BBC’s Laura is back to open the school that set her on road to success
She’s more used to Washington and Seoul these days.
But the BBC correspondent Laura Bicker was back in Bellsbank to open the new primary.
And she wasn’t shy this time, admitting: “At school I struggled to even raise my hand, let alone speak out in class.
“The words always got struck in my throat.”
Many moons ago Laura, now 45, was a pupil at the old Bellsbank Primary.
She lived in Craiglea Crescent before moving to Patna and then Ayr with her retired Dalmellington Primary School teacher mum Elizabeth and sister.
Laura was guest of honour and unveiled a commemorative plaque.
Headmaster Donald Currie escorted her on a VIP tour of the £6.1 million development.
Donald said: “This is a great day for Bellsbank and it’s wonderful to welcome Laura Bicker back to this community. We’d initially approached her last year, but COVID-19 cast a shadow over our plans, so we are extremely grateful to her for taking time out of her family holiday.
“As a community we are so proud to recognise the achievements of one of our own and I hope Laura’s visit today will inspire other young people to pursue their dreams.”
The new complex includes the Murray Suite, dedicated to Nancy Murray, Supervisor of the former Bellsbank community wing for over 25 years.
Nancy continues to attend project classes and be heavily involved in the activities of the Bellsbank community.
Laura said: “I feel so honoured to be asked to open Bellsbank’s new primary school. This school, its teachers and this community nurtured and supported myself and my family when we needed it the most.
“When my old teacher Mrs Sloan once spotted me on telly, she said she almost fainted in shock.
“It was a teacher, Mr Paterson, here at Bellsbank, who started the transformation. He encouraged me to write my thoughts down and speak them out loud.
“Thanks to him my voice is now heard around the world. I would not be the foreign correspondent I am today without the experiences I gained at Bellsbank.
“I hope this new school will nurture more young voices from this village and give them the skills and experiences to follow their dreams.”
Councillor Fiona Campbell was joined by Councillors John Bell, Elaine Dinwoodie and Drew Filson at the launch.
Councillor Campbell said: “We are immensely proud of these new facilities and what they will bring to the community and it is perfectly fitting that Laura and her mother official opened them.
“These facilities offer an exciting educational, social and leisure hub in the heart of the village, which will provide an exciting new environment.”
Ashleigh Construction were the contractors and boss Euan Clark said: “As an Ayrshire-based company, projects like these allow us to deliver in the heart of our local communities, providing continued employment and supply chain opportunities. “
Health Secretary and local MSP, Jeane Freeman, was unable to attend.
But she sent a special video message passing on her best wishes to the guests.