Return of the Faslane Fair?

POPULAR Faslane Fair, the charity fund raising venture organised by the Royal Navy, could be resurrected.

But Navy chiefs say the popular event could be scheduled for a different time of year.

The event which was the town"s flagship summer attraction for many years, featured equipment and the work of the Navy.

The Red Arrows have also participated with a fly past. The event was scrapped two years ago because of changes to the programme of naval exercises in the Firth of Clyde.

Naval chiefs pledged at the time that the event would make a return in a different format but residents have been left disappointed.

But Councillor James Robb revealed this week that he has been in talks with Faslane"s Commodore about the Fair.

He told members of Helensburgh Community Council last week: 'There is an internal event being held this year for families of navy personnel but they are talking about reviving Faslane Fair again although it may be at a strange time of year, in October.'

He said that it could take place next year when grants would be available to celebrate 2009 as the Year of Homecoming, designed to mark Scottish culture and heritage.

Community Council member Richard Trail said that although the area had one of the biggest bases in the country, he had never seen any of its personnel wearing a Naval uniform in the town.

He recalled that several years ago members of the forces could be seen in their uniforms, in and around Helensburgh.

Mr Trail suggested that a parade of Naval personnel through the town would boost local morale and 'remind people of the existence of the military base.'

Councillor Ellen Morton pointed out that it was when a Brighton hotel where then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was staying, was bombed by the IRA, that rules governing the wearing of military uniforms was changed, but moves have recently been made by the Government to allow members of the forces to wear uniforms in towns where there are military bases.