The first week of the summer holidays is here and the area has been graced with many events for families and children. And let's not forget the General Election is now over.

But what was happening in and around the town 15 years ago this month?

In the July 2, 2009 edition of the paper, we celebrated people's awards and achievements in Helensburgh, reported on pupils getting dressed up for their ball and an outstanding long project finally ready to take the stage.

A Burgh church was presented with an award after embarking on a two-year programme to reduce its energy consumption. Rev George Vidits, of St Columba Church, said the church was evaluated after they made significant changes to the running of the building. “We used energy-efficient light bulbs, changed to a greener energy supplier and introduced recycling facilities.” Mr Vidits tried to encourage younger members of the community to become green.A Burgh church was presented with an award after embarking on a two-year programme to reduce its energy consumption. Rev George Vidits, of St Columba Church, said the church was evaluated after they made significant changes to the running of the building. He said: “We used energy-efficient light bulbs, changed to a greener energy supplier and introduced recycling facilities.” Mr Vidits tried to encourage younger members of the community to become green. (Image: Newsquest)


Backchat Youth Project performed the works of William Shakespeare with their own unique style. Shakespeare in the Square took place in Churchill and the Royal Naval Chaplaincy youth project recreated a number of Shakespeare plays including Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet. The show was directed by Jenny Wainwright and was enjoyed by families and friends. Backchat Youth Project performed the works of William Shakespeare with their own unique style. Shakespeare in the Square took place in Churchill and the Royal Naval Chaplaincy youth project recreated a number of Shakespeare plays including Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet. The show was directed by Jenny Wainwright and was enjoyed by families and friends. (Image: Newsquest)


The recording by local residents of David Bowie and Brian Eno’s iconic song ‘heroes’ was set to premiere in Helensburgh. Thirteen lead vocalists, a choir of 60, five musicians, six film crew, 200 primary school children, 40 hours of footage, 30 hours of studio time and Royal Navy Helicopter have all been involved during the past six months. The event, was promised to be a celebration of music, film and community.The recording by local residents of David Bowie and Brian Eno’s iconic song ‘heroes’ was set to premiere in Helensburgh. Thirteen lead vocalists, a choir of 60, five musicians, six film crew, 200 primary school children, 40 hours of footage, 30 hours of studio time and Royal Navy Helicopter have all been involved during the past six months. The event, was promised to be a celebration of music, film and community. (Image: Newsquest)


Bill Macpherson is 83 years old, registered blind and partially deaf and suffers from diabetes and osteo-arthritis ... but he completed a charity walk. Bill, from Helensburgh, joined the charity event run by the Deaf Blind Association along the towpath of the Forth and Clyde Canal at Bishopbriggs. He tackled the five-kilometre fun run course with the help of a guide provided by the Deaf Blind Association and completed it in two and a quarter hours ... raising £500 for the charity.Bill Macpherson is 83 years old, registered blind and partially deaf and suffers from diabetes and osteo-arthritis... but still completed a charity walk. Bill, from Helensburgh, joined the charity event run by the Deaf Blind Association along the towpath of the Forth and Clyde Canal at Bishopbriggs. He tackled the five-kilometre fun run course with the help of a guide provided by the Deaf Blind Association and completed it in two and a quarter hours, raising £500 for the charity. (Image: Newsquest)


Ballgowns and kilts were the dress code for a glittering occasion. Primary seven pupils from Helensburgh’s Hermitage Primary School were celebrating their last days at the school before moving on to the Academy with a glitzy and glamorous ball. Held in the school hall the ball was the highlight of the year and even the teachers dressed up for the occasion. Some of the youngsters arrived in real style with a variety of amazing methods of transport including a stunning open topped classic Volkswagen Beetle.Ballgowns and kilts were the dress code for a glittering occasion. Primary seven pupils from Helensburgh’s Hermitage Primary School were celebrating their last days at the school before moving on to the Academy with a glitzy and glamorous ball. Held in the school hall the ball was the highlight of the year and even the teachers dressed up for the occasion. Some of the youngsters arrived in real style with a variety of amazing methods of transport including a stunning open topped classic Volkswagen Beetle. (Image: Newsquest)


A Cove schoolgirl went into McDonalds for a happy meal — and came out with a family holiday to Los Angeles! Molly O’Neill, 10, entered a competition at the fast food outlet at Easter, designing a monster in the style of the popular kids film ‘Monsters v Aliens’. But she got the shock of her life when she was in school assembly and the head teacher of Kilcreggan Primary announced to the whole school she had won first prize.A Cove schoolgirl went into McDonalds for a happy meal — and came out with a family holiday to Los Angeles! Molly O’Neill, 10, entered a competition at the fast food outlet at Easter, designing a monster in the style of the popular kids film ‘Monsters v Aliens’. But she got the shock of her life when she was in school assembly and the head teacher of Kilcreggan Primary announced to the whole school she had won first prize. (Image: Newsquest)