Keeping the kids amused over the summer holidays is one of toughest challenges facing parents in Renfrewshire at this time of year. Forking out for holidays, treats and entertainment leaves many mums and dads feeling the pinch in the summer months.

However, help is at hand.

There are a wide range of mostly free activities for youngsters across Paisley North and the rest of Renfrewshire, including:

• Table tennis, arts and crafts and console games at Gallowhill Youth Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 0141 889 1110 for more details.
• Multi-sport events in Gallowhill, Shortroods and Seedhill for 8-18 year olds, Wednesdays, until August 15. Call 812 4660 for availability.
• Junior dance, cheerleading, basketball, circuit training, table tennis and football at the Ferguslie Park Young Scot Club, Ferguslie Park Sports Centre. Call 0141 840 2911 for more information.
• Football, tennis, dance, trampolining and gym exercises at the Saturday Night Thing, Renfrew Leisure Centre, Saturdays 6.30-8.30 pm. Call 812 4660 for details.
• Dance, drama and singing at St Benedicts High School, P7+ on Tuesdays, 7–9pm. P4, 5 and 6 on Thursdays, 7-9pm. Phone 01505 326450 for availability.

For comprehensive listings of what is available for youngsters in your area, please log on to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk.

Don’t lose the Music

Staying with the youthful theme, I’m supporting a campaign to protect the hearing of youngsters in Renfrewshire and the rest of the country.

The RNID wants the Scottish Executive to establish guidelines on loud music for audiences attending music venues and gigs.

The call follows a new study showing 9 out of 10 youngsters experience hearing damage after a night out.

The “Like it Loud” report, part of the “Don’t Lose the Music Campaign”, also says 70% of clubbers experience dullness of hearing or ringing in their ears.

The Executive must take action immediately to safeguard the hearing of the younger generation.

Writing’s on the wall for vandals

Graffiti is a problem that concerns many people in Renfrewshire.

Spray paint on buildings, play parks and private property blights the local landscape and demeans our communities. The council operates a policy of removing obscene, racist and sectarian graffiti within 24 hours of notification.

For more information, or to report instances of graffiti, call the Council’s hit squad on 0800 389 8623.

Snapping up Success

Photography students at Reid Kerr College have scooped top awards for the high standard of their work.

21 year old Brian Banks won “Student of the Year” and “Runner Up Student of the Year” at this year’s BIPP awards ceremony in Edinburgh.

Emma Louise Campbell, Tom Hassan and Roddy McIntosh were also recognised with “Highly Commended” certificates.

Meanwhile, Michael Duddy achieved Silver in Mencap’s Snap! competition.

Hearty congratulations to you all.