WHEN a Greenock mother-of-two was presented to Princess Margaret in Tokyo recently, she told her: “I’m just a plain housewife from Scotland.”
Betty Milne and her draughtsman husband James were presented to the Princess and Lord Snowdon at a ball, the highlight of British Week.
Largs-born James Milne is now construction supervisor for Ishikawajima Harma Heavy Industries Ltd.
Betty did not dream that when she accompanied him to Yokohama, part of her duties would be to help entertain guests at the British Consulate – and launch a ship.
The Milne family and Japanese officials looking at the ship before Betty performed the launching ceremony in 1969. (Image: Archive)
The Milnes will be returning to Greenock next year with their children, David (11) and Dianne (7), when Mr Milne’s four-year contract will be up.
They will live with Betty’s parents, Mr and Mrs J. McIntosh, at 65 Hawick Court, until they get a home of their own.
James recently supervised the building of the 82,500-deadweight ton tanker, Ionic. The ship carries 82,500 tons of oil cargo.
It took only seven months to build from the laying of its keel to delivery.
Recently Betty smashed the champagne bottle over a similar ship, the Aristeus, also built in Yokohama Shipyard. She was presented with a beautiful bracelet for her services. David got a telescope, and Dianne a musical jewellery box.
Since living in Japan, Betty, an ex Ladyburn schoolgirl and clerkess with Joy Sullivan, has learned to paint, play bridge, and has taken part in amateur dramatic productions.
She has also picked up a bit of the Japanese language.
The family all have a smattering of the foreign tongue, especially David, who was first in his class at Japanese.
This article was originally published on December 10, 1969.
AloJapan.com