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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Tracy Carmichael

Sma' Shot Day move to commemorate Auschwitz death

The efforts of a Paisley missionary are set to be commemorated as part of this year's Sma' Shot Day celebrations.

Jane Haining is the only Scots' woman to have died at Auschwitz, in the wake of her work in a Hungarian school.

She was sent to the notorious concentration camp after she was arrested by the Gestapo in 1944.

The missionary, who was recognised in 1997 by the Israeli nation for having risked her life to help Jews during the holocaust, was matron of a school for Jewish and Christian girls at the outbreak of the war and defied Church of Scotland order to return home to stay with her pupils.

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Dumfriesshire born Jane worked for Paisley's J and P Coats during a spell in the town between 1917 and 1927.

But she was sent to the extermination camp on a variety of charges, when she was arrested by the Nazis, apparently after a dispute with the school's cook.

She died there two months later.

Now her nieces, Deirdre McDowell and Maureen Maher are set to join union Unison's march as part of the town's celebrations on Saturday.

Jane's relatives will carry a commemorative banner in the Sma’ Shot Day Parade and have the opportunity to meet Provost Lorraine Cameron.

The public sector workers' union contributes financial support for the event, which marks Paisley’s proud history of workers’ solidarity.
They are set to hand out free candy floss during celebrations, as well as sponsoring the PACE Theatre Group's production.

Unison's Scottish Secretary, Tracey Dalling, will also address crowds from the main stage in the wake of the parade which marks the start of the popular community event.

Singer Songwriter, Shaz Martin, will also perform at 2.00pm on the main stage, offering a rendition of her song ‘Girl’ - the Scottish Women’s anthem. in a performance sponsored by Renfrewshire's Unison branch.

Mark Ferguson, Branch Secretary of UNISON Renfrewshire, said: "This is an important date in Paisley’s calendar commemorating the victory of our local weavers and drawing parallels to the many challenges workers face nowadays.

"We also commemorate Jane Haining and raise awareness of her sacrifice and service.

"I am delighted to be joined at the event by Jane Haining’s family as well as our Scottish Secretary, Tracey Dalling and friends and colleagues from across Scotland.”

The Sma' Shot Day parade is popular (Mark F Gibson / Gibson Digital)

Tracey Dalling added: "I am looking forward to joining the people of Paisley for the celebrations and the commemoration of the landmark victory of the local weavers. I am also proud to join the family of Jane Haining in remembrance of her sacrifice and service."

Members of Paisley's U3A - a group of more than 1000 charities which provide the opportunity for those no longer in work to come together and learn for fun - will also be amongst community groups set to join the celebrations.

Volunteer members have joined forces to create a banner marking 40 years of the worldwide learning organisation, as well as donning specially-made Paisley pattern hats.

Kathy O’Donnell, u3a chair, said: ‘It’s an honour for Paisley & District u3a to take part in this popular historic event.

"Our u3a only started four years ago. It’s now grown to more than 100 members and has 16 groups and activities.

"We have fun as we enjoy trying new interests and sharing our skills and knowledge. Like the Paisley weavers, our u3a believes in activism which brings a community together. We hope to attract new members and can offer free information on the day.

‘We are grateful to Renfrewshire Council and to Bridgeman Arts for providing us with some artistic support.

"Artist Jane McInally helped us to design and produce our very first u3a banner. Naturally we are proud to display it alongside other local groups as we mark the oldest workers’ festival (1856) and the town’s Sma’ Shot Day heritage."

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