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Anna McClure

Anna McClure was born Anna McMurray on 5 March 1936 in Kennishead Road, Thornliebank. Her father (pictured below right) was a native of Thornliebank, but her mother came there from Pollokshaws when they were married. Anna's father, who was of Irish descent, was a veteran of World War I; he had lied about his age to serve in the Cameron Highlanders. He became a village postman in Thornliebank, a job which he enjoyed and of which he was quite proud; he would sometimes take Anna along on his route during her summer holidays, where they would get "treats" like cake and juice from grateful residents. Her mother held many different jobs during her life; she was even a conductress on the Glasgow trams. Anna has one sister, who is 16 years older than her and spoiled her terribly. She remembers her family as being very loving and supportive, and she loved sitting by the coal fire at night "lights out... on my dad's knee listening to the radio".

Anna's father on his postal route Anna was in the first Brownie and Guide troops in Thornliebank, and remembers many happy times at the Guide Camp in Largs. She has been a member of a Methodist church in Pollokshaws for many years. She attended Thornliebank Primary and Barrhead High; she had a difficult time in the latter school, though she found a few good teachers there. She went on to Allpress's College for a course in shorthand and typing; she is very grateful to her parents for sacrificing to pay her fees there. After getting her first job in Glasgow, she always worked locally as she preferred it.

Anna and her husband Jim have been married since 1958. He worked in the printing industry for all his working life and she appreciated his ability to be a good provider. They have lived in Thornliebank for many years, working their way up to the semi-detached house where they now live; Anna remembers finding the inside toilet "really posh" when they moved in! They have a 35-year-old son and a daughter of 33, and two grandchildren. Their daughter and grandchildren live in New Zealand; however, they have been able to see them fairly frequently and look forward to keeping up a strong bond with them. To Anna, worrying about the future isn't that important; health, happiness and good family and friends are the most important things in life.