FEB 2008
local news
Highland Games needs backers
Local businesses are being urged to get behind plans for the Helensburgh Highland Festival. The Festival is is a union of effort between the newly formed Helensburgh & Lomond Games Committee, whose aim is to bring the Highland Games back to Helensburgh, and the Helensburgh Bi-Centenary Pipe Band and Highland Dancing Championships, an annual event which has grown over the years. The Highland Games Committee is well on the way to creating a truly family event for locals and tourists over two days, June 21 and 22. It will combine the traditional
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heavy events like tossing the caber and throwing the hammer, along with athletics and a challenging hill race. There will also be events designed to encourage young people to get involved, like junior heavy events, primary and secondary school relays and a youth hill run. More than 5,000 visitors are anticipated for the Games, which are to be held at Helensburgh Rugby & Cricket Club, and as well as the spectator events, there will be a wide range of food outlets, stalls and sideshows and a
programme of social events. The project is supported by a committee made up of local people who have a range of skills in organising events, publicity and marketing and management of events. It is also supported by the Margaret Rose School of Dance, the Pipe Band Championship organisers, Atticweb Development, Helensburgh Online and the Helensburgh Round Table. At time of writing, Wilsons of Rhu was the only business backing the event. Funding Committee Chairman Sephton MacQuire says: “The cost to put on the games is anticipated at £20,000 and the costs for the Pipe Band Competition are anticipated
to be £10,000. The group is pursuing a variety of sponsors, grants and donations, but requires immediate funding to help with the initial organisation and advertising of the games. The event has the backing of local councillors, including Councillors James Robb, Vivien Dance and Gary Mulvaney. They recognise the opportunity this will give to the town to improve its economic potential. Sefton adds: “This will truly be a local event, which is open to all sections of the community. This will be a huge weekend for the town, please get behind us and help if you can.” Visit www.helensburghand lomond games.co.uk for further details.
To advertise, call Debbie now on 01436 672424
sUPPoRT GRoUPs By Carol MacLean
Leapfrog into Spring Why does my neighbour’s garden pond have frogs while mine doesn’t? – A frequent question from keen wildlife gardeners, frustrated that their lovingly designed garden pond has not been colonised by our commonest native amphibian. By this time of year you may already be counting the clumps of frogspawn in your pond. In recent years, frogs have bred as early as New Year’s Day in southern England. Further north, we can wait as long as midMarch (if there is a cold start to the Spring) to hear the soft burring of calling males and to see the writhing mass of bodies as mating rituals take place. Each female only lays one clump of spawn, so it’s possible to get a rough estimate of the size of your garden population by a quick, early count. The clumps increase over several days until the adults start leaving the
pond to spend the summer and autumn foraging for food in nearby grass and undergrowth. To attract frogs to your garden, even a small to medium-sized pond will do. Frogs will breed in tiny stretches of water such as ditches and tyre ruts! Ponds should have water plants for cover, gently sloping sides to allow the adults and young to escape, and the area around the pond should have long grass and shrubs, which will provide cover and food and a place to hibernate. Luckily, frogs prefer the shallow water which most garden ponds provide. Frogs are one of the heralds of Spring. Once they have arrived, we can look forward to warmer days and (hopefully) more sunlight!
FEB 2008
Support Groups
lIsTInGs Alcoholics Anonymous
Help for those who may have a problem with alcohol. There’s a meeting near you. Call the national helpline 08457 697 555
Al-Anon
Understanding, strength and hope for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking. Local meetings available. 24hr helpline 0141 339 8884
Bereavement Counselling
Support and counselling for anyone affected by the death of a child (pre- or post-birth). Hawthorn House, 5 Yorkhill Court, Yorkhill NHS Trust, Glasgow G3 8SJ. Tel: 0141 201 9257
The Breast Cancer Support Group For anyone affected by breast cancer. Meetings held first Tuesday of each month at St Augustines Church, St Mary’s Way, Dumbarton. 7–9pm
The Carers Group
For those looking after family members, relatives or friends with dementia. First Tuesday each month in the Princess Royal Trust for Carers office, 19a East King Street, Helensburgh. 1.30pm. Respite care available during meeting. Call Ellie on 01436 673444
Jeanie Deans Unit Call 01436 6755006
Helenburgh Addiction Rehabilitation Team (HART)
Help and support for drug users. For more information call 01436 674653
Helensburgh Stroke Club
Thursdays 10am–12 noon, St Joseph’s Hall (lower), Helensburgh. Call 01389 841431 for more info.
National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Breastfeeding Support
Trained NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor to offer support and practical help. Call Sally on 01436 670455.
Mums for Mums Feeling low? Feeling isolated? Share experiences? Meetings will be held every 2nd Friday, 10am till 11.30am from 23 February 2007 at RSR Braeholm, East Montrose St, Helensburgh. Contact Maureen MacMaster on 01389 841 936 or 07951 316 598, or email: maureenmacmaster@hotmail.co.uk We have now received funding for the creche and room hire, however there will be a charge of £1.50 per meeting to cover other expenses. To book a place for children at Tip Toes Creche please phone 01436 672777 ext. 224.
(NCT) Lomond Branch
Support for expectant parents, new parents and parents of young children. Call Joanne on 01436 842955.
Overeaters Anonymous
Self-help group. Is food a problem for you? Your nearest meeting is Dumbarton, Thursdays 7.30–9pm. Call us on 07000 784 985.
Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Help (SSAFA)
The national charity helping serving and ex-Service men, women and their families, in need. Tel: 01389 730 513 or visit www.ssafa.org.uk
To advertise, call Debbie now on 01436 672424
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enTeRTaInMenTs
FEB 2008
Entertainments: Looking for a romantic night out on Valentines Day? Want a wide range of entertainment to suit your mood and taste? Look no further than the Community Advertiser’s guide. Whether testing the old grey matter at a quiz, tickling your tonsils at karaoke or hitting the dance floor, we have the list to inspire you. ARROCHAR
HELENSBURGH
Ben Arthur’s Bothy
Argyll Bar
Turnpike Rd, 01301 702347
67 East Clyde St, 01436 675368
� SAT: Disco/Karoke - DJ Willy � Various live acts, please check with pub for details.
� SAT: Disco, DJ, 9pm � Big Screen TV � Live sport shown throughout month
ARDLUI
74 West Princes St, 01436 675900
Loch Lomond, Ardlui, Inverarnan, 01301 704234 SAT 2: Davie Mac SUN 3: Broadsword & Davie Mac SAT 9: Hell for Leather SAT 16: Broadsword SAT 23: Baran Check www.thedroversinn.co.uk for further information.
CARDROSS The Coach House Inn Main Rd, 01389 841358 � � � � �
THU: Quiz Night & Pasta Night FRI: Steak Night SUN: Sunday Roast £7.95 Check pub for any Karaoke nights Live Sport on Sky
The Muirholm Hotel Main Rd, 01389 841286 � TUE-FRI: Traditional High Tea 5-6pm � THU: Muries � Live sport shown throughout month
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Ashton � See pub for entertainment details
Drovers Inn � � � � � �
February
Budda 41 West Clyde St, 01436 674252 � � � � � � �
FRI: Paul Shields DJ SAT: DJ Shaun Tracey MON: Poker Night 2 for 1 drinks promotions New menu – kids under 10 eat free Check with pub for promotion details All major sporting events shown live
Clyde Bar 62 West Clyde St, 01436 673257 � FRI & SAT: DJ � SUN: DJ Pedro
Commodore Hotel 112 West Clyde St, 01436 676924 � MON 4: Scottish Slimmers – New Time 7-8.30pm � THU 14: LDFAS 10am-noon � FRI 22: Highland Association Ceilidh
Unless otherwise stated, all entertainment runs 9pm – 12 midnight.
County Lodge Hotel Old Luss Road, 01436 672034 � MON 14: Valentines Dinner Dance & Karaoke � MON: Quingo (Quiz Night & Bingo) – 8.30pm � TUE: Texas Hold-Em National Poker Competition and Ladies Darts � THU: Knockout pool competition with cash prizes � FRI & SAT: Party nights with three course dinner and dance � Carvery/steakhouse now open every day except Mondays for all occasions. � Wii lounge bar, play your favourite video games over a pint with friends or strangers alike � All major sporting events. � All events in conjunction with CCK Entertainment from 2pm
Imperial Hotel 12–14 West Clyde St, 01436 672320 � TUE: Weight Watchers 6-8pm � THU & SUN: Karaoke till 1 am � Check with pub for Robert T. Leonard dates
Logie Baird 8 James St, 01436 677766 � FRI & SAT: DJs � All major sporting events live on plasma TVs
To advertise, call Debbie now on 01436 672424
enTeRTaInMenTs Mariners 1 West Clyde St, 01436 677120 � MON-THU: Drinks Promo 10-11pm � SAT: Party Night/DJ � Cocktail menu – 2 pint jugs available
Station Bar 24 East Princes St, 01436 673273 � Sky TV and Live football shown on the plasma screen
The Garth Inn 73 West Clyde St, 01436 674517 � MON: Free Jukebox 9pm-midnight � WED: Karaoke � THU-SAT: DJ � LAST SAT: Theme Night
FEB 2008
LOCH LOMOND
The Cruin Bar & Restaurant
Loch Lomond Castle Lodges, Arden 01389 850588
� Weekly Scottish banguet nights with live band. Call or more info and to book
RHU
The Ardencaple Hotel
Shore Road, 01436 820200
� Live sport shown on Sky TV. Please check with hotel for any entertainment. � Check with pub for Valentines Night Meal details
The Rhu Inn
49 Gareloch Road, 01436 821048
The Royal Bar 8 West Clyde St, 01436 675033 � THU & FRI: Karaoke � SAT: Live DJ � SUN: Poker Night � Live sport shown throughout month
The Teak 82 West Princes St, 01436 670777 � FRI-SAT: DJ & Karaoke � SUN: DJ
GARELOCHHEAD Anchor Inn Rosslyn Buildings, Garelochhead, 01436 810404
� Check website for full entertainments listing www.therhuinn.co.uk
Rosslea Hall Hotel
Ferry Road 01436 439955
� SAT 2: Speciality Seafood Night £24.95 � SAT 23: Valentines Dinner Dance £29.95. Call Hotel for ticket availability
ROSNEATH Castle Isle
Rosneath Caravan Park, Rosneath, 01436 831333
TARBET
� See pub for full entertainment listings � Check with pub for Valenines Night details
Ben Lomond
KILCREGGAN
Tarbet, Loch Lomond, 01301 702393
Kilcreggan Hotel Argyll Road, 01436 842243
� Restaurant � Craft Shop
� Venue � Heritage Centre
� SAT/SUN: Weekend Roast served all day � MON-THU: Early evening menu - 5-7pm - 2 courses £10, 3 courses £12.50.
� WED: Jamming Sessions, 8.30pm. Bring your guitar and join in! � SAT: Karaoke every 2nd Saturday � Check with hotel for full details of wedding, birthday & anniversary celebrations and our speciality buffets.
The Creggan Inn Princes Terrace, 01436 842700 � Karaoke every second Saturday � Quiz night every second Thursday � Check with pub for further entertainment listings
To advertise, call Debbie now on 01436 672424
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