James ‘Mac’ McArthur 1926 to 2008
James McArthur, ex chairman of the L.D.W.A., died peacefully on the 1st April after suffering increasingly poor health.
A true Scot, Mac was born in Dumbarton. When he was 4 years
old his mother died and soon after he was sent to boarding school in
On leaving the army he found employment with a steel company based in Nottinghamshire. In 1964 he was appointed to a technical director with the security company Group4. Eventually this proved fortunate for us because it involved a move south to Malvern.
Captivated by its ethos Mac joined the L.D.W.A. in the mid 1970s and immediately became an active and vibrant member. Early on Mac participated in the Downsman 100. The event went well. He drove home but by the time he got to his house his muscles had stiffened to the point where he could not get out of the car. Not wanting to disturb people by tooting the horn to attract attention he sat there for quite some time. One of the family noticed him and said “why is father sitting in the car?” His wife Stephanie took him some food on a tray thinking that after a few minutes he would be o.k. Sadly, this wasn’t the case. A blanket was forthcoming and Mac spent an uncomfortable night in the car. A true baptism of fire to long distance walking.
After the first 18 issues of the association’s four monthly newsletter, it was Mac who suggested the name ‘Strider’ for our journal. So in 1977 issue No. 19 came out as ‘Strider’. The name is a lasting memorial to Mac. Who, indeed, would wish to change its poignant title?
Mac continued to stride the miles. His pace was notoriously
relentless. It was a feature of his walking throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He
led innumerable social walks for the Bristol & West group. Some would
dispute their sociability! Those who joined him were always guaranteed an
invigorating walk at a brisk pace. The Cotswolds,
He loved the ‘100s’, being successfull on 15 occasions.
Mac’s greatest regret, being a Scot, would be not witnessing the first truly
Ever a thoughtful man he once wrote a letter to Strider which turned out to be somewhat controversial and stimulated considerable comment and correspondence. He suggested in all earnestness, hoping to ease the workload of ‘100’ challenge walk organisers and helpers, that participants should cover the first 25 miles on a self support basis with subsequent checkpoints at 10 mile intervals until the last dozen or so miles. He considered as walkers we were too well fed and pampered.
April 1980 saw Mac planning, organising and running a successful L.D.W.A. AGM weekend in Monmouth.
1980 was also a momentous year for Mac as he conjured up a ‘Tour de Force’ social walk of 39 miles. It was a tough self support trek over and around the Black Mountains of Wales starting and finishing in Abergavenny. With some 6,000 feet of ascent and tough going underfoot it proved an all day challenge during the August Bank holiday and was held over the ensuing years as a social challenge which always proved memorable to Bristol & West group members if not always for the right reasons. In recent years, age has wearied the group and this walk is no longer in the calendar. Perhaps it is time to reintroduce it.
Mac’s involvement and support of the Bristol & West
group continued resulting on the 1st January 1984 with his
introduction of the ‘First Footings’ of the
In 1989 Mac’s help and experience were invaluable to the Bristol & West and South Wales groups as they collaborated in staging the 1989 Brecon Beacons 100.
1990 saw Mac draft and publish the much heralded and comprehensive ‘Guidelines for Event Organisers’. With some minor amendments it is still used today.
The same year saw Mac retire from business affording him the time and opportunity to walk his long dreamed of John O’Groats to Lands End challenge in the company of his L.D.W.A. friend Colin Seddon. During this walk he sustained a nasty knee injury. Despite having to rest up for a few weeks he showed stoicism by returning to his original stopping location and, though in pain, resumed the walk to Lands End. This knee injury sadly curtailed his long distance walking.
He nevertheless continued for many years to support the
Bristol & West group especially on the first footings of the
Through the years Mac loved the
Mac was always a Gentleman possessing impeccable manners of the old school. He was as honest as the day is long. His generosity was undoubted. He showed grace and charm even in adversity.
We extend our thoughts and condolences to Stephanie and the family.
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A Tribute from Tony Rowley
For me it has been a privilege to have known Mac for over 30 years as a walking companion and friend. There is a saying: “Good companionship is music on a journey”. So true.
Mac’s encouragement motivated so many walkers who he met over the years. His invaluable involvement in L.D.W.A. activities at both National and Local levels will be remembered by those who knew him.
During the last year of his life Mac’s love of the long
walk never waned. He showed remarkable and continued interest in the exploits of
fellow members. In particular the Lands End to John O’Groats and St Davids to
We walkers have lost a dear friend. A man of indomitable spirit who showed fortitude and dignity to the end.
Thank you Mac for your full and active life. We celebrate it.
Tony Rowley
Mac starting the 2003 Malvern Midsummer Marathon
with Tony Rowley & Derek Farmer
If you would like to add a personal tribute to Mac on our web site please use this link to send it by e-mail and it will be included at the next update.
This page was last updated 25 June 2008 at 14:23
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