Birthday Gal

Published 26 Aug 2010 09:30

A BEITH woman - dubbed the ‘grand old lady of Beith’ - is celebrating her 90th birthday this month.

Born on August 1, 1920 to Dan McKechan and Maggie Robertson, Mary Howatson (nee McKechan) was born into the farming life and was raised at West Overon on the Trearne Estate of the Ralston-Patrick family, farmed by her father. Also enjoying a long life, Mary’s father who was born in 1885 and lived to the age of 104, dying only in 1989 and remaining bright and active until shortly before his passing.

Attending Gateside Primary aged 5, Mary recalls the headmistress, Miss Pearson as being rather stern, but very keen to ensure that the children learned in a disciplined manner. Leaving Gateside aged 12 she continued her education at Beith Academy. The old school, on the site of the current primary had, she said, the finest gymnasium in Scotland at that time and could even boast showers for the pupils.

Rather than leaving school at the usual age of 14, Mary won a £5 bursary which allowed her to continue her education until the age of 15. With memories of walking to Gateside School and cycling to Beith Academy, the nonagenarian proudly recalls having a perfect school attendance record.

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.

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This article appeared in Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald 26 Aug 10

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