We had an interesting speaker at our District meeting in September. She was the guest of DC Ann Wood and they are long term friends. In 2010 Joy was awarded an MBE for her work with the Scottish Children’s Hearings System which provides legal care, protection, and help for under 18 ‘s in legal trouble.

Joy gave a slide presentation about her many years of living on the Isle of Raasay from being a young bride, until she moved to the Glossop area. Raasay is a remote island between the Isle of Skye and mainland Scotland. We heard about the history of the islands, the iron ore mines, and the close knit community of the crofter farming families. From the days with no electricity, hardly any roads, peat fires and a very strict Free Presbyterian Church congregation.

Today the main employment is in tourism, with unique wildlife, interesting geology, outdoor activity and visitors centres, and a Whisky Distillery. She also mentioned the importance of the traditional Ceilidh with social gathering, music and dancing.