Your Hosts - The Pattersons
Grace and Ron bought this old golf clubhouse in 1987. Now called Five Gables House, they have ran it as a B&B since the mid 1990's. They have 3 children, Susan, Ronald and Garry. And 3 grandchildren so far, Lisa, Alisha and Cameron.
Ron was brought up in Arbroath, as was his father, grandfather and great grandfather. After schooling at the Inverbrothock Primary School and the old Arbroath High School, Ron started his working life in Arbroath doing various jobs. He then joined the Merchant Navy in his teens, travelling to many ports throughout the world including in Europe, North & South America, Canada, Jamaica, Australia and New Zealand. For seven years Ron travelled the world with the Merchant Navy then returned home and joined the Tayside Fire Brigade. He retired from the fire service after serving 30 years. It was not long after his retirement when he started the B&B. Ron is a member of the Arbroath Artisan Golf Club, Liz McColgans Health Club and is a former president of the Newgate Bowling Club, where he still plays. Both Ron and Grace also enjoy cycling in the local area.
Grace, a Glasgow lass, brought up in the Springboig area, was educated at Greenfield Primary School and Gartcraig High School, both in Glasgow. A few years after leaving school, Grace moved to Canada where most of her relatives are, and spent a year there working before returning to Scotland and moving to Arbroath. This is when she met Ron and they were married and started a business together. Grace started off with her Sweet and Toy Shop at 45 High Street, now the Azzurro Italian Restaurant. Grace then sold the sweet shop and started Grace Pattersons Florist shop further up the High Street. Grace bought a further 2 shops next door and eventually ran a Stationary/Card shop and Bridalwear shop, alongside the Florist. In all, Grace ran these shops for 34 years before retiring. They now devote their time to the B&B, offering the best of Scottish hospitality. In her spare time Grace enjoys cycling, holidays, painting and spending as many hours as possible tending to her garden.
Garry was also born and brought up in Arbroath, as was his daughter Lisa. Garry was schooled at Ladyloan Primary School and Arbroath High School. He started off working at the age of 14 at Pleasureland Funfair for a few years. After working in the offshore fishing and local boatbuilding industries, Garry then worked for local firms Metalbox and Swankies. Before serving an apprenticeship as a Carpenter and Joiner with local firm Wm Brand and Son. After serving his apprenticeship Garry and his father Ron started the renovation work adapting Five Gables House into a guest house. Working mostly in the Angus, Dundee and Aberdeenshire areas, Garry then spent some time in Holland where he worked in Rotterdam, Schiedam, Delft, Naaldwijk and Den Haag. He eventually returned to Arbroath and came into the family business. Garry's interests include football, golf, martial arts, astronomy and learning more about the local history.
Lisa was also schooled at Ladyloan Primary School and Warddykes Primary School and attended the Arbroath Academy. Lisa is still studying with aspirations in the field of teaching, so helps out here a few days a week. Lisa is a former member of the Arbroath British Legion Pipe Band, piping at local events and competitions for about 5 years. Lisa now enjoys martial arts and has studied with Mark Davies Blackbelt Academy and gained a Green Belt at the Arbroath School of Jujutsu. Lisa enjoys her movies like her dad, with other interests including Chinese/Japanese history, Egyptology and days out cycling with her grandparents.
We also have three dogs here, Yorkshire Terriers. They are Poppy, Timmy and wee Bonnie. The dogs live in a separate part of the building from the B&B and guests can meet them, if they wish.
The Rest Of The Family
Grace and Rons daughter Susan lives in Arbroath with her husband Peter, who works for a local company. Peter is also a member of the Arbroath Instrumental Brass Band who won the Scottish Championships in 2009. They play at various local events throughout the year. Susan attended the old Ladyloan Primary School and due to access issues attended the Carnoustie High School. Susan was born with Spina Bifida, she has required a wheelchair all her life, as well as more courage than most. Susan used to work for her parents at the shop in town, but now looks after her home and taking care of her other love, her Yorkshire Terrier Benji. Susan enjoys TV & film, but also loves her music and plays the electric organ.
Grace and Ron's other son Ronnie, lives in Colchester with his wife Rachel and 2 children Alisha and Cameron. He was schooled at Ladyloan Primary School and attended the Arbroath High School. Ronnie joined the army at 16, serving for around 10 years in the R.A.O.C. He left the army and joined the Fire Service, where he still works today in the Colchester area. Ronnie enjoys Boxing and Karate, he recently gained his Black Belt. He won Silver at the World Firefighters Karate Championships in 2008. Ronnie also enjoys expanding his vast train set collection thats set up in his garage. Rachel works for a local company and takes good care of the children, including Ronnie, she needs a medal for that alone. Both Alisha and Cameron are still studying. Alisha has done well at her athletics and of course like any teenage lassie, enjoys shopping. Cameron has recently taken up Rugby.
Ron, Grace and Lisa with the Stone of Destiny
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