Mair Watson

Mary Watson was born in Talsarnau and gained the Welsh version of her name whilst still at primary school to distinguish herself from two other Marys in the same class.

She joined the FR permanent staff in June 1970, serving the Railway and, later, Ffestiniog Travel for almost thirty years. Surprisingly. when she started work she came from a non-railway, non-volunteer background, having previously worked a number of jobs in the area.

She applied for the post of booking clerk at Harbour Station, but she very quickly showed that, on the FR, 'jobs' soon become vocations. Not that she had a particularly easy first day. The only staff on duty in the booking office on that day were Mair and the Traffic Manager, who was also responsible for Control. So, within three hours of starting work, she was was left in charge of her strange new environment. By the end of her first week she was a professional!

Her local background was to stand the railway in good stead, as she knew many local people, who were now in a position to aid the FR's cause. She was, of course, a fluent Welsh speaker, but reticent about offering translation services because, she claimed, her spoken Welsh wouldn't make the grade.

It was from one of her suggestions that Ffestiniog Travel was born.

As well as being a conscientious member of staff, she was also a kind and thoughtful colleague and friend to all who knew her. Whenever help was needed, somebody to work late or cover a Saturday duty because of sickness or other reason, Mair was first to volunteer.

Following her retirement, she remained active in local affairs and involved herself in organisations such as Ffrindiau Port and the Mothers Union.

See also

• Alan Heywood