Mary’s Story

I was born in Mauchline, Ayrshire in 1953, the youngest of four siblings. We lived with my Grandparents who owned a Shop in Mauchline. All three generations lived above the shop, where I was born.

I had a very happy childhood. I always say that at Mauchline PS, we studied not the three ‘R’s’ but 4 ‘R’s’ … Reading, ‘Riting, ‘Rithmetic and Rabbie! To this day I have an abiding love of the Works of Robert Burns.

For my seventh Birthday, my wonderful Parents arranged Piano lessons for me, which I took to … like a duck to water! By the age of thirteen, while at Cumnock Academy, I had already resolutely decided on my career choice … to become a Secondary School Music Teacher. After a great deal of hard work, grit and determination I graduated from Music College in Dundee in 1974 and did indeed go on to teach Music for the next thirty-two years … mainly in Secondary Schools, but also some feeder Primaries – both in Scotland and in England. I LOVED my job – it was a great privilege working with children. The highlight was staging many Concerts and Musical Productions throughout my career.

In 1968 I met Ian at his Cousin’s Wedding. (I had been asked to sing in the Church.) We were young and supported each other during our studies … for Ian Banking exams, for me Music exams.

We were married in Mauchline Old Parish Church in 1975 and Ian is the love of my life. I bless the day I found him!

Ian’s job in Banking took us to Dumfries, Falkirk, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow. What an adventure! Now retired, we live in a rural idyl – near Dumfries. Our passion has been to travel throughout our marriage … we have walked along the Rice Terraces in the Philippines, trekked in the Rainforest in Venezuela, gone on Safari (in tents) in Africa, stood by Shakleton’s grave in South Georgia and trekked amongst the penguins in Antarctica being very fortunate to have visited all seven Continents!

We are dog lovers and currently have our third Chow Chow. We love the breed! Over a period of twenty-three years, we’ve walked thousands of miles in Mabie Forest, which has been good not only for our physical health but our mental well-being too.

In my retirement, I enjoy Tai Chi, reading and entertaining family and friends. Fortunately, I love cooking and baking! Music however, still plays a big part of my life! When I retired, I took up Clarsach and now play in two Harp Groups. We go out to entertain and I also personally, with my Portable Digital Piano, go out to do ‘Singalongs’ with a number of local groups in the community, which is so gratifying!. Music raises the spirits and brings joy!

In August 2022, Ian was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Apart from a raised PSA level, he didn’t present any other symptoms. It was truly a shocking diagnosis! However, Ian’s surgery – a Prostatectomy, successfully dealt with the cancer, which was contained within his prostate. We feel very blessed and humbled by this outcome and the medical treatment Ian received was truly excellent!

The wonderful local Charity – ‘Prostate Buddies D & G’ and Partners has supported us both throughout Ian’s Prostate ‘journey’ for which we are immensely grateful. Now, as a Prostate Partner I aim to ‘give something back’ by helping and supporting others currently facing Prostate ‘issues’ and by raising public awareness.