Tribute to Past RLCGA and West Vets Captain - June Lockhart -- The very last Post !

June Lockhart (and Molly)
16th June 1949 - 1st May 2022

RLCGA Past Captain and West Vets Past Captain -- June Lockhart (nee Smollett) who was well known to so many in the West of Scotland golfing circles and beyond.-- died on Sunday 1st May and the very large funeral took place yesterday 18th May 2022 with many of her friends including Liz Munro (President of Scottish Golf).  Thanks go to one of June's close friends -  Liz Mavern (Ladies' Captain at Ralston) who passed me on some of the earlier information.

If you were unable to attend you can listen to the Live Stream Video of the Service by CLICKING HERE

In addition  - here is my golfing tribute to June as a very good friend and Past Webmaster of RLCGA  and West Vets with photos and Video links at the end. 

TRIBUTE - GOLF, HOCKEY SINGING AND AFTER DINNER SPEAKER 

June was born on the 16th June 1949 in Aberdeen, the only child of Constance and Robert Smollett, she was also brought up with her Gran and Uncle Billy.  June’s Mum taught her to work hard and ensured she took up a musical instrument. Her Dad would have preferred a boy so she was dragged along to football matches, hence her devotion to the “Dons” and her love of most sports. 

She loved school and went to Aberdeen Academy, playing in about every girls’ team and becoming Head Girl in 1967. It was there that she formed a strong friendship with Jennifer Thompson which lasted 57 years. Her friendship with PE Teachers Morag Clapperton and Sheona Duncan have almost lasted as long. She went on to Graduate MA Hons in Geography from Aberdeen University. 

Whilst at Uni June played Hockey for Scottish and British Universities several times, captaining both. She played for North District and captained there as well. She also played in the first ever under 23 Scottish team which beat the England team 2-1 at Hove (scoring one of the goals). Although she also captained Scottish Reserves, she ‘only’ played for the full team on 4 occasions…. Probably as her good friend Anne Wilson said “she could probably run faster backwards!”. In later years June was a Team Selector for West District and Scotland. 

Photo - Courtesy of Helen Faulds

When she moved to Glasgow she then joined Western Ladies and then Hillhead Hockey Club and played with eg - Helen Faulds, Pat Syme, Dorothy Gilmour, Moyra Withycombe, Lynn Mitchell, Lynn Forsyth and Sheila Moodie 

June started teaching at Camphill High (later to become Gleniffer High) in Paisley in 1972 until she retired from full time teaching partially after illness in 2002 

The Lockharts - Sheona, Gordon, Iain and June

In 1975 June met Iain Lockhart and they were married in 1977 at Aberdeen University They had 2 children Gordon and Sheona  and lived in the West end of Glasgow. Tragedy struck in 2011 when Sheona who had been fighting an illness for many years died at the age of 24. 

Her attentions changed from playing hockey to playing Golf where she became member of Clydebank and District where she became Ladies Captain  and then moved onto Gleddoch Golf Club where she became Club Champion in 2012 and also Lady Captain twice.

After Sheona’s death she then joined Douglas Park Golf Club and made many new friendships. She was a fantastic West of Scotland Greenlees Trophy Team member and gained valuable points for Douglas Park winning many of her matches on the 18th green. She also won numerous medals and was Runner Up in the Ladies’ Senior Championship in 2020.

Belle Robertson, Pamela Feggans,  JuneLockhart and Anne Wilson

In 2009 she played in a Pro Am at Archerfield and - The longest drive was an accumulative prize won by Belle Robertson, Anne Wilson and June who were accompanied by team professional Pamela Feggans who contributed a massive 312 yards with her drive !

She joined Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Golf Association in 2006 and was soon a winner of the Winter Foursomes in 2007 with Gleddoch member Roisin Black She won medals and tri ams on many occasions and was twice a winner of the County Autumn Greensomes with her good pal Shirley Back. She became Caddy Mistress in 2013 for the Inter County matches. 

In her 50’s June became a member of the West Vets an association of the Scottish Veterans Ladies’ Golf Association  - In 2016 after having to go through a “ Big Op” she became the West Vets Captain and had a very successful 2 years of captaincy. 

RLCGA 2018 County Team Runners Up

In 2017 in her 2nd year of West Vets Captaincy she also became Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Captain and took the team through to the Scottish County Team finals played over Kilmacolm in 2018. Renfrewshire just missed out being Champions to Aberdeenshire by an agonising half a point on count back. Despite the disappointment, the team took defeat with very good grace and indeed showed their appreciation of an Aberdeenshire team which hadn't won the title for 34 years.  June maintained a great friendship since then with Ann Smart the then winning Aberdeenshire Captain and at the 110th  RLCGA anniversary dinner in 2019 June said in her speech “ It is not the winning or the losing its the friends you meet along the way” 

In 2021 she played in the West of Scotland Championship at Cochrane Castle and altho’ a scratch competition - June was Runner up in the handicap prize beaten by the better inward half by Lanarkshire’s Jodie Graham from Hamilton who had a very successful day finishing her round with an eagle 2 at the 18th hole ! June was not disappointed in not winning the trophy and laughed when she worked out she was 57 years older than the youngster who just before June’s death had become the 2022 Lanarkshire County Champion 

June has her 3rd Hole in One at Troon

At the Renfrewshire’s  County Beetle Drive Fundraiser in February 2018 , Gleddoch pair Isabell Donnelly and Shirley Back outbid others for a round for 3 with RLCGA President Jennifer Mack at Troon Portland and June was invited to make up the 3rd player.

The ‘oldies’ played the ‘youngsters’ (no names need to be mentioned !) and a very competitive match ended all square, where Captain June made her first contribution at the par 3 4th with a hole-in-one ! 

As they were the only customers upstairs all day, it was not an expensive celebration – a typical Aberdonian. - This was June’s 3rd Hole in One. 

 

In no way was June mean — Her generosity was huge as was Iain’s and at any fundraising events for the County this was clearly seen by many donations of rounds of golf on eg Gleddoch,  Douglas Park and  Glasgow Gailes where bids could be made for four balls and this would help fund the players. 

 

Her after dinner speaking skills and raising of money was fantastic. 

 

She helped organise and then chaired numerous Jean Armour Nights at Gleddoch House Hotel and Hillhead Sports Clubs with a full house on each occasion (Click on Venue Links). 

They were thoroughly enjoyed by large audiences which included many of her golfing friends. She had notable speakers such as Baroness Helen Liddell, Baroness  Annabel Goldie MSP and Ruth Wishart with  Douglas Park’s Helen Faulds and song writer Moira Kerr from Cowglen . These evenings raised many thousands of pounds for Maggies and the Beatson Cancer Charity.

Her way with words was outstanding and she was invited to many golf clubs as being the main  speaker — In fact when she gave a toast to the laddies at Douglas Park’s Burns Night we all remember her performance that evening as one of the best.

June sang alto for many years in The Glasgow Singers Company founded and conducted by Graham Dickie, with performances at The SECC and The Conservatoire.

She was also  part of a group of backing singers on the recording of  Moira Kerr’s  song "Sula Bassana" when she led the altos.

 

Some of the DP Abba Group - -- Avril Berry, June Lockhart,
Helen Faulds Olive Mackay
Front : Chris Dingwall

She also sang in  the alto section of a newly formed choir at Douglas Park Golf Club. With June being a wonderful singer we were always pushing our way to stand next to her to keep in key. Then there was the downfall when singing some complicated Abba numbers at a social evening at Douglas Park in 4 part harmony — Too many glasses of wine and June was unable to hold us all to the tune - Boy did we laugh and Belle Robertson who was the guest speaker must have wondered what was going on !! — The Choir retired gracefully.  

Moira then asked June if she would come and bolster the altos in her choir at Cowglen G C, which of course, being June, she agreed to, but unfortunately, was unable to continue.

June and Bernie Mitchell (Husband of the the Late Lynn Mitchell)

There are so many more stories that can be told and can be summed up by many of the kind words that have been sent in - Bernie Mitchell husband of the late Lynn Mitchell said - "June just got on with it and committed herself to many causes, charitable, sporting and all associated administrative chores. The words, unique and legend, have become all too debased with frequent and inappropriate usage. In the case, however, of our dearest friend, June, they are truly relevant"

REPORTS, PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOS WITH A GOOD HOCKEY STORY

CLICK HERE FOR MANY JUNE PHOTOS 

SOME HOCKEY PHOTOGRAPHS AND PAPER CUTTINGS (MORE PHOTOS TO BE ADDED SOON)

WEST VETS 50th AGM - Report and Photos

110th RLCGA ANNIVERSARY DINNER Report and Videos

JEAN ARMOUR PHOTOS 2013

JEAN ARMOUR PHOTOS 2016

JEAN ARMOUR 2013 VIDEO 

RLCGA 110TH ANNIVERSAY DINNER WITH MORAG CLAPPERTON AND ANN SMART (VERY FUNNY HOCKEY STORY) 

SOME TRIBUTES 

Morag Clapperton (Aberdeenshire Past Captain) 

What a sad day for us all but so much for us all to remember. She was one of the best pupils I ever taught and one of the best hockey players I ever played with, but most of all she was the best and most loyal friend anyone could ever ask for!

Simply the best!!

Gillian Kyle (Past Captain RLCGA) 

It's all just SO sad,  especially when June was such a lovely, good-living person. 

I would like to say what a wonderful, supportive VC June was to me. I really had to twist her arm to take on the role but I persisted as she was such a popular member of the "RLCGA family." She'd been unwell already that year but I promised to look after her & reassured her that we'd make a good team-which we did by winning the County Finals at Glenbervie. She kept meticulous notes as she always wanted to do the right thing for the County & the team. 

She will be sadly missed for her kindness, thoughtfulness & quick wit.

Sandra MacDougall (West Vets and RLCGA) 

It is so sad, Carol - I really can’t believe how quickly it has all happened. 

My regular joke with June was to remind her when Mo Neilson and I played against her in the 4s - she couldn’t understand how we had a combined handicap of 12.25 - until we told her it was out tee time - it always made her laugh.

Donna Jackson (Captain RLCGA)

 June was one of the nicest people I have met and became friends with through playing golf. I will miss the fun and the wicked sense of humour, and the odd swear word that would slip out when she was caddying for you in the county matches. RIP my friend

Ann Smart (Past Captain Aberdeenshire County)

I first met june at the County Finals in 2018 as a fellow captain. We became really good friends. An absolute gem of a lady who never once complained. Didn’t know you long enough June.

Moira Kerr (Past Captain Cowglen  - Singer and great friend)

POEM FOR A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND

Now and then someone comes into your life something just clicks, everything's right

Laughter, fun and compassion ensue you just know that this person's a good fit for you

And when you needed her, she was right there to give you advice, which she handled with care

And you would be there anytime that she asked to help with a noble or trivial task

She has a few nicknames, Joony Poony and Quine and Svetlanna is really a favourite of mine

On her piano, I'll hae a wee tune but I've a long way to go till I play it like June

Her face was fair, her words were kind and a truer friend you'll never find

With the skirl of the pipes

And the swirl of her kilt

She went on her way 

With her hat at a tilt !

So many more tributes on my facebook page and the RLCGA facebook page

" RIP My dear brave, kind and generous friend - you will always be in my thoughts"

Death of Past SLGA Chairman Margaret Rodgers

Margaret on her retirement in 2007 from being SLGA Chairman
Photo courtesy of Carol Fell

From the Midlothian County Ladies Golf Association Website 

 It is with great sadness I tell you of the death of Margaret Rodgers.

Margaret was an Honorary Member, Captain (1997-98) and President (2008-10) of Midlothian County Ladies Golf Association and one of the County’s greatest supporters.  Many of you will know she was also the creator of Michaela, the much loved mascot of the County Squad.

Captain, and a member for most of her life, of Turnhouse, Margaret was a talented player, selector and administrator, and has made a huge contribution to Scottish golf over the years.

I am sure many of you will have a connection, and fond memories, of Margaret. She will be deeply missed.

The funeral is private.

She had also held various SLGA posts in the past, including chairman from 2005-07, and was made an honorary member of the MCLGA in recognition of her work.

In 2006 she led the Scottish Ladies’ Golfing Association and Scottish Golf Union  joint working group to look after the best interests of the amateur game in Scotland. CLICK HERE

A Forever Tribute has been set up by her daughter Jane  dedicated to her memory  CLICK HERE

Margaret - County Finals 2009

Margaret with County Team in 2009

SLGA Counties Centenary 2009

Midlothian Mascot Michaela created by Margaret

Scottish Seniors Championship Strokeplay 2006
Machrihanish

2006 Scottish Senior Matchplay Finalist Fiona De Vries and Helen Faulds
with Margaret Rodgers and Nancy Chisholm

All photos - Courtesy of Carol Fell

Tributes to former SLGA chair and Midlothian stalwart Rodgers

By MARTIN DEMP­STER

The Scotsman

14 Jan 2022

Golf is mourning the death of Margaret Rodgers, a Midlothian stalwart who was at the centre of the unification of the men’s and women’s games in Scotland.

Margaret Rodgers, a well known face in Scottish golf, having been at the heart of an initiative that led to a unified body for the amateur game in the country, has died.

Including a spell as Lady Captain, Rodgers, who hailed from Ireland but lived in Scotland for most of her life, was a member of Turnhouse for 46 years, while she was also a member of Gullane.

A low-handicapper in her day, she won the Turnhouse Ladies’ Championship in1986 and1987 and has her name on six of the nine main ladies’ trophies at the Capital club.

“My first memory of her was playing as her partner in a mixed foursomes soon after I joined Turnhouse in the late 1970s,” said Allan Shaw, a former Lothians Golf Association president.

“My trepidation in playing with a lower handicap lady golfer resulted in me leaving us up against the front face of the bunker at the third green. Undaunted, she demolished the face of the bunker and left me with a two-foot putt and we sailed on after that to finish in the top three.”

Rodgers was  heavily involved in the Midlothian County Ladies Golf Association, becoming an honorary member after stints as captain (1997-98) and president (2008-10).

“She was one of the county’s greatest supporters,” said captain Isla Mccrone in a post on the MCLGA website. “She was also the creator of Michaela, the much-loved mascot of the county squad.”

In 2006, during a spell as chair of the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association, Rodgers was part of a joint-working group with the Scottish Golf Union setup to look after the “best interests of the amateur game in Scotland”.

Alongside SGU chair Alistair Low, she was involved in discussing how the then ruling bodies of Scottish amateur golf could work together for the “betterment of the game, irrespective of gender”.

Though encountering some bumps along the way, Scottish Golf, a unified body, was formed on 1 October, 2015.

“I suppose it was a big step,” said low of that working group. “The ladies were very conscientious and helpful and Margaret was extremely encouraging.”

A post on the Scottish Golf website said of Rodgers: “We are grateful for her vast contributions to Scottish golf over the years.”

Former Scottish Golf president June Mcewan first got to know Rodgers when she was chair of SLGA. she said: “Margaret was always very enthusiastic in promoting women’s golf and in working more closely with the SGU and contributed greatly to the game on many levels.

“She was a good listener, and, on a personal level, encouraged me to have the confidence to further my volunteering within the game. Margaret was a gentle lady with a lovely sense of humour and will be sadly missed.”

Claire Hargan with Midlothian Mascot 
Photo courtesy of Carol Fell

Six-time Midlothian champion Claire Hargan, who is now the Assistant Director - Rules at the R&A, also paid a warm tribute to Rodgers. “Margaret truly was a great ambassador for Scottish women’s golf and for women’s county golf,” said Hargan. “In the 10 or so years I  was involved with Midlothian Ladies County she was always there supporting the team. She was great fun to be around but, behind the scenes, she clearly put in a power of work for the women’s game in Scotland.”

ERSKINE'S MARGOT STEWART HAS DIED

 

Margot in 2020
at lunch at Erskine GC

For those who knew Margot Stewart  (Erskine) - she died on the 15th August at the age of 99 . 

Margot was born in her parents house where she lived in all her days and died at home (not many people could have managed that) -- She was a real feisty lady in fact a bit of a legend.

She was also  Past Secretary of Renfrewshire Ladies' County Golf Association (1989 - 1991) and treasurer for the West Vets for 5 years retiring in 1999

Many hockey players may remember Margot - She was a Scottish Internationalist (Centre Forward) and then a Scottish International and West District Selector in the 60's and 70's  

As she got older and took up golf she started to get a lot of bother with her knees (as many hockey players do !)  and when your webmaster met her at Erskine she would often ask me how my knees were !!

She used to meet the late Dorothea Hastings, Jean Brown and others every Friday for lunch regularly 

She was a real character who loved her regular wee dram at the Golf Club and was able to drive down to the club until she was about 95 - Her car did get a few dents and scrapes !!

She finally got a taxi down to Erskine after that and it took many of of her friends at the club about 15 minutes to get her out the lounge as she would talk non stop to everyone on the way.

You just had to admire her determination and spirit !! 

The Funeral is on Monday 30th and arrangements are in today’s Glasgow Herald - CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK  —- >>  GLASGOW HERALD

GREENLEES STALWART WILLEEN MCCALLUM HAS DIED

Willeen McCallum

It is with great saddness that I have to announce the death of Willeen McCallum who ran the Greenlees league, single handed for 19 years. Her organisational skills, friendly manner and sense of humour stood her in good stead and we all owed her a great debt of gratitude.

In the her time all the Greenlees results were collated manually and then put in the Results Section of the Glasgow Herald

 I don’t think anyone realised how much time and effort Willeen spent making sure that the league ran smoothly through the summers and then followed this up with the presentation lunches and December fixture meetings.

As well as the general day to day running of the league, proposals from clubs had to be dealt with as well as any complaints from clubs - on the whole the latter were not numerous."
"But it all added up to responsibility of running the league."

In her time of office the 50th anniversary took place and she organised a Greenlees Jamboree over Troon Portland. A highly successful day. 3 ball best ball competition with 60 competitors. Lunch provided for some 100 people. -- No mean feat of organisation

Willeen, Anne and Fiona
75th Anniversary Celebration at Cathcart Castle

She then attended the 75th Anniversary Match at Cathcart Castle in 2015  she is seen in the photo with her successor Fiona Roger and Secretary at the time of the 75th Anniversary Anne Dunn

On her retrial in 2008 she said that the highlight of her 20 years in office was the meeting of Mrs Greenlees in 1990 at the 50th Anniversary at Troon. Mrs Greenlees got married at aged 17, had 2 children by the age of 20 and started her golfing career at Prestwick St.Nicholas and died in 1994 aged 94 

Willeen on the other hand started her golfing career at Ranfurly Castle and on her retiral she just managesd to squeeze in at no 9 in the Whitecraigs Greenlees Team..

Willeen was such a character and many of her antics came to the fore as you will see in the video below in 2007 at Prestwick St Nicholas at the Greenlees Presentation Lunch.

She also was a past member of Renfrewshire Ladies'  County Golf Assoiation and member of Whitecraigs GC   -- She will be sorely missed by many 

Funeral details in the Glasgow Herald

Past President of the SLGA and Chairman of the LGU has died aged 100

Margo Bauer

It is with much sadness that Lanarkshire Ladies’ County Golf Association announced the recent death of Past  President and Captain, Margo Bauer.

She celebrated her100th birthday in April.

Margo had also been President of SLGA and Chairman of LGU 

Tributes have been paid to Golf Journalist Jock MacVicar from Dunaverty

Tributes have been paid to Jock MacVicar, one of the best-known figures in Scottish golf through a long and distinguished career as a journalist, after his sudden death on Saturday 3rd April at the age of 83.

MacVicar, who hailed from Southend on the Mull of Kintyre and went to school with seven-time Scottish Women’s champion Belle Robertson, was still working for the Scottish Daily Express up until his sad passing.

The proud Dunaverty member was honoured by both Scottish Golf and the PGA in Scotland in recent years for his services to the sport in the home of golf.

 Belle Robertson and Jock MacVicar, joined former Open champion Paul Lawrie in
being honoured at the 2017 Scottish Golf Awards 

From 2017 --- The Dunaverty duo of Belle Robertson, one of Scotland’s greatest ever amateur players, and renowned Scottish Daily Express golf journalist MacVicar, became the first non-Tour professionals to join the nation’s illustrious golfing ‘Hall of Fame’, alongside past recipients Lawrie, Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance, Sandy Lyle, Bernard Gallacher and Catriona Matthew.  

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO (By Ross Duncan)

The Death of Lady Marjory MacSween - A golfing Tribute

It is with great sadness that I have to announce the sudden death of Lady Marjory MacSween (nee Brown) who was well known to many in the West of Scotland golfing circles and beyond. 

Marjory was brought up in Strathaven, attended Hamilton Academy and was School Captain.  Although she was very sporty and was Captain of the hockey team, she was also very clever and went on to study medicine at Glasgow University.

It was there that she met Roddy MacSween a fellow medical student and married him in 1961.

Marjory became a dermatologist and like her husband was a fine golfer, and supported him in all his professional activities.

She also had a great love of Kintyre with the MacSween cottage in Southend which they restored from an old ruined cottage.

She had a special friendship with Scotland’s Belle Robertson (Dunaverty, Troon Ladies and Dunbartonshire and Argyll Ladies' County Golf Association), Jennifer Mack (Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Golf Association)  and also with Isabel Crawford (SLGA and Ayrshire Ladies’ County Golf Association) who all had known her for many years and enjoyed holidays down in Southend, Kintyre.

She had a very interesting life and had many friends world-wide. She was devoted to her husband and son Gordon and daughter Ruth - all golfers of course! - and to her five grandchildren 2 in Canada and 3 in England. 

She was a  member of Dunaverty, The Ladies Golf Club Troon, Past member of East Renfrewshire Golf Club where she was Ladies’ Captain in 1985 and Strathaven Golf Club where she was Ladies' Captain in 1976

She was also an active past member of Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Golf Association. 

She played in the West of Scotland Greenlees Team,  a past Greenlees Team Captain 

and a Past Ladies’ Captain of Dunaverty. 

She won many trophies and her biggest highlight of her golfing career was reaching the final of the Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Championship in 1999 played over Whitecraigs Golf Club. She played Donna Jackson on that day and although she lost was amazed and so very proud to have made such an achievement.

From the RLCGA General Meeting Minutes (3rd November 1999).

The Captain’s AGM Report stated:

The Championship was played at Whitecraigs amidst snow storms.  Dr Marjory MacSween stormed her way to the final beating shell-shocked county team members on the way.  In the final against Donna Jackson, Donna played like a true champion but credit goes to Marjory who did not go down without a fight.

Some Tributes 

Jennifer Mack (Haggs Castle, Troon Ladies, Dunaverty)

Marjory and I first met in the late 50's when we were both holidaying in Southend, Kintyre.  Marjory's father Dr Brown had a caravan just over the wall from Jock McVicar's house. Jock has been a close friend of the family for many years.   

Isabel Crawford was also a regular at that time as she had relations living in Southend.    I then found myself working for Marjory in the mid 60's when she was in the Dermatology Department of the Western Infirmary.   I admired her enormously as she seemed to cope with so many things and was super-efficient in all aspects of her life.     Over the years we played countless games of golf over Dunaverty, a course very dear to both of us.  Marjory was a very down to earth person and a wonderful source of information about so many things.    She was great at telling a story and it was always interspersed with humour.    

She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren who so loved spending time with their 'Granny Mac'!    

In the words of her daughter in law, she was so bright, bubbly, caring and never complained in spite of her many health issues.       

She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.’.

Sallie Harkness (Haggs Castle, Troon Ladies) 

Marjory joined the Saturday (old) Girls playing at Troon and we also would play on Wednesdays. If the weather was poor we usually went for lunch at Parklands or Loks or the Orchard Park. Marjory was great company whether on the golf course or at the lunch table. She loved Troon but was before a member at East Renfrewshire Golf Club 

In recent years Marjory was attending the Victoria for regular blood transfusions but she did not let her illness get her down and continued with golf when she could. She was still driving her car, busy in the kitchen and garden and keeping in touch via the internet using  FaceTime, Zoom and e-mails.

It’s hard to believe that she is no longer with us for her departure was very sudden. We all miss her for we shall not see her like again.

Isabel Crawford (Ayrshire Ladies’ County Golf Association) 

I had known Marjory for over 60 years!

We holidayed at Southend in July, Marjory in August … her caravan was always parked at the end of Dunaverty beach to be near Angus and Jean MacVicar (their son Jock, became the long-time renowned Scottish Daily Express golf journalist)

They were great friends and Marjory and her sister Anne were often to be found in Achnamara for a wee bit of home baking while their father fished in the local rivers and lochs.

It was really that association that encouraged both Marjory and Roddy to play golf.

It was Angus MacVicar who encouraged Marjory to play and they had many keenly fought rounds over Dunaverty.

Marjory loved Southend and thoroughly enjoyed being there with her family … she was a very welcoming hostess, extremely kind to many local events and to villagers and took pleasure in keeping up with all village news and gossip !

Her zest for life, her lovely sense of fun and humour, and her keen interest in folk in Kintyre made her a popular semi local !

Her influence will be felt in this part of the world for many years

Carol Fell (Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Golf Association)

I met Marjory through East Renfrewshire Golf Club and playing County Golf. 

Roddy’s end of life care in 2015 was in Mearnskirk Hospital in Newton Mearns as was my mothers. Marjory and I used to chat on numerous occasions and even at these sad times she did make me laugh. I remember one day looking out of Mum’s bedroom window and seeing  Marjory’s daughter Ruth and her new husband on their wedding day, the sun shining and all the family sitting with Roddy out in the hospital gardens — It was such a special day for them all. 

She was a very special person and will be missed by so many including all those from RLCGA that knew her so well

Anne Jamieson (Strathaven Golf Club Ladies Section) - Marjory joined as member in 1956 and was Ladies' Captain on 1976. She played in our annual Past Captains’ Competition until a few years ago and regular visited the club with her sister Anne until lockdown. She will be fondly remembered by those who all knew her.

Donna Jackson (RLCGA and Troon Ladies)

Marjory was a lovely lady, and so sorry to hear the sad news — and I do remember that County Championship final at Whitecraigs played in the snow — which brought it all back !! Always enjoyed a wee chat when down at Troon playing on a Saturday with the Saturday Girls.

From the Glasgow Herald  Isabel Dawson said -- We remember her with real affection, it is only a few weeks since she addressed the haggis for us at our Lunch and Social Club for people living with dementia, using the Burns book presented to her mother at Glasgow High School 100 years ago. Marjory had been a committed volunteer at the club for many years. As we remembered her it was with thankfulness for the fun and laughter she brought into our lives

GLASGOW HERALD --- MACSWEEN - Lady Marjory With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Lady Marjory MacSween. Wife of the late Professor Sir Roddy MacSween, irreplaceable mother of Ruth and Gordon, mother-in-law to Graeme and Jo, beloved Granny Mac to grandchildren Ben, Tess, Jamie, Sammy and Alex, she will be missed by all. She was a true force of nature in her time, and those who knew her will miss her joie de vivre, her soup, her baking, and her general enthusiasm for all things, especially family, friends, golf, and garden. Determined, strong, competitive, witty, and sharp as a tac to the end, her legendary putt-sinking, card-sharpening and crossword-solving skills and her utterly indomitable spirit will live on for some time, we suspect. A fitting Celebration of Life will be held at a later date - Ruth and Gordon will confirm when lock down allows   

CLICK HERE TO PRINT OR DOWNLOAD THIS TRIBUTE 

From Gordon MacSween (Son)

Just to say thanks to you all for contributing to this fantastic tribute to Mum - both in writing it and creating the stories themselves! 

 I remember Mum calling in after each round of the Renfewshire Ladies' County Championships with another scalp for team MacSween - one of the many things she did that continue to inspire me and her grandchildren. 

 These stories are so heartwarming to hear, and we're looking forward to more when we can all meet to celebrate Mum's life - hopefully in September.

RENFREWSHIRE GOLFING STALWART NAN BLAIR (NEE MENZIES) HAS DIED

Home Internationals 1955 - Scottish Team 
Nan Blair (2nd from Right - back row) - All names in photo within the link in the Album below

PHOTO ALBUM OF NAN BLAIR 

It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Renfrewshire Ladies’ County Member Nan Blair (nee Menzies) 

Nan was a member of Erskine GC and then Ranfurly Castle GC and was one of the longest serving members of the County having joined in 1950 (70 years ago)

Nan, daughter of Alec Menzies who was a Scottish International golfer himself was selected to play in the Home Internationals at Royal Portrush after winning the RLCGA County Championship over Erskine in 1955 in devastating style, when she beat the West of Scotland Champion May Drummond of Paisley by 7 and 6.

In 1956 Miss Bettie Hendry (D&A) gave Nan Blair’s mother Mrs May Menzies £250 to start the West of Scotland Girls' Association. 

May Menzies was the first Chairman and she was assisted by Miss Jean McCulloch (West Kilbride), Irma Douglas (Wishaw), Mrs Nell McLean and Mrs Jean Buchanan (both Ranfurly Castle)  and Mrs Helen Lyon (East Renfrewshire) -  Together they formed the first committee of the WOSGGA. 

What insight these ladies had and because of them the association has been able to provide support and encouragement for girl golfers throughout the West of Scotland. There have been hundreds of members over the years -- some of whom have gone on to make golf their career and are well known names in the world of professional golf -- Mhairi MacKay, Janice Moodie and many more

Nan often relegated her golf to holiday golf, because of her Medical University examinations. However, intensive practice brought her game to its peak which made that year a very memorable one 

She was part of the Renfrewshire Team which, in 1954, at Gleneagles won the Scottish County Finals for the first time.  She was also in the winning teams in 1956 at Elie and and 1957 at Balgownie

She was then selected as Captain of the Scottish Girls’ team at the British Girls Championship at Troon Portland in 1966 - Nan who was a GP  then retired and lived in Bridge of Weir where she very much enjoyed art and music

When the County had their Centenary Celebrations in 2009 Nan took pride of place with RLCGA to cut the Centenary Cake with Centenary Captain Christeen Finlayson and the other longest serving member Heather Anderson. -- See Video

We send her daughters Judith and Jane and all her family our deepest condolences

Glasgow Herald  (4th December) 

BLAIR - Nan Aged 87 years, died peacefully at Elderslie Nursing Home on Monday 30th November 2020, beloved wife of Donald, proud mother of Judith and Jane and adoring grandmother of Hannah and Rory, retired GP to many in Bridge of Weir and Houston, friend to many more. Due to current restrictions, the funeral will be private at Woodside Crematorium on Monday 14th December at 11.30am. The family would be grateful for any donations in place of flowers to Alzheimer's UK.