It has been a week full of wind and rain as Storm Ashley graced Helensburgh and Lomond. 

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

Helensburgh has been alive with news from a new arts activism group for young people set up in Helensburgh, a rally supporting the opposition to a supermarket on the Helensburgh waterfront and a feature about a new group for twins parents.

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

The Buffet Shop clocked up 10 successful years in Helensburgh. And to celebrate, owners Michael and Anna Curley threw a birthday bash for friends and family. Among the guests was Provost Billy Petrie who said: “On behalf of the Helensburgh community I congratulate Michael and Anna on reaching this very significant milestone and I wish them.”The Buffet Shop clocked up 10 successful years in Helensburgh. And to celebrate, owners Michael and Anna Curley threw a birthday bash for friends and family. Among the guests was Provost Billy Petrie who said: “On behalf of the Helensburgh community I congratulate Michael and Anna on reaching this very significant milestone and I wish them.” (Image: Newsquest)

Charities from the Helensburgh area united together for the annual Christmas card sale. The 35th Joint Charities Christmas Card Sale was a storming success with locals stocking up on festive supplies for a number of good causes. Save the Children, RNLI, Macmillan Cancer Support, CHAS, Alzheimer’s Care, the Order of St John, National Eczema and Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen And Families Association (SSAFA) all sold their goods in St Columba Church Hall.Charities from the Helensburgh area united for the annual Christmas card sale. The 35th Joint Charities Christmas Card Sale was a storming success with locals stocking up on festive supplies for a number of good causes. Save the Children, RNLI, Macmillan Cancer Support, CHAS, Alzheimer’s Care, the Order of St John, National Eczema and Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen And Families Association (SSAFA) all sold their goods in St Columba Church Hall. (Image: Newsquest)

More than 112 young people attended the Blue Light Disco series at the Drumfork Club in Helensburgh. The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) community initiative, supported by Strathclyde Police, helped make the streets of Helensburgh safer by building relations with youngsters in the area. The Blue Light discos were held at the Drumfork Centre in Churchill estate, Helensburgh, and were open to children of high school age. Started in 2007, the discos had been a huge success, with attendance rising from about 50 children in September 2008, to almost 200 during recent events.More than 112 young people attended the Blue Light Disco series at the Drumfork Club in Helensburgh. The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) community initiative, supported by Strathclyde Police, helped make the streets of Helensburgh safer by building relations with youngsters in the area. The Blue Light discos were held at the Drumfork Centre in Churchill estate, Helensburgh, and were open to children of high school age. Started in 2007, the discos had been a huge success, with attendance rising from about 50 children in September 2008, to almost 200 during recent events. (Image: Newsquest)

A Helensburgh student navigated herself to top of the class. Rachel Owens was awarded one of the Marine society’s prizes for best project work across the country. The 30-year-old won the prestigious achievement for her national Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 Portfolio in Merchant vessel operations which was submitted at her college. The NVQ was a vital part of her qualification as navigation officer of the watch in a merchant ship and was the first step to a challenging career in the merchant navy. A Helensburgh student navigated herself to top of the class. Rachel Owens was awarded one of the Marine Society’s prizes for best project work across the country. The 30-year-old won the prestigious achievement for her national Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 3 Portfolio in merchant vessel operations which was submitted at her college. The NVQ was a vital part of her qualification as navigation officer of the watch in a merchant ship and was the first step to a challenging career in the Merchant Navy. (Image: Newsquest)

Two Helensburgh and District rescue charities received a major boost from the historic Order of St John in Dunbartonshire. Cheques for £800 each were presented to the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat and the Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team at the AGM of St John Dunbartonshire at the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club in Rhu. Accepted on behalf of the rescue boat were chairman James Macrae, secretary Ian Bisland and coxswain Frank Rogers, while team leader Mark Leyland and two colleagues represented the mountain rescue team.Two Helensburgh and District rescue charities received a major boost from the historic Order of St John in Dunbartonshire. Cheques for £800 each were presented to the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat and the Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team at the AGM of St John Dunbartonshire at the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club in Rhu. Accepted on behalf of the rescue boat were chairman James Macrae, secretary Ian Bisland and coxswain Frank Rogers, while team leader Mark Leyland and two colleagues represented the mountain rescue team. (Image: Newsquest)