Nobody could say that 1977 wasn’t a great year for Blantyre teenager Fiona McGinnes.
Fiona (pictured that year) made a name for herself in Lanarkshire’s badminton circles and finished the season with a long string of successes behind her. She was the County Schools singles champion and County under-21 champion. She also shared trophies for the County under 21 mixed doubles and County schools mixed doubles.
By Summer 1977, she was also a member of the Scottish team in a tournament against players from England, Ireland and Wales. At the time, Fiona had just left Hamilton Grammar School, where she was girls’ captain. In the interview to newspapers which went with this picture, Fiona told of her hopes to go to teacher training college and quality as a physical instruction teacher.
Fiona (17) at the time was a neighbour of mine a few doors up living with her family at Stonefield Crescent, High Blantyre. I’d love to know if she ever did become a PE teacher!?
On Social Media, the following comments received on Facebook :
Ewen Macdonell Yes. Fiona was my mixed doubles partner in Kinghorn when we were a successful team in the Kirkcaldy league. Although she has now stopped playing she and her family remain close friends of ours.
Anne Ellis Great to see this post about Fiona xxx Keep thinking I will bump into her one day in Fife.
Pamela McMorran Thanks for the lovely story. This is my aunt. And she did indeed become a PE teacher.
Helen McCallum Congratulations Fiona on your success