World Photography Day: Jan McLelland

Jan McLelland became a Blesma Widow in 2010 and since getting involved with the Association has discovered a passion for photography. We interviewed her for our Commemorative magazine in 2018...

Tell us about your husband’s service…

Robert started out in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, which later became the Royal Logistic
Corps. He joined as an Ammunition Technician straight from school. We got married in 1981, and he eventually commissioned as an officer in 1996.

And he was injured in Northern Ireland?

Yes, he was injured there in 1994. He had cleared a vehicle and had taken it back to Crossmaglen for forensics. But the dashboard had been booby trapped, so when Robert parked it up and turned the ignition off an explosion detonated from underneath his legs. He was quite badly injured and subsequently lost an eye from the blast.

And so Robert became a Blesma Member?

Yes, he took part in some social activities with the Association, including going on a skiing trip, which he enjoyed very much. It did him good. But I never really met any Blesma people back then – I was always too busy with the family.

But after he died in 2010, you got involved…

When he passed away his Blesma Support Officer asked if he could come and visit me. We had a nice chat and he told me about the benefits of being a Blesma Widow. When he started talking about the new photography programme that was being set up, I took an interest. I’ve always liked taking photos, and I wanted to learn more about it. When the project got off the ground, I got involved.

How did you start off?

I took part in the first course, which was held at the Blackpool Home. We went to  Windermere in the Lake District to photograph the scenery, and we learned about editing and printing. While we were there we would make up these fun competitions and I won a little trophy for the best image of the week, which was nice. I found that the photography group also had a great social side to it. It had a decent mix of Members, and it was good to meet other people and hear their stories.

What have you done since then?

I’ve been on the photography trip to Mull a couple of times. They were beautiful, relaxing trips. Mull is so scenic, and when you go out on the water you can even get pictures of eagles. Since then, I’ve helped out on the Basic Photography Course, and I went on the Iceland trip in September (2018). That was amazing – we got to take pictures of
waterfalls, hot springs, and even the Northern Lights! I’ve seen them before in Canada and
they were just amazing.

How much have you progressed since doing that first course?

I’ve advanced pretty well, I think. I’ve spent a lot of money on cameras and lenses, though! I take photos all the time. I’ve got three grandchildren, so I inevitably take a lot of pictures of them. And I take my camera along almost everywhere I go. I think it’s because I enjoy the challenge. I like trying to get the images just right; getting the lighting correct at the time and then fiddling with the pictures afterwards.

How different is Blesma to most charities, the way it involves family, as well as the injured?

Blesma treats Widows well; it takes the time to involve us in its activities and it looks out for our welfare. I think that adds to the charity’s family focus, and we feel involved rather than forgotten. I’m one of the younger Widows but it’s a nice group, and we have a good time on trips. I also like the artistic side to Blesma’s activities – it’s a bit different. Photography is great because anyone can have a go at it, you can get all kinds of adaptations, so anyone can take a photograph no matter what injuries they have.