The musician who went from choir to headlining festivals

We delved into the Barrhead News archives to pick out some of the stories from over a decade ago.

Here are some photographs from our edition which was published on Wednesday, September 11, 2013.

Do you remember these stories or spot any familiar faces?

1. Former school and church choir singer Francesca Kimberley was guest of honour on Barrhead’s Pulse FM community radio station, with the station playing her upcoming single ‘Thank You’. Having just finished recording at Glasgow’s The Boombox studios, Francesca was also fresh off the back of critically acclaimed performances at the Edinburgh Fringe festival and Kentford festival. 

2. Over the previous year, East Renfrewshire Council's Active Schools Programme saw its highest-ever number of young people taking part in out-of-school hours sport and physical activities.

3. A former frontline police officer took over the reins as Barrhead High School’s campus cop. Constable Alan Walker settled into his new role at the Aurs Road school after taking over from Constable Cotton at the start of term.

4. Barrhead Fire Station’s firefighters were on red hot form when the station opened its doors to the public. Firefighters showed off training drills and equipment to delighted youngsters and parents.

5. St Luke’s selected their head girl and head boy from their new sixth year. Catherine Hunter and Blair Wilson came out top in an election held by their peers.

6. Legendary Neilston folk band The Skunnered were on the verge of releasing their latest album - 'Best Laid Plans'. The four-piece had been sitting at the top of the celtic charts on popular music website Reverb Nation for over a year.