Mill issue 8 | November/December 2019

MILL Culture and lifestyle for Renfrewshire Carmen Pieraccini walks with our editor Christmas experience gift ideas The future of Renfrewshire

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HOTE

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GLISTON IN

& UB

UNTRY CL CO

The Magic of Christmas Come and celebrate the magic of a traditional Christmas at Ingliston Country Club & Hotel.

• Palomino’s Festive Menu throughout December • Christmas Lights Switch On • Christmas Party Nights • Breakfast with Santa • Santa’s Grotto • Christmas Day Lunch & Dinner • Hogmanay – bring in The Bells

Download our Festive brochure at

www.ingliston.com

Ingliston Estate, Old Greenock Road, Bishopton, Renfrewshire, PA7 5PA T: 01505 864333 (ext 3) E: events@ingliston.com

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 04 EDITOR’S NOTE An anecdote from Robert Blair 06 WHAT’S ON Our guide to November and December 14 WINTERFEST Get geared up for the festive season

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FEATURES 18 CARMEN PIERACCINI The renowned actress talks, acting, upbringing and more 21 THE WORKSHOP Jewellery-based ingenuity in Paisley 22 CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES Deals that are too good to pass up 42 AN EAR TO THE GROUND Innovations in audiology 44 INCUBE SHOP Supporting local designers 48 RENFREWSHIRE 2030 Gaze at the future of the community 50 RENFREWSHIRE TALKS Dispatches live from the coffee shops 66 AL KENT Chatting with Scotland’s disco royalty LIFESTYLE 28 WATCHES Quality timepieces from Andersons 30 MEN’S FASHION Fashion and functionality 32 WOMEN’S FASHION Essential looks for AW19/20 40 BEAUTY Updates from Susie Cormack Bruce 46 INTERIORS Wisdom from Scandinavia 62 BERNIE’S CAFÉ DELI Lunch in Bridge Of Weir 64 THE LITTLE DESSERT SHOP Perfection in Confection CULTURE 52 JAMES GRANT The Love and Money frontman 54 MUSIC The essential playlist 55 THE VAN T’S From sibling duo to sharing a stage with Foo Fighters 56 FOR THE RECORD The Gryffe High School takeover 58 CLOCHODERICK PRESS Renfrewshire’s first publishing house 60 ENTERTAINMENT TV, cinema and table-top gaming

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INTRODUCTION

AN ANECDOTE FROM THE EDITOR...

As 2019 hurtles towards its conclusion, a certain air of anticipation falls over Renfrewshire. From November to December, the area becomes a hotbed of en masse gatherings, family outings and the sort of overindulgence that we only condone at this time of year in the name of festive spirit.

But beyond that, it’s a time where our sense of community reaches newfound heights. As has been the case since I was legally allowed to do so, there is one event that typifies winter in Renfrewshire for me – the hallowed Christmas Eve night out.

Every year without fail, bars across the district undergo an incredible transformation that never fails to warm the cockles of my heart. Imbued with seasonal cheer, friends that moved away for university, new jobs or are otherwise seldom seen head out and pick up exactly where they left off, conferring about days gone by and catching up on what the past 12 months held for their old cronies.

The lingering hang-ups of any other night out are cast aside as everyone bands together to celebrate the deep-rooted connections and inseverable ties that coaxed them down to the local pub, ensuring that when it’s time to leave, they’ll do so with a dewy-eyed wistfulness for all the area has afforded them.

A vibrant, thriving community that slinks its way into your heart and refuses to let go, that’s the Renfrewshire that Paul and I have the pleasure of conveying to you all on a bimonthly basis and one that is thoroughly celebrated within this issue.

Featuring everything from interviews with stars of stage and screen to well-earned spotlights on local enterprise, delve in and let me know what you think. I’ll be in Gantry on Christmas Eve.

MILL Culture and lifestyle for Renfrewshire Carmen Pieraccini walks with our editor Christmas experience gift ideas The future of Renfrewshire

Cover photo from Paisley Winterfest 2018 by Dave Muir, muirmedia.co.uk

magazine_mill

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Robert Blair, Editor

Keep in touch with Robert and the Mill team via social media or email editor@millmagazine.co.uk 4 MILL

Published by Mill Magazine Ltd. Studio 102 Embroidery Mill, Abbey Mill Business Centre, Paisley, PA1 1TJ. Editor: Robert Blair Design & Sales: Paul Dickson Beauty Editor: Susie Cormack Bruce Men’s Fashion Editor: Josef Mcfadden Interiors Editor: Kike Pavlik Sub Editor: Alistair Forrest Contributors: Nadia Bella Allan, Michal Bakanowicz, Andrew Bogan, David Christie, Chris Costello, Sian Flavell, Ryan Forbes, John Gilbert, Mark Gillies, Thomas Graham, Alan K. Gray, Rebecca Johnstone, Gillian Lochhead, Aimee McDiarmid, Ross McLauchlan, Natalie McShane, Emma Mitchell, Dave Muir, Laura Provan, Marc Rooney James Stevenson

We want to hear from you.

Get in touch via email: info�millmagazine.co.uk

All the best,

Robert Blair

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To advertise in Mill, please call 0773 998 9969 or email paul�millmagazine.co.uk Produced on environmentally friendly chlorine-free paper derived from sustained forests. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices are correct at time of going to press but subject to change.

The content of all advertisements in this publication is the responsibility of the advertiser and is received in good faith. Mill Magazine cannot be held responsible for any erroneous advertising content. The opinions expressed in Mill Magazine are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or publishers who cannot be held responsible for actions taken as a result of the content of this magazine. © Mill Magazine Ltd 2019.

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WHAT'S ON 6 NOV TO 18 DEC

We pick out some of the highlights taking place on your doorstep in November and December.

IMPACT ARTS' CASHBACK NIGHTS|

Held every Wednesday in Ferguslie Park’s Tannahill Centre, Impact Arts are providing Renfrewshire’s youths with a gateway into the creative realm with their CashBack Nights. These free workshops hinge around visual arts, film, performance and music. Eclectic by design, there’s something for every 12-19 year old that signs up to gravitate towards. All you need to do is complete the online form at impactarts. co.uk. 4:30pm-6:30pm, Tannahill Centre, 76 Blackstoun Road, Paisley, PA3 1NT.

SAT 9 NOV 7pm

VISTAS

An exuberant indie rock trio that have taken Spotify’s curated playlists by storm, Edinburgh’s Vistas are making their way to the Bungalow this November for their inaugural trip to Paisley. Buoyed with a sunny musical disposition that could be the perfect antidote for those bracing, wind-battered nights, the band are fresh off of massive receptions at prestigious events such as Reading & Leeds and Truck Festival. An outfit on the rise, seize the opportunity to catch them in an intimate setting before they move onto much larger venues.

SUN 10 NOV 12noon

ERSKINE CHRISTMAS CRACKER SHOPPING FAYRE

Helmed by the inexhaustible team at Erskine Proud to Care, the veteran-oriented charity is heading back to Ingliston Country Club, Bishopton, for their cherished festive event.

Containing 60 stalls that span everything from skincare and beauty products to homeware and a whole host of gastronomic delights, any merchant that would like to align themselves with a staple of the Christmas time calendar need only contact them via 0141 814 4567 or events@erskine.org.uk.

6 MILL

THU 14 NOV 7pm

WEDDING OPEN EVENING

Whether there’s nuptials fast approaching or you’re simply making some preliminary enquiries, Johnstone Town Hall are preparing to stake their claim for your affections. Lavished in awards and glowing testimonies, the venue is revered for its weddings and are prepared to let the aesthetics do the talking. If the team of renowned wedding coordinators and what’s on offer win your heart, you’ll get 10% off for booking on the day.

WHAT’S ON

CHRIS TMAS LIG HT S SWITCH ON s

FRI 15 NOV 7.30pm

ESPERANZA

Veritable stalwarts of the UK’s ska movement, anyone fond of a bit of skanking should get themselves down to the Bungalow in Paisley for Esperanza. Proponents of a frenetically paced take on the Jamaica-born sound, this nine-piece group have earned their stripes over the course of a lengthy career, playing alongside icons such as Toots & The Maytals, The Beat and The Skatalites to name just a scant few. A gig not to be missed. Tickets from £9 plus booking fee.

Reggie & Bollie

SAT 16 NOV 10am

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Gus Michael, Pul

As is customary at this time of year, our town centres will soon be besieged by excitable families when it comes time for their own patch to be illuminated for Christmas. Always enthusiastically attended, Johnstone, Renfrew and Paisley will all have their own designated events, with the latter playing host to a diverse line-up of live entertainment for all age ranges. Kicking off with a set from longstanding Mill supporter and Pulse FM DJ Gus, the main stage will then play host to everyone from children’s theatre extraordinaires Funbox through to Glasgow indie rock outfit The Nickajack Men. From there, none other than X Factor runners-up Reggie and Bollie will perform and do the honours. The date and start times for the events are as follows:

PAISLEY Saturday 16th November, from 12noon

RENFREW Saturday 23rd November, from 12noon to 5pm

JOHNSTONE Saturday 30th November, from 12noon

QUARRIERS CHRISTMAS FAYRE

‘Tis the season to venture out in aid of a good cause and Quarrier’s latest Christmas Fayre certainly fits that bill.

Held in Kilmacolm’s Cargill Centre, the annual event boasts plenty for revellers to enjoy across three floors. Whether you’re in search of a Santa’s grotto for the kids, hope to try your luck at the raffle or fancy sampling what’s on offer at the pop-up café, this fayre has something for everyone and is a bargain at just £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for the little ones!

SAT 16 NOV 10am

JOHNSTONE CHRISTMAS MARKET

Held in the town’s historic Houston Square, the Johnstone Business Consortium are taking it upon themselves to spread some wintery cheer. Boasting wood carvings, musical instruments, jewellery, candy floss and even a typically jolly visit from Saint Nick, this event will also be used as a collection drive for their “every child deserves a Christmas” campaign. Alongside the nobly charitable aspect, the event will also feature a tea tent and even a DJ who’ll be on-hand to keep the merriment high.

WHAT’S ON

SAT 16 NOV 10am

16 NOV TO 24 DEC

SANTA AND THE SNOW

Widely regarded as “one of the country’s top rated Santa experiences”, Intu and Soar’s Snow Factor are banding together to bring you the latest instalment of Santa And The Snow. If you’re trepidatious about whether or not we’ll be basking in a real winter wonderland, dispel that concern by heading down to their 250sqm play area and give the kids ample time to run about. As if that wasn’t enough, this year’s event has been bolstered by an array of welcome additions to the festivities including the Polar Express singalong show, Mrs Claus’ Kitchen and the true test that is the Naughty Or Nice Machine, while old favourites such as Santa’s Story Room and Workshop remain present and correct. With quiet sessions available for those with autism or other sensory-based needs, book this sought-after outing now to avoid disappointment via snowfactor.com/product/santa.

SAT 23 NOV 11.30am

GLENBURN CHRISTMAS FAYRE AND FUN DAY

For residents of Glenburn and the adjoining areas, the local community centre will be playing host to a seasonal fayre and fun day that’ll allow you to get a jumpstart on that Christmas shopping. With no shortage of goods on offer, the venue will also be kitted out with a popup café to mark the occasion, while the prospect of a glitter station and children’s tombola is sure to keep the younger attendees in elated spirits. Free entry, Glenburn Community Centre, Fairway Avenue, Paisley, PA2 8DX. 8 MILL

BISHOPTON ART GROUP CHRISTMAS ART AND CRAFT FAIR

If you’re in the market for bespoke gifts that’ll be cherished by loved ones for years to come, stopping off at this event at Bishopton Community Centre is a must.

Staged by local artisans and craftspeople of all disciplines, The Gledstane Road function hall will be transformed into a thriving hub of lovingly produced wares for one day only.

To sweeten the deal, there’s even tea and home baking on hand at this free-to-attend event.

FRI 22 NOV 6.30pm

HOWWOOD BEAVERS AND CUBS' CHRISTMAS FAIR

If the Christmas period imbues you with the spirit of goodwill, head down to Howwood Beavers and Cubs’ Christmas Fair at the Village Hall. The first of its kind for the local club, the festivities are in aid of what their leaders have described as “much-needed” new camp and game equipment and will feature home baking, craft stalls, hot beverages and much more.

FEATURES

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Ralston Dental Surgery 356 Glasgow Road, Paisley PA1 3BH Phone 0141 882 1771 happysmiles.ralston@gmail.com

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The Paisley Community Website

WHAT’S ON

THE SNOW QUEEN

When it comes to panto in Renfrewshire, no-one is as synonymous with this tradition as PACE Theatre Company. Adept at constructing an ensemble cast of acclaimed professionals and ambitious upstarts, their 32nd annual wintery treat is a production of The Snow Queen.

Overseen by director Andy McGregor (Spuds, Eric the Elf’s Chaotic Christmas), this year also marks a massive step for inclusivity as they’ve devised a special “relaxed” incarnation of the show for those with autism or sensory difficulties. A whimsical treat for all-ages, both the full schedule and ticket details are available now over at pacetheatre.com.

30 NOV TO 7 DEC

Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic

27 NOV TO 31 DEC

ALICE IN PANTOLAND

Emanating from Johnstone Town Hall, the local Phoenix Theatre Group invite you to delve deep down a seasonal rabbit hole for their 2019 pantomime. Adapted from the classic Lewis Carroll novel, Alice In Pantoland poses several pertinent questions: “What is happening in Pantoland? Who has stolen the jam tarts? Will they find the culprit?”

SUN 1 DEC 11am

SAT 7 DEC 11.30am

RAMH CHRISTMAS FAIR

Hosted at Holy Trinity & St Barnabas church on Back Sneddon Street, Paisley, Recovery Across Mental Health— Better known as RAMH—are holding a Christmas fair that’s tailor-made to get you into the yuletide spirit.

The inaugural event of its kind for the charity, it is free to attend and will feature shopping, live music, a bake sale and much more!

JINGLE BELL FUN RUN

If you harbour a penchant for spreading festive cheer, you’ll find yourself right at home amid a sea of other jolly revellers at the Jingle Bell Fun Run. Held in the tranquil surroundings of Barshaw Park, Paisley, the Renfrewshire landmark will be besieged by participants of all ages and skill levels. Adorned with bells on their hats, jackets and any other item of clothing they so desire. With entry priced between £4-£6 and prizes on hand for the most eye-catching attire, head down and partake in what’s fast becoming a cherished annual tradition.

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WHAT’S ON

©Digitalpict.com SAT 7 DEC 4pm

PAISLEY OPERA'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER

Operating under the heartening ethos of “passion, not posh”, Paisley Opera is gearing up to deliver its latest Christmas Cracker. Defined as “an afternoon of Christmas, musical and opera favourites for all the family,” the show at The Methodist Central Hall, Paisley (pictured) will see a cavalcade of talented soloists take to the stage alongside a children’s chorus and, of course, the Paisley Opera Community Chorus. Tickets available from the November 1st from boxoffice.renfrewshire.gov.uk.

8&9 DEC

FUNBOX PRESENTS 'CHRISTMAS IN TOY TOWN'

A few months on from busting down the saloon doors with their renowned Wild West Show, acclaimed family singalong troupe Funbox are racing back to Johnstone Town Hall with the new Christmas In Toy Town. Based around Santa and his crack team’s efforts to curb the nefarious actions of Gnorbert the Gnome, the show is loaded with festive ditties and fancy dress as your favourite toy is encouraged!

1pm and 3.30pm.

THU 19 DEC 6.30pm

PANTO CRIME! FESTIVE MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

For those in the mood for something that flouts Christmas time convention, look no further than The Glynhill Hotel’s ‘Panto Crime! Festive Murder Mystery Dinner.’ Highly regarded by all who’ve attended previous editions, this intrigue-inducing performance comes complete with four alternate endings and allows the audience to subject the suspects to a rigorous cross examination. This play is tailormade for those who wish to inject a December night out with the captivating tropes of an old-fashioned whodunit. £35 per person, 169 Paisley Road, Renfrew, PA4 8XB.

12 MILL

FRI 13 DEC 7.00pm

BACK TO THE 80s PARTY NIGHT

Johnstone Town Hall will transform into a synth-pop infused time machine this November with a “Back to the 80s” evening. Piloted by none other than the Rubix Cubes, this nostalgia-laden event will allow attendees to relive an era that left an indelible imprint on those who lived through it before fascinating generations thereafter.

Supplemented by a four-course meal, a decadespanning DJ set and even a little bit of the bubbly on arrival, tickets are available at just £35.

Your Journey of Indulgence READ OUR REVIEW ON PAGE 64

The Little Dessert Shop is a vibrant and friendly place which offers our customers the finest dessert experience.

Whether it’s a catch up with a friend, a birthday or a celebration, the Little Dessert Shop is perfect for life’s sweeter moments.

SOAR @ INTU Braehead Unit 18, King’s Inch Road Glasgow PA4 8XQ 0141 328 3491

WHAT’S ON

P

aisley is the place to be this Christmas, with the return of WinterFest just one of the highlights that’s tailormade to get you geared up for the festive season!

Running from 23rd November until 30th December, this year marks the hotly anticipated return of the outdoor skating rink, while the sky-scraping big wheel will become the centrepiece of the Paisley skyline yet again.

As an added sweetener, there’s a 20% discount on ice skating for those who can show proof of a PA postcode at the ticket office.

Paisley’s traditional free festive trail will be the Christmas Bricklive spectacular, the Paisley Penguin Parade Trail! Follow the trail of penguins around the town centre, naming all of the penguins as you go, to find the Christmas Rockhopper King Penguin to claim your prize!

PAISLEY IS THE PLACE TO BE THIS CHRISTMAS! ©Digitalpict.com

©Digitalpict.com

14 MILL

©muirmedia.co.uk

Visitors will also be able to see a very special Santa and his reindeers…taking three months to build, and using more than 500,000 LEGO® Bricks, you can even sit next to Santa on his sleigh for a Christmas selfie!

On top of that, who could forget the Christmas Golden Ticket Competition? Collect a free Golden Ticket with every purchase in Paisley town centre and you could be one of four lucky winners that’ll win £500 worth of town centre gift vouchers. To ensure that you still have time to put them to use before the 25th arrives, the draws will take place on 23rd and 30th November and 7th and 14th December!

The Best Dressed Christmas Window Competition launches on 30th November—otherwise known as Small Business Saturday— giving you the chance to vote for your favourite Christmas window display.

Follow Paisley First on social media @PaisleyFirst to take part in the 12 Days of Christmas Competition, with fantastic prizes from local businesses up for grabs every day in the run up to Christmas.

Look out for the Paisley Guide to Christmas and you’ll discover some hidden gems throughout the town centre to cover all your Christmas shopping. Spanning all age ranges and amenities, it’s sure to please even the fussiest recipient!

And once you’ve had some Christmas fun and ticked off your shopping list, Paisley boasts an abundance of fantastic food and drink venues, catering to every taste and budget.

In addition to the eclectic mix of eateries, pubs and bars, Paisley also plays host to an array of health, hair and beauty salons to help you look your best for those Christmas parties, nights out with friends and the big day itself!

Love Christmas? Love Paisley!

GOOD TIMES AT

THE GLYNHILL

As the Christmas period approaches, the much-loved Renfrew hotel has no shortage of fun, food and festivities in store.

A

t the famed Glynhill Hotel, the festive season gets in full swing earlier than usual with their first Christmas party night on 23rd November. Set to carry the merriment on right through to 2nd January, the much-loved locale will also be open on Christmas Day and will, as always, host their renowned Hogmanay Gala Ball.

Amid the yuletide cheer, tribute acts for their 2019 party nights include everything from the soulful crooning of Men of Motown to The West End Jerseys and Scotland Rocks.

Rather than focusing solely on the lively evenings, both the hotel’s gourmet restaurant and carvery boast special menus throughout the month of December, with private rooms available for larger gatherings of friends and family.

This Christmas Day, why not sit back, relax and indulge in a sumptuous meal? Allowing their trained staff to take care of the cooking and cleaning. In terms of what’s on offer, there are packages available for a four-course meal in their gourmet restaurant and Barony Ballroom in addition to a three-course meal in the carvery and grill.

For those who like to usher in the New Year in style, head to the Hogmanay Gala Ball with a glass of bubbly on arrival and a fabulous four-course dinner, followed by live music from ‘The Freshtones’ and a piper at the bells before their resident DJ will keep you gyrating on the dance floor till the wee hours. On top of that, New Year celebration packages are available for overnight stays.

With an assortment of events available for all demographics, this festive period will allow you to make cherished memories at The Glynhill Hotel.

For more information on all festive events, visit glynhill.com or call 0141 886 5555 now.

Christmas & New Year at The

Christmas Day From £55 per adult / £30 per child

Christmas Night Gala Ball £70 per adult / £30 per child

Hogmanay Gala Ball £87 per person

RTY NIGHTS CHRISTMAS PA ovember! starting 23rd N

www.glynhill.com 0141 886 5555 | enquiries@glynhill.com

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PLUS A FREE GIFT **

THE PIAZZA SHOPPING CENTRE

Saturday 16th November (LIGHT SWITCH ON), 2pm - 5.30pm Then Every Saturday until Christmas, 11am - 3pm www.piazzapaisley.co.uk

*Sign up to The Piazza’s Emailing List by providing your email address to Santa’s elf and receive an email from Santa after your visit. Plus you will receive an email to subscribe to future emails from The Piazza if you wish to opt in. **FREE Wrapped Gift for all children up to age 8 years, subject to availability. Full T&Cs at www.piazzapaisley.co.uk

Keep Safe Scotland – Helping people Keep Safe I Am Me is a community charity that aims to change attitudes and behaviours so that disabled and vulnerable people in Scotland feel safe in their communities.

Download the FREE Keep Safe Scotland App Email us to get your FREE Keep Safe Card – Quoting MILL @iammescotland

www.iammescotland.co.uk

I Am Me Scotland

@ iamme@renfrewshire.gov.uk

SPONSORED FEATURE

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING Never one to do so something by half measures, West Coast Harley-Davidson have reached their landmark 20th year in operation and intend to mark the occasion as only they can.

W

est Coast Harley-Davidson was established in 1999, bringing the iconic Harley-Davidson brand to Glasgow. They quickly established themselves as a comprehensive destination dealership within the City and enjoyed continued success year on year. This November marks 20 years in Glasgow for the family owned company.

They’re celebrating in style – and you’re invited. “A lot of people have supported us over the years and we want them to celebrate with us at this spectacular event” says Don Rutherford MD. The 20th Anniversary Party will be held on the evening of Saturday 23rd November and it’s set to be an unparalleled event, taking place within in the dealership itself. The building will be transformed into a lounge, bar and performance space for some of Glasgow’s top talent including aerial artists and a nine-piece band.

The bespoke building was opened in March 2017 and is situated just off the very busy M8 motorway at Junction 26. Known locally as Pit Lane, West Coast share the sizeable location at Hillington with both Ducati Glasgow and their sister dealership Triumph Glasgow. It’s pretty spectacular and unique to have all three business in one location. If you’ve ever visited the shop, it’s not hard to see why it attracts visitors from all over the world, devoting the complete ground floor to new, pre-loved and customised Harley-Davidsons from their very own West Coast Customs Operations, to a fully visible eight-ramp state of the art

workshop, it’s really quite special. State of the art really is key here as the workshops have just installed the necessary equipment to service and maintain Harley-Davidson’s all electric model LiveWire – which will be available this winter.

Head up the stairs to the first floor and you become aware that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill store, the majority of space is devoted to motor clothes and riding gear but there’s a full-sized cafe too! There’s a generous selection available here for both female and male riders as well as homeware, even those with kids and pets will find something here.

But if you can’t make it in, West Coast recently relaunched their website to include an online shop.

All customers are welcome to take in the atmosphere and also the legendary yet cutting-edge motorcycles themselves. There really is something here for everyone – even their 20th Anniversary party.

Details and tickets are available at westcoast20.eventbrite.com.

West Coast Harley-Davidson, Pit Lane, 8 Mossland Dr, Glasgow G52 4FA, 0141 883 1450, westcoastharley.com.

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Carmen

Pieraccini Fresh from her return to the tumultuous world of River City, we met Paisley-born Carmen Pieraccini to discuss family, finding her feet in the acting world and much more.

18 MILL

BBC Studios, Scotland/River City, Photographer: Robert Pereira Hind

INTERVIEW

FEATURES

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n a brisk Tuesday morning, Carmen Pieraccini meandered around Barshaw Park for the first time in years. As her five-month-old son napped blissfully in his pram, the veteran of stage and screen detailed her roots in Renfrewshire and the nomadic nature of her formative years.

“They stretch back to my grandparent’s generation,” she relayed. “My nono had the chippy but my mum’s side, the Farrows, both worked at Coats [thread mill].

My gran, Betty, worked there and my papa Dennis was their photographer. We stayed in the West End of Paisley,” Carmen continued, “above my uncle’s pub, the Bar Point. Then we moved to Foxbar and Quarrier’s Village before my grandparents gave my mum and dad money for a house in Lochwinnoch. I moved to Shawlands when I was younger and I loved it but we returned to Lochwinnoch about four years ago. It’s the kind of place you curse when you’re a teenager cos you’re like ‘aw this is a pain, I’m so far away.’ But when you get to my age, you appreciate that you’ve got plenty of room for the kids to run aboot and all that.”

After reminiscing about the miniature trainline that winds through the park and its similarities to one in Steve Martin’s The Jerk—one of her “favourite films”—Carmen recounted her humble beginnings in the high-risk, high-reward realm of acting.

“When we stayed in Lochwinnoch, there was a great community centre in Kilbirnie that did drama classes. The first play I was ever in was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and I played wee Edmund!” she exclaimed. “They were short on guys and I had a haircut that I thought made me look like Demi Moore from Ghost, but I really just looked like a wee boy!”

“Johnstone High didn’t have drama at the time so I had to go to (the now-defunct) Merskworth to get my Higher and I enjoyed it. You know how you’re meant to know what you want to do at that age?

Well, I liked marine biology but I wasn’t great with science so I went to Langside for an NC and then shifted to The Royal Scottish Conservatoire. I auditioned for it half-heartedly, but ended up getting in.

“

THEY WERE SHORT ON GUYS AND I HAD A HAIRCUT THAT I THOUGHT MADE ME LOOK LIKE DEMI MOORE FROM GHOST, BUT I REALLY JUST LOOKED LIKE A WEE BOY!”

Q&A BEST PLACE FOR COFFEE? La Dolce Vita chippy in Lochwinnoch BEST PLACE FOR DINNER? Allan’s Snack Bar in Paisley, there’s a wee pattern here eh?

BEST PUB? The Brown Bull in Lochwinnoch FAVOURITE PLACE IN RENFREWSHIRE? The [Calder] Glen Road walk to the village. It’s one that I’ve done loads in my life.

I studied contemporary theatre practice,” she declared, “but left after a year when I got a part in a kid’s TV show called G-Force. After that ran for a few years, I got an agent when they were casting (Gillies MacKinnon’s film) Small Faces. In that way, I was lucky as sorting an agent can be a frickin’ nightmare.”

Renowned for playing the “bolshie” Kelly-Marie Adams in River City, Carmen had her reservations about reprising the role after a lengthy five-year hiatus.

Nevertheless, it turned out to be a rewarding experience.

“I got the phone call about a month after my son was born and I was a bit tentative,” she admitted, “but it ended up being really good. They’ve got great writers and it’s a real mix of comedy and drama.

Plus, it’s really the only recurring thing where you hear our vernacular and that’s really important.”

Yet as contented as she may be in the unblinking glare of the camera lens, Carmen’s first love has, and always will be, the theatre.

“Being on the stage, it’s all immediate.

I did The Steamie two years ago to mark the 30th anniversary, with Tony Roper directing. We were playing to a sold-out Kings Theatre and I just kept saying to myself ‘soak this in’. I’ll never forget it.”

Far from beholden to high-profile roles, Carmen took great pride in detailing another facet of her professional life that tangibly enriches young lives.

“Basically, I’ve been working with Hearts & Minds for 11 years now, going into hospitals or hospices and working with kids,” she said earnestly. “We’re all clowns but we keep it simple, just the red nose.

It’s all improvisation, using what the kid’s got to empower them. Creatively, that’s where I continue to grow as a performer as with clowning, it’s all about how you react.

It also puts everything into perspective.

You could be worried about a bill or something trivial and then you go into the hospital and think, none of that matters.”

When asked to dispense wisdom to Renfrewshire’s budding creatives, her advice is as concise as it is insightful.

“Life’s too short. Do something you enjoy.”

MILL 19

MONDAY GLENBURN Glenifer Hotel 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Leeann 07535648028

HOUSTON Compass Centre, South Street 9.30am & 11.30am Call Liz 07748104366

ELDERSLIE East Gate church Glenpatrick Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Carolyn 07740067869

GLENBURN St. Peter’s Men’s Club 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Tracey 07443644761

ERSKINE Salvation Army Hall 9.30 & 11.30am Call Heather 07828051860

NEW VENUE & CONSULTANT PAISLEY Martyrs Church Broomlands Street 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Danielle 07784 250063

ERSKINE Salvation Army Hall 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Lynsey 07932580297 NEW GROUP PAISLEY Sherwood Greenlaw Church 9.30am Call Laura 07921395659 PAISLEY Sherwood Greenlaw Church 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Laura 07921395659 TUESDAY GLASGOW Go Glasgow Urban Hotel 517 Paisley Road West 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Liz 07748 104366

LOCHWINNOCH Lochwinnoch Golf Club Bumfoot Road 7.30pm Call Michelle 07782324114

PAISLEY Wallneuk North Church Hall Abercorn Street 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Sarah 07834517569

FOXBAR St Columba Church Hall Amochrie Road 8am & 10am Call Grace 07928531481

RALSTON Ralston Bowling Club, Allanton Ave 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Elaine 07846282105

HOUSTON Compass Centre South Street 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Liz 07748104366

JOHNSTONE Hazel Arms, 34 Hazel Avenue 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Stephanie 07749966001

LINWOOD St Convales Church Hall Greenfarm Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Stephanie 07749966001

LINWOOD St Convals Church Hall Greenfarm Road 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm Call Louise 07900665196

PAISLEY Wallneuk North Church Hall Abercorn Street 9.30am Call Sarah 07834517569

WEDNESDAY ARKLESTON Arkleston and Newmains Community Centre 5.30pm Call Heather 07828051860

JOHNSTONE Lynhurst Hotel 6pm Call Carolyn 07740 067869 NEW VENUE Johnstone Town Hall from 4th September

JOHNSTONE Masonic Hall Collier Street 9am & 11am Call Janice 07469925280

FOXBAR St Columba Church Hall Amochrie Road 5pm & 7pm Call Jennifer 07887981262

slimmingw world.co.uk 0344 897 8000

BISHOPTON Community Centre 7.30am & 9.30am Call Heather 07828051860 THURSDAY KILBARCHAN Steeple Hall 6pm Call Tracey 07443644761 NEW VENUE LINWOOD St Convals Church Hall Greenfarm Road 9.30am Call Stephanie 07749966001 RENFREW Town Hall The Cross 5.30pm & 7.30pm Liz 07980075276 BARRHEAD Union and Crown Masonic Hall Cochran street 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Sarah 07834 517569 PAISLEY Stow Brae Kirk Church Halls Causeyside Street 9.30am & 11.30am Call Lynn 07774077103

PAISLEY Stow Brae Kirk Church Halls Causeyside Street 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Call Lynn 07774077103 FRIDAY PAISLEY Stow Brae Kirk Church Halls Causeyside Street 8am, 10am & 12noon, Call Lynn 07774077103 BARRHEAD Union and Crown Masonic Hall Cochrane Street 9.30am Call Joanne 07941 870483 ELDERSLIE East Gate Church Glenpatrick Road 9.30am Call Grace 07928531481 SATURDAY JOHNSTONE Masonic Hall Collier Street 9.30am & 11.30am Call Jennifer 07887981262 PAISLEY Stow Brae Kirk Church Halls Causeyside Street 8am & 10am Call Lynn 07774077103 RENFREW Normandy Hotel 9.30am Call Lynsey 07932580297

FEATURES

Iron Sharpens Iron A safe haven for five independent jewellers, Paisley Pins’ Laura Provan guided us through the present and prosperous future of The Workshop.

Lucy McLennan

T

ucked away on Gordon Street, The Workshop may be an unassuming proposition from the outside. But once you cross that threshold, a hotbed of ingenuity awaits.

Available to visit by appointment, The Old Fire Station Annex bustles with the creativity of five separate jewellers and their own unique identities. Yet for Laura Provan of the renowned Paisley Pins, the communal spirit was more of a happy accident than any preconceived motivation.

“I was looking for workshop space for myself but there wasn’t really anything out there,” she recalls. “When you make jewellery, it’s quite noisy so you don’t want something office-based. When I came to view this, I thought ‘there must be other people who don’t want to be working from their bedrooms or kitchen table. It’s great for your sanity too. Even if you’re having a crappy day, there’s always someone that’ll cheer you up. We’re going to be doing a couple of open studios in the lead-up to Christmas, as well as some workshops and a pop-up in Gourock.”

Despite occupying a shared space, each artisan has continued to plough ahead in their own lane. What’s more, they’re also eager to expand their ranks.

“Although we’re all jewellery, there’s a lot of different styles and mediums,” Laura affirmed. “Lisa employs 3D printing, I work with aluminium and Lucy does quite a bit with gold so if you’re looking for a bespoke piece, at least one of us should be able to cover you. We still have one bench available to rent out just now so if anyone’s interested in joining the studio, be sure to get in touch.”

Find out more about each craftswoman’s work, access their Etsy stores or arrange a visit via workshoppaisley.co.uk

Laura Provan

Nicole McCarron

Lisa Crockard

Jennifer Tsang

The Workshop is a shared jewellery studio providing work & display space for five jewellery designer/makers. Visit us at our upcoming events: 24th-27th Oct | Pop up Shop, Gourock 2nd Nov | Open Studio 28th Nov-1st Dec | Pop up Shop, Gourock 14th Dec | Open Studio More information & links to all designers online at

workshoppaisley.co.uk The Old Fire Station Annex, Gordon Street, Paisley MILL 21

CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE Give the gift of an experience this year as Rebecca Johnstone rounds up the best that Renfrewshire has to offer for family, friends and loved ones. With exclusive offers on pampering spa days, family photo sessions and cocktail masterclasses to Argentine Tango, art lessons and more, we’ve done the hard work for you with nothing to wrap but the tree!

22 MILL

SPONSORED FEATURE

MADE IN PAISLEY Beginner's Art Courses

Get creative with your gifting this year with vouchers for Made in Paisley’s 12-week beginner’s art course or four-week taster session. Each class includes two hours of drawing and painting using either acrylics or oil paint, plus all materials. Both courses are suitable for absolute beginners and offer a fun, relaxed learning environment. Classes run on Wednesday 10am-12pm, 1-3pm, 7-9pm or Thursday 1-3pm or 7-9pm. Contact Madeinpaisley@gmail.com or call 07793 057151 to discuss options and prices.

Made in Paisley, 69 High Street, Paisley PA1 2AY.

MONUMENT PHOTOS Family Portraits by Renfrewshire's only Master Photographer

Graeme Hewitson is a multi-award-winning local photographer who provides a dedicated service in a relaxed studio session, based in Johnstone. With a choice of stunning backdrops for your family portrait session, you will receive one 10x8 mounted print and two 7x5 mounted prints, plus electronic files sized for social media, with the opportunity to purchase further prints/canvasses at fantastic prices. All for £189.

To book, call 01505 341588 or 07910 036515, or email info@monumentphotos.co.uk, monumentphotos.co.uk.

INGLISTON COUNTRY CLUB & HOTEL

Roar into the ‘20s this New Year's Eve!

Celebrate the New Year in style with Ingliston Country Club’s ‘Roaring into the ‘20s’ experience - the perfect way to say a fond farewell to 2019. Start your evening with sparkling champagne and dine on a delicious meal followed by dancing through the decades with the fantastic band Sahara. As the countdown to the New Year begins, stand alongside their piper and toast to 2020. Finish the evening by dancing the night away to The 2 Fat DJ’s. £75 per person. To book call 01505 864333 (ext3), or email our events team: events@ingliston.com, ingliston.com.

MILL 23

GANTRY

Cocktail Masterclass at Gantry Learn how to make and shake your own cocktails like a pro with our expert cocktail masterclass experience. Our team take you through the tips, tricks and techniques of classic cocktail making in a fun and relaxed style, and of course, you get to drink your own creations and enjoy the day with friends. Packages start at £25pp for three modern classics but can be tailored to include your favourites. To enquire or book, call 0141 848 7467, or email jjbarsolutions@outlook.com.

Message us via social media @GantryPaisley.

12 New Street, Paisley PA1 1XY

HAPPY SMILES

Tooth Whitening Treatment Happy Smiles, Family Dentist and Implant Centre know that nothing beats a sparkling smile to boost confidence and self-esteem, making tooth whitening the perfect gift - or treat for yourself - this Christmas. Special offer, only £149 (until 20th December 2019) for the whitest smile from a dentist you can trust. Contact Happy Smiles, 6 St Mirren Brae, Paisley, PA1 1UA, 0141 889 3456 or 356 Glasgow Rd, Ralston, Paisley, PA1 3BH, 0141 882 1771.

PAPAMACS GOURMET KITCHEN Senior Citizens Afternoon Tea

Enjoy an outstanding afternoon tea deal at Papamacs Gourmet Kitchen for £10 per pair (£5 per person).

Indulge with fresh cakes and scones, gourmet finger sandwiches, hot soup taster and of course a cup of tea or coffee each, served Monday to Thursday, from 2pm onwards. NB: Senior price only available in multiples of two. Advanced booking is required.

No other voucher can be used with this offer. To book call 01505 325772, 5 Houstoun Square, Johnstone, Renfrewshire PA5 8DT 24 MILL

SPONSORED FEATURE

BOWFIELD HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB A spa experience with a view

Bowfield Hotel & Country Club’s AURA Spa offer includes a 25-minute treatment, access to all AURA Spa facilities and gorgeous outdoor hydrotherapy pool with stunning countryside views. And to complete your treat – a delicious afternoon tea is also included, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience for even longer. AURA Spa Offer £49 per person. Available 7 days. Valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Contact Bowfield Hotel & Country Club, Bowfield Road, Howwood, Johnstone PA9 1DZ, 01505 705225, bowfieldhotel.co.uk.

NAPIER HAIR & BEAUTY Massage/Hair Treatment in January

Recover from the stress of Christmas with a relaxing full-body massage. Enjoy the comfort of heated spa beds and escape from the dark days of January to leave feeling pampered and relaxed. £39 for 60 minutes, and to complete the experience, add a blow dry and hair spa treatment for an additional £20 at time of booking. Walk in, float out! Call our reception team on 0141 887 9559 and quote Mill Mag101.

136 Neilston Rd, Paisley, PA2 6QH. Offer ends 31st January 2020.

WEST COAST HARLEY-DAVIDSON Harley-Davidson Experience

Get your motor running and head out on the highway with a West Coast Harley-Davidson Experience.

Choose from one of four premium Touring models for one, two, three or seven days and prepare to enjoy thunder ‘Route 66’ style through some of Scotland’s most picturesque and exhilarating landscapes; the ultimate experience of a lifetime. From £180.

Rental vouchers available to purchase all year round.

Rentals season runs from March to September.

To buy, call 0141 883 1450. Pit Lane, 8 Mossland Drive, Glasgow G52 4FA. Limited availability. Full terms and conditions available at westcoastharley.com.

MILL 25

SPONSORED FEATURE

TASTE BUDS PAISLEY Breakfast or Afternoon Tea

Not sure what to get that friend or colleague who is difficult to buy for? Treat them to breakfast or afternoon tea at the most welcoming café in Scotland! Taste Buds offers a range of gift vouchers including afternoon tea for two, hot drinks and rolls, and gift vouchers from £5. Catch up on all the gossip - you don’t even have to wash up! Pop into the café or call to book a tasty experience, 22 Lawn Street, Paisley PA1 1HF, 0141 889 9555

PAISLEY TANGO

Argentine Tango Dance Lessons Open the door to an exciting new social community with the gift of Argentine Tango lessons, offering a tailored package for one couple under expert tuition to learn the basics of this fabulous dance. Each fun-filled lesson will also help to improve posture, health, balance and fitness in a relaxed and engaging environment while you develop and finesse your dancing skills. This package includes four one hour private lessons for one couple. Only £120 (usually from £140). Email to book: info@paisleytango.com.

AESTHETIC SUITES

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Treatments Everyone wants to look their best, so these nurseled non-surgical cosmetic treatments make the perfect gift experience for those looking for a boost.

Offering tailored and reliable results, the aim is to enhance and beautify existing features. Special offers include Lip enhancement from £130, cheek enhancement from £180, one area of fat dissolving treatment from £150, skin boosting injections from £190. To book, call 0141 237 1750 or email: enquiries@aestheticsuites.co.uk, Mirren Court One, 119 Renfrew Road, Paisley, PA3 4EA, aestheticsuites.co.uk.

Initial consultation required. Limited availability.

26 MILL

gifting a little bit of love Shop local. Shop unique. Shop personal.

Book your private shopping experience.

Our store will belong to you and your friends for the evening. Expect the V.I.P. treatment, with refreshments and home baking, while you browse our unique selection of gifts.

To book, please call 0141 889 9920.

30B High Street, Paisley, PA1 2BZ 75 Glasgow Road, Paisley, PA1 3PE Tel: 0141 889 9920 www.whitecartcompany.co.uk

1

3

1. Ladies’ Seksy Edge® rose gold two tone ladies bracelet watch, £149.99.

2. Ladies’ Seksy Rocks® rose gold plated bracelet watch, £139.99.

3. Ladies’ Seksy Rocks® rose gold plated bracelet watch, £99.99.

2

4. Ladies’ Seksy Rocks® stone set bracelet watch, £114.99.

4

TIME FLIES 5

If you want a new watch to mark the festive season, the latest Sekonda range is in stock at Anderson’s Jewellery Workshop in Renfrew.

6

7

8

5. Men’s leather strap chronograph watch, £89.99.

6. Men’s gun metal plated Milanese dress watch, £59.99.

7. Men’s midnight blue chronograph leather strap dress watch, £89.99.

8. Men’s Endurance chronograph watch, £99.99.

28 MILL

You can find Andersons Jewellery Workshop at 38 High Street, Renfrew, PA4 8QP, 0141 883 2560, andersonsjw.co.uk

FURNITURE

MIRRORS

20% OFF ALL MIRRORS

Until 30 November, excludes sale items

WALLPAPER

BEDROOMS

RENFREWSHIRE’S PREMIER HOME FURNISHING STORE Gael Home Interiors is an independent, family-run business for over 40 years. Visit our vast 8,000 sq ft showroom for a large selection of wallpaper, lighting, furniture, beds and accessories to furnish your home.

4-6 Orchard Street, Paisley PA1 1UZ | Tel: 0141 889 7555 Gaelhomeinteriors

FASHION

STYLE

A homegrown talent, menswear designer Josef McFadden shows you how to toe the line between fashionable and functional this winter.

Bomber jacket, £65, M&Co. Suit jacket, £80, Jacamo

Bowtie, £45, Josef Mcfadden

Shirt, £18, River Island

T-shirt,£15, Josef Mcfadden Wool scarf, £30, Josef Mcfadden Ankle boot, £110, Dune

Shoes, £100, Dune

Suit trousers, £40, Jacamo

Jeans, £24.99, New Look

Oxford shirt, £46, FatFace

CASUAL

DAPPER

As we enter Autumnal days and darker nights, A/W 19 plays host to the return of textured check jackets, light wash denim and colour blocked layers – all while accessorising with scarves which are not only on trend this season, but will keep you feeling warm.

In the run up to the party season, get ready to pair up a crisp clean white shirt with a subtle coloured suit with some pattern and texture. Pair some dark black high shine shoes with a printed bowtie for special occasions. Add a contrasting pocket square if you want a little bit more sophistication.

30 MILL

WE DESIGN WE WRITE WE PRINT Helmed by two tenured professionals that live and work in the Renfrewshire area, the core Mill Magazine team have a wealth of attributes that could be at your business’s disposal. Experts in design and writing for print, online or any other medium that’d be applicable, we offer full bespoke services for anyone that’d like to transplant the engaging and eye-catching feeling of Mill to their project. Make our experience, your experience by contacting Paul on 0773 998 9969 or email paul@millmagazine.co.uk.

FLYERS | MENUS | LEAFLETS | BANNERS | EXHIBITIONS | BROCHURES BUSINESS CARDS | SOCIAL MEDIA | PRESS KITS | MEDIA PACKS

magazine_mill

magazinemill

magazinemill

millmagazine.co.uk MILL 31

AW19/20

FEATURES

Set in Paisley’s Japan Street Food, the new class of West College Scotland photography students and Miss Scotland finalist Nadia Bella Allan pair Nipponese decor with essential looks for the winter months.

32 MILL

FASHION

THIS PAGE: T-shirt, £22, bumbag, £20, trousers, £29, shoes, £24, all Lixie. Necklace, £20, Finishing Touches.

Photo by Mark Gillies.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Jumper, £19.99, trousers, £19.99, both New Look. Photo by Aimee McDiarmid.

MILL 33

FASHION

Dress, £32, belt, £10, both Lixie. Glasses, £99, Specsavers Paisley.

Photo by Emma Mitchell.

34 MILL

FEATURES

Jumper, £36, jeans, £32, both Lixie. Necklace, £28, Finishing Touches.

Photo by Mark Gillies.

MILL 35

FEATURES FASHION

T-shirt, £14, Lixie. Bag, £35, Ivad Gifts.

Photo by Emma Mitchell.

36 MILL

Jumper, £30, jeans, £32, boots, £38, hair band, £5, all Lixie. Bag, £55, Shoe52.

Photo by Michal Bakanowicz.

MILL 37

Jacket, £139.99, t-shirt, £26, both West Coast Harley-Davidson.

Trousers, £29, Lixie. Glasses, £99, Specsavers Paisley. Photo by Aimee McDiarmid.

38 MILL

Photographers: Michal Bakanowicz, Mark Gillies, Aimee McDiarmid and Emma Mitchell. Model: Nadia Bella Allan. Location: Japan Street Food, 9 Renfrew Road, Paisley, PA3 4AF. Special thanks to Scott Cadenhead, Robert Tabor and the HND Photography students at West College Scotland, the staff at Japan Street Food, and Finishing Touches, Ivad Gifts, Lixie, New Look, Shoe52, Specsavers and West Coast Harley-Davidson.

FASHION

AW19 COLLECTION NOW AVAILABLE IN STORE

14 New Street, Paisley PA1 1XY | 0141 840 2173 | lixie.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Strip Tease

BOXING CLEVER If you’re looking for stocking thrillers rather than stocking fillers, it’s time to make friends with Benefit. The ever fun and innovative beauty brand has a cracker of a collection of pre-boxed bauble-sized hero products including its prized POREfessional primer, RollerLash mascara and best-selling Hoola bronzer. Prices start at £11.

BEAUTY

Susie Cormack Bruce brings you the latest makeup, fragrance and skincare news.

PARTY READY? Fans of a pre or post-party pamper will love this Head-To-Toe Glow Box from award-winning beauty brand, Seoulista Beauty. Inside, there’s an instant facial sheet mask, hydrating manicure gloves and pedicure booties for super soft tootsies. £25 at Oliver Bonas.

CHRISTMAS KISSES It’s not just Santa who can rock red velvet this Christmas thanks to Chanel’s Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lipstick in the Limited Edition No.5 shade, £32.

Ok, so we admit it’s a bit of a mouthful to say, but on the lips, it’s simply divine. From Chanel counters nationwide.

40 MILL

Looking to get that full lash, Russian Volume look at home? Now you can as Scottish lash extension experts, Love Those Lashes, have introduced 10 limited edition strip lash styles. From subtle to standout, there’s a lash look for every occasion. Available at lovethoselashes.co.uk with prices starting at £6.50.

IT’S A DATE Struggling as to which Christmas beauty calendar to gift/get this year? There’s a great selection out there but we really rate this box of delights from online beauty site, Look Fantastic.

Priced at £79, it’s a midpriced calendar but with a high-priced product value of £420 (yip, £420!) and it’s packed with great quality goodies from the likes of Rodial, Morphe, Elemis, Oskia and Emma Hardie.

See or buy full contents at lookfantastic.com.

WALK IN...

STRUT OUT CUTTING/STYLING EXPERTS LUXURY HAIR SPA COLOUR SPECIALISTS EXTENSIONS

WAX/INTIMATE WAXING SPECIALISTS NAILS PEDICURE EYE SERVICES CACI TREATMENTS MASSAGE TANNING

N A P I E R H A I R

Follow us

&

B E A U T Y

136 Neilston Road, Paisley PA2 6QH | Tel: 0141 887 9559

HEALTH & BEAUTY

EAR

TO THE

GROUND As their renown for high-quality ear care increases, Specsavers’ audiologist Ryan Forbes outlines the innovations in wax removal that are available down at their Paisley branch.

“O

ne in six people in the UK are affected by hearing loss,” Ryan explains. “In some cases, it must be treated through the use of hearing instruments but a lot of the time, it can be caused by a wax build-up, so it’s definitely worth getting it checked. Between the point where someone thinks ‘there might be something wrong with my hearing’ to making an appointment, it can take six to eight years.”

For decades, the common misconception was that a wax build-up would have to be rectified by way of getting your ears syringed by a doctor. However, as the Ear Care Director explains, Specsavers now offer a less hazardous and more straightforward alternative.

“Micro suction, which is the method we use, is essentially a mini-hoover and it’s a lot safer. With syringing, you’re using pressurised water in order to backwash the wax. As a result, it basically uses the eardrum as apparatus to bounce off, which isn’t great. GP practices are actually steering away from that, so we’ve gotten busier and busier in our Glasgow Trongate store.”

Available to anyone who’s taken the precaution of using an olive oil spray in order to soften the wax, Ryan is keen to outline the many benefits behind this method: “the process is simple, it’s basically comprised of a small cone, which

holds the ear canal open, and a sterile prob. Best of all, it’s non-invasive and people can get in and out in 15 to 20 minutes without any dizzy spells, ringing in their ears or any side effect that’s associated with syringing. A lot of people walk out thinking, ‘woah, this is seriously loud! Which is great as that’s exactly what it’s all about.”

Underpublicised for many years, the audiologist believes a service such as wax removal is more pivotal than ever in our technologically fixated society.

“Everyone that you see walking along, more or less, has headphones in, even at work. So, that means the ears are constantly switched on and can’t rest. As a result, ear care should be a component of the average health check. In the same way that people don’t think twice about getting their eyes tested, we need to remove the stigma around ear care.

At Specsavers, we’re not ageist and will offer this service to anyone over 18. Nowadays, the amount of people that are taking us up from that age up to 34 is massive, so it shows that the awareness is increasing.”

With wax removal available from £35 for one ear and £50 for the pair, pop into Specsavers’ Moss Street store in Paisley for more information or call 0141 848 9191. specsavers.co.uk/stores/paisley.

MILL 43

Earrings, £50, Lisa Crockard

Shade, £45, Light Flight Lighting

Necklace, £90, Paisley Pins

Tote Bag, £15.95, Handmade Moments

FEATURES

Bangle, £9, Knitting on Cloud Nine

INCUBE SHOP I

nvest in Renfrewshire’s InCube Shop is a unique concept which supports local designers and local unemployed people.

Designers are supported through the InCube Creative Programme, allowing business skills to be developed and aligned to their creativity.

The products the designers make and create are made available for sale through the InCube Shop. This includes one-off products and others which can be personalised.

Guest slots within the InCube Shop are also available for other local creative designers.

This means the products available change on a regular basis.

The core focus of the shop though is to provide learning and work placements to local unemployed people who are interested in developing a career in retail. Trainees complete an in-depth programme ensuring they are ready to progress into work with local retail businesses.

44 MILL

Earrings, £68, Charlene Leske

Bag, £15, Atelier Eva Art

Vase, £35, Alison Gray

For those who wish to empower not only the local community but the ingenuity of those who reside within it, there’s a little place on Gilmour Street that’s calling your name.

Framed print, £16, Art with Heart

Framed print, £30, Loopy Lally

Coaster, £4.50, Dainty Dora Tie, £50, Josef McFadden

Calendar, £12.50, Dainty Dora

Hat, £20, Josef McFadden

Pre-Christmas Special Offer 10% OFF purchases*

Gift set, £29, Atelier Eva Art

Available from 19 October 2019 to 16 November 2019

Card, £3.50, Loopy Lally Thanks to Gillian Lochhead for taking and supplying photos.

Buy Local and Support Local Creative Businesses

*Excludes some brands, personalisation and other offers.

Christmas decorations, £15 each, The Canny Squirrel

Opening Hours Tuesday.....................................11.00am – 5.00pm Wednesday..............................11.00am – 5.00pm Thursday...................................11.00am – 5.00pm Friday.........................................11.00am – 5.00pm Saturday....................................11.00am – 4.00pm 9B Gilmour Street, Paisley, PA1 1DD 0141 618 6040

MILL 45

SCULPTING A NEW ERA:

Renfrewshire in 2030

As a new decade approaches, we examine the plans for what the future of our thriving community looks like.

R

enfrewshire has a huge amount to offer as a place to live, work, visit and invest – from our proud history to our great location and transport links. Over the next decade, the area will see a once-in-a-generation investment in major infrastructure that will bring new jobs and visitors in order to support a thriving local economy.

Before the plans are implemented, here’s a snapshot of some of the exciting developments coming soon….

BUILDING BRIDGES Renfrew will be home to the first ever opening road bridge over the River Clyde. The crossing to Clydebank and Yoker will accommodate vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and open for passing ships, connecting communities on both sides of the 46 MILL

river to jobs, education, hospitals and leisure pursuits. Scheduled to be operational in 2023, it is the centrepiece of the Clyde Waterfront Renfrew Riverside project.

Funded through the Glasgow City Region City Deal, the new commuting option will create conditions for economic growth along the river, with 2300 jobs expected to follow through the new developments and business growth it attracts.

MANUFACTURING A BRIGHT FUTURE Renfrewshire has a rich manufacturing heritage and the sector currently employs 9000 people locally, generating more than £1billion in exports. AMIDS, shorthand for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District

Scotland, will cement Renfrewshire’s status at the beating heart of Scotland’s manufacturing future.

Spades hit the ground this summer, transforming a 52-hectare site next to Glasgow Airport into an innovation campus, with housing companies harnessing new technologies and supporting manufacturers of all shapes and sizes to access cutting edge research.

It’s confirmed as the location for the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre and has 1.6million square feet of available floor space for further developments. When completed, the district is projected to create 6000 new jobs and work on the enabling connections is due for completion in 2021.

FEATURES

Paisley Museum Paisley Town Hall, main hall Elm Drive, Johnstone

Artist impression of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland

A UNIQUE DESTINATION A once-in-a-generation investment in Paisley’s key venues is building on the work already done to make us one of Scotland’s must-see destinations for culture, heritage and events.

Paisley Museum will reopen in 2022, transformed by award-winning international architects AL_A into a leading European museum telling the stories of how Paisley’s people and pattern helped change the world. A re-shaped interior will see the number of objects from the town’s internationally-significant collections going on show doubled, not to mention a new interactive weaving studio. On the exterior, a new courtyard and attractive garden will open-up access to Coats Observatory, reconnecting it and the museum to the town’s High Street.

Paisley Town Hall is also reopening as a landmark entertainment venue, preserving

the much-loved facility for future generations with increased capacity to attract bigger and better shows on top of a dance studio and café-bar.

And that’s not all, a formerly empty High Street unit is being turned into a learning and cultural hub that’ll offer a 21st-century home for library services, while Paisley Arts Centre is being upgraded and a £10m investment is being made to transform Paisley’s main road junctions and key outdoor spaces Abbey Close and County Square in order to make them more accommodating to the public.

NEW NEIGHBOURHOODS At the last count, 176,830 people live in Renfrewshire – which may seem a lot, but our rate of growth is half that of our neighbours and the rest of Scotland. Add that to the fact that our working age population is on a downward trend, and we face an

important challenge to attract more people to live and work here.

That’s why over the next 10 years, plans are in place to build 5,000 new homes, creating neighbourhoods for families to grow and people to prosper. This includes Dargavel Village in Bishopton, one of the UK's largest privately-funded Brownfield regeneration projects. There’s also work well underway on housing at Johnstone Castle while the former Co-Op supermarket on Wellmeadow Street has been transformed into flats and houses, the first phase of housing regeneration in Paisley’s West End. Speaking on the innovations and amenities that have been planned for the community, Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson made the following remark: “It is vital that, as we invest in our economic future, we ensure Renfrewshire is a place of inclusive growth where no one is left behind.”

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INTERIORS

Hygge Me! Rather than focusing on materiality, Kike Pavlik talks us through a Scandinavian approach to interiors that values ambiance over aesthetics.

H

ooga? Hhyooguh? Heurgh? It is not important how you choose to pronounce or spell ‘hygge’. After all, whenever Winnie the Pooh was asked how to spell a certain emotion, he said: “You don’t spell it, you feel it”. Similarly, Hygge is all about an atmosphere and an experience.

‘Hygge’ in Danish means cosy and it is without a doubt the secret ingredient to the Scandinavian design and lifestyle – that good vibe that animates everything in the vicinity.

It’s used to describe the wonderful things in life and the positive attitude that we should all embrace. Originally a Norwegian word but now popularised in Denmark, both countries enlist the tenets of Scandinavian design and embrace positive lifestyle.

The phrase describes simple gestures that nourish the soul and enhance the quality of life; a long bracing walk, time spent with a close friend or laying eyes upon a beautiful design or landscape. Anything can bring more Hygge into your life, but you have to seek these simple gestures and appreciate them. Make them happen, as it’s up to you to improve your quality of life. However, this by no means infers that you have to spend money but instead, learn to appreciate nature, light and simplicity.

Beautiful Autumn & Winter brings colourful leaves, rainy afternoons and long evenings. Consequently, it is the perfect time to make your home more hyggelig. The one thing that every home needs is a hyggekrog, which roughly translates as ‘a nook’. It is the place where you love to snuggle up in a blanket, armed with a book and a cup of tea.

It could be any aspect of the room, but it is fair to say that a fireplace may be the ultimate headquarters of hygge. It’s somewhere we 48 MILL

John Lewis

Harvey Norman

National Trust, shop.nationaltrust.org.uk

Chair, £349.99, Argos

Diffuser, £40, Rose & Grey

Mug, £2.50, Wilko O

f or do

ut

.99, Houseology £349 ce, pla ire

Dining table, £439, cuckooland.com

Cosy socks, £6, M&Co

sit by ourselves to rest while experiencing those coveted feelings of cosiness and warmth, or spend time with our loved ones to intensify our feelings of togetherness.

If you can’t enjoy the smell of burning wood from a fireplace, light the candles!

No recipe for hygge is complete without them!

Danes feel the need to bring the entire forest inside. Any piece of nature you might find is likely to invoke hygge. Leaves, nuts, twigs or small pieces of wooden blocks will all suffice.

As you’ve likely discerned, a hyggelig interior is not about how things look, but how they feel. Letting your fingers run across a wooden table, a warm ceramic cup

or fluffy blanket is a distinctly different feeling from being in contact with something made from steel, glass or plastic.

Hygge is humble and slow. It is choosing rustic over new, simple over elaborate and calmness over excitement. You cannot buy the right atmosphere or a sense of togetherness.

The art of creating intimacy cannot be bought, it’s fashioned over time, interest and engagement with the people around you.

This Winter, have a hyggelig time!

Kike Pavlik is a Paisley-based interior design student at The Glasgow School of Art. Follow her on Instagram kike.pavlik.

MILL 49

FEATURES

RENFREWSHIRE TALKS

Alan Gray visits Blend Coffee Lounge in Paisley to ask customers what music they’re listening to and what they recommend you get your ears around.

Nikki Whyte, psychology student. Music Tastes: Metal, mainly post-2000 like Korn, System of a Down but also a little bit of David Bowie.

Recommended Track: Sugar by System of a Down.

Atilia, psychology and criminology student.

Music Tastes: Into everything from Tchaikovsky to Scarlxrd. Recommended Track: Love Lockdown by Glass Animals (Kanye West cover).

Tom Spirals, musician. Music Tastes: Bass, psychedelic music and songs with meaningful and deep lyrics. Recommended Track: Jumbo Rush by Samson Sounds.

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Anders Rigg, musician. Music Tastes: South African Kwaito and Brazilian Samba. Recommended Track: Flex Like Water by Tom Spirals.

Sat 16 Nov Paisley town centre 12pm – 6pm FREE

Live Stage Special Guests

Reggie ‘N’ Bollie

Santa Parade

ler Disco

Winter Rol

Festive Choirs

Craf ty Christmas Market s Zone d i K y l l Jo

FEATURES

CAN’T BEAT THE

MUSIC Primed to make his debut appearance in The Bungalow in November, we chatted to James Grant about the life of a songwriter, the modern music industry and his affinity for our local area.

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MUSIC

O

ver 35 years into a storied career, James Grant’s passion for his craft keeps the former Love and Money frontman travelling the highways and byways of the country on an almost weekly basis. Equipped with an incredible discography and a resonant voice that can invoke wistfulness, poignancy or elation with an enviable versatility, it’s no surprise that audiences still flock to see him to this day. Unfettered by tackling the inner-workings of the human experience through song, James, like the vast majority of his peers, retains a healthy sense of selfdeprecation when it comes to how he got here.

“My older brother was taking lessons and he’d sometimes visit on a Saturday night to drop off my niece, but he’d always show me wee bits on the guitar too. The thing is, he had to go to work whereas I’d just sit there so I remember him coming back one time and saying ‘you’re good at this’ but I never really took it seriously until I started playing in bands with older guys. I was about 15, 16 and they’d say the same thing but I’m not sure I really believed anybody.

I didn’t have massive amounts of confidence, I had really long hair that I used to hide behind like curtains. I still have my moments where I doubt I’m any use,” he concedes.

“I was actually recording something this afternoon and it’s still the same process. I’m pretty sure you can ask any singer this, but there’s some days where it’s just not your day. It’s unscientific. You can be feeling tip-top and then there’s nothing there when you go to the mic. Then there’s other times where you’re hungover or feel like s*** and it’s all there. It’s a minefield, essentially. But it’s still better than getting a real job.”

Many years removed from the inalienable pressure of being a major label recording artist, James has revelled in independence for much of the past decade. Accustomed to veering off the beaten track to play shows wherever there’s a demand, the Castlemilk-born singer is relishing his time on stage like never before: “I still like being in a band but where my head’s at just now, I really love playing and entertaining people so I can totally dig folk trying to make a living from live music”, he affirms. “I guess I understand it a lot more as it’s essentially my gig now. There’s a discipline to when you’re doing it yourself and I genuinely want people to have a good time, feel enlightened, laugh… love me,” he quips sardonically.

“To be honest, I will play absolutely anywhere people want me. For artists like myself who have a back catalogue, these wee gigs are absolutely brilliant”.

After inking a deal with Phonogram at the tender age of 18, James was ushered through the doors of a music industry that basked in its economic prosperity. But in the era of streaming, piracy and increasingly low profit margins, he doesn’t envy the torrid landscape that today’s burgeoning talents are forced to operate in.

“ONE IN THREE HOMES HAD A DIRE STRAITS RECORD AT THE TIME SO WE WERE ABLE TO TAKE SOME OF THAT MONEY, AND THERE ISN’T A MODERN EQUIVALENT OF THAT”

“It’s very different, I feel sorry for artists now as I was extremely lucky. We [Love And Money] got to make four records or whatever it was. In essence, we sold a few albums—half a million copies worldwide on one of them—but we were allowed to develop,” he emphasises.

“Nowadays, we’d have been dropped when the first single wasn’t a hit. We weren’t unique either, there were loads of bands that record companies never recouped on but it was ok. We were on the same label as Bon Jovi, Van Morrison and Dire Straits. One in three homes had a Dire Straits record at the time so we were able to take some of that money, and there isn’t a modern equivalent of that. At the end of the day, we were probably a tax loss as the music business was rich.”

Set to descend upon The Bungalow on St Andrews’ Night, this is far from the troubadour’s first visit to the Paisley area.

In fact, James is forthcoming in his fondness for a town that he says has “wormed its way into my heart”.

“I’ve got a soft spot for Paisley because I was commissioned to write a show for the [2021 City Of Culture] bid that I performed at the Abbey. I wrote quite a few songs about the town and spent a fair bit of time studying. David down at the library was such a big help. There was a lot of research, I even wrote a song about the Glen Cinema disaster. When we did the Abbey show, I created something derived from its slate music which I actually might release.

It’s actually one of my favourite buildings in the world.

Also, the song I wrote for the Glen Cinema was quite unique in that I only performed it that night but I really like it, so I might let people hear it beyond those who were in attendance.

“The thing that’s cool about playing the Bungalow,” he continued “is that I remember getting the Sunday Mail when I was coming up and seeing all the ads for folk playing it. It’d be like Siouxsie And The Banshees or whatever so there is a sort of romantic connection with the past.”

Get tickets for James’ upcoming gig on Friday 30th November at The Bungalow, Paisley via Ticketsscotland.com now.

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MUSIC

As the winter months draw near, here are the albums and live appearances that you can seek refuge in.

ALBUM THE NINTH WAVE - INFANCY PARTS 1 & 2 When the first half of Glasgow post-punk outfit The Ninth Wave’s debut album arrived in May of this year, the band not only reiterated that they were one of the city’s most exciting acts but amplified the magnetism that radiates from their material.

Versatile, forward-thinking and prone to moments of heartrending tenderness amid the aural dissonance, listen in to hear the arrival of a new force in Scottish music. Out 15th November.

ALBUM LEONARD COHEN - THANKS FOR THE DANCE Lovingly compiled by his son Adam, the first posthumous body of work from the inimitable Leonard Cohen is inbound. Formed of previously unreleased material from the prolific wordsmith and contributions from members of Arcade Fire, The National and singer/songwriter Beck, the LP is made up of a cadre of tracks that the frequently maudlin icon had been working on just prior to his death.

Released 22nd November.

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CLUB NIGHT JOEY BELTRAM Largely recognised as one of the perennial titans of techno, New York’s own Joey Beltram is coming all the way to Paisley at the end of the year. Set to descend upon the cavernous Club 69 for one almighty party, this is a hot ticket for dance music purists and classics such as Energy Flash and Cop Car are sure to cause pandemonium on the floor.

28th December at Club 69, 40 New Sneddon Street, Paisley, PA3 2AZ.

ALBUM THE VEGAN LEATHERPOOR GIRLS AND BROKEN BOYS After years of steadfastly honing their craft, The Vegan Leather have finally released that mesmeric opus that we've all been waiting on. A kaleidoscopic tapestry of sound that takes in everything from the golden age of French Touch to the jagged new wave of the 1980s, it's no exaggeration to say that the band went in with the intention of constructing an album where every track could constitute a single. For now, our favourites come in the form of the propulsive barrage of The Hit, the bleary eyed euphoria of Holy Ghost and eternal crowd favourite, The Knife. To cut a long story short, this band deserve all of the plaudits in the world and it's a point of real pride that they emanate from our very community.

MUSIC

the sound of renfrewshire

THE

VAN T's

What are your roots In Renfrewshire? “We moved to Johnstone when Chloe and I were five from Thornliebank and before that, we were in Dundee. We went to Thorn Primary, but the pub’s a lot better than the school if you ask me (laughs). Then from there, it was Johnstone High before heading to Glasgow. Now, I’m actually moving to Howwood!”

You and Chloe initially played as a duo before you became a four piece. How did that transition come about? “Well, Chloe and I were listening to bands with a rhythm section and we realised that was the direction we wanted to head in. I met Shaun (Hood, drummer) working at Primark in Braehead. We got to chatting and eventually I was like ‘do you want to be in my band?’ Shaun had been playing death metal and hardcore so it was a bit of a shift for him. Our bassist moved to London and then I met Joanne (Forbes).

She’d never played it before but I asked and she picked it up! From there, the sound just progressed.

Nowadays, we’re thinking of getting a bit more synthy.”

Photo by Cameron Brisbane

The brainchild of two siblings that morphed into one of the nation’s most hotly tipped bands, we spoke to Hannah Van Thompson about their journey, the music scene and a recent career milestone.

As one of the bands that predate the West Of Scotland explosion of music, has it been exciting to watch the area gain recognition as a hub for talent? “Yeah, it’s definitely cool.

At the moment, there’s two prominent movements- the more gothic or aloof stuff from Kingdom (Management) and the whole Glasgow punk scene.

It’s nice to see that these bands all doing so well after seeing them in The Priory or King Tut’s and it just goes to show that people are looking to the West of Scotland as an exciting place for music.”

Back in July, you supported Foo Fighters at Bellahouston Park.

Did the experience live up to your expectations? “No words can really describe it, we supported one of our

favourite bands ever and everyone was so cool. It didn’t really seem like a big hectic show because the crew were all so effortless. The crowd were really good and responsive so we really couldn’t have asked for a better day. It’s what every band aspires to, we were just lucky enough to get there.”

What’s the plans for the year ahead? “We’ve got a few cool shows coming up with our friends FEET down south and the AGP Christmas gig in Aberdeen. We’ve been offered a few others but I think we’re going to hold off until we unveil new music.

We’re hoping to release early next year then head out on tour.”

For the latest band news, follow them via facebook.com/TheVanTs. MILL 55

MUSIC

FOR THE RECORD Designed and written by third year graph comm pupil Andrew Bogan, this month’s For The Record is nothing short of a Gryffe High School takeover.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY OST Various Artists

One of my favourite albums is the Guardians Of The Galaxy OST. It’s full of lots of different upbeat tunes that all have their own unique vibe.

I think the music complements the tone of the movie perfectly, capturing the upbeat goofiness which glows off of Peter Quill.

My personal favourite song in the playlist is Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede. It has an incredibly catchy beat that lifts your spirits and makes you want to watch the movie again. Overall, it is a great soundtrack that actually makes the movie even better.

DARK SIDE OF THE MOON Pink Floyd

Dark Side of The Moon is a classic album, but one of my favourite parts of the album is the cover itself. The refraction of light as it enters the prism is beautiful. That said, the music inside is the best bit. I love how they use appropriate sounds for each song. For example the use of a cash register in Money or the ticking of a clock in Time. My favourite song in the tracklist is Speak to me. I love the stark melody and how it flows throughout. It’s one of the best albums of all time.

Well done to all the S3 Graphic Communications pupils at Gryffe High School who worked hard to design our album page, congratulations to Andrew for having his design published and winning a voucher from local dessert parlour, Ice Mania.

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OBYL OST CHEGuRðnN adóttir Hildur

The soundtrack for Chernobyl is great and perfectly fits the show’s atmosphere of impending dread. The clanking of metal and machinery creates creepy echoes. They fit the mystery as we figure out what has happened in the show. Some of the sounds have actually been taken directly from real nuclear reactors which increases the authenticity of the project. My favourite piece is The Bridge of Death because it captures the sense of hopelessness and terror so acutely.

EANWHILE...

COMICS, GAMES, COFFEE & CAKES VISIT PAISLEY’S COMIC AND GAMES CAFE!

45 OLD SNEDDON STREET, PAISLEY PA3 2AN, 0141 237 9180 @COMICRAZYSHOP

@COMICRAZYSHOP

WWW.COMICRAZY.CO.UK

MILL 57

FEATURES

THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN As their new books hit the shelves, we met with Fiona Lindsay and Tracy Patrick of Clochoderick Press to talk about their latest works and what lies ahead for their publishing house.

I

n an era where stability is hard to come by in the arts sphere, getting a foothold in the tumultuous world of literature is an act of valour. Intended to disseminate not only their voices but those of formerly concealed talents, Fiona Lindsay and Tracy Patrick of Clochoderick Press are leading the charge with Renfrewshire’s first publishing house and have already impacted on the wider world.

“It all began when three writers were allocated £5000 by Paisley 2021,” Fiona revealed. “Three weren’t all local actually, one was from the highlands but the rest were all Renfrewshirebased. We also did our anthology Laldy and although we’re based here, we had submissions from Albania, Mexico and Australia. Paisley 2021 gave us a bit of an explosion of culture and a real shot in the arm,” Fiona continued.

“We unfortunately didn’t win but a lot of good came out of it.”

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Whether it’s the curation of their journal or the writers that they earmark for an individual body of work, Fiona’s co-conspirator Tracy Patrick pinpointed the governing tenets that run through everything they do.

“It’s all about quality, collaboration and commitment,” she explained.

“We can, through Laldy for example, spot a writer that we really like and ask for more. We discovered (short story writer) Richard Hillesey through work that he’d submitted, so it’s definitely a good way to engage with the literary scene.

“We’d spotted a few people locally who had talent but hadn’t had the opportunity to get published before,” Fiona affirmed. “I’m not saying there’s no publishing houses outside of Edinburgh as that wouldn’t be true but it’s the first time that there’s been one in Paisley.”

Penned by Clochoderick’s selfstyled “enthusiastic editor”, Tracy’s debut novel Blushing Is For Sinners is one that’s steeped in the industrious history of the area she calls home.

An intersecting narrative of women through the generations, each syllable exudes a genuine affection for the project as she detailed the work that went into making it a reality.

“It has two timelines. One is the life of a thread mill worker in 60s Ferguslie, while the other is her daughter in present-day Canada.

So, it connects from Paisley to the old-growth forests of British Columbia.

When I was researching the book, I spoke to women who’d worked there at the Thread Mill Museum so they had great insight. Aside from that, I just asked around as people generally have someone in their family who was connected. Evelyn Hood’s book, Mill Memories, was a great resource as well.”

“I’M NOT SAYING THERE’S NO PUBLISHING HOUSES OUTSIDE OF EDINBURGH AS THAT WOULDN’T BE TRUE BUT IT’S THE FIRST TIME THAT THERE’S BEEN ONE IN PAISLEY.” Beyond simple authenticating, Tracy also took great pleasure in getting a sense of the familial rapport that developed between the workers.

I loved getting a flavour of the forthrightness and the humour,” she enthused, “not to mention the sense of the community that came with it. What did surprise me was how different a working environment it is from today. The character in the book has seen generations of institutionalisation in the mills so she’s rebels against that.

Looking at it from a few eras removed, it’s like a lost world.

You could take classes in the mills, there were brass bands and a whole inbuilt social life that you don’t find now.”

In coincidence with Tracy’s debut novel, Clochoderick’s co-founder has a new tome of her own. In the second instalment of the “Kirklochy Chronicles”, Fiona delighted in detailing the tongue-in-cheek origins of her new romantic comedy, Do Not Disturb.

“Myself and another local writer were having a jokey conversation about whether or not we could write a Mills and Boone book,” she recalls. “It’s harder than it sounds but the idea must’ve appealed to me so I started writing. I found that I couldn’t really take it seriously so I just injected a bit of humour. From there, my Johnstone writer’s group surprised me by liking it so I wrote another chapter and so it went. Then when I finished the first book (The Consolation Prize), the chairperson said ‘why don’t you do another that’s set in the same village?’ So that’s how the sequel came to be. The village is just outside Ullapool, or it would be if it actually existed!”

In addition to giving Renfrewshire a voice in the publishing sector, Clochoderick place an onus on granting opportunities to homegrown creatives. Whether it’s using local artists Catherine McAteer and Rebecca Johnstone to devise the artwork for their recent output, working with the Sunshine Recovery Café or enlisting a Paisley-based sound engineer for audiobooks, their credo of being “big on collaboration” is embedded into the very fabric of their operation.

As far as plans for the future go, Tracy has expansion on her mind: “We want to build a subscription base and really widen the net as much as possible, alongside making connections between Renfrewshire and international writers.”

Don’t let the temperature drop this winter From boiler installations to repairs, our multi-award winning team can do it all. For a free quote, call 0141 390 6946.

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Blushing Is For Sinners and Do Not Disturb are available now.

MILL 59

ENTERTAINMENT

©Disney/Lucasfilm

Editor Robert Blair’s rundown of November and December’s essential viewing.

CINEMA STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

©Sundance

For fans of George Lucas’ greatest brainchild, there is no overstating the importance of The Rise Of Skywalker to this beloved saga’s story arc. The apparent conclusion of a 42-year journey, the last instalment of the new trilogy will see Rey, Finn, Poe and even a returning Lando Calrissian attempt to overthrow the malevolent First Order and restore harmony in the galaxy. Featuring the final onscreen appearance of the late, great Carrie Fisher, everything we know about the series will all come down to this. Out 19th December.

CINEMA HONEY BOY Known as one of the most quixotic and bewildering figures in modern Hollywood, Shia LaBeouf’s decades-long journey through the film world has culminated in this semi-autobiographical film. Derived from his own tumultuous life as a child star, Shia takes on the formidable role of his own father in a production that is said to be one of the most poignant of the year. Out 6th December 2019.

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CINEMA KNIVES OUT Buoyed by a star-studded cast that features everyone from bastions of horror (Jamie-Lee Curtis) to musclebound heroes (Chris Evans, Daniel Craig), Rian Johnson’s first post-Star Wars project sees him contort the spirit of Agatha Christie novels to absurdist heights. After a renowned crime novelist dies suddenly during a gathering of his estranged brood, each family member becomes a suspect in the eyes of Detective Benoit Blanc. From there, intrigue—and hilarity—is set to ensue. In cinemas 27th November.

ENTERTAINMENT

COMICRAZY’S

CHRISTMAS TOP PICKS Another selection of gifts and memorabilia from Renfrewshire’s leading table top gaming emporium.

Hi Mill readers, with the Christmas season fast approaching we thought we’d put together a few of our top picks for the geeks and gamers in your life.

Everything here is available in our gaming café in Paisley so come by for some excellent gift-giving ideas.

TV THE END OF THE F*****G WORLD SEASON 2 Set in a stylised version of the UK that

KLASK

somewhat resembles a Wes Anderson fever dream, the second season of the tale of a nihilistic but no less lovable young couple gives us some closure on one of the biggest TV cliff hangers in recent memory. Did James evade the police? Has Alyssa been left to fend for herself and now must move on without him? Find out where they left off on terrestrial TV before the boxset hits All4 immediately afterwards. Starts 4th November, Netflix.

A multi-award-winning party game from Big Potato, Klask hinges around players attempting to score a goal while trying to avoid obstacles and your opponent’s advances. This fun and frantic game mixes table football with air hockey and is currently free to play in our store, with a four-player tournament version set to come out in the near future. Age: 8+, 2 players, game duration: 10 minutes.

TV THE MARVELOUS MRS MAISEL SEASON 3

©Amazon

MYSTERY BOXES

Here at Comicrazy, we offer themed mystery boxes for just £25. Simply tell us the series or game you like and we will make a box with products from our fantastic selection. Every box is different and makes for a brilliant gift. Ask in store for more details.

POKÉMON GIFT SETS

After rightfully storming The Emmy Awards for two years running, it’s time to check back in with comedic prodigy Midge Maisel’s journey through the deeply obstructive world of 1950’s entertainment. A peerless send-up of the many misconceptions and moral panics of the age, the show picks up with the boundary-prodding comic struggling to juggle her burgeoning career with her family and friends’ expectations of what her life should entail.

An absolute must-watch this Christmas time. Starts 6th December, Amazon Prime.

For the Pokémon master in your life, we have special Pokémon sets including exclusive cards from the newest sets along with limited edition products from the hit movie Detective Pikachu. With powerful new cards and multiple booster packs, these are the best ways to power up your pre-existing collection.

If you want some more info on any of these products or want to pick some up for yourself feel free to pop by our store, we will be delighted to help out and get you ready for Christmas. Comicrazy, 45 Old Sneddon St, Paisley, PA3 2AN, 0141 237 9180, comicrazy.co.uk.

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FOOD & DRINK

S

ome places go beyond just catering to the local community and become a pillar of it. Rather than reducing the café experience down to its transactional nature, these eateries conjure up an atmosphere that allows you to unwind and recalibrate. And in the case of Bridge of Weir’s Bernie’s Café Deli, you’re made to feel at home from the very moment you cross the threshold.

The former premises of Campbell’s Electricians, the structure otherwise known as Neva Place has been reborn as one of the village’s finest locales. A bustling hub of activity, we laid eyes on patrons of all ages as we took our seats near the window. Embedded into the social calendar of many repeat visitors, the walls are adorned with song lyrics and other inspiring sloganry as chosen by the very people that come there to eat, drink and decompress. Unbiasedly awarded bonus points for the St Mirren badge that takes pride of place in the middle of the display, our designer Paul and I were bowled over by the array of options on offer.

I sprung for their veggie club (£7.45) while my colleague heeded the gluttonous call of Bernie’s Bad Boy (£9.95).

Accompanied by the sort of thick seasoned fries that my gran commonly referred to as “real chips”, my sandwich brought its flavours together in harmonious fashion.

Never overpowering one another, the meeting between cheddar cheese, basil pesto and its sun blushed tomato counterpart made for one of the most flavourful lunches I’ve had in ages. Across the table, Paul looked giddily at the gargantuan burger that had been placed in front of him.

LUNCH AT BERNIE’S CAFÉ DELI

Although our Paisley-born editor had only been to Bridge of Weir once before, his visit to Bernie’s has given him plenty of reason to return.

Indulgent in the all the right ways, the robust handmade patty was flanked by cheese, crispy onion rings, vine tomatoes, lettuce, barbecue sauce and, as the pièce de résistance, a liberal helping of bacon and luxury mayo.

Feeling full but by no means defeated, we sojourned over to the dessert counter and found a cornucopia of delights on display. After some toing and froing, I hearkened back to my childhood with a hearty slice of old skool (£2.65) while Paul couldn’t see past the Malteser cake (£2.65) that he freely admitted was the “best he’s ever had.”

No matter if you frequent Bridge of Weir or are scantly in the area, Bernie’s Café Deli and the food that’s on offer is worth making the pilgrimage for.

Bernie’s Café Deli, Neva Place, Main Street, Bridge of Weir, PA11 3PN, 01505 614333, berniescafedeli.com.

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FOOD & DRINK

AFTERS AT THE LITTLE DESSERT SHOP Afflicted with a notorious craving for all things confectionary, our designer Paul Dickson and the family found no shortage of decadent delights at Soar’s most mouth-watering attraction.

I

’ve never hankered for cheese and biscuits after dinner, I am 100% a pudding kinda guy. I have an insatiable sweet tooth, as does my partner Theresa and our two children, Evan (age 8) and Holly (age 2). Therefore, a trip to The Little Dessert Shop at Braehead was the perfect family outing.

A family-run franchise that is designed around their own scrumptious recipes, they boast 21 stores across the UK but we visited their sole location in Scotland.

The restaurant itself is stylish and contemporary, to the extent that Theresa remarked that it could be a champagne bar. Swathed in an ambiance of glamour and luxury, uplifting music fills the unique gelataria as the anticipation builds.

The menu is comprehensive to say the least, think of any dessert you could desire and it’s accounted for. I like fruit in my desserts, so I picked the Strawberry Sensation (£6.95) which was a large waffle smothered in milk chocolate, fresh strawberries, cream and gelato. Suffice to say, it was absolutely delicious.

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Theresa opted for the Sweet Addiction Cheesecake (£4.50), comprised of a Lotus Biscoff biscuit cheesecake, salted caramel sauce and biscuit pieces. Optimised for her tastes, she loved every spoonful.

One look at the photo of the Kids Special (£4.95), and the two wee ones jumped out their seats. This creation consisted of two scoops of gelato, bubblegum and raspberry sauce, hundreds and thousands, Smarties and a cone.

Excited that they had the chance to customise by picking their own ice cream, they rushed to the counter to select from sixteen different flavours. Then Marta, our waitress, asked them if they’d like to try any of the flavours before they ordered. You should have seen their faces! They were very thorough before committing to their final choices.

The Kids Special was perfect for both of them, apart from the occasional drips and spillages, nothing was wasted.

Says it all.

Tailor-made for a family excursion, we came with the intention of indulging and we certainly achieved that. The kids were properly looked after and the service and staff were excellent. What more could you want?

The Little Dessert Shop, Soar @ Intu Braehead, King’s Inch Road, Glasgow, PA4 8XQ.

Where to pick up your copy of Mill If you are a business that would like to distribute Mill, please contact paul@millmagazine.co.uk PAISLEY Abbey Mill Business Centre 12 Seedhill Road, PA1 1JS Black & Lizars 6 New Street, PA1 1XY Blend Coffee Lounge 25b Causeyside Street, PA1 1UL Brick Lane Studios Forrester House, Weir Street, PA3 4DW Bull Inn 7 New Street, PA1 1XU Cafe Fairfull 12A High Street, PA1 2BS Cafe Lusso 4 School Wynd, PA1 2DB Cardosi Espresso Bar 65 High Street, PA1 2AS Comicrazy 45 Old Sneddon Street, PA3 2AN Courtyard by Marriott Marchburn Drive, Glasgow Airport Business Park, PA3 2SJ Claire Reid Hairdressing 7 Mill Street, PA1 1LY DP Group Mirren Court, 119 Renfrew Road, PA3 4EA Elixir Lounge 12 New Street, PA1 1XY Eve Spa 11 Christie Street, PA1 1NB Finishing Touches 7 Johnston St, Paisley PA1 1XQ Fullerton Chiropractic 7 Neilston Road, PA2 6LL Gael Interiors 4 Orchard Street, PA1 1UZ Gantry 12 New Street, PA1 1XY Graphic Hair Design 67 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PD Grumpy Monkey 22 Moss Street, PA1 1BA Iain Stewart Hairdressing 97 Causeyside Street, PA1 1TU Iconic Fitness 10-12 Lawn Street, PA1 1HA Incube Shop 9b Gilmour Street, PA1 1DG Incube 27 High Street, PA1 2AF Incognito 63 Causeyside Street, PA1 1YT Ivad Gifts 95 Causeyside Street, PA1 1TU, 29 Gauze Street, PA1 1ES Jam Jar 16 Shuttle Street, PA1 1YD James Martin Hairdressing 74 Causeyside Street, PA1 1YP Kenneth Edwards 45 Causeyside Street, PA1 1YN Lagoon Leisure Centre 11 Christie Street, PA1 1NB

Lixie Boutique 14 New Street, PA1 1XY Milton Watermill Hotel Bladda Lane, PA1 1SR My Hair Guru 48 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PW Napier Hair & Beauty 136 Neilston Road, PA2 6QH Obsession of India 32 Moss Street, PA1 1BA Orchard Clinic 16 Orchard Street, PA1 1UZ Paisley Physiotherapy 13 Old Sneddon Street, PA3 2AG Piazza Shopping Centre Central Way, PA1 1EL Rainbow Turtle 7 Gauze Street, PA1 1EP Rowantree Café 165 Glasgow Road, PA1 3LF Shoe 52 5 Mill Street, PA1 1LY Skirlies Cafe 4 Broomlands Street, PA1 2LR Soho Salon 35 High Street, PA1 2AF Taste Buds 22b Lawn Street, PA1 1HF The Gatehouse Coffee Roasters Benn Avenue, PA1 1JS The Lane 7 Shuttle Street, PA1 1YD The Ugly Duck 38 High Street, PA1 2DQ The Wee Howff 53 High Street, PA1 2AN TRC Hair & Beauty 8b Glasgow Road, PA1 3QA White Cart Company 75 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PE, 30B High Street, PA1 2BZ Woodlands Coffee House 44 Glasgow Road, PA1 3PW Zambretto 42 Old Sneddon Street, PA3 2AP BISHOPTON Angelini’s Pizzeria & Cafe 76 Greenock Road, PA7 5JB Ingliston Country Club & Hotel Old Greenock Road, PA7 5PA May’s Coffee Shop 19 Greenock Road, PA7 5JW BRIDGE OF WEIR Bernie’s Cafe Deli 1 Neva Place, Main Street, PA11 3PN Harrods Dry Cleaners 8 Castle Terrace, PA11 3EF Ice Mania 13 Livery Walk, Main Street, PA11 3NN Laura’s Nail & Beauty Lounge 37 Main St, PA11 3NR

The Lion’s Paw 1 Morrison Place, PA11 3NU Tulip Hair Design Unit 10, 23 Livery Walk, PA11 3NN ELDERSLIE Butchers Steak & Grill 133 Main Road, PA5 9ES Elderslie Coffee Shop 11 Stoddard Square, PA5 9AS Hairpod 16A Canal Street, PA5 9AU ERSKINE Erskine Swimming Pool Bridgewater Centre, PA8 7AA Look Opticians Bridgewater Place, PA8 7AA Pandamonium Play Centre 53 Kilpatrick Drive, PA8 7AF The Erskine Bridge Hotel & Spa Riverfront, PA8 6AN HILLINGTON Ducati Glasgow 6 Mossland Drive, G52 4FA Origins Fitness 22 Earl Haig Road, G52 4JU The Experience Montrose Avenue, G52 4JR

Papamacs Gourmet Kitchen 5 Houstoun Square, PA5 8DT Quality Cards & Gifts 2 Houstoun Square, PA5 8DT Signature Permanent Cosmetics 6-8 Walkinshaw Street, PA5 8AB The Wee Cafe @ 47 47 High Street, PA5 8AJ KILBARCHAN

Bobbins 25 Steeple Street, PA10 2JF KILMACOLM

Cairn Drumpellier Place, 1 Lochwinnoch Road, PA13 4HE Wild Rose Ardgowan Place, PA13 4AA LINWOOD On-X Linwood Brediland Road, PA3 3RA The Salon 15 Napier Street, PA3 3AJ Tweedie Hall and Library 15 Bridge Street, PA3 3DB

LOCHWINNOCH Bluewater Dentist 69 High Street, PA12 4AB HOUSTON Castle Semple Cafe Lochlip Road, PA12 4EA The Carrick Centre Coffee Shop Cucina Minucci Main Street, PA6 7HD 2 High Street, PA12 4DA The Fox & Hounds Now & Then South Street, PA6 7EN 8 Church Street, PA12 4AD The Paper Shop RSPB North Street, PA6 7HF Largs Road, PA12 4JF HOWWOOD QUARRIER'S VILLAGE Bowfield Hotel & Country Club The Sourcery Bowfield Road, PA9 1DZ Faith Avenue, PA11 3TF The Boarding House Three Sisters Bake Main Street, PA9 1BQ Faith Avenue, PA11 3TF

INCHINNAN RENFREW The Farm at No.12 Andersons Jewellery Workshop 12 Brownsfield Holding, 38 High Street, PA4 8QP Barnsford Road, PA4 9LZ CK Hair 44 Canal Street, PA4 8QD INTU BRAEHEAD Judy McFaite Hairdressing King’s Inch Road, Glasgow, 29 Dunlop Street, PA4 8PG G51 4BN Quality Cards & Gifts 17 Canal Street, PA4 8QE JOHNSTONE Renfrew Leisure Centre Hairpod Paisley Road, PA4 8JL 62A High Street, PA5 8SJ The Ferry Inn Johnstone Coffee Co. 1 Clyde Street, PA4 8SL 71 High Street, PA5 8QG The Hair Boutique Johnstone Community 28 High Street, PA4 8QP Sports Hub Beith Road, PA5 0JA RENFREWSHIRE LIBRARIES No. 8 Now available from all Renfrewshire Libraries 66 High Street, PA5 8SG

MILL 65

LAST WORD

PEOPLE

One of the UK’s foremost soul and disco DJ’s, we spoke to Paisley native Al Kent about his origins as a mod, how he entered the club world and more.

What was your gateway into soul music? “I was still at school at the time.

My generation were the second wave of mods from about 1979 onwards and we were into Secret Affair and The Chords. So, I was up in Virgin Megastore in Glasgow and there was an album called 20 Mod Classics with the big target on the cover, so I had to get that. Then when I took it up the road, it was Martha Reeves, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye so I thought ‘this is weird, that doesn’t sound like my music’. But I persevered with it and eventually thought I was a proper mod for having it (laughs).”

What incentivised you to get behind the decks? “It started when my pal and I booked a night in Gallowhill Community Centre.

We borrowed decks off someone and about 20 people came. It boiled down to ‘I’ve got these crackin’ records and I want to play them to you!’ Then, there was a nightclub in Silk Street called Paris. One night, a guy asked me to DJ the indie room with his collection. I thought ‘aye, this’ll be fine’ but I didn’t know a single track (laughs). I was just a wee guy but they must’ve thought ‘I like the look of him’ so I ended up with my own Northern Soul night on a Monday.”

Where do you stand on the great vinyl vs digital divide in DJing? “People can get a bit elitist about it, as if they’re doing something real and you’re not. The time that I decided I wasn’t carrying records anymore was when I was going on a flight and saw my case going up the conveyor belt.

66 MILL

AL KENT’S “holy grail”

The baggage guys just lobbed it and I was like “Whoa! There’s five grand’s worth in there’. Whether you’re using vinyl or a USB, it doesn’t make much difference to the guy that’s down there having the time of his life.”

“There’s one record that I’d kill for. It’s the 12" mix of Lorraine Johnson’s take on Teddy Pendergrass’ ‘The More I Get, The More I Want.’

On the very rare occasion that I’ve seen it, the price tag is about $1500.”

What’s on your agenda for the rest of the year? “Just recording, remixing, I actually just finished up a track in the studio with The Million Dollar Orchestra. I think I started it in 2009 so that’s a decade on. When I last pulled the file up, it was dated 2016 so that’s been a good three years at least. It’s for my pleasure more than anything so I can have a wee shot at it whenever. That’ll be coming out in the next few months alongside a few remixes and shows.”

Keep up with the man behind “Million Dollar Disco” via alkent.co.uk.

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