As each week draws to a close it means we are enjoying longer days, more time spent outside, a plethora of family-friendly events and (hopefully) warmer weather.
But what was happening in and around the town 15 years ago this month?
In the June 4, 2009 edition of the paper, we reported people in Helensburgh enjoying wonderful weather at an annual family-friendly event, tasty ideas were flowing as the winner of a sandwich competition was revealed and a special Helensburgh lady celebrated a milestone surrounded by her family and friends.
For their annual outing the folk of the Guild of Helensburgh’s West Kirk didn’t travel far. Rather than the usual bus trip to another part of the country, they went as far as Rhu! Guild member Judy Boyd opened up her lovely house and gardens for a pleasant afternoon tea. A showery morning gave way to a warm, sunny afternoon which allowed the visitors to enjoy the colourful display of flowers, shrubs and trees at their spring best. New Guild convener Janette Wilson thanked Judy for her welcome and presented her with a bouquet. (Image: Newsques)
Helensburgh celebrated homecoming in style with a glitzy ball reminiscent of the hall’s Victorian heyday. Around 150 attended the event organised by Councillor Vivien Dance and her husband Tony as part of the Helensburgh and Lomond Homecoming Celebrations. The hall, decked out in blue and white with saltires to the fore and thistles in the table decorations, provided a real Scottish welcome for the guests and the evening began with a champagne reception. This was followed by a fabulous four course meal served seamlessly and impeccably by Derek Anderson and his team. (Image: Newsquest)
It was a tasty triumph for Helensburgh woman Angela Pearson when she took the honours in the Grand John Logie Baird Sandwich Competition final. The entrants came from far and near and the five finalists chosen to compete for the honours by Sarah Parker, chef at the Logie Baird pub in Helensburgh, had come up with some fascinating sandwich ideas. The competition was run jointly by the Helensburgh and Lomond Homecoming committee, the Helensburgh Advertiser and Your Radio and came about as the result of an idea by Friends of the Victoria Halls web designer Jim Chestnut who felt that the world famous BLT needed a run for its money! (Image: Newsquest)
And even back in 2009, glorious weather drew crowds to Churchill’s third annual Fair in the Square. A whole host of attractions were on offer and families had a ball. Here, little Logan MacDonald and his dad enjoy the sunshine. We featured a full report of the event which saw plenty of families enjoy the weather and the event. (Image: Newsquest)
Helensburgh’s West Princes Street came alive when Burgh business Let’s Party celebrated its first birthday. Juggler Damien Troup performed in the street and party music filled the air — along with the popping of champagne corks. The Let’s Party partners Toni Howard and Louise Higgins held an open house for their birthday and offered a day full of fun to customers and people passing in the street. Children were given free balloons and there was free facing painting for young and old. (Image: Newsquest)
Family and friends helped Burgh woman Dora Ashworth celebrate a landmark occasion. They marked her 100th birthday with a party at Northwood Residential Home in the Burgh, where she lived. Deputy Lord Lieutenant Gilli Aitkenhead represented the Queen at the event, handing over a card from Her Majesty. Dora’s son John and wife Valerie attended along with grandchildren Jonathon, Simon and Louise and her five great-grandchildren. Centenarian Dora moved to Helensburgh 20 years ago from her home in Yorkshire with husband Godfrey. (Image: Newsquest)
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