WE are in the midst of the autumn spirit here in Helensburgh and Lomond. The leaves are changing colours, the darker nights and the chill in the air.

Today, we honour veterans who sacrificed their lives and pay respect to them and their families on Remembrance Sunday.

It has been a week full of events in Helensburgh and Lomond from the wonderful firework display which saw hundreds gathered at the waterfront to watch, a coffee morning success for the town's lifeboat and there is still plenty more to come.

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

An initiative launched to help homeless people in Helensburgh celebrated its first birthday. The Wellbeing Packs project was rolled out by Helensburgh churches in association with Scottish Churches Houses Association. Elizabeth Lambert and Barbara Bruce from the Wellbeing Pack Project attended a Homelessness Conference hosted by Argyll and Bute Council that thanked the voluntary sector throughout Argyll and Bute for all the work they do for the homeless across the area.An initiative launched to help homeless people in Helensburgh celebrated its first birthday. The Wellbeing Packs project was rolled out by Helensburgh churches in association with Scottish Churches Houses Association. Elizabeth Lambert and Barbara Bruce from the Wellbeing Pack Project attended a Homelessness Conference hosted by Argyll and Bute Council that thanked the voluntary sector throughout Argyll and Bute for all the work they do for the homeless across the area. (Image: Newsquest)

It was not often that schoolkids, pregnant women and the elderly came together to exercise, but that’s what happened in the Burgh. Almost 30 people packed in to the newly opened yoga studio at RSR Braeholm to experience a taster session of the fitness craze. Cat Morton’s business venture, the Amethyst yoga studio, officially opened by MP Alan Reid, but before the ribbon was cut, the crowd packed in for the 60-minute session.It was not often that schoolkids, pregnant women and the elderly came together to exercise, but that’s what happened in the Burgh. Almost 30 people packed in to the newly opened yoga studio at RSR Braeholm to experience a taster session of the fitness craze. Cat Morton’s business venture, the Amethyst yoga studio, officially opened by MP Alan Reid, but before the ribbon was cut, the crowd packed in for the 60-minute session. (Image: Newsquest)

Thousands of people flocked to the seafront to witness the annual fireworks bonanza. The celebrations were held on the closest Saturday to Guy Fawkes night and it was a worrying wait to see whether the rain and wind would hold off. Thankfully, there were only a few spots of rain throughout the day, which encouraged people to gather all along the esplanade to watch the spectacular fireworks light up the sky.Thousands of people flocked to the seafront to witness the annual fireworks bonanza. The celebrations were held on the closest Saturday to Guy Fawkes night and it was a worrying wait to see whether the rain and wind would hold off. Thankfully, there were only a few spots of rain throughout the day, which encouraged people to gather all along the esplanade to watch the spectacular fireworks light up the sky. (Image: Newsquest)

A new charity — set up by a Helensburgh dad to help children in the cancer ward of a Sri Lankan Hospital — officially launched at a gala evening. The My Wish charity created by Ian Paton, a retired Hermitage Academy teacher, launched at Glasgow’s Polo Club. Around 70 guests arrived to enjoy a fascinating evening of good food, inspiring speeches, and a documentary film about the work of the charity, an interesting auction and some wonderful live Sri Lankan music.A new charity - set up by a Helensburgh dad to help children in the cancer ward of a Sri Lankan Hospital - officially launched at a gala evening. The My Wish charity created by Ian Paton, a retired Hermitage Academy teacher, launched at Glasgow’s Polo Club. Around 70 guests arrived to enjoy a fascinating evening of good food, inspiring speeches, and a documentary film about the work of the charity, an interesting auction and some wonderful live Sri Lankan music. (Image: Newsquest)

Rhu Primary celebrated its success after scooping its second green flag. The scheme, organised by Eco-Schools Scotland, under the Keep Scotland Beautiful campaign, grew in popularity as several schools in the area looked to boost their eco credentials. Rhu received its first flag back in 2007, and their progress had seen them being awarded the second to add to their collection. Both flags flew proudly outside the school entrance; and according to the Eco-schools website they were the second highest ranking in green status in the Helensburgh and Lomond area, beaten only by Luss Primary.Rhu Primary celebrated its success after scooping its second green flag. The scheme, organised by Eco-Schools Scotland, under the Keep Scotland Beautiful campaign, grew in popularity as several schools in the area looked to boost their eco credentials. Rhu received its first flag back in 2007, and their progress had seen them being awarded the second to add to their collection. Both flags flew proudly outside the school entrance; and according to the Eco-schools website they were the second highest ranking in green status in the Helensburgh and Lomond area, beaten only by Luss Primary. (Image: Newsquest)