Where are they now?

Sir, Going through some old papers recently, I came across a letter from Miss M Argo, head teacher of Brodick Primary School at the time. That time was Thursday June 2, circa 1990 (there was no date on the letter). I had given a spinning demonstration and mini workshop to her class, consisting of around 20 pupils, in the Arran Heritage Museum where I was involved with the running and displays over several years between 1985 and 1995. Accompanying Miss Argo’s letter was one from each of the pupils, thanking me for my input. But, and this is the point, those pupils were contemporaries of my own children (who attended Pirnmill School), and are now around 40 years old. Presumably, many of those pupils will now have families of their own.

My children have gone on to follow careers in car- ing for others quite independently. Amy, the eldest, co-ordinating housing requirements for those in need, Richard, now an academic and adviser to various agencies including the UN, specialising in the rehabilitation of ex-child combatants in former war zones around the world, including some where conflict is still on-going, and David, my youngest, caring for children, adolescents and adults with special needs and social problems.

David now works in Manchester; Amy is based in Cheshire and Richard in rural France, but is often out in the field – Nepal, Croatia and, on-going, Kabul in Afghanistan. They do what I would find difficult to do and I’m very proud of them.

For my part, I prefer to pass on enthusiasm and whatever knowledge I can to those who will benefit, thereby enriching their lives, my experience and qualifications in heritage studies enabling me to do just that from my home in Oswestry, Shropshire.

As you can see from the above, my family and I have all moved on, but Arran still plays a vital part in our lives. Amy was married on Arran and her oldest child is called Arran.

David visits Arran, keeps in touch with former school friends and Richard likewise. I have fond memories of the people of Arran for the most part, few bad ones. Arran gave us a feeling of belonging, a local identity and a greater un-

derstanding of other people’s needs. I wonder if the children, who enjoyed their day in the Arran Heritage Museum all those years ago, have similar feelings to us.

Do they still live in Arran? How many have moved away? I feel there’s a dissertation there for someone, just how much influence does living on an island like Arran have over your outlook on life? Does it make you a greater lover of peace?

It’s with these thoughts in mind, particularly as the year draws to a close and a new one begins, that I ask again, “Arran’s children. Where are they now?”

Let me wish all in Arran of whatever political persuasion and faith, and those with none, like myself, a peaceful and happy new year to come.

Yours,

Clive Bowd, Shropshire.