Published: Thursday, 3rd July, 2008 11:15
Helensburgh Heroes
By David Carnduff
Print Article
Bobby Brown, goalie and first full-time manager of the Scotland football team, who lives in Helensburgh. (Picture courtesy of Rangers Football Club).
John Logie Baird, the inventor of television, is a name synonymous with Helensburgh.
But can you name any other eminent people with Burgh connections who are renowned for their worldwide impact in fields such as the arts and theatre, science, business and sport?
Most of us when prompted would probably offer Henry Bell, the steam travel pioneer, actress Deborah Kerr and perhaps international star Jack Buchanan, but did you know that the founders of Rangers Football Club hail from Rhu?
Or that the first artificial diamond was created in a kiln in Helensburgh?
Or that the area boasts one of only 22 Scots awarded an American Medal of Honour?
In recent weeks we have reported on local efforts — led by Helensburgh man Phil Worms — to harness the potential of our area’s rich heritage — specifically the links to our famous sons and daughters.
During this period many local people have been working behind the scenes in an attempt to harness this potential and turn it into tangible concepts that will provide long-term benefits for the community.
The result of their efforts has been the creation of a not-for-profit organisation, aptly called Helensburgh Heroes, to specifically deliver projects that will blend the rich tapestry of Helensburgh’s natural and cultural heritage with a range of leisure, tourist and arts facilities that will serve the needs of today’s community.
Through their efforts, an incredible total of 68 heroes, who were either born or who resided in the Helensburgh area, have been identified.
You may not agree with every entry and you may feel that there are more deserving individuals who should be included, but you certainly can’t argue with the fact that for an area of only 20,000 inhabitants this is an incredibly diverse and inspiring list.
NOW we want your views!
The Helensburgh Heroes concept aims to provide and manage leisure and arts facilities that will educate, entertain and, above all, inspire both the local community and visitors alike. Some project ideas have already been mentioned in previous editions of the Advertiser, for example the restoration of the former Clyde Street School into a living arts centre, and a Walk of Fame but we really want to hear your views.
Do we do enough to encourage people to visit our area? How would you promote the Heroes of Helensburgh? What facilities is the area in desperate need of? Do you have any memories, photos or stories about our Heroes? Have we missed anyone?
Write to the editor with your views and thoughts - Helensburgh Advertiser, 15 Colquhoun Square, Helensburgh. G84 8SE
The email address is: editorial@helensburghadvertiser.co.ukWe will publish a selection of the best ideas and views in a future edition.
For full biographies of our listed Heroes, and for more information on how you can get involved, please visit www.helensburghheroes.com
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