AGS Magazine June 1990

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 106thyear No. 228 (New Series 95tbyear No. 219)

June 1990

Vol. 93

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 AB1 6YQ

Editor of Notes, Obituaries and Marriages

Kenneth A. McR. Nisbet, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen AB1 6YQ

Secretary of the FP Club

John F. Hendry, LLB 36 Albyn Place, Aberdeen AB9 IYU

Treasurer of the FP Club

Colin C. Allan, C.A., 63 Gray Street.

Aberdeen AB1 6JD

The General Editor and Notes Editor are happy to receive contributions for the next issue of the Magatiwe at any time before mid-April 1991.

Printed for The Former Pupils' Club at BPCC-AUP Aberdeen Ltd

CONTENTS Financing the Magazine Rector's Report School Office Bearers The Japanese Connection 1990 Extra-Curricular Activities: School Prizes All-Round Trophy Awards 120=30,000; 47=46; 151, 197, 829, 419, 844, 121, 989=plus 1 Jocky Scott: Co-Manager of Aberdeen Football Club Monte Carlo or Bust Life in the Diplomatic Service: A Backward Glance Former Pupils' Club Office Bearers Annual General Meeting President's Report Our President Annual Dinner Centre Reports: Club Centre, Edinburgh Glasgow London, Yorkshire Section Reports: Cricket Curling, Football Golf, Hockey Petanque, Rugby Swimming, Women's Hockey Notes about Former Pupils Classical VI (1936/37) Marriages Obituaries Abstract of Accounts Illustrations Head Girl and Head Boy, Rebuilding of the School USA Hockey Tour Under-15 Football League Champions Annual Summer Camp—CCF/RAF Section At Monte Carlo New Club Consul in Thailand Handing over the Badge of Office Classical VI (1936/37)

page 3 4 6 8 9-27 28 30 32 33 34 38 41 44 45 46 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 64 65 66 73 7 10 16 20 34 43 47 64

Financing the Magazine AGSFP CLUB BEYOND 500 The first year of the Beyond 500 scheme produced a surplus of £1,458. The anticipated surplus for the second year is £1,430.

The Executive would like to thank those FPs who have participated in the scheme, which has greatly helped to reduce the cost of the Magazine.

Unfortunately, the response from members has again been pathetic. Only 146 FPs are really interested in the Magazine, i.e. 8% of the total membership.

Aberdeen Abroad Elsewhere Non FPs

Membership FP Club 989 113 705

Membership Beyond 500 80 6 56 4 146

1807

Tickets 146 25 82 5 258

The cost of the Magazine is £4,650, less £3,200 income from advertising and the Beyond 500 scheme. The limited success of the Beyond 500 scheme will ensure that the June 1990 issue will be published. The Executive Committee has not yet made any decision as regards the 1991 issue of the Magazine, but will wait until the response to the Beyond 500 scheme for next year is known. Your application form is in the centre of the Magazine. When you receive your Magazine, do not do a maiiana—reply immediately!

An Old Boy of an English public school who was a guest at the Edinburgh Centre Dinner on 16 March, informed us that his school was endeavouring to raise £2,000,000 and, as Chairman of the Fund-Raising Committee, he was being flown to Malaysia, where he was confident that he would get £1,000,000 from one Old Boy. And 146 AGSFPs can only raise £1,4001! The Executive Committee and your Treasurer in particular, are grateful to those FPs. Do we need to sing two verses of Flower of Scotland to raise your passion, as was shown at Murrayfield at the Calcutta Cup International?

Maybe the music-hall jokes about Aberdonians are true . . .

Other possible ways of raising £1,400 are: (1) (2)

An increase of £4 in the ordinary annual subscription; Raising a capital sum of £20,000 by way of donations, which presently would produce an annual income of £1,500 after tax.

To those FPs outwith Aberdeen, the Magazine is virtually your only link with the School. To continue publishing the Magazine, your Executive Committee requires more support in its fund-raising ventures. Why should it fall on the shoulders of the 146 FPs who care?

1993 is the centenary of the Former Pupils' Club. It would be unthinkable if this milestone was marked by the discontinuation of the Magazine.

The Executive Committee would welcome your views and ideas on the Magazine.

Remember—your application form is in the centre of this Magazine.

3

Rector's Report I write at a time when the most obvious local issue, and the one which prompts many enquiries, is that of rebuilding. Site activity commenced last October and after a lot of preparatory work at and below ground level, there is now ample and visible evidence of a solid steel structure linked to the granite walls, with floors already being established according to the plan published in last year's Magazine.

The fire-damaged area should be restored by December 1991 when, hopefully, work will commence on refurbishment of adjacent areas. Subsequently, a programme of renovation will be required in the language block (formerly described as Westfield or the Lower School), and a games hall provided, before the single site ideal can become a reality. Clearly, there is a lot of disruption ahead but an excellent prospect in sight.

Another major change, emanating from the national scene, is the introduction of School Boards throughout the country. Our Board was established last autumn with a total complement of 11, and is chaired by an FP, Mr Gavin McEwen, with another FP, Mr John Cradock, one of the co-opted members. Meeting approximately once per month, the Board has undertaken various training initiatives and received a lot of data about educational policies and practices. We look forward to the potential influence of this very significant channel of communication.

As the school roll drops in line with regional policy, effectively by control of our intake, the level of staffing drops proportionately. The end of last session brought the departure of nine members of staff, most of whom were retiring. The projected roll of just under 1200 next session will necessitate a net reduction of about five teachers, and again we will seek to manage this inevitable effect with a minimum of disappointment.

The remaining staff of course still constitute a large team of experienced, wellqualified people motivated towards the highest possible level of success and achievement on the part of our pupils. They are working in a period of innovation and development, with changes in the curriculum and increasing sophistication in assessment procedures. By next session, the changeover from Ordinary to Standard Grade in S3 will be almost complete, with Modern Languages now a compulsory rather than an optional component. Higher courses in S5 have been revised to articulate with the new Standard Grades and there will also be corresponding effects in S1 and S2. Part of this process has been the introduction of Keyboarding, Computing and Economics to the S1/2 course for all pupils. These developments require a much higher frequency of staff in-service training, as with any professional body.

Staff commitment to extra-curricular activities continues at an encouragingly high level. Rugby is thriving in S1, S2 and S3, after which stage the FP Section offers places in its Colts teams. Hockey for both girls and boys is maintained at a remarkably high level of participation and our senior girls greatly enjoyed a threeweek tour in the USA last October. Football has retained its popular appeal at senior and under-15 level, with the younger side League Champions this season.

At the time of writing, a pulsating production of Annie Get Your Gun has just finished a one-week run, with particular thanks due to the Drama, Music, Physical Education and Home Economics staff. We have also enjoyed a very special Dinner Dance for those about to leave school, also thanks to pupil initiative and staff support. The Music Department has contributed to several impressive concerts at Christmas and to a lunch-time recital in February. Badminton, British Association of Young Scientists, CCF, Charities, Christian Group, Computing and Technology, Cricket, Debating, Dukc of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Film Society, Skiing and Swimming are all underway. Chess, Golf, the School Orchestra and Young 4

Rector's Report

5

Amnesty are recent, welcome and successful additions to the range of opportunities.

A very informative and entertaining School Newspaper also made its appearance during the session.

Once again, then, I can look forward with hope and pride, justified by the support of conscientious people and good relationships.

School Section School Office-Bearers Prefects Head Boy: PATRICK STEWART Deputy Head Boy: GARY BAIN

Head Girl: YVONNE MCALUSTER Deputy Head Girl: JANE RITCHIE

S6 Prefects NEIL BENNETT

DIANE LEGGE FIONA LITTLE KEITH MACDONALD

YVONNE BOOTH GRAEME CLARK KATRINA DAVEY Rum DYER NICHOLAS EAVES

ELLEN MILLER ANDREW M(X;ENDORFF CAROLINE POLE LINDSEY PONT

LAURA FLYNN CAROLINE FRASER STEPHEN GARLAND INNES GRANT

SUSAN ROBINSON MICHAEL ROURK E STEVEN SMITH

ANDREW GREEN FIONA HAMILTON

VALERIE SMITH AMANDA TULLOCII

KAREN HAY PHILIP HENDRICK

WENDY WATSON JOHN WII.I.IAMS

FIONA JEFFERS STEPHEN KIRKPATRICK

DAVID WRAIGHT

SS Prefects ROBERT ALLAN ANDREA CHOW

KIRSTIN HAGGERTY EMMA HENDRY NIKKI LUMSDEN

STEWART CRAIG JENNIFER CUTHBERT JANE DUFFTY FIONA DUTHIE MAIRI EDDIE

ELAINE MCALI.ISTER COLIN MCCOLL CHRISTOPHER MATHESON ALICE NIMMO

BARRY FRASER GEORGE GREISS

HENRY SHAND MALCOLM SMITH

6

Head Girl and Head Boy 1989-90

Patrick Stewart and Yvonne McAllister

Rebuilding of the School

Taken earlier this year, the photograph shows a solid steel structure linked to the granite walls of the main part of the School.

7

The Japanese Connection, 1990 Requests for help in providing hospitality for boys and girls from Germany, France and even America have become fairly common over many years. However, this year, for the first time, the call went out for hospitality for a party of young Japanese visitors. As usual, parents and pupils responded generously, in spite of the visit occurring during the first week of the Easter holidays.

The young Japanese came from the city of Kagoshima in southern Japan. The reason for their trip was to commemorate the journey to Britain, 125 years ago, of nineteen samurai from Kagoshima. They came to learn as much as possible about British technology, then recognised as the most advanced in the world. With this newly acquired knowledge, most of the travellers returned to their native land to become leaders in the drive to westernise and modernise Japanese industry and commerce. However, one of the group did not go home, but went instead to America in 1867 to join a religious sect, whose wanderings finally ended in California, where he became a leading figure in the wine trade. He was Kanaye Nagasawa, identified by President Reagan as one of the outstanding Japanese contributors to the development of California.

Kanaye Nagasawa was only thirteen years of age when, with the help of a Scot from the North East, Thomas Glover, who had settled in Japan, he and his comrades escaped to the West. Too young to study at any advanced institution, he was sent to live at Glover's family home in Aberdeen, Braehead Cottage at the Bridge of Don. There, the young Japanese lived with the Glover family and attended school in Aberdeen.

The Grammar connection began fifteen years ago, when Mr. R. Gill received a letter from Cambridge University, inquiring whether there had been a Japanese boy at the School in 1865. No trace was found of such a pupil and it was suggested that he might have attended another of the leading schools in the district. In fact, it was quickly established that he had attended Glover's own old school, the Gymnasium, situated in the Chanonry —what is now Cruickshank's Botanical Garden. The Japanese professor who had made the initial inquiry has since then been in regular contact with the writer of this article, sharing a mutual interest in one who must rank among the most unusual pupils to have attended an Aberdeen school.

As a result of this connection, the nineteen young people from Japan, ranging in age from 13 to 35 years, as did the original party, made the trip halfway round the world to Aberdeen. The twelve youngest pupils were accommodated by families from Oldmachar and Bridge of Don Academies and the Grammar School, with the express purpose of allowing the visitors to see and experience at first hand life in a Scottish home and family. The original party had been all male but, as a concession to equality, six young Japanese ladies were included in the group, which had been selected from 394 applicants. The friendships established between the young people and their visitors will last a long time. The Grammar pupils involved were Kenneth Goldie (S2), Matthew Dyer and Thomas Bothwell (S3) and Stuart Gallacher and Ian Morgan (55).

The stay lasted from Saturday, 31 March till Tuesday, 3 April, a weekend which allowed the visitors to enjoy the generous hospitality of Aberdeen District Council, to visit the Gymnasium, the Maritime Museum, Braehead Cottage, a ceilidh in the Cowdray Hall, the shipyard, where the first modern warship was built for Japan and, not least of all, to experience the full range of Aberdeen's weatherarrival in bright sunshine and departure in a snowstorm!

A .1,.McC. 8

Extra-ClaTieNktr Activities

9

Extra-Curricular Activities Girls' Basketball The girls' basketball team is rebuilding after four of last season's Scottish Cup. final team left school: Lynne Faskin (Captain), Emma Allen, Ann Falconer and Anne McPhillips. Team captain, Kerry Dohan, gained under-17 caps against England (twice), Ireland and Wales, to add to the under-15 caps she was awarded last season. Kerry has also been selected to play for the Scotland under-17 team which is going to play in several tournaments in the USA and Canada during the summer.

Girls' Hockey The 1989-90 season was a great success. Sixteen members of the regular 1st XI and 2nd XI went to the United States in October. Also in October, the 1st XI won the outdoor 11-a-side tournament. The indoor tournament and the knockout cup were two other triumphs. As a direct result of these victories, the 1st XI represented North District in both the indoor and outdoor Scottish Cup competitions, and they put up two good performances. In the outdoor event there was a very good draw and a spirited performance against George Watson's, who had beaten them earlier in the season. There was also a draw against Lomond and a defeat at the hands of Highland champions, Milne's Academy.

Eight of the 1st XI were selected for the North District under-18 team and three players were chosen for the under-16 team. Also, six players represented North District in the indoor under-18 squad. Congratulations must go to Lindsey Pont on being selected to play for the Scotland under-18 team.

Thanks are due to the FPs who have coached first-year hockey all season and hope to continue next year. Second- and third-years are continuing to make progress and have enjoyed quite a successful season.

As ever, thanks are due to Mrs. Carrie Welsh for her enthusiastic coaching, time and energy which have all, once again, enabled the School to field successful hockey teams.

America, Here We Come...

At last it was October 1989--the day the AGS Hockey Squad left Harlaw Playing Fields in their luminous yellow and grey tracksuits on a trip of a lifetime: a tour of the USA. No more jumble sales, no more discos, no more 'Do you want to buy a raffle ticket?', no more cake-sales and no more car-washing, to name but a few fund-raising tasks—just a plane trip to the United States of America.

We left Prestwick Airport to fly to Boston, which took six hours. Then we changed planes and few to Detroit, where our first hosts picked us up. There we were, and what a way to travel: a yellow, old-fashioned 'Peanuts' school-bus. That evening we were the guests of Ottawa Hills High School, Toledo, Ohio. We had a pot-luck dinner and went to stay with our first American family.

After a rest day and a visit to a High School, we played Ottawa Hills. We were celebrities: the local newsmen were there, parents, friends and photographers too.

Mrs Welsh was a star on the local news report that night on TV, but this was the first of many and, by the end of the trip, this was the norm. Our next stop was Hudson and Mrs I.afflin, our American contact, who did a lot of organising for us, showed us round. We played three matches there, went to a barbecue and shopped in Cleveland.

Aberdeen Grammar School Atagatine

10

Chuck, our first bus-driver, drove us on to Upper Arlington, Columbus. This stop was unbelievable: we were piped onto the pitch and, in our usual exchanges of gifts before a match, we were all introduced on the loudspeaker. It was 80°F and the following day we went to an American Football match: Ohio State University versus Indiana State University (The Buckeyes v. The Redskins). There was a crowd of 89,700 people in the stadium and to say it was a breathtaking match is an understatement.

After Columbus we visited Dayton and Oakwood HS. This was the point at which we experienced snow, luckily after our hockey matches. Roger, driver no.2, took us to Louisville, Kentucky. We had another pot-luck dinner. The food everywhere was first-class, and most people came back to Aberdeen with every intention of avoiding the weighing-scales! Our last night in the States was spent in the Ramada Hotel, Detroit.

Everyone who helped us get there has our greatest thanks: family, friends, the FP Club, the Rector and Miss Archibald, also Dot McKinnon and Diane Johnston, our manager and umpire, who managed to put up with us. A very special thankyou must be given to Mrs Carrie Welsh, because without her we wouldn't have even got to the USA. All in all it was a visit which none of us will ever forget. In plain American words—`It was awesome!!!'

Results of our matcbes: Ottawa Hills High School 3-0; Hudson—Hathaway Brown 2-0; Andrews 2-0; Hudson HS 3-1. Columbus— Upper Arlington 0-0; Grandview 5-0; Wattersons 3-0. Dayton--Fairmaine 0-1; Oakwood 2-0. Louisville, Kentucky— Collegiate Varsity 1st XI 2 3; Collegiate Jr Varsity 2nd XI 0-0. 7 wins, 2 losses (very close games), 2 draws.

1:xtra-Curricitlar Activities

11

Boys' Hockey First XI Throughout a fairly indifferent season the 1st XI could only field two pupils in S6 and in some respects this did prove too much for a young side. The formation of the team together with personnel were changed quite frequently in an endeavour to fmd a blend which would suit both player and team. There were glimpses of this happening, but generally we were on the receiving end against some very good sides.

In the school league we finished fourth, behind Peterhead, M.B.C. and Robert Gordon's College, all of whom beat us quite convincingly. We did, however, manage some victories during the first term, and amongst our successes were Westh ill, A.G.S. 'B', Hazlehead, Northfield and R.G.C. `C'. We had a fairly light first term fixtures-wise, because one or two teams failed to produce sides, thereby leaving some Saturdays free.

The second term produced the same strong fixtures as in previous years and we did find things very hard against Gordonstoun, Strathallan and Loretto, the lastnamed being a new fixture played on a Sunday. Our major success this term was undoubtedly our win at George Watson's College in Edinburgh against a team which had previously beaten us quite easily. Whilst we played well enough in some of these matches, perhaps our biggest disappointments came when we failed to beat Dundee H.S. in Dundee and could only manage a draw with Abbey School at Fort Augustus. Special mention must be made of the Abbey game, which was played in a downpour with little of the pitch visible—even before the game started.

However, great credit must go to both sides for producing some good spells of hockey in impossible conditions. That having been said, we should still have won the game.

The team was served by an unusually large number of players during the season, when Robert Allen played all first term in goal to be succeeded by Kevin McIntosh in the second term. The back-four places were contested by Neil Morrison. Hendry Shand, Christopher Matheson, Paul Russell, Duncan Harris, Richard Scott, Bill Chilton, Gordon Inkson and Roger McAndrew. The midfield players used were Evan Stone, Barry Milne, Michael Reid, Anastasio van Bilderbeek, Scott Robertson and James Williams. Our forwards were Keith Mackie, Neil Bennett (Captain), Andrew Calderwood and Graeme Gordon.

Of the twenty players used during the season, some fourth-year boys made appearances. Hopefully, with the majority of boys returning next year, the team should be much stronger, having learned what hockey is about, playing against hard, fast and aggressive opponents. These lessons should be heeded, so that A.G.S. 1st XI can restore some of its status in the years to come.

Second XI If the 1st XI found the going hard during the first term, the 2ndXI had a very hard time of it, playing the same teams in the league. The games against Peterhead and R.G.C. 'A' were rather one-sided, but great credit is due to the players for keeping going for the full 70 minutes. We did record a convincing win against a rather young Ruthrieston side and this gave the team great encouragement. We also managed very creditable wins against Northfield and R.G.C. 'C'. The game against the 1st XI provided the selectors with some encouragement, especially from the younger, fourth-year boys.

The second term fixtures provided some hard opposition, but special mention must be made of the game against Loretto's 2nd XI. The team on the day produced one of the best performances by an A.G.S. 2nd XI, which included three third-year boys, with Paul Parsons in goal. The team was drawing 0-0 with ten minutes of the game left, but eventually went down 3-0.

12

Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine

Throughout the season the team played very well against some very good sides, including some older teams. The team was served by Robert Allan, Kevin McIntosh, Alastair Findlater, Bill Chilton, Richard Scott, Gordon Inkson, Edward Church, Graeme Gordon, Bruce Milne, James Williams, Scott Robertson, Andrew Calderwood and Glen Davidson.

Colts XI The initial response to organising a Colts side was very encouraging at the start of the season and somewhere in the region of 26 players were available for selection. The practice sessions after school were well attended and it was pleasing to see the progress being made by the players.

The first game was against a strong Peterhead side, who had played together some time longer than the Colts. Although we played well and scored twice, we were beaten quite easily. However, the potential was there and this proved to be the case when we drew with Portlethen in the cup after extra-time. Unfortunately, we went out on penalties.

The first term ended with a win on a hard and bumpy pitch at Westhill.

The second term proved to be highly successful for the team, with draws against strong opposition away from home: Dundee H.S. (1-1), Gordonstoun (1-1), George Watson's College (1-1) and Abbey School (1-1). Locally, we beat Portlethen and finally gained revenge over Peterhead with a good win at the Chris Anderson Stadium.

The team players for this season in the Colts XI were: Paul Parsons, Daniel Dukes, Raymond Anderson, David Scott, Angus Duguid, Ian Arthurs (captain), Graeme Milne, Michael Law. Peter Shand, lain Watson, Colin Milne, David Patullo, Graeme Stewart, Barrie Vietch, Michael Roarty, Matthew Collinson, Barry Shelton.

Colts Rugby At the beginning of the season, the team was made aware that it was the last season in which we would be representing the School on the rugby field. For this reason, as well as that of pride, we wanted to beat Robert Gordon's College in both our fixtures against them and Dundee High School in the two scheduled matches.

The first time we played Robert Gordon's College was at Rubislaw, and before the game, there was a great atmosphere. The game, although hard, went well and we won 14-4.

Our next-most-important fixture was against Dundee High School away.

Although several talented players were not playing, we won 18-4. All was going well: we had won two out of two, and we wanted to keep our record for the next two important games.

Our next game against Dundee High School was due to be played at Rubislaw, but on the morning of the match the ground was rock-hard, so we all played football instead. We managed to get a fixture with them in Dundee and when we played we drew 10-10, when we were again missing important players.

Now that we had drawn one of our important games we aimed to remain undefeated in our remaining games. We played Robert Gordon's College at Seafield and won 10-0.

On the whole, the season was successful and definitely one to remember. We had been unbeaten in our four most important matches, although everyone was slightly disappointed at drawing the one game. It was without doubt our best season out of the three in which we represented the School.

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Congratulations are due to Justin Smith and Matthew Dyer, who were selected and played for the North of Scotland under-fifteen team. Keith Sim was in the squad but did not play.

Players who represented the 1st XV were: Justin Smith, Keith Sim, David Littlejohn, David Montgomery, Thomas Bothwell, Graham Thomson, James Church, Liam Woods, Neil Paterson (Captain), Matthew Dyer, Stuart Chesney, Jonathan Wraight, Magnus Inglis, lain Algie, Ronan Davey, Hamish Briones, Graeme Milne, Timothy Steel, Daniel Dukes, Leslie Yackiminie.

Junior Rugby At the start of the season it was suggested to us that we should keep a record of all our games. We all agreed that this was a good idea, as we could take it along to training sessions and look back and improve on previous games. To his credit, Ross Meth ven kept the record all year. We agreed on some aims to put in the book.

These were: first, to play with character (which we lacked in first year) and, second, progression (build one thing at a time).

With all this organisation, concentration and effort, we were to be undefeated before the Christmas holidays, recording notable victories against Dundee H.S. (36-4) at Mayfield, and R.G.C. (34-8) at Seaficld. We also beat an under-fourteen Strathallan team at Rubislaw, 14-8.

In the middle of September we went down to the borders for the weekend. We stayed in Duns and were hosted by boys from Berwickshire High. On Saturday 16th, we played our first match of the tour against a local school, Earlston. Result: A.G.S. 44, B.H.S. 8.

The turn-out of the lads for most of the year was good, but some felt that they did not need to attend practice sessions. If they did not appear for practice, they usually did not get a game. Our unbeaten run continued into February and included the return games with our border opposition. We hosted our opposite numbers from E.H.S. and B.H.S., playing them on consecutive Saturdays.

On Saturday, 17 February we travelled to Mayfield to play D.H.S. With two good wins in our favour, we hoped we could make it three. Our aims were to win and to get everyone working 100 per cent. We got it half right: D.H.S. 4, A.G.S. 0---a disappointing result, but everyone gave their best performance.

Overall it was a good year, though we lost our unbeaten record. Next year, if the tackling improves, we can maybe win all our games.

Our playing record: Played

Won

Lost

Drawn

For

23

20

2

1

769

Against

177 These are the best statistics for a junior team this decade.

Players who represented the 1st XI were: Colin Ballantyne, Fergus Small, Keith Wildridge (Captain), Barry Shepherd, Greg Addison, Andrew Jackson, Cameron Butler, Graeme McColl, John McDougall, Ross Methven (Vice-captain), Philip Hendrick, Grant Hamilton, Philip Michie, Stephen Branston, Matthew Jeffers, Christopher Milne, Tony McAleese, Euan Lawrie, Euan McFarlane, Donald McKay, Matthew Moloney, Michael Fagan, Ronald McNeil, Simon Earl.

Minors Rugby The boys started the season well by working hard at practice. This effort produced two early wins. They now felt invincible, they had a good team and could not do any better. Aberlour and R.G.C. shattered that illusion within a fortnight

Aberdeen Grammar Sebool Magazine

14

by beating them comfortably. Everyone resolved to work harder to improve their technique and knowledge of the game. Concentrated effort is usually rewarded and this was no exception: a convincing win at Perth Academy.

In February our boys hosted Earlston H.S. and Berwickshire H.S. for the first time. Both weekends were a success. The Minors played their guests on Saturday and again on the Sunday, improving with every game.

The Minors were fortunate to see three games at Murrayfield this season: Fiji, France and the decider against England. A game was played prior to each international. On the morning of the England game a good team performance gave us another satisfactory victory against Morgan Academy away from home. With the last play of the game we scored from inside our twenty-two and converted to level the score. This was a fitting end to the season.

We now have a squad ofplayers who know how it feels to work hard for success, players who know how much practice and effort are required to produce results.

Boys who represented the 1st XV were: Stuart Murray, Calum Fraser, Andrew Scott, Jamie Flett (Captain), Stephen Gammack, Nicholas Adam, Andrew Milne, Theo Trayhurn, Darren Pinto, Greg Horne, Stuart Petrie, Craig Howie, Michael Armstrong, Gavin Hendry, Michael Maskew, Alan McAleese, Stephen Durham, Andrew Moir, Kenneth McLauchlin, Tim Reinecke, Christopher McDermott, Ben Grade, Kevin McDonald, Hugo van Bilderbeek, Colin Barry.

Senior Boys' Soccer After last season's highly successful performances, this year's team never fulfilled their potential, with several key players leaving school during the term.

Highlight of the season was the Scottish Cup first-round trip to Portrec in Skye, where AGS emerged 7-1 victors.

Team captain, Steven Sanderson, gained international honours with Scotland's senior schoolboy team and has been on trial with Sheffield United. His prospects for a career in professional soccer look good.

Under-15 Soccer Session 1989-90 marked the Grammar's first entry into the under-fifteen football league and cup competitions.

The team did not progress very far in the cup competitions. They were eliminated 2-1 by St Machar in the first round of the Scottish Cup and were then knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Gerrard Trophy by Dyce, who went on to be runners-up.

However, they excelled in the Westhill Inn League Competition by winning all nine matches, to become champions at the first attempt.

The team, run jointly by Mr. Alistair Milton of the Physics Department and Mr. Ian McAuley of the P.E. Department, had crucial, close away victories against St Machar (2-1), Oldmachar (1-0) and Bridge of Don (3-2).

Their record in the league was: Played 9

Won 9

Goalsfor 42

Goals against 9

As can be judged from these statistics, the team had strengths in all areas, from goalkeeper Jonson Reynolds, central defenders John Black and Steven Fraser (Captain), midfielders Nicki Marcella and Brian Middleton and forwards Craig Barry and Derek Adams. The boys' skills were, no doubt, enhanced by the weekly training sessions after school, held by Mr. McAuley.

Top-scorers in the league were Craig Barry, with 14 goals, and Derek Adams, with 11.

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The League Championship Trophy was recently presented by Brian Grant of Aberdeen Football Club at Rubislaw Playing Fields. This distinguished old trophy was originally called the A. C. Little Cup and was first won by Central Secondary School in 1930.

Colour Awards 1989-90 Hockey Full Colour: Neil Bennett.

Half Colour: Roger McAndrew, Emma Hendry, Lucy Mitchell.

Soccer Full Colour: John Roberts.

Half Colour: Steven Sanderson, Murray Ritchie.

Basketball Half Colour: Kerry Dohan.

Annie Get Your Gun It was evident from this production that a great deal of time and effort had gone into the latest Grammar School show, both on stage and behind the scenes.

Lesley Anderson gave a fine performance as Annie Oakley, the rootin', tootin', shootin' songbird of the Wild West. Equally comfortable duetting with Andrew Nicholson, a well-drawn Frank Butler, in the spirited Anything You Can Do . . ., or leading at times a somewhat reluctant chorus in such numbers as I'm an Indian Too, or from the wing in torchlight mode for I Was Lost in his Arms, Miss Anderson delivered her songs with a professionalism that belied her years.

She was ably assisted by all the other leading players. Of particular note, Brian Middleton, a resplendent, loudly-checked Charlie Davenport, Catherine Baxter, who gave a lovely performance as the haranguing Dolly Tate, and Richard Burns and Sharon Meldrum as the young love interest, who added a certain charm to the show, although Mr. Burns' designer stubble made him look more like the father than the fiancé.

The chorus was enthusiastic, lively and full of bounce, but, unfortunately, at times this was overdone. More positively, there was a good attempt to lend a sophisticated air to the penthouse scene, and the girls did look lovely in their gowns.

A professional polish by the Brown-Bruce-Pugh Trio supported the leading singers admirably.

The main numbers, Can't Get a Man with a Gun, Falling in Love is Wonderful and the concluding There's No Business Like Show Business were particularly enjoyed by the audience.

S.W. Badminton Club The Badminton Club has met each Sunday morning in the games hall at Hazlehead Academy.

The senior team has competed in the Schools' League, winning two matches and losing two.

Individual players have had success during the year. Chris Gray (S5), Andrew Fowlie (S3), Craig Howie (S1) and Lindsey Pont (S6) were selected to represent the School at the Scottish Championships, following their successes in local tournaments.

Mrs. Shand is grateful to the parents who have helped with the Club on Sunday mornings.

Under-15 Football League Champions

;

AberdeenGrammarSchoolM againe

The under-15 football team. winners of the Westhill Inn League, are pictured with the championship trophy.

Team coaches: Mr. I. McAuley (left) and Mr. A. Milton.

Extra-Carries/kir Aetaities

17

Charities Committee The Charities Committee this year has continued to raise money through the various activities it has been involved with.

The end of the summer term saw a valedictory disco/dance which, if nothing else, gave the senior boys an opportunity to outshine each other and dazzle the rest of us with their Bermudas. Very pretty they looked!

During the year we have run the tuck shop at intervals and also at events such as plays, dances, etc. March also saw a first for the Committee as we organised a charity concert, featuring bands made up of school pupils. This saved us on the outlay of hiring music, so all proceeds went to charity on this occasion. There is no truth in the rumour that local residents have paid us a substantial sum not to have another one next year!

At meetings this year we welcomed outside speakers to the School to talk to us and explain, very helpfully, how money we had donated was being used. Pupils have worked particularly hard in running the tuck shop both during the day and in the evenings at social events. There are so many people who have helped and lack of space, unfortunately, prevents us from mentioning them all. However, in addition to the office-bearers mentioned below, Martin Wiseman, a tuck shop stalwart for two years, deserves recognition for developing his own unique method of maximising tuck shop profits—he either charms patrons or fleeces them!

Teaching, janitorial, technical and clerical staff have been as supportive as ever, and we could not manage without their assistance.

Office-bearers, 1989-90: Diane Legge (Chair), Clifford Watt (Secretary), Yvonne McAllister ( Treasurer).

The A.G.M. on 19 April elected the following office-bearers for 1990-91: Jane Duffy (Chair), Clifford Watt (Secretary), Elaine McAllister (Treasurer).

Donations made this session by the Charities Committee: The Red Cross £85 Cornerstone £85 Age Concern £50 Aberdeen Fund for the Blind £50 Lepra £50 UN Adesa £50 Kidney Association £50 Ethiopia £100 Grampian Music Therapy £100 Salvation Army £100 TEAR Fund £50 Magiscan £50 Romanian Orphanage Trust £50 Scott Cameron Appeal £50 Camphill Trust £50 Raeden Centre £75 Cancer Fund for Children British Heart Foundation £50 Multiple Sclerosis £50 Cystic Fibrosis £50 British Diabetic Association £100

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Aberdeen Grammar School Aloazine

Chess Club At the instigation of the pupils this club has been reformed after several years in abeyance. With nearly thirty members and occasional visitors, the meetings have been lively and competitive but friendly. Three lunchtime sessions per week plus one after school have seen a lot of chess played. There has been success for the club, as well as for its individual members, at both local and national level. In November a team of ten won the Scottish Jamboree Team Championship held at Kirkcaldy, and in April a team of four were narrowly defeated in the final of the Scottish Team Championship for the Scotsman Trophy. This final, against Ardrossan Academy, was held in Edinburgh, overnight hotel accommodation being supplied by The Scotsman newspaper. Our team have also advanced to the final of the Regional League, the result not available on going to press.

While it will be hard to match these competition results in future years, we look forward with enthusiasm to lots of pupils playing lots of chess, competitive and sociable.

Christian Union The Christian Union, as the name implies, is all about pupils and staff who are Christians, together with those interested in Christianity, meeting with one another to discover more about how Jesus Christ and His Word—the Bible— can be relevant to living today.

The main meeting is on a Wednesday at lunch-time, when a variety of topics are looked at in a variety of ways. Topics such as prayer, temptation, relationships and astrology have been covered, using discussion groups, role-play, drama and people with a particular interest in speaking on their subject from a Christian point of view.

During the year there are other activities, such as a barbecue (Balmedie being the favourite venue for this) and a weekend away to somewhere easily accessible by mini-bus—i.e. not too far away! The weekend away is usually a mixture of lively activity and serious discussion, which is always enjoyed by all involved.

Combined Cadet Force The roll throughout the year has remained quite constant at about 35 cadets in each of the two Service Sections (Army and RAF). We are pleased to report that both Sections are now fully manned on adult strength and that they are operating very effectively under these conditions. There has been ample provision of useful military training over the year.

Mr. Harvey Pole was granted an RAFVR/T Commission just before the Summer Camp and he has already attained the rank of Flying Officer as OC RAF Section. Mr. Gordon Davidson, who has helped with the training of the Army Section for two years, was granted a TA (list B) Commission in October 1989. He has become the OC Army Section. Underofficers Malcolm Cameron and Nicholas Boyle have continued to help in the training of the RAF Section despite the workload of their studies at RGIT. The Contingent Commander, Sqn. Ldr. R. J. Nugent, is the only member of the School staff in the Contingent, although one other has shown interest in the running of the RAF Section. Unlike our neighbouring CCF Contingent at another place in Aberdeen, we have not been able to make any headway over the enrolment of girls into the CCF Contingent. This is due to the fact that a female member of staff would be required to take charge of the girls in the Contingent.

The Contingent is looking forward to its Biennial Review in June 1990. The

F.xtra•Curricular Activities

19

Reviewing Officer, Air Commodore W. McC. Rae, is a former cadet and FP of the School. Much preparation has been made to make this a special occasion.

The RAF Section has been quite fortunate this year with air experience, flying in Chipmunks at RAF Turnhouse. Most of our eligible cadets have clocked up about one hour's flying over the year and this compares most favourably with the national air cadet annual average of I hour per cadet. Air Experience Gliding has been quite satisfactory this year, although the flight time for each cadet is still too short and there are not enough cadet places each year.

The Contingent attended a Field Day at RAF Lossiemouth in June, 1989. We also completed a week-end exercise at Black Dog, which involved Section Attacks and Full-Bore Range Shooting. The Infantry Display Team visited the School in February, 1990.

The camps at Easter and in the summer were all very successful. Thirteen RAF Section cadets attended the Summer Camp at RAF Wittering in July 1989. Four RAF cadets and one officer attended RAF Buchan in Easter. We hope to fill twenty cadet places at RAF Coningsby during the Summer Camp in July, 1990.

The teaching of the CCF/RAF Section syllabus has continued throughout the year. In December 1989, seven cadets passed Part 1 of the Proficiency Syllabus and three cadets passed Part 2. Five cadets were awarded a pass at the Advanced Level.

The Rector inspected the Contingent and presented certificates to cadets in the Army and RAF Sections during this special parade.

The RAF Section collected the sum of L794 on behalf of the RAFA Wings' Appeal in September, 1989. The RAF Section was pleased to learn that it had won the Wings' Appeal Trophy for the fifth year in succession. Furthermore, three of the top collectors for the North East of Scotland were cadets from the CCF Contingent.

The Army Section training programme over the past session has provided cadets with a good grounding in basic proficiency subjects, such as map-reading, first-aid, dress/discipline and arms training. The training has been supplemented by full-bore and .22 shooting throughout the year. Army cadets have been active in fieldcraft and fitness training.

Twelve Army cadets attended summer camp at Cult ybraggan, Perthshire, where they took advantage of the intensive training provided there. We hope to send the same number of cadets to Cultybraggan this year.

Golf Club After a few years rest this club has seen an upsurge of interest. The pupils have arranged and are competing in their own school scratch and handicap competitions.

It is hoped to enter any national and local competitions available and also to arrange `friendlies' and other events.

Literary and Debating Society With the departure of Mrs Christine Forsythe in October, 1 found myself in charge of an already lively and enthusiastic society. A committee, presided by Yvonne McAllister was responsible for debate topics, arrangements and publicity.

The Society met most Thursdays after school and divided its time—home and away. Home debates worth mentioning were: 'Food will be the death of us', 'School uniform is outdated and impractical' and 'Cupid should be shot by his own arrow'.

Clearly, from the efforts of the participants and the enjoyment of the audience, an interest in debating was evident throughout the school year-groups.

Even at the Four Schools' Hat Night and subsequent debates with St Margaret's and Albyn, the audiences were predominantly from the Grammar School.

Mr.%

Annual Summer Camp—CCF/RAF Section RAF Wittering, 8-15 July 1989 AaidALI

, ,

-

lberdeenGrammarSchool Magaine Bark row (left to right): Plt. Off. H. Pole, Cpl. Michael-James Hey, Cdt. Mark Featch, Cdt. Kevin Watt, Flt. Sgt. Nicholas Boyle, Cpl. Paul

Russell, Cpl. Adam Cardy, Cdt. Steurt Ralston, Flt. Sgt. A. Rogers (SLNCO), Sq. I..dr. R. J. Nugent.

Front row (left to right): Cdt. Kevin Hales, J/Cpl. Kenneth Pole, Cdt. Scott Jappy, Cdt. Duncan Campbell, J/Cpl. Michael Pole, J/Cpl.

Anthony Ash.

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21

Unfortunately, the School had to withdraw from the BP Public Speaking Contest in December, due to other commitments.

The session ended on 12 March with The Bishop Prize for Public Speaking. The topic: 'This House believes that Britain should care less for its dogs and more for its children' produced entertaining speeches from the four female contestants. The Rector was to mention in his summation that 'each speech treated the topic uniquely'. Ruth Dyer was overall winner with a dramatic, daring speech. Yvonne McAllister and Nikki Lumsden were equal-second and Nicola Hay was third. Each will be awarded a cash prize.

I look forward to a continuation of the Society next session.

Susan Walker (A.P.T. English)

Ski Club We should- have realised that the omens for this season were pretty poor when Mr. R. Duncan was promoted to the post of Senior Teacher at St Machar Academy.

The enthusiasm for skiing which exists at the Grammar School is due in no small measure to the drive and enthusiasm of Mr. Duncan over the last ten years.

Nevertheless, the Club must go on. The second blow came in early September, when one month's notice was given to have the existing ski store cleared to enable the rebuilding programme to commence in October. Very welcome co-operation was received from the clerk of works to create an excellent new store in part of the old boiler-house at Rosemount and the transfer of equipment was completed in good time thanks to several hours' hard labour by four members of staff and eight senior pupils. All that remained to be done was to wait for the snow ... and wait . . . and wait.

One hundred pupils booked to attend each of two four-week courses to be run at Glenshee—weather permitting! Television sets must have been nearly worn-out as hundreds of eyes scanned the weather forecast each night in search of the elusive white stuff! At last some appeared. A mini-bus load of staff and pupils travelled to Glenshee on Saturday, 3 February to enjoy an excellent day's skiing marred only by the lack of uplift in operation. The only apparent reason seemed to be a lack of operating staff. Never mind! The season had started! Roll on Sunday with two coach loads of enthusiastic young skiers!

6.00 a.m., Sunday morning. As the alarm sounded, all that could be heard was the howl of the wind through the slates. A few telephone calls to the weather-lines and ski-lines led to the only sensible alternative—cancel. Have you ever tried to persuade young skiers, at 7.15 a.m., after they have carried all their gear, on their own, to school, that it is really not worth attempting to travel? It is not an easy task!!

At least in retrospect, it was seen to be the right decision, as no uplift was in operation that day. There followed the usual misery of Scottish skiiing—good snowfalls, followed by a severe thaw, so that the weekend reports showed the alltoo-familiar 'insufficient snow for skiing'. Only one more weekend proved satisfactory, with a mini-bus travelling to Glenshcc on Saturday and two coaches on the Sunday. Unfortunately, the nursery areas were very limited but, for those who could use lifts, the skiing in Corrie Fionn was as good as it has been since its opening. So that was the School's domestic ski season—two Saturdays and one Sunday.

Reports from the continent suggested that their season was no better. Many of the party booked to travel on the Easter ski excursion to Zillertal feared that the frustrations of Scotland would be repeated. Those who had been before knew that the teletext reports of the area were unreliable, with only the most popular British resort ever receiving any mention—and, anyway, there was always the glacier at Hintertux. It was therefore with great expectation that a bus-load of 49 pupils and accompanying staff from the Grammar School, Cults Academy and St Machar

22

Aberdeen Grammar Sebool Magrqine

Academy departed from the School on 30 March to endure the 33-hour bus journey to the resort. There, sure enough, was lots of beautiful snow. The first two days were spent in glorious sunshine on the slopes above the Horbergbahn. The snow each afternoon became very soft and mushy. In fact, many of the runs became similar to familiar Scottish `brown' runs. The result was that in the morning, following a clear, frosty night, the first few runs were on bone-hard ice. After such a season at home, who could complain? We had sun, good skiing and the piste maintenance was superb, so that each morning, despite the ice, all the pistes were skiable.

On the third day we attempted to get to Hintertux but, unfortunately, once again, the weather defeated us. High winds on the glacier meant that only the bottom-half of the resort was open and the expected size of the queues meant a retreat back to the 'Horrorberg', where the winds were quite reasonable and the queues were small. The fourth and fifth days were spent at the resort of Zell.

Unfortunately, the cloud was very low and most of the skiing was in very thick mist. Occasionally, however, we burst through to ski above the clouds. Those who braved the journey to the top of the black chair enjoyed some superb skiing at the top. Despite the poor weather conditions, this was the resort to which everyone wished to return. Friday was race day, which meant that we had to return to the home base of the Austrian ski instructors—the 'Horrorberg'. The two-day absence showed a dramatic deterioration in the snow conditions. Despite this, the instructors prepared a good racecourse which the beginners could cope with and which also proved reasonably testing for the top group.

Saturday, the last day, proved very disappointing. It was departure day, with the bus due to leave at 6.00 p.m., which meant that the drivers could not take the coach to the resort, as they had to preserve their hours for the long journey home. We therefore had to rely on the local ski-buses. These were very good, but from our hotel the ski-bus only travelled to—guess where—the Horberg. Most would have preferred to ski at Zell, but that was not possible. On top of that, it rained! it was a very bedraggled group that returned to the hotel at 4.00 p.m. for a quick shower and a final meal before the long journey home.

Arrival at the School was at midnight on the Sunday night and, after the bus was unloaded, the usual miracle happened. Within minutes, all the young skiers were spirited away, to leave a lonely coach in an otherwise deserted playground.

The Austrian skiing had been a superb end to a very disappointing season. Next season in Scotland it can only be better!! Is it time yet to start watching the weather forecasts . . .?

Young Amnesty International Group The group was formed in response to pupil demand after having seen a video in the R. E. Department. Young Amnesty is the youth section of Amnesty International.

A.I. is a world-wide human rights movement which is independent of any government, political faction or religious creed. It works for the release of 'prisoners of conscience'—men, women and children imprisoned for their beliefs, colour, ethnic origin or religion—provided they have never used or advocated violence. A.I. opposes torture and execution in all cases and without reservation.

Amnesty is financed by its members, by subscription and by donations. The Aberdeen Grammar School group has been in existence for four years, during which time it has raised over £1,000 by way of a summer fair, Valentine card delivery service, two discos, a fund-raising sale of chocolate, a raffle and the sale of Christmas cards.

Two of the group attended a day conference in London, paid for by the group's funds. They found out how A.I. collects its information. It costs £2,500 on average

Extra-Curriader Activities

23

to confirm the details about each prisoner of conscience before the information is sent to members. The death penalty in the U.S.A. was a particularly interesting but horrific subject. A U.S. attorney for death-row prisoners explained his work.

About 2,500 people are under sentence of death in the U.S.A., including juveniles and mentally-handicapped people. Other topics included Guatemala, the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, and torture in Turkey. Attending these meetings was a very worthwhile experience.

The group has also sent out hundreds of letters on behalf of prisoners. Again, our fund-raising pays for this (32p a letter). We have also watched some videos during our weekly meetings, but the bulk of the time is spent discussing more ideas for fund-raising and in discussing any new cases we have received.

Several of our founding group are now in sixth year and about to leave school, but we are confident they will continue as individual members and join a local or university group in the future to continue the campaign for human rights all over the world.

The New A.G.S. Newspaper Following the successful publication of a pupils' magazine in 1988 and 1989, this year has seen the production of an Aberdeen Grammar School newspaper.

Written and produced entirely by pupils, the newspaper contains, among other things, controversial topics, interviews with famous personalities, sport and news of the music scene.

The New A.G.S. Newspaper is printed monthly within the School and the editorial committee hopes to continue publication of the paper next session.

The London Centre Plays Host I was delighted when Mr. Johnston asked if I would like to take part in the trip to London being organised for two sixth-year pupils by the Former Pupils' Club.

All the organising and planning was taken care of by members of the FP Club in London and Aberdeen. When I received the itinerary it looked very interesting and comprehensive - we were going to be in for a busy week!

Peter Craig and I left Aberdeen Airport on Sunday, 18 June 1989 and arrived at Heathrow during one of 1.ondon's hottest spells of the summer. We were met

by Sandy Nicol (1962-71) and his wife, the visit organisers. After having lunch in the oldest free house in England, we went to meet our hostess, Mrs. Yvonne Duguid. That evening we were taken to the Barbican Centre to a concert by the London Symphony Orchestra. We met Lennox Mackenzie (1965-71), a member of the orchestra and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Although l am not a great fan of classical music, the concert turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable! After the concert we met Ian Duguid (193843), who was just back from a conference in Barcelona.

The next morning we made our own way to Harrods to pick up reserved coach tickets for a sightseeing tour of the city. The luxury air-conditioned coach with a never-ending supply of cold drinks was much appreciated in the heat wave.

In the afternoon we were shown round the BBC's Bush House, where broadcasts for overseas are produced as well as English-teaching packages.

Tuesday saw us contacting Nigel Matthews (1958-61) at J. Sainsbury plc. At their main office we were shown the buying and computing departments and were given a general overview of how this major retailer operates. This was followed by a tour of their Islington store.

After lunch a visit to the Old Bailey had been arranged. Ernie Cohen (1949-62)

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine

took us to the public gallery, which unfortunately was all we were allowed to see for security reasons. In the past, visitors have been able to see more of the Old Bailey, but what we saw was nevertheless very interesting.

That evening after supper at the Swiss Centre, we went to Leicester Square to see the latest Bond film, Licence to Kill. Wednesday turned out to be a "free"day.

The planned visits to Bentall's plc (an independent department store) and Barclay's Unicorn had to be cancelled because of a transport strike. We were disappointed at this and at not having a chance to meet Andrew Noble (1939-52) or Roddy Anderson (1959-65). However, it gave us an opportunity to see some more of the sights. It also gave me blisters on my feet!

On Thursday morning we were shown round the Royal Academy of Arts' summer exhibition. We met Mr. and Mrs. Duguid and went to the Royal Society of Medicine for lunch. Mr. Duguid then took us to Moorfields Eye Hospital and let us see some aspects of his job as an eye surgeon. I found this visit particularly enjoyable, as I am going on to study medicine.

The next day Peter and I went on separate visits. Peter went to see the accounts department of the Ford Motor Company and I went to Romfield Hospital. I spent a fascinating day with Malcolm Lyall (1935-48), another eye surgeon. In the morning I was allowed into the theatre to watch a number of different eye operations.

We met up again in the evening and were taken for a farewell dinner to a lovely Mexican restaurant by Mr. and Mrs. Nicol.

Saturday had been set aside for some more sightseeing and shopping but, unfortunately, I spent the day in bed with a stomach upset.

We flew home on Saturday evening after a very full and interesting week of visits to see some of the successful FPs working in London.

I would like to thank everyone involved in organising the trip for a great week and hope this year's participants enjoy themselves as much as Peter and I did.

Ann Falconer Paris Trip The annual trip to Paris is arranged and funded by Total Oil Marine plc and is in recognition of the belp which the company receives from Aberdeen Grammar School and Grampian Region Fdwation Authority with the running of its school in Aberdeen.

The two senior pupils chosen to go on the 1989 trip were Head Girl, Emma Allen and Head Boy, Alan Rockwell, accompanied by Mr A. Cruickshank, teacher of French and German, who gives thefollowing report on the trip.

On the morning of Wednesday, 14th June we flew to Paris, glad to see on arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport that it was a sunny day, not foggy as it had been when we left Aberdeen. We took a taxi to our hotel in Paris and the driver soon delivered us there, having kept his foot down hard all the way. Our rooms were on the sixth floor of a very modern hotel block which we knew was in the luxury class as soon as we set foot inside it. The price lists said it all.

In the afternoon, in brilliant sunshine, we walked along the Avenue de la Grande Armee to the Arc de Triomphe where we took some photographs, then sauntered down the Champs-Elysees, stopping at a café to quench our thirst before continuing our walk which eventually took us to Notre Dame Cathedral. While we were inside Emma mentioned that she would love to attend a service there on the coming Sunday morning. But would she go?—We'd have to wait and see. With other visitors we stood admiring the view from high up on the cathedral, then we went to see the great bell and listened to the guide's commentary on it, a commentary given somewhat hurriedly because it was nearly closing time, and at the end of it everyone rushed to get downstairs and out as quickly as possible. We went straight back to the hotel, using the Metro, which is a very fast way of getting about Paris,

Extra-Cairricodar Activities

25

and we welcomed the chance to relax for an hour and a half before being met at the hotel by M. Thierry Blonde' (North Sea Zone Personnel Manager) at 8 p.m. Two taxis took us to Montmartre for dinner at a restaurant where his friend, Pascaline, was waiting for us. Her English being good, and his excellent, it was agreed that most of what we said should be in English because Alan felt that his spoken French was "inadequate" and because Emma did not know any, or very little. (She studied German at school.) The meal was excellent, and the time seemed to pass very quickly, so that when we left the restaurant it was hard to believe it was two minutes past eleven. Thierry suggested a short stroll, and a short one it was, taking us only as far as the Sacre-Coeur, on whose steps groups of young people were sitting and standing around in the mild night air enjoying themselves quietly. After thanking Thierry and Pascaline and wishing them Bonne nail, we made our way back to the hotel, tired but very happy at the end of our first day.

Next morning we went by taxi to Total's office in Auteuil for a presentation (film and video) on the Total Group, given by M. Yves Le Goff (Head of Public Relations). At the end of it there was a question-and-answer session, in which both Emma and Alan had plenty to say, and an interesting morning for us was rounded off with a very fine lunch in the office restaurant with M. Le Goff and Mlle Christine Lempereur (Public Relations Department).

A two-hour bus tour of Paris on the afternoon of our second day was an excellent inclusion in our programme because it impressed on us the great store of historical and interesting places within easy reach of us. If only we had more time!

At 9.30 a.m. on Friday, 16th we left the hotel with Christine and were driven out to Total's research laboratories, where we were taken on a conducted tour of some of them. Good planning and organisation ensured the success of the visit, and everything that was said to us was in perfect English. Towards the end of our visit Thierry joined us, and we went by car to a restaurant not very far away, one renowned for the excellence of its food, and whose chef is "famous in the whole of Paris". It was a perfect day for eating out-of-doors, in the walled garden behind the restaurant, and we had a table in the shade of an overhanging tree. I chose as a starter something I had never eaten before—snails. They are popular in France, and we British must not think these are the black, slimy ones that are to be seen in our gardens after rain. I shall never again think of escargot: as snails, in much the same way as the ideas I had of frogs' legs completely changed from the moment I first tasted cmisses de gra:oxide. The meal was an unhurried affair, with lots of crosstable talk and laughter which grew louder the longer we were there, induced, maybe, by the copious quantities of fine wine which accompanied the food. (21 hours we sat at the table.)

It was well into the afternoon when Emma, Alan and I were dropped off at the Musee d'Orsay, a once big and busy railway station which has been transformed into what has been described as "the most beautiful museum in Europe". We stayed there until we heard the public announcement that it would be closing in a few minutes' time at 5.45, and although we had seen only a very few of the thousands of items on display, we considered the time well spent. We walked for a bit before taking the Metro back to the hotel to dress for dinner at the restaurant "Jules Verne" on the second level of the Eiffel Tower.

M. Jose Marion (of the Personnel Department) met us in the foyer at 7.45. He was accompanied by his wife, and because they both spoke English we soon felt at ease in their company. Jose could not find a parking place near the Tower and so we had some distance to walk from the car. Security was very tight and he had to show papers to the people on duty before they would allow us through the barriers to walk the last stretch to the Tower itself. Another check was carried out before we stepped inside to wait for the lift to take us to the second level, and our names were marked off on the list of diners for that evening.

The meal was superb, the wine very good, but in a way it was a pity that we had

26

Aberdeen Grammar School MagaTine

eaten a huge meal earlier in the day. The view from the restaurant was quite breathtaking. It was a beautiful evening, and just to be there, on the eve of the Tower's hundredth birthday, looking down on the city as the sun was setting, was an experience which I do not think any of us will ever forget. Modern technology, in the form of laser lights piercing the night sky, lent a magical touch to the spectacle.

On Saturday, 17th we went by taxi at 6.30 a.m. to Place des Pyramides, from where a coach left at 7.23 for the Loire Valley. One hour ten minutes later we arrived in Blois and spent nearly an hour and a half there, most of that time taken up visiting the castle. There was a long stop for lunch at a quiet spot within sight of Amboise, but there were three members of the coach party who had taken too much food the day before to have any appetite for more at that time. Alan and I were still playing pool when the time came for us to return to the coach. We went to Chenonceaux, the castle in the Loire Valley that attracts most sightseers, not least on account of its formal gardens. The guide pointed out to us, and named, the other castles that we passed on the one-hour drive from Chenonceaux to Chambord, the next stop on our trip. Before we left the coach we were informed by the guide that if we decided to go inside the castle a disappointment would await us, because there was little to see and almost all of it in poor condition. (Apparently its interesting feature is its architecture.) We took her advice, looking only at the outside of the castle and taking photographs of it. We left Chambord for Paris at 5.24 and a little over two hours later we alighted at Metro Raspail to take a train to the station nearest our hotel. Soon we were to find ourselves caught up in one of the 'crushes' we had half expected but had hoped to avoid, the carriages being packed solid with passengers, the ones standing being jammed together so tightly that it was impossible to move and even difficult to breathe.

Once back in the hotel we made our plans for the evening. These included meeting at Place Trocadero between 10.30 and 11.00, and this we managed to do, at a time when the streets were beginning to fill up with people all heading for the Eiffel Tower. Keeping together, we joined them, remembering the warnings to beware of pickpockets, and soon we came to the crowds held up at the barriers.

There we vied with everyone else for a vantage point, striving to secure a position as near the front as possible. That done, all that remained was to wait patiently for the show to start at midnight, and I was impressed by the good-natured behaviour of the crowd all about us. No doubt the large number of C. R.S. men at key positions helped to maintain good order among the spectators, and we felt that they would have acted promptly, efficiently, and effectively, perhaps even ruthlessly, at the first sign of any trouble.

The spectacle which we had come to see lasted one hour, and we took many photographs, not easy to do in the circumstances. My film ran out just minutes before the highly spectacular finale! As soon as the display of fireworks and laser lights had ended, the crowds dispersed very quickly, melting into the night and leaving only tons of litter to mark their earlier presence—cans, cartons, papers, bottles. On our way back to the hotel we passed some cafés still open for business, so we stopped at one or two for refreshments and the chance to savour the carnival atmosphere. Discretion prevents me from divulging what time it was when we reached the hotel, but who in Paris would not have foregone some sleep in order to take part in the celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the city's most famous landmark?

The person(s) responsible for drawing tip the programme for our trip made a very sensible choice for the morning of Sunday, 18th. The entry read "Morning: free" and we availed ourselves of the opportunity tofaire la grasse matinee. Emma was as good as her word of Wednesday afternoon, because she did go to a service in Notre Dame Cathedral, telling us on her return how pleased she was that she had made the effort. It had been arranged that Alan and I should meet her at 12.30 p.m.

Extra-Csirriadar Activities

27

at Place des Pyramides, and when she appeared she was carrying cans of soft drinks and some sandwiches, which we consumed before boarding the coach which took us to Versailles to visit the château there, reputed to have been the most magnificent in Europe at the time of Louis XI V. At 5.20 we finished up at the Bassin of Neptune to see all the jets turned on for a ten-minute "spectacle of water" accompanied by music.

Miss Joanna Godsland (English secretary working for Total) met us in the foyer of the hotel at 7.30 and we went by taxi to a restaurant in the Quartier Latin. After a lovely meal the four of us went for a walk in the immediate neighbourhood, soon coming upon a large group of people watching a street entertainer performing juggling and fire-eating acts. We, too, watched him, then, continuing our walk, we passed the little place where we had gone for our evening meal three days earlier, recalling the very friendly Algerians who ran it. We sat down at a table on the terrasse of one of the many corner cafés for a glass of something to drink, and we chatted for perhaps a quarter of an hour before parting. While returning to the hotel by taxi, we noticed that the driver had taken us a long way past our destination, and when his attention had been drawn to the mistake he turned back.

The agreement we reached was that we should pay only 50 of the 65 francs shown on his meter, but was it, we wondered, a genuine mistake or a deliberate attempt to "rip us off"?

Monday, 19th was the day we went with Christine Lempcreur and Jim Reford to the Normandy refinery and Antifer port. The train for Le Havre left at 7.55 and took one hour fifty-five minutes for the journey, arriving exactly as scheduled.

(British Rail, please note!) Breakfast was served on board.

It was another interesting day for us, one spent mainly in the open air, on a tour of the refinery and a visit to the oil terminal. Time allowed us to go to nearby Etretat and to the tiny chapel on the cliff top, built to commemorate the sacrifices of Resistance fighters in the last war. Something which we shall not forget, I am sure, is the frantic rush by car to get us to the station in time to catch the 5.07 p.m. train back to Paris. We thought it was only in films that people drove the way our driver did on that occasion, but if he had not driven as wildly as he did,the train would have been away before we were anywhere near the station.

Tuesday, 20th was our last full day in Paris, the morning and afternoon of which were for us to spend as we pleased. Hours and hours we spent going round shops and buying things we wanted to take home as presents and souvenirs.

In the evening we were treated to dinner on a "floating restaurant" on the Seine, in the company of Christine and her friend Francois. This was one of the highlights of the week in Paris. The excellent food and wine, the congenial company and the live music combined to make the evening truly unforgettable, and we all have a souvenir photograph of the five of us at our table. At the end of the evening Francois drove us back to the hotel in his car. Christine fully deserved, and received, our special thanks, for she was a great help to us in lots of ways and good fun every time we were with her. She wanted the three of us to say our goodbyes to her in the traditional way—touching cheeks—and that we did.

Next morning we were required to report to Thierry in his office, and he asked us what we thought of our week in Paris, inviting any criticisms we might wish to make, and, of course, we had none. Later in the day we flew home.

28

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

School Prizes 1989-90 The J. Mortimer McBain Prize to the best Mathematical Scholar in SS or S6 The Masson-Bain Prize in English The Brebner Prize in French The May Thomson Scottish Poetry Prize First Second-Equal The Gordon McMinn Prize in Computer Studies The Norman Mackie Memorial Prize in S3—Equal The Former Pupils' All-Round Trophy in S3—Equal The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Biology—Equal

{ { { {

Andrea Chow Andrea Chow Laura A. Flynn Gillian A. Nisbet Susan R. Inkson Lindsey F. Masson Rachel J. Huddart Neil E. Paterson Jonathan M. Wraight Gayle E. Mackie Linsey A. Maycock Robert W. Allan Malcolm G. Smith Wendy A. Watson Malcolm G. Smith David M. Williams Patrick C. D. Stewart Sarah M. Wilson Yvonne M. McAllister Henry J. Shand Karen R. Graham Alison D. Campbell Paul J. Bradley

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 The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Technical Subjects The Gavin Falconer Memorial and Former Pupils' Club Prize in Music Patrick C. D. Stewart The Charles Alexander Walker Prize in History Stephen H. Garland The Hamish Adams Greig Prize in Mathematics and Science in S5 Jane H. Duffty The Sir J. J. Robertson Prize for Contributions to the Magazine Nicholas R. Hall The Sir J. J. Robertson Prize for Contributions to the School Newspaper Inga M. Bruce The Samuel Pope Prize in Art Alice I. Nimmo The Derek Stewart Memorial Prize in Mathematics in S2 Harry Rafferty The Alexander Thomson Prize in Mathematics in S3 Elizabeth C. Annand The George G. Whyte Prize in Mathematics in S6 Yvonne M. McAllister The Edith and David Ritchie Bishop Prizes for Public Speaking First Ruth M. Dyer Second-Equal 1 Nikki Lumsden Yvonne M. McAllister Fourth Nicola V. T. Hay The Dr. J. Minto Robertson Prize in First Andrea Chow Shakespearean Studies Second Jennifer Cuthbert

School Prites 1989-90

29

The Alastair G. Simon Memorial Prize in Spanish in S3 Neil E. Paterson The John Moir Robertson Memorial Prize in Business Studies Elaine L. McAllister The Campbell Connon Prize for Local Studies—Equal{ Andrew R. Hallett Fiona E. Little The Dr. A. A. Cormack Prize Louise J. Undrill The Philip Love Trophy—Equal Gary A. Bain Lindsey J. Pont The Rector's Shield for outstanding contribution to the running of the Literary and Debating Society Yvonne M. McAllister Aberdeen Grammar School Dramatic Society Award for outstanding contribution to Drama Benjamin M. J. Neville The Patrick W. Scott Shield for best recruit in the Combined Cadet Force (RAF Section) Neil A. C. Gillon

{

Sports Prizes The Neil Meldrum Inter-House Rugby Trophy (Si) —Melvin The Former Pupils' Inter-House Rugby Cup —Melvin The Former Pupils' Junior Rugby Cup—Byron The Former Pupils' House Hockey Cup—Byron The Junior Hockey Cup for Girls—Byron The Rector's Medal for Swimming The Dr. Morland Simpson Cup for Swimming The Isobel 0. Anderson Medley The Girls' Cup for Swimming

Nicholas H. Smithers A. Ross Methven Kevin J. McIntosh Kim Stuart Kevin J. McIntosh Sarah M. Wilson Barry J. Fraser Nikki Lumsden

Badminton Awards Senior Championship Girls' Champion Junior Champion

Christopher Gray Lynn Ritchie Craig H. Howie

Drama Shields Playmaking—Senior 1 —Senior 2

Holly Shand Claire M. Middleton

Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme Gold Award

Silver Award

Michael J. Armstrong

Emma T. Allen Leslie-Jane H. Duncan Moira E. Duthie Fiona J. Hamilton Heather N. Shepherd Jane M. Telfer Inga M. Bruce Jane H. Duffty Caroline Fraser Paula F. Hardie

Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine

30

Karen L. Hay Emma A. Hendry Nikki Lumsden Lucy Mitchell Louise M. Morrison Lucy Partington Karen A. Reid Elaine Robertson Gwen A. Alexander Lisa A. Collinson Bryony W. Duncan Fiona L. Grant Sarah A. Kincaid Karen L. J. McCosh Catherine A. Moore Morag E. Ormiston Jane S. Reid Alison C. S. E. Rice Jill F. Simpson Fiona A. Smail Judith M. Thomson Diane L. Webster

Bronze Award

All-Round Trophy Awards, 1989-90 Committee: Also present:

J. C. Lyon (Chairman), R. H. Cradock, J. F. Hendry, C. C. Allan, Dr. J. R. S. Innes, D. McKay, I. H. McLeod, G. M. Thomson, H. A. S. Hamilton, T. E. McKay. W. J. Johnston (Rector) and Mrs. J. M. Downie (Assistant Rector).

After morning rolls and coffee in the Rector's room, the committee interviewed four male and four female candidates for the All-Round Trophy awards.

The achievements recorded by all candidates were of the highest standard, with a vast range of sporting and interest activities undertaken by the pupils.

After a fairly protracted discussion, awards were made as follows: Boys Winner: Runner-up:

Patrick C. D. Stewart (Head Boy) Gary A. Bain (Deputy Head Boy)

Girls Winner: Runner-up:

Yvonne M. McAllister (Head Girl) Lindsey J. Pont

Prizes Winners: Runners-up: Other candidates:

Engraved paper-weight and £12 £10 Certificates of merit

9th Aberdeen (Grammar 3thool) Sewn Group

31

All candidates receive two years free membership of the FP Club and the Club Centre.

The awards were made at the prize-giving ceremony held at the School on 1 June.

The Hispanic and Luso Brazilian Council Prize Examination in Spanish and Latin American Studies, 1990.

Intermediate Section: First Prize

Alison Campbell (So)

9th Aberdeen (Grammar School) Scout Group The past year has been a growth year for the Group —more Beavers, more Cubs and more Scouts, but no more leaders, unfortunately.

This year has seen an encouraging return by some thirteen-year-old boys who left us at the age of eleven. It is rewarding to find that they have returned to Scouting, encouraged by their friends who remained with us.

Some time ago we were all consulted over proposed changes in the uniform.

During the past year these changes have been implemented, broadly in line with the opinions expressed by the membership. One particularly noticeable victim of the changes was the Cub cap, which has gone the same way as the old Scout hat.

Sweatshirts are going to be much in evidence, but will not be compulsory for Scouts. Devolution seems to be popular, an example of which is the fact that each Troop can now decide what they want to wear as uniform trousers—jeans, grey flannels, kilts, etc. This suits the Troops well, but what will happen when the District or Area meet together?

Another change which has not been quite so democratic is the introduction of girls into all the Sections of the Movement. The membership learned of the invitation to the ladies about the same time as everyone else—on the BBC News!

Devolution strikes again, though: it will be up to local Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs and Scout Troops to decide whether they want to be single-sex or mixed. We have not heard yet what the uniform will be like! The leaders are undecided regarding the admission of girls. If we had been asked in advance, I think we would have said no, but we will probably become mixed—gradually and progressively through the Sections. There has been a great deal of shouting over this issue—even a threatened resignation or two—but I suspect that their presence will soon become natural and when things are running just as smoothly as before, we will wonder what all the fuss was about.

The last twelve months have been a success, with the Group growing in size and gaining experience, and I see no reason why that should not continue. Our meeting place is unchanged and we have vacancies for boys (girls?) and leaders. Prospective or past members are welcome to come along. The Sections meet as follows: Beaver Scouts:

Tuesdays, 6-7 p.m.

(Contact Lindsay on 313422) Cub Scouts: Wednesdays, 6.30-8 p.m.

(Contact Carol-Ann on 316819) Scouts: Fridays, 7.30-9 p.m.

(Contact Eddie on (92) 24421) All Sections meet at the Group Headquarters, Granville Lane (off Great Western Road, near Anderson Drive).

Neil J. G. Lawrie (1961-74) Group Scowl Leader (Tel. 316819)

32

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

120=30,000; 47=46; 151,197,829,419,844,121,989=plus 1 What utter cosh. How can a hundred-and-twenty equal thirty-thousand, or forty-seven equal forty-six? As for that third equation . . . !

Even after twenty-one years of retirement, a chartered accountant should not be guilty of such arithmetical absurdities, mathematical monstrosities and numerical nonsensicali ties.

But wait; he may be able to substantiate his assertions. An honorary vicepresident of Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils' Club may well be blessed with talents denied to lesser mortals.

What is the distance from Edinburgh to Inverness? A-hundred-and-twenty miles, as the crow flies. However, our Hon. V.-P. and his wife arc not crows, and on their recent round-the-world tour they covered about thirty-thousand miles between leaving their younger son's house in Edinburgh and reaching home in Inverness.

They had started their jaunt about noon on 23 November, and ended it before noon on 9 January. It may be thought that 7+ days in November, 31 in December and 8+ in January make a total of 47, but after leaving Honolulu at 23.45 on Sunday 3 December, on a 6+ hour flight to Fiji, they touched down at 04.15 on Tuesday 5 December. Monday 4 December did not merely vanish; it had never existed, as the travellers crossed the International Date Line. Hence, their holiday covered only 46 days.

Very well, let us accept that these two eccentricities have been established. You surely cannot seriously claim that such a colossal number as one-hundred-andfifty-one-trillion, one-hundred-and-ninety-seven-thousand-eight-hundred-andtwenty-nine-billion, four-hundred-and-nineteen-thousand-eight-hundred-andforty-four-million, one-hundred-and-twenty-one-thousand, nine-hundred-andeighty-nine, is equal to plus one.

Omitting all the commas and inserting hyphens and spaces appropriately, the number becomes 15-1-1978, 29-4-1984, 4-12-1989. These dates are 15 January 1978, 29 April 1984 and 4 December 1989. The first two of these occurred twice, and the third did not occur at all, so that we are plus one in our crossings of the Date line.

Explanation of our west-to-east crossing has been given above. Here are explanations of our east-to-west crossings: On 15 January 1978 we spent the day with friends in Auckland, New Zealand, motoring around its attractive neighbourhood and sightseeing throughout the city. Then we left the airport at 22.45, flew over the Pacific Ocean, and reached Los Angeles at 13.10 the same afternoon. After an hour's halt, we continued to San Francisco, and spent an enjoyable evening there. A delightful double day.

On 29 April 1984, we motored from an inland hamlet in Fiji to Nandi (pronounced Nahdy) and spent much of the day sightseeing there. At 17.25 we left the airport and flew across the south Pacific and the equator to Honolulu; after an hour's stop we continued across the north Pacific, reaching Vancouver at 11.00 the same forenoon. Friends met us there, and we spent a very happy afternoon and evening in that magnificent city. Another delightful double day.

So, if you wish to gain a day, travel round the world east-to-west, across the Date Line.

EROSCA

Jocky Scott: Co-Manager of Aberdeen Football Club

33

Jocky Scott: Co-Manager of Aberdeen Football Club In June 1963 1 left the Grammar School to embark on a career in professional football, a career which I hoped would meet with success. I had a reasonably successful time in schools' football, firstly with Abbotswell Primary School, were we won two Primary Shield trophies and the Craigmyle Cup. I was also fortunate to play for the Aberdeen Primary Select team.

My schools' football career came to an abrupt halt when I arrived at the Grammar School after Christmas 1959 because, as readers of this Magatine are no doubt aware, the Grammar was a rugby-only school in those days and only changed to allow football to be played after I had left. While a pupil at the Grammar I had to make do with playing rugby for the School in the morning and youth football for Aberdeen Lads' Club in the afternoon. I also played for Aberdeen Secondary Schoolboys when they had games. It was while playing for the schoolboy team in 1963 that I was selected to play for Scotland Schoolboys against Wales at Ibrox, England at Nottingham and Ireland at Love Street, Paisley, after which I was offered the chance to join a number of professional clubs.

I realised my ambition in July 1963 when I arrived at, and signed forms for, Chelsea Football Club. I was told by the manager, Tommy Docherty, that I had a great career ahead Of me. After one season, in which I was a regular member of the Youth Team and was joint-top goal-scorer, my great career at Chelsea came to an end when I was informed by the same Tommy Docherty, in a letter, that 1 was freed from my contract.

My career then took a turn for the better, when in July 19641 signed for Dundee after a trial game and made my first-team debut four weeks later against Motherwell, winning 6-0. However, my next game for the first team ended in embarrassment, when I was sent off for retaliation. It took me a couple of years, after a spell in and out of the first team, to become a regular member of the first eleven, until I was transferred to Aberdeen F.C. in August 1975. My first spell at Dundee was very good, playing in European competitions, a League Cup winning team, and also being capped for Scotland at under-23 and full-international levels.

In two seasons at Aberdeen I won another League Cup winners' medal, before being transferred back to Dundee F.C. in 1978. Dundee were at this time in the First Division. It was there at Dundee, a season later, that I began to concentrate more on the coaching side of the game and became reserve-team coach.

I have now been involved in coaching and management for eleven years, having held the positions of reserve-team coach, first-team coach, assistant manager and manager at Dundee F.C. For the past two years I have held the post of Co-Manager of Aberdeen F.C. Since leaving school I have been very fortunate to be involved in a job which I enjoy and one which has been rewarding, culminating in my involvement in this year's World Cup Tournament, in which I will be spying on other competing teams.

J. A. (Jocky) Scott (1960-63)

34

Aberdeen Grammar School Magavne

Monte Carlo or Bust In January thisyear Peter M. Robertson (1967-73) participated in the inaugural Monte Carlo Challenge with Neil Middleton, son of Lewis Middleton (1919-32).

The rally was restricted to seventy cars in production in or before 1960 and the roads were authentic Monte Carlo routes that fated drivers in the late 1950s.

Neither Peter nor Neil bad any previous rally experience. Driving Neils car, an Austin Healey Sprite (1959), which was the slowest car in the rally, they finished in 43rd place.

To ensure that we made it to the starting line, our mutual friend, Sandy Cameron, drove us down to Glasgow on Saturday 27 January, towing the Sprite on a trailer.

That evening, all competitors were invited to attend the Glasgow Haggis Eaters' Burns Supper. On the basis that a hangover is more difficult to shrug off with the advancement of years, our plan was that Middleton, being the older man, would be restrained in his consumption and that he would drive the car away from Blythswood Square in the morning. Alas, the older man applied no personal brakes (nor, for that matter, did the younger man) and the following morning, after a hastily consumed breakfast of solpadines and water, we were ready for the start with a change of plan—I would drive.

The atmosphere in the Square was quite special. Hundreds of spectators had turned up at 8.00 a.m. for the start. Cars left at one-minute intervals, and at 8.42 a.m. came our turn. Manfully keeping up the revs to avoid an ignominious stall, we roared off and within minutes encountered our first problem—how do we get out of Glasgow? "Excuse me, officer", asked Middleton, sucking a polo mint, "but are we on the right road for Monte Carlo?" Presumably, Strathclyde Constabulary have standing instructions for enquiries of this sort. "What off?", we enquired, whereupon car number 43 drove past and we were able to slip in behind them.

Approaching Lanark, an involuntary wiggle on a Z-bend indicated some black ice on the road and within miles, at a sharp left-hand bend, the first casualty of the

Monte Carlo or Bad

35

rally, a Standard 10, came to grief, written-off down a steep slope. Both occupants were unhurt, thankfully.

Our first passage-control was at Peebles, where scores of spectators lined the main street. Sir David Steel was the passage-controller. Thence we continued to Hawick, Carter Bar and over the border to England, where Neil took over the driving. Now on the A68, at West Auckland 1 gave Neil the wrong left-turn and at the next roundabout I gave him the wrong exit, to find we were back on the correct road—rather like pulling an approach within three feet of the wrong flag on a double green and being given the putt. There was no doubt that we required luck to get to Monte Carlo and, grasping the hand of providence, we continued through Piercebridge to Scotch Corner, where we had lunch. Through North Allerton, we arrived at Thirsk to be met, seemingly, by the entire population of the village. Driving into the Square, it was like moving against the flow of a large Murrayfield crowd and, unable to find the passage-control without the assistance of the local police, much to the amusement of my co-driver and the assembled crowd, I duly arrived at the control in reverse.

By-passing York, over the Humber Bridge, and through 1.incolnshire, the sun continued shining and we were able to enjoy the changing countryside. About 6.00 p.m. came the most tedious part of the journey, on the M11, then M25 and M2 to the passage-control at Rochester, arriving there about 9.00 p.m. for dinner. We restarted about 11.30 p.m. in freezing temperatures and drove the forty miles or so to Dover. At Dover, and again at Calais, all competitors had to complete an obstacle course, the writer finishing 17th at Dover and Neil finishing 24th at Calais.

Leaving Calais at 6.30 a.m. (Monday), Middleton quickly adapted to the difficult driving conditions (rain, darkness and left-hand drive) and we arrived at the passage-control at Behagnies for coffee and croissants. The weather was excellent and we continued through the fertile and prosperous landscape of Ham and Peronne, arriving at Reims about midday.

It was at Reims that a special award was won, as we subsequently found out at the prize-giving. "The Cad of the Rally", in memory of Terry Thomas for his part in the film Monte Carlo or Bast, was awarded to a rotund fellow, constantly perspiring, dressed in sports jacket, checked shirt and flannels, for his supreme act of self-survival and selfishness at Reims. Driving a red TR3, on his arrival at the time-control, his car was on its last legs, with serious clanging and grinding noises coming from the bowels of the engine. "I say, you chaps", asked the Cad, "Can anyone be of assistance?", whereupon half-a-dozen of his fellow competitors, sacrificing their lunch-breaks, descended on the car and, in no time, had the frontend jacked-up, bonnet open, cylinder head off and set to work on some major surgery. Not being too mechanically minded, the Cad sloped off to the adjacent Piper Champagne Reception, emerging an hour or so later, having had six large glasses of their finest product, to find his car as good as new. "Thanks, chaps", said the Cad and drove off contentedly in the Triumph. Like many of the other competitors, the Cad's driving improved after botch, and he went on to finish in fifth place overall.

Leaving Reims about 1.30 p.m., we travelled south-east through Chalons sur Marne, Frignicourt and Chaumont, arriving at the hilltop fortress of Langres for a time-control at 5.00 p.m. The next part from Langres to Lons was not enjoyable, driving through rain, thick fog and darkness, and the old lamps of the Sprite were struggling to cope.

So far, we had made all our time-controls without penalty (had we been thirty minutes late, we would have been disqualified), but on the last stretch from Lons to Chambery, conditions became more difficult, with snow and ice on the road as we were gaining height and approaching the Alps. At Ruffieux, along with many other competitors, we got lost and, because of fatigue (we had now been driving for thirty-nine hours without sleep), it took us longer to find the correct route,

36

Aberdeen Grammar School Mag‘qine

eventually racing down through Aix Les Bains to Chambery, arriving just before midnight to finish six minutes late.

After dinner, Neil and I went to the bar and saw off all our fellow competitors to bed and were ready to turn in ourselves when, about 2.00 a.m., the Hubble brothers arrived. Resplendent in yellow breeches, flying jackets and intent on driving the whole way with the roof down in their pristine Sunbeam, it was immediately apparent that all was not well with the brothers. Each buying his own drink, they came over to share their bad day with us. It transpired that only a few kilometres out of Calais, the younger Hubble, navigating, gave his brother the wrong turning and they found themselves on thepiage, having to drive at 80 m.p.h. just to keep up with the traffic, hurtling ever nearer to Paris and unable to turn off the road. After an initial exchange of expletives, each blaming the other (and doubting the other's parentage, which seemed a bit rich), the conversation stopped completely. What really irked the elder Hubble, being a chartered accountant, was that not only were they on the wrong road, but they had to pay for the privilege of being on the wrong road. To their great credit, they retraced their route back to Calais and set off for Reims. Driving like the wind and making up time, they got within fifty yards of the time-control at Reims, when the younger Hubble gave his brother a "first left" instead of a "straight on", and they finished at the Piper Vineyards in the heart of rural Champagne. Two hours later, they arrived at the time-control to find that everyone had left, and they set off for the twelve-hour slog to Chambery, not having eaten since Rochester. At that point, the restaurant manager at Chambery closed the shutters of the dining area. Thus, they would not eat again until breakfast the following morning. Thirty-six hours without food.

Another exchange of fraternal criticism.

It was hard to be conciliatory when rolling on the carpet, but Neil and I both had them seeing the funny side of their bad day and enjoyed a dram with them before turning in.

The following morning we restarted, facing the exciting prospect of a twentyfour-hour drive over the Alps to Monte Carlo and, within six hundred yards of the hotel, Middleton, navigating, gave me a "second right", rather than a "first right", and we found ourselves on the autoroute to Geneva, heading precisely in the wrong direction from Col du Granier. This was his darkest hour of the rally. Much water, and other fluids, had passed under the bridge since the French classroom at Glenalmond and, getting back into Chambery, but unable to find the right road, Middleton successfully talked his way out of the town and onto the right road, albeit without the use of any verbs.

We were now on the Alpine roads and the good drivers came to the fore. A hardy Scotsman driving an open Austin Healey 3000 and who did not even bother taking a soft top with him, was driving car number 63, and he had to pass us after each passage-control to gain time. Driving the Healey through the hairpins using the gears and rarely, if ever, braking, he went on to finish in fourth place.

Our next passage-control was a superb little restaurant at Engins, near Grenoble. Because of the lack of power in the Sprite, we were unable to stop as much as we would have liked, unlike those competitors driving more powerful cars, who could make up time. In this category were the Bons Vivemrt, driving a black Jaguar X K150, registration number JAG 150, who had planned their route to take in the finer restaurants on offer. At Engins, whilst we could only grab a sandwich, the Bons I 'irears were enjoying a full lunch of charcoal-grilled pork cutlets, home-made potato and cheese pie and an ample sufficiency of pin rouge.

They made up our half-hour start in no time, the Jag roaring past with both windows open, the occupants, cheered by the grape, fighting off the soporific effects of their lunch and no doubt planning their next port of call.

The route continued through the Gorges d'Engins, then Gorges de la Bourne and, with the hood down, we had a cold shower, with water permeating through

Monte Carlo or Bout

37

the rocky over-hang. Over Col de la Machine and Col de Rousset (1367 metres), we made the time-control at Die on time and, leaving Die about 4.00 p.m., over the Col du Cabre, we arrived at Gap at 6.00 p.m. for dinner.

By now there were fifty-seven cars left in the Rally. Included amongst the casualties was a 1934 Aston Martin Inlernatioad, whose engine blew up at Col du Granier, and an MGTF, which unsuccessfully negotiated a hairpin descending from one of the Cols.

Up and over Col St. Jean (1300 metres) and Col du Maure, through Digne Les Bains, over Col de Leques to Logis du Pin, we started on the single-track roads about 3.00 a.m. (Wednesday). At Pont des Miolans, Neil's regularity ability was tested (travelling an unknown distance, maintaining a predetermined speed) and he performed creditably, finishing in the middle of the pack. However, the writer was tested on the sheet ice up the Col de Turini (1607 metres) and was found wanting, finishing second-last, hopelessly claiming over a large brandy in the restaurant bar at the Col that it was a noble act of self-denial, which brought pleasure to his co-driver and fellow competitors.

We were almost there. The signpost indicated "Nice 67 km" and, even if the car didn't start, we could free-wheel down the Col to Monte Carlo. It was now 8.00 a.m. and the sun-rise at Col de Turini was really something to behold Carefully descending the Col, we came upon a red Alfa Romeo that appeared to have gone off the road. On closer examination, it transpired that the driver, with champagne at hand, was just beginning to show his appreciation of his co-driver, who, it must be said, was not unattractive. Taking our interruption in good part, he poured us a glass and hoped to sec us soon. That the couple had a subsequent union seemed not in doubt. . . .

Within forty kilometres we had dropped from 5,500 ft. to sea-level, arriving at the Port of Monte Carlo and the finishing line about mid-morning. Our feelings of relief and elation were shared with all the finishers and, after the contours competition, we made for our five-star hotel in Monaco. After a quiet night in our hotel room watching TV, Neil and I drove to Casino Square for the official prizegiving the following morning. Prince Rainier was to be the guest of honour but, for some reason, was unable to attend, although we did meet Princess Caroline with her bodyguard in Casino Terrace. On recognising our accents, the wellinformed Princess asked: "How will the new Bon Accord Centre affect shopping in Aberdeen?"

The main disadvantage of the Sprite was the lack of leg-room and, with no boot, all our luggage with two spare wheels, shovel, snow-chains and sundry spares were cramped behind the seats. That the car made it to Monte Carlo with no problems was credit to Neil's mechanics at M.T.M. Construction, who had meticulously prepared the car.

Will we do it again? Oh, yes! But next time we shall take a more powerful car, like an Austin Healey 3000, with a boot, more leg-room and larger engine.

Travelling in comfort, we shall be able to smell even more roses, stop for lunch, and we shall drive most of the way with the windows open.

P.M.R. (1967 73)

38

Aberdeen Grammar Sthoo/ Magatint

Life in the Diplomatic Service: A Backward Glance It never occurred to me when I was at Aberdeen Grammar School and later at Fettes that I would become a diplomat, let alone an ambassador. Both my parents were teachers of English in Aberdeenshire, and at Cambridge I read Classics and Law. However, lack of funds inhibited me from becoming a lawyer in 1953, so my mother drew my attention to the Civil Service. The Personnel Department of the Foreign Office (to which I achieved a shaky pass in 1954) suggested that, having read Classics, I should find Chinese easy. Thus I began, as I am ending, my career in Peking.

More than most diplomats, I think luck has played a vital part in my life. The walled city of Peking in the mid-1950s was totally different from the modern city that it is now, and my first piece of luck was to live and study in the old British Legation compound (a former Qing nobleman's palace), which had endured the siege of the Boxers in 1900. In my present garden, on a different site, I still have the stone which bears the inscription, "Here fell David Oliphant of HRM Consular Service, mortally wounded while cutting down this tree, 11.30 a.m., 5 July, 1900 and here Henry Swannell, Signalman H.M.S. Orlando, at the risk of his life, stayed by his side and held him until help came to bear him to the hospital." I remember being curious about this young 24-year-old consular officer and his apparent carelessness at being killed by a falling tree, until I realised that he had been the victim of a Boxer bullet while clearing a field of fire for the defenders. It was in this same Legation that in 1956 1 witnessed my first massive Chinese demonstration, when some quarter of a million Peking citizens protested at the British invasion of Egypt in 1956. I must add that it was nothing to the masses that I saw later in the mid-1960s in Tiananmen Square at the beginning of the Cultural Revolution, or the thousands that thronged the streets of Peking in May last year.

On return to London, I married a Scots girl and later became Private Secretary to a Foreign Office Minister. This allowed me to go on some fascinating trips with him to Central America, the Far East and the Indian subcontinent. I learnt to eat raw fish and oysters in Japan and how to behave in a Foreign Ministry Geisha house. A Colombo Plan Conference in Jogjakarta made it possible for me to see the wonders of Borobodur. And I shall not forget seeing on the Khyber Pass an Afghan Guard Commander's false teeth fly out as he gave the order to advance.

I was brought back sharply from this somewhat glamorous way of life of a Minister's Private Secretary to the harsh reality of East/West events. In 1961 I was posted as First Secretary to the British Delegation to N.A.T.O, which was then headquarterted in Paris. The summer when the Berlin Wall was put up, I spent many hours working on detailed counter measures, should Soviet forces attempt any mischief on the German border or on the Autobahn linking East Berlin with the Federal Republic. But, on the plus side, living in Paris improved my French and my knowledge of wine.

I was sent back again to Peking in the spring of 1964. The Great Leap Forward had been acknowledged as a disaster, and China was emerging from three years of famine and hardship. In the intervening seven years, life for foreigners had become much more restrictive, and by the time I left in 1966 we had seen the first year of the Cultural Revolution. The cruelties one witnessed on the streets form a memory that has not faded and the mass rallies in Tiananmen Square and the kangaroo trials were awesome both because of their scale and the fanaticism with which they were conducted. During•two and a half years I lived with my family in a small but

delightful courtyard house quite close to Tiananmen Square and our third son (of four) was born in a nearby central Peking hospital. The lane in which we lived was plastered with big character wall posters by the time we left and for the last six

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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, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen AB1 6YQ. 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 everyday 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.

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Lift is the Diplomatic Service: A Backward Glance

39

months or so we had a permanent sentry at our front door. We were enraged at the time because we thought he was there to stop us moving freely. With hindsight, it was a properly prudent measure taken by those in the Chinese Government who felt a sense of responsibility for foreign lives and property.

I next found myself in London in the Personnel Department, responsible for both recruiting and firing Diplomatic personnel. I much enjoyed sitting as an observer at Civil Service Selection Boards and visiting several universities (including Aberdeen) to talk about the newly-formed Diplomatic Service and to encourage young people of talent—no matter what their background—to apply for it.

However, I was also jokingly known as "Donald the Axe", after the management had prematurely retired some thirty ambassadors for structural reasons!

From London I went on to promotion as Commercial Counsellor to the Embassy in Athens. Such knowledge I had of ancient Greek came in handy, but the regime of the Colonels who ran Greece at that time made commercial work somewhat tricky. However, I got to know a number of Greek shipowners and I was able to master the rudiments of modern Greek and a basic commercial vocabulary. I was given another shock eight months after arriving in Athens by being told that I was needed urgently in Hong Kong by the Governor, who was luckily insisting on a Mandarin speaker with knowledge of China as his Political Adviser. I fended off an immediate move and was able to complete two years at least in Greece before setting off for Hong Kong. There I had a stimulating four years. The post was one of secondment to the Hong Kong Government and I very much enjoyed the relative freedom from the Whitehall bureaucracy which the job offered. I enjoyed my regular exchanges with the mainland Chinese. Some of the contacts I made then with members of the Chinese Communist Party have served me well today. It was a time of growing prosperity in Hong Kong between 1974 and 1977 and I am still amazed at the constant vigour of that hard-working Territory which seems to go from strength to strength whatever new problems arise. As Ambassador now in Peking, I still spend a great deal of time on problems related to the future of Hong Kong.

In 1977 my lucky streak seemed to be holding, for I was offered the post of Ambassador in Zaire with concurrent responsibility for relations with Rwanda, Burundi and Congo Brazzaville. At first I felt extremely flattered at this promotion.

I soon discovered that at least five people had already turned it down! Nevertheless, it was my first experience of Africa and of running my own show. It did my education a power of good. The experience of the Kolwezi massacre in 1978 was something of a grim foretaste and training for handling the evacuation of British subjects and Hong Kong residents in Peking in June 1989. But I enjoyed visiting distant parts in Central Africa, admiring the grandeur and beauty of the continent and seeing the totally different political traditions of that part of the world. I once spent a night on a river mud-bank amid trampling hippopotami (somewhere where Stanley must have been). It was a rum business trying to present credentials in the Congo Brazzaville. The President who was there when I was appointed had been murdered, the second was subsequently deposed and on my first visit to the third President I had to say "goodbye" instead of announcing my arrival. Despite having my staff cut from fourteen to seven (the result of a periodic review by the Diplomatic Service to get good value from scarce resources), I still had time to take up golf. I shall not forget the "browns" in the Kinshasa golf course. They certainly sharpened up your putting!

I was looking forward to taking up my next job in London as Assistant Under Secretary of State in charge of all of Asia and the Pacific and in particular enjoying the prospect of dealing with China again. However, fate took a curious turn. On the day I went back to the Foreign Office (by now the Foreign and Commonwealth Office), a man of whom I had never heard declared unilateral independence in a Pacific island I had never heard of in the New Hebrides group. Within the space

40

Aberdeen Grammar Srbool Magazine

of about two months I had gone the equivalent of twice round the world by toing and froing from Vila, first to try and talk peace and help the then Anglo-French condominium to a smooth independence, thereafter, when talking didn't work, with a tiny army of 200 Royal Marines from 42 Commando to link up with 200 French paratroopers to carry out a bloodless invasion of Espiritu Santo. There were elements of farce and unreality about the business, but the results were happily successful. I feel as if I had acted as a midwife at the birth of Vanuatu.

With this adventure behind me, I returned to London and after the Falklands War accompanied Mrs Thatcher to Peking on her historic visit in September 1982, at which the decision was taken to start the negotiations which led to the Joint Declaration on the future of Hong Kong. One of the kindest cards fate ever dealt was to be appointed afterwards as British Ambassador to Indonesia from 1984 to early 1988. It was the happiest of posts for me, with a successful visit by Mrs Thatcher and many of her Ministers. Indonesia is a vast, beautiful, diverse and fascinating country of over 170 million people. Jakarta, moreover, has an annual Highland Games and a flourishing Java St Andrew Society.

I am now again in China. The ten years of reform fom 1978 to 1988 have greatly changed the country and raised living standards. Looking back over the past thirty-six years, I realise how fortunate I am to be finishing my career in the place where I began it. It makes a feeling of completeness to my life as a diplomat. I have sometimes been in danger, I have sometimes enjoyed great comfort and privilege.

It has been stimulating belonging to a profession with so many intelligent and dedicated members. It has opened my mind in many ways to the habits and customs of other people and nations. I do not know whether I have done anything to change the course of history, but I have lived through extremely "interesting times", as the Chinese proverb puts it. Best of all, it has been great fun.

Sir Alan E. Donald (1942-44), C.M.G., B.A., LLB. British Ambassador to China

Former Pupils' Club Club Founded 11 September 1893

Club Office-Bearers, 1990-91 Honorary President: WILLIAM J. JOHNSTON, B.SC., DIP. ED. (Rector)

Honorary Vice Presidents: IAN G. MCPHERSON (1910-17) (President, 1965-66) EDWARD J. W(X)D (1908-21), M.A. (President, 1966-67) JOSEPH R. CARRY (1918-30), M.B.F.., T.D., D.L., F.B.C.O. (President, 1967-68) ERIC. Ros BIRK I r.TT (1920-22), C.A. (President, 1968-69) ALLAN C. FRASER (1925-30), M.A., I.L.B., W.S. (President, 1970-71) DIP. F.D., J.P. (Rector, 1959-72) JOHN V. SKINNER, M.A., AIR MARSHAL SIR LESLIE MAYOR (1923-33), K.C.B., 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 Courrs (1938-49, 1950-51), Q.C., M.A., LL.B. (President, 1980-81) NEIL I. W. MELDRUM (1925-37), M.A., LL.B. (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, 1983-84) ERIC D. WATT (1937-50), B.ED. (President, 1984-85) MAURICE CRAMB (1916-29) M.A., I.L.B., LL.D. ALAN J. PETERS (1920-30), C.A. IAN LEWIS SMITH (1918-30) DouGI.As N. GEORGESON (1929-40) (President, 1985-86) ROBERT D. GILL, M.A., F.C.P. (Rector, 1972-86) ANDREW S. NOBLE (1939-52), M.A., F.C.M.A., F.I.M.A. (President, 1986-87) I.L.B. (President, 1987-88) PROF. PHII.1P N. LOVE (1952-58), C.B.E., W. MORRISON BROWN (1933-46) (President, 1988-89) ERIC CRAIG (1934-46) (President, 1989-90) President: THOMAS I. MORRISON (1934-47), T.D., B.Sc.(Aber.), M.Sc.(Glas.), C.Chem., F.R.S.C

Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive: JAMES C. LYON (1953-59), A.R.I.S.A., F.R.I.A.S.

Secretary: JOHN F. HENDRY (1951-65), I.L.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., LL.B., 26 Carden Place, Aberdeen AB1 lUQ. Edinburgh—NiGEL G. M. \1CATT (1963 69), \x'.s., 11 Athol' Crescent,Edinburgh EH3 SHE. Tel. 031 229 1212.

Glasgow-1A1\ S. FERGUSSON (1960-64), Ibert Farm, Ibert Road, Killearn, Stirlingshi re.

London—ERNII, COHEN (1949-62), 76 Francklyn Gardens, Edgeware, Middlesex H A8 8SA. Yorkshire—W. Sam' GILCHRIST (192936), B.I.., 18 Clifford Moor Road, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire I,S23 6PG. Secretaries of Sections Cricket— R lc i I AR D S. T. FERRo, 12 Kirkbrae Avenue, Cults, Aberdeen AB 9RF. Curling—BRucE S. ALLAN (1953-58), A.R.I.A.S., 55 Carden Place, Aberdeen ABI Football--GoRt)oN G. D. FRASER (1975- 80), 1 Carden Place, Aberdeen ABI Golf—PETER M. ROBERTSON (1967-73), I.I..B., 33 Northhurn Avenue, Aberdeen AB2 6AH. Hockey—BARRY Scow (1974-80), 7 Rosewell Place, Aberdeen AB2 6HN. Petanque DAVID THOMSON, 5 Northcote Road, Aberdeen AB1 7SY. Rugby—MICHAEL G. H. GIBB (1942-46), 25 Viewfield Road, Aberdeen AB1 7X1..

Swimming—PETER Mt •I.vIlY (1952 62), 26 Mile-End Avenue, Aberdeen AB2 41.R. Women's Hockey—K MIN A. PATERSoN (1979-85), 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen ABI 6YQ. Executive Committee The Vice-President of the Club, Chairman RICHARD H. CRADOCK (1940-41 and 1945-51), Vice-Chairman The Secretary, the Treasurer and the General Editor of the Magazine, ex officiie The Rector of the School, ex officio ALAN G. CAMPBELL (1959-65) LESLEY S. CARSON (1981-85) ERIC CRAIG (1934-46) H. ALAN S. HAMILTON (1943-56) J. R. S. INNES (1923-35) DEREK MCKAY (1944-50) TIMOTHY E. MCKAY (1976-81)

IAN H. McI.EOD (1951-55) SUSAN E. SMITH (1974-80) AMANDA E. TAYLOR (1974-80)

GEORGE M. ThomsoN (1943-44) M. STUART WATSON (1977-83) ALAN L. Wit.soN (1978-84) DAVID K. YULE (1951-65)

Section Representatives Club Centre—DOUGLAS N. GEoRc EsoN (1929 40) Cricket DEREK A. HARLEY (1974-80) Curling—BRUCE S. ALLAN (1953-58) Golf--GEoRc;E M. THOMSON (1943-44) Hockey—JOHN P. DRUMMOND (1947-58) Petanque - DEREK Mr:KAY (1944-50) Rugby —JOHN D. MURRAY (1961-74) Staff RUSSELL GRAY (1951-65) Swimming—PETER M. ROBERTSON (1967-73) Women's Hockey—I.ESLEY S. CARSON (1981-85)

Vormti-

Pfipi/. • (

43

New Club Consul in Thailand

Professor Alastair M. North (1937-41 and 1942-50), the Club's new Consul in Bangkok, is pictured making a presentation to the King of Thailand.

Professor North's address, together with the names and addresses of other new Club Consuls, can be found in the Office-Bearers section of the Magazine.

Auditors

Messrs. BOWER & SMITH, C.A. Club Consuls Australia—JAMES W. HowiSoN (1937-50), 100 Curtin Avenue, Wahroonga,

New South Wales 2076, Australia. Tel. 02-4873164.

Australia—DR. FORBES SMITH (1945-57), 8 Narrung Road, Mount Eliza 3930,

Victoria, Australia.

Canada—G. DOUGLAS MENZIES (1934-44), 15414 74th Avenue, Edmonton,

Alberta, Canada T5R 2Y4.

Canada—GoRpoN B. SINGER (1949-50), 103 Lake Mead Drive, Calgary, Canada

72P 327.

Canada—IAN Mc:G. MARR (1954-58), 4 Milne Crescent, Kanata, Ontario, Canada

K2K 1H6.

Canada —SANDY WATT (1937-50), 1733 Coleman Street, North Vancouver,

British Columbia V7K 2V7. Tel. 604987 6209.

Ireland -ANDREW M. M. STEVEN (1936-50), M.A., LLB., DIP. F.D., 5 Beech Hill

Avenue, Saintfield Road, Belfast BT8 4NS. MICHAEL B. Ti ic)msoN (1938-51), 39 Jubilee Road, Khandallah, Wellington 4, New Zealand.

South Africa- -JOSEPH FARQUHARSON (1929-43), Business Mount Nelson Hotel, P.O. Box 2608, Cape Town 8000. Tel. 23-1000 Ext. 153; Home 402 Clarepark, Brooke Street, Claremont 7700, Cape Town. Tel. 611436.

Thailand—PROF. ALASTAIR NORTH (1937-41 and 1942-50), Asian Institute of Technology, GPO Box 2754, Bangkok 10501, Thailand. Tel. 5290100-13.

U.S.A.-MICHAEL. G. KING (1951-60), 4720 Fortuna Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84124, U.S.A. New Zealand

44

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Annual General Meeting The eighty-eighth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held at the Club Centre, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen on Monday 26 March 1990.

The Chairman commenced proceedings by welcoming on behalf of the Club Mr. E. Craig, 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.

Death of Mr. Peter Tawse During the year the Executive had recorded with sadness the death of Mr. Peter Tawse (1941-45). Mr. Tawse had been a member of the Rugby Section and the Golf Section and was a popular figure in the Club Centre.

Membership In the course of the year membership had declined by 51. The Chairman asked the new Executive Committee to take positive steps to encourage FPs to join the Club and halt the downward trend in membership.

A reception had been held earlier in the year in celebration of Mr. Neil Meldrum's 70th birthday. The occasion also marked Mr. Meldrum's many years of service to the FP Club.

School The reconstruction programme at the School was on schedule and completion was anticipated around the end of 1991.

School Boards had been set up in the autumn of 1989. There was an FP presence on the School Board: Mr. Gavin McEwan had been elected and later appointed Convener of the Board and Mr. J. W. Cradock had become a co-opted member.

Another successful London Trip for two senior pupils had taken place in June 1989 and was to be repeated in 1990.

Social Both the Dinner and the Ball had enjoyed success. Mr. Jim Clark was thanked for his sterling service during his five years 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. 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, pointed out that the Beyond 500 fund-raising scheme had met with a disappointing response. Members were urged to seek further support for the scheme.

Former Plods' Club

45

The Chairman reminded members that the centenary of the Club was now only a short time away and the new Executive Committee would have to determine how the centenary was to be managed.

Office-bearers for the year 1990-91 were elected in accordance with the lists contained earlier in this Magatine.

FP Club Annual General Meeting 1991 The 1991 A.G.M. will be held on Monday, 25 March at 7.30 p.m. at 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen.

Please make the appropriate note for your next year's diary.

New Chairman of the Executive Committee and Vice-President of the Club At the Annual General Meeting of the Club, held in March, James C. Lyon (1953--59), R.I.B.A., F.R.1.A.S., succeeded Melville F. Watson (1943-56), M.A., LL.B., as Chairman of the Executive Committee and Vice-President of the Club.

James Lyon trained at Scott Sutherland's School of Architecture in Aberdeen and went on to become President of the Aberdeen Society of Architects from 1985 to 1987. He was also Senior Vice-President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland from 1985 to 1986. In 1976 he went into private practice on his own account and since 1984 has practised in partnership under the name of Lyon and McPherson.

Jim has been a keen member of the Hockey Section for over thirty years and continues to play a very active role in the Section's activities. He is a past captain of all the Section's XIs and was made Club Captain from 1978 to 1980. He is also a past president of the North District Veterans' Hockey Section ("The Auld Craws"). He has also been an active member of the FP Golf Section for many years and was Club Captain in 1982. Jim has been involved in FP matters since his schooldays and has held various positions on the Club Executive Committee and the Club Centre Management Committee, including that of Entertainments Convener (from 1975 to 1979). In 1984 he was one of the organisers of a very successful reunion of the class of 1953-59.

He has been an active member of the Aberdeen Speakers' Club since 1976 and is a past president of that club.

President's Report 20.2.89 03.00 Hrs Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe Pat and I had got to bed at midnight.

"Mr. Craig?"

"Yes!" "There is a call for you from the U.K.—Hold the line."

Thoughts rush through the brain, such as it is—our daughter, Alison, has run off with a Gordonian, or Pat's gardening tools have been stolen, or am I dreaming?

On re-awakening at 8.30, Pat confirmed there had been a telephone call through the night. Then I had been asked to stand as President of the FP Club by the Chairman of the Executive in most unusual circumstances.

28.3.89 10.00 Hrs Whispering Palms Hotel, Port Douglas, North Queensland Fax from Executive: Appointment as President confirmed, although the voting was close! And so my year as President started.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

11.4.89 21.00 Hrt On our return to Aberdeen Pat and I were met by our daughter, Alison and Jock Hendry, who had arranged suitable presidential transport festooned with flags. As we approached the car, we overheard several people saying. "Fa dis he think he is onywye?"—They were quite right!

My first invitation as President was dated 10.4.89, from Derek McKay, to propose the toast to the Petanque Section at the Annual Dinner on 30.3.90. An early-warning system was already at work!

Further invitations came thick and fast. Pat and I attended, and enjoyed, the School Prize Giving, I.ondon Dinner, FP Ball, Birthday Lunch, Burns Lunch, School Carol Service and the School Musical Annie Get Yomr Goa:. In addition, I attended the Yorkshire, Edinburgh and Glasgow dinners, where our Centre Presidents were in excellent form and heavy of hand! The Gordonian and Stewarts/ Melville Dinners were most convivial affairs, as was the Hazlehead/Accies Cheese and Wine.

The main Annual Dinner was a great success and was in no small way due to our guest of honour, Jean Downie, Assistant Rectorina of the School.

One of the most rewarding parts of my presidential year was an increasing awareness of the enthusiasm of FPs who no longer live in Aberdeen and, of course, it follows that the Magatine is their main lifeline with the Association, emphasising the importance of this publication.

The Executive wishes to strengthen our Club by increasing the membership, and I would ask you to put forward any FP that you know who is not a member of the Association and who you think might be interested in joining.

Our Consul system, which is really a friendship link, is being expanded and you will see under our list of consuls that we have four additions, viz. Joe Farquharson (Cape Town), Jim Howison (N. S. Wales), Alastair North (Bangkok), and Sandy Watt (British Columbia). Once again, if any of our overseas FPs are living in an area where there is no FP Consul representation, then the Executive would be delighted to hear from you.

The centenary of the FP Club is only three years away. Plans are already underway to celebrate the event in true Grammarian style. We hope to build our Consul system so that our 1993 celebrations will be well represented world-wide.

The Association is indeed fortunate in having so many enthusiasts running the various committees, Sections, Centres, etc.: the Executive, the Club Centre at 86 Queen's Road (which is the hub of FP activity in Aberdeen and an excellent contact point for homing FP pigeons), the Sports Sections, the Away Centres, the Consuls.

There may be stronger FP Associations than ours, but I am unaware of them.

Finally, I would like to thank our Rector, Bill Johnston, Melville Watson, Jock Hendry, Jim Clark and all FPs who have supported me in what has been a memorable experience and an honour which I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I am sure Tim Morrison will have as enjoyable a year as I have had.

Eric Craig (1934-46)

Our President Thomas Ian Morrison (1934-47), T.D., B.Sc.(Aber.), M.Sc.(Glas.), C.Chem., F.R.S.C. Tim, as he has been known to many for some years now, left school in 1947. He is neither the youngest nor the oldest FP to have been elected President of the Former Pupils' Club, but to many he seems to have been around a long time.

Although officially an "away" president, Tim has never really been far away in FP terms, often appearing at Rubislaw for cricket or hockey or in the FP Club Centre for a quiet half-pint at teatime on a Saturday.

Such is his interest in the Club and its sporting sections that he makes time in his exceptionally busy schedule to keep up to date with FP affairs by personal contact.

Former Pupils' Club

47

The immediate past President of the Club, Mr. Eric Craig (left), is pictured handing over the badge of office to his successor, Mr. T. 1. (Tim) Morrison, in the Club Centre, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen.

The Club has been fortunate in having, over the past few years, an array of presidents who have been captains of industry, leaders in their profession, administrators of sport and respected by many. Tim is no exception.

Apart from his academic and professional achievements, with degrees from Aberdeen and Glasgow Universities, teacher training in Aberdeen, teaching and lecturing in Stirling and at Jordanhill respectively, and becoming Assistant Rector at Brechin High School, Tim found time to devote to other activities, with Territorial Army service between 1953 and 1971, retiring with the highest T.A. rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the Territorial Decoration in 1970.

Tim is presently Adviser in Secondary Education for Tayside Regional Council.

His expertise in the field of chemistry has involved him in co-writing two books on chemistry widely used in schools, the most recent being Cbentistty About Us. "Still selling well, my, my", according to our President.

In the early seventies Tim spent seven or eight years in the Far East in Malaysia and Brunei, helping to modernise their secondary school science courses for teachers there. Typical of the man with FP interests, he made contact with John M. Eddison (1939-48), who was involved in the building of Brunei International Airport.

Nearer home, Tim's acquaintances included the Rev. Peter M. Gordon (1939.48), a former boarding-house pupil, who was minister of Brechin Cathedral until 1986. As if time wasn't precious enough, Tim's duties extend to eldership at Brechin and also to being a lay assessor of the Church of Scotland at its residential selection schools, during which prospective candidates for the ministry are assessed.

It is to the advantage of the contributors to this presidential profile that they have not had any restrictions placed on them, as the connection which prompted their involvement was the sporting one. It is in this field that Tim has devoted his

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Aberdeen Grammar Sebool Magazine

"spare" time and energy. His talents extend to golf (with a monumental slice), squash, tennis, cricket and hockey. A former captain and president of the FP Cricket Section and captain and vice-president of the Hockey Section, he was also a vice-president of Brechin Cricket Club and Stirling County Cricket Club and President of the Scottish Hockey Association from 1974 to 1976 and from 1982 to 1984. Tim's highest accolade in world sport was his election to Chairman of the Great Britain Men's Hockey Board ("Lord God of Hockey"). He was also Chief of Mission of the Great Britain men's team which won the gold medal in the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988.

Rumour has it that Tim intends to retire from this chairmanship in May 1990 to devote some time to his new and equally exalted position as President of the Former Pupils' Club during 1990-91. He is, however, to remain (if elected) Scottish Hockey Union Representative until the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. My, my -so far, this profile has confined itself to what Tim does, but not very much has been said about the man himself. Those who know him well recognise him as reliable, fastidious, respectful as well as respected. His tact and diplomacy have been essential to his success in hockey circles and his opinions are well founded. He has never been known to miscall anyone, other than by his extreme "not a very special chap" for someone who did not come up to Tim's standards or expectations.

Undoubtedly, his military career has instilled in Tim the discipline and bearing by which we all know him—a proper gentleman.

From Tim's home near Forfar he and his charming wife, Isabel, can survey the rural scene and enjoy the few moments of relaxation which they have, no doubt contemplating the next challenge facing Tim. All FPs would wish Tim a rewarding and fulfilling term as President, an honour bestowed on him in recognition of his achievements and long-standing interest in the FP Club. He has indeed been one of the Club's outstanding ambassadors.

A.K.C. (1943-53) and J.A.R. (1947 53)

Annual Dinner The 1989 Annual Dinner was held in the New Marcliffe Hotel on Friday 27 October. Under the chairmanship of Mr. Eric Craig, the Club President, the company enjoyed a most successful evening.

The principal speaker was Mrs. Jean Downie, Assistant Rector of the School, 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 Marie Moser then proposed the toast to the guests, and the reply for the guests was made by Mr. John Parslow.

Melville Watson, the Vice-President of the Club, proposed a vote of thanks to Eric Craig, not only in respect of his able chairmanship of the Dinner, but also in relation to his outstanding service as Club President.

The following FPs were present at the 1989 Annual Dinner: B. S. Allan (1953-58), C. C. Allan (1936.45), W. Anderson (1940 51), G. E. C. Barton (1923 26), M. Batchelor (1959 65), B. Brown (1943 57), W. M. Brown (1933 46), A. G. Campbell (1959-65), A. K. Campbell (1943 53), D. Campbell (1979 83), Miss J. Campbell (1980-86), J. R. Carry (1918 30), Miss L. Carson (1981 85), J. M.Clark (1947 59), P. J. Clark (1974 80), G. S. S. Cook (1947-59), Miss C. Cormack (1978-83), J. W. Cradock (1940-46), R. I I. Cradock (1940 41 and 1945-51), E. Craig (1934-46), B. K. Crookshanks (1934-46), R. L. C. Dargie (1964-73), I. Davidson (1980 85), J. P. Drummond (1947 58), N. Garden (1960-66), D. N. Georgcson (1929-40), R. Gray (1951 65), Miss P. Gunn (1979-85), H. A. S. Hamilton (1943-56), J. F. Hendry (1951 65), A. Howie (1977-83), K. Hunter (1928 41), G. Jones (1957 66), A. Kennaway (1950-62), H. K. S. Kinghorn (1943 56), Dr. A. A.

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Former Pupils' Club

Lawrence (1940 46), F. K. Lawson (1946-61), J. C. Lyon (1953-59), Dr. D. MacAllister (1961-74), Miss M. Macdonald (1980-86), Miss S. Macdonald (1980-86), J. Mack (1967 73), A. Mackay (1967 73), A. M. McLaren (1926 39), I. McLeod (1951-55), Mrs S. Marshall (1979-82), J. D. Moir (1969 75), D. G. Moir (1969-75), II. E. Morrison (1951-65), Miss M. J. Moser (1976-80), N. Munro (1942 56), J. D. Murray (1961-74), Miss S.-J. Mutch (1974-80), I. M. S. Park (1942 55), Miss L. Pike (1982-88), J. D. Reid (1954-65), P. Robertson (1967-73), 1. G. IL Ross (1958-63), R. C. Shirreffs (1951 65), C. Smith (1978-83), Miss K. Smith (1978 85), R. Smith (1978 83), Miss S. F. Smith (1974-80), Miss A. F. Taylor (1974-80), I. Wallace (1978 83), D. Wallis (1979 85), Miss II.. Wallis (1981-87), D. M. Watson (1979-85), M. F. Watson (1943 56), A. S. Welsh (1946 51), D. M. Wood (1958-71), W. Wood (1937 48), D. N. Yule (1960 66).

Also in attendance: Staff: W. J. Johnston (Rector) Miss J. Archibald, Mrs S. Belford, Mrs J. Downie, W. May, R. J. Nugent Former Staff: R. D. Gill (Rector, 1972 86), R. McLeod, I. T. Stephen, P. W. Scott Miss Y. McAllister (Head Girl), P. Stewart (Head Boy) G. McKenzie (Club &rare Steward)

FP Club Membership Subscription Rates Life Membership Ordinary Annual Membership Junior Annual Membership

£75

£6

(under 22 years of age on 1 January)

School Leaver's Membership (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 AB1 6JD.

Club Apparel Members—particularly members furth of Aberdeen—may care to know that the Club currently has a new stock of ties in club colours (magenta and green stripes on black background or magenta stripes 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 £8, sweaters at £24 and body-warmers at £7.50. Also available, in small sizes only, is a limited number of sweaters at a special "sale price"of £7.50.

Apply to the Secretary, John F. Hendry, 36 Albyn Place, Aberdeen AB9

1YU.

Centre Reports Club Centre 1989 marked the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Club Centre. The occasion was celebrated with a Birthday Lunch, which was greatly enjoyed by almost one hundred members and friends.

The Centre continues to be an invaluable asset to the FP Club. It provides committee rooms for meetings, facilities for the numerous FP Sections, and it offers pleasant surroundings where guests and visiting teams can be catered for and entertained. It is indeed a complex of which we ought to be proud.

The friendly atmosphere of the Centre is largely due to the efforts of our Club Steward, George McKenzie, and his staff, and to them we owe our thanks.

George's wife, Eileen, has once again provided excellent lunches on Fridays and Saturdays. She has also catered for many Section and private functions throughout the year, and the wish of the Management Committee is that the catering facilities in the Club Centre be used to the full.

During the year many repairs and improvements were carried out to the Club Centre premises. Paying for those obviously puts a strain on the Centre's finances.

However, it has always been felt by Management Committees that this policy is absolutely necessary, if the high standard of the Club Centre facilities is to be maintained. This policy does mean that prudent management of the Centre's finances is essential.

The key to the continuing success of the FP Club Centre is membership. It is very satisfying that so many young people have joined the Club Centre, but it is really a "Catch 22" situation. The Centre would like more members, and with more members the Centre could be made even better.

Membership forms can be obtained at the Club Centre or from the Secretary, John Macrae.

Edinburgh The Centre held its Annual Dinner on Friday 16 March 1990 in the Carlton Highland Hotel, Edinburgh. ThePresident,Ronnie Smith, welcomed the company of ninety-two members and guests, who included Eric Craig, President of the Parent Club, Bill Johnston, the Rector, Ian Duguid, Dr. Wilson McIntosh and Peter Cairns representing respectively the London, Yorkshire and Glasgow Centres and Roy Alexander, the President ofEdinburgh Gordonians. The principal guest was Jimmy Spankie, former presenter with Grampian Television and now Managing Director of TV-AM (Scotland). He proposed a toast to "The School and the Club", and suitable replies were made by the Rector and the Parent Club President. It was generally agreed that Mr Spank ie's speech was one of the best delivered at the Centre for many years—it was very much appreciated that he had taken the trouble to visit the Rector at the School prior to the Dinner. The toast to "The Guests" was proposed by the Centre President, and the Rev. Ernest Sangster replied in most humorous vein.

In the course of the dinner, the Centre as usual held its Annual General Meeting.

Hunter Cairns and Nigel Watt were elected as the new President and VicePresident, Nigel Watt was re-elected as Hon. Secretary and Treasurer and the new committee members are Edward Fraser and Alastair Philip.

The Annual Golf Match with the Glasgow Centre was due to take place at Bruntsfield in May but was cancelled at very short notice. An informal outing was held and enjoyed very much by the eight members participating. The Annual Golf Outing was, as usual, held at Bruntsfield in August and was won by our former 50

Centre Reports

51

President, Ian Macleod, with a stableford score of 42—he thus won the Morr Brown Trophy for the first time. Nigel Watt was in second place with 39 points and David Kilgour third with 36 points. Thirteen members participated and enjoyed an excellent high tea in the clubhouse. This year's outing will be held on Wednesday 29 August, again at Bruntsfield.

Next year's Dinner will be held in the Carbon Highland Hotel on Friday 1 February 1991, the eve of the Scotland v Wales Rugby International at Murrayfield.

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 Watt at 11 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh on 031-229-1212.

The following FPs attended the Annual Dinner: C. C. Allan (1936-45), A. M. Beattie (1944-57), E. R. Birkett (1920-22), Dr. N. M. Borthwick (1952-65), D. A. Brittain (1943 49), W. M. Brown (1933-46), A. H. Cairns (1943-56), J. P. Cairns (1943-57), T. G. Coutts (1938-51), D. L. Cowie (1942-44), J. W. Cradock (19441 46), E. Craig (1934-46), B. K. Crookshanks (1934 46), J. F. C. Davidson (Staff, 1963), I, M. Duguid (1938 48), B. D. D. F.mslie (1929 36), Dr. D. J. Fettes (1953-59), Rev. S. Goodhrand (1926-40), Dr. B. S. Gray (1943 49), J. F. llendry (1951 65), R. B. M. Howie (1972-78), Dr. J. M. Hunter (1936 46), N. C. Irvine (1929 34), Miss V. C. Irvine (1973-79), L. G. Johnston (1932-45), W. J. Johnston (Rector), D. G. Kilgour (1938 50), Rev. Dr. J. F. Kirk (1937-47), Prof P. N. Love (1952 58), Dr. A. R. Lyall (1933 46), J. C. Lyon (1953-59), D. McAllister (1961-74), Dr. J. A. McGregor (1935-44), Dr. A. W. McIntosh (1932 45), A. M. McLaren ((1926 39), J. H. McLaren (1945 59), D. I. K. MacLeod (1952-54), Prof. G. A. MacNab (193444), K. I. Masson (1959-72), J. D. Moir (1969-75), A. J. K. Monro (1933 46), H. E. Morrison (1951 65), Miss M. J. Moser (1976-80), J. D. Murray (1961-74), Dr. A. F. Philip (1943 56), G. F. Rae (1968-70), J. M. Rae (1963-71), R. S. Rilley (1947-55), D. P. Smith (1945-47), Miss K. Smith (1978 85), R. G. C. Smith (1926 37), Miss S. E. Smith (1974-80), R. G. L. Stirrat (1959 64), Miss A. E. Taylor (1974-80), D. M. Watson (1979 85), M. F. Watson (1943-56), Dr. M. S. Watson (1978 83), N. G. M. Watt (1963-69), A. G. Williams (1964-77).

Glasgow The Glasgow Centre held its postponed dinner on 3 March 1990 at the Royal Scottish Automobile Club.

Andrew Mcl.aren, the Centre President, welcomed fifty-five members and guests. The principal speaker was John Watson (a member of the Cronies), who proposed the toast to the School and the Club. On behalf of the School the Rector, Mr. W. J. Johnston, replied, with an excellent speech by Eric Craig on behalf of the Club.

The joint function with Gordonians and the High School took the form of a lunch and a visit to Pollock House. The joint function this year will be organised by the Glasgow Centre to take place on 9 June, to follow the Annual Golf Match against the Edinburgh Centre held on 16 May. In the course of the Annual General Meeting the committee members were all re-elected, with Andrew McLaren handing over the presidency to Peter Cairns.

Members of the Glasgow Centre attending the 1990 Dinner were: David Allan (1945 58), Gary J. G. Allan (1963-76), lain Allan (1942-52), J. Peter Cairns (1945-57), Basil Emslie (1935), Malcolm W. R. Gauld (1947-61), Bill Gow (1918 19, 1925-28), Arthur Grant (1947-51), Dr. W. C. M. Lawrence (1940-43), Dr. Robert Lynch (1934-47), Ronnie Malcolm (1943-56), Andrew McLaren (1926 39), Canon Gibb Pennie (1923-26), Colin Sutherland (1947-60).

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

London The London Centre has had another successful year and we have been delighted that Doug Smith, despite occasional ill health, has continued as President. Ernie Cohen and Roddy Anderson have remained as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

As usual, the highlight of the year was our Annual Dinner, held at the Caledonian Club.

Unfortunately, owing to the unsolicited intervention of the Post Office, numbers were down on last year, but those who attended were highly entertained by our guest speaker, Jeremy Hanley, M.P., with his reminiscences of life in the House of Commons. We were also pleased to welcome at the Dinner the Rector, Bill Johnston, Eric Craig, President of the Parent Club and representatives of other Centres and schools.

Members might like to note that the 1990 Dinner is fixed for Friday, 16 November and we look forward to seeing FPs from outside London attending.

The Committee and members of the Centre have again been active in attending the Annual Dinners of other Centres and Scottish schools.

This year we have again played host to two sixth formers in the now regular trip to London, and our thanks go to Sandy Nichol for his marvellous organisation of this annual event.

We have participated again in the Scottish Schools' Golf Competition, our teams ably organised by Andrew Noble, although this year the winning team contained only three FPs out of a team of four, and it was thus denied the Anniesland Trophy.

We look forward to success in our activities over the next twelve months.

Yorkshire The well-attended Dinner was held as usual at The Dower House, Knaresborough, on Friday 29 September, and a highly enjoyable evening was experienced by one and all. In addition to the Rector, the Dinner was graced by the attendance of three Presidents, namely Eric Craig (Parent Club), Ronald Smith (Edinburgh Centre) and presiding Yorkshire Centre President, W. J. Alexander.

Eric Craig was introduced by the Yorkshire President in an amusing "alphabetical" speech containing various acronyms to illustrate his various points. Eric Craig brought the house down with several stories related in the Doric, and stated how much he was enjoying his year in office in spite of it involving much travel and attendance at countless meetings. Members were then delighted to be brought up to date with the academic and sporting activities of the School by the Rector, who reported on the progress being made in the re-construction caused by the fire. The Secretary's report and accounts were approved, and the company was delighted by the late arrival of Martyn A. Batchelor (1959-65), who had been held up by business commitments in Swansea. The Secretary feels there must be "lurking" in Yorkshire many more Former Pupils, and if such be the case, perhaps they would get in touch with W. Scott Gilchrist, 18 Clifford Moor Road, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 6PG, telephone number 0937-845440. The 1990 Dinner will be held at the same venue on Friday 28 September.

Also in attendance were: lan Stephen (Hon. member), Melville F. Watson (1943 56), A. J. M. Miller (1942-55), A. Wilson McIntosh (1932-45), Leslie G. Johnston (1932 45), R. P. Tyson (1944 49), W. Morrison Brown (1933 46), Leslie D. Mayor (1922 33).

Section Reports Cricket The Section had a mixed season in 1989. The 1st XI finished second in the Strathmore Union, while the 2nd XI were relegated to Grade 2. The 3rd XI ended the season in the middle of Reserve Grade 2.

Of sixteen matches played, the Strathmore Union XI won ten, drew four and lost two. Dallas Moir topped the team's batting averages with 283 runs at 25.73 apiece.

John Dixon and John Eagles also made their mark with the bat, each scoring over 200 runs for the season. One of the highlights was John Eagles' half-century in the last game of the season at Strathmore.

On the bowling front, Jeremy Moir took 58 wickets at an average of 6.67. On no fewer than seven occasions he notched up five victims in an innings. Twinbrother Dallas and Alan Redhead were also successful with the ball, taking 30 and 20 wickets respectively.

The high point of the season was undoubtedly Jeremy Moir's long-overdue selection for Scotland. He played for the side in their fixtures against M.C.C., Yorkshire, Ireland and Australia.

In the match against Australia at Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow, Jeremy produced an outstanding bowling spell, taking 5 wickets for 33 runs in 11 avers.

His victims included Merv Hughes, Dean Jones and skipper Allan Border, all regular members of the Australian test side.

The high quality of opposition in Grade 1 proved too much for the 2nd X I last season, but the team looks forward to a slightly less competitive atmosphere in Grade 2 this summer.

Ian Souter (238 runs) skipper Don Hitchen (208 runs) and lain Hopkin (168 runs) were the most consistent batsmen in 1989.

Mike Hart shone with the bat in the team's last-ball home victory against Banchory, hitting two huge sixes off the last two deliveries. Schoolboy Eddie Church scored a fine 27 not out away to Ellon and showed much promise for the future.

There was success with the ball for Brian Proctor (23 wickets), Ian Sourer (20 wickets) and Don Hitchen (17 wickets) but, on the whole, the bowling lacked penetration.

It is hoped that the 2nd XI will have a more settled side for the 1990 season and that the team will make its mark in Grade 2.

The 3rd XI finished the 1989 season in middle position in Reserve Grade 2. The team enjoyed its cricket and several players made significant contributions with bat and ball.

Dick Wallis and Derek Harley headed the batting table with averages of 27.50 and 25.60 respectively, while schoolboys Gordon lnkson and Graeme Gordon were the side's most successful bowlers, showing considerable potential. Gordon took 18 wickets at a cost of 79 runs and recorded a well-deserved hat-trick early in the season. Graeme's haul of 26 wickets reflected the pace and accuracy opposing batsmen had to face at the crease. Eddie Church was an able support bowler, with 16 victims to his credit.

The team looks forward to the challenge of another season in Division 2 and is encouraged by the large number of schoolboys turning out on Saturdays.

The following officials have been elected for 199th President J. G. N. Fraser; 1st XI Captain P. A. Redhead; lit XI Vice-Captain D. G. Moir; 2nd XI Captain J. P. Gorringe; 2nd XI l'ice-Captain I. S. Hopkin; 3rd XI Captain C. Gordon; 3rd XI Vice-Captain R. Wallis; Secretary R. S. T. Ferro.

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54

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Curling Last year's welcome influx of junior curlers has now, for the most part, moved on and out of town. We are now looking to generate new members from FPs who are at university or at further education establishments, or who have graduated and would like to take up the game.

This season we have played a pairs' competition for the first time and are looking forward to a repeat of this type of game next season. The pairs proved very popular with the members and involves, for a very large group, a combination of both playing and spectating.

The North-East Curling Province League competition is in two sections this year and our entry, skipped by Roy Nudd, has progressed through the preliminary section to the `Premier' Division, in which we have won three out of the seven games.

Our internal `Autumn League' was won by Jim Andrews' rink of Jim, Barton Brown, John Drummond, Hector Morrison and Jim Walker. The 'Spring League' and the league play-off were both won by Roy Nudd's rink of Geddie and Lorraine Hay, George Simpson and Bruce Allan.

Our Annual Dinner was held for the first time in the Club Centre and was an unqualified success, thanks in no small part to the excellent catering and service provided by Eileen McKenzie (the steward's wife) and her team and to George Thomson's special unscheduled acrobatic performance!

Last, but by no means least, our annual game against Gordonians Curling Club was crowned with success and we enjoyed excellent lasagne at the reception in the Club Centre afterwards.

Officials of the Curling Section this season were: Jim Andrews President, George Cruickshank I ire- President, Geddie Hay Treasurer and Bruce Allan Secretary.

Football This has been the second season for the FP Football Section. The season started with high hopes, having just missed out on promotion from the Aberdeen Amateur Division VI by one place the previous season. The team got off to a good start and by Christmas we were lying second in the division. However, since then, a slump in form and injuries to certain key players have meant that the team struggled to maintain this good start. We have now completed all our league matches but, at the time of writing, several other teams have a few fixtures to complete. The signs are that we should end up finishing around sixth in the division. Our league performance over the season was as follows: Played Won Drawn Lost Paints 26 12 4 10 28 Although we did not progress very far in any of the numerous cup tournaments, we did give a few of the "big guns" some very hard games. On a brighter note, it would appear that we are going to win, for the second year running, the Amateur Fair Play Trophy, which is awarded to the team with the best disciplinary record throughout the divisions.

Special thanks are due to Hugh for providing us with excellent playing facilities and also for putting up with fixture changes, often at short notice.

Anyone who is interested in playing football next season should contact Mike Cheyne on Aberdeen 630885.

Section Reports

55

Golf Section The Golf Section is now open to members of the Club Centre, which allows nonFPs to compete for trophies.

The Section had a successful season in 1989 with two outings at Braemar arid outings at Ballater, Brechin and Huntly. They continue to be well attended and the competition for trophies is as keen as ever. Peter Robertson won the Russell Henderson Cup for the three best scratch scores and Norman Garden won the Walker Cup for the three best handicap scores. Membership is up on last year and the Section remains solvent.

The Challenge Cup against Gordonians was not played because of a clash of dates, but the H AR Trophy was played at Braemar in October, when Gordonians narrowly beat us in a low-scoring match. We lost in the first round of the Queen Elizabeth Coronation Schools' Tournament to Falkirk High School FPs. Our Annual Dinner was held for the first time at the Club Centre and the principal speaker was Professor P. N. Love. The downstairs bar proved to be a popular venue and will be repeated this year.

This year's Captain is Dallas Moir, Gordon Hatrick is Vice-Captain and Peter Robertson continues as Secretary.

Hockey On the whole the past season was one of great disappointment. The exodus of several key members from the Section, together with a lack of School pupils coming through the ranks, has made it a season to forget.

The 1st XI Captain, Neil MacLean, moved away from Aberdeen at the start of the season and, although he continued to run the side until Christmas, this was clearly an unworkable situation for both him and the team. Unfortunately, by then the damage had been done, and at the midway stage, the 1st XI had collected one point out of a possible twenty. After the turn of the year, Murray Carnie stepped in to captain the side for the remainder of the season and, although relegation was by then inevitable, the team produced a series of better results. One encouraging feature in an otherwise bleak year for the 1st XI was the introduction of many promising youngsters to the side, and their presence provides some confidence for the future.

The 2nd XI, under the captaincy of Paul Gogolinski, finished second in District League Division One behind rivals Gordonians "A". Uncharacteristically, the 2nd XI were knocked out of the cup in the first round in a gruelling away-tie against Cochrane Park in Glasgow.

The 3rd XI were relegated from District League Division One, and this has undoubtedly been a severe blow to the entire Section. After many years of making third place in the Division their own, the 3rd XI perhaps suffered more than any other team from the loss of so many fine players. Amidst their poor league form, however, the 3rd XI did have an exceptionally good cup run, losing in the semifinal after extra-time to Penicuik.

The 4th XI, under the captaincy of David Simpson, once again managed to hold down a mid-table place in District League Division Two. If any one team deserves credit for its efforts during the season, however, it is Grammarians. Despite waistlines getting larger and legs getting slower, this veterans' side consolidated their Division One status. The enjoyment that Grammarians continue to get from playing and their appetite for the game are a credit to the Section.

The Section must now put a very difficult year behind it and begin rebuilding for the future. Fortunately, we have a crop of outstanding young players, many of whom have represented Scotland at under-18 and under-16 levels. In addition, the

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Section continues to benefit from the coaching skills of Murray Carrie and Gavin Fraser.

In order to compete at the highest level, however, the Section badly requires some sort of sponsorship arrangement, and one of the main aims for the coming season will be to secure a suitable deal. It is equally important to coax schoolboys into playing for the Section. This will also be a major consideration for the new Management Committee. As always, the Section is indebted to its officials, team captains and all those who helped throughout the year, in particular Fred Lawson, who has stepped down as Club Captain.

Petanque The game continues to flourish and our improved facilities allow us now to play throughout the year.

The Pairs League, started in January, was finally headed by Ron Comber and David Earp.

May saw the first use of the Westburn Park as a venue for a Scottish Grand Prix and the team of Harry McPherson, son Murray and Peter Henderson won the Plate competition.

The Summer Solstice Singles provided a victory for Ayron Comber, who did well to defeat newcomer John May. The Open Tournament in August was again well supported and there were many exciting battles.

First-season player, Neil Robertson, improved with each round and held on well to beat the more experienced Ayron Comber for the Singles title.

Gary Anderson and Gordon Hatrick swept all before them in the Pairs, to make it a magnificent three wins in a row. The Triples, played in the form of a league, were comfortably won by Corrie Christie, David Thomson and Derek McKay. The Committee for 1990 is: Derek McKay, Dick Cradock, Ron Comber, Gary Anderson, Al Ritchie and David Thomson.

The officials for 1990 are: Derek McKay Captain/Secretary, Dick Cradock Treasterer, Ron Comber Piste Convener.

Rugby As far as the first fifteen is concerned, this has been another mediocre season, with only five out of the thirteen league matches being won. Every season the team seems able to produce some unusual performance. It is commonly accepted that the home team has some advantage. This year, however, only one of the home games was won, against East Kilbride, and five lost. The game against East Kilbride was won by a penalty goal in the last kick of the game. On two occasions, against Biggar and Highland, it is sad to say that the defeats could only be described as self inflicted. Against Wigtownshire and Dundee High very severe defeats were recorded against much better sides. Although the away record was so much better, it was still a nerve-racking business to watch Grangemouth beaten by the last move of the game and Trinity by a conversion from the touch-line with two minutes to go. The final game against Morgan at Dundee had to be won to be clear of relegation, and with ten minutes to go the team was still trailing 6.9, but came good at the end when it mattered, to win 18-9.

The third division is a very tough division with very little to choose between most of the teams. Still, it must be admitted that with the players available the record should have been better. The team very rarely seemed to play as a team, although there were some good individual performances. One can only hope for better results next season.

Section Reports

57

The 2nd XV had an average season, finishing 4th in the Midlands 2nd XV League, with some very good results. The team never quite pulled it offagainst the top sides.

The brightest point of the season concerns the 3rd XV. Although subject to change, as always happens to junior sides, they won the Aberdeen and District 2nd Division with an unbeaten record and gained promotion to the first division. In the League Cup, having qualified for the knock-out stages, again unbeaten, they won the final against Ellon by 16-11 after a very tight game. 1.es Ross, as skipper, is to be congratulated on the success of his team.

The under-18 Colts started the season with a young and inexperienced team and suffered some heavy defeats to begin with, but improved vastly as the season progressed. At one point they were joint runners-up in their league, but when another club was disqualified for playing over-age players, they had to play Highland and Moray away within five days to decide the league winners. Both games were won and the team became league champions. They thus qualified for the national semi-final against Dunfermline where, although beaten, they put up a fine performance.

'I'he under-16 Colts had an average season again.

The Section looks after the School rugby players from the fourth year upwards.

To do this, it is essential to have a sufficient number of people to coach and travel with the teams. It would be greatly appreciated if volunteers would contact the Secretary to offer assistance. The more help available, the wider the load is spread.

There have been excellent second- and third-year sides this year, and as they grow older they deserve all the help that they can get.

Players chosen for representative matches were as follows: Chris Evans for North Midlands; Neil Goodall and Billy Mann for North Midlands under-21s; Hamish Morrison, Steven Law and Neil Clark for North under-16s.

The 1989-90 team records were as follows: 1st XV 2nd XV 3rd XV Colts under-18 Colts under-16

P 27 22 16 25 12

W 12 14 11 9 8

D 1 1 1 0 0

L 14 7 4 16 4

Swimming The Section continues to be well attended, with a healthy mix of old stalwarts and new faces.

The Section meets every Tuesday evening during term-time between 6.15 and 9.15 p.m. and the sessions are split into family, recreational and free swimming sessions.

New members are always welcome, but it should be noted that children are only permitted to attend when accompanied by an adult.

'The officials for 1990 are: Roger D. Houghton President, Norman G. Marr Treasurer and Pete Mulvey Secretary.

Women's Hockey This season has been the Section's most successful vet. With two teams now well established in the North District league, membership is growing steadily and we hope to continue this trend with a healthy inflow from the School.

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.4berdem G►ammar Schaal Magaine

The 1st XI enjoyed a particularly good season, remaining unbeaten in all sixteen games played.

The 2nd XI's first season, although not as glorious as that of the first team, was thoroughly enjoyed by all team members. The indoor hockey team once again played enthusiastically during the winter and improved on their last year's performance while enjoying their games. In addition to outdoor training at Rubislaw when the light allowed, a weekly slot was obtained in a local school's games hall. The facilities at the Chris Anderson Stadium were also used and provided us with extra practice on artificial surfaces.

The Section participated in several tournaments during the season and was especially pleased to be invited to the Bell Baxter Tournament in Cupar in April.

The Section wishes to thank all the umpires who generously gave up their Saturdays (often in freezing weather), the FP Club, and extra special thanks go to Fred Lawson, who has once again given so much to both teams in terms of time, effort, skill and support. With a proposed merger with the Men's Hockey Section in prospect, the Section looks forward to the forthcoming year in anticipation of further success and enjoyment.

The officials for 1990 are: Carol Corrnack Captain la XI; Karen Paterson Captain 2nd XI and Secretag

David Leith Allan (1945-58), LL.B., M.Phil., F.B.1.M., was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police in April 1988 and was seconded to the Scottish Police College, Kincardine on Forth, as Deputy Commandant with responsibility for all training there. In 1989 he completed the degree of Master of Philosophy at Strathclyde University and is a Fellow of the British Institute of Management.

Stephen J. Allan (1983-89), Maura T. Grant (1982-88) and Helen C. Wallis (1981-87) were presented with the Queen's Scout Award, the highest award in scouting, by the Chief Scout, W. Garth Morrison, at Worcester Cathedral in March of this year. The three are all from the 38th Aberdeen Venture Scout Group.

Stephen is currently studying at Dundee University, Maura, who was Deputy Head Girl in session 1987-88, is a student at East Anglia University and Helen is studying at the Northern College of Education, Aberdeen.

Dr. Brian). Bain (1972-78), B.Sc. (Eng.), Ph.D., a graduate of Aberdeen University, works for W. A. Fairhurst, Civil and Structural Engineers in Aberdeen.

A keen swimmer and rower at school, he went on to gain blues in both these sports at Aberdeen University.

William Barlow (1960-72), B.Sc., M.Sc., has been appointed Marketing Manager of Don and Low, Forfar, with responsibility for boosting exports and researching new opportunities. After leaving school, he completed a B.Sc. degree in Natural Sciences at Aberdeen University, before gaining an m.sc. in Business Studies at Edinburgh University. He has worked for a number of companies, including Ferranti and Honeywell Control Systems. Prior to taking up his current post, he was Marketing Manager for management consultants Arthur Young in Glasgow.

George Alexander Beedie (1969-75), B.Sc., has been appointed an associate partner with Aberdeen quantity surveyors McLeod and Aitken. He has been with the firm for ten years. A fellow FP and graduate of Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology, Graham Robertson Cantlay (1961-74), B.Sc., has also been appointed an associate partner with the same firm after eleven years' service.

Susan Blasdale (1980-86) is the oldest member of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland at 21 years of age. She has been a member of the orchestra for eight years and is currently studying the viola at the Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Dr. John Law Brebner (1938-51), M.A., Ph.D., is Professor of Solid State Physics at the University of Montreal, Canada.

Apart from his teaching and administrative duties, he is involved in obtaining funds from private and business sources for the research projects carried out by his department. After graduating with first-class honours in Natural Philosophy from Aberdeen University, he went on to complete a doctorate at the same university.

He then went to Ottawa to work for the National Research Council of Canada. In 1962 he moved to Geneva, where he stayed for six years, and during that time he married. In 1968 he was appointed Associate Professor and in 1974 Professor of Solid State Physics at Montreal University.

At school he won the All-round Trophy and at university was a keen rugby player.

59

60

Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine

Robert Finlayson Carswell (1933-43), B.Sc., has retired to Grantown-on-Spey after many years with the English Electric Company. After leaving school he gained a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering at Aberdeen University and joined English Electric/G.L.C. Switchgear Ltd. He was for twenty years district engineer for the Switchgear construction division in London and the South East of England.

John Bruce Clark Coull (1960-73) returned to his native city as a clarinet player with the Band of the Scots Guards. Sergeant Coull joined the Army in 1976 after studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music in Glasgow. He has been with the Band on many of its foreign trips and recently returned from Virginia, U.S.A. George Coutts (1972-78), B.Sc., a graduate of Aberdeen University, is a captain in the Royal Corps of Engineers.

A fellow FP, Alfred Brand (1972-78), B.Sc., also a graduate of Aberdeen University, is a captain in the Royal Corps of Signals.

Captain of Scotland Women's Hockey Team Margery G. Coutts (1975 81) was appointed Captain of Scotland's hockey team for the Home Countries' Championships in March of this year. She has 47 senior outdoor caps and has also been capped for Scotland 'B', the under-21 team, and for Scottish Schoolgirls. She has been capped 18 times for the Scotland indoor hockey team. She is currently a P.E. teacher at St. Machar Academy, Aberdeen, and plays hockey for Guytech Western.

Another international hockey player is Tracey J. Robb (1981 87), who is a third-year law student at Aberdeen University. She has represented Scotland on six occasions and was also capped at under-16 and under-18 levels. She is currently a member of the under-21 team and, like Margery Coutts, also plays for Guytech Western.

Miles A. Cruickshank (1961-74) has been appointed Creative Director of Aberdeen advertising agency Clifton Collier. He has ten years' experience in this field, having previously run his own company, 502 Graphic Communication, which he formed in 1987. He also worked in retailing and publishing, before entering graphic design.

Hamish Davidson (1935-38) has been appointed Professor of Hotel and Catering Studies at Napier Polytechnic. On leaving school, he studied at the Scottish Hotel School in Glasgow. He has a wide range of experience in hotel management.

Basil D. D. Emslie (1928-35) has been Director of Engineering Industries Association, Scotland since 1980. He has helped to increase the membership of the Association from 10 in 1980 to 225 in 1989. Among his many duties, he has been involved in setting up trade exhibitions in the U.S.A. and Japan.

He is still an active member of the Glasgow Rotary Club and was its President in 1965-66. In 1984 he led a Rotary Group study exchange team on a visit to Michigan, U.S. A. Robert Fairweather Gillan (1941-55), M.A., has become a partner of legal firm lain Smith and Co., Aberdeen, after the merger of that firm with the long established firm of Alexander & Gillan. Aftergraduating from Aberdeen University, he joined the firm and became a partner in the late sixties.

His elder brother, John Thomson Clifford Gillan (1934-46), is a partner with Wilsone & Duffus, Solicitors, in Aberdeen.

Ian B. Groves (1963-68), B.D., has been appointed Minister of Inverurie West Church. Born in Fyvie, he grew up in Aberdeen and was Area Tourist Officer for Banff, Buchan and Gordon until 1981. In 1987 he graduated from Aberdeen University with honours in Divinity.

James George Lobban (1954-60), M.A., was presented with an award for his twenty years' service as conductor of Aberdeen Bach Choir. He is currently organist and choirmaster of St. Machar's Cathedral choir, Old Aberdeen.

Notes About Former Pupils

61

International Cricket Caps Jeremy D. Moir (1969-75) was selected to play cricket for Scotland m season 1989. He played for the side in their fixtures against Yorkshire, M.C.C., Ireland and Australia.

In the match against Australia, played at Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow on 15 July, Jeremy bowled superbly, taking 5 wickets for 33 runs in 11 overs (including 3 maidens). His victims included Merv Hughes, Dean Jones and captain Allan Border, all regular members of the Australian test side.

Jeremy's twin-brother, Dallas G. Moir (1969-75), a former member of English county side Derbyshire, also played for Scotland in 1980 and 1986. Dallas represented his country in fixtures against Ireland, Holland, West Indies and M.C.C. He also appeared in eleven Benson and Hedges/Nat West matches.

Another F.P., M. (Mike) J. Smith (1978- 84), has represented Scotland at international level. The Aberdeenshire all-rounder won his first full cap against Ireland at Coleraine in July 1987. He went on to win caps in 1987 against M.C.C., in 1988 against Ireland and M.C.C. and in 1989 against Australia. He was also selected for seven of Scotland's Benson and Hedges/Nat West matches.

His brother, R. (Roddy) C. Smith (1980-86), is a regular member of the Aberdeenshire county side and took part in a Scottish Thistle Select tour of Pakistan in November 1989.

Ian Macaulay (1960-73), M.A., was appointed Head Teacher of Pittenchar East Primary, Glenrothes in June 1989. After gaining a teaching qualification, he taught in Shetland for eight years at Unst, Mossbank and Brae, moving in 1985 to take up the post of Head Teacher at Whithorn Primary School.

Alistair Gerould Macdonald (1950-64), M.A., has been appointed Musical Director of Aberdeen Choral Society. After leaving school, he graduated from Aberdeen University with an honours degree and joined the Music Department of Peterhead Academy. He held posts at Hilton and Hazlehead Academies, before taking up the post of Principal Teacher of Music at Peterhead Academy.

He has a wide experience of choral work, having conducted the Peterhead Choral Society for ten years.

Neil McDowall (1972 78), LL.B., has been appointed Secretary of the Northern College of Education. A former head boy and winner of the All-round Trophy, he completed a law degree at Aberdeen University before entering local government service.

Ruaraidh Wishart McIntyre (1945-51), M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.S., is Director of the multi-disciplinary intensive-care unit of Ottawa Civic Hospital, Canada, a teaching hospital affiliated to the University of Ottawa Medical Faculty.

A graduate of Aberdeen University, he moved to Canada, after being in general practice for a short while in this country. In 1968 he gained a fellowship in anaesthetics, which led to his involvement in Canada's earliest transplant surgery.

He is a member of the Council of the Canadian Medical Protective Association, of which he is a member of the Executive Committee. During his school-days he took an interest in skiing and hill-walking and still finds time to pursue these activities. He saw National Service with the S. A.S. On moving to Canada, he took up an interest in sailing and went on to represent that country in international events.

Arthur William Alexander Main (1939-45), M.A., B.D., is on the staff of the Boys' Brigade headquarters in Glasgow. After graduating from Aberdeen University, he became Assistant Minister at the Old Kirk, West Pilton, Edinburgh and then Minister of the Douglas and Angus Church, Dundee from 1955 to 1964.

He went on to hold the post of Minister of St. David's Memorial Parish Church, Kirkintilloch from 1964 to 1970, before embarking upon a course of study at

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Aberdeen Grammar .School Magazine

Jordanhill College of Education. In 1971 he took up the appointment of assistant teacher of Religious Education at Douglas Academy, Milngavie, Glasgow, becoming Principal Teacher in 1975. He took early retirement in 1983, before taking up his present post.

Susan Main (1979 85), M.A., graduated with honours in Economic Science from Aberdeen University. A former member of Grampian Schools' Percussion Ensemble, she now works for BP in Aberdeen.

Neil Ian Wilson Meldrum (1925-37), M.A., LL.B., a former president of the Club, was presented with a long-service certificate to mark his 40 years' service as a Church of Scotland elder. He became an elder of Holbum West Church in 1952, before moving to Cults West in 1967. He was for 15 years convener of the now defunct Church of Scotland Young Women's Hostel in Dee Street, Aberdeen.

Donald Meston (1972-78), B.Sc., B.D., graduated with honours in Divinity from Aberdeen University. After leaving school he completed a science degree at Edinburgh University and spent two and a half years teaching in Zambia. He then returned to Scotland to study Divinity. He is at present a locum student minister in Unst, based at Balta Sound.

Kenneth A. M. Nisbet (1972-78), Notes Editor of the Magazine, is currently working for Dan Air Services as a fares agent at Horley, Surrey.

He still manages to keep in touch with events in Aberdeen and is believed to be the first Notes Editor to live and work outside Aberdeen.

Allan Petrie (1972-77) has been appointed Business Development Manager of Swan National Motors, the Fiat dealer in Aberdeen. His position involves him in assisting businessmen with their transport requirements.

After leaving school he worked in the travel industry, first with Duncan's Travel, Aberdeen and latterly as manager of Portman Travel.

Maurice Robert Andrew Roe (1934-45), M.A., is a management consultant in Paris, having been in business on his own account since 1971.

After leaving school he studied at Aberdeen University, graduating with firstclass honours in Classics. After completing his National Service at Catterick and Maryhill Barracks, he held various posts in teaching and in insurance.

The eldest of three brothers who attended the School, his younger brother, Charles Francis Roe (1937-49), M.B., Ch.B., specialised in vascular surgery and lectured at Yale and Harvard. Charles was a prominent surgeon in the Boston area.

Recently he became a full-time author.

Maurice's younger brother, Henry Roe (1941-54), has been involved for many years in motor engineering. He was in East Africa for a number of years, before returning to Europe. He currently resides in Brussels.

Dr. Ronald Ian Lewis Smith (1946-60), B.Sc., Ph.D., was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science by Aberdeen University in July 1989 for his work as a member of the British Antarctic Survey. He joined the B.S.A. after graduating from Aberdeen University and is now Head of Botany at their headquarters in Cambridge.

Alan D. Thomson (1950-63) moved in 1988 from the Department of Health and Fitness in Halifax, Nova Scotia, after 12 years' service in the Ministry of Health in Victoria, British Columbia. He would be pleased to hear from any FPs living in the Vancouver area. He met Murdoch J. Shirreffs (1951-64) and his wife recently and looks forward to a visit from Ian Cotching (1958-63) and his family from New Zealand later this year.

David Fisher Watts (1943-45) is Headmaster of The Royal Caledonian School, which was founded in 1815 to educate the children of Scottish servicemen and which has been based at Bushey, Herts., since 1903.

On leaving school he went to the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, in 1949. His career in the Royal Navy spanned over 37 years and he rose from the rank of cadet to that of Commodore. His career included four sea-going commands, training, diplomatic, national and N. A.T.O. staff appointments, service in the R.N.Z.N. and the Royal Canadian Navy.

Notes Aboset Former Moils

63

After his retirement he spent two years as Director of the Sir Jules Thom Charitable Trust, disbursing money mainly to medical research and related projects.

Rev. John Deas Whiteford (1967-69), M.A., B.D., became Minister of Dunnottar Church, Stonehaven on 22 June 1989. After graduating from Aberdeen University with a Master of Arts degree in 1972, he went on to complete a Diploma in Social Work at Glasgow University in 1975. He worked as a social worker in Elgin until 1978, before taking up a similar post in Perth, a position he held for six years. He then completed a degree in Divinity at Glasgow University in 1988.

His younger brothers both attended the School. Robert Leggat Whiteford (1967-72) is a veterinary surgeon in Perth and William Bell Whiteford (1972-78) is a producer with Radio Scotland in Glasgow.

Dr. David V. S. Williamson (1948-54), B.Sc., Ph.D., works for the multinational chemical company Du Pont, based in Geneva, and is Vice-President of E. 1. Du Pont of Delaware.

At school he was a distinguished scholar, winning the McBain Gold Medal for the best mathematics scholar, the Geddes Prize for Science and the FP Club Silver Medal for Geography. In 1954 he was Joint Dux and was first in the Aberdeen University Bursary Competition. He was also a keen sportsman at school, playing in the 1st XV in season 1953-54, and was Captain of Dun House.

He continued his education at Aberdeen and Leeds Universities, joining Du Pont International in Geneva in 1963. Following various managerial posts, he was appointed Managing Director (Europe) of polymer products in 1981. Four years later he became Group Managing Director.

6-1

.,lbertleen Grammar School ,tlagazine

Classical VI (1936/37) 52 Years On

Bark row (left to right): Philip Dawson, George Sangster.* Middle row (left to right): Louis Rusack, Ian Flett, Neil Meldrum, George I ladden.

Bark row (left to right): Ronnie Smith, James Fiddes, Donald Pennie, Bill Adam.

The surviving members of Classical VI (1936/37) held a reunion in Aberdeen in May 1989.

Of the thirteen known survivors, ten attended the reunion. They were: William Adam, Philip Dawson, James R. Fiddes, Ian S. Flett, Dr. George C. Hadden, Neil I. W. Meldrum, Dr. Donald D. Pennie, Dr. Louis S. Rousack, Rev. George B. C. Sangster and Ronald G. C. Smith.

We had an excellent dinner in the Royal Northern and University Club, Albyn Place, during which great sorrow was expressed at the sudden death only some few weeks earlier of our classmate, Alan C. R. Watt.

On the Saturday morning after, we were privileged to be conducted on a tour of the School by Messrs. Allen, McCombie and Fulger, during which we much enjoyed revelling in nostalgia.

It was our unanimous decision to make a modest contribution to the School funds, and we have learned from the Rector that this has been used to purchase two volumes of the Oxford Illustrated Encyclopaedia and a set of volumes entitled The New Book of Knowledge.

It was much regretted that Alastair H. Campbell was unable to attend the reunion due to a previous commitment. Attempts—and they were numerous—to contact Alan B. Ewan and H. Haldane Thomson proved fruitless.

R.G.C.S. (1926-37) * The writer regrets to have to report that the Rev. George B. C. Sangster died in Edinburgh in February 1990.

Marriages Allsop (1977 78). —At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 28 July 1989, John Douglas Allsop, younger son of Rev. and Mrs. Thomas Allsop, 156 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen to Fiona Murray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Murray, 6 North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen.

Booth (1972 78). —At Ruthrieston West Parish Church, Aberdeen on 15 July 1989, James Delday Booth, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Booth, 66 King's Gate, Aberdeen to Lorna Stevenson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson, 11 Invercauld Gardens, Mastrick, Aberdeen.

Duncan (1975-81).—At Holburn West Church, Aberdeen on 15 July 1989, Graeme Ross Cursiter, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Cursiter, 7 Golf Crescent, Hopeman to Gillian Duncan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Duncan, 38 Annfield Terrace, Aberdeen.

Fleming (1971-77).---At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 6 May 1989, Colin Ross Fleming, second son of Mr. and Mrs. N. M. Fleming, 14 Edgehill Terrace, Aberdeen to Elaine Sutherland, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs D. M. Sutherland, Camfield House, Thurso.

Ingram (1972-78).-- At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 16 June 1989, Keith A. Ingram, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ingram, Carlton Place, Aberdeen to Moira I. Cowie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cowie, 9 Denview Road, Potterton, Aberdeen.

Kessack (1974-80).--At the West Church, Thurso on 8 July 1989, Lindsay George Kessack, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Kessack, 3 Annfield Terrace, Aberdeen to A vril I.uke, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. W. I.uke, 7 Provost Cormack Drive, Thurso.

Legatt (1965-71).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 17 July 1989, David Alan Legatt, only son of the late Mr. and Mrs W. I.eggat, Windford Road, Aberdeen to Margaret Macdonald, eldest daughter of the late Mr. H. Macdonald and Mrs M. Macdonald, Edinburgh.

Malcolm (1973-77) and Watson (1979-84).—At Rosemount Church, Aberdeen on 6 May 1989, Stuart Malcolm, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Malcolm, 10 Devonshire Road, Aberdeen to Morag Elizabeth Watson, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. Watson, 27 Cedar Court, Aberdeen.

Meldrum (1925-37).--At Bathgate High Church, Bathgate on 28 March 1990, Neil Ian Wilson Meldrum, 495 North Deeside Road, Cults, Aberdeen to Elizabeth A. I.. Sibbald, Hardhill Farm, Bathgate.

Milne (1972-78).—At Holbum West Church, Aberdeen on 21 July 1989, Bryan Robert Milne, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Milne, 54 Annfield Terrace, Aberdeen to Jacqueline Minto, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Minto, Aberdeen.

Peddie (1973-79). —At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 21 July 1989, Compton Ross, Earlspark Drive, Bieldside, Aberdeen to Jacqueline Peddie, Greenhowe Farm, Banchory Devenick.

Reid (1974-80) and Murray (1981-82).—At St Mary's Cathedral, Aberdeen on 8 July 1989, Michael Charles Reid, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Reid, 9 Burnside Gardens, Aberdeen to Pamela Margaret Murray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Murray, 146 Osborne Place, Aberdeen.

Strachan (1978 80). — At Queen's Cross Church, Aberdeen on 15 July 1989, Neil Strachan, son of Mr. J. Strachan and the late Mrs Strachan, 64 Forest Road, Aberdeen to Angeline Furneaux, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Furneaux, 2 Gullymoss Gardens, Westhill, Skene.

Swinton (197581).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 30 June 1989, Andrew Michael Swinton, son of Rev. and Mrs. Alan Swinton, 38 Harcourt Road, Aberdeen to Anne Murray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Murray, 70 Gairn Terrace, Aberdeen.

65

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Watson (1980-85).—At the North Church of St Andrew, Aberdeen on 12 July 1989, David Gillan, son of Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Gillan, 20 Redwood Crescent, Cove, Aberdeen to Diane Watson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs Watson, Femhill Drive, Aberdeen.

Obituaries

Treasurer of the FP Club Colin Cameron Allan (1936-45), C.A., died at Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen on 5 June 1990 after a short illness. He was 62.

On leaving school in 1945 he joined the firm of Meston and Co. and served his apprenticeship with them, qualifying as C.A. in 1950. He then joined the local firm of George Strathdee, which had been taken over by Allied Bakeries and after five years moved on to become accountant with William Tawse Ltd, who were eventually to form part of the Aberdeen Construction Group.

In 1970 he joined the firm of Richard Irvin & Sons Ltd as Company Secretary and Financial Director, joining John W. Cradock (1941-46) and Richard H. Cradock (1940-41 and 1944-51) on the board of that company.

In 1981 he joined the demerged part of the Wood Group, viz. J. W. Holdings Ltd and served as Group Accountant until his death.

His brother, Richard G. G. Allan (1936-41), a retired doctor, died in 1988. His sister, Marjory, who lives in London, is a retired doctor and his sister, Helen, died in 1989.

Colin (Gubby) was a great and loyal friend and a splendid companion. His contribution to the FP Association was immense. He served on many committees, among them the Executive, Club Centre, Golf Section, Curling Section and Rugby Section and gave of his time unstintingly. In 1976 he became Treasurer of the FP Club and continued in that position until his untimely death.

His love of golf was known to all and my first memory of Gubby's distinctive swing was when I caddied for him in the Masters v. Boys match. His opponent that day was "Fork y" Falconer, our beloved music master. Firstly as Secretary and then as Captain of the FP Golf Section (in 1980-81), he featured regularly at the prize giving. He was a long-standing member of the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club and was a member of the "RATS"—a group of golfers from his home club who enjoyed

Obituaries

67

a week of golf each May at suitable venues. It was sad that he became ill immediately prior to this year's trip, because not only was he this year's organising secretary, but since the "RATS" started in 1969 he was the only member of this illustrious group who had a 100% attendance record.

Colin will be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him well as a man of total integrity, whose enthusiasm was boundless and whose humour gave pleasure to all. His memory lives on, woven into the fabric of his companions' lives.

Much sympathy is felt for his wife, Betty, his son, Michael, his daughter, Helen, and their families.

E.C. (1934-46) The Right Reverend Ian Forbes Begg (1926-28), M. A., D.D., died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 18 November 1989 after a short illness. He was seventy-nine years of age. After graduating from Aberdeen University in 1931, he attended Westcott House, Cambridge and was made a priest in 1934. He was Curate of St. Paul's Prince Park, Liverpool from 1933 to 1935. In 1935 he was appointed priest in charge of St. Ninian's Church, Seaton, Aberdeen, where he served until 1973.

He helped build the church hall and even his own parsonage. in 1965 he was appointed a canon of Aberdeen Cathedral, Dean of the united diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney in 1969 and bishop in 1972. He retired in 1977.

He then took up the post of Minister of St. Machar's Episcopal Church, Bucksburn. As Chaplain to the Tivoli Theatre for eight years, he helped to found the Aberdeen Samaritans and played an active role in setting up a residence for men returning to the community after receiving hospital treatment for mental illness.

While at university he took up golf, in which sport he was awarded a half blue.

His interests also included fishing and gardening. He is survived by his wife, Lillie.

David George Covey (1925-37) died suddenly at his home in Bieldside, Aberdeen on 17 March 1990. He was seventy-one years of age.

After leaving school he joined the Aberdeen Savings Bank. His banking career was interrupted by the war, when he saw service with the RAP in the Far East. On demobilising he rejoined the bank and was appointed agent at Culter in 1948 and then branch manager at Cults in 1951, a post he held until shortly before his retirement in 1979.

He was a rugby enthusiast and had enjoyed playing the game while at school.

He is survived by his wife, Irene, and a son and a daughter.

Dr. Lawson D. Davidson (1934-40), M.B., Ch.B., died in Aberdeen on 7 September 1989, aged 67, After graduating from Aberdeen University in 1945, he served in the medical corps of the RAF for two years, before joining the Aberdeen Children's Hospital as an anaesthetist in 1948. He was President of the North East of Scotland Society of Anaesthetists in 1966 and Scottish President in 1979.

From 1970 to 1978 he was warden of St. John's Nursing Home in Aberdeen, and on leaving that post he was presented with the Order of St. John's Medal for distinguished service. Before his retirement in 1986, he was an honorary consultant anaesthetist for Grampian Health Board.

He was a keen golfer and a member of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.

He is survived by his wife, Julia, three daughters and a son.

Dr. William Harkins (1916-22), M.A., M. B., Ch.B., died at his home in Strichen, Aberdeenshire in June 1989. He was eighty-two years of age.

He was Classical Dux at school and went on to graduate with first-class honours in Classics from Aberdeen University. He then studied Medicine. He held various posts in the North of England, before setting up a practice in Strichen in 1934, where he stayed until his retirement in 1972. He was also a Justice of the Peace for the County of Aberdeen and was a keen piano and clarinet player.

68

Aberdeen Grammar Schad Magazine

John Seton Holdsworth (1953-64) died suddenly at Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen on 27 January 1990, aged 41.

A well-known figure in the North-East motor trade, he owned the Brighton Garage in Ashley Lane, Aberdeen for 20 years and was President of the Vehicle Builders' and Repairers' Association.

Keen on shooting, he was Secretary of the Broadstraik Gun Club and a member of the Aberdeen Full-Bore Gun Club.

He is survived by his wife, Trish, and two children, David and Joanna.

Ian H. Laing (1928-31), D.S.C., died in Liverpool on 16 May 1989, aged 74.

Born in South Africa, he came to the North East at an early age. After leaving school he joined H. M.S. Conway and trained and served with the Blue Funnel Line as a midshipman on one of their vessels. With the outbreak of the Second World War, he joined the R.N.R. based in Aden. He commanded H.M.S. Tiberio, transporting petrol from Alexandria to Tobruk. He made over twenty trips, for which he was awarded the D.S.C. In 1942 his sea service was ended by the bombing of H.M.S. Snapdragon, when he sustained serious neck and back injuries.

Leaving the R.N.R. in 1947, after being based in Hull for three years, he returned to work for his old employers in Liverpool. He became Chief Superintendent of Asian Crews. He retired in 1973 and is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and two sons, Ian and Gavin.

George Henry McCombie (1916-29), M.A., LL.B., died suddenly at his home in Huntly on 17 March 1990, aged 78.

The son of a farmer, he was born and brought up at Auchenhamper, Inverkeithney, near Turriff. He graduated in Law from Aberdeen University in 1936 and qualified as a legal assistant with John Angus, Advocates in Aberdeen, working for the firm from 1936-46. During the war he served with the RAF. In 1946 he left Aberdeen and moved to Huntly, joining the firm of Mitchell and Middleton, before setting up a business on his own. For 25 years he held the post of Town Clerk for Insch and Rothe)/ and in 1975 he was made a freeman of the Burgh of Barony.

He was a keen bowler and a former president of Huntly Bowling Club. He was also a member of Turriff Indoor Bowling Club.

He is survived by his wife, Ida, and two sons.

Charles Stewart McLeod (1908-20), 0.B.E., M.A., died in Claygate, Surrey on 23 December 1989, He was the son of the late Dr. Charles McLeod, a teacher of Mathematics at the School. In 1920 he was the Dux and Gold Medallist and also won the John McBain Gold Medal for Mathematics. He studied Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at Aberdeen University, graduating with first-class honours. At university he was awarded the Simpson Prize, the David Rennet Gold Medal, the Fullerton, Moir and Gray Scholarships and the Ferguson Scholarship. After graduating in 1924 he went on to study at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was awarded the Tyson Gold Medal, as well as a distinction in the Mathematical Tripos .

He then joined the graduate trainee-scheme of the London and North Eastern Railway Company, serving with the company until it was nationalised in 1947. He then worked for British Rail, reaching the position of Chief Industrial Relations Officer. In 1961 he was awarded an O.B.F. and became a Commander of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem for his work in encouraging railway employees to attend first-aid classes.

He retired in 1968, after more than forty years' service on the railways, leaving the same year as the last steam locomotives were used by British Rail.

A resident of Claygate, Surrey, since 1947, he was Secretary and subsequently President of the Claygate Village Residents' Association and was involved in compiling a photographic record of the village. This collection of photographs has since been donated to the county library.

Obitmaries

69

He is survived by his wife, Jenny, a daughter, Heather, and sons, Charles and James.

Scott Alexander Malhan (1982-87) was killed in a car accident in Norfolk on 23 May 1989, aged 19.

After leaving school he attended Leith Nautical College, qualifying as an electronic technician. He then went on to spend some time working offshore.

John M. Melvin (1935-42), M.A., LL.B., died in Aberdeen on 20 October 1989.

A prominent figure in legal and business circles in Aberdeen, he was a former senior partner with city advocates A. C. Morrison and Richards, having joined the firm in 1952 after graduating from Aberdeen University. On retiring in 1987, he acted as a consultant to Houghton, Melvin and Company, solicitors and estate agents in Aberdeen.

During the war he served with the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders in the Far East and Europe, attaining the rank of Captain.

He owned two hotels in the North East: the Burnett Arms in Banchory and the Westhill Hotel, near Aberdeen. He was Chairman of John Rhind (Farms) and their subsidiaries, including McIntosh Donald, Portlethen, McIntosh of Dyce and Birse Lodge Hotels.

He was a prominent member of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club and a former secretary of Hazlehead Golf Club.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and four sons, John, Stuart, Robert and Andrew.

Douglas Falconer Middleton (1920-25) died on 22 April 1989, aged 70.

After leaving school he started his banking career with the Bank of Scotland in Aberdeen, later working in Glasgow. He went on to become Manager of the Bank of Scotland in Bridge of Allan, retiring from this post some twenty years ago.

Rev. George Brown Cameron Sangster (1928-37), M.A., B.D., D.S.U., died at his home in Edinburgh on 16 February 1990, aged 70.

After leaving school he studied Divinity at Aberdeen University. His studies were interrupted by war service in the Royal Navy, and he attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He was awarded the D.S.C. for gallantry.

He returned to university after the war, graduating M.A. in 1945 and B.D. in 1948.

Whilst at university he won the Primrose Prize in Church History and was for a time Secretary of the Scottish Students' Representative Council.

In October 1948 he was inducted as Minister of St. Kessog's Church, Comrie.

In 1953 he returned to Aberdeen as Minister of Queen's Cross Church and was instrumental in the founding of Queen's Cross House. In 1964 he moved to Murrayfield Parish Church, Edinburgh, where he was Minister until 1979. He then moved to Kenya as associate minister of St. Andrew's Church, Nairobi, for three years.

Due to ill health, he returned to his native land and worked for eighteen months in an administrative capacity with the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.

A life member of the FP Club, he took a great interest in its activities wherever he was located and was President of the Edinburgh Centre from 1976 to 1977.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey, his son, Alan, and one grandchild.

His wife is the sister of the late James Mearns Davidson (1924-37), B.Sc., who was winner of the Geddes Medal for Science in 1937. A first-class honours graduate in Civil Engineering, he died in 1943 from injuries received at Tripoli while serving with an R.A.F. maintenance unit.

Mrs. Sangster has kindly donated her late brother's Geddes Medal to the School.

James Stewart Tawse (1913-26) died at Southport, Merseyside on 14 June 1989, aged 81.

After leaving school he qualified as a chartered accountant in 1932. He then joined the firm of Price Waterhouse and worked in London and Paris. On returning to this country, he set up a business in the Liverpool and Manchester area.

70

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

He retired in 1980 to live at Southport.

Peter Tawse (194145) died in Aberdeen on 3 May 1989.

On leaving the Grammar School he attended Lathallan School, Merchiston Castle School and Aberdeen University, where he won a golf blue. He was employed in his father's firm of William Tawse and Company and later did a spell of stockbroking in London.

Peter was a life-long supporter of the FP Club and a life member of the Club Centre. He was also a prominent golfer at Cruden Bay, playing in the Northern Counties and winning the Buchan Firkin. He was an honorary vice-president of the Rugby Section.

David Sinclair Thomson (1955-61), M.A., Dip.Ed., died aged 46 on 29 September 1989.

After leaving school he graduated with honours in English from Aberdeen University in 1965. He completed the Diploma in Education at Makerere, Uganda in 1966. After teaching in Uganda he returned to this country in 1968. He taught English at a number of schools in the United Kingdom.

Rev. William Wallace (1923-30), M.A., B.D., died aged 77 on 17 August 1989.

A graduate of Aberdeen University, he was ordained firstly at Tarland and then at Broderick, finally ending up at Corgaff and Strathdon until his retirement in 1977.

He is survived by his wife, Jill.

James Campbell Williamson (1924-34), O.B.E., M.C., died suddenly at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 9 August 1989, aged 72.

A Shetlander by birth, he moved to Aberdeen in 1923. On leaving school he joined the Aberdeen grocer's A. Gray, where he served for 55 years. In 1959 he was appointed Chairman and Managing Director. When in 1972 the firm merged with A. B. Chalmers (Inverness), under the holding company Aberness Foods, who handle distribution for Mace Stores throughout Scotland, he became Chairman.

During the war he served with the Gordon Highlanders, reaching the rank of Major. He was awarded the Military Cross at Anzio. He was President of Aberdeen Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1948 and was appointed Vice-President of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce in 1975.

In 1972 he was awarded the O.B.E. for services to economic development in the North East. He was a member of the Civil Aviation Authority and the Scottish Tourist Board. He was a keen golfer and a former captain of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. He was also a Justice of the Peace and an elder of Craigiebuckler Church in Aberdeen.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, a son, Mitchell Williamson (1948-51), a daughter , Lesley, and several grandchildren.

Archibald G. Baxter (1934-1975) Former pupils will learn with sadness that Archie Baxter died in his sleep at Inchmarlo House on 30 July 1989. After his retirement in 1975 he spent several years in Aberdeen at Springfield Road. However, as his health declined, he moved to Inchmarlo House. There, up to the end, amid the peace and tranquillity of Deeside, he lived quietly as he had always done, enjoying his daily walk round the policies. He retained his interest in the School and his former colleagues and still enjoyed hearing of the daily happenings which involved them.

The Grammar School has reason to be grateful to him for the 41 years of devoted service he gave to it as an assistant in Maths and Science, as Principal Teacher of Mathematics and finally as Deputy Headmaster. In addition to teaching and administration, he also made less obvious but equally valuable contributions to school life in his care of the educational technological hardware of his day and his

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72

Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine

she could look back with satisfaction on her part in restructuring the administration to cope with the introduction ofcomprehensive education in the Grammar School.

In the years following her retiral, Betty Gibb suffered increasingly from ill health, nevertheless in keeping with her stoic determination and strength of will, she continued to take a keen interest in the life of the School and the staff she remembered from her time in office. Nothing pleased her more than a visit from a past colleague who could bring her up to date with events in the School.

It is fitting to end this obituary with a final expression of the School's immense gratitude for the loyalty, the administrative skill and devotion to duty shown by Betty Gibb throughout her career at Aberdeen Grammar School.

Abstract of Accounts for year ended 31 December 1989 FP Club INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 1988 £1,792 1,644 741 1,650 3,500 1,021 435 243

£2,088

Subscriptions Revenue from Investments (Gross) Transfer from Life Members Capital Fund at 5% Magazine- -Advertising Revenue Donation from Club Centre Entertainments Account Surplus Beyond 500 Miscellaneous Income

1,470 751 2,177 3,500 820 1,024 664 £12,494

£11,026 £4,108 299 500 1,111

Working Expenses, including Honoraria School and Trophy Medals Capitation Grants Expenses of Visits to other Centres — School Amenities Fund 4,113 Magazine—Cost of Printing and Postage 423 Corporation Tax

£5,039 295 500 742 300 4,653 403 11,932

£10,554

£562

£472 SURPLUS FOR YEAR Transferred to Capital Account

BALANCE SHEET £14,432 15,505 2,082 1,131 1,480 1,812 6,875 1,150

HERITABLE PROPERTY—At cost less loans INVESTMENTS—At cost ROBERT G. WILSON BEQUEST MISS ISABELLA GRANT BEQUEST RESTORATION ACCOUNT BEYOND 500 SUNDRY DEBTORS CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

£15,432 15,505 1,718 1,215 1,571 2,886 5,978 2,266 £46,571

£44,467 Less; £3,298 SUNDRY CREDITORS 994 ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE

£3,582 1,1811 4,762

£4,292

£ 41,809

£40,175 NET ASSETS Represeeted by: £14,085 17,885 2,082 1,111 1,480 1,812

LIFE MEMBERS CAPITAL FUND CAPITAL ACCOUNT ROBERT G. WILSON BEQUEST FUND MISS ISABELLA GRANT BEQUEST FUND RESTORATION FUND BEYOND 500 FUND

1,14,272 18,447 1,718 1,215 1,571 2,886

1,700

1,700 OTHER FUNDS

£41,809

£40,175

73

74

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Amenities Fund INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 1988 £734 Interest from Investments (Gross) 250 Donations £984

£786

339

£1,125

-

£965 Grants made 25 Honorarium to Treasurer

£1,093 25

£

1,118

£(6) SURPLUS FOR YEAR BALANCE SHEET £6,609 INVESTMENTS—At cost 124 CASH AT BANK

£7,109 131

£6,733

£7,240 Repreinnied:

£6,609 CAPITAL ACCOUNT 124 REVENUE ACCOUNT

£7,109 131

£6,733

£7,240

Abitract of Accounts

75

Club Centre INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 1988 £41,025 9,278 19,128 3,189

Gross Profit on Bar (Sales £105,383 (1988 Annual Subscriptions Gaming Machin Revenue (Net) Other Income

£100,766))

£44,760 9,043 19,702 4,561 £78,066

£72,620 £19,901 16,516 7,492 633 7,263 3,500 2,367 2,663

Wages and National Insurance Rates and Insurance Heating and Lighting Telephone (Net) Repairs and Maintenance Donation to FP Club Other Donations and Interest Administration Expense Steward's Pension Scheme 2,500 Honorarium 8,223 Miscellaneous Expenses, Cleaning, etc.

769 Depreciation

£20,892 18,393 9,187 378 6,368 3,500 3,204 1,704 740 2,950 10,014 1,025 78,355

£71,827 £793 SURPLUSI(DEFICIT) FOR YEAR

£(289)

BALANCE SHEET FIXED ASSETS Furniture, Fittings and Equipment—At cost £5,040 less depreciation

£5,760

CURRENT ASSETS £93,474 Loan Account-- AGSFP Club 4,587 Stock in Hand 7,761 Sundry Debtors 270 Cash in Hand

£92,474 4,356 4,303 1,169

£106,092

£102,302 CURRENT LIABILITIES

£32,723 Sundry Creditors 5,167 Subscriptions in Advance 20,197 Bank Overdraft

£29,572 5,887 15,347

£58,087

£50,806

£48,005

51,496

£53,045 6,300 LESS: LOANS

£57,256 10,800

£46,745 NET ASSETS

£46,456

Ripe:el:1rd by: £10,557 CAPITAL ACCOUNT—Appeal Fund and Other Donations 36,188 SURPLUSES

£10,557 35,899

£46,745

£46,456

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A comprehemire.seleetion of top quality cars are always available and because all ofour cars are the very hest. the choice is changing constantly.

SERVICEEPARTSDEPIE .41 Village Garage we have the very latest in technically advanced equipment. to maintain your car to optimum performance levels.

Contact our .servire manager he'll book syni in and if you need a loan car, he will help there too.

Garage Ltd. 352 North Deeside Road. Cults Tel. Aberdeen (0224) 869944 A MANN OF V* JOHN CLARK GROUP OF GANGES

Park & MacRae Solicitors Conveyancing (Commercial and Residential) Estate Agency, Corporate work, Tax Planning, Wills, Trusts and Executories, Factoring and Leases, Civil and Criminal Court Work, Matrimonial, Legal Aid. 26 Carden Place, Aberdeen AB1 lUQ Telephone: 0224 639037 Document Exchange No. AB39 (Aberdeen) Partners: John Alexander MacRae, LL.B., N.P. Annette Webster McIntosh, LL.B., N.P. Consultant: Raymond Park, M.A., LL.B., N.P. Legal and Public Capacities: Advocates, Solicitors, Notaries Public and Estate Agents

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MEMBER

COLLINS HALDEN & BURNETT LIMITED Aberdeen's longest established locally owned broking house We transact all classes of insurance business including commercial and personal lines Our Associate Company

McHARDY & BURNETT (Financial Services) LIMITED is registered as an independent financial adviser and can attend to all your Life Assurance, Pension or Investment requirements

Life and Pension Consultant G. Fraser Webster only at 6/7 BON ACCORD CRESCENT, ABERDEEN AB1 2DN Tel: (0224) 595014 Fax: (0224) 573583 Directors: A. Roy Burnett, ABIBB; J. R. McHardy, ACII, FBLIBA; Associate Director: A. A. McVey

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TOP MARKS AGAIN! As Scotland's leading independent builders' merchant and electrical distributor. we can look back on the last term with a great deal of satisfaction.

•

£200,000 extension at our Altens base

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an extra £250,000 of stock at Altens

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a new bathroom display centre

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a second Aberdeen branch opened (Electrical division only, at Miller Street)

Having done all our homework. we're sure our customers will agree that we're now in a class of our own!

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William Wilson and Company (Aberdeen) Ltd. Builders' Merchants and Electrical Distributors Hareness Road. Altens Industrial Estate.

Aberdeen AB9 2QA. Tel: (0224) 877522 Unit 4. Miller Street. Aberdeen AB2 lAN. 5 7 1 6 6 6 ( 0 2 2 4 ) T e I

., / ANOTHER SLEEPLESS NIGHT? ,

WAKE UP AND BUY BEDS DIRECT AND BUY BETTER

Northsleep Limited. Cothal Mills.

19-21 St Clair Street. Aberdeen AB9 2TA Tel: (0224) 632334 (3 lines)

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OPHTHALMIC OPTICIANS

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OPTOMETRISTS

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LOOKING AFTER YOUR EYES ...

• experienced independent family practice • latest technology incl. glaucoma screening • extensive selection of frames, lenses and contact lenses • industrial and sports glasses

... AND PROVIDING A HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE •

open until 7 p.m. Thurs. and Sat. a.m.

• home visits available • bus routes to the door

185 George Street, Aberdeen ABI1HX Tel. 0224 585774

IF YOU HAVE A BUILDING PROJECT IN MIND WHY NOT CONSULT US.

Lyon CASIciphemon Architects (Sc

Design Consultants

2A Cranford Terrace

Aberdeen AB17NQ

Tel.0224-313080

Fax.0224-312022

DOUGLAS CAMPBELL CONSULTING MOTOR ENGINEERS MOTOR CAR LOSS AND ACCIDENT CLAIMS ASSESSORS PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTIONS AND VALUATIONS CARRIED OUT

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136 Hutcheon Street

Tel (0224) 6341234

Aberdeen AB9 2AL

Fax: (0224) 639738

4.

i Johnstone Whyte (Abdn) Ltd • • •

INVESTMENT BONDS PEPS PENSIONS

INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS • • •

UNIT TRUSTS LIFE ASSURANCE PERSONAL & CORPORATE FINANCE

ALL COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL INSURANCES • • • •

SHOPS. OFFICES & INDUSTRIAL UNITS, ETC LIABILITIES-ON-SHORE & OFF SHORE CAR • HOUSE • TRAVEL PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE Contact: Bob Johnstone or Alan Mackay 109 Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB1 6BQ Tel: 0224 592421 Fax 0224 574519 Member of

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THE BRITISH

INSURANCE BROKERS' ASSOCIATION

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William L. Gorrod (Aberdeen) Ltd. PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

34 Duthie Terrace, Aberdeen Tel. 313076

PLUMBING WORK From a washer to a new bathroom suite

ELECTRICAL WORK From a fuse to a complete rewire

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Members of

Adam, Cochran & Co

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Advocates SOLICITORS

ESTATE AGENTS

NOTARIES PUBLIC

6 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen AB9 1XU Scotland Tel- 0224 588913

Fax: 0224 581149

Property Shop

37 Langstane Place, Aberdeen Tel: 588913 Branch Office

Thainstone Agricultural Centre, Inverurie Tel: 0467 23761 Partners

Hugh D. Cochran

F. Gordon Cochran

Peter W. Rockwell

J. Robert B. Leith

Peter M. Robertson Authonsed to conduct Investment business under the financial Services Act 1986 by the Law Society o1 Scotland 1\1"'4--*_

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FOR YOUR PERFECT WEDDING DAY We have newly refurbished both our function suites to a high standard At THE CULTS HOTEL we can cater up to 80 persons comfortably and with extremely competitive prices we will definitely make Your Wedding Day very special

THE CULTS HOTEL THE SQUARE CULTS Telephone 867632

OOOOOOO • • • • • • • • • • • OOOOOOOOO • OOOOOOO

• •

••°: G MACHINES : * 116 Cornhill Road * Aberdeen AB2 5DH * • s• * •

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• • • • • II •• • : •

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Suppliers •• • • • * * •• • • of •• •• •• •• * all * •• •• • •• types •• •• * * •• • of •• • •• I• * Gaming * •• • •• •• •• Machines • • • •• * * • • • OOOO •••••••• OOOOOOO OOOOOOO ••••••• O • • • OOOOOO •••••• OOOOO •••• OOOOOOOOOOOO • • •

Tel: 483331

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I EUGHSIDE

BANCHORY • ROYAL DEESIDE • KINCARDINESHIRE TEL: 03302 4782 • TELEX: 73737 FAX: 03302 4712

Invery House, a beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1804• has been transformed into a magnificent country house hotel. Situated on Royal Deeside and only 18 miles from the international airport at Aberdeen, Inver, is set in its own grounds of 40 acres of woodland on the banks of the River Feugh All 14 suites have private bathroom, satellite television, direct dial telephones in the bedroom and bathroom, and are furnished to the highest standard with antique furniture.

The cuisine, which uses the finest local Scottish produce and is complimented by over 5(X) wines, is under the supervision of our chef ('live Lamb.

There arc many excellent golf courses within a short distance of Invery House. and the most outstanding of the traditional clubs is "The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club" at Balgownie Links.

The setting of Invery House provides the finest of shooting and fishing in the area with grouse moors, pheasant shoots and stalking. All these can be arranged at short notice with our agents, who cover all of Deeside and other parts of Scotland

Proprietors: The Spence Family

General Manager: Mr. Michael Pow nall