We're nearing the end of January, a memorable month marked by sub-zero temperatures, frequent yellow weather warnings, and widespread ice.

So much has happened in Helensburgh and Lomond already, from the rare phenomenon of 'pancake ice' spotted on Loch Lomond to plans for a community buyout launched to save Helensburgh's only cinema.

Here is what was happening in and around the town 15 years ago this month.

In the January 22, 2009 edition of the paper, we reported on fundraising for Gambia using jam jars, a photographer's attempt to picture the new Highland Cows and a former reporter writing a review of what has changed about giving blood since 1973.

Whose faces do you recognise in the photos below?

Helensburgh Advertiser: Local musicians met at a studio in Glasgow for an eight-hour recording session as the backing track for the Helensburgh Heroes version of David Bowie’s classic ‘Heroes’ song was laid down. With a final mix of the track being completed, preparations for a ‘Live Aid’ style recording to be performed in the Victoria Halls were very much underway.Local musicians met at a studio in Glasgow for an eight-hour recording session as the backing track for the Helensburgh Heroes version of David Bowie’s classic ‘Heroes’ song was laid down. With a final mix of the track being completed, preparations for a ‘Live Aid’ style recording to be performed in the Victoria Halls were very much underway. (Image: Newsquest Archives)

Helensburgh Advertiser: Dedicated members of a Helensburgh church raised more than £400 for charity by saving coins in jam jars. The West Kirk congregation launched “Gam Jars” in aid of Dumbarton London Corner School in the Gambia. In three weeks, £416 was raised for the school, run by Dumbarton Gambia Education Association.Dedicated members of a Helensburgh church raised more than £400 for charity by saving coins in jam jars. The West Kirk congregation launched “Gam Jars” in aid of Dumbarton London Corner School in the Gambia. In three weeks, £416 was raised for the school, run by Dumbarton Gambia Education Association. (Image: Newsquest Archives)

Helensburgh Advertiser: Medical staff from Helensburgh have gifted digital photo frames to a children’s hospice. Money to buy the gifts was raised at Christmas by staff and doctors at Dr Calder and Partners in Helensburgh Medical Centre. They took the decision in December to forego the usual festivities and, instead of exchanging greetings cards, each agreed to give a donation to a charitable cause. It was decided later that the money raised should be given to Robin House Children’s Hospice for whatever purpose they saw fit to help the children.Medical staff from Helensburgh have gifted digital photo frames to a children’s hospice. Money to buy the gifts was raised at Christmas by staff and doctors at Dr Calder and Partners in Helensburgh Medical Centre. They took the decision in December to forego the usual festivities and, instead of exchanging greetings cards, each agreed to give a donation to a charitable cause. It was decided later that the money raised should be given to Robin House Children’s Hospice for whatever purpose they saw fit to help the children. (Image: Newsquest Archives)

Helensburgh Advertiser: Former Helensburgh Advertiser reporter Fiona Howard first gave blood for a newspaper article in 1973. She then reported her experience of giving blood in 2009 to see what has changed in the 36 years since donating for the first time to the Scottish Blood Tranfusion Service. She is pictured filling out the paperwork before her donation.Former Helensburgh Advertiser reporter Fiona Howard first gave blood for a newspaper article in 1973. She then reported her experience of giving blood in 2009 to see what has changed in the 36 years since donating for the first time to the Scottish Blood Tranfusion Service. She is pictured filling out the paperwork before her donation. (Image: Newsquest Archives)

Helensburgh Advertiser: Helensburgh man Damian Troup runs an organisation where keeping many balls in the air at one time is not just clever but essential. Damian, 27, is a juggler who trained at a circus club in Edinburgh while studying the art of stained glass in the city and now he has set up a juggling club in Helensburgh. The first meeting attracted around 18 people of all ages, some with some experience and others complete beginners.Helensburgh man Damian Troup runs an organisation where keeping many balls in the air at one time is not just clever but essential. Damian, 27, is a juggler who trained at a circus club in Edinburgh while studying the art of stained glass in the city and now he has set up a juggling club in Helensburgh. The first meeting attracted around 18 people of all ages, some with some experience and others complete beginners. (Image: Newsquest Archives)

Helensburgh Advertiser: On yonder hill, I seen a coo — it must have moved —- it`s no` there noo! The little childhood rhyme came almost to life for Helensburgh Advertiser photographer Petra Boyce who was despatched to Ardardan to capture the latest arrivals at the local business — two very early Highland calves. She was also asked to get a picture of some youngsters with the calves. Poor Petra spent some time trying to get coos and kids together and eventually succeeded with an adorable photo of Tom McVeigh and Siobhan Monro but she did return to the office a little muddy and out of breath muttering “never work with children and animals!”On yonder hill, I seen a coo — it must have moved —- it`s no` there noo! The little childhood rhyme came almost to life for Helensburgh Advertiser photographer Petra Boyce who was despatched to Ardardan to capture the latest arrivals at the local business — two very early Highland calves. She was also asked to get a picture of some youngsters with the calves. Poor Petra spent some time trying to get coos and kids together and eventually succeeded with an adorable photo of Tom McVeigh and Siobhan Monro but she did return to the office a little muddy and out of breath muttering “never work with children and animals!” (Image: Newsquest Archives)