Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 2005

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ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCFROM MAGAZINE

%Mume 108

September 2005

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Our clients are able to benefit from a range of investment services offered by the Aberdeen Group including segregated portfolio management, socially responsible investment, private equity and SIPPs. The Group has grown to its present size through a combination of acquisition and organic growth. It is now a significant UK independent investment company managing over £25.9* billion.

Our teams operate from dedicated Private Investor offices giving full coverage of the UK.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 12 1st year No. 243 (New Series 110th year No. 234)

September 2005

Vol 108

The Magazine is published under the auspices of The Former Pupils' Club each year General Editor & Editor of Notes etc.

Brian K. Crookshanks. TD. MA. LL.B 99 Fountainhall Road Aberdeen AB15 4EB

Secretary of the FP Club

John F. Hendry. LL.B 36 Albyn Place Aberdeen ABIO I YF

Treasurer of the FP Club

Alan W. Marr. CA 4 West Craibstone Street.

Aberdeen AB II 6YL

Membership Secretary

Mrs Whilma Jeffrey.

The Willows, Dalmuinzie Road, Bieldside, Aberdeen AB15 9EB

The General Editor is happy to receive contributions for the next issue of the Magazine at any time before mid-May 2006

Former Pupils are encouraged to make use of the insert regarding Notes, Marriages etc., to provide details about themselves or others Information may be sent by E-mail to briancrookshanks@lineone.net

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

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Contents page School Section — The New Rector Rector's Report School Office-Bearers School Prizes 2004-2005 Extra-Curricular Activities School Sports Clubs Clubs & Societies Wildlife Garden Face the Music: "Annie Get Your Gun" Charities Group Enterprise Education School Board Parent Teacher Association The Phil Love Trophy General Section A Short Glance over a Long Distance The Asian Tsunami Forgotten FP Philanthropist 100,0(X) Miles Musical Reflections Former Pupils' Club Section Club Office-Bearers 20(15-O6 Club Consuls Annual General Meeting President's Report Presidential Profile Hockey at Rubislaw Centre Reports Club Centre Canada Edinburgh Glasgow London Yorkshire Sports Section Reports Social Events — Dinner/Dance & Annual Dinner Club Membership Subscriptions New Members Long Service Members Notes about Former Pupils Marriages Obituaries Abstracts of Accounts

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6 7 9 9 13 27 30 30 31 33 36 36 37

39 43 46 47 48 50 52 52 55 58 61 63 64 65 66 67 67 69 75 77 78 78 80 86 87 94

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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 pace. Club members are encouraged. in turn, please to patronize our advertisers who would value our members' custom every bit as much as we value theirs.

Aberdeen Asset Management Aberdeen Property Leasing Acumen Albyn Hospital Atholl Hotel Bank of Scotland F.G. Burnett Collins Halden & Burnett Steven J C Esson G Machines Michael C. Elastic Richard Irvin Kenway Tyres Ledingham Chalmers Mansell Michies the Chemist Northsleep Ltd Raeburn Christie & Co William Wilson & Co

Aberdeen College Aberdeen Solicitors' Property Centre Adam Cochran Armour & Partners Bain Henry Reid Bell Lawrie Campbell Connon Country Ways Flower Vogue Halliburton Energy IFB Internet Jamieson & Carry Langstane Press MTM Construction Marcliffe at Pitfodels James Milne & Co Queen's Hotel University of Aherdeen Williamson & Dunn

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Our New Rector

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Graham Legge took up his appointment as Rector of Aberdeen Grammar School in August 2004. He was educated at Buckie High School after which he attended Aberdeen University where he gained the degree of Bachelor of Education in 1978 and later Master of Education in 1983. After qualifying, he returned north to start his teaching career and took up a post as a teacher of Geography and Modern Studies at Speyside High School.

During the next ten years he furthered his career in Geography at different schools in the north east, namely as a teacher of Geography at Northfield Academy. Assistant Principal Teacher of Geography at Hilton Academy, both in Aberdeen, and Principal Teacher of Geography at the Gordon Schools in Huntly.

His experience in, and contribution to. his subject was recognised when he was then appointed for an eighteen month period between 1988 and 1990 as Curriculum Support and Development Officer in Geography for Grampian Region.

It was also in 1990 that Mr Legge began his career in school management when he was appointed as Assistant Rector at Aboyne Academy. He left there in 1994 and spent the next four years as Depute Rector of Banchory Academy. In 1998 he took up the post of Rector of Kemnay Academy. where he remained until his move to Aberdeen Grammar School.

He brings with him. therefore. a wide variety of experience and professional development gained in the range of schools in which he has worked. As he comes to the end of his first session as our Rector pupils, parents. staff and Former Pupils alike together confirm our warm welcome to him and assure him of our support in all he seeks to achieve for the School. We wish him a long and enjoyable tenure of office as Rector.

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School Section Rector's Report It is a great honour to write my first Rector's Report on Aberdeen Grammar School for the Magazine. I look forward to a long association with the School. Session 2004-2005 has been notable for the significant number of new teachers starting in the school. Since August twelve new teachers have joined the staff, as many long-serving members retired and others moved to other posts. Like all other schools in North East Scotland. Aberdeen Grammar School has experienced problems recruiting teachers, especially temporary teachers to cover for staff sickness.

The new session has brought significant improvements to the School's facilities — an all-weather pitch at Rubislaw, refurbished Biology laboratories and girls' toilets. replacement corridor walls, windows and flooring, and re-wiring of the technical block.

Plans exist for further much needed improvements to the sports facilities, with Aberdeen City Council committing finance to build a new pavilion at Rubislaw and a Games Hall on the main school site.

I am glad to report that the attainment of the pupils in Standard Grade and Higher examinations set by the Scottish Qualifications Authority remains very good. The school is consistently placed in a high position in academic "league tables" compiled by newspapers. This is, of course, due to the hard work of individual pupils supported by teachers and parents. We cannot be complacent. and we have been working on improving learning and teaching and the curricular provision to sustain these achievements.

It is heartening to report that the level of participation in extra-curricular activities is very high thanks to the tremendous commitment by staff and pupils. The impressive range of activities includes clubs in science, wildlife garden/eco school, music, art, drama, public speaking. debating, football, basketball, rugby, hockey and charities, to name but a few.

SI and S2 pupils have enjoyed a wide range of excursions and activities at home and abroad. Pupils, parents and I are grateful to the many teachers who voluntarily give up their own free time to organise these activities, which are so beneficial to the development of pupils.

Packed houses enjoyed performances of the musical "Annie Get Your Gun" in November and the play "Loot" in March. Both productions were of a very high standard due to the tremendous commitment to rehearsing and performing from pupils and staff.

Capacity audiences also thoroughly enjoyed the wide range of musical talent on display at the two musical evenings held in October and March. The latter marked the farewell appearance of Dr Charles Foster whose contribution and dedication to nurturing the musical talent of so many pupils over the years have been much appreciated. Aberdeen Grammar School's excellent reputation in debating has continued this session with teams reaching many Scottish and United Kingdom finals in competitions. Rose Grogan of S6, our Head Girl during the past session, represented Scotland as part of the national team competing in the World Championships in Calgary. Canada in March.

GRAHAM LEGGE

Aberdeen Grammar School June. 2005

Rector

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School Section

School Office-Bearers Session 2004-20(15 PETER W. CROSS Head Boy: Depute Head Boy: ANDREW A. DEAN S6 Prefects: STUART CADGER KYLE N. CROMBIE ANDREW GIBSON JORDAN J. HEWITT EDWARD D.M. KAY LYES KENNOUCHE DAVID LOUGH THOMAS LOUGH ALASDAIR J. LYNCH RORY G. MacRAE ROBERT A. MORRISON GRANT A. SHAW NEIL SHEPHERD DAVID STOTT GREG S. WISELY

ROSE H. GROGAN Head Girl: FIONA TAYLOR Depute Head Girl: LUCY J. ARROWSMITH KIRSTY A. ARTHUR CHARLOTTE E. BOOTH ALISON L. BOYD CHRISTINA FOX JENNI A. GARDEN LOUISE E. HAMILTON MORAG LEOPOLDT MICHELE PATERSON AMY L. PRESTON SHONAH L. RICHARD GILLF.ON 1.. SHAND JENNY SMITH SARAH A. SMITH JUDITH SWANSON VERITY M. WYPER

SS Prefects: STUART A. BOTHWELL CRAIG CARROLL STUART V. CARROLL STEVEN CHRISTIE RICHIE A. DARGIE JAMIE FIDDES TOM FORREST ANDREW J. HENDERSON BARRY MITCHELL RALPH R. THOMPSON WILLIAM S.R. THOMSON MARK J. WEBSTER

KIRSTY J. BALLARD RUTH BROWN CLAIRE CONNELLY NATHALIE H. GRAHAM AENEA HENDRY ZOE HENDERSON KIM LAMZA EMMA LI YAN HUI JENNIE LOVE JENNY McARTHUR LAURA MURPHY KATY ROY SARAH RUDDY TARA SCHWELM LAURA SCLARE

School Prizes 2004-2005 The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Biology The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Chemistry The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Computer Studies The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Geography The Former Pupils' Club Prize in German The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Home Economics The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Modern Studies The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Physical Education The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Physics The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Religious Education

Joint Award Joint Award

The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Spanish

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Richard Dargie Emma MacKay Tara Schwelm Adam Grant Queenie Henn Matthew Byrne Claire Connelly Rory MacRae Samuel McLay Claire Connelly Jennie Love Rose Grogan Sarah Smith

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Technical Subjects The Samuel Pope Prize in An The Arthur L. McCombie Prize in Art History The Donald Paton Prize for Painting The John Muir Robertson Prize in Business Studies The ALBA Trophy for outstanding achievement Joint Award in Business Management The Gordon McMinn Prize in Computing Studies in S5 The Masson Bain Prize in English The William Brebner Prize in French The German Consulate Prize The Joyce Tease Award for Excellence in Post 16 Modern Languages The Charles Alexander Walker Prize in History The Jenny C. Archibald Prize in Home Economics The Campbell Connon Prize for Local Studies The Derek Stewart Memorial Prize in Mathematics (S2) The Alexander Thomson Prize in Mathematics (S3) Joint Award The Hamish Adams Greig Prize in Mathematics & Science in S5 The J. Mortimer McBain Prize for Proficiency in Mathematics in S5 or S6 The George G. Whyte Prize in Mathematics in S6 The Gavin Falconer Memorial Prize in Music The Dr J. Minto Robertson Prize in Shakespearean Studies The Bon Accord Metal Prize in Technical Subjects The Aberdeen Mechanical Society — Schools Engineering Challenge Certificate

The May Thomson Scottish Poetry Prize The Caritas Cup The AGS Dramatic Society Award for Drama The AGS Junior Literary & Debating Shield

Runner-up Winner The Rector's Shield for outstanding contribution to the running of the Literary & Debating Society The Edith & David Bishop Prize for Public Speaking Joint Award

The Andrew Middleton McLaren Prize for Enterprise Joint Award The Philip Love Trophy

Joint Award

The AGS "Face the Music" Award for an outstanding performance in the School's Musical Production The Pied Piper 2000 Award for outstanding talent and Commitment from a Cast or Crew Member Sports Awards The Arthur McCombie Golf Trophy

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Joint Award

Glen Porteous Lucy Kay Queenie Henn Harriet Rushworth Tom Forrest Charlotte Booth Emma Li Yan Hui Tara Schwelm Claire Connelly Fiona Marshall Morag Leopoldt Judith Swanson Adam Grant Fiona Herbert Kirsty Arthur Stirling Smith Mhairi Johnstone Christopher Ballard Emma MacKay Aenea Hendry Glen Porteous Jeremy Coleman Richard Dargie Barry Mitchell Toni Dewar Alice Leyshon Iona Peddie Rebecca Ross Carla Visocchi Morag Leopoldt Andrew Dean Rachel Watson Natalie Smith Rose Grogan Sorcha Hume Carla Plasberg-Hill Jennifer Sweeney Claire Connelly Rebecca Morris Rose Grogan Edward Kay Alison Boyd Jordan Hewitt Rose Grogan Andrew Henderson

School Section

All Round Trophy Candidates

Rack — Peter Cross, Ben Kay, Neil Shepherd, Andrew Dean Front — Rose Grogan, Fiona Taylor, Jennifer Garden The Neil Meldrum Inter-House Rugby Trophy — SI The Former Pupils' Senior House Hockey Cup - Boys The Isobel 0 Anderson Medal for Swimming The Fowlie Cup tbr Swimming (Girls) The Rector's Medal for Swimming The Dr Morlund Simpson Cup for Swimming The Former Pupils' Club Rugby Football Section Trophy The School Inter-House Football Trophy - Senior The Ronald MacKinnon Trophy for Athletics The School Colours Committee School Cap

Harry Jones Sean Maley Rachel Milne Rachel Milne Mark Webster Timothy Whitcombe Andrew Forman Richard Dargie Richard Dargie Rose Grogan Edward Kay

Keith Keith

Keith

The Aberdeen Schools Golf Championship The Gordon Simpson Trophy The Aberdeen Schools Girls Golf Champions The Aberdeen City Council Trophy The Young Engineers Clubs Scotland Showcase Winner 2005 Team Award Team Award The Aberdeen Golf Schools League

Mark Wareham Mhairi Johnstone Barry Mitchell Nicholas MacAndrew

All-Round Awards The Dr Alexander Cormack Prize to the best All-round Pupil in SI Joint Award The David Alexander Irvine-For-fescue Prize — S2

The Norman Mackie Memorial Award in S3 for a pupil outstanding in Scholarship, Conduct & Sportsmanship The Former Pupils' Club All-Round Award in S3 11

Catriona Bain Rachel Dick Alexandria Grant Kirsty Nicoll Timothy Coleman Anna Plasberg-Hill

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine The Former Pupils' Club "1965" Award

Joint Award

The Former Pupils' Club Certificate of Merit The Runner-up to the Former Pupils' Club All-Round Trophy for Girls The Runner-up to the Former Pupils' Club All-Round Trophy & the Agnes Durward McDonald Prize The Former Pupils' Club All-Round Trophy for Girls The Former Pupils' Club All-Round Trophy & the John Ivo Dawson Prize

Alison Boyd Jordan Hewitt Neil Shepherd Jennifer Garden Andrew Dean Rose Grogan Peter Cross

Colours Awards Sport Basketball

Full Colours Half Colour Junior Colours

Football

Full Colour Half Colours Half Colour Junior Colour Full Colours

Golf Hockey

Half Colours

Kayaking Rowing Rugby

Junior Colours School Cap Junior Colours Half Colours

Junior Colours

Nathalie Graham, Kim Lamza Jenny McArthur Verity Arrowsmith, Michaela Clark, Beverley Duncan, Katherine Duff. Caroline Fettes, Rebecca Graham, Sorcha Hume, Kirsty Lynch, Aillse McConnell. Naomi Rayner, Leesa Souter Rory MacRae Peter Cross, Andrew McGregor, Simon Mathers Benjamin Stewart Mhairi Johnstone Charlotte Booth, Sean Maley, Matthew Sawyer, Neil Shepherd, Fiona Taylor Kyle Crombie, Jenni Garden, Alasdair Lynch, Jenny McArthur Verity Arrowsmith, Caitlin Taylor, Thomas Taylor Edward Kay Joy Davies Raffiq Abdul Jalil • David Buckett, Stuart Cadger, Richard Dargie, Andrew Foreman, Nicholas Hearn, Liam Reid, Eion Robertson, Ralph Thompson Christopher Ballard, Jonathan Brown, Duncan Caird, Kristopher Castanie. Matthew McCall, Robert Samuel, Ross Taylor, Michael Zanre

Extra-Curricular Debating

School Cap Junior Colour

'Face the Music'

Full Colours Half Colours

Junior Colour Music

Full Colours

Rose Grogan Ciorstan Blake, Timothy Coleman, Megan Robertson, Natalie Smith, Rachel Watson Kirsty Arthur, Alison Boyd, Andrew Dean, Rose Grogan, Jordan Hewitt, Verity Wyper Kirsty Anderson, Ruth Brown, Heather Cowie, Jenni Garden, Keith Hewitt, Susan McDonald, Amy Preston, Gilleon Shand, Rebecca Sibbett, Laura Jane Smith, Laura Wilson Lindsey Arthur. Grant Goltman, Christopher McKie, Gordon Smith, Jennifer Sweeney Steven Christie. Jenni Garden, Louise Hamilton, Jordan Hewitt, David Lough, Thomas Lough, Jennie Love, Thomas McCabe, Michele Patterson, Gilleon Shand, Judith Swanson, Jeremy Watt 12

School Section

Junior Colour

Claire Anderson. Ruth Brown. Ashlea Gilmour.

Nathalie Graham. Adam Grant. Aenea Hendry.

Emma Li Yan Hui. Jenny McArthur. Fiona MacNeil. Laura Murphy, Stuart Reid. James Sinclair, Ralph Thompson, Karen Wilson Alyson Boyd. Jeremy Coleman. Ciara Duthie, Jonathan Gordon. Edward Jones. Matthew King, James Lindsay. Jennifer Lypka, Christopher McKie, Aileen Marshall. Carla Plasberg-Hill, Jennifer Sweeney, Peter Watt Nicholas Lloyd

Junior Colour

Christopher McKie

Half Colours

Jun. Colours

Pied Piper Wildlife Garden Group

Extra-Curricular Activities School Sports Clubs Si Boys Basketball Since the start of this club in November 2004 there have been 20+ pupils attending every Tuesday evening after school from 3.45 to 5pm. The group has been divided into 'A' and 'B' teams and have played 'friendly' matches against various schools and the Grammar girls' team. The plan is to join the league in the new school year in August. The current team will move to S2. However, in August Mr Martin will invite the new SI to join the training.

Ever since primary school I have enjoyed playing basketball and when my brother told me there was only a girls' team I was determined to change this. When I had my first one-on-one meeting with Mr. Martin he told me that he wanted to start a basketball team.

My friends and I were so happy that we gathered our troops for the first training session and ended up with about four people, but that soon changed as word spread quickly about the training. It was not long before we had almost twenty people each week. We then had a team selection for an 'A' and 'B' team. The 'A' team has a total of nine players and the 'B' team has about six. The 'A' team had a friendly against ElItm Academy and lost by almost 25 points. The 'B' team are still waiting for a game but both teams hopefully will be entered into the league next year.

Michael Cobban 1/7 Girls' Basketball "The Magnificent Seven" This season our philosophy was the same as always, "Offence may win games, but DEFENCE wins championships!" After an extremely hectic season, it is difficult to know where to begin.

Firstly, I am proud to say that this has been possibly the most successful season of my basketball career. It is hard to believe, but we have beaten our record number of titles. outdoing the six we won last year, on our campaign "the achievable dream".

This season's campaign started out as "eight is great" but. unfortunately, the only game the club lost all season happened to be the senior Women's Scottish Cup final at Meadowbank. It was a narrow defeat, but most disappointing since we beat every single opposition thrown our way on our journey to the final.

Still, one defeat cannot detract from "The Magnificent Seven". Both Grey-wolves and Timber-wolves had an amazing season, doing the club proud by winning the Senior School

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School Section Girls' Cup, Senior School Girls' League, the Henderson Cup, the Silver Division. the Mappin & Webb Cup. the Rose Bowl Cup and the Gold Division.

We could not have achieved any of this if it were not for our dedicated coaches Mike MacLeod and Jess Greig, who worked tirelessly to improve our basketball skills, our mental and emotional skills and, much to our distress at times, our FITNESS. And it was our superior fitness that helped us to clinch tough games.

All the training definitely paid off, as all players improved and participated in at least one final. This was no mean feat, as we had so many talented players, particularly on the Timher-Wolves team, that we were spoilt for choice.

This year's Timber-Wolf team a.k.a. Senior Schoolgirls' team involved: Lucy Arrowsmith. Gillian Clark. Xesha Koppemaes, Fiona McNeil. Jenny McArthur, Kim Lanza, Nathalie Graham, Kirsty Lynch, Kirsty MacLean. Helen Clunas, Helen Willet, Beverly Duncan. Sorcha Hume, Carla Plasberg-Hill and Louise Clark.

Finally once again both Grey-Wolves and Timber-Wolves learned that teamwork is everything: as Rudyard Kipling so aptly phrases it — "The strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the Pack."

Boys' Hockey — First XI With the loss of seven key players. including the goalkeeper, the team knew it would be a hard tbught season. The team was led this year by Neil Shepherd. and his vice-captain Sean Maley. They had to call upon all their experience to put together a strong side, and find a goalkeeper. The team welcomed four new players, all in their final year at Grammar, and installed a solid keeper in Cameron Findlay.

We played our first game under roasting hot sunshine at Countesswells against the old enemy. Robert Gordon's College. The game got off to a terrific start with a great link-up between the two tOrwards, which saw Ryan Cowie net for the first time this season. The defence proved very tough to break down, with Alasdair Lynch and David Lough not letting anything past. But two quick goals before half-time from well-worked short corners saw us go into half time 2-I down. An outstanding second half performance from Cameron Findlay and two flying saves meant the final score was kept respectable at 4-I .

Our next match put us against Robert Gordon's, again at Countesswells. this time in contrasting conditions. We also welcomed an outstanding young defender. Greg Anderson, who had been proving himself in the FP youth team. On a frozen pitch. and in our new strips, Grammar dominated the first half, with Matt Sawyer scoring early from a quick hit out from the Captain at the hack. We let in a late goal at the end of the first half, but went into half-time full of confidence. With Gordon's now adapting to the conditions they quickly went about scoring three well worked goals and shattering our confidence.

After many years of promise. we at last played our first home game on the new Astroturf pitch at Rubislaw. It was only fitting that we welcomed Gordon's as our first opponents on the new surface. An inspiring talk from the Captain saw the team come out firing. but Gordon's took advantage of some poor defending and scored early. We pulled level shortly after. The second half began well, but a barrage of Gordon's attacks meant that the defence struggled and Gordon's scored twice and another great flick from a short corner. With frustration setting in. School fought hard and scored a late consolation goal.

Dundee High were our next opponents, which saw us travelling South to face a strong side. Still looking for our first win of the season, we set about taking the game by the scruff of the neck and camped in Dundee's half for the first 30 minutes, but the goals did not come. A quick break saw the team go down 1-0 at half-time. After a strong talk from Neil and Sean, the team went about its business with conviction and two excellent short corners from Ryan Cowie and Matt Sawyer's reverse stick shot put the visitors in

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine front. Some strong defending at the hack set up a final goal for Sean Maley to send the team home on a high.

Our last game before the winter break was the annual John P. Drummond Trophy match against the FP Grammarians (over 35s team). For Neil and Sean this was their third trophy match, but with a draw and a loss, they were desperate for a win. Still on a high from the win against Dundee, the team adapted to the frozen conditions more quickly than FPs, and took an early lead after Sean Maley slotted the ball into the back of the net. It was a tough game. with both Brian Fitzpatrick and Ben Johnson picking up injuries early on. but their determination and experience got the better of our defence as we conceded three goals. Mark Keith provided the team with some inspirational words. and we set about trying to pull back the tie. A great strike from Matt Sawyer gave us hope. and we dominated the rest of the game pushing the FPs hack into their own half.

With Neil now moved up to midfield, the ball was being spread about well. A lowstruck shot from Neil was cleared off the line and a shot from Matt hitting the post were as close as they came and. true to tradition, the game was won by only one goal. A meal, speeches and awards at the FP club followed the match. Ian Goodenough accepted the John Drummond Trophy, with Greg Anderson awarded young player of the year. and Neil Shepherd player of the year.

Changing weather disrupted the post-Christmas and New Year fixtures and two games were cancelled at the last minute. However the team did manage one final game of the season against Gordonstoun. We travelled there knowing full well that it would be a tough game. With two internationals and a very strong midfield against us. the defence was under constant pressure and by half time the team was down 6-0. A talk from the Captain and Keith Milne at half time meant the team were sent out to enjoy the rest of the game. The second half was a complete contrast. with Matt Sawyer scoring an unbelievable hatrick to give us hope. but the home side hung on to win 6-3.

The season will be looked back upon as one of frustration, we having been ahead in three games and only managing one win. But many positives will be taken from it, with the firepower of Matt Sawyer and Ryan Cowie. and the steady defending from Greg Anderson. Next year will see the first full season playing on the Astroturf at Rubislaw. and hopefully will see the team take advantage of such great facilities and coaching.

Squad: Neil Shepherd (c), Sean Maley (ye), Alasdair Lynch, Kyle Crombie, Michael McBride, Lyes Kennouche, Thomas Lough, David Lough, Cameron Findlay, Matt Sawyer. Barry Mitchell. Ryan Cowie. Scott MacRoy. Matthew Ross and Greg Anderson.

Cricket If any season typified Grantland Rice's famous maxim, the school cricket season 2005 did: "For when the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, he writes not that you won or lost but how you played the game" Our all too limited annual venture started optimistically as we journeyed down to Fetter in bright late April sunshine. Regular checks were made with former players. now at Edinburgh University. about weather in the capital. We arrived and were well fed by our hosts before the lads had a pre-match net at their excellent on-site facilities.

Then the heavens opened. Our boys, to their credit, continued to practise through the storm, hoping it would be temporary. Sadly it wasn't. A dejected and soaked team returned to Aberdeen without a ball being bowled.

Our next game against Gordonstoun saw a superb bowling and fielding performance limit our hosts to 144 on their delightful main square. Skipper Peter Cross marshalled his attack well and set a good example himself with a hostile opening spell.

We fell away towards the end of their innings, with Gordonstoun scoring perhaps 25 or 30 more runs than they should have done when conditions contributed to our out cricket

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School Section becoming unnecessarily sloppy in the closing avers. In the end it did not matter as our batting was not up to the task and we were all out for 40.

A few days later a weakened side, due to important exams taking place on the day, played Robert Gordon's at Countesswells. Our opponents scored a challenging 173 for 5 which again, try as we did, we were not able to match with our batsmen not getting past another early 40s all-out total.

Alter the weather stifled our opportunity to play more games betbre and immediately after Activities Week, our Colts XI made the journey north again to Gordonstoun in luxury in a hired transit minibus. Again the match was weather-affected in so far as the square was wet and run ups needed considerable piles of sawdust to provide a foothold for the bowlers. Another good bowling and fielding performance reduced the home team to 140. They were sailing along at 70 for 0 then a superb catch

by Chris Ballard inspired a breakthrough which led to a clatter of wickets before a late 8th wicket partnership put. as it turned out, the winning runs on the board.

When we batted we made a good effort in reaching 10l all out, which showed that there are runs in the team, if we get a good start. The highlight of our innings was a flat straight six by Greg Anderson which whistled, like a tracer bullet, past fine leg into the pavilion, into our dressing room and through a window at the back of the pavilion. Greg has been our most consistent performer in our short season and batted, bowled his left arm seamers and fielded consistently well. Yes, we lost but we gave probably our best performance of the season in what amounted to our third best Xl. The journey hack to Aberdeen was certainly livelier than it had been on the previous trip.

And so to the Juniors. We took two junior teams to Countesswells in the last weeks of the term. Due to Mr Hutton's sudden indisposition, Richard Dargie, our new 1st XI captain, took the 1st year team. They played a good game apparently in restricting our local rivals to 80. We then were howled out for 4O, a total that seemed to hypnotise all our teams this season. However reports indicate that these two good 1st year teams will make good lst XIs in s few years' time as they grow up together in what hopefully is a bright future for schools cricket in the area.

Our 2nd Year teams fared less well. We only had seven players and RGC scored exactly 100 partly due to another good fielding performance, led by captain for the day Chris Ballard. who took two blinding catches at square leg and deep cover. When it was our turn with the willow, our lack of numbers showed as we were all out for 17. Ah well!

Thanks are due for excellent coaching given to juniors on Saturday mornings by FPs' 1st XI captain Roland Knudson. John Lord, his team mate, also helped out. They were ably supported by Mr. Hutton. Business Studies, who passel on his bowling skills.

Mike McLeod in the PE department provided equipment and interest as did Mr Milne, our new Principal Teacher of PE. Hughie Millar, the groundsman, was a tremendous help with the kit and pitches when we needed to practise. On the field the boys played good cricket and showed an enthusiastic attitude. Signs of hope are plentiful. This was always going to be a transitionary year for a variety of reasons. There were a lot of positives to emerge out of a truncated few months. "Well Done" everyone. Roll on next season,

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Girls Hockey Group at Easterfest

School Section Girls' Hockey Grateful, we are, for the eventual arrival of the all-weather pitch!! Practising with 80 girls on the top pitch. fondly known as Siberia. was a character test for the girls in the months up to the grand opening. Girls' hockey operates in volume. We have near enough two teams in 1st 2nd and 3rd year plus enough at the start of a season for three senior teams. Whilst the new pitch is great. fab. awesome and wicked, it has been at the sacrifice of grass on which it is necessary for these numbers to operate. At present. home matches for 1st. 2nd and 3rd years are a thing of the past. The all-weather pitch is wonderful, but use is limited to two rounds of matches usually for the I st and 2nd Xls. We look forward to getting back a pitch on the lower level. not in front of the pavilion as has been suggested, but on the original one, or the old tennis court arca, far enough from football traffic to preserve the goal mouths. Then we can entertain at home with all our teams present. and the opposition in changing room 4 which they adore. Oh happy days!

This was a rebuilding year for the 1st XI. and the team improved over the year. receiving runners-up medals in the outdoor tournament. once again being beaten on penalties. I was thinking back over the 20-ish years since the 'interregnum' of Rubislaw girls' hockey club, and I think it would he only twice that we were not winners or runners-up in one of the Senior competitions, which is a great record. The 2nd Eleven was run by 6th year Lucy Kay who was dedicated to the job. and managed to keep the high numbers happy. The teams in the lower years did well, with the 3rd year reaching the semi-final stage of the Knock-out Cup. District honours went to Christina Fox under-18. Helen Willett. under-16, and to Caitlin Taylor and Verity Arrowsmith under15. Congratulations to all these girls. As usual Santa's mental hockey fest was a success, as was the introduction of Easter fest to mark the end of season. Thanks go to Mo. Sari. Ferga and Gill from FPs who coached teams, and to others like Helen who umpired. The way ahead is for an even closer link to the FP Club. and this must be started at the early stages so that pupils see it as a given, rather than as an elective. Not enough players take advantage of this link.

Momentous moments during the season! *The one occasion when all five 6th years attended training. *Training by floodlights. *Whilst loving the new pitch. the total horror of having to train all year round. having formerly stopped at the October break.

One particularly freezing November Wednesday comes to mind. with the characters of both the weather and the pitch coming into question, and in this moment of weakness we were lamenting the old ways. Younger generations will take winter month practices as a matter of course. *Having the ambience of the Fests enhanced by the new facility. *The lucky rat at the tournament. * The opening day of the new pitch. *Fiona, Jenny and Charlotte getting the champagne shower after their last game. Next year will be another rebuilding time, with the excitement of putting together a new team. The future is bright. the future is red, white and blue stripes. finder-ES Football The Under-IS football team enjoyed a fairly successful season this year. After a slow start, with a draw against Cults Academy and a defeat by Hazlehead Academy, one or two changes in personnel and some switching of positions resulted in a much more solid defence, and the team became hard to beat. In the rest of our league games we remained undefeated and the boys were particularly happy to beat Kincorth Academy, who had proved to be their nemesis in previous seasons.

In the Gerard Trophy the team reached the semi-finals and confidence was high that we would get a result, but postponement and re-arrangement of the game resulted in a loss of key players due to injury and personal commitments and, being forced to field a weakened team, we sufkred a narrow defeat. The Scottish Cup was the highlight of the

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine year for the team, as they enjoyed a good run to the fifth round. There were some excellent home and away performances. the defeat of Kincorth, this time on their home ground, and a really good result away to a very useful Peterhead Academy team being particularly memorable games. The run was ended with a very competitive game against St. Thomas High School from Glasgow, the School only being edged out by the odd goal in five.

Senior Football The 2005-06 season for the First XI was one of "so close yet so far", with the boys reaching one final, one semi-final and losing to the eventual runners-up of the Scottish Schoolboys' Cup. The team was certainly a talented one with Rory MacRae. Stuart Chrichton, Ryan Goldie. Andrew McGregor, David Stott, Peter Cross and Gavin "20mins only boys" Leel returning to the fold. The team was distraught when they thought they lost their solid centre-half Greg Wisely, however Rory was very 'persuasive' and managed to bring him back. A host of new faces from 5th and 6th year joined to form the basis of a very talented squad.

The first game of the season was met with some surprise — if only because the boys were told about it two days before it happened and hadn't even really discussed a team yet. They grouped together and pulled off a remarkable comeback from 2-I down at half time to run out eventual 6-3 winners against Dyce, thought to be one the favourites. Little Tom 'Tam' Forest and Big Ginger captain Rory MacRae immediately had an understanding when playing upfront together, scoring three between them — Rory wins the headers and Tam runs on to them. It was quite the double act. We also had some stirring performances from 'Iron Man' Stuart Chrichton in the midfield and solid Greg Wisely making his comeback after self-inflicted retirement. However the best performance has to go to McGregor. who was able to get not one but two girls' phone numbers after the game!

Our next game was in the Scottish Cup against the very physical and predominantly 6th year Fraserburgh. Unfortunately the game was scheduled on the day of the Glasgow open day. Now, although Grammar has skill and talent all over the park, one thing we do miss without the 6th years is a physical presence. With only Rory, Andrew and Ben available, and with big Gay only lasting around 15 minutes after aggravating a serious knee injury, the team had a make-shift look about it. and although every player fought with all his heart, especially Simon Mathers who had a fantastic 'tackle' (ask to see the video to see for yourself).

Grammar was literally shoved out of the competition 3-I. However we can take heart from the fact that on another day we felt confident we could beat them and also that Fraserburgh lost on penalties in the final.

For the next match the whole squad was back — even part-time Peter Cross managed to play a part. It was just the game we needed, running out comfortable 10-0 winners over an inexperienced ISA side - so inexperienced, in fact, that their keeper couldn't tell which team to give the ball to and on more than one occasion gave it straight to Tam who duly obliged and scored around five or six goals in that game.

Next up was a stern test against the Aberdeen Select. With three Grammar players selected to represent their city. Rorv MacRae. Andrew McGregor and Simon Mathers, the team was again under strength. However they didn't let that get them down and although they lost the game they were definitely the better team. For their next game the School team was again without the select players, but under the guidance of Stuart Crichton the team was literally chased out of Northfield after winning 4-I, with Tam and Gav seeming to have a telepathic understanding with one another, each scoring and assisting the other for two goals.

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School Section We received a bye to the play-off for the league and also a bye to the semis of a local cup after only playing Keith and running out 9-2 winners with Ryan Goldie scoring what has to be the best goal of the season. He ran half the pitch, beating around five players, and then smashed the ball past the keeper into the top corner.

In the semis we faced a very tactically astute and disciplined Inverurie team. On a day like most at Rubislaw, which means gale force winds, Inverurie used the conditions to their advantage and won 4-2. The saddest part of the match, though, was when Gavin broke down after only 15minutes and couldn't carry on. There were doubts about whether he would make the final.

The big day finally arrived and after only getting lost once we managed to find the ground where we were to play Mintlaw, the team which for so many years has been the nemesis of Grammar players. The game was full of excitement and drama with plenty chances for both teams. At half time we were losing, but after changing the system we dominated the second half and if it hadn't been for the Mintlaw keeper seeming to be possessed, and pulling off some remarkable saves, School may have ended up winners. Alas, it was the story of the season, "so close yet so far" and we lost 3-I. However, yet again, we are confident we could take them on another day.

Everyone thought that was the final game and headed off in their own directions. However Mr Mcl.eod managed to arrange a glamour friendly against the 1995 Scottish Cup winning team to celebrate the tenth anniversary of that historic moment. On a blistering hot day, and with many team members unavailable, we had to pull in a few ringers from last year's team to be able to play. In a game of exciting attacking football School seemed to be in awe of the legends in the first third, but then for the remainder of the match more than held their own, finishing 3-I winners. Stuart Crichton scored his first goal for about six years with a thunderous 40-yard looping volley to equalise. Andrew Henderson made the perfect comeback from a serious ligament injury to convert the penalty which won the 04/05 Grammar team the nickname of 'legend slayers'.

Highlights of the season have to be Tom Forest's twenty goals in around six matches. Ryan and Stu's goals, the legend game. and the infamous video on the way up to the final — that's gotta hurt!

Many thanks must go to Mr McLeod who put in so much time and effort to arrange games and provide travel to and from the matches themselves.

Good Luck to the boys next year — all the best!

Senior Rugby Season 2004/05 saw fewer matches being played than the previous season due to the terrible weather over the winter period. However, we still managed to have a relatively good year, reaching the semi-final of the North of Scotland Schools Cup. In the quarter-final (which was also the first round) we played a nail-biting match against Banchory Academy. After drawing 3-3 in regular time, we needed to boost ourselves for extra time. Captain. Andrew Forman, successfully motivated the team and after Ralph Thompson scored the vital try, we managed to hang on until the end.

There was great excitement when we found out that the semi-final would be a clash with rivals Robert Gordon's College. Serious worries arose when a few of our key players, such as Liam Reid and Patrick Maughan. were injured and unable to play. Nevertheless. after a few changes, we managed to hold on and win the first half of the game two tries to one, with the tactic of always kicking in our own half. However, in the second half Gordon's made some tactical changes and brought on their very best players. This sadly worked for them and they scored three tries.

The team also had a couple of good friendly matches against Mintlaw Academy — one at home and one away. After losing the away match we really wanted to beat them at 21

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Rubislaw, and also hoping that the rain wouldn't beat us both! Thankfully it stayed dry and we won very convincingly, 52-7. A good few of our tries were due to the magnificent pace of full-back Eoin Robertson. which split the Mintlaw defence.

Finally, thanks must go to Mr Damien Reidy who has trained us throughout the season and has helped everyone in the squad improve their skills, and to Mr Neill Montgomery for arranging all our fixtures and travelling. and also for his constant efforts in keeping rugby alive at the School.

Squad: Andrew Forman (Captain). Nick Hearn (Vice-Captain), Ralph Thompson, Liam Reid. Eoin Robertson, David Buckett, Richie Dargie. Tom Ilett, Stuart Cadger. Rafiq Abdul Jalil. Elliot Verdee, Ryan Goldie, Rory MacRae, Alastair McCuish. Patrick Maughan, Ross McDougall, Chris Castanie, Michael Zanre, Calum Stewart and Lewis Watson.

Secondary 1 Rugby We had an excellent and enthusiastic group of players again this year. There was good attendance at training irrespective of weather and the boys trained hard although there was a lot of fun and enjoyment as well. We were able to use the all-weather pitch at Rubislaw for evening training on a Monday under floodlights. Every Saturday morning we had either training or matches. We arc particularly indebted to Roland Knudson. who led a dedicated coaching team of parents who included Martin Doig. Alistair Duthie and Dave Russell. Harry Diack helped with organisation and transport.

We had some good matches against other school teams, with a notable success over Robert Gordon's A team in the first game of the season. They, however, avenged this defeat later in the season. We had other friendly matches against Montrose Academy, Gordons Schools. Huntly and club side Garioch. We defeated Montrose and narrowly lost to a combined S2/SI Huntly team, both games away from home. In the final competition of the season we drew with both Robert Gordon's A and B teams and defeated Garioch.

The strength of the SI team lay in the backs. Through the season the forwards struggled to get good set piece ball. This is an area where we will strengthen through training in S2, or by seeking to recruit a few more big "nasty forwards"!

The highlight of the season for the SI team was travelling to lnvernesss and winning We won all of our games. the SI North Scottish Schools 10-a-side Tournament. conceding only one try in the process. Competing teams came from Orkney. Highland.

Aberlour House. Caithness and others.

Some SI players combined with S2 players to enter a combined 52/SI team for the S2 7-a-side tournament run in conjunction with the first ever full Scotland rugby team match to he played in Aberdeen against the Barbarians at Pittodrie. The team was knocked out at the qualifying stage by the eventual winners from Stirling.

This season the team was well served by David Diack. Michael Stewart. Jamie Finlayson . Andy Doig. Tiernan Duthie. Sam Knudsen and Lawrence McLelland.

SI Squad members: Jack Bruce, Alex Davies, David Diack. Andy Doig, Tiernan Duthie. Martin Ferries, Jamie Finlayson, Niall Holden, Harry Jones. Rob Kelly, Sam Knudsen, Lawrence McLelland. Craig Runcie. Doug Russell. Duncan Samuel and Michael Stewart.

Secondary 2 Rugby The 52 rugby team struggled throughout the year because there were not enough players. but the team managed to play matches by playing a mixed 51/52 team.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine The match against Montrose at home was a brilliant win for Grammar as we played to our full capability. The next time we played them later in the year was an away game. The match was harder because Montrose had an all S2 team, but we went at them and came out with a creditable draw.

Our narrowest losing margin was an away game against Huntly. They kept on pushing the ball out and scoring tries, but we got very close to a win until in the last couple of minutes they went ahead. We also played in a national 7-a-side tournament with the final being played at half-time at the Scotland vs. Barbarians match at Pittodrie stadium. Grammar won two group matches and narrowly failed to qualify for the knock-out stage. The two teams which did get through were Robert Gordon's College and Stirling County (who eventually won) who played in front of 20,000 spectators.

The really outstanding players this year were Patrick Watson at number 8, as he was always hunting for the ball and showed great determination to get tries; Patrick Neville at wing/centre, because he is strong, fast and a hard hitter; Neil Fraser. our prop. because he is a tackle breaker and also very strong; Mark Lamia, a flanker, who is very fast and tackles very solidly and Matt Smith at prop. who has tremendous strength and could be one to watch for the future. The most enthusiastic player by far is Philip Lawton, our scrum-half, who has made rapid progress this season and could well be another Chris Cusiter in the making!!

Finally, a huge "thank you" to all the parents and teachers who helped throughout the year. especially Roland Knudson, Ken Lawtor and Mr. Montgomery.

Secondary 3 Rugby Last season our team entered into two cups. The first was the Under-I5 Scottish Schools Cup which consisted of the top school teams in Scotland. In the first round we were drawn against Wick Academy. although thankfully we had a home draw and so didn't have the expense etc. of a long bus journey to Wick! We won comfortably, with Andy Cairns playing particularly well and scoring a number of wonderful tries from full back. In the next round, however, we faced tougher opposition in Robert Gordon's College. We were missing a number of key players, including an injured Ross Taylor (our captain courageous!) and Chad - Wayne Simpson who unfortunately was too old to participate in this competition; so we suffered. We still put up a good fight. but their backs were too strong for us. Though losing this game, all was not lost as we were entered into the Bowl Cup. In our first game we were drawn against one of the top independent schools in Scotland, Fettes College. To make things worse we could not supply our best team, again as a number of our team members were ill. Unsurprisingly, we lost this hard- fought game by 5 tries to I . (Fettes went on to win this national competition.)

Later in the year we entered a second cup. This was the North of Scotland Schools Cup. We faired better in this competition. reaching the semi-finals, and beating Montrose Academy and the Gordon Schools. Huntly. However, yet again, we were knocked out by Robert Gordon's College. who went on to win the cup!

Coaching commitments to the First and Second year teams made it impossible for Mr Montgomery to coach our team as well, but with the help of the FP Rugby Section he managed to secure organised regular coaching from Sean Strachan. This happened every Tuesday evening, and our fitness and skill levels improved because of this.

Throughout this season our whole team performed well. Those lads who were awarded Junior Colours were Ross Taylor, Chris Ballard. Jonathan Brown, Duncan Caird, Robbie Samuel and Matthew McCall.

Finally we would like to thank Mr Montgomery and Sean Strachan for investing their time in our team and making this season happen for us.

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School Section Rowing A number of School pupils actively compete in rowing as part of the Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association. Training takes place in the evenings and at weekends, and involves sweep oar rowing and sculling as well as land training sessions in the ASRA boat-house on the River Dee. While some of the older Grammar rowers from the 2004 season have moved on. younger pupils have joined and are progressing well.

Joy Davies, Antonia Hausler and Pippa Davies have continued their rowing careers and competed in many events, including the Scottish National Championship. Joy has done extremely well and is pan of the top Women's Junior 15 team from ASRA which has won several medals and competed at the British Schools Championships. Arthur Tutenuit and Gary Wilson have also been busy this year. They were part of the crew which won the Wylie Cup in the Scottish Schools Championships as well as many others. Karen Wilson, Jack Hughes, Niall Rundle and Catriona Bain have started this year. Jack and Niall were in the winning crew for the Men's Junior 12 coxed squad at Strathclyde Park Regatta.

Catriona received a silver medal at the Scottish National Indoor Championships.

Joy, Gary and Catriona have been selected to take part in the British Championships in Nottingham in the summer holidays.

Golf The golfing world had its eyes firmly focused on the heroics of Michael Campbell in the U.S. open, but he was not the only one in fine form recently. Aberdeen Grammar School has had numerous successful golf performances in the past, but the achievements in a fortnight in June are up there with the best of them.

One success story came in the Aberdeen Schools Individual Golf Championships at Craihstone. In the Tuesday tournament. Mark Wareham added to the successful week by picking up first place. This already successful week continued in the Thursday tournament when Mhairi Johnstone came home in first place in the girls' competition and Nick McAndrew took third place in the boys competition. The latter also saw David Law get the ball in the hole with just one sensational shot at the 10th. This was just a taster of what was to come in other competitions.

The best team achievement came in the Aberdeen Schools' League. Our team of David Law, Nick and Donald McAndrew, Mhairi Johnstone, Kevin Bass and Mark Wareham were crowned champions of their section in the league. This booked them a place in the semi-final which took place on a humid Tuesday evening against a strong Torry Academy side. The Grammar sextet once again emerged victorious, booking themselves a place in the final, just 28 hours later, against Robert Gordon's. The team were in sensational form straight from the outset, eventually easing to a 3-0 victory against a strong Gordon's side.

The School has also entered a strong trio consisting of Nick and Donald McAndrew and David Law into the Paul Lawrie Schools' Team Challenge. The competition will take place at Peterculter Golf Club on 29 August.

Judging by the history of the U.S. open and golf in general it is highly unlikely that Campbell. a shock winner and last to qualify, will win another major. but what we can safely say is that the future looks bright for the pmmising golfing talents at Aberdeen Grammar School.

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School Section

Clubs and Societies Craft Club The report this year takes the form of a member's eye view on what continues to be a popular lunchtime pastime kw a lump of creative pupils. I have been going to the Craft Club since last October with a few of my friends. We heard about it in the newsletter which our registration teacher read out to us. I was quite interested in it because that is the sort of thing I like doing. so I persuaded one of my friends to come akmg with me and we signed up a short while after we started first year. Mrs Arthur told us we would be making Christmas Cards to sell at the parents' evenings. It was great fun making them, and they were a success at selling too. Some of the parents liked them so much they asked us to make Islamic cards for Eid. After that, it was drawing near to Christmas. so we got to make Christmas Cards and present labels for ourselves.

By that time more people had joined the Club.

Some of the projects we did are weaving, making cats' tails. friendship bracelets, hraiksd notebooks. decorated glass candle holden:, personalised shoe boxes. Valentine's mugs and painted glasses. Mrs Arthur raised funds by making cards and selling them in the Staff room.

I have enjoyed coming along on Wednesday lunchtimes - it is certainly much better than hanging around school for an hour! I will definitely come back after the summer holidays and I am looking forward to making new and exciting things. Thank you to all the people who bought our cants to help raise funds, and thank you to Mrs Arthur for organising then raft Club and all the projects that we do.

Hayley McCabe 1/5 Internet Cafe Since November 2004 this very successful club has been operating on Monday lunchtimes from 12.35-1.30. Pupils can come along and socialise with others in their year group and use the IT facilities. Pupils who find lunchtimes long or are needing some support can experience the friendly environment where they are allowed to have their lunch and chat to the teachers. There are also traditional board games and puzzles for pupils to use. There has been a regular attendance of between 20 and 30 pupils each week. The club is supervised by Mr Martin (Guidance), Miss Aird (Maths) and Mrs McKay (Languages). This will continue in August for the new SI and there is a possibility that this will be extended to the new S2.

Michael Cobban 1/7 Mountaineering Club If the idea of clambering up a vertical rock face and then being dangled fifteen metres off the ground appeals to you, then you'll understand why, when the proposition was put to pupils, a group of sixty individuals, from first to fifth year. turned up to find out how they could get a piece of the action. As a result of this positive response three indoor climbing sessions at Summerhill Education Centre were arranged and promptly signed up for.

All of the sessions have been a tremendous success: even those pupils who started off timid and unsure were happily abseiling from the rafters by the end. More climbing opportunities are definitely going to be arranged for the 26 pupils who have been involved so far, and the numerous others who missed the opportunity first time round. Next time it may well be the sea cliffs at Cove that they are pitting their wits against, weather permitting!

These climbing sessions were the first in a line of outdoor activities which the AGS Mountaineering Club is hoping to offer to pupils during summer term 2005 and beyond. A hill-walk up the Munros Dreish and Mayar is being organised for the end of June. Some of the participants in this excursion will hopefully be enthusiastic recruits from the week-long programme of hill-walking arranged for Activities Week, for which twelve keen first year 27

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine boys signed up. These outings will involve visiting some of the fantastic low hills that Aberdeenshire has to offer, such as Bennachie and Clachnaben.

Throughout all the activities which are being arranged opportunities will arise to demonstrate mountain skills ranging from navigation to tying knots. It is hoped that, given the chance to explore some of Scotland's magnificent countryside, and learn skills which will enable them to make the most of it, these young people will develop an enthusiasm for outdoor pursuits which will stay with them throughout their school careers and beyond. literary & Debating Society Over the years debating has become somewhat of a speciality for the senior pupils of Aberdeen Grammar School. We have consistently made a name for ourselves. topping tabs and winning competitions for over four years. Spurred on by last year's success of the team of Rose Grogan and William Jones, this year the Society embarked on a massive training and recruitment drive, focusing on developing the talent of the future.

This resulted in a number of successes over the debating season. Two of our junior speakers made big names for themselves, with Megan Robertson being the best novice speaker at the Durham Union Competition and Natalie Smith beating world-class speakers at the St. Andrews Senior Schools Competition, where she was the youngest speaker ever to debate in the final. (One of the boys still maintains that Natalie stole his speech and his jokes in the semi-final). Natalie was also the top performing junior speaker at the Aberdeen University Schools Competition. Despite turning inward and placing more emphasis on nurturing the vast amount of talent that exists in younger years. we have still maintained our standing as one of the top teams in the country, reaching the final of four major Scottish University competitions and the regional final of the English Speaking Union Schools Mace.

The highlight of the debating year for one of our speakers was being selected as part of a five-strong team representing Scotland at the World Schools Debating Championships. Rose Grogan went to Calgary. in Canada. where the team reached the octo-finals before being knocked out by the native team. As well as the debating, the trip was educational, and included a visit to a First Nations Reservation and the Canada Olympic Park. where the Bermudan team encountered snow for the very first time.

The change in tack of the Society this year has certainly paid off. The junior section has gone from strength to strength, reaching the finals in national junior competitions as well as being able to hold their own at senior level. This is clear proof that Aberdeen Grammar School will continue to be one of the top names in the debating world for years to come.

Music The Music Department has seen the usual hustle and hustle of activities this year.As well as our existing ensembles, we have had an additional Barber Shop Group, courtesy of Gilleon Shand, an S6 pupil who chose Training and Directing as her option for Advanced Higher. This 8-strong group of senior pupils has rehearsed since last summer, and delighted the audience at the March Concert with "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "Barber Shop Blues". For the same option. Jordan Hewitt successfully directed the Junior Choir and will continue to lead them at the Aberdeen & North-East of Scotland Music Festival where they have been entered for the SI-3 Mixed Choir class. The choir has also sung at Aberdeen Unitarian Church and the pupils' musical offerings were most warmly received by the congregation. A further two dates have been arranged for later in the year. so this may well become a regular occurrence. The Senior Choir will also be featuring in the Festival under the watchful eye of Mrs. Bimie. Pupils have participated quite considerably this year in leading groups. Alyson Boyd in S4 capably took charge of the

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School Section recorder group, while Matthew Logan in S6 took up the baton for the Jazz Band. Both performed at the recent concert to the enthusiastic appreciation of their peers.

The Ceilidh Band has had a busy year, providing entertainment for the Gilcomstoun Primary School annual ceilidh and sharing the stage with "Fire Away" for the School Red Nose Day Ceilidh at the Beach Ballroom. The School show, "Annie Get Your Gun", featured not only a cast of thousands but a large orchestra mainly made up of pupils. The standard of playing was particularly high this year and was a credit to both pupils and instructors alike. The orchestra supported the excellent cast with a sensitivity and maturity beyond their years.

Christmas-time activities included our annual service in St. Machar's Cathedral where a plethora of traditional carols rent the air and were enjoyed by all. The Music Department was also happy to support the introduction of a Christmas Assembly at Queen's Cross Church for SI and S2 pupils at the end of term. The brass ensemble ably accompanied the carols while the Senior Choir treated the pupils to "Who is this tiny child?"

Easter was tinged with sadness as we had to say goodbye to Dr. Charles Foster, who is retiring after 35 years as a brass instructor at the School. The March concert was re-named "Foster's Farewell" and dedicated to Charles and his enormous contribution to the Department over the years. The concert culminated in presentations and speeches from Jeremy Watt on behalf of the pupils and from Kate Graham on behalf of the parents. There followed a reception in the dining room for parents and pupils organised by the P:I'.A. which gave all concerned an opportunity to convey their thanks and good wishes to Charles for his unwavering support over the years.

The Music Department has gone from strength to strength due to the utter commitment and dedication of the teaching staff and instructors who give of their time willingly to rehearse our numerous ensembles each week. Our thanks and gratitude must go to them for their unstinting support and infinite patience over the year. Finally, credit must go to all the young musicians who loyally race back from games to attend rehearsals, set up music stands, cancel appointments etc. to support the wealth of extra-curricular activities that are ongoing in the department. They are excellent role models for others and worthy of the highest praise. It has been another hugely successful and productive year for the Department.

Public Speaking Aberdeen Grammar School's successes in debating over the years have been exceptional in both the number and level of achievement. However, public speaking competitions are entered annually but never won, until this year. The 4th year team comprised Carla Plasberg-Hill, Jennifer Sweeney and Sorcha Hume. With no previous experience in public speaking or debating, the team was not entirely confident on reaching the second round, never mind winning. The first round took place in January in our very own drama studio, a modest but no doubt appropriate venue to open the competition. The team won through although still not quite convinced of their abilities.

For the second round, the team travelled to Dundee High School. Despite a lack of confidence, the disbelieving girls were through to the Scottish Final. The team used the time between rounds to practise techniques in speaking assertively, gaining assurance as they learnt. The final was again held at Dundee High School in March, the girls proving to be strong candidates for champions although Mary Erskine School were also in the running. In the end, the School team was crowned Scottish champions!

The team, now in high spirits, was thrilled to be representing Scotland in the UK final in London in April. The thought of flying to London was extremely exciting and as one of the team had never been to London, a bit of sightseeing was done before the competition.

The final was held at the City of London School for Girls, a much larger and impressive venue. The judges for the final were Eric Bevan, Frances Edmonds and Sarah Harrison, each very experienced in both public speaking and debating. Although the team didn't win 29

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine (the winners were Bedford School) they far from disgraced themselves. To go from beginners to Scottish champions in three months is quite an achievement for these young ladies.

Wildlife Garden Another year of snow. sunshine and rain and the wildlife garden continues to grow and develop. The meadow section at the end of the garden is blooming marvellously as we break for summer, filling up with oxeye daisies. pink tmmpion and many other beautiful flowers and grasses. The newts introduced to the pond seem to approve of their environment and have increased in numbers. Five were found in a pond dipping session by a Biology 2nd year class last week! The silver beam tree planted on Mr Johnston's retiral is looking very pretty, as it shimmers in the breezes, and we are beginning to see a few more birds in the garden as it matures.

New seating has been purchased using funds raised through grant application. donations, plant sales and another successful bulb selling campaign. (Bulbs will be on sale again this August/September). The weeds in the flower/ herb garden are growing faster then the garden group can pull them out at the moment. but as we recruit new willing volunteers in the next session, many hands should make light work.

Pied Piper Productions "Loot" A murderous member of the medical profession manipulates two petty criminals — 'the leading Catholic layman within a radius of 40 miles' and a dastardly detective - into a series of ridiculous antics involving a corpse, £104,000 and a glass eye...? limn (see description above!) was not your average school play. To begin with. the idea to direct and produce this incredibly funny farce was great, not only because we loved the play. but also because only six cast members were required. However, as rehearsals progressed. it was proved that this didn't really matter — any school show is a huge undertaking. The pressure on ourselves and the cast was massive and there were endless things to organise.

After a somewhat hectic get-in weekend, we had a break in the production week for the School's Spring Music Concert — and who would ever forget the curtains mistakenly being opened after one of the pieces to reveal a coffin on the school stage! Supposedly it was good to promote the production — we're not too sure...

The final performances (Thursday 17th & Friday 18th March) were well enjoyed, with much hysterical laughing throughout. In all. it was a great experience. with a fantastic end result.

Cast:Mr McLeavy - Keith Hewitt Nurse McMahon - Rebecca Morris Inspector Truscott - Caroline Halliwell Hayley - Emily Hunter Dennis - Rowan Alexander Meadows - Ben Eayrs Andrew Dean & Rose Grogan

Face the Music: "Annie Get Your Gun" Once again. in November 2(X)4. Aberdeen Grammar School was "doing what comes naturally" and put on an exceptional presentation of "Annie Get Your Gun- . It was a dramatic change from last year - T-birds and Pink Ladies were out, to be replaced by Lowboys and Indians.

Miss Adams. along with her faithful accomplices (the teachers) and her ramshackle company (the cast), aided and abetted by a group of wandering minstrels (the band) took the

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school by storm and. once again. achieved the impossible feat of cramming one hundred adolescents on to one stage and getting them to perform.

For some time ahead of the event the cast could be spotted _staggering about the school corridors with their feet in a muddle. supposedly blaming their dance routines. "Colonel Buffalo Bill" became the school anthem, and rehearsals went on from "the sun in the morning till the moon at night". In August it seemed that the show would never come together but. undeterred. the staff soldiered on. By November it was beginning to take shape. This was thanks to the talents of Messrs Gordon and Hutton on the technical side and Mrs Arthur and Mrs Belford (the fastest needle in the West) performing miracles with make up and costumes. The fact that they located thirty Indian costumes at such short notice was amazing.

The task of pulling it all together tell to Miss Adams and Mrs McLeod, to whom huge thanks are due for their energy. enthusiasm and encouragement. Eventually Indians chanted, bad girls flirted, shot guns fired (well, sometimes) and most people came on and off at all the right times. The accumulation of all the effort was a most magnificent and polished production enjoyed by the audiences over the three nights of performances, each of which was sold out.

Priceless moments were aplenty during the three perlomiances. some mow memorable than others. Peter's first show, for example, was more a miss than a hit when it came to his lints. but he made a full recovery and received the hearty appreciation of the crowd. Then there were the numemus missing cues between the two principals. which provided much amusement to the chorus. And mention has to be made of the moment when Jordan failed to include an enure verse, much to Mrs McLeod's dismay and the orchestra's confusion.

Looking back, however, it was all a wonderful experience. During the months leading up to it rehearsals were jam-packed and left the cast and crew exhausted. But, as they say, "the show must go on" and by the final performance everyone understood the meaning of "there's no business like show business!"

Charities Group The Charities Group this past academic year has been one forum for the great deal of fundraising that goes on in School.

Mrs Welsh with her KAFKAH appeal for shoeboxes for war-tom Bosnian school children continues to generate a great deal of happiness around Christmas time. She deserves nothing but the highest praise. Only those of us who know her well are aware of the enormous amount of time and energy she puts into her project. She was ably helped by Mrs Arthur of the Geography department, Mr Hutton of Business Studies and his wife, plus a small group of dedicated pupils. Mrs Welsh's exhausted state around New Year time is testimony to her unflinching and total commitment to her desire to bring festive cheer to those children in former Eastern Europe who live in hope of efforts such as hers.

There have been other significant events this year. Pupil bands raised £942, supplemented by a donation of £58 from Mr Montgomery of Chemistry and Guidance to make f1000 for the Tsunami Victims Appeal. Dr Selway of the Chemistry department gave a generous donation of £130 to our causes, and Mr Jones's tube in his Biology lab is a ready receptacle for loose change. Mrs Nicholson from Home Economics raised a large sum of money for the Breast Cancer Campaign. Mr. Bruce, formerly Principal Teacher of Craft Design & Technology. helped her in her task with his sponsored walk across Scotland. Miss Adams. Principal Teacher of Drama, helped raise over £500 for Comic Relief.

Sadly tragedy struck during the year with the sudden death of Jamie Fiddcs, 5/3. A school collection and top-up from the Charities Group raised £800 for the charity researching the disease from which Jamie suffered. He will be sadly missed.

The main source of income of the Charities Group was our daily tuck shop, which ran until the start of study leave. For reasons outwith our control we were not able to donate as much to charity from this source as we would have liked. This, along with 31

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine changes to the School's accounting procedures and other factors. has led to the closure of the tuck shop for the time being. Following the lead given by the School's Fair Trade Group the tuck shop may re-open in the autumn term selling only fairly-traded goods and healthy option products.

Attendance at our meetings has been good. Chris McKie 4/4 proved to be as good a secretary as Miss Brown of Business Studies was a treasurer. Morag Leopoldt 6/2 and Yvette Ng 6/6 were able tuck shop assistants, not to mention some of the 6th year Philosophy class who acted as crowd controllers. The aforementioned Miss Adams and Mr Hutton also excelled in this duty.

Decisions about donations, projects etc. were taken democratically at meetings. One such decision was to continue to sponsor our six Third World children. Pupils make regular donations to Action Aid, who work with our nominated children.

We are grateful for all the support we have received from pupils. staff and others.

In the spirit of that generosity and commitment shown by so many in our community to others, the last word must come from Alex Ficides, Jamie's Dad who said: "To his great credit Jamie never used his condition as an excuse for easing up and he rose magnificently above it. determined to get on with his life and enjoy himself despite everything. Jamie's condition made us all determined to live one day at a time and make the most of each moment; Jamie knew he was cherished.. .

Although he had a large frame and an impressive physique Jamie was truly a gentle giant. He had a strong character and was really assertive but he also had a gentle. sensitive. caring nature. Typically his choice of extra-curricular activities in sixth year were things which would benefit others" Donations in 2004-05 were:Pathways Aberdeen £250 UNICEF Sudan Appeal 300 Children with Leukaemia 200 Let the Children Live I50 Breast Cancer Campaign 150 Save the Children Tsunami Appeal 800 School Bands Concert for the Tsunami Appeal 1000 Comic Relief 533.98 Ian Morrison's Trip with Project Trust 100 The Meningitis Trust 250 LEPR A 250 PHA UK in memory of Jamie Fiddes 800 £ 4783.98 Markdorf Exchange With the German Exchange well into its third decade. the School was proud to welcome a group comprising eleven girls and three boys, with accompanying teachers, from the Bildungszentrum in Markdorf for a nine-day visit in early June. Many of the Scottish host families were repaying the generosity shown to Grammar pupils when they visited the small town on the banks of Lake Constance a year ago. As well as experiencing life in a Scottish school, the German pupils embarked on a variety of excursions in the surrounding area throughout their stay, the highlight of which was a visit to the Glenfiddich Distillery.

Mr Hunter of the Technical department acted as a part-time guide during many of these excursions, making good use of his knowledge of the German language. Once again the Ceilidh in the school hall. with music from the Garioch Blend, produced an excellent climax to the exchange. The German pupils became experts at dances such as the Gay Gordons and Strip the Willow in just three hours, thanks to excellent tuition from Mrs Cawdron. The tearful farewell came only two short days later, but plans are already underway for the return visit next year.

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Geography Worldwise Quiz The School has had recent successes in the Geography Worldwise Quiz, winning the local heat in February. and coming third in the National Finals on I Ith March.

In the first round, held locally at St Margaret's School, nine teams competed, including two from Aberdeen Grammar School. Each team comprised three pupils, one each from 2nd. 3rd and 4th year. The School team, made up of Fraser Anderson (2nd year), Chris Ballard (3rd year) and Omar My (4th year). pushed into the lead early on to win the Elimination Round by a clear margin. The local final, between St Margaret's, Mearns Academy. Banchory Academy and Aberdeen Grammar School, ended with a tense tie-breaker between Mearns and ourselves. The Grammar team won by 5 points to 3 and went through to the national semi-final at Linlithgow Academy.

Twelve teams from across the country took part in the semi-finals, and we were one of the four teams which made it through to the national final. The final top three scores were extremely close, with only half a point between second and third places: 66 Bell Baxter High School, Cupar 63 Stewarts Melville College, Edinburgh 621/2 Aberdeen Grammar School 57 Kilwinning Academy Over 100 schools from all over Scotland entered the Worldwise Quiz. We were delighted to get through to the national final, and I would like to thank all members of the Geography Department who were involved with us. All their coaching was greatly appreciated.

Chris Ballard S3/6

Enterprise Education Enterprise Education is now an integral part of the school development plan and several groups have again been involved in various initiatives which included an enterprise day during the Activities Week, a visit to the "Make it in Scotland Roadshow". work experience and business enterprise training. Many other ventures, both curricular and extra-curricular, were supported by the funding from Aberdeen City Council's Share of the National incentive "Determined to Succeed". Similar support should be available over the next couple of years. with perhaps a greater emphasis being put on schemes being organised mainly by the pupils themselves.

This encouragement to get pupils involved in the planning and processing of enterprise initiatives has already featured in one or two activities which have taken place this year. One event in particular which demonstrated the concept of getting pupils to practise and develop their enterprise skills took place in June and is reviewed in the article which follows: A Taste Of Africa In June this year the School participated in a national Enterprise Education programme to promote enterprise amongst young Scots. The programme was aimed at 4th year Modern Studies and Geography pupils with the theme of 'interdependence'. It was intended to demonstrate how developed countries rely heavily on the primary products of developing countries. In order to do this, the pupils worked for several months to organise a Trade Fair held over two lunchtimes in the school hall. The pupils sold fair trade chocolate, dried fruits and arts and crafts to other students and teachers, as well as running a raffle with £ 150 worth of prizes. Pupils showed great initiative, in particular with their smoothies made using fruit from the developing world, which were both tasty and very popular with the customers. Although pupils were given an initial grant from Aberdeen City Council, 33

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine most of the resources resulted from the group's own hard work. contacting supermarkets Sainsbury and Tesco to get the food for the fair, and local businesses for raffle prizes.

The pupils also held an African breakfast morning, where each student paid £1 to sample a variety of developing world foods. The event not only enhanced the pupils' knowledge of the range of products Africa has to offer, but also gave them a morning off to stuff their faces! Both events were incredibly successful and made a clear profit, yet to be finalised. It is then up to the pupils to decide how the money is to be distributed, perhaps continuing the School's strong involvement with the 'Sponsor a Child' scheme or other organisations involved in helping Africa.

The pupils invested a lot of time and effort into the programme and received in return a rich and rewarding cultural experience. With the nation's attention once again focused on Africa, the event came at a most appropriate time and highlighted to the school community the importance of working to help developing countries. The events would not have been possible without the guidance of the Modern Studies and Geography staff, although Mr Hutcheon would like to emphasise that they were merely 'a guide behind the scenes' — "the whole exercise showed the resilience, inventiveness and business acumen of pupils and WaS a great experience for them". The School wishes to thank all involved for their hard work — well done!

Young Engineers Scottish Competition Sixth year pupils from the School travelled to Hampden in Glasgow on Friday 17 June to compete against schools from all over Scotland in the Young Engineers Competition. The team. supported by Mr Irvine and Mr Smith were the "Young Engineers Clubs Scotland Showcase" winners for 2005. and walked away with a handsome trophy and £500 for the School's club. They impressed the judges with their electronically-controlled drawbridge and the presentation of their ideas. The boys and staff believe that their success was not only due to the quality of their bridge but also the presentation and improvised talk given to the judges. Team captain Barry Mitchell was very pleased with the award and revealed that the team were already making plans on how to spend the prize-money on next year's project. Team members were Barry Mitchell, William Thompson. John McAulay. Liam Reid and Nicky Lawrie.

Home Economics The Home Economics Department encourages participation in both local and national cookery competitions, as this is seen as an excellent way of extending both practical skills and pupil interest in the subject. During the course of Session 2004-05, pupils entered a number of competitions:

"Future Chef' 2004 Cookery Competition Having been successful in the school heats of the Future Chef 2004 Cookery Competition.

Philippa Davies of 3/4 went on to represent Aberdeen Grammar School in the local heats of this prestigious competition, held at Banff and Buchan College, Fraserburgh in November 2004.

Although on this occasion Philippa was not selected to go forward to the Scottish regional final, she gave a commendable performance in a competition where, according to the judges. the standard of entries was exceptionally high.

Taste of Grampian Schools Cookery Competition In May 2(105, two S2 pupils — Laura Matson 216 and Laura Middleton 2/6 — submitted an entry in the Taste of Grampian Secondary Schools Cookery Competition. At the time of writing. these pupils have been chosen to go forward to the final stage of the competition which takes the form of a "cook-off' against other secondary schools held during the Taste of Grampian Food Festival at Thainstone Centre, lnveruric on Saturday I I th June 2005.

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School Social Functions Leavers' Ball 2005 The Leavers' Ball this year seemed to go down incredibly well with all of the pupils and staff. The night at the Queen's Hotel seemed initially to resemble some sort of 'Oscars Night'. with all of the girls (and boys) showing off their elaborate outfits to each other. In fact, it took some time before everyone had admired everyone and finally sat down for the meal.

The speeches after the meal, by Alison Boyd and Rory MacRae. were well delivered and very hinny, and perhaps leaving a few teachers red-faced (you know who I mean) as they rambled through our time at the Grammar. As the speeches ended, the band (Galik Bread) started up and didn't stop until the end. It was great fun and I'm sure everyone will always remember the Auld Lang Syne at the end of the evening — not a person was seated.

On behalf of the Sixth year I would like to thank the band (Galik Bread), the Queen's Hotel and all of the School staff who made this night such a memorable success.

The Big Red Ceilidh 2005

'The Big Red Ceilidh'. named so after the event for which it was raising money (Red Nose Day), was initially the brainchild of Mrs Cawdron. She gathered a committee together, explained her idea, and then took a side-step, being there only if we really needed advice or support.

The committee comprised about ten pupils, ranging from 1st to 6th year, and ultimately organised every aspect of the event, from the booking of our chosen venue (the Star Ballroom at the Beach) to making balloon hunches to decorate the tables. It took about two months to organise, with huge all round overall effort.

The night itself was fantastic. Around 130 people attended and filled the Star Ballroom, creating a great atmosphere. Ceilidh music was kindly provided by the School Ceilidh Band (under the direction of Mrs Bimie), and 'Fire Away', an enthusiastic local

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine group. Ticket sales, raffle ticket sales and general donations yielded almost £800 profit an incredible amount.

Thanks so much to all those involved and to all those who attended. who made the night such a huge success.

School Board The Board was happy to welcome the new Rector. Mr Graham Legge. to its meetings at the start of the session. Once again, many and varied topics were discussed at these meetings. These included repairs to the buildings, healthy eating, parking on the campus. a recycling and anti-litter initiative. fundraising for sports, the date for the end of the Summer Term. Modem Language provision and (yet again) the operation of the Accord Card. The Board was delighted to be associated with the Mel Edwards 100.000 Miles of Running event in June.

Very welcome developments were the Council's decision to proceed with planning and site investigation for the Games Hall. and the pitch improvements (including the laying of an all-weather pitch) at Rubislaw. However. there was disappointment at the delays that have dogged the second phase of the Rubislaw improvements — the provision of a modern and fit-for-purpose pavilion facility.

There were two major matters which involved members in a great deal of work outwith the regular meetings. The first was the likely staff restructuring being pursued by the Council. and here the Board had misgivings as to the effects on teachers' morale.

The second matter was the Scottish Executive's consultation on its proposed Parental Involvement legislation, which would see the Boards dissolved and replaced with looser structures called Parent Forums. Along with many other bodies, the Board sees this as likely to lead to a dilution of parental influence on schools and education authorities. A special Board meeting was held to consider this development and prepare a response to the Executive.

The future, then, for the Board is uncertain and perhaps this item will be absent next year. Watch this space

Parent Teacher Association The year 2004-05 began as usual for the PTA with the Annual General Meeting. This year we invited Graham Legge to come along to address parents before the meeting and to join us for a glass of wine afterwards. This gave the small number of parents who came along the opportunity to meet him and hear his vision for the School.

The major fundraising event this year was the annual Ceilidh which took place in February and was a great evening, with Halleyracket keeping everyone on their feet until the very end. The stovies were prepared for us by Betty from the FP Club and were excellent as ever. The raffle held during the event contributed to the healthy profit. Ticket sales were a little down this year - there seemed to be a lot of similar events happening in Aberdeen around the same date and some of our regulars were otherwise committed. What we lost in revenue we made up for in space for dancing and everyone seemed to have an enjoyable time.

The success of last year's Car Boot Sale led us, perhaps foolishly, to try to repeat the event this year. Unfortunately, only five people expressed an interest in having a stall perhaps everyone's loft was still tidy after last year's event. It may be something which could be organised again in the future; every other year might work better.

March 2005 saw the retirement of Dr Charles Foster who has been the Brass instructor at the School for 36 years. His enthusiasm and dedication to our pupils has been second to none and he will be much missed by pupils, teachers and parents alike. The March school concert was dedicated to him and was a wonderful event with a number of his former pupils coming along to listen. Letters to parents elicited contributions to a retiral gift totalling over £500.

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School Section which was a very generous response. The PTA Wasted a reception after the concert at which Charles was in great form — he was the last to leave!

Anyone who has been at any of the School events in the hall this year will have seen the new curtains which were bought at the end of last year with PTA funds. These have made a great difference to the appearance of the hall and to the temperature during winter parents' evenings.

The PTA's band of volunteers has once again provided refreshments at School events parents' evenings, concerts etc. Staff and parents are grateful for the effort that goes into this.

We had hoped to have a PTA page on the School website which would have kept parents up-to-date with PTA events but the development of the website is currently on hold following the departure of Alan Craig. Any parent who is looking for general information about issues relating to schools might find www.parentionescolland.cov.uk useful.

Kate Graham

The Phil Love Trophy As has been noted in previous articles about winners of this Trophy. it is presented to pupils who have brought credit to the school. As the years roll on the task of selection becomes ever more difficult, as the number of pupils whose personal achievements are of the highest standard increases at both a remarkable and humbling rate. Therefore, to stand out from this crowd means that any winner of the Trophy has to have reached an outstanding level of achievement, not simply based on personal skill, but accompanied by sheer dedication and perhaps. above all, must possess the characteristics which make them special, in that one-off sense.

Once more this year it was impossible to separate the two young people who share this award. They are Rose Grogan. for her achievements in debating, and Edward Kay. for his achievements in the sport of canoe slalom.

For Rose this is the second year in succession that she has been awarded and shared this Trophy. Having lost "her partner", who left the School at the end of last session, perhaps it was going to prove impossible for her to emulate their "clean sweep success" of session 2O03-O4. Undeterred, filled with her natural devotion, she teamed up with other speakers and through the year they were consistently ranked in the top twenty teams from throughout the country. Reaching the finals of the various competitions had become a habit last year and Rose carried this on again this year. She reached the finals of the University College of Dublin competition, as well as those at Aberdeen University, St Andrews University and Edinburgh University She also reached the Regional Final of the English Speaking Union Mace and the Ross Cup. In these she won the top speaker award at Aberdeen and Dublin and was second at St Andrews and Glasgow.

Rose's greatest achievement this year, however, was being chosen as a member of the Scottish Schools' Debating Team. This took her in February to Canada. where the team competed against the rest of the world. Although they did not win they reached the octo-final. were eleventh overall, and Rose was judged as the twenty-fourth best individual speaker out of the vast number of international competitors. Being in the Scottish Team was a fitting climax to an outstanding career in school debating and this was recognised by the School by the award of a School Cap. Conscious of the gap which her imminent departure was to create in the recent strength of debating at Aberdeen Grammar. Rose has been involved in training a group of eight of the junior debaters. She proved through this that not only does she have the talent to perform, but she also has the natural aptitude to share this ability and encourage pupils from the younger years. Proof of this was when, in recent national junior competitions, one girl won the hest novice award and another girl was chosen as the best speaker. Now, for Rose. Oxford University beckons and as well as her studies there is little doubt as to what else will occupy her time there.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine For the last seven years Edward has been steadily establishing himself in the Scottish and British canoe slalom scene, having been a member of the Scottish Squad every year since 1999 and of the British Team every year since 2001. He is currently ranked thirteenth in the UK. and has competed in over twenty-five internationals for his country in places as far away as Austria. Poland and France. Like his co-awardee, taking first place has become a habit and his list of -firsts- includes the Under-I4 British Junior Championships in 200I . the Under-16 International Race in 2003. the Under-I7 British Junior Championships in 2004 and the Under-18 Scottish Championships in 2005. He also achieved the 1st British placing at the Junior World Championships in 2004. When he was not collecting first places he was coming in second, as at the Under-14 British Junior Championships in 2000. the Under-15 British Championships in 2002, the Under-I6 British Junior Championships in 2003 and the Under18 Scottish Junior Championships in 2003 and 2004. In 2004 he was also placed sixteenth in the Junior European Championships and seventeenth at the Junior World Championships. At senior level in Scotland. he achieved fourth place overall at the Scottish Championships in 2003 and 2005.

Edward's current high UK ranking, in what at times must be quite a gruelling sport. has been achieved as a result of his own consistent and determined efforts. This is borne out from the early stages of his career in canoeing when he gained the Aberdeen Kayak Club's award for the most improved junior paddler in 1999, 2000 and 2001 and was further recognised at the 2004 British Canoeing Awards when he was chosen as the most improved Scottish Slalom paddler. In the local sporting scene he was awarded the Aberdeen Sports Council Junior Boy Award in 2002 and won the Chris Anderson Memorial Silver Medal in 2004 and 2005.

For what has to be said is an amazing list of achievements in his sport, at school and at national level, Edward has also been awarded a School Cap. These two young people arc the latest on the list of very worthy winners of the Phil Love Trophy. They, like their predecessors, have been a credit to themselves, their families and the School and have set an excellent example to their peers in terms of what the youth of today can achieve, which is contrary to what the popular press might have us believe. Rose and Edward have made the investment of time, effort and energy which has been recognised and rewarded. Everyone at the School wishes them continued success in their chosen fields, both curricular and extra-curricular.

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General Section A Short Glance Back Over A Long Distance As I intend to write this short article in the first person it seems appropriate to commence by introducing myself. My name is Trevor Gray. I attended the Aberdeen Grammar School from 1921 to 1932 and have been a life member of the F.P. club for over 70 years. I am pleased to find that I seem to have retained a fair number of my long-term memory cells in spite of the ravages of time.

It occurred to me that I would like, for my own amusement, to see how much I could remember of my schooldays and, as an extension of that. felt that a few old memories might conceivably be of some interest to the present generation of young people. allowing as it would a "then and now" comparison. It comes as something of a shock to realise that to those now at school my schooldays represent rather ancient history. To put it in perspective, today's students might be expected to think of the period of my youth as I think of the formation of the French Republic or the Franco-Prussian war. The Battle of Britain. unknown to many today. is certainly history but I remember vividly running to a Spitfire for rapid takeoff. But let me talk about old schooldays and. in order to avoid confusion. I should mention that at that time only boys were admitted to the School: coeducation was much later.

I will start with some of my fading recollections of the School environment. I may say that I have not entered the School since the "great lire" and so am quite unfamiliar with the present internal configuration. In my time, there were four main entrance doors to the main building, two at the front and two at the back. Each led into a corridor stretching the full width of the building. This corridor was somewhat stark with a stone flagged floor and along one side was a battery of central heating pipes of substantial dimensions. The system seemed to produce more steam and noise than heat, although I do not remember ever feeling cold in School.

On the other side of the corridor was the main assembly hall. During my time, the hall acquired a stage and proscenium enabling plays and concerts to be presented. Around its walls were panels containing lists of past Classical and Modem Duxes. War casualties from what was then known as "the Great War". and an incomplete list of past Rectors.

At one end of the main corridor was a small cubby-hole with a glass window. This was known as "the Janitor's box" and there the Janitor would sit during breaks and sell such essentials as chocolate, exercise books and pencils. At the other end was the office of the school secretary, Miss Beatrice Brown - a pleasant lady. but only vaguely known to us pupils. Next door to her office was the study of the formidable Rector. D.M. Andrew. He was a rather remote figure, who commanded great respect and with whom we avoided contact as much as possible. He alone in the School wore an academic gown. this doubtless adding to his air of authority.

Along the corridor were doors leading to classrooms and laboratories and also two staircases leading to the first floor classrooms. Access was also available to a section at the back of the main building in which the "Infants Department" was located. The Lower School was accommodated in a self-contained block behind the main building at the eastern end of the grounds. The desks at which we sat were of a standard pattern throughout the school, except in respect of size. each desk accommodating two pupils and having a hinged lid. In the reading position the lid provided a surface at about 45 degrees to support a book while in the writing position a flat surface was presented with the provision of an inkwell for each occupant. Private fountain pens. which were just becoming generally available, were not encouraged. Early in my School career the clock in the tower was added thanks to the generosity of FPs in Shanghai and was informally referred to as the "Shanghai Clock".

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

So much then for the layout of the school as I remember it. Let me now turn to some of the activities and people that I can recall. When I started at the Grammar School. the "Infants' Department" was presided over by an impressive lady called Miss Davidson. Her most distinguishing feature was a crown of white hair, styled Pompadour fashion.

Although formidable to a five-year-old. I'm sure she was a very kindly person. Her domain consisted of a large classroom area with sliding partitions allowing the creation of three separate rooms when required. In the open position the area allowed us to march around to the music of a piano.

Miss Davidson taught the new arrivals and used phonetics in quite an inventive way.

She likened each letter to a familiar object and a sound pattern. The example I best remember was the lower case 'h' which was deemed to look like a factory with a tall chimney and was said to make a "hu hu" sound representing the aspirate sound of the letter 'h'. The fact that I remember this after some 83 years indicates the power of the method. and it was not long before the whole class could read simple words reasonably well. This accumulated knowledge in the art of teaching reading appears to have been neglected for a time while new methods were tried, although not. I believe, with universal success. I do not remember the method used to teach arithmetic, but I have a feeling that the use of building blocks figured somewhere.

Following a year with Miss Davidson the class moved to another classroom to continue similar lessons with Miss Watson. Memories of her are regrettably vague. but we emerged after a second year at least able to read, write and count reasonably well. I should mention that up to this time our written efforts were carried out on slates, presumably for reasons of economy.

There were no problems with discipline in the case of 5- and 6-year old pupils. It was made very clear right from the start that the teacher was to be respected and conversation with anyone other than the teacher was simply not an option. By establishing the rules from the outset. the philosophy became the prevailing culture which filtered right up through the School. Thai does not mean that nobody ever transgressed, but in such cases corrective measures were readily available.

After our two-year period in the Infants' Department. we graduated to the Lower School. This consisted of a five-year course, one year at each level. There were no male teachers in the Lower School, but ladies were perhaps more appropriate for teaching the very young. Entry to the Lower School brought a widening of the syllabus to include such subjects as history and geography. History was progressive through the School. starting in Roman times and extending to the Great War. Each Monarch's reign was studied, with considerable emphasis on chronology. We thus ended with a good overall knowledge of the background to the country's development, albeit at a relatively superficial level.

Geography was treated on a global basis, covering such factors as capitals. major cities, rivers and mountains in the various countries. Commercial factors such as important imports and exports also featured, this being very important as the United Kingdom was heavily dependent on trade. At that time every classroom had a world map on the wall with one fifth of the land mass coloured red to show the extent of the British Empire. of which most people were very proud.

The teaching of the basic subjects was continuous, much effort being devoted to the rote learning of arithmetic tables and spelling. By the time we were approaching the top of the Lower School everyone was expected to answer correctly the product of any two numbers between I and 12 immediately. I have found that this capability has remained through life.

Most of the Lower School teachers are now but dimly remembered names, but one.

Miss Ledingham. made a great impression. She was a large, raw-boned lady who aroused an interest in arithmetic, not usually the most popular subject, by introducing us to various arithmetical quirks. I still recall that she demonstrated that if the number 12345679 is multiplied by any multiple of 9 the product is the multiple used repeated 9 times.

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General Section In the Lower School the objective was to prepare pupils for the "Control Examination" which was taken at the age of 11+. This procedure was probably a grading exercise, since no-one seemed to fail the "Control", but presumably pupils were categorised in some way beliwe entering the Middle School.

On reaching Middle School a great deal changed. Gone were the cosy days of remaining quietly at the same desk all day listening to the same teacher for all subjects.

Instead each subject had a different master, each with his own classroom, so that at the end of each period of about 40 minutes everyone moved to the next classroom according to the timetable. This was our first exposure to male teachers, and we soon learned to atierd them the proper degree of respect. There was no familiarity and masters were at all times formally and neatly dressed.

There was an implicit obligation on pupils to wear the School blazer, cap and tie with black shoes. In the case of senior pupils there was a curious tolerance in the matter of trousers, and I can remember several of us arriving at School wearing plus-fours. These were baggy pantaloons worn by golfers which are no longer fashionable. The name derives from the handicap of a good golfer. Why this was tolerated I do not know, but I imagine that the authorities were astute enough to realise that this was a short-term craze which would soon peter out, as indeed it did.

There was now a considerable broadening of the syllabus, and at this stage we had to elect whether to adopt the "Classical" or "Modern" range of subjects. The former included Greek and Latin in addition to the conventional subjects. while the latter was based on modem languages and scientific subjects. The Modem stream did, however, include some Latin. which was at that time considered a sine qua non. This was because the precision required in correctly using case endings was said to lead to precision and logic in thought.

Progress through the Middle and Upper School is perhaps best covered by attempting briefly to describe a typical day. This started with an assembly of all classes in the School Hall. The proceedings were conducted by the Rector who occupied a small dais and lectern facing the assembled pupils and masters. He conducted a short religious service, after which he promulgated any relevant information before dismissing the assembly, which then dispersed to the various classrooms for the first lesson of the day. However all pupils who had failed to attend school on the previous day were required to queue up to present to the Rector notes from parents to explain the absences. These notes were referred to as "excuses". I never found out what happened if no appropriate note was forthcoming.

The day proceeded in a series of periods of about 40 minutes as far as I remember, with a short break at about 10.30. Lessons then resumed until about midday when "dinner break" occurred. Most pupils went home for dinner and returned for afternoon school since at that time school dinners were only available for pupils resident in the School boarding house. At the end of each period classes moved to the next scheduled classroom and School finished for the day at about 4 p.m.

This procedure was slightly altered once per week for gymnastics, now I think usually known as PE or PT. the venue for this subject being a remarkably well-equipped gymnasium.

All the appropriate equipment was available such as parallel bars, vaulting horse, wall bars and ropes. The subject was taught by a diminutive but very athletic master called Jock Summers. He was a tine gymnast and could occasionally be prevailed upon to show his prowess for our entertainment The other change to routine was caused by organised sports every Wednesday afternoon.

This involved travelling to Rubislaw to play Rugby in the winter and Cricket in the summer.

Sports activities were generally controlled by the Sports Master, Duncan MacGregor, although he had considerable support and help from many of the other masters who acted as umpires.

The piece de resistance regarding Sports was the annual Sports Day held in June prior to the end of the Summer term. This was a highly competitive, inter-House meeting usually well

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine supported by parents. Shouts of support for Byron. Dun. Keith and Melvin could be heard far and wide. my support being for the green ribbon of Melvin Corporal punishment was entirely normal at that time, and was administered with a hard leather strap on the palm of the hand. It was common tic an option to write 100 lines to be offered by some masters. but a combination of bravado and a desire to conserve leisure time ensured that the strap was invariably chosen. There were, of course, stories of mythical sadistic masters seeking methods of making straps harder by chemical means, but there is no doubt that such stories were wholly apocryphal. I do not recall this type of punishment being resented, since it was never meted out unfairly. I never heard of any parental objection, since parents supported the School which was trying to create well-disciplined and well-behaved pupils.

It is not possible in the space available to enumerate all the highly skilled masters to whom I am indebted for a first-class education, but one or two exceptions must be made.

The first master by whom I was taught was a Mr. Donald who taught French. He had a strap affectionately known by him as cafe noir. He was a good French teacher. nicknamed Toby. When he resigned to seek pastures new. I think in Dundee. he explained that Toby did not have any reference to jugs or mugs but came about because he had the habit of addressing his class globally as 2B, which was the class of which he normally had charge.

There were three other masters who made a lasting impression on me. The first was Mr. Edison. an Englishman. who taught English most effectively and had the ability to make the subject highly interesting even when teaching grammar. He was never heard to raise his voice. but discipline was impeccable. It was somehow obvious that in his classroom perfect behaviour was normal. No nickname seemed appropriate for him except his own name Jimmy. He and his Swiss wife administered the boarding-house then located in Queen's Road which accommodated pupils whose parents were resident abroad. He was undoubtedly responsible for my lasting interest in. and my care in the usage of. the English language The second master who influenced me greatly was Mr. Paterson. As in the case of Jimmy Edison, no nickname was ever applied to him in my day other than his own name, Henry. He taught French with great competence and as in the case of Jimmy Edison discipline seemed to happen automatically. There was a good deal of rote learning in those days and I can still remember the class reciting in unison "me le se nous row before le la les before lui leur before y before en". I can say without fear of contradiction that I have rarely if ever made a mistake in the correct order of pre-verbal pronouns.

The effectiveness of his teaching became obvious to me about 1965. After having had no exposure to the French language for about 35 years I found myself working for a short time in a laboratory in Paris. Owing to the excellent grounding I had had. I found no difficulty in conversing with reasonable fluency in a very short time.

Whereas both Jimmy Edison and Henry Paterson could impose discipline with just a glance, "Fiery" Bill Farquharson, who also taught English. really did it the hard way. When faced by a pupil whose performance was not pleasing him he became more and more enraged and his complexion changed from pink through red to a deep crimson. His vocal output consisted of shouts such as "look at your book, you gype". Eventually, to use the regrettable modern vernacular, he "lost it". At this point a hard-backed book would sail across the classroom with unerring aim. As far as I know no significant damage ever occurred, although I can imagine the furore that would occur in these litigious days if he were still around.

One master whom I have not so far mentioned is the late Gavin Falconer. whose name lives on through the medium of the Gavin Falconer Memorial Prize. For one period each week, we visited his classroom for singing lessons. Most of the time this was whole class singing, mainly of ballads with a Scottish, English, or Welsh flavour. On some occasions individuals would have to perform a solo in front of the class, an activity only popular with dedicated extroverts.

In addition to his normal duties, Gavin Falconer from time to time arranged evening concerts. There would be an orchestra and we would all sing choral part-songs with a few

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General Section solos. I can still remember participating in a part song entitled "The Lonely Vale of Streams" with words which I did not understand then and still do not understand. (Do any of my contemporaries remember this item?) On these occasions Gavin Falconer appeared resplendent in Dinner Jacket, and conducted the paymedings with great aplomb. He was a great enthusiast in the field of music. He was also a very pleasant, even-tempered man. perhaps due to the fact that his subject was not contentious and was calculated to foster calmness and good feeling.

As I sit at my computer memories come flooding back, but I think I may have rambled on for long enough and perhaps it is time for me to switch off or. in my present nostalgic frame of mind, lay down my pen and cover my inkwell. I wonder if Jimmy Edison would have allowed that as an example of a metaphor?

I do, however, feel that I must add a footnote. During my business life some of my peers have been educated at the most prestigious educational establishments in the country, but I have never felt myself to be at a disadvantage in terms of education. Those who taught me at the Aberdeen Grammar School had an enormous ability to impart knowledge effectively. from which I have had a lifetime's benefit and for which I continue to feel great gratitude.

Trevor Gray (1921-1932)

As has been remarked upon before, there isfrequently a Former Pupil of the School on the spot when some major incident occurs. and the disaster of the Boxing Day Tsunami WaS no exception. At least one F.P. was on holiday in Phuket. but thankfully escaped unscathed.

The Club Consul in Malaysia became involved in the aftermath through his business, and has contributed the following account of his experience.

THE ASIAN TSUNAMI At 7.59 a.m. Indonesian time (GMT+7hours) on Sunday 26 December 2004 an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 on the Richter scale struck off the West coast of Aceh, the most northerly province of Sumatra in Indonesia. The epicentre was recorded at location 3.30N 95.78E. This was the fourth strongest earthquake ever recorded and subsequently there was a series of over 25 strong aftershocks, one of these with a magnitude of 73.

The initial earthquake generated a large tsunami which surged across the Indian Ocean and brought devastation to twelve countries across Southern Asia and East Africa. In Indonesia alone over 166,000 people were killed while an estimated further five million people were made homeless. Coastal areas in the province of Aceh took the full force of the Tsunami, with waves ten metres in height crashing into towns and villages without warning.

Between six and seven hours after the earthquake occurred, the waves which it triggered arrived on the east coast of Africa, having crossed the 4,500 km wide Indian Ocean.

The Indonesian region is one of the most seismically active zones of the earth sitting along a series of fault lines dubbed by seismologists as the Ring of Fire. Earthquakes occur when plates which make up the earth's surface suddenly move against each other. Last Boxing Day the largest earthquake for forty years occurred between the Australian and Eurasian plates in the Indian Ocean. This caused the sea floor to rupture along the fault line north of the epicentre.

Preliminary indications showed that approximately 1200 km of the plate boundary slipped as a result of the earthquake and it is likely that the average displacement on the fault plane was about fifteen metres. The sea floor overlying the thrust fault would have been uplifted by up to ten metres as a result. This massive movement displaced many hundreds of cubic kilometres of water, generating a massive tsunami, or sea surge. Whilst

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine the fault line runs generally in a North — South direction the large waves generated moved in an East — West direction. rather than from a single point.

In deep water the tsunami moved at up to 800 kmph but then slowed when it reached the shallow waters of coastal areas. As it approached coastlines not only did the Tsunami slow dramatically, but it was also raised in height and an enormous volume of water piled up in the shallow coastal bays. Eye-witness reports speak of killer waves up to ten metres high.

Some two weeks later I led a team of five adjusters from our Indonesian company to assess and survey the damage for insurers whose clients had purchased cover against Earthquake which includes the peril of Tsunami.

Indonesia lies in a well known seismologically active region. By way of example a month earlier we had surveyed insured damage in West Papua (Irian Jaya) following a 'quake measuring 7.6 on the Richter Scale. Cover against Earthquake is thus expensive and unattractive to insurers, who have set up a separate pool to underwrite the risk. A monetary limit of liability per client is set and usually a fairly large deductible (or excess) is applied. As a result only large corporations tend to insure against this contingency. We received several appointments, the largest of which were for Indonesia's three telecommunication companies.

The setting off point to reach Bandar Aceh, the capital of the province of Aceh, is the city of Medan in Northern Sumatra. Our team was faced with a 5 hour delay on the commercial flight as. quite correctly, priority landing rights were given to aircraft carrying aid, disaster relief, emergency equipment and supplies.

Surprisingly Banda Aceh's airport and runway can accommodate a Boeing 747, and as we approached the city our first impression was that the coastline had visibly moved inland by about three to four kilometres. After disembarking (curiously referred to by Americans as de-plane-ing) we were immediately aware of a significant military presence.

A large contingent of Indonesian troops was mustered on the runway next to their aircraft carrier and the distinctive light blue beret and insignia of the United Nations was evident on other soldiers. There was a plethora of helicopters parked nearby. A shanty town had formed at one end of the provincial airport, with a body of Indonesians pressing against a tall wire mesh fence.

Bandar Aceh has been under military control for some time and there are army checkpoints everywhere, with several of these on the drive into the city. En route we passed an open burial site and quickly donned our face masks. Before the Tsunami occurred, quality accommodation in Bandar Aceh was probably limited, but post Tsunami what little had survived was taken by senior politicians, foreign and local dignitaries and the like. We had rented a modest 2-bedroomed house, dubbed euphemistically the Bandar Aceh Hilton.

In normal times our staff decline to travel to Aceh as a result of the insurgency and the activities of the Free Aceh Movement, and we were strongly advised not to venture out after dark. During the day we wore the overalls and uniforms of the telecommunication companies and as an extra precaution I wore a baseball hat with the brim pulled down low.

We were to be very, very cautious with food and drink and two arms were needed for all the inoculations.

At first light we took a tour of the Tsunami and Earthquake wrecked area of the town to gain a general overview before commencing work proper. The convulsions of nature tend to produce more spectacular insurance claims than. say. a major industrial fire or explosion or an aircraft crash, but even a battle-hardened 28-year veteran of major insurance losses and natural disasters was shocked by the extent of the destruction in Bandar Aceh. The Earthquake and Tsunami had levelled an area within a radius of 5 kilometres from the sea. but somehow missing the Grand Mosque. The locals would call this a miracle and God's work.

We passed by an Australian TV crew filming a report next to two bodies lying by the side of the road. The entire commercial area of the city had been levelled, and the remains

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General Section resembled a Bosnian bombsite or Hiroshima at the end of World War II. We saw row after row of small traders, all uninsured, with their property destroyed and livelihoods gone. We passed one shop-house where the stench from decomposing rice and grain was simply overpowering and it was surely only a matter of time before disease was carried by the multitude of flies. A 50- to 60-foot wooden hulled sea going vessel had been carried three to four kilometres inland and deposited spectacularly at the entrance to the Hotel Medan.

Another boat was lifted out of the estuary and deposited atop a bridge.

We passed by the largest independent supermarket in Bandar Aceh. which formerly had been within a relatively modern 3-storey shopping mall. The building had collapsed in the earthquake and was now probably 11/2 storeys high. Then the Tsunami waters had flooded the building to a height of over a metre. After that came the looters. who in turn were followed by the scavengers. The property was uninsured, but a total loss. Theft of the safe and the loss of money within will probably be indemnified.

After a gruelling day under the hot sun a shower was the order of the day. The BA Hilton's bathroom is outdoors and water for bathing is drawn by hand from a well a few feet away from the squat toilet. The well water is then poured through a makeshift lilter after which a liberal dose of dellol antiseptic is added to kill the smell.

Our team is split into two, one team surveying in Bandar Aceh and then heading cast along the coast, the other team immediately heading south. A speedboat was hired for us as the roads south arc impassable. The teams were rotated weekly from Jakarta. as the conditions were too demanding for longer than a one week stay.

On the return leg I faced another five-hour delay in Bandar Aceh airport and consequently missed my connecting flight in Mixian. Fortunately my office managed to secure over-night accommodation despite all the major hotels being fully booked due to the disaster — a windfall gain to the hoteliers and burgers of Medan. We had to pay full rack rates.

At the airport the following morning there was yet another delay but I passed some time pleasantly with a Protestant Bishop from the United States whose Church is to rebuild homes for Christians and non-Christians alike. I bumped into a friendly competitor and we

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine shared experiences. He was surveying what will most probably be the largest insured loss at a foreign-owned Cement Plant. Of the 400 employees who lived on site only twenty survived. The workers lived with their families but there is no record of the numbers. The plant was flattened.

Back home in Kuala Lumpur I was pleased to learn that my wife and two friends had organised a Charity Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show at our house in aid of Mercy Malaysia. a local charity providing medical relief and humanitarian aid to the Tsunami victims. The show featured clothes by the well-known Malaysian designer, Radzwan Radzwil. as well as children's clothing by Petit Pois. Catering was provided by friends who run The Bakery at Ukay Heights and there were three stalls:- Tropical Teak (teak furniturel.Gem Batu (jewellery and gemstones) and Cotton Picking (local handicrafts).

Radzwan's models included two limner Miss Malaysia's . two TV actresses, a model and the current Guess International Model. Astro. the satellite cable company covered the event as did two magazines and Berita Harian, a local newspaper. All the participants generously worked and provided for free and all the proceeds were donated to the charity.

Graeme W. King (1966-72)

Forgotten F.P. Philanthropist It's funny how one thing leads to another. Keeping fit for rugby meant doing some running. Watching the first London marathon saw me run one four months later. A love of the countryside saw me gradually move from road running to hill running. That led to orienteering and then fellow orienteer, John Nisbet (one time Professor of Education at the University) awakened my interest in stone circles. Photography and the Web saw me branch out into standing stones, ring cairns and then Pictish Symbol Stones — which is where this article really begins.

On holiday last October I decided to combine walking our dog with a trip to see the Pictish Stones in StFergus Church which is sign-posted off the road through Dyce Industrial Estate. This led me to discovering a stone monument in the wastes behind the airport. When I say discovering. I mean personally becoming aware of, rather than uncovering or digging up something previously unknown.

Beyond the old Dyce Parish Church. which now houses six Pictish Stones, I saw a stone pillar on top of a small hill. With the scent of some history neither lack of a path nor a barbed-wire fence was going to stop me. The stone pillar was some eighteen feet high. with an inscription in Latin and the date 1614.1 was intrigued.

Who or what was it commemorating? Why was it built so far out of town? (It is still out of town now, so in 1614 it was surely in the middle of nowhere). Reference to the Canmore Database (where the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historic Monuments in Scotland list all such things) revealed that it was Liddell's Monument which had been erected by the Magistrates of Aberdeen in memory of Duncan Liddell who had been Professor of Mathematics and of Medicine at the University of Helmstadt.

So far so good, but what had he done to deserve this honour? And why so far out of town? Initial research floundered, but then I came across a reference to him in the Proceeding of the Societies of Antiquaries for Scotland 18761available on the Web).

Duncan Liddell was a pupil at Aberdeen Grammar School who, rather than simply go to his local alma mater, travelled to Germany to study for his degree! As noted on the memorial, he went on to become first Professor of Mathematics at Helmstadt and then Professor of Medicine. This was apparently not such a strange combination in those days as it appears nowadays. To cap it all he then became Dean and finally Rector of the University. He also wrote some medical texts and seems to have been favoured by the nobility of the area for their medical treatment. thus allowing him to amass a considerable

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General Section fortune. His "Ars Medics" was published in Hamburg in 1608, with a dedication to King James.

On his retirement he returned to Scotland, where he bought the Pitmedden Estate and then gifted it to underwrite the costs of six bursaries for the poor and needy. On his death he also gifted his personal library to Aberdeen University and other funds to found the first Chair of Mathematics in Scotland at Marischal College!

A bachelor, he decided to ensure his place in history by appointing the Town magistrates as his executors, instructing them to provide not one but two memorials. The first of these was to be a plaque in St. Nicholas Church. It is the second of them that holds the key to the final question — it was to be a tower on the Pitmedden Estate with a view of Bennachic.

Nice one Duncan.

Paul Dykes's book "The Universities of Aberdeen and Europe" has a whole chapter devoted to Duncan Liddell. whilst the author's photographs of stone circles etc can be found at:http://www .megalithic.co.uk/user.php?ormuserinfoltuname=Cosmic&limit=1000

Ewen Rennie (195548)

100,000 MILES After a distance running career of some 45 years starting in 1960 (the year I left School) I approached the heady total of 100.000 miles this summer, and in agreement with the Club Executive. it was decided that I should run my 100.000th mile at Rubislaw Playing Fields as a fund raising exercise for School sport and FP Youth Sport. The basis of the plan was that people would guess the time that I would take for the 1609 metres, and the closest guess would net the winner £ 100.

Going back to 1960.1 had emerged from 6th year pretty fit after many years of school sports, but with no distance running training. I had received tremendous motivational support from teachers such as Dycie Paterson, Jim Hunter and Dallas Allardice. My first attempt at a mile was a modest 4 minutes 45 seconds, but with the inspiration of the Olympic Games in Rome that summer I decided to become a distance runner.

I spent the summer holidays running for 4-5 miles around Rubislaw, barefoot on the superb surface, and I recall climbing the steps to Harlaw Road after a shower one day thinking "I have never felt so fit in my life. This is for me".

In the years that ensued I became a "total runner" and trained up to 5000 miles a year in an effort to become an Olympian. There were many satisfying performances, such as winning the Scottish Junior cross-country title, running a 4 minute II seconds mile, breaking the Scottish 6-mile track record (albeit in 2nd place in the race!) and running a winning 2 hours 18 minutes marathon on my debut. However, the most satisfying was finishing two places away from Olympic selection in the 1968 marathon trial at Cwmbran in Wales. That was my true standing in UK marathon running and I had given it my best shot.

Moving swiftly on to 2005. I enlisted the help of sports event organiser par excellence.

FP Dave McDonald, and 19 June became the target date for the BIG mile. With the help of lain Hopkin a cricket match was organised. and the mile run took place at 3pm at the midmatch break.

My son Myles (16) had just started 6th year at the Grammar and, after two years out of athletics with Osgood Schlatters (the dreaded teenage growing-pains syndrome). he was fit and ready to accompany me on my four-lap battle. A goodish crowd turned up in support, including rugby legends Donnie Inns and Ian Spence, Colin Sutherland of Mansell, the contractor for the superb new hockey facility at Rubislaw. Jock Hendry,

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Martin Jeffrey, Bill May. Dennis Inkson, Ian Kennaway, Jim Addison. Ewen Rennie and a vociferous group from my weekly training group.

I had trained for the mile for a number of weeks and knew that it was going to be a different ball-game from my normal 5-mile stints. At age 62 it is very easy to get winded (oxygen debt) at such a short distance and correct pace judgement was going to be the key.

My training sessions indicated that I should be capable of between 6 minutes 50 seconds and 7 minutes. I targeted laps of 1.46 (including the extra 9 metres to make up the mile)/1.44/1.44/1.44.

At 3pm. with timekeeper Ian Morrison and starter Martin Jeffrey ready. Myles and I toed the line (there was no annoying official to say "toes behind the line") and off we set to a cacophony of tooters. I felt good, but trying to run conservatively. Near disaster! First lap 7 seconds ahead of schedule. It is called adrenalin! For the next two laps I concentrated on not getting winded, and although they were 1.48 each. I reached the bell bang on schedule.

Round to the 2(X) metres-to-go point and I grabbed a baton from the waiting Jock Hendry.

I had sufficient reserves to bomb the last 100 metres. and broke the tape in 6m 5237sees, to symbolically hand the baton over to the next generation (Myles). He floated round a fifth lap in 62 seconds not having broken sweat in the first four!

I must pay tribute to Dave McDonald and Katie Burnett for their organisation, to Kate Graham and Euan Means for involving the School in the fund-raising, to all who donated to the fund-raising, to Thistle Sports, Run-4-it. Satrosphere, Sunset Boulevard and Slater Menswear for their sponsorship. Royal Bank of Scotland for providing the £ 100 cheque for the nearest guess (632.40 by Frank Irvine from Perth), Tom Paton from Edmonton for his very generous backing, Norman Edwards of Armour and Partners, chartered surveyors. and last but not least to Hugh Miller and Phil Reid, the groundsmen.

At the time of writing the kitty is in the £900 range and climbing. I hope that the School pupils who benefit from this event gain as much satisfaction from the world of sport as I have done and continue to do.

Mel Edwards (1947-1960) Musical Reflections Dr Charles Foster retired in April after 36 years as a Brass Instructor with Aberdeen City Council. During that entire period he worked at least two days a week at Aberdeen Grammar School. Here he revives some memories ofhis time there.

My first recollection of Aberdeen Grammar School in 1969 was the splendour of the old building, with its superb library and venerable staff-room (for male teachers only, the small number of females having their own much smaller room at this juncture) complete with leather chairs and grandfather clock. This was in sharp contrast to the recently built Music Department, with its extremely narrow corridors, and practice-rooms for instrumental instruction painted a dismal colour of grey, and with windows above the heads of even the tallest of people. It did not surprise me to learn. some years later, that the architect of the Music Department and Hall was the same individual who was responsible for the Aberdeen College of Commerce which was eventually demolished as being unsafe.

When in the late 1980s I was present on the day of the notable fire, I was greatly disappointed that my favourite parts of the building were gutted. apart from the grandfather clock which now resides in the Depute Rector's room, but that the Music Department remained unscathed. It might in all truth be said that working two days a week fur 36 years in such rooms would seem like a prison sentence, but since the advent of the present Principal Teacher. Jean McLeod. whose first act was to get all rooms painted, the practice-rooms are now like brightly coloured prison cells.

The first concerts I attended at Aberdeen Grammar School were held in the Assembly Hall. with a large orchestra playing on the stage. This was fine for the string players at the

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General Section front, but the unfortunate brass players situated at the hack were almost inaudible, however loudly they played. This situation appealed greatly to those who did not appreciate the sounds of brass instruments. Fortunately the then Principal Teacher of Music, Donald Hawksworth, decided to change the venue of annual concerts to the Music Hall, which suited his large choir, at that time with boys singing all the parts. as girls had not yet arrived. This setting also suited the performance of pieces such as Schubert's f iqfinisbed Symphony, played by the orchestra. as well as English Madrigals sung by the more intimate Madrigal Choir. In my second year, I was invited to take the Brass Ensemble, which I had recently formed, to perform at the annual Christmas Service. which had just moved its venue to St Machar's Cathedral. Over the next thirty-odd years this group contributed to every such service, initially playing from the high balcony at the rear, always giving me recurrent nightmares in which I either fell off the balcony while conducting, or in which the brass ensemble. because of the swirling cathedral acoustics, got totally out of time with the choir and organ at the front, since we could not hear the other party. The first of these nightmares thankfully never happened, although the second frequently did! Latterly the Brass Ensemble moved to the front of the Cathedral.

In the early 1990s I formed the school Concert Band, to give woodwind, brass and percussion players more opportunities to play together. One of the first appearances of this group was at the ceremonial opening of the building which had been restored subsequent to the fire. On Grampian Television that night. I was pleased that a mention was made of a fanfare which I had composed for the occasion, but dismayed that this acknowledgment accompanied instead a piece by Handel which we had also performed. I was subsequently congratulated for my composition by many people who had seen the television broadcast!

Concerts began again in the Assembly Hall at about this time, but with all performers in front of the curtain. Recently. because of the large numbers involved, the audience has been pushed further and further backwards. Many other types of groups now appear at school concerts - these would have been severely frowned upon in my earlier years here.

Contrasting with the more orthodox string orchestra, choirs and soloists, the jazz orchestra. and the ceilidh hand add much to the richness and the variety of the music at Aberdeen Grammar School. I found the artistic standard of the final concerts, not to mention the kindness of everyone on my retiral, quite overwhelming. It has indeed been a privilege to have worked over so many years with so many superb musicians, both pupils and members of staff, at Aberdeen Grammar School.

Charles Foster

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Former Pupils' Club Founded 11 September 1893 Club Office-Bearers, 2005-2006 Honorary President: GRAHAM LEGGE. BEd. MEd (Rector) Honorary Vice-Presidents: GEORGE E.C. BARTON (1923-26), MA (President, 1973-74) The Very Revd. J. FRASER McLUSKEY (1920-31), MC, DO (President. 1974-75) JOHN W. CRADOCK (1941-46),CA (President, 1977-78) T. GORDON COUT"TS (1938.49), OC, MA, LLB (President, 1980-81) JAMES AN. WATT (1927-39), CA (President. 1982-83) BRIAN K. CROOKSHANKS (1934.46). 7D, MA, LL.B (President. 1983-84) ERIC D. WATT (1937-50). BEd. (President. 1984-85) Prof. PHILIP N. LOVE (1952-58). CBE, DL, MA, LL.B, LLD (President. 1987-88) W. MORRISON BROWN (1933-46) (President. 1988-89) ERIC CRAIG (1934-46) (President, 1989-90) T. IAN MORRISON (1934-47), TO, BSc, MSc, CChem, FRSC, (President. 1990-91) DR. J.R.S. INNES (1923-35). MB,ChB. (President. 1991-92) A. KEITH CAMPBELL (1944-53). 7Eng (CEI), Flnst AEA (President. 1992-93) IAN M. DUGUID (1938-43). OduM, MD, PhD, FRCS, FCOpth, LLD, DO (President, 1993-94) JAMES C. LYON (1953-59). RIBA, FRIAS (President. 1996-97) J. EDWARD FRASER (1936-49), CB, MA, BA, FSA(Scot) (President. 1997-98) RICHARD H. CRADOCK (1940-51) (President, 1998-99) CHARLES RITCHIE (1945-5I ) (President 1999-2000) RICHARD F. TYSON (194449) (President 2000-0I ) STEPHEN A.C. ROBERTSON (1939-51) MBE, MA, LL.B, MUniv. (President. 2001-02) DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE (1950-64) MB,ChB, FRCPsych. (President 2002-03)) ALEXANDER E. McILWAIN (1945-51) CBE, MA,LL.B, SSC, WS (President 2003-04) IAN H. McLEOD (1951-55) (President 20044)5) (Specially Elected) ARTHUR L. McCOMBIE. MS, FSA(Scot) (Deputy Rector. 1973-90) (Elected 1991) ALISTAIR M. NORTH (1937-50) OBE, BSc, DSc, PhD, FRSE, FRIC (Elected 2004) WILLIAM J. JOHNSTON, BSc, DipEd (Rector 19874)4) (Elected 2(8)5) President: Dr GORDON G. MILNE (1950-61) Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive: MARTIN JEFFREY (1942-57) BSC. Secretary: JOHN F. HENDRY (1951-65) LL.B Treasurer: ALAN W. MARR (1969-75) CA General & Notes Editor of Magazine: BRIAN K. CROOKSHANKS (1934-46) TD, MA, LLB

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Former Pupils' Club Section

Regional Centres Edinburgh:

Glasgow London: Yorkshire: Canada:

President— KEITH I. MASSON (1952-58) Secretary — NEIL K. BORTH WICK (1952-65) gborth@gborthwick .wanadtx).co.uk President — MALCOLM K. DANIEL (1975-81) peecaims@aol.com Secretary - PETER CAIRNS (1945-57) President - A. GRAHAME B. YOUNG (1940-47) anicolOlincone.net Secretary - SANDY NICOL (1962-71) President- DOUGLAS SKENE (1959-M ) martin@estateplans.co.uk Secretary - MARTIN COULTER (19834(9) President — ALEX HOME (1952-58) jpjetTrey Pshaw.ca Secretary — J. PETER JEFFREY (1944-59)

Secretaries of Sections Cricket - RICHARD S.T. FERRO Curling - IAN P. SOUTER (1947-61) Football - AUDREY NICHOLSON Golf - PETER M. ROBERTSON (1967-73) Men's Hockey - DUNCAN HARRIS (1985-91) Women's Hockey - EMMA A. MAIR (1985-91) Petanque — STEVEN J. C. ESSON (1951-64) Rugby - DAVID ROBINSON Swimming - ANGUS J. THOMPSON (1969-75)

theferrofamily lineone.net ianpsouter@aol.com richardn@aberdecncity.gov.uk pinrobertson@adamcochran.co.uk dharrisOktechnip.com emma.mair@nautronix.co.uk steve@esson-ca.co.uk dave@drobinson15.fsnet.co.uk era .aberdeen4 v irgin.net

Executive Committee J. MARTIN JEFFREY (1942-57). Chairman H. ALAN S. HAMILTON (1943-56), Vice-Chairman The Secretary, the Treasurer and the General Editor of the Magazine. ex officiis The Rector of the School. ex officio LUCY MITCHELL (1985-90) ALAN G. CAMPBELL (1959-65) HARVEY E. MORRISON (1951-65) MELDRUM B. EDWARDS (1947-60) IAN P. SOUTER (1947-61) NORMAN K.B. EDWARDS (1959-64) ANGUS J. THOMPSON (1969-75) IAIN S. HOPKIN (1962-68) Section Representatives Club Centre — DOUGLAS M. WATSON (1979-85) Cricket — 1AI N S. HOPKIN (1962-68) Curling — MARIO L. VICCA (1952-56) Football - RICHARD NICHOLSON (1975-811 Golf - GORDON M. INKSON (1986-92) Hockey — BRIAN I. FITZPATRICK (1978-81) Petanque - RONALD R. COMBER (1947-52) Rugby - MALCOLM COPLAND (1968-71) Swimming — ANGUS J. THOMPSON (1969-75) Women's Hockey Staff — RUSSELL GRAY (1951-65) Auditors Messrs. BOWER & SMITH. C.A.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Club Centre Committee DOUGLAS M. WATSON - Chairman NORMAN GARDEN - Vice-Chairman BRIAN DEIGHTON — Sec-retary HARVEY E. MORRISON — Treasurer M. COPLAND, HAS. HAMILTON, P. HENDERSON. J.F. HENDRY. I.S. HOPKIN, G.M. INKSON, J.M. JEFFREY. J. WILLIAMS, D.YOUNG

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. (10 61-2-9875-I 296 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). Box 7. Site 5. RR #2, Okotoks, Alberta, Canada TIS IA2 E-mail: sinesing@telusplanet.net Tel. 00 1-403-995-0331 Canada — PETER J. GREEN (1946-57). 506 Slater Road. RR#2. Kemptville. Ontario, Canada. K1G 1J0 E-mail: chantagrie@svmpatico.ca Tel. 00 I-613.989-3940 Canada - DAVID R. AULD (1947-61), 2187 Lafayette Street. Victoria. British Columbia. Canada. VAS 2P2 E-mail: davidauld@shaw.ca Tel. (X)1-250-595-0616 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.bvres@hk .eyi.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.

Malaysia - GRAEME W. KING (1966-72), 26 Jalan Pakat, Ukay Heights. 68000 Ampang. Selangor. Malaysia E-mail: gwkine@pc.jaring.my Tel. 0060-3-4252-9297 New Zealand — MICHAEL B. THOMSON (1938-51), 39 Jubilee Road, Khandallah, Wellington 4. New Zealand E-mail: thomson.wgtn@xtra.co.nz Tel. 0064-4-479-5678 Thailand — Prof. ALASTAIR M. NORTH (1937-50), 79/78 Soi 7/I Mooban Tararom, Ramkhamhaeng Road Soi 150, Saphan Soong, Bangkok 10240. Thailand E-mail: amnorth@ksc.th.com Tel. 0066-2-373-2818 Venezuela - DONALD A. LAMONT (1951-65). c/o FCO (Caracas). King Charles Street, London SW I A 2AH E-mail: dalamont@hotmail.com

Annual General Meeting The Ninety-ninhth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held at the Club Centre in Aberdeen on Monday 28 March 2005, with Mr J. Martin Jeffrey, the Vice-President. in the Chair. The Chairman reported as follows: Introduction Our Club has had another good year and we have made useful progress on virtually all fronts. Our membership numbers have continued to grow, our finances are strong, communication with members is good. the Club Centre has had another sound year. our five Regional Centres are active and FP sport continues to develop. And, at long last.

Rubislaw now has its very own Astroturf pitch, which is already proving a tremendous asset to School and FP Sport.

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Former Pupils ' Club Section Membership During the year. our total membership grew to 1,276. which is a very useful increase of 34 over the 2003 figure. We actually gained 41 new members in total, including 32 school leavers, which was a great result. Inevitably, we lost a few old friends during the year and, sadly, they included that wonderful gentleman and FP enthusiast. Basil Emslie, who died peacefully on 19th March. 2005 after a long illness. All are sadly missed.

Communications The Magazine. in the experienced and capable hands of Brian Cmokshanks, continues to be our communications flagship. We have now produced 15 editions of the Newsletter. which serves an invaluable role in keeping Members up to date between Magazines.

(Incidentally, we are still seeking a new Editor for the Newsletter!). We are now looking closely at how we can extend our use of email to further improve communications.

Finances We have had another really good year on the financial front and the Club finished with an excellent surplus of nearly £3.000. Our income of £25.000. was up 20% on 2003 and the surplus was achieved after allocating £1,700 to the School and a final payment of £4.000 on the Rubislaw project. Once again. I would like to thank members for their marvellous generosity and the way that they continue to support the Club year after year. particularly through "Top-ups", Donations and the purchase of Big Draw tickets. However, we must continue to look for ways to further increase our income and maintain a tight control over our expenditure. Our thanks go to our splendid Treasurer, Alan Mart. who continues to keep us on the right path!

School The School and the Club have a long tradition of working closely together and we have benefited from a splendid 17 years with Bill Johnston as Rector. We were all very sorry to see Bill step down as Rector and we were grateful for an opportunity to mark these 17 years with the presentation of a photographic portrait, which now hangs in the School. and some personal gifts from the Club. The new Rector. Graham Legge. took up the reigns in August and I am delighted to say that he has already clearly demonstrated his interest in the Club and how we can work together to support the School.

We have been very successful in encouraging school leavers to join the Club in recent years and this year was no exception. Three years ago. we reintroduced the practice of issuing free copies of the Magazine to all pupils entering 6th year. In 2004. we also distributed copies to those entering 5th year and we hope that this will help senior pupils at the school develop a greater understanding of the FP Club and what it has to offer them.

Social Activities 2004 was the year we planned to implement a revised timetable for the various Annual Dinners and we almost succeeded in making the Aberdeen Dinner the last official function in the Presidential year — almost, but not quite, as that lovely man Basil Emslie had other ideas!! However in 2005. things went according to plan and we had one of our best Dinners of recent years. In October, on the date on which we previously held the Aberdeen Dinner, we again organised a Dinner Dance with a splendid band - the Graham Geddes hand - that responded much more sympathetically to the guests. so that we had fewer decibels and a better mix of dances (i.e. a few slower dances!!) than on previous occasions.

Thank you, Lucy Mitchell, and all your supporters.

The Regional Centres Once again we had an excellent programme of Dinners and events at the various Centres, with Glasgow and Edinburgh being particularly active. As in previous years. the support

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine by the various Centres for events and functions run by the other Centres has been splendid.

All of the Centres are in good shape. although London is still trying to find the right format for their main function. Our thanks and congratulations go to the hard working OfficeBearers and the Committees in all the Regions for their very successful efforts to provide a focus for FP activities in their areas.

The Club Centre The Club Centre had another sound year and. despite some difficulties. just about broke even on the financial front. Once again, we have to thank the operations committee, who take on the day-to-day running of the Centre, for all their hard work, much of which goes unseen. Our thanks also go to Head Barman. Mike Tasker. and his team of part-time staff for their friendly and helpful contribution to the running of the Club. Sadly, Ron Comber, who has been Chairman of the Club Centre for more years than anyone can remember, decided that it was time to stand down and we are all due him a huge debt of gratitude for his unfailing enthusiasm and the huge amount of work that he has put in over the years.

Norman Garden very kindly stepped into Ron's position for the remaining two or three months of the year and a new Chairman will be appointed following the Club Centre's AGM. The big challenge for the Club Centre remains the same - how can we significantly increase our revenues and at the same time keep a very tight control of all our costs. The building is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, and that problem is unquestionably going to get more challenging (and expensive!) in the future. We face some very significant challenges over the next 12 months or so, and we need to be creative, but realistic, in identifying and rigorously reviewing our options for the future.

The Sports Sections and Rubislaw Each Section will again make its own report. However, FP Sport operating under the umbrella of the FP Club, continues to tlourish despite the various shortcomings of the facilities at Rubislaw. We have made a major breakthrough this year with the opening of the new Astroturf pitch in October which has absolutely transformed the opportunities for hockey both at School and also for the two FP Hockey Sections. We arc now waiting for the City Council to approve the budget for a new pavilion and we hope that we will see the contractors move on site later this year.

If we wish to see greater participation and higher standards in the main sports — cricket, football, hockey (for men and women) and rugby — then we must all learn to work more closely together. Only if we do this will we succeed in getting the most out of the existing facilities and also ensure that future developments really do meet the realistic combined needs of the School and the FP Sports Sections.

The next 12 months So what are our priorities for the next 12 months? Our number one priority remains the development of Rubislaw. Now that we have the Astroturf pitch. the focus is on the finalisation of the plans and finances for the new Pavilion and a decision on the future of the War Memorial element of the current Pavilion. Secondly, we need to take a very careful look at the best way forward for the Club Centre. Thirdly. we need to ensure that the structure and guidelines fix the FP Club, the Club Centre and the Sports Sections really do meet current and future requirements.

A Year of' Anniversaries and Celebrations The year 2006 has the potential to be a very special year for the Club as three interesting Anniversaries are due to be celebrated:— 1906 was the year of major celebrations for the School to mark 650 years (or more) since it was founded: 1916 was the year when

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Former Pupils' Club Section Rubislaw was officially opened, and 1956 was the year of the great Grammar Fair which raised the initial funds for the Amenities Fund. We have much to look forward to!

I would like to finish by thanking our hard-working and committed office hearers - our retiring Honorary President, Bill Johnston; our president Ian MacLeod. ably supported by his wife Marlene: Jock Hendry, Alan Hamilton, Alan Man and Brian Crookshanks; also Lucy Mitchell, our excellent Social Convener and Whilma, who acts as Membership Secretary. My thanks also go to an experienced and patient Committee, whose members continue to offer much in the way of ideas and useful comments and do their very best to keep me on the straight and narrow.

General Business Section Reports Reports were submitted by representatives of the various Sections and of the Club Centre. and similar Reports appear elsewhere in this Magazine.

Accounts and Treasurer's Report The 2004 Accounts (reproduced at the end of this Magazine) were submitted and approved. The Treasurer reported a surplus of £2939. which showed an encouraging rise in the Club's finances from the previous year. The Balance Sheet confirmed that the Club is in a sound state.

Election of Office-Bearers Officials of the Club were elected in accordance with the list published elsewhere in this Magazine. The recently retired Rector was added to the list of Honorary Vice-Presidents.

Auditors Messrs. Bower & Smith. CA, were unanimously re-appointed Auditors of the Club and Section Accounts for the coming year.

Presentation At the close of the meeting the Chairman presented the now customary Quaich, suitably engraved, to retiring President Ian McLeod as a memento of his year in office, and praised him for the zeal with which he had carried out his role. Ian acknowledged, once again. how sensitive he was of the honour done him by the Club in appointing him President.

In terms of the Club Constitution, the Annual General Meeting is always held on the last Monday in March.

The 2006 A.G.M. will therefore be held on Monday. 27 March at 7.30 p.m. in the Club Centre, 86 Queen's Road. Aberdeen

President's Report When I scanned the list of former Presidents of Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils' Club it was with awe and some trepidation. Twelve hours earlier. Martin Jeffrey had gently asked if I would consider becoming President for 2004105. I couldn't give him an immediate answer, as my head was spinning. Was 1 up to the task? How many speeches would I have to give? Looking at the list again I saw Knights of the Realm, Doctors.

Professors, Architects, QCs — and eminent businessmen — oh blimey! However. later that next day, I had composed myself enough to call Martin and accept the position.

What then followed, in the ensuing 12 months, after I was elected on 29th March 2004, was an absolutely unforgettable experience. I met so many delightful and

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine interesting people at the twenty-two functions which I attended, mostly with my wife Marlene. These functions ranged from formal dinners to more relaxed cheese and wine parties. All were well organised. held in grand surroundings with good food and wine with which to enjoy the tales of guest speakers.

The fact that I was retired was. I think, a great advantage, as I was able to visit the Club Centres at leisure and absorb the culture and architecture of the various places visited, and so it came to pass that Marlene and I packed the car and set of in April fur Edinburgh and the first official Presidential function. This was held in the magnificent surroundings of Bruntsfield Golf Club. with its panoramic views over the course to the Firth of Forth. The dinner was superbly organised by President Neil Borthwick and Secretary Nigel Watt for what turned out to be the last Centre function to be attended by Bill Johnston in his capacity as School Rector. The Head Girl, Gayle Harriman. and the Head Boy. Michael Lloyd. spoke articulately of their school experiences.

In May we were honoured to be invited to the School Prize-Giving. at which Marlene presented the awards. The few hours spent in the old place brought back so many memories, although the layout is very different from fifty-odd years ago. Gone is the long corridor where the then Rector. Sir James Robertson. swept along, gown billowing out, scattering small boys in his path. We left the Prize-Giving with a spring in our steps having seen evidence of a high standard of academic achievement — although I'm not sure if I appreciate shirts being worn outside trousers/skirts and ties at half-mast! — but then I'm old fashioned.

Activities quietened down over the summer months, although I attended and played (badly) in the annual Glasgow Centre -v- Edinburgh Centre golf match at Tulliallan. My excuse was that the torrential rain, which fell during the last 6 holes, caused my grip to slip. But, truth to tell. I'm a lousy golfer. Colin Shaw, a former Head Boy, won the individual trophy.

The autumn heralded a number of functions and in September the car was loaded up again for the trip to Yorkshire. A quite memorable dinner organised by the Yorkshire President Doug Skene and Secretary Martin Coulter was held in the magnificent Grange Hotel. The new Rector. Graeme Legge. gave his FP debut speech. and I was amazed by how much he knew of FP affairs in such a short time. I met up. and had a good natter with, an old school chum. Mike Walker. The company rounded off the evening by taking Birse tea — a charming tradition of the Yorkshire Centre over many years. Then on Sunday evening Wilson McIntosh and his wife Mona entertained us to dinner in their home in the quaint village of Sutton-on-the-Forest — a wonderful spontaneous gesture, and greatly appreciated.

The following week I had the great honour of presenting, on behalf of the parent club, a photographic portrait of Bill Johnston. to mark his retirement after seventeen years as Rector of the School. This was held in the Club Centre and attended by a large number of FPs In October Marlene and I spent a fortnight in Canada and so were able to attend the Over that weekend Judy and Peter FP Canadian Re-union Weekend in Ottawa.

Jeffreyhosted us in their lovely home just outside the city. The Jeffrey's held an open night on the Friday and some 25 Former Pupils and partners enjoyed a buffet meal. On Saturday the annual dinner was held in the Founder's Room at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club and there I met an old athletics chum from school days — Professor Phil Barron. Jim & Sheila Lyon from Aberdeen were there. along with another school contemporary. Peter Green. The Duguid decanter was duly filled with appropriate liquid and handed over by

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Back

Canadian 2004 Reunion Weekend P. Barron, W. Guthrie, M. Hardie, I Thomson, J. Lyon, J. Daube, R. McIntyre Front -- Peter Jeffrey, Ian McLeod, Gillian Thomas, Alex Home

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine the out-going Canadian President. Gillian Thomas. to her successor Alex Home. After the meal a lively discussion took place on our memories of school days. I recall that the name of John Flett, our maths master, was raised a few times, mainly on the subject of the corporal punishment he meted out. On Sunday, Peter Green and Anne invited everyone for Brunch at their farm in Kemptville. Peter's culinary skills ranged from poached eggs cooked in filo pastry to home-made Aberdeen rowies - absolutely first class and every bit as good as Aitken's.

October heralded the Glasgow Centre Dinner where guest speaker and maverick MSP and QC. Gordon Jackson, hugely entertained the company. As usual the irrepressible Basil Emslie was the perfect host and made sure that he talked to everyone. The saddest part of my Presidency was learning, having just returned from a short holiday, that Basil passed away in March this year. He was the consummate FP and will be missed by us all.

A full obituary appears elsewhere in this Magazine.

Later that month, on a splendid sunny day, Lord Provost John Reynolds officially opened the new all-weather hockey pitch at Rubislaw. A festival atmosphere pervaded the Club Centre that day — particularly enjoyed by the hockey sections.

Towards the end of the year Marlene and I enjoyed the Drama Group's performance of "Annie Get your Gun" in the School hall. Lighting and sound operators. costume makers, stage managers and the orchestra superbly hacked the enthusiastic cast, and an equally enthusiastic audience filled the hall. We were also present at the very moving School Carol Service held in St Machar's Cathedral. Both events were of the highest order and the performance of the pupils was truly outstanding.

Throughout the year I was fortunate to attend functions organised by the Former Pupil Associations in Aberdeen of Watsonians. St Margaret's. Stewarts-Melville, Gordonians, Albyn and HighSchool/Harlaw Academy.

In March this year. at a simple ceremony in the School hall. Bill Johnston's portrait was formally presented to the School.

My final task was to host the parent club Dinner in the Queen's Hotel. The guest speaker. Duncan Rice. Principal & Vice-chancellor of Aberdeen University — and himself a former pupil - entertained a good turnout of some 140 old school boys, girls and guests.

There were so many people there who I wanted to talk to that it was well into the wee sma' hours before I got home - still coherent!

At the Club Annual Meeting at the end of March. I handed over the chain of office to Dr Gordon Milne, a distinguished Former Pupil and sportsman. Gordon has an easy, comfortable manner and will make an excellent "away" President.

And so a very fulfilling year came to an end, one in which I met many old friends and made some new ones - a year which I will remember for the rest of my life. I would like to thank the Executive for their faith in me and for the support which they gave me. In particular I would like to thank Jock Hendry and Martin Jeffrey — Jock for his quiet but appropriate guidance and Martin, who is so intimately involved in all FP matters, for his encouragement and cajoling, but mainly I welcomed his advice and his quiet words of wisdom. Finally. I would like to thank all Former Pupils for your banter, your cheeky emails, but mainly for your friendship.

Ian H. McLeod (1951-55)

Presidential Profile Gordon Graeme Milne IAB,ChB (1950-61) The Club's current Presidential incumbent was born in 1943. His father, Dr G,P. Milne, was a highly respected obstetrician and gynaecologist, and his mother a radiographer.

Gordon had three uncles who had medical degrees and, interestingly, his brother Alan Ducat Milne (1950-58) and sister Rosemary both graduated in Medicine from Aberdeen University. Thus it may be said that Gordon was born with both silver and prescription

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Dr Gordon G. Milne (1950-1961) P resident 2005-06

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Spoons in his mouth! His father, a Gordonian, had the good sense to enrol Gordon in the School in 1950. In common with the majority of his fellow pupils. Gordon thrived in the scholastic milieu based on sound tutelage and consistent traditional values espoused by our admirable Rector. Sir James J. Robertson. These were the days when teachers regarded a post at the School to be a career zenith, and not a stepping-stone to other educational establishments.

Leaving School in 1961, Gordon entered the University of Aberdeen to study Medicine, graduated MB,ChB in 1968. and subsequently trained in General Practice and in Anaesthetics before accepting. in 1973. a post as a GP principal in Elgin. He retired in 1999 and has remained resident in Elgin. Despite this geographical relocation, once a Grammarian always a Grammarian, as can be demonstrated by Res ipso loquitur Cubs and Scouts. 1st (AGS) Troop 1951-60 1st XV Rugby 1959-61. Captain 1960-61, full Colours 1st XI Cricket 1960-61, half Colours Athletics Team 1960-61 House Captain, Melvin House 1960-61 School Prefect 1960-61 FP Rugby Section. 1st XV Captain 1965-66 The Magazine of June 1960 quotes Gordon as a wing-forward with "rather superfluous weight which did not hamper his sterling work in attack and defence". A fairer description might have been "barrel-chested". although nowadays it has to be admitted that this anatomical feature has slipped southward somewhat. Unlike most wing forwards.

Gordon could skilfully both kick and pass a rugby ball. His tenure as Captain of the FP Rugby Section ended in 1966. with the Section in tine fettle, running four XVs and anticipating the memorable match against an International XV recruited by KJ.F. Scotland to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of Rubislaw Field. Gordon also had opportunities to play rugby for Aberdeen University, Aberdeen Wednesday Club.

Highland and Moray. In 1991 and 1992 he travelled as team doctor with the Scottish Classics team to Bermuda for the world classics Rugby Tournament.

Gordon's interests have been eclectic. He enjoyed a varied professional life as a GP/anaesthetist in Elgin. and gave of his time to several medical and charitable committees of UK and Scottish national status, as well as those of a local influence. An inexhaustible list includes GMSC(UK), the Scottish Medical Practices Committee, the National Counselling Service for Sick Doctors, the Clinical Standards Scottish Board, Crossroads Scotland and the Moray Society. Notably he was chairman (1999-2002) of the Moray Hospice Appeal which raised the remarkable total of £2.2 million from local resources.

A hedonistic departure for Gordon was working as Ship's Doctor aboard the Minerva on many cruises between 1997 and 2004. which meant that he saw most of the world and got paid. There must have been a downside to this, but he has consistently denied that there was any resemblance to 'Love Boat'! Besides, his wife Ann accompanied him on these cruises to act as chaperone.

Gordon married first in 1968. and has two children. George and Madeleine, by Margaret. who very sadly died in 1981. To those who knew Margaret well, this was an unbearable loss. In 1984. Gordon married Ann. and they have five grandchildren between them.

The FP Club has demonstrated its wisdom in appointing Dr Gordon Milne as its President. Presidency carries an eminently ambassadorial role, and he will emulate his distinguished progenitors because he is gregarious and pragmatic. allied to munificence and wit. There is no need to wish him well, because he will excel.

W.A.W. (1951-62)

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Former Pupils' Club Section

Hockey at Rubislaw It may he hard to believe when you take a look at the grass pitches today, but Rubislaw played host to two International Hockey Matches hack in the 1950s! The groundsman at that time was the marvellous Eric Tyson, who was recognised far and wide as an outstanding exponent of his craft (he was also a pretty useful cricketer) and the hockey pitch and cricket square were among the very best in Scotland. Even harder to believe is that one of the Internationals was played on the current Rugby pitch! Apparently Eric Tyson spent many a long evening levelling and rolling the pitch in the weeks leading up to the match in order to ensure that the playing surface would meet his very demanding standards.

Serious Hockey has been played on artificial surfaces for at least 15 years now, which has meant that the FP Hockey Sections have had to play their "home" matches at venues such as the Chris Anderson Stadium and Keith Park in Aberdeen and, on occasion, at Elton and lnvcrurie. It is little wonder that in recent years FP and School Hockey has found it difficult to reach the very high standards of the 50s, 60s and 70s. During this time both the Men's Hockey Section and the FP Executive made imaginative and determined efforts to persuade the Council to support plans for an artificial surface at Rubislaw. In fact. in the late )0s the Hockey Section actually secured Lottery Funding for O00,000.

However, the Council decided that they did not wish to proceed at that time and the funding was lost. The FP Executive picked up the challenge again towards the end of 2000 with the objective of getting the question of an artificial turf pitch back on the political agenda. After a series of discussions with Councillors and Council Officers, the Executive decided to engage specialist sports consultants to help us prepare a detailed case. We made a presentation to the Rubislaw Field Committee in the autumn of 2001 which resulted in the formation of a Steering Group made up of Council Officers. lock Hendry (Alan Hamilton took over from Jock at a later stage) and myself from the FP Club, with the Rector and the Head of P.E. at the School. Many, many meetings, informal discussions, telephone calls and emails later, the Council allocated the necessary funds and approvals in April 2004. Three months later the contractors moved on site: 14 weeks later we had an outstanding new hockey pitch at Rubislaw, and a whole new future opened up for School and Fl' Hockey as well as for the wider Hockey community.

We had pencilled in 30131 October for the Opening ceremonies, and we made it — just! Our thanks go to main contractors Mansell, pitch specialists Charles Lawrence, and to various Council Officers for all their efforts to meet that date. The Official Opening of the new Hockey Pitch took place on Sunday 3lst October 2004, a day which dawned bright and dry in sharp contrast to the miserable weather earlier in the week, which was surely a good omen for the major programme mapped out for the day.

This included two School matches in the morning, a Celebration Lunch for 30 guests, the Official Opening Ceremony, a Cup-tie for the FP "girls" against Livingston Ladies, and a Men's FP Select XI -v- an FP "International" Xl. It was a memorable occasion, and our thanks go to Graham Legge. Keith Milne and Carrie Welsh from the School staff. all the boys and girls who took part in the two matches in the morning, and the members of staff who came along to support; and to Lord Provost John Reynolds. who performed the Opening Ceremony. Councillors Pamela Macdonald. Alison Smith, Brenda Craig and Martin Greig, who gave their active support. and to Brian Woodcock. Corporate Director, who was the Lead Officer for the project. We are grateful. also, to the FP Hockey Girls and Boys, of all ages, who gave their unreserved and enthusiastic support both during the preparations and on the day (both on and off the pitch!) with a special word for our veterans. who included two former Internationalists, Eric Watt and Fred Lawson, both of whom scampered around the pitch like 20-year-olds! The occasion was well supported by hockey enthusiasts of all ages. families and friends. For the record, the Livingston Ladies

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine took their Cup defeat on the chin and did not allow that to diminish their enjoyment of the evening's socialising one little hit!

So the waiting is finally over! We now have a fantastic new Hockey pitch at Rubislaw and when you combine that with the promised new Pavilion and our "Clubhouse" at Queen's Road, we must surely be the most attractive Hockey Club in town!! The reports coming back from both School and FP players say that already the pitch is making a big difference. There has been a real upsurge in interest and enthusiasm which is already translating into higher attendances at training and improved standards.

There is a certain School and a certain Hockey Club, whose pitch is about I mile west of Rubislaw. who have been top dogs in town for too long! Look out! Aberdeen Grammar School and FPs have got you in their sights!!

Martin Jeffrey Chairman. Executive Committee

Nigel G M Watt Edinburgh Centre Secretary 1976-2005 Earlier this year Nigel Watt decided to step down from the position of Secretary and Treasurer of the Club's Edinburgh Centre, having held office in these posts since 1976. At the Centre Dinner in April a presentation was made on behalf of the FP Club to commemorate this long period of service. Over the last thirty years Nigel has indeed been the heart of the Centre. Since its inception in 1930 there have been only five Secretaries, with Nigel equalling the record of Allan C. Frazer (Secretary from 1937 to 1966) for service in this role.

Nigel comes from a family with a long and illustrious association with the FP Club.

His grandfather, Theodore Watt (1889-1901). was the Editor of this Magazine for 39 years and Secretary and Treasurer of the FP Club for 27 of these years. His father, Alan C. R. Watt (1925-1937) succeeded him as Editor of the Magazine for a period of seven years. It was no surprise, therefore, that Nigel should maintain the 'Watt connection' in the Club's affairs when he succeeded David Brittain as Secretary of the Edinburgh Centre in 1976.

Nigel attended Mile End Primary School, then the Grammar from 1963-1969. studied law at Aberdeen University and went to Edinburgh in 1972, where he joined the legal firm of Hagart & Burn-Murdoch which subsequently amalgamated with Lindsays in the mid80s.

He was then approached by Ledineham Chalmers to help to set up their Edinburgh office but. ten years later. a change in the firm's policy led Nigel to decide that after thirty years in Law it was time for a change. and he turned naturally instead to his other great interest in life - Golf.

During 1975 he became Secretary of the Scottish Universities Golfing Society and went on to revive a somewhat moribund Society. playing only one fixture a year. to the extent that when he left office ten years later. up to sixteen fixtures were played. It was during this period as Secretary of SUGS that Nigel realised that he had a considerable interest in golf administration. As a result. after leaving the legal profession, it was no surprise that he should choose a career in this area and he was subsequently appointed as Secretary of Gullane Golf Club.

He is a member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. and retains a connection in the North East as a member of Royal Aberdeen.

In 2000 he was appointed to the Rules of Golf Committee of the R&A and is now a fully qualified R&A referee. This has allowed him to travel throughout Europe to officiate at various venues on the European Tour as well as at four Open Championships and the

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opportunity to referee matches involving players of the calibre of Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie. Nigel is now in his first year on the Championship Committee of the R&A. Over the period of his tenure as Secretary of the Edinburgh Centre. Nigel has been the driving force behind the maintenance of FP contacts in the city. In this time he has provided invaluable advice and support to seventeen Presidents of the Centre and also found time himself to till the role of President in 1992. Having organised thirty Centre Dinners, numerous golf outings and other social events in his customary efficient manner.

Nigel takes a well earned rest, although I am assured that he will remain active as a member of the Centre. The new Secretary will no doubt require some assistance in the role he has inherited On behalf of all members of the Edinburgh Centre and, indeed, of the whole FP Club, a hearty 'Thank You' is expressed for all the time and effort given to ensure the continuing success of the Centre.

NMB

Centre Reports Club Centre The major change in the Club Centre since the last report is that at the beginning of this year, because of family commitments. Ron Comber felt obliged to step down as Chairman after seven years in office. He is owed a huge vote of thanks for his outstanding contribution over 35 years. and we will miss his leadership and good humour on the committee. The committee has decided that his retirement should be marked in some way and an announcement will be made shortly.

In general. 2004 was a year of stability and modest success in the life of the Club Centre, with no highs or lows. We finished the year at about break-even, with only a small loss of £340. This year has started well, but it is early days yet. The Centre survives on its members' usage of the club facilities, and this needs to increase.

The Committee thank Mike Tasker and his part-time staff for providing a good standard of service throughout the year. There were several drinks promotions and a good selection of real ales was always available. The meeting rooms have produced some much needed income, but more use needs to be made of them. We are always looking for extra functions, parties, BBQs etc in an effort to increase turnover. On the last Friday of each month our popular quiz night continues to add to turnover, but we would like more teams from our sports sections. The committee also thanks Betty for her excellent catering for several years. Sadly, in the Spring she decided to retire but a new caterer is now in place and providing a high standard of meals.

The committee feels that it is time to make a significant step-change in the income of the Club Centre and will therefore be reviewing all income-generating operations and proposing changes where opportunities are identified. Any members with ideas should speak to one of the committee.

Membership for 2004 ended at 731. which was up due to an excellent intake from the School and from the Hockey. Football and Cricket Sections. The membership for 2005 so far is 681. a substantial decrease which is mainly due to a drop of over 35 in numbers from the Rugby Section and the loss of 15 Associate Members. This is a real cause for concern and everyone is asked to encourage new members. It is hoped that the new hockey pitch will generate additional members and an increase in the usage of the Club Centre. Sadly. two long-term members died during the past year and will be much missed.

Last year we re-carpeted and decorated meeting moms 2 and 3 and tidied up the changing room. The drains have been repaired a couple of times and a new TV aerial had to be erected. Peter Henderson has taken on the role of House Convener and has already started to make changes and improvements. Plans for 2005 include decorating and rc-

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine carpeting meeting room I. the main staircase and the entrance hall. We will also re-carpet the Sports bar and try to brighten it up. and some kitchen equipment will be upgraded. The committee will work hard to carry out this work within budget.

In summary. 20(14 was a year of stability for the Club Centre and the committee is determined to look for a step-change during 2005. This is vital if the Centre is to thrive in the future.

Canada The 12th Annual Reunion of the Canadian Centre was held in Ottawa over the weekend of October 1st -3rd. 2004. This year the date was later than usual, but the weather held and once again we enjoyed a glorious Fall weekend. We were delighted to welcome the Club President, Ian McLeod and his wife Marlene. and to welcome back Past-President Jim Lyon and his wife Sheila. all from Aberdeen. Also very welcome was Jonathan Daube, who is the first of the USA-based I-Ps to attend and who has hopefully blazed the trail for many others.

The reunion activities started on the Friday evening with an informal get-together and buffet supper at Peter & Judy Jeffrey's. where the highlights were reminiscing round an open log fire on the deck and taking part in a light-hearted quiz which involved putting names to faces in school photos — some people did better than others!

The formal dinner took place on the Saturday in the Founder's Room of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. We would like to thank Anne Gregory for arranging this wonderful historic setting. Our outgoing president. Gillian Thomas (Crookshanks) and her husband Tim flew from Calgary for the reunion. The evening commenced with Gillian installing Alec Home as our new president. After the excellent dinner Alec proposed a toast to the Club and the School. Ian McLeod then replied to the toast and updated us on School and Club news from Aberdeen. After the formal speeches several FPs spoke of their memories of School. Peter Jeffrey closed the evening by passing on messages from several Canadian FPs who could not be present and proposing a toast to absent friends.

Peter Green and Anne Gregory once again hosted a wonderful brunch at their 1817 stone farmhouse outside Ottawa on the Sunday. Even in October we could sit outside to enjoy brunch and then wander round enjoying their herb garden. vegetable and flower gardens and the lovely atmosphere of an Ontario fall day.

I think everyone was reluctant to see another AGS FP Centre reunion weekend come to a close, but once again we felt fortunate to have enjoyed the company of old and new friends from far and near. My thanks to everyone who participated in the weekend and made it so successful.

The following FPs attended the dinner (in order of entry to School): Ruaraidh McIntyre (1938-511 Greely. Ontario: Bill Guthrie (1939-51). Brighton. Ontario: Peter Jeffrey (1944-59), Dunrobin. Ontario: Ed Anderson (1945-57). Manotick, Ontario: Peter Green (1946-57). Kemptville, Ontario: Phil Barron. (1948-56), Kanata. Ontario; Michael Hardie (1948-59). Almonte, Ontario: Jonathan Dauhe (1951-53). Manchester.

Connecticut. USA: Ian McLeod (1951-55). Aberdeen. Scotland: Alex Home (1952-58).

Breslau. Ontario: Ian Thomson (1952-60). Nepean. Ontario: Jim Lyon (1953-59).

Aberdeen, Scotland: Ian Marr (1954-58). Kanata. Ontario: and Gillian Thomas (nee Crookshanks) (1975-80). Calgary. Alberta.

2005 Reunion Weekend: We arc very pleased that George B. Rickart (1923-30) has agreed to be our next President.

The 13th Annual Dinner of the Centre will be held in the University Club. University of Victoria on Saturday 10 September, 2005 at 630 p.m. Ken Pitle and his wife Kate have kindly offered to host Sunday brunch at their home. As usual we look forward to welcoming FIN and their spouses/guests from all parts of Canada and further afield.

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Former Pupils' Club Section For the assistance of FPs outwith Canada who may be considering holiday plans for next year. advance notice is given that the 2006 Reunion will be in Ottawa on the weekend of 9th - 10th September. 2006. Further details may be obtained from the Centre Secretary, Peter Jeffrey. whose contact details appear on page 51.

Gillian Thomas and George Rickart When the above photograph was taken at the Canadian Reunion Weekend in Calgary in 2003 it's significance was not immediately apparent - indeed, it has only now become apparent. Gillian Thomas (nde Crookshanks) (1975-80) had just taken office as President of the Canadian Centre. and was the first lady President of any of the Club's Centres (for that matter, there has not yet been a lady President of the Club). Canada. having led the way in this regard. has now scored the double by appointing George Rickart (1923-30) as their President for 2005-06, taking office in September - and, at the grand old age of 92. he is by far the oldest FP to hold such office. Well done. the Canadians!

Edinburgh The Centre held its Annual Dinner on Friday 22nd April 2005 in the Clubhouse of the Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society. President Neil Borthwick welcomed the company of forty-six members and guests. including Alan Campbell CBE. Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council. who was the principal guest, the Rector. Graham Legge. the Head Girl. Rose Grogan. the Head boy. Peter Cross. the recently installed President of the Parent Club. Gordon Milne and his wife Ann. Stuart Robertson. the President of Edinburgh Gordonians and Doug Skene and Malcolm Daniel. the Presidents of the Yorkshire and Glasgow Centres respectively.

Alan Campbell proposed the toast of 'The School and the Club' in a highly entertaining manner and replies were made by the Rector, Head Girl. Head Boy and by Gordon Milne in his first function as President of the Club.

During the course of the evening tribute was paid to the late Basil Emslie by his nephew, Norman Marlborough. Basil was a great supporter of the Edinburgh Centre Dinner and his sense of fun will be greatly missed.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine At the A.G.M. of the Centre. held during the evening. Nigel Watt demitted office as Secretary and Treasurer after twenty-nine years at the helm. His place will be taken by Neil Borthwick, the outgoing President who, on behalf of the Club. presented Nigel with an inscribed silver drinks tray to commemorate his long and valuable service to the Centre since 1976. Keith Masson will take over as President of the Centre.

In August the annual golf match with the Glasgow Centre was played at Tulliallan, resulting in a victory for Glasgow for the sixth year in a row. The Mor Brown Trophy for the best individual score was won by Colin Shaw with a Stableford score of 34 points.

Grant Milne was second and David Allan third.

The next Annual Dinner will be held in the Clubhouse of the Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society on Friday 21st April 2006.

Any FP who has recently come to the Edinburgh area and who has not received any communication from the Centre is invited to contact Neil Borthwick at his home address.

24 Carfrae Road. Edinburgh EH4 3QQ ( Tel. 0131 312 6601).

The following FPs attended the Dinner (in order of entry into School): P.C. Millar (1933-44). AJ.K. Monro (1933-46), J.A. McGregor (1935-44), J.E. Fraser (1936-49). I.M. Duguid (1938-43), D.G. Kilgour (1938-50). T.G. Coutts (1938-51), S A.C. Robertson (1939-51). DA. Brittain (1943-49), A.H. Cairns (1943-56). A.E. Philip (194356). J.P, Cairns (1945-57). A.E. Mcllwain (1945-51), WA. Steele (1945-51). DJ. Stephen (1946-52), R.S. Rilley (1947-55), G.G. Milne (1950-61), SJ.C. Esson (1951-64), I.H. McLeod (1951-55). D.K. Yule (1951-65), N.M. Borthwick (1952-65), A.G. Campbell (1959-65), N.K.B. Edwards (1959-64), I. Quigley ( 1959-64), D. Skene (1959-64), H.O. Will (1959-65). N.G.M. Watt (1963-69), J.H. Rust (1963-71), R.H.A. Malloch (1970-76) and M.K. Daniel (1975-81).

Glasgow The Glasgow Centre sadly notes the passing of Basil Emslie (1929 - 35). An obituary is noted elsewhere in this Magazine; Basil resuscitated the Glasgow Centre in the early 1980s and in his role as Honorary Secretary was the veritable powerhouse that ensured the success of the FP organisation in the West of Scotland and beyond. Basil's enthusiasm, gregarious nature, and occasional bludgeoning, in the most positive and productive sense of the word, ensured not only that the Glasgow Centre prospered but also the good natured comradeship that was a characteristic feature whenever FPs met with Basil in their company. Basil had a great life and we were all privileged to share his company.

A Joint Outing was held with Aberdeen High School FPs and Gordonian's on 19th June to Tulliallan Police College. We are grateful to David Allan for arranging this visit — both the visit and the catering were excellent.

The annual Golf Outing with the Edinburgh Centre was held at Tulliallan Golf Club on 18th August 2004. The Mor Brown Trophy was won by Colin Shaw, the youngest winner to date, with 35 points. David Allan was second with 34 points, and Grant Milne was third with 33 points. In the match, Glasgow achieved 96 points and Edinburgh 80 points, so Glasgow retains the Caithness Globe for a further year.

The Centre's Annual Dinner was once more held in the Swallow Hotel on 28th October 2004. 59 FPs and guests attended.

President Malcolm Daniel was absent on holiday, but Senior Vice-President John Hannah ably deputised.

In the process. John reported that he had set a new record for the fastest ever AGM. The new Rector. Graham Legge. made a first-class speech and was ably supported by the Head Girl. Rose Grogan and Head Boy, Peter Cross. Gordon Jackson QC, MSP for Govan. in whose constituency the Dinner is held, was our guest speaker for the evening.

The Junior Vice-President.

Stefan Coiling, provided an eloquent vote of thanks.

Future dates for diaries are: The 2005 Dinner will be held on Friday 28th October in the Swallow Hotel, Paisley Road West, Glasgow. Our guest speaker will be Rev David Lacy. an FP, who is this

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Former Pupils' club Section year's Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Contact: Peter Cairns, Tel: 01463- 671-178, e-mail: PeekAirns@aol.com Golf outing v Edinburgh Centre, Wednesday 17th August 2005 at Tulliallan Golf Club. Contact: Malcolm Daniel. Tel: 014 I -423-8751. e-mail: md23s@udcf.glazc.uk High School FPs arc to Joint Function with Gordonians and High School FPs. organise a visit to the Scottish Parliament on 10th September 2005. Contact: Malcolm Daniel as above.

Curling: Malcolm Gauld is organising a curling team to participate in the Public Schools League (matches played at Braehead Curling rink on Thursday evenings during the winter). Interested participants (of whatever ability or previous experience) to contact Malcolm Gauld, Tel: (11355-237-039. e-mail: mwrg@hotmail.com Any FPs living in the Central Belt or the West of Scotland who are not on the Centre mailing list should contact Peter Cairns as above.

The following FPs attended the Annual Dinner (in order of entry into School): Basil Emslie (1929-35), Steve Robertson (1939-51), Ronald Walker (1941-46), Hunter Cairns (1943-56), Peter Cairns (1945-57). Sandy McIllwain (1945-51), Ian McLeod (1951-55).

David Ness (1951-56), Graham U'Ren (1958-64). John Hannah (1959-71). Jim Leask (1960-66), Gary Allan (1963-76), Lesley Galloway (1974-80), Alan Kinghorn (1974-79), Margery Taylor (1975-81). Stefan Coiling (1990-96), Colin Shaw (1997-03), Sarah Proctor (1997-03), Gayle Harriman (1998-04) and Michael Lloyd (1998-04) London You may be forgiven for thinking that the London Centre has gone into hibernation!

Although there may have been few outward signs of activity of late, we are still very much alive and trying to prepare the ground for the future. Particular efforts have been directed towards attempting to meet the preferences of the membership as highlighted in our 2004 FP survey.

Interesting points identified in the survey are that our membership is predominantly in the over-55 age bracket, lives beyond the M25 and many would prefer an event less formal than the usual black tie dinner. There are still those who would favour a formal dinner but the lack of support in the recent past makes the Executive Committee reluctant to risk another in the immediate term.

On a positive note, our plans for the remainder of this year are to hold at least one informal supper in London. probably in the Caledonian Club, between September and Notices will be sent out in September. Additionally, with the wide November. geographical spread of members. we are assessing the viability of holding one or more regional events such as a lunch in a venue readily accessible to FPs in a particular area such as the West Country or East Anglia. Any FPs interested in pursuing such an idea should get in touch with Sandy Nicol as soon as possible. The proposed buffet event in the House of Lords has been moved into 2006 to provide a fitting London Centre contribution to what will be the 750th anniversary of the School. It is to be hoped that with such an anniversary and venue we can re-awaken interest in the London Centre and attract some of the younger FPs who will be so vital for its future health.

Yorkshire Yorkshire is delighted to report a successful 2004 Annual Dinner. For the second time in the long history of the Centre the dinner was held in York. The Grange Hotel offered an excellent setting at which we again shared a relaxed and relatively informal evening.

Happily, tartan trousers and kilts were much in evidence, and many pleasant reminiscences

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine were recounted over the large open table which seated all of the twenty-one FPs and guests present.

With us on the night were our honoured guests from the North. including both our new President. Ian McLeod. and our new Rector. Graeme Legge. Indeed, it was a double coup not only to have the Rector attend his very first FP dinner with us. but also for the President's wife, Marlene, to join us in York — a precedent we arc keen to encourage. We were grateful for their presence and the enjoyment they all added to the evening.

Along with many of our usual contingent from Yorkshire, we were also honoured by two new, and we hope continuing, dinner guests from the South: David Galloway (197682). son of the late Ian Galloway. long-time Classics teacher at the School. and himself now a language teacher at nearby Pocklington School, and Professor Michael Walker (1946-57). a consultant vascular surgeon at Manchester Royal Infirmary, who joined us with his partner. A good time was had by all.

Doug Skene. our Centre President. stood in as our main speaker and as well as replying to our guests. went on to open an informal discussion within our party. As in 2004. we shared many anecdotes and memories of Aberdeen, taken from the near seven decades of the School represented.

Responding on behalf of the Club. Ian McLeod provided a sharp and witty talk, his jokes and acute observations making for very pleasant after-dinner entertainment.

To complete the formalities, the Rector presented a broad summary of the activities. and many successes. of the old school over the past year. A ritual at Club dinners, this demonstrated the continued high standards of the Aberdeen Grammar School today. and proudly served to remind us of what a fine school we have all attended.

The Birse Tea finale! As tradition dictates, the "Birse Tea" made a welcome appearance at the end of the evening. An infusion laced with whisky. the "Birse Tea" acts as our stirrup cup and is passed around the table at the end of Yorkshire dinners. There were complaints that the brew "was not of sufficient strength", which went to show how good the wines had been on the night.

Former Pupils attending the dinner (in order of entry into School) were: Wilson McIntosh (1932-45). Sandy Munro (1933-46), David Smith (1945-47), Michael Walker (1946-57), Brian Bruce (1947-51). John Wilson (1949-53). Ian McLeod (1951-55), Neil Borthwick (1952-65). Doug Skene (1959-64), Sandy Nicol (1962-71), David Galloway (1976-82) and Martin Coulter ( I983-89).

The 2005 Dinner will again be held at the Grange Hotel in York. Missed by us in 2004, due to unforeseen circumstances, we are very pleased to announce that David Craig (1937-50). writer and former Professor of Creative Writing at Lancaster University, will be our guest speaker. David and his wife, who now live in Cumbria, will both be joining us in York to celebrate the Grammar School and the Club. We are sure you will find our informal atmosphere very enjoyable. Please join us in York on 16 September 2005 from 7.00 pm onwards.

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Section Reports Cricket First XI Season 2(X)4 proved to be another successful season for the First XI with a solid performance in our first year back in Grade I. We finished fifth in the table having played 15 matches, won 6. lost 5. drawn 3 and tied I. Three games were washed out, but over-all the weather was kind to us and allowed us a reasonably full season of matches.

We were knocked out of the Cup in a first round defeat at Eliot). and our foray into the Bon Accord 7s also ended in an early exit, although the matches played were very closely contested.

Our record was as follows Academy (H) Stonehaven (H) Bon Accord (A) Elton (H)

I May 8 May 15 May 22 May

Lost by 29 runs (Academy 201 for 7. FPs 172 all out) Lost by 8 wickets (FPs 122 all out. Stonehaven 125 for 2) Lost by 48 runs (Bon Accord 169 all out, FPs 121 all out) Won by 6 wickets (Elton 96 all out. FPs 97 for 4)

Ellen (Cup A) Cults (A)

23 May 29 May

Lost (40 over game) (FPs 93 all out. Ellon 94 for 4) Lost by 6 wickets (FPs 147 all out. Cults I50 for 4)

Inverurie (H) Banchory (A) St Ronald (H) Stonehaven (A) Bon Accord (H)

5 Jun 12 Jun 19 Jun 26 Jun 3 Jul

Won by 84 runs (FPs 190 for 6. Inverurie 106 all out) Won by 70 runs (FPs 154 for 9. Banchory 84 all out) Rained off Match abandoned — Rain (FPs 109 for 4) Lost by 2 wickets (FPs 102 all out, Bon Accord 104 for 8)

Ellon (A) Kintore (H)

10 Jul 17 Jul

Rained off Won by 17 runs (FPs 179 for 9. Kintore 162 all out)

Academy (A) Cults (H) Inverurie (A) Banchory (H) St Ronald (A) K (A)

24 Jul 31 Jul 7 Aug 14 Aug 21 Aug 28 Aug

Won by 4 wickets (Academy 163 all out. FPs 164 for 6) Match drawn (FPs 176 for 6, Cults 160 for 7) Match drawn (FPs 213 for 5. Inverurie 140 for 3) Match tied (FPs 160 all out. Banchory 160 all out) Won by 6 wickets (St Ronald 170 for 7. FPs 172 for 4) Match drawn (Kintore 198 for 7. FPs 103 for 8)

Early season failings in losing five of the first six games (mainly due to player unavailability) hit us hard, and we did well to recover to our final 5th position in the table.

Had we won these early games we would have been competitive at the top of the league.

For the second season running we were not bowled out for less than 100 runs.

Jerry Moir topped the batting and bowling averages, scored most runs, took most wickets and tied for most catches. A great all-round performance yet again from Jerry. In addition. John Lord, Rhags, John Youles and Roland Knudson scored over 2(X) runs in the season.

Many bowlers toiled through the summer with notable performances from Aly MacDonald. with a hat-trick against Inverurie and 8 for 50 against Ellon. and John Eagles' 7 for 43 against Academy the pick of the bunch. We also hope that Gary Stuart bowls less than his record 52 wicks in the 2005 season!!

Geoff Morrison was the star fielder, and his outstanding catch at Woodside vs. St Ronald was the best seen for some seasons.

A low point was when Rob Fryer sustained a broken arm at Duthie Park in the match vs Academy, which ended his season. We are glad to report that at the time of writing it is fully mended and Rob is hack playing again.

69

Aberdeen Grammar School Afagazine The social side of the club was reasonably active with Geoff Morrison at the helm keeping beer and curry nights out well attended.

We hope for a continuing good team spirit and more impressive performances all round from all team members in 2005 and look forward to improving on our 5th spot from 2004.

Second XI Having won promotion from Grade 4 in 2003. Grade 3 last season came as a bit of a disappointment in terms of results - played 14 games, won 3, lost 10 and drew I. with one void fixture. We spent much of the summer propping up the rest of the table.

The main difference between this year and last year has been the composition of the team through the summer. with five key players unavailable for large portions of the season. That has been compounded by an increase in the quality of the opposition. where before we would always have a chance of running through a batting order to win a game, there are certainly less mugs around in Grade 3.

Despite the poor results, we have had many memorable performances and moments from the 2004 season, Dallas Moir, John Lord and Marlyn Budd all hitting unbeaten centuries. Martyn's 100 formed the corner-stone of a 7-wicket win vs. Crescent when chasing over 200 to win.

The best game of the season was the last fixture, which was played in Banchory in glorious sunshine. The game ended up a tense draw and featured Tom Murray repeatedly thrashing the ball through the covers for 4 after the captain asked him to play safe.

Carl Celedin finished his FPs career in that game. and has now returned to Australia.

His attacking stroke play over the last 3 years will be greatly missed. and his innings against Anchorians really summed-up his time with us. Against probably the best bowling attack in the Grade, he proceeded to smash numerous sixes and fours, before holing-out on the boundary for 74.

Despite the worst that the weather can fling at us. the start of the 2005 season has been encouraging. Unbeaten in the first two games, having forced the draw against Dunecht and a strong Mannofield team suggests that we have turned the corner.

Curling Undoubtedly the highlight of this year was the opening of the new Curling Rink near Woodend Hospital. Thanks to the enormous efforts of a steering committee chaired by George Stevenson. Aberdeen and the North East now has a world class facility. Over the next year, there will be a number of prestigious tournaments staged in Aberdeen and I would encourage anyone interested in Curling to visit the rink and view the competitions.

Meantime the small but keen band of curlers flying the FP banner continue to enjoy the company of the Rubislaw team for our weekly competitions. This year it was the turn of Geddie Hay's team to be the leading players in both the winter and spring leagues.

There is an increased emphasis on coaching at the new facility. Anyone interested in trying the sport under well qualified coaches should contact me for further information.

We are also keen to recruit more players at all skill levels.

Golf The Section had a successful season in 2004 with two outings to Braemar, Ballater (for the 57th consecutive year) and the usual weekend outing to Taymouth Castle. Competition for the various trophies remains as keen as ever, but special mention must be made of John Cradock's tremendous achievement in winning the Russell Henderson Trophy for the three best scratch scores at the grand old age of three over level fours. He first won the Trophy in 1970.

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Former Pupils' Club Section Shot of the year was played by the retired Professor of Forestry, Hugh Miller (a.k.a.

Hugh the Tree). for his hole-in-one at the l0th at Taymouth. Was it with a tree-iron ?

Normal service returned at Banton when we lost in round 2 to Old Pocklingtonians, after a splendid dinner the night before. We really must learn to drink better.

Men's Hockey The past 1st XI season has been one of transition. There has been an injection of younger talent, and the only way these younger players can gain experience is by getting games at this level. Our average age has now dropped from over 30 to under 25. which is a good sign for the future of the team. With this change in age and experience in mind. our season has ended with us in sixth position in National League 3. an average, and not too uncommon, position for our 1st XI to be in at the end of recent seasons. We took points off all hut two teams — the league winners and the runners-up. Inconsistency was our main problem, but this should become less so as players become used to the requirements of National League hockey. Of the 18 matches played, we won 8. drew 2 and lost 8 so that we finished on 26 points.

In the knockout competitions we were beaten convincingly by Grange in the Scottish Cup. However, we reached the quarter-final of the Scottish Plate only to be beaten 5-4 by our local rivals. Granite City Wanderers. Next season bodes well, and if we can achieve consistency then I have no doubt we will be at the top end of the league.

The 2nd XI has had a good 2004/2005 season. They were competing for the Regional League title until the last couple of weeks of the season, when results and player availability came back to haunt them. With the 1st XI giving youth a chance, more experienced players have dropped down a level and have boosted the 2nd XI's standing in this league. At the end of the season they finished in fourth place, which was a great improvement on one from bottom last season. To put this into perspective. the other top 2nd XI teams in this league all have a greater level of talent to call upon. as their 1st XIs compete in National League I. two leagues above our I sts. In the cup competition the 2nd XI reached the Quarter-finals of the District Cup and were beaten by Western 2's. The 2nd Xl was awarded the Stronachs Cup at the AGM as the most improved Grammar hockey side.

The 3rd Xl has the unfortunate news to announce that the final fixture in District League 1 having been played the result is relegation to District League 2 on goal difference. This has been an up and down season, with great results against Gordonians 3rds but slipping up against the not-so-fancied teams in the league. We finished sixth in the league after playing all our fixtures. but due to a 'hrainwave' by North District the two District leagues were split into three pools and one more round of fixtures was played.

After finishing fourth in this pool this has meant that we are relegated to the league below.

Petanque The annual dinner, held in the Club Centre, was the usual epicurean delight, with food provided by the new Centre caterers.

June. as usual, saw the 2204 Summer Solstice Singles, in which Ronnie Comber emerged as the winner.

The results of the Club Championships, held in August, were as follows: • Singles Dick Cradock Doubles Ronnie & Ayron Comber Triples Not played New members for the Section arc always welcome. The Piste can be made available for private parties during barbecues, but prior arrangements for this must be made.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Rugby Senior Team Performance Following our very successful league season last year. when we finished in 3rd place in Premier Division I. this season has been one of mixed fortunes and we eventually finished in 6th place.

Unlike last season, where we started with a series of good wins and topped the league. this season was the complete reverse where we lost six out of our first seven games, leaving us firmly at the bottom of the table. A corner was eventually turned with a hard-fought. if unglamorous. win at Gala which saw the team go on to win eleven out of their next twelve games (including two cup ties). At that time a top-3 finish in the league was still a possibility, however successive losses in the latter part of the season to Melrose, Hawick and Watsonians, all of whom we had beaten earlier in the season, saw us drop out of contention for a top flight finish.

The highlights of the league season were excellent wins over Melrose (32-8) and Hawick (53-12). both at Rubislaw. and Watsonians (39-14) and Heriots. both in Edinburgh. particularly memorable being the match at Goldenacre which we won 51-34, scoring seven tries in the process.

During the season we have used 32 players in league games compared with a staggering 49 players in the previous season. The top try scorers were Rod Seib with eleven and Grant Strang with nine. The top points scorer was Keith Oddie with 138 points, which is incredible given that he has not played due to injury since 20th November. Keith was still the sixth top points scorer in Premier I this season.

In the Cup we had good victories over Livingston (a). Highland (a). Heriots (h) and Currie Our Cup (a) in the Quarter-final, only to fall to Dundee in the Semi-final at Mayfield. run promised so much with an appearance in the Final a distinct possibility. however again this was not to be our year and we all felt keen disappointment. Last season our cup run ended in the Quarter-final at Mansefield. and this season it ended in the Semi final at Mayfield. What chance Murrayfield next season??

In an almost mirrored performance to that of the 1st team, the 2nd XV started poorly, losing six of their first seven games. However, with much hard work and application the lads eventually got their act together and retrieved the situation with a number of good wins over opposition who had beaten them earlier in the season. eventually finishing in the top half of their league.

During this season we have used approximately 55 players in the two senior teams, compared with 75 or so last season.

Notable Achievements Congratulations arc due to Ben Prescott, who recently signed professional terms with the Glasgow Warriors: to David Millard on selection for the Scotland Sevens team in Wellington, NZ; to Stuart Corsar and Grant Strang. who were both selected for the Scotland Under-21 squad (the best 6 Nations Championship on record): to Time Jericevich on selection for the Scotland Sevens squad at the Youth Commonwealth Games in Australia. Scotland Under-I9s and the FIRA World Cup in Durban. SA.: to Moray Low and Stuart Corsar, who represented Scotland in the Under-21 World Cup tournament in Argentina where Scotland finished 6th - the highest placed team from the Home Nations, and special congratulations arc due to Stuart Corsar on being elected the Scottish Under-21 Player of the Year.

Mini / Midi Section The Mini / Midi section continues to thrive and currently has around 140 players at the various age levels registered with the club. A special mention to the Sts who performed particularly well in the National competition in which they lost out in the semi-finals to

72

Former Pupils' Club Section Stewart% Melville Lions, the eventual winners of the final at Murrayfield.

Youth Section (U-I.5/16/18s) The Youth Section have around 80 players registered with the Club. The U-I5s have had a steady season, wining 50% of their league games and finishing in 8th position in the Caledonia league. The U-16s have again done very well this season, winning nine of their eleven league games and finishing third in their league. Having both been knocked out of the Cup in the earlier rounds, both the U-15s and U-16s went on to win their respective Caledonia Bowl competitions.

This season saw the rebirth of our U-18 side which was based on the successful U-16 side from last season. As most of the boys were U-I7 we opted for them to play in the North Development League for a season, and it is pleasing to record that they went on to win that league and will now compete in the Caledonia Premier League next season. Also this season, our U-18s squad won the Aboyne Sevens, winning all their group games and going on to heat Perthshire in the Semi-final and the favourites, Stirling County, 14-12 in a keenly contested Final. Congratulations are due to the lads and their coaches on a very successful season.

Junior Section Generally With over 200 playing members at the various age-group levels, the Junior Section is very much an integral part of this Club and of its future in Scottish Rugby. We must ensure that the Section continues to develop, that playing standards are increasingly improved to allow us to compete successfully, not only within Caledonia but nationally, and to take the potential "stars of tomorrow" and make them into the "stars of today".

Haffiburton Rugby Academy In May 2004 we introduced six new recruits into the Academy. namesly lane Jericevich (U- l 9), Philip Pearce (U-19), Ben Green (U-17). Andrew Foreman (U-17), Eoin Robertson (U-17) and Patrick Maughan (LI- I 6). They were joined in September by Fraser Rankine (U-20). Andrew, Eoin and Patrick are all Grammar School pupils.

Leavers Some of our players are moving on after this season, or later in the year, to further their own careers. Among those leaving are Dan Teague. Shane Arnold, Joe Dunn, Chris Allan, Mark McLean and Tim Dinnen. all of whom have been tremendous in their commitment and service to the Club. We would like to thank them all for their dedication over their period with us and wish them all the very best for the future.

Annual Dinner The annual dinner was held on 6 May and was attended by around 140 members and guests. The assembled masses were thoroughly entertained by guest speaker Peter C. Brown, the former Scottish Captain and currently an executive member of the SRU Board.

Vote of Thanks Our thanks go to all our coaches and managers throughout the Section for their work over the past season. They have further developed their sides and have helped us to maintain our status as one of the top Clubs in Scotland.

Coaching Recruitment Again this year the Rugby Section is currently looking for more coaches and managers, particularly at Under 18 and 2nd XV level. Anyone willing to become involved or wishing more information on the subject should please contact either Brian Clark (tel.

01224 586106) or Damian Reidy (tel. 01224 329248).

73

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Swimming The Swimming Section has managed to continue throughout the last session, meeting at the School Pool on Tuesdays from 7 — 9 p.m. We have been able to retain this slot for the forthcoming season. but our finances would benefit from input from new members — so where are you?! Children are welcome in the first hour but must be accompanied by an adult paid-up member who must be responsible for their child(ren)'s care while using the pool.

The social element of the evening. after the swimming has finished. continues at the Club Centre.

The Section Office Bearers remain as follows: President — Peter Robertson Treasurer — Gordon Ink son Secretary — Angus Thompson Please contact any of the above via the Club if you would like more information. The Swimming Section has been running for the past forty years and needs your support now!

Women's Hockey Season 2004-2005 was one which will be forever remembered for the opening of the astroturf at Rubislaw Playing Field. For the first time in over fifteen years our 1st XI was able to host a true home tie again. The pitch is simply fantastic and the players cannot thank all those who made it a reality enough for all their efforts. The Club continues to grow and is thriving on its new pitch. The AGSFP Ladies now have the grand total of more than sixty registered players — the most in the history of the Club.

The girls, as ever, have a few people to thank for their efforts over the season. In particular thanks go to Richard Wallis for his exceptional umpiring efforts. By our reckoning this has been the nineteenth season that Richard has umpired for the Club, and just to say 'thanks' is simply not enough in his case. Thanks also go to Scott Forsyth for the time he gives us to assist with coaching. Thanks to all those others who umpired for the girls, in particular Chris Johnson. Robert Bruce and Brian Fitzpatrick. Quite literally. without their support the matches would not be possible. Also thanks to Steven Allen for his pre-season fitness sessions. The girls are already looking forward to next season's jogging boxes!

This season will also be remembered as one where two of the team Captains were non-playing for the majority of the season - one through injury. the other through pregnancy. Four of the girls got married (two of them to gentlemen from the Men's Section!). there was another inter-club engagement. and there were two births. On a sad note, Club members were devastated by the loss of one of our members. Aiken Pope, one of our third team regulars, lost her battle with cancer. Aileen is missed greatly by all those who knew her.

On the playing front, the 3rd XI had a thoroughly enjoyable season. Their team spirit was, as ever, second to none in the whole district. The team was a real mixture of schoolgirls and adults retuming to hockey, as well as some adults with little or no previous experience. The benefit of playing and training on the same surface was noticeable as the results improved as the season progressed. On many occasions the majority of the team on the pitch was aged under sixteen. These girls are really seeing the improvement in their game when they go back and play hockey for the School. Some of the girls will hopefully be pushing for places in the 1st and 2nd XIs next season.

Results: Played 17 Won I Drawn 3 Lost 13 Goals For 7: Goals Against 58: Goal Difference -51: Points 6 The 2nd XI had another really tough season, facing the might of North District Division One. Although they faced relegation at the end of last season, due to some re-

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Former Pupils' Club Section organising of the leagues they were offered a place in Division One again. After much soul-searching, and to their credit, they decided to give Division One another go. The team lost their Captain to injury before the leagues commenced, but they battled on and They did gave some of the teams at the top of the league a real run for their money. finish at the foot of the table but certainly did themselves justice on the pitch even if the final results did not quite go their way.

Played 20 Won 0 Drawn 3 Lost 17 Results: Goals For 9: Goals Against 78; Goal Difference -69: Points 3 The 1st X1 found themselves battling at the other end of Division One. They lost a couple of players from the previous season, and through the early part of this season had quite a few regulars unavailable for a few games each. Those who stepped up to help did a great job, and the team recovered from some early disappointing results to storm up the table to finish in third place at the end of the season. In the Scottish District Cup, the 1st XI made it to the semi-final stage again, when they were beaten by the eventual champions. Another good season for all, and now with Rubislaw available for home games the girls are hoping to raise their game again and challenge for the title next season.

Results: Playix.1 20 Won 14 Drawn 0 Lost 6 Goals For 49: Goals Against 21: Goal Difference 28; Points 42 The Club entered two teams in the indoor leagues again this year. The first team were runners up in their league yet again! This has been the all too familiar story in the last few seasons. Next year. they will be going out to get the title. The second team enjoyed their indoor experience too. Several of our outdoor players played their first ever indoor matches and did well, given the fact that the games are very different. It is hoped to organise some pre-season indoor training for the coming season to try to make sure that everyone is ready for the matches.

Socially the club continues to top the leagues! The gatherings this season have been as successful as ever and once again the girls have been geld supporters of the Club Centre. Hopefully next season will see them more responsible for their match times. which should present more opportunities for using the facilities at 86 Queens Road.

Finally, a big thank-you to all the players and supporters who volunteer to coach, umpire, organise matches, give lifts, arrange umpires, keep the books, arrange pitches and carry out all the other thankless tasks that need to be taken care of to keep the club functioning — you all know who you are, and the girls are forever in your debt for your efforts.

As ever, new members arc very welcome - even if you have not played for years or have never played hockey before — for further information please contact: Emma Mair Helen Bruce

01224 313386 01224 561865

Club Secretary Club President

Social Events Dinner Dance The Dinner Dance was held on 29 October 2004 at the Queen's Hotel, Aberdeen. The date clashed with the Glasgow Centre Dinner and it was also the same week-end as the opening of the new all-weather hockey pitch at Rubislaw, but despite these factors the function was well attended. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous spread which gave them energy for the dancing which was to follow. Graham Geddes and his hand provided the music and were very well received. There was music to suit all tastes, ages and dancing styles. There were Scottish dances, waltzes, foxtrots, popular songs, jazz and, by special request, some Neil Diamond numbers! This was the highlight of the evening for the (by that point) fairly well-oiled Hockey Section, who were delighted when Graham took to the centre of the dance floor,

75

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine surrounded by the guests, and sang his rendition of 'Sweet Caroline'. which has become something of an anthem for the hockey crew. Suffice to say that it was a very successful and enjoyable evening, and hopefully there will be as good (or even better) a tum-out on II November when the 2005 dinner dance is to take place.

Annual Dinner The Annual Dinner, which was attended by about 140 members and guests (a number akin to last year) was held at the Queen's Hotel. Aberdeen on Friday 4 March 2005. As usual. the Head Boy and Head Girl were present and took a part in the formalities of the evening.

A welcome departure from the normal routine was the presence (at their own request) of a party of eight Year 6 pupils, while a further encouraging sign was the presence of a table of twelve of the Club's youngest members.

The President. Mr Ian McLeod. was in the chair and presided over the proceedings with a blend of good humour and charm. Nine of the Club's Honorary Vice-Presidents were present as well as the Presidents of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Centres. It was good to welcome the Secretary of the Canadian Centre. who chanced to be visiting, and he was not alone as Peter Edwards from Calgary was also present. Representatives from local FP Clubs and Associations were with us as usual. We welcomed our new Rector, Graham Legge to his first Club Dinner (although he had already been at the Yorkshire and Glasgow Centre dinners) and the new Headmaster of Robert Gordon's College was also experiencing his first social encounter with FPs. The principal toast. to the School and the Club, was proposed by Principal Duncan Rice. of Aberdeen University. The Rector, replying for the School. expressed his pleasure at taking up his post and reported on aspects of the School's successes in the academic and sporting fields. He commented. with modest pride, on the continuing distinctions being earned by the School's young debaters.

The President, replying for the Club, spoke of the satisfaction which he had derived from his year in office, which had passed at lightning speed, and echoed the comments of other Presidents at the enthusiasm of those who keep the various activities of the Club. both at home in Aberdeen and in the Centres, running smoothly. He had been especially pleased to be able to attend the Canadian Centre annual re-union weekend which he had found to be a marvellous experience.

Jock Hendry presented an inscribed Quaich to past Rector Bill Johnston in recognition of his seventeen years in office as Honorary President of the Club. In acknowledging. Bill commented on his pleasure at being back among FP friends, in whose company he always felt at home.

The formal proceedings ended with a vote of thanks to the President for his chairmanship and to Brian Fitzpatrick for his organisation of an excellent evening. The reluctance of many to leave what had been a most enjoyable function was very noticeable.

The following FPs attended the Dinner (in order of entering School): J.R.S. Ines (1923-35). SL. Henderson (1932-38). A. Stuart (1932-45), AJ.K. Monro (1933-46), B.K. Crookshanks (1934-46), M.R.A. Roe (1934-45), W. Wood (1937-48). W.D. Brooker (1938-50). J.W.Cradock (1940.46). R.H.W. Cradock ( 1940-51). D. Kelly (1940-49). H G. Roe (1940-52). H.B. Paterson (1941-50), J.M. Jeffrey (1942-57). AJ.M. Miller (194255), W.B. Brown (1943-57). A.H. Cairns (1943-56). HAS. Hamilton (1943-56). J.Y.L. Hay (1943-55), A.K.G. Paterson (1943-56). A.K.Campbell (1944-53), A. Cromar (194450) G. Cruickshank (1944-54). E. Grieve (1944-50). J.P. Jeffrey (1944-59). R.F. Tyson (1944-49). A.E. McDwain (1945-51). W.M. Murray (1945-54). B.P. Lenman (1946-56).

J.B. Davidson (I947-60), G.M. Lees (1947-55), M.L. Wolkoff (1947-59). N. Edward (1948-55). R.W. Grant (1948-61), D.R. Kynoch (1948-56). F.K.S. Lawson (1948-61).

W.L. Sleigh (1948-55). H.A.B. Will (1948-62). J.D. Aberdein (1949-55). GJ. Collier

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Former Pupils' Club Section (1949-56), C.D. Rice (1949-60), D. Bremner (1950-56), NJ. Horne (1950-56). A.D. Milne (1950-58). G.G. Milne (1950-61), SJ.C. Esson (1951-64). J.F. Hendry (1951-65), I.H. McLeod (1951-55). M.B. Colvin (1951-65). H.E. Morrison (1951-65), R. Gray (195165). D.G. Ness (1951-56), D.K. Yule (1951-65). N.M. Borthwick (1952-65). I. Douglas (1952-57), M.L. Vicca (1952-56), J. Leiper (1953-59). J.C. Lyon (1953-59), P.G. Edwards (1956-64), J.H. Gauld (1956-62). K.G. Jones (1957-66), F.I. Lloyd (1958-65). M.A. Batchelor (1959-65). B.M. Drummond (1959-65). N.K.B. Edwards (1959-64), J.G. Hannah (1959-71). J. Lawson 11959-61), D.F. Leighton (1959-72), D.N. Yule (1960-66).

M. Copland J. Main (1961-63). R.L.C. Dargie (1964-73). P.M. Robertson (1967-73), (1968-7 1), D.G. Moir (1969-75), AJ. Thompson (1969-75). D.A. Harley (1974-80). I. Taylor (1974-80). M.K. Daniel (1975-81), B.I. Fitzpatrick (1978-81), G.K. Crookshanks (1979-85). L. Mandcrs (1979-85), D.M. Watson (1979-85). L. Mitchell (1985-90), G.M. Inkson (1986-92). J.F. Brown (1988-94). N.M. Fox (1988-94), M. Wisely (1988-94), D. Bridgeford (1996-02), L.S. Morrison (1996-02), N. Stott (1996-02), A. Weddell (19964)2).

R. Annand (1998-04), M. Ingram (1998-04). G. Jamieson (1998-04). C. Law (1998-04), M.U. Lloyd (1998-041.1. Lumsden (1998-04). A. Phillips (1998-04), A. Russell (1998-04).

In addition to the Rector. G. Legge. former Rector WJ. Johnston, and former Staff members A.L. McCombie and I.T. Stephen were present.

F.P. Club Membership Subscription Rates The Executive Committee carried out a thorough review of the membership structure and the relevant subscription rates in 2000. Prior to that, the last time that subscription rates had been adjusted was in 1982. and 18 years is far too long between such reviews. The feeling is that it would be sensible to review rates every 5 years although. of course. changes can be made at any time if circumstances require it.

The Executive reviewed the rates again in 2004 and hopes that this will see us through until 2009. The Life Member "Top up" — which has been hugely successful - is now £20.

The Life Fund is looking stronger, but still requires further "topping up". The £20 "Top up" works out at just £4 per year for the 5-year period 2005 to 2009 inclusive. We also draw down 5% of the Life Fund each year and this 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 £ Ill or so we receive from Annual Members, but we are 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 "Top up' scheme, which is voluntary, and the vast majority of Life Members responded very positively. I hope that we will get an even better response this time round — it is a vital part of the Club's income.

The Annual Subscription was increased last year from ft 1 to £12.50 (if paid by cheque). which is pretty well in line with inflation. We have maintained the Subscription for those who pay by Standing Order at f10. as this is so much easier to administer as well as saving hassle for those paying this way. as opposed to paying by cheque each year.

As will be seen from the details below, all other Subscriptions were left unchanged by last year's review.

Life Nlemliership: 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. £20 "Top up" every 5 years Existing Life members: Annual Membership: Ordinary Members: £12.50 by cheque or £10 if paid by Standing Order) Under-25 Members: £6 (Members must be aged under 25 on 1 January of Subscription Yearl School Leavers: School Leavers —

£5 (covers remainder of year of leaving plus 1 year) £20 (covers remainder of year of leaving plus 5 years)

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Note: School Leavers also become Members of the Club Centre when they reach the age of 18. for the same periods as defined above for their Membership of the parent Club.

Special Notes for Members over 75: All members of the FP Club become "Long Service" Members from 1st January after the year in which they reach the age of 75.

Life Members over 75 are no longer expected to make "Top up" Payments.

Ordinary (Annual) Members over 75 no longer have to pay any Annual Subscriptions.

Payment of Subscriptions: Subscriptions should be sent to the Membership Secretary, Mrs Whilma Jeffrey. who will also deal with all Membership queries, changes of address etc: Her address is: The Willows. Dalmuinzie Road, Bieldside. Aberdeen AB 15 9EB. Tel: 01224 — 867922 Email: martin.ieffrev@'btintemet.com

Donations and Bequests The Second Century Fund, set up in 2000 to finance specific projects. continues to benefit from the generosity of members making donations to the Club and last year. as will he seen from the Accounts printed elsewhere in this Magazine, the total from this source was £1.863.

Our grateful thanks go to everyone who has made a donation.

New Members of the Club — 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2005 life Member Lorna Hendry

Fred Barrett David Black Gavin Duncan

I996-O2 Annual Members 1936-41 Riccardo Marioni 1950-55 Andrew Scott 1998-03 Ronald Warman

I 995-01 1989-95 1943-54

School Leavers. 2005 Kirsty Anderson Kirsty Arthur Alison Boyd Stuart Cadger Kyle Cmmbie Peter Cross Andrew Dean Jcnni Garden Louise Hamilton

1999-05 1999-05 2001-05 1999-05 1999-05 1999-05 1999-05 1999-05 1999-O5

Nick Hearn Lyes Kennouche Alasdair Lynch Sean Maley Amy Preston Gilleon Shand Neil Shepherd David Stott Greg Wisely

1999-05 1999-05 1999-05 1999-05 1999-05 1999-05 l999-05 1999-05 1999-05

Long Service Members Last year we published the list of those members who had attained age 75 during 2003 and had therefore become Long Service Members of the Club from 1st January 2(X14. We also published again the names of our magnificent Nonagenarians. At that time there were ten of them, and now this summer an eleventh has joined their ranks. We offer congratulations to them all :Colin Jackson 1921-24 26 May, 1907 George Barton 1923-26 9 November, 1909 Alfred Raffan 1919-31 2ISeptember. 1912 Norman Clark 1919-29 13 October, 1912 Norman Beattie 1921-31 26 April, 1913

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Former Pupils' Club Section George Rickart James Mackay Fraser McLuskey Tom Hutchison Eric Cruickshank James Davidson

4 June, 1913 18 March 1914 19 September 1914 26 September 1914 14 December 1914 I I June 1915

1923-30 1919-32 1920-31 1920-31 1926-31 1926-33

The following Members of the Club reached the age of 75 during 2004 and so became Long Service Members on I st January 2005 :

John Baird Leonard Bird Harry Connochie John Cradock Alan Craig Brian Crookshanks Clifford Gillan Sandy Ireland

Life Members Bob Kcssack 1936-46 Edward MacRae 1936-46 Cameron Masson 1937-47 Bryce McLeod 1940-46 John Milne 1933-46 Tim Morrison 1934-46 James Stewart 1934-46 1942-47

1942-47 1934-47 1939-46 1937-46 1934-46 1934-47 1940-44

Annual Members Alan Lyall

James Ogilvie

1933-46

1944-47

The following members of the Club attain the age of 75 during 2005 and so will become Long Service Members on 1st January 2006:

Richard Allan Kenneth Brown William Courts Morland Craig William Craig Peter Cromar John Eddison Stewart Fowlie

Life Members Ian Fox 1937-48 John Jones 1935-47 Robert Lynch 1935-46 George MacDonald 1935-47 Dennis Ritchie 1943-48 Moray Slater 1942-48 Tim Smith 1939-48 Ronald Walker 1935.42

1939-47 1937-47 1934-47 1942-46 1943-46 1935-47 1936-43 1941-46

Peter Gordon James Hunter Jenny Archibald

Annual Members Allan Macdearmid 1939-48 William Moncur 1936-47 Donald Ilawksworth Staff

1941-48 1945-48 Staff

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

NOTES about

FORMER PUPILS Honours and Awards Order of the British Empire Hugh Wilson Taylor Barron ( 1953-60) BSc, PhD was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours list 2005 in respect of services to road accident investigation. He has been a lecturer in the department of Engineering at Aberdeen University since 1968 and is the country's leading authority in the field of road traffic accident investigation. For the past twenty years he has instructed police officers from all of Scotland's police forces on the application of maths and physics to the reconstruction of the sequence of events leading up to an accident, notably the calculation of vehicle speeds based on the physical evidence on the road surface at the scene. He regularly works with the Procurator Fiscal and provides evidence in court cases.

Member of the British Empire Derek McDonald Giles (1950-53) was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's Birthday Honours List of 2004 in recognition of his services to music. * * * * * * * * * *

William Edward Bakewell (1949-55), who has been an architect in Aberdeen since he left School, and has been a partner in Grampian Associates for the past twenty years, is now a partner in an enlarged firm of the same name following a merger with Neil Rothnie Architects. The new business aims to provide an extended range of services.

Ahmad Bhatti (1959-63), who is deputy head of operations in the city's secretariat in the Canadian capital, Ottawa, was in Aberdeen earlier this year to attend the Commonwealth Local Government Conference. It was his first visit to the city since leaving School and one of the first people he met was classmate Alan Grant Campbell (1959-65) the chief executive of Aberdeenshire Council. He visited the School and was delighted to meet up there with Russell Gray (1951-65), another contemporary.

Robert (Roy) Brown (1932-43) MB,ChB, MRCP(C), FRCP(C) who emigrated to Canada in 1952 to join the Canadian Air Force, was in Aberdeen recently when he presented a trophy to the Aberdeen University Boat Club to commemorate how he and eight others helped to revive the Club in 1949. In 1976 he was senior medical officer afloat in charge of medical rescue teams for the Sailing Olympics during the Montreal Games, and was selected as one of the bearers of the Olympic flame. The new trophy has as its centrepiece the Olympic torch which he had been allowed to keep. Dr. Brown retired in 1981 as Medical Director of the Regional Psychiatric Centre in Ontario for the Canadian Penitentiary Service.

Distinguished High Court Judge Michael Stewart Rae Bruce (1943-49) MA, LLB, LL.D, QC, who as Lord Marnoch has been a judge of the Supreme Court since 1990. has retired. Called to the Bar in 1963 he took silk in 1975 and served as an advocate-depute in the High Court in 1983-86. During his fifteen years on the bench he has been involved with several high profile cases and has

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Former Pupils' Club Section had a hand in shaping and redefining aspects of Scots criminal law. He is also an authority on salmon fishing and is an honorary vice-president of the Salmon and Trout Association.

He plans to spend much of his newly acquired free time on the banks of the Deveron in Banffshire.

Neil Keith Buxton (1948-58) MA, PhD retired at the end of August 2003 after sixteen years as Director of Hatfield Polytechnic and subsequently Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire. His retiral followed the completion of an additional new campus for the University, the De Havilland Campus, formally opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in November 2003. In March 2004 he and his wife relocated to Australia where two of their three children were already resident, one a doctor on the Sunshine Coast and the other a lawyer in Sydney. His brother Ian William Derek Buxton (1947-54), a former joint Dux of the School, lives in Brentwood, Essex.

Distinguished Academic Alistair Craig Clunas (1959-72) BA, PhD, FBA, who has been Percival David Professor of Chinese and East Asian Art at the School of Oriental and African Studies in the University of London since 2003, was last year accorded the rare distinction of becoming a Fellow of the British Academy. Most of his career has been spent with the School. apart from a year as a senior Research Fellow in Chinese Studies at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 199394 after which he was first senior lecturer and then, from 1997. Professor in History of Art at the University of Sussex.

Lindsay Diane Dron (1975-80) LL.B who has been an assistant solicitor with Aberdeen law firm Mackinnons, has been appointed an associate of the practice. She is principally involved in residential conveyancing, leasing and general property matters.

Bruce Mackenzie Drummond (1959-65) MA, BSe(Opth Optics), who has been a partner in the family business of Eddie & Drummond, opticians in Aberdeen. since 1971. retired at the end of last year.

Malcolm Duckworth (1958-60) has retired after twenty years as a teacher at Alford Academy. for most of which time he was deputy rector. He was the driving force behind the introduction of information technology to the school which became the region's leader in this field. The Academy was the first school to have a computer network and one of the first to introduce a computer-supported self-study programme for pupils. Previously he was a chemistry teacher at Kemnay and Inverurie as well as at Hazlehead Academy in Aberdeen. A former leader of Aberdeen Mountain Rescue he is still a director of Mountain Safety and Training and plans in retirement to continue instructing and guiding people in hillcraft, navigation and mountain safety. In addition he works part-time for Aberdeenshire Council doing risk assessments.

Meldruni Barclay Edwards (1946-60) BSc(Eng), MSc. who is a civil engineer with the City Council. continues to run up to thirty miles every week and plans to go on doing so. injuries permitting. for another twenty years. His 100.0(X)th mile was run at Rubislaw, where he ran his first competitive mile forty years ago, and he used the occasion to raise funds for both the School and the FP Club. An article on the event appears on page 47 of this Magazine. Mel narrowly missed out on a place in Britain's 1968 Olympic running squad.

Francois Louis Pierre Fouin (1944-47) MB,ChB, MRCGP, a retired general practitioner in the Culler area of Aberdeen, has recently published a 300-page epic, The Early Life and

8I

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Times of a Glen Tartar Evile which gives a fascinating account of his Deeside childhood. It includes a chapter on his years at the Grammar and recalls experiences from those days.

The student hardship fund at Aberdeen University benefits from every sale of the book.

Douglas Gibb Fowlie (1950-64) MB,ChB, FRCPsych is leading clinical research and trials in Grampian into a new drug developed by TauRX Therapeutics, a spin-off company of Aberdeen University. It is hoped that the new drug will modify the course of Alzheimer's disease. Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen and Ugie Hospital in Peterhead are the only Scottish hospitals involved in these trials which involve about 400 patients in the UK. FP Musicians Donald Hawksworth. former head of the Music Department at the School. gave a special anniversary music recital in Aberdeen's Cowdray Hall in January to mark 50 years from a performance at the same venue in 1955 when he came to the city fresh from his studies at the Royal College of Music. Violinist on this occasion was one of his former pupils from his early years at the Grammar. Brian Alfred Dargie (1953-59) and the recital included a short novelette for piano composed especially for the occasion by John McLeod (194650).

Alastair John Houlding (1976-82) is now Director of Trade and Commodity Finance for ING, the Dutch international bank.

David Charles Jaffray (1962-68) MB,ChB, FRCS, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic and District Hospital in Oswestry, has received the Silver Scalpel Award for 2005 as Surgical Trainer of the Year. The award is made by the Association of Surgeons in Training and the British Orthopaedic Trainees Association at the Royal College of Surgeons, and recognises leadership, resourcefulness, trainee development, professionalism and communication.

James Peter Jeffrey (1944-59) MSc, CEng, PEng has retired after a career of 38 years in the Aerospace and Defence Industry. Peter and his wife. Judy. have spent the last 30 years in Canada and have recently moved to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. They have three sons. Peter is a founder member and Secretary of the Canadian FP Centre. He continues to enjoy his interest in motorsport and restoring British sports cars.

Douglas Robert Kynoch (1948-56) MA has branched out into a new field of writing. Well known for his best-selling books Teach Yourself Doric and Dark- for Swots. a volume of his verse Uninvited Guests has recently been published. The inspiration for the book came from his making contact with a poetry-reading group in Aberdeen since his return to the city from Glasgow a few years ago.

Leading Churchman David William Lacy (1963-65) BA, BD, who has been minister of Henderson Memorial Church. Kilmarnock. since 1989. was inducted as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in May. Born in Inverness he spent two years at the Grammar before his family moved to Glasgow. where he completed his education at Glasgow High School. His first charge was at St Margaret's. Knightswood. He is a former convener of the Assembly Board of Practice and Procedure, was Business Convener from 2001 to 2004 and served on the new Council of Assembly. He follows in the footsteps of two other FPs, Andrew J. Milne (1844-46), Moderator in 1905-06, and Dr. J. Fraser McLuskey (192031) President of the FP Club in 1974-75 and Moderator in 1983-84.

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Former Pupils' Club Section Joseph Leiper (1953-59) was one of three 1:Ps who were recently commissioned as Deputy Lieutenants for the City of Aberdeen. He retired from the post of head teacher at Oldmachar Academy last summer. The others are Michael Campbell Hastie (1961-64). a former city councillor who continues to sit as a Justice in Aberdeen District Court, and Roy Hendry Thomson (1941-50) a former leader of the Liberal Democrat members of the City Council. Roy has recently retired as marketing director of the Aberdeen International Youth Festival. He played a major part in the establishment of the Festivals dance summer school twenty-two years ago which has been one of the major successes of this annual event.

Hannah Rachel Meredith Lemon (1993-991 has been engaged as a fundraiser for the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Research (referred to locally as the "cholera hospital") in Dhaka, Bangladesh where her husband is serving with the Department for International Development. Severe flooding in Bangladesh in the later part of 2004 brought in its wake a humanitarian disaster as waterborne diseases affected 140.000 people. The daily patient intake at the hospital more than doubled and an estimated 20 million people required food aid.

James George Lobban 11954-60) MA. principal teacher of music at Hazlehead Academy. has completed thirty-five years as conductor of the Aberdeen Bach Choir. Two years ago he was immortalised in a painting by the Dutch artist Dorien Fandieman and the painting has since been displayed in galleries across the country. The Choir subscribed to buy the painting and it was presented to James reccntlyto mark his long service.

James Fraser McLuslde (1920-311 MC, DO is one of nine former SAS members whose wartime recollections appear in a recently published book, The Originals. This gives, for the first time. in their own words, a unique inside account of the formation and baptism by fire of the Special Air Service during the Second World War. Dr McLuskey was accorded the status of 'Honorary Original' as the Regiment's Padre. a role which, while prohibiting him from carrying arms, did not stop him from being among the first of the SAS troops to parachute into occupied France. where they liaised with the French resistance movement.

Neil Mackie (1963-66), who is Head of Vocal Studies at the Royal College of Music, has recently been appointed Associate Professor to the Fine Arts Faculty at Agder University in Kristiansand, one of Norway's largest universities. The Distinctions Committee of the Royal College has also recognised his 'significant international reputation as a performer, teacher. academic and administrator'. He continues to lead the Vocal Faculty there.

Forbes Fleming McLennan (1963-76) LL.B is now a partner in the Aberdeen law firm James & George Collie following their acquisition of the practice of Cooper & Hay of which he had been a partner for many years.

William John MacRae (1993-99) graduated from Aberdeen University in July 2004 with a BSc. Honours degree in Geology. A former member of the School 1st XI he also played football for the University. After a gap year, during which he travelled extensively in Asia and Australasia, he is now settling down and looking around for a career.

His sister, Jennifer A. MacRae (1995-20011. has now graduated MA from Edinburgh this summer. with honours in Geography. Their brother. Rory C. MacRae (1999-2005). who has just left School (where he, too, was a key member of the 1st X1) is to take up a year's scholarship at Philips Academy. Andover. Massachusetts. There he hopes to follow his avid interest in football.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Norman Gray Marr (1949-55) KS1J, DipArch, FRIAS, ARIBA was invested as a Knight of the Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem (the oldest Order of Chivalry) by the Duke of Gloucester. Grand Prior of the Order, at an investiture at St James' Palace in November 2004. He holds the position of Cross Bearer and member of Chapter of the Scottish Priory of the Order. He qualified as an architect but, after only six years in the Aberdeen County Architect's Department, transferred to planning in 1967. Prior to retiring in 1992. he spent seventeen years as Director of Planning and Development for Kincardine and Deeside. He has been organist at Denbum Parish Church (formerly Gilcolmston St. Colm's) since 1956 and is a committee member of some twenty groups, local and national, dealing with such varied matters as architecture, conservation. organs, church music etc. He retired in April this year after five years as Chairman of Aberdeen Civic Society.

John Charles Alexander Michie (1944-58) BSc, CA has recently retired from the post of chairman of the hoard of Satrosphcre. the Aberdeen 'hands on' science centre.

Lucy Mitchell (1985-90) has graduated MA from Aberdeen University with honours in Psychology.

Andrew Locke Nicholson (1986-91). whose marriage is reported elsewhere in this issue, has recently been singing with Opera Australia. He has returned to the UK this summer and is at present contracted to sing in the chorus at the Royal Opera House. Covent Garden.

Alan David Pine (1961-65) worked in a number of estate agency firms before helping to set up his present company. Aberdeen Property Leasing, of which he has been Finance Director since 1986. He was President of Aberdeen St. Machar Rotary Club in 2004-05, the centenary year of Rotary. and he is a Burgess of Guild of the City of Aberdeen. His elder son Euan David Pirie (1988-94) graduated from Robert Gordon University in 1999 with a BSc. Degree in Computer Science, after which he joined IBM in Edinburgh. He is now working for them as an IT Architect in London. His younger son Nia11 Alan Pirie (1990-96) also studied at Robert Gordon University, from which he graduated in 2000 with a BA Honours degree in Accounting and Finance. In 2003 he qualified as a chartered accountant and, following a spell with Bain Henry Reid in Aberdeen. he is now an Audit Supervisor with Ritson Smith.

Charles Duncan Rice (1949-60) MA, PhD, FRSE Principal of Aberdeen University. has been appointed to the committee of the Heritage Lottery Fund whose function is to protect and improve the country's built. natural and cultural heritage. He currently serves on the boards of both Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. has been a member of the council of the National Trust for Scotland, and of the Iona Cathedral Trust, and was chairman of the Newbattle Abbey Trust.

Stephen Andrew Cormack Robertson (1939-51) MA, LLB has been appointed director of the Aboyne and Deeside Festival. Established in 1990. the Festival is based principally at the Deeside Theatre in Aboyne, and over the years has attracted top names from the world of show-business, and in turn thousands of visitors.

Sebastian Ashley Sam Rochford (1985-91). who has been enjoying success as a jazz drummer, won the rising star category at the Radio 3 Jazz Awards in London last year. He appeared at the Glastonbury Festival with the hand Menlo Park and also leads his own band. Polar Bear.

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Former Pupils ' Club Section Jonathan William Rowson (1989-95) BA. last year became the first Scot to win the British chess championship in more than fifty years following a gruelling II-day schedule at the championships in Scarborough in August 2(04. An Aberdonian was the last Scot to win. in 1946. A graduate of Oxford University with a degree in politics, philosophy and economics he is a professional chess player and is the author of a number of books on the game. He became a grand master on winning the Scottish chess championship in 1999. He has recently completed a post-graduate course in philosophy at Harvard University.

Head Boy to Golfer Colin W. Shaw 41997-031. who was Head Boy in 2002-03. has been taking the golf world by storm. In 2004 he was the youngest in living memory to win the Royal Aberdeen club championship. which probably means the youngest ever. A couple of months later he won the Aberdeen Quaich Tournament and, as will be seen in the Glasgow Centre report elsewhere in this Maga:ine, he was the winner of the Mor Brown Trophy at the annual Edinburgh/Glasgow Fl' golf outing at Tulliallan — again the youngest winner to date. Colin is studying accountancy and economics at Aberdeen University and plays for the University golf team.

Arthur David Stewart (1963-76) who is a sports studies degree co-ordinator at Aberdeen University, and whose love of the outdoors knows no bounds. completed a mammoth charity climb with two friends in June last year. They climbed Ibur of the 4000ft peaks in the Cairngorms — Cairn Gorm, Ben Macdhui. Braeriach and Caimtoul. raising E2000 which was divided between the British Heart Foundation and a new Episcopal church at Westhill. near Aberdeen.

Scott Crichton Styles (1972-78) who is a senior law lecturer at Aberdeen University, was the joint composer of a new Christmas carol commissioned for the University choir which had its premiere last Christmas. The piece was described as "a tuneful and exuberant celebration of Christmas cheer, very much based on the style of the traditional carol with a few modem twists".

Cohn Robert Sutherland (1947-60) BSc, CEng, MICE, managing director of Mansell. the main contractors in the Rubislaw project, kept an especially eagle eye on the progress of work on the new all-weather hockey surface as it was brought into being last summer. It was good to have an FP in such a key position.

David Gordon Sweeney (1966-72) BSc, who has been director of Information Services at Royal Holloway College of London University since 1991. was last year appointed VicePrincipal of the College. It was said of him then that - having worked at Royal Holloway since 1991. he brings senior management expertise as a nationally renowned leader in the IT field and past experience of working in two research institutes" to his new post.

Leading Medical Academic Alexander Allan Templeton (1953-63) MB,ChB, MRCOG, Regius Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Aberdeen University. has been elected President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. He had, for the past six years. been secretary of the College. He has served in the past as a member of the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority dealing with the often complex legal and ethical issues which arise in this field of medicine.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Neil George Thornton (1988-94). Head Boy of the School in 1993-94. who formerly managed one of Aberdeen's most popular clubs, recently set up with a colleague a new record label, Hijacked Records, and is working to establish it as a key player in the music industry. The label features a diverse range of talented bands and. Hijacked having become a respected name in both Glasgow and Aberdeen, the aim is now to build up a following throughout the UK. lain Wares (1941-52) writes, having read with sadness of the death of Dallas Allardice. to recall that 'Daily' was his swimming instructor who, in 1952, helped him gain the Bronze Medallion of the Royal Lifesaving Society and later the Bronze Cross. becoming the first Grammar boy to win this award. Lain also mentions that, as FP Club Consul in Corsica, he is always on the look-out for FPs passing through and would be happy to welcome them.

Ronald Warman (1942-54), who emigrated to South Africa in 1954 aged 14, qualified as a mechanical draughtsman and worked for a time on the design of specialised locomotives.

He returned to the UK and served as an Engineer Officer in the Merchant Navy for several years. He later moved to New Zealand where he set up his own company offering design and drawing services to a variety of industries. He then changed to engineering sales and marketing. and held posts as senior sales engineer and later sales and marketing manager.

In 1978 he set up Byron Machinery Co. representing a number of American and German manufacturers in the field of power transmission. Twelve years later he sold the company and moved to Australia where he was admitted as a member of the Australian Institute of Management. In 1999 he again started his own company located south of Sydney close to Botany Bay. and represents manufacturers of power transmission and materials handling equipment from USA. Germany and Italy. While in South Africa he tried to play rugby but found the standards there higher than his body could physically endure, so took up hockey instead and played at representative level for East Rand.

Alexander F. Wyllie (1960-62) QC, who was called to the Scottish Bar in 1978 and took silk in 1991. was earlier this year appointed to be a Senator of the College of Justice.

Marriages Findlay (1990-96) — At King's College Chapel. Aberdeen on 6 August 2004 Gordon Russell. elder son of Mr & Mrs Roy Russell. Drimnin. Argyll to Shona Lyon Findlay. only daughter of Mr & Mrs David Findlay. 33 Harcourt Road. Aberdeen Meston (1975-80) — At Corgarff Church on 30 October 2003 John Monro Meston. younger son of Prof & Mrs Michael C. Meston. 4 Hamilton Place. Aberdeen to Helen Burton. daughter of Mr & Mrs Malcolm Burton. Wells. Somerset Millington (1999-2001) — At Drumtochty Castle, Auchenblae on 21 May 2005 Benjamin Christopher Johnson. son of Mr & Mrs Ben Johnson. 299 North Deeside Road, Cults to Sophie Anne Hughes Millington. elder daughter of Mr Trevor Hughes and of Mrs Sue Millington. Aberdeen Nicholson (1986-91) — At Hunter Valley. Australia on 23 July. 2004 Andrew Locke Nicholson. son of Mr & Mrs J. Locke Nicholson, 40 Norfolk Road, Aberdeen to Sally Beerworth, Sidney. Australia Ramsay (1981-87) - At Summerhill Parish Church, Aberdeen on 13 November. 2004 Brian Bisset. son of Mr & Mrs Patrick Bisset, Aberdeen to Fiona Mary Margaret Ramsay. daughter of Mr & Mrs Charles Ramsay. 68 North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen

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Former Pupils' Club Section Robb (1981-87) — At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen on 21 May 2005 Sandy Menzies, son of Mr & Mrs Will Menzies, Dunnet, Thurso to Tracey Jayne Robb, younger daughter

of Mr & Mrs Arthur Robb, 31 Queen's Den, Aberdeen Shirriffs (1980-85) — At Glen Tanar Ballroom, Aboyne on 14 May 2005 Brian John Shirriffs, son of Dr George Geddes Shirriffs (1947-57) and of Mrs June Shirriffs. 19

Richinondhill Place, Aberdeen to Joanna Rogers, daughter of Mr & Mrs Martin Rogers, Warnham, West Sussex Wallis (1981-87) — At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen on 9 October 2004 Robert Bruce, son of Mr & Mrs Robert Bruce, 77 Martin Drive. Stonehaven to Helen Campbell Wallis. younger daughter of Mr & Mrs Richard Wallis. 124 Hamilton Place. Aberdeen

Obituaries Thomas Gordon Greig Anderson (1945-51) BSC, DipEd died peacefully in hospital in

Oban on 17 October 2004, following a long illness. He went up to Aberdeen University where he graduated in Science in 1955. National Service with the Royal Corps of Signals followed, after which he resumed his studies obtaining a degree in Education in 1958 and completing his training as a teacher. His first post was at the Gordon Schools. Huntly after which he became a teacher of science at Oban High School in 1962. remaining there until his retiral some years ago. He was for many years honorary treasurer of the Schools Shinty Association. He was unmarried.

Harold Ian Cameron Bowie (1932-37) MB,ChB died on 3 July 2004 aged 85. He graduated in Medicine at Aberdeen University in 1942 and was a house surgeon at Woodend Hospital. Aberdeen for a year. From 1943 to 1946 he served in the RAMC in various theatres, attaining the rank of Major. He was a house surgeon at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. Birmingham from 1946 to 1949 and again from 1951 to 1952. In the middle of these spells he was a surgical registrar at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham. From

1952 until his retiral in 1984 he was an assistant orthopaedic surgeon at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, and had a major role in setting up much of the Health Service in the Birmingham area.

Alan Bremner (1950-54) MB,ChB, DObstRCOG, MRCGP died peacefully at his home near Market Drayton, Shropshire at the end of May 2005 a few months after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. He was aged 69. He came to the Grammar from Kilmarnock Academy at age 14 and in 6th Year was a Prefect. Captain of Hockey with full colours.

Captain of Tennis and President of the Rambling and Mountaineering Club. He graduated in Medicine from Aberdeen University in 1960 and after the usual hospital posts became a trainee GP in Peebles and an assistant at Kemnay before lecturing in Edinburgh for four years. He then joined a practice in Market Drayton in 1968 where he remained until retiring in 1995. He continued to work for Shropshire Health Authority for a time and also acted as a locum in Dover. Tasmania. He is survived by the two daughters of his first marriage, seven grandchildren and twin great-grandchildren, and by his second wife.

Barbara.

CA died peacefully in hospital in Aberdeen on 9 July 2004. after a long illness, aged 66. He served his apprenticeship as a chartered accountant with James A. Jeffrey & Co. and qualified in 1964. He then worked as chief accountant with a number of businesses in Aberdeen. among them Sunblest

Clifford Adam Duffus Cruickshank (1945-55)

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Bakeries. RHM Agriculture and Wm. Tawse Ltd. He retired in 1993 to pursue his interests in howling, music and wine. He was always a keen and accomplished golfer. While still at School he twice won the North-East Boys' Championship, in 1953 and 1954. Five years later he was the first player to win both the Aberdeen Quaich title and the Links Championship in the same year. He played for Caledonian. Murcar and Deeside Golf Clubs, but was eventually compelled by ill health to give up the game, taking up instead bowling at both Cults and the Aberdeen Indoor Bowling Club. and he played for the County in both indoor and outdoor events.

He is survived by his wife Aileen and two brothers, one of whom is Dr Leslie Duffus Cruickshank (1938-40. 1945-49).

Jame McNeill Dickson (1933-45) died peacefully at his home in Aberdeen on 15 April 2004 aged 76. Known by everyone as 'Neill' he was actively involved with the Army Cadet Force while at School. serving as Keith Platoon Sergeant for a time. On leaving, he joined the family business of fish merchants in Aberdeen. He remained associated with the industry for the rest of his life. Predeceased by his wife, he is survived by two daughters and four grandchildren.

Glasgow Centre Secretary Basil Duncan Dean Emslie (1929-35) OStJ. TD, JP died peacefully in a hospice near his home at Milngavie, Glasgow on 19 March 2005 after a long illness, aged 87. He joined Scottish Oils & Shell Mex Ltd in Aberdeen on leaving School. In 1937 he enlisted in the Territorial Army and was commissioned in the Royal Artillery. Mobilised on the outbreak of War in 1939 he served in various theatres of operations. including Sicily. Italy and Greece. He contributed an article to the Magazine of July 1945 on an operational parachute drop over France. He was demobilised with the rank of Major in 1946, but continued to serve with 280 Field Regiment R.A. (TA). He was awarded the Territorial Decoration in 1951.

His career with Scottish Oils continued and from 1946 he was working under the Petroleum Board in Glasgow. later having responsibility for the Fife and Edinburgh areas and in the mid-50s becoming their retail marketing instructor, tasked with improving the service provided to customers of Shell-Mex and BP by their garages. From 1980 he was director of the Engineering Industries Association in Scotland, whose membership he succeeded in increasing from ten in 1980 to 225 nine years later. He was responsible for setting up trade exhibitions world-wide, including the USA and Japan. He retired in 1993.

He was an active Rotarian. served as President of the Glasgow Club in 1965-66, led an exchange visit by a study team to Michigan. and in 1994 became a Paul Harris Fellow.

Other interests included bowling. curling, golf and bridge and his military background led to involvement with the Airborne Association, the Royal Artillery Association and the 51st Highland Division Club. He served as a Justice of the Peace and was active in Killearn Kirk. He was for twenty years a serving brother of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. and in June 2004 was invested as an Officer of the Order, which he regarded as a singular honour.

In FP circles. Basil's claim to fame lies in his tireless work for the Club's Glasgow Centre, with which he had been associated since joining its committee in 1946. He was Secretary and Treasurer of the Centre for several years from 1948 and was twice President. The Centre fell on hard times in the late 60s and 70s, but Basil and his close friend the late Andrew McLaren teamed up to bring about its revival in 1983, since when the Centre and Basil have been synonymous. His enthusiasm for the FP Club and for its Glasgow branch in particular was legendary as was his generosity as a host to those attending functions arranged by the Centre. He was regularly in attendance at the Dinners of other Centres and this year's Aberdeen Dinner, just a t0rtnight before his death, was the first he had missed

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Former Pupils' Club Section for many years. His special contribution to the affairs of the FP Club was recognised at the AGM in 1999, when he was specially elected to the office of Honorary Vice-President of the Club.

Basil's first wife died several years ago and sadly, having found deserved happiness in a second marriage, he was again bereaved. He is survived by his daughter Diane and by three grandchildren.

Roderick William Grassick (1938-46) died in hospital in Aberdeen, after a short illness on 31 December 2004. He was aged 71. He left School at the age of 13 and completed his education at Strathallan. He was the eldest of three brothers to attend the Grammar. Dr Kenneth Alan Grassick (1940-53). the youngest. died in 1989. The third brother, Brian Douglas Miller Grassick (1938-52) lives near Cambridge.

Ronald Thomas Hamilton (1936-50) BSc.,CEng.,AMICE died in hospital in Peterborough on 25 January 2005 aged 74. At School he was a keen and talented sportsman. playing Rugby for the 1st XV for two seasons as serum half and latterly as full hack. He also played for Dun House. He played cricket for the 1st XI, usually as wicket keeper, but was also quite useful with the bat. He was awarded Full Colours for cricket. He later played both rugby and cricket for FPs for a few years. After leaving School he went to Aberdeen University to complete the BSc course in Engineering. After graduating in 1953 he started as a Civil Engineer with Sir Alexander Gibb & Partners in Edinburgh, moving in 1955 to Garve in Ross-shire where he was involved in the construction of several Hydro Electric projects. During his spell in Garve he played cricket for Ross County. He married in 1956 and in the following year moved south to join the firm of Bolton Hennessy & Partners in London. His work with this firm took him to Ethiopia. where he was engaged in survey work for the Ethiopian Highway Project. mainly in and around Addis Ababa. On returning to the UK, he work for a time in Derby before joining The Mitchell Construction Co. in Stockton-on-Tees. He was appointed a Director of the company in 1961. His work with Mitchell's took him back to Strathfarrar in Ross-shire, for the construction of further Hydro Electric projects. When Mitchell's were taken over by Tarmac Ltd. he moved to their Peterborough office where he remained until his retirement. He lived in Stamford. to the north of Peterborough. where he had time to engage in his passion for gardening, moving latterly to Deeping St. James. a smaller village east of Stamford. Throughout his life he was an accomplished golfer and spent much of his leisure time on the nearest available course.

He is survived by his wife Mary. a son, daughter and two grandsons. His brother Henry Alan Shanks Hamilton (1943-56) is presently Vice-chairman of the Club Executive.

David Martin Jones (1937-47) MA died in hospital in Bedford on 31 December 2004 aged 72. After completing his schooling at the Royal Grammar School in Newcastle-upon-Tyne he spent his National Service with the Royal Artillery. He was granted a commission and served as an Air Observation Post officer in Germany. In 1953 he went up to Worcester College. Oxford. where he rowed for his college. He graduated in Jurisprudence in 1956.

After serving articles as a solicitor in Newcastle he took up an appointment in Sandy.

Bedfordshire in 1959. settling in Bedford where he became a partner in the firm of Batchelor. Lowther and Jones. He was a keen squash player and sailor, and was an active member of Kempston Rotary Club. He retired in 1997.

He is survived by his wife. Catherine. whom he married in 1959. a daughter, two sons and three grandchildren. He was the younger brother of John Gareth Watkin Jones (193747).

Lindsay Kilgour (1940, 1943-52) collapsed and died suddenly in Cambridge on 3 November 2004 aged 69. He was the younger son of JAMES GRAY KILGOUR (1909-16) and

89

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine a grandson of DAVID M. KILGOUR (1876-82). He was a keen member of the 1st Scout Troop, and was one of the Aberdeen representatives to the World Jamboree in Austria in the summer after leaving School. He was the first Scout in Aberdeen to become a Queen's Scout following the Queen's accession earlier that year. After studying at the Agricultural College he gained his Diploma in Agriculture before undertaking National Service in 1955 with the 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, which included a year in Cyprus. After spells in Winchester and Glasgow he joined the Agricultural Research Council in 1963. He worked at the Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetic Research at Babraham. near Cambridge until retiring in 1991. He was for many years Treasurer of the local United Reform Church. Retirement gave him more time to spend on the Saffron Walden golf course where he had played for thirty years.

Lindsay is survived by his wife, a son and daughter and five grandchildren. His elder brother is David Gray Kilgour (1938-40,1945-50).

Neil Bruce MacKinnon (1930-40) MA died peacefully in Aberdeen on 13 December 2004 after a long illness. He was aged 79. During the war he served in the navy. Married in 1955 he took up a post with McGraw-Hill Co. of Canada. based at Newmarket, Ontario and worked in both Canada and the United States. On his return to this country he studied at Aberdeen University, graduating in Arts with honours in Celtic Studies. After teacher training he taught in Aberdeen for eight years and later for a short time in Tiree. Keenly interested in Gaelic. he carried out research into the language and history of the Highlands and Islands, and especially the island of Mull from which his father hailed. He contributed several articles, based on these researches, to the Celtic magazine Gairm edited by the Professor of Celtic at Glasgow University. He also undertook translation work from German.

Neil is survived by his widow and two sons. Robert Gordon MacKinnon (1972-78) and Niall Alasdair MacKinnon (1972-74). His younger brother was Ronald Lee MacKinnon (1932-45), who died in 1994.

Douglas Keith MacTaggart (1927-39) MA, MB,ChB, DPH, MFCM died on 16 January 2004 aged 81. The son of a tea planter, he was born in Darjeeling. India. After brief service in the Merchant Service as a midshipman. he went up to Aberdeen University, from which he graduated MA in 1944 before going on to study Medicine. He involved himself in student activities, was President of the Student Representative Council in 1946.47. and played a key role in the Charities Campaign of that session. He graduated in 1949, held house physician posts in Aberdeen and trained as a general practitioner in London before taking his Diploma in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in 1952. After a short time in Lancashire he moved to the south-west of England as Medical Officer of Health for Paignton, Brixham and Dartmouth from 1954 and a similar post for Torbay County Borough from 1967 to 1974. He was District Community Physician for Torbay Health District from 1974. He retired several years ago.

His brother also attended the School - William Keith MacTaggart (1933-45).

Former Incorporated Trades Convener John (`an') Andrew Milne (1938-50) PRIGS, DipEd, FSVA, FC1Arb., died suddenly at Loch Loirston. on 28 July 2004. aged 7L He was always known as Ian, his father also being called John. While in Lower School. during the Second World War, he helped with a 'pay-as you read' magazine round, the proceeds from which were used to send parcels to prisoners of war. From School he joined the Aberdeen City Architect's Department to begin a quantity surveying apprenticeship. He qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1956.

National Service followed and he saw active service with a Works Unit of Royal Engineers in Cyprus for 20 months at the height of the EOKA troubles. On his return, he

90

Former Pupils ' Club Section continued in local government service in Aberdeen as a senior quantity surveyor until 1962 when he took up a post as a lecturer at Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology.

Prior to taking early retirement in 1989. he was a senior lecturer and course leader for the BSc degree in Quantity Surveying. Concurrently with his lecturing commitment, he was a partner in Ramsay & Partners, Quantity Surveyors. Post-retirement he continued to work on an ad hoc part-time basis with surveyors. D M Hall.

Ian was involved in numerous activities and organisations. including the Aberdeen Speakers' Club and the Rotary Club of Aberdeen, and he was a keen bowler, being a member of both Woodend and Seafield Bowling clubs as well as the Aberdeen Indoor Bowling Club. In 1979, he was admitted to membership of the Aberdeen Shoemakers' Incorporation, one of the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen. He became their Deacon and went on to hold the highest offices in the Trades as Master of Hospital and then Deacon Convenor. He was an elder of Rubislaw Parish Church and was their Fabric Convener for a number of years. He enjoyed the outdoors, and spent his leisure time hillwalking, fishing or playing sports with his grandchildren..

Ian is survived by his wife Ann. whom he married in 1962, a son and daughter and five grandchildren.

Alexander Hunter Mitchell (1949-54) died suddenly at home near Forfar on 11 October 2004, aged 67. He was the son of ALEXANDER H. MITCHELL (1913-14) who farmed at Hillend of Lownic, Forfar, and came to the Grammar, aged 12, along with his twin brother Wilson Sinclair Mitchell (1949-55). The boys lived in the Boarding House. From School he attended the College of Agriculture in Aberdeen. In 1957 he was awarded the Scottish Diploma in Agriculture and the National Diploma in Agriculture of the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland. He also received the Diploma of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. He then joined his father in the farm of Hillend which he took over on his own account on his father's death. For several years he lectured on potato diseases at Edinburgh College of Agriculture. He was interested in art, an interest shared with his wife who has a picture-framing business. He is survived by his wife and by his twin.

James Frederick Murray (1958-64) MA died at his home in Aberdeen in September 2004 aged 58. He attended Aberdeen University. graduating MA in 1969 with honours in English. After qualifying as a teacher he taught in St Andrews for four years before taking up a post as a library assistant in Dundee in 1974. He undertook a post-graduate course at Robert Gordon Institute of Technology for the Association of Library Assistants. He was appointed as a Library Assistant in Aberdeen University first in King's College and then in the Queen Mother Library. in the Bibliographic Processing Department. He also served as a Thesis Officer. He was unmarried.

James William Gorrod Petrie (1926-39) BSc(Eng), FICE died on 17 May 2004 the day after his 84th birthday. He graduated from Aberdeen University in 1948 with a degree in civil engineering. His father having been manager of the Aberdeen Harbour Board it is perhaps not surprising that he went on to spend his whole professional career with the Port of London Authority. He was a Junior and then an Assistant Engineer, before serving as a Divisional Engineer in New Works in 1962-64 and in Plans and Project Management in 1964-67. From 1967 to 1971 he was Assistant Chief Engineer (Projects). and after a year as Chief Engineer in the Upper Docks he was appointed Chief Engineer in the Authority in 1972. He retired several years ago.

Alistair Runcie Smith (1946-61) died peacefully ain hospital in Aberdeen on 17 February 2005 aged 62. He was the son of ALEXANDER RUNCIE SMITH (1922-26). After leaving School he trained as a quantity surveyor with an Aberdeen firm with whom he worked for a number of years. Thereafter he was associated for a time with the late ALISTAIR

91

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine MAITLAND (1943-52) in the business of Newstylc Products in Aberdeen. He played Rugby for FP 2nd and 3rd XVs for a few years in the '60s. He is survived by his wife. Margaret. and by three daughters and three grandsons.

John Smart Smith (1946-59) MA, PhD, FSA(Scot) died peacefully in hospital in Aberdeen on 20 October 2004 aged 63. He was the son of JOHN ADAM RITCHIE SMITH (1922-27) and the grandson of JOHN SMART SMITH (1881-87). From School he went up to Aberdeen University from which he graduated in 1963 with first class honours in Geography. He was awarded the Lyon Prize for the most distinguished Arts graduate of session 1962-63 and was also the recipient of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society's Silver Medal. He joined the staff of the University's Geography Department in 1965 as an assistant lecturer. became a lecturer in 1968 and from 1974 was a senior lecturer. He was much in demand as a speaker to a wide variety of clubs and societies, and was for nearly thirty years honorary secretary of the Deeside Field Club.

He is survived by his wife, Gillian, and by one son.

Alan Cameron Taylor (1938-41) died peacefully in Vancouver on 25 December 2004 aged 80. He was a son of JOHN CAMERON TAYLOR (1904-06), a one-time FP Club Consul who followed a career with Jardine Matheson in China and Hong Kong, where Alan was born. With his younger brother ROBIN BURNESS TAYLOR (1938-44) Alan returned from China and entered the Boarding House in 1938. After leaving School he had a spell in banking before joining the RAF, gaining his 'wings' in Canada and in 1945 transferring to the Fleet Air Arm. Demobilisation and a period in Indonesia and Hong Kong led to tuberculosis, from which he eventually recovered in a high-altitude sanatorium in British Columbia. While there he studied accountancy and property law to become qualified in due course and form his successful one-man Taylor Realty in Vancouver.

Contemporaries will recall that Robin (BSc Eng 1947). after National Service in the RAF. worked in Hong Kong for the Jardine Engineering Corporation. He joined the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force but regrettably went missing in a Spitfire Mk 18 on 18 April 1951.

Their eldest brother. Ian Bryson Taylor (193340) BSc(Eng), FICE, who was a wartime flying instructor, lives in Weybridge. Surrey.

William Robert Clyne Turner (1949-54) MB,ChB, DObStRCOG died in hospital in Calgary, Alberta on 2 April 2005 after severe respiratory disease. He was aged 67. He went up to Aberdeen University, graduating in 1960, later qualifying in obstetrics at London in 1963. He went into general practice in Aberdeen and later in Purley. Surrey and in Lincoln. He emigrated to Canada in 1967 and was in general practice in Banff, Alberta for ten years before returning for a year to Tunbridge Wells. Kent. From 1978 he was in practice in Calgary and was courtesy staff member of Rockyview and Holy Cross hospitals there. His interests included ski-ing. photography and gardening. and he was an elder of Bethany Chapel in Calgary. an independent Evangelical Church.

He is survived by his wife. Patricia. and by his son and daughter and two grandchildren.

His brother Bruce Turner (1945-51), who also worked in Canada. died some time ago.

Stanley James Watson (1949) MA, who was less than a year in the Lower School in 1949 before returning to Southern Rhodesia where his father was a missionary, died suddenly at his son's home in London on 27 April 2005. aged 66. An Arts graduate of Aberdeen University, he was a teacher of English and later principal teacher of Guidance at Ellon Academy before retiring on health grounds in 1986. He was actively involved in many aspects of Ellon community life. and was a former member of the local community council. His first wife having predeceased him he is survived by his second wife and two children.

92

Fortner Pupils ' Club Section Former Member of Staff Kenneth Douglas Henderson (Staff 1953-65) MA, DipEd died peacefully in a nursing home in Aberdeen on 27 May 2005 aged 76. He had been in poor health for a number of years. Educated at Robert Gordon's College and at Aberdeen University, where he was a member of the S.R.C. and was awarded a half blue in Badminton, he graduated with honours in English and Psychology in 1952. He trained as a teacher and obtained his Diploma in Education before joining the English Department at the School in 1953. A dedicated teacher, with a real concern for his pupils he gave freely of his time in the organisation of excursions both at home and abroad, and himself took part in these with enthusiasm and energy. He left in 1965 to take up a post us a lecturer at the Aberdeen College of Education. lie was co-editor of Education in the North. and in 1972 was recognised as a teacher for the BEd. degree at Aberdeen.

93

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Abstract of Accounts for Year ended 31 December 2004 Former Pupils' Club Income and Expenditure Account

INCOME Subscriptions Existing Members — Annual New Members — Annual & Extended Life Members Transfer from Life Members' Account Top-up Payments Donations Club Centre Members' Donations & Bequests 1.863 Less : Transfer to Second Century Fund I_,863 Interest Magazine - advertising Fund Raising — Big Draw Social Events — Surplus 703 Less : Charitable Donation — Anthony Nolan Trust 100 Share of Rent less Expenses — 1 Bayview Road

EXPENDITURE Membership Communications Newsletters — Printing, stationery & postage Printing, stationery and postage — Membership Secretary Printing, stationery & postage — Magazine Printing. stationery & postage — Club Secretary Website Operations Development & Support Honoraria Travel and accommodation Grants — Capitation to Regional Centres School — Prize-giving School — Amenities Fund School - Prefects' Badges School - Year Book Project Trust Sponsorship Accountancy Fee Special Projects: Rubislaw Redevelopment WJ. Johnston Presentation Rubislaw — Official Opening of Hockey Pitch Bank Interest paid Professional Fees & Bank Charges re Loan facilities Miscellaneous

SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR

94

2004 £

2003 £

2,191 730

2,051 1,000

817 2.472

849 2.471

3.500

3,500 (1,152) (1,152) 3.221 3390 2,638 32 2.132 21,284

3,479 4,180 2,759 603 5 004 25.735

1,479 338 4.855 450 504 3,225 568 785 87 1,300 100 250 599 3,250 363 857 3,561 225 22.796

3249 588 293 20960

2,939

324

2J346 445 4,688 506 462 3,225 1,023 710 1,200 400 50 575 1.500

-

Former Pupils' Club Section

Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2004 2004 £ 113,969

2003 £ 113,969

6015

-

425 978 50,000 59 327 110.730

163 4,647 60,000 42,154 106964

57,860 91,810 2.033 43(X) 18,585 174588

64,045 91,810 2,024 2,472 12345 ]_7.2,696

(63,8581

(65,732)

56.126

48.237

CAPITAL ACCOUNTS Life Members

15,830

16 337

REVENUE ACCOUNTS The Big Draw Second Century School Prize Fund General

5,856 7,493 6015 20.932

4,836 9,071 17,993

40,296

31,900

56.126

48.237

HERITABLE PROPERTY INVESTMENTS CURRENT ASSETS Stock Debtors Club Centre — Loan Drawdown Bank Accounts

CURRENT LIABILITIES Bank Overdraft Club Centre Loan Subscriptions in advance Life Member Top-up Payments Creditors

NET CURRENT LIABILITIES

95

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Abstract of Accounts for Year ended 31 December 2004 F.P. Club Centre Income and Expenditure Account 2003 £

£

£

BAR ACCOUNT 138 977

BAR SALES

6,613 72.019

COST OF SALES Stock on Hand at 31 December 2003 Bar Purchases

6547 66 340

6,547

Less Stock on Hand at 31 December 2004

72.887 5,602

72.085 66,892

GROSS PROFIT

11.779 2.967 (206) 2,099 3,407 323

MISCELLANEOUS INCOME Annual Subscriptions Gaming Machine Revenue (Net) Snooker and Pool Surplus from I Bayview Road Miscellaneous Income Interest Received (Net)

136.080

78,632

67,285 68,795

958 (171 4.611 2.881 240 88529

81,2td.

OVERHEAR) EXPENSES 29.245 17.956 7352 441 4,240 3.500 254 2.729 1,925 7293 2.750 5,647 I121

Wages and National Insurance Rates and Insurance Heating and Lighting Telephone (Net) Repairs and Maintenance Donation to Former Pupils' Club Other Donation Interest Payable to Former Pupils' Club Administration Expenses Cleaning Honoraria Miscellaneous Expenses Depreciation

32384 18,288 8.297 411 5.430 3500 2.811 1,386 8.110 2,750 4367 1,135

88.869

1101

(DEFICIT) / SURPLUS FOR YEAR

96

(340)

Former Pupils' Club Section

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2004 2003 FIXED ASSETS 725 6 180 6,905

91,810 6,547 5,352 31217 1 401 116 127

32.135 8.718 40.853 95.474 102 179 10.197 60 000 70,197

Furniture and Fittings Equipment

As per last Balance Sheet £ 725 6 180 6.905

Added £ 665 _ 665

CURRENT ASSETS Loan Account — AGSFP Club Stock in Hand Sundry Debtors ' Cash in Bank Cash in Hand

Depcn. £ 110 I 025 1.135

91,810 5 .602 4.477 9.663 1,109 112.66 I

CURRENT LIABILITIES Sundry Creditors Subscriptions in Advance

20270 8.449 28719 83,942 90 377

LOANS Tennent Caledonian plc AGSFP Club

8535 5(1.000 58,535 31.842

32.182

NET ASSETS

13.495

CAPITAL ACCOUNT Appeal Fund 1 Donations

13.495

SURPLUSES Amount per last B/Sheet Deficit for Year

18,687 ( 340)

18.687 32.182

£ 615 5,820 6.435

97

18,347 31.842

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EMAIL: info@esson-ca.co.uk

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