Autumn has definitely arrived with our first storms, and the trees turning to golden colours.

We know winter is coming with the start of the winter programmes of our many clubs and societies.

The Arts Society Lomond and Argyll (TASLA) started their lecture series in September and have a talk every month through until June. Meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month, 10.30am at the Victoria Halls. The October 10 lecture is on "How the Romans shaped Britain" and future talks will cover everything from the Art of Winnie the Pooh to the Hanseatic League.

The North Clyde Archaeological Society’s monthly winter lectures cover topics ranging from the History of Dumbarton Castle, understanding archaeological landscapes and rock art of Saudi Arabia.

The lectures are on various dates in the first week of the month and are held at the Community Hub.

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The Royal Scottish Geographical Society season continues through to March with the October 26 talk on the Tigris River, cradle of civilisation. Other topics from eminent speakers in this session will include Mungo Park and the Future of Trees. The Society meets at the Victoria Halls, lectures start at 7.30pm and are free to members and £10 for guests.

Helensburgh and Gareloch Horticultural Society winter lectures on the second Wednesday of the month are also underway and run through to March.

The October 11 talk is on a project close to home, Knowetop Horticultural and Wildlife Project at Castlehill, Dumbarton. The talks start at 7.30pm at the Victoria Halls.

Cove and Kilcreggan Literary Society have an interesting programme running over the winter with two talks this month.

On October 16, Robert Ryan, Chair of Helensburgh Heritage Trust will be giving a well-illustrated talk on Helensburgh and district in old photographs and on October 30 local academic Carole Biggam will be speaking on colour semantics. The Society meets at 8pm at Cove Burgh Hall.

Helensburgh Heritage Trust is also off and running with the next talk on October 25 to be given by Marion Maudsley on the "Glasgow Boys and Girls in Helensburgh".

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The Trust meets in the Civic Centre annexe with talk starting at 7.30pm. The Heritage Trust are also looking for volunteers to help them organise the John Logie Baird centenary events in 2024 so please contact them if you would like to help.

On the musical front we are again spoilt for choice over the winter with monthly concerts organised by Helensburgh Music Society at 7.30pm on Sunday evenings at the Civic Centre running through until March.

The October 22 concert will be given by the Scots Baroque Early Music Ensemble. There is jazz, piano and string quartets to look forward to in the coming months. Tickets can be bought in advance online or on the door.

The Sunday at Seven series at Helensburgh Parish Church returns on October 29 with a performance by Helensburgh Oratorio Choir, tickets on the door. Steve Jinski is playing at the Three Villages Hall in Arrochar at 7pm on October 7, tickets available online.

On October 14 there is live music at the Park Pavilion Hermitage park with Michael and Nyah from 6pm to 9 pm.

The next concert in the Sandwich Series at Rhu and Shandon Parish Church is a piano concert from George Todica at 6pm in a change to the usual lunchtime slot. Contact Rhu and Shandon Parish Church for tickets.

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There is also Music at Ardkinglas with the Lee-Horvath duo on piano and violin at 3pm on October 29.

The Peninsula Choir has also started their rehearsals held at Cove Burgh Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesdays October 11, 18 and 25. All are welcome.

Don’t forget the Traditional Music sessions with Eilidh Steel at the Commodore Hotel from 7pm until 9pm on the first Monday of the month with musicians, singers and listeners all welcome.

Other events during October include Helensburgh and District Round Table’s Wine Festival on October 21 with music and food too at the Civic Centre.

Judy Murray will be in conversation and launching her first novel Wild Card at Cove Burgh Hall on Sunday, October 15 at 11.30am.

The Wylde Thistle craft fair returns to the Civic Centre on Sunday, October 15 from 11am until 4pm and the Savoy hold their ever popular annual craft fair (with bacon rolls) on October 7 at the United Reformed Church hall from 10am.

There is also a table top sale at the Gibson Hall in Garelochhead form 10am on October 28 in aid of cancer research and a quiz night on Friday, October 13.

Well-known local photographer Kath Polley will be leading a photo walk from 12noon on Saturday, October 7.

The Market in the Square is on Saturdays, October 14 and 28, there is a botanical print making class at Hermitage Park on Saturday, October 21 and Helensburgh Art Club are holding a one day sale at the Victoria Halls, 10am-4pm on Saturday, October 28.

There is also a Boozy Brunch Girls Day Out at the Civic Centre on October 7 from 12pm to 5pm with lots of stalls and pop ups in aid of Breast Cancer and Gareloch Riding for the Disabled are holding a Curry and Ceilidh at Geilston Hall, Cardross on the evening of October 7.

Jean’s Bothy will be holding an art exhibition at The Submarine Centre from 6-8pm on Friday, October 20 and launching their new book Writing for Wellbeing.

There is a Mindfulness Meander at Geilston Garden all day on Saturday, October 14 and CowalFest walking festival is running from October 12 to 16.

Live Argyll are running a children’s Holiday Camp from 10am to 4pm during October Week (October 9-13) aimed at 8-12 year olds with swimming, arts and crafts, and games.

And of course it is Halloween! Live Argyll are holding a Harry Potter book day event at Helensburgh Library on Thursday, October 12 from 5-6.30pm.

The Faerie Trail at Luss are running a Scary Trail from October 6 to 31 with a pumpkin patch; Monty’s at Ardardan are holding a pumpkin and play event from October 13 to 31 and there is a Creepy Creatures Trail a the RSPB Wards Estate at Gartocharn on October 7. Geilston Garden are holding a Halloween event on October 28 and 29 and to be really scared you could join the Walking Theatre Company at the Hill House on Saturday, October 28 from 5pm for Zombie Pirates (age over six).

To keep up to date with all local events please visit the What’s On page at https://destinationhelensburgh.org/ New events are added all the time and include links to purchase tickets. You can also find contact details and links for over 150 local clubs, societies and organisations.