COLQUHOUN Square was abuzz with activity on Saturday as residents and visitors flocked to Helensburgh’s first ‘Summer in the Square’ event.
Under the eased Covid restrictions, the regular Saturday market in the square organised by Stall Hire Scotland was joined by live musical entertainment, in a programme put together by Helensburgh Community Council, and by children’s rides brought to the town by the Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce.
And beautiful sunshine ensured a bumper crowd for the day – and led all those involved to declare it had been a big hit.
Vivien Dance from the Chamber said: “The innovative idea from Stall Hire Scotland to invite a range of local voluntary groups to join with them on market day to create a Summer in the Square event certainly proved to be a winner and the town was buzzing.
“More than 200 volunteers turned the idea into reality on Saturday and it was such a pleasure to see so many locals and visitors supporting the event and joining in the fun.
“The market traders enjoyed a good day, local businesses benefited from increased footfall, and the town was busy until late in the evening.
“We have all missed the concerts and performances from our voluntary groups and it was really uplifting to see them in action.
“The town was well and truly alive again. A big thank you to all who gave up their time to make the day a huge success in support of local businesses – how lucky we are to live in a town with such tremendous community spirit.”
Roger Ferdinand from Helensburgh Community Council added: “It was a great pleasure for the Community Council to be involved with this collaborative event.
“Acknowledgement should be given to Stall Hire Scotland for providing the opportunity for the event and the infrastructure and stage, the Chamber of Commerce for the amusements, Helensburgh Community Council for arranging the performers, and the Helensburgh Garelochside Rotary for assistance and support.
“Thanks to the performers and of course the public for their support for the event and generous donations to the various causes sponsored by the performers.
“The Sugar Boat, Humbles and The Terrace deserve thanks for providing takeaway coffee for the performers, Deli in the Square donated lunch bags for the LCI dancers and Ellie’s Cellar rewarded the pipers with a dram.
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“The aim of providing something different in the square after so many depressing months was achieved.
“Even the sun shone on the event which no doubt encouraged the crowds to turn out. Hopefully this will be the first of a series of such events.”
John Macpherson, secretary of Helensburgh Garelochside Rotary, added: “We were delighted to be involved, with members playing a leading role in the Scottish Dance Band and the Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Pipe Band.
“Many of our members helped to staff a stall where we could introduce Rotary to the public and we enjoyed many conversations with Rotarians from across the UK who were visiting Helensburgh.
“Several people expressed interest in Rotary and we hope to see them at future meetings.
“It was a lovely, enjoyable day and it was great to meet some of our new members for the first time and to come face to face with members that we hadn’t physically met for over a year.”
“Our thanks to those involved for arranging a great day.”
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