SO far, 2023 hasn't exactly qualified as a long, hot summer in Helensburgh - but we're hoping our latest trawl through the Advertiser's archives will bring back memories of sunnier times.
This week's selection takes us back to the summer of 2008 and features medals for two Helensburgh women who served in the Second World War, a trip to Hampden for a group of young local footballers, a fitness drive among staff at Faslane and much more.
Whose faces can you recognise from our latest trip down memory lane?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A group of Faslane workers were getting fit for summer - and helping a national charity at the same time.
Babcock Marine's occupational health physiotherapist Claire Murray organised a series of circuit training classes twice a week for eight weeks, with 20 enthusiastic employees taking part on a regular basis.
And, while it was doing the participants a lot of good, it was also helping charity to the tune of £445 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer after participants were asked to donate a 'fee' of £15 - while some also gained sponsorship from their colleagues.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A Helensburgh man was aiming to encourage Dumbarton Football Club fans at home matches — disguised as an elephant.
The club agreed to the return of Pellie, the club mascot, and inside the friendly elephant costume was Burgh man Les Stephen.
Les, a member of the Sons Supporters Trust, persuaded first the board and then the club to approve Pellie’s return after an absence of a couple of seasons.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Two new state-of-the-art Ministry of Defence Police accommodation complexes opened their doors at Faslane and Coulport — for their dogs.
The new facilities replaced older buildings from the early 90s, which were considered state-of-the-art at the time.
Isolation kennels were provided for dogs undergoing medical treatment, along with veterinary treatment rooms, canine shower rooms, canine hair dryers, food storage rooms, food preparation rooms, fridges for veterinary medical supplies and laundry facilities for dog towels and bedding.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Two Helensburgh women were among those who received special badges of honour to mark their sterling efforts in the Second World War.
Mary Copeland and Anne Coll were members of an elite group of Land Girls who formed the Women’s Land Army and worked on farms planting crops and tending animals to keep the nation provided with food while the men were off fighting.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown, praising their efforts, said: “Their work was absolutely vital, and it is right that we thank them now for their dedication in the service of their country.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ardencaple FC's under-16s looked back at a memorable season in which they shared the Strathclyde Youth Club Association League title.
Tied with Knightswood at the top of the division, time ran out for a championship play-off, and both clubs agreed to share the title.
The win came in Ardencaple's 40th year and saw the squad's members presented with their medals and trophy at Hampden Park.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Cameron Farrell won the Brunton Miller Helensburgh Boys' Open Championship title.
Entries came from 23 clubs, with Cameron, son of Cardross Golf Club professional Robert Farrell, finishing as second qualifier before going on to defeat Scott Thistleton of Hilton Park in the semi-final and Kirkhill's Scott Costello in the 36-hole final.
Liam Halliday of Cardross beat local member Tom Flanagan in the final of the Silver Flight.
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