeing Inverclyde Osteopathic Clinic Inverclyde Therapy Centre Gourock Eyecare Santosa Yoga

41 43 45 65

Holiday Homes Driftwood

76 | Clyde Life – December/January 2012

75

Interior Designers Angela Barr Interiors

53

Outdoors & Activities Funworld Philipps Cycles

69 73

Picture Framing & Art Gallery WD Art & Framing 11 Rig- Art 17 Schools & Nurseries St Columba’s School Enchanted Forest Nursery Treetops Community Nursery Duchal Nursery Veterinary Services Abbey Veterinary Group

13 47 49 51 5

Web Design TSP

76

Wedding Dress Shops Fine Things Barony Brides The Bridal Suite

59 60 60 @clydelifemag

A gift from Ulla will bring a smile before it’s unwrapped!

OW SHOP N R

is Q Scan th h your it w code hone p t r a m s u’ll be o y and irect to d taken re. line sto our on

ad any downlo one. simply ph is code r smart u th o n y a To sc er onto R read free Q

Find us online at

www.facebook.com/ullajewellery

www.ullajewellery.co.uk

130 West Blackhall St, Greenock | 01475 799 700