We’re taking a look back at what was happening across Renfrewshire this time 10 years ago.
We have dived into the extensive archives here at the Gazette and had a look at Wednesday, April 23, to find and share some of the content that we covered then.

Do you recognise or remember these stories?
1. Star-studded line-up led a powerful musical tribute
The Gazette:
A star-studded line-up led a powerful musical tribute to Paisley songwriting legend Gerry Rafferty during a unique event to honour the singer in his hometown.
Paisley Town Hall provided a spectacular setting as a spellbound capacity crowd was treated to an evening of Gerry’s greatest hits by his family, friends and fans.
The show – held on what would have been Gerry’s 67th birthday – was directed and compered by his lifelong friend and collaborator Rab Noakes.
2. World Cup win for rising star
The Gazette:
A rising Hollywood star hit TV screens across the globe after winning a role in the new Coca-Cola World Cup advert.
Kilmacolm actor Declan Michael Laird, 21, got the goal-den opportunity after impressing during auditions for the part while wearing a Scotland strip and Morton shorts.
The Gazette reported how the former Ton youth player quit football in 2011 to take on a once-in-a-lifetime acting scholarship at the world-famous StellaAdlerActingAcademy in Los Angeles, where the likes of Marlon Brando trained.
3. Boys brigade volunteers success
The Gazette:
TWO young volunteers from Johnstone had graduated from The Boys’Brigade’s(BB) flagship King George VI Youth Leadership Training (KGVI) course.
Gavin McDowell and Eilidh Digney, of the 3rd Johnstone Company, were presented with their certificates at a special graduation ceremony in Kilsyth.
Speaking after her graduation about the KGVI course, Eilidh Digney, said: “The course covered so many topics and I feel fully prepared as a BB Officer.
“I feel much more comfortable in my role and definitely more confident when making decisions and taking on bigger responsibilities.”
4. Children showcase importance of eco-friendliness 
The Gazette:
Pupils at Barsail Primary recently held a ‘Green Day’ where the children showcased the importance of being an eco-friendly school.
The action-packed day saw every class in the school involved in a number of activities which showed why Barsail flew an impressive four eco-flags.
In order to maintain its status as an eco-friendly school, Barsail must organise at least one ‘Eco Day of Action’ per year and with the success of this year’s ‘Green Day’ there is no doubt the school will hold firmly on to their title.
5. Tiger visit was grrr-eat for hospital kids
The Gazette:
Gamaba the Tiger, from the children’s entertainment centre at Intu Braehead, showed his true stripes when he made a special Easter guest appearance at Yorkhill Hospital last week.
The fuzzy animal paid the visit to mark Yorkhill Children’s Charity becoming Gambado’s chosen Charity of the Year on April 15.
Staff at the centre, which is one of Glasgow’s biggest indoor soft play and party centres, have chosen to fundraise for Yorkhill Children’s Charity throughout 2014 in recognition of the wonderful work the hospital does every day helping sick children and to celebrate hosted a special Easter party at the hospital.
6. Big thanks for the bank
The Gazette:
Lamont Farm in Erskine joined Bank of Scotland colleagues at the Cross branch to thank local people in the town.
Staff at the popularly-visited farm thanked the public for voting for them and encouraged people to nominate the good causes at the heart of their community that matter most to them.
It was also a chance for colleagues and customers to meet some of the farm’s friendliest petting animals such as rabbits and baby chicks.
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