The passing of a long-time friend and fervent supporter

SBBA is saddened to learn of the passing of our honorary member, friend and fervent banding supporter Mary Stewart.

Mary had served SBBA and the WoS Association for not far short of half a century. She was a regular face at the Scottish Championships and SFoB for countless years, managing the programme sales.

During 2000-2017 Mary and her husband Jim, who sadly died last June, looked after the bookings and the setting up of the Kilmarnock Citadel for the WoS area solo and ensemble qualifiers weekend, an occasion for which she prepared and supplied all the catering.

By all reports, her homemade soup was one of the highlights of the annual event!

SBBA president Carrie Boax commented: “My daughter Charlie (who is pictured with Mary) and I spent time talking about Mary and discussed how unbelievable it feels that she has now gone.

“Mary used to share stories of her family, knitting, selling programmes and doing what she loved best – keeping her beloved Jim in check! There will be an empty chair at the programme and ticket stall at our next championships, but there will be some reunion for her with Jim.

“Two diamonds reunited and shining brightly in the sky, my eight year old Evie has so aptly remarked. As for Charlie, she’s worried who’ll make the soup at the next WoSBBA contest!”