How are we already two weeks into March? The hayfever season is starting and Easter will be on our doorsteps shortly. We hope you are prepared! 

We are almost halfway through the month but there has been so much happening already. We take a look through our archives to see what happened in Advertiser's issue of March 12, 2009. 

So far, we have reported on Helensburgh and Lomond primary pupils are outperforming national figures, the closure of a vital service in Garelochhead has been delayed by three months and there are now only two contenders left for the Helensburgh waterfront bid.

But what was happening in and around the town 15 years ago this month?

Helensburgh Advertiser: A soldier has been awarded a top heroic medal — at his passing out parade. Helensburgh man Gillon McIntyre was presented with the Commando Medal, awarded for unselfishness, cheerfulness under adversity, determination and courage by Brigadier RW Libbey. Gillon, 28, passed out for duty from the Kings Squad Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines at Lympstone, Devon. Gillon now joins 42 Commando in Bickleigh, Plymouth.A soldier has been awarded a top heroic medal — at his passing out parade. Helensburgh man Gillon McIntyre was presented with the Commando Medal, awarded for unselfishness, cheerfulness under adversity, determination and courage by Brigadier RW Libbey. Gillon, 28, passed out for duty from the Kings Squad Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines at Lympstone, Devon. Gillon now joins 42 Commando in Bickleigh, Plymouth. (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: Around 70 senior citizens enjoyed a rip-roaring good time courtesy of the Helensburgh Lions Club. The annual senior citizens lunch party run by the Lions Club was held in the Masonic Hall in West Princes Street and the guests were treated to a slap-up three course meal cooked by two volunteer chefs. After the meal entertainment was provided by folk group Clydebuilt and Helensburgh vocalist Gordon Hanning who sang a medley of Burns songs.Around 70 senior citizens enjoyed a rip-roaring good time courtesy of the Helensburgh Lions Club. The annual senior citizens lunch party run by the Lions Club was held in the Masonic Hall in West Princes Street and the guests were treated to a slap-up three course meal cooked by two volunteer chefs. After the meal entertainment was provided by folk group Clydebuilt and Helensburgh vocalist Gordon Hanning who sang a medley of Burns songs. (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: Helensburgh Boys Brigade members were kept busy serving breakfasts. Their Big Breakfast event was held in St Columba Church Hall and raised around £500 for company funds. Members are pictured at the event keeping their strength up by indulging in a breakfast treat, cleaning up and working up an appetite by performing the Boys’ Brigade salute.Helensburgh Boys Brigade members were kept busy serving breakfasts. Their Big Breakfast event was held in St Columba Church Hall and raised around £500 for company funds. Members are pictured at the event keeping their strength up by indulging in a breakfast treat, cleaning up and working up an appetite by performing the Boys’ Brigade salute. (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: A spring fair held by members of Helensburgh’s West Kirk Women’s Guild raised almost £1,000 for good causes. The event, held in the church hall, attracted around 160 people with around £980 raised. The cash will be split between charities and church funds.A spring fair held by members of Helensburgh’s West Kirk Women’s Guild raised almost £1,000 for good causes. The event, held in the church hall, attracted around 160 people with around £980 raised. The cash will be split between charities and church funds. (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: For the sailors, it has been eight long months – for the ships themselves an incredible two and a half years. But HMS Blyth and HMS Ramsey are finally home . . . and were welcomed by hundreds of flag-waving loved ones. More than 200 people lined the quayside as the two Royal Navy mine hunters returned from an extended tour of the Gulf to their home port at HM Naval Base Clyde. What started as an experiment – sending the ships out long term and rotating the crews by air – has been hailed as a resounding success.For the sailors, it has been eight long months – for the ships themselves an incredible two and a half years. But HMS Blyth and HMS Ramsey are finally home . . . and were welcomed by hundreds of flag-waving loved ones. More than 200 people lined the quayside as the two Royal Navy mine hunters returned from an extended tour of the Gulf to their home port at HM Naval Base Clyde. What started as an experiment – sending the ships out long term and rotating the crews by air – has been hailed as a resounding success. (Image: Newsquest)

Helensburgh Advertiser: A goalkeeper couldn’t save the day for his team despite a frantic bid to get to the match after his brand new car broke down. Despite his efforts to get to the game before kick-off, Tommy Heron, who plays between the sticks for Rhu Amateurs, missed the first half as the team slumped to 3-1 down. The goalie dashed in, just in time for the second half but he was unable to prevent his side slumping to a 3-2 defeat.A goalkeeper couldn’t save the day for his team despite a frantic bid to get to the match after his brand new car broke down. Despite his efforts to get to the game before kick-off, Tommy Heron, who plays between the sticks for Rhu Amateurs, missed the first half as the team slumped to 3-1 down. The goalie dashed in, just in time for the second half but he was unable to prevent his side slumping to a 3-2 defeat. (Image: Newsquest)