What’s on in Helensburgh & Lomond

A fantastic festival of walking and the great outdoors around the spectacular Cowal Peninsula in Argyll! A range of guided, special interest and family friendly walks – to find out more visit https://www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk/see-and-do/walking/cowalfest/

Including on September 14th, The Cobbler from Arrochar https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-cobbler-from-arrochar-tickets-912293974837

All other events can be booked from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cowal-fest-62118848273

Paper Sunflower Workshop 20 September 6-8pm: A delightful workshop where you’ll learn how to craft stunning sunflowers using high-quality Italian crepe paper. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, this workshop is perfect for anyone who loves the beauty of flowers and the joy of creating something by hand. Class time approximately 3 hours Price: £30 pp Spots are limited, so reserve yours today! https://www.velvetrosedesigns.co.uk/event-details/acorn-art-paper-sunflower-workshop

Pumpkin Decoupage Sunday 20 October 12-3pm: Unleash your creativity this Autumn by transforming a simple pumpkin into a stunning piece of autumn décor using decoupage techniques. Join us for a fun and festive workshop where you’ll craft a unique pumpkin that’s sure to impress! Price: £30 pp https://www.velvetrosedesigns.co.uk/event-details/acorn-pumpkin-decoupage

There are 2 local venues for Doors Open Day 2024, see below. You can find other locations at https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/

Rhu & Shandon Parish Church will be open Saturday 21 September 2024 (13:00 – 16:00). There has been a church on this site since 1648. The current (and third church – 1851) was designed in a Revival Gothic style by William Spence. A variety of modifications and extensions have been carried out since then. Notably (in 1881) four clocks and chiming bells were added to the octagonal tower. These are still functioning today. The church occupies a prominent place at the heart of village. Members of the congregation will be on hand to show visitors around the Church and graveyard. In the afternoon there will be piano and organ music playing. There will also be refreshments available for a small donation. https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/regions/argyll-bute/rhu-shandon-parish-church

Arrochar Parish Church will be open for Saturday 21 September Doors Open Day 2024, 12-4pm. The Church overlooks Loch Long and the Cobbler and was built in 1847 to replace the 1733 church, the remains of which can still be seen in the old graveyard. There are several stained glass windows, one featuring St Kessog, and the event traces his journey from his home in Cashel in Munster via Strangford Lough to Loch Lomond and beyond. Please see the website for full details https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/places/argyll-bute/arrochar-parish-church/

Jean’s Bothy will be open on both the Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 for Doors Open Day 2024. 11am-3pm. Jean’s Bothy has been in community use since the 1950s and over time has had many uses. For the last 6 years we have developed a number of creative and art based therapeutic groups aimed at improving the local community’s wellbeing. Working in partnership with a number of local groups and businesses we are inspired to include historic influences such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh; John Logie Baird and our very own Jean! For Doors Open Days a number of our groups including art, diamond painting, sewing, crochet and crafts will demonstrate some of their skills to visitors and encourage them to give it a go! More information at https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/regions/argyll-bute/jeans-bothy-helensburgh

You are invited to a Mother Nature Circle! It will happen on the 21st September at Geilston Garden 12md – 1.30pm
We will meet to share our experiences, listen to each other and create a safe space to reflect on our journey as mothers. Mother Nature circles are special spaces where we can recharge and be nourished by sharing our stories and mirroring ourselves into other women’s stories.
The circle will be hosted by Lauren @ Triskele Argyll Circle contribution is £10 plus admission into the garden

Booking at [email protected] Please visit the Friends of Geilston website for more information

Join Gareloch Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) for a family fun day at Ardencaple Livery Yard. Pop along between 1200-1500 for a whole yard of fun, from stalls, games and even a riding demo from some of our riders! Come along to see what the RDA does right here in Helensburgh. The route to Ardencaple is up the track at the end of Patterson Drive and right up to the end where we have parking spaces!
We are so excited to share the day with you that no tickets are needed, the event is free to attend, just pop up and come and say hi!

Details at https://www.facebook.com/GarelochRDA1

The Travelling Theatre Company are delighted to take a trip doon the watter to Helensburgh to present their sell out show, Up A Close.
The play tells the story of Joanna and her life growing up in a tenement flat in Glasgow. When her husband goes missing she starts to relive scenes from her youth and we see the fun times she had. Dancing to the Bay City Rollers, goin’ up the dancing’ with her pal and the wonderful relationship she had with her Auntie Sandra.
Shang-a-lang to the music as you watch Joanna reminisce about the good times and the bad. Up a Close is a very nostalgic, poignant and funny show that will leave you laughing, crying and identifying with all the characters.

Book tickets at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/up-a-close-tickets-873368979127

Accompaniment in traditional Music – workshop with Mark Neal

Open to all chord players (e.g. Guitar, mandolin, piano, bouzouki, harp, accordion etc) who are intermediate level and above, and have a good grasp of basic chords. The workshop will look into keys, chords and structure in traditional music, techniques and theory for expanding your chord selection and rhythms for different types of tunes and songs.

This workshop will be lead by renowned guitarist and singer-songwriter Mark Neal “hailed as one of the most notable guitarists on the traditional music scene” (Ross-shire Journal.) Mark has been working as a professional musician for over 20 years, performing, recording and teaching. He has recorded with various artists but recently released his first solo album ‘Cool Waters.’

This workshop is open to all melody players who are intermediate level and up (fiddle/violin, accordion, mandolin, clàrsach etc) If you would like to find out if your instrument would suit please get in touch by email. In this workshop you will learn some traditional Scottish tunes and gain confidence at picking up tunes by ear. You will also have the chance to learn a few useful phrases in Scottish Gaelic. Sheet music for the tunes will be provided.

The workshop will take place at Helensburgh Baptist Church Hall on Sunday 22nd September, 2pm – 4pm..

• Book your place by emailing [email protected] Cost – Pay as you can on the day of the workshop. All ages welcome – under 16s must bring a guardian.

Accessibility – the workshop will take place on the ground floor, there is a ramp into the building (no stairs) and the venue has a disabled toilet. If you need any assistance or further information please get in touch by email.

This workshop has been made possible by support from the Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig fund.
Mòran taing gu Alba Chruthachail, Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus Fèisean nan Gàidheal. Taing gu Eaglais Bhaisteach Baile Eilidh cuideachd // Huge thanks to Creative Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Fèisean nan Gàidheal for making running this workshop possible, and also to Helensburgh Baptist Church for kindly providing the venue.

This is running in association with the Helensburgh trad music session which happens on the first Monday of the month in the cafe bar at the Commodore Hotel, Helensburgh 7-9pm. All welcome (including under 18s) to join in or listen.

Paper Sunflower Workshop 20 September 6-8pm: A delightful workshop where you’ll learn how to craft stunning sunflowers using high-quality Italian crepe paper. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, this workshop is perfect for anyone who loves the beauty of flowers and the joy of creating something by hand. Class time approximately 3 hours Price: £30 pp Spots are limited, so reserve yours today! https://www.velvetrosedesigns.co.uk/event-details/acorn-art-paper-sunflower-workshop

Pumpkin Decoupage Sunday 20 October 12-3pm: Unleash your creativity this Autumn by transforming a simple pumpkin into a stunning piece of autumn décor using decoupage techniques. Join us for a fun and festive workshop where you’ll craft a unique pumpkin that’s sure to impress! Price: £30 pp https://www.velvetrosedesigns.co.uk/event-details/acorn-pumpkin-decoupage

Beach Cleans with Helensburgh Community Council and Plastic Free Helensburgh. Equipment provided, please bring suitable gloves. See you there, Make Helensburgh Beautiful! Even if you can only manage 30 minutes come along, it all makes a difference.

Helensburgh Pier – Last Saturday of the month at 10-11.30am March to September. Meet at Helensburgh pier.
Helensburgh East Bay – Meet at East Bay opposite Tesco Garage – Saturday 13 April / 15 June / 7 September

Join an experienced guide for this taste walk where you’ll learn the art of identifying, harvesting, and incorporating wild ingredients into your cooking. Discover wild edibles and indulge in pre-prepared, tasters made with the ingredients we encounter. At the end of the walk enjoy a taste of a freshly prepared vegetarian curry using some of the ingredients learned about on the day. Beyond the flavours, you’ll gain valuable knowledge on the benefits and uses of these elements from nature. Take home a collection of recipes, encouraging you to recreate the experience in your own kitchen.

This event is an outdoor event, so remember to dress appropriately with sturdy shoes for a comfortable exploration of the reserve.

Booking essential – book online at https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/76161 Please contact [email protected] asap after booking with dietary information and allergies. Please also get in touch if RSPB Loch Lomond can make any reasonable adjustments on this event for you

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

• Superhero Creatures Trail – 1 July – 31 August, 10am-4pm
  Wildlife Wander – 6 July 10.30am-1pm
  Morning Moth Discovery – 21 July 10am-12 noon
  Wildflower Wander – 28 July 1-3.30pm
  Summer Evening Walk – 6 August 6.30-9pm
  Bat Night 24 August – 7.45-9.45pm
  Wild Food Foraging – 28 September 1-4pm

Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel runs from 2-5 October at the Denny Civic Theatre, Dumbarton. Set in Ballybeg in Ireland in 1936, it tells the story of the 5 Mundie sisters and their brother, Father Jack, with sadness and humour.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/dumbarton-peoples-theatre All tickets only £7.50, or buy from from McDermids Keystore, High Street, Dumbarton, The Scandinavian Shop, Sinclair Street, Helensburgh, at the Box Office on performance nights or email [email protected]

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!

Running 4-31 October (NOT Tuesdays or Wednesdays), find out more by visiting the Faerie Trail website for full booking information

Got an idea for a new group or society? Come along and find out how to get it off the ground.
Fancy volunteering and making new friends? We’d love to hear from you.
Want to learn more about the hall and how it works? Volunteers and board members will be on hand to chat.
Just want to have a wee nosey around our beautiful historic building? You’re more than welcome.
It’s a very informal drop-in afternoon and a chance for us all to show off the hall at the heart of our community.
Look forward to seeing you there

Rachel Walker is a Gaelic singer, songwriter and piano player based in Lochaber. She has extensive performance and recording experience as a solo artist, with bands such as Skipinnish and Cruinn, and as a duo with well known multi-instrumentalist and singer Aaron Jones.

Rachel has worked with many singing groups and choirs, creating bespoke arrangements and passing on her passion for Gaelic song. In 2023, on International Women’s Day she was named in The Scotsman and Hands Up For Trad’s list of 12 women in music and culture and has been added to the Scottish Poetry Library’s list of poets in recognition of her work as a Gaelic Songwriter. As well as being a busy touring musician, Rachel lectures music at UHI North, West and Hebrides, and is the Gaelic song tutor at the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton.
For more information see: www.rachelwalker.co.uk / www.rachelwalkerandaaronjones.com

In this workshop Rachel will teach you a few songs, going through the pronunciation of the words and going over the songs slowly and repetitively so everyone goes away able to retain and enjoy singing them. No prior knowledge of Scottish Gaelic needed. You will be given the lyrics to take home. She will be joined by the other half of her duo, Aaron Jones who will give accompaniment to the songs.

The workshop will take place at Helensburgh Baptist Church Hall on Sunday 6th October, 2pm – 4pm..

• Book your place by emailing [email protected] Cost – Pay as you can on the day of the workshop. All ages welcome – under 16s must bring a guardian.

Accessibility – the workshop will take place on the ground floor, there is a ramp into the building (no stairs) and the venue has a disabled toilet. If you need any assistance or further information please get in touch by email.

This workshop has been made possible by support from the Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig fund.
Mòran taing gu Alba Chruthachail, Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus Fèisean nan Gàidheal. Taing gu Eaglais Bhaisteach Baile Eilidh cuideachd // Huge thanks to Creative Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Fèisean nan Gàidheal for making running this workshop possible, and also to Helensburgh Baptist Church for kindly providing the venue.

This is running in association with the Helensburgh trad music session which happens on the first Monday of the month in the cafe bar at the Commodore Hotel, Helensburgh 7-9pm. All welcome (including under 18s) to join in or listen.

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.

September 10th 2024 The Classical Re-invented – The Brilliant Legacy Of Sir Christopher Wren By Ian Swankie
October 8th 2024 The Trials and Tribulations of Vincent Van Gogh as seen through his works by Carole Petipher
November 12th 2024 Matisse-Master of Colour by Lydia Bauman
10th December 2024 Gotta Dance: The Hollywood Musical by Colin Shindler
14th January 2025 A Renaissance Art in England: Henry V111. Elizabeth 1 and the Greenwich Armourers by Tobias Capwell
11th February 2025 The Wallace Collection: A Palace of Genius
11th March 2025 The Story of Jewellery in Scotland by Clare Blatherwick
15th April 2025 Fashion, Feathers & Feminism: Women’s Fight for Change by Tessa Boase
13th May 2025 Painting Is Dead… Long Live Photography! by Aliki Braine
10th June 2025 Pierrot Heroes – The Evolution Of British Seaside Entertainment by Tony Lidington

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

11 September Stan da Prato: Dwarf bulbs for gardens and greenhouse
9 October Nancy Stevens: The exceedingly curious tale of ‘ a curious herbal’, a book written by Elizabeth Blackwell
13 November Sally Morgan: Understanding soil and composting and peat free guidelines (Zoom talk)
8 Januar Colin Sherwood: Bees in the garden
12 February: Kristyna Barko: The resourceful garden
12 March Kevin Hughes from Cally Gardens: spring gardens in W Scotland
23 April AGM and spring bulb competition

Pumpkin & Play at Monty’s Farm Park 12-20 October, 24-29 October involves: Hunting for your pumpkin in our woods; Getting creative and carving your pumpkin (leaving every bit of mess with us!); Pumpkin themed games; Meet Monty’s mates ….alpacas / pygmy goats / heelan coos / sheep and pigs) 10-4pm; And if you fancy you can top off your pumpkin fun with a 45 min slot of indoor play too!

Pumpkins by Night, 25-26 October: 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. 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 and Say hello to our donkeys, shetland pony and goats and guinea pigs in our flood lit pens at the top of the park. Plus food and drink available to purchase

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