My name is Mary Cairns (nee Rutherford) I was born September 25th 1921 at Winlation Blayton. I came to live at Thornley with my grandparents at 3 months old.

I left school at 14, I was sent to London to work for a living.

At the outbreak of World War 2 I volunteered to join the "Women Ancillary Air Force.) I served 5 ½ years.
I met my husband Jack Cairns on a blind date at Wheatley Hill at Wheatley hill Welfare Hall dance, now known as the Community Centre.
We were married on 24th Dec 1947 at Quarrington cum Cassop Church.

We went to live in Shadford for 8 years, and then moved back to Thornley in 1955 where we have lived ever since.

We have 2 sons John and Peter and 3 wonderful grandchildren Amy, Ben and Gemma.
At the age of sixteen both of my sons joined the (Royal Air Force) as apprentices and made it their careers.

My hobbies are bowling, Walking, Gardening, Arts and Crafts and the latest family tree.
Childhood memories skipping, playing shops, performing concerts being in the Nig Nog Club, hitchy bays and buttony.

I loved the carnivals, nearly everyone painted their doors and windows and hung bunting flags, dressing up for the parade, which lasted for 3 days, and there were stalls, swings and allsorts of entertainments in the show field.

I have been a member of the mothers Club for 14 years and feel proud to be a member.
We have excellent entertainment good speakers with interesting and educational talks, which is a credit to the present committee.