Looking back: What was happening in Clydebank fifteen years ago?

We have delved into the Post’s archives to pick out some stories from over a decade ago.

Here are some photographs from our edition published on Wednesday, January 14, 2009.

Do you remember these stories or spot any familiar faces?

1. WW1 veteran recognised with bravery award

Jim's nephew Bill Closs holding a copy of his uncle's bravery award (Image: Archives)An unsung hero was finally to get recognition in his home town more than 60 years after he risked his life to save others during the Clydebank Blitz.

First aider Jim Closs tended to 126 wounded people during the two-day bombardment in March 1941.

He managed this despite only having the use of one eye and one arm – after being injured himself in the First World War.

In recognition of his actions in Clydebank Jim received a bravery award from King George, presented to him by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

2. Golden Years

[Left to right]: Melville and Mary Cowan with Provost Denis Agnew (Image: Archives)A golden couple were celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss with family and a special visit from Provost (at the time of publication) Denis Agnew.

Melville and Mary Cowan were married on December 19, 1958, in Glasgow and moved soon after to Dalmuir. The couple later relocated to Faifley.

3. Fundraiser is ship-shape

A team of shipbuilders who helped build the Type-45 destroyer fleet on the River Clyde raised £2,410 for a war veterans’ hospital.

The BVT Surface Fleet crew, based in Scotstoun, raised money for Erskine Hospital through different events including a tuck shop, a hair-cutting service, a laundry service, race night, and quiz night.

4. Pizza promise

Pupils at a Clydebank school were on their best behaviour all term thanks to a pizza promise.

Each class at Kilbowie Primary had to win pizza points which were counted at the end of each week.

The children could win points by lining up quickly and quietly, working hard, and having excellent behaviour and good manners.

The pizza was provided by Dominos in Clyde Shopping Centre.

The overall winners were primary one and primary seven who enjoyed a delicious pizza party.

5. Hut is where the heart is

Paul Smith (Image: Archives)Youth project leader Paul Smith had been running the Temple Shafton Youth Project, also known as ‘The Hut’, for four years (at the time of publication) and had been involved in youth work since a teen.

The 48-year-old moved to the area from his hometown of Birmingham 20 years ago as a promising football coach.

His work for football clubs unearthed such talents as Scotland star James McFadden and midfielder Stephen Hughes, but Paul decided to switch from a career in the game to run youth projects in some of the most deprived areas in the west of Scotland.

6. Gala event fun

Clydebank College’s Princes Trust team at the time held a gala event at the Skypoint Centre in Faifley as part of its annual activities.

Team members raised charity cash with everything from a cake bake sale and sponge throw to guessing the teddy’s birthday and a bouncy castle.