I think it would be difficult for anyone creating this website not to have a special page for Julia Glendinning. She was born in 1930 and knew everyone who was related to James Buchanan Stewart and Elizabeth Millar Martin, her Grandparents. It could be said that they brought her up as she probably saw more of them than her mother and father.
On leaving school at 14 in 1944 her first job was working in Trotters factory which made and supplied material for the war effort. A few years later she joined her mother Agnes working at the Home Bakery and tearoom at the Castle. She remained there and worked long hours after Agnes bought the rest of the building in 1958 and expanded the premises. This involved taking a van out on the road to sell the bakery products.
This continued until late 1980 when the business was sold and mother Agnes retired. Julia found employment at the Royal Hotel in Cumnock. Almost everyone in New Cumnock knew Julia through her rounds in the van, cheery disposition and ability to speak to anyone.
A few weeks ago, I bumped into an ex-classmate who became a well known builder. Out of the blue he said, ‘I really liked your Aunt Julia, she was always the same when you met her.’ Yes, she touched the lives of many individuals.
Julia in Primary 1 in 1936.
Julia is in the third row, fifth from the left
A relatively young Julia and one of the many photos of her. No date as to when the photo was taken but I would guess around 1950.
Julia worked hard for Glendinning’s Bakery and put in long hours. Here she is in her van doing the rounds. No date on the photo but I would guess around 1970’s.
There were many family gatherings at the home above the shop on a saturday night. On one occasion Julia did not appear by 10.00pm and someone was dispatched to check the garage at the back of the shop. The van was in the garage and Julia was in the driving seat sleeping!
I reminded her of this a few years ago and she said that sometimes her eyes were closed and she was praying!
Julia at the steps to the garden at the back of the home bakery.
Circa Early 1970’s
Another Purvey that just happened to be on Julia’s birthday.
L to R: Nessie Miller, Nancy Glendinning, Unknown, Julia, Hamilton Beck?, Agnes Glendinning, Elma Paterson, Betsy Sanderson.
Circa 1964
Children From Belarus
The Baptist Church in New Cumnock had contact with a church in Belarus. The southern area of Belarus some 23% was heavily contaminated when the Chernobyl Disaster happened in 1986. The effect on this population was an increase in cancers and early death. It was thought that children benefitted from living away from Belarus in a less contaminated area for as long as possible. So, a group of children came to live in New Cumnock for a few weeks. Julia had two of them stay with her.
Two girls from Belarus. I think one was called Yulia. I think they settled in quite quickly.
They caught on to the local literature.
On the phone home to Mum.
It was handy that Julia had a piano.
Lending a hand in the kitchen.
Julia having a great time.
I am absolutely certain that these two little girls had a wonderful time in New Cumnock and the places they were taken courtesy of the Baptist Church. A few weeks later this little girl wrote to Julia to thank her for their time with her. I remember that she wrote, “You good woman.” Unfortunately I do not know what happened to these girls after they returned home.