When did you join Falkirk Old and St Modan’s?

Iain and I joined in October 1976.  Mr Paterson very kindly allowed us to join in the Session Room rather than at the front of the Church as I was pregnant with my first children (twins) and he didn’t want to embarrass me!  I went into hospital the following week and they were born in December.  We married at the end of 1974 which was when we came to live in Falkirk.

So what made you choose this church?

We did attend services at a few churches but to be honest the shape of the building played a part in our decision!   With the church being round, it seemed to encourage friendliness and a welcoming atmosphere.  Although services were more formal then I felt quite at home and Mr Paterson was very kind to us.

Where were you brought up?

I was brought up on the Isle of Bute, initially on a farm near Kingarth and then we moved into Rothesay.  I left when I went to university aged 17.

What did you study at university?

I studied geography and sociology and then went on to do teacher training at Jordanhill.  It was very different then from now and when I qualified I had a choice of jobs.  I worked at Bannockburn High School for over 3 years, stopping when I went on maternity leave.

Did you go back to teaching?

I did some supply teaching and some voluntary work with Unicef in the schools. Later when the family were all independent,  I worked at Forth Valley Education Business Partnership which later merged to become part of Careers Scotland.  For the last five years I worked with Blythswood Care doing fundraising. I retired at Christmas.

What family do you have?

I have three sons and a daughter and two wee granddaughters.

How have you been involved in church life?

In the early years I was a member of the Peace and Justice group, attended young Wives meetings and helped with fellowship events and with Sunday school.  I was made an elder in 1989 and have been a pastoral visitor since then.  I am on the fundraising group and 2011 planning group.  I was on the magazine stapling group and helped with the production of the magazine and at the beginning of 2009 became the Editor of the magazine.

How hard is it to put together the magazine?

Generally I come up with a theme (along with Robert) and then chase up people who I think could contribute something related to that theme.  And with all that has been going on in the church there are always lots of things to report on.  It does take a bit of time to put the magazine together and I have been grateful on many occasions for the help of Jim Summers (the previous editor) for his IT skills in coming to my rescue! I would love it if more people gave me articles and photos for the magazine – I might not always be able to use everything but it would be great to have lots of material.to pick and choose from.

What do you get from being a member of this church?

A great deal! I have so many good friends in church – people who care and support you in good and bad times and with whom you can share what is happening in your life.  I often feel after the service really uplifted and encouraged and ready for another week and whatever that may bring.

How would you describe your faith and who has influenced it?

Everyone has doubts now and again and often it is hard to see God’s plan working in our lives.  But I have no doubt that there is a plan and that despite all the questions and challenges we face, believing in him is the only way forward.

I was very much influenced by Leith Fisher in his preaching and the way he lived his life. Later many of the people I met through my work with Blythswood  inspired and encouraged me – not just ministers but also many ordinary members of congregations with a strong faith which is central to their lives.  I have also found much to think about in Robert’s sermons and there are other members of the church who have mentored and encouraged me and discussed their faith and beliefs with me.  I still have a lot to learn but I want to continue on that journey.