Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 2020

Vol 123

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

136th year No. 258 (New Series 125th year No. 249)

September 2020

The Magazine is published under the auspices of The Former Pupils’ Club each year

General Editor Brian K. Crookshanks, TD, MA, LL.B & Editor of 99 Fountainhall Road Notes etc. Aberdeen AB15 4EB

Interim Secretary Iain S. Hopkin, MA of the FP Club 4 Westwood Crescent Westhill

Skene AB32 6WU

Treasurer of the John C.A. Michie, FP Club

391 Union Street

Aberdeen AB11 6BX

Membership John C.A. Michie, Secretary 391 Union Street

Aberdeen AB11 6BX

The General Editor is happy to receive contributions for the next issue of the Magazine at any time before 31 May 2021

Former Pupils are encouraged to provide details about themselves or others for inclusion in the Notes Section of the Magazine Information may be sent by E-mail to editor@agsfp.com

In order to assist in the distribution of the Magazine, members of the Former Pupils’ Club are requested to advise the Membership Secretary promptly of any changes of address

OUR ADVERTISERS

As a Club we are most grateful to all our under-noted advertisers who have supported the production of this Magazine by taking advertising space. Club members are encouraged, in turn, please to patronise our advertisers who would value our members’ custom every bit as much as we value theirs.

Aberdeen Solicitors’ Property Centre

Anderson, Anderson & Brown

Bain Henry Reid Blackadders

Bower & Smith Brewin Dolphin

F.G. Burnett Campbell Connon

Country Ways Inchmarlo Retirement Homes

Kenway Tyres Langstane Press

Michies the Chemist

Senior Pupils 2019-20

School Section

Head Teacher’s Report

In the absence of any Prize-giving Ceremony as a result of the COVID Pandemic, Miss Murison has written the following up-date on the School situation.

This has been a year like no other in my experience as a headteacher and a senior leader.

In March 2020 we went into lockdown and our much loved school building closed. We continued to operate as a virtual school with lessons being delivered online and through google classrooms. Although we had this tool in place for home learning, much training and work was required to increase its functionality to deliver full-time education. As always, I am very proud of my staff, pupils and parents for their resilience and determination as we made digital learning work. We trained staff in the use of “live” google meets and this allowed lesson delivery and improved communication with our pupils. We asked all families if they had access to devices to allow our young people to access online provision and, where this was not the case, we delivered chrome books as required.

We recognised the success of our pupils through awarding prize giving certificates and prizes online and through email. Similarly, colours applications were received and processed digitally. We appointed All Rounders, Senior Prefects and House Captains through virtual applications and presentations. We ran a virtual P7 Transition week and this included our future S1 pupils working through a 360 tour of the school and completing curricular tasks through house google classrooms. Basically, we tried to find a solution to each piece of work we deliver in our normal school calendar. You can imagine the time and effort this has taken from the whole school community and we are certainly living up to our vision of “working together, learning together and achieving together.”

One of our most challenging areas this year has been the cancellation of the SQA examinations. We are now in receipt of the results and our young people continue to do very well.

Throughout the summer we have been preparing the building for a full school return. This involves adhering to all COVID 19 regulations and national guidance. Extensive planning has taken place around adapting the school day and curricular activities to meet this guidance. We return to school a week earlier than planned. During this week, we will be taking our young people through an induction programme and explaining the new one-way system, cleaning protocols and other such measures. At the moment, due to the fact

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

that we cannot have large gatherings, we cannot run assemblies or extracurricular experiences such as the school choirs. As you know, this is a side of school life that we all enjoy which will be missed by our young people. I sincerely hope this does not last for too long but safety is our key priority.

I would also like to mention a donation we have received from our friends in Canada. I have been in regular contact with George Fowlie and the “Fowlie Family” donation has allowed us to invest in our Art,Design and Technology Faculty. I will not say too much for now as I know the Canadian FPs have a presentation to share regarding this. I will say that we are very grateful and have enjoyed working with the family.

For the moment, I hope the above gives you a sense of where we are as a school at the moment. I recommend looking up our website, as we are posting things on a weekly basis there, including weekly communications from myself.

Aberdeen Grammar School, Alison Murison

June, 2020 Head Teacher

School Office-Bearers - Session 2019-2020

KATE RENFORTH

Senior Prefects

PATRICK STENHOUSE

SANJANA JOSHI QASIM FARHAN MEG STANGER FRASER WILSON

S6 Prefects: Isobel Anderson, Vida Adigwu, Isobel Anderson, Aaron Babu, Collie Begum, Morgan Beveridge, Shanon Boyle, Ewan Brampton, Yusef Butt, Mairi Christie, Abigail Coles, Zalva Djayapertapa, Lya-Solange Doidge-Harrison, Maisy Fan, Quasim Farhan, Neal Fleming, Abdelrahmen Ghanduri, Zuzanna Gorzkowska, Ahmed Husain, Alyssa Hose, Alex Irvine, Hannah Jarret, Mook Jaruwattanapradid, Kasundi Jayasinghe, Nicole Johnstone, Markus Kan, Sanjana Joshi, Markus Kan, Ailsa Kennedy, Miko Kiestrzyn, Merran King, Charlie MacDougall, Ben Manclark, Poppy Marlow, Rossana Mascagnini, Anna McPhail, Hannah Menezes, Arthur Morgan, Calum Muldon, Eilidh Munro, Nafha Murssith, Samuel Nicoll, Madeline Oxley, Cameron Ogilvie, Nilda Pallares-Rodrigues, Ellen Peat, Maria Pinheiro, Elizabeth Poobalan, Aadhya Regmi, Lauren Reid, Adam Robertson, Hanock Saji, Ayra Sherjil, Georgia Tawse, Sandra Tijo, Karolina Wroblewska and Heather Young.

S5 Prefects: Matthew Alderson, Daisy Allan, Marcus Burns, Rowan Campbell, Rebecca Dargie, Aimee Davidson, Andrew Denison, Ashley Geddes, Tanuj Givi, Siobhan Glad, Sophie Hatrick, Matthew Hughson, Annabelle Hume, Benjamin Kelman, Lara Morris, 8

School Section

Grant Mutch, Evelina Orba, Jenna Penman, Finlay Renton, Joseph Ritchie, Rohaanth

Thangaraj, Oscar Thorpe, Dipshikha Upreti and Martha Webb.

School Prizes 2019-2020

The Joyce Tease Award for excellence in Modern Languages Hafren Vaughan

The Former Pupils’ Club Prize in Modern Studies Rebecca Dargie

The Former Pupils’ Club Prize in Physical Education Jopaul Jobi

The Hamish Adams Greig Prize in Biology Mairi Matheson

The Former Pupils’ Club Prize in Spanish Hafren Vaughan

The Former Pupils’ Club Prize in Engineering Science Aaron Dayoni

The Former Pupils’ Club Prize in Drama Holly Hendry & Samuel Anderson

The Former Pupils’ Club Prize in Home Economics Cassia Wigglesworth

The Samuel Pope Prize & Donald Paton Prizes for Art & Design Cameron Taylor

The John Muir Robertson Prize in Accounting & Finance Christo Saji

The ALBA Trophy for Business Management Alyssa Hose

The Gordon McMinn Prize in Computing Studies Jopaul Jobi

The Sandy McIlwain Prize in Religious & Moral Education Alyssa Hose

The Masson Bain Prize in English Millicent McKenzie

The William Brebner Prize in French Millicent McKenzie

The Charles Alexander Walker Prize in History Rebecca Freeman & Raina Thakur

The Campbell Connon Prize for Geography Mairi Matheson

The J. Mortimer McBain & George G. Whyte Prizes in Mathematics & The Alexander Thomson Prize in Mathematics Millicent McKenzie & Rebecca Dargie

The Gavin Falconer Memorial Prize in Music Esther Thomas Jamieson

The CNR International Prize for Physics

Matthew Hughson

The CNR International Prize for Graphic Communication Alicia Webb

The CNR International Prize for Chemistry Jopaul Jobi

The University of Aberdeen for Human Biology Gaia Alcaras

The Caritas Cup for Contribution to Charities Group Activities Martha Webb

The AGS Dramatic Society Award for Drama Grant Mutch & Caitlin Barry

The AGS “Face the Music” Award for an outstanding Performance in the School’s Musical Production Meg Stanger

The Concert Band Player of the Year

The Concert Band Award for Outstanding Contribution - Junior Conor Gardiner

The Concert Band Award for Outstanding Contribution – Senior Georgia Tawse

Prefect of the Year Calum Muldoon

The Rector’s Shield for outstanding contribution to Debating Amelia Morawiak & Caterina Nespolo

The Montgomery Trophy Eilidh Munro

The Philip Love Trophy Alyssa Hose & Sanjana Joshi

The Jamie Blair Fiddes Award for Rising to challenges Markus Kan

The Brian Robertson Prize for commitment to the School Qasim Farhan & Sanjana Joshi

Sports Awards

The Former Pupils’ Club Rugby Cup Oren Leslie

The Fowlie Cup for Swimming Gaia Alcaras

The Dr Morland Simpson Cup for Swimming Tom Robertson

The Rector’s Medal for Swimming Tom Robertson

The S1-S6 Isobel O. Anderson Trophy for Swimming Gaia Alcaras

The Damien Reidy Rugby Trophy Sam Lynch

The Ronald MacKinnon Trophy for Athletics Sam Griffin

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Volleyball Player of the Year Yusef Butt & Karolina Wroblewska

The W.J. Johnston Quaich for Overall Sports Champion 2019 Callum McGregor

Inter-House Competition Awards

The Inter-House Basketball (Senior) Melvin

The Inter-House Basketball (Junior) Melvin

The Inter-House Volleyball (Senior) Melvin

The Inter-House Volleyball (Junior) Melvin

The Inter-House Table Tennis Trophy Melvin

The Inter-House Quiz Cup (General Knowledge) Melvin

The Rubislaw Jubilee Cup – Sports Day 2019 Byron

All-Round Awards

The Dr Alexander Cormack Award to the best all-round pupil in S1 Matthew Will

The David Alexander Irvine-Fortescue Prize – S2 Maryam Fayaz & Charlotte Arthur

The Norman Mackie Memorial Prize Josephine Law

The Edith & David Ritchie Bishop Prize Troy Hayton

The Former Pupils’ Club All-Round Award in S5 Rebecca Dargie

The Runner-up to the Former Pupils’ Club All-Round Trophy Eilidh Munro & Karolina Wroblewska

The Agnes Durward McDonald Prize (Runner-up) Finlay Waddell

The Former Pupils’ Club All-Round Trophy for Girls Kate Renforth

The Former Pupils’ Club All-Round Trophy & the John Ivo Dawson Prize Fraser Wilson

Dux Award

Sport

Athletics Gold Colours

Distinction

Badminton Gold

Bronze Colours

Basketball Gold Colours

Silver Colours

Bronze Colours

Football Gold Colours

Silver Colours

Bronze Colours

Distinction

Golf Bronze Colours

Gym Gold Colours

Silver Colours

Bronze Colours

Colours Awards

Nathan Tosh

Sam Griffin, Nathan Tosh

Joshi Sanjana

Craig Angelo, Malcolm Young

Matthew Elliot

Ali Arif, Aaron Babu, Andres Bertrand, Zuzanna

Gorzkowska, Semi Jabegu, Markus Kan

Adam Dalioui, Farhan Gurbanov, Jopaul Jobi, Evelina

Orba, Santiago Rivett, Atholl McMillan, Stuart Paton, Zeping Zeng

Adeel Ali, Adam Dalioui, Rachael Dargie, Farhan Gurbanov, Ella Hunter, Vasily Klionskiy, Daisy

MacCallum, Connor MacKenzie, Holly Player, Meghan Smith

Blair McGinigal,Arthur Morgan, Mourad Ahmanache, Joseph Hartley

Jordan Dutch

Ahmad Aouami, Chris Mccaughtrie, Callum McGregor, Joe Miller, Jamie Moir, Dylan Reid, Jai Rust

Jenna Penman

Rory Adair

Hannah Jarret, Anna McPhail, Lauren Reid

Anna Blues

Edith Glad, Sara Mahmood

Hockey Gold Colours Isabel Blackburn, Maisy Fan, Neil Fleming, Cameron 10

Silver Colours

Bronze Colours

Distinction

Netball Gold Colours

Bronze Colours

School Section

Ogilvie, Madeleine Oxley

Matthew Alderson, Jessica Barr, Rebecca Freeman, Susannah Grant, Holly Hendry, Abigail Jessiman, Atholl

McMillan, Lara Morris, Gregor Morrison, Jenna

Penman, Elliot Read, Finlay Renton, Christo Saji, Rohaanth Thangaraj

Glenn Angus, Eleanor Barr, Angus Blackwood, Fraser

Bruce, Isobel Deady, Zaid Farook, Hannah Fiddes, Cian

Gilmour, Lakshita Jetti, Satram Khanwani, Katherine

Low, Oliver MacRae, Lewis Mair, Lydia Miller, Jamie

Moir, Shean Ness, David Tait, Caitlin Taylor

Jessica Barr

Kate Renforth

Eleanor Barr, Robyn Collie, Hannah Fiddes, Isla Lappin, Josephine Law, Katie MacIver, Lydia Miller, Maisy

Munday, Shean Ness, Hannah Pearson, Hannah Powell, Rugby Bronze Colours

Rowing

Silver Colours

Bronze Colours

Distinction

Swimming Gold Colours

Bronze Colours

Distinction

Oren Leslie, Finlay MacLean, Andrew Nespolo, Matthew Stevenson, Dylan Thies

Gregor Charles, Ashley Geddes, William Penny, Matthew Hughson, Joseph Ritchie

Freya Hughson, Joseph Ritchie

Gregor Charles, Ashley Geddes, Matthew Hughson

Gaia Alcaras, Charlie MacDougall

Tom Robertson

Gaia Alcaras,

T/Tennis Distinction Josef Bokedal

Tennis Bronze Colours Joe Miller

Volleyball Gold Colours

Silver Colours

Bronze Colours

Distinction

Arts & Culture

Concert Band Gold Colours

Silver Colours

Bronze Colours

Face the Music Gold Colours

Silver Colours

Yusef Butt, Haydon Campbell, Markus Kan, Adam Sebai, Karolina Wroblewska

Christy Lynch, Caterina Nespolo, Martha Webb

Isobel Deady, Rachael Henderson, Helena Kidd, Katherine Low, Katie MacIver

Yusef Butt, Haydon Campbell, Kate Renforth, Karolina Wroblewska

Isobel Anderson, Abigail Coles, Patrick Stenhouse, Georgia Tawse, Finlay Waddell, Fraser Wilson

Alice Arthur, Andrew Denison, Rebecca Freeman, Susannah Grant, Amy Johnston, Grant Mutch, Martha Webb

Martha Forbes, Philip Gibson, Kirsty Hogg, Mairi Mathieson, Hannah Pearson

Meg Stanger

Rhona Adam-Gair, Daisy Allan, Samuel Anderson, Rowan Campbell, Michelle Cockburn, Rebecca Dargie, Aimee Davidson, Molly Fiddes Rebecca Freeman, Sophie Hatrick, Amy Johnston, Ben Lunney, Anna Macdonald, Millicent McKenzie, Maria Pinheiro 11

Choir

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Bronze Colours

Choir & Show Choir

Gold Colours

Silver Colours

Bronze Colours

Samuel Anderson, Alex Andrews, Elizabeth Booth, Freya Campbell, Danielle Dupitas, Martha Forbes, Philip Gibson, Anastasija Gorlanova, Jennifer Hogg, Helena Kidd, Naomi Jessiman, Ben Lunney, Lewis Mair, Jakub

Mydlowski Holly Player, Oscar Thorpe

Calum Muldoon, Ailsa Reid

Siobhan Glad, Eleanor Tuladhar-Douglas, Elisabeth Sharp

Samuel Anderson, Elizabeth Booth, Moro Olaosebikan, Amelia Morawiak, Holly Player, Katherine Scott, Nicole Stuart, Mirra

Tumuskane

Silver Colours

Bronze Colours

Percussion

Ensemble

String Orchestra

Ukelele Group

Debating Club

Gymnastics

Club

Basketball Coaching Volleyball

Coaching Active Girls Committee

Bronze Colours

Gold Colours

Silver Colours

Bronze Colours

Bronze Colours

Rebecca Dargie

Anisa Ali, Daisy Allan, Samuel Anderson, Alex Andrews, Elizabeth Booth, Freya Campbell, Rachael Dargie, Skyla Deans, Danielle Dupitas, Katy Edgar, David Ekpenyong, Frances Ezeogu, Rebecca Freeman, Edith Glad, Sophie Hatrick, Rachael Henderson, Christa Hose, Naomi Jessiman, Mook Jaruwattanapradid, Ben

Kelman, Kayana Lamont, Daisy MacCallum, Anne Macdonald, Aurora Macdonald, Millicent McKenzie, Lara Morris, Siena Sumai, Nicole Stuart, Oscar Thorpe

Anastasija Gorlanova

Olivia Colman

Olivia Colman, Sophie Hatrick, Matthew Hughson, Millicent McKenzie

Freya Hughson

Anisa Ali, Daisy MacCallum

Andrew Denison, Robert Escott, Caterina Nespolo, Amelia Morawiak, Upreti Dipshikha

Hannah Jarret, Anna McPhail, Lauren Reid

Semi Jabegu

Karolina Wroblewska

Jessica Barr

School Section

School Golf Project

Luther and Muriel Kitson Smith Bequest

As a direct result of the Kitson Smith Bequest funding the Aberdeen Grammar School golf project got underway in November 2019 with seven pupils initially enrolled in the curricular golf project. This reduced to five in January. The second strand of the project involved the provision of an extra-curricular golf group which catered for another twelve pupils. The pupils involved in the project range from complete beginners, high handicaps golfers down to an 18 handicap. Both groups of pupils have weekly coaching sessions for an hour and a half.

The project is being run in partnership with the Paul Lawrie Golf Foundation. The coaching is being delivered by Alan Stuart, a golf professional based at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre on South Deeside road and former pupil of the School.

The initial lessons were based on the driving range where the pupils spent time working on developing their swing. The pupils have also had lessons on putting on the indoor green. As the pupils progressed they were given the opportunity to consolidate their skills using the high-tech Top Tracer laser golf tracking system.

The pupils were then gradually introduced to the outdoor putting, pitching/chipping and bunker areas. The lessons became a combination of range and outdoor sessions. As the weeks rolled on and the light became better the pupils gradually spent more time on the outdoor areas honing their skills. In February we were able to take advantage of the unusually mild weather and the pupils had their first taste of playing on the course and were coached through playing a hole. As the weeks progressed through to March the pupils were spending most of the hour and a half lessons being coached on the golf course and getting experience of playing more holes and the different challenges which these presented,

The pupils were not only developing their technical abilities but were also learning the rules and etiquette of golf. They were also learning about club selection, estimating distance and reading the course and weather conditions to solve the problems which the course was presenting to them. The pupils were also getting inputs on fitness and physical conditioning for golf and the mental game too.

The feedback from the pupils has been very positive; they are all really enjoying the experience, feel that they are benefiting from the coaching and that their golf is improving. The Paul Lawrie Golf Centre has been the ideal venue for this project and I look forward to further developing this working relationship with Aberdeen Grammar School.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Finally, I cannot praise Alan Stuart enough; his coaching knowledge, the way in which he conducts himself and the rapport he has with the pupils is the key to all the success we have had so far and the progress which the pupils have made. I look forward to working with Alan when conditions allow and building on the positive start which we have made together.

Iain Stanger Faculty Head Health and Well-being

Music

The annual Autumn Concert was held in the School hall on 9th October, with Miss Janet Adams acting as Master of Ceremonies. The audience was treated to an eclectic mix of music. The Concert Band, directed by Mr. Alan MacDonald, opened the evening with a rousing performance of Philip Sparke’s ‘A Klezmer Karnival’. The band continued with ‘Song of Lir’ by Feargal Carroll and concluded its programme with ‘Prelude, Siciliano & Rondo’ by Malcolm Arnold. The Junior Choir, directed by Miss Rhona Johnston and accompanied on piano by 6th year pupil Ailsa Reid, then sang ‘When Will My Life Begin’ by Alan Menken. This was followed by the Melvin Brass Quintet, the first of three brass ensembles to perform, all under the direction of Mr. MacDonald. The quintet played the well-known ‘Farandole’ from L’Arlisienne Suite by Georges Bizet. The Percussion Group, directed by Miss Rebecca Graham, then lightened the mood with an arrangement of ‘Uptown Funk’ by Mark Ronson. This was followed by the Senior Choir, conducted by Miss Johnston and accompanied by 6th year pupil Mook Jaruwattapradid, in a rendition of ‘When We Were Young’ by Adele Adkins. The first half of the concert concluded with the Jazz Band, under the direction of senior pupils Grant Mutch and Finlay Waddell, performing Henry Mancini’s ‘Pink Panther’. The second half opened with the String Orchestra, conducted by Ms Hilary Cromar, performing ‘Escapade for Strings’ by John Cacavas. The second of the brass ensembles, the Byron Brass Quintet, then performed an arrangement of G.F. Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’. This was followed by the Cello Trio of Esther Thomas Jamieson (S4), Freya Hughson (S3) and Charlotte Arthur (S2) playing ‘Divertimento’ by Ticciati. The third choir of the evening, the ‘Show Choir’, conducted by Miss Johnston and accompanied by Ailsa Reid, then sang Pete Townshend’s ‘Pinball Wizard’. The final brass group of the evening, a trumpet quartet, performed ‘Circus Trumpets’. The concert closed with cast and band members of the upcoming school production of the musical ‘Grease’, performing ‘Freddie my Love’.

School Section

Concert Band & Brass Ensembles

The School year 2019-20 promised a great deal for both the Concert Band and Brass Ensembles. Whilst busy, enjoyable and successful, it will always, as for so many other things, be one we look back on with a feeling of ‘what might have been’.

Our year really began prior to the summer holidays in 2019 when we held a concert in School which featured our own band and ensembles alongside the brass ensembles of Ashley Road and Mile End Primary Schools. The performances that evening came soon after the Aberdeen Music Festival in which The Concert Band, Byron Brass & the Trumpet Quartet all received Outstanding Performance Awards, with each of those groups winning their respective classes.

In the Faculty Concert in October all four groups featured music that was being prepared for performances in the Scottish Concert Band Festival Regional Events, held in November and December.

The first SCBF event was held in Mackie Academy, Stonehaven on 24th November. On that day Byron Brass, Melvin Brass and the Trumpet Quartet were all successful in gaining Gold Awards and all qualified to perform at the SCBF National Final.

The following weekend the Concert Band travelled to perform at the RSNO Centre in Glasgow where their performance gained a coveted Platinum Award, the highest on offer.

The Christmas period was, as always, busy and enjoyable. The Brass Ensembles combined to perform at the School Carol Service in St Machar Cathedral and the Queen’s Cross Business Community Carol Service, as well as the end of term assemblies in School.

The Concert Band performed at the Evening Express Carol Concert in the Music Hall, a fantastic occasion featuring hundreds of young musicians from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Little did we know that this would be our final performance for some time!

The early part of 2020 saw all four groups turn their attention towards preparing for the SCBF National Final scheduled to be held in Perth Concert Hall during the weekend of 14th and 15th March. In the build up to this event, the brass

C o n c e r t B a n d T r u m p e t Q u i n t e t w i t h t h e i r S C B F G o l d A w a r d

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Concert Band Melvin Brass with their SCBF Gold Award

ensembles performed at Aberdeen City Music Service’s lunchtime concert in the Cowdray Hall on March 5th.

What happened next barely needs documenting, but the Band and Ensembles all rehearsed until Thursday 12th March when we received the news that the SCBF Final had been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. This was soon followed by the cancellation of the March Faculty Concert.

2019-20 therefore represents a successful but frustratingly incomplete year in the life of the groups.

The Brass Ensembles of 2019-20 hold the distinction of being the first brass ensembles from Aberdeen Grammar School to qualify to perform at the final of the Scottish Concert Band Festival. The Concert Band of 2019-20 holds the distinction of being the only school band in Scotland during this school year to receive a Platinum Award from SCBF.

We can only speculate as to what might have happened next, but from the totally biased viewpoint of their brass teacher and conductor I am certain that they would have gone on to surpass these achievements in the final.

It is from an entirely different viewpoint in comparison to June 2019 that we face the coming school year.

Bands and ensembles containing brass and wind players find their existence on hold as we come to terms with the implications of performing and rehearsing these instruments in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

My final word is to acknowledge the incredible work the pupils have continued to do, supported by their parents this term under the most challenging of circumstances. They have diligently submitted recordings of their weekly work and have recently been participating in lessons via Google Meet.

Ms. Dow, our fantastic woodwind instructor, has brought together a project combining S.1 & S.2 players alongside P.6 & P.7 players all performing in a “virtual” band. Look out for their performance of “Funky Rockin’ Choo Choo”!

We hope to put in place similar projects next term and beyond until we are able to resume making music together in the more time honoured tradition.

I look forward to seeing FPs at a performance at the earliest possible opportunity!

Alan MacDonald Brass Instructor

Face the Music Grease: The One That You Want

Every year, shortly after the October holidays, the school show creates a distinct buzz around Grammar and, no matter who you are, you learn to love a

School Section

good musical even if it’s just for one night. The cast were thrilled to get the show underway ever since the directors and music team announced that ‘Grease’ would be performed in November. Right off the bat, the levels of excitement hit new heights like no show had culminated before. A staggering one hundred budding performers tried to join the cast with only fifty-five succeeding. Everyone involved knew that it would be a formidable task but we were up for the challenge. Although joining such a demanding extra-curricular activity takes up a lot of time and effort, there are so many more benefits than drawbacks. You have the chance to meet new people who have a common passion for performing and you can show your peers why you were good enough to beat out dozens of other talented pupils. Putting everyone together didn’t just create a musical to show to the community, it also created a family (and a very large one too!) who could laugh and work together in a way many other groups can only dream of doing.

The classic duo of Sandy and Danny were played by the wonderful Esther Thomas Jamieson (S4) and Samuel Anderson (S5) who brought a brilliant dynamic to every scene. Samuel left audiences amazed by his powerful rendition of “Sandy” while Esther nailed one of the show’s favourites “Hopelessly Devoted To You” with her incredible vocals. Much of the humour was brought by the T Birds and The Pink Ladies who were played by Lewis Mair (S3) as Kenickie, Meg Stanger (S6) as Rizzo, Oscar Thorpe (S5) as Doody, Rebecca Dargie (S5) as Frenchy, Rowan Campbell (S5) as Roger, Naomi Jessiman (S3) as Jan, Ben Kelman (S5) as Sonny and Lara Morris (S5) as Marty, who all left the audience in stitches with their ability to riff off each other to create some great comedy sequences. Their songs also enthralled the crowd as Lewis sang the classic “Grease Lightning” which left the audience humming the tune even after the curtain fell, while Meg performed “There Are Worse Things I Could Do” to an impeccable standard.

Another source of comedy came from Eugene and Patty played by Calum Muldoon (S6) and Lizzy Booth (S3) who contrasted the T birds and Pink Ladies by attacking every scene with an enthusiastic geeky charm. Maria Pinheiro (S6) wowed the crowd with her rendition of “Beauty School Dropout” where she accompanied herself with her incredible piano skills.

An incredibly important part of any show are the chorus. We had a fantastic company made up of pupils from across S2-S6 who worked tirelessly to perfect the dances and harmonies for the songs of the show. They managed to replicate the explosive energy that you’d expect from the company of ‘Grease’. These dances were choreographed by extremely talented members of the cast who put in a lot of effort to perfect them before walking the cast through each step in order to create dances that looked as professional as possible.

The technical and backstage crew were another vital part of our show, which was again made up primarily of pupils under the guidance of dedicated staff. They provided lighting, sound, scenic design and props which made the

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performance even more impactful than it would be without it. The stage crew were kept busy when the directors had a fresh and new idea of changing the whole performance layout into avenue for Act Two with the audience on either side of the performers and everything after the interval being performed on the hall floor. This job would mean that everyone involved had a job to do whether it was the stage crew moving chairs or platforms or the band moving all of their equipment and wiring it onto the stage from the floor or even the actors themselves being ready to compliment the sudden change by being in character as the audience came back for the second half of a show they were already enjoying.

The music was not just provided by an audio track either. For as long as the cast has been rehearsing a band has been practising the musical accompaniments. Led by Musical Director, Miss Johnston, they worked together to make sure that as one, each piece sounded as good as it could be. Having the chance to perform with the band is always an exciting milestone in the journey with Face the Music and it lets us know how good the show will be as we can see all the pieces come together into one fantastic performance.

As we look back at what we have created as one dynamic group it is hard to argue against the overwhelming success of ‘Grease’. Tuesday was almost at the 300 capacity of Aberdeen Grammar School’s hall while Wednesday and Thursday night completely sold out showing that this year's show is arguably one of the best shows Face the Music has ever pulled off and on that cold and wet Thursday night, the cast walked out of the front doors of their school afterwards and said to themselves “I did that” and were proud of it. A number of cast members took their final bows before leaving Grammar for new and thrilling things while many more bright eyed performers look to November 2020 with eager anticipation and wonder what is to come for them next time around.

Calum Muldoon (S6)

St Machar Christmas Service

On Monday 16th December, Aberdeen Grammar School held its annual prestigious Christmas Service at the beautiful location of St Machar Cathedral. The School Chaplain Rev. Robert Smith very kindly welcomed the congregation with a bidding prayer and closed with a lovely benediction fitting to the Service's theme of 'Peace and Goodwill to All.'

The Service was filled with music from many of the school's highly talented groups including the Brass Ensemble, the String Orchestra, and both the Senior Choir and the Show Choir. It also featured several readings from the Bible and poems based on the Service's theme from members of the Senior Prefect Team and House Teams.

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Finally, the service had a guest appearance from the school's former piano instructor who very kindly came up from Bristol to play the organ and accompany all the Service Carols alongside the Brass Ensemble. Many of the staff and pupils were delighted to see him as he has been very much missed. It was a lovely night that marked the start of the run down to the festive season.

Queen’s Cross Christmas Concert

On Tuesday 17 December the AGS Show Choir took part in the Queen’s Cross Christmas Concert. This concert raised funds for Charlie House and also featured performances from Albyn School pupils and the Queen’s Cross Church Choir. As well as performing 'Spark of Creation' as a full choir, the Show Choir members also performed a number of solos and duets. The musical director of Queen’s Cross church, Mr Ewen Ritchie, contacted the School the following day and said "My sincere thanks for your wonderful contribution to the success of last night's event". The response from the audience was also very positive. The Show Choir did themselves proud.

Ailsa Reid

AGS Music Department would like to pay special thanks to Ailsa Reid who has completed S6 and is leaving school this year. Throughout her time at the School Ailsa has shown great commitment to the music department. She has been the accompanist for the Junior and Show Choirs, she has played for the School Show Band and has regularly entertained parents and visitors at whole school events e.g. DYW evenings. We wish her all the best for her future.

Fowlie Family Donation

The Faculty of Art, Design and Technology were delighted to receive a financial contribution from the Fowlie Family from Canada throughout this session. The family kindly donated a sizeable sum of money to support the delivery of practical technology within the Faculty. When we regain access to school we will have two new woodworking benches along with a number of practical resources to aid the delivery of Engineering Science. We received equipment for constructing electronic circuits and testing structures and materials within National 5 and Higher Engineering Science. It will be of particular use when we move to completing National 5 over two years and have increased time for practical investigation. We are grateful for the donation and we are eager to start using the equipment with pupils. Hands on, practical experience is vital, and we are confident the new resources will help our pupils

increase their knowledge and understanding within our subjects. Thank you to the Fowlie Family for the very generous donation.

Higher French Debating

Arguing in English is one thing, but have you ever tried debating in a foreign language? It’s more than just forming your argument, you have to make yourself clear in a language that isn’t your mother tongue. So, when our French teacher mentioned doing a French debate, we were nervous. It sounded daunting, but we agreed. We knew that this would be a challenge for our language skills and we wanted to work hard to benefit from the experience.

Our first job was planning; deciding on the best points to support our stance. My team was debating that family is more important than friends. This topic might be difficult to debate in English, let alone in French. As well as this, I have always found French pronunciation difficult but we knew we needed perfect pronunciation if we wanted to win. We spent time rehearsing and repeating everything until we almost sounded like native French speakers.

It can be stressful enough to stand in front of an audience and speak, so when standing in front of an audience and speaking a language in which you are not fluent it becomes a lot more stressful. However, the debate itself ran smoothly and at the end, it didn’t seem as if it had been as daunting as we were expecting.

We didn’t win, but it wasn’t the winning that mattered. It was the taking part. The other team had more detailed arguments and they spoke practically fluently. We came away from the experience with a sense of pride. The comments from the judges had both praised us and also helped us find ways to improve.

Overall, I would definitely say that the experience was worth it and now I am certain that it is the subject I want to study at university.

Sophie Hattrick (S5)

Young Engineers Club

On 1 June 2019 four of the School’s Young Engineers travelled to Edinburgh to compete in the Scottish Robotic Games. They did extremely well and came four out of forty robots in one element of the competition and into the quarter finals of another. The event was hosted by Leonardo, of Crewe Toll, Edinburgh, one of the UK’s leading aerospace companies and one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the Ministry of Defence. The pupils were given a tour of the factory where they were producing the most up-to-date radar systems.

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The Rampaging Chariot is a powerful radio-controlled featherweight sporting robot which is used by schools and youth groups to compete in a tournament to determine the Robotic Games Champion. It is a project aimed at interesting young people in engineering.

The pupils received the robot as a free kit and the team had to build and test it, taking about twelve hours’ work. They can then design unique bodywork and think of ideas to improve the robot’s performance. Schools’ Young Engineer and Scientist Clubs and Air Cadet teams then battle it out in Football, Sumo, Assault Course and Tug-of-War for the Scottish Grand Champion Trophy.

On 19 February 2020 a group of S1 pupils, as part of the Young Engineers club extra-curricular activities, participated in the regional final of the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Lego Challenge. This has involved working in a team on a variety of activities in school to produce a working robot which they had to programme to complete a series of tasks. A small group of senior pupils were also involved in mentoring them through the various challenges and accompanied them. The final took place at Leuchars Station, St. Andrews where they were given a tour of the facilities by Army personnel. The competition involved the team in completing the following:

 Speed & Control Challenge – two turns taking up to 2 minutes each.

 3-5 minute presentation about an environmental project.

 Solutions to as many of the seven tasks on the mat as possible. Pointers which the pupils were encouraged to talk about were the parts, the programming, the sensors, what they found out, and any mistakes or challenges from which they had learned.

Learning in Lockdown

Virtual Work Experience

During the period of Lockdown due to the Covid pandemic a number of pupils took part in Scape groups “Learning in Lockdown – A Week of Virtual Work Experience” in the middle of May. Balfour Beattie, who have had a working partnership with the school for some time, were sponsoring the event and offered Craft, Design & Technology pupils a place on the course. They had recently delivered an activity on the Union Terrace Gardens project.

S4 pupil Sherwin Fernandes took up the opportunity afforded by Scape group who, helped by the sponsors, launched a digital work experience for all year-10 students in the UK. Sherwin became involved because he wanted to increase his knowledge of STEM and learn what it is like to be given a project

which encapsulates all the skills required to work in a professional environment.

The task allocated was to design a free-standing community building which provided sustainable living to a local Dubai community. Many things had to be considered with the design such as the location in terms of flooding and climate, the sun path, and prevailing winds with regard to passive ventilation and air-conditioning. In respect of energy the positioning of solar panels, lighting, natural light and temperature retainment had to be assessed. One had also to allow for ‘end-user’ needs such as accessibility and usability, comfort and safety.

Each day the students were given tasks which all amounted to a final design, building up as they went along. Lecturers from Heriot Watt University gave instructions and clues to aid them with the daily task through webinars over learnliveuk.com. Experts from all fields of STEM were also able to support with any questions on a live chat facility.

Sherwin designed his pavilion through a floor plan as it was based on problem-solving and logic had to be applied in all areas. The making of his pavilion through Minecraft was most rewarding as he was able to visualise his design digitally. He learned how crucial and fundamental a building design is and how its environmental friendliness can be hindered by its poor blueprint. He found the course of great value.

Reading with Dogs

For two recent school sessions we have been very fortunate in being able to offer “Reading with Dogs” to some of our S1 and S2 pupils. Through Canine Concern Scotland Trust owner Heather and Therapet dog Amy visit AGS every other week.

During these visits some of our junior pupils spend time reading aloud to Amy who is a very good listener and enjoys lots of belly rubs. The idea is that Amy will listen to the pupils and not judge, which allows them to relax and gain confidence in reading out loud. In turn, this will increase the pupils’ confidence in their own ability and improve their enjoyment of reading.

Following the example of Aberdeen University and RGU, Aberdeen Grammar School held a “Paws Against Stress” session for the first time in April 2019. Amy and three other Therapet dogs came to school and spent an afternoon with our senior pupils just prior to their exams.

Research shows that stroking a dog has exceptional benefits, including slowing the heartrate, reducing blood pressure and calming nerves. The hope is that the senior pupils will experience some of these benefits and be less anxious about their exams.

As a school community we actively encourage events which will enhance the wellbeing of our pupils and we are very grateful for the input from Canine

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Concern Scotland, the volunteers and the Therapets Dogs for their continued support.

A History Trip to Poland

Before our trip to Poland we first had an orientation in Edinburgh where we learned more about the history of the Holocaust, including what happened in the camps. Even this small part opened our eyes to so much more about the Holocaust and this shows why we need to pass on the stories of what happened so that it is not repeated. We also heard a survivor’s testimony from Eva Clarke. She told us how her mother had miraculously given birth during such a horrific time and how she was able to survive. Her story was truly inspiring. After hearing Eva’s story we were shown our groups and we discussed what we expected and how we thought we would react to seeing the places where so many had died. Nothing could have truly prepared us for what we saw. It was really important to think about pre-war Jewish life, as it showed how much their lives changed during the war. It also showed how they were very similar to us.

In hearing Eva Clarke’s testimony it was inspiring to hear how she was able to keep her faith when she was almost killed for doing so. Before hearing Eva's story it was really hard to imagine what it was like but hearing her testimony really put it into perspective, which made it all the more real and allowed us to really understand everything that happened.

After the orientation we learned what so many innocent people had to go through, how families were ripped apart and the emotional impact it had on many.

Our experience in Poland also greatly impacted our view of the Holocaust. We arrived at the Polish town of Oświęcim and listened to the story of this typical Polish town and how before the invasion of the Nazis it was a place of co-existence and harmony between different groups like Jews and Christians. We stood at the site of where the town’s main synagogue was and were told about how the Jewish population were wiped from this town, now with not one living there. This was common across central Europe. Where once there were thriving Jewish communities the Nazis and their collaborators eradicated them.

When we arrived at Auschwitz we were taken on a guided tour. We walked through different exhibitions while at Auschwitz 1. We were taken to rooms which displayed children’s drawings, rooms which showed some of the shoes worn by people who were taken to the camp and we were even taken to a room containing the hair of some of the inmates. The rooms which contained

personal objects were the most impactful. Some had taken pots, pans and cutlery; it was explained to us that most of the people taken there believed they were being relocated and so were preparing to start a new life at Auschwitz. These objects personalised our experience as we were able to see the victims of the holocaust as real people not dissimilar to ourselves, as opposed to statistics.

Photos of Birkenau struggle to capture the expansive area which had been one of the sites of the extermination of Jews. It was highlighted by the Rabbi

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travelling with us that this was a purpose-built facility created by real people. We were given the opportunity to see inside some of the facilities including their prisoners’ toilets and lodgings. Near the end of our tour we were taken to the Sauna building, inside which was a room filled with personal photos and individual stories of people and families who had been taken to Auschwitz. We ended our trip by taking part in a memorial service in which Rabbi Marcus said prayers and some of the pupils read out poems and stories written by survivors. After this we lit candles and took part in a minute of silence as a symbol of remembrance for the holocaust victims.

Following our trip we had time to reflect on the horrors we encountered in Poland before our follow up seminar. During this we discussed with our group what we are planning to do and what we got from going on the trip. It allowed us to share our thoughts and feelings about what we saw. We were able to talk about how we would remind younger pupils of what happened and what we would do for our school. In speaking to the ambassador we were inspired to do the most we could for our follow-up plans.

Since returning to Aberdeen we have created a plan on our approach to deliver the lessons which we learned from our trip to Auschwitz. Firstly we gave presentations to the S3 History classes, as we knew that they have been studying the Holocaust and would benefit from listening to our stories from our trip there. In order to raise awareness for Holocaust Memorial day in January we planned to create display boards within the school to give people a brief overview of what we saw at Auschwitz and why it is essential that we continue to learn about it. We also worked alongside another Aberdeen school in the hope of being able to get a Holocaust survivor to come in and share their story with us. Listening to the testimony of Eva Clarke has had a profound impact on both of us and we want to share this experience with other people. We also gave a school presentation in January to talk to pupils about our experience taking part in the project and what we have done to teach others about the lessons we have learned from visiting Auschwitz. Our experience at the seminars and in Poland has allowed us to gain a further and more comprehensive view of the Holocaust. We have been able to view this tragic event in a much more personal way through hearing the stories of individual families and what life was like for them in these concentration camps. We have also considered the perpetrators and how many people in central Europe became bystanders by not holding those committing these atrocities accountable for their actions. Through looking at the relevance of the Holocaust today we saw how important it was that we continued to learn about it. Racism and intolerance are still present in modern society; if we did not examine the past and learn from it from it we couldn't stop these things from happening again.

Stephanie Gibson and Alyssa Hose

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Craft Collective

During January 2020, the Craft Collective emerged as a creative fundraising group. The group was primarily started to raise money for the animals impacted by the wildfires in Australia. Miss Forrest, Dr McLeod, some willing staff volunteers and junior pupils set to task with a mission to raise funds to help the Australian Charity, WIRES. The Parent Teacher Association kindly donated money enabling us to invest in materials and merchandise to fund-raise. We created key rings, bracelets, and designs for tea towels with digitally printed and ceramic decorations. Our last selling opportunity was just before Scotland entered the lock-down period. We are excited to return to school to count proceeds so we are able to make our donation to the charity. This is a group we plan to continue with when we return to school. It is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to test out their enterprising and entrepreneurial skills and all for a good cause.

The Phil Love Trophy

The Trophy has been awarded this year to two pupils, Alyssa Hose and Stephanie Gibson for bringing credit to the School. The girls visited Poland and Auschwitz, attending seminars and meeting a survivor of the camp. On their return to School they delivered lessons to pupils on the subject, led assemblies for all pupils and created displays. The award of the Trophy recognises their work on this project and the inspiring manner in which they delivered the messages of learning from the past and defeating racism and intolerance. An account of the Polish trip appears above at page 27.

Helping Asia’s Developing Economies

Alastair North, one of the F.P. Club’s foremost distinguished academics, sent this article to the Editor shortly after the issue of the 2019 Magazine. He was at that time already undergoing treatment for a serious medical issue and the Editor is the more grateful for his contribution. Sadly, Alastair has since died and his Obituary appears at page 100.

I came to Bangkok in 1983 to head up an international, postgraduate university called the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). The university has the mission to aid the technological development of the countries of the region. It draws its students from all over Asia and its teaching faculty from all over the world. This is what I became involved in.

20th Century

The precursor to AIT, named the SEATO Graduate School of Engineering, was founded in 1959 by the Pacific analogue of NATO called The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization. In those days most countries in Asia were economically very undeveloped. A significant problem was getting irrigation water to impoverished farmers and setting up reliable water supplies to the fast-growing cities. So, the first program in the Institute was Water Resources Engineering. This was followed a year later by Structural Engineering and then a range of other technologically important subjects. Those same subjects are still taught today, although the content is now much more complex. Over the decades, too, AIT Alumni developed into senior responsible positions in many Asian countries. They maintained contact with the Institute through a flourishing Alumni Association. In that way they propagated the mission of AIT in the region in a way no graduates of a national university could. As the countries of the region developed, so too did the Institute. During my Presidency the Institute doubled in size and widened its coverage of relevant technologies and associated business.

Over the second half of the 20th century most Asian economies grew very rapidly, moving the countries from “Undeveloped” to “Middle Income” status. This was quantified by the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of each country. At the time most of us thought that by the turn of the century they would be reaching developed country levels. But they did not. The growth levelled off

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and almost all failed to make the last jump to developed country prosperity. The countries of the region were caught in what is called “The Middle-Income Trap”.

Middle-Income Trap

A major factor causing the middle-income trap is a deficiency in spending on science and technology research and development. This can be quantified by looking at the percentage of the GDP devoted to that purpose. In most developed countries that is about 3% with around half in the industrial sector. In most Asian countries it is less than 1% with only a small fraction in the industrial sector. An outstanding exception is South Korea, which lifted itself out of the middle-income trap by spending more than 4% to that end.

A good example of the consequences of this is provided by rubber. Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia are the world’s three largest producers of natural rubber. Yet, when I wanted to buy new tyres for my car, I had to go to the Bridgestone Company from Japan, or Goodyear from America, Dunlop from UK, Michelins from France or Pirelli from Italy. These companies use their own imported technology and, at the end of the day, take their profits home with them. Even today, though national tyre companies are springing up, the afore-mentioned foreign companies still dominate the tyre market.

Tacit Knowledge and Lateral Thinking

Fortunately for Asian countries and for AIT’s ability to help, scientific research is not the only way to develop and improve a country’s technologies. It is possible to achieve this through learning while doing. This is called gaining tacit knowledge. You have a technology, indigenous or imported, and you improve it a little bit here, then a bit there, then a bit more somewhere else. Importantly you can import something from a totally different technology elsewhere. In reciprocity, too, you can use something in the reference technology to improve a process somewhere else. This last is called lateral thinking.

As an example, consider a structural engineer chatting to his friend, who is a transportation engineer. They are discussing the size of modern container cargo ships. “These ships” says the transportation engineer, “are now so large that they can no longer get into the shallow waters of our port.” The structural engineer thinks for a moment, then says “Do you know? Perhaps the new bridge design I am working on can be used to build stronger, longer piers out to where the ships are moored.” Well, perhaps it can, perhaps it cannot. But it is that kind of lateral thinking that leads to technology development.

Consequently, that is the way AIT is trying to teach it students and graduates to think. However, it is not easy. Most Asian schools focus on

uniformity and do not encourage independent ‘out of the box’ activity. So lateral thinking is often very difficult for school leavers. Indeed, that is often true, too, of Asian national university first degree graduates.

Where to UK?

British politicians love to boast that Britain is a leading technological economy. They don’t seem to know that today the country spends on science and technology research and development only half of what it was doing in the 20th century. More importantly, that is only half of what developed country rivals are spending. Where will it lead, I wonder?

Alastair M. North (1937-50)

November 1920 and Diabetes: One Month, Two FPs and Millions of Lives Changed.

One hundred years before the new health challenges of Covid 19, life expectancy in the UK in 1920 was around 55 years for men and 59 for women. Poverty, malnutrition and poor social conditions conspired with contagion and non-contagious illnesses to limit both quantity and quality of life. Among the many hitherto unconquered diseases was diabetes mellitus. This condition typically presented with weakness, wasting, unquenchable thirst and the passage of large volumes of sweet urine; hence its colloquial name, ‘sugar diabetes’. Any young person developing diabetes in 1920 would have a life expectancy of weeks to months. There was no known cure. The only temporarily effective treatment was a form of supplemented starvation involving severe calorie restriction. The metabolism could cope for a time with so little nutrition but at a cost of progressive weight loss, muscle wasting and, inevitably, early death. A diagnosis of diabetes left the afflicted individual in a parlous situation bereft of hope.

At the beginning of 1920, Dr Robin Lawrence was looking forward to his new job as House Surgeon in the Casualty Department of Kings College Hospital (KCH) in London. This was a prestigious post for a medic from outside the capital – especially from as far outside as Lawrence. Born in Ferryhill, Aberdeen in 1892 he had been educated at Aberdeen Grammar School (1900-09) and his local university (MA 1912; MB ChB 1916). He had served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, including three years in India, before returning to his civilian medical career. He must have impressed his seniors at Kings when after six months in Casualty he was appointed Assistant Surgeon in Ear, Nose & Throat. Contemporary medical graduates would have been vaguely aware of diabetes and its dire consequences but it would have been of little interest to a budding surgeon. That was all to change in November when Dr Lawrence developed the condition.

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In his despondency at abandoning hope of becoming a surgeon, and accepting that his life expectancy had in an instant been greatly shortened, Lawrence could have had no inkling that within a few days and more than 3000 miles away,

Prof John J.R. McLeod

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Dr. Robin D. Lawrence

another of 1916’s new doctors was embarking on a liaison that would greatly alter prospects for both. Fred Banting and his classmates at the University of Toronto had their final year studies accelerated so they could graduate early in December 1916. All who were fit were immediately enrolled for war service. Fred spent a year in military hospitals in England before being sent to the front in France. He was wounded and won the Military Cross for courage under fire at Cambrai. On his return to Toronto, he had two more years in surgery: one in military service and one at the Children’s Hospital. When his appointment was not extended further, he too had to abandon a career in surgery and with some ambivalence he set up in single-handed General Practice in London, Ontario. While preparing for some student teaching, undertaken to supplement his meagre practice income, Banting had a research idea that he thought may lead to preparation of a pancreas extract that could be the postulated, but unproven, key to treating diabetes. He was advised to take his idea to the University of Toronto to discuss it with Professor Macleod, the recently appointed Professor of Physiology and one of the world’s leading authorities on the metabolic abnormalities in diabetes.

John James Rickard Macleod, son of a clergyman, was born near Dunkeld in 1876. At age 7 his family moved to Aberdeen on his father’s appointment as minister at John Knox Free Church in Gerrard Street. Some years ahead of Lawrence, Macleod had also studied at Aberdeen Grammar School (1883-93) and the University of Aberdeen (MB ChB 1898). He won a scholarship to undertake research in Leipzig and Aberdeen. In 1900, he took up an appointment at the London Hospital where he became lecturer in Biochemistry and Clinical Pathology. He soon started contributing chapters to contemporary texts and showed great aptitude for physiological research. In 1903 he was appointed to the post of Professor of Physiology at the Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio precociously taking up post as he turned 27! In 1906, when writing further textbook chapters, he developed an enduring interest in carbohydrate metabolism and by 1913 had published his monograph ‘Diabetes: Its Pathological Physiology’. In light of his academic prowess in research and writing, and his considerable skills in organising and delivering training, he was head-hunted for the Chair of Physiology at the University of Toronto where he duly moved in 1918.

On Monday 8th November, 1920 – just as Lawrence’s diabetes was diagnosed in England – Banting met Professor Macleod and set off a rare, wonderful and tragic chain of events. It was undoubtedly rare that a professor with an international reputation could conclude this initial meeting with Banting, a failed surgeon with no research experience, by offering guarded encouragement and an opportunity to undertake experiments in his department the following summer. It was undoubtedly wonderful that this collaboration was destined to lead to the discovery of insulin. It was undoubtedly tragic that

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this major and long-awaited advance in medical treatment led to such enduring rancour over attribution of credit – and to Macleod‘s reputation being unfairly tarnished.

But that was all in the future at the time of that first meeting; the same time as Robin Lawrence was contemplating his now limited future. He abandoned surgical aspirations for a less physically demanding post in Geoffrey Harrison’s biochemistry laboratory at KCH. His diabetes had an unusually slow early phase and on restricted rations he remained reasonably well, if thin, through 1921. He undertook research for a higher degree, graduating MD (Aberdeen) in March 1922 – knowing nothing of the breakthrough made in Toronto a few weeks before. Even when reports of the discovery in Canada started appearing in the British literature that summer, they were unconvincing, particularly over supplies. Lawrence remained sure his end was near and decided to move to Florence to do some medical practice, enjoy the climate – and waste and die out of sight of his family!

Banting arrived to start work with Macleod in May 1921. A detailed yet very readable account of what ensued was produced by historian Michael Bliss in Toronto in 1982. This definitive history clarified many aspects of how clinically useful insulin was extracted and purified over the subsequent eight months. Firstly, while Banting’s repeated attacks on Macleod and others for stealing credit for what he seemingly considered to be largely his own discovery, his initial ‘big idea’ was neither original, nor did it lead directly to the discovery of insulin. Secondly, Macleod was already an academic physiologist, author and teacher of enormous experience and skill, and an accomplished departmental leader. Thirdly, while agreeing that Banting’s drive and endeavour were crucial to the cause, it was beyond doubt that, with his student assistant Best, he would have got no further than numerous previous research teams all of whom had failed to isolate insulin. Macleod’s scientific rigour, and visiting Professor Bertram Collip’s skill in purifying extracts, were essential to the team’s success. So Bliss concludes that Banting, Best, Collip and Macleod all deserve to share credit for discovering insulin. He was also clear that, largely as a result of Banting’s lobbying against Macleod, history has been less than fair to the latter. Even when the Nobel Committee decided to award the 1923 Prize for Medicine or Physiology jointly to Banting and Macleod there was no reconciliation; in fact, Banting briefly considered refusing the award altogether if Macleod were also to get a share.

Whatever the rights and wrongs regarding credit, the fact was that from late January 1922, usable insulin had been isolated. Emaciated diabetes patients were miraculously resurrected from the brink of death to robust health. Banting worked for the next two years treating patients with diabetes while Macleod undertook research on the physiology of insulin and oversaw the complexities of promoting worldwide availability requiring reliable large scale production.

As already noted there was no immediate acceptance everywhere that a new era in diabetes management had truly arrived. For example, it took until late April 1923 for the Medical Research Council to announce that insulin was now available in the UK.

Shortly afterwards, Lawrence, by now extremely weak in his Italian retreat, received a telegram from Harrison at KCH which read: ‘I’VE GOT SOME

INSULIN COME BACK QUICK IT WORKS’.

Lawrence closed his affairs in Italy, hired a driver for a 10 day road journey to London, and on the last day of May received his first injection of insulin. This treatment postponed his hitherto imminent death by 45 years during which time he became a colossal champion in the development of diabetes services at home and abroad. He established a diabetic clinic at KCH and in 1925 wrote ‘The Diabetic Life’ – a book styled uniquely in its day ‘for both patients and their doctors’. He produced many research papers on the use of insulin – some describing his personal experiences. His work in trying to ensure supplies of insulin for all who needed it was critical – especially in the 25 years of relative poverty between the advent of insulin and of the NHS. He was instrumental in 1934 in the establishment of the Diabetic Association (now Diabetes UK) as one of the first ever self-help groups for patients and influenced the establishment of scientific and lay societies in various countries in Europe and beyond. Almost 40 years after his death, a memorial plaque was erected by the City Council in 2007 outside Lawrence’s birthplace at 10 Ferryhill Place.

Macleod returned to Aberdeen in 1928 as Regius Professor of Physiology in the University of Aberdeen and was President of our FP Club in 1930-31. Ill health dogged his later years and he died in post in 1935, in his 59th year. He was buried in Allenvale Cemetery where the lettering on the neglected headstone – including reference to his being the ‘Co-discoverer of insulin’was redone by the local branch of the Diabetic Association in the late 1980s.

JJR Macleod’s team produced clinically usable insulin in the nick of time for many – including his fellow Grammarian, RD Lawrence. The latter’s survival led to his pioneering work on diabetes management and services available to patients with the condition. This has had lasting influence on care provision for almost 4 million people living with diabetes in the UK today. Around 10% of these, with Type 1 diabetes, could not survive without insulin; the health of at least as many again, with Type 2 diabetes, is better for the addition of insulin to their treatment. Worldwide there are almost 200 million cases of diabetes and that number continues to rise. It is no exaggeration, therefore, to claim that millions of lives have been changed as a consequence of the work of not one but two Scottish diabetes pioneers whose influence was triggered by entirely separate events that happened 100 years ago come November. Was it simply chance that both were former pupils of our school?

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Bibliography

1. The Discovery of Insulin by Michael Bliss; McLelland & Stewart, Toronto, 1982. ISBN 0-333-44422-1

2. J.J.R. Macleod: The Co-discoverer of Insulin by Michael J Williams [AGS 1936-45], Proceedings of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 1993; Vol 23 (3): Supplement 1. ISSN 0953-0932

3. Diabetes, Insulin and the Life of RD Lawrence by Jane Lawrence;EdRob

Reunion of the Class of 1969

The 50-year reunion of the Aberdeen Grammar School Class of 1969 was held during the weekend of Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June 2019. This was the fourth reunion of the year group, the first having been held after 30 years in 1999 with subsequent reunions after 40 and 45 years. Just under seventy former pupils, including twelve ‘Reunion Newbies’, from the 1969 cohort attended one or more of the reunion events described below. Apologies were received from around twenty fellow classmates, including head boy Marshall Byres, who shared a few memories of life at the Grammar in a personal anniversary message.

Tour of the School

The weekend began with a tour of the School on the Friday afternoon attended by forty-two former pupils and one of our former teachers – David Northcroft. For many, it was the first time they had walked past Byron’s watchful eye for more than fifty years and the feeling of nostalgia was particularly tangible.

We quickly gained an appreciation of what had stayed the same and what had changed. The science block, main hall, the New Gym, the pool and the changing rooms still looked the same while the biggest change for many was the proliferation of technology and computer equipment evident in all types of classroom. Following the fire of 1986, it was fascinating to see how the space previously occupied by the old Library had been converted into two floors for Art and Drama…. and to see that what many affectionately remember as the ‘Howff’ is now the graphics reproduction room!

At the end of the tour, which was ably conducted by various senior pupils, The Head Teacher, Alison Murison and the Deputy Head Teacher, Janet Adams addressed the group and answered questions about the evolution of the school in recent years and its aspirations for the future. Many of those present, also

took the opportunity to purchase a commemorative Aberdeen Grammar School tartan scarf.

Friday Night Reception

We were fortunate to be able to hold the traditional Friday night reception at the FP Club Centre in Queens Road which at the time had been sold with the intention of converting the premises into a nursing home, although this plan has now fallen through. The evening offered a great opportunity to renew old and build new friendships. With many new faces, it took some time to identify everybody with many of those present racking their brains to identify the guy in the red anorak!

Golf Tournament

The golf scramble competition on the Saturday afternoon at Hazlehead was organised under the watchful eye of John Curran with ‘guidance’ from our very own R&A referee, Nigel Watt. Playing in teams of three or four, with results based on adding a team’s two best Stableford scores for each hole, the winners with 90 points were George Yule, George Lawson, Steve Boyne and Mike Baldwin.

Reunion Dinner

The Reunion Dinner was held in the splendid setting of the Royal Northern and University Club (RNUC) and was undoubtedly the highlight of the weekend. The dinner was attended by fifty-four former pupils, together with four former teachers, Ronald Caie (aka Supertramp), David Northcroft (aka Balloon), Clement Stewart (aka Cassius) and Bill Williams (aka Bill Squared) and Iain Hopkin, President of the FP Club, who joined as our guests. Unfortunately, two other former teachers Bill May (aka Daisy) and Patrick Scott (aka Pinkie) who had originally agreed to attend were unable to join us.

David Reid proposed the Toast to the School under the title “The All Boys Aberdeen Grammar School: A Life Maker or Breaker?” He reflected that he had only received a complimentary ‘O’ level in English, commenting that this was in no way due to the teachers present but that he starred at mathematics under the watchful tutelage of the formidable Archie Baxter. He also noted the advice he received from the redoubtable John Vass Skinner - that he should absolutely not study medicine. His fascination, however, with the many colourful and sometimes explosive experiments in Bill May’s chemistry class convinced him otherwise. He summarised the aspect of school life that almost ‘broke’ him in two words - ‘No girls’.

David Northcroft, a former Vice Principal of the Northern College of Education, replied on behalf of the staff under the title “The Grammar School in the Context of the Famed Educational Tradition of the North-east”. He spoke enthusiastically about the importance of teaching as a profession, the pre-

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eminence of education in the North-east and in particular the contribution that the teachers at the Grammar had made to this collective effort. He regretted that over the years his own views on how education should have evolved to create more opportunities for both staff and pupils had largely not been followed. He entertained us with his recollections of his early days as a fledgling teacher at the Grammar including his early encounters with one Peter Thain (aka Teepo), underlining the fact that each had had a positive influence on the other. He recalled one particular moment when, after being in post for a few weeks, Peter one day asked to speak to him after class. Knowing Peter’s reputation, David was naturally wary of what was to come but Peter’s motivation that day was to simply offer David advice as to how he could become a better teacher – “Just try to behave and teach like Bill May and you’ll do just fine”.

David Carroll delivered a personal and passionate message focused on the great debt of gratitude that we owe to our teachers, noting that no matter what path we have taken in life we should never forget that for most, if not all of us, that path was in large part determined by our broad Grammar education and the quality of the teaching staff.

Andrew (aka Bert) Sim entertained us with a rousing rendition of ‘The Ashvale” and complemented this with a musical tribute he had written to our teachers in the style of Gilbert and Sullivan.

The evening concluded with George Yule proposing a Vote of Thanks to all the speakers before embarking on a Stand-up Comedy routine, where his wit, timing and seemingly endless jokes provided a fitting finale to what was a memorable reunion.

The success of the evening was underlined by the fact that at 2.00am on the Sunday morning, there were still a dozen stalwarts sipping whisky in the comfort of the RNUC lounge!

Epilogue

After the event, FP President Iain Hopkin remarked that our year group has something special that he wishes he could bottle up and pass around to all FPs. We do indeed share something unique but I believe this is more to do with the fact that despite our very different life experiences, when we come together we treat each other as equals without bias or prejudice, just as we did when we were at the Grammar back in the Sixties. Let us hope that we will continue to stay fit and well over the coming years to enjoy many more reunions and once again share that sense of belonging that epitomises the Class of 1969.

For the record, the following former pupils attended one or more of the reunion events: John B. Allen, Bruce Anderson, Gordon P. Anderson, Michael G. Baldwin, Paul D. Begg, Michael L. Bowyer, Brian S. Boyd, Steven G. Boyne, Russell G. Budge, David S. Carroll, Alexander Clark, Andrew M. Clark, Denis

W. Coutts, David M. Craig, Neil M. Craig, Stuart W. Cummings, John W. Curran, Austin R. Davidson, James Davies, John (Iain) A. Dickson, Peter Edwards, Philip G. Edwards, Ronald W. Farquhar, James Fiddes, John D. Fowlie, Ian C. C. Fraser, Ian S Fraser, Norman Garden, Alistair J. Garvie, Keith H. Geddes, Alan T. Hendry, David M. Henson, Stewart Hill, Robert F. Johnstone, John C. Knox, George L. Lawson, Robert J. Leslie, Stephen Levinson, Ian L. Mair, Robert A.M. Mann, James T. Merson, John A.H. Milne, Richard S. Morrice, William A. Petrie, Richard G. Posgate, David M. Reid, Graham G. Reid, Douglas W. Roy, Neil F. Sandeman, Graham J. Shanks, Ian R. Sharp, Andrew M. Sim, Douglas J. Simpson, David L. Smith, Keith S. Smith, W. Cairns S. Smith, James W. Stephen, Iain R. Stewart, Alexander A. Tait, Eric B. Thomson, Philip G. Turberville, Alan Watson, Arthur J. Watson, Nigel G. M. Watt, Iain M. Wesley, Alistair T. Wilkinson, George K. Yule and Royan C. Yule.

Stuart W. Cummings

Former Pupils’ Section

Former Pupils’ Club

Founded 11 September 1893

Club Office-Bearers, 2020-2021

Honorary President:

ALISON MURISON MA (Head Teacher)

Honorary Vice-Presidents:

BRIAN K. CROOKSHANKS (1934-46), TD, MA, LL.B (President, 1983-84)

Prof. PHILIP N. LOVE (1952-58), CBE, DL, MA, LL.B, LL.D (President, 1987-88)

A. KEITH CAMPBELL (1944-53), TEng (CEI), FInst AEA (President, 1992-93)

J. EDWARD FRASER (1936-49), CB, MA, BA, FSA(Scot) (President, 1997-98)

DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE (1950-64) MB,ChB, FRCPsych. (President, 2002-03))

IAN H. McLEOD (1951-55) (President, 2004-05)

GORDON G. MILNE (1950-61) MB.ChB (President, 2005-06)

DAVID L. ALLAN (1945-58) QPM, LL.B, MPhil, FCMI (President 2006-07)

GARY J.G. ALLAN (1963-76) QC, LL.B (President 2007-08)

JAMES M. CLARK (1947-59) (President 2008-09)

NEIL BORTHWICK (1952-65) BSc, PhD (President 2009-10)

DONALD A. LAMONT (1952-65) MA (President 2010-11)

TRACEY J.H. MENZIES (1981-87) MBE, DCH, LL.B (President 2011-12)

NIGEL G.M. WATT (1963-69) LL.B, WS (President 2012-13)

J. MARTIN JEFFREY (1942-57) BSc (President 2013-14)

MARGERY G. TAYLOR (1975-81) (President 2014-15)

DOUGLAS R. HARPER (1944-58) MB,ChB, MD, FRCSE, FRCS (President 2016-17)

GILLIAN A. THOMAS (1975-80) (President 2017-19)

IAIN S. HOPKIN (1962-68) MA (President 2019-20) (Specially Elected)

J. PETER JEFFREY (1944-59) MSc (Eng) (Elected 2010)

H. ALAN S. HAMILTON (1943-56) (Elected 2012)

GRAHAM LEGGE BEd, MEd, (Rector 2004-15) (Elected 2016)

President:

ALAN W. MARR (1969-75)

President-Elect:

STUART W. CUMMINGS (1965-69)

Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive: ALAN G. CAMPBELL (1959-65) CBE, LL.D, LL.B,

Interim Secretary: IAIN S. HOPKIN (1962-68) MA

Treasurer: JOHN C.A. MICHIE (1944-58)

General & Notes Editor of Magazine: BRIAN K. CROOKSHANKS (1934-46) TD, MA, LL.B

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Regional Centres

Edinburgh: President –NIGEL G.M. WATT (1963-69)

Acting Secretary – NIGEL G.M. WATT (1963-69) ngmwatt77@gmail.com

Glasgow: President – MALCOLM GAULD (1947-61)

Secretary – MARGERY TAYLOR (1975-81) marg7ery@ntlworld.com

London: President – SANDY NICOL (1962-71)

Secretary – GRAHAM THOMSON (1979-83) grahamsally501@btinternet.com

Yorkshire: President –

Secretary – DAVID GALLOWAY (1976-82) davegalloway1964@hotmail.com

Canada: President – ROBERT C. SCACE (1954-60)

Secretary – MICHAEL G. KING (1951-60) michaelking806@comcast.net

Secretaries of Sections

Cricket – RICHARD S.T. FERRO theferrofamily@lineone.net

Curling – NORMAN PATERSON (1947-61) nwp21tp@outlook.com

Football – MALCOLM ROBERTSON grammarfps@gmail.com

Men’s Hockey – DUNCAN HARRIS (1985-91) dharris@technip.com

Women’s Hockey – EMMA MAIR (1985-91) emma.mair@gmail.com

Pétanque –

Executive Committee

ALAN G. CAMPBELL (1959-65) Chairman Vice-Chairman

The Secretary, the Treasurer and the General Editor of the Magazine, ex officiis The Rector of the School, ex officio

RICHARD L.C. DARGIE (1964-73)

RUSSELL GRAY (1951-65)

GRANT A. HAMILTON (1988-94) J. MARTIN JEFFREY (1942-57)

NEIL J.G. LAWRIE (1961-74)

JOHN C.A. MICHIE (1944-58)

HARVEY E. MORRISON (1951-65)

EMMA A. MAIR (1985-91)

GEOFFREY E. MORRISON (1992-98)

BARRY J. SHEPHERD (1988-94)

ANGUS J. THOMPSON (1969-75) DAVID R.D. WALLIS (1979-85)

Section Representatives

Club Centre – DAVID LEIGHTON (1959-62)

Cricket – SAM KNUDSON (2004-10)

Curling – COLIN R. SUTHERLAND (1947-60)

Football –Golf – DALLAS G. MOIR (1969-75)

Men’s Hockey –Pétanque –Women’s Hockey – EMMA MAIR (1985-91)

Staff – JANET C. ADAMS (1980-86)

Auditors

Messrs. BOWER & SMITH, C.A

Former Pupils’ Section

Club Centre Committee

DAVID LEIGHTON – Chairman

CHRIS CLELLAND – Secretary

COLIN BROWN – Treasurer

BEN JOHNSON – Membership Secretary

S.A.C. ESSON, J.C.A. MICHIE

D.G. MOIR, G. MORRISON, H.E. MORRISON H. SMITH, G. THOMSON, L. TOMKINS

Club Consuls

Australia – JIM W. HOWISON (1937-50), 98A Hull Road, West Pennant Hills, New South Wales 2125, Australia, E-mail: howison@tech2u.com.au Tel. 00 61-2-98751296

Australia – Dr. FORBES J. SMITH (1945-57), 242 Main Creek Road, Main Ridge, Victoria, 3928, Australia E-mail: forbessmith@alphalink.com.au

Tel. 0061-3-5989-6234

Canada – GORDON B. SINGER (1949-50), 2421 Erlton Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2S 2V9 E-mail: singsing@shaw.ca ; Tel. 00 1-403-266-6448

Canada – DAVID R. AULD (1947-61), 2187 Lafayette Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, V8S 2P2 E-mail: davidauld@shaw.ca ; Tel. 001-250-595-0616

Corsica – IAIN WARES (1941-52), Via G.M. Angioy 34, Cagliari 09124, Sardinia, Italy.

Tel. 0039-070-652508

Hong Kong – MARSHALL H. BYRES (1960-69), 2A Hatton House, 15 Kotewall Road, Hong Kong E-mail: marshall.byres@hk.ev.com ; Tel. 00852-2846-9878

Ireland – ANDREW M.M. STEVEN (1936-50), 5 Beechhill Avenue, Saintfield Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT8 6NS. Tel. 028-9070-2315.

United States – MICHAEL G. KING (1951-60), 1640 Williamsburg Way, Eugene, Oregon 97401-7836 USA E-mail: michaelking806@comcast.net Tel. 1-541-344-8931

A Message from the Chairman

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

August 2020

In view of the unprecedented circumstances which prevailed in March and still continue to disrupt ‘normal’ life I am reproducing here the letter emailed to all members of the Club to keep them abreast of events which would have been reported at the AGM.

At this time of writing, in August 2020, the City of Aberdeen is subject to restrictions which have again closed the Club Centre, although it is hoped that bars and restaurants will be able to reopen soon.

On a much brighter note, a very generous FP has made a large donation which will permit us to consider proceeding with the acquisition of the ‘electronic platform’ referred to in my letter, which will facilitate communication with and amongst all FPs. I shall keep members up to date with the Executive’s decisions and the identity of the donor.

In conclusion, my thanks on your behalf are extended to Brian K Crookshanks for the enormous commitment and time he devotes to editing and compiling the Magazine in such a commendable and splendid way. His stamina and enthusiasm are remarkable at any age, and quite exceptional for a nonagenarian.

Alan G. Campbell

1 April 2020

Dear Fellow FP,

Like just about everything else in the world the AGSFP Club has been affected by the current pandemic. At the outset, then, may I wish good health to you and yours in these exceptional and uncertain days.

As we were unable to hold either our Annual Dinner or AGM I would like to give you all a general update.

Firstly, I must pay tribute to a year of exceptional service by Iain ‘Hoppy’ Hopkin, our retiring President. In addition to the ceremonial role he has given unstinting practical assistance in a variety of ways including helping with our administration records, liaising with Club Centres, attendance at events and sorting out archives at the School and Club Centre. In order to convey Hoppy’s sheer enthusiasm and ebullience I am attaching to this letter the address he would have given to the AGM had he been able to do so. We will have an opportunity to express our appreciation when, eventually, we are able to resume normal service. It is, however, totally in character that he has offered to be Interim Secretary of the FP Club with immediate effect to allow a smooth transition from our Jock Hendry who has served in that role for over 40 years. We, collectively, owe Jock a huge debt of gratitude and we will have the chance to express that when we do get back to normal. Jock will continue to

Former Pupils’ Section

make his accumulated experience and unrivalled knowledge available to our interim Secretary and to the Club Executive Committee.

In normal course it would have been my pleasure, on your behalf, to welcome Alan Marr as President at the AGM. I do that now secure in the knowledge that the chain of office has been passed to Alan who, of course, as President Elect served at the feet of Hoppy over the last year.

Our new President Alan Marr writes, “May I start by saying that I feel extremely honoured to have been invited to step up as President of the FP Club. Never in my wildest dreams did I consider that possible as I joined the rank and file of the Club back in 1975. As our chairman has mentioned I come to the role off the back of an exceptional year’s service by Hoppy whose enthusiasm for all things FP, like a virus, is infectious but in a good way. I am grateful for his guidance during my year as President Elect and was enjoying attending school events and getting into the groove of FP gatherings just as the present difficulties gained momentum. Whilst there will be testing times ahead I am sure that the FP Club will prove to be a vital link in helping members keep up with their fellow FPs and old school friends and, who knows, may emerge from this stronger than ever. I very much look forward to taking as active a role as I can during my year as President and I look forward to the opportunities to meet up with many FP friends, old and new. Stay safe and well.”

In line with recent practice the Executive Committee considered the matter of the appointment of a President Elect. The unanimous nomination to be made at the AGM was of Stuart Cummings (1965-1969) and I am sure that this will have your full endorsement. He has been an enthusiastic and energetic organiser of several highly successful reunions of his year. A rugby enthusiast, golfer and hillwalker he has been resident in Brussels for 40 years with a career in biostatistics and data management. He is retired and makes regular visits to Scotland - when circumstances permit.

The School, like all others, has been closed and the Head Teacher and staff are facing even greater workloads as they cope with the current reality. Alison Murison writes “During this very challenging time our whole school is certainly ‘working together, learning together and achieving together.’ Our staff, pupils and parents are truly working in partnership to ensure learning continues through a digital platform. As you know, we had invested time and effort in setting up a virtual learning environment through Google classrooms. This is now allowing teachers to communicate with pupils, set work and provide feedback as our young people work from home. Our seniors are hugely disappointed that the exam diet has been cancelled. I have reassured them that as a school we will work closely with the Scottish Qualifications Authority to ensure they do receive examination results in August.”

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

As those who are members of the Club Centre are aware the management of the Club Centre have taken all steps, in very quick time, to minimise the financial losses which will be incurred as a result of the closure of the Club Centre in compliance with legislation. We are grateful for the manner in which they have done this to ensure, as far as possible, that the Club Centre can continue - when things get back to normal-very much along the lines of precoronavirus. By way of information I am attaching the recent letter from the Club Centre Secretary.

Quite clearly this is not a time when the sale or marketing of properties is on anyone’s agenda but I had, of course, been intending to report at our AGM on how matters were developing in relation to the planned disposal of 86 Queen’s Road and 1 Bayview Road. Although the original offeror has now withdrawn there is another interest from the care home sector who is working on a possible development on the site and is in discussions with the planning department. At the last meeting of our Executive Committee and following advice from our professional adviser it was agreed to continue discussions with the care home interest and also to remarket the property. Obviously, the remarketing initiative will have been curtailed with just about everything else in the world! It was always intended that the Club Centre would be able to use 86 Queen’s Road until at least the summer of 2021.

The quest to find an electronic ‘platform’ to permit the easy exchange of information amongst FPs and school leavers has made some real progress. A system has been identified which, after some research and advice, would appear to fit the bill. It is hoped that a sponsor or sponsors may be forthcoming to fund the initiative. Watch this space! It has the potential to make the FP Club an interactive experience. The current crisis highlights the desirability of having a means for the easy exchange of information amongst members. I am pleased to report that Dr Ken McHardy has agreed to become Vice Chair of the FP Club. This was warmly welcomed at our Executive meeting as Ken is an expert on diabetes and a particular authority on fellow FP, the late Prof John Macleod who was a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1923 for the discovery of insulin in the context of the treatment of diabetes. Ken entertained us at a recent Annual Dinner and his knowledge will be invaluable as we in the north east of Scotland and globally celebrate this notable centenary.

I also want to say a hearty thanks to John Michie, our Treasurer. He would prefer that I omitted this but he has two particularly thankless tasks at the moment. The first is endeavouring to manage a string of pharmacies and the even harder one is keeping the FP Club finances afloat.

In conclusion may I, on your behalf, offer our heartfelt appreciation to all the many FPs anywhere in the world who are selflessly involved in medicine,

Former Pupils’ Section

nursing and associated professions for the benefit of us all at this time of unimagined demand and danger.

Annual General Meeting 2021

The next Annual General Meeting ought to be held on Monday 23rd March 2021, date, time and place to be advised in terms of the up-dated Constitution.

President’s Report

I cannot understate the honour placed on my shoulders when I became President of the Former Pupils’ Club. I have lived and worked in Aberdeen virtually all my life and through FP rugby, cricket and the Club Centre I already knew a large number of Former Pupils over a wide range of ages, but my year in office gave me the opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of so many more who had previously only been names to me. Meeting with other Aberdeen FP associations was also a great pleasure – including two Gordonian dinners involving a lot of banter and continuing our friendly relationship with ‘the other place’. I can assure you all that FPs did not lose in the banter stakes!

It was a great disappointment that our annual Aberdeen dinner was cancelled and our AGM is still delayed because of the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown. However, I did manage to attend our ‘away’ dinners in York (the place of my birth), Calgary, Glasgow and London. The hospitality offered to Ann and myself was first class at all of the dinners and it was so rewarding to see the enthusiasm and goodwill still felt for the School. Calgary was a particular pleasure where we spent five days and were royally looked after by Peter and Judy Jeffrey and Bob and Amber Scace who drove us around Calgary with a very informative visit to the Reader Rock Garden and also a trip to the foothills of the Rockies, with a picnic surrounded by magnificent views. We also enjoyed the hospitality of Gillian Thomas and Gordon Singer for even more food. A truly great trip and I thoroughly recommend anyone visiting Canada to enjoy the company of our FP branch there.

The School featured largely in my year and I attended concerts, productions and Prize-givings. The skill of the pupils amazes me with the various productions performed during the year and, whilst the pupils performed so well, a lot of credit also goes to the teachers in instructing the pupils to such a high standard. The two Prize-givings were most enjoyable occasions and it was very pleasing to see the efforts of the pupils being rewarded. The first tranche of money from the Luther Kitson Smith bequest was passed to the School during the year. The payments in year 1 and 2 are inflated by set-up costs but thereafter the trust will move to more sustainable annual payments from the

income generated. There was also a further bequest during the year called the Fowlie Bequest. George Fowlie (1913-16) emigrated to Canada in the early 20th century and his family have passed the bequest to the School and more will follow on the use of this bequest in time.

One of the main tasks I undertook during the year was to document FP memorabilia both in the School and in the Club Centre. There is a tremendous amount of memorabilia in both places and it is fair to say that I discovered much information about both the School and the FP community over the years. It is particularly pleasing that I have been contacted by a number of FPs wishing to donate memorabilia to the Club and this will safeguard it for future generations.

Thinking of future generations, our existing FP membership continues to grow older and, despite pupils qualifying for five years’ free membership of the FP Club, we have few pupils joining. This is an area where we need assistance and support from the School and access to year 6 pupils before they sit their exams to, at the very least, advise them that the School has a Former Pupils’ Club and pass on some of the tremendous history behind the School which they have been so lucky to attend. It would also be very good if existing FPs were to encourage any Former Pupils in their family or group of friends to join the FP Club. Please see page 78 for details on joining the AGSFP Club.

Finally, a big thank you to Alan Campbell, John Michie, Brian Crookshanks, David Leighton and others too many to mention for their sage advice and work on FP matters. For my successor, Alan Marr, it has been a difficult start to his Presidential year with Coronavirus affecting all our lives, but I know that he will do a first class job in strengthening our FP Club in his year in office.

Presidential Profile

Alan W. Marr (1969-75) C.A.

Whilst I appreciate that it has been customary to have one’s profile presented by a fellow FP, the present restrictions with lockdown and social distancing make this a tricky business so here goes, blowing my own trumpet.

Brought up in Aberdeen, I attended Mile-End Primary School and then entered Aberdeen Grammar School in 1969 after sitting the last of the old “11 Plus” test. I left in 1975 to continue my studies at Aberdeen University then on to Aberdeen College of Commerce, emerging in 1978 with an SHND in Accounting with distinction in a number of papers. Immediately thereafter I joined the firm of Jas. Henry Reid & Son as a CA student, going on to qualify

Former Pupils’ Section

as a Chartered Accountant after passing my finals in 1980. Turning down an offer

Alan W. Marr CA (1969-75)

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

President (2020-21)

Former Pupils’ Section

to join one of the Big 6 at that time to work in London I stayed with Jas. Henry Reid & Son, becoming a partner in 1985 and taking on the role of staff partner shortly thereafter. In 1994 I oversaw the successful joining of forces with another local practice to form the merged firm of Bain Henry Reid where I remain as senior partner, still looking after all staff matters.

Throughout my professional career I have been involved with all aspects of professional practice life as well as being a senior statutory auditor reporting to numerous local companies and charitable organisations including some household names.

At school my favourite subjects were Maths and Music and I enjoyed playing hockey up at Rubislaw. In amongst the experienced staff at that time Mr Flett stands out in the Maths Department as a key figure in helping to instil in me a lifelong interest in the subject. The proofs of the Sine Rule and Cosine Rule are as fresh to me today as they were back in the 70’s, although I must confess never having been called upon to reproduce them or explain logarithms, integration or matrices to either my staff or clients.

Whilst the emphasis of the school in my day was on academic and sporting achievements I was fortunate to be able to develop my passion for music, playing a number of instruments. This led me to playing on the solo cornet bench of the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland for four years and the Bon Accord Silver Band for nine years as well as principal trumpet of the Scottish Universities Orchestra for its summer season in 1975, not to mention playing trumpet in the dance band at the Douglas Hotel in Aberdeen whilst a student. I continue to keep my lip in by playing flugel horn with Granite City Brass and principal trumpet with Aberdeen Chamber Orchestra. In addition to the brass family I am an enthusiastic piano player and can be found taking time out from the professional pressures to entertain the staff in the office on the piano I keep there.

Music provided many highlights at school including the annual Christmas Carol Service, one of which was televised on the BBC. It also opened up the opportunity to take part in one of the school exchange programmes with our twin city Regensburg under the caring and watchful eye of the late Donald Hawksworth, a teacher and musician I held in high regard. Many friendships were formed back then that last to this day.

In 1981 I married Mairi and our three children, two boys and a girl, each attained the position of Head Boy and Head Girl in their final year at Harlaw Academy, an achievement we are proud of. All three children inherited a love of music and each is highly proficient in their chosen instruments with my daughter opting to pursue a career as a professional flautist in London.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Outwith the music and work scene I am an elder of the Church of Scotland and an occasional golfer at Deeside Golf Club, squeezing in an odd early morning round of golf before the office opens during the summer months.

Just over ten years ago I acquired a classic Mini Cooper with which Mairi and I have enjoyed several motoring adventures abroad including a trip over the Pyrenees from Spain to the South of France and then back North via the Route Des Grande Alpes from Monte Carlo to Lake Geneva.

Having been a member of the Club Centre since 1975 I have maintained an interest in the school and had no hesitation in accepting the invitation to become Treasurer of the parent Club in 1998, a position I held for some 15 years. During that time I was fortunate to work alongside a talented and dedicated group of people on the Executive Committee and was eager to do my bit in the refocusing of the FP Club finances with the then Chairman, Martin Jeffrey, one of my illustrious predecessors. I learned a lot about the inner workings of the FP Club and the importance of each committee member’s part played. The contact with many FPs at home and away in my role as treasurer was particularly rewarding.

My year as President-Elect seemed to go by in a heartbeat and I am grateful to my immediate predecessor for his words of encouragement and guidance given throughout. I was getting into the groove of my role at FP gatherings and school concerts prior to the current restrictions. I feel extremely honoured to represent the FP Club as its President, ready for whatever lies ahead and to taking as active a role as I can. One thing I am sure about is that the FP Club will come through these challenging times stronger than ever and I look forward to meeting up with many friends, old and new.

Centre Reports

Club Centre

In 2019 the Centre continued to be the focal point of FP social activities and Aberdeen Grammar Sport, and it is pleasing to advise the membership that a reasonable surplus in trading was achieved, however the surpluses generated in recent years are insufficient to enable any investment to be made in the building.

Sadly, we report the passing of several loyal Centre members, most notably John Lawson, Hamish Paterson, Hugh Miller, Bill Sked, Simon Shepherd and Katie McDonald; our sincere condolences are extended to their families.

In recent years we have encouraged the use of the Centre for external lets for events such as gin tasting nights, BBQs, quiz nights, charity fund-raisers

Former Pupils’ Section

and group reunions. The success of these events does make a significant contribution to the Centre’s turnover, however at the time of writing this report (July 2020) the country finds itself in the midst of a global pandemic. Regrettably the Centre had to close on 20th March 2020. The re-opening date is Friday 10th July but only for drinks served in the garden area with social distancing and hand sanitising measures being mandatory. We hope to resume normal trading later in the summer and our opening times are under continual review.

The Centre has benefited from receiving a Local Authority grant and a rates exemption until the end of March 2021 and this has enabled some modest investment to be made in the garden areas. A marquee has been purchased and is erected in the garden of 1 Bayview Road, the BBQ area roof has been replaced and extended and the middle level garden fence has been replaced and extended. This work was done to give the Centre the best chance of trading successfully post “lockdown”.

It is difficult to envisage what the future holds for the Centre; the Covid pandemic has all but decimated our summer trade and external functions, and clearly quiz nights and gin tasting nights will not be viable for the foreseeable future. The resumption of the rugby and hockey national and local competitions in the autumn is also in doubt.

The immediate challenge is to get our core membership to use the facilities more and I urge all members to do their bit and support the Centre going forward. If we are unable to generate the levels of trade to support the business then next year’s rates bill of circa £30k may well be almost impossible to fund.

We are indebted to our only employee, Elson Silva, whose commitment to the Centre and work ethic is first class. My grateful thanks go also to all the other officials, notably Colin Brown, Treasurer, Chris Clelland , Secretary and Ben Johnson, Membership Secretary.

D S Leighton Club Centre Chairman

Canada

There have been some changes in the Canada Centre administration. Robert (Bob) Scace was first elected President of the Centre in 2011 and then for the second time in 2019 at our annual Reunion (see below). He will serve an openended term as we consider the future of the Canada Centre.

Since the annual meeting Michael (Mike) King (1951-60) has become the Secretary of the Centre. Mike left Aberdeen in 1968 for America and has lived in four countries on three continents while working in the non-ferrous metals mining industry. Following retirement from a Canadian mining company he returned to the United States and now lives in Oregon with his wife Margaret.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The 27th Annual Reunion of the Canadian Centre of the FP Club was held on the weekend of 6th to 8th September in Calgary, Alberta, the fifth occasion on which FPs in the city have hosted the three-day event. Bob Scace, Gordon Singer and Gillian Thomas were delighted to greet FPs and guests from Alberta, British Columbia, Oregon, Florida and Aberdeen. Club President Iain Hopkin and his wife Ann travelled from Scotland to grace the reunion with their presence, as have so many Club Presidents and partners throughout the life of the Canada Centre. On this occasion we were honoured to welcome two presidents as Ann was the incumbent President of the Aberdeen High School/Harlaw Academy Former Pupils’ Club.

Cloudy though pleasantly warm weather accompanied a full weekend of activities. The program began on Friday morning when a number of reunion attendees travelled west on the TransCanada Highway and south on Highway 40 into Kananaskis Country along the Front Range of the Rockies. The party continued up-valley to an area beside the river of the same name for a sandwich-rich and hot coffee picnic, followed by large ice creams (bubble gum for Iain!) in a glorious mountain setting.

On Friday evening the first of the reunion’s traditional events saw Gillian Thomas open her home for the informal Meet and Greet, another lively affair. The following morning a number of FPs and guests went on a two-hour guided tour of the Reader Rock Garden, a 1.65 hectare National Historic Site begun on a bald hillside early in the 20th Century to showcase the horticultural possibilities in Calgary’s harsh climate.

For Saturday afternoon FPs were encouraged to visit some of Calgary’s impressive new buildings, including the Central Library (through which passes a light rail transit line), Canada’s National Music Centre and the city’s newly developed East Village situated between City Hall and Fort Calgary.

The Annual Dinner was held in Reader’s Café in the grounds of the rock garden, an entrancing Arts and Crafts building faithfully rebuilt to the plans for the original. The evening began with wine served on the verandah. Gordon Singer then welcomed everyone to Calgary and to the 27th Annual Reunion Dinner. The first order of business was the installation of Bob Scace as the new Centre President and Gordon presented him with the badge of office. David Auld gave the Selkirk Grace. Gillian Thomas proposed the Toast to the School and Club, to which President Iain Hopkin replied. Iain expressed appreciation on behalf of himself and Ann for being invited to the reunion. He acknowledged the enthusiasm of Canadian FPs which has permeated the Centre through so many years, and their level of commitment in giving back to the School.

He gave an update on events concerning the School, the Club and the City. Planning complexities attend the sale of the Club Centre; efforts continue in the

Former Pupils’ Section

improvement of social media to enhance communications and interest among FPs everywhere. The President acknowledged the role of the Canada Centre in effecting a change to the Club’s Constitution which now embraces voting rights for Club Members wherever they reside. The School continues its ascendancy in Scottish schools rankings and successfully passed a recent Inspection. Momentum is evident everywhere, Iain providing an example in the remarkable progress of the School Orchestra. Recent developments in Aberdeen were highlighted, including modifications to some of the city’s prominent buildings and other “forever” issues.

Peter Jeffrey proposed the Toast to Absent Friends, making reference to apologies received from many members and extended “Best Wishes” to David Auld and Sandy Shearer who were present but whose wives were prevented by ill health from attending. Willy Balfour very recently lost Eileen (Chaddie) and in March we lost Roy Brown of Kingston, Ontario who had been a keen supporter of the Centre and its fund-raising projects.

Centre Secretary Gillian Thomas advised in her Secretary’s Report that the School is expected to be the recipient of another gift facilitated through the Canada Centre. A family wishing to honour a relative, a Canadian FP, who attended the School in the early 1900s, is in discussion with the School about ways in which such a gift may best be engaged and further details will be forthcoming in due course.

Bob Scace, in his Presidential speech touched on the challenges facing FP organisations like ours in a changing society, noting that in addition to the comradeship afforded FPs through participation in the Centre and reflection upon days past, the Centre plays an important role in today’s relationship between Club and School. There is the matter of material contributions from Canadian FPs to the School but there is also the moral support imparted to those who administer and teach at the School, and thus indirectly to the pupils, in their respective endeavours. Such encouragement cannot be quantified but is readily apparent in the appreciation expressed by School representatives. Our support may influence and assist school leavers contemplating a career abroad.

The project to locate the names and details of FPs who have lived part of their lives in Canada continues. Valuable information is being extracted from the many volumes of the Magazine and other documents directly related to the School and FPs. Additional inputs will be warmly welcomed.

The evening concluded on a moment filled with mixed emotions - warm appreciation on the one hand, gentle regret on the other. Gillian Thomas has been Secretary of the Canada Centre for a decade and has carried out her duties with remarkable dedication and commitment to advance the wellbeing of the Centre. More recently she had added to her responsibilities the Presidency of

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

the Club, twice over, and overall the requirements of both roles have been considerable, to say the least. Tonight Gillian concluded her duties as Secretary and it is a measure of the respect in which FPs hold her for her contribution that Gillian received a standing ovation from the company. Her endeavours on behalf of the Centre - and the Club as a whole - have been immense. She is not lost to us; Gillian will continue to be a much valued ambassador on behalf of the Centre.

Former Pupils attending the Annual Reunion (listed in order of entry to the School) were: Peter Jeffrey (1944-59) North Saanich, BC; David Auld (194761) Victoria, BC; Gordon Singer (1949-50) Calgary, AB; Michael King (195160) Eugene, Oregon, USA; Bob Scace (1954-60) Calgary, AB; Peter Edwards (1956-64) Okanagan Fall, BC; Sandy Shearer (1959-65) Vancouver, BC; Les Ross (1960-73) Calgary, AB; Iain Hopkin (1962-68) Aberdeen, Scotland and Gillian Thomas (1975-80) Calgary, AB.

Not surprisingly because of the Covid-19 pandemic we have had to cancel the 2020 Reunion scheduled for Ottawa in September. A decision on scheduling a Reunion location for 2021 will be deferred to a later date and will take into account the outcome of the pandemic and as always the geographical challenges which Canada presents for our reunions.

Since the last Magazine the Canada Centre has sent out three newsletters to about 65 Canadian and American members. In particular, like the other branches of the Club, we have been evaluating how best to keep our membership actively engaged. A questionnaire entitled “What is future of the Canada Centre?” invited input from members on their level of interest on various issues such as regional get-togethers, staying connected with friends of the Canada Centre such as the spouses and families of deceased FPs and, of course, our direct relationship with the School. Input received to date has been reported back to our members with recommendations to come in the months ahead.

Finally, we must sadly report the death last year of Tom Paton (1952-1960) President of the Canada Centre in 2017-2018. An Obituary is included elsewhere in this Magazine

Edinburgh

The current Edinburgh Centre President, Nigel Watt, and the local committee have met on a number of occasions to review options for revitalising the Centre’s activities.

An encouraging outcome from this has been to establish contact with a group of younger FPs currently based in Edinburgh and arrangements were

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well in hand to host an informal evening at a local restaurant when the pandemic struck. It is planned to re-arrange a similar or equivalent event whenever the easing of restrictions on social distancing allows.

There remains a willingness within the committee to facilitate social gatherings of FPs which will command sufficient support from the local membership, and to this end FPs are respectfully invited to be in touch with the Hon Secretary (contact details below) with views on what type of gathering might be of interest to them.

In the absence of a formal AGM, which is traditionally held during the Annual Dinner, Nigel Watt continues as the Edinburgh Centre President and James Rust continues as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer.

At present, there is no Annual Dinner of the Edinburgh Centre planned for 2020.

Any Former Pupil who is in the Edinburgh area or has recently arrived there and has not received any communication from the Centre is invited to get in touch with Nigel Watt, 10 Ware Road, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 4BN, Tel 01620 890305, mobile 07802404056.

Glasgow

Our Annual Dinner was held on Friday 1st November, for the second time at The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow City Centre. Glasgow President, Malcolm Gauld, welcomed 32 members and guests, including Nigel Watt, representing the Edinburgh Centre and Evelyn Parbrook, the Glasgow President of the local centre of the Aberdeen High School. He was especially pleased to note the 45% increase in attendance as there were so many other attractions “In Town Tonight”. The famous pianist/composer/singer, Gilbert O'Sullivan, who had thirteen Top Twenty hits including two Number 1's in the early 70's, was entertaining a sold-out crowd at the Pavilion Theatre.

After an excellent meal, the A.G.M. of the Centre was held. Thanks to the generosity of several members of the committee covering the tickets of the School party, the Centre is solvent. The accounts were approved and the committee, yet again, unanimously re-elected.

In welcoming our very own Gary Allan Q.C., Malcolm reminded the meeting that he had had a very distinguished School career having been Head Boy in 1975 and winner of the All Round Trophy in 1976, but most importantly is tonight’s Dinner organiser. Gary proposed a very interesting, amusing and informative Toast to the School and the Club, with memories of his school days and professional career and with words of encouragement for

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our young guests. Gary proved yet again that, like a well-advertised sherry of yesteryear, 'Quality Counts'.

We were delighted to be joined, for only her second visit, by Deputy Head Teacher, (with special interest in the Performing Arts) Janet Adams, who, very ably assisted by Head Girl Kate Renforth and Head Boy Patrick Stenhouse, giving the pupils' perspective, replied to Gary's Toast on behalf of the School. They updated us on all that was happening within its hallowed grounds, highlighting its many successes both academically and in the vast range of extra-curricular activities. Yet again we were all very impressed by the calm delivery and self-assurance of these excellent young representatives of our school

In introducing Ian Hopkin (Hoppy, but naught to do with a horse called Topper, Malcolm noted that he was the most recent of many distinguished Presidents of the Parent Club, five of whom were present tonight - Ian McLeod, 04/05, David Allan, 06/07, Gary Allan, 07/08, Nigel Watt 12/13 and Margery Taylor 14/15. All stood in turn to acknowledge the applause of the assembled company. Ian is a keen sportsman, having played for the school first teams at both rugby and cricket, graduating from Aberdeen University and qualifying as an accountant working for several well-known firms for the next 38 years.

Ian gave a very informative yet entertaining reply, with an update on the potential sale of our Aberdeen property and highlighting the concerns of all involved at the heart of the Club in building and sustaining links with all members, especially the younger FPs.

Malcolm Daniel proposed a most witty and appropriate Vote of Thanks and the assembled company, after time to chat with old friends, gradually disappeared into the night, well fed and very well entertained.

The Committee had started to plan our next dinner, again at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in the City, before the spread of the coronavirus but it has now been confirmed that this will not take place.

Regretfully, Strathallians withdrew from the Public School F.P.'s Wanderers League but, for the 15th year, our curling team took part in the (now) 5-team competition. The valiant efforts of our squad of Gary Allan, Stefan Colling, Brian Durward, Alistair Fyall, Malcolm Gauld and Margery Taylor led to only one win from four and we gained last position. Of greater import was the announcement that Braehead Curling Rink (part of the Intu Properties Group) was closing at the end of March. This leads to a major shortage of ice in the Glasgow area and puts in doubt the continuation of the Wanderers League.

Again the 'annual' golf match against Edinburgh did not take place as we could not raise a team of three. Perhaps 2021?

We would be delighted, to hear from any FPs interested in becoming involved in any of our activities or even just going onto our mailing list to be

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informed of future events. Please contact our Secretary, Margery Taylor on 0141 562 9638 or at margerytaylor5@gmail.com

Thanks, as always, to our local committee Gary Allan, Peter Cairns (Treasurer), Stefan Colling, Malcolm Daniel, Malcolm Gauld, Jim Leask and Margery Taylor.

The following FPs attended the 2019 dinner (in order of entry into school):David Allan (1945-58), Malcolm Gauld (1947-61), Ian McLeod (1951-55), Jim Leask (1960-66), Ian Hopkin (1962-68), Nigel Watt (1963-69), James Rust (1963-71), David Mitchell (1963-76), Gary Allan (1963-76), Brian Davidson (1968-74), David MacLeod (1973-79), Judith Anderson (1975-80), Alison Nicolson (1975-80), Margery Taylor (1975-81), Malcolm Daniel (1975-81), Gillian MacLeod (1975-81), Dominic Sellar (1979-85) and Stefan Colling (1990-96).

London

After a few years of dormancy the FP London Centre has been successfully revived under the Presidency of Sandy Nicol, with three events organised over the last year drawing in FPs from a wide range of year groups. We have enjoyed evening drinks in a wine bar in St. James, a stirring solo theatre performance featuring our very own Malcolm Rennie and a very convivial Sunday lunch in Gillray’s County Hall attended by FP President, Iain Hopkin.

FPs who have attended one or more of the London events so far include George Robb (1946-60), Garth Glentworth (1948-61), Ian Reid (1951-63), David Anderson (1954-58), David Colvin (1954-68), Duncan Hopkin (195561), Donald Lamont (1952-1965), Malcolm Rennie (1952-65), Philip Edwards (1956-59), Iain Mair (1956-69), Peter Elliot (1962-75), Ron Caie (1962-68), Ken Symon (1962-68), Sandy Nicol (1962-71), Mike Stobbie (1963-69), Neil Amour (1964-73), Gavin Milne (1978-84), Graham Thomson (1979-83), Lori Houlihan (1982-88), Ross Methven (1987-93) and Angus Duguid (1987-93). Apologies if I’ve missed anyone off this list.

Going forward, we hope to run events every six months and would dearly love to get in touch with more FPs who are living in the South of England. Please do get in touch with me if you are interested in attending future events (partners are always welcome to join in as well). My contact email address is: grahamsally501@btinternet.com

For those of you on Facebook, we have set up a page for the London Centre and it would be great if you could sign-up to join this group and start to share stories about your time at the Grammar. The Facebook page can be found by searching for: Aberdeen Grammar School FPs – London Centre.

Graham Thomson

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Yorkshire

The 61st Annual Dinner of the Yorkshire Centre took place on Friday 27th September 2019, at our favourite venue of the Grange Hotel in York. The evening was organised by the Yorkshire Secretary, David Galloway, with the help of former Secretary, Martin Coulter, and was held as a tribute to longstanding Yorkshire President, Doug Skene (1959-64), who sadly passed away in January. Doug’s widow, Gina, accompanied by his daughter, Louise, attended.

Once again, the School was unable to send representation in person, but we did enjoy a video presentation on the School produced by the prefect team and organised by current Depute Rector, Janet Adams. It seems the School is in good shape again.

Once again, we had guests from all over, a total of 21, including the parent Club President, Iain Hopkin and his wife, Ann, (Aberdeen High School for Girls 1963-69) who were this year able to manage the whole dinner, and even the now traditional Saturday morning Tea and Fat Rascals at Betty’s Tea Room. Ian brought us up-to-date on plans for the Club and the Centre in his usual entertaining fashion.

We were pleased to welcome Mona McIntosh, accompanied by her daughter, Sheila, whose husband, former Yorkshire President, Wilson (193245) had also sadly passed away since our last gathering. Unfortunately, relatives of former Club President, Dick Tyson (1944-49), a regular attendee at the Yorkshire dinner, were unable to make the evening and sent their apologies.

Neil Borthwick, one of Doug’s oldest friends, paid tribute to Doug and presented Gina with a framed picture on behalf of the club, and Doug was in everyone’s thoughts, especially as we downed the traditional Birse Tea at the end of the evening.

Former Pupils attending the dinner, listed in order of entry into the School were:

Michael Walker (1946-57), Willson Taylor (1950-63), Neil Borthwick (1952-65), Ivor Douglas (1952-57), Norman Edwards (1959-64), Iain Hopkin (1962-68), Ian Fraser (1962-68), Nigel Watt (1963-69), James Rust (1963-71), David Galloway (1976-82) and Martin Coulter (1983-89)

Plans had been made for the 2020 Dinner, but due to the current pandemic this has now been postponed to an as yet unknown date.

David Galloway

Former Pupils’ Section Cricket 1st XI

FPs 1st XI had another successful year on the field finishing 2nd in Grade 1 for the second year in a row and had a good run in the Scottish Cup.

In the league, FPs only lost three of their eighteen matches and pushed Bon Accord all the way whilst keeping the chasing pack behind them. On the field there were stand-out performances from opening bowlers Harry Mapplebeck and newcomer Fraser Proud, who joined from Mannofield. They blew away many of the league's top orders, allowing all-rounders Karan Anand and Callum Herd to pick up vital wickets and restrict teams. With the bat Alex Keith and Karan Anand once again showed their prowess, scoring plenty of runs and setting the foundations for some very big totals.

Throughout the season three centuries were recorded, two by Karan Anand with 129 not out against Gordonians and then 109 not out as FPs racked up 316 for 6 against Mannofield. Conner McKinney, the Aberdeen University skipper, also made his maiden ton with a brilliant 120 against Crescent to hold FPs 194 for 8 together on a very tricky Links surface. Karan Anand won all the batting trophies and all the bowling trophies as well as the fielding cup. He scored 545 runs at 54.5 and took 27 wickets at 12.6 . He also won the Grades batting cup for the second year running with nearly 100 more league runs than his nearest challenger. He was also the second-highest wicket taker in the league.

Ales Keith made 366 at 26.1, Fraser Proud 246 at 22.4, skipper Rob Swiergon 241 at 20 and Arul Senthil 229 at 25.4. If Conner McKinney had been available for more games his record would have been even better than his 155 at 39 from four innings.

Bowling-wise, apart from Karan, the new slim-line Prash benefited greatly from his newfound fitness, taking 24 wickets at 18 and being a real beacon of positivity in the team and club overall. His claims that he should be up the order were not supported by his 21 runs at 5. Harry Mapplebeck took 26 at 13.4 and Fraser Proud claimed 16 at 17.5. John Thomson also chipped in with twelve wickets. There were 45 fors, Prash with 5 for 19 at Inverurie, Harry Mapplebeck 5 for 19 against Huntly, Fraser Proud with 5 for 20 against Gordonians and Conner McKinney with 5 for 25 also against Gordonians.

We continue to get wide interest in our games from across the globe with our reach assisted by the match reports which we post weekly on https://www.aberdeencricket.com/

Although some players have been highlighted, as skipper I have to say that everyone who represented the first team played their part and I am so proud of the effort everyone displayed. A particular example was an astonishing recovery against Inverurie, recovering from 73 for 9 to post 131 for 9 thanks to

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

30 not out from last man John Thomson and 26 not out from Chris Clelland. FPs then blitzed Inverurie for just 110 to complete a remarkable turnaround.

In the Aberdeenshire Cup, due to inclement weather the tie against Cults was settled by a most unsatisfactory bowl-off which unfortunately FPs lost. In the Challenge Cup FPs eventually lost to the cup winners Strathmore, seeing off a strong Huntly side on the way. Having had Strathmore in deep trouble at 10 for 3, dropping their overseas amateur a regulation chance in the deep was to prove costly, as he top scored with 77.

Over all FPs had great season playing some very competitive cricket and with some strong individual performances.

It would be wrong not to mention the challenge that many sports are facing in 2020, with cricket especially affected by Covid-19. You can argue the rights and wrongs of the government’s position on a sport that can easily adhere with social distancing but the reality is that it is very likely no cricket will be played in 2020. The knock-on effect will likely be big with the sport often already struggling for relevance. While I would anticipate FPs being able to field two sides when cricket returns I would fear many players will be lost completely, along with clubs and venues. Hopefully this report next year will have some late summer 2020 action to report.

Unfortunately, any future cricket will not include Chris Clelland who departed FPs at the end on the 2019 season after 25 years with the club. He is moving to the north of England and he will be greatly missed as a key player, off field organiser and all-round great club man who undertook a mountain of work to keep the club operating during his time. It was fitting that his last act for the club was to hit the winning six in the last game of the season to help us to a 1-wicket win.

Rob Swiergon 1st XI Captain

2nd XI

The 2nd XI captained by Aman Sood had a fantastic start to the 2019 season, winning the first three games with relative ease. Things didn't go as smoothly for the remainder of the season as we ended up losing 80% of the remaining fixtures, only narrowly hanging on to a place in Grade 2. Mid-season it was decided to give our fans a good cup run in favour of league survival and this strategy paid off, as we lifted the Bon Accord Cup by beating the recently crowned Grade 2 champions Siyapa.

In the cup final, Man of the Match Roland Knudson rolled back the years with a spell of 4 for 6 as the 2nd XI claimed the Bon Accord Cup in fine style at Peoples Park, stunning the favourites Siyapa. Having posted a very competitive 136 for 8 from 20 overs, Rajaa Monnapillai and Ranald Wilkie ripped through the top order to reduce Siyapa to 8 for 4 in the 3rd over, before Knudson took over claiming a triple wicket maiden as Siyapa were bundled out

Former Pupils’ Section

for just 68. Sean Harrower took the final wicket (2/13) as FPs’ straight bowling lead to a string of batsmen being bowled or LBW.

With the bat for FPs there were contributions throughout without anyone making a big score. Clelland 23, Gubbala’s 19 and various double figure contributions from others, as well as 21 extras meant it was a good all-round showing from the team. The Cup winning team was: Nattrass 11, Clelland (w) 23, Sood (c) 3, Gubbala 19, Wilkie 16, Haider 16, Barker 3, Youles 12*, Monnapillai 16, Harrower 0*, Knudson DNB. Bowling: Monnapillai 4-0-22-2, Wilkie 2-0-6-2, Sood 4-0-17-0, Knudson 4-1-6-4, Harrower 2-0-13-2

Across the season there were some very good individual performances but collectively we could have done a bit better. Some excellent batting partnerships between Aman Sood and Chris Clelland, bowling masterpieces from the experienced Roland Knudson as well as promising performances by Grammar schoolboys Qasim and Rajaa Monapillai were encouraging

Clelland’s early season form meant an inevitable recall to the 1st team as he averaged over 40 in the first three games, with Aman Sood in the runs with a match winning 72 against 2nd Knightriders. Mike Nattrass also weighed in with two successive half centuries and Agha Haider hit his maiden 50 with an expansive 64 against Siyapa. He also claimed with 4 wickets with his leg spin. Clelland hit an aggressive 72 in the 20/20 semi-final to help 2nds reach the final that was so brilliantly then won.

Aman Sood was the leading run scorer with 324 at 24.9, with Chris Clelland 216 at 36 and Mike Nattrass 213 at 23.7 also passing 200 runs. Roland Knudson was top wicket-taker and topped the averages with 17 at 8.9. Aman Sood claimed fifteen victims at 18.2 and Sean Harrower ten at 28. Elia Gubbala claimed the only 5 for, with 5 for 40 in a match winning effort against Fraserburgh.

Captain's highlights of the season would include the six that Clelland hit over long off in the cup semi-final against Methlick, the magical Knudson spell in the final and Wilkie's four spectacular catches in the final game of the season.

As similarly highlighted in the 1st XI report, there is an ongoing struggle to attract players in general to cricket, with Covid making that all the harder in 2020. Ian Johnston continues to do a sterling effort coaching at the school, but it is disappointing that there are no games on offer for the boys or girls at the school. It was encouraging that Qasim Farhan, Arif Ali and Faraj Monnapillai all turned out taking wickets and getting a few runs and hopefully they can continue to develop when cricket finally restarts.

3rd XI

The 3rd XI which play in the recreational Sunday league had an enjoyable season despite only playing six games under the watchful eye of skipper Paul

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Norwood. Of those six games, five were won, with the only loss to Mannofield who were crowned the champions.

It was good to see different experienced players including Geoff Morrison, Callum Herd and Rob Swiergon pitching in to help the less experienced members of the club in these Sunday matches. It was also encouraging to see John Youles turning out and scoring runs and wickets after several years of retirement.

The Sunday league works well for all types of cricketers, youngsters, lapsed players or players finding their way and it will be missed in 2020 due to Covid. With retirement rules in place for batting, all players get an opportunity and there were some encouraging performances.

Pete Macklin, more regarded for his golf, made huge strides and was leading run scorer, making a particularly attractive 32 not out at Ellon. He also worked on his wicket-keeping and displayed an excellent attitude to encourage the team. 1st teamer Callum Herd nipped in to be the top bowler with the most wickets at just 2 a piece but the main encouragement was to see youngsters Qasim Farhan, Arif Ali and Faraj Monnapillai all turning out and getting wickets.

When cricket returns this team will be key for developing future players.

Football

Grammar FPs entered into their 32nd season in Amateur Football with a new management team and a host of new players. Ten new players were brought in with only thirteen remaining from the previous season. Credit must be given to the fantastic efforts of the committee to keep the Club heading in the right direction and putting in place a new Club structure. We also signed some fantastic sponsorship deals with local business, which allowed the Club to invest in new training kits, tracksuits and holdalls for the players. Fundraising was also key and some clever initiatives were put in place to provide extra funds to support our new 4G training venue at Lochside Academy on a Wednesday night.

Pre-season training was really enjoyable and we knew that fitness was key to a good start to the season, so a 6-week schedule was put in place for the players. During the latter part of training we were invited to participate in a preseason Tournament with three other teams higher than us in the divisions. The players excelled and we ended up as winners, giving us the confidence that the season ahead looked positive.

We had an excellent start to Division 2 East and spent most of the first half of the season in the top three. We slowly became unstuck when we lost by the odd goal against the other top two teams and that dented our league chances and our confidence a bit, but we still remained in the promotion hunt. The

Former Pupils’ Section

second half of the season again started positively, but again dropped points versus teams in the top half of the league cost us places and we finished the season due to Covid-19 at the end of March in fifth place with six games to go. Our cup runs were mixed this season, with poor performances in the League and Divisional cups, which saw us exit both at the Quarter Final stage. In the Scottish Cup we were sadly beaten by Premier Division Alford after a replay in the second round. Our best cup run was in the AFC Trophy, where we reached the fourth round and due to play Premier Division Inch away in the next round.

In summary, a better season than previous and very frustrated that the season finished early due to Covid as we may well have sneaked promotion.

New searches have already begun, with some new additions planned. A tough pre-season training plan will start at the end of June to ensure that the players are fit and ready for the start of the 2020/21 season, hopefully in August. The club is definitely heading in the right direction, and has just secured a new kit sponsor for both home and away kits next season.

As in previous years any FP or School leaver who would be interested in joining us at pre-season training should get in touch with our Secretary Malcolm Robertson via email grammarfps@gmail.com

Men’s Hockey

With the arrival of summer, now is the time to reflect on the past season, such as it was. As some will know, this was my first year as Club Captain and I am very grateful to the management team and players of the Hockey Section for making it a pleasurable experience. Their work, much of it unseen, is invaluable to our continued presence in the National and local leagues as well as providing hockey coaching at the Grammar and feeder primaries.

Firstly, I would like to single out one member of the management team for special mention. After approximately twenty years as club treasurer Howard Smith finally managed to step away from the committee. It was not until we started to divide up his workload that we found out how much he had been doing to keep the club functioning, and it is a colossal amount of work. In no way is this a retirement though, as he is still an active member of the club where he continues to both play and coach. Additionally, as he is one of the more youthful golden oldies, he still has a minibus endorsement on his driving licence which meant he was able to step in and help the first team when they were struggling for a driver. It is individuals such as Howard that make me proud of our club, especially in what are definitely uncertain times.

Competitions

For season 2019-2020 we had three men’s teams in total. Our first team played in National 2 and found the going tough. An exceptionally young team, it was

going to be a challenge to retain Nat 2 status, but the chaps set about the task with relish.

Due to the youthfulness of the squad we struggled to match the physicality of some of the teams we came up against, however the squad trained hard and looked to be making progress post the winter shut down. Most of our remaining matches were in Aberdeen, and as such first team captain Jack Bushfield was confident that we could upset the form book and retain our position in the second tier of Scottish hockey. It has now been confirmed that we have indeed been successful in retaining our position, and great credit goes to Jack for moulding a team together to manage this. At the time of writing we are yet to have our AGM and awards night, so player of the year is still to be confirmed. However special mention must be made of the senior players Patrick Van Diggelen, Michael Thorburn, Andrea Baggio and newcomers Ewan Feilding and Greg Dunlop. Without these chaps we simply would not have been able to compete at this level, as the extremely talented schoolboys we have are just that - youngsters who need time and space to develop. I am being slightly disingenuous to the group of senior schoolboys who continue the conveyor belt of talent that comes out of the school teams, once again managed by Malcom Ewan. The outfield trio of Fin Renton, Cameron Ogilvie and Gregor Morrison are all well over six feet and are only bettered in physical presence by the Dutch powerhouse that is Dirk. Goalkeeper Neal Fleming is equally as tall and has tended goal with some maturity; once he finds his voice he will surely be one of the top keepers in the district. All four deserve to be playing at a high level and this is clearly demonstrated by Gregor’s achievement of representing Scotland at Under-18 level whilst still just 16.

Beneath this gang of four are the younger schoolboys who have been playing first team hockey potentially a season ahead of their development plan. Troy Hayton, Morgan Daniel and Fraser Bruce have shown great maturity and flexibility as they have stepped up to play in the adult leagues.

Our second team was skippered by Neil Shepherd, and once again a fine job he made of it. Due to the nature of district hockey not many games were played pre- shut down, however the games that were played were most enjoyable and of a high standard. John Dargie, Duncan Harris, the ever-youthful Charlie Smith and captain Neil made up the spine of the team. Gavin “Goose” Reid had a most welcome return from retirement to help with coaching and general banter. Andrew Fraser made appearances when not on daddy duties and we welcomed back Stephen Mair to playing duties. We have used a multitude of keepers, mostly press-ganged but now that Fraser Bruce has decided to concentrate on this position we have a solid platform.

The third eleven were riding unpecedently high in District 2 having put in some stellar Sunday performances. The subtle blend of youth and experience

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that captain John Chalmers pulls out of the hat on a weekly basis makes this a very enjoyable social team to play for.

Sponsorship and Social Partnership

This year we were lucky enough to gain a sponsorship deal with Archer Knight, a local subsea consultancy. As well as financial support they offered social media guidance and prizes for functions. We are very grateful for their continued support.

At the same time, we entered into a fundraising agreement with Friends of Anchor under which we have agreed to provide a portion of the money raised at any of our functions to the fantastic work they provide. This has come about through our member Rob Parfitt who has a strong personal connection through the support which they provided for him when his wife, Cathy, fought her battle with cancer and afterwards once she had passed. Our major fundraising activity for this will be a mixed tournament which had been pencilled in as a close of season jamboree; hopefully this will now be a curtain-raiser to the season ahead. Please keep an eye on the Grammar Hockey Facebook and Instagram pages for this event as it is sure to be a fantastic celebration.

As always, new and returning members are all welcome for the next season, whenever that may be.

James Williams Club Captain

Pétanque

At the time of writing, we have just held our Annual General Meeting, delayed some three months due to lockdown restrictions necessitated by the Coronavirus pandemic. The meeting was well attended, both physically and remotely over the internet. A new Committee was elected, and we are holding our first competition shortly.

The enjoyment of last season was tempered by the loss of three of our members, Professor Hugh Miller, whose wit and repartee will be sadly missed, Richard Cradock, founder member and prolific participant and Katie McDonald, Section Secretary and outstanding all-round contributor.

There was a slight fall off in membership, but nevertheless we hosted successful competitions through the season with five events completed over the summer and autumn months. In addition, the Section hosted Collieston Petanque club in September, in our annual fixture. A very convivial day was had by all, with Collieston emerging as victors and thus retaining the trophy.

A most enjoyable prizegiving lunch was held in the Club Centre in early December with a plethora of prizes being awarded on the day. On Boxing Day

several hardy members braved the chill for a fun match, aided by copious quantities of mulled wine.

We are always seeking new members of whatever age (the younger the better!) and a visit to the Club Centre is all that is required to register your interest. Petanque is a sport in which all can participate, and you can be assured of a very warm welcome.

At this year’s AGM the undernoted were elected:-

Captain – Barbara Buckett

Secretary – Karen Ross

Treasurer – Keith Douglas

Derek Young – Captain 2019/20

Rugby

The season commenced in June with pre-season training under the direction of a coaching team led by Ali O’Connor assisted by Ian Stanger, Bailey Walsh Greig Ryan and Duncan Massey. The Club captain was Doug Russell and the 1st XV captain was Sam Knudson. Having achieved promotion from National 1 to the Premiership everyone understood that the task at hand would be difficult. Our 2nd XV led by Duncan Massey was competing in Caledonia North 2.

At the commencement of the season our President, Jim Rae, suffered a period of illness, which ultimately led to his standing down in January. His presence was missed and we are glad that he has returned to health over this spring. Our Secretary, Colin Neilson, has filled the Presidential role on a temporary basis and will be installed as President on 16 July. Howard Moles continued his role as Treasurer and I fulfilled the roles of Director of Rugby and Chairman. We are supported by a large committee and the atmosphere within the rugby family at Rubislaw is more harmonious and settled than I have seen it in the last twenty years at the Club.

The season for the 1st XV commenced in the last weekend of August and ran through to March when all rugby ceased due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 1st XV actually completed all of their league matches and irrespective of the outstanding fixtures other clubs had at the close-down the team secured fifth place which, all things considered, was a creditable performance. It requires to be highlighted that our club has no paid or supported players, unlike many clubs in the Premiership. Aberdeen Grammar finished the season as the

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highest placed amateur club in Scotland. We played 18 matches, winning 8 and losing 10, and finishing on 39 points.

The highlights of the season were home and away victories over Edinburgh Academicals and GHA, with our finest performance being an away win 24-44 at Selkirk. Our lack of depth in the playing squad became more and more evident as the season progressed, as on weeks when we had more than three or four players absent, we suffered heavy defeats away at Marr, Currie, Hawick and Jed-Forest. Our form dipped after November and the lack of quality replacement players was severely punished by several clubs. This has been rectified by the recruitment of several players for the forthcoming season, as well as additional coaching support in the shape of Eric Strachan and our ex fitness coach, Rod Aspe, for season 2020/21.

Our 2nd XV blossomed during the season, attracting a large number of new players as the season progressed. Their season was cut short due to the Covid19 outbreak and at the time of rugby being shut down had played 13 matches, winning 8 and losing 5. They finished third in the league with one game unfulfilled due to Covid 19. The other teams below them could not have overhauled them and overall their season must be viewed as being on the improvement curve which commenced last season.

Our joint venture with Aberdeen Wanderers in running an Aberdeen-wide youth set-up from S1-U18 at the request of the SRU three years ago has been difficult due to ongoing conflict with management at Wanderers over resources and coaching ethos and standards. Our committee, in consultation with the youth coaches and mini section, have agreed to terminate the relationship with Wander-ers as from May 2020. Our youth section from S1 to U18 will be reconstructed at Rubislaw. It may take three years to have teams at every age group but there are sufficient coaches and volunteers to make this work. The mini section at the Club has approximately 300 children between the ages of 5 and 12 playing rugby every Sunday between August and May. Unfortunately their tournament, which is attended by a large number of clubs as well as 600 spectators had to be cancelled this year due to the pandemic.

The section is directed by Guy Appleton and a very active mini committee who run a very professional and well directed programme for the children. During the worst of the winter weather we rent the facilities at the International School at Pitfodels for the younger children. This has been a great innovation as it keeps the children engaged when the weather or Rubislaw pitches don’t allow youngsters to play the game.

Season 2020/21 will be heavily impacted by the pandemic, with no rugby forecast until October at the earliest. Pre-season training has been put back until mid-August and at the time of writing it is not clear in what format our teams will be competing, if any.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

With the onset of the pandemic and the closing down of rugby a group of committee, volunteers and players set up Aberdeen Grammar Rugby Volunteers and have engaged with the Scottish Government and Local Authorities in assisting the vulnerable and shielding individuals. Between March and June we have assisted persons with prescription collection, food deliveries and associated tasks on over 400 occasions. The interaction has been well received and reflects on those involved as well as the Club. We have received numerous letters of thanks and have assisted a number of FPs who suffer from health problems that prevent them from carrying out visits to shops etc.

Whatever the pandemic does to rugby in season 2020/21 I am positive that the Club will continue to thrive and we are well placed to continue to provide first class rugby in Aberdeen in the years to come.

We can be followed on www.aberdeenrugby.org.uk as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Our full match reports are available every Monday on the website.

Gordon Thomson Chairman

Women’s Hockey

In prospect, 2019-2020 was a hugely exciting season. The decision to enter two league teams again was testament to all the hard work put into season 2018-2019. The Club had won North District League Division Two during 2018-19 and with the win came promotion to North District Division One. Given the numbers at training and the return to fitness for some key players the opportunity to go back up to two teams was appealing to all. Captains were duly appointed and the Club entered a team in both North District’s Divisions One and Division Two.

Claire Drummond stepped forward to take on the challenge of the 1st XI and Emma Williams was to be at the helm of the 2nd XI, having guided the Club so successfully through the previous season. Claire’s group were excited to be back in Division One and Emma’s group ranged in age from 12-77 years, thus blending youth and experience at both extremes of the scale!

The 1st XI played some of their best hockey in years. The team’s newfound enthusiasm brought some splendid results in some high-scoring matches. The team were particularly grateful to Amber Deady (just finished at AGS) for stepping into goal for the 1st team. It was lovely to have two sets of sisters playing regularly in the 1st team with Amber’s younger sister Izzy (S3) making her debut in the team alongside Alexandria (a regular FP) and Susannah (S5) Grant working their socks off in the midfield. Madeleine Oxley (S6) had another super season for the team. Other schoolgirls to make their debuts in the

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1st team were Maisy Fan (S6), Iona Laidlaw (S4), Jenna Penman (S5), Keira Wood-Nicol (S4) and Caitlin Taylor (S3). Regular FPs (still!) playing were Helen Bruce, Emma Mair and Wendy Bradford. Again AGSFPs thrived on a blend of youth and experience. Thank goodness the youth are all so fast - the experienced group revelled in watching their speed down the wings.

The team was having a good run back in Division One when the global pandemic brought an abrupt halt to the season. It was quickly apparent that hockey would be over for the season. The team were sitting second place in the League table when the season was declared null and void.

2019-2020 1st XI results:

The 2nd XI had some new faces in the team. Emma Williams was as organised as ever and kept the team informed and updated as the season unfolded. On the pitch she was as encouraging as ever. A few of our youngest players (two S1s, namely Hannah Mair and Corah Taylor) made their 2nd team debuts and the older players worked hard to support these girls as they began their senior hockey careers. The 2nd team were very grateful to the players who came along to support them from the 1st XI. It was a joy to see so many folk supporting the 2’s and game after game they improved weekly.

The Club is, as ever, forever indebted to Martin Fraser (senior girls), Peter Goldie (senior girls), Andy Deady (S3), Murray Bisset (S1-2) and others for their help with schoolgirl coaching at Aberdeen Grammar School. It is hoped the future is even brighter as there are a talented group of primary school players beginning their hockey careers with FP’s own Emma Mair, Tony Duguid, Ben Johnson, Howard Smith, Lisa Tomkins, James Williams, Andy Martin, Brian Fitzpatrick and Fred Lawson amongst others guiding them. Fred

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

has announced that he is retiring from coaching this season and we will never be able to thank him enough for his incredible dedication to coaching our young players. Thank you Fred!

U14 AGSFPs and successfully coached a weekly group of new hockey stars. They thoroughly enjoyed some additional indoor festival time this season on top of the regular outdoor slots. The AGSFP’s Women’s Section has also directly benefited from a very supportive set of parents and Active Schools working with us and the children across all the age groups. Long may these relationships be strong.

ensured the players are all insured and registered appropriately, as well as attending all the other meetings associated with running the Hockey Club. Thanks to all.

Indoor Update

The 1st VI had a superb indoor season and finished as champions of the North District Indoor League Division One! This was a significant achievement given the opposition they faced weekly. Most notably this season was played in a new

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venue, the Gordon Barracks in the Bridge of Don. The shape and size of the pitch meant the team did well in spite of only playing with a goalkeeper in one match all season! AGSFPs very rarely play without a kitted ‘keeper and the decision to play in a more attacking formation paid off as the title was won in style as the team finished the season undefeated. Captain Emma McKelvey did a fantastic job and the team loved their indoor season.

The 2nd VI really enjoyed their indoor season. Again, the team spirit was commendable. Many thanks in particular to Claire Drummond for getting a team out every week and an umpire too. Well done to all those who played this season, another great year for indoor.

Finally, many thanks are due Murray Bissett, the girls’ long suffering coach. Thanks too are due to Helen Bruce and others for stepping in to take training when Murray was unavailable. Sincere thanks also to all this season’s umpires, in particular, to Gillian Graham, Dave Beattie and Andy Deady among many others for all your efforts in this regard, the teams are very, very grateful. Special mention and thanks should also be made to Gillian Bain for stepping up to take on the role of Umpiring Co-ordinator which eased the burden on the Captains this season in all events.

As ever, if you are keen to take up hockey again or have never played before you are very welcome to come along to training to see how you get on. Training is on Tuesday evenings at Rubislaw from 7.00 – 8.30pm and hopefully starts around the third Tuesday in August. This coming season we are again delighted to be offering P7/S1 and S2 the chance to play in another weekly session from 6-7pm on Tuesdays before senior training time.

For further information, contact: Emma Mair, Secretary - emma.mair14@gmail.com

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Annual Dinner

The Annual Dinner was scheduled to be held in the grand atmosphere of the Royal Northern & University Club on Friday 22 March 2020 but due to the Covid pandemic it had to be cancelled at the last moment. It is hoped, subject to the relaxation of dining guidelines, that a Dinner can be held at about the same time next year.

New Integrated Database Driven System

The Executive Committee has been examining new ways of retaining and controlling Former Pupils’ data with the ability to communicate more effectively with our FP community. The existing systems are cumbersome and difficult to use, and we are now in advanced discussion with a preferred supplier of a database which will allow greater flexibility. None of this comes cheap, but we are very fortunate to have received a very generous donation from one Former Pupil to allow us to pursue this course of action.

The new system will allow Aberdeen officials and Centre secretaries to communicate effectively and easily with members on a regular basis as well as enabling us to keep our master records as up to date as possible. It will integrate financial data and is compatible with existing methods of social media e.g. Facebook. The School will be able to utilise the new system as sub-groups can be set up. We shall have an attractive website, communication between FPs will be much enhanced, data such as old School photographs can be loaded, events can be planned, all activity can be tracked and there is inbuilt security at all levels.

Discussions are ongoing with the potential supplier so that we are in a position to bring a full report, with recommendations, to the Club Executive Committee. Chairman, Alan Campbell, comments that in recent times John Michie, our Treasurer, has been utilising his office systems and staff to carry out liaison with members, but lack of systems makes it time consuming and onerous. With Iain Hopkin, our enthusiastic Interim Secretary, in post there are so many ideas to be put into action. The generosity of this FP benefactor, whose identity will be revealed when a decision is taken by the Executive, means that we will be able to provide the kind of resource and capability to communicate with FPs in a manner appropriate to the times in which we live.

Former Pupils’ Section General Data Protection Regulation

The attention of Club members is drawn to the following Privacy Statement in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation which came into force on 25 May 2018.

About us

The Aberdeen Grammar School F.P. Club is a small not-for-profit organization. No officials receive a salary. Any reimbursement is on a receipt only basis.

The information we collect

The only information held about you will be names, postal and e-mail addresses, telephone numbers and years at school if you have provided this information.

The basis on which we hold this information is “Legitimate interests”. Information about you will only be held for the following reasons:

1. To communicate with you regarding membership and subscriptions;

2. To communicate with you about FP Club or School events;

3. To enable FP Club Magazine distribution.

Telephone calls

You may be contacted from time to time for the purpose of informing you of Club and School events or for maintaining your membership subscription.

Your Data

Your postal details only will be sent to the printer to enable Magazine distribution.

Requesting your Data

You may request details of personal data which we hold about you. Any have the right to request that your personal data is erased from the records if you are no longer a member of the FP Club.

Amendments to our Policy

Any information found to be incorrect will be corrected as soon as possible. You amendments necessary will be intimated at the AGM or in future communications to you.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

F.P. Club Membership Subscription Rates

The current policy of the Executive is to review Subscription rates annually, but in normal circumstances we would hope that it will only be necessary to amend them every 5 years. The Life Member “Top up” scheme – which has been hugely successful – involves a payment of £20 to cover a five-year period. Top-ups are now due for the period 2020 to 2024 inclusive. A number of members’ Top Ups from prior periods remain unpaid. The Life Fund is stronger than it was, but still requires further “topping up”. The £20 “Top up” works out at just £4 per year for the 5-year period and greatly helps to offset the everincreasing cost of producing this Magazine. We also draw down 5% of the Life Fund each year which works out at roughly £1 per Life Member, so that, when this is added to the £4 from the “Top up”, the Club receives £5 per Life Member in total each year. This doesn’t yet match the £10 or so we receive from Annual Members, but is moving in the right direction and we are certainly much better off than we were before the “Top up” scheme was introduced in 2000. We had a tremendous response to the introduction of the scheme, which is voluntary, and the vast majority of Life Members have responded very positively. These payments are a vital part of the Club’s income.

Subscription rates for 2020 are as follows:-

Life Membership:

New Life Members: £100 plus a £20 “Top up” every 5 years, the first “Top up” being payable 5 years after Life Membership is taken out.

Existing Life members: £20 “Top up” every 5 years

Annual Membership:

Ordinary Members: £12.50 by cheque or £10 if paid by Standing Order

School Leavers: Free up to five years from leaving

Note: School Leavers may also become Members of the Club Centre when they reach the age of 18 on application to the Club Centre Secretary.

Special Notes for Members over 75:

Historically, all members of the FP Club become “Long Service” Members from 1st January in the year following the year in which they reach the age of 75. Thereafter Life Members are no longer expected to make “Top up” Payments and Ordinary (Annual) Members no longer have to pay

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Subscriptions. However, as a very significant number of members are aged over 75, it is suggested that they might continue to make Top-up and Annual payments on a voluntary basis.

Payment of Subscriptions:

Subscriptions should be sent to:

The Membership Secretary, John Michie, who will also deal with all queries about Membership, changes of address etc: His address is:

391 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BX.

Tel: 01224 – 580641 Email: membership@agsfp.com

Donations and Bequests

The Second Century Fund was set up in 2000 to receive all Donations and Bequests. This Fund is used to finance specific School and Club projects, and is not used for normal ongoing Club expenses. As will be seen from the Accounts elsewhere in this Magazine, the total from this source in 2018 was £2908. Our grateful thanks go to everyone who has contributed. It is hoped that this Fund will receive a significant boost from the current round of Top-up payments. New

Congratulations to the following members of the Club who will attain the age of 75 during 2020 and so will become Long Service Members on 1st January 2021.

David

Douglas

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Peter I. Davidson 1960-64 Ian Reid 1951-63

Kenneth E. Dawson 1954-64

Michael A. Forsyth 1958-64

Douglas G. Fowlie

Alexander M. Grieve

Michael C. Hastie

1950-64 1951-64 1959-63

Iain G.H. Ross 1958-63

John R. Spence 1962-64

William G. U’Ren

Derek J. Walker

Keith M.C. Webster

Annual Members

1958-64 1959-65 1958-63

Colin F. Caie

Gavin T. McEwen 1959-65 1958-64

John Main

Hugh A O Mennie 1961-63 1954-56

Long Service Members

For several years now we have published the names of our Nonagenarians. Sadly, five of these died in the past year, but five others have been added to the list who have attained the remarkable age of 90 or will do so later this year. We have two Centenarians in our ranks. We congratulate them all and thank them for their continuing interest and support. The full list, with their dates of birth, is as follows:-

Robert

Joseph

Alastair

Peter

John

Michael

Ellis

Alastair

William

Peter

Eric

Quintin

Harry

George

James

Frederick

James

Former Pupils’ Section

Arthur W.A. Main 1939-45 15 January 1928

William J. Coulson 1936-44 12 March 1928

Norman K.B. Robson 1933-40 31 March 1928

Ian Stuart 1933-46 5 April 1928

F.L. Pierre Fouin 1944-47 20 November 1928

Leonard Bird 1936-46 18 January 1929

Alan R. Lyall 1933-46 8 March 1929

Alan G. Craig 1933-46 27 March 1929

Brian K. Crookshanks 1934-46 17 August 1929

William Moncur 1945-48 15 January 1930

Peter L. Cromar 1942-48 23 April 1930

William D.G. Coutts 1935-46 1 June 1930

Peter M. Gordon 1939-48 1 July 1930

Robert Walker 1940-46 12 July 1930

James M. Hunter 1936-47 10 August 1930

Richard F. Allan 1937-48 17 August 1930

John M. Eddison 1939-48 2 September 1930

Kenneth F. Brown 1935-47 25 September 1930

G. Moray M. Slater. 1935-47 26 September 1930

Dennis A. Ritchie 1943-46 23 December 1930

NOTES about FORMER PUPILS

John Ross Baird (1952-64) was involved earlier this year in arranging a gathering of members of the Baird clan promoted by the Baird Family Society. A large number of the Society was to travel from America, where their president lives, for a gathering in Sandhaven which is near where the ancient Baird lands of Auchmedden. It was planned thereafter to meet with officials at the Court of the Lord Lyon King of Arms to present nominations for a new chief of the Clan. The whole process has been put on hold on account of the Covid pandemic.

Myles Edwards (2000-06) has been active during the Covid lockdown organising virtual 5K and one-mile runs to support the work of the Gathimba Edwards Foundation, the charity which he co-founded with international athlete Gideon Gathimba to help under-privileged children in Kenya. Runners of all ages and levels of experience have risen to the challenge – over 650 runners and walkers from 28 countries across six continents have been involved. The final Globe Run took place in July and the challenge to participants was to see how far they could run or walk in 22 minutes. The total raised over the three runs was £8,866.

As in the current pandemic situation no other events can be arranged for the foreseeable future the money raised in the Globe Runs is ensuring that the supported children are getting the food and other essentials which they need.

James A. Florance (1995-2001) LL.B, DipLP, NP, TEP studied Law at the University of Aberdeen and trained with Gray & Connochie, solicitors. Following qualification he remained with the firm which merged with Ledingham Chalmers, solicitors, in July 2018. He joined their Private Client team. James is Treasurer of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen, having been elected in 2016. He was appointed as a Trustee of Camphill School, Aberdeen in 2018. A keen curler, he has recently been elected as President of Aberdeen Curling Club and will lead the celebration of their 150th Anniversary in 2021.

Alexander Millar Grieve (1951-64) MB,ChB, FRCP, FRCGP, FFTM, RCPS (Glasg) is an occupational physician with a long standing interest in Travel Medicine. Following a career in the army, which included research on applied physiology, and running a group general practice, he worked in all aspects of the oil industry with Shell, becoming Chief Medical Officer of Shell UK Ltd. He then spent two years as a director of BUPA Health Services before becoming head of Group Health Safety & Environment and Group Chief Medical Adviser for GKN plc, a UK based global engineering company. He

Former Pupils’ Section

was Chair of the Engineering Employers Federation HSE Policy Committee and a specialist adviser to the House of Commons Select Committee on Work & Pensions.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of London and Glasgow and a Member Nominated Trustee of the GKN plc Pension Fund. He continues to chair international medical conferences from to time and to lecture by invitation.

He is now largely retired and lives in Warwickshire with his wife, who is also a Fellow of the Faculty of Travel Medicine at the Glasgow College. Son Russell is a partner and office manager at Knight Frank.

Timothy John Rolfe (1982-86) BSc, BA has taken up a new post as Chief Executive Officer for HeliOffshore, a global, safety-focused association for the offshore aviation transportation industry. He has been with Bristow Helicopters for thirty years, serving as a helicopter pilot and as a training captain in support of off-shore, Search and Rescue, military support and VIP operations. He is a founding member of HeliOffshore and has led Safety in several leadership roles during his career at Bristow.

Obituaries

William Balfour (1950-58) died peacefully in Montreal, Canada on 4 December 2019 aged 79. Born in Streatham, his family came to Aberdeen just before he came to the Grammar. He was a member of the 1st XV with full colours and was described as a rumbustious, brave player. Before emigration to Canada in 1966 he kept up his rugby, playing with FPs 1st XV, and he was also a member of the Golf Section.

In Canada Willie operated his own insurance broker’s business and also acted as an international consultant. He was compelled to retire at the end of the ‘80s after a series of heart attacks, but following a heart transplant in 1995 he embarked on a new career as a travel agent. He specialised in corporate travel but also handled arrangements for non-governmental organisations with aid and human rights around the world. At about this time he also had both hips replaced.

An enthusiastic FP he was early associated with the Canadian Centre after it was set up in 1993 and was President of the Centre in 1998-99. He was a regular attender at Reunion Weekends when these were held in the East, his last such being at the memorial service for Peter Green in 2018.

Sadly, Willie’s wife Eileen, to whom he had been married for fifty-three years, died in August. He is survived by his daughter and three grandchildren.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Raymond Allan Binner (1959-68) MA tragically, three days after his seventieth birthday, was knocked down while on a pedestrian crossing in Maidenhead and died the following day, 6 November 2019. He had been visiting his father Tom who moved to Maidenhead to be near Ray after his wife’s death in 2005.

Ewen Rennie (1955-68) writes:

“When the great scorer comes

To write against your name

He writes not if you lost or won

But how you played the game

“Ray played the game in a quiet, unassuming manner with a smile on his face whether it be football, rugby, cricket or golf. He captained the Cricket team in S6 and then went on to play for FPs, principally in the Grade team. In rugby he is best remembered for developing hypothermia whilst playing in a blizzard against Morgan Academy at Dundee. He played football for the Lower School whilst still in P5 but his football highlight came with Gordon Anderson (1955-68), Marshall Byres (1960-69), John Curran (1963-69) and Ewen Rennie (1955-68) in winning the Scottish Universities 5-a-side title in 1972. Ewen, Gogs and Ray were the stalwarts of the 5-a-side team which won the Aberdeen University 5-a-side league three years in a row.

“After graduating MA in Geography, Ray trained as an accountant in London and worked for Britoil before joining BP and moving back to Aberdeen for a few years. Head Office called and he moved to Maidenhead with his wife and two daughters. A lifelong Aberdeen supporter, he had to make do with watching Reading and playing golf, pursuits he continued after taking early retirement.

“Ray’s younger brother Douglas Gordon Binner (1957-70), who was born with a heart condition which required surgery at Great Ormond Street, died four years ago.

“Ray is survived by his father Tom, his wife, Fel, by two daughters and grand-children.”

David James Blair (1944-58) MA died peacefully in the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy on 19 June 2020 aged 79. From School he went up to Aberdeen University to read Modern Languages, graduating with honours in 1963. After teacher training he taught in Arbroath for four years before moving to Kirkcaldy Technical College in 1968. He then became a senior lecturer in Kirkcaldy College of Education where, as a specialist in adult education, he played an important role in the development of this field. Despite this he kept up his fluency in French and Spanish and he was a keen reader of history, biography and current affairs. He was an elder of his local church.

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David is survived by his wife, Laura, with whom he celebrated their Golden Wedding last year, by a son and daughter and by four grandchildren.

Alexander Bryan Broomfield (1945-55) died peacefully in an Aberdeen hospital on 18 February 2020 aged 83. On leaving School he joined the family business of T & C Motor Garage Co. Ltd. which later became Town & County Motors. He learned the business of the motor trade and rose to be managing director before his retirement in 1992.

He had a long association with the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, of which he was for a time chairman. From 1992 he was chairman of the Aberdeen Royal Hospitals Trust, the first teaching hospital trust in the country, which ran the Royal Infirmary, the Maternity Hospital and the Children’s Hospital. During his tenure the annual number of patients rose by 5,600 and outpatients by 7,300. His business interest led him to join the Aberdeen branch of LINC, an organisation designed to assist new businesses to start up.

Bryan’s leisure pursuits were golf, fishing, walking and travel.

He is survived by his wife, Morag, and his brother William McIntyre Broomfield (1945-54). His brother Sinclair George Broomfield (1947-59) died in 2017.

John (Toby) Colin Chalmers (1945-53) BSc died peacefully in Belfast on 7 June 2019 following a long illness. He was aged 84. He was born in Tientsin, China where his father Alan Chalmers (1915-19) worked in the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank. Toby’s father was transferred to Shanghai where his brother Anthony (1945-55) was born. After the Japanese invaded Shanghai the boys were sent with their mother to Hong Kong where they lived until 1941 when they sailed to America. Their Dad followed a year later and they spent a happy year there where Toby started school. They went by rail to Montreal where their father was seconded to a Canadian bank until 1944 when they had a rather hairy crossing from Halifax to Liverpool in a convoy harassed by German Uboats.

On arrival in Aberdeen Toby and his brother entered the School Boarding House. He said that he was bullied by a couple of skinny wee lads who chased him around the playground at break time calling him ‘Tubby’ (? good Canadian food to blame?) but come time they gave up and henceforth John was called Toby.

Toby enjoyed Rugby and was picked to play for Scottish Schoolboys against Wales. From School he was called up for National Service and continued to play rugby but as the only non-officer in the team he had to change behind the building. He then went up to Aberdeen University to read Science. He continued to play Rugby and served on the Union Management Committee. In 1962 he was awarded an honours degree in Chemistry.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

He applied, on the advice of another FP, for a post in the Northern Ireland Civil Service and having been accepted he became known again as John. He served in the Ministry of Agriculture in Belfast and rose from assistant principal officer to assistant secretary. He enjoyed concentrating on Forestry and Fisheries. He continued with his rugby, did a lot of sailing and cycling, and was for a time a director of Ocean Youth Trust of Northern Ireland. He became a hardworking member of the charity Sustrans.

Toby developed problems with his neck due to his long rugby career and while on holiday in Spain in 2012 he fell and broke his neck. He spent four months in hospital before being discharged in a wheelchair. Five years later he developed cancer from which he never recovered.

John is survived by his wife Freda, to whom he had been married for 58 years, by three sons, a daughter and nine grandchildren.

Former President

Thomas Gordon Coutts (1938-51) MA, LL.B, QC died peacefully in a hospice in Edinburgh on 16 August 2019 aged 86. The son of a well-respected Aberdeen chemist he went up to Aberdeen University to read Arts and Law. He was elected to the Students Representative Council and served for a time as its Sub-Secretary. He graduated with honours in English in 1955 and in Law in 1957.

He moved immediately to Edinburgh to prepare at the Bar and was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in 1959. One of his early cases in the High Court found him defending the celebrated John Ramenski, famed for the number of times on which he had escaped from Peterhead Prison. Gordon took silk in 1973 and his career at the Bar lasted for almost fifty years.

In 1991 he was one of the four senior advocates and sheriffs appointed to the newly-created position of Temporary Judge and he sat in the court of Session until 2004. Other posts which he held included Chairman of Industrial Tribunals and Chairman of Medical Appeal Tribunals. Gordon served as Chairman of Faculty Services Ltd. the company which provides administrative and other support services for advocates. He was also a member of the English Bar, and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He sat as an international arbitrator in relation to the Piper Alpha tragedy.

A long-term supporter of the Edinburgh Centre of the FP Club, Gordon was elected as President of the FP Club in 1980, a role which he carried out in his own felicitous manner. At the time of his death he was the senior Honorary Vice-President of the Club.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Winifred, to whom he had been married for sixty years, and by a daughter and four grandchildren.

Former Pupils’ Section

Maurice Quentin Cramb (1945-58) MA, DipEd died peacefully in a hospice in Dunfermline on 4 February 2020 which was his eightieth birthday. He had been in poor health for some time following a stroke and a heart attack. At School he was a Prefect, captain of Keith House, athletics captain of his house and President of the Dramatic Society. He also played wing three-quarter for the 1st XV. From school he went up to Aberdeen University, graduating in Arts with Honours in English in 1962 and with a Diploma in Education in 1963.

His first teaching post was at Gordon Schools, Huntly after which he returned to the Grammar as a special assistant in English in 1964. Five years later he moved as principal teacher of English at Madras College, St Andrews before joining the inspectorate in English in the West of Scotland. For seven years from 1975 he was national specialist senior adviser in English and Drama and convener of the English Panel whose work led to the setting of new criteria for the assessment of all subjects.

Quentin later became the District Inspector for Strathclyde responsible for the management of inspectors in all secondary subjects and for pupils with special needs, including those with learning difficulties. He ended his career as Staff Inspector in the Teacher Education & Educational Technology Unit. He later did consultancy work with the Dyslexia Trust and part-time lecturing at the Northern College of Education. His life-long interests were in theatre, music, travel and reading.

Quentin’s first marriage ended in divorce but he re-married in 1994. He is survived by his second wife, Anne, three daughters and five grandchildren. His father was Maurice Cramb (1916-29), a former chairman of the Executive Committee of the FP Club.

Eric Hugh Cruickshank (1940-49) BSc, PhD died peacefully at his home in Surrey on 18 April 2020 following a brief illness. Born in Edinburgh, his family moved to Aberdeen when he was aged 8 and he entered Lower II B. Always an athlete, he captained the 1st XV, the 1st XI and Athletics in his 6th year, when he was also Senior Prefect. He was awarded the All Round Trophy. Eric went up to Aberdeen University to read Science, graduating with honours in Chemistry in 1953. He was awarded a doctorate three years later. Eric then moved south, firstly to engage in nuclear research at Harwell and then into further research with Royal Dutch Shell.

While at University Eric captained the FP 1st XV for several seasons and also played in North Select sides. He played for Scotland in the final trial for the 1953 but the Rest won by 9 to 5 so he was denied a cap. Almost as soon as he moved south Eric was made welcome by London Scottish and was selected for their 1st XV, earning his club cap in season 1956/57. He was rewarded with the captaincy for the following season. Eric was also a keen sevens player at a

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

time when the club might enter as many as four different tournaments on the same day.

In 1965 London Scottish gave Eric a special award to mark his contribution to a decade of ever improving performances and results. Barbarians also recognised Eric’s worth and selected him at full-back in a special match in 1965, although by then he had retired from the 1st XV. He finally stopped playing in 1966. He continued to serve on committees. In 1979 he was elected as the Club’s ninth president in its 101st year, another first for an F.P. Eric’s interest in London Scottish remained and he attended matches and events frequently, including as guest of honour at their 140th birthday dinner in 2018.

Eric’s career with Shell was short-lived, after which he went into business with his father-in-law in a light engineering company which he continued to run until he retired in 2001. He was noted for his sense of duty and public service, which involved in him fund-raising through the Freemasons and Epsom Rotary Club. He also served on the Board of Governors of a school in Leatherhead which his sons had attended.

Eric is survived by his wife of 60 years, by three children, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Neil Douglas Davidson (1969-75) died peacefully at his home in West Lothian on 3 May 2020 after several months of ill health. He was aged 62. From school he took up a post as a clerical officer with the North East of Scotland Regional Hospital Board. He was soon actively involved in trade union activities. He was throughout his life an active socialist, joining the Socialist Workers Party in 1978.

After working for a time in London at the Scottish Office he returned to Scotland to a post in the Scottish Parliament rising through the ranks to become policy adviser to Alex Salmond when he was first minister. He played the part of civil servant during office hours but his Marxist views dictated his way of life at other times. He was the founder of the Edinburgh Campaign Against War in Europe which protested about Nato actions during the Balkans conflict and helped to create the rs21 political group, having left the SWP.

Neil graduated from the Open University in 1992 and went on to lecture to OU students, giving tutorials in Sociology. On leaving the civil service Neil became a senior research fellow at Strathclyde University and later a lecturer in Sociology at Glasgow University. He wrote books, anthologies and hundreds of articles on a wide range of subjects. He was enthusiastic about music, dancing, theatre and the arts, and was an avid reader with the ability to read novels at the same speed as others read newspapers.

Neil is survived by his partner Cathy.

Former Pupils’ Section

Ian Donald (1935-48) MB,ChB died peacefully in a care home in Aberdeen on 18 December 2019 aged 89. At school he played scrum half for the 1st XV and was a member of the 9th Troop of Scouts. He went up to Aberdeen University to read Medicine, graduating in 1954. For a year after qualifying he held house surgeon and house physician posts at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary before being called up for National Service. He served as regimental medical officer with 45 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery from 1955-57. On his return to Aberdeen he was a medical registrar with Aberdeen General Hospitals for two years and thereafter was in general practice in Aberdeen until retiring several years ago.

Ian was a regular attender at the reunions held by FPs of the combined 1947 to 1949 years where he much enjoyed the camaraderie of his former school friends.

Ian was predeceased by his wife, Betty, but is survived by three daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

William Young Doverty (1944-58) TD died peacefully at his home in Mintlaw on 23 June 2020 aged 80. He joined the Customs Service and saw service in all parts of the UK from Dover to Lerwick. Latterly he was the senior customs officer in the Aberdeen Investigation Unit at Peterhead. In 1995 he was appointed to lead a team training Scottish businesses for Single Market trading for which they received an Investors in People Award. When the team was scrapped Bill opted to retire. Knowing that many firms still needed training he started his own business, Single Market Systems Ltd.

Bill had a long period of commissioned service in the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve ending in 1995. Latterly he held the rank of Major. His service was recognised by the award of the Territorial Decoration. With a keen interest in the welfare of his local community Bill became a community councillor and was diligent in serving his electors. His membership of the local Rotary Club further enabled him to render public service. A keen swimmer and golfer, he had a lifelong interest in jazz music.

Bill is survived by his wife, Marlene, two daughters and four grandchildren.

Former President

Meldrum Barclay Edwards (1946-60) MBE, BSc, MICE. died peacefully in Roxburghe House, Aberdeen on 8 November 2019 after a long illness. He was aged 76. The son of Alfred James Meldrum Edwards (1908-21), one-time head of the Lower School, he himself passed through the School from Nursery to 6th year and his interest in running began as he ran on the grassed area on Esslemont Avenue at the front of the school. It was early clear that his interest was in athletics and not team sports.

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From School Mel went up to Aberdeen University to read Civil Engineering, graduating in 1964. He then undertook a course at Churchill College, Cambridge earning him a Master’s degree. He continued his studies at Newcastle University on a diploma course in Highway and Traffic Engineering. This led to a post as a Research Assistant in Transportation at Southampton University. In 1969 came a return to Aberdeen to a post with Aberdeen County Council. In 1975 when local government was reorganised, he joined Grampian Regional Council at the same time as he qualified as a Chartered Civil Engineer. He stayed in local government for a further twenty years after which he worked variously for BEAR Scotland, as principal engineer in the Road Safety Engineering unit of Aberdeenshire Council and as a self-employed sports consultant.

More than fifty years of Mel’s life was dedicated to coaching and competing in long distance running. As his Aberdeen University course was ending he won the Scottish U-20 cross-country title, beating Ian McCafferty and Lachie Stewart. In 1967 he broke the British 6-mile record and won the Scottish Junior cross-country title. At this time he was training up to 5000 miles a year in an effort to become an Olympian. His debut marathon, at Harlow in Essex, was completed in 2 hours 18 minutes which placed him fourth in the British rankings. He missed out on selection for the Mexico Olympics by two places.

After an injury problem Mel turned to hill running in which he enjoyed much success and he continued with cross country running. The Scottish hills and mountains presented him with a further challenge. In 1979 he set a record, which remained unbroken for 23 years, for the ascent and descent of the four Cairngorm mountains over 4000 feet. He next turned to fund-raising for charity, and he had a key role in setting up the Aberdeen Marathons. Beneficiaries have been the cancer charities Friends of Anchor, in whose aid he organised a charity run for his seventieth birthday in 2012, and CLAN of which he has been a patron since 2008.

Mel was the longest-serving member of Aberdeen Amateur Athletics Club. He established the Lynx Pack twice-weekly lunch-time training sessions in 1988 and the Aberdeen Business Runners Club in 1997. One of his biggest rewards was watching as those whom he had coached flourished. Two have competed in the Commonwealth Games marathon and one, Kenny Herriot, a local wheelchair athlete, broke the British marathon record. Mel’s own marathon personal best of 2 hours, 18 minutes, 25 seconds would still place him high in the current British rankings. Even when diagnosed with myeloma in 2006 he refused to be put off his athletic projects.

Mel was awarded an MBE in the Birthday Honours List in 2013 in recognition of his services to Athletics and Charity. As this richly deserved

Former Pupils’ Section

honour coincided with his own initials he was wont to joke that he was MBE squared.

Mel is survived by his wife Kareen, his son Myles (2000-06) and by a grand-daughter.

George Stewart Forbes (1947-59) died peacefully at his home in Orpington, Kent on 27th August 2019 after a short illness. He was aged 78. After training in accountancy in Aberdeen he moved to London with his wife-to-be, Audrey, in 1966 to join the Transport Development Group, an expanding group of Haulage, Warehousing and Cold Storage companies which was recruiting Scottish Accountants. He remained with TDG throughout his working life, working mainly as a Company Accountant with a number of its subsidiaries. This included a spell in France.

George was always a keen sportsman, and was a long-term member of Blackheath & Bromley Harriers. In 1981 he ran his first and the first London Marathon organised by Chris Brasher. In total he completed six London Marathons and many Half Marathons, including a number of Great North Runs. He enjoyed taking his family to Athletics Meetings at Crystal Palace.

George was also a keen mountaineer, regularly visiting the Cairngorms and the mountains on the West Coast of Scotland. He was a member of the British Mountaineering Council and of the Austrian Alpine Club. Some years ago he was invited to go sailing around the West Coast of Scotland, including the Hebrides, and enjoyed it so much that this became an annual trip. In retirement he also played a lot of golf and had many successes in local tournaments.

George was a keen historian and researcher, his main historical passion being Aberdeen Georgian Silver. He spent much time and effort in the Aberdeen Archives researching the lives of Silversmiths and their Apprentices. He also became a member of the Silver Society and came to be recognised as a real expert. He also enjoyed researching the family histories from Shetland to Aberdeen and then to the USA and beyond.

George is survived by his wife, Audrey, two daughters and two grandsons. His elder brother Sinclair Thomson Forbes (1947-56) died in 2011.

James Stewart Fowlie (1935-42) MA (Cantab) died peacefully in an Edinburgh care home on 26 December 2019 aged 89. He was born in Edinburgh, but soon moved to Aberdeen, where his father was a Tax Inspector. He entered the Junior Infant Department of the School but left in 1942 when the family moved to London. He then attended Whitgift School in South Croydon and then Queens College, Cambridge, where he studied Mathematics. After teacher training in Cambridge, he taught at Fettes College in Edinburgh for a year before moving to Edinburgh Academy for the rest of his career. He eventually became Head of the Mathematics Department and then Senior Master. Apart

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from Mathematics, he had learned to love Scottish Country Dancing while at Cambridge and he set up a much-loved Reel Club at Edinburgh Academy soon after arriving. He continued this in various forms, for staff, parents and pupils, throughout his career and into retirement. He also organised and played keyboard in a Ceilidh Band for pupils. As a housemaster for one of the boarding houses in the 1970s, he set up a film club to show 16mm versions of the latest cinema releases, his love of cinema having started as a boy in Aberdeen. He recalled cinema trips being interrupted by air raid sirens on several occasions.

Stewart loved teaching and was sad to have to retire at 60, according to school policy, but continued to teach, first at Napier College and then tutoring pupils at Edinburgh Academy and several local primary schools. He developed a special interest in helping pupils with dyslexia, who he felt had special needs in Maths as well as language. He sadly lost his sight in an accident in 2006, which finally ended his teaching, although his resilience and resolve to keep learning and writing about methods of teaching on his specially adapted computer were quite remarkable. Until his health prevented it, he was also able to continue teaching Scottish Country Dancing, knowing every dance off by heart – apparently the only problem was that he was unable to see when the dancers had got lost! He was a faithful member of the Edinburgh Centre of the FP Club and much enjoyed attending their Dinners and Reunions. He was particularly grateful for the help he was given to enable him to get to them after he became blind.

Stewart always spoke very fondly of his time at ‘the Grammar’. He particularly remembered his P1 teacher and the way she taught Mathematics by ‘understanding’, rather than rote learning, a concept so vital to him throughout his own teaching career. Education was hugely important to him and it was fitting that his final deed was to leave his body to medical science.

Stewart is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters and by five grandchildren.

Austen James Sutherland Gardiner (1939-52) MBChB, MRCPE, FRCPE died peacefully at a Dunblane nursing home on 7 January 2020 aged 85. From school he went up to Aberdeen University to read Medicine, graduating in 1960. He was a house officer at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for two years followed by a surgery post for two years and a spell as a registrar before taking up a residential fellowship for four years at McGill in Montreal.

On returning, he spent six years as a senior registrar lecturing in Medicine at Aberdeen before appointment as a consultant Physician at Monklands Hospital in Lanarkshire in 1976. He spent the rest of his career there, respected by his colleagues and patients alike.

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Austen loved the outdoors, his dogs, fast cars, jazz and a single malt. He is survived by his wife Ruth, to whom he had been married for nearly sixty years, two sons, a daughter and five grandchildren. His brother Quentin attended the School in 1940-47.

Alan Geddes (1976-79) died suddenly in Aberdeen on 7 December 2019 as the result of a fatal attack. He was aged 56. After leaving school he served his time as a blacksmith and construction engineer with his father’s company, Alex Geddes Welders & Steel Erectors. On finishing his apprenticeship he decided to do some traveling and was for a time a Disc Jockey in Spain. On his return to Aberdeen he spent some time as a model.

Alan then decided to get into the oil business. He began as a plater offshore and spent some time working in Holland. He returned to Aberdeen and worked his way up to construction supervisor both offshore and in the office onshore. He had a warm personality and kept in regular contact with many former school friends, meeting up with them whenever he could. He loved soul music and was a real ladies’ man. He didn’t settle down until, at age 49, he became a father for the first time. He said that this was the greatest joy he had in his life. He was a proud and devoted dad to Lucas, who is now aged eight.

Alan’s life was cut short by a violent attack near his home in Aberdeen. He is fondly remembered by his family and many friends.

Robert Fairweather Gillan (1941-55) MA, LL.B died suddenly but peacefully in hospital in Aberdeen on 30 January 2020 aged 83. From School he went up to Aberdeen University, graduating in Arts in 1958 and Law in 1961. He served an apprenticeship in his father’s firm Alexander & Gillan and was soon assumed as a partner. Following the retirement of his brother he was for four years sole partner prior to merging the practice with that of Ian Smith & Co. He retired only a few years ago.

Robert was a Notary Public and a Burgess of Guild as well as being a member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. He enjoyed hill-walking, fishing, golf and swimming.

Robert was predeceased by his wife Yan but is survived by a son, two daughters and grandchildren. His brother John Thomson Clifford Gillan (1934-46) died in 2016.

George Malcolm Heddle (1946-52) ARIBA, ARIAS died peacefully in a care home in Aberdeen on 10 October 2018 aged 83. From school he studied at the Aberdeen School of Architecture graduating with a Diploma in 1957. He held a post with the Aberdeen City Architect during the 1960s at which time he was associated with the development of the Council headquarters at St Nicholas House on Broad Street. He also held a teaching appointment at what was by

then the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture. In the early 70s he entered into the partnership of Grant & Heddle.

George is survived by his wife, daughters Jacqueline (1977-83) and Jennifer Louise (1981-87) and a grand-daughter.

Eric Ferguson Johnston (1935-40) died peacefully at his home in Aberdeen on 21 January 2020 aged 96. A bursar from Ashley Road Primary School, he left the Grammar aged sixteen to embark on an apprenticeship as a clerk with Aberdeen Savings Bank. After the outbreak of war in 1939 he served with the Home Guard before volunteering for the Royal Armoured Corps as a tank driver. He underwent intensive training for the invasion of Europe and went ashore on Gold Beach on D-Day. He was involved in the battle for Caens and thereafter in the allied advance through France into Belgium and thence into Germany. At this stage his tank hit a mine and his co-driver’s legs were blown off. After the war in Europe he served for a time in Palestine.

He returned to banking and his promotion to manager in 1953 saw him at St. Machar, Aberdeen and later at Bucksburn and Southern branches in Aberdeen. In 1972 he became Administration Secretary, then Assistant General Manager (Operations) and from 1983 he was Assistant General Manager (East) for TSB Scotland following the amalgamation of all Scottish Savings Banks. He retired in 1983.

Eric was a Burgess of Guild of the city of Aberdeen and, having climbed extensively in Scotland and the Alps, was an honorary President of the Cairngorm Club.

Following the 70th anniversary of D-Day Eric was proud to be chosen as one of twelve veterans whose portraits were painted in a project ‘The Last of the Tide’ inspired and commissioned by the Prince of Wales in tribute to the men of the Normandy landings. He attended the unveiling of the portraits in the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace. The following year he was awarded the Legion d’Honneur for his role in the liberation of France.

In 2014 he wrote ‘Reflections of a Tank Commander’ which he described as a labour of love for those who did not come home. It was reviewed in the 2015 issue of the Magazine.

Eric was predeceased by his wife but is survived by two daughters and four grandchildren.

John Lawson (1959-61) MA, BSc, PhD died suddenly in Aberdeen after a short illness on 17 September 2019 aged 72. From school he went on to Aberdeen Trades College to train as a marine engineer. Later, as a mature student, he went up to Aberdeen University and graduated with a degree in Science which he followed with a Ph.D. Not content with that he obtained an Arts degree in Music at the age of 60.

Former Pupils’ Section

With his engineering qualifications he joined Chevron as a subsea pipe expert and for the last twenty years was a Senior Technology Consultant in Aberdeen until shortly before his death. From an early age he took up bagpiping, playing with a number of North-east bands including Turriff. He then established the Rubislaw Pipe Band with himself as pipe-major. John had the reputation of having a very good ear. The Band rehearsed weekly in the Club Centre and regularly performed at Club Centre functions such as the Burns Lunch and the Hogmanay party.

John was elected to both the Executive and the Club Centre Committee in 2018 and was a committed supporter of all FP Club activities..

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

Charles Samuel Alexander Wheatley Levitt (1940-54) MB,ChB died suddenly in Aberdeen after a short illness on 8 June 2020 aged 84. At school he was a prefect and played in the Hockey 1st XI. He went up to Aberdeen University to read Medicine, graduating in 1961. After house officer posts at the City Hospital and at the Royal Infirmary he spent a year as resident medical officer at Hull Maternity Hospital before a year as a doctor in Alyth. He was in general practice in Aberdeen from 1963 with the Denburn Health Centre, retiring several years ago.

Ronald William Macandrew (1933-45) MB,ChB died peacefully in an Aberdeen nursing home on 24 October 2019 following a short illness. He was the son of Ronald Macandrew, who had specialised in the development of the teaching of Spanish at the School. He was a skilled member of the Hockey 1st XI. On leaving School at the end of the summer term in 1945 war was still ongoing in the Far East. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force and was trained to fly Lancasters, following in his father’s footsteps who had flown with the Royal Flying Corps in World War One.

On demobilisation in 1948 Ronnie went up to Aberdeen University to read Medicine, graduating in 1954. While there he continued to play hockey and received a Full Blue. After a spell as a resident at Stracathro Hospital he spent a year as a trainee general practitioner in Aberdeen. From 1956 he was in general practice in the city and earned a reputation as a well-respected member of his profession.

After retiring at the age of sixty Ronnie took up flying Cessnas for the next ten years in addition to his hobbies of golf and fishing.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Sheila, to whom he had been married for sixty-four years, by his son Donald and by five grandchildren, three of whom also attended the School – Donald (2002-08), Nicholas (2003-09) and Zoe (2003-10). Ronnie was predeceased by his son Graham.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Alexander Aitchison McConnochie (1965-67) FRCIS, IRRV died suddenly at his home in Aberdeen on 22 May 2020 aged 71. He came to the Grammar from Kaimhill Junior Secondary School with a view to gaining his university entrance qualifications, but failed narrowly. Instead he joined Aberdeen City Assessor’s Department as an apprentice valuation surveyor. He qualified as a chartered surveyor in 1972 and was subsequently elected a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a corporate member of the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation.

Despite not making university entrance, he spent eight years with the Department of Land Economy at Aberdeen University as a visiting lecturer dealing with the law and practice of valuation for rating.

In 1997 he was appointed Assessor and Electoral Registration Officer for Grampian Region, so that he spent his entire professional career in a single organisation, changed only in name by local government re-organisations in 1975 and 1996. In May 2003 he was elected President of the Scottish Assessors’ Association and regularly advised the Scottish Executive in relation to non-domestic property valuation and council tax matters. He retired in 2008.

Sandy had a long involvement with St Mark’s Church in Aberdeen of which he was an elder and for several years Treasurer.

Sandy was predeceased by his wife Hazel, but is survived by a son and daughter

Colin Stephen McIntosh (1952-58) TD, MB.ChB, MRCP died in Sutton, Surrey on 26 October 2019 after a year’s illness. He was aged 78. Born in Fraserburgh he came from Woodside to the Grammar in 1952 before proceeding to Aberdeen University to read Medicine. He graduated in 1964. After the usual hospital house posts he became registrar at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in 1966. His special interests were in Diabetes and Endocrinology and he moved to London in 1970 where he held posts in various hospitals. He taught in Chelsea & Westminster Medical School where he helped to create the first MSc. course in Diabetes in collaboration with the University of Surrey. He was awarded membership of the Royal College of Physicians in 1970. Thereafter he worked as a Consultant Physician in Surrey until retiral.

Having joined the University Officer Training Corps while a student in Aberdeen he continued with the T.A. as a doctor, eventually receiving his Territorial Decoration. After retiring Colin continued to do some medical work for insurance companies. He then enjoyed some time writing fiction (publishing “Savage Cuts”, the first of three books he had planned), painting, and researching the social history associated with his early years living at Logie Camp at Crimond – an ex-MOD Nissen hut encampment used as social housing in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s before his family moved to Aberdeen.

Former Pupils’ Section

Colin was diagnosed with cancer late in 2018. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his son and daughter and three grandchildren. His brother is Sandy McIntosh (1953-66).

William Charles George Mackie (1945-49) died peacefully in a hospital in Aberdeen on 28 October 2019 aged 86. Having been brought up in Udny he came to the School from Pitmedden Primary School and travelled by train, the timing of which exempted him from morning assemblies. On leaving school he completed his engineering apprenticeship and spent his working years mainly with Barclay Ross & Hutchison, Barton Abrasives and William Wilsons.

Bill is survived by his wife, Edith, by two daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

David Forrest McNay (1956-69) passed away peacefully at his home in Dumfries on 23 August 2019 aged 68.

Stuart William Cummings (1965-69) writes: “He was born in Aberdeen to Bob and Ella McNay four years after his father joined the staff of the School. Throughout his Grammar education David and his two brothers Sandy (195766) and Gordon (1966-70) were forever treading carefully under the watchful eye of Bob as he progressed to be both Head of Geography and Depute Rector during a career spanning 23 years. No doubt his sister Mary would have joined her brothers had girls been eligible to attend the Grammar back in the Sixties.

“It was little surprise that sport would play a large part in David’s life, his father being a very keen sportsman and his grandfather being past Chairman of Motherwell Football Club when they won the Scottish Cup in 1952. Greatly encouraged by his father from an early age, David did very well with the Aberdeen 1st Boys’ Brigade Company at gymnastics, athletics, football and cricket, helping his Brigade Company from Ferryhill South Church in Aberdeen win both athletic and cricket honours in the 1960s.

“He was actively involved in school sports with hockey during the winter and cricket and athletics during the summer. In his fifth year he was part of the unbeaten Grammar School Hockey 1st XI and in his sixth year was captain of both the Hockey and Cricket 1st XIs. His skill and leadership on the hockey field saw him become the first, and so far the only, Grammar School pupil to captain the Scottish Schools International Hockey Team which he did in 1969 at the annual Quadrangle Tournament in Bristol, where he won caps against England, Ireland and Wales.

“He continued his hockey exploits after leaving school, playing for Grammar FPs, then Ayr Cambusoon and finally Babcock and Wilcox. He went on to train and play as part of the full Scottish Hockey squad in the early 1970s, obtaining International Caps for Scotland at under 21 and under 23 level. He was a member of the full Scottish training squad before his international career

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

was abruptly curtailed following injuries sustained in a road traffic accident while making his way to a training weekend.

“David left school in 1969 to take up a lifelong career with the Clydesdale Bank, going on to complete his M.C.I.B.S Bank exams and very proudly achieving his Chartered Banking Status. After his initial training in Aberdeen he had spells at branches in Dumfries, Glasgow and Ayrshire, where he met and married Elspeth in 1976. Ayr also saw his first managerial appointment before further promotions took him south of the border to Carlisle and then back north to Tarbert and Campbeltown. In 1998 he was appointed to his final post as Senior Business Banking Manager in the Business Banking Centre in Dumfries from which he took early retirement in 2002 after 33 years of loyal service. Throughout his banking career, David remained very committed to the organisation he worked for and always had his customers’ best interests at heart.

“In retirement, David joined Scottish Enterprise Business Gateway as a business advisor in Dumfries, a role which gave him great pleasure and took him back to the grass roots of business development.

“While working in Tarbert David was invited to join the Lochgilphead Rotary Club and later became President of the Campbeltown Rotary Club. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Honorary Membership of the Dumfries Rotary Club, a member club of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, for long and loyal service and in recognition of his extensive fundraising activities.

“In 1983 David became an Elder of the Church of Scotland, where he undertook his duties diligently and was prominent on various committees. He was a Presbytery Elder for a time and also served as Church Treasurer for Maxwelltown West Church in Dumfries.

“Up to, and into, retirement, David's love of sport continued, always following his beloved Aberdeen Football Club, and playing and/or watching as much golf, cricket, motorsport and tennis as he could.

“He was a loyal Grammarian and a great supporter of the Class of 1969 reunions which have taken place over the years at which his enthusiasm and great sense of humour and conviviality were enjoyed by many of his contemporaries.

“In 2016, the same year that David and Elspeth celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary, David was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). He fought bravely against the neurological disease that would claim his life and remained in the comfort of his own home until he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family who write:

“The name David means ‘beloved’ or ‘friend’ and that was our David. He was unaware of how he influenced and touched the lives of all who knew him and the lovely memories we have of him. He will be remembered by all as a

Former Pupils’ Section

very generous man. His great hospitality to those who came to visit, with no one being allowed to leave without “a wee dram”. His funny stories and his infectious laugh that he had whilst telling a joke… as he laughed at the punchline himself before he even got to it! The smell of Mellow Virginia tobacco from his pipe. His love of food. His love of his home city of Aberdeen and his beloved Aberdeen Football Club. The pleasure he got from pottering around in his garden. His passion for golf that took him on his annual Autumn golfing trip to Kenmore with his ‘golfing cronies’”.

“David is survived by his wife Elspeth, by three sons and by four grandchildren”.

James Brown Meff (1942-55) MA died at Roslin, Midlothian on 23 January 2020 at the age of 82.

Douglas Kynoch (1948-56) writes: “James was brought up in Aberdeen with his sister, Carol. When the family fish business, Meff Brothers, failed in the 1950s, his parents moved to Broughty Ferry, leaving James in the care of an aunt until he finished his school career. He himself moved there in 1955, although it was not long before he was called up for National Service. Discharged soon after on medical grounds, he undertook a course of study at the Dundee campus of the University of St. Andrews, from which he graduated in Politics and Philosophy in 1960. He worked for a time with the Timex Company in Dundee, then, hoping to train as a teacher, he attended Jordanhill College in Glasgow but had to abandon his studies there owing to ill health. He later joined the Scottish Office in Edinburgh working in computer services as an administration officer. He transferred to the Economic Statistics Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (Scotland) and remained at the Scottish Office until he took retirement at the age of 57.

“Thereafter James returned to Dundee to care for his mother who was losing her sight and then, on her death, returned to Aberdeen, to live in the house left him by his aunt. With a keen interest in the arts, indeed as something of a dilettante in his last years, he then moved to Midlothian, giving him easier access to music and drama events in London, Glyndebourne and Manchester. Latterly, it was not unusual for him to travel abroad (New York, Salzburg, Florence and Siena) in pursuit of musical events which had a particular appeal for him. He himself played the piano and studied the oboe. He was a familiar figure at the Poetry Society in Edinburgh and travelled afield to meetings of the Wilfred Owen Society. He was a keen reader and, just before he died, finished Proust's monumental work Remembrance of Things Past. A great nephew of Sir William Meff, a former Lord Provost of Aberdeen, James was predeceased by his sister and is survived by a nephew and niece.”

Distinguished Lawyer

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Peter Carmichael Millar (1933-44) OBE, MA, LL.B, WS died peacefully in a care home in Edinburgh on 16 March 2020 aged 93. Born in Glasgow, he came north aged six when his father was appointed Minister of the West Church of St. Nicholas in 1933. At School he was a prefect, captain of the Hockey 1st XI and secretary of the Literary & Debating Society. After leaving, with the War still ongoing, he volunteered as an ordinary seaman and served off the East of the United States and in the Far East and Australia.

After his release from service he went up to St Andrews University to read Arts before studying Law at Edinburgh, graduating in 1952. He qualified as a solicitor in 1954 and in the same year was admitted as a Writer to the Signet. He practised as a solicitor until 1992 when he retired as senior partner in the firm of Aitken Nairn.

Peter was elected as Clerk of the WS Society in 1964 and continued in post until he was appointed by the Queen to be Deputy Keeper of Her Majesty’s Signet. He served until 1991. He was the only person in the history of the Society to have held both appointments. He was responsible for devising and implementing many changes in the operation of the Signet to bring its ancient procedures up to date.

In 1977 the Law Society of Scotland gave Peter the heavy responsibility of organising in Edinburgh the Fifth Commonwealth Law Conference, which was attended by 2000 lawyers. It was an outstanding success and occasioned the award of the OBE in the Birthday Honours in June 1978. He was one of the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland from 1965 and from 1973 to 1985 was their Chairman. He was wont to comment that he managed to survive delivering twelve annual reports to the General Assembly.

Peter was the first solicitor to break into what had been the preserve of the Faculty of Advocates when in 1983 he was appointed chairman of the Medical, War Pensions and Disability Appeal Tribunals, retiring from these in 1999. From1983 to 1991 he was chairman of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland.

Peter was a keen golfer from his student days at St. Andrews and was a member of the Bruntsfield Links Golfing society and of Muirfield. He enjoyed hill walking and, after retiring, travelled extensively. He was an enthusiastic member of the Edinburgh Centre of the FP Club and a regular supporter of its events.

Peter is survived by his wife, Kirsteen, to whom he had been married for 66 years, by a daughter, two sons and three grandsons.

John Renwick Mutch (1940-47) died peacefully at an Aberdeen care home on 14 January 2020 aged 90. His father was managing director of the Aberdeen quarry-masters John Fyfe, who worked the Rubislaw Quarry. John joined the

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company after leaving school and, guided by his father, worked his way up through its various activities. The firm went public in 1964 and John succeeded his father as managing director. Amongst its other successes the company developed Fyfestone which proved to be a highly prized item in the building industry.

John was also for a short time a director of BonAccord Builders Merchants and was involved when Fyfe merged with Aberdeen Construction Services. He retired in the mid-90s.

Latterly John was in poor health, eventually going into full-time care. He is survived by his wife, Rhoda, to whom he had been married for 60 years, and by a son and daughter and grandchildren. One son predeceased him.

Distinguished Scientist

Alastair Macarthur North (1937-50) OBE, BSc, PhD, DSc, FRSE, FRIC died at his home in Bangkok on 4 July 2020 aged 88 following several months of ill health. He entered the Kindergarten in 1937 and proceeded through the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools apart from a break in 1941-42 when he attended Antrim village school while his RAF father was posted to Aldergrove in Northern Ireland. In 6th year he was awarded colours for athletics and rugby (as 1st XV hooker), was Modern Dux and winner of the All Round Trophy. He won the top science bursary for Aberdeen University to study Chemistry graduating with first class honours in 1954 and winning the Center Gold Medal. He began to work for a PhD at Birmingham but when his research supervisor, Prof. Burnett, was appointed to the Chair of Chemistry at Aberdeen Alastair moved with him. He was appointed as an assistant lecturer in Chemistry and, after research in polymer kinetics, graduated PhD in 1957.

For the next year he was a post-doctoral Fellow at the University of South California in Los Angeles where he developed his interest in diffusioncontrolled radical reactions. In 1959 he was appointed as a lecturer in the Department of Inorganic, Physical and Industrial Chemistry at Liverpool University and while there he was awarded the Marlow Medal of the Faraday Society in recognition of an outstanding work published by a scientist not over the age of thirty. At the same time he was awarded a DSc from Aberdeen University for a thesis on the Kinetics of Liquid.

In 1968 Alastair was appointed as Burmah Professor of Physical Chemistry at Strathclyde University where he set up a flourishing research group in Polymer Chemistry. He went on to be in succession head of the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry, Dean of the School of Chemical and Materials Sciences, Vice-Principal and finally Deputy Principal of the University. His interests in research in polymer science and in science education led to membership of committees and advisory bodies, most significantly those

associated with the Science and Engineering Research Council and the Scottish Central Committee for Science, responsible to the Secretary of State for all science curricula in Scottish schools. His work was mainly concerned with the effects of molecular motion in plastics and rubbers and was recognised by an honorary doctorate from Lodz in Poland and Fellowships of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

In 1983 Alastair was appointed as President of the Asian Institute of Technology, an international postgraduate university of technology based in Bangkok, Thailand established to assist the technological development of the countries of the Asia Pacific region through high level teaching, research and outreach activities. Under him the Institute doubled in size and in program coverage. His work was recognised by the award of Fellowships and honorary degrees from several institutions and universities, including Aberdeen. He was honoured with the OBE and similar Orders from France, Belgium and Nepal. He retired from AIT in 1996 but continued as visiting professor at Mahidol University, Bangkok supervising post-graduate PhD students and doing a small amount of lecturing. He was an adviser to the White Group Ltd which imports speciality chemicals and markets them to Thai clients.

Alastair was an enthusiastic member of the FP Club, serving as Consul in Thailand since 1990. He was accorded the rare honour of being elected as an Honorary Vice-President of the Club in 2004 on the basis that had he not been living abroad for so long he would almost certainly have held office in the Club.

Alastair is survived by two sons and two daughters from his first marriage, by his second wife and their two sons, and by ten grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. His brother, Derek Norman Ross (1939-52) lives in Ballater.

Hamish Barron Paterson (1941-50) MA died peacefully in an Aberdeen hospital on 3 October 2019 aged 87. He entered School in Lower 3B. In his final year he was a stalwart vice-captain of the 1st XV playing centre threequarter. He went up to Aberdeen University to study Arts, graduating in 1954 with an honours degree in Geography. After teacher training in Aberdeen he moved into Primary Education in the city.

He joined the staff of the former Lower School, teaching mostly Primary 6 boys and leaving when the Lower School closed in 1973. He then taught for several years at Mile End Primary School and shortly thereafter married one of his colleagues there. Sadly she died a few years later. Hamish always had the best interests of his pupils at heart and followed their subsequent careers with interest.

Hamish was recognised as ‘one of a kind’, steeped in tradition and mindful at all times of what was expected of him. He was a founder member of the Club Centre and supported its activities. His lifelong interest in Rugby saw him

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attending all home matches at Rubislaw until about two years before his death when mobility issues prevented this.

It is not widely known, but Hamish wrote poetry, especially in retirement, and delighted in sharing it with friends.

Thomas John Grindley Paton (1953-60) MB,ChB died peacefully in hospital in Edmonton, Alberta on 22 August 2019 following a short illness. He was aged 77.

Born in Duns, and having his early education in Glasgow, he entered Lower IVA. He was a wing forward in the 1st XV and earned a reputation as a ferocious tackler so that anyone taken down by him during a match remembered it for a long time after. He was a stalwart member of the 1st Scout Troop. He went up to Aberdeen University to read Medicine, graduating in 1966.

After a year as a house officer in Inverness he became a general practitioner in Perth for a short time before serving as a Medical Officer in Botswana. In 1971, having decided to specialise in helping disadvantaged children, he moved to Ottawa where he qualified as a specialist paediatrician. His medical career then took him to the University of Calgary, Alberta Health, Edmonton Board of Health and Glenrose Hospital. On reaching age 60 in 2002 he engaged in parttime practice which allowed him to spend the summer at his practice in Edmonton and the winter months travelling to France and South Africa.

Tom was a staunch supporter of the FP Canadian Centre, being one of the group who in 1993 held their inaugural reunion at Fort Edmonton. He was elected President of the Centre in 2017, presiding over the Reunion in Victoria. Tom and his wife Kathleen divorced. He is survived by a son and daughter, four grandchildren and his partner Maria.

Centenarian

Donald Durance Pennie (1928-37) MB,ChB, MRCGP died peacefully in a care home in Forfar on 31 March 2020 aged 100 which gave him the distinction of being the oldest member of the F.P. Club. From School he went up to Aberdeen University to study Medicine, graduating in 1942. He served in the Home Guard until graduation. He then saw service in the RAMC from 1943 until 1946 and, following a spell as a house surgeon at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, he went into private practice first at Rhynie and then at Alford before moving to Forfar in 1948 where he was a popular and highly respected general practitioner for the rest of his career.

Latterly Donald remained independent in his own home and, while becoming gradually frail, still completed his two daily crosswords from the newspaper and retained his wicked sense of humour. He celebrated his

hundredth birthday in October with a visit to the pub. Less than a month before his death he had a brief spell in hospital after which he was admitted to a care home for his final six days.

Donald’s wife, Betty, died in 1987 and his son died in 2019. He is survived by his daughter-in-law and his grand-daughter, who is a double Olympian in Canoe Slalom which made him very proud.

Donald was the last of four brothers who all attended the School – William Alexander Durance Pennie (1924-29) who died in an accident in 1931, Ian Durance Pennie (1926-33) who was a doctor in the North of Scotland and Gibb Niven Pennie (1923-26) who was an Episcopal clergyman.

James Hamilton Rust (1963-71) LLB WS died peacefully at his home in Edinburgh on 10 August 2020 after a short illness. He was aged 62. Gary J. G. Allan (1963-76) writes: “James and I both entered the Kindergarten of the Grammar School in 1963 but were in different classes. In the following years, like others, we were involved in all the academic and extra-curricular activities of Grammar boys at that time. James departed the Grammar School in 1971 to complete his schooling at Loretto School in Musselburgh, but returned to Aberdeen to study law at the University in 1976. I met up with him again there along with fellow FPs Ian McLennan (1961-74), Forbes McLennan (1963-76) and Alistair Marshall (1970-76) whilst we divided our time between occasional legal studies and endless coffee drinking.

James graduated Bachelor of Laws in 1979 and was indentured in apprenticeship with Esslemont & Cameron, Solicitors, Aberdeen, where he remained for a time after his qualification as a solicitor.

In 1982 James joined the Edinburgh law practice which was to become the very substantial and respected firm of Morton Fraser LLP where he was a fixture for the remainder of his career. He was soon assumed as a partner. He found his talents and interests lay in Agricultural Law and related financial matters. He was accorded specialist accreditation in this field by the Law Society of Scotland and became a renowned expert who frequently lectured and wrote on his specialism. His expert advice was keenly sought and acted upon. His membership of the prestigious Society of Writers to Her Majesty’s Signet was a source of great pride and he was honoured and recognised by his appointment as its Clerk in 2008.

His sense of public duty and the respect in which he was held in the wider business and professional community was also marked by his appointment in the same year as Honorary Consul for Portugal in Edinburgh, and in that role he provided the widest range of consular services to Portuguese nationals in Scotland and beyond.

James overcame his time at Loretto and in recovery became a faithful member of the Grammar FP Club. Whilst at University he played rugby for

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FPs, and after he returned to Edinburgh he was a stalwart of the Edinburgh Centre, becoming in time its President in 2007-09 and then Secretary & Treasurer from 2009. He was a committed attender at the Edinburgh events, but he was also a regular at FP dinners in Aberdeen, Glasgow and York. He was a great contributor to the success of a reunion of our classmates from 1963 which was held in 2018. There is no doubt that despite his temporary aberration in Musselburgh he regarded himself as a proud Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupil.

He will be sadly missed by his friends and colleagues in all of the communities he graced.”

A devoted family man, James is survived by his wife Janet, his daughter Josephine and son Callum. His father James Dougall Rust (1937-48) died in 1991.

Ronald Scott Brown (1946-55) MA, LL.B, LL.D died peacefully at his home in Aberdeen on 6 August 2020 following a long spell of declining health. He was aged 83. Born in India, where his father was a senior official of the Indian Civil Service, he entered Lower IIA at Easter 1946. He was a Prefect in 6th year and a Queen’s Scout.

From school he went up to Aberdeen University where he graduated in Arts in 1957 and in Law in 1960. He was apprenticed to Messrs. Paull & Williamsons, advocates before becoming an assistant and later a partner with Messrs. Brander & Cruickshank. He became a member of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. It was early clear that his interest was not in legal practice but in financial management, and within a short time this became his full-time activity. With two colleagues from Brander & Cruickshank he set up Aberdeen Fund Managers, later Aberdeen Trust, the holding company for the group which provided a wide range of investment management services through Abtrust Fund Managers Ltd. He was appointed as a director of several Investment Trusts. He and his colleagues were the first directors of Aberdeen Asset Management of which Ronnie was chairman for several years. He also joined the local board of the Bank of Scotland. Martin Gilbert recently commented that AAM and Standard Life Aberdeen have grown from a room in Aberdeen, which he shared with Ronnie Scott-Brown and George Robb, into a global business. He also served for many years as chairman of the North-east Committee of the Scottish Council for Development & Industry.

In the early ‘70s Ronnie started a long association with Aberdeen University when he did part-time lecturing. He also became involved in the provision of investment advice. In the late ‘70s he then joined the Scottish team which compiled the handbook for the Finance & Investment course component of the new Diploma in Legal Practice, going on to be the course leader at the University for the first five years of the Diploma’s existence.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Ronnie was elected to the Business committee of the General Council in 1988 and two years later was appointed to serve on the University Court. In 1992 he became Convener of the Business Committee and amply confirmed his love for the University. He gave valuable assistance in the preparations for celebrating the Quincentenary in 1995. He convened various important meetings and had a part in many others. He played a key role in the management of the commercial companies of the University, was Chairman of Offshore Medical Support and on the board of AURIS Ltd, King’s College Centre Ltd, and the AUU Trading Company. He served on countless appointment committees and working parties. In December 1996 Ronnie’s years of dedicated service were recognised by the award of the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.

Last year he was the first recipient of the new Benefactor to the University Award recognising him as a long-term supporter of Aberdeen University who has promoted its philanthropic aims both as a generous benefactor and as a Trustee of the Aberdeen University Development Trust.

Ronnie had a life-long involvement with Scouting through the 25th Beechgrove Scout Group, comprising the 25th and 25thA Cubs and Scouts. He became Scoutmaster of the 25thA the year after leaving school, and went on over the years to influence the lives of generations of cubs and scouts. He initiated a link with Scouts in Norway and regular exchange visits have gone on over the years. When the Group marked their centenary last November the entire company at the Dinner spontaneously rose to their feet and accorded him a standing ovation. Ronnie was a long-serving elder of Beechgrove Church and was convener of the committee which arranged the celebrations of the Church’s centenary in 2000, generously hosting meetings in his home.

His many business commitments did not stop Ronnie having other interests – he was a keen hill-walker, skier and golfer and was regularly to be seen at concerts in the Music Hall in furtherance of his interest in music.

Professor Ogston, in presenting Ronnie for his LLD, commented that in all his activities, often facing difficult problems and confrontational situations, he was invariably courteous, patient, never ruffled, and always seeking sound and fair solutions.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Jean, to whom he had been married for fiftyfour years and by three sons and four grandchildren. His brother Alastair Willam Scott-Brown (1946-52) died in 2010.

Forbes (Foy) Keith Sellar (1933-45) BL died peacefully at his home in Montrose on 23 July 2019 aged 91. He was the son of John Keith Sellar (1910-12). At School he was a monitor in the Lower School, a prefect in the Upper School and took an active part in the Army Cadet Force. Although the family home was in Gladstone Place, Foy was enrolled in the School Boarding

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House in 1941 and resided there until he left School. He volunteered for service in the Royal Air Force, serving in Bomber and Transport Commands and during the first Arab-Israeli War he was posted to the Middle East which he later described as the most terrifying period in his life. He was also involved in the Berlin air lift.

On demobilisation Foy went up to Aberdeen University to read Law, graduating in 1953. He served an apprenticeship with John Scott MacLachlan (1922-32) who was at the time Secretary & Treasurer of the FP Club which gave Foy access to Club records, enabling him to organise the first Reunion of Boarding House pupils in 1951. As a direct result the Boarding House Section of the Club was set up in 1952.

Following graduation Foy went to the Far East, joining a firm of solicitors in Kuala Lumpur. He was called to the bars of both Malaya and Singapore, was secretary of the Malayan Bar Council for three years and then an elected member for a further eight years. He earned the nickname Technically Sellar for his keen understanding of the law. Foy was FP Club Consul for Malaya and Singapore and secretary of the Malayan Centre of the Club, in which role he organised several dinners for FPs resident in the Far East.

Foy retired from private practice in 1979, returning to Scotland to join the law faculty of Aberdeen University where he became a professor. He also acted as solicitor to the University. He was asked to produce a report on the University’s future links with Industry which led to the formation of Aberdeen University Research & Industrial Services Ltd (AURIS) of which Foy was the first chief executive, later becoming a member of the main board. The objective of the company was to promote the transfer of technology from the University to industry, the best known example of this being the MIR scanner.

Foy retired from the University in 1993 but continued to work well into his 70’s including as a visiting Professor in South Carolina. He was a consultant to the European Commission and a director of European Research Associates, economic consultants, whose chairman was Robert Smart Taylor (1949-58).

Foy is survived by his son Dominic Jonathan Keith Sellar (1980-85) and by grandchildren.

John Anderson Sleigh (1936-40) died peacefully at his home at West Fingask, Oldmeldrum on 20 December 2019 aged 95. His father John L. Sleigh (191316) boarded with Rector Morland Simpson before there was a Boarding House. From school he went to the North of Scotland College of Agriculture before volunteering for the Royal Navy in 1942. He served on corvettes and destroyers accompanying convoys and searching for German U-boats in the North Atlantic. He then served on the battleship HMS Anson guarding the supply route used by Arctic convoys from Loch Ewe to the northern Russian seaports, described by Churchill as “the worst journey in the world”. Three years ago

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Jack was presented by the Russian Government with Ushakov Medal in recognition of the bravery and contribution to the defeat of Nazism of these sailors. After the end of the war in Europe Jack was posted to the Far East on a frigate which shipped Japanese prisoners of war from Burma to remote islands.

On leaving the forces in 1946 Jack returned to farm West Fingask, building up a very successful business, adding the farms of Newseat and Netherrton of Mounie and specialising in beef cattle, sheep, arable and seed potatoes. For a time the family owned Presly’s butcher’s shop in Oldmeldrum. He was a stalwart of his local community, where he became chairman of the local branch of NFU Scotland, was an elder of the parish church and served as chairman of Oldmeldrum Sports, welcoming many show-business stars to the annual event. He was responsible for the reinstatement of the golf course and the building of its club house.

In the 1980s Jack was elected to the board of the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland, becoming chairman in 1991 and 1992. He oversaw the development of the Scottish Food Exhibition. In 1992 he received the Society’s award for outstanding service to the farming industry.

In May 2019 Jack attended the annual reunion at Loch Ewe for veterans of the Arctic convoys but observed that he was one of the last survivors.

Jack’s wife, Mary, to whom he had been married for 64 years, died in 2016. He is survived by his three sons, who now carry on the farming business, and by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was one of four brothers who attended the Grammar. Ronald (1943-45) died in 1998, and William (1948-55) died in 2016. David (1942-44) lives near Toronto.

John Bower Smith (1954-67) BSc died peacefully at Rowan Lodge Nursing Home, Hook, Hampshire on 4 September 2019 after a rapid deterioration of Alzheimer’s Disease from which he had suffered for nearly six years. He was aged 70.

David William Smith (1954-65) writes: “My brother, John, was born in St Andrews before moving to Aberdeen aged 3. He distinguished himself at school and university as a prefect, on the rugby field, in the Boy Scouts and academically, coming in the top five of the Aberdeen University Bursary Competition. He was a stalwart in the 1st (AGS) Scout Troop becoming a Rover, Assistant Scoutmaster and Queen’s Scout. In his 6th form he and a couple of friends invented a water sourced turbine and heat pump, the water coming from the Den Burn running through the school grounds. This earned them second place in the BBC National Science Fair for Schools and generated interest from sixteen potential entrepreneurs who wanted to develop it commercially, particularly for use in the Highlands of Scotland. He went on to get an Honours degree in Physics at Aberdeen University. He played hooker for School and FPs and, in 1970, scored a try on the hallowed turf of

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Murrayfield (in a sevens tournament). He was convinced that a head injury he sustained while playing for FPs was to blame for the development of Alzheimer’s.

Soon after graduation in 1971 he married Fiona, sister of Donald David McAndrew Mair (1952-65), and moved south to start a graduate apprenticeship with EMI. This was the start of a very successful business career. John moved from EMI to Jerrold (an American Cable TV equipment manufacturing company), and later to HIMA (a German company specialising in electronic control equipment for the petro-chemical industry). After five years he moved to Racal where he worked in the formation of Vodafone.

This saw the introduction of mobile phone technology, initially the bricksized handsets, first marketed for use in taxis, to the mini-computers that most people carry today. John was in the team that first developed text messaging, having to persuade the dubious CEO of Vodafone who is quoted by John as saying “I don’t think it will work but give it a try”. Nuff said!!! John subsequently became the Managing Director of (Vodafone) Paknet responsible for the communication link between base stations and end users, most notably the link between credit card reading machines and the parent organisation.

Away from work he was an active member and official of the local camera club, golf club and Rotary.

John is survived by Fiona, two daughters, one son and four grandchildren.

William Alexander Steele (1945-51) CEng, MICE died peacefully in a care home in Aberdeen on 18 March 2020 following a long period of declining health. He was aged 87. From school he studied at the former Robert Gordon’s Technical College on an electrical engineering course on completion of which he spent two years of National Service in the Royal Navy. On his return he was a graduate trainee with various companies in both Scotland and England.

Bill joined the Hydro Electricity Board in 1960 and held various posts in its head office, firstly in Perth and then in Edinburgh. At one stage he was generation project engineer responsible for the electrical design of the Peterhead Power station. He was also involved with wind power projects, which involved many trips to Orkney and a few to Barbados where he was seconded to British Electricity International. He returned to Perth when Hydro Electricity relocated in 1990 after privatisation. At the time of his retirement in 1995 Bill was Transmission Project Manager. He continued to live in Perth until poor health compelled him to relocate to Aberdeen two years ago.

While in Edinburgh Bill regularly attended the annual dinner of the Edinburgh Centre of the FP Club and continued to do so for several years after his return to Perth.

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Bill is survived by his wife, Catherine, to whom he had been married for nearly sixty years, and by his daughter and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son just three months before his death.

Ian Robert Swan (1973-79) died peacefully in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 13 December 2019 aged 58. A year after leaving school he joined Grampian Police starting his service in ‘B’ Division at Bucksburn. Four years later he was transferred to Headquarters Operations where he worked in the Information Room. He returned to operational duties in ‘C’ Division which included a spell serving in the general enquiries department. His next move saw promotion to Operational Sergeant at Bucksburn for three years before a return to the Control Room in Aberdeen dealing with emergency planning and response in regard to offshore working. He was promoted to Inspector.

He next served as Duty Inspector in Stonehaven, returning to the Control Room in Aberdeen for four years before transferring to work for the ACPOS National Command & Control Portfolio Project in Edinburgh preparing for the formation of Police Scotland. He retired from there in mid-2011 but returned to the Control Room, where his last post was as development officer for the computer software system. He resigned in 2014.

Ian had a life-long interest in the Scouting movement, his association being with the 25th Aberdeen Scout Group connected with Beechgrove Church of which he was an Elder. He was for several years Group Scout Leader.

Sadly, Ian’s wife Shonagh died four months prior to his death and an obituary appears below. Ian is survived by two daughters. Two of his brothers attended the school – Charles Bell Swan (1971-76) and Alan Webster Swan (1979-83).

Shonagh Swan (née Murray) (1973-79) died peacefully in Roxburghe House, Aberdeen on 21 August 2019 aged 58. At school she was a prefect. After leaving school she went on to a medical career, working initially in Aberdeen Medical School before going on to be a practice manager with an Aberdeen medical practice. She was an enthusiastic member of the Girl Guide movement, concentrating on the younger element in Brownies. She was for many years Leader of the 37thA Pack associated with Beechgrove Church.

Shonagh was married to Ian Swan whose obituary appears above. She is survived by her two daughters.

Lindsey Symon (1934-46) CBE, TD, MB.ChB, FRCS, FRCSE, Hon FACS died peacefully at his home in Shelbourne, Wiltshire on 2 December 2019 aged 90. He went up to Aberdeen University to read Medicine and at every stage was a multiple prize-winner, culminating in the Lyon Prize as the most distinguished graduate of his year in 1951. He received two other gold medals and four other

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prestigious awards. After a post as a house officer at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary he carried out his national service with the RAMC as medical officer of the 1st Middlesex Regiment in Austria. Here he met his ward sister, a Queen Alexandra nurse, to whom he was married in 1954.

On his return to Aberdeen Lindsey was a research fellow in surgery, later a surgical registrar, before becoming a clinical research fellow with the Medical Research Council in 1958 which was the foundation of his interest in cerebrovascular research. He spent a year as a Rockefeller Travelling Fellow at Wayne University, Detroit studying cerebral blood-flow. On his return he became registrar and first assistant to the leading neurological specialist in the Maida Vale Hospital, London, Professor Valentine Logue, on whose retirement in 1978 Lindsey became Professor of Neurosurgery in London University and the National Hospital. He was the senior surgeon in the National Hospitals Group.

He had operating sessions several days every week and ran his own cerebrovascular research laboratory which produced more than 300 research papers. He was very interested in training the next generation and also had concerns about neurosurgery across the globe. He served as president of the World Federation of Neurological Societies from 1989-93. He was the recipient of many medals and awards, including the Triennial Prize of the Royal College of Surgeons. In 2013 he went to Seoul in South Korea to receive the Madjid Samii medal of honour.

In the mid-70s Lindsey identified the concept of ischaemic penumbra and thresholds of ischaemia. This arose from consideration of the fact that an area of tissue death in the brain could have a rim around it where cell membrane failure had not yet occurred. Raising blood pressure in the brain could successfully restore life to the area if done speedily. This crucial insight was essential to recovery after brain surgery and led to the modern treatment of strokes with the swift administration of clot-busting drugs.

Lindsey retired in 1995 and moved to Wiltshire where he enjoyed golf, theatre outings and developing his interests in archaeology as well as local and naval history.

Lindsey was predeceased by his wife Pauline in 2018 after sixty-four years of marriage. He is survived by a son, two daughters and five grandchildren.

Ian Bryson Taylor (1933-40) BSc(Eng) died peacefully at his home in Weybridge on 14 December 2019 aged 97. He was one of three FP sons of John Cameron Taylor (1904-06) and lived in the Boarding House in Queen’s Road throughout his time in the School, his father being in Hong Kong. On leaving school he began training for aircrew duties in the Royal Air Force. Post-war he went up to Aberdeen University to study Civil Engineering, graduating in 1947.

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For the next two years he was on the staff of the resident engineer on the Glen Affric hydro-electric project before taking up a post in Lagos. He spent four years with Richard Costain in Barbados before spending several years with them in Kaduna, Nigeria. Thereafter he was for several years a construction engineer in London, retiring in 1987.

Having read in the 1994 Magazine an account of the Boarding House he sent a report of his experience of it and of its personalities along with a photograph which appeared the following year in vol. 95 at page 33.

Ian was one of the Club’s celebrated Nonagenarians. He is survived by his wife, Mollie, to whom he had been married for sixty-eight years, by his son, his daughter and two grand-daughters. His brother Alan Cameron Taylor (193841) died in 2004, while his brother Robin Burness Taylor (1938-44) died in 1951 when a Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force Spitfire which he was piloting went missing and was never recovered.

Bruce Ewan Thomson (1940-43) MA, MD died peacefully at his home in Crieff on 13 January 2020 aged 89. Born in Assam, India, where his father was a tea planter, he came to Aberdeen at the age of six, firstly to Angusfield Preparatory School and then to the Grammar Lower School. He lived in the Boarding House. He left aged 13 to go to Glenalmond. There he played Rugby and became Pipe Major of the school’s pipe band, having received coaching from Pipe Majors of both the Black Watch and the Gordons.

National Service followed, first in the Royal Corps of Signals and then, with a commission, in the Gordon Highlanders. He was thereafter one of six FPs with commissions in the 4/7 Battalion of the Gordons TA. Bruce went up to Keble College, Oxford to read History, graduating with honours. He was a double Blue, in both Boxing and Rugby and was secretary of the College Rugby Club. His performances at Oxford got him into the December 1952 Scotland trials and in 1953 he was capped three times, against France, Wales and Ireland. A knee injury in that last match ended his top-flight career, although he continued to turn out for London Scottish.

He took up a career in teaching but disliked it and then, after a brief attempt at a business career, he was admitted to the London Hospital’s doctors training scheme. After graduating MD he trained as a general practitioner in Oxfordshire before joining a practice in Horsham, West Sussex. He retired first to Brighton and then back to Scotland to settle in Crieff.

After his rugby days were over Bruce had turned his attention to piping with the Pride of Sussex Pipe Band. He also composed pipe tunes, of which he wrote over 450. One such, a 9/8 retreat march ‘The Pass of Bradner’ earned him a prestigious prize in 1978. He also learned to play the accordion and performed with a local dance band.

Former Pupils’ Section

Bruce’s first wife died prematurely, as did his second wife. He is survived by two sons and seven grandchildren.

John Hamilton Wyllie (1943-50) BSc, MB,ChB, MD died peacefully in a care home in Great Finborough, Suffolk after a period of declining health on 11 April 2020. He was aged 86. At school he was a prefect and secretary of the Arts Club. He went up to Aberdeen University to read Science, graduating in 1954 and being awarded the Hunter Memorial Prize. He then entered the Medical Faculty and graduated with honours in 1957. He was a house physician at the Sick Children’s Hospital in 1958 before undertaking research work at King’s College Hospital, London.

He was awarded a doctorate with honours at Aberdeen in 1961. He then held surgical training posts and a lectureship in surgery at Aberdeen before moving south as a lecturer in instructive basic medical science in London for two years. He was awarded a personal chair in surgical studies in the department of surgery at University College Hospital Medical School in London in 1976. He retired in 1993 and spent some of his time in Cummingston, Morayshire.

John is survived by his wife, three children and five grandchildren.

Members of Staff

Brendan Adey died suddenly at his home in Aberdeen on 30 April 2020 aged 65. He was head boy at McLaren High School, Callender before training at Jordanhill College. He joined the P.E. department at the Grammar in 1976 and proved an excellent mentor for pupils playing both football and rugby. He was also involved in supervising candidates for the outdoor activities which they had to undertake for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. He also played for and coached FP rugby players and was a key participant in tours such as that to Houston, Texas and the Orkney Sevens. It was said that Brendan never stopped searching for adventures on or off the rugby pitch which included occasional white-knuckle experiences like running with the bulls in Pamplona or simply jumping on his beloved Harley Davidson.

Roy Sutherland Falconer died peacefully in a care home in Stonehaven on 12 January 2020. He was the School’s principal teacher of Physical Education for thirteen years from 1966. Educated at Robert Gordon’s College he underwent teacher training at Jordanhill College before military service in the Royal Air Force. His first teaching post was at St. Albans Grammar School, Hertfordshire in 1957-66 before coming north to the Grammar. He earned a reputation as a hard, but fair, taskmaster. He pushed his pupils hard but was uncritical of their efforts if he saw that they tried to follow his instructions. His leadership was a

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

key factor in the successful transition of the school to co-education in 1973. In 1979 he left to take up the same post at Gordon’s College, which he held until taking early retirement in 1989 following a heart attack.

Roy was survived by his wife Dorothy, to whom he had been married for over sixty years but who sadly died just three months after him. He is also survived by his son Neil (1973-79) daughter Julie (1975-80) and daughter Karen – as well as by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Sandra Ramsay died suddenly but peacefully in hospital in Aberdeen on 4 December 2019 following a long period of ill health. She was aged 77. Educated at Mackie Academy primary school she then attended the High School for Girls in Aberdeen where she excelled in the sporting life of the school being active in netball, hockey and athletics. She represented the school in competitions both locally and nationally. Sandra went on to study Physical Education at Dartford College of Education and while there played both hockey and cricket for Kent. Returning to Aberdeen she taught at both the High School and Ruthrieston before being asked to move to the Grammar to assist in the admission of girls. There, in addition to teaching PE, she was a key member of the Guidance staff helping to ease the first intakes of girls into the school. She played a key role in the supervision of candidates for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and coached netball teams with great success, many of them going on to win trophies.

Sandra was a keen golfer and bowler and had many hobbies and interests.

Former

Pupils’ Section

Abstract of Accounts for Year ended 31 December 2019

Former Pupils’ Section

Abstract of Accounts for Year ended 31 December 2019

F.P. Club Centre

Income and Expenditure Account

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine