THE Helensburgh branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society brought down the curtain on 2018 with festive events in Helensburgh and Cardross.

The group’s annual Branch Ball at Hermitage Academy attracted friends of the branch from across Scotland as well as local members. Music was provided by the George Meikle Band from Dumfries and an excellent buffet was supplied by Siona and her team at Café @ Kilcreggan.

That was followed by the group’s annual Christmas dance in Cardross Parish Church hall – on one of the worst days of the winter weather so far.

Despite the dreadful conditions, 45 hardy souls – and a top quality four-piece band – braved the weather to take part, though with friends due to travel to the event from Ayr, Hamilton, Edinburgh, Tarbert on Loch Fyne and elsewhere, it was no surprise that attendance was down on the expected numbers, with another 40 or so who would normally have come along instead opting to curl up in front of the TV and watch the final of the ‘other’ dancing event that night – the final of Strictly Come Dancing.

The branch’s adult general classes, led by Roy Bain, resume on Monday, January 7 in Helensburgh Parish Church Hall, running as usual from 8-10pm.

Couples classes restart on Thursday, January 10 at the same venue from 7.30-9.30pm under teacher Helen Bain.

Both cost £40 for 10 lessons.

Children’s classes are held in the Guide Hall in John Street each Tuesday from 4-5pm for those aged between five and 10, and every Wednesday from 4.15-5.15pm for young people aged 11 and above.

For full details of all the Helensburgh branch’s activities, visit rscds-helensburgh.org or call the branch’s secretary, Irene Smith, on (01436) 810336.