Heritage
A LIFETIME of public service to the people of Helensburgh and District and beyond came to an end in April 2012 when Provost Billy Petrie, OBE, JP, DL, retired from local government.
Like his father before him the local postmaster and a shopkeeper in Rhu, he was first elected to represent the picturesque Garelochside village on the then Helensburgh District Council in 1967.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 21 June 2012 15:26 )
ONE of the leading figures in post World War Two aircraft design, who died on May 24 2012 at the age of 89, began his aviation career in Helensburgh.
In 1943, after leaving Edinburgh University, James Hamilton joined the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment at the Rhu-based RAF Helensburgh.
Last Updated ( Saturday, 16 June 2012 15:54 )
HELENSBURGH Heritage Trust was left with a mystery after fulfilling a sixteen-year dream with the opening of its Heritage Room in Helensburgh Library in West King Street.
But, although a number of experts on local history were present at the opening reception, none could solve the mystery.
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 13 June 2012 10:55 )
HELENSBURGH men gave patriotic service in the Boer War from 1899 to 1901 — and were rewarded with carriage clocks.
Poor logistics and disease made the South African campaign a tough one for the British soldier, men often having to go without basics such as food and water, and enteric fever — which killed many thousands — was a constant drain on manpower.
Last Updated ( Friday, 17 May 2013 13:03 )
A RENOWNED artist who lived all his life in Helensburgh was a friend of the famous Glasgow Boys and a fringe member of the group.
James Whitelaw Hamilton, RSA, RSW, was one of a group of Glasgow area painters — including Sir James Guthrie, E.A. Walton, and John Lavery — who painted in the burgh towards the end of the 19th century.
Last Updated ( Monday, 11 June 2012 17:05 )
TRAINING SHIPS were a way of life — and a hard one — in the Gareloch from 1869 for 54 years.
But Helensburgh and Rhu benefitted in various ways from the two former sailing ships moored off Kidston Point and the boys who lived on them.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 10 June 2012 12:29 )
THE year of 1962 marked the 150th anniversary of Henry Bell's prestigious steamship; in order to highlight and celebrate this occasions Sir William Lithgow composed a letter showing interest in funding construction of a replica of the ‘Comet’ which was to be made seaworthy for a short period of time.
Lithgow contracted George Thompson of Buckie to build the hull of the ship stating:
Last Updated ( Sunday, 14 October 2012 12:03 )
View this photo and over 1,400 more at the Heritage Trust Photo Gallery. Visit the gallery.
The first 2013-14 winter talk is on Wednesday September 25 at 7.30pm at Helensburgh Lawn Tennis Club, when Joe Brown will talk about the historic Ferry Inn at Rosneath. Non-members are most welcome.
HELENSBURGH HERITAGE TRUST
Scottish Charity
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