HELLO Winter

Start your day with an unforgettable early morning walk through RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond. As dawn breaks, watch thousands of geese take flight from their overnight roosts on the loch and from surrounding areas, as they fly off to their daytime feeding spots. We’ll guide you to a viewpoint at the shore of Loch Lomond, where you can immerse yourself in the early morning wildlife spectacles.

This walk is approximately 2.5 km each way offering opportunities to connect with nature and capture stunning moments along the way. It will be dark on the way down to the loch shore. We recommend wellingtons or sturdy walking boots and don’t forget to dress warmly! The crisp morning air by the loch can be very chilly. The exact meeting time and location will be shared via email to those booked, closer to the event.

6 December 2025 6.40am
14 December 7am
11 January 2026 7am
24 January 6.40am
7 February 6.15am

Book online at https://events.rspb.org.uk/lochlomond

2 Workshops with artist Emma Henderson:

7 February 10am-2pm Natural Inks & Screen Printing Workshop. In this experimental, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to turn natural materials into colour and transform them into inks for printmaking. Focusing on screen printing on paper, we’ll use simple stencils to print and layer colour, exploring the unique possibilities of natural inks. You’ll also experiment with natural modifiers that alter the pH of the inks, shifting hues and expanding the colour palette in unexpected and exciting ways. This workshop places an emphasis on exploration and process rather than finished outcomes. Working with natural materials encourages more circular, resourceful, and intuitive ways of making. While you may not leave with a gallery-ready artwork, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to continue developing your experiments in your own time. £65, Book Online at https://www.emmahenderson.studio/collections/workshops/products/screen-printing-with-natural-dyes-7-february

7 March 10am-2pm Mordant Printing with natural colour Natural dyeing and printmaking come together in this in-depth, hands-on introduction to mordant printing using natural materials. A mordant is a naturally occurring mineral that helps fix natural dyes to cloth. In this workshop, you’ll work with two different types of mordant, applying them to fabric using blocks, stencils, brushes, and silk screen techniques. Once the cloth is immersed in the dye bath, your printed designs will be revealed through subtle shifts in colour and pattern. The session begins with a detailed introduction to natural dyeing and mordanting, followed by a practical demonstration on mixing and preparing mordant pastes. You’ll then have time to experiment, choosing from a range of techniques to print your own designs onto cloth. We’ll also cover the wider dyeing process, including preparing fabric for dyeing and setting up dye pots. While the cloth is in the dye bath, we’ll take a guided walk around the site to identify local dye plants and discuss how they can be used in future dyeing experiments. This offers a chance to deepen your understanding of natural colour beyond the workshop itself. £65, Book Online at https://www.emmahenderson.studio/collections/workshops/products/mordant-printing-with-natural-dyes-saturday-7-march

VOYAGE the ABBA tribute band perform a very lively show with a truly authentic look, Swedish accents, choreographed dance routines like the originals where possible and really capture the feel of the Abba era – Abba as they were in they were in their heyday!

Doors open 7pm Show starts circa 8pm
Two sets with break in between. Licenced bar.
Dressing up encouraged but not compulsory.
Playlist of dance floor fillers before and after the act.
Ticket Price: £15 https://coveburghhall.org.uk/events/event/abba-tribute-band/

Helensburgh & District Beekeepers are running a new 5 week beginners beekeeping course on a Monday which will start in February. Fees will be £50.00 which includes 1 year membership, visit to apiary, and a book on keeping bees.
No bee equipment is needed to attend the course, everything will be supplied. This will be held in the Parish Church on; 9 February until 9 March. To apply go onto our webpage https://helensburghbees.com/ and click on Secretary link.

They also have a series of talks and anyone with an interest or simply curious about bees is welcome to any of their friendly meetings.

27 January, 24 February, 24 March and 28 April – details at the website

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

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

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/

2 Workshops with artist Emma Henderson:

7 February 10am-2pm Natural Inks & Screen Printing Workshop. In this experimental, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to turn natural materials into colour and transform them into inks for printmaking. Focusing on screen printing on paper, we’ll use simple stencils to print and layer colour, exploring the unique possibilities of natural inks. You’ll also experiment with natural modifiers that alter the pH of the inks, shifting hues and expanding the colour palette in unexpected and exciting ways. This workshop places an emphasis on exploration and process rather than finished outcomes. Working with natural materials encourages more circular, resourceful, and intuitive ways of making. While you may not leave with a gallery-ready artwork, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to continue developing your experiments in your own time. £65, Book Online at https://www.emmahenderson.studio/collections/workshops/products/screen-printing-with-natural-dyes-7-february

7 March 10am-2pm Mordant Printing with natural colour Natural dyeing and printmaking come together in this in-depth, hands-on introduction to mordant printing using natural materials. A mordant is a naturally occurring mineral that helps fix natural dyes to cloth. In this workshop, you’ll work with two different types of mordant, applying them to fabric using blocks, stencils, brushes, and silk screen techniques. Once the cloth is immersed in the dye bath, your printed designs will be revealed through subtle shifts in colour and pattern. The session begins with a detailed introduction to natural dyeing and mordanting, followed by a practical demonstration on mixing and preparing mordant pastes. You’ll then have time to experiment, choosing from a range of techniques to print your own designs onto cloth. We’ll also cover the wider dyeing process, including preparing fabric for dyeing and setting up dye pots. While the cloth is in the dye bath, we’ll take a guided walk around the site to identify local dye plants and discuss how they can be used in future dyeing experiments. This offers a chance to deepen your understanding of natural colour beyond the workshop itself. £65, Book Online at https://www.emmahenderson.studio/collections/workshops/products/mordant-printing-with-natural-dyes-saturday-7-march

Soulwind Women’s Harmony Singing Circle
To start off a monthly sing at the Bridge, and to brighten up this grey month Ali is holding a Free taster on Saturday 14th February ~ 2pm to 4.30pm. No experience needed, come along and try it.
In Soulwind the focus is on the experience of singing together, deep listening and becoming one through the song.
Ali leads songs by ear, often about the land, peace, love and hope – all in three part harmony. Soulwind is about the experience of singing in the moment, not preparing for something or someone else, it is this circle of women singing together in this moment.
More info and other Soulwind events at – soulwindharmony.org

A programme of events at Cove Burgh Hall – visit https://eventlist.store/coveburghhall/tickets for tickets

ANDREW CRUICKSHANK AND RACHEL HYNES Date: 21/02/2026 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Rachel Hynes is an opera singer: https://www.rachelhynes.co.uk
Andrew Cruickshank is a composer and musician: http://andrewcruickshank.scot
“A mix of opera highlights that will include music from Carmen, Purcell & Puccini; songs from the shows such as West Side Story & The Gates, along with some popular jazz standards. The music will range from classical through jazz to contemporary”.
Midday till 2.30 Lunch, teas and coffee
Tickets £12.50
https://eventlist.store/coveburghhall/tickets

SATURDAY 21ST MARCH – 7-10PM – DEADLY ACTS THEATRE PRESENTS – THE BACK ROOM
Join us at Cove Burgh Hall for a night of murder and intrigue.
Let us take you back to New York City 1923… The inhabitants have not taken well to the act of Prohibition. The supply of liquor has gone underground, and criminals capitalise on its trade. At one particular speakeasy a select few have gathered for an important meeting but after a long day of violence and extortion tempers are high and that can only lead to one thing…..MURDER!!!
The event is not suitable for children (under 16 years of age). Please note the performance may contain foul language, adult content and some mild violence.
Guests will be working in teams at their table to solve the mystery. You are encouraged to form a team of 6 to 8, but everyone is welcome and can join others. Dressing up is encouraged (but not essential).
Ticket Price: £15 AVAILABLE SOON Free for Gold Members

FRIDAY 24TH APRIL 7.30-10PM- CATERAN
Cateran are a Scottish band, playing their own blend of Country, Americana and Folk influenced music.
The band is comprised of a group of seasoned musicians and friends who had previously played in many different bands and in many guises.
Featuring five vocalists and with influences including the Eagles; Crosby Stills Nash & Young and Runrig, to name but a few, their sound features warm, close, blended harmonies, which underpin their melodic but meaningful song-writing style.

SUNDAY 3RD MAY – PIPPA REID FOSTER – 2-4PM
Contemporary Harpist from the west coast of Scotland. A performer, teacher and composer of the harp. Sharing music which feeds the mind and soul. Even though her instrument, the Clarsach (lever harp), is regarded traditionally Scottish, her technique incorporates electronic looping, effects, and field recordings. Focusing on contemporary music with strong minimalist elements.

SATURDAY 23RD MAY – PATRICIA HARTSHORNE – WITH A BIT OF A SWAGGER – 7.30-10PM
In 2024 Patricia published her memoir, ‘with a bit of a SWAGGER’, which is about her origins and adventures as a performer. She asks how an ex-convent schoolgirl came to be swaggering around an intimate off-West End theatre as Marlene Dietrich, flaunting her French knickers and suspenders – on a Good Friday? Her show, WITH A BIT OF A SWAGGER, is based on the book and this year she’ll be taking it to venues in the north, including Scotland

Dumbarton People’s Theatre planned shows for 2026 – tickets on sale the month prior to the event.

The Odd Couple 25-28 February

The Unfriend 29 April – 2 May

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/dumbarton-peoples-theatre Buy online or from from McDermids Keystore, High Street, Dumbarton, or The Scandinavian Shop, Sinclair Street, Helensburgh, or at the box office.

Adult workshop – Painting with Plants Sat 28 Feb 2026 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM

In this hands-on workshop, artist and staff member Emma Henderson will introduce you to painting with colour extracted from plants. You’ll learn simple methods for drawing pigment from natural materials and turning them into watercolour paints.

We’ll also experiment with shifting colour by changing the pH of the paint. Many natural pigments respond dramatically to acids and alkalis, allowing a surprising range of colours to be created from a single plant.

This session combines practical making with playful experimentation, offering a gentle introduction to plant-based colour and natural pigments. This workshop is designed for adults. All materials will be provided and no prior experience is needed.

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/covepark/2020841

Saturday Studio – Painting with Plants Sat 28 Feb 2026 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

In this hands-on workshop, artist and Cove Park’s Curator of Engagement Emma Henderson will introduce you to painting with colour extracted from plants. You’ll learn simple methods for drawing pigment from natural materials and turning them into watercolour paints.

We’ll also experiment with shifting colour by changing the pH of the paint. Many natural pigments respond dramatically to acids and alkalis, allowing a surprising range of colours to be created from a single plant.

This session combines practical making with playful experimentation, offering a great introduction to plant-based colour and natural pigments. This free workshop is designed for children and their accompanying families or carers. Adults without accompanying children are invited to attend the workshop in the morning.

All materials will be provided and no prior experience is needed. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/covepark/2020748

If you have questions about workshop accessibility, please get in touch with Emma Henderson (Curator of Engagement).

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/

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

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

A programme of events at Cove Burgh Hall – visit https://eventlist.store/coveburghhall/tickets for tickets

ANDREW CRUICKSHANK AND RACHEL HYNES Date: 21/02/2026 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Rachel Hynes is an opera singer: https://www.rachelhynes.co.uk
Andrew Cruickshank is a composer and musician: http://andrewcruickshank.scot
“A mix of opera highlights that will include music from Carmen, Purcell & Puccini; songs from the shows such as West Side Story & The Gates, along with some popular jazz standards. The music will range from classical through jazz to contemporary”.
Midday till 2.30 Lunch, teas and coffee
Tickets £12.50
https://eventlist.store/coveburghhall/tickets

SATURDAY 21ST MARCH – 7-10PM – DEADLY ACTS THEATRE PRESENTS – THE BACK ROOM
Join us at Cove Burgh Hall for a night of murder and intrigue.
Let us take you back to New York City 1923… The inhabitants have not taken well to the act of Prohibition. The supply of liquor has gone underground, and criminals capitalise on its trade. At one particular speakeasy a select few have gathered for an important meeting but after a long day of violence and extortion tempers are high and that can only lead to one thing…..MURDER!!!
The event is not suitable for children (under 16 years of age). Please note the performance may contain foul language, adult content and some mild violence.
Guests will be working in teams at their table to solve the mystery. You are encouraged to form a team of 6 to 8, but everyone is welcome and can join others. Dressing up is encouraged (but not essential).
Ticket Price: £15 AVAILABLE SOON Free for Gold Members

FRIDAY 24TH APRIL 7.30-10PM- CATERAN
Cateran are a Scottish band, playing their own blend of Country, Americana and Folk influenced music.
The band is comprised of a group of seasoned musicians and friends who had previously played in many different bands and in many guises.
Featuring five vocalists and with influences including the Eagles; Crosby Stills Nash & Young and Runrig, to name but a few, their sound features warm, close, blended harmonies, which underpin their melodic but meaningful song-writing style.

SUNDAY 3RD MAY – PIPPA REID FOSTER – 2-4PM
Contemporary Harpist from the west coast of Scotland. A performer, teacher and composer of the harp. Sharing music which feeds the mind and soul. Even though her instrument, the Clarsach (lever harp), is regarded traditionally Scottish, her technique incorporates electronic looping, effects, and field recordings. Focusing on contemporary music with strong minimalist elements.

SATURDAY 23RD MAY – PATRICIA HARTSHORNE – WITH A BIT OF A SWAGGER – 7.30-10PM
In 2024 Patricia published her memoir, ‘with a bit of a SWAGGER’, which is about her origins and adventures as a performer. She asks how an ex-convent schoolgirl came to be swaggering around an intimate off-West End theatre as Marlene Dietrich, flaunting her French knickers and suspenders – on a Good Friday? Her show, WITH A BIT OF A SWAGGER, is based on the book and this year she’ll be taking it to venues in the north, including Scotland

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 22 March 2.45pm)
2026
1pm – Friday 30th January: Nikita Lukinov – (Piano)
3pm – Sunday 22 March Flutes Unlimited (no catering)
1pm – Friday 27th March: Ryan Corbett (Accordian)
1pm – Friday 24th April: Trio Alma: Daniella Hathaway – Soprano, Sarah Harrington – Cello, Stephen Adam – Piano
1pm – Friday 29th May: Tony Moffatt – Violin, Stephen Adam-Piano
1pm – Friday 25th September: Ida Pelliccioli – Piano
1pm – Friday 30th October: Daniel Ciubano – Piano
1pm – Friday 27th November: tbc