A STEVENSTON man who assists MPs at Westminster has told how vital the skill of shorthand has been as he becomes president of a world recognised society.

John Dawson, 66, has gone on to forge a successful career working with top politicians in London.

The former Ardrossan Academy pupil has now hit the pinnacle of a lifetime of shorthand as he becomes recognised as one of the quickest and accurate note takers as part of the International Phonographic Society (IPS).

John was elected by other members of the elite shorthand club, which has been running since the late 1800’s and among whose members have been descendants of the Sir Isaac Pitman, who invented the most common form of shorthand.

He told the Herald: “I was the first boy to learn shorthand at Stevenston High.

“I wanted to learn it to get into an office job as back then a lot of boys were wanting learn woodwork and metal work. I was awarded the Dux Prize in commercial subjects and shorthand at the school after starting it in 1967.

“I then won the Mr Dawes prize for shorthand at Ardrossan Academy in 1970.”

John headed to London to work in the Civil Service in August 1985 and worked with the Council of Europe and Soligull in Strasbourg France for two years.

He has worked for Members of Parliament for more than 10 years and is currently Senior Caseworker for Nickie Aiken MP for the Cities of London and Westminster.

Throughout his career John has always been praised for his excellent use of shorthand and became involved with the IPS 20 years ago.

Now he is president of the organisation and hopes to encourage others to keep using the essential skill.

John added: “I think it’s a very important skill to have, no matter where I am I am able to take accurate notes

“Shorthand is still so well thought of in parliament, it’s very much in demand and in other jobs too, I think it should still be taught at school.

“Churchill’s secretary Peter Kinner during the war was excellent at shorthand.”

“It’s amazing to be elected as the president of the society. I would never have imagined being in this position all those years ago when I first started learning.

“We have members all over the world and I have met a lot of friends through the society.”