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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine loyikyear No. 227 (New Series 94tbyear No. 218)
jUNE 1989
Vol. 92
The Magazine is published under the auspices of The Former Pupils' Club in June each year General Editor
Derek A. Harley, M.A., Dip. Ed., 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen AB' 6YQ
Editor of Notes, Obituaries and Marriages
Kenneth A. McR. Nisbet, 17 Hartington Road, Aberdeen AB1 6XT
Secretary of the FP
John F. Hendry, 36 Albyn Place, Aberdeen AB9 1YU
Club
Treasurer of the FP Club
Colin C. Allan, C.A., 63 Gray Street, Aberdeen AB' 6JD
The General Editor and Notes Editor are happy to receive contributions for the next issue of the Magazine at any time before mid-April r99o.
Printed for The Former Pupils' Club at The University Press Aberdeen
CONTENTS Financing the Magazine Rector's Report Mr. Patrick W. Scott Mr. James Will School Office Bearers Bicentenary of Lord Byron's Birth Extra-Curricular Activities School Prizes Pupils' Magazine: Immaterial Rebuilding the School Family History: How and Why? Gold for Men's Hockey at the 24th Olympiad—Seoul, 1988 Impressions of Brazil David K. Yule The Notes Editorship 9th Aberdeen (Grammar School) Scout Group Former Pupils' Club Office Bearers Annual General Meeting President's Report Annual Dinner Our President Club Centre Steward Centre Reports: Club Centre, Edinburgh Glasgow, London, Yorkshire Section Reports: Cricket Curling Golf, Hockey Petanque, Rugby Swimming Women's Hockey Notes about Former Pupils Marriages Obituaries Abstract of Accounts Illustrations I lead Girl and Head Boy, International Byron Society Soccer 1st XI First Crest Gold Awards in Scotland Scottish Young Scientist of the Year Competition Rebuilding Plans Presentation to David K. Yule President's Dinner Our President Club Steward
page 3 4
4 5 6 8
8-19 zo 22
:5 50 32 35 37 39 40 41
43 44 47 48
50 5a 53 55
56 57 58
59 6o 6t 70 71 84
7 11
19 19 26-29 39 46 48 51
FINANCING THE MAGAZINE AGSFP CLUB BEYOND Soo Last year this appeal was inaugurated in an attempt to facilitate the continuation of this Magazine in its present form. Membership of the Beyond J00 scheme for the year ending 3i August 1989 is 231, and consequently the proposed six-monthly draw has had to be cancelled for this year due to lack of support. After providing £1,386 for monthly prizes a profit of about £1,300 is anticipated, which is a welcome source of income to the general funds of the FP Club. The response to the appeal statistically has been abysmal and pathetic and is illustrated below:
Aberdeen Abroad Elsewhere Non FPs
Membership FP Club 998 t;1 729 18 IS
Membership Beyond J00 So 3 63 9 1 57
A further ten former pupils made donations of £278, ranging from £3 to roo. In percentage terms, just over 8% of the total membership of the FP Club are interested in the continuance of the Magazine—a sad reflection on the membership. The Executive has decided to continue the Beyond yoo scheme for at least another year and hopes that the response from members will reflect their interest in the Magazine. To allow members outwith Aberdeen to apply, the closing date for the 1989/ 9o Draw has been fixed at zo November 1989. Your application form is in the centre of this Magazine. Don't Delay—Join Today—Buy in Bulk!!
Rector's Report Education today is clearly under political scrutiny at national level, with change and development very much the norm at regional and local level. We are currently moving towards the establishment of School Boards; extension of the Technical and Vocational Education Initiative to the whole region in 199o; and the growth of modern language provision for and beyond 1992. Back at 1989 and the present, I am pleased to report that from my perspective, Aberdeen Grammar School continues to provide secure and successful education as we adapt to innovation at a manageable pace. National assessments of pupil achievements again confirm that high standards are being maintained. Many pupils have gained individual distinctions and have participated in team events, many of which are detailed in the School section of the Magatine. Events during the week when this report was compiled provide some illustration of this. The third-year girls' hockey team won a five-schools tournament; the senior football team won the President's Trophy; Clive Kelty (SVI) won the Aberdeen area final of the Scottish Young Scientists' Competition and progresses to the national final; pupils from the Music Department provided a very uplifting lunchtime recital at the Cowdray Hall; our senior girls' basketball team were runners-up in the Scottish Schools Cup Final; and the final rehearsals took place for our drama production to be held on three evenings the following week. The richness of such extra-curricular opportunities is testimony to the commitment and interest of staff, for which the whole school community is grateful. Staff retirements in the past year have included people like Mr. Patrick Scott, Mr. James Will, Mrs. Eva Cowie and Mrs. Sheila Davidson, who gave decades of loyal service to the School. Retirals at the end of this session include similarly notable names like Mr. Sandy Duncan and Mr. John Cruickshank of the Technical Department, Mr. Tom Henderson of English, Mr. Derek Morris of History, and Mrs. Sheila Watt of Religious Education. They depart with our grateful thanks and with every good wish for the future. In the area of curricular development, most SIII courses next session will be Standard Grade, with new options like Technological Studies, Office and Information Studies, and Electronics being added to the choice. A wide range of modular courses is also being maintained at SV/VI, and in SI/II, we look forward to the establishment of an introductory course in Keyboarding and Computing which should provide a basis of expertise for all subjects, in which these media are increasingly being employed. Rebuilding is now expected later this year and an outline of the plans is included on pages 26-29 of the Magatine. We all look forward to the restoration, and the innovation, which these plans should realise.
Mr. Patrick W. Scott It is with regret that we record the departure at the end of last session, July 1988, of Mr. Patrick Scott, for twenty-eight years a most loyal and devoted servant of Aberdeen Grammar School and its community. All the more regrettable is the fact that Patrick's retirement is so premature, given that he is a man in vigorous good health. Patrick's constancy of purpose and clear perception of his role and responsibilities as an educator were the stamp of his professionalism. He was definitely more of a leopard than a chameleon in the currently kaleidoscopic educational scene. As a teacher of mathematics throughout the years, Patrick made a strong—in many cases unforgettable- - impression on those in his charge. His powerful presence and personality, allied to his mathematical prowess, ensured that his pupils were well motivated and directed in their guest for knowledge, progress 4
Rector's Report
5
and achievement. These same qualities made Pat a formidable colleague who contributed energetically and positively to both school and department. He was held in high esteem for his efforts and well-liked especially for his helpfulness and droll sense of humour. No amount of space could do justice to Patrick's selfless involvement in a multiplicity of extra-curricular activities and events. Principal areas to benefit from his highly active interest included the Hill-Walking Club, the Stamp Club, the School Choir and Regensburg trips, junior (and primary) cricket, as well as the Cadet Force. His services as accountant and money-collector were also heavily in demand. We are confident that Pat's whole-hearted approach and many interests mean that his life without the School will be well filled, and he takes with him our best wishes for a long and happy retirement.
Mr. James Will In October last year, after thirty-three years' service to the School, Mr. James Will retired from the post of Principal Teacher of Art. Jimmy Will came to Aberdeen Grammar School in 1955 to work for Charles Hemmingway after having completed two years National Service in the Army as a sergeant in the Education Corps. He was made Special Assistant in 1963 and Principal Teacher in 1969. Jimmy found, as many of us did, that the Grammar School was more than just a school. There were all sorts of activities, clubs and societies going on, and he launched himself into these with great energy. He was heavily involved in the Art Club, which Charles Hemmingway had started, the Film Society (started by Charles Hemmingway and Archie Baxter who designed the projection room in the hall at the back of the balcony), and the Photographic Society, which was more or less Jimmy's own, and all the things that went with it, such as recording school trips abroad, and showing the slides to parents and pupils. One of the trips superbly organised by Charles Hemmingway and Jimmy was to Italy, where they visited Florence, Ravenna and Pisa. On their Spanish tour one of the highlights was a visit to the Escorial. Trips to Hadrian's Wall and Coventry Cathedral followed, and Jimmy made a particularly fine collection of slides of the newly-built cathedral—alas, all lost in the fire. He also sang in the School choir and the staff male-voice choir, acted in pantomimes, umpired cricket matches, travelled with the rugby teams on their away fixtures and played a major part in the Hill-Walking Club. Donald Hawksworth and Jimmy were responsible for the resurgence of the Hill-Walking Club and were instrumental in the successful running of it —so much so, that it became known as the "Will-Hawking Club". Donald Hawksworth was the first Aberdeen Grammar School teacher to climb all z77 Munros and Jimmy is not far behind with a score of 214. Jimmy has also tried his hand at writing poetry and has been successful in getting his poems published in the Cairngorm Club magazine and also in Hamish Brown's collection of Hill Poetry. Jimmy Will is a creative designer of the highest merit and has produced many superb programme designs for School musical and dramatic performances. No professional full-time designer could have done better. He has always been very helpful in this way—nothing was too much trouble. One just had to approach Jim and it was done without hesitation. Over the years, Jimmy has earned the respect, esteem and affection of his colleagues and of many hundreds of pupils. We thank him for his service to the School and wish him a long and happy retirement.
School Section School Office Bearers Prefects
!lead Bo]: ALAN ROCKWELL Deputy Head Boy: PETER CRAIG
Head Girl: EMMA ALLEN Depay Head Girl: ANNE FALCONER
RUTH ALEXANDER STEPHEN ALLAN CRAIG ANDERSON GARYBAIN AMANDA BARKER DANIEL BATES' NEIL BENNETT PiIILIPPA BOWLING ARLENE. BRUCE MAGNUS BRUCE GRAEME CLARK GEOFFREYCORMACK MARTIN COULTER KIRSTEN CRAWFORD LYNNE FASKIN LAURA FLYNN MICHAEL GORDON COLIN HOWIE KEITH J AMIESON FIONA JEFFERS ASHLEY KELTY CLIVE KELTY DAVID KIRCHIN KEITH MACDONALD
MILES MACLEOD DENISE MAIR SION MATTHEWS YVONNE MCALLISTER LISA McHARDY SUSAN MCLEOD ELLEN MILLER ANDREW MOGENDORFF CATRIONA OGSTON LINDSEY PONT IAN RAWLINSON HAZEL. RICE JANE RITCHIE MICHAEL ROURKE LYNNE SASSELLA DE ZINASCIO CAROLYN SHARP VALERIE: SMITH PATRICK STEWART JANE TELFF.R EMMA WATERMAN ANNA WATSON WENDY WATSON JOHN WILLIAMS ELIZABETH WILSON
6
Head Girl and Head Boy 1988- 89
Emma Allen and Alan Rockwell
International Byron Society
The International Byron Society wreath-laying ceremony at the Byron Statue, June 1988. 7
8
Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine
Bicentenary of Lord Byron's Birth 1988 marked the bicentenary of Lord Byron's birth, and his association with the School was honoured at a wreath-laying ceremony at the base of his statue in the School grounds on 27 June, 1988. Wreaths were laid by members of the International Byron Society, who attended from all parts of the world, and by Lord Provost Robert Robertson on behalf of the City of Aberdeen.
Extra-Curricular Activities Boys Hockey First XI
The season started quite well with wins over Robert Gordon's 'C' and Oldmachar Academy, but there were problems apparent even at this early stage. The game against RGC 'A' would normally be regarded as a league decider, but this year Peterhead Academy had a particularly strong team. The match against RGC 'A' ended in a goalless draw, which proved to be rather disappointing considering the pressure and chances that we created. The team was, however, beginning to play better, but positional changes were almost a weekly occurrence, in order to find the proper balance. We managed a i-o victory over a stronger-than-usual Dundee High School side, but our next game was against Peterhead in the Cup Final, held at the new Chris Anderson Stadium. We did not perform well on the day, making too many basic errors and eventually losing q-1. The remainder of the first term produced victories against Linksfield and Cults, but defeats at the hands of Peterhead (z3) and RGC 'B' (t-z) ended hopes of a league championship win. The second term saw the traditional fixtures take place, with the welcome addition of George Watson's College. Result-wise we did not have a good term, but on the positive side we played better hockey against, it must be said, some very strong sides. We were beaten by Gordonstoun (twice), George Watson's, Dundee High School, Fettes and Strathallan, but did manage a victory over Abbey School and Stewart's Melville. Overall it was a very testing season for all the players, but many will have learned what is required at a higher level of hockey, and this should stand them in good stead for the future. The squad was: Magnus Bruce, Peter Skinner, Roger McAndrew, Colin Howie, Christopher Matheson, Alan Deans, Euan Stone, Douglas Lumsden (Captain), lain Burnett, Neil Barrett, Euan Willox, Barry Milne, David Algie, Don Sinclair. Second XI After two heavy defeats at the hands of Robert Gordon's College and Peterhead it was obvious that our season was going to be a hard one. Before long a more organised
approach to our matches began to show through, and this was followed by a 4-z win against I.inksfield. One of our closest games was against Dundee High School, when we lost z-i, the Dundee goals coming within minutes of each other. This was due largely to our lack of concentration and, despite many attempts to score, we just failed to get the equaliser. One of the highlights of the season was getting to the semifinal of the District Cup, only to be knocked out by our own ist Xl.
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to
. lberdeen Grammar School Magazine
The worst performance of the season was against Montrose at Rubislaw, when weak play and poor decisions by us led to a resounding defeat. We had a full team for our next encounter with Ellon and played good rugby, defeating the home side 2 4-4. Unfortunately, after our fine victory the previous week, we had to set off for Dundee with younger, less-experienced boys replacing regular players who were unavailable. We turned in one of our best performances, only to go down to-24 to the undefeated Dundee side. Our best game was without doubt against Elgin at Rubislaw, where at last the team gave loo% effort and trounced a strong visiting side ;8-to. Boys who represented the ist XV were: Grant Forsyth, Russell Pennie, Ayron Comber, Alan McKenzie, David Wilson, Gavin Cormack, Jonsun Reynolds, James Williams, Stephen Law, Graham Brown, Andrew Nicholson (Captain), Hamish Morrison, Steven Fraser, Philip McCurdy, Brian Middleton, Nicholas Smithers, Michael Bell, Ian Forbes, Craig Barry.
Junior Rugby The season started with two defeats against an Ellon under-fourteen team. With those games behind us, our thoughts then turned to our tour of the Borders. We won our first game 18-16 against Ear!stone High School, Berwickshire on the Saturday morning. In the afternoon we watched Kelso play Melrose at Pounder Park. We played our hosts, Berwickshire High School, on the Sunday. It was a close game, with the home side winning 26- i 8. On our return we played Dundee High School, a game we could have won but which resulted in a 4-8 defeat. After that disappointing match we won the next three: 72-o against Aberdeenshire, 366 versus Perth Academy and 36-o against Moray R.P.C. The game against Montrose at home was one of the highlights of the season, when we beat a fine team 31- i4 by playing with determination and enthusiasm. We finished the season on a high note with a convincing 36-6 victory at Arbroath. Boys who represented the ast XV were: Thomas Bothwell, Keith Sim, David Montgomery, Justin Smith, Ian Arthurs, Neil Paterson (Captain), Michael Roarty, Liam Woods, James Church, Magnus Inglis, Jonathan W'raight, lain Watson, Graeme Milne, Daniel Dukes, Stuart Chesney, Matthew Dyer, David Littlejohn, Ronan Davey, Hamish Briones, lain Algie, Tim Steele, Simon McKimmie.
Minors Rugby Our opening fixtures included a victory over Blairmore and a narrow defeat at the hands of Gordon's College (i z-14). The match against Dundee High School should have been won, with Grammar i it- to ahead until early in the second half. The team then let their hold on the game slip, resulting in a final score of 24-22 for the home side. The znd XV recorded a memorable win (4o-4) against D.H.S. znd XV the same day. One of the highlights of the season was our visit to Murray field to see Scotland play Wales. On the way to the international, we managed to fit in a game against Montrose Academy, which we won. Boys who represented the ist XV were: Colin Ballantyne, Fergus Small, Keith V'ildridge, Barry Shephard, Gregory Addison (Captain), Euan l.awrie, Cameron Butler, Simon Earl, Alistair Fowlie (Vice-Captain), Matthew Jeffers, Grant Hamilton, Philip Michie, Euan Davidson, Donald MacKay, Ross Methven, John MacDougall, Scott Laird, Graeme McColl, Euan McFarlane, Paul Coutts, Matthew Maloney, Ronald McNeil.
Soccer 1st X1
-CurricularAttivities
Winners of the President's Trophy
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.'lberdeen Grammar .S.rbool Magazine
Soccer The past year belonged to the senior football team. We won two pieces of silverware--the President's Trophy and the J. M. Low Regional Trophy—and finished third in the league. During the season the team travelled around and our opposition included teams from Mackie (Stonehaven), ElIon, Turriff and Mintlaw. In fourteen games we amassed 55 goals . averaging four goals a game—and won all our matches. Arguably, our best win was against Cults Academy by the odd goal in seven at the semi-final stage of the President's Trophy. Our biggest win was i t-o against a poor Linksfield side. The top scorer was Steven Sanderson, and his persistence up front earned him I 8 goals, including two hat-tricks. Our season ended with a dramatic victory over Ellon in a penalty shoot-out. The 5-3 win on penalties won us the J. M. Low Regional Trophy after the match finished at two apiece. (Scorers were Paul Gilfeather and Steven Sanderson.) Credit is due to P.E. teacher Mr. MacLeod, who decided to prepare us for the final with penalty practice a few days before. It certainly paid off, as we converted five out of five penalties with ease. Our President's Trophy success was a 5-: win over Kincorth, with Gilfeather, Sanderson and J. Roberts (z) the scorers. There was also an own goal. The team now looks forward to the challenge of retaining the cup and capturing the league title next season.
Badminton Club The School badminton team had a successful season, finishing runners-up in the Schools Senior League and also in the Junior League. Teams were also entered for the Royal Bank Quaich. At the South Grampian Schools tournament, Arlene Bruce and Lindsey Pont won the Senior Girls Doubles and Arlene and Christopher Brown won the Senior Mixed Doubles. These players and Christopher Gray represented the School at the Scottish Schools championships in Edinburgh. As the School lacks a games hall, the Club meets every Sunday morning in Hazlehead Academy. Matches, however, are played at Rosemount, where our unique conditions create dismay for visiting teams. Mrs Shand will always welcome interest or help from parents and former pupils.
Ski Club The Ski Club had a very disappointing season due to lack of snow for most of the winter. Only as late as March was it possible to find reasonable runs on the slopes. This did not deter the many who continued to use the dry ski-slopes at Kaimhill. During the Easter holidays, however, forty club members took part in a trip to Austria, where the skiing conditions had improved dramatically. The trip was led by Mr. Duncan, Mr. Garrow, Mrs. Hay and Mrs. Campbell.
Charities Committee The Charities Committee has been very busy again this year. The pupils involved have worked extremely hard and shown admirable dedication. The
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Extra -Curricular Activities
Committee has resumed running a tuck-shop at interval and also at evening events, such as discos, the School play and the Film Club. As well as hard work there have been times when it has been a lot of fun. For example, among the stalls set up on Comic Relief Day were prefects in the stocks—the target of water sponges. Yvonne McAllister and Alan Rockwell obliged, but unfortunately for them very few people missed their target and an inevitable soaking followed. Activities on Comic Relief Day ranged from sporting red noses to sponsored silences, the latter proving to be very popular with the staff! One lad walked backwards all day around school and some members of staff dressed up for the day in fancy dress. The School contributed over f,7so to UNICEF on national no-uniform day, which proved to be a most popular event. Although many people have helped to organise these events, the officebearers deserve a special mention: Isabel Mackenzie (Chair), Beth Wilson (Treasurer) and Diane Legge (Secretary). Donations made this year by the Charities Committee: Imperial Cancer Research Fund British Association of Mysathenics Muscular Dystrophy UNICEF Comic Relief Heartstart Aberdeen Children's Hospital Instant Neighbour Project Trust
L 88 88 55 75 1
i,i 6o 50
is° 132 i 58
Christian Union Throughout the year we have continued to meet on Wednesdays for discussion sessions. We considered such topics as Faith, Trust, Knowing God's Will, Obedience, Friendship and lessons from the lives of Abraham and Moses. Attempts at drama and singing have enlivened the proceedings from time to time but must have been somewhat disquieting for passers-by. Highlights of the year were the Kangaroo Supper in September, the party in January and the weekend away in March. This last was attended by twenty of us at Alltnacriche near Aviemore, when problems of relationships of various kinds was the topic for discussion. Some of us have joined with Christian Union members from other schools for joint activities on a regular basis. In June, as usual, we plan to have a barbecue. Thanks are due to all those who have organised the enjoyable and worthwhile year's programme.
Combined Cadet Force Last year, it was necessary to reduce the Contingent from 1 to cadets to 70 cadets due to lack of adult supervision. In March 1989, there were around 35 cadets in each of the two Service Sections (Army and RAF). Both Sections are operating efficiently and there has been ample provision of effective military training throughout the year. We hope that Mr. Harvey Pole will receive notification of his RAF VR/T commission shortly. Mr. Pole has dealt mainly with the training of the RAF Section and when he is commissioned he will become the OC RAF Section. The Army Section is being looked after by Mr. Gordon Davidson, who is an adult member of the Territorial Army. He has been granted the rank of adult
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Aberdeen Grammar School Mageqine
Sergeant IC Army Section. At the present time, the Army Section does not have a commanding officer. Mr. Davidson has filled an important gap by providing the Army Section with much-needed leadership. Underofficer Malcolm Cameron has helped greatly in the training of the RAF Section despite the workload of his studies at RGIT. Squadron Leader R. J. Nugent has continued to guide the CCF as Contingent Commander through a difficult period in its history. We are pleased to report that the Contingent took charge of eight new cadet rifles (1.98A1) in Feburary 1989. Now that these rifles are permanently located in the CCFHQ, rifle training will be more easily provided. Some of our RAF Section cadets have even been trained in ceremonial rifle drill with the new rifles. The old .3o3 Enfields are still held by the Contingent but their useful life has now expired. They may be retained for blank firing or for demonstration purposes. The inspecting officer at the Contingent's Biennial Inspection in June 1988 was Brigadier Purves-Hume, Commander 51 Highland Brigade. The Contingent was found to be operating both efficiently and effectively and we received a favourable inspection report. The RAF Section has been very fortunate this year with air experience, flying in Chipmunks at RAF Turnhouse. Most of our eligible cadets have clocked up one and a half hours flying over the year and this compares most favourably with the national air cadet annual average of half an hour AEF per cadet. Air Experience Gliding has been less satisfactory due to weather conditions and administrative problems. All RAF Section cadets have visited RAF Buchan, Peterhead. They were shown the radar installations at this station. We hope to start day attachment visits to zoz Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth shortly. We also look forward to a Field Day visit to RAF Lossiemouth or RAF Kinloss in the summer term. Eighteen RAF Section cadets attended the summer camp at RAF Halton in July 1988. Three RAF cadets and one officer attended RAF Gibraltar in Easter and thirteen RAF cadets with three officers will attend summer camp 1989 at RAF Wittering. The teaching of the CCF/RAF Section syllabus has continued throughout the year. In December 1988, five cadets passed Part I of the Proficiency Syllabus and eight cadets passed Part z. Three cadets were awarded a pass at the Advanced Level, with one cadet passing the Practical Air Navigation Examination. The Rector inspected the Contingent and presented certificates to cadets in the Army and RAF Section during this special parade. Last year, the RAF Section came second in the Air Trophy Competition run by Headquarters Air Cadets. We had a few individual successes, with one award of a Cadet Flying Scholarship and one officer entry into the Royal Air Force. The RAF Section collected over £zio on behalf of the RAFA Wings Appeal in September, 1988 and was pleased to learn that it had won the Wings Appeal Trophy for the fourth year in succession. Furthermore, three of the top collectors for the North-East of Scotland were cadets from our RAF Section. The Army Section training programme over the past session has provided cadets with a good grounding of basic proficiency subjects, such as mapreading, first-aid, dress/discipline and arms training. The training has been supplemented by full-bore and .zz shooting throughout the year. Army cadets have been active in canoe training, fieldcraft and fitness training. Six army cadets attended summer camp at Cultybraggan, Perthshire, where they took advantage of the intensive training provided there. We hope to send zo cadets to Cultybraggan this year.
Extra -Curricular Activities
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Computing and Technology Club The Computer Club, which folded at the time of the teachers' industrial action, has re-emerged in the guise of the Computing and Technology Club. The Club meets in school every second Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. under the supervision of Mr. Guthrie of the Computing Department and Mr. Murray of the Technical Department. On alternate Wednesdays we meet at the Grampian Young Engineers Club at RGIT. We are about to embark upon a somewhat ambitious project, sponsored by the GYEC, to build a robot capable of lifting small, heavy objects.
Dramatic Society This year, the Dramatic Society decided to tackle a theatrical venture in a completely different style from last year's improbable 194os farce Blithe Spirit. From September to March, pupils aged between eleven and seventeen, guided by staff from various departments, spent many hours rehearsing the satirical piece Oh What A Lovely War. Written in the t 960s, the script included singing, dancing and role play. Rehearsals were lively and the costumes and lighting were particularly effective. This year's cast was large, comprising around twenty Pierrots who constantly switched parts by changing hats, becoming generals, soldiers and glamorous artistes. Pupils were involved in all aspects of the production, including plotting the lighting, organising the sound effects and designing the costumes. Everyone played a vital role in the production, from the smallest walk-on part to the stage manager and producer, and the production at the end of March was both original and enjoyable.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme With the kind help of certain members of staff, girls are able to participate in all three sections of the award scheme—Bronze, Silver and Gold—from third year upwards. To gain the award at each level, pupils have to fulfil a programme of service, skill and physical recreation, and take part in an expedition, usually a hillwalk. For the Gold Award an additional residential project is required. The highlight of each award is the expedition, where you are thrown into the back of beyond and required to walk some considerable distance with a heavy pack on your back. Last year about thirty girls passed their Bronze Award and this year fourteen passed their Silver Award. Many are completing their Gold Award. Even though it is hard work, everyone involved has really good fun and gains a valuable sense of achievement.
Literary and Debating Society This year the Literary and Debating Society has enjoyed larger turnouts, resulting in lively and successful meetings which were held at our new venue— room I, on Thursdays at 3.35 p.m. Motions as diverse as "Exams are not a fair way of assessing pupils", to "Neighbours is a true reflection of modern-day life" have been hotly contested, with the standard of speaking consistently high. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable meetings was the staff debate, and we were delighted to invite the Rector, Mrs. Thomaneck, Mr. Caie and Mrs.
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine
Lennox to argue "This House believes that those who can, do; those who can't, teach." (The motion was carried!) Another lively meeting was the Four Schools Debate, hosted by Grammar; "This House would legalise euthanasia." The motion was proposed by Robert Gordon's College and Albyn School for Girls and was opposed by Grammar and St Margaret's School for Girls. The opposition won by a significant majority. The Hat Night was also very successful—so much so, that another was proposed for later in the session. Two teams were involved in competitions this year. One team reached the second round of the BP Public Speaking Competition. The other entered the Aberdeen University/Press andJournal Debating Competition and was narrowly defeated by teams from Robert Gordon's and Albyn. The junior years have also participated in some very interesting debates, discussing topics ranging from animal experimentation to the Christmas spirit. These debates have proved very popular, and more have been organised for the summer term. Overall it has been a very successful year for the Society, with much interest and enthusiasm shown by all those who attended. It is hoped that this keen debating spirit will be sustained for many years to come.
Music Notes Last summer the Music Department played host to a group of pupils and staff from the Werner-von-Siemens Gymnasium, Regensburg. We have had a long and happy association with the school, and this visit helped to strengthen the links. The group undertook an extensive programme of visits, ranging from Glenfiddich Distillery to the Total Gas Terminal at St. Fergus. Guests and host families joined together one evening for a good "fling" at a ceilidh in the School hall, giving our German friends a sample of Scottish music and dancing. We have been invited to make a return visit to Regensburg and, at the time of writing, arrangements are well in hand for a group to visit in June 1989. Christmastime saw us at St. Machar's Cathedral for the annual carol service. The choir presented carols old and new—the gentle harmonies of the "Nativity Carol" and the humour of "1 Saw Three Ships" by John Rutter, the tasteful singing of the Madrigal Choir, the delightful rendering of "The Angel Gabriel" with flute and clarsach accompaniment, the Scots carol "Ane Sang the Birth", were all enjoyed as was the customary lively contribution from the Brass Ensemble. It is always a happy evening with the gathering of parents, pupils, friends and also many former pupils, who return to sing in the choir or just to join in the general singing. We are grateful to Dr. Todd, who introduced the service, for his unfailing interest and the warm welcome we received— Christmas at St. Machar's is a special occasion. In the Easter term, although there were many pressures with exams, some pupils found time and energy to present a lunchtime recital in the Cowdray Hall in March. There was plenty of variety—trumpet, flute, French horn, vocal and piano items, all well received by a large audience. The final item—the piano music of Chopin, played by Heather Fong— was the highlight of the recital. As mentioned earlier, we are now reaching for our German dictionaries and preparing a music programme for our visit to Regensburg. Bavaria, here we come!
Extra -Curricular Activities
'7
Young Amnesty International Group The recently formed Young Amnesty International Group has the same aims as Amnesty International, namely the prevention of the violation of human rights and opposition to the use of capital punishment, but it is directed mainly at young people. Every Tuesday we have a meeting to discuss ideas for fund-raising. We receive information about prisoners who have been detained—often in appalling conditions- -because of their political or religious beliefs. Many of them have been tortured. We are also given the addresses of authorities who have the power to stop the atrocities. We write polite letters to these authorities, requesting the release of prisoners detained for participating in peaceful demonstrations, speaking their mind and other non-violent forms of rebellion. We write to the prisoners themselves, giving them messages of goodwill to keep their hopes alive. Funds have been raised by selling Amnesty International T-shirts, and it is proposed to hold an auction of various items donated by celebrities. The Grammar School Young Amnesty International Group works for a good cause, and we reap the benefit of our efforts when prisoners are released and reunited with their family and friends.
First Crest Gold Awards in Scotland In 1988, two Aberdeen Grammar School sixth-year pupils, Garth Edward and Paul Mellor, became the first Scots to win Crest Gold Awards. These awards are sponsored by the British Association for the Advancement of Science and are given to individuals or teams who successfully complete a scientific, technological or design project. Open to young people aged eleven to eighteen, the scheme has three levels—Bronze, Silver and Gold--each of which makes different demands in terms of time, knowledge and ingenuity. A special condition for Gold-level students is that the project must have close links with industry or higher education. Garth and Paul decided to use their Sixth-Year Studies practical projects (in Chemistry and Biology respectively) as vehicles for gaining these prestigious awards. Paul undertook an investigation into antibiotics in lichens. Garth, who was unfortunately abroad at the time of the award ceremony, carried out an investigation into the corrosion inhibiting effects of quaternary ammonium compounds. This work was carried out at T.R. Oil Services, Dyce and a word of thanks must go to the company's Technical Manager, Mr. Ted Harris, for the kindness shown and the assistance given to Garth. One of the main intentions of the Crest Gold-level scheme is to broaden the outlook of pupils and give them a first-hand insight into industry. Below, Garth Edward gives his opinion of the scheme: As a method of study, 1 would say it was an invaluable experience. Most people doing Chemistry at Sixth-Year Studies level are seriously considering using it either in future employment or higher education, so the practical clement provides essential experience and an insight into problems that will be faced later on. In my project, I was working in a situation where time, materials and advice really were worth money, so it was a new experience to have to find compromises between cost and accuracy. It also taught me how to work with other people and showed how the chemical industry works in the real world. There was no teacher to ask how you were doing and if you had problems, then you had to tackle them yourself. 1 reckon it gave me more enthusiasm for the subject and an idea of its application in society. At last there was a chance to put all the theory into practice. I feel that the Crest scheme achieves its aim. It
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magrqine broadens the teaching, is more enjoyable and provides a good bridge from the easygoing classroom to the cut and thrust of the industrial world.
Paul Mellor is soon to begin studies at Edinburgh University, where he hopes to qualify as a vet. Garth Edward has just completed his first year at Oxford University studying--no, not Chemistry- Chinese.
Scottish Young Scientist of the Year Competition This competition is open to all secondary schools in Scotland. For the purposes of the competition, the country is divided into four areas. Assessors visit participating schools to select four finalists from each area. Clive Kelty (S6), who had submitted a project on the effects of irradiation on genes of the fruit-fly, was selected as a finalist from the Northern Area. As a result of a judging session at Bankhead Academy, Clive was chosen as the area winner. Clive proceeds to the national final to be held at the University of Stirling in June, competing with finalists from the three other areas.
Summer Trip to the Continent, 1989 In July a party of some forty pupils and five staff will leave for France and Belgium for a ten-day visit. They will be based at Fontainebleau (near Paris) and at Ostend on the Belgian coast. It is proposed to visit Paris on the tooth anniversary of Bastille Day. The visit follows a successful ten-day trip in Easter 1988 to St. Goarshausen in West Germany and Valkenburg in the Netherlands.
Parent-Teacher Association This session has been yet another busy one for the Grammar P.T.A. The Association has responded, under the leadership of The Rev. Gordon Haggarty, to the problem of communicating current educational practice to parents. In the first instance, a very successful and informative evening on Standard Grade took place. Staff involved in subjects in the 'front-line' of these changes described the new courses and exams in English, Maths, Science, Home Economics and Technical. This was followed by a question and answer session. Since then, there has been much discussion on the problem of communicating rapid educational change, and the Rev. Haggarty spoke at a meeting of all staff on policies for this, emphasising the positive role to be played by the P.T.A. Nevertheless, it has not been 'all work and no play', and in February the Annual P.T.A. Dance took place. An enjoyable evening was had by all, with special thanks to Hilda Longford for organising the buffet (and refreshments at parents' evenings). The P.T.A. will still meet after the advent of School Boards on 1 November, 1989, continuing to play its role in the educational partnership between parents and teaching staff.
First Crest Gold Awards in Scotland
Paul Mellor (SVI) receives his Crest Gold Award from Professor John Thomson and Sir Alan Veale at a ceremony held in the headquarters of the Royal Society in London. Garth Edward (SVI), who also won a Crest Gold Award, was abroad at the time of the award ceremony.
Scottish Young Scientist of the Year Competition
Clive Kelty (SVI), winner of the Northern Area Final of the Scottish Young Scientist of the Year Competition. 19
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Aberdeen Grammar ,S'ebnol Magazine
School Prizes 1988 89 The J. Mortimer McBain Prize to the best Mathematical Scholar in SV The Masson Bain Prize in English The Brebner Prize in French Prize for the best pupil in a German class, awarded by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic ofGermany The May Thomson Scottish Poetry Prize—Equal The Gordon McMinn Prize in Computer Studies The Norman Mackie Memorial Prize in SIII—Equal The Former Pupils' All Round Trophy in SIII— Equal The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Biology The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Chemistry The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Geography The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Geology The Former Pupils' Club Prize—German The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Home Economics The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Modern Studies The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Physics The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Religious Studies The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Spanish—Equal The Gavin Falconer Memorial and Former Pupils' Club Prize in Music The Charles Alexander Walker Prize in History The Hamish Adams Greig Prize in Mathematics and Science in SV—Equal Sir J. J. Robertson's Prize for Contributions to the Magazine The Samuel Pope Prize in Art The Derek Stewart Memorial Prize in Mathematics in SII—Equal
Yvonne M. McAllister Lucy E. Partington Melanie G. Millar
Melanie G. Millar 'Gillian A. Nisbet (Pamela H. Davidson Cohn Simpson 'Andrew L. Nicholson (Mark G. Russell 'Christine A. Caldwell (Louise J. Undrill Susan C. Robinson Clive J. Kelty Fiona E. Little Michael S. Gordon Melanie G. Millar Isabel F. Mackerill Denise M. Mair Yvonne M. McAllister Diane C. Legge 'Stephen H. Garland !Eloise B. Armour Heather Fong Alan P. Rockwell 'Sarah L. Allinson 1Yvonne M. McAllister Emma Waterman Anna Watson Amanda G. Barron 'Elizabeth C. Annand (Catherine R. Clarke
The Alexander Thomson Prize in Mathematics in SIII Mark G. Russell The George G. Whyte Prize in Mathematics in SVI Michael S. Gordon The Edith and David Ritchie Bishop Prizes for Public Speaking First Yvonne M. McAllister Second Ruth M. Dyer Third—Equal 'Amy J. Anderson (Patrick C. D. Stewart The Alastair G. Simon Memorial Prize in Spanish in Sill Judith M. Thomson
School Prizes soSI-4 The John Moir Robertson Memorial Prize in Business Studies Campbell Connon's Prize for Local Studies Dr. A. A. Cormack's Prize—Equal The Philip Love Trophy—Equal The Rector's Shield for outstanding contribution to the running of The Literary and Debating Society Aberdeen Grammar School Dramatic Society Award for outstanding contribution to Drama The National Bible Society of Scotland Essay Competition New Award The Patrick W. Scott Shield for best recruit in the Combined Cadet Force Sports Pries The Former Pupils' Cup awarded to The Player of the Year in Rugby The Rector's Medal for Swimming Dr. Morland Simpson's Cup for Swimming The Isobel 0. Anderson Medley The Girls' Cup for Swimming Badminton Awards Senior Championship Girls Champion Junior Champion Drama Shields Playmaking—Senior I —Senior H Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme Silver Award
The Runner-up to The Former Pupils' All Round Trophy for Girls—Joint Award The Runner-up to The Former Pupils' All Round Trophy and The Agnes Durward McDonald Prize The Former Pupils' All Round Trophy for Girls The Former Pupils' All Round Trophy and John Ivo Dawson Prize
al
Mhairie P. Duff Craig M. McLennan Alice I. Nimmo (Lynn Wisely $Clive J. Kelty (Derek Mitchell Yvonne M. McAllister Benjamin M. J. Neville Caroline Cumming and Niel McEwen Arron S. Smith Hamish M. Morrison Keith N. Webster Sarah M. Wilson Keith N. Webster Kelly-Jayne Lumsden Christopher S. Brown Lynn B. Ritchie Andrew H. Fowlie Colin G. Ballantyne Angus J. P. Duguid Katharine M. Bridges Sonja M. Duckworth Susannah Gilmour Fiona J. Hamilton Fiona J. Morrice Heather N. Shepherd Wendy A. Watson Ann E. Falconer and Lynne A. Faskin Peter J. Craig Emma T. Allen Alan P. Rockwell
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
Pupils' Magazine: Immaterial Last session the pupils' magazine was revived. I 'nder the title of Innuendo, it was published within the School in April and enjoyed considerable success with the pupils. This year's magazine. Immaterial, went on sale at the beginning of the summer term and it is anticipated that it will be an even greater success. The aim of the editorial team was to illustrate "the literary and artistic talent ofpupils front all_years in the School". In pursuit of their aim, the editors have collected material covering a wide range of topitsfor example, an article on the demerits of dieting, compilations of views on life in the year 2000, an assessment of the value of television announcers, a report on the proposed girls' hockey tour of America later this year, a photographic report on COmic Relief day at the School, short stories, and a link poetry, all interspersed with artwork. The extracts that follow are intended to give readers some indication of the creative talents ofpupils from al year-groups in the School.
My First Day Oh! no, I'm starting school the morn' i'll hae tae get up at the crack a'dawn Tae put the iron kettle on For ma mither's cup o' tea. Shall I play truant an' miss the school? Or shall I be good an' obey the rule? For it's nae say fun tae be labelled the fool An 'abode else tae see. It's a lovely morn' I'd rather play Than be stuck inside that school a' day But what weel ma teacher say When he finds not it's me. So maybe that's wrang, so I'd better just go An' learn the things I'm supposed to know, An' when I get old I'll be able to show, I learnt ma A,B,C. Nicola Reid Si
Fortune-Telling and the Occult People usually associate fortune-telling with mysterious gypsy ladies with long, hooped earrings and vividly patterned clothing. When you think of gypsies, you imagine them to be sitting around a small wooden table, gazing into a crystal ball. Whether you believe in this or not is your business. This sort of practice is usually harmless. The occult, however, can be rather dangerous. Children arc often tempted to dabble in the occult and arrange for a group of friends to come round and try out a ouija board. By the end of this experience they are usually scared out of their wits and their faces are as white as a pint of milk! Believe it or not, such experiences can leave some people mentally scarred. We know there is a good side to spirits, but we don't know if there is a had side and what harm it can do. The best bet is to steer clear of anything to do with the occult. Susan Inoch S4
Pupils' Magazine: Immaterial
23
The Old Cat The old cat was contented sitting on a wall Beside a broken china doll. Its back was bent in a right angle And its tail was dancing in a frenzied tangle. The sky turned red as the sun went down But the cat sat still as if to receive a crown. The darkness soon swallowed the light Bringing a silent mischievous night. The sound of the wind whistling through the window gap Drowned the last few miaows of the cat. It was still long before the dawn And the tired old cat started to yawn. The frost had covered all over the field Leaving the grass covered by a shield. The children had gathered around the wall Looking at the cat which had lost its soul. Yoomi Kim S5 Black or White Now I am not the type of confident person who could stand up in front of a waiting crowd to state my views, loud and clear. In fact, there are not many times when I've even had the courage to open up and speak my mind to my friends and family. However, racial discrimination is the one topic that I not only feel strongly about, but also one that I react to immediately. My own opinion is that black, white, pink or brown, we are all individual human beings with the right to live our lives without racial harassment. In all countries, cities and communities there are people of every type. People are tall, fat, small and slim, but it is just as easy to find an attractive and intelligent black person as it is to find a white person sharing these qualities. Also, there are as many unattractive white people of limited ability as there are blacks. Wherever you go in the world, you will find good and bad, successful and unsuccessful people, but their skin colour does not make a difference. The situation in South Africa today interests me a great deal, but at the moment I'm thinking of the British problems. Many, many of the black people living in this country are not foreigners—they were born and brought up here. Britain is their home, just as it is yours and mine. Perhaps next time you meet people with a different skin colour from your own, you will look at them through their skin and see them for the individuals they are. They are no different from yourself- they have good points, they have faults, but we're all here for the same reason- to live our lives the best we can. Aren't there enough problems in our country without adding racial discrimination to the list too? \Ve are all alike and equal, and although there is no doubt a problem in our mixed society today, perhaps when our children are our age, they will not even realise that a problem ever existed. Joanna C. Smith S6 A Day in the Year 2000 As we came out of the 3-D hologramic TV Room, we were all chattering excitedly about the film we had been watching. It had been all about the late 198os when we had just been babies.
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine
Our school was in its second term since the turn of the century and it was now the year zooo. After the buzzer had gone and our class had been dismissed, I walked down through the sliding glass doors, down the steel stairs and on to the pavement. I gazed at the new computerised car that sped past. I couldn't wait till I was fourteen and old enough to take my driving test. I thought back to the film we had seen. In the 198os you had to be SEVENTEEN to take your test! I walked on a bit and then I decided to take the school underground bus home. I had to get home quickly because I had to go shopping to buy a new pair of denim shoes. When I got out of the underground I saw an aerocopter—a cross between an aeroplane and a helicopter. I thought about what our teacher had told us the day before -it is estimated that in the next twenty years there will be a manned trip to Mars. People don't wear fur anymore because it is banned and a lot has changed since the time of the film we saw: technology, fashion and many other things and I think that in the next few years things are going to change even more. Kerry Davidson Sz
Life is a Bore?! It was just another predictable day, or so I thought—life is such a bore! Why do others seem to enjoy themselves when I lead such a humdrum life? I brushed my hair and as I looked in the mirror I saw a plain girl with mousy hair and spotty skin. This depressed me. Why couldn't I look like Jill, pretty and always happy, or like Tina, naturally blond and very popular. Okay, I thought, I'll change my image. Hurriedly, I grabbed my bag and dashed out of the door, before Mum could ask where I was going. As I sat on the bus, I thought of what I could buy with my pocket money from the chemist. Should I dye my hair red or blond? Luckily, Mum wasn't in when I got back. "Of course—it's Saturday. Mum will be shopping," I thought. I threw my purchases on the bed. I had decided on the red dye and the assistant had helped me to choose lipstick and powder to match. After an hour of applying the dye, I looked at the result in the mirror and shrieked. "Mum will kill me! Well, it's too late now—it won't come out for ages. I could always shave it or wear a wig . . ." The next stage was the makeup; see what a mess I can make of this! I stared incredulously at the finished result. I looked, well, different—years older. I just managed to get out the back door as Mum was coming in the front. Didn't want her to see me yet, maybe stop me from going to town. I passed quite a lot of people who knew me and a few of them looked twice. I caught sight of my reflection in the shop window and wondered what Mum would say as I was wearing her skirt and best high heels. The town hall clock struck 6 o'clock as I passed a group of young men and women near the wine bar. One called to me to follow them. They seemed so happy, having fun, just what I was looking for! So I followed. It was dark as we all emerged from the wine bar. I held on to the arm of Tony, who had bought me quite a few glasses of wine. I felt queasy, my legs seemed to give way, my head was spinning. They had decided to go to Dave's place for a party. "Why not?" I thought. This was what I wanted—fun! I staggered into a dark smelly room full of weird people. Tony left me to fetch a drink. A couple nearby offered me a cigarette—well, it looked like a cigarette, but from the smell of theirs it was rather dubious. Having told them all I was older than I was, I accepted a light and took a puff. I gasped for breath, trying to look like an experienced smoker. I took another puff. After a
Rebuilding of the School
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while the room seemed to spin around, people were crowding in on me, leering, pawing. I panicked and ran. I ran from the room, from the flat, down the street and fell sobbing at the feet of a policeman. It was an understatement to say that Mum and Dad were shocked to see the state of me, as I stood on the doorstep with the policeman. After all, it was past midnight and I looked a mess. No shouting, no recriminations, just "Go to bed. We'll talk in the morning." I looked at myself in the mirror. "So this is what you wanted, fun, excitement. Are you happy now?" I asked myself. After all the times I had promised Mum and Dad about telling them where I was and with whom-1 had let them down. The worry shown on their faces made me realise how silly and selfish I had been. "Tomorrow, back to your old self--there are other ways of having fun." Lisa Longford S3
Rebuilding of the School Plans put forward for the rebuilding of the School were approved by the Education Committee on 14 June 1988. The plans are for a single-site school of looo pupils, and rebuilding is expected to commence later this year. Most of the new part of the School will be open-plan and allows for the provision of integrated subject departments, as well as providing facilities for good working and functional relationships between departments, with associated back-up facilities. The plans envisage rebuilding on four levels: ground floor, mezzanine floor between ground and first floor levels, first floor and second floor (which will be to the front of the building only). On the ground floor there will be a lecture theatre, where talks can he given and clubs and societies can meet. Also on the ground floor there will be the drama studios with a new stage. The library will be on the floor above, with terminals for TTL and PRESTEL computer databases. There will be facilities for pupil and teacher research, and the careers office will be based in the library. Above the library will be the Computing Department, which will be openplan. Also on the first floor will be the Home Economics Department, which will again be open-plan. Next to the Computing Department will be Business Studies, housing a model office. The Learning Support Department will be based on this floor as well. The whole of the second floor will be devoted to the open-plan Art Department. The estimated completion of rebuilding the main part of the School is August 1991, at a cost of some L3 million. An outline of the plans for rebuilding is set out below:
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50
Aberdeen Grammar Sam/ Magazine
Family History: How and Why? When I was invited to write an article on family history, I had several thoughts. How could I answer the often-asked questions of why I do it and how it is done? So, to answer the first part, "Why?" Well, like many people, I used to visit my grandparents, who would talk about relatives. I did not know quite in what way they were related to me, so I decided to draw up a simple (so I thought) family tree to find out. I also came across a book in the School library which included a picture and notes on a building called "Nisbet House". Like many a family historian, I had dreams of linking myself to the aristocrats who lived there. Could I do so? Over ten years later, I am still completing the family tree and have not yet found the missing link. Don't let that put you off doing your own family history, however. How do you start? Well, if possible, ask all your elderly (or not so elderly) relatives to give you some information on your family and, from this, try to draw up a simple family tree; also, check any family records such as bibles, diaries, photographs (get your relatives to name them, if possible). The next step is to tackle the official records, that is birth, death and marriage certificates, census returns and the old parish registers. Compulsory registration of births, deaths and marriages started in England and Wales in 1837, but Scotland waited until 1855 to follow suit. However, for family history purposes, the Scottish records are far superior: for example, an English death certificate does not show parents' names, but the Scottish one does; an English marriage certificate only shows the father's names, but the Scottish one shows both parents' names, and whether they are alive or deceased. To start oft, these certificates form the main tools of family history research. In Scotland they are stored centrally (for the whole country) at the New Register House in Edinburgh, and also in the local registrar's office. (For example, the registrar's office in Upperkirkgate, Aberdeen, contains copies of all the certificates for Aberdeen City from 1855 onwards and for Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire from 1855 to about 1939). If you were born in Scotland, look at your own birth certificate: it will give your full name, place and date of birth, parents' full names and father's occupation; also parents' place of residence (if the child was not born at home—very common at the present time). Most importantly, it gives the parents' date of marriage and their place of marriage. This enables one to gain access to the next step in the process the marriage certificate—which will give you (as already stated) the bride's and groom's parents' names, as well as the address, occupations and ages of the bride and groom. The certificate will also show in which church the ceremony was performed. (Perhaps giving a clue to your ancestors' religious preference). By subtracting the ages shown on the marriage certificate, you can hopefully then follow on to the next birth certificate, and so on. To access death certificates may mean using graveyard records, newspaper death notices or simply wading through the volumes of death certificates. The Scottish death certificate is particularly important in that it gives parents' names (when known). You can find information on a person who may have died before compulsory registration started. Death certificates also tell you the cause of death, and this can be very interesting. It has led me to find out that one of my colleagues had a relative murdered in King Street, Aberdeen. One of my own direct ancestors fractured her skull (at the age of 73) when she fell down an Edinburgh tenement staircase whilst drunk on New Year's Day, 1875! Another death certificate told me that my ancestor had been a pensioner of the 78th Foot Regiment, and by looking at the army records (kept at the public record office at Kew), I found out that he had fought against the French in
Family Hiring: How and Wig?
31
Sicily in t8os and had been captured by Turks at the battle of El Hamet in Egypt in 1807. He spent six months as a prisoner of war in a Cairo jail. The next tool for use by the family historian is the census returns. One has access to the censuses for 1841 a I (it 7i 81 9i. These are found in New Register House and also in man large libraries. (The Central Library in Aberdeen has the 1841 1881 censuses for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire). Each parish was divided into various enumeration districts and subdivided by streets. Streets were then subdivided by individual addresses; unfortunately, these have not been indexed. You take the addresses from your certificate and look up the most suitable census return. (For example, try the 1871 census for an 1874 certificate). The census return will give you all the names of the people living at that address, their relationship to the head of the household, their age, occupation and, most importantly, the parish of their birth. This information will enable you to construct family groups. Very importantly, it gives you information for checking people born prior to 1855, as you have their age and parish of birth. Prior to 185 5, when registration was not compulsory, the recording of baptisms, marriages and (very rarely) deaths, was undertaken by the churches. Unfortunately, in Scotland this was only done, on the whole, by the Church of Scotland and the Free Churches, so if your ancestors were catholics or did not go to church, you have problems. The information taken varied from parish to parish and from session clerk to session clerk; for example, the marriage records for St. Nicholas Parish in Aberdeen give both bride's and groom's fathers' name, occupation and (sometimes) address, whereas next-door's parish Old NIachar contains only the bride's and groom's names. The age of parish records varies from parish to parish. Some go back to the early i6oos; others date from the start of the i7oos. At the present time, I have traced my ancestors back to a marriage in 1691, through the use of these "official records". One can also make use of wills and other legal documents. For Scotland, these are kept in the Scottish Record Office. Army, Naval and Merchant Seaman records (amongst many others) arc kept at the Public Record Office in Kew. Local newspapers are also a good source of information; many local libraries will either have original or microfilm copies of such newspapers. I found a 300-word article written when a newspaper reporter visited my greatgreat-great-grandmother (then aged too), to ask her about her life in Glenlivet when she was young (in the early nineteenth century). The article implied that my ancestors were almost certainly involved in the illegal brewing of whisky in the "braes of Glenlivet". Family history is a hobby which has grown rapidly in interest over the last few years, with family history societies springing up all over the country. Through it, one becomes more aware of the history and the social and economic development of our country. It may be said that by bringing history alive, you are giving your ancestors a place in time. I hope that this article will serve to stir the interest of readers of the Magazine in the direction of family history research. If any reader wishes to contact me for assistance, I will be only too glad to give it. Kenneth A. McR. Nisbet (117 x-78)
32
Aberdeen Grammar .School Magazine
Gold for Men's Hockey at the 24th Olympiad—Seoul, 1988 T. I. ( Tim) Morrison ( 1934 47) brought considerable distinction to the School and the (lab when, under his chairmanship, the Great Britain Men's Hockey Team won the Gold Medal at the ION Olympic Games in Scowl, South Korea. In response to a letter from the General Editor, Mr. Morrison relates his impressions of Seoul and describes the action on the field ofplay. culminating in the British team's triumph oper West Germany in !henna/. Mention must be made, too, of the achievements of another F.P., Dennis Hay (1972-Jo), coach of the Great Britain Women's Hockey Squad, whose learn finished a creditable fourth in the Seoul Games. The aspirations of the Home Countries being what they are, viz. to compete separately in the European, Intercontinental and World Cup hockey competitions, it is always extremely difficult for the Great Britain Men's Hockey Board to select and prepare a side to qualify for successive Olympic Games—of the twelve places available in the men's competition, only the previous winners and the host country automatically qualify. The demands made on our best players are immense. They have to spend more and more time playing and training, with the inevitable outcome that they have less time for study or for business, and for what most of us would consider "normal family life". But qualify for the Seoul Olympics we did, and for me there was a tenuous personal connection with Korea, dating back some thirty-five years or so, which made the prospect of going to Seoul fascinating. There was a war on in Korea in the early fifties, and as a National Serviceman I had almost completed fifteen days embarkation leave for Korea when I was recalled in order to attend a War Office Selection Board. Fortunately, I was accepted for further training and my army career, such as it was, took me to a less exciting and less distant part of the world! Many people helped us before and during the Olympics—not least of all the players' employers and supportive families—but other help, especially financial help, had to be fought for. In addition, we were led by what was undoubtedly one of the most experienced (and able) management teams in the world. One would expect the bulk of the players to come from England, but might, nevertheless, wonder why there was only one Scot in the party, given the current strength of the game here. After all, in 1948, when Great Britain won the silver medal at the Wembley Olympic Games, six Scotsmen were in the party. In my view there were two reasons for this. In the first instance, Scotland is far from the main G.B. training areas— Bisham Abbey and I.illeshall Sports Centres—and it is very difficult for Scottish players to sustain a prolonged commitment to regular practice in these places. Secondly, unsound and short-sighted advice was given in the past to key players in Scotland by people within the Scottish Hockey Association who really should have known better. I suspect that things are better now and I detect a determination in some of our younger players in Scotland to "make the grade with G.B.". Our assistant manager had carried out an extensive reconnaissance in the Far East in the autumn of 1987 and, as a result of his visits, we had decided to acclimatise the party in Hong Kong rather than go to Japan as many of the other groups did. We moved to Seoul about ten days before the competition started, and
Goldfor Men's Hockey at the 24th Olympiad— Seoul, 1.988
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everyone was impressed by the size and quality of the various sports complexes, most of which had been built for the Asian Games only two years previously. We were not surprised to find that communication and transport turned out to be our main problems. Many of the young Korean officials had been trained in "instant English", which only got us so far—but since our Korean was even more basic, we were not in a position to complain. Who would have complained anyway, when our charming hosts tried to be so helpful? Both the Olympic Village and the Olympic Family Town—most visitors and supporters were accommodated in the latter—were located at some distance from the central area of Seoul. Some of the sports centres were also quite far away, the hockey stadium, for instance, being at Songnam, some twenty kilometres from the living quarters. Although transport was provided for matches, of course, we had to rely a lot on taxis and local public transport, the latter being cheap but very fast—hair-raisingly fast! There is an underground system in Seoul, but we did not use it much. Stations are never where you want them! The city was looking its best. Factories likely to emit any form of pollution had been instructed to close down until three days after the Games, and flags, flowers and Olympic rings were everywhere. Quality hotels were quite well filled. High-rise blocks and wide streets were much in evidence. We could have been in a modern city anywhere in the Far East—except for the preponderance of Hyundai and Daewoo vehicles! It did not take us long to discover the main bazaar—at Et'aiwon—and likely local eating houses! Food in the official villages was of sufficient variety to suit most tastes, but queues were the order of the fortnight, especially for breakfast. A compensation was that you might find yourself standing in the line-up next to an athlete or games player normally seen only on television. Unfortunately, we saw little of the country, but those who did reported on how beautiful some of the rural and coastal areas were. Perhaps some other time... It was hard to believe that thirty-five years ago there was not a building in Seoul standing which did not have a hole in it, and that there was not a single bridge over the River Han—they were all under it! What a transformation in so short a time. The weather was sunny and warm most afternoons, but mercifully the humidity was not high. It was quite cool in the early morning, while most evenings a sweater was welcome. But what about the games themselves? The arrangement in the Olympic Games is that the twelve teams are placed in two groups of six, as decided by the seedings for which the International Hockey Federation is responsible. Each team plays five qualifying matches, followed by cross-overs for 1-4, 5-8, 9-12 places. Great Britain being seeded second (higher than we expected) meant that we were not in the same group as the number one seeds, Australia, current holders of hockey's World Cup. Our first match was on Monday, 19 September against the host country, whom we had beaten in Ipoh some months before; two days later we were to play Canada; two days after that, West Germany. From these three games we were looking for five points. In the event we got only three (z-z; 3-0; i-z). It had been an indifferent start, which the faint-hearted took as indicative of disaster ahead. Suddenly, it looked as if all the rigorous daily routines of the last four years, all the weary training week-ends, all the physical assessments, all the preparatory matches, had been in vain. But this was not to be. Such was the determination of the players that they never looked back after the disappointing defeat by West Germany in our third game.
34
Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine
In order to qualify for the semi-finals, the lads had now to win their last two pool matches against Russia and against an improving Indian side. India, incidentally, is the only side to have won successive Olympic gold medals, winning in 1928, 1932, 1936, 1948, 1952 and i9s6. This was quite a tall order, but one to which the team proved equal. In both these games the half-time score was o-o, but Russia was ultimately defeated 3-1 and India 3-o, the Princess Royal cheering on the team in the latter match. So, after all, we had made the semi-finals. Second in our group meant that we had to play against Australia. The Aussies had won their group handsomely, winning all live games and, not unnaturally, were confident. Holland played West Germany in the other semi-final. The game against the Aussies was, I think, the most exciting of the tournament. G.B. led z-o at one stage, only to lose two goals to a very determined Australian side. With the score at z-z, extra time seemed to be unavoidable, and this could have given the super-fit Australians schooled in their Institute of Sport -an advantage; then, perhaps, penalty strokes. Even the most rabid G.B. supporter (not to mention television commentator) could have been excused from thinking that the game was slipping away from us, when up popped, yet again, our national asset--Sean Kerl• aided by Kulbir Bhaura—one of the guests at the Hockey Section's Invitation Tournament last Easter. 3.z it was, and 3-z it remained; thus G.B. was in the final. It had to be a silver medal at least an improvement on I.os Angeles in 1984. West Germany having beaten Holland, the latter played, and beat, Australia in the match for third and fourth places. Thus Australia, for the second successive Olympic Games, finished fourth again, no medal. Whatever happened now, European sides would take Gold, Silver and Bronze. Even at the time, the final seemed less exciting than the semi-final. Great Britain won 3-1, reasonably comfortably, and so for the first time since 192o, G.B. (Men) had won the Olympic Games gold medal and were to experience the thrill of standing on the Olympic rostrum, each with a gold medal round his neck, watching the Union Jack go up on the centre pole while lustily singing the national anthem. Don't take the thrill from mc, take it from those who did it—"words cannot describe the feeling adequately", was how most of them put it. Wherever the individual players come from, playing for Great Britain in the Olympic Games let alone winning—is quite different from playing for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, even in the World Cup. (It would be nice if the media could appreciate the difference!) The excitement even fervour—was beyond words. I know that some people consider any form of sport a magnificent triviality, but for a short time at least, sixteen of the nicest young men one could wish to meet, considered their sport the reason for living! They proved to be excellent ambassadors for the game and for their country. I remember that we had quite a party that evening—and I still have a copy of the bill! The win, of course, has done a lot for hockey. Most of the group have been involved in charity and publicity work of various kinds since Seoul—and enjoyed every minute of it. I lockey in all the home countries has benefited from the spotlight which the Olympics provided. That really is the main thing. And do not forget the pretty good performance of Great Britain's ladies. They had to play oft against Russia for the eighth place in Seoul (only eight women's teams compete), and so were seeded eighth. They finished fourth some consolation for their coach, Dennis Hay (1952-59), who in his time represented both Scotland and Great Britain.
Impressions of Bratil
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What about the future? A spin-off from finishing first is that Great Britain (Men) will be in Barcelona in 1992. No need to have to participate in the hassle of qualifying. All our energies can be directed to selecting and preparing the best side. Of course, I would like to see another player (or two) from Scotland, but Olympic selection asks a lot from individual players. There cannot ever be places for those who do not train, and train responsibly. Nor will there be places for anyone who exhibits less than leo% dedication, or who lacks real commitment and self-discipline. There are players in Great Britain who are willing to make these efforts. Good luck to them in Barcelona. I acknowledge again that many people helped us to win gold: The Sports Council, The Sports Aid Foundation, Puma, Minet insurance Services, The British Olympic Association and, as mentioned earlier, the players' families and employers. Thank you to all of them, to the players, and to my colleagues on the Great Britain Men's Hockey Board. It was a memorable experience for me to have been Chef de mission, and I was really pleased that my wife, together with some of the other members' wives or girlfriends, was able to be there and see it all happening. I hope that it provided some reward for the many week-ends we have all been away from home over the last four years. It would be fitting to leave the final words to our captain, Dr. Richard Dodds, 0.B.E., who, in a letter to me earlier this year, wrote: When asked why i felt we won the Olympic tournament, I say we were quite simply the best team. It seems an obvious answer, and i do believe our success was built on having an effective team---sixteen players, manager, coach, assistant manager, doctor, physiotherapist, non-travelling reserves, G.B. officials and sponsors, backed up by numerous wives, girlfriends, families and employers.
T. 1. (Tim) Morrison (1934-47) Chairman, Great Britain Men's Hockey Board
Impressions of Brazil Catherine Johnston left school inJuly 1988 and set offfor Bratil, where she is currently teaching English. In ber sixthyear she became the first Chairman of the School Charities Committee and was largely instrumental in getting the group working. Her first impressions of Bratil are recorded below in a letter to the General Editor.
I arrived safely in Rio de Janeiro Airport, exhausted and frightened. Driving through Rio is enough to scare you to death. Having been used to cities like Aberdeen, the size of Rio is totally beyond my comprehension. It's a tremendous hive of activity, full of all races and all social classes. The gap between rich and poor is much more obvious than in any other city I have seen. While driving from the outskirts to the centre you pass luxurious villas set amid palm trees, and within the next second you're on the edge of a favella.
The favellas have to be seen to be believed: thousands of ramshackle buildings propped up by the spectacular slopes of the Rio landscape. They arc separate towns, and people seem to be content in their own community, where they live on each other's doorsteps -a strangely attractive sight for someone who has never experienced hunger or poverty. It takes a while before you realise that, in a country where crime arises from hunger and jealousy, Brazil is one of the most dangerous places for a European.
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
I stayed in Rio for a day, but spent most of the time sleeping off jet-lag after the long flight from the UK. Next day I started my journey to Cuiabl, regrettably by bus. It took two bus journeys of twenty-one hours and thirteen hours before I eventually arrived in Cuiaba. Although the trip was long and uncomfortable, I saw some of the picturesque landscapes of this vast country. The difference between the east and the west of the country is incredible. I passed through the lush green mountains of Rio into the savannahs of the west and the dusty plains of Cuiaba's surrounding area. Cuiabi is very much hotter than Rio. I was surprised at how cool Rio was, and shocked at the usual 40°C in Cuiaba, which is hotter than I have ever experienced—and it was still winter! Cuiabi is a large and constantly growing city. It isn't such a violent place as Rio and Sao Paulo, since the poor aren't so poor there. It is very "Brazilian" there, which means that a natural blonde with extremely white skin sticks out like a sore thumb. The people were what I had expected and more: I expected friendliness, but they bent over backwards with hospitality. It was quite a thrill, I think, for them to be seen with a European since, to my knowledge, there were only two in a city of 3oo,ooo people. I expected the people to be lively, but it was very difficult to keep up with their undying energy. Like many continental people they are laid-back, at the same time as being enthusiastic. However, to be relaxed is one thing, never wearing a watch and to consider being half an hour late as on time, is another. Relaxaiion is almost as important as food in this country. They eat an inordinate amount but only have one meal a day, at midday. They worried so much about me not eating enough. They failed to understand that a British person, who is not used to eating much at lunchtime anyway, cannot possibly sit down to a banquet of beef when the weather is distinctly hot. In the Central West they live on beef and beans, and eat rice like the British eat potatoes. At first, mealtimes were dreaded: I had been brought up to avoid red meat. However, as I gradually got used to it, things weren't so bad. Teaching in Brazil has been enjoyable, and I imagine it would be an ideal place for retired Scottish teachers! The groups of pupils are small in number and the students are eager to learn. The school is small, well equipped and well run. Classes are very informal, most of my students arc older than me, and I share a flat with a girl in my class. Apart from the long hours (8 a.m.-9.3o p.m.), three days a week, and another six hours or so preparation time, it is a perfect teaching set-up. During the holidays I intend to explore Brazil. I hope to sample the vastly different culture of Sio Paulo, Rio and Nordeste. By that time I should have picked up some Portuguese and be more used to the local habits. It's a crazy country when you have to carry money in case you are robbed. (Coughing up is preferable to trying to show the criminal the error of his ways!). But what can you expect in a country where the drivers are more likely to stop at green lights than red ones? ... Catherine Johnston (1982-88)
David K. Yale
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David K. Yule General Editor of the Magazine, 1975-88 "Dear David .. . Thank you". At a Special Meeting of the FP Club in the i96os (not long after David Yule left school) a challenge was issued in a smoke-filled room in the Caledonian Hotel, the essence of which was that the Club should have more to show for itself than the production of the Magazine. The result of that meeting was a course of action which resulted in the acquisition of the property, 86 Queen's Road, and the beginning of the Club Centre as we now know it. I recount this since it reflected several sentiments about the Magazine—none of which was complimentary. The underlying feeling was that the Magazine was inevitable, predictable and, perhaps, a fixture which was taken for granted. Those connected with the Magazine will be the first to assure readers that its production is strewn with hurdles and never seems quite so inevitable. Why then, in 1975, did David Yule volunteer to take over the Magazine when those associated with it take on a most onerous task and run a serious risk to their reputation?! At school I remember David for his facility with words, both oral and written, and for an outlook which seemed somewhat pessimistic but which so often turned out to be based on an accurate prediction of life and experience. His modesty, then and now, is in proportion to his height. I also recall his abilities at cards and rugby, his unswerving admiration of Connie Francis and the spectacular grazing he suffered as a result of a bicycle crash. The qualities of lucid expression and realistic outlook were to stand David and the Club in excellent stead during the fourteen years he served as Editor. Our Magazine Editor should not be confused with some Fleet Street figurehead. Our Editor is the person who negotiates the contract with the printers, writes to prospective contributors of articles, writes again to contributors, reminds contributors, reminds contributors earnestly, threatens contributors vigorously, then eventually writes the pieces himself. The Editor then submits the texts to the printer, corrects the proofs, lays out the format of the Magazine and then anxiously awaits the snags which always occur before production. David offered himself for the position of Editor not because the difficulties had been held back from him hut because he was conscious of the long tradition of the Magazine going hack to the halcyon days of the legendary Theodore Watt. David was not content with a slide to mediocrity and with a sense of mission set about re-establishing the Magazine as something in which the School and former pupils could take pride with much that is historical or topical but always relevant and engaging. In 1975 when David became General Editor he prevailed upon a former pupil of literary and witty bent to write an article for the Magazine. This appeared in the name of The Resident (the late Royston J. Milne) and was entitled "Dear David (or why I haven't been able to write for the Magazine)". There then followed a piece in the inimitable Royston Milne style. Inconsequential or whimsical it may have appeared at the time, but now, even fourteen years later, it provides an insight into pre-war School and a link with the early days at the Club Centre and some larger-than-life members whose company we can no longer enjoy. Our Editor's aim was always to bring to the Magazine matters of interest by former pupils or friends of the School who were distinguished in their field or well placed and willing to share their views, experiences and reminiscences with a wider audience. Although it is, doubtless, questionable to identify particular articles, I shall list a few which, in my view, indicate the approach which David
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
brought to his editorship as well as the quality and versatility of the Magazine he
produced: The Scottish National Dictionary Memorable Occasions at Rubislaw Field Correspondent in Moscow and Peking Are Scottish Educational Standards Falling? Combined Cadet Force -yo Years On Civil Defence in the United Kingdom John Scott-- Another Great FP of ,9th-century literature The University of Aberdeen since the War Sea Kings in the Falklands (the experiences of a helicopter commander during active service) FP Cricket Section 1947 to 1988 The Moderator of the General Assembly Looks Back One Ilundred Years Old (being an examination of the history of the Magat.ine) Space Law Experiences in Antarctica AIDS- -A Professional Experience David sought to deliver a blend of local and national or international perspectives in an interesting and literate form. It is all the more laudable when one recognises that throughout his editorship David has been a dedicated family man and a very senior administrator at the University of Aberdeen with limited leisure hours. Inspired by a sense of the School's history and a feeling for local and national issues, he cajoled distinguished former pupils to share their memories and knowledge with the Club. Some, like Freddie Edwards, Alan Watt and David Bonavia have since died but, thanks to the Magatine and David's perception and perseverance, we have the benefit of their researches, views and memories. The 1985 edition of the Magazine was the tooth anniversary number and production of this magnum opus involved a trawl of Who's Who in order to identify the most distinguished former pupils and then encourage them to give details for Notes about Former Pupils. David was a leading light in this labour-intensive and worthy exercise which, without his stamina, would doubtless have been abandoned. It was David's style to preface articles and sections of the Magazine with a brief paragraph setting the scene for what was to come. This he did with wit, flair and charm to bring the diverse elements of the Magazine together as a cohesive entity. Amongst the regular features which David composed was the account of the Annual Dinner. It was a constant source of wonder to me that our Editor (who appeared to be partaking liberally of the hospitality of the evening) could, simultaneously, commit to memory the main elements of the speeches for recording in the Magazine some six months later in a more coherent and entertaining form than many of the speakers ever managed on the night! The Club and Magazine have been extremely well served by a succession of Editors since 1885. It is certain that David Yule's contribution has been significant in maintaining and improving the Magazine at a time of so many changes when it might well have been anticipated that the cost of production would have curtailed or eliminated the Magazine as we know it. That we in 1989 still have the Magazine. is due in no small measure to David Yule. That we have a magazine, unsurpassed and rarely equalled amongst Former Pupil magazines in the United Kingdom, is due almost entirely to David's vision and commitment. A. G. C. (19505)
Presentation to David K. Yule General Editor of the Magazine 1975-1988
Mr. Yule (left) receives a quaich from the President of the Club, W. Morrison Brown, to mark his long service as General Editor of the Magazine.
The Notes Editorship Kenneth A. McR. Nisbet (1972 78) took up the appointment of Notes Editor of the Mapqine after the completion of the 1988 issue. At school Kenneth was a keen hill-walker and a member of the cross-country running team. He also enjoyed playing several roles in Dramatic Society productions. On leaving school in 1978, Kenneth studied Librarianship at Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology and then went on to complete a course in Business Studies (Travel and Tourism) at Aberdeen College of Commerce. He found employment with Paton's Travel (Aberdeen) for a year, before joining Dan Air in 1983, where he is now a senior ticket agent. Kenneth, when not cheering on the Dons at Pittodrie, spends much of his spare time researching family history, an interest he has held for several years. His eye for detail and precision in researching and cataloguing items will serve him well in his capacity as Notes Editor of the Magazine. 39
40
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 9th Aberdeen (Grammar School) Scout Group
This year started badly but has become progressively better. Last October saw the departure of almost half the adult leaders from the Group in less than amicable circumstances. I shall not dwell on the problems here, but I do wish to pay a particular tribute to one of the Scouters who chose to go. Hunter Will (1948-62) joined the Ninth as a cub and gave the Group over 35 years of dedicated service. He has, at some time, run every section there is in the Ninth, he saw to the modernisation of our transport and was one of the builders of our headquarters extension in the late 196os. I think I am unlikely to be contradicted, if I say that Hunter has given as much as any person could have to the Ninth, and it is a sadder place without him. Following our loss of staff a reorganisation was necessary, and I am pleased to report that a new Scout Leader has been appointed. He is Eddy Day, a former member of the Troop and a former pupil of "another place". We are still short of assistant leaders and would very much like to hear from anyone who would fancy trying to lend a hand at meetings. The Sections meet as follows: Beaver Scouts: aged 6-8 years, Tuesdays 6-7 p.m. Cub Scouts: aged 8 To} years, Wednesdays 6.30-8 p.m. Scouts: aged to+-1 5-1 years, Friday 7.3o-9.3o p.m. All Sections meet at the Group Headquarters, Granville Lane, Aberdeen. Further details can be obtained by calling at the Headquarters on any meeting night and by contacting me either by telephone at Aberdeen 316819 or by writing to me at 9 Braeside Terrace, Aberdeen. Over the past year the Group has gone from strength to strength with each Section seeing a rise in its numbers, particularly the Cub Scout Section, which has over 5o members. All the Sections have planned and carried out a full programme, with such highlights as a sponsored sand-castle build for the Beavers, a one-week Pack holiday to London for the Cubs, and a canal boat-trip for the Scouts. The indoor programme has not been forgotten and Group progress through the training scheme has been good. In the coming year a Cub Scout father-and-son camp is planned at Templars Park, summer camp will be near The Black Isle village of Cromarty, and lots of other things too numerous to mention will take place. (That means we have not decided yet!—Scouting doesn't change, despite all its new ideas!). "What about the Reunion Dinner to celebrate our Both birthday?" Well, I'm afraid it was cancelled at a fairly early stage when little interest was shown following last year's entry in the Magazine. There then followed the departure of its organiser, Hunter Will, which meant the leaders had a great deal on their minds and generating custom for the reunion was not possible. The organising of just such a gathering will be a major task if it is to be a success. I did make one abortive attempt at saving the 8oth Birthday Reunion Dinner and promise those concerned that there will be another one in the future. However, I am but a youngster and will find it difficult to have the contacts held by some, so if you are willing to act as agent for your generation, please get in touch as soon as possible and I shall see what can be done. It is almost impossible to squeeze a year into several paragraphs, but I hope I have succeeded to some extent in covering the major points. The Group is very well supported by an active Group Council under whose auspices is published a newsletter. It appears about once a term and, if you would like a copy, please let me know. Ex-members are all very welcome to visit at any time and, although the link with the School is tenuous now, readers or their families are welcome to join us. Neil J. G. Lawrie (1961-1974)
Group Seoul Leader
Former Pupils' Club Club Founded 11 September 1893
Club Office-Bearers, 1989-90 Honorary President: WILLIAM J. JOHNSTON, B.SC., DIP.ED. (Rector)
Honorary Vice-Presidents: IAN G. MCPHERSON (191o-17) (President, 1965-66) EDWARD J. WOOD (1908-21), NI.A. (President, 1966-67) JOSEPH R. CARRY (7918-3o), M.B.E., T.D., D.L., F.B.C.O. (President, 1967-68) ERIC Roy BIRKETT (1920-22), C.A. (President, 1968-69) ALLAN C. FRAZER (1925-30), M.A., I.L.B., W.S. (President, 197o-71) JOIN V. SKINNER, M.A., M.LITT., DIP.ED., J.P. (Rector, 1959-72) AIR MARSHA!. SIR LESLIE MAYOR (1923-3 3), K.C.R., A.F.C.,D.L., F.R.AE.S., R.A.F. (President 1972-73) GEORGE E. C. BARTON (1923-26), M.A. (President, 1973-74) THE VERY REVD. J. FRASER MCLUSKEY (1920-31), M.C., D.D. (President, 1974-75) ROBERT A. E. MENNIE (1924-36), M.A., F.R.N.S., F.INST. PET. (President, 1976-77) JOHN W. CRADOCK (1941-46), C.A. (President, 1977-78) WILLIAM L. CONNON (1930-40), B.L. (President, 1979-80) T. GORDON Courts (1938-49, 1950-51), Q.C.,M.A.,1.1..B. (President, 198o-81) NEIL I, W. MEI.DRUM (1925-37), M.A., I.L.13. (President, 1981-82) JAMES A. N. WATT (1927-39), C.A. (President, 1982-83) BRIAN K. CROOKSHANKS (1934-46), T.D., M.A., LL.B. (President, 1 98 3-84) ERIC D. WATT (1937-50), B.ED. (President, 1984-8 5) MAURICE CRAMB (1916-29), M.A., LL.B., LL.D. ALAN J. PETERS (1920-30), C.A. IAN LEWIS SMITH (1918-30) DOUGLAS N. GEORGESON (1929-40) (President, 1985-86) ROBERT D. GILL, M.A., F.C.P. (Rector, 1972-86) ANDREW S. NOBLE (1939-5 2), M.A., F.C.M.A., F.I.M.A. (President, 1986-87) PROF. PHII.IP N. LovE (1952-58), C.B.E., M.A., I.L.B. (President, 1987-88) W. MORRISON BROWN (1933-46) (President, 19 8 8-8 9)
President: ERIC CRAIG (1934-46)
Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive: MELVILLE F. WATSON (1943-5 6), M.A., 1.1..8.
Secretary: JOHN F. HENDRY (1951-65), IJ..B.
Treasurer: COLIN C. ALLAN (1936-45), C.A.
General Editor of Magazine: DEREK A. HARLEY (1974-80), M.A., Dip.Ed. 41
42
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
Secretaries of Centres Club Centre—JOHN A. MACRAE, LI .B., z6 Carden Place, Aberdeen AB' i UQ. Edinburgh—NIGEL G. M. WATT (1963-69), W.S., II Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH 3 8HE. Glasgow—J. PETER CAIRNS (1943-57), Dellglenan, 3 John Street Lane,
Helensburgh, G84 9NA. London—ERNIF. CoHEN (1949-62), 68 Grafton Way, London W t P 5LE.
Tel. of 387 0809. Yorkshire—W. Scorr GIICHRIST (1929-36), B.L., 1 8 Clifford Moor Road, Boston
Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LSz3 6PG. Secretaries of Sections Cricket—PETER A. REDHEAD, 19 Summerfield Terrace, Aberdeen ABz 1 J B. Curling—BRUCE S. ALLAN (i 953-58), A.R.I.A.S., 55 Carden Place, Aberdeen ABI IUN. Golf-PETER M. ROBERTSON (1967-73), LLB., 33 Northburn Avenue, Aberdeen
ABz GAH. Hockey—BARRY Scorr (1974-80), 7 Rosewell Place, Aberdeen ABz 6HN. Petanque—DAVID THOMSON, 5 Northcote Road, Aberdeen ABI 7SY. Rugby—MICHAEL. G. H. GIBB (1942-46), 25 Viewfield Road, Aberdeen
ABI 7XL. Swimming—ROGER D. HOUGHTON (1959-63), L.L.B., 19 Richmondhill Gardens, Aberdeen ABz 4I,W. Women's Hockey—GILLIAN KEEPE, Oakhall, 24 North Deeside Road,
Aberdeen AB1 9AB.
Executive Committee
The Vice-President of the Club, Chairman JAMES C. LYON ( I 953-59), Vice-Chairman The Secretary, the Treasurer and the General Editor of the Magazine, ex officiis The Rector of the School, ex officio ANDREW M. CAMPBELL (1916-27) LESLEY S. CARSON (1981-85) JOHN P. DRUMMOND (1947-58) RONALD W. GRANT (1948-61) J. R. S. INNES (I923-35) DEREK MCKAY (1944-50) IAN H. McLEoo (1951-5 5) JEREMY D. MOIR(1969-75)
HARVEY E. MORRISON (1951-65) KENNETH A. MCR. NISBET (1972-78) SUSAN E. SMITH (1974-80) AMANDA E. TAYLOR (1974-80) GEORGE M. THOMSON (1 943 -44) M. STUART WATSON (1977-83) ALAN L. WILSON (1 978-84)
Section Representatives Club Centre—DOUGLAS N. GtioRGEsoN (1929-4o) Cricket—DEREK A. HARLEY (1974-80) Curling—BRUCE S. ALLAN (195 3-5 8) Golf—GEORGE M. THOMSON (1943-44) Hockey—JOHN P. DRUMMOND (1947-58) Petanque—DEREK MCK AY (1 944- 5 0) Rugby—JOHN D. MURRAY (1961-74) Staff-RUSSELL GRAY (1951-65) Swimming—PETER M. ROBERTSON ( 1967-73) Women's Hockey—LEsLEy S. CARSON (1981-8 3) Auditors Messrs. BOWER & SMITH, C.A.
AGSFP CLUB BEYOND 500 PRIZE DRAW RULES (1) To participate in the Annual Draw applications must be received by 20 November 1989 and this year's draw will run from November 1989 to October 1990. (z) Participation is not restricted to FPs and all applicants are encouraged to buy more than just one ticket. (5) Half of the proceeds from the first z5o tickets will be paid to participants by means of a monthly draw (including all tickets) commencing November 1989. Prizes will be: sat Prize 6o% and Prize rf% 3rd Prize Jai% (4) Half of the proceeds from tickets sold in excess of zso will be paid in a twice yearly draw. This is additional to the monthly draw, and prizes will be as in (5) above. (5) The annual net profit will be paid over to the general funds of the AGSFP Club.
DON'T DELAY-JOIN TODAY EXECUTIVE WEALTH WARNING Apathy can seriously jeopardise the future of this Magazine
APPLICATION FORM OVERLEAF
APPLICATION FORM
AGSFP CLUB BEYOND 500 I apply for Cheque for £
tickets at £12 each and I enclose Banker's Order/
(x) Name Address (2) Name Address Date
Signed
Please return this form complete along with Banker's Order/ Cheque as early as possible and not later than 20 November, 1989, to: C. C. Allan, Esq., 63 Gray Street, Aberdeen ABi 6JD
BANKER'S ORDER AGSFP CLUB BEYOND Soo
Address Date
The Manager Name of Bank Address of Bank Pay to The Clydesdale Bank plc, x66 Great Western Road, Aberdeen on 20 November each year, commencing 1989 the sum of for the credit of £ Name of Account: AGSFP BEYOND Soo Account Number: ocao667o Bank Sort Code: 82-60-02 Debit my Account Number Date
Signed
Information about Former Pupils The remainder of this page and its reverse side are provided for the easy intimation of Notes About Former Pupils, Marriages and Obituaries to the Notes Editor, Kenneth A. McR. Nisbet, 17 Hartington Road, Aberdeen AB1 6XT. One essential function of the Magazine is to inform readers all over the world of the careers of FPs with whom they are no longer in every-day contact, and every contribution to the Notes Section is welcomed for that reason. Please assist with the production of the Magazine by using this form to provide information about yourself or any other FP known to you. The General Editor will be glad to discuss matters related to the Magazine with any member. Material for inclusion in the June 1990 issue must be received no later than early April 1990. DEREK A. HARLEY General Editor (1990 Issue) I . Name of FP(s) 2. Years at School (if known) 3. Contributor's address (and name if different from 1)
Former Pupils' Club
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Club Consuls Australia--Da. FORBES Small (1945 f7), 8 Narrung Road, Mount Eliza 393o, Victoria, Australia. Canada -G. Dot:Gilts MENZIES (1 934 44), 1 5414 74th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5R 2Y4. Canada GoRnoN B. SINGER (1949-50), lo; Lake Mead Drive, Calgary, Canada 72P 327. Canada IA., McG. MARR (1954-58), 4 Milne Crescent, Kanata, Ontario, Canada KzK i H6. Ireland - -Andrew M. M. Steven (1936-5o), M.A., LLB., W., 5 Beech Hill Avenue, Saintfield Road, Belfast BTS 4NS.
Annual General Meeting The eighty-seventh Annual General Meeting of the Club was held at the Club Centre, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen on Monday 27 March 1989. The Chairman commenced proceedings by welcoming on behalf of the Club Mr. W. M. Brown, at the end of his presidential year, and Mr. W. J. Johnston, the Rector. Executive Report The following is a summary of the Executive Report submitted by the Chairman, Mr. Melville F. Watson. Deaths During the year the Executive had recorded with sadness the deaths of Mr. Alan C. R. Watt, a former president of the Club, and Mr. Andrew J. M. Cruickshank, the well-known actor. Mr. Watt had made a quite outstanding contribution to FP affairs during his lifetime, and Mr. Cruickshank had achieved considerable success in the TV series nr. Finley's Casebook and in more serious theatrical productions. The Chairman also made reference to the death of Miss Betty Gibb, who had been a loyal and long-serving secretary to the Rector in earlier times. Membership In the course of the year membership had declined by 13o. School During the year L872 had been disbursed from the Amenities Fund to various societies and clubs within the School. The London Centre had again acted as hosts to two selected School visitors in June 1988. Magazine In recording its satisfaction with the 1988 Magazine, the Executive wished to express its appreciation in particular of the excellent service devoted to the Magazine by Mr. David K. Yule, the General Editor for fourteen years. To mark his outstanding contribution, Mr. Yule was presented with a silver quaich by the President of the Club, Mr. W. M. Brown. With effect from the 1989 issue, the General Editor would be Mr. Derek A. Harley and the Notes Editor Mr. Kenneth A. McR. Nisbet.
44
.1berdeeit Grammar Scbool Magazine
Honours to FPs The Chairman made reference to Mr. W. L. Connon having succeeded Dr. D. W. C. Smith as President of the Scottish Rugby Union and paid tribute to their long record of administrative service to the game of rugby. Mr. T. I. Morrison, as Chairman of the Great Britain Men's Hockey Board, had brought much credit to the Club, with the British team returning from the Seoul Olympics as gold medal winners.
Social Both the Dinner and the Ball had been well attended and had enjoyed general success. The Executive was grateful to Mr. Jim Clark for his continuing service as Entertainments Convener. The various outlying Centres of the Club had successfully held their traditional annual dinners, all of which the President had attended.
General Business Reports on the year's activities were submitted by the representatives of the Club's Sections and the Club Centre. Similar reports appear later in this Magazine.
The Club's accounts for the year were submitted and approved. An abstract of the accounts is printed at the end of this Magazine, and the full Statement of Accounts may be obtained on request to the Secretary. In presenting the accounts, the Treasurer, Mr. C. C. Allan, made particular reference to the success of the Beyond f00 fund-raising scheme. The scheme had raised a satisfactory amount, but the lack of support on the part of Club members was disappointing. Greater support was needed for this scheme if the Club accounts were to continue to be in surplus. An amendment to the Constitution was unanimously carried, the effect of which was that, in future, the only notification of Annual General Meetings would appear on the Club Centre notice-board. Previously, a Press advertisement was required in relation to the calling of the Annual General Meeting. Office-bearers for the year 1989-9o were elected in accordance with the lists contained earlier in this Magazine.
F. P. Club Annual General Meeting 199o Members may care to note that, in future, there will be no Press notification of the date of the Annual General Meeting. The Club Constitution has been amended accordingly. Intimation will still appear on the notice-board at 86 Queen's Road as in past years. The date of the A.G.M. is, of course, a fixed date and falls on the last Monday of March in any year. The 199o A.G.M. will therefore be held on Monday, z6 March at 7.3o p.m. at 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen. Please make the appropriate note for your next year's diary.
President's Report When I handed over my Edinburgh Centre Presidential Badge to David Cowie on 4 March 1988 after eight years, I was repeatedly asked what I would do with myself with regard to the Former Pupils' Club. Little did they know that Keith Campbell in early February had asked me to accept the Presidency of the Parent Club. I was honoured and delighted to accept this "away" presidency, but Jock Hendry's assurance to past president
Former PmpiIs' (job
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Andrew Noble in 1986 that it was nor an arduous task was the understatement of t988. Edinburgh to Aberdeen is only two hours up the road and I made many journeys from March to June thanks to the hospitality offered to me by many FPs. With house prices being on the decline and, being in a position to buy, my wife and I purchased a house in Westhill, thereby becoming the first "away" President to attain "home" presidential status. Weekends in Aberdeen became common-place, with priority given to the 5.3o p.m. "T.G.I.F." session in the Centre, luncheon there on Saturday (excellent value for money), followed by a visit to Rubislaw for the rugby and, of course, their entertainment session after the match. Sundays were in the early summer-autumn devoted to barbecues— all very essential in the course of fund-raising for most of the Sections. Let me start at the beginning with my first duty- the School prize-giving, where my wife and I were principal guests. My address was to prize-winners, their parents and a pupil audience from Si, and my wife presented the prizes. The ceremony was a low-profile affair due to the political atmosphere attached to the proposed rebuilding of the burnt-out part of the School. No photographers or press, but nevertheless a most enjoyable occasion. How nice to see the pupils still well turned-out in their uniforms. What about the Sections?-111 take them in seasonal order—Curling still "sweeping" away, with the end of their season marked by their traditional "speechless" Dinner in the Cults Hotel—and I was no exception. The Rugby Section ended the season by managing to remain in Division III, but of course we have a Colts side coming through who are in the quarter-final of the Royal Bank Competition. The Rugby Section dinner was as always a resounding success, held as usual in the Tree Tops I lotel. Thc Cricket Section- —no comment regarding the Strathmore Union, but a first-ever appearance in the final of the Scottish Cup, only to be beaten at the third attempt by last year's winners, Clydesdale. A tremendous achievement, and congratulations are due to the players and the committee. (My apologies for omitting this part at the Edinburgh Dinner.) Petanque Section--the only Section open to old and young, male and female. Their first dinner was held in the Centre on 31 March, when my wife and I were guests of honour. Men's Hockey is still to the fore with, I think, five teams fielded every Saturday. Will they be promoted to Division I? They are holding the Hockey Festival this year at Easter, but unfortunately I will not be in the country. All success to them. The Football Section is still with us, but I have not much to report. The Women's Hockey Section is doing very well, both on the pitch at Rubislaw and indoors. (I mean hockey indoors!) Keep it up, girls! The Golf Section, under the presidency of John Drummond, played many games on various courses and continues to be a form of Sunday relief for most members. They had a most enjoyable dinner in the Athol' Hotel, which has to be attended by every president—if you survive this, you have nothing to fear! There are, of course, the Centre Dinners. Knaresborough in September—a most enjoyable informal occasion, but regrettably there was a decline in numbers. No doubt the President and Secretary have this in hand. The Aberdeen Dinner at the end of October was superb, and all credit must go to Jim Clark. The Glasgow and London Dinners were held on successive weekends. May I suggest that consideration be given to spreading these dinners out over a longer period? Nevertheless, they are excellent functions and it is a pleasure to be there as a guest. Then, of course, there was my training ground in Edinburgh, which I attended in February—yet another successful occasion. One occasion I was particularly looking forward to was the Ball. Again, thanks are due to Jim Clark. Almost 450 people enjoyed the food, dancing and, last but not least, the refreshments. Even I enjoyed the dancing---thank goodness Madam Murray was not in attendance!
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.'iberdern Grammar School Magazine
The Centre, under the chairmanship of Alan Hamilton, is "on the mend" and has become a place where families can go to enjoy the food and make use of the other facilities on offer. (:redit must go to the Committee and, of course, to the Steward and his wife, George and Eileen McKenzie, who make it their job to give first-class service and attention. They are ably supported by Betty and all the other staff. I would recommend 86 Queen's Road to all FPs—a place that is a must on any visit to Aberdeen. I have not much more to report, except to say a personal thank you to Melville Watson, Chairman of the Executive Committee, for all he has done for me this year, and to Jock Hendry for his secretarial duties. Last but not least, thanks arc due to Colin Allan, Club Treasurer, for my expenses cheque. If I have omitted to mention any individual or Section, I apologise, but would you forward your complaint to the new President, Eric Craig, to whom I offer my congratulations. I hope his year is as successful, enjoyable and rewarding as my one has been. It has been an honour to be your President. W. Morrison Brown (5933 46)
President's Dinner
The retiring President of the Club, Morr Brown, held a complimentary Dinner in the Club Centre on Friday, 14 April, 1989 as a thank you to the Club for having bestowed the office of President upon him and for all the support he had received from Club officials during his year in office. Dress was formal but the atmosphere of the evening quite informal under the joint chairmanship of Messrs Brown and Craig, the latter having been recently appointed President of the Club.
Back row (left to right): Melville Watson, Doug Georgeson, Allison Stroud, Fred Lawson, Alan Hamilton. Middle row (left to right): Jock Hendry, Derek McKay, Ian McLeod, Brian Clark, Jim Andrews, Dallas Moir. Front row (left to right): Jim Lyon, Charlie Ritchie, Eric Craig, Morr Brown, Phil Love, George Thomson, Colin Allan.
Former Pupils' Gab
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Annual Dinner The 1988 Annual Dinner was held in the New Marcliffe Hotel on Friday z8 October 1988. Under the chairmanship of Mr. W. Morrison Brown, the Club President, the company enjoyed a most successful evening. The principal speaker was Professor Alistair MacLeary of the Department of Land Economy at Aberdeen University, who proposed the toast to the School and the Club. Replies were made on behalf of the School by the Rector, Mr. William Johnston, and on behalf of the Club by the President. Miss Lesley Carson then proposed the toast to the guests, and the repl for the guests was made by Dr. Ben Johnson. Melville Watson, the Vice-President of the Club, proposed a vote of thanks to Morr Brown, not only in respect of his able chairmanship of the Dinner, but also in relation to his sterling service as Club President. The following FPs were present at the 1988 Annual Dinner: R. J. Aitken (1yi4 46), B. S. Allan (1954 58), Miss E. Allen (Head Girl), B. Anderson (1962 7O, M. A. Batchelor (1959 65), J. Blacklaws (1979 84), Dr N M Borthwick (195 2 65), ‘14 . M. Brown (1935 46), A. G. Campbell (1959 65), A. K. Campbell (1943- 53 ), D. Campbell (1979 85), Miss J. Campbell (1980 86), M. Carry (1954 66), Miss I.. Carson (1981 85),J. M. Clark (1947 59), Miss C. Cormack (1978 84). J. W. Cradock (1940 46), R. II. Cradock (1940 41 and 1945 51), E. Craig (1944 46), G. A. 1.. Craig (1937 40). B. K. Crookshanks (1944 46), G. Crookshanks (1979 85), I. Davidson (198o 85), P. B. Donald (1944 48), J. P. Drummond (1947 5 8), I. M. Duguid (1938 48), Miss A. Findlay 0 979 80, P. Fleming (1980 86), A. Garrow (Staff), I). N. Georgeson (1929 40), M. G. H. Gihb (1942 46), Miss C. Gordon (1979 85), R. Gray (1911 65), Miss P. Gunn (1979-85), H. A. S. I familton (1943 56), J. P. liendry (1951 65), I. S. Hopkin (1962 68), A. Howie (1977 83), Miss C. Howie (1975 81), D. N. Howie (1968 75), Dr. J. R. S. Innes (1923 35), N.V. J. Johnston (Rector), K. G. Jones (1957 66), A. Kennaway (195o 62), D. S. Leighton (1959 72), Prof. P. N. Love (1952 5 8), J. C. I.yon (1953 59), Dr. D. MacAllister (1961 74), Miss M. Macdonald (1980 86), Miss S. Macdonald (1980 86), R. P. Macintosh (1947 53), I). McKay (1944 so), R. McKay (1950 5 7), A. M. Mcl.aren (1926 39), R. McLeod (Staff), K. Mackie (two 64), R. Mackie (1970), Mrs. S. Marshall (1979 8z), G. C. Massie (1926 38), W. May (Staf/), N. I. W. Meldrum (1925 37), J. A. Milne (1958 5 0), W. A. Milne (1948 50, J. D. Muir (1969 75), 11. E. Morrison (195i 65), J. D. Murray (1961 74), R. J. Nugent (Staff), M. J. Ord (1957 65), 1. M. S. Park (1942 55), T. Philpott (1980 86), Miss F. Pont (1978 83), Miss K. Pont (1980 86), C. Ritchie (1980-86), S. D. Robertson (1965 7o), A. Rockwell (Head Boy), T. Rolfe (1980 86), G. Ross (1958 71), I. G. H. Ross (1958 63), R. C. Shirreffs 0 9 51 60, C. Smith (1978 83), Miss K. Smith (1978 85), R. Smith (1978 80, R. Smith (1980 86), Miss S. E. Smith (1974 80), Dr. G. V. Stone (1957 65), G. Strachan (1968 74), Miss A. E. Taylor (1974 8o), I. Wallace M. F. Watson (1943-56), (1978 83), Miss II. Wallis (1981 87), 1). M. Watson (1979 M. S. Watson (1979 83), A. C. R. Watt (1925 37), N. G. NI. Watt (1965 69), G. F. Webster (1949 62), M. Wolkoff (1947 5 9), D. M. Wood (1958 71), D. K. Yule (1951 6j), D. N. Yule (1960 66).
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
Our President
Eric Craig (5934-46) It was only a matter of time before Eric became President of the Former Pupils' Club. He has been involved in Club affairs since leaving school in 1946 and has been an active supporter of many of the Sections of the Club over many years. It is not certain whether he is the "home" or the "away" President: in recent times he has been as much "away" as his predecessor, Morr Brown, was at "home", and could have been found in places as far apart as the Cults Hotel or Sydney, Australia. Eric attended Aberdeen Grammar School from kindergarten to Fifth Year. Though perhaps not amongst the School's greatest scholars, he must have been
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well enough tutored by Suivy, Doddy Hay, Knobby Knox, Pizzy Henry, Maggie Mac, Sexy Holm and others to have made a success of life, though he is best known to FPs as a raconteur and wit. His further education was completed in the air-raid shelters during the time the School alternated with the Central School. Whilst at school he played tst XV rugby for three years, combined with FP rugby, he was a keen member of the ist Troop Roy Scouts and was Sergeant in the A.C.F. 1-le is best remembered as a successful number eleven batsman for the znd Xl, never having been given out—because he was never asked to bat! Much to the envy of the young FP set of his time, Eric was the proud owner of a blue MG sports car, which gave him a decided advantage with the girls. He first met his charming wife Pat, however, after staggering off the train following a rugby match in Glasgow. If any FP has a guaranteed cure for a diabolical snorer, please let Pat know immediately—the poor girl has had to suffer Eric and his snoring for years! Eric was a talented centre three-quarter for FPs for many years and was selected several times for North Midlands. He was probably more successful at selling outrageous dummies to the opposition than small haddocks on the Aberdeen Fish Market. Most of his business career was spent there with the family business of Craig Stores Ltd., a successful trawler-owning company in the heyday of the Aberdeen fishing industry. He and I vied to be the best roker salesman on the Aberdeen market at that time. After the company fleet was sold, Eric continued in the industry as a director with his brothers in the fish merchanting business. In recent years he has continued his sporting interests as a member of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club and the FP Golf Section and is a first-class curler. He recently toured Germany as vice-captain of a Scottish team. It was he who got the FP Curling Section on to the ice. Eric's greatest contributions to the Club were as Chairman of the Club Centre for five years. It was during his term of office that the Centre was transformed into its present design. It was natural that he would become Chairman of the Club Executive Committee, and he served in that position for two years. I know he is delighted to accept the greatest honour that can be bestowed upon a former pupil: the Presidency of the Club. He has served the Club with distinction in the past and will perform his duties with his own brand of wit and common sense. Eric will enjoy meeting FPs at the various Centres and events as much as FPs will enjoy meeting him. He has, however, promised not to take his ukulele to any function, nor to tell his 'arpin' story. We wish Eric a happy and successful year in office. J.W.C.(1941 46) FP Club Membership Subscription Rates Life Membership L.75 Ordinary Annual Membership £6 Junior Annual Membership ,(,4 (under zz years of age on i January) School Leavers Membership £4 (The subscription covers the balance of the year the member leaves school and the two succeeding years) Subscriptions are payable to the Treasurer, Colin C. Allan, 63 Gray Street, Aberdeen AB t 6JD.
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
Club Apparel Members—particularly members furth of Aberdeen—may care to know that the Club currently has a new stock of tics in club colours (magenta and green stripes on black background or magenta stripe on green background). Also available are sweaters and body-warmers, each in the approved Club grey and with the Club badge embroidered. Ties are priced at 1,8, sweaters at £24 and body-warmers at L7.50. Also available, in small sizes only, are a limited number of sweaters at a special "sale price" of £7.50. Apply to the Secretary, John F. Hendry, 36 Albyn Place, Aberdeen.
Club Centre Steward If an organisation comprising individuals as diverse and catholic in its membership as Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils' Club, Club Centre can be described analogically as a living creature then, in our Club Centre, the members could be likened to the body, the Management Committee to the mind (truly) and undoubtedly the Steward would have to be considered the heart. George McKenzie, our Steward, has been with us now for just over one year and he and Eileen have become well known to and popular with the members. George is an Aberdonian, a Torry loon and a time-served joiner. He grew up, was educated and trained in Aberdeen. After his apprenticeship he worked for a short time in London but returned to Aberdeen and started work with a colleague on the daunting task of fitting out a concrete yacht which had been built by local businessman, James Wood. George refers to the work, which occupied him for two and a half years, with some feeling as an enormous undertaking. (We may discern therein the experience which has so ably fitted George to undertake equally onerous tasks within his duties at the Club Centre, such as serving the Rugby Football Section on Saturday teatimes). In 1978 George bought a public house in Brechin, the City Royal, and by his own hand refurbished it internally and built up the trade. In the course of dealing with applications for the position of Steward at the Club Centre in early 1988, the subcommittee allotted to the task was to discover from its researches in and around Brechin the esteem in which George was held by his customers and the care which he extended to them both in and beyond the curtilage of his premises. The consistent vouching of his qualities both as a businessman and as a human being impressed the subcommittee sufficiently so that the post was offered to George. George, Eileen and Robyn, their young daughter, have settled into life "over the shop". George attends to the needs of the Centre and its members, assisted by Eileen, with humour, friendliness, forbearance and efficiency. He is also able, when the necessity arises, to deal firmly with any difficulties. His amiable disposition behind the running of the Centre radiates into the other areas of activity in the Club Centre and affects the whole establishment. It is true to say that the efforts of our Steward are fundamental to the creation of the relaxed and friendly atmosphere which we all enjoy within the Club Centre.
Centre Reports
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Club Centre Steward
(icmgc McKenzie, pictured in the Club Centre with his wife, Filecn.
Centre Reports Club Centre The Club Centre at 86 Queen's Road continues as a popular meeting place for FPs of all ages and their families. 1988 proved to be an altogether more successful year for the Centre than in the recent past. A substantial loss in 1987 was turned into a reasonable surplus for the year as the use of facilities continues to grow. Our new Steward, George McKenzie, has been with us for a year and over this period George has confirmed our initial impression of being hard-working, courteous and friendly. George and his wife Eileen have in the short space of a year done immense work to enhance the facilities and popularity of the Centre. Eileen has taken on the catering facility and continues to produce excellent bar lunches on Fridays and Saturdays. Substantial improvements have been carried out to the downstairs Sports Bar which now has a much more welcoming atmosphere and is proving to be very popular with younger members and visitors alike. The kitchen has also seen improvements, enabling Eileen to expand the scope of her catering, and it is gratifying to note that a number of the smaller Sports Sections have held their Annual Dinners in the Centre.
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It is hoped that other Sections and individuals will take advantage of this excellent facility, which can be arranged through the Steward. Regular functions like the Burns Lunch, Valentines' Disco, summer barbecues etc., continue to be popular, together with various family lunch events on Sundays. New members of the Centre are always welcome and those who have not visited the premises are encouraged to come in and sample the excellent facilities, meet old acquaintances and enjoy the great fellowship. Membership forms are available from the Secretary, John Macrae, or the Steward at 86 Queen's Road. Edinburgh The Centre held its Annual Dinner on Friday zo January 1989 in the Carlton Highland Hotel, Edinburgh, when President David Cowie welcomed a good attendance of seventy-six members and guests. The principal guest was Arthur Wood, Secretary of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and a close working colleague of the President—he proposed the toast to "The School and the Club", and suitable replies were made by the Rector, Bill Johnston, and the Centre's own W. Morrison Brown, President of the Parent Club. The toast to "The Guests" was proposed by David Cowie, and George Scott replied. During the course of the Dinner, the Centre held its Annual General Meeting. Ronald Smith and David Kilgour were elected as the new President and Vice-President, Nigel Watt was re-elected as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer and the new Committee members are Hunter Cairns and Edward Fraser. The Annual Golf Match with the Glasgow Centre was held at Buchanan Castle in mid-June and resulted, as usual, in a victory for the Centre. The Annual Golf Outing was again held at Bruntsfield in August and the "Morr Brown Trophy" was won by newcomer, Fergus Davidson, with an outstanding stableford score of 4o points. After the golf, an excellent high tea was taken in the clubhouse. Next year's Dinner will be held in the Carlton Highland Hotel on Friday 16 March 1990, the eve of the Scotland v. England Rugby International at M u rray field . Any reader who has recently come to the Edinburgh area and who has not received any communication from the Secretary is invited to contact Nigel G. M. Watt at i i Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh on o5i zz9 8851. The following FPs attended the Annual Dinner: C. C. Allan (1956 45), A. M. Beanie (1945 57), Dr. N. M. Bonhwick (1952 65), D. A. Brittain (1943-49), W. M. Brown (19;; 46), A. H. Cairns (1943 56), J. P. Cairns O943 57), A. K. Campbell (1 944 55), Miss I.. S. Carson (1981 85), T. G. Coutts O938 5O, D. L. Cowie (1942 44), B. K. Crookshanks (1954 46), J. F. C. Davidson (Staff 1963), B. D. D. Emslie (1929 35), N. A. Fiddes (1965 71), J. E. Fraser (1936 49), B. S. Gray (194; 49), J. F. Hendry (195i 65), W. J. Johnston (Rector), D. G. Kilgour (1938 lo), Rev. Dr. J. F. Kirk (1937 47). Prof. P. N. Love (1952 58), J. R. Lyon (:953 59), D. McAllister (196i 74), A. M. McLaren (1926 39), D. I. K. MacLeod (1952. 54), The Very Rev. I. F. McLuskey (1920 30, K. I. Masson (1959 72), J. D. Moir (1969 75), II. E. Morrison (1951 65), W. A. Morrison-Gill (192; z6), Miss M. J. Moser (1976 8o), Dr. A. I(. Philip (194; 56), J. M. Rae (196; 71), M. C. Reid (1974 8o), J. B. Rennie (1947 $3), R. S. Biller (1947 55), S. A. C. Robertson 0959 $ 0, Rev. G. B. C. Sangster (1928 37), R. G. C. Smith (1926-37), Miss S. E. Smith (1974 Bo), W. A. Steele (1941 51), I. T. Stephen (Staff, 1948 85), Miss A. E. Taylor (1y74 8o), Miss P. S. Taylor (1978 84), D. M. Watson (1979 8O, M. F. Watson (1943 56), A. C. R. Watt (192; 37), N. G. NI. Watt (196; 69), R. A. Williamson (19:8 ;6).
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Glasgow Once again the Edinburgh Centre was successful in the Annual Golf Match, perhaps due to the non-playing captain being absent, but we retain our high hopes for the return match, to be played in May. The joint function with Gordonians and the High School incorporated a trip on the Clyde to the Garden Festival and was much enjoyed by all in attendance. The 1988 Dinner was held in the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, with the principal speaker Bill Samuel, an excellent stand-in for Doug Smith, who was unfortunately taken ill. Replies to the speech were given by the Rector, William J. Johnston and by Club President, Ivlorr Brown. The 1989 Dinner is presently under discussion by the Committee and details will be advised to members later in the year. Members of the Glasgow Centre attending the 1988 Dinner were: Gary Allan, Peter Cairns, Douglas Campbell, Dr. A. I. Chcyne, William Connon, G. A. Douglas, Basil Emslie, Miss Fiona Ewing, Robert Fairbairn, lain Ferguson, Malcolm Gauld, Arthur Grant, John L. Harper, Dr. W. C. M. Lawrence, Dr. Robert Lynch, Andrew McLaren, Canon Gibb Pennie, Colin R. Sutherland, Ian Watt.
London The London Centre in 1988 had pleasure in installing as their new President Dr. Doug Smith, the immediate past President of the Scottish Rugby Union. Doug succeeded Ian Duguid, who had given many years of sterling service as President of the Centre. At the same Annual General Meeting Ian Reid, again after many years service to the Centre, resigned as Secretary and was replaced by Ernie Cohen; Roddy Anderson remains as Centre Treasurer. The highlight of the year was undoubtedly the Annual Dinner held as usual at the Caledonian Club, where 69 members and guests were honoured by the presence of our guest speaker, Lord Francis Pym, and his wife. Lord Pym proved to be a most entertaining speaker and it is hoped that such a high standard of guests will be maintained in the coming years. We were also honoured at the dinner by the presence of the Rector and the President of the Parent Club, Morr Brown, together with representatives from other schools and other centres. The President and other representatives of the London Centre have been particularly active in the past twelve months in attending the Annual Dinners of other Scottish schools, as well as the other School Centres. Once again in 1989 a visit took place by two sixth-year pupils, organised for the second year by Sandy Nicol, and a full and varied programme was enjoyed. The Centre has increased its membership and looks forward to a further successful twelve months.
Yorkshire Fortieth Anniversary Dinner The Fortieth Anniversary Dinner was held at The Dower House, Knaresborough, on Friday 3o September 1988. Owing to business and holiday commitments, the attendance was smaller than at the 1987 Dinner, but it was unanimously agreed to have been most successful. The meal and service were, as ever, of splendid quality, and any FP who has not attended a dinner at The Dower House has not really lived! Three Presidents, a Vice-President, the Deputy Rector and former mathematics teacher, Ian Stephen, were in attendance. The speech-making was
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excellent, and members were most grateful to the Deputy Rector for his detailed update on the reconstruction of the School, academic and sporting achievements, and to Morr Brown for his report on Centre and sporting activities of FPs. He and Melville Watson also reported on the state of the Beyond f00 scheme, and all in attendance were most happy to contribute to the scheme. The Centre wishes the scheme ever• success—life would be rather dull without the Mag.! Re-appointed in office were: W. J. Alexander, President, W. Scott Gilchrist Secretary and \X'. A. Johnston Entertainments Secretary. The 1989 Dinner will he held at the same venue on Friday, z9 September. In attendance were:
VV. J. Alexander (19O 43), David 1. Cowie (1942 44), VI. A. Johnston (1940 44), Melville F. Watson (1945 56), A. J. Miller (1942 11), A. Wilson McIntosh (1932 41), Andrew McLaren (1926 39), W. Morrison Brown (1933-46), VI'. Scott Gilchrist (1929 56), Ian T. Stephen (Staff, 1948 85), Arthur McCombie (Depa0 Ream.).
In last year's issue of the Magazine there was reference made in the Yorkshire Centre Report as to the origin of the term "Birse Tea". Stuart R. Wilson (1949-6 2) of Banchory has written to the Secretary enclosing the following item on the topic:
Birse Tea Tea first started to be drunk in Birse around the middle of the eighteenth century. To begin with, it was onl "used at breakfast by the higher classes in the parish", while everybody else still drank milk or home-brewed ale. By 1791, however, the Minister could note that "It must be confessed that what were articles of luxury in our hardy forefathers' day, arc now become articles that are reckoned necessities, as tea". Today, tea is found in every house. It is usually one of the first items of hospitality offered to any visitor and it is also normally used for the to-cup at work breaks. Coffee might be considered its only competitor, but coffee is not so universally enjoyed and is now about twice as expensive as tea. There is one local variation of tea which is still occasionally served in the parish. This is "Birse Tea", a cup of tea served with a dram of whisky in it. Sugar and milk arc added, whether these are normally taken or not. "Birse Tea" makes a very pleasant and reviving drink, even for someone who does not like whisky. Apparently its most frequent use was in the days when the post round was done on foot. It was offered to the postie to help him on his way through the winter snow! The origins of the name "Birse Tea" have been assumed to be linked with the parish of Birse. However, in William Alexander's classic of North- F.ast life, Johnny Gihh of Gashememk (1871), one of the leading characters serves this recipe of tea, and her name is Mrs. Birse.
FP Dinner—Ottawa, Canada On 13 September 1988 a small group of former pupils from the Ottawa area attended a dinner hosted by Peter]. Green (1947-57). In addition to the good food, pleasant company and many reminiscences, the possibility of working towards a more permanent arrangement for the group was discussed and a decision taken to begin such a process. Initially one or two functions a year will be planned, and acting as contacts! hosts for FPs and organising related activities are also possibilities. As we arc interested in widening our knowledge of former pupils residing in the area, we would appreciate any information your readers may have on FPs who are now in Ontario. Contact can be made with the group through any member you may know, or through Ian Marr. Attending the dinner were: Peter Green, Peter Jeffrey, Michael Hardie, Kenneth Pirie, Ian Thompson, Edward Anderson, Ian Marr.
Section Reports Cricket Strathmore Union XI: Scottish Cup Finalists 1988 was a season of mixed fortunes for the Strathmore Union side, finishing fourth-bottom in the League but surprising many by reaching the final of the Scottish Cup. The cup-run began in May with a close game against Perthshire at the North Inch, with skipper John Eagles steering his side to victory with a dashing 75. FPs then recorded a resounding win over Northern Counties at Rubislaw, when the visitors could only muster twelve runs between them. Jerry Moir, having scored 76 not out in Grammar's total of 192 for 6, went on to take four wickets for six runs. For their next encounter, FPs travelled to Glasgow to play Clydesdale at Titwood. John Dixon scored 6z not out in Grammar's total of 172 for 8, but Clydesdale managed to scrape home with one wicket to spare. Jerry Moir was on form once again, notching up six victims for only twelve runs from eleven overs. The last match in the open section of the competition was against Carlton at Rubislaw in July. FPs set their opponents 252 to win, having lost just three wickets. Sound batting performances from David Leiper (72 not out) and John Eagles (53) sot the Edinburgh side a formidable target. In the event, accurate howling from Simon Tomkins (4 for 34) and Jerry Moir (3 for 22) restricted Carlton to 189 all out. Grammar finished second in the section behind Clydesdale and met Forfarshire in the quarter-final at Forthill, Dundee. After a wash-out, the match went ahead the following Sunday and entertained those present with a thrilling finish. John Eagles hit 65 in FPs' total of [89 for 7, and some tight bowling and sharp fielding saw Forfarshire dismissed for 178. A large travelling support accompanied Grammar to Edinburgh for their semi-final against Grange on a glorious Sunday in August. Fine scores of 73 from John Eagles and 41 from Richard Ferro saw FPs well placed at 112 for 9 from their allotted overs. Grange struggled to reduce the deficit against penetrating howling, and fell well short of their required target, at 149 all out. The first attempt to play the final against Clydesdale at Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow saw Grammar in a strong position at 53 for one after 16 overs when the heavens opened and play was abandoned. After another wet Sunday, the teams met at Lochside Park, Forfar. FPs lost the toss and were invited to bat on a marshy wicket which rendered the rather innocuous bowling quite effective. The Grammar batsmen, somewhat lacking in resolve, could only scrape together fifty runs between them. In spite of some excellent bowling by Jerry Moir, ably backed up by twin-brother Dallas, Clydesdale passed their opponents' total with six wickets to spare. The final itself was disappointing, but the cup-run brought much credit to Grammar FPs for some excellent results against class opposition and for the fighting spirit shown in the competition. While much of the Strathmore Union side's energy was channelled into the cup campaign, their form in league games was on the whole below expectation. Of thirteen matches played, five were won, seven lost and one drawn. Several individual performances deserve mention. On the batting front, David Leiper beat skipper John Eagles by a margin of o.o4 to top the averages with 261 runs at 26. to apiece. The captain amassed nearly 450 runs, with a highest score of 73, while Jerry Moir and vice-captain Peter Redhead scored over Soo runs for the season. John Dixon was a steadfast middle-order batsman, scoring 25o runs which included an innings of 6z not out. 55
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Jerry Moir once again spearheaded the team's bowling attack, with a haul of 58 victims at an average of 10.04. Brother Dallas took 3o wickets during the season, bowling very well at times but lacking the killer touch he showed the previous year. John Eagles (18 wickets), Richard Ferro and Alan Redhead (15 wickets each) provided valuable support to the Moir strike-force. The Section enjoyed a successful summer tour against teams from the Teeside area, and thanks are due to the organiser, John Dixon. Grade XI and Reserve Grade XI The Grade XI finished the 1988 season in eighth position in Grade 1. Of 17 League matches played, three were won, three drawn and eleven lost. The return to fitness of John Fraser strengthened the batting and the team began to achieve some good results thanks to his ability to keep opening bowlers quiet. One of the highlights of the season was the partnership of 99 between John and skipper Ian Sourer in the match at Stoneywood. John headed the batting averages with 187 runs at 37.40 apiece. Ian Sourer, Simon Tomkins and Neil Maclean each scored 15o runs or so during the season, while the hard-hitting lain Hopkin also made useful contributions with the bat. On the bowling side, Brian Proctor continued to trap victims with his leftarm spinners, taking 33 wickets at an average of just over it. The other main strike bowlers were Ian Souter (19 wickets) and Simon Tomkins (17). The team looks forward to the challenge of another season in Grade I and hopes to retain its nucleus of playing members in 1989. The Reserve Grade XI had a successful season in Division a, clinching third place in the League and reaching the semi-final of the Cup. Dick Wallis led the batting table with an average of z6, including innings of 67, 4z and 36. Ian Davidson and skipper Scott Munro held the middle order together, averaging zi and 13 respectively, while Derek Harley and Steve Milne chipped in with useful scores on their few appearances. Cohn Gordon and Scott Munro were the main wicket-takers, backed up by schoolboy Gordon Inkson who showed much promise with his tally of 9 wickets for 67 runs. Ian Davidson and Neil Hulme also made their mark with the ball during the season. Fielding was on the whole rather disappointing, but Dick Wallis claimed 14 victims behind the stumps, while Scott Munro picked up 6 catches in the field. The Reserve Grade XI enters the new season aiming to capitalise on the successes of 1988 and hoping to recruit more players from the School into the Section. The following officials have been elected for 1989: President J. G. N. Fraser; Ert XI Captain P. A. Redhead; lit XI Vice-Captain D. G. Moir; 2nd XI Captain D. W. Hitchen; 2nd XI I 'ice-Captain I. S. Hopkin; 3rd X/ Captain C. Gordon; 3rd XI Vice-Captain R. Wallis. Curling Our anticipated hopes of an input of junior curlers from the School were fulfilled this year, and the ten young people—three girls and seven lads— have been dispersed throughout the five rinks which the Section fielded this season and have played enthusiastically. In addition to our club competitions, won by the rinks of Douglas Mitchell, John Paterson and Jim Andrews, we have had friendly competitions against a Fraserburgh team, Grampian Ladies, Aberlour Curling Club and Gordonians. A double rink, skipped by Jim Andrews and Roy Nudd, reached the final of the North-East Province Medal Competition, but were defeated by Meldrum and Daviot Curling Club.
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Cohn Allan retired as Treasurer at the beginning of the season, and we thank him for his sterling service in that capacity since the inception of the Curling Section. Geddie Hay takes over as Treasurer this season. The Dinner, in accordance with the generally social atmosphere surrounding the "Roaring Game", was its usual unqualified success. We would welcome new members, either as beginners or previous curlers. If you are interested, please contact Bruce Allan. Officials this season are: Dick Cradock President, Jim Andrews Vice-President, Geddie Hay Treasurer and Bruce Allan Secretag.
Golf The Section has had another enjoyable season. All six outings were blessed with good weather, which resulted in some low scoring and corresponding handicap reductions. Once again, Dick Cradock won the Russell Henderson Trophy for the three lowest scratch scores. Membership is up on last year and the outings continue to be well attended. This year's Captain is John P. Drummond and George M. Thomson is ViceCaptain. The H AR Trophy was played at Turriff in September, when FPs' team of Jim Lyon, Keith Campbell and Peter Robertson lost to Gordonians by two shots in a low-scoring match. The Challenge Trophy was played at Balgownie In the top match, Dick in September, when Gordonians beat us by Cradock and Harry Kinghorn comfortably beat John Connon and Jim Christie. We entered the Queen Elizabeth Coronation Schools' Tournament at Barnton in September, but lost in the first round to Old Novocastrians, z- 1. Annual Dinner was held at the Atholl Hotel in November and the guest speaker was Club President, W. Morr Brown.
Hockey The policies of the past few years have at last come to fruition, and it would appear we have reached a watershed for FP hockey. There are a number of reasons why this season differs from previous ones. The 1st XI, under Neil Maclean's captaincy, won the National League Division z, but it is the way in which they achieved this that was so impressive: seven wins in a row, and two very good results against their main challengers, Perthshire and Stirling—an excellent performance by any standards. Much credit must go to Grant Milne, their main goal scorer, and the advice given by the captain, team manager and coach was a successful formula to be continued next season in Division 1. The artificial surface at Linksfield also played a major part in our success this season, providing us with the competitive edge, so necessary for National League and Cup hockey. Our results bear testimony to this. The youth policy started by our 1St XI captain, and taken up by Gavin Fraser and Malcolm Ewen in forming a Colts team, allows us to look to the future with a fair degree of confidence and a sense of achievement. Our Easter tournament, sponsored by Tennents, which involved the top clubs in Scotland and Olympic gold medallists, Kulbir Bhaura and Veryan Pappin, only serves to remind us of the underlying strength of FP hockey, in what was Olympic year. The and XI, under the captaincy of Ron Fraser, took second place in Division t of the domestic league and reached the semi-final of the District to Dundee Wanderers in extra time. Cup, only to go down The 3rd XI changed captains three times, but under Peter Fleming managed a very creditable third place. The 4th XI, under David Simpson, also changed captains, but finished well placed in Division 2.
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Our new Colts team had a splendid first season under Malcolm Ewen's management, which is very encouraging for the future. Grammarians made a good comeback to Divison i and, under John Drummond's very able captaincy, surprised many by reaching the semi-final of the Reserve Cup. They were unlucky to go down 2- I to Penicuik. Indoor has not been so successful, and the costs to the Section have been high. This may now be the time to reassess our indoor game. Congratulations are due to Neil Maclean and Charles Smith for winning ist XI colours; to Murdoch Sherriffs for receiving Club Colours; and to Colin Houston for being awarded the Graham Fraser Trophy. As we look forward to a season in Division 1 of the National League, we must be aware that co-operation between the Section's teams is vital, as indeed is self-discipline on the part of the players, if we are to make a good showing. Fortunately, we have over the past two years built up a strong financial base, but as we have yet to find a sponsor, fund-raising must take a high priority. Anyone wishing to sponsor or assist the Hockey Section should get in touch with Fred Lawson, our new Club Captain.
Petanque We continue as a mixed Section with a membership of over fifty and an age range of nine to "mature". We operate under the umbrella of the Scottish Petanque Association and on the Scottish circuit the team of David Thomson, Eric Wilson and Derek McKay took home from Stonehaven a runners-up trophy. However, it was left to associate member Nick Murray to achieve a Grand Prix win and selection for Scotland v. England in October. Congratulations are due to him. June saw the introduction of the Summer Solstice Singles. The final was a battle of the heavyweights, with George Thomson edging out Graeme Craig in front of a "boisterous" crowd. The Open Tournament was successfully completed in August, when Peter Henderson became the new Singles Champion, and Gordon Hatrick and Gary Anderson retained their Pairs title. The Triples were somewhat surprisingly, but deservedly, won by youngsters Ayron Comber, Murray McPherson and Anthony Walker. As the season comes to a close, the Pairs League has joint leaders. A play-off looks likely between R. R. C. and his partner (an "Old Boy" from one of the best schools in Schoolhill), and the pairs specialists, Gary and Gordon. The Committee for 1989 is: Derek McKay, David Thomson, Ron Comber, Gary Anderson, Peter Henderson, Al Ritchie. The officials for 1989 are; Derek McKay Captain, David Thomson Secretary( Treasurer, Ron Comber Piste Convener.
Rugby After last season's fine run in the River Series Cup, it was sad to lose to Morgan away from home in the first round. The and XV started very well and won their first five league games, but fell away to finish in the middle of the table. The 3rd XV, fighting to gain promotion to Division i of the Aberdeenshire League, had their hopes dashed when injuries forced them to play the last twenty minutes of a deciding match at Peterhead with only thirteen players. Frank Manning deserves praise for the fine spirit he instilled into the team, both during and, even more so, after the games. The success story of the season belonged to the under- t 8 Colts. The regular
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team consisted largely of schoolboys and would have been the School senior side, apart from the inclusion of a few non-Grammarians. They won the North League comfortably. Their performance against Highland at Rubislaw, when they won 33-6, was magnificent. Even more so was their victory in the play-off against Midlands League winners Kirkcaldy, when they won 14-0. At the time of writing they are due to play the Edinburgh champions Penicuik in the national semi-final— the first time a North side has progressed so far. Many thanks are due to Keith Scott for organising and training the team. It is hoped that a substantial proportion of the players will stay in Aberdeen. The under-16 Colts struggled against more mature and physically larger players, but had some good results and finished in the top half of their league. The rugby season of 1988-89 was remarkable in one way and, as far as the senior sides were concerned, a rather mediocre one from the playing point of view. . The remarkable feature was that not one Saturday game was cancelled or postponed because of the weather. In the past sixty years this has never happened before. Unfortunately, the playing side— apart from the under-18 Colts— did not match up to thc weather. The ist XV, although never in danger of relegation, kept losing league matches which were there for the winning. In fact, against Clarkston, they achieved what must be some sort of record by scoring five tries and still losing the match! In the championship the team won only four out of twelve matches, scoring nineteen tries and conceding twenty-one -a difference of only two. Far too many penalties were given away in kickable positions. The laws of rugby are complicated, but there were far too many avoidable transgressions. Injuries and lack of player availability should not be put forward as excuses, but there was probably another record in that no fewer than fifty-three players turned out for the first team at one time or another. Two of our most experienced backs, Alan Mekie and Mike Smith, both broke a leg on successive Saturdays. Kevin Wyness did his best as an enthusiastic captain to bring success, but it was not forthcoming. A sad fact to end with: after sixteen successive years the Kyle trip cannot now go ahead, as a result of the collapse of the bridge at Inverness. Over the years this trip has given great pleasure to many and has raised well in excess of Lzo,ooo for the Section's funds. The 1988-89 team records were as follows:
1st XV znd XV 3rd XV Colts under-18 Colts under-16
P z8 21 16 z3 t6
W 14 10 to i8 8
L 14 11 5 5 8
D 0 0 i 0 o
Swimming This Section continues to operate on the same well established and generally accepted lines, with regular, well attended meetings every Tuesday during term time. The sessions are now split into three, lasting from 6. i5 until 9. t 5 p.m., with the first session given over to former pupils and their families, the second session for recreational swimming, lasting from 7.15 until 8.15 p.m., and the final session is a free session. The membership currently stands at around 50, with the present subscription being £16 for former pupils.
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We now have a good mix of attenders, although as always we must stress that there is no lifeguard present, swimmers must remain vigilant and FPs are of course responsible for supervision of their own children. It should also be noted that no unsupervised children under the age of sixteen should attend. New membership is welcome by contacting the Secretary, Roger D. Houghton, or the Treasurer, Norman Marr.
Women's Hockey A second successful hockey season has been completed in Division I of the S.W.H.A. North District League. During the season the Women's Hockey Section participated in the North District eleven- and seven-a-side tournaments, as well as a number of friendly matches, the most exciting of which was against the School ist XI. In addition the Section organised a National Tournament, with sponsorship from Tennents, in conjunction with the Men's Hockey Section. This involved teams from across Scotland and generated a lot of interest in both the FP Club and hockey in the North East. The season saw the entry of a Grammar team into the Indoor League. The experience and enjoyment gained has meant that next year the indoor team will reappear at Linksfield refreshed and ready for action. During the winter months a school games hall was used for both indoor and fitness training. Next season we hope to make more use of the Chris Anderson Stadium for training purposes. In May the Section participated in a "Hockey Day" to promote the sport and raise funds for the S. H. A. and for charity. August will see another family fair to help raise funds to cover training and equipment costs. This season has been a major turning-point for the Women's Hockey Section, as can be seen from the fact that one indoor team and two outdoor teams will be entered into the District Leagues next season. The Section wishes to thank all the umpires who have generously given of their time and skills throughout the season, and the FP Club, who with their continued interest and support, have helped the W. H. S. become a permanent fixture in the North District. Special thanks must also go to Mr. F. Lawson for his advice, coaching and constant support. The Section looks forward to the forthcoming year in anticipation of continued success and enjoyment of the game. All new schoolgirl members are most welcome to join the Section. The officials for i 989 are: Helen Wallis Captain, Jackie Campbell Secretary.
Eric (Algy) Alexander (1935-43), ti.sc.(Erig.), has retired from Rolls-Royce (Derby) after thirty-nine years service with the company working on aeroengine research. His elder brother, Francis William Alexander (1935-4z), also attended the School. Gordon Allan (1939-51) began his newspaper career with Aberdeen Journals in their former Broad Street premises and was a sports subeditor/reporter on the staff of The Times from 1965 until 1973. He then went on to undertake freelance work. He has reported on rugby for nearly twenty-five years and, since 1981, on bowls, a game he began playing in 1972. His articles appear regularly in The Times and in World Bonds, a monthly magazine. Before joining The Times he worked for the Daily Telegraph, The Scotsman, and the Press Association news agency. Stewart Raeside Auld (1953-64) has been appointed Senior Investment Manager for Capital House, the investment management arm of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Stewart's brothers, Michael Raeside Auld (1945-58) and David Raeside Auld (1947-61) also attended the School. Dougal Bannerman (1972-78), an experienced cyclist with an intimate working knowledge of the machines involved, has set up his own business, Aberdeen Bicycle Services, with the help of the government's Enterprise Allowance Scheme. Operating from home at present, he deals in second-hand bicycles and repair and maintenance, specialising in racing-bikes. David Christopher Bowie (1982-86) has had a successful audition for the National Youth Choir, and is appearing with the choir in several performances in London. David started singing with St. Devenick's Choir (now Deeside Choristers) at the age of nine, and went on to join the School Choir. He is the son of John F. W. Bowie (1933-42), and his brother, Thomas R. Bowie ( t 980-86), also attended the School. Dr. Percy Stuart Boyd (1927-40), M.A., PhD., has taken up a teaching appointment at Kwassui College, Nagasaki, Japan. Past issues of the Magazine record his war record as a paratrooper, his Aberdeen University degrees in Philosophy, Psychology and Clinical Psychology, and his emigration to university posts in Denver and Las Vegas. Subsequently, he has been a lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at Edinburgh University, Professor of Psychology at the University of Missouri and, from 1966, Tutor/Resident Clinical Psychologist at St. John's College, Sante Fe. After his retirement at Christmas 1988, he spent a few months back in Scotland, before taking up his present appointment in Japan. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, and his academic career has involved him in the teaching of Greek, French, maths, science, philosophy, literature and even theology. Alan Brown (197844), B.Sc., graduated from Edinburgh University with first-class honours in Environmental Chemistry and is now carrying out research at that university for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Alexander Charles Brown (1959-7o) has taken up the post of Manager of 61
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the draughting and purchasing division of Transfield Glassfibre Laminates Pty, Ltd, in Melbourne, Australia. For the last ten years he had worked for the Balmoral Group, the Aberdeen-based glassfibre company. He had worked for Alexander Hall & Son, Builders, in the Draughting Department. Ronald Scott Brown ( t946-55) has been appointed Chairman of Aberdeen Trust Holdings, a financial services company, following recent acquisitions. Another FP, George Alan Robb (1946-6o), has been appointed Chief Executive of the company. Judith Calder (1978-84), a graduate of Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology, is now working in London as a quantity surveyor. Peter David Carry (19f7-7o), who is a partner in the well-known firm of Aberdeen jewellers, Jamieson & Carry, has gained a prestigious trade qualification. He has been appointed a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. Stuart W. Cummings (1965-69), M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D., was appointed Director, Clinical Biostatistics and Research Data Systems with Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories in Brussels in October, 1987. A graduate of Aberdeen and Strathclyde Universities, he started his industry career in 1978 with Berk Pharmaceuticals and moved to Merck Sharp and Dohme two years later. A keen sportsman, he continues to turn out on the rugby field for the Brussels British Rugby Club. He enjoys squash, golf and hillwalking and, despite living on the continent, has been able to amass ilo Munros in recent years. Allan Cunningham (1966-70) has been appointed Safety Manager of Aberdeen-based Lasalle Petroleum Services. He has been with the company for six years and previously held the post of Operations Manager. Another FP, Graham Hardie (1965 70), who joined Lasalle in 1978 as Finance Director, has been appointed Managing Director of the company. John Ronald Dale (1941-45), B.A., played amateur cricket for Lincolnshire from 1949 to 1979 and as a professional for Northants and Kent in the 19505. He was also a professional for Middleton in the Central Lancashire League. In 1953 he completed a B.A. degree in Fine Art at Durham University. He went on to become Head of Arts and Crafts in various schools, and in 1969 was appointed Headmaster of Franklin Secondary School, Spitsby, Lincolnshire, a position he still holds. During the war he lived in Gordon Road, Mannofield and spent much of the summer holidays at Rubislaw and the county ground at Mannofield. He has arranged tours for cricket clubs from Brighton and Australia in his home area and would be delighted to do the same for the FP Cricket Section. James Bryce Dalgarno (1972-78), B.Sc., graduated from Aberdeen University with a degree in Geology. He then held a number of positions both on- and offshore. Like many others he was laid off when the price of oil fell. He then decided to change direction and completed a postgraduate course in Computer Studies at Napier College, Edinburgh. At present he is working in British Telecom's new computer headquarters in Edinburgh. Whilst at school he (along with the Notes Editor) was a stalwart member of the School hill-walking club. He has gone on to climb all 276 Munros in Scotland and has made climbing trips to Morocco and Corsica. Michael Davidson (1973-78) is one of the fortunate few who have managed to turn a hobby into a profession. A keen photographer at school, he took photographs for the pupils' magazine in 1978 and captured on film the activities of the hill-walking club. After leaving school he studied at Trent Polytechnic, Nottingham, and on graduating was employed as resident photographer for Aberdeen District Council until last year. He then set up his own photographic business— `Positive Image'--in Skene, near Aberdeen.
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In November 1988 he was awarded a commission by Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums, to produce a photographic exhibition reflecting the life and work of the department. The commission was advertised nationally and was open to all photographers currently living and working in Scotland. In April of this year he travelled abroad to take photographs for a book on Morocco. Ambassador to China 1.1..8., the British Ambassador to Alan Ewen Donald (1942-44), C.M.G., China, was awarded a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours, in June 1988. Sir Alan, as he is now known, becomes a Knight of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George. He took up his present post in May of last year, having previously been Ambassador to Indonesia. He attended Inverurie Academy, Aberdeen Grammar School and Fettes College, Edinburgh, before going on to complete his education at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. After joining the Foreign Office in 1954, he returned to university to study Mandarin Chinese before being posted to Peking as Third Secretary. He then held a number of posts, including Political Adviser to the Governor of Hong Kong (1974-77), Ambassador to the Republics of Zaire, Burundi and Rwanda (1977-80), and Ambassador to the People's Republic of the Congo (1978 - 80). In 1980 he was appointed Assistant Under-Secretary for Asia and the Pacific in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and in that capacity he was heavily involved in the negotiations regarding the hand-over of Hong Kong to the Chinese in 1997. In 1985 he was appointed Ambassador to Indonesia. Meldrum Barclay Edwards (1946-60), B.Sc. (Eng.), M.Sc., D.P.H. & T., won the Scottish over-45s Cross Country title at Dalmuir, Glasgow and represented Scotland in a veterans' cross-country international race over to kilometres at Wrexham, in November 1988, one week after the birth of his first son, Myles. Harold Duffus Ewen (1934-40) has retired from his pharmacy business (Crookshanks and Ewen) in Summerhill Drive, Aberdeen, after serving the local community for nearly three decades. A member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society since 1946, Mr. Ewen previously worked in both Woodend Hospital and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. He then joined the retail chemists of Crookshanks and Ewen when it opened in the 195os. His son, David F. Ewen (1972-78), is a micro-palaeontologist with B.P. in Glasgow. For the past few years, David has taken part in the Highland Cross Event (involving running and cycling from the west to east coast of Scotland), along with a number of other FPs, including Dr. Stephen J. Lynch (1972-78), Alan J. Michie (1972-78), and Alan D. Clark (1972-78). Mr. Ewen's daughter, Kathleen M. Ewen (1977-83), who is a former head girl, trained as a physiotherapist and has worked at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness. She currently works at Newcastle General Hospital. Douglas Fiddes (1966-72) has been appointed a partner in the Aberdeen office of John Baxter, Dunn and Gray, Chartered Quantity Surveyors, having joined the firm in 1978. Ian Ross Fraser (1942-48), M.A., Dip.Ed., who has been Rector at Inverness Royal Academy for the past seventeen years, has been awarded an O.8.E. in the 1989 New Year's Honours List. A graduate of Aberdeen University with an honours degree in Geography, he went on to complete the Diploma in Education in 195 5. He took up his first teaching post at Stirling High School, moving five years later to Elgin Academy, where he was Principal Teacher of Geography from 1960 to 1966. He was then appointed Rector of Waid Academy, Anstruther, before moving to Inverness.
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From 1980 to 1983 he was Chairman of the Scottish Committee on Social Subjects and since 1983 has been a member of the Council on the Curriculum, of which he is presently a vice-chairman. He is also a past president and secretary of the Head Teachers' Association of Scotland and a former governor of Aberdeen College of Education. Graham Good (196z-68) has been appointed Director of Finance by Grampian Television plc. He is also a director of the company's subsidiary, Glenburnie Properties. After leaving school he trained as a chartered accountant, before joining Grampian as an assistant accountant in 1975. Dr. Brian Scott Gray (1943 -49), B.Sc., Ph.D., M.I.Biol., is based in Edinburgh as a consultant to Unilever and the World Bank. After graduating with honours in Botany from Aberdeen University in 1953, he completed a Diploma in Agricultural Science at Cambridge University. He then joined the company of Harrison and Crosfield in Malaysia, where he was Director of Research from 19S4 to 1970. During that period he was also Consultant to the Federal Land Development Authority, Malaysia. From 1970 to 198o and 1982 to 1987 he was Tropical Tree Advisor for the World Bank in Indonesia, Washington and the Ivory Coast. From 1980 to 1982 he was Agricultural Research Member for Unilever Plantations in London. During his thirty years abroad in Malaysia, Indonesia, Washington and the Ivory Coast, he held the post of Club Consul in those locations. Whilst in Malaysia he maintained an interest in rugby, playing for Selangar State, and he was the first President of the Jakarta (Indonesia) Rugby Club. Brian is a vice-president of the FP Rugby Section. Andrew Hall (1958-63) has been appointed Finance Director of Shell Exploration and Production. After qualifying in chartered accountancy in 1968, he worked in Liberia, latterly as Chief Accountant with the Liberian Refining Co. He joined Shell Expro in 1974, becoming Financial Accountant in Aberdeen in 1976. Four years later he was appoined Controller of Brunei Shell Petroleum, returning to the UK in 1985. He moved to Aberdeen in 1986 as Shell Expro's Finance Manager. In May of 1988 he was appointed Change Project Manager, assisting with the implementation of results following a review of the organisational structure within the company. He is a member of the Grampian area committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, and is an examiner for the Institute's examination board. William Alexander Johnston (194o-44), F.lnst. R.S., became Chief Executive of Harrogate public relations consultancy, Johnstone-Fleming, P.R. in 1986. A former police sergeant with Aberdeen City Police, he was well known for his road safety activities in the city. Author of the internationally acclaimed Highway Code for Children, (first written for deaf children in 1961), he was latterly an executive officer with West Yorkshire Metropolitan County Council until 1986. His wife, Margaret (née Fleming) is the author of Ninety Glorioks Years, a biography of Sir Thomas Mitchell, LL.D., D.L., J.P., Lord Provost of Aberdeen, 1958-47, and was formerly a features writer with Aberdeen Journals. William Johnston is currently Entertainments Secretary of the Yorkshire Centre. David Kinghorn (1944-49) was awarded an M.B.E. in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June 1988. David is Deputy Head of Aberdeen's Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and has worked there since 1964. He was appointed to his present post in 1969. After graduating from Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology in 1955, he spent two years with the Royal Engineers in Malaya. After completing his national service, he worked for seven years in the architects' office of Aberdeen Town Council, before moving to the School of Architecture, where he initiated
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a successful staff/student exchange scheme with the Illinois Institute of Technology. Kate Macdonald (1976-St) graduated from Aberdeen University with an honours degree in Medieval English. She spent two years working for the British Section of Amnesty International, before embarking on her Ph.D. studies in English at University College, London. She has written a play for Radio Scotland and has had numerous articles published in national magazines. Her sister, Hilary Macdonald (1978-84), has taken up Articles with Gouldens of Chancery Lane, London, after completing a law degree at Bristol University. Hilary, who was a prominent member of the School hockey team, still finds time to pursue her interest in the sport. Their brother, James Macdonald (1978-84), graduated with a degree in Economics from Brunel University, London. At present he is working as a programme director at the Barbican Health and Fitness Centre. He is a former Scottish Schoolboys hockey player. Thomas Kyd Macdonald (191o-I9), B.L., has retired from the position of Consultant to the firm of J. D. Mackie & Dewar, Advocates, which he joined as a lawyer in 1948. He graduated from Aberdeen University in 1938 and was admitted as a member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen that year. In 1940 he entered into partnership with George S. Esson in the firm of Esson and Macdonald. During the Second World War he served with the Royal Naval Reserve, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was the second son of the late Ranald R. Macdonald (1876-78), factor of the Cluny estate. His elder brother, Ranald Roderick Macdonald (1907 17), M.A., B.Sc., F.F.A., and his younger brother, Dr. Alistair Philip Macdonald (1913-14 and 1915-24), M.B., Ch.B., also attended the School. Gavin Thomas McEwen (1958-64), M.A., D.Phil., has been appointed a partner in the Aberdeen office of chartered accountants Coopers & Lybrand. An honours graduate of Aberdeen University, he took part in an AberdeenKansas graduate exchange scholarship, acting as Assistant Instructor at Kansas University from 1968 to 1970. He then took part in a similar scheme with Bonn University, West Germany. He completed the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Queen's College, Oxford in 1975 and joined the Inland Revenue, serving in Perth and Cupar. Gavin joined Coopers & Lybrand in 1981 as Tax Manager of their Aberdeen office. His younger brother, Kenneth James McEwen (1962-68), M.A., attended the School. Alexander Wilson McIntosh (1932-45), M.D., F.F.C.M., D.P.I1., retired from the post of District Medical Officer to the York Health Authority in December 1987. He now works part-time as a specialist in community medicine with the same Authority, and is an enthusiastic attender of the Annual Dinner of the Yorkshire Centre. Colin Maclean (1978- 84), B.Sc., graduated from Edinburgh University with an honours degree in Ecology. He is now working for the Red Deer Commission, based in Inverness. Duncan M. McLellan (1937-45), M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H., F.F.C.M., M.C.C.M. (N.Z.), retired from the post of Director of Design and Evaluation with the Department of Health of New Zealand in 1987 after some eleven years. After graduating in Medicine from Aberdeen University in 1950, he completed his training at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and reached the rank of Captain in the R.A.M.C. whilst doing his National Service. On completion of his National Service, he held posts in both Aberdeen and Sheffield, before gaining his Diploma in Public Health in '957. He then held a number of administrative posts in the North and North East of Scotland, including Group Medical Superintendent at Ninewells Hospital and at associated Dundee
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hospitals, from 1968 to 1971. He then became Senior Medical Advisor of the Building Division of the Scottish Health Service and was involved in projects throughout Scotland, before he moved to New Zealand. David William James McLennan (1972-78), B.Sc., works for British Petroleum plc in their computer section, having moved from the company's base in Aberdeen to Stavanger, Norway. A former member of the 1st XV and a prefect, he graduated with an honours degree in Georgraphy from Aberdeen University. He then completed a postgraduate computer course at Aberdeen College of Commerce and joined the computer section of British Airways in London, which involved putting new airfares and regulations into the computer. David's sister, Patricia Anne Michie (née McLennan) is a secretary with Shell UK (Exploration) Ltd., in Aberdeen. Her husband, Alan J. Michie (1972-78), LL.B., is a lawyer with C. & P. H. Chalmers in Aberdeen. Alexander McNay (1957-66), B.Sc., M.P.S., manager of a pharmacy in Dumfries, is match secretary and captain of St. Michael's Cricket Club, which plays in Division One of the Glasgow District League. He has been a qualified football referee for fifteen years, five of which were spent as a class 3A linesman on the S.F.A. Official List. He is a past president of the South of Scotland Referees' Association. His brother, David Forrest McNay (1956-69), is a former prefect and captain of the School hockey and cricket ist X Is. He was also captain of the Scottish Schoolboys' Hockey Under-19 team. On leaving school, he joined the Clydesdale Bank in Aberdeen, and then worked in various branches of the bank in the South West of Scotland. In 1982 he was appointed Accountant at the bank's branch at Tam's Brig, Ayr, and is at present Accountant at one of the bank's major branches in Carlisle, a position he took over in August 1987. Since leaving school, David has gained Scottish hockey caps at under-zz level, District Representative honours for North, South West and West of Scotland over a period of eight years, and was included in Scotland's senior training squad from 1970 to 1972. In 1972 a motor accident curtailed his playing at international level, but until recently he played at district level for Ayr and then Babcock, Renfrew. A back injury in 1979 forced him to give up playing hockey, and he became involved in forming and coaching a local team. Unfortunately, the team folded after only three seasons. He has now taken up the more leisurely pursuit of golf. Outwith sport, he is an elder of St. Columba's Church in Ayr and is presently a member of the Dalston Male-Voice Choir. He married in 1976 and has two sons, aged eight and six. Gordon Robert McNay (1966-70), B.Sc., Dip.Ed., brother of A. McNay and D. F. McNay (above), graduated from Stirling University in 1976 and since then has taught biology at Lockerbie Academy. A former School hockey player, he continues to play hockey for the Crichton Royal Hockey Club, of which he was captain in 1978. He plays golf at Dumfries and Country Golf Club, and holds a ten handicap. Their father, Robert McNay, B.Sc., came to the Grammar School as Head of Geography in 1947. Valued not only as a teacher, but also as a hockey coach, he was appointed Deputy Rector of the School in 1967. Thomas T. Mann (1962-74) is the designer of the popular 'red nose', worn on Comic Relief Day. After leaving school, he worked for a small local design firm, then for Aberdeen Glass Fibre at Tullos, before moving to London. Mr. Mann now works for Dewynters, who produce promotional material for West End and Broadway musicals. Over the past decade he has designed posters and souvenir brochures for big musicals, such as the 1980 revival of Oklahoma and the currently successful Brigadoon.
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He has carried out work on all the Lloyd Webber productions, including Cats and Phantom of the Opera and travels from his Leicester Square offices to New York when the shows are appearing on Broadway. Dewynters have been involved in Comic Relief since its inception, and Mr. Mann adapted the red nose from the face of the little man on Comic Relief letterheads. Douglas Marr (1959-63), M.A., Dip. Ed., has been appointed Rector of St. Machar Academy, Aberdeen. After graduating with an honours degree from Aberdeen University, he began his teaching career at Hilton Academy in 1970. The following year he was appointed Assistant Principal Teacher of History at the Grammar School, and in 1976 he returned to Hilton Academy as Principal Teacher of History. In 1981 he became Assistant Headmaster of Kemnay Academy and in October 198; was appointed Deputy Rector of the Gordon Schools, Huntly. In December 1986 he was appointed Head Teacher of Hilton Academy. With falling school rolls, Grampian Regional Council took the decision to merge Hilton Academy with Powis Academy, and place them on one site. Mr. Marr has successfully undertaken the difficult task of merging the schools. Shona Marshall (nie Milne) (1979-8z) has retained her Scottish title at D.T.I.. Clay Pigeon Shooting for the fourth year running. As well as securing her place in the Scottish Ladies' team (again for the fourth year), she was awarded the captaincy for the international event in Wales. Alexander Willox Mathieson (1936-6z), M.A., has been appointed Managing Director (marketing and sales) at the Freight Rover Vans Division of commercial vehicle manufacturers, Leyland Daf, based in Birmingham. After completing his education, he joined British Leyland in 1969. He joined the Freight Rover Division when it came into operation in 1981 and was promoted to his present position from Sales and Marketing Director of the division. Dr. Campbell Murray (1943-49), M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.P., F.R.C.G.P., F.R.S.A., is currently Dean of Postgraduate Medical Studies and Executive Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Aberdeen Medical School. He was President of the Aberdeen Medico-Chirurgical Society from 1987 to 1988. His daughters, Jacqueline A. Swan (née Murray) (1974-80), and Shonaidh J. Murray (1977- 83), attended the School. David James Peters (1957-63), B.Sc., M.Sc., is the new Depute Director of Grampian Regional Council Water Services Department. After graduating with honours in Engineering from Aberdeen University in 1967, he worked with Taylor Woodrow Construction at Dounreay and Invergordon. He completed a Master of Science degree at Strathclyde University in 197z, and was appointed senior assistant engineer with Dundee City Engineers Department, a post he held from 1971 to 2975, before being appointed an engineer with Tayside Regional Council's Water Services Department. Dr. George McArtney Phillips (195o-55), M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D., flew out in August 1988 for his second lecture-tour of China. A senior maths lecturer at St. Andrews University, he is well known in China through the translation of his book, Theory and Applications of Numerical Analysis, which he co-wrote with Dr. P. Taylor of Strathclyde University. David Pyle (19f9-65), M.A., Dip. Ed., has been promoted from Assistant Head Teacher at Dyce Academy to Deputy Rector of that school. After completing his formal education, David was Education Officer at Kigezi High School, Uganda, from 2969 to 1971. Since then, he has held various teaching posts in both Scotland and England. Malcolm Forbes Rennie (1951-65) appeared this year in George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen. Malcolm was a member of Aberdeen's Children's Theatre from the age of ten
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and played leading roles in several productions by the School Dramatic Society, including Henry /V in 1965. On leaving school he trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and was awarded the John Gielgud Scholarship in 1967. He has worked in the West End and participated in the R. S. C.'s world tour of Peter Brooks' production, A Midsummer Night's Dream. He has also worked for the 69 Theatre Company and the Royal Exchange Theatre Company and has appeared in several productions. His many film and television credits include "Coronation Street", "Softly, Softly", "Pride and Prejudice", "Cloud Howe" and, most recently, two series of "The Lenny Henry Show", in which he appeared as Sergeant Lillie. He has just finished starring in And Then There Were None at the Strand Theatre, London. Whilst in Aberdeen, Malcolm paid a visit to the School, taking the opportunity to renew his friendship with Russell Gray (1951-65), a member of the Geography Department. He also had a chat with the current members of the School Dramatic Society. Barry Scorgie (1979-85) has won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London. He is currently in his final year at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. He started playing the oboe at the age of ten, and later played in the School orchestra. After two years' study in London, he intends to continue his studies in Hanover, West Germany. He hopes to become a professional oboist. John Alexander Uocky) Scott (1960-63) resigned as manager of Dundee Football Club in May of last year and took up a similar position with Aberdeen F. C. A former Aberdeen player of the 197os, he previously played for English club, Chelsea. Peter James Sharp (1964-77), LL.B., was one of the last pupils to complete both his primary and secondary education at the School, having entered in Primary t A and left school at the end of S6. After graduating from Aberdeen University with a law degree, he worked for a number of city legal firms, before joining C. & P. H. Chalmers over a year ago. He has now become an associate of that firm, specialising in litigation and licensing work. He is also a part-time tutor in law at Aberdeen University. His elder brother, Ian Alexander Sharp (1961-74), is a former pupil of the School. Rev. George Scott Skakle (1927-39), M.A., retired in May 1988 from Powis Church, Aberdeen, a charge he held for over forty years. Previously he was Assistant at St. Machar's Cathedral. From 1966 to 1967 he was Moderator of Aberdeen Presbytery. For some years he has been closely associated with the local Leprosy Mission Auxiliary Committee and the Christian Aid Week Committee in Aberdeen. His daughter, Janet M. S. Skakle (1979-85), is in her final year at Aberdeen University, where she is studying physics. Roy George Leonard Stirrat (1919-64), B.A., has been elected Convener of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Scotland. After leaving school he gained a qualification from Aberdeen's Scott Sutherland School of Architecture. He then went on to complete an honours degree in geography and sociology at Leeds University. In 1975, with the reorganisation of local government, he joined Gordon District Council as principal officer, dealing with local plans, conservation and industrial development. He joined the local firm of architects, Baxter, Clark and Paul, in 1978, with whom he was a senior planner with responsibility for planning applications and appeals and inquiries throughout Scotland. A year later, he became Scottish associate and senior UK environmental planner with the Building Design Partnership, Glasgow. In 1983, he became a partner in the
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firm of IX'. J. Cairns and Partners, Edinburgh, dealing with military development and impact assessment, onshore oil projects and planning appeals. In 1984, he founded his own company, PEFS Planners, in Edinburgh, known since last year as Northern Planners. Elizabeth Traynor (1979-85) graduated from Leicester University in 1988 with a B.A. honours degree in Archaeological Studies. Alexander Cuthbert Turnbull (1939-42), M.B., O1.B., M.D., F.R.C.O.G., M.A., C.B.E., was awarded a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June 1988. Sir Alexander has been Nuffield Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Oxford University since 1973. Awarded the Modern Dux at school, Sir Alexander was a member of the ist XV and a member of Melvin House cricket team. He was also Secretary and Treasurer of the Literary and Debating Society. On graduating in medicine from Aberdeen University in 1947, Sir Alexander served with the R.A.M.C. in India, working with the Gurkhas. In 195o, he was appointed House Surgeon at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. Following a period of research, he was appointed Registrar of Obstetrics, Senior Registrar and then Lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Aberdeen University in 1961. He had previously held a similar post at St. Andrews (Dundee) University. In 1966 he was appointed Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Welsh National School of Medicine in Cardiff, a post he held until 1973, when he took up his present appointment. Sir Alexander's younger brother, George Harley Turnbull (1939-45), M.A., Dip. Ed., is also a former Pupil of the School. Douglas Morgan Watson (1979-85) graduated from Aberdeen University with a law degree and is completing his Diploma in Legal Practice in Aberdeen. His elder brother, Melville Stuart Watson (1978-83), M.B., Ch.B., graduated from Aberdeen University with a degree in medicine and is currently working in Stirling. Sally J. Wheatley (1979-84), B.Sc., graduated from St. Andrews University with an honours degree in Zoology. This year she has been employed by Aberdeen University and intends to carry out research next session for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Gordon Scott Williams (1933-46) has retired from Wiggins Teapc plc after almost forty years service with the company, latterly as Sales and Design Development Manager with their Costing Division. He has spent the past winter coaching hockey at Barfield Preparatory School in Surrey and hopes to take up golf in the summer. He asks that any former pupil wishing to get in touch with Guildford Hockey Club can do so through himself. Colin James Youngson (1960-66), M.A., Dip. Ed., the former Scottish marathon champion, had a successful first year in the veteran ranks (over 405) in 1988. He won the Scottish Cross Country Title and took second place in both the British Veterans' Marathon and Half-Marathon Championships. In February of this year he retained his Scottish Cross-Country title. Proposed Reunion of Class 1951-57 It is hoped that a reunion of class i951-57 will take place in May 199o. In order to make contact with as many former pupils as possible, it would be appreciated if names and addresses of any who qualify are submitted to: Barton Brown, a; Springfield Gardens, Aberdeen AB, 7RX. Tel. 310344.
Marriages Aiken (1974 78).—At Rosemount Parish Church, Aberdeen on a July 1988, Edward Aiken, son of Mrs. M. Aiken and the late Mr. P. Aiken, 34 Belgrave Terrace, Aberdeen to Estelle Ann Duncan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Duncan, 29 Duthie Terrace, Aberdeen. Anderson (1973-79).----At the North Church of St. Andrew, Aberdeen on t 1 November 1988, Adele Margaret Anderson, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Anderson, 219 Queen's Road, Aberdeen to Paul Nigel Travis, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Travis, Brenty, Bristol. Cattanach (1975-8o).—At Durris Parish Church on a; July 1988, Robert John Cattanach, only son of Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Cattanach, 91 Broomhill Avenue, Aberdeen to Fiona, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Bushnell, zi Sunnyside Drive, Drumoak, Aberdeenshire. Craig (i980-81).—At Simpson's, Aberdeen on ;o June 1988, Anne Craig, daughter of Mr. G. Craig and Mrs. S. Clark, Aberdeen to Derck Graham McGregor, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. M. McGregor, 35 Leddach Road, Westhill, Skene. Cummings (t965-69).—At Kim Parish Church, Dunoon on 25 March 1989, Stuart William Cummings, son of Mr. and Mrs. James S. Cummings, formerly of 79 Devonshire Road, Aberdeen to Catriona White, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James S. White, Long Itchington, Warwickshire. Dunbar (1973-79).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 31 March 1989, David Allan McKendrick, eldest son of the late Mr. Allan McKendrick and Mrs. E. McKendrick, 16 Westholme Avenue, Aberdeen to Lorna Helen Dunbar, only daughter of the late Mr. John Dunbar and Mrs. H. Dunbar, 6 Granton Place, Aberdeen. Elrick (1972-78). —At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on it March 1988, Michael Elrick, son of Mr. and Mrs. K. M. Elrick, ; Deesidc Terrace, Aberdeen to Aileen Wilma Towns, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Towns, Woodtown Cottage, Turriff. Fraser (1974-80).--At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on to September 1988, Dr. Peter John Galloway, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. John M. D. Galloway, Swanland, North Humberside to Dr. Lesley Doreen Fraser, only daughter of Dr. and Mrs. G. D. Fraser, 33 Woodstock Road, Aberdeen. Glass (1976 8z).--At St. Mary's Church, King Street, Aberdeen on 8 April 1989, Nicholas Glass, Castle Street, Aberdeen to Catherine Ramsey, Beaconsfield Place, Aberdeen. Glennie (1977-85) and Chalmers (1978 8;). - At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on i July 1988, Scott William Glennie, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Glennie, 54 St. Swithin Street, Aberdeen to Sonia Pink Chalmers, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Chalmers, 91 Ashley Road, Aberdeen. Hay (1976 8z).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 7 April 1989, Gillian Mary Hay, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Hay, a; Kingshill Avenue, Aberdeen to James Flett Innes, Seafield Drive East, Aberdeen. Laird (1972-77). At Crown Terrace Baptist Church, Aberdeen on 15 July 1988, William John Laird, only son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Laird, 54 Montrose Drive, Aberdeen to Dr. Shirley Ann Scott, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Scott, 24 Dee Place, Aberdeen. Lynch (t978-84).--At St. Nicholas Parish Church, Aberdeen on 14 July 1988, Fiona Christina Lynch, younger daughter of Dr. and Mrs. F. P. Lynch, 14 Gladstone Place, Aberdeen to Simon Scott Skene, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. K. Skene, Upper Norwood, London. Malcolm (1973 77)• -At the Palm Court Hotel, Aberdeen on 18 November 1988, Kenneth Malcolm, twin son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Malcolm, to 70
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Devonshire Road, Aberdeen to Elizabeth Christine Gordon Mackay, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. G. Mackay, z3 Wallace Brae Wynd, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. Malloch (1976-81).--At St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Torry, Aberdeen on i I March 1989, Steven Butler, son of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Butler, 19 Tullos Place, Aberdeen to Margaret Kensema Malloch, daughter of the Rev. and Mrs Jack Malloch, 71 Cromwell Road, Aberdeen. McCallum (I959-65).—At St. Nicholas Congregational Church, Aberdeen on z5 March 1989, Forbes McCallum, only son of the late Mr. J. McCallum and Mrs. I. McCallum, 43 Murray Court, Aberdeen to Anne Ludbroke, only daughter of the late Mr. J. Ludbroke and Mrs. M. I.udbroke, 35 Princes Court, Wembley, Middlesex. McIntosh (1972 78).—At the Holiday Inn, Dyce, Aberdeen on z; July 1988, Brian James McIntosh, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. McIntosh, 29 Albert Terrace, Aberdeen to Alison Ann Moffat, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Moffat, 6 Abbotshall Crescent, Cults, Aberdeen. Miller (1978-84) and Pithie (I977-83).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on z6 August 1988, Caroline Mary Miller, daughter of Mr. S. S. Miller, 8 Forest Road, Aberdeen and Mrs. M. E. McGowan to Neil Farquhar Pithie, son of Mr. and Mrs. D. M. Pithie, 216 Westhurn Road, Aberdeen. Milne (1979- 85). — At St. Ninian's Parish Church, Aberdeen on 6 January 1989, Frances Barbara Milne, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. Milne, 32 Hopetoun Drive, Bucksburn, Aberdeen to Colin Crichton, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. D. Crichton, 31 Hopetoun Drive, Bucksburn, Aberdeen. Milne (1977-82).---At St. Ninian's Parish Church, Aberdeen on z9 July 1988, Ronald McRae Milne, son of Mr. and Mrs D. Milne, i Camperdown Road, Aberdeen to Alison Irene Rae, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N. Rae, 45 Deansloch Terrace, Aberdeen. Mitchell (1975 79).—At the Skean Dhu Hotel, Dyce, Aberdeen on z8 October 1988, Jane Elizabeth Mitchell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Mitchell, 17 Stafford Street, Aberdeen to John Ritchie, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Ritchie, 97 Fowler Avenue, Aberdeen. Mitchell (i971-77).—At St. Francis of Assisi Church, Aberdeen on 8 April 1989, Vincent Mitchell, Stanley Street, Aberdeen to Anne Gove, Broomhill Road, Aberdeen. Murray (198I-82). —At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 21 October 1988, Karen Ann Murray, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Murray, 146 Osborne Place, Aberdeen to David Duncan Milne, son of the late Mr. R. G. Milne and Mrs. Milne, Aberdeen. Sandison (1975-8o).—At Echt Church on zo May 1988, Richard Allen I.ewellen, youngest son of Mrs. M. Lewellen, Aberdeen to Isla Carol Sandison, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I. C. Sandison, Richmond Terrace, Aberdeen. Scott (1971- 7S).— At Craigiebuckler Church, Aberdeen on z8 May 1988, Duncan McRae Scott, twin son of Mrs. B. Scott, 249 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen to Jennifer Allan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. i,. Allan, 23 Abbotswell Crescent, Aberdeen. Smith (1974-8o). —At Mannofield Church, Aberdeen on 4 June 1988, Gordon Alan Smith, younger son of Mrs. J. Smith, 14 Esslemont Avenue, Aberdeen to Karen Bick, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs W. Bick, ;8 Airyhall Avenue, Aberdeen. Spence (1976-8o).—At Ruthrieston West Parish Church, Aberdeen on 17 September 1988, Graeme Perfect Spence, only son of the late Mr. and Mrs W. Spence, ;6 Thomson Street, Aberdeen to Linda Allan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Allan, 6z Leggart Terrace, Aberdeen.
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Symonds (197o-74). —At St. Columba's Church, Elgin on 4 April 1987, Gordon Alexander Symonds, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. I. Symonds, 34 Carnegie Crescent, Aberdeen to Fiona Mary Morrison, elder daughter of Mrs. Helen Morrison, in New Elgin Road, Elgin and the late Mr. Andrew Morrison. Tarvet (1972-78).—At Queen's Cross Church, Aberdeen on i i August 1988, Alastair Tarvet, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Tarvet, 17 Pitstruan Place, Aberdeen to Susan Wighton, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Wighton, Gairnhill, Blacktop, Kingswells, Aberdeen. Todd (1970-75). —At Newmachar Parish Church on 4 June 1988, Bryan Todd, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Todd, Westdyke Drive, Elrick, Aberdeen to Brenda Findlay, only daughter of the late Mr. R. A. Findlay and Mrs. Findlay, Kinmundy Road, Newmachar. Torrance (1975-SO.—At Ruthrieston West Parish Church, Aberdeen on 16 July 1988, Elaine Louise Torrance, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs V. Torrance, 55 Braemar Place, Aberdeen to David George Felstead. Watson (1956-67).—At St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Aberdeen on 4 July 1988, Derek Daniel Watson, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Watson, Aberdeen to Heather Margaret McKenzie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. McKenzie, Monearn Gardens, Milltimber, Aberdeen.
Obituaries Douglas Stewart Allan (1959-64) died on 27 November 1988 in Bradford Royal Infirmary, aged 42. On leaving school, he trained in the hotel and catering industry. Since then he has been in various hotel management posts both at home and abroad. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and a son. Reginald Rust Bisset (1922-31), 8.sc.(civ.Eng.), B.Sc.(Ekc.Eng.), died aged 75 on 7 May 1988 at home in Aberdeen. Son of John D. Bisset, he graduated in civil and electrical engineering from Aberdeen University in 1937 and 1938 respectively. His first employment on graduating was as resident engineer for the contractors construcing Dyce Aerodrome. During the Second World War he served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in India, Assam, Burma and Malaya, reaching the rank of major as Deputy Director of Mechanical Engineers in Singapore. After the war he was appointed a director of John Bisset and Sons Ltd., Contractors, Chairman of Bisset's Constructional Concrete Co., Ltd. from 1953, and a director of Barratt and Bisset, Sales Engineers, from 1956.From 1972 78 he was managing director of David Forsyth and Co., Engineering Contractors. In 1978 he was the consulting civil engineer in charge of the northern office of Cowan & Linn, Consulting Civil and Structural Engineers. He is survived by his wife, Grace, daughter Wendy, and son, John Robert Bisset (1952-65), who attended the School. Former President of the Edinburgh Centre Frank Charles Briscoe Black (1914 17), died in St. Columba's Hospice, Edinburgh on 8 December 1988. Born in India, he was the son of Alfred Alexander Black (1882-84), M.A. He came to the School at the beginning of the First World War for three years, before completing his schooling in the south. He joined the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in 1925. After completing his training in the company's London office, he was employed in Hong Kong, Batavia (Java) and Shanghai. During the War he worked for the
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bank in India and was a member of the Bengal Centre of the Club. He returned to Hankow (China) in 1946 and in 1947 took up the post of Club Consul for Shanghai. Following the revolution in China, he moved to Hong Kong in 1948, becoming Club Consul in 1949. During his employment in Hong Kong he was appointed Chief Inspector at the bank's head office. He retired from banking in 1960, taking up residence in Edinburgh, where he involved himself in the work of the Episcopal Church and various charities in which he had an interest. He was a member of Bruntsfield and 1.uffness golf clubs and his interest in Club affairs continued. In 1973 he was appointed President of the Edinburgh Centre. He is survived by his son, Donald Sinclair Black (195o S4), who is a director of a stockbroking firm in London. Former Foreign Correspondent of The Times Michael David Bonavia (1945-55), died in Aberdeen on i6 September 1988, aged 48. He was described as "one of the most distinguished foreign correspondents of his generation" in The Times, his brother being John Sebastian Bonavia (1 943 5 1)After leaving school he attended Clifton College in Bristol and graduated in modern languages from Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. He spoke several languages, including French, German, Italian, Russian and Chinese. He worked for Reuters in Africa, before moving to Hong Kong in 1965 to work for the the Far Eastern Review. While continuing to work for the Review, he started work for The Times newspaper in 1967. He covered the Cultural Revolution's spill-over into the streets of Hong Kong so well that The Time, offered him the position of staff correspondent in Saigon. In Vietnam he became one of the few Western correspondents to speak Vietnamese and covered the situation as a political observer rather than as a war correspondent. In 1969 he was posted to Moscow, where he took a close interest in dissident activities. Following his expulsion in 197z, he wrote his first book Fat Sasha and the Urban Guerrilla: Protest and Conformism in the Soviet Union. The book was described by author John Le Carte as one of the best on the Soviet Union. After his expulsion from the Soviet Union, he was posted to China by The Times when that country was undergoing a period of transition. His experiences in that country led to him writing a second book, Tbe Chinese, in 1981. Before his death, he was writing a biography of Deng Xiaoping. He is survived by his wife, Judy, who helped him in the production of his second book. Ian Farquhar Booth (1916-18), M.A., Dip. hi., died on 16 November .988 in l.ochmaben Hospital, Dumfries, After leaving school, he graduated with honours in English from Aberdeen University. Whilst at university he gained blues in cricket and athletics, and played for the FP Rugby Section and for the North District in the District Championships. On leaving university, he spent four years in business, before going to Aberdeen College of Education to qualify as a teacher. lan than started his teaching career in Dumfries. During the Second World War he served with both the Gordon Highlanders and the Seaforth Highlanders, attaining the rank of Captain. After the war he returned to Dumfries and was appointed to the staff of Noblehill School in .946. In 1948 he became Deputy Headmaster of Loreburn St. John's School, and in 1956 he was appointed Head of that school. In 1970 he was faced with the challenge of opening a new secondary school when he
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was appointed Rector of Maxwelltown High School. He retired in 1974 after over twenty-five years in the teaching profession. Ian served the Dumfries community in many other fields. He was organising secretary of the Dumfries Musical Festival for twenty-two years; honorary secretary of the Guild of Players during the transitional period between the Little Theatre and the Theatre Royal; and honorary secretary of the Dumfries local association of Boy Scouts. He was president of Dumfries Burns Club, chairman of the Dumfries and Galloway branch of the Marriage Guidance Association and Chairman of the Institute for the Study and Treatment of Delinquency. An active member of St. John's Church, Dumfries, he was on the management committee of the Y.M.C.A./Y.W.C.A. He is survived by his wife, Nancy. Steven Francis Bowie (1972-76) died suddenly in Bangkok on 12 March 1989, aged z8. He was employed by Dyce based company, B. J. Hughes, as an offshore oilfield engineer, working in India but living in Thailand. Dr. Scott Cameron (1921-34), M.B., ChB., died at his home in Radbrook, Shrewsbury on 26 June 1988, aged seventy-two. He graduated in medicine from Aberdeen University in December 1941. Before entering war service, he was employed as a medical officer at \X'oodend Hospital, Aberdeen. During the war he served as an anaesthetist with the 14th Army in Burma. On leaving the Army in 1946, he entered into general practice with his wife in Manchester. In 1964 he joined the Treasury Medical Service. Following a severe coronary in 1968 he retired from this position and became medical officer to the London borough of Waltham Forest. On his retirement he moved to Shrewsbury. He is survived by his wife, Eileen, and a daughter. Dr. James Dumo Chalmers (193$- 40), M.B., Ch.B., D.C.H. (R.C.P.S.), D.Obst., R.C.O. & G., died while hillwalking in Glencoe on i November 1988. He was known to his patients in his practice in Insch, Aberdeenshire as the "skiing doctor", as he would make house calls in bad weather on skis, if necessary. His interest in hillwalking had started in his schooldays, when he was a vice-president of the Rambling and Mountaineering Club. While at school he was a prefect and gained colours for rugby in 1940. His interest in the sport continued at Aberdeen University and led to him being picked to represent Scotland at the first Scottish v. English Universities rugby match in 1945. He was also President of the Aberdeen University Athletic Association and President of the U.A. A. of the four Scottish Universities. After finishing his education he was associated with the FP Rugby Section as a vicepresident. Having graduated in medicine from Aberdeen University in 1945, he served with the R.A.F. in Egypt from 1946 48. Intent on a career in general practice, he spent a year as a trainee general practitioner in Edinburgh and then joined the practice at Insch in 1952. He remained there until his retirement in 1985. After retirement he took a very strong interest in climbing, and was determined to join the list of FPs who have climbed all of Scotland's Munros. To this end, he had been on training courses on Ben Nevis and in the Cuillins, and had recently completed the classic haute route in the Alps. His fatal fall occurred while attempting to climb his z6oth Munro. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, two sons, and a daughter, as well as several grandchildren. Ian Hamish Cooper (1923-33) died in Auckland Hospital, New Zealand on 7 August 1988, aged 7o. After leaving school he became a cadet with the British Steam Navigation
•sialyilnep om3 pue uos E pus `uataiinD .3324n pU033S sty Ag paninins s! 3H •lyiTnoy Isgepuanna UI A11Epadx3 pur `s2u0iim sno!Sgai m naialu1 215 payemew luryslanto -.IQ 'um sno2243.1 •1122upm WO" Arum's •uopuoi `aileagy s,u3ano ay Is prou omvuostooy puoiig magaiv Aa3;j31 Ut panadde 3H •woogasvo slioisqg •Ja sa!ias Al ay to uwaturD -.1cf party -yanui ay se suogim 03 whoml aunaag ay ny3 popad s!43 Syinp sem 11 Saluous„ pa11ea-os ay lnoge—puu! *Nag amg ay ui ow pooqui s.aa-I g tiagox put aauamei awoial ut 'myna aauano '13Ame! LIE3O3111V alp jo ainSu-a25.2s ay3 'puouunici jo aroi ay paArid ay 0961 ui 111 luvqqw 3o uois3an wly s,132A4O aauainel J!S ui A3nquareig uopanpoid e to Amp/A jo urd ay As1d why MES 8461 •111A ieuipisJ jo ued ay Stoinid ‘piojwils `ainatu nuoulaw ay 35 lairanyi ssaayid pug uzano 'SUN ay amp(' panadde ay oi6t ul •tpp.USJMULUEH .3!1.(7 ay 35 009! Iroyd's s‘ uot!im uAltug 213 aSeging se aSen ay3 03 pauinlai 3H • it,61 ui •wEiv tre apew sem 3H •ionyv jo nuei ay Sloyauy `947-tb61 tow; slailisnd ysiam rAou ay yom p2/1.12S 3l1 JEACk 13120/X\ puoaas ay SuiinG •liemwoj jo 315d ay Suppl ‘ovri Bury jo uopanpoid u 310J3g alay p3Azid )UEqSpifli 1Q 'uopar jo Ino 31A pio ay and -3125342 340O suopuoi 3e paanpoid 'Limo soppy palm Arid e 3301M-03 °sir Aala •yomiaag P1Eu!Sag yum yito.iisprd'i JO UO!SS3A E aanpaid-03 uoy /nes 6461 -32A plo 343 3E lanS[a29 A4 pitoovii jo uopanpoid z UI snyneo paArid ay 8461 ur 'Noma ;JON oalwansp.tfry y ;0 uyianpoid sapylnD auoiAi u! snasayl pur Vagoviv 1a!n9O nig ay ui onbueg Su!AEid `a!A pip ay3 le uoseas r paAo!u3 payl 3H -tang 343 jo 334 ay 31204E wIy e `aut:r Yurri piny UI suing liagog se 3101 U33135 ionui 3519 sty Weld ay 3543 uay sem 31 •uopuoi 3135341 3359 irluauyadx3 ay 3E pamom ay L.46i 03 4461 woid •saauiAoid ay u! Sun.wojiad pus Aueduuo anadsarys s‘uoluArg Aiu3H Sumo! ‘sneg awt3-linj r uo uonsajoid Supar ay 333213 04 pappap ay b461 ui •sapoa aunty pue rump inaletue nay Ui umoul II main oqm `siaArid anSeal 31 ay jo quei ay3 patoo! ay 1461 to put '(0061-9681) aTuums .N p3nionut uaapiagv ay3 iapurzaw a3Ei ay 13pun AuedwoD 5.2ado SEM ay auy ands sty ul -33930 s.iaau2Sua Inogiey ay ui )IIOA\ ueSag pur iaau!Sua 13/133 E SE U!513 of papualto luzyslaolip .43 looyas Suin5ai 333;V .8861 1udj 65 uo Aitiappns pay -nri•G -wow 145-6i.61) qurqsna!nsa uoutew uqof maipuy pan!Ains s! ay • irmappao 2u!u!o! 310J3C1 'ASoloutpai, jo altylsin s,uopio9 3.1agoN 35 EtI1014 E palaiduma •A‘ uqof jo uos ucIV ‘gnip ay jo luapisaid latwoj s ‘(94,--33,61) -8861 Ain( 9 uo 53S y330N ay u! uuojnid !!0 gydiv iadid sarluappao uo uoisoldxa ay Jo qnsai r sr pay (SL-z961) nooprsa awns' Limy . 10043S Stuppnqai .103 surid ay moqr 3.10111 ti!tiivai 03 )iESt10J Suppoi sem -wimp WunoA om3 pus •.iaspu.(-1 'a in sui
Eye 'ynap sry jo awn ay 'pun do iooyas ay in Isaialui ue palimony ay • puriraz Maly' 'purplanv 211 painas ay waw312333 say up •ayiew onlimaw ay3 u! luatuwano2 uegrinny ay ioj panias ay JEM ay3 aayv •,AsN •AaupAs u! yog •Lb6 i w 133551/1 put ft61 213 alew 3532d .203 passed Alluanbasgns ay -sA0Auoa pur smog-a jo sinoS9 ay Supej `Anew lutymaim ay3 u! 1331330 Ur sem ay am ay3 &ulna •sallaul mix\ ay y pape33 put& •Inippry,) •s•-s• ay 30 J3393O p14 aturaaq ay 6461 Li! -mop 5 103 11040a 'cc/ ay uo pa/L:3s ay 'aleagpiaa Stria-043.30j s,anw puoaas sI4 Sunne2 `-pri queduioD ia3jv -ellnareD 03 uopuoi tool; ovv.gmv ay3 uo tL
so.tivNIMO
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
Dr. Charles Greig Cruickshank (1925-32), M.A., D.Phil., died in London on 19 February 1989, aged 74. Son of the late George L. Cruickshank, (1886-88), the estate factor at Fyvie, he graduated M.A. honours in History from Aberdeen University. He was one of two former pupils to be awarded the Caithness Prize in History and the Gladstone Memorial Prize. He then went on to complete his doctorate at Oxford University, before gaining an appointment with the Ministry of Supply. In 1946 he transferred to the Board of Trade, where he worked until his appointment in 1951 as Trade Commissioner in Ceylon. This was followed by a similar posting to Canada. He was then appointed Senior Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, a post he held from 1g38-63. He went on to hold a number of posts connected with trade within the Commonwealth, before being appointed as an inspector in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Civil Aviation Authority. In 1973 he was appointed Assistant Secretary in the Department of Trade and Industry, a post he held until his retirement. Outside of his employment, he was well known as a serious writer on the subject of war. His first publication was an article on bookbinding which appeared in the November, 1931 issue of the Magazine. In 1968 he had a paperback issued under the title Elizabeth's Army (OUP), a study of the military forces raised between 1585 and 1603 for expeditions abroad and the suppression of revolt in Ireland. This was followed by studies of Henry the Eighth's campaigns in France and an official history of the German occupation of the Channel Islands. He went on to write several other books, including studies of SOE operations in the Far East and Scandinavia, as well as several novels. He was a keen golfer, often arriving with only one club with which to play a round. He wrote the history of the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, of which he was a member. He was one of three brothers to attend the School. His brother, James R. L. Cruickshank (1915-z r ), M.A., I.l..B., is a consultant to an Edinburgh law firm, and his other brother, the late George L. Cruickshank, died in the midseventies. Dr. Cruickshank is survived by his wife, Marie, and three sons. Douglas George Dempster (1924- 33), B.Sc., B.Sc. (Agr.), died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 1 January 1989 after a six-month illness. He was 73 years old. The son of George M. Dempster, a music and piano dealer, he graduated in science and agriculture from Aberdeen University in 1938 and 1939 respectively. During the war years he was the county agricultural adviser for the North of Scotland College of Agriculture in Ross and Cromarty, also serving as executive officer and secretary of the Wartime Agricultural Executive Committee. He was secretary of the Rosshire Seed Potato Growers' Association and chairman of the Highland area of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers' Clubs. In 1947, he returned to Aberdeen as regional director of Advisory Services for Aberdeen, Banff, Kincardine, Orkney and Shetland, before joining the staff of Aberdeen University in 19f4 as a lecturer in Agriculture. He was also a director of the University Farms, which he managed for twenty-four years. Although he retired in 1980, his interest in agriculture continued. He was secretary of the Royal Northern Agricultural Society from 1982 to 1988. His main sporting interest was golf, gaining a full blue in the sport at university and captaining Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. He also took a great interest in the FP Club and was a member of the Executive Committee from 1954 to 1962. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and three sons, two of whom, Douglas Gordon Dempster ( i 950--65) and Alastair Martin Dempster (195 t-6;), attended the School.
Obituaries
77
Dr. Frank Northman Forster (1921-15), M.B., Ch.B., died on z6 May 1988, aged So. Younger son of the Rev. Charles E. F. Forster, M.A., he left the School to work for an insurance company. He decided to study medicine, graduating M.B., Ch.B. from Aberdeen University in 1 944. After graduating, Dr. Forster served with the R.A.M.C. in India from 1944 to 1946. He then went into general practice in Bolton, where he served the community for twenty-four years. In 1970 he returned to Aberdeenshire, where he was a G.P. in Kemnay for seven years before retiring. As a youngster, he was a member of the 9th Aberdeen Grammar School Scout Troop and participated in many' Scout Shows. He later helped in the production of several student shows at Aberdeen University. In his youth he enjoyed playing football for Bon-Accord Accies and in later years he was a familiar figure on Kemnay golf course. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and a son and a daughter (also a doctor). Dr. Kenneth Alan Grassick (1940- S3), M.B., Ch.B., died in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Newcastle on 8 February 1989, aged fifty-nine. After graduating in medicine from Aberdeen University in 1966, he served with the R.A.F. in Singapore from 1968 to 1973. On Leaving the R.A.F., he went into general practice in Newcastle upon Tyne. A keen rugby player whilst at university, he played in the 1956 annual tour of the London area with the following former pupils: his brother, Brian Douglas Miller Grassick (1938-5z), Patrick Gordon Innes (1935 49), Robert Dewar Murray Macleod (1945-S4), John Colin Chalmers (1945-S3) and Patrick Blake Philip (1 944-54). Kenneth was a keen member of the Rambling and Mountaineering Club whilst at school, and after he left school he continued this interest, pioneering new climbs as a member of the Scottish Mountaineering Club. He is survived by his wife, Norma, and four children. Richard Evans Henderson (1949-52) died on 27 June 1988 at his home in Aberdeen after a short illness. On leaving school he started work as a naval architect with Hall, Russell Ltd., before becoming a civil engineer with W. A. Fairhurst and Partners in Aberdeen. He was also a well-known local piano player as a member of the Dick Henderson Par Four group, which performed regularly at the Dee Motel and at other Aberdeen venues. He is survived by his wife, Audrey, and a son and daughter. Colin Alexander McDonald (1974-78) died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on i8 September 1988 after a short illness. He was twenty-six years old. After leaving school he worked as a mechanic at the Regent Garage and latterly as a motor mechanic with Aberdeen District Council's Cleansing Department. His brothers, Denis McDonald (1972-76) and Michael M. McDonald (1976-80), also attended the School. Dr. Robert Norrie Mackie (1941-54), M.B., Ch.B., M.D., died in Perth, Australia in July 1988, aged 52. At university he won both the Strachan Bursary and the Venn Essay Prize in 1959. After graduating in medicine from Aberdeen University in 196o, he was appointed House Officer at Gilbert Bain Hospital, Lerwick and at Aberdeen's Woodend Hospital. He was a lecturer in Anatomy from 1961-65, before being awarded a Garden Research Fellowship on embryology. He completed his M.D. thesis, "The Teratogenic Action of Hydrocortisone", in 1964 with honours. He was appointed Deputy Director of Student Health Services at Aberdeen
78
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
University in 1966. In 1971 he was appointed Director of the Student Health Service at the University of Western Australia. Dr. Mackie is survived by his second wife, Susan, and three daughters from his first marriage, one of whom, Julia Beatrice Mackie (1979-80), attended the School. Kenneth John McRae (193o-41) died aged sixty-six in Aberdeen on 5 November 1988. Son of John McRae of Masindi, Uganda, he served with the R.A.F. during the Second World War. After war service he stayed in Africa until 1960, when he returned to Aberdeen. He succeeded a fellow FP, Norman Forsyth Wisely (1910-36), as transport manager with the Aberdeen and District Milk Marketing Board. He is survived by his wife, Alice, and several children and grandchildren. John Middleton (1910-26), M.A., C.A., died at his home in Hendon, London on zo January 1989, aged 8o. Born in Peterhead, he graduated M.A. from Aberdeen University in 1929. He then served with Messrs Flockhart and Grant, qualifying C.A. in 1934. He went to London and became company secretary to E. H. Jones (MachineTools), Ltd., and the rest of his career was devoted to financial management in the machine-tool industry. In 1945, with one of his colleagues, he set up the Rockwell Machine-Tool Company and became a director of A. Lawrence & Co. (Machine-Tools), both firms located in London. He became a director of County Gauge & Tool Co., Ltd., and retired in 1971. John travelled all over the world on business and in the field of machinetools he contributed a great deal of financial wisdom to a difficult area of postwar development. His wife, Joanne, predeceased him in 1984. Dr. Lewis Duncan Morrison (1948-S4), M.B., Ch.B., died on 17 January 1989 at his home in Golspie, aged fifty-three. Son of an Aberdeen police officer, he graduated in medicine from Aberdeen University in 1960. After holding various hospital posts in Glasgow and Inverness, he went into practice in Golspie from 1966 until the time of his death. A very keen golfer, he was to have been in charge of the centenary celebrations of Golspie Golf Club in May of this year. He is survived by his wife, Jean, and three sons, Graeme, David and Alistair. Harold Patrick Adair Nelson (1919-32), T.D., F.I.W.E., F.G.S., died very suddenly in Aberdeen on 16 December 1987, aged 73. He was the younger son of H. Adair Nelson, the original manager of His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen. After leaving school he served his engineering apprenticeship with the firm of Tawse and Allan in Aberdeen. In 1938 he joined the staff of Aberdeen County Council. He served throughout the Second World War with the 75th (H.) Field Regiment R.A. in France and later with the ist Survey Regiment R.A. in the Middle East and Burma, leaving the Army at the end of the war with the rank of Captain. In ► 950 he left employment with A.C.C. to become Deputy Water Engineer and Manager to the Borough of Chelmsford. In 1952 he was promoted to the position of Water Engineer and Manager with Banbury Borough Council and eight years later he was appointed Chief Engineer to Coldswater Water Board. In 196z he was appointed Chief Engineer to East Shropshire Water Board. There then followed a succession of appointments abroad in Sri Lanka, Libya and Zambia. In 1973 he was appointed Chief Water Controller for Malawi, a position he held until his retirement in 1978.
Obituaries
79
After he retired, the Secretary for Works and Supplies in Lilongwe, Malawi paid him the following tribute: 1 would like to take this opportunity of saying how much I have admired your professionalism. Indeed, since I have been in Malawi, it is the first time we have had such a competent water engineer to look after our affairs, and I am most grateful to you for the way in which you have tackled every problem which has come your way. His principal interest latterly was the desalination of water, particularly where it might be employed in Third World countries. He drew up plans for a desalination project: "Steam Raising for Desalination Processes", for which he obtained a patent in 1983. After he retired, he lived in Aboyne and latterly in Flaywards Heath, West Sussex. He was the brother of William James Adair Nelson (1914-24), a former Treasurer of Aberdeen University. Frederick Park (1948-54) died suddenly at home in Portlethen on 9 June 1988 at the age of fifty-one. One of several FPs on the staff of the Press axe/Journal, he worked there for six years. After leaving school he had a varied career, which included tram and bus driving. He graduated in English from Aberdeen University and became a primary school teacher in the late 196os. Before joining the staff of the P&J, he was a director and editor of Oil )cus magazine and was previously editor of Roustabout magazine. Described by the editor of the Press andJournal, Mr. Harry Roulston, as "an all-round journalist, able to write, subedit and lay out pages", he had a particular interest in the oil industry, specialising as a features writer for the paper in that field. In his spare time he was an officer in charge of the junior section of the Boys' Brigade in Portlethen. He is survived by his wife, Mae, a daughter, son and three grandchildren. Dr. Robert Semple (1923-34), M.D., r.a.c.p., F.R.C.P.F.d., died in Dundee on 5 March 1988, aged 70. He was the eldest son of Dr. Robert Semple (1894- 1905), M.D., O.B.E., and was in practice in Aberdeen from 1921 until 1952. On leaving school, he graduated with first-class honours in medicine from Aberdeen University in 1939, having won many medals as first in his year. He was a member of the University Golf Club and acted as Secretary during one of the most successful periods in the Club's history, when it won the Scottish Universities' Golf Championship on several occasions and the Maitland Shield in three successive years. His high standard of play was recognised by the University with the award of a full blue. After the outbreak of war, he joined the R.A.M.C., serving in West Africa, the Middle East and Italy, where he was R.M.O. to a mountain artillery regiment during the Italian campaign. He was graded a medical specialist, and on demobilisation was appointed Registrar in Medicine and Pathology at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. In 1947 he was appointed second assistant in the Medical Professorial Unit at Middlesex Hospital and then first assistant in 1951. In 19f4 he became Consultant Physician to Maryfield Hospital, Dundee, transferring to the new Ninewells Hospital on its completion in 1974, where he remained until his retirement. He took an active interest in promoting the academic and outside interests of his profession, and for many years was Honorary Senior Lecturer to undergraduates at St. Andrews University (and later at Dundee University). He also played a very active role in postgraduate training and ran a highly regarded
8o
Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine
rota of clinical sessions, where his remarkable capacity for shrewd and informed judgements were always in evidence. Robert remained a keen golfer both during his working life and after his retirement. He was a member of Panmure Golf Club and became a member of the R. & A. soon after taking up his Dundee appointment. He distinguished himself by winning the R. & A.'s Calcutta Cup. He was an enthusiastic member of the Dundee Medical Golfing Society, serving as Captain and taking a very active part in inter-society matches. He was a skilled salmon and trout angler and also found time to maintain his garden. He is survived by his wife, Alison, also a doctor, their son, Peter, who is a consultant physician in Glasgow, and their two daughters, Hilary and Rosemary. His uncles, David McHardy Semple (1901-06), and Walter Smith Semple (1905-o8), attended the School. His surviving brothers are Brigadier Roderick F. M. Semple (1927-38), M.C., and John F. Semple (1929-41). John Alexander Trager Simpson (1919-28), died at home in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada in February 1988. He was seventy-four years of age. After leaving the School, he attended Glasgow High School, before joining the famiy in Swastika, Northern Ontario. He started work in the Time Office at Lake Shore Gold Mines in Kirkland Lake. He was also involved in running the family hotel at Lake Kenogami. With the outbreak of the Second World War, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After graduating as an R.C.A.F. observer, he was sent overseas at the end of 1941. He flew on heavy bombers with several squadrons, and was posted to 109 R.A.F. Pathfinder Squadron. He served with the squadron until 1944, making over seventy sorties in Mosquitos. In 1944 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and in September of the same year was awarded a bar to the D.F.C. After his marriage in 1944, he was posted to the R.C.A.F. station at Boundary Bay, British Columbia. On his demobilisation he returned to work at Lake Shore Mines and for a short time he worked in the uranium mines at Elliot Lake. After the mines closed, he worked for Falconbridge Laboratories from 1963 until 1979 in the town of Richmond Hill. On his retirement he enjoyed various activities, including Scottish country dancing and golf, which was his main form of recreation. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn. His brother, William Evan Simpson (1916-26), also attended the School. Dr. Donald Sinclair Stewart (1906- I 8), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., M.R.C.G.P., died at his home in London on I; May 1988, aged 88. He was the youngest of the five sons of the Rev. J. S. Stewart to attend the School, his brothers being the Rev. John Stewart (1898-1905), M.A., Dr. Philip Watson Stewart (1899-1906), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., Dr. James Smith Stewart (1901-o8), , Ch.B., M.C., and George Robert Wilson Stewart (1906-13), M.C. A leading member of the School Debating Society, he retained a keen interest in debating for the rest of his life. He studied classics at Aberdeen University, graduating with a Master of Arts degree and winning a gold medal. He then went on to study medicine, graduating with honours in 192$. After junior hospital appointments in Aberdeen, Dublin and Stratford East in London, he settled in general practice in Cricklewood, North London, where he worked until his retirement some forty years later. During the war he was medical officer on duty at the Handley Page aircraft factory during every air raid. At that time he was also appointed medical officer for Smiths of Cricklewood, a post he held until 1966. During his long medical career, he delivered babies from mothers whom he had delivered himself some twenty-five years or so previously.
Obituaries
81
Dr. Stewart was a life member of the Club and is survived by a daughter and two sons, Donald Gordon Stewart (1941-45), and Dr. James Sinclair Stewart (1941-44), both of whom attended the School. Ronald Cooper Thomson (1931-42), B.Sc., died at his home in Pitlochry on 18 October 1988, aged 6z. He graduated in 1946 with honours in Chemistry from Aberdeen University and found employment with 1.C.I., Ltd., at Billingham. After a period with the company based in Argentina, he was appoined deputy works manager of the Wilton Works in Yorkshire. He returned to Argentina in 1961 as manager of the company's works at Duperial, a post he held for three years. After several years in management posts, including the management of the Olefine Works, he was appointed in 1969 production manager, petrochemicals division, Teeside. On retiring in 1978, he moved to Pitlochry. A bachelor, Mr. Thomson is survived by his elder brother, Alexander Cooper Thomson (193o-41), who also lives in Pitlochry. Former President of the Club and Editor of the Magazine Alan Crombie Robertson Watt (1927-37) died suddenly at his home on 15 March 1989, after a working life of notable service to the community and not least to the Former Pupils' Club, of which he was President in 1975-76. As a son of that most illustrious Grammarian, the late Dr. Theodore Watt, who held office as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Club for twenty-seven years and edited the Magazine single-handed and continuously for thirty-seven years, Alan could hardly have avoided becoming involved in the Club's affairs even if he had wished to do so. That he had no such wish became very• soon apparent. On leaving School, where he was Senior Prefect in his final year, Alan embarked on an Honours History Degree course at Aberdeen University, but from the start he entered readily into the more social activities of a student's curriculum. He was editor of Caudle, and later had the exalted title of Director of Student Publications. He found time to be Business Manager of Student Shows, and he will be well-remembered by everyone concerned in the productions of Beating Time, The Varsity Spirit and Watch Your Step. In at least one of these he was also on stage, as well as being editor of the souvenir. His degree course was interrupted by the war against Hitler, and after attending OCTU at Catterick he was commissioned as a znd lieutenant in the Royal Corps of Signals and posted to India. Within three months he had been promoted to Acting Captain and he eventually became staff officer to the Commandant, Signal Training Centre, Indian Signals Corps, Jubbulpore, with the rank of Major. On demobilisation he returned to Aberdeen and graduated M.A. with FirstClass Honours in History. At that point in time, with a wealth of administrative experience behind him, he had to decide how he was to earn his living, and he turned to the legal profession. The choice was well-suited to his talents, and, after taking his LIB and serving an apprenticeship in the city with Gray & Kellas, Solicitors, he became a partner in that firm in 1951. Sadly his father died soon after his demobilisation, and a new editor had to be found for the Magazine. As Alan was conversant with his father's methods of working, he offered his services as editor for a trial period of one year, which eventually continued for a further seven years. Without detraction from the excellence of the present system, whereby the editorial duties are divided, it is worthwhile pointing out that Alan, as sole editor, published two issues of the Magazine per year (his father published three) instead of the single issue which the School and Club now enjoy. Yet another of his important services to the Club was his compiling of the
81
Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine
Roll of Honour, which, on its publication in 1950, was described in Sir James J. Robertson's foreword as "a moving and precious memorial". In his professional capacity as a lawyer, Alan was appointed Town Clerk of Ballater, a post he held for almost twenty years. The appointment was declared to be "part-time", but, as meetings of the Council were held during evenings and committees and sub-committees proliferated, the work encroached very considerably on what would normally have been his leisure time. The fact is that he had very little leisure during these "galley years". Not being very skilful as a ball-player, although he enjoyed a game of golf on one of the smaller courses, his chief recreation, and one which gave him immense pleasure, was to tramp the heather of the Scottish hills. At School he had been a founder member in 1936 of what was then called the Rambling and Mountaineering Club, and from this he graduated to totally dedicated membership of the Cairngorm Club, of which he became President from 1967 to 1970, and Honorary President just last November. One of. his outstanding services to that Club was his conduct of negotiations for the purchase of Muir Cottage at Inverey and subsequent adaptation of the premises for the use of members. In 1971 he resigned his partnership in Gray & lamellas in order to take up his appointment as Chairman of Industrial Tribunals, a job which involved frequent travelling as far afield as Lerwick and Stornoway. When he retired in 1987, he was the most senior tribunal chairman in Scotland, and even after retirement he was always prepared to deputise. In his readiness to apply himself to each and every task which came his way, Alan was indeed a willing horse for whom no fence was ever too high. But a capacity for hard work was only one of his admirable qualities, and his many friends will grieve the loss of his warm personality and a sense of humour which enabled him to find amusement in many a daunting situation. His laughter was infectious. Alan is survived by his wife, Helen, and by his two sons, Nigel G. M. Watt (1963-69), Dr. Graham C. M. Watt (1957-7o) and his daughter, Alison. Graham was also Senior Prefect in his final year and Nigel continues the "Watt connection" in the Club's affairs, in that he has been Secretary of the Edinburgh Centre since 1975. Kenneth Brebner Williams (1938-46), died in June 1988 in Quito, Ecuador, aged 55. After leaving the School in 1946, he continued his education at Strathallan School. He returned to Aberdeen in the early 195os, taking up a post with the Royal Insurance company. In 1939 he moved to work for the company in Caracasin, Venezuela. After working in several countries in the West Indies and South America, he was appointed manager of the company's Quito office in Ecuador. While in Aberdeen he played for the Rugby Section, and was awarded full colours in 19f7. He was also Secretary and Treasurer of the Tennis Section from 1957 to 1959. His brothers, Gordon Scott Williams (1933-46), and Michael James Williams (1936-45), also attended the School. Thomas Albert Winton (196z-66) died suddenly at home in Stonehaven on 8 September 1988. He was thirty-eight years old. After leaving school he entered the Royal Navy, and on completing his training at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, he joined his first ship, the Frigate HMS Whitby. After serving in various vessels he retired from the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He is survived by his wife, Mirian.
Obituaries
83
James Campbell Graham Wright (1906-17) died in October 1987 at his home in Whitstable. After leaving school he worked in the shipping business in London until he retired. His three brothers, the Rev. George Tod Wright (1901-06), Dr. Maxwell Campbell Wright (1902-14), and the Rev. Ninian Blundell Wright (1910-23), also attended the School.
Abstract of Accounts for year ended 31 December 1988 Club Centre INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
1987 £37,137 8.685 13,542 4.088
63.452 £22.219 14,379 7,126 437 6.939
3,300 1.929
£41,025 9.278 19.128 3,189 £72.620
Gross Profit on Bar (Sales £100.766(1987-£95,716)) Annual Subscriptions Gaming Machine Revenue (Net) Other Income Wages and National Insurance Rat's and Insurance Heating and Lighting Telephone Repairs and Maintenance Donation to FP Club Other Donations and Interest Administration Expenses Steward's Pension Scheme Honoraria Miscellaneous Expenses, Cleaning, etc. Depreciation
1,511 1,196 3.000 7,962 896 171.114 £(7.662) SURPLUS (1987 DEFICIT) FOR YEAR
f19.901 16,516
7,492 633 7,263 3,500 2.367 2.663 — 2.500 8,223 769
71.827 £793
BALANCE SHEET
£ 5,078
£91,099 6.965
2.463 230 £100.777 £31,565 3.336
16,682
FIXED ASSETS Furniture, Fittings and Equipment—At cost Less: depreciation CURRENT ASSETS Loan Account —AGSFP Club Stock in Hand Sundry Debtors Cash in Hand
£5.040
£93.474 4,587 7,761 270 £106,092
CURRENT LIABILITIES Sundry Creditors Subscriptions in Advance Bank Overdraft
£32,723 5.167 20,197 £58.087
£53,603
48.005
£47,174 £32.252 6.300
LESS: LONG TERM LOAN
£53,045 6.300
£45.952
NET ASSETS
£46,745
Represented by.. £10,537 33.393
CAPITAL ACCOUNT—Appeal Fund and Other Donations SURPLUSES
(10.557 36,188 £46.745
£45,932
84
Centre Reports
85
F.P. Club INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 1987 12.010 L612 725 1.615 3,500 850 155 — 110.467 4.100 178 500 1.057 4.635 449 £10.919
11.792 1.644 741 1.650 3,500 1,021 243 435
Subscriptions Revenue from Investments (Gross) Transfer from Life Member Capital Fund at 5% Magazine Sales and Advertising Revenue Donation from Club Centre Entertainments Account Surplus Miscellaneous Income Beyond 500
£11,026
Working Expenses. including Honoraria School and Trophy Medals Capitation Grants Expenses of Visits to other Centres Magazine—Cost of Printing and Postage Corporation Tax
14.108 299 500
1.111 4,113 423 10,554
SURPLUS (1987 DEFICIT) FOR YEAR TRANSFERRED TO CAPITAL f(
ACCOUNT
452)
f
472
BALANCE SHEET
£14.432 14.470 2.073 1.100 1.322 5.534 499 39.430 .f2.635 446 £3.08)
HERITABLE PROPERTY—At cost less loans INVESTMENTS—At cost ROBERT G. WILSON BEQUEST MRS ISABELLA GRANT BEQUEST RESTORATION ACCOUNT BEYOND 500 SUNDRY DEBTORS CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
114.432 15.505 2,082 1.131 1,480 1,812 6,875 1,150
(44.467 Leis SUNDRY CREDITORS ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE
13,298 994
136.349
NET ASSETS
4.292 40,175
£13.776 16.378 2.073 1.100 1.322 1.700
Represented by. LIFE MEMBER CAPITAL FUND CAPITAL ACCOUNT ROBERT G WILSON BEQUEST FUND MRS ISABELLA GRANT BEQUEST FUND RESTORATION FUND BEYOND 500 FUND OTHER FUNDS
(14.085 17.885 2,082 1,131 1.480 1.812 1.700
36.349
140,175
Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine
86
Amenities Fund INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 1987 £747 200
Interest from Investments (Gross) Donation
947 £927 25
Grams made Honorarium to Treasurer
£952 £( 5)
DEFICIT FOR YEAR
f(
BALANCE SHEET INVESTMENTS—At Cost CASH AT BANK
£6,609 124
£6,609 155 6,764 £6.609 25 130 £6,764
4-734 250 £984 £965 25 990 6)
£6,733 Represented by: CAPITAL ACCOUNT CREDITOR REVENUE ACCOUNT
.0,609 124 f6,733
1987
A.G.S.F.P. Beyond 500 INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Membership Fees received Deduct: Prizes Paid Reserved for future prizes
£2,772 £460 926 1.386 £1,386 65 £1,321 886
Surplus available to F.P. Club Deduct: Postage and Stationery Carried forward to 1989 Transferred to F.P. Club Accounts BALANCE SHEET CASH AT BANK Represented by: RESERVED FOR FUTURE PRIZES SURPLUS CARRIED FORWARD TO 1989
f 435
f1.812 £926 886 £1,812
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