local community, local business, local life .........
to be here someday : Book release A new book about Scottish band Deacon Blue has been written by a Kilmacolm-raised writer. Journalist Paul English, who grew up in the village and attended Kilmacolm Primary and St Stephen’s in Port Glasgow in the 80s & 90s, collaborated with the multi-million selling act on their first authorised book. Entitled To Be Here Someday, after the lyric from their best-known song Dignity, the book is a chronological history of the band, originally formed in Glasgow in 1986. Paul, a freelance newspaper journalist and broadcaster, conducted extensive interviews with band members past and present, charting their early days, their rise to become an arena act in the 1990s, their split and eventual reformation. The book also contains entries from hundreds of fans, including well-known names like Hollywood actor Alan Cumming, American chat show host Craig Ferguson and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Paul said: “It was a really big deal to be given the opportunity, because Deacon Blue are one of the bands whose music has stayed with me since I was a teenager. They’ve a really loyal fan base, and some of the stories the fans shared about what their music has meant to them are quite moving.” Deacon Blue, fronted by lead singer Ricky Ross and wife Lorraine McIntosh, have sold seven million albums worldwide in a 30 year career, with hits including Real Gone Kid, Fergus Sings The Blues and Chocolate Girl. Their drummer, TV presenter Dougie Vipond, comes from Inchinnan. Paul said: “It was fascinating to have access to the band’s own collection of photos and other archive bits and bobs from down through the years. They were really generous with their time, and quite frank with their stories, too.” The book, published by This Day In Music, is being released next month in standard issue hardback, with a special limited edition box set featuring a new 7” single with two unreleased versions of Dignity also available to fans. Paul said: “Hopefully fans of the band will learn a few things they didn’t know, as well as just how much this band’s music means to people.” To Be Here Someday is available for pre-order from thisdayinmusicbooks.com. images: © Carlo Paloni / BAFTA Scotland
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Port Glasgow High School Councillor David Wilson reports, “The new head at Port Glasgow High School has settled in. We wish her predecessor Stuart Clark well in East Renfrewshire. “The school continues to impress with 5 pupils attaining 5 A’s in the highers and 24% achieving 5+. Advanced higher Chemistry and Biology and higher Sociology are now available in the curriculum. “My schools are slowly opening up and I certainly have missed prizegivings, musical extravaganzas and parent councils. 5 minute telephone call, parents nights are the best that can be done under the circumstances, but it does give the teacher an opportunity to update parents on their children’s progress. Needs must.”
Helensburgh Winter Festival 2021 This year the Winter Festival is back and will be held in Helensburgh on Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th November from 10am - 5pm! Over 70 stalls with 12 hot food units, over 50 craft stalls and at least 12 market stalls. The School’s Penguin Competition has already been launched, which follows last year’s very successful virtual competition. This year we have a number of kiddies fairground rides, a twister ride as well as the ever-popular bungee trampoline. In the centre of Colquhoun Square will be our Festival Stage where music and dance acts will perform over the two days, featuring many local acts. Returning this year on Sunday is our Classic Car Show, & there will also be a vintage fire engine! We are planning for Frozen characters & penguins to be out and about in the Square giving photo opportunities for families. There will be a Tombola stall with some fantastic prizes to win all donated by local businesses. Grey Matters are holding a knitted Penguin Hunt Competition supported by local businesses. The Rotary Club of Helensburgh & Lomondside is hosting Santa’s Grotto on Saturday and The Round Table Santa Dash is back on Sunday. New for this year will be a Best Dressed Pet competition as well as a buskers corner. The Xmas light switch on is the week before, so the square will have a real Christmas feel and a great atmosphere! The Helensburgh Winter Festival is a registered charity and relies on the help of volunteers all year round. If you wish to help in some way or volunteer over the weekend, please send us a message! https://www.facebook.com/events/618392962903355/
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