Were you born and brought up in Falkirk?

I was actually born in Airdrie and when my father came to work at ICI in Grangemouth, the family moved to Falkirk. So really I have lived here for most of my life.

And what about your family and your work?

I have three sons, all married, and two small granddaughters. My husband and I are both now retired. Before I had my family, I worked as a typist. Then when the boys were a bit older, I started back at work at Falkirk Royal as an auxiliary on the children’s ward. I was with the Health Board for 22 years working latterly at Stirling Royal.

When did you join the Church?

I joined St Modan’s Church in 1981. My father didn’t believe in baptism for children and as a result I hadn’t been baptised as a child. I had attended Sunday School in Laurieston Church and then drifted from the Church. But when the boys started attending BB and Sunday School, I started coming to Church again. Along with David Anderson, I attended classes and then we were both baptised as adults.

How have you been involved in the Church?

I was a member of the Guild and treasurer of the Guild for a time; I was an Officer in the BB for 15 years and in charge of the Junior Section for some of that time and I have been an elder since 1996 and a Christian carer too.

What do you like about the services in Hallglen?

I like how everyone knows one another and how friendly it is. The services have a very intimate feel about them. Recently with the joint worship at Hallglen, it has been good to bring everyone together and to see people chatting and sitting in different places in the hall. The atmosphere is freer.

What memories stand out?

My baptism was a very special occasion. Not many adults are baptised and it felt very natural and I was ready to make that commitment. Two of my boys received Queen’s Badges and again these were very memorable occasions.

What does the Church mean to you?

The Church is very important in my life; My faith has always helped me especially when going through some difficult times and when decisions have to be made. I enjoy the fellowship when attending services.

What do you think about the future of the Church and the refurbishment of our own building?

I think there is hope for the Church. When the Church is at its lowest ebb, there is often an influx of people. At the moment we have a lot of young people coming and I was reading that the membership has levelled off and is no longer on the decline. I am quite excited about the refurbishment. I hope that it will be better used as a building and will play a bigger part in the life of the town.

And what about the future for Hallglen?

I hope that the Church in Hallglen will continue and go forward. I would like to see a bit of outreach work into the community. And it would be good if people who have got used to coming up the road to services at Hallglen would maybe continue to come more regularly, perhaps even to the 10am service during the summer. I think people have found the building in Hallglen easily accessible and with good parking facilities. And I think the services up here have broken down the “them and us” barriers and that people will mix more and worship in both buildings.