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Jean Burnett

Jean Burnett was born on 31st December 1934 in Thornliebank. She was delivered by policeman's wife and midwife Mrs. Smith, who is now in her 90s and still lives in Thornliebank. Jean never knew any of her grandparents. Her mother came to Thornliebank from Hamilton to find work in service, and met her future husband there; she never worked after her marriage. Jean's paternal grandparents came to Thornliebank from Ireland in the late 1800s as strike breakers at the printworks. Her father was born in Thornliebank, and lived there all his life. He had a carting contractor's business, but gave it up when mechanised transport came into vogue. His wife was a very sociable person and loved company in the house; he always seemed to be working. There were five children in the family - three daughters and two sons. She has a close relationship with all her living siblings. Her sister Betty Young is also a member of the Salt of the Earth group.

Jean first attended Thornliebank primary school but was moved due to a change in the city boundaries. She then went to Shawlands Academy, leaving after 3 years for a course in shorthand and typing from Allpress's College. She worked for British Rail until the start of her family, then went back to work at Woodfarm School after her children went to school. She went on to work part-time in community education before retiring. She is now very involved in the work of our local Church of Scotland, where she is an Elder. She is a past president of the Guild and is still very involved in that organisation.

Jean has been married for 40 years. Her husband was in the police service for 30 years. When they first married, they lived at Battlefield in a room with a kitchen. It was the first time in Jean's life there was not a bath in the house. They stayed there for 2 years and then moved to Simshill to a three-bedroom house. After her husband served 12 years with the police, they were able to buy a house outwith the City of Glasgow and moved back to Thornliebank. They bought a semi-detached house in Orchard Park, where they still live.

Jean and her husband have two children with whom they are very close. Her daughter lives in Tighnabruaich and has two sons and a daughter. Her son lives in Newton Mearns and has one daughter. The worst thing in Jean's life was the death of her brother Alex in 1986, while the best has been the joy brought to her husband and her by their grandchildren. She is quite content with her life as it is. She hopes it continues happily for many years to come.