Voice reporter Gillian spent some time with James Henderson (Jim), for another interview in the On the Ground series. The featured images shows Jim with his late wife, Mary Ina, in Australia a few years ago.
Born James Henderson, Isle of Arran, 1943
What do you regard as the best of the island? I have travelled to many parts of the World. Selected parts of the UK, Canary Islands, Malta, Turkey, Hong Kong & China; three times to Australia. Given an open choice there is nowhere I would rather live. The Island has a lot of pluses and minuses, but every time I reach Ardrossan it is time for home.
Can you tell us about your work, past and present? I served my time as a joiner in Lamlash. Left my employer in 1977 and began being self-employed until I retired in 2008. Shortly after leaving in 1977, I was proposed to join the golf club committee. Within 8 weeks asked to take on the role as Secretary and I have been associated with the club for over 47 years and counting. During the time, I also acted as an agent for an insurance company and was Secretary / Treasurer for the Arran Golfers Association. Also, part of the group who founded the Arran Golf Pass.
What has retirement brought to you? Opened a few other voluntary doors, becoming – Trustee of Coast, Secretary of the Arran Voice, Secretary of the Arran Community Council. And I have authored two books – Golf on Arran, and Arran to Canada – One Way.
And your pleasure? Too many to mention, but apart from what has been recorded above – my family. I have one son Murdo, and his wife Fiona. They have two daughters. He trained and became a leader in Strathclyde fire brigade. And I have a daughter, Shona, a self-employed medical secretary, with one son and two daughters. One has just made me a Great Grandfather.
Who or what is your inspiration? I probably have a few- the cautious advice and support of my father. My employer George McArthur, he married late in life and his knowledge of Arran and family relationships was remarkable. Also, mentor Charlie Stirling, whom I worked with for 3 years. As a teenager with no particular ambition, he taught me the value of a day’s work. Much of his teaching I still make use of to this day.
How do you de-stress? I do not get stressed- as my son often says- if you were any more laid back- you would be horizontal.
And can you tell us about your achievements? Again, there is quite a number I could relate. I constructed the home I live in to this day at the age of 23. I was instrumental in the Golf Champion of Champions, which has become one of the most important golf events on Arran. I was also instrumental at the start of the Lamlash Open, which has just celebrated the 40th anniversary. I assisted in the creation of the Arran Golf Pass, which is now recognised World Wide. While I have been involved in COAST, it has become internationally recognised and acts as a guideline for other marine conservation organisations. I am currently assisting Coast to purchase the Tennis Court.
What is would your mantra be? Treat everyone, no matter their race or religion, in the manner that I would like to be treated.
And the next stages of life? I have a third book about Arran on the desk. Regards time- I have often wondered how I managed to work before.