When the record-breaking LEGO exhibition visited Paisley

We have dived into the extensive archives here at the Gazette and had a look at Wednesday, March 17, to find and share some of the content that we covered then.

Do you recognise or remember these stories?

1. New hall to be town focal point

Construction of the improved Johnstone Town Hall started in the new year of 2014 on the site of the previous town building and library.

The new facility opened in the summer 2015.

Early rendered images showcased what the building would look like prior to it being built, showing how the space would look as a packed theatre and set up for a wedding function. 

Speaking at the time of the announcement, councillor Jim Harte, convener of the council’s Sports, Leisure and Culture Policy Board, said: “As these images show the new Johnstone Town Hall will be an attractive and modern building fit for 21st-century living.

“With its central location and multiple uses, we expect it to become the centrepiece of civic life in Johnstone and its surrounding villages for generations to come."

2. Dad reaching high with charity climb

The father of a three-year-old who was horrifically burned as a baby climbed Mount Everest for charity.

Little Tamara MacPherson was badly scalded when she tipped a searing hot cup of coffee over herself after reaching for a mug on a kitchen counter.

She was rushed to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley before being sent to Yorkhill Hospital for an emergency operation to treat severe burns on her arms, chest and face.

Two years on from the ordeal and being “miraculously” left without scars, her doting dad Colin wanted to give back to the charity which helped treat his daughter.

The then 40-year-old, from Erskine, set out to reach the base of Mount Everest over 16 days in as he looked to raise £4000 for Yorkhill Children's Hospital.

3. Park adds a cool £15m to economy

Clyde Muirshiel Park authorities welcomed a report that shows the services it delivers are worth £15 million a year.

The independent study, using the Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology, showed that services valued at £9 are delivered for every £1 put into the park.

Clyde Murshiel, Scotland’s largest regional park, encapsulates sites including Castle Semple, Lunderston Bay and Locherwood Community Woodland.

The area offers a range of outdoor activities for cyclists and walkers.

The park also contained a campsite based at Barnbrock Farm, Lochwinnoch, allowing visitors to camp in wooden huts or bring their own tent.

4. Award for Guides

Members of the 1st Howwood Guides celebrated after receiving the highest accolade — the Baden-Powell Challenge Award.

Howwood youngsters Amy White and Beth Montgomery, both 14, received the award from Moira Johnston, county commissioner of Girlguiding Renfrewshire, at the annual Thinking Day Parade at Howwood Parish Church.

Amy and Beth completed a range of exciting activities to achieve the award, including organising a Jubilee party for Howwood Rainbows, hosting a Chinese New Year night for the Guides, assisting in community projects and completing their First Aid Badge.

5. Kids have spring in their step after taking trophy

Talented tots at Kilmacolm Nursery had taken home a trophy for their planting skills.

It was horticultural heaven at Port Glasgow Town Hall as the annual bulb show sprang into life.

Colourful displays of spring flowers, pot plants, paintings and handicrafts impressed hundreds of people who flocked to the popular event on Saturday.

Winners on the day included the village nursery tots, who took home the prestigious Jim Hunter Trophy, with Whinhill and King’s Oak nurseries in second and third place respectively.

6. Record-breaking LEGO exhibition at Paisley Museum

The record-breaking LEGO exhibition visited the Paisley Museum, which was deemed a success for the museum but the wider community.

Brick City smashed the highest number of visits to a single exhibition whilst local businesses reported increased turnover and footfall.

Over its 16-week run, Brick City attracted more than 50,000 visitors who contributed to the best income for Paisley Museum’sshop in more than 13 years.

Paisley Museum is the first in the country to host the exhibition which included models of the London 2012 Olympic Park, Rome’s Colosseum and the Las Vegas strip by LEGO artist, Warren Elsmore, as well as scenes from the royal wedding.