A NEW week means a new batch of Helensburgh and Lomond Lockdown Heroes and more good deeds getting a worthy mention.
Advertiser readers have helped highlight the fantastic efforts from within their communities during the coronavirus pandemic, from front line nurses and care home workers to shop owners and refuse collectors, and the latest list doesn’t disappoint.
If you know of someone who deserves a special shout out as your 'Lockdown Hero', we've created a special form to make it even easier for you to send in a nomination. Just click here to tell us the details: www.helensburghadvertiser.co.uk/nominate-your-lockdown-hero
Here's your latest batch of nominees - big congratulations to them all!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
‘Kings Point boys’ Stewart Lawrie and Iain Hay have been nominated by John and Jo McPherson for, in spite of only being neighbours for two and four years respectively, keeping the elderly couple supplied with essentials during lockdown.
John, who turned 85 last Tuesday, said: “We moved back to Helensburgh last August, from Shandon, and they never deserted us in our hour of need.
"Stewart even came down one night when we couldn’t lock one of our doors. My wife and I have underlying health problems and Stewart and Iain have been very good to us coming from Kings Point to Morar House to keep an eye on us.”
* * * * * * * * * * * *
READ MORE: Meet the first of your Helensburgh and Lomond 'Lockdown Heroes'
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Linda Harrington was nominated by her husband Ian, who said: “My wonderful wife Linda has been at the forefront of the effort here in Helensburgh throughout the coronavirus pandemic. A dispenser at Gordons Chemist, she has worked flat out, quite often for up to nine or 10 hours a day, in order to provide a valuable service to the locals in the town.
“Linda has strived tirelessly and always with a willing and spirited attitude to ensure customers get exactly what they ask for and need. As part of a dedicated team Linda radiates confidence and positivity, which is what is really needed right now.
“Her service does not stop when the shop shuts in the evening. Linda is often late home as she delivers prescriptions to the vulnerable and less able, again confirming her dedication to the wellbeing of customers.
“Furthermore, when Linda is off work and should be relaxing, as well as checking on elderly neighbours to ensure their wellbeing, she has taken it upon herself to refresh the street signs in the local area, which promotes much light hearted discussion with passers-by, enhances our street corners, aids the many and frequent delivery drivers in the area and demonstrates her commitment to the community spirit.
“Linda really does go above and beyond in our current situation and I am extremely proud of her.”
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Cardross Road resident Angela Pearson wanted to give some recognition to neighbour John Lowe who has been playing the bagpipes every Thursday evening during the ‘clap for carers’.
Angela said: “John lives with his wife - who works for the NHS - and two children and every Thursday night when we all go out to clap for the NHS John comes out onto the street and plays his bagpipes.
“All of the residents on Cardross Road really appreciate it as well as our neighbours across the dual carriageway on Marmion Avenue.”
* * * * * * * * * * * *
READ MORE: Week 2 of your Helensburgh and Lomond 'Lockdown Heroes' nominations
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Autumn Brown, from Rosneath, received two nominations this week, from Claire Fletcher and Angel Brammer.
Claire said: “She has made fun face masks for kids, adult masks, as well as leaving fun things to do for the kids each week.
"Some activities included making your own teddy bear, seed planting, make your own dream catcher and so on.
“It has made being a key worker parent so much easier these past few weeks by taking some stress out of thinking how to keep our children entertained when their routines have been turned upside down.
“Thank you Autumn. You are my lockdown hero.”
Angel added: “She has been amazing. She has stalls in her own garden every day to help distribute homemade craft packs, donated toys and games and adult and child face masks.
"Her one little table has had to grow in to three now. If there ever was a lockdown hero, she certainly qualifies.”
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Rhu youngsters Archie and Aiden Kennedy earned a shout-out from mum Claire for their bright idea during lockdown.
Claire said: “My sons Archie, 10 and Aiden, eight, worked together as a team to make and deliver hama bead rainbows to our neighbours to cheer them up during lockdown.”
* * * * * * * * * * * *
READ MORE: Rosneath peninsula volunteer group donates 1,000th item of vital PPE
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Lomond North councillor Iain Shonny Paterson, on behalf of the Arrochar, Tarbet and Succoth support group, put forward Melanie Tonks, above, who runs the Three Villages Cafe in Arrochar.
Cllr Paterson said: “Melanie prepares the food and soup that is delivered by the community volunteers on a Tuesday and Friday.
"She puts in such a lot of work for her community, putting in long hours; she has always been a stalwart of our community, organising and supporting events, individuals and charities.
"She has a 'can do' approach to life, always willing to help where she can, and is also a director of the Arrochar and Tarbet Development Trust.
“So many of us in the village are so proud of you Melanie, so on behalf of the Arrochar, Tarbet and Succoth support group, we thank you for all you are doing and have done for our community.
“I cannot think of anyone who deserves this recognition more.”
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Anita Coogan, who previously nominated Dr Wendy Hamilton of Grasshopper Toys for delivering supplies to her son Thomas, who is shielding, got in touch again to nominate Angela Meikle, a delivery driver in the Helensburgh area.
Anita said: “Angela is our local Hermes delivery lady and she needs a mention, she has also been our lifeline for getting parcels to us all while in shielding; we have been buying food and other items online from companies which use Hermes.
"I see her car go down the street most days more than three times a day. It must be worse than Christmas for her along with the postal workers.”
* * * * * * * * * * * *
READ MORE: New nurse from Helensburgh 'so proud' to do her bit for the NHS
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Sarah Gethins gave a mention to the team at Quality Care Scotland in Helensburgh, which provides a care at home service to older people.
Sarah said: “Our bosses have gone above and beyond for us, reminding us all the time how good we are doing and all while getting out on the front line with us taking shifts on, going over and above when there was a shortage of masks etc and trying to keep us all safe.
“Nina, Laura, Mark and Tracey deserve so much thanks for looking after us all and being so understanding and all round great bosses!
“And all the girls that work there are turning up and going over and above for our clients in these scary times, we are all rallying round and working as a family rather than a team and it’s great to be a part of it.”
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Finally, Sarah Louise Kelly nominated her auntie Sarah Kelly for her work with West King Street-based Joan’s Carers.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If you know of someone in Helensburgh and Lomond who has gone above and beyond to help you, or the community, during the coronavirus lockdown, and who hasn’t yet been singled out in the Advertiser as one of our Lockdown Heroes, we want to know about them.
Tell us, in no more than a couple of sentences, who who you think deserves a mention in our Lockdown Heroes roll of honour and why.
Please remember to include your contact details and those of the person you’re nominating – and a picture of your nominee if you can!
You can email your Lockdown Heroes nominations to editorial@helensburghadvertiser.co.uk, or send a message via our Facebook page.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here