CHILDREN in Helensburgh and Lomond are counting down the days until Hallowe'en and the houses are being adorned with spooky decorations.

The weather is bitterly cold with many jackets getting dusted from the wardrobes ready for use again.

Helensburgh has been alive with news from plans for a new rescue boat station being approved, a Girlguiding group enjoying their overnight camp in the town and Christmas fair dates being announced.

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

Spirits were sky high when Lomond School’s new sports hall was opened officially. Guests who arrived at the £3.5 million facility watched engrossed as students bounced to incredible heights on trampolines situated in the main hall. Meanwhile, other pupils scaled the climbing wall. And, elsewhere in the hall, various other sports were demonstrated . . . albeit at ground level!Spirits were sky high when Lomond School’s new sports hall was opened officially. Guests who arrived at the £3.5 million facility watched engrossed as students bounced to incredible heights on trampolines situated in the main hall. Meanwhile, other pupils scaled the climbing wall. And, elsewhere in the hall, various other sports were demonstrated... albeit at ground level! (Image: Newsquest)

New parents snapped up a bargain at the National Childbirth Trust’s (NCT) nearly new sale. The NCT’s sale at Victoria Hall helped parents save hundreds of pounds on clothes, toys and accessories for babies and toddlers, in ‘nearly new’ condition. It also proved a great way to make some extra income, as people sold unwanted baby products, with donations going to the charity. NCT Lomond Branch thanked all the volunteers who helped make it an amazing success.New parents snapped up a bargain at the National Childbirth Trust’s (NCT) nearly new sale. The NCT’s sale at Victoria Hall helped parents save hundreds of pounds on clothes, toys and accessories for babies and toddlers, in ‘nearly new’ condition. It also proved a great way to make some extra income, as people sold unwanted baby products, with donations going to the charity. NCT Lomond Branch thanked all the volunteers who helped make it an amazing success. (Image: Newsquest)

A variety evening in Cardross Parish Church was a sell-out success. Around 250 people attended the event with audience members travelling from across the country to watch the performers. The star-studded line up included singers Peter and Jackie Morrison, comedian Eddie Devine and instrumentalist Geoff Graham. It was Andrea Steele’s 13th concert in seven years. As organist at Cardross Church, Andrea built up many contacts over the years, and called on her talented to friends to take part in the concert.A variety evening in Cardross Parish Church was a sell-out success. Around 250 people attended the event with audience members travelling from across the country to watch the performers. The star-studded line up included singers Peter and Jackie Morrison, comedian Eddie Devine and instrumentalist Geoff Graham. It was Andrea Steele’s 13th concert in seven years. As organist at Cardross Church, Andrea built up many contacts over the years, and called on her talented to friends to take part in the concert. (Image: Newsquest)

A double ruby celebration was marked with a cheque presentation in Helensburgh. Local Slimming World consultant Bernadette McParland presented a cheque for £150 to the Gareloch branch of Riding for the Disabled to mark both group’s 40th anniversaries. Slimming World nationally celebrated its milestone birthday with a series of charitable presentation to local charities and because RDA is also celebrated 40 years that year they were an obvious choice. The cheque was presented to RDA’s local chairman Kate Bennet.A double ruby celebration was marked with a cheque presentation in Helensburgh. Local Slimming World consultant Bernadette McParland presented a cheque for £150 to the Gareloch branch of Riding for the Disabled to mark both groups' 40th anniversaries. Slimming World nationally celebrated its milestone birthday with a series of charitable presentation to local charities and because RDA is also celebrated 40 years that year they were an obvious choice. The cheque was presented to RDA’s local chairman Kate Bennet. (Image: Newsquest)

A 17-year-old trainee sailor from Helensburgh was on parade to celebrate the successful completion of his basic Royal Navy training. Trainee Engineering Technician Anthony Arthur, pictured, joined the Royal Navy in July 2009 and has completed nine weeks of intensive training at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall.A 17-year-old trainee sailor from Helensburgh was on parade to celebrate the successful completion of his basic Royal Navy training. Trainee Engineering Technician Anthony Arthur, pictured, joined the Royal Navy in July 2009 and has completed nine weeks of intensive training at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall. (Image: Newsquest)