OUR latest rummage in the Advertiser's archives has dug up another fascinating array of stories from days gone by.

This week's selection includes a big day out for forces families in town, a famous face at the Hill House, the end of an era for a Kilcreggan business, and much more.

All of them first featured in the pages of the Advertiser 15 years ago this week - on September 4, 2008. 

Who can you recognise in our photos - and what memories do they stir? Read on to find out...

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Helensburgh Advertiser: Adults and children from Churchill Estate’s Friends and Families of Deployed Units (Fafdu) group in 2008Adults and children from Churchill Estate’s Friends and Families of Deployed Units (Fafdu) group in 2008 (Image: Newsquest)

ADULTS and children from Churchill Estate’s Friends and Families of Deployed Units (Fafdu) group enjoyed a roaringly good time when they headed to Blair Drummond Safari Park for a bit of animal magic.

The day trip was organised by Sophia Ramange of Naval Personal and Family Services, who said: “I have to thank the Annington Trust for their continued support of Fafdu. The trust supports activities and initiatives at married quarters in Britain, and their support has helped us carry on with our events programme.

"RSR Braeholm supplied our buffet on the day, which was much appreciated, and I would also like to thank all volunteers for their help and support over the year, and Tammie Graham for her help on the day."

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Helensburgh Advertiser: Frances Kelly and Sheena Jack at Garelochhead Parish Church's 2008 annual feteFrances Kelly and Sheena Jack at Garelochhead Parish Church's 2008 annual fete (Image: Newsquest)

THE congregation of Garelochhead Parish Church had a busy day when they raised more than £1,000 at their annual fete.

Among the attractions were a Laser Quest tent, a bouncy castle and a visit by the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, as well as a 'prayer for healing' tent.

A tearoom did a roaring trade and the bric-a-brac and books tent was very popular, while Frances Kelly and Sheena Jack ran a stall selling cards in memory of the late Chris Reid - who made thousands of pounds for the church building fund with her home-made cards.

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Helensburgh Advertiser: Naomi Burnet pictured in Thailand in 2008Naomi Burnet pictured in Thailand in 2008 (Image: Newsquest)

Shandon girl Naomi Burnet returned from two weeks spent revolutionising the lives of residents in a remote village in Thailand.

The 17-year-old helped install a new water supply at an outpost in the north of the country.

Naomi was one of a party of 20 pupils from Gordonstoun School taking part in the Gordonstoun Thailand Water Project 2008, the 24th such visit arranged by the school.

She told the Advertiser: "This was certainly an incredible, unforgettable experience for me and, after two weeks, it was very hard to say goodbye to our village."

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Helensburgh Advertiser: Eric Knowles with Lorna Hepburn at the Hill House in 2008Eric Knowles with Lorna Hepburn at the Hill House in 2008 (Image: Newsquest)

Antiques Roadshow star Eric Knowles thanked Helensburgh residents for making his trip to the town extra special.

Eric had visited the Burgh to open a new exhibition at Hill House and attend a valuation event at Victoria Halls.

It was far from Eric's first visit to the town as he said: "I’ve been here about a dozen times before. What has come across so far is people are actively aware of how special and valuable their decorative arts are."

The highlight of this visit was a painting brought in by a local resident believed to be of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, which Eric was convinced was genuine.

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Helensburgh Advertiser: Archie McNeilage with his family in Kilcreggan in 2008Archie McNeilage with his family in Kilcreggan in 2008 (Image: Newsquest)

A family-run taxi business in Kilcreggan came to an end after more than 90 years.

Archie McNeilage transported his final passenger after some 55 years behind the wheel before handing over the keys to Kilcreggan Taxis to Elaine and Derek Fowlis.

Archie followed his brother and father into the car hire business - and also spent 30 years working at Faslane, driving taxis at nights and during the weekends.

The McNeilage family's association with the firm dated back to the First World War, when Archie's father began the business and continued it until his death in 1950.

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Helensburgh Advertiser: John Travers and his daughter with their Leonbergers, Rhuki and Otto, at the Second Chances fun day in Cove in 2008John Travers and his daughter with their Leonbergers, Rhuki and Otto, at the Second Chances fun day in Cove in 2008 (Image: Newsquest)

The Second Chances German Shepherd Rescue charity was better off by more than £2,400 thanks to a fun day in Cove.

Around 250 people turned up with dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds to have fun at the tombola, raffles, stalls, games and dog show.

Carol Tritschler, organiser of the event, said “It was a really fantastic day and, given the weather, above and beyond our expectations."

Visitors came from as far away as Thurso for the event, which was supported by the RNAD Coulpport dog section, Burns Pet Nutrition, Parklea Vets, Tri Group Ltd and Gillian Stewart.