Folks I was informed by Rev. Mark Brown this morning of the passing of our dear friend and school governor, Mr Jimmy Spratt.
A very sad day for our whole community ... I know Jimmy served on the Kirk Session at Granshaw and was a much-loved member of the Granshaw family.
Jimmy was also a politician possessing those much sought-after qualities of integrity, passion, forthrightness and compassion.
Jimmy was also well-known for his advocacy on behalf of members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and PSNI. Jimmy was fearless in speaking up for his colleagues when others remained silent.
Jimmy also attended Moneyrea as a pupil and I believe his children also attended MPS. It is even possible that Jimmy attended the Lyttle Memorial School before MPS opened in 1961; but I will have to check that. I’m sure he would have a good laugh at that!
He loved our wee school and was proud of his long-standing association with MPS. Jimmy was a true friend to our school and well loved by our staff.
He was also a well-respected member of our school board of governors with an ability to cut to the chase and a jovial, conciliatory presence. We will all miss his company and wise counsel. He was a man I could cross swords with at governors and know that later that night we’d be laughing together on the phone. That was the measure of the man. I will miss him.
We are deeply saddened for Lynda and the family circle, but we are all better off for having known Jimmy.
Roy Greer