A local artist with Parkinson’s Disease is trying to do his bit for charity by harnessing his artistic talents.
Roy Gwillam moved to Largs some four years ago to marry a local girl, and contacted the ‘News’ to let readers know about his new arts project.
Having been in accountancy all his working life, he was forced to take early retirement due to the onset of Parkinsons.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:
Re-evaluating his life, he rediscovered his talent and passion for painting. 
It is a proven fact that art is one of many useful therapies for those facing difficult challenges. He mainly paints with watercolours, but also paints on silk – a somewhat tricky and skilled process.
Although his paintings are primarily landscapes, he undertakes a variety of other subjects. What started out as paintings and cards (tailored to include a favourite view, a personalised message and key facts of what happened in Year of Birth) has expanded to raising money for charity – the two main ones close to the Gwillams’ hearts, are the Parkinsons’ Society and Brightest Star, a charity which helps families who have suffered the loss of a child.
The cards include popular scenes from Largs such as St John’s Church, and the seafront promenade, as well as venturing overseas with images of the Crocodile Rock in Millport. There is also a common nautical theme with boats appearing in some of cards, and evoke the atmosphere and feel of the area. There are also some festive scenes including Santa so there .
The Christmas cards are priced at a minimum of 80p per card and are available from the new Largs Post Office at 56 Gallowgate (situated on the seafront near Café Bon Bon) or direct from Roy: Mobile 07966164370 email: roywgwillam@gmail.com

Largs and Millport Weekly News:
* The Brightest Star charity discovered that some hospitals have access to transfer ambulances. These allow the parents to travel with their sick child if space and staff allow so. Sadly, some hospitals do not have access to these transfer ambulances as they can cost in the region of £180,000.
Brightest Star is working with SCOTSTAR and to fund such ambulances, and also provides support for first aid training, bereavement support, and memory boxes for bereaved parents.