Magdalene Black, a stalwart of Stonehaven’s Sea Cadets for four decades, has died aged 71 after a long battle with ill health.
Mags, as she was known to all, was born and raised in the town, attending Fetteresso Primary and the old Mackie Academy on Arduthie Road.
She worked at Arduthie Hospital after leaving school, but spent the majority of her working life at Abertay Papersacks at Mugiemoss in Aberdeen.
Her involvement with the Stonehaven Sea Cadet unit began in 1977 when she began teaching first aid to the girls of the corps.
Mags held many roles in the local organisation including Officer Commanding Girls Nautical Training Corps, influencing many young lives of those who attended T S Carron.
She was also girls’ district officer, becoming assistant district officer in 1992 with the merger of the Girls Nautical Training service and Sea Cadets, before moving on to the role of district officer Grampian and then area recreational officer for the Northern Area until 2002.
Mags served in the management committee of Stonehaven unit until October 2016, when ill health finally ended her active association with the cadets.
However she and husband George remained loyal, hardworking supporters of T S Carron and Mags attended this year’s National combined regatta in London to supporting the local cadets.
She was awarded the coveted Sea Cadet Medal by the organisation in recognition of her outstanding service over such a lengthy period.
