Margaret+Ward's+Seeking+Granny+Janet




 * [[image:hamilton-janet.jpg width="337" height="1.5; height: 326" caption="Janet Hamilton the 19th century poet and essayist"]] || [[image:250px-JanetHamiltonFountain.jpg width="230" height="1.5; height: 318" caption="Janet Hamilton Memorial Fountain in Coatbridge near Glasgow"]] ||

When Margaret Ward spoke to U3A Sapphire Coast members about one of her ancestors, the poet and essayist Janet Hamilton, she took everyone back to the industrial heartland of early 19th Century Scotland. Dressed in character, Margaret painted a vivid and entertaining picture of Janet's life at that time.

Janet lived midway between Glasgow and Edinburgh during the Victorian period, never travelling more than 20 miles from her dwelling during her lifetime. The daughter of a shoemaker, she married at 14 and had 11 children (7 survived). Due to family commitments Janet was unable to pursue her writing and poetry interests until her mid-fifties: a great role model for U3A members! An advocate for the working class, she strongly promoted a life of temperance. Her poems and essays have been published in a number of collections and she is commemorated with the Janet Hamilton Memorial Fountain nearly opposite her cottage in Coatbridge.

To enjoy further informative and interesting presentations, check out the U3A courses and events scheduled for Term 3. Visit your local library, look for the newsletter online at http://u3asapphire.wikispaces.com or phone Pat on 6495 4345. Prepare to be inspired!

Elle Millsteed **Contact:** eloise.millsteed@gmail.com

Publicity Officer or phone on 6495 9755

U3A Sapphire Coast