Following my post on 9 January, sharing the very sad news of Margaret’s passing, it seemed only fitting to share a little more about Margaret, by way of a tribute to her many years of dedication and contribution to Midlothian and to the game we love.
Margaret was such a wonderful character who gave so much to golf through her various roles over the years, and so many of you will, no doubt, have very fond memories of her.
Margaret’s daughter Jane, has created a Forever Tribute enabling people to donate to The Eve Appeal in lieu of flowers or simply to remember her Mum. The link is https://margaret-rodgers1.muchloved.com/
The tribute below includes a gallery of photographs of Margaret over the years with grateful thanks to Tracy Laughland, Gillian Kirkwood and Maggie McPherson. This provides a wonderful trip down memory lane and I’m sure you’ll recognise some familiar faces! If you hover over each photograph you will see the description.
There have been many tributes following Margaret’s passing, which also include some great photographs. Two of these are linked below, in case you haven’t seen them.
MCLGA
Margaret was Captain (1997-98) and President (2008-10), during the County’s Centenary Year in 2009, and Honorary Member of the County in recognition of her many contributions. She worked hard, organised well and was a very keen supporter of the County.
For the Intercounty matches she provided a cool box on a golf trolley with drinks and snacks, which was greatly appreciated by the players.
She created (knitted) the first County Team Mascot (Michaela) and several years later produced ’Baby Michaela’ or ‘Mini Mac’, as she’s known today. All served to foster and encourage team spirit. In addition to Michaela and Mini Mac, Margaret’s husband, Jimmy made the wooden plinth that’s used for the MCLGA AGM. Margaret continued to walk the fairways and support the County beyond her official roles.
SLGA
Margaret represented the East County and, in recognition of her abilities, was nominated to serve on the Executive Committee of the SLGA from 2002-2006, as a member of the Executive, then as Vice Chairman and as Chairman for her last year. She was a keen and enthusiastic supporter of Scottish Golf and Scottish Ladies Golf, in particular. Janet Wake remembered a group of SLGA Executive members, led by Margaret, travelling to Celtic Manor (Cardiff) in 2006 to tramp the fairways in support of Carly Booth, who had been selected (aged 14) to play in the Junior Ryder Cup. A great time was had by all.
With grateful thanks to Janet Wake – Captain (2003-04) and President (2011-13)
Memories from Past Captains
Margaret was one of the nicest, friendliest, “good fun” ladies I have ever met, with a wicked sense of humour! She was so supportive of the County and me, as Captain. I could not have asked or wished for a better President. She was always there, quietly in the background, only too willing to offer advice, lend an ear, steer me in the right direction and support me or help out in any way she could.
Her knowledge of golf and the golfing world was invaluable. She was always out to see the best in everyone, and enjoyment was key to any event which, more often than not, she was at the centre of. She was full of encouragement for all, from the County teams and squads to juniors who were just starting the game, and all those in between. Margaret was full of stories, came out with a few gaffes and was a mine of information and knowledge! I remember her at the junior Cuthbertson Cup at Burntisland informing us all that sheep could only have 2 lambs and if they had 3, one had to be taken away, wrapped in a dead lambs fleece and orphaned to another mother. Why that, of all her stories, has stuck in my mind, I have no idea! She will be sorely missed by Jane (her daughter) and, having made a huge impression in the golfing world, by Turnhouse, MCLGA and everyone who knew her.
With grateful thanks to Tracy Laughland – Captain (2009-10) and President (2014-16)
Margaret was indeed a very friendly, kind and caring person, who was not afraid to take responsibility or stand up to adversity, as shown by the many administrative positions she undertook. I enjoyed her company immensely and she will be sorely missed by her friends at Turnhouse, Gullane, Midlothian, Scotland and the wider world.
With grateful thanks to Gillian Kirkwood – Captain (1991-92)
Memories from a Squad Member
She was as a special lady, very cheeky with twinkly eyes! During Tracy’s Captaincy, when Margaret was President, Tracy wrote some very funny blogs around County matches involving ‘Commando President’.
With grateful thanks to Wendy Nicholson
With grateful thanks to Emma Wilson (Fife County and ex Chair of SLGA)
Marilyn Dalziel, a Turnhouse member from a while ago, said Margaret played with her when her handicap was 36 star and Margaret gave much encouragement. Marilyn was chuffed to bits to lose the star after she handed in her card. Also Margaret bought ‘Hey You Jimmy’ Tammies for Scottish girls team.
