Margaret leads by example right to the top of Ben Nevis
Margaret Bowkett, a member of Marshalstown Guild near Enniscorthy, says a talk by child psychologist David Coleman spurred her to climb the 4,406ft high mountain in the Scottish highlands..
“He made a point about leading by example that really hit home – children will do what they see, not what you say to them. I wanted to show them that anyone can do anything at any age,” says the mum of two, whose children are aged 13 and 11.
The climb was also a personal challenge.
“Last year, I’d participated in a group – with family and relatives from the UK – to do the three peaks challenge within 24 hours. I got to the top of Snowdon but I only got halfway up Ben Nevis. I really wanted to do the whole thing – I was determined to give it my all.” The group completed the climb in 10½ hours.
“We were surprised at the extent of the blanket of ice-packed snow we had to cross to complete our climb to the summit. But we did complete it. I t was a fantastic feeling to reach the top of Ben Nevis – unfortunately we were deprived of the views from the top, due to thick mist that had descended.” The downward trek proved even more challenging.
“The rain continued all the way – it was like icy sharp needles.” She later learned there had been two mountain rescues on the same day.
Margaret joined Marshalstown ICA eight years ago after she attended an art class in the local community centre and met guild members.
“I’m very interested in arts and crafts – that’s my big thing. ICA does a lot of community and voluntary work and I was interested in getting involved. They do the Christmas party every year and I used to see that and think ‘there’s a group giving their own time and effort’. That drew me as well.”
A part-time administration worker, Margaret also knits dog jumpers and beds and sells the majority of them in the UK, where her niece has a doggy bakery. She is now craft representative for her guild, which is looking at knitting for premature babies this year.
Marshalstown Guild has approximately 15 members and meets on the first Monday of the month at 8pm – new members are always welcome.
