My best Day with Mum

Cameron Munro

1964

It was Thursday August 13, 1964. This is the day that if I had the chance to live again I would choose.

My mother and me went to Edinburgh for the day from our home in Paisley. What was unusual was that we flew there from Renfrew Airport. It was a friend of my grandfather George Wedell who had suggested it. He used to come visiting my grandfather James Morrison at our home in 126 Invanhoe Road, Foxbar, Paisley.

At the time my maternal grandmother Jean Morrison (Milton) was critically ill and died in early August. I was 10 years old at the time and rather oblivious.

The morning of our trip I recall so well. What was memorable was my mother laying out on the table for my father the insurance policies. I still recall that; I suspect it in part explains my dreadful fear of flying.

Renfrew Airport was tiny and we were delayed. I remember walking onto the plane. (I suspect it was a Herald.)

Another feature I recall was when we took off my mum pointed out Woodside Crematorium where my Gran's funeral was held. In fairness she also pointed out Ever Ready in Hillington where my grandfather worked.

I seem to recall it was enjoyable but only took 15 minutes. The airport in Edinburgh at that time was called Turnhouse.I was staggered to discover that on a cloudy day above the clouds was sunshine! What did I think?

When we arrived we took the bus into town and visited the zoo etc. My mum was insistent that we get to the castle for the one o'clock gun. I recall hearing it going off as we climbed the Royal Mile. We visited cafes and had such a great time.

My mum bought me a white football. Perhaps I had some money to contribute. It lasted a long time; the flight back I remember was one of sunshine.

We arrived home with stories to tell. I am sure my mum was sad at the time but she made the day so special. I have one physical memory and that is a set of 4 pictures we had taken in one of these booths that were very new in the early 1960's. My mum looks so young and attractive. She was 36 at the time.

Such wonderful memories that retain their emotion as I recall them when writing.