IT'S that time of the week again when workers sign out of their computers, children strut out of school with a spring in their step and families get ready for a fun few days together.

We've compiled a list of all that's going on in the area this weekend - so, what are you waiting for?

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Fond farewell

The end of a village playgroup’s story going back more than 50 years will be marked at an event in Cardross this weekend.

As reported in the Advertiser last week, the playgroup at Cardross Parish Church has moved to the village’s primary school in line with new guidelines for closer links between pre-school education and local schools.

Everyone who has been involved with the playgroup since it was set up in 1966, whether as a child, helper, leader, parent or guardian, is invited to the special gathering this Saturday, September 7.

The event takes place from 10am onwards and will include the placing in the church garden of a special sculpture by David Irvine and the planting of a tree.

Food and drink festival

The Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival, one of Scotland’s biggest food festivals, is back on September 7 and 8 – with a fantastic line up of food and drink producers, live entertainment, whisky tastings, chef demonstrations, kids’ activities and much, much more.

With a great line up of talent and tempting food and drink from both local producers and from across the UK this year’s festival at Loch Lomond Shores is shaping up to be the best yet.

Running from 10am to 6pm each day, the festival is full of great things to see and do that will keep you busy all day.

READ MORE: Beats & Eats goes down a treat in Helensburgh

You can watch top chefs cook some of their favourite recipes, enjoy a line-up of fun and exciting entertainment including Ben Monteith, Kids Voice finalists Ava and Alfie, and The McAndrews Sisters, and enjoy a drink at the outdoor bar.

With over 80 food and drink producers featuring everything from hot food to luxury packaged produce, festival goers can enjoy great quality food on the day and take home some tempting treats to enjoy later.

To get the full information on what’s on and when during the weekend, visit www.lochlomondfoodanddrink.co.uk.

Craft fair

Helensburgh and Lomond Artisans Association Craft Fair is on Saturday, September 7 at The Bridge, Helensburgh Parish Church from 10.30am till 3pm.

There will also be a pop-up tearoom for Robin House Children’s Hospice in Balloch.

CND meeting

The annual conference of Helensburgh CND takes place in the town’s parish church halls this Saturday, September 7.

The event runs from 11am to 5.30pm, with registration from 10am onwards, and speakers will include West Dunbartonshire MP Martin Docherty-Hughes, Arthur West and Brian Quail from Scottish CND, and the Rev Mitchell Bunting from Helensburgh United Reformed Church.

READ MORE: Helensburgh CND conference to be held in town this weekend

Zero waste shop

A brand new ‘zero waste shop’ will open its doors in Helensburgh this weekend.

The facility in East Clyde Street will sell goods entirely free of plastic packaging, including dry foods such as rice, pasta, beans, herbs and spices, with customers able to fill their own containers with whatever quantity they need.

Refillable laundry and cleaning liquids, and other ethically-sourced or locally-made products, will also be sold at the shop, which is part of ‘Cube Life’ – a new events venue created by James Steel, of RB Steel Removals, and freelance events planner Linsey Craig.

Saturday’s launch event at 33 East Clyde Street, which will also feature a pop-up coffee bar, will run from 11am until 4pm.

READ MORE: Eco-friendly zero waste shop set to open in Helensburgh

Ramblers

Helensburgh and West Dunbartonshire Ramblers’ walk on Sunday, September 8 is to Ben Ledi.

This is a strenuous walk which involves exposed mountainous terrain and is not recommended for inexperienced hill walkers.

The walk covers a distance of 17km and ascends 1,000m to a height of 879m.
Meet at Helensburgh Swimming Pool car park to depart at 9.30am.

To join the walk phone 01389 731953 or email mather.joyce@gmail.com.

Sorry, no dogs allowed, except registered assistance dogs.

Garden plant sale

The James Street Community Garden in Helensburgh is hosting a plant sale on Sunday, September 8 from 12-4pm.

The sale includes a wide selection of nursery grown perennials and locally grown trees, shrubs, herbaceous, alpine and house plants.

Teas, coffee and cakes will also be available.

Admission by donation; contact Elizabeth on 01436 679565 for more information.