IT'S time for our latest stroll down memory lane as we look back to the pictures, and the stories, that were making the headlines in the Advertiser in years gone by.

The articles and images featured all appeared in the Advertiser this week in 2008 - how many of these stories do you remember and who do you recognise in the pictures?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Helensburgh Advertiser:

There was plenty of fun in the sun at the Churchill Fair in the Square.

Around 3,000 revellers turned up for a fabulous day of family entertainment which included everything from fairground games and fancy dress competition to cheerleading, linedancing, a barbecue and chain-saw art.

The crowds were wowed by displays from a pipe band, the Backchat Youth Project (above) and the Margaret Rose School of Dance, plus music by Park Lane and Arc Stanton, while local charities and support groups raised an impressive £2,000 for good causes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Helensburgh Advertiser:

A group of samba stars demonstrated their dance technique at the Rhu and Shandon Gala.

An estimated 2,000 people helped to make the event a record-breaker as many stalls sold out of goods and foodstuffs during four hours of continuous entertainment.

Malcolm Hyatt, Rhu and Shandon Gala committee chairman, was delighted with the way the event went and said: “It was a pretty good day and most people enjoyed it. It was the busiest I have seen it and I’ve been involved over the last five years.” 

Throughout the afternoon there were displays from the Loch Lomond Birds of Prey, the energetic Julie and her Funky Fitness troupe, Scottish dancers, and a Sea Cadets Rigging demonstration. 

A display of Samba Dancing proved popular, accompaniedby the Brazilian martial arts Capoeira group, and Mark Wylie and his famous Drakes of Hazard entertained the crowd.

There were also bouncy castles, a Beat the Goalie competition, tombola and raffle.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Helensburgh Advertiser:

The official opening of Hermitage Academy gave the school’s young musicians the opportunity to show off their skills.

The school orchestra, contducted by principal music teacher Robert Pullin, played two pieces at the opening event, Prelude to te Deum by Charpentier and the Dambusters March by Coates.

Hermitage Fiddlers played a new and, as yet, untitled piece composed for the opening of the Academy by S5 pupil Megan McCormack, while Ryan Young played a set of reels on the fiddle and Emma Grace played Ghanaia, by M. Schmitt, on the marimba.

The opening ceremony was carried out by former Academy pupil and Argyll and Bute Provost Billy Petrie, wearing the same Helensburgh chain of office that was worn at the opening of the first Hermitage School in 1880, while the guest of honour was 103-year-old Rhu resident Amy Batchelor, also a former pupil.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Helensburgh Advertiser:

Helensburgh Boys Brigade raised a tune - and plenty of cash for charity - at an X Factor style music contest.

The BB X-Factor final was organised in memory of Betty Wilkie and Frank Leitch, former company officers who served for many years.

Betty’s young grandson, Lewis Wilkie, was on hand to pass money to Betty Couper from the British Heart Foundation, while the overall winner was Cameron Boulton (above), who sang Patience.

The event was part of the BB’s annual presentation of prizes, with other winners including Duncan Anderson (best junior boy), Ross Jeffrey (company best boy), Toby Rettie (Sir William Smith 125th Trophy), Robbie Wilson (best recruit) and Michael Furniss (best Anchor Boy).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Helensburgh Advertiser:

A former postmaster was given a red letter day from the community – despite being forced to quit his job.

Clynder and Rosneath residents expressed their good wishes and praise for Douglas Nicolson, Clynder’s former postmaster, who had to step down because of the closure of the service as part of a national cost-cutting exercise.

Councillor Vivien Dance, who lives in Clynder, said: “It is true to say that he is missed by all, and a big part of our community has been taken away.

"We hope he enjoys the extra time for his hobbies and is able to remember his days in Clynder with affection.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Helensburgh Advertiser:

Seventy ladies had a great evening at the Accessory Show in the Pink Gallery on Sinclair Street.

The show was hosted by image consultant Shirley Thornley of  True Colours, who demonstrated  to the ladies how to look and feel good with their right accessories.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

And finally...

A BUS firm boss was making a bid to claim thousands of pounds from Argyll and Bute Council over a roadworks row.

Alistair Wilson branded the authority’s resurfacing measures as “cheap and inadequate”, claiming that instead of carrying out proper repairs, the council was applying surface dressings to roads, which left his buses spattered with tar, causing damage running into thousands.

Mr Wilson, a director of Wilson’s of Rhu, said the gunk had ruined paint work and clogged up mechanics on many of his 12-strong fleet.

He added: “No-one would believe the damage that surface dressing causes. The tar gets stuck to our buses and coaches, not only to the paintwork but also to mechanical components.

An Argyll and Bute Council spokeswoman confirmed that there had been problems with surface dressing and that remedial works were being undertaken, advising that Mr Wilson had been told of the procedure to make a claim against the council.