Helensburgh Advertiser archives: Top stories from this week in 2008

Among the stories in the paper on April 8, 2008 were bravery awards for two local 'have-a-go heroes', a clean-up by local kids of a much-loved Burgh open space, and prizes for fund-raising efforts given out to two Tesco employees in the town - by the company's chairman.

Read more on those stories - and several others - below...

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A pair of have-a-go heroes who caught a thief in Helensburghand held him down until the police arrived urged others to do their bit to help people in need.

Helensburgh woman Frances Hanmer, and Stephen Anderson, from Cove, were honoured by Strathclyde Police for their bravery after apprehending the crook in September 2006.

Frances gave chase when she spotted the man barrel past her on West Clyde Street, after breaking into an elderly woman’s home and making off with £3,000 worth of jewellery.

Stephen then grappled with the culprit while Frances prised gold bracelets from his hands and collected jewellery that had been dropped on the ground.

Thanks to the actions of the quick-thinking duo, the thief was arrested and his 75- year-old victim had her jewellery returned to her.

Stephen and Frances were among 22 local heroes recognised by Strathclyde Police at a prestigious awards ceremony at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

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TASTY delights helped attract visitors to Cardross Parish Church when members of the congregation held a spring fair.

Various stalls were set up which sold home-baking, which went quickly, soft goods, bric-a-brac, books, jewellery and plants.

For children there were games, a teddy tombola - including two cuddly pals won by Jessica Stephenson and Chloe Melvin (above) - and toys.

A raffle was also for a variety of prizes and refreshments were also available.

A £1,600 sum raised from the event went towards church funds.

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TWO supermarket workers were rewarded for helping to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Julie Stokes and Lesley Dalziel, from Tesco's Helensburgh branch, received glass plaques for their efforts in raising the cash at the Cancer Research UK 5k Race for Life — the country’s largest women-only fund-raising event.

To celebrate the amazing achievement, David Reid, Chairman of Tesco, presented both women with tokens of appreciation for their exceptional effort.

With the 2008 event looming, checkout worker Julie said: "It’s not a race. It’s not about winning, it’s about taking part, and raising as much money for Cancer Research as we can."

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Bargain hunters picked up the latest trends and raised cash for a good cause at a “nearly new” clothes sale in Rhu Church Hall.

The event, held in aid of Cambodian Acid Survivors Charity (CASC), raised nearly £400 which will help fund free surgical treatment and rehabilitation for victims of the after effects of war.

Joan Walshe, who organised the event with the help of Jane Nicholson, said: “There is no state medicine in Cambodia and treatment for large sections of the population is prohibitively expensive, so we decided to do something to help those caught up in the legacy of the war against the Khmer Rouge."

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Schoolchildren from across the local area were given lessons on how to stay safe.

Youngsters from schools across Helensburgh and Lomond visited the Greenfields Army Training Camp in Garelochhead for a series of safety workshops organised by the emer- gency services.

There were representatives from Strathclyde Police, the Argyll and Bute Home Safety department, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, the MOD Police, the Argyll and Bute GRAB Initiative and the British Transport Police.

Michelle Annandale, from Strathclyde Police's community safety department, said: “Each group came up with a scenario to help teach the children something about safety.

“These kind of events work really well because there is a lot going on to keep the kids interested.

“It’s a good way of getting a lot across to them in a short space of time. They come and have some fun and take away an important message."

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A group of young eco champions carried out a major clean-up in a Burgh beauty spot that was quickly turning into a fly-tippers’ paradise.

Junior members of the Backchat Youth Project targeted Garraway Glen, Churchill, that was being used as a dump — despite earlier clean-up attempts.

The glen was again littered with a range of items, from household rubbish to builders’ debris, and from furniture to a dangerous carving knife.

The glen was just one of several areas targeted by 10 junior Backhat members engaged in extensive clean-up operations as part of their John Muir Discovery Award programme, thanks to the financial support of Jackie and Alec Morris of JMD Property Letting Ltd.

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Arty children added a touch of colour to their Saturday morning at Helensburgh Library. the youngsters were taking part in a colouring competition organised jointly by the Helensburgh Advertiser and Brian Cairnduff, author of a new children’s book, Jack the Little Giant.

And to give some inspiration, children’s entertainer Graham Macgregor came along to add some extra colour with his outlandish costume and giant hat.

Graham read some extracts from Brian’s book after the colouring session.

Miranda Johnson, aged eight, from Rhu, won the competition, with Eloise Vincent and Anna Freeman, both of Helensburgh, winners in the younger age categories.