Caring Mary calls time on elderly centre work

She was presented with gifts and flowers at her retirement party at the Scottish Mining Museum where more than 100 guests attended, including day care users, colleagues and friends.

Mrs Lothian, 60, joined the St David's Bradbury Centre in Newtongrange as a volunteer in 1988. At the time, the centre offered the elderly assistance and a place of comfort with a chance to go on outings for one day a week.

In 1992, she was given the opportunity to carry on with the line of work in a paid position and took on the role of manager a few years after, which she kept up until three years ago.

She has since witnessed St David's go through many changes as it increased its opening days in a week to five and its staff numbers grew to the 84 it has today.

Mrs Lothian said: "I've met a lot of wonderful people and many of them that join are, like me, passionate about what we're all trying to do.

"Everybody in the community wanted to help."

She added: "It has been difficult at times. Securing funding has always been a constant battle for the rights of the old people and the centre."

The popularity of the day centre meant the centre's expansion from Newtongrange now offers space to elderly individuals and their families across Midlothian.

The centre began with meetings in a single room. Today, as a result of the high demand, it welcomes people to a homely environment in a renovated miners' cottage equipped with an open coal fire.

She said: "We wanted to offer a home environment, a place that wasn't threatening. I remember overhearing two strangers say that St David's was 'the little community house'. It was nice to know we were known as that."

Maureen Moore, who took over the managerial position three years ago, said: "Mary got involved because there was always a need for services for old people, just starting out as a one-day-a-week lunch club.

"She has always been very motivated and full of enthusiasm to work with old people. She never lost that enthusiasm in the 22 years with St David's."

Originally from Edinburgh, Mrs Lothian took up administration jobs after leaving school before she saw the chance to volunteer with the centre. She said: "I've always had a strong bond with older people.

"I was really interested when I saw there was a chance to make a difference in their lives.

"We would not be where we are today without the help of volunteers."

She and her husband, James, now look forward to spending more time with their family, including the newest member, their three-week-old grandchild, Jamie.