When a Renfrew teen created his own theatre show

We have dived into the extensive archives here at the Gazette and had a look at Wednesday, April 16, to find and share some of the content that we covered then.

Do you recognise or remember these stories?

1. Teen has big ideas for stage musical of film

It had been 25 years since Hollywood actor Tom Hanks debuted his iconic Chopsticks dance atop a giant floor piano.

The much-loved scene was to be recreated with the original Mr MacMillan from the UK Premier of 1988 classic Big – 15 years after his debut.

Renfrew teenager Chris Brown, 19, had sunk almost 10 years of savings into producing his very own theatre version of the iconic film.

And he is “ecstatic” that the original actor of the first stage version, Robert Fyfe, is to star in his revival of the show.

“I am really excited about this news and Robert is also just as excited to get back on the giant piano for a second time around,” Chris said at the time.

2. Run of luck for jogging-mad mum

A mum's passion for running had helped to earn her the title of community baton bearer.

Ellen Forrest, of Kilbarchan, celebrated after being selected to represent the area for the Commonwealth Games.

The 55-year-old, who led a local running group called Elderslie Jogging Buddies, was nominated by her team after helping to motivate them for almost 10 years.

3. Kids are happy ever after following fairyland project

Magical pupils at Fordbank Primary School created a mystical world as part of their fairytale topic.

Primary one and two pupils had been busy learning about dragons and princesses and had the opportunity to show just how much they knew when they created their very own Fairyland for their families to see.

Parents were invited along to no ordinary open afternoon to see the place their children had created, with decorations and artwork adorning the classrooms to transport them to a place far far away.

4. Pupil’s pirate badge in top place

It was ships ahoy for one Houston youngster who saw her unique pirate design on badges awarded to more than 300,000 children.

Kristin Bowden, 10, was one of 11 winners of the WoW Badge Design competition from 120,000 entries taking part in Living Streets’ Walk Once a Week (WoW) scheme.

The theme for 2014 was a A Journey Through Time and Kristin, a pupil at Houston Primary School, made the foot-shaped badge format into the face of a classic pirate.

5. Veteran proud after art award

A talented pensioner celebrated after his poignant painting won the Erskine charity’s veterans’ art competition.

Praise was heaped on Royal Navy veteran Peter Devine at Erskine’s annual meeting after his masterpiece, Flood Tide, came out on top.

Peter, 83, served for seven years in the Royal Navy, seeing action in the Far East during the Korean War.

Although always interested in art, it wasn’t until Peter was in the Merchant Navy serving on the cable ships, that he began painting using watercolours.

6. Pupils held a daffodil tea for parents, kids and staff to raise awareness

A flurry of excitement took over Newmains Primary as a fortnight of Fairtrade fun had staff, pupils, parents and community groups raising awareness.

Lessons were altered in a way which incorporated the importance of Fairtrade into educational subjects.

Geography skills were put to the test as pupils mapped the journey of a banana from plantation to plate and mathematical minds were kept sharp when the pupils deduced the cost to farmers not paid at a fair price.

In a more hands-on approach to learning all about the good work Fairtrade promotes, students got messy and headed for the kitchen where they baked Fairtrade banana bread and made exotic fruit smoothies.