ALLISON  MESSENGER

I first met Allison in 1978 when I moved into Aberargie as she used to deliver Sunday Posts around the village. First conversation "How would you like to come to the Rural with Greta  (who lived next door to  me) on Thursday?". This opened up a new Chapter in my  new country life. I was soon to find out that this was Allison’s  addiction.

A perfectionist in every craft she did, she went around the country judging Rural competitions, whether it was sewing, baking or jam and chutneys. The Abernethy Flower show was always on her Calendar. She was on the organising committee and did lots of work setting up the hall, providing the bench coverings, obtaining judges and, of course, exhibiting. The larger shows like Perth and Kinross will never be the same without Allison. She did a lot of unseen work on committees. She never stopped amazing me with her demonstrations when she would ask me to accompany her to other Rurals. These demonstrations included box making, icing cakes. sewing  skills, baking and cooking. She was always pleasant and loved to be of assistance when needed. Her knowledge was widespread and when  gardening conversations took place she knew every flower by its correct name; birds too were something that she could talk about at length.

Whenever we met she was always great company. She did a lot of work in the rural; whether it was by being President or Vice President or organising or participating in competitions etc, she was always there doing her very important bit.

It was sad that she never received the award "In Recognition for her Loyal Service in the Scottish Women Institute." She will always be remembered for her perfection in everything she did.

Lillias   Johnston