Would you like to become a member of Helensburgh Community Council? Elections are being held this year. For more information, get in touch with Sarah Davies, Helensburgh Community Council secretary, for further information, an informal chat and application forms. Applications close on 21st March.
Meeting at the Crossroads: The intersection of local communities with Faslane and Coulport nuclear submarine bases.
Would you like to take part in a PhD research project?
Over the next 24 months, Kenneth Grant Glenaan, a PhD student at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, will be studying the relationship between the local communities and the nuclear submarine bases at Faslane and Coulport as part of an ethnographic film PhD study.
He is particularly interested in families who have several generations of contact with the bases, both civilian and military. Families and individuals who have migrated to the area for work are most welcome too!
If you have a family history or are directly or indirectly involved, Kenneth would love to hear from you. Social history, employment, culture, family, and memory are of particular interest.
The study is officially registered, funded and monitored through Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. Confidentiality is guaranteed, and all personal information will be treated in accordance with the terms of the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Kenneth cannot pay you for taking part in the study, but any expenses incurred will be covered – along with lots of tea and coffee!
If you are interested, please contact Kenneth and he’ll get back to you asap:
Email: 22009106@qmu.ac.uk Or on 07968001162
Last Friday, 23 June, Hermitage Academy and Helensburgh Community Council hosted the Helensburgh’s Got Talent competition. It was one of those magical evenings that happen only rarely. Nine Competitors sang, danced and played for over two hours cheered on by an enraptured audience of parents and friends. The evening started with the Academy’s “Poetry Group Hermitage” and ended with a rousing version of the Animals “House of the Rising Sun”. In between we were enchanted by a Celtic Harp, sang along to cover versions from Elvis and Dove Cameron, were amazed at a Sailor’s Hornpipe by a 7 year-old and sat back and enjoyed a wide range of musical entertainment.
Helensburgh’s Got Talent was a competition and there were 3 popular winners. The £100 first prize went to Eilidh Gammons with her virtuoso Highland Dancing which ended with a high leap followed by the full splits. There was a complete hush from the audience amazed at what they had just witnessed. The £75 second prize went to Kezia Conran with her exquisite, blues-themed performance on the Clarsach. And, third prize of £50 went to the 6 member “Poetry Group Hermitage” who, for the first time, were performing as an ensemble.
For Community Council Councillors Tariq Durrani and Nigel Millar “What really enthralled everyone there was every performer, bar one, is still at school. They grasped the opportunity Helensburgh’s Got Talent gave them with both hands and did themselves proud with the excellence of their performances. The town is lucky to have them. But, there are many more young musicians, dancers and other performers artists waiting in the wings eager to showcase their talents before a wider audience. Helensburgh Community Council is committed to giving them the chance to do so. They are worth it and have our continuing support.”
Acknowledgement
A great number of members of the community support the town in a variety of ways, none more so than Stewart Noble the Community Council Treasurer. Under the rules of the game he has to demit office having completed slightly more than eight years in post. In addition to his function as treasurer he has been a stalwart member of the Heritage Trust for many years and is a notable historian in his own right. He continues to lead tourist parties around the area and remains on the planning committee for the John Logie Baird centenary event which takes place in 2025/2026. He continues as a community councillor, but his financial management and expertise over the period was greatly appreciated and is formally recognised.
General
An annual review of the work of the HCC reveals the wide scope of our interests in support of the community. Much has happened in the intervening period from our last AGM in June last year to the present. In many instances it represents a continuation of action yet to be resolved, but it is perseverance that prevails in local government, not dynamic energy.
We are also extremely fortunate in having a full complement of 20 members serving on the HCC since our local elections in October 2022. We are a fine mix of professional and experienced individuals who bring considerable expertise and knowledge to bear in benefiting the town. We maintain close links with the various support agencies and voluntary groups who support the social fabric of the town and lend assistance when required. Because of their diverse and broad-ranging interests, in addition to the work of the HCC, our community councillors have an embracing knowledge of the underlying aims and ambitions of the community.
There are limits of course. Lack of funding and resources bedevil both Argyll & Bute Council and ourselves in maintaining the infrastructure of the town to a reasonable standard. There are also aspects outside our control which the public could improve with self-education on such as, disposal of litter and dog refuse. Nevertheless, we need to persevere in maintaining standards in the town if we wish to capitalise on attracting visitors and tourists to enjoy our amenities.
Major Projections
There are two major items foreseen in the future which will impact the town. The first is the outcome of discussions on the Waterfront development currently underway. The HCC ran an engagement programme with the community from 2019, culminating in a two-day public exhibition in March 2022, called Visions for Helensburgh, in which the community expressed their wishes. The details and data are on our website. Argyll & Bute Council have also recently commissioned a commercial consultation along similar lines. As the situation develops it is worthwhile emphasising that any development in the centre of Helensburgh has got to be the best solution that will enhance the town for the future, particularly for our young families and our youth. We should not have to bear the consequences of any overbearing agenda on financial gain which we will have to live with for many years. Luckily, Peter Brown our Vice Convener and Norman McNally have a wealth of experience and knowledge to make sure that the interests of the town are paramount.
The second project is the Taylor Wimpey golf course housing development of circa 300 homes. This is obviously a major undertaking and we wish it well. There are evident problems of the potential disturbance of peatlands during construction, but equally, thought has to be given to the impact of a considerable influx of inhabitants who will require the service support of schools, medical services and access to convenient shopping. It is hoped that due consideration is given to these matters as the project proceeds.
Community Clubs and Societies Event
In March, in conjunction with the Rotary Club, we held a day-long exhibition for the local sports clubs and societies to advertise the varied talent and expertise they offer to the community. The event was organised by Elizabeth Lambert in the Hermitage Academy with the kind permission of the Headmaster and was very well received by the strong public attendance at the exhibition.
Environment
We have formed a strong alliance with a voluntary environment group called Plastic Free Helensburgh. Several of our community councillors are members and we seek common cause in trying to reduce the amount of plastic and marine detritus that pollutes our coastline. It is a thankless task but authorities are beginning to sit up and take notice, so hope springs eternal.
Beach Cleans
The HCC has been organising routine beach cleans for a number of years and the evidence of our effectiveness is apparent. It presents the town in a favourable light to our visitors. We are deeply indebted to our community volunteers who regularly support us and without the support of our local farmer Davie Howie and his tractor to do the heavy lifting, we would be disadvantaged.
Shrub Beds in the Square
The HCC continues to maintain the shrub beds in Colquhoun Square and we rely again on our marvellous volunteers to help us. It is a work in progress because much of the original planting did not work in the beds. But we are getting to a more colourful and settled horticultural arrangement. Our collective appreciation goes to Roger Clarke for his efforts.
Much of our work goes unheralded and unsung but as a flavour here are the more prominent initiatives.
McColl Shop at Churchill closure
The shop operated under the stewardship of Morrisons and its closure for commercial reasons left the local community without a convenience store in the area. Despite our best efforts under the direction of Polly Jones and driven by our young co-opted member, Taylor Cameron, – running a petition, organising a public awareness event at the main Morrisons store in town and direct correspondence with the head office of Morrisons management, we were unsuccessful in overturning the decision. Further developments on the future of the shop are awaited.
The Pier
The completion of the leisure centre threw into stark contrast a multi-million infrastructure build adjacent to a rundown historic pier in need of care and attention. At our Visions for Helensburgh exhibition in March 2022 there was unanimous support for remedial action to be undertaken to make the pier a functioning entity for marine traffic and the possible economic benefits that could result. We are now carefully examining the situation. It is a work in progress and there is no good reason not to re-vitalise this potential asset for the town.
Litter Bins
In July/August 2021 in conjunction with Plastic Free Helensburgh we conducted a survey of the disposition and functionality of litter bins in the town. The disposal of litter especially during the summer months is a continuing problem as is the poor design and mechanical breakdown of the ‘designer’ stainless steel bins deployed in the CHORD project. Hopefully, we see an end to the problem with high capacity replacement bins procured by Argyll & Bute Council and the removal of all broken down steel bins. We are grateful for the Council’s support in this matter.
Retail Support
We have a number of retailers serving on the Community Council and it seemed sensible to employ their expertise in getting to know the retail scene in the town and support their aims and ambitions. We held our first meeting in March this year and it was warmly received to the extent that the retailers suggested holding another. This will take place in June the day before our AGM.
Cycleway
We maintain a close interest in the project which procedurally has taken and will take many years to complete. The project officer gave the HCC an update on progress which remains slow. Cardross Community Council are particularly keen on injecting some impetus to proceedings and we shall be engaging with them shortly to examine how best to support the continuation of the project.
Cruise Ship Interest
A recent event which may augur well for the future was the berthing of a small cruise ship at the Marina. Cameron Foy fronted up HCC interest in this potential development which may point to a further avenue of tourist interest.
Possible Twinning Arrangement
Tariq Durrani and Nigel Millar fronted up a visit by a delegation from the French town of Le Taillan-Medoc in response to an approach for possible twinning by them. The delegation were looked after very hospitably and enjoyed their visit. A letter of appreciation has been received from Le Tallian for the hospitality and friendliness extended to them and the formal examination of the twinning process will continue.
Music in the Square
It has long been our aim to bring some form of music onto the square and beyond in the town for the enjoyment of the public in good weather. Helensburgh has a wealth of music talent especially within the school community and it would be great for young musicians to gain public recognition. Nigel and Tariq have also fronted this development. In conjunction with the organisational skills of Elizabeth Lambert they have brought a ‘Helensburgh’s Got Talent’ event at Hermitage Academy to continue this aim. Post-script – the event was well attended and received by both performers and audience.
Summary
It has been a delight to welcome a full complement of volunteers to the HCC and to acknowledge the range and diversity of skills they bring in support. Each one has links to other interests, e.g. our secretary Sarah Davies is a member of Friends of Hermitage Park, among others. It serves to illustrate that collectively we have a connection to the community that allows us to represent with confidence the views of the community we serve.
We have a new website courtesy of Jonathan Meuli, Stewart Steel and Cameron Foy and we find that more individuals are making contact through this medium for help and advice. We shall continue to utilise this facility for the passage of information.
We are more than fortunate to have a steady stream of community volunteers helping with litter, beach cleans and the shrub beds in the square and it is this sense of engagement that we would encourage within the community to take an interest in town business and come forward with suggestions and advice on how to make the town better. We should be in charge of our own destiny and not rely on anyone else to decide our future.
We have broken new ground in other areas. The forum for discussion on the vitally important aspect of ensuring that our retail scene remains alive and vibrant is an indication of how these issues can become raised to public awareness and examined in detail. This was also evident in the Visions for Helensburgh exhibition that enabled the public to become informed and as a result become full participants in the process. Much more can be done on similar issues of concern in the town.
I shall finish this report by thanking most sincerely all members of the Helensburgh Community Council for their support and commitment to the town which continues to be our collective priority.
Norman Muir
Convener Helensburgh Community Council 26 June 2023
Share our recruitment poster – or print it from the pdf: click here to download
Please share our poster – or print it at home from the PDF – click here to download
HERMITAGE ACADEMY
Friday 23 June 2023
Helensburgh enjoys such a rich vein of performance talent : amateur musicians, dancers and other artists. To showcase their skills and acts, Helensburgh Community Council (HCC), under its ‘Music in the Square’ initiative, is organising a Competition
‘Helensburgh’s Got Talent’
HERMITAGE ACADEMY – FRIDAY 23 JUNE
The Competition will be judged by a distinguished panel of local independent assessors. They will award a Prize to the top 3 entries. All other performers will receive a certificate of recognition for taking part.
To enter the Competition HCC is inviting interested parties to submit demos, videos using the QR code below, which will be loaded onto Google Drive, or by visiting: HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/BDFZD64A.
Submissions from entrants should be made no later than 5th June.
Based on the submissions, candidates will be invited to perform them on Stage before a live audience at the Academy from 18.00 onwards.
The Competition is open for the public to enjoy for a £3 entrance payable on the day. Doors are open from 17.30. Refreshments will be available.
The event is overseen by two members of the Helensburgh Community Council- Tariq Durrani and Nigel Millar, who may be contacted for further information via e-mail ( tsdurrani@gmail.com , or millarnc@btinternet.com).
HCC wishes to thank Hermitage Academy for making available its superb premises for us all to enjoy :
“Helensburgh’s Got Talent”
A delegation of seven from Le Taillan-Medoc (pop 10,000) , in the heart of France’s Bordeaux classic red wine growing region visited Helensburgh from 15 -22April 2023 staying at the Riva Boutique Hotel on West Clyde Street. Very comfortable and its Scottish Breakfast was rated as Formidable.
Since 2020 Helensburgh Community Council (HCC) has been in discussion with Mayor’s office in Le Taillan on building a strong relationship between our two towns with its genesis given below, under “ Ties with Le Taillan, Bordeaux” France. The visit of the delegation was most timely. As well as showcasing all Helensburgh has to offer we were able to explore opportunities for exchanges of young people, sports teams, language initiatives, business ties, joint projects and more. The recent opening of direct Easyjet flights between Glasgow and Bordeaux, from July to September, 2023 (advance fares from £39 one way) is an added bonus.
This is how the visit unfolded:
SATURDAY The visit started with a Ceilidh at the Civic Centre that evening. The Delegation fully participated in the dancing, and even playing the French equivalent of a bag pipe accompanied by group dancing similar to Scottish reels. All to a standing ovation.
SUNDAY began with a walk through the ‘Blossom trees’ in Helensburgh guided by Stewart Noble, Helensburgh’s Historian. The tour ending with a well -earned ice cream sundae at Dinos. The subsequent walk round the Hill House inside its iconic box literally took their breath away They were most impressed by the efforts being made to restore this world class domestic dwelling to its original condition.
MONDAY: the Delegation paid a visit to Hermitage Academy, where they were royally treated to a Guard of Honour by the pupils from Classes 3 and 4, studying French. They were shown round the School by the Head of French, Mr Urquhart, who gave a running commentary in immaculate French. Later they had discussion with Mr Douglas Morgan the Head Teacher on topics such as school exchanges, and more.
In the afternoon the Delegation were guests of honour at HCC’s Civic Reception in the striking Helensburgh & Lomond Civic Centre. They learned a lot about Helensburgh and we learned a lot about Le Taillan. But, the highlight of the Reception was the entrancing display of Highland Dancing from the Margaret Rose School of Dance. The young dancers literally took everyone’s breath away.
TUESDAY : the Delegation visited Lomond School where the Head of international links Mr Neil Mackay hosted the visit. He showed them round the School, the Boarding house and the Sports facilities. The visitors were impressed by all they saw, especially by the strikingly modern Sports Pavilion. .
WEDNESDAY. A tasting tour of the Clydeside Distillery : for some the highlight of the trip. This was followed by visits to the Transport and Kelvingrove Museums ending at Glasgow’s (in)famous Necropolis.
THURSDAY : a “Wash-Up” session with our French friends at Helensburgh’s impressive new Leisure Centre. In their feedback the Delegation rated every engagement as excellent. For them, their visit was an outstanding success with the hospitality and warmth they received throughout, second to none. Agreement reached on Next Steps centred on an invitation for a reciprocal visit by a Delegation from Helensburgh to Le Taillan to explore school exchanges, tourism opportunities and learning from the Bordeaux region on tackling Climate Change, Entrepreneurship, and more. To build on our new relationship planning would begin on a Helensburgh Arts, Music and Dance Festival in Le Taillan- Medoc sometime in 2024.
The day, and the delegation visit, ended with a Farewell Reception at Helensburgh’s own Parisian inspired wine bar – La Jupe. Hosted by Provost Maurice Corry there were toasts to the Auld Alliance with an exchange of gifts, entertainment, and canapes.
Tariq S Durrani
Nigel Millar
Helensburgh Community Councillors
April 2023
In January 2020, COSLA on behalf of the Scottish Government sent out a ‘Town Twinning Request Scotland’ listing a number of towns and cities in France and Germany.
The document was discussed at the 27 February 2020 HCC Meeting, and following a study of the listing of towns and cities, it was agreed that Le Taillan-Medoc , with a population of 10,000 offered a good match with Helensburgh. Other places represented much larger towns and cities, such as Potsdam, or small villages with a population of 5000 or less.
A key consideration was to discuss the prospects of twining with the Helensburgh Twinning Association that has promoted ties with Thoars in France for some 40 years. The President of Helensburgh District Twinning Association (Margaret McInnes) wrote a supporting letter on 2 May 2019, indicating their interest in promoting school ties, and even offering to take a delegation of the Margaret School of Dancing to Le Taillan, though indicating their focus at the time was to host a delegation from Thoars. It is worth noting that Helensburgh is not an exclusive twin town of Thoars.
Matters were in abeyance due COVID, nevertheless there were ZOOM exchanges between HCC officials and those from the Mayor of Le Taillan’s office, to learn more about the two towns and to explore the prospect offered by twinning. There were slide presentations in French and English at these ZOOM calls.
In the New Year 2021 the Mayor of Le Taillan wrote to HCC Convenor with an invitation to formalise the links.
Matters were then overtaken by rampant effects of COVID, though e-mail exchanges took place including exchange of greetings, till the recent visit by the le Taillan delegation in April 2023.
Tariq Durrani
31 January 2023.
In 2017, Helensburgh Community Council created a sub-committee, Vision for Helensburgh, to understand what the people of Helensburgh wanted their town to be like in the future. Since then, we’ve all experienced a significant shift in behaviours brought on by the pandemic.
The Vision for Helensburgh work is intended to be part of our response to any planning process with Argyll and Bute Council as part of any planning application for the waterfront development. However, given that the pandemic changed a lot of behaviours, we wanted to get an insight into what the community wanted to ensure that any response was as robust as possible.
Through a website, we invited people to answer one question:
What would you like to see built in the empty Helensburgh waterfront space?
There were four options:
People could then suggest other uses for the space or leave a comment.
We had 1,025 responses to the question. Here are the results:
Looking more into the comments that people left, two themes arose.
You can download the presentation that was given to the Helensburgh Community Council for more information and comments from the questionnaire.
The HCC raised a number of faults within the town centre with Argyll & Bute Council recently which detract from the ambience of the town. The matter is now under urgent discussion with the officials.
helensburghcommunitycouncil.co.uk 