George McAllister [dundee@scfs.org]
My name is George McAllister and I am married to Jennifer.
We were married in the Seamens Bethel in Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland in 1965. By that time I had completed over 6 years in the merchant navy finishing as 2nd engineer. We then lived in the midlands of England for about 8 years, after which we moved to Dundee in the east of Scotland in 1974. I was an engineering supervisor in a factory, before I came into the SCFS. This was I believe, to be my best choice ever regarding employment, and now 20 years later I am retired, but still actively involved in the work among the seafarers. Jennifer is a teacher's care assistant, in local schools, and enjoys her work with difficult children.
We have 4 children, 3 girls and a boy, all adults now. Our eldest girl Amanda is married, lives in Chelmsford, Essex, and has 3 children. Fiona our 2nd girl is autistic, and lives in Falkirk, with 5 other adults in a nice house, is well cared for and has a very positive outlook on life; we have her home one weekend a month. Our 3rd girl, Rosemary is married and lives locally, she has 3 children, and our son David will be completing his studies at university this year in London.
The city of Dundee, has a history of Whaling fleets, and shipbuilding, now all gone, but in latter years it was known for the 3 J's. Jute, Jam and Journalism. Jute manufacture is ended, Jam manufacture is ended, but the last J like a good story goes on and on.
These past months I have enjoyed the company of a good friend, George Brown in the visits to the ships. George is also an ex-seafarer, serving as chief officer for many years. I have valued his friendship over many years.
We ask you to remember to pray for us here on the east coast of Scotland in the ports of Dundee, Montrose and occasionally Grangemouth.