ARTICLE on the S.R.T.A.
SCOTTISH RETIRED TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION

a) “This lady was the first graduate woman teacher in her area. She had retired in 1948 on an occupational pension of £3.00 per week. On this she survived into her eighties. Her clothes never varied in colour or style — she unpicked the seams, reversed the material and stitched it all up again.”

b) “I feel things becoming more and more difficult. It is three years since I had a holiday, and it seems unlikely that I will ever get one again — a sad reward for over thirty years service in a city school. I have to plan with the greatest care not only what and where to buy, but when to make my purchases. I find the cost of living goes up at the end of the week.”

Two views from retired teachers over 50 years ago.

To say that the S.R.T.A. owes its existence to desperation is no overstatement. The year was 1950. Those, who were pensioners then, had worked for small salaries made smaller by the “Geddes Axe” in the 1920s, and by further cuts in the Depression of the 1930s. By 1950 inflation was well under way, and the plight of the older pensioner in particular was not to be envied.

The Association has some tasks ahead of it, e.g. to persuade the Scottish Parliament to keep a weather eye on pensions not only for retired teachers but for ALL retired persons; and to continue to promote long-term help for the elderly.

All this and more will be found in the about-to-be-published history of the Association. Members of the Association will receive a free copy along with the annual “Bulletin”. Join now to have a copy and read about “The Pensions Struggle”.

Contact for further details the National Secretary,
Douglas N. Currie,
129 Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3AN ( 0131 — 667 6494)