Assistant Well boss nets a diamond day
Talented animal lovers asked to help provide vital equipment
The Scottish SPCA is urgently appealing to animal lovers to donate reusable face masks for its dedicated team.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity has been struggling to keep up with demand of disposable protective equipment so is asking members of the public to consider making them from tightly-woven cotton material.
There are around 170 members of staff working in the society’s animal rescue and rehoming centres, all in need of facial protection.
Scottish SPCA deputy head of field operations, Graeme Innes, said: “Our centres are closed to the public but we need to make sure our staff are safe and able to provide the animals with the best possible care.
“We are finding it hard to meet the needs of our staff as the disposable face masks we have are being used at an alarming rate.
“We are hoping that the public might be able to spare the time and materials to make us masks that
It was sensational sunshine and smiles for a Motherwell couple as they celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss.
Just days before lovebirds Frank and Margaret Connor exchanged vows on June 11, 1960, musical icon Barbra Streisand was born.
And Margaret was truly a woman in love when she wed her one true love.
Former footballer Frank and Margaret, both 84, met at the Airdrie Palais when the 21-yearolds’ eyes met across a crowded dance floor.
Their relationship blossomed before Frank was called up to serve his national service as a driver in the Army.
A year later the diamond duo tied the knot at Corpus Christi Church in Calderbank, surrounded by family and friends in a beautiful ceremony conducted by Father Peter Murphy.
Margaret said: “We got to know one another and then Frank had to go away to the Army for two years.
“He was one of the last to be called up for national service and used to drive the troops.
“We got married a year after he came out of the Army.”
The happy couple began married life in Airdrie, where they raised their seven children: Thomas; Margaret; Martin; Frankie; Ann; Kirsteen and Geraldine, and spent 18 fantastic years.
They then moved to their current home in Motherwell in 1984 and have 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Frank was a sheet metal worker, before his love of the beautiful game opened the doors to a playing career at Blantyre Celtic and Raith Rovers.
He then went on to manage Berwick Rangers, before being appointed assistant manager at Motherwell FC under then manager Jock Wallace.
After a brief stint in Ireland, Frank concluded his career as assistant manager at Celtic before his retirement.
His passion for football began as a youngster watching Airdrieonians with his dad Tom, a former Airdrie provost.
Margaret explained: “Frank has one aim and one hobby in life; he loved and lived for football.
“He was always in teams at school and in the Army.
“Football was Frank’s life.”
Margaret, from Calderbank, began her career as a seamstress in Spelman’s sewing factory in Newhouse and worked for light engineering company Ranco for more than five years, before starting her family.
Along with her love of baking, dressmaking and knitting, Margaret is a keen bowler and member of Dalzell Bowling Club.
She enthused: “I used to make outfits for the girls and knitted. I like to read but I’m not a prolific reader.”
Before lockdown restrictions were imposed, the perfect pair had planned a diamond anniversary meal at the Moorings Hotel.
Margaret added: “It was a quieter day than it would have been, but there were a few surprises for us.”
Margaret revealed the secret to the couple’s happy 60-year union is to “always be honest with one another; spend time together and just enjoy each other’s company”. will be readily used by our staff across Scotland.
“Please make sure you include your name and contact phone number or email address in your package.
“Everyone who makes a mask for us will be entered in to a prize draw to win an exclusive, private tour around our National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Clackmannanshire.
“If people are able to create these essential items for us, we will appreciate every last one.”