Helensburgh Advertiser archive photos from November 27, 2008

Fifteen years ago, Malaysia banned the practice of yoga by Muslims, the former prime minister outlined plans to raise the income tax rate for the first time since 1975 and Woolworth agreed to start the process of administration.

But what was happening closer to home as Christmas began to draw closer in 2008?

Here we take a look at the local news - and the people who were making it - as it was reported in the pages of the Advertiser on November 20, 2008...

                                                            * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A Helensburgh man was part of a team of presenters on a Glasgow-based radio station that attempted to make a world record for St Andrew’s Day. Celtic Music Radio 1530AM — Scotland’s only radio station devoted to promoting Celtic music and culture —played 24 hours of Scottish music and artists on St Andrew’s Day. Mark Sheridan, from the local area hosed the 10am to noon slot that day. (Image: Newsquest)

                                                          * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A teenager who was badly injured in an accident won an award for showing exceptional courage to overcome extreme personal difficulties. Rory Simpson (left), 16, from Helensburgh, won a Winning Through Award from the Tullochan Trust, which promotes the advancement, education and character of young people. Rory’s twin Colin (right) also received a Winning Through Award for his selfless dedication to helping his brother lead as normal a life as possible. (Image: Newsquest)

                                                               * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Christmas came to Helensburgh and around 3,000 people were there to join in the fun. The official switch-on of Helensburgh Christmas lights was done by radio pundit and former Celtic assistant manager and player Murdo McLeod and Scottish double BAFTA winner Kenneth Glenaan. The day of fun and festive shopping was organised by a committee from Helensburgh Retailers’ Association and the day started at noon when Santa was driven into Colquhoun Square on a trailer towed by the Ardardan tractor and was led to his grotto by the Argyll Peninsula Pipe Band, who also provided entertainment throughout the day. (Image: Newsquest)

                                                              * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A former Helensburgh Advertiser journalist won her third BAFTA award for an undercover investigation. Samantha Poling achieved her success with a BBC Panorama programme entitled ‘Britain’s Protection Racket’ which clinched the best documentary accolade. The programme investigated the country’s security industry, showing it remains riddled with criminality despite new legislation introduced to police it. (Image: Newsquest)

                                                              * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A former postie aimed to deliver a special community facility to the residents of Kirkmichael — and one that they will be proud of. Burgh man Stewart Maule was appointed community sports project worker, charged with a task of helping to regenerate sports facilities within the Burgh estate, for children and adults. (Image: Newsquest)

                                                             * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Pupils from Hermitage Academy learned a few lessons about life outside school during the ‘Big World’ event. Strathclyde Police’s award-winning ‘Big World’ conference involved over 600 sixth year pupils from all over West Dunbartonshire and Helensburgh. Held at the Clydebank Town Hall, the interactive safety event aimed to prepare school leavers for entering further education or the workplace. The event raised awareness of the dangers relating to alcohol, drugs (including date rape drugs), racial abuse, domestic abuse and knife crime. (Image: Newsquest)