HELLO Autumn

Something spooky is happening in Loch Lomond this October! Join Loch Lomond Faerie Trail through the eerie ancient forest solving clues in your activity guides as you go. Watch out for the spiders and trolls! The trail will lead you into Faerie Tale Farm where our farm friends are waiting to meet you! Our pop up Pumpkin Patch is located within our farm park where you can purchase your own pumpkins to carve and of course take lots of snaps!

Pre-booking is essential as availability of walk up tickets cannot be guaranteed. Pumpkins can be purchased on site. Tickets from £8.50, children under 2 years old go free.

Running 3 October – 2 November (NOT Wednesdays), find out more by visiting the Faerie Trail website for full booking information

Friends of Duchess Wood is holding a Tree Treasure Trail Fun, free, family activity to coincide with the half term holiday from 4th to 19th October.  

Posters for the trail are displayed at the entrances to Duchess Wood and feature a QR code which links to a map and worksheet.  Alternatively, maps, worksheets and informative tree guides will be available whilst stocks last at the information boards by the Pony Field.  Participants will need to use the map to find the numbered slates and then identify the nearby trees to solve a puzzle.  Participants can submit the answer to be entered into a prize draw.  The Tree Treasure Trail is suitable for all ages, but under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

https://www.facebook.com/FODW1/?locale=en_GB

This is a joint NTS and Friends of Geilston event and it promises to be a cracker!

The NTS gardening staff will be providing a produce, apples and flower display and sales. There will be an Apple Trail through the orchard with an Apple Expert award for completing it. Phil Bailey, local piper, will be our wandering piper, playing throughout the garden and the Helensburgh Fiddlers will be performing from 2.30pm.

A Soup and Bread lunch (it is October!) provided by Ginger Breadman will be served from 12md till finished! and the FoG Tea Stall with Homemade Cake will be serving from 12md – 4pm.

With a theme of ‘Connecting with Nature’ a number of local organisations will have stalls providing opportunities to hear more about nature on our doorsteps. There will be garden games throughout the garden and the opportunity to just wander and enjoy the garden in its autumn glory – and glorious it is!

NTS entry fees apply, free to NTS members, £1 for YoungScotcard holders – see NTS website for details of entry and membership charges Please visit the Friends of Geilston website for more information

Project Studio is back in session for the autumn term. Project Studio is free and takes place weekly for five weeks, beginning on Wednesday 27 August 2025, from 4-6pm, at Burgh Yard, Helensburgh, G84 8TF.

Project Studio is for teenagers aged 11-16 in the catchment area of Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh. Launched in June 2023, Project Studio offers free creative activity including workshops, trips, and events centred around self-expression and creating community for teenagers interested in the arts, activism, environmentalism, and wellbeing.

Project Studio – Youth Voice is led by artist, writer, and former resident Heather Marshall and includes a chance to explore and pursue your creative passions. Share your ideas with us and try your hand at fun creative activities. This term we’ll design our alter-egos, make political artworks and create a large-scale collaborative artwork. The exact format will be led by the young people involved.

For more information, please contact Emma Henderson (Curator of Engagement).

This programme is supportive to young people with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism and is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund

Find out more and register at https://covepark.org/project-studio-youth-voice-autumn-term/

Helensburgh and Gareloch Horticultural Society hold a series of talks, free to members, non members welcome £5, more details on the HGHS website.

10 September Planting the seeds of hope – Horatio’s Garden. Chelsea Lowe.
8 October A social and historical perspective of Geilston Garden. Alana Ingram.
12 November Sally Morgan: Would you be the best judge of the Chelsea Flower Show Garden? Dougal Philip and Lesley Watson, Hoptoun Gardens
14 January Hisotry of the honey bee. Colin Sherwood
14 February: Truly hardy perennials, Helen Knowles.
11 March Introduction to fuchsias with practical demonstration. Andrew Cathcart and Tom Sneddon.
22 April AGM and spring bulb competition

Dumbarton People’s Theatre brings you Calendar Girls running 8-11 October at the Denny Civic Theatre, Dumbarton.

Book your tickets now to see the hilarious and heartwarming true story of a group of ordinary women who decide to be extraordinary.

All tickets only £7.50, buy online or from from McDermids Keystore, High Street, Dumbarton, or The Scandinavian Shop, Sinclair Street, Helensburgh, or at the box office. https://www.dumbartonpeoplestheatre.co.uk/tickets

Pumpkin & Play at Monty’s Farm Park October involves: These tickets include
Searching for your pumpkin in our event woodland
A time slot for carving your pumpkin (leaving the mess with us!)
Pumpkin themed games
Play outdoors as long as you fancy between 10-4pm
Meet Monty’s mates ….alpacas / pygmy goats / heelan coos / sheep and pigs) 10-4pm
Lots of pumpkin themed photo opportunities to capture the moments!

Pumpkins by Night: This evening event is aimed at older kids (from over 5 we’d say) and adults who fancy coming along to experience Monty’s by night and carving a pumpkin. This special event includes:
Pumpkin Fun at your chosen time
Wander through our twinkly woods
Carve a pumpkin In our carving station where all the tools are provided – and every bit of mess is left with us!
Boogie in our silent disco
Say hello to our donkeys, shetland pony and goats and guinea pigs in our flood lit pens at the top of the park
Lots of photo opportunities to capture the moments!
Event opening times 5-7.30pm

Visit the website for full details, to see what’s involved and when, and to book sessions https://montysfarmpark.digitickets.co.uk/tickets

In aid of the Church Tower Fund at Rhu Church. You keep 2/3 of selling price, 1/3 goes to the Rhu Church Tower Fund.

Clothes to be delivered to the church hall on the day before between 9-10am, articles should be named, priced and marked if to be returned if unsold. Please attach labels securely, we accept no responsibility for missing labels. No Jumble please.

Money/Unsold Clothes must be collected from the Church Hall on the Monday between 9-10am or they go to local charities

RSPB Loch Lomond run a series of events throughout the year – find the full listing and booking information at https://events.rspb.org.uk/lochlomond

• Wildflower Wander – Sunday 27 July 1-3.30pm
  Bat Night Saturday 16 August 7.45-9.45pm
  Wild Food Foraging – Sunday 21 September 1-4pm
  Nature’s Glow – Biofluorescent Night Walk 11 October 6.30-8.15pm

The Arts Society Lomond and Argyll have an exciting line-up of events. These are open to Members (free) and Guests (£10) – visit https://www.tasla.org.uk/ to find out about Membership! Lectures are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every Month At Victoria Halls, Helensburgh at 10.30am, with coffee available beforehand from 10am.

9th September 2025 From Downton to Gatsby By Andrew Prince
14th October 2025 The Baroque Country House by Amy Lim
11th November 2025 Tintoretto, painter of the people by Julia Musgrave
9th December 2024 Christmas Ghosts by Kirsty Hartsiosis
13th January 2026 The History of Opera by Jamie Hayes
10th February 2026 The Glasgow Girls by Elaine Hansen
10th March 2026 Bad Behaviour by Mark Fisher
14th April 2026 Poetry, Passion and Painting by Michael Howard
12th May 2026 The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial by Mark Cottle
9th June 2026 History of Embroidery by Susan Kay-Williams

Discover the unparalleled charm and comedy of Bruce Fummey, where humour meets Scottish history and insightful storytelling. Bruce, the comedian behind the 240k subscriber YouTube channel Scotland History Tours, returns to Helensburgh with a new show. Laughs and quirky observations as he explains how Scotland Made the World.
His unique style showcases and celebrates Scottish culture and history, in a way that will not only keep you fully engaged, but have you rolling with laughter and screaming for more!

Every Saturday morning UK time Bruce tells a story from Scotland’s history. This show will deliver more jokes than you’d get from the YouTube videos, and some might even make you blush, but you’ll still leave having learned about Scotland’s role in the world while laughing along the way. Nominated for comedy awards in Australia, at home in Scotland and even named Scottish Comedian of the Year, Bruce appeared on ABC series Stuff the British Stole and many UK TV, film and radio shows

Doors 7.30pm / show starts 8pm / show finishes 10pm approx. Book online at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/78898?

Take part in our spooky Halloween trail set in our enchanting garden. After your walk, get creative with a fun Halloween-themed craft activity—perfect for children and families looking to enjoy some autumn magic!

Tickets: £4 per trail + Eventbrite booking fee https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/geilston-garden-halloween-trail-tickets-1562904422199

Dates: Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October 2025

Times: Attend our trail at any time between 11am and 3pm

Please note, the trail takes place outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather to stay warm and comfortable as you explore the garden.

On the 25th and 26th of October 2025, enjoy a walk through our eerie garden graveyard trail and get creative with a fun Halloween-themed craft activity. Perfect for families looking for a gentle scare and some autumn excitement!

Tickets: £4 per trail + Eventbrite booking fee

Dates: Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th October 2025

Times: Attend our trail at any time between 11am and 3pm

As the trail is held outside, we recommend dressing for the weather to stay comfortable during your visit.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hill-house-halloween-trail-tickets-1562496722759

Helensburgh and District Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society run classes and dances from October to March. Full schedule at https://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/ and dances held at Helensburgh Parish Church Hall or Cardross Parish Church Hall. Tickets £12

2025-2026 season
25 October 2-5pm, Matthew Maclennan, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
15 November, 2-5pm Susan MacFadyen, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
9 December (Tuesday Club Christmas Dance), 7.45-10.15pm Màrtainn Skene, Pillar Hall, Victoria Halls
13 December (Christmas Dance), 7.30-10.30pm Sandy Nixon Band, Cardross Parish Church Hall
10 January (Members Dance) 7.30-10pm Matthew Maclennan, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
14 February (Charity Dance) 7.30-10.30pm Ian Muir Duo, Cardross Parish Church Hall
1 March (Nice and Easy Afternoon Dance in aid of Alzheimer Scotland- Helensburgh Dementia Resource Centre) 7.30-10.30pm Susan MacFadyen Duo Cardross Parish Church Hall

Plus Half day school and dance 28th March details at https://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/half-day-school-26/

RAVE ON THE CLYDE: HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 
Prepare for a spine-tingling night of music, energy, and pure Halloween vibes!

This hauntingly electrifying event brings the best of techno, house, and dance music to the Clyde’s waterfront venue, the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre. Expect eerie visuals, dark beats, and a dancefloor full of costumed ravers ready to go all night.

Lineup Highlights Lange – UK trance pioneer, chart-topping producer, and global DJ summoning high-energy anthems to light up the night.
Stephen Kirkwood – Glasgow-born tech-trance innovator, globe-trotting DJ & mentor, casting powerful, peak-time spells through dynamic productions.
Big Gal – rising Scottish talent with viral energy, BBC-supported releases, and electrifying sets that’ll raise the dead on the dancefloor.

Sound supplied by Blue Audio
Indoor standing event, 18+
Costumes encouraged – the darker, the better!

Secure your tickets now for the most terrifyingly good rave of the year! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rave-on-the-clyde-tickets-1667698554269

Helensburgh and District Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Ceildih Dancing Class.

Sundays 3-4.30pm Helensburgh Parish Church
26 October (first class free)
30 November
21 December

£5 per adult or £10 per family, includes juice and a biscuit, all welcome

Info at https://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/ or Contact Anne Thorn am_thorn@hotmail.co.uk

MacGregor’s Gathering, an immersive experience in music, song and dance, is coming to Cove Burgh Hall on the first weekend in November. It will be hosted by Bruce MacGregor, founder of Blazin’ Fiddles and three times winner of Best Folk Band at the Trad Awards.

The weekend will start with a live Facebook broadcast on Friday evening (October 31st) with Bruce, his colleagues and local guest performers. On Saturday morning there will be workshops for all standards of local musicians … on fiddle, guitar, piano and singing. In the evening, there will be a concert with the band, including performances from some of the local participants attending the morning workshops. This will also be live streamed.

Saturday evening will culminate with a ceilidh, bringing the community together with music and dancing.

https://coveburghhall.org.uk/events/event/macgregors-gathering/

Come for a drink, a sandwich and an hour of wonderful music being performed. To reserve places so we have an idea of numbers please email: randschurch59@gmail.com Suggested donation £15. Doors open 12.30 (except 28 September, 2.45pm)

2025
1pm – Friday 26th September: Sian Winstanley (vocals), Louise Burnet (flute), Stephen Adam (piano)
3pm – Sunday 28th September: Ainsley Hamill (vocals, harmonium), Sam Kelly (guitar, bass), Toby Shaer (guitar)
1pm – Friday 31st October: Nicholas Wilks (clarinet) and Robert Bridge (piano)
1pm – Friday 28th November: Emma Baird – Violin, Marianna Abrahamyan (piano)
2026
1pm – Friday 30th January: Nikita Lukinov – (Piano)
1pm – Friday 27th March: Ryan Corbett (Accordian)
1pm – Friday 24th April: Trio Alma: Daniella Hathaway – Soprano, Sarah Harrington – Cello, Stephen Adam – Piano

Something spooky is happening in Loch Lomond this October! Join Loch Lomond Faerie Trail through the eerie ancient forest solving clues in your activity guides as you go. Watch out for the spiders and trolls! The trail will lead you into Faerie Tale Farm where our farm friends are waiting to meet you! Our pop up Pumpkin Patch is located within our farm park where you can purchase your own pumpkins to carve and of course take lots of snaps!

Pre-booking is essential as availability of walk up tickets cannot be guaranteed. Pumpkins can be purchased on site. Tickets from £8.50, children under 2 years old go free.

Running 3 October – 2 November (NOT Wednesdays), find out more by visiting the Faerie Trail website for full booking information

MacGregor’s Gathering, an immersive experience in music, song and dance, is coming to Cove Burgh Hall on the first weekend in November. It will be hosted by Bruce MacGregor, founder of Blazin’ Fiddles and three times winner of Best Folk Band at the Trad Awards.

The weekend will start with a live Facebook broadcast on Friday evening (October 31st) with Bruce, his colleagues and local guest performers. On Saturday morning there will be workshops for all standards of local musicians … on fiddle, guitar, piano and singing. In the evening, there will be a concert with the band, including performances from some of the local participants attending the morning workshops. This will also be live streamed.

Saturday evening will culminate with a ceilidh, bringing the community together with music and dancing.

https://coveburghhall.org.uk/events/event/macgregors-gathering/

£8 per person + fee | Ages 16+ (U18’s with adult)
Guided tours every hour Book at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/halloween-horror-trail-tickets-1299253445029

Step into the dark… if you dare.
The Hollowing is a 1km haunted trail through the cursed park of Rosneath — with live actors, terrifying scenes, and an unfolding story of witches, killers, and restless souls.
Expect direct interaction on the night, what you can’t see cant hurt you. But they can see you.

The Castle Isle will be the safety hub for you to spend the night. Join in with the halloween party both before and after the horror trail. Grab a bit to eat and a drink to calm your nerves.

6 immersive horror zones:
The Witch’s Altar / Murder Shack / Drowned Boy / Vampire’s Crypt /Hanging Tree / The Great Escape