'Legend' Monica steps down after 49 years helping Speyside OAPs
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PEOPLE in Tomintoul and Glenlivet have thanked a spry 88-year-old who has devoted half a century to bringing Christmas cheer to the area's old folk.
Monica Grant stepped down in March this year as Tomintoul and Glenlivet Pensioners Committee secretary after an incredible 49 years of uninterrupted and dedicated service.
Every year since 1970 Monica has helped to raise money and organise the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Christmas party for scores of local pensioners.
A presentation was made to show gratitude for her commitment at this year's party on Friday, December 13, held at the Memorial Hall in Tomintoul.
Monica spent 35 years working as personal assistant to Captain Bill Smith Grant, of The Glenlivet whisky family. The captain was great-grandson of George Smith, founder of The Glenlivet.
The committee presented Monica with a bottle of The Glenlivet Captain's Reserve, which pays homage to her former boss and one of whisky history's most interesting characters.
Coming on board as joint secretary of the pensioners committee on April 15, 1970, Monica has not only helped to organise food, music and dancing, games and gifts for the elderly but also the many fundraising events needed to ensure a good time for all each Christmas.
All eligible people living in the scattered Speyside communities are sent invites to attend each year. This year 225 people were invited and 94 accepted.
Monica has lived in Tomintoul since 1969 and grew up on a farm a couple of miles out. She said: "The Christmas party is one of the things that all the senior citizens in the area look forward to. We always have a bar and a cheery band.
"At one time you knew everybody but nowadays there are quite a lot of people have bought houses in Tomintoul and retired. You know them but not in the same way as the old Toulers.
"Just for instance – and this shows you just how much things have changed – from Knockandhu to the Braes of Glenlivet there would be a bus-load. They danced the whole night and some of them had never danced since they were young and going out to dances.
"It's always an event that's been looked forward to from one year to another.
"People will stop you in the street and mention how much they enjoyed the party.
"I was quite lucky – I've had the health to do this. Some aren't lucky enough to enjoy good health. It must be the whisky air."
At one time the committee organised summer outings each year too – but as bus hire and meal costs got more expensive the group decided to concentrate on one big day a year.
The main fundraisers each year are a sponsored walk held in June and a "wheel of fortune" at the Tomintoul Games.
Committee chairwoman Caroline Mitchell said: "The number of people who've said to me this week 'what a great night it was' and 'it's the best night in the village' – it's really great."
Caroline said Monica was a "legend", adding: "It's an amazing number of years and she's done it all this time – she's done an amazing job.
"I wouldn't think there'd be many people who have served that number of years on a committee as secretary. She's worked really, really hard.
"I said to Karen McGillivray, the new secretary, if she does Monica's length of service she'll be secretary until she's 93!"
