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ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL MAGAZINE

Volume 109

September 2006

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 122nd rear No. 244 (New Series 111th year No.:.

Vol 109

September 2006

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 ABI5 4EB

Secretary of the FP Club

John F. Hendry, I.L.B 36 Albyn Place Aberdeen AB IO I YF

Treasurer of the FP Club

Alan W. Marr, CA 4 West Craibstone Street, Aberdeen AB II 6Y1

Membership Secretary

Mrs Whilma Jeffrey. The Willows, Dalmuinzie Road. Bieldside, Aberdeen ABI5 9EB

The General Editor is happy to receive contributions for the next issue of the Magazine at any time before mid-May 2007

Former Pupils are encouraged to provide details about themselves or others for inclusion in the Notes Section of the Magazine Information may be sent by E-mail to briancrookshanks(a 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

Contents page School Section — Rector's Report School Office-Bearers School Prizes 2005-2006 Extra-Curricular Activities School Sports Clubs Clubs & Societies Wildlife Garden Pied Piper Productions: "The Willow Pattern" Charities Group Enterprise Education Presentation from Mile End School School Board Parent Teacher Association The Phil Love Trophy General Section 1256 and All That The Twa Gees Arthur Didn't Tell Us Former Pupils' Club Section Club Office-Bearers 2006-07 Club Consuls Annual General Meeting President's Report Presidential Profile A New Pavilion for Rubislaw Centre Reports Club Centre Canada Edinburgh Glasgow London Yorkshire Sports Section Reports Social Events — Buffet/Dance & Annual Dinner Re-Unions Club Membership Subscriptions New Members Long Service Members Notes about Former Pupils Marriages Obituaries Abstracts of Accounts

7 8 9 12 28 35 35 36 38 40 41 41 42 43 46 50 52 54 54 57 58 59 61 61 62 63 64 64 65 71 72 75 76 77 78 84 85 96

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

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Collins Halden & Burnett

Country Ways

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Flower Vogue

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Northsleep Ltd

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Head Girl and Head Boy 2005-06

Nathalie Graham and Andrew Henderson

Former Pupils' Club Section

School Section Rector's Report The new session opened in August with a school roll of 1178 pupils including a new first year group of 210 pupils. I am pleased to report that the academic attainment of pupils remains high, with the school as a whole in the top ten percent of schools in Scotland. As you will read in the clubs section of the Magazine, pupils have enjoyed a wide range of extracurricular activities achieving national success and recognition in many sports and activities. Along with architects and officers from Aberdeen City Council we have been busy planning new sports facilities. Work began on the £2.4 million school Sports Hall in early June and we expect to have full use of the excellent new hall and changing rooms by September 2007. The plans for the new pavilion at Rubislaw Field have been finalised and building work is expected to begin in January 2007. The traditional granite core of the building is to be retained and refurbished and 6 new changing rooms added to greatly improve the facilities. It is encouraging to see Aberdeen City Council investing in improved sports facilities for school and community sport. Major national reviews of Guidance and pupils' pastoral support and the introduction of the Additional Support for Learning Act led to the introduction of a revised House System. Pupil Support teams consisting of a Depute Rector, 2 Guidance Teachers and a Support for Learning Teacher have been created for 3 houses. These teams meet weekly to identify and plan the delivery of any additional support needs of pupils in the House. The structure is based on 3 Houses and not the traditional 4 of the school: Byron, Melvin and Keith & Dun House. The traditional names and house system have been adapted to meet the current needs of the school. Our house system has also been developed to encourage a wider range of inter-house activities. Traditionally inter-house activities have been almost exclusively for boys. For each house 2 captains and 2 vice captains were selected following interviews. They have responsibility for planning and organising a programme of inter-house activities both sporting and cultural. The programme of inter-house activities has improved the involvement of pupils and we plan to expand the range of competitions next session. Byron House is the winner of the new Inter-House Challenge Cup. This session a group of staff has been reviewing how the school recognises attainment and achievement. Subject prizes will be awarded to the best S5 or S6 pupil in each of the Higher Grade courses in the school. Additionally two new certificates will be awarded to pupils from first to fifth year. Certificates of Merit will go to pupils performing at a high level of academic attainment across the curriculum. Certificates of Commendation will be awarded to pupils for effort and continuous hard work and good behaviour across the curriculum. After many years, the Dux Award is to be reinstated and will be made to the academically most able Sixth Year pupil. In order that the Prize Giving can involve the whole school community, with as many pupils, staff and parents as possible, the venue will be the Music Hall. Around 240 pupils will be awarded certificates and prizes in front of an audience of 400 parents. 40 guests and all pupils. To mark the 750th anniversary of the schi:iol several events are planned. In September an invitational debate is taking place in the school with the top debating schools from across the United Kingdom being invited. A sponsored walk for all pupils and staff will be held in September to raise money for the school fund. Then, later on in the session, pupils will join Steve Robertson of "Scotland the WhatT' fame in a production in His Majesty's Theatre at the end of March. GRAHAM LEGGE

Aberdeen Grammar School June. 2006

Rector

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

School Office-Bearers Session 2005-2006

Head Boy: ANDREW HENDERSON Depute Head Boy: RICHARD DARGIE S6 Prefects: STUART A. BOTHWELL CRAIG CARROLL STUART V. CARROLL STEVEN CHRISTIE TOM FORREST CRAIG HAMILTON JOHN McCAULAY GRAHAM McKAY SAMUEL McLAY BARRY MITCHELL JAMES SINCLAIR RALPH R. THOMPSON WILLIAM S. R. THOMSON MARK J. WEBSTER MILES WOOD

Si Prefects: JEREMY COLEMAN JOHN DARGIE JAMES LINDSAY CHRISTOPHER McKIE PATRICK MAUGHAN GORDON RUSSELL GORDON SMITH

NATHALIE GRAHAM Head Girl: JENNIE LOVE Depute Head Girl:

CLAIRE ANDERSON KIRSTY J.. BALLARD CORINNE BODDY CLAIRE CONNELLY AENEA HENDRY ZOE HENDERSON QUEENIE HENN EMILY HUNTER KIM LAMZA EMMA LI YAN HUI STEPHANIE LLOYD JENNY McARTHUR FIONA MACNEIL REBECCA MORRIS LAURA MURPHY LINDSEY ROBINSON KATY ROY SARAH RUDDY TARA SCHWELM LAURA SCLARE AMY STEPHEN

LINDSEY ARTHUR ALYSON BOYD LOUISA BUTLER HELEN CLUNAS GEMMA DEAN CATRIONA DICK BEVERLEY DUNCAN CIARA DUTHIE MAXINE HAMILTON LUCY HARRINGTON SORCHA HUME TOME LEVI KAREN LITTLE KIRSTY LYNCH AILEEN MARSHALL CARLA PLASBERG-HILL JOANNA ROSS JENNIFER SWEENEY HELEN WILLETT

Former Pupils C'hib Section The Annual Prize Giving As is recorded in the Rector's Report it was decided to change the venue for the Annual Prize Giving this year and go to the Music Hall. The tradition of holding it in the School has gone on for many years but did present restrictions on the number of pupils and parents who could attend. Also this year, there was a significant increase in the number of awards being made with the introduction of Certificates of Merit and Commendation. A staff committee was formed to arrange and organise the event and atier a lot of hard work the ceremony took place on the afternoon of Friday 30 June 2006. It was u truly magnificent occasion with the whole School in attendance and the balcony of the Music Hall full of parents and guests. The Reverend Bob Brown, one of the school chaplains, chaired the proceedings and guided the audience through the programme. The keynote address was given by Nicol Stephen MSR Deputy First Minister, Scottish Executive and Mr Legge gave a report on the School session just ended. Once the platform party had arrived on stage a musical piece, "Premiazionc", which had been composed for the occasion by Ralph Thomson of the Sixth Year, was performed. During the afternoon other musical interludes were provided by the School Concert Band and the Brass Ensemble. A large array of prizes and awards were presented to pupils from SI to 56, including some new trophies competed for in the increased number of inter-house events and the Inter-House Challenge Trophy which goes to the House which accumulates the overall best performance in these events. A rather special prize which was presented for the first time this year was "The Jaimie Blair Fiddes Award". This prize is in memory of Jamie Fiddes, a pupil who passed away in 2005. Jamie's memory, however, lives on in the School through a beautiful bronze sculpture. designed by Tony Morrow, which hangs in the School. We were delighted that Jamie's parents and Tony Morrow were present in the audience. Another special prize being awarded for the first time was "The Basil Emslie Memorial Prize" awarded to the highest performing senior pupil in Technological Studies. This prize has been kindly donated by the family of the late Basil Emslie and we were honoured to have his daughter and her husband with us in the audience. The All Round Trophy Winners from SI to S6 were presented with their awards by David Allan, the President of the Former Pupils' Club. The final award was that of the reinstated "Dux Award" which was presented to Richard Dargic. To conclude the programme, the vote of thanks was given by Nathalie Graham, the Head Girl, and a very enjoyable occasion, which recognised the tremendous achievements of so many pupils, was brought to a close.

School Prizes 2005-2006 The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Biology The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Chemistry The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Administration The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Graphic Communication The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Human Biology The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Modem Studies The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Physical Education The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Physics The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Religious & Moral Studies The Former Pupils' Club Prize in Spanish The Former Pupils' Prize in Drama The Samuel Pope Prize in Art, The Arthur L. McComhie Prize in Art History and The Donald Paton Prize for Painting

Carla Plasberg-Hill Samuel McLay Christopher McKie Richard Hobson Sorcha Hume Natalie Palin Mark Webster Melvin Joy Demi Gbenle Carla Plasberg-Hill Maxine Hamilton Maxine Hamilton

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Emma Li Yan Hui The John Muir Robertson Prize in Accounting & Finance Tom Forrest The ALBA Trophy for Business Management Tom llett The Gordon McMinn Prize in Computing Studies Carla Plasberg-Hill The Masson Bain Prize in English Grant Mitchell The William Brebner Prize in French Karen Little The German Consulate Prize The Joyce Tease Award for Excellence in Post 16 Richard Dargie Modem Languages Daniel Crichton The Charles Alexander Walker Prize in History Lindsey Arthur The Campbell Connon Prize for Geography Ciara Duthie The J. Mortimer McBain & The George G. Whyte Prizes in Mathematics Jeremy Coleman The Gavin Falconer Memorial Prize in Music The Dr J. Minto Robertson Prize in Shakespearean Studies Ruth Gordon The Bon Accord Metal Prize in Product Design Daniel Shoshan The Basil Emslie Memorial Prize in Technological Studies Christopher McKie The Caritas Cup for Contribution to Charities Group Activities Rebecca Morris The AGS Dramatic Society Award for Drama David McCreath Joint Award The AGS Junior Literary & Debating Shield Finn Blake The Rector's Shield for outstanding contribution to the running Natalie Smith Joint Award of the Literary & Debating Society Rachel Watson Joint Award Carla Plasberg-Hill The Edith & David Bishop Prize for Public Speaking Sorcha Hume Jennifer Sweeney Joint Award Sorcha Hume The Andrew Middleton McLaren Prize for Enterprise Esther McIntosh Jeremy Coleman The Philip Love Trophy Zoe Henderson The Jamie Blair Fiddes Award The Pied Piper 2000 Award for outstanding talent and Emma Li Yan Hui Commitment from a Cast or Crew Member Sports Awards Tom Forrest The Arthur McCombie Golf Trophy William Rennie The David Swanson Junior Golf Trophy Rachel Milne The Isobel O Anderson Medal for Swimming Rachel Milne The Fowlie Cup for Swimming (Girls) Mark Webster The Rector's Medal for Swimming Mark Webster The Dr Morland Simpson Cup for Swimming Andrew Forman The Former Pupils' Club Rugby Football Section Trophy Myles Edwards The Ronald MacKinnon Trophy for Athletics Inter-House Competition Awards

Junior Inter-House Debating Trophy Former Pupils' Club S5/6 Inter-House Rugby Cup S5/6 Inter-House Football Cup S3 Inter-House Football Cup S4/S6 Inter-House Netball Trophy for Girls S4/S6 Inter-House Boys/Girls Basketball S2 Inter-House Boys' Basketball Inter-House Quiz Trophy The Inter-House Challenge Cup

Byron Melvin Keith/Dun Byron Melvin Byron Byron Byron Byron

David McCreath Ralph Thompson James Lindsay Josh Connon Rebecca Graham Kim Lamza Alex Shepherd Josh Connon Kim Lamza

Former Pupils' Club Section All-Round Awards The Dr Alexander Cormack Prize to the best All-round Pupil in SI The David Alexander Irvine-Fortescue Prize — S2 The Norman Mackie Memorial Award in S3 The Former Pupils' Club All-Round Award in S4 The Former Pupils' Club All-Round Award in S5 The Former Pupils' Club "1965" Award The Former Pupils' Club Certificate of Merit

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 Joint Award

David McCreath Catriona Bain Rebecca Murray Timothy Coleman Sorcha Hume Ralph Thompson Claire Connelly Tom Forrest Emma Li Yan Hui Jenny Love Graham McKay Matthew Sawyer Ralph Thompson Andrew Henderson Nathalie Graham Jenny McArthur

The Former Pupils' Club All-Round Trophy & the John Ivo Dawson Prize

Richard Dargie

Dux Award

Richard Dargie

Colours Awards Sport Basketball Cricket

Full Colours Half Colours Half Colours

Football

Full Colours

Half Colours Hockey

Full Colours Half Colours

Junior Colours

Kaya king Rowing Rugby

Half Colours Half Colours Full Colours Half Colours

Jenny McArthur Helen Clunas, Kirsty MacLean Greg Anderson, Blair Findlay, Melvin Joy, Gordon Russell Craig Carroll, Stuart Carroll, Richie Dargie, Tom Forrest, Andrew Henderson, Harry Hendry, Connor Lovie. Philip McCall, Simon Mathers, Peter Shaw Paul Kelly, Blair Leslie, Grant Mitchell, Gordon Russell Suzanne Blount, Queenie Henn, Jenny McArthur Greg Anderson, Helen Clunas, Ryan Cowie, John Dargie, Kim Lamza, Barry Mitchell, Carla PlasbergHill, Amy Stephen, Jennifer Sweeney, Helen Willett Scott Calderwood, John Cobban, Julie Duncan, Stuart Foubister, Alexandria Grant, Ross Herbert, Andrew McAllan, Lewis McKay, Neil Meams, Alistair Melvin, Rebecca Murray, Andrew Nicol, Jack Nicol, Kirsty Nicoll, Ian Richards, Thomas Rutherford Stewart Chalmers Joy Davies David Buckett, Richard Dargie, Andrew Forman, Liam Reid, Ralph Thompson Kristopher Castanie, Ross MacDougall, Graham McKay, Patrick Maughan, Callum Stewart, Ross Taylor

.'lherdeen Grammar School Magazine

Swimming

Junior Colours

Andrew Cairns, Jamie Crockart. Mark Davies, Matthew Garden, Matthew Graham, Philip Lawton, Walid Reggane, Andrew Ross. Michael Salvador, Patrick Watson

Half Colours

Mark WebsterJunior ColoursRachel Milne

Extra-Curricular Debating

Half Colours

Drama

Half Colours

Music

Full Colours

Half Colours

Junior Colours

Timothy Coleman. Katy Roy. Natalie Smith, Rachel Watson, Miles Wood Emma Li Yan Hui, Emily Humter, James Lindsay. Christopher McKie. Rebecca Morris, Jennifer Sweeney, Caileag Walkerlunior ColoursAnna Plasberg-Hill Claire Anderson, Jeremy Coleman, Ashley Gilmour, Aenea Hendry, Emma Li Yan Hui, Jenny McArthur. Fiona Macneil, Laura Murphy, Stuart Reid, James Sinclair, Ralph Thompson. Miles Wood Alyson Boyd, Edward Jones. James Lindsay. Christopher McKie, Louise McLennan, Aileen Marshall, Carla Plasberg-Hill. Caileag Walker, Peter Watt Jane Adams, Christopher Ballard, Ciorstan Blake, Timothy Coleman, Pippa Davies, Matthew Graham, Alexandria Grant, Claire McKie, Natalie Mair, Anna Plasberg-Hill, Andrew Ross, Rachel Watson. Andrew Will. Lorna Wood

Extra-Curricular Activities School Sports Clubs Si Boys Basketball The 52 Basketball team has had mixed fortunes this year. We entered the League at the start of the year but suffered a poor defeat to Westhill Academy. The first game of the year, part of the Scottish Cup, was played at St Columbus School in Dunfermline. It was a very close game, but in the end we lost by a mere 10 points. During the year we have played against many teams from the North of Scotland, including Huntly and Ellon, but have not had much luck in these games. The first win of the season was in the Aberdeen League against Portlethen, where we thrashed them by more than 80 points. On the same night we beat the Grammar Girls' team. We also beat Bridge of Don Academy in the same league. The season ended with the team in the bottom half of the league, and we arc looking forward to next season. The last event of the year was the House Basketball Cup. The final was Byron against Keith Dun. The game was tight. with Byron the 10-9 winners of the Trophy. Michael Cobban & Douglas Russell Junior Girls' Basketball This has been a disappointing year for Junior Girls' Basketball as although the club remains popular and the girls train hard two nights every week it is becoming increasingly difficult to arrange matches as only two other schools in the area. Bankhcad Academy and The 12

Former Pupils' Club Section International School of Aberdeen. run any kind of basketball programme. Having said that, the SI /S2 girls were involved in a couple of tournaments against boys' teams from Portlethen, Aboyne and The International School, and acquitted themselves well in both, although the boys teams were much more athletic and physical. They also had a friendly game against a boys' team from Bridge of Don Academy and played very well, only losing narrowly in a hard fought contest. The S3 girls were again invited to take part in The International School tournament where they competed against teams form Aberdeen, London and Stavanger. Although they lost two of their three games, mainly due to lack of real match practice, the girls enjoyed themselves immensely and finished on a high with a convincing win against the Norwegians. Their only other game was the Schools Cup final against the International School where they showed a great improvement but eventually lost in a hard fought game. Hopefully, next year will result in more schools entering teams into a league and the girls will get more games to reward them for their hard training. Senior Girls' Basketball Now in its 29th year, the Basketball Club continues to do great credit to the School. Our fighting spirits, endless determination and brilliant support led us to another impressive season. The Timberwolves basketball team a.k.a the Senior Schoolgirls' team consisted of: Nathalie Graham (c). Kim Lamza. Jenny McArthur, Fiona Macneil, Helen Clunas, Kirsty Maclean. Beverley Duncan. Kirsty Lynch, Sorcha Hume. Carla Plasberg-Hill. Rebecca Graham. Naomi Rayner. Verity Arrowsmith, Caroline Fettes and Aillse McConnell. Despite our desperate lack of height the team proudly fought against a wide range of teams, walking away with four out of four trophies — the Schools Cup, the Schools League trophy, the Silver Division trophy and the Henderson Cup. Again the Timberwolves proved invincible competing against their own age group, blowing away Aboyne Academy on two occasions with performances that reflected our hard work, dedication and professional training. The final of the Silver Division was physically very demanding for our young team. Competing against the Beacon Bee's Women's team gave us an immediate disadvantage as they were a much more physical and experienced team. With the philosophy from our coaches that "Offence may win games, but defence wins championships" we managed to secure the Silver Division trophy with a creditable score margin. 75-53. The final of the Henderson Cup proved more difficult than expected as the ISA upped their game. We managed to come together as a team, and each player was motivated due to the reminder that "the chain is as strong as its weakest link" - nobody wanting to be that weak link. The Timberwolves entered the Scottish Cup this season and managed to blow away every opposition put their way. Unfortunately, exams clashed with the semi-final leaving us with no choice but to withdraw from the competition. Our coaches Jess Greig and Mike Macleod have helped us to control our emotional skills, improve our fitness and have given us an amazing amount of support. Their unquestionable dedication is greatly appreciated. We have them to thank for the four trophies we won this season. The Timberwolves has a large squad but everybody managed to play in at least one final. Each member stepped up and did the Club proud. Our desire to win and brilliant teamwork led us once again to another successful season.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Under-16 Boys' Hockey The season began at the beginning of November when we got off to the best possible start in our first league match. Donal Phair scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over a competent Menzieshill side. The match was finely balanced but we held on with a display of strong defence and good discipline, Our second match was also a test for the squad against a stubborn Harris team, but two goals in the second half from captain John Dargie sealed the victory. Our defence again proved strong as we secured our second clean sheet and our second encouraging win over Dundonian opposition. On I 1 th December we had two fixtures at Kinloss, against Gordons and Quaser. Although we conceded our first goal of the season from a well-worked Gordons' set play in the first half, a goal from John Dargie brought the scores level. The Grammar side dominated possession and territory but were kept at bay by the in-form U-16 Scotland goalkeeper. one of three U-16 Scotland internationalists in the Gordons team. However. against Quaser we won well with goals from Lewis McKay, John Dargie and come-back man Andy Nicol. This took our goal tally to seven after four games in which we had conceded only one goal. December matches against BA MBC and Dundee Wanderers were cancelled due to weather conditions. After being awarded a 3-0 victory• over Dundee Wanderers, the match against BA MBC eventually took place at the end of March at Rubislaw. In a busy first half we scored three goals and another in the second half, with Alistair Melvin bagging three to one from John Dargie. This 4-0 win was arguably our best league performance of the season and although we received several injuries and three green cards, we kept our discipline well. An impressive performance from Jack Nicol in goal and from our back four gave us yet another clean sheet. On Sunday 9th April the team travelled to Edinburgh to play our final three matches back-to-back at Peffermill with a chance of becoming Scottish Champions. Against Clydesdale (West) in our first match the opposition fielded three Scottish U-16 international players, but after a slow start we deservedly finished the game 2-0 winners, thanks to a brace from Richard. Our second match was against Boroughmuir (East) and we won convincingly with goals from Thomas Taylor (2). Ian Richard. Lewis McKay and Andy Nicol. Andy's goal was particularly gratifying as he had missed an earlier penalty. We were able to make numerous substitutions and finished the game with all three S3 players on the pitch. This left only the final match against Dundee Wanderers (Midlands). The game was hadtempered, but our self-control held and no cards were awarded to Grammar players. Goals from Alex Lihou, John Dargie and Thomas Rutherford ensured a crucial 3-0 win and the title of Under-16 Scottish Champions, despite there being no U-16 Scotland internationalists in our team. Our success was due to our organisation, determination and team-work and we would especially like to thank all the coaching staff and players involved throughout the season. During our eight match unbeaten run, we scored a total of twenty goals, conceding only one. The twenty-man squad included three S3 boys. fifteen S4 boys and two S5 boys. Squad: Jack Nicol. Andy Nicol. Liam Cowie, Niel Mearns, Alistair Melvin, Lewis McKay, Thomas Rutherford, Andy McAllan. Ian Richard, John Cobban, Scott Calderwood. Ross Herbert. Stuart Foubister, Fergus Kulasinghe, John Dargie (captain), Donal Phair, Magnus Willett, Alex Lihou. Stephen Molloy and Thomas Taylor. Cricket School cricket in season 2006 was extremely busy. In this brief report there is no detailed review of every game played, with statistics and comment, as to do so would need a mini 14

Former Pupils ' Club Section Wisden Cricketer's Almanac. Add to this the fact that, in the absence of a school scorer to accompany all our teams, some match figures arc brief or incomplete. Suffice it to say the attitude of boys playing the sport for the School has been first class. From April to late June we fielded five different School teams. This is not to say that 55 boys were turning out to play cricket every week; some players played for more than one team. Being able to field five different teams in the season says a lot about the desire of pupils wanting to represent their school in their chosen sport. It also says much about the quality of coaching from Mr Hutton, of Business Studies, and Roland Knudson. Jim Bramald and Richard Ferro from the FP Cricket Section. All of these busy gentlemen gave up valuable time to coach and help the lads become better players. Mr Milne and Mr McLeod of the PE Dept also gave important support. Hughie Miller. the Groundsman at Rubislaw was great at providing pitches for home games and providing kit for all our matches. Following practice between the snow showers in March, in the spring term the boys returned to school for the first match for the 1st XI, against Fettes College 2nd XI in Edinburgh. Our opponents included a few players determined to show why they should be in the 1st XI. One of them opening the batting was dropped four times in the fist six overs. Soon as possible 10 for 4 became 80 for O. When we finally made the breakthrough, wickets fell steadily as all the bowlers bowled well, with Mark Josephs. Naveed Arshad, Greg Anderson and Melvin Joy all worthy of praise. When Fettes reached 100 for 7 our fielding suddenly became sloppy. Another miffed 1st XI player batting at No 5 helped Fettes reach 166 for 8. When we batted we defended quite well. Andrew Henderson hung around for 14 overs, Chris Ballard played a few strong left handed drives and Mark Josephs reminded everyone what a good batsman he is. In the end we were all out for 86 in the 33rd over, which was a pretty decent effort against a strong attack. The Junior Xl game at Gordonstoun two days later saw us fielding first against their 4th year team. Good knocks from James Lord and Lewis Kinnear gave us reasonable hope of chasing their total of 120. We could not quite manage it. and were all out at 7.45p.m. as the sun set softly over the Moray Firth on the journey home. The season continued with two 1st Xl games. On a sunny but gusty afternoon at Countesswel Is we had our local rivals struggling at 70 for 7. A late rally by the tail enders from 'the other place' helped them reach 123. Our fielding and bowling deserved a lower total to chase. Blair Findlay was brilliant with his dives and slides, plus his tight bowling. Loss of early wickets was calmed by a stand of 47 between Mark Josephs and Greg Anderson which took us into the 70s. At this point we sniffed victory. A late order collapse set us back until Gordon Russell came in at No 9 and played superbly for the last few overs. We managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory as we fell short, agonisingly, by just a few runs. If Gordy had come in earlier we might have claimed the victory we deserved. Three days later it was Grammar v Gordonstoun day. The 1st XV rugby team played the North of Scotland Cup Final at Duff House, Banff. The rugby boys did well before going down unluckily 19.7. The cricket team diverted to Banff on the road north to watch the game and also to pick up captain Richard Dargie and Kris Castanie, who were both playing in the rugby match. We also picked up stand off Scott Davis and Michael Zanre to play cricket after a couple of 'no shows' from the team originally selected. Arriving at Gordonstoun too late for the usual superb lunch, we bowled first on a hot, sultry, sunny day on an excellent wicket on the North Lawn. Given the strength of the opposition, plus our dehydrated, undernourished state we thought that restricting them to 172 was a fair afternoon's work. When we batted Daniel Josephs tried to win our host pupils a half holiday by smearing two huge sixes just short of the main facade roof On both occasions the ball just dipped to hit the wall and window frame. He was a metre or so short from becoming a local hero. His partnership with Melvin Joy kept us in the hunt until a silly run-out spoiled the entertainment. A clatter of wickets ended the game at 5.30 pm. which gave our Aberdeen 15

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine opponents time to get ready for their summer ball. The Strathisla cafe/chippy at Keith on the way home went some way to restoring team morale, somewhat deflated by the events of the day„ Meanwhile back at the Juniors, we played our first evening league fixture at Stonchaven where skipper Sam Knudson and his deputy James Lord saw us through to an 8-wicket win. After valuable coaching the following week-end, when a few things were sorted out, we had a double header against Gordonstoun at home and RGC away on successive days. In both matches we played competitive cricket in a good spirit. This extended to the post- match refreshments at the Sportsman's Club on the Wednesday with Gordonstoun. We arrived in time to see Lehmann get sent off in the Champions League final. Although we rested some players for the following day's match against Gordon's College. tiredness was an undoubted factor in our defeat. Four run-outs did not help our cause when we batted. Sean Harrower and David Diack both fielded brilliantly when we bowled. We thought the rain might save us but we played through it and ended up well beaten, alas. What about those five teams? We fielded two 1st Xls: one before the exams and one in June as pupils moved up a year. We also put out a 2nd Year team, a 1st year team and our under-I 5 team in the Grades Junior League. There are plenty of players wanting to play who are keen to practise. The coaching group referred to earlier deserve the highest praise for their time and effort. There are lots of good young players coming through as could be seen in the different games we played. For example, Chris Leiper and Robin Thalakottu both did very well in the 1st years game. The 2nd Year squad were the busiest with both school and evening league games and team spirit was excellent. Losing captain Sam Knudson through injury was unfortunate, though he continued to help out with pre-match warm ups, scoring and advice. One of the benefits from the evening league was when we played Stoneywood-Dyce. Our umpire got chatting to their players about raising a school team from Dyce. The upshot is that we play our first match against Dyce Academy at Rubislaw in the final week of term, after this dispatch has been submitted. Hopefully this will become an annual fixture. We have made excellent progress this season. We maybe lost games narrowly which we ought to have won. but we will learn from that and be stronger for it next season. It has been a pleasure to work with so many enthusiastic and committed young cricketers.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine The input of the ladies, and all these measures, will enhance the standard of play for girls in both school fixtures, and in their club games. We don't really need changing room 4 after all. Under-14 Football The Under-14 Football Team has had a successful year and this is largely due to the help and encouragement from our manager, Mr Milne. The season went very well, and we were unbeaten in 15 of 16 games. Some of these were Scottish Cup games. We knew the toughest of the season would be against Peterhead who we met in the final of the Sportsman's Shield. Unfortunately, after extra time, we were beaten 2-1. We still had the League, Scottish Cup and the AFC Trophy to fight for. A few weeks later, a match against St Machar would be the decider for the League, and a win for us would mean we would win the League two points ahead of Bankhead Academy. Unfortunately, St Machar was unable to raise a team for the match and this allowed Bankhead to win the League. This was very disappointing as they had played two more games than we had and won the league by only one point. Determined not to be down-hearted by this defeat, we set our minds to the next game, the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. This was held a week later at Lochee United Juniors' Park in Dundee, against St Aiden's High, Glasgow. After extra time, we were defeated 5-3, despite leading 2-1 with five minutes to go. St Aiden's were the fitter team and pulled off the win in extra time. The semi-final of the AFC Trophy was in Peterhead. The game did not start too well and we were down 2-0 in the first ten minutes. However, we battled on eventually winning 4-3. We met Westhill in the final two weeks later at Hermies Junior Pitches. We won this game 2-1 to take the Cup. Some disappointments and some successes have made this an interesting and exciting season. Under-15 Football This year was a consistent but unfruitful year in terms of winning anything for the U-15s, but they certainly performed well enough to give a lot of hope for the future. The season started well with a convincing 4-0 away win at Mintlaw Academy. This first game highlighted our good footballing ability and fighting spirit, but it was also apparent that we were physically a small team. This weakness was to dominate our league fixtures, as we were beaten by the odd goal against much bigger teams from Kincorth Academy and Northfield Academy. Our only other loss in the league was a 4-1 defeat to St. Machar Academy, the eventual champions. This game was unfortunate as it was a double-header and also knocked us out of the cup at the semi-final stage. The most memorable game of the season was a first round Scottish Cup game against Portlethen Academy at Inverdee. The Grammar team played magnificently against their much bigger and well-fancied opponents in the first half to take a well deserved 2-0 lead into the break. The second half then became a backs-to-the-wall affair, and we were eventually pinned back to 2-2 in the dying minutes. In the extra time that followed Portlethen scored again early on to go 3-2 up but the Grammar boys fought back bravely to even the score again in the second period of extra time. The game ended 3-3 and in the penalty shoot-out we were eventually beaten 8-7. The boys were to get their revenge, however, as in the last league encounter of the season we beat the same Portlethen side 21, again at Inverdee. 18

Fortner Pupils' Club Section Although as mentioned at the beginning the season was unsuccessful with regard to trophies. the boys really acquitted themselves well throughout the season and as one of them mentioned after the last game "I wish we could play all of the games again as I am sure we can win them all". There is plenty of hope and aspiration for next season. Senior Football It seems to be the story of Aberdeen Grammar School football, but it was another case of "so near, yet so far". The team this season showed great promise, with a strong squad of previous Scottish Cup winners from sixth year like Tom Forrest, Simon Mathers, Stuart and Craig Carroll, Peter Shaw, Blair Leslie, Andrew Henderson and Paul Kelly all returning to the fold, with Richard Dargie taking the captain's arm band. The team was also joined by a very promising set of fifth year players. The team did not know what to expect from the season but felt very confident of a successful year. Nerves began to kick in when the team discovered that Peter Shaw was to miss the opening games of the season due to tonsillitis. The opening fixture against Kincorth was set to be a tight affair. Many of the fifth years held bad memories from their last encounter with Kincorth and had a thirst to prove themselves, while the sixth years were keen to get the season off to a flyer. From the kick-off the squad put their apprehension aside and stormed to a confident 3-1 victory, with goals from newcomers Steven Fraser and Connor Lovie, and a suspect cross from Simon 'Sid' Mathers somehow finding the back of the net. It was a shaky end to the match but the lads held on for the perfect opener to the season. With confidence running high, they looked to further their success with a victory over the league favourites, Cults Academy. However, we suffered a heavy blow when firstchoice goalkeeper, Craig Carroll, was ruled out with a broken toe. The match proved a real test for the team especially the second-choice keeper, James Lindsay (or Seamus as he was sometimes known) who performed well under pressure. The team performed valiantly with Phillip McCall netting four and Blair Leslie scoring from just inside the box and Grammar edged out Cults with a thrilling 5-4 win, having been twice behind before pulling off the victory. The morale of the squad couldn't have been higher, and there was an air of invincibility about the team. This seemed essential when embarking on our Scottish Cup quest. The first round fixture against Mintlaw Academy would be a challenge for the sixth year boys who had been defeated in the previous season Cup final by Mintlaw. They were keen for revenge and were lifted even more by Peter Shaw's return to the fold. After a shaky start we settled and ran riot in a confident 6-0 drubbing, with goals from mean machine Paul 'Rhino' Kelly, Phil McCall and Tam Forrest netting for the first time this season: not to mention a Scottish Cup hat-trick for Simon Mathers (we're still not quite sure perhaps an own goal) but nevertheless he still got to keep the match ball. Our unbeaten run continued with a confident victory over Portlethen, with only eight players in their squad following a wild night out the day before, so we believe. The match was played for fun and we were awarded the victory and a bye to the next round of the JM Low Trophy competition. With the Scottish Cup off to a great start the boys were keen to further their progress with a second-round victory over Banchory Academy. The Banchory team looked very strong and appeared to be up for the match. This was reflected in the first half, taking a comfortable 3-1 lead. However, before half-time, Phil McCall seemed to find inspiration from his opening goal in the match and banged in three more to bring Grammar to a 4-3 lead at the interval. The three goals from Phil were a big blow to Banchory, who lost their way in the second half, making errors at the back and allowing Grammar to storm to a 9-4 victory. Goals in the second half came from Tam and Sid, plus an incredible 30yard strike from Connor Lovie. 19

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine It was well over halfway through the season and we were yet to taste defeat. Our progress in the Scottish Cup was getting better and better. After a bye to the fourth round after our third round opponents failed to turn up (they were working, apparently), we cruised to a solid 6-2 victory over Queen Anne Academy from Fife. The team had a real belief that this was our year to win the Cup. Confidence went sky high after a semi-final annihilation of Dyce Academy with many hilarious moments involving Peter Shaw who we managed to top an open goal miss from two yards (which he claimed was offside don't think so!) with a spectacular 40-yard strike lobbing the keeper. What a way to redeem himself. Step up Saint Ninian's. Sadly this was as good as it got. Saint Ninian's came from Glasgow to Aberdeen with a predominantly 6th year team and gave our lads a torrid time. With Saint Ninian's firmly in control with a 3-1 lead at the break, Grammar looked down and out. Bad fortune seemed to be a major problem for the lads after Sid missed a penalty near the start of the second half and although the team played much better in this half, we failed to take our chances and slumped to a 5-2 defeat. With our Scottish Cup dreams in tatters. the domestic stage looked to be our final opportunity for success. We were still in two semi-finals, both against Peterhead Academy. The first meeting proved a shock for the team, mainly due to the fact that we only found out the previous morning that we were playing them. Nonetheless, we were feeling lucky due to Connor having an unfortunate (for him!) encounter with a seagull who presented him with a gift from on high!! Confident we might have been but we certainly didn't look that way on the pitch, missing a handful of chances and conceding soft goals, with Peterhead eventually winning 3-I and progressing to the final. Demoralising as the score was, none of the lads could have failed to be cheered up by the antics of Sid and Pete in the changing room showers (although Hendo certainly didn't appreciate being the victim of a towel whipping). The semi-final of the JM Low Trophy was pay-back time on Peterhead Academy with a fine 7-2 Grammar victory, restoring the style and confidence we had at the beginning of the season. A memorable outing to Zanre's Fish and Chips (thank you to Mr MacLeod who generously paid for the food) topped off this confidence-building victory (comedy provided by Blair Leslie who claimed to see his dad on the other side of the street). The final fixture of the season was the final of the JM Low Trophy and the squad was geared up for the fixture, in particular the 6th years who wanted some silverware to cap off an excellent season. This match was set to be a tight one, with St Machar Academy as the opposition. The 5th year received a pleasant surprise before the match when a former pupil was calling the line for this final. The match was even from the start and the wind appeared to be influencing the game a great deal. Grammar began to take control, and Tom Forrest capitalised on lax defending and opened the scoring. However. St Machar made a couple of crucial changes. levelled the match with a strike from the edge of the box and took the lead from the penalty spot. We dug deep and when it looked to be over, Simon netted from close range to level the match. Extra time proved a real test of character and our efforts weren't helped by controversial decisions made by the referee (a twelfth player for St Machar, perhaps?). The lads were very unlucky with Phil McCall hitting the post and Peter Shaw rattling the crossbar. Fatigue began to set in and St Machar hit Grammar on the break, scoring from long distance and almost immediately afterwards, sloppy defending allowed St Machar to score yet another soft goal. The 4-2 deficit seemed to knock the stuffing out us and there was no way back. Alas, it was the same old story, "so near, yet so far". We knew, however, that on another day and with a different referee. we would beat St Machar. Thanks must go to the lads who performed well all season and gave their I00% every match and also to "Lethal" (Sean Dalgleish) who proved to be our most loyal supporter all season. The biggest thanks, however, must go to Mr MacLeod who put so much time and

Former Pupils' Club Section effort into arranging matches, selecting teams and providing transport for all of the longdistance away fixtures. A big thank you and good luck to the boys for next season!! Squad: Richard Dargie (Captain). Andrew Henderson (Vice-Captain), Craig Carroll, Stuart Carroll. Tom Forrest, Steven Fraser, Harry Hendry, Paul Kelly, Blair Leslie, James Lindsay. Connor Lovie, Phillip McCall, Simon Mathers, Grant Mitchell, Gordon Russell and Peter Shaw. Senior Rugby Season 200512006 proved one of the most successful in recent years for senior rugby. This year the team was part of a local league, winning all of our matches and the league title. This included victories over Banchory. Montrose. Westhill, Gordon's Schools and Mintlaw. The away-match against Mintlaw had an extra element of excitement since it was a tense triple-header with consequences in the league, North of Scotland Cup and Scottish Cup. A good display from the forwards and backs gave us a comfortable win, in spite of a soggy in-goal area at the North end, which our unfortunate first-half try scorers had to dive into. However, our Scottish Cup dream was once again shattered by rivals Robert Gordon's College after a heavy loss at Countesswells. Despite some good passages of play, sustained pressure and courageous defence from AGS. Gordon's managed to progress to the next round. Although knocked out of the Scottish Cup. we were determined to get revenge... Our next meeting was in the semi-final of the North of Scotland Cup at Rubislaw. On a sunny afternoon, Gordon's were there bright and early. Perhaps tired out by their extensive warm-up, RGC let the Grammar side cut through their defence for a few early tries. By half time Grammar had a considerable lead, with Gordon's only scoring one try in the first half. With the sun beating down, the AGS boys started to tire as Gordon's mounted a series of attacks on the Grammar line. However, our defence held up to the challenge, until the final ten minutes... After heavy pressure Gordon's scored two late tries, but it was not enough to steal victory from the AGS 1st XV who advanced to the final to play Gordonstoun at Banff. Upon arrival at Banff a substantial Gordonstoun squad was already warming up and looking threatening, but after a motivational preparation from Coach Reidy. the boys were ready for action. The first half ended nil-nil but this score did not reflect Grammar's dominance or the exciting, open passages of play. As on many occasions this season, the forwards were immense. pushing the Gordonstoun pack backwards time and time again. This put our boys into good attacking positions, but we failed to convert our chances into points, which proved costly. The second half was similar to the first and the teams were only separated by two lucky bounces of the cruel egg-shaped ball letting Gordonstoun in for a couple of tries. In the last ten minutes Gordonstoun scored again through slick hands, but AGS had the final word with a score from David Buckett in the last play of the game. This season saw strong leadership from Andrew Forman in his second year as Captain. He led from the front, putting in many hard tackles from No. 8. His talent was spotted, and he has appeared twice for the FP 2nd XV and is a member of the FP Rugby Academy. along with team mate Patrick Maughan. Other solid performances came from Tom 'The Bear' llett and Liam 'The Tank' Reid, putting their bodies on the line for the team. Next season looks to be just as promising with players such as Ross Taylor, Andy Cairns and Duncan Caird showing great promise for the next few years and all of our S5 year players remaining.

5' O

Former Pupils' Club Section

All-Round Trophy Candidates (L-R): Matthew Sawyer, Emma Li Yan Hui, Tom Forrest, Jenny Love, Graham McKay, Jenny McArthur. Richard Dargic, Claire Connolly. Andrew Henderson, Nathalie Graham. Ralph Thompson

The Former Pupils' Club All Round Trophies

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Finally, thanks must go to Mr Damien Reidy who has trained us throughout the season and has helped everyone improve their skills, and to Mr Neill Montgomery, with assistance from Mr Scott Phimister, for arranging all our fixtures and travel and for his constant efforts in keeping rugby alive at the School. Under-18s Squad: Forwards: Andrew Forman (Captain), David Buckett (Vicecaptain), Liam Reid. Tom Ilett, Ross MacDougall, Alvaro Macintosh, Kris Castanie, Calum Stewart, Michael Zanre, Chris Ballard, Matthew McCall, Grant Findlay and Robbie Samuel. Backs: Ralph Thompson, Richard Dargie. Eoin Robertson, Graham McKay. Matthew Sawyer, Patrick Maughan, Alistair Scott, Scott Davis. Ross Taylor, Andrew Cairns, Duncan Caird, and Mark Davies. We were also grateful to have two players from the TOTAL French School who played in a couple of matches, putting in good performances. Richard Dargie & Ralph Thompson Secondary I Rugb!. Over the past year, SI rugby has improved a lot. As a team game it's a great way to meet other people, get fit and have fun. The way rugby is played and the character of the game is entirely different from football. Unlike football there is room for all shapes and sizes of players in a rugby team. Experience is important, and you can usually tell how much experience has been gained by how the team play. Some of the players have improved a lot this year including Graham Love. Chris Leiper, Craig Yeaman, Gordon Smith, Lee Calderwood. Cameron Park. Pete Sclare and Calum Hutcheon: at the start of the year they were complete novices. Many other players have also gone from complete beginners to very good players in just the one season. Experienced players such as Jim Gordon, Finn Blake and Graham Doig have helped to encourage and set examples of how to make the team better and be a good sport. The most important thing that we learned in rugby is to tackle, and continue tackling. until the opposition give us the ball. At the very start of the season, the squad was made up of five experienced players and at least fifteen complete beginners. Soon everyone learned the basics and we were lined up against Robert Gordon's C team at Countesswells — a great start to the season as Grammar won by five tries to three. Even although we didn't win against their A team, everybody was happy about winning in some way. We soon had a fairly strong team and were playing a match every few weeks. Now, nearly all of the team have had a good amount of experience and are looking forward to the start of the next season. Being part of the team and taking part in the games against other schools is good fun and is a good way of getting out and making friends. Throughout the year, parents and coaches have helped a lot, even relatively small but nonetheless important things like giving people lifts to games, turning up to support the team, or even helping with coaching and showing players new skills and moves. All the support and effort made has helped in many ways and, in some cases, has maybe introduced some parents to a new sport. Particular thanks to Roland Knudson. Peter Blake and Martin Doig ( my dad!) Graham Doig, Captain Secondary 2 Rugby Throughout the season the team had games nearly every Saturday or had a training session at Rubislaw. Also, through the winter, we took advantage of the Astroturf flood-lights and had an hour of training on Monday nights after school.

Former Pupils' Club Section Some of the S2s and S3s played in the Under-15 North of Scotland and Scottish Schools cups. In the Scottish Cup they were beaten by a big Huntly side, and they also lost to Banchory in the North of Scotland Cup. Given that most of our team was made up of S2s it bodes very well for next season's competitions. The School has strong links with the FP S2 side which was very successful in winning the S2 North of Scotland Cup, the Elton 7s tournament and the SRU National Midi Scottish Cup, the final of which was played on the international pitch at Murrayfield. Half of the FP club squad was made up of Grammar S2 pupils - David Diack, Harry Jones. Jamie Findlayson, Michael Stewart, James Lord, Douglas Russell, Tiernan Duthie and Andrew Doig. Both the School and the FP teams were captained by Sam Knudson, who has also been invited to the National SRU Summer Rugby Camp at Struan, Perthshire. In late March the school entertained Under-15 and Under-17 teams from Shawnigan Lake School, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Thanks are due to all the pupils and parents who were able to host our visitors from Canada. We look forward to taking our seniors on a return visit later this year. We would like to thank Roland Knudson. Martin Doig, Alistair Duthie. Harry Diack and Dave Russell for their continued commitment throughout the year The S2 squad of the past season comprised Jamie Findlayson, David Diack, Michael Stewart, Lawrence McLelland, Douglas Russell, Andrew Doig, Martin Ferris. Niall Holden. Sam Knudson, Callum Farquhar. Jack Bruce. John Henderson, Tiernan Duthie. Rob Kelly, Walter Aldaz, Alex Shepherd. James Lord. JJ Adebayo and Harry Jones. We are sorry to lose 11 as he transfers to Cape Town, and hope that he continues his promising rugby career there. We are happy to welcome newcomers to 'top-up' the squad and provide much needed competition for places. Sam Knudson (Capt) Rowing 2005-06 has been another busy year for the members of Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association (ASRA). Currently there are around five pupils from the Grammar who row regularly for the club and a few more who prefer to row on a more social basis. Rachael Hajitofi (surely the find of the year!) and Catriona Bain have spent much of this season rowing together in a Women's Junior Fourteen (J14) double. This was one of the crews privileged enough to be selected by the club to join an Easter training camp in Ghent, Belgium. The weekend following Ghent, profiting from the arduous workouts there, the girls put in a strong performance to take a highly creditable second place at the Strathclyde Park Regatta. At the start of the season Catriona managed to win a gold medal at the Scottish "Ergo Champs". a gruelling competition fought out on rowing machines. Both Rachael and Catriona were members of the four (J14) which won gold medals at Strathclyde Park Regatta and the Scottish Championships. Gary Wilson has also spent most of the season in a double partnered with Atholl Wallace, a boy from Oldmeldrum Academy. Gary took a bronze at the "Ergo Champs", but despite some gutsy performances has struggled to medal throughout the season. Hopefully this trend is about to change as Gary is in training for the National Championships of Great Britain to be held in July at Strathclyde Park. Joy Davies spent the first half of this season in a women's junior sixteen/eighteen four. Performances have been inconsistent, although the crew were selected to travel to Ghent. On returning home Joy was a member of the women's junior eighteen eight, women's junior eighteen pair, women's junior sixteen four and women's novice four which won gold medals at Strathclyde Park Regatta. However, results in the four have

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Picture of Mile End School Artist Mr Eric Auld with his Grandsons Rory Leslie and Stirling Smith

Former Pupils • Club Section

Future Chef 2006 - Nicola 1Nood

Enterprise Event - Rebecca Duthie & Nicola Hume

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine since deteriorated and she is now training in a pair, having been successful in that size of crew at the Scottish Championships. Her target is the National Championships of Great Britain following which, and depending on her performance there, she may have the privilege of rowing for Scotland at the Home Counties Regatta. Joy has already been awarded half colours this year for rowing. Netball The Netball club was set up this session by Miss Aird and Mrs Tweedie. The club was for SI and S2 this year. The girls train once a week and have participated in a local league in which they did very well considering that the other teams had each been playing as a team since the beginning of SI or even before. The girls raised money for strips by doing a sponsored silence, which some teachers gladly supported! They all look forward to this upcoming year to improve as a team and to progress further in future tournaments.

Clubs and Societies Book Club This year the Book Club received some funding through the enterprise budget to reform and build up its activities. Staff from the English Department. along with a group of pupils, have been working on plans to expand the range of books available and to do so with ones which the pupils will want to read. This has been planned to tie in with the reading logs which arc issued to the pupils and can overlap with some of the other initiatives like the Paired Reading Group. Several other ideas are being considered, e.g. bookshop evenings for parents to review the range of literature available for all ages, a newsletter on reading which would contain, amongst other things, suggested booklists, author visits, book swaps, creating a reading corner in the Library Resource Centre, having displays in the library which promote reading. all of which it is intended would have maximum pupil involvement in the stages of organisation and execution. From what used to be a fairly small group of interested pupils when the club last met over a year ago, it seems that there are exciting times ahead for a new, rejuvenated club which will reach the largest possible pupil audience and at the same time keep parents informed and involve them as much as possible as well. Staff, too, will be encouraged to keep up to date with what is happening and available on the reading scene. Craft Club Craft Club is why Wednesday lunchtimes arc one of the most enjoyable lunchtimes for many people as well as myself. As the name of the Club suggests. those who attend the Club take part in activities using different types of craft. From painting pictures to creating exciting new jewellery, you are guaranteed to try something you have never tried before! Using your colour and your imagination, you can create many items unique to yourself using as many different techniques and resources as you require. However, Craft Club is not only a place where you go to make things. You also attend because it has a great atmosphere and you make lots of new friends with similar interests to yourself. I cannot think of the favourite item that I have made. I have enjoyed spending time on making cards to sell, painting canvas, decorating notebooks, making colourful flowers. creating jewellery and even making patterns out of curled paper. But these are only a few of the things in which I have enjoyed taking part and that we have done.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

David L. Allan (1944 - 1958) President 2006 - 07 30

Former Pupils' Club Section

Spot the Teacher Mr Farquhar and Primary 6 — 7A (1957-59)

Left to Right: - Eric Buchan, Murdoch Shirreffs, Richard Reece, Ron Arthur, Ross Baird , Russell Gray (almost obscuring Bruce Smith), the ever-green Sandy (Sid) Farquhar, John Bisset (front), David Yule (see page 73)

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Some pupils struggled at first and it was really inspiring to see the determination with which people fought to overcome fears and frustrations. Pupils were also praised for the ease with which they got on with teachers and pupils from Oldmachar Academy. Following the success of our camping trip to Burghead, two more trips were run over fantastic the course of the year. The first took place in November and involved a visit to the had again and Lodge Travel nearby in a We stayed Edinburgh. near Ratho Adventure Centre a fun- packed and hugely successful weekend. Some pupils scaled a thirty metre wall, whilst others tried their hand at bouldering. On the Sunday we climbed Easter and Wester Lomond, two very bonny hills in Fife, and got some very windy pictures of ourselves at the top. A video had been taken by pupils during the course of the trip and was viewed by all. along with games, quizzes, pizza and much hilarity, at a joint Christmas party which was held at Linksfield Community Centre in December. The second trip took us over to the West Coast, to Lochaber's 'Ice Factor'. Here the pupils were given the chance to try ice-climbing on an artificial wall. It was a fantastic experience, although utterly exhausting for the less-muscular in the group. This time we stayed in a bunkhouse, which conveniently had a climbing-wall built into its gable-end. We also had a lovely walk into the beautiful Steele waterfall, where pupils had the chance to test their skills of balance and nerve on the wire-bridge which spans the river there. Again the weather was good to us and fun was had by all. In the next academic year we will attempt to emulate the climbing successes of this year and will also try to increase the number of hillwalks which we offer. I look forward to meeting a new group of enthusiastic young people who want to challenge themselves in Scotland's outdoors, as well as bringing on those who have already demonstrated a love of climbing and mountaineering. Literary & Debating Society Over the years Aberdeen Grammar School has had great success in debating, and has built a reputation for itself as one of the top schools in Scottish debating. With our experienced senior debaters off to University, we didn't know if we could recreate the success of previous years. Any doubts proved unfounded. This year the Debating Society again enjoyed some notable successes. Natalie Smith and Rachel Watson (both S4). have done very well in their first year of partnership. They have had the opportunity to travel around the country, where they have reached the final of the Aberdeen, Oxford and Cambridge University schools competitions, going one better and winning in Glasgow and Dundee. In Cambridge, Natalie was rewarded with the trophy for Best Speaker. In recognition of their success. Natalie and Rachel were given trials for the Scottish debating team, and Natalie was selected to be one of the five-strong team in this year's World Schools Debating Championships. In the past these have been held in Canada. Singapore and Peru. This year. Natalie and the rest of the team will travel all the way to exotic Cardiff to compete against teams from 38 countries from around the world. We are also very hopeful for the future, as we have a number of excellent younger Natalie Smith and Timothy Coleman (S4) and David speakers. Two junior teams McCreath and Finn Blake (S I ) - reached the finals day of the ICYD competition, held in Oxford. This was an exciting achievement, particularly for Finn and David who were the youngest team from Scotland to reach the finals day. This year saw the introduction of "Aberdeen Speaks". a competition for junior debaters, run by the English Speaking Union and Aberdeen City Council. Our team of Monica Bums, David McCreath and Sophie Mancellon won the competition and Finn Blake was the top speaker of the day. We hope to continue to do well in this, and many other competitions, next year. Natalie Smith & Rachel Watson 32

Former Pupils' Club Section Music The String Orchestra The String Orchestra is open to all string players from 1st to 6th year, whether they take lessons in school or privately. We welcome young musicians of any ability to join us at our rehearsals on Wednesdays from 3.35 - 4.30. We play a wide range of music, from Bach to Sibelius to John Williams. We also have smaller ensembles which have accompanied soloists, allowing the more advanced players the opportunity to play with an orchestral backing. There are also several chamber groups which can include pianists or other instrumentalists, and pupils are encouraged to take part in these groups organising their rehearsal time and playing from the extensive repertoire available to them. The Woodwind Ensemble This Ensemble meets every week and is open to woodwind players above Grade 3 standard. The Ensemble covers a wide variety of music, with recent repertoire including composers as diverse as Mozart, Prokofiev and Debussy and, on the lighter side. Scott Joplin and Kander and Ebb. Opportunities also exist for pupils to experience playing in small chamber groups such as the Clarinet Quartet. The Concert Band The Band meets weekly and is open to brass, woodwind, double bass and percussion students above Grade 4 standard. In 2005/6 the Band perfonned music in a wide range of styles including Flamenco. Contemporary classical. Scottish traditional and even the music of rock group Queen. In addition to their contributions to the School's annual concerts the band was successful in gaining a Silver Award in recognition of their debut performance at the National Concert Band Festival's Scottish Regional Event in Motherwell last November. In March 2006 they took part in a fund-raising event for The Salvation Army's Chikankata project in Zambia — a hospital/school complex run by former Aberdeen Grammar School pupil Richard Bradbury. The Band will complete the year by performing at the School Prize-giving in the Music Hall. The Jazz Band This year the School Jazz Band was run by S6 pupil Stuart Reid as part of his Advanced Higher Music Training and Directing course. During the year he had weekly lunchtime rehearsals to organise the band and prepare music for their performance at the end-of-year concert in March. The band performed well-known big band classics such as 'Gospel John' and 'It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing'. They also accompanied senior pupil Caileag Walker in 'Cry Me A River' at the Jamie Fiddes memorial concert. The Ceilidh Band The Band was run this year by S6 student Jennie Love for her Advanced Higher Music Training and Directing course. During weekly lunchtime rehearsals the band practised traditional and modem arrangements to extend their existing repertoire. During the year they have performed at a Ceilidh provided for visiting Canadian Rugby players, as well as at the two school concerts. A percussion group was formed at the beginning of the year by Amanda Smith, one of our two percussion teachers. They rehearsed with great enthusiasm and gave a stylish performance of the theme from Palladio and The Irish Washerwoman at the March Concert. Both choirs still operate successfully and arc continuing to maintain their high level of

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine performances with the Junior Choir being awarded a 'very good' certificate at the Aberdeen & North East of Scotland Musical Festival. They also provided music for the Unitarian Church Harvest Service and were much appreciated by the congregation. The Senior Choir picked up an 'outstanding' certificate once again at the Festival with an ambitious performance of Bohemian Rhapsody. Another busy and successful year draws to a close for the music department and grateful thanks must go to all our dedicated instructors, teaching staff and pupils who give so willingly of their time in pursuit of musical excellence. Public Speaking After success in the English Speaking Union's Public Speaking Competition last year, the School's Senior Public Speaking team, comprising Sorcha Hume, Carla Plasberg-Hill and Jennifer Sweeney, were disappointed to discover that a different style of competition would be running this year. The North of Scotland Senior Public Speaking Competition had an alternative format to that of the previous year. Each member of the team had to learn a contrasting role. Disaster struck when one of the team fell ill on the day of the first round. Richard Dargie (S6), who had competed in the same competition two years before, valiantly stepped in to fill the position. The team performed admirably, earning themselves a place in the final — to be held at the Queen's Hotel. The team were fairly confident, going into the final with the original team. Competition was fierce, with teams from both Albvn and St. Margaret's Schools for Girls, and Keith Grammar School. In the end, the team from Keith Grammar were victorious. Our girls may not have brought the trophy home, but they were strong contenders. Sorcha Hume Science Club The Science Club is attended by first year pupils one lunch time each week, and we have been very busy Brainiacs this year. Members carry out a different experiment or investigate various theories at each meeting. We have even managed to squeeze in taking part in National Science Week's 'Create a Tree Challenge'! Some of our experiments over the year have included Bouncing Custard Balls, making Volcanoes, Pinhole Cameras, Magic Writing, King Kong Hands, a firework demonstration and finally setting fire to Methane bubbles (without destroying too much of the classroom!) Scripture Union X:Cite Group The Scripture Union Group has been on the go for a full academic year now and it continues to thrive. The group is run with the backing of Scripture Union, but the idea to create a Christian group within the School came from staff at Aberdeen's YMCA. They came up with the idea after Grammar pupils, who attend YMCA events, had expressed a desire to meet with other young people within the School to talk and learn more about Christianity. A member of the teaching staff, who could act as a link with the School, was approached and a meeting set up with the Rector to discuss the idea. The proposal was accepted, posters went up, a notice went into the daily news sheet, and so the group was born. The two YMCA staff who had come up with the idea were also the ones who would lead the group. Gavin Begg and Emma Slack were not alone however as three parents, Marion Buchan, Angela Harrison and Erica Martin, mothers of pupils at the School, were quick to volunteer their help. In addition, Kirsty Buchan, an English teacher at the School, also signed up as part of the team. 34

Former Pupils' Club Section And so the group began and the number of pupils who turned up for the first meeting was fantastically encouraging. Since then we have had as many as fourteen and as few as two turn up for Scripture Union on various weeks. We have run events such as serving pizza at lunchtimes and an activity evening at the YMCA, which included archery and karaoke with real instruments!. We have discussed topics from 'lying' to 'God's attitude to war', as well as looking at the lives of many people in the Bible. Throughout the year we have been very encouraged by the steady stream of new faces that have appeared. as well as the stalwarts who have been with us since the beginning. It has been great to see how many people in the School are keen to hear about God and to learn about how he is relevant to them. Having this time together, to share our feelings and ideas and to get to know new people in the School, has been a real blessing. In addition to the meetings, the leaders have been getting together at the beginning of Friday lunchtimes to spend time praying for the group and for the School as a whole. This has been a wonderful opportunity to focus on the direction of the group and its members, school events and individuals within the School. But now our thoughts turn to the coming year and to what lies ahead. We have many ideas and prayers for the ways in which the group will grow and develop in line with the needs of those who attend it, and so it is with faith that we wait to sec how God will bless us in the new academic year. Wildlife Garden The garden continues to develop and grow — some of the growth more welcome than others. The lavender borders are particularly lovely on return after the summer holidays - both to look at and to smell. Wild flowers are encouraged; it would be ideal if they stayed in the meadow end of the garden, but no one appears to have informed them of this school rule! Fund-raising continues with bulb and seed and plant sales. Thanks to all who have supported these sales. This year saw the addition of a beautiful sundial and laburnum tree which were donated to the garden as a memorial to one of last year's S5 pupils who sadly passed away during the year.

Pied Piper Productions "The Willow Pattern" Pied Piper stepped into the usual time slot of the School musical this year, but followed a different format. Gone was the cast of thousands, the big orchestra and much of the razzledazzle. A simple tale of love, based on the old Chinese myth of the Willow Pattern, was the choice. The story tells of Knoon-She, a lovely Chinese maiden, whose affections were bestowed upon her father's secretary, Chang, but she was commanded by her father to wed a wealthy rival suitor. She refused to comply with their wishes and the lovers made good their escape. They landed on an island with a willow tree where they took refuge. Her furious father tracked them down and set fire to the house while they were sleeping and so the lovers perished. But then their spirits rose, phoenix-like, in the form of two doves flying off to the realms of eternal happiness. Usually the sixth year run the show with help from Ms Bryce and Miss Adams of the Drama Department, but again a change was in sight. Ms Bryce directed the two casts with Rebecca Morris (S6) as assistant director and Emma Li Yan Hui (S6) taking on the role of musical director.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The rehearsal period was tight due to the fact that we had two casts, and Mrs Arthur slaved designing, making and fitting the costumes. Mrs Mackie put her talents to the scenic design. Michael Li Yan Hui did a sterling job with the fight scenes, and the dancing girls did wonders with swirling ribbons. Emma not only sang beautifully but she also composed the overture and incidental music. Help was also at hand from the stage crew ably assisted by Mr Gordon. Mr Hutton and Mr Martin. hanging colourful banners and Chinese lanterns: they also had starring roles as the front and back end of the pantomime horse. The nine principals showed both flair and ability in their roles and the rest of the cast did a wonderful job bringing the show to life by multi-tasking throughout, dealing with props and scenery, singing, dancing and fighting! All this, just for a Fortune Cookie. Charities Group The Charities Group has had a transitory year this session. Our main sources of income from previous years, our interval Tuck Shop, did not run this year for reasons to do with healthy eating and logistics. In the absence of that major project other folk have stepped into the breach and done their bit to raise money for charity. In no particular order the following people and groups base helped to raise money for worthy causes in the past year: The Geography Dept organised a 'buy a Christmas goat' appeal; Mrs Tease of the Modem Languages Dept. arranged a donation for local cancer charity CRANES. in lieu of staff Christmas cards which might have been exchanged: the 6th years organised a 'Monster's Ball' in October with generous support from local trader Nova, profits from which went to the Red Cross Pakistan earthquake appeal; the Home Economics Dept. organised a coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer relief; Mrs Arthur of the Geography Dept. generated a lot of interest and a generous donation from her lunch-time Craft Club; the Music Dept. continued to entertain people and brought pleasure to many as well as helping to raise money for VSA and other charities; Children in Need were sent money

Former Pupils' Club Section following fund raisers done by the English Dept.; Mrs Parker from Guidance and her first year classes collected money for UNICEF; a 'different ties day' before the October holiday raised money for the same charity; Instant Neighbour received the offering from our school Christmas services which totalled £324.10; Miss Sinclair from English collects used postage stamps and arranges for them to be converted to cash for charity. Meanwhile the indomitable Mrs Welsh ran her shoe box appeal for Kosovan children. This is turning out to be a major project, as it involves hours and hours of work by Mrs Welsh in her warehouse plus the campaigning for donations at the many schools which contribute to the project. Pupils from her hockey team, along with Mrs Arthur and Mrs Hutton, wife of our Principal of Business Studies, helped in the long, cold December hours at the warehouse. In addition, Mrs Welsh donated £200 of her own money to help support Pakistani earthquake victims referred to earlier. Pupils continued to sponsor our six third-world children in Malawi, Bangladesh. Uganda, Haiti. Guatemala and India These are just the things we know about. Attendance at meetings was good. Miss Brown from Business Studies was a tremendous help at meetings and on other occasions. The Charities Group did run a tuck shop at school events, selling only healthy items such as bottled water, fruit juice and non-sugary edibles. One of the challenges for the new Charities Group is to re-define its purpose in the context of other aspects of school life and the wide range of different activities which the School offers young people. We will get the best brains in the School working on this in the new session. Chris McKie proved to be an excellent secretary among his many other school duties and was awarded half-colours for his efforts by the School Colours Committee. Interest in the work for next session appears to be high with 32 pupils from 5th and 6th years alone signing up for the Charities Group as one of their activities for the year. Also, new first years turned up to our meeting in their induction week in June. This bodes well for the future. Markdorf Exchange The Markdorf Exchange was started twenty-seven years ago by Mrs Thomaneck, Head of German at the School. Ms Kerry Joss continued to co-ordinate the exchange after Mrs Thomaneck's retirement until 2004. It has proved to be an invaluable linguistic and cultural exchange for all pupils involved. Former pupils have maintained links with their German partners, and have made enduring friendships. In June 2006, 16 pupils from the School will travel to Markdorf, on the banks of Lake Constance in Baden-Wumemberg, where they will be received into German homes and experience first-hand day to day family life. They will attend classes at the Gymnasium and participate in a wide variety of cultural events with their German hosts. Pupils will visit the historic towns of Freiburg im Breisgau, Konstanz and Bregenz. They will have the opportunity to go hill-walking in the Pfander Mountain and visit the Neolithic houses at Uhldingen. Since it's inception, the Markdorf Exchange has provided an enriching and rewarding experience to all pupils involved, and has helped to create an appreciation of German language and culture far beyond what can be achieved in a classroom. We express our thanks and appreciation to Mrs.Thomaneck for creating such a wonderful opportunity and to Mr. Legge for his support. In 2007 the German partners will come to Aberdeen where they will be received by our host families and experience the delights of Scottish culture. The Markdorf Exchange is currently co-ordinated by Mrs O'Brien and Ms. Pollock.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Geography Worldwise Quiz This year, the School entered two teams of Geography pupils in the Worldwise Geography Quiz. The teams comprised: Team B Team A John Henderson Duncan Samuel 2nd year Fraser Anderson Rory Leslie 3rd year Matthew Graham Chris Ballard 4th year Hamish Wilson (3rd year) was reserve for both teams. At the local heats held at St. Margaret's School on 14th February both teams were successful in the elimination round, gaining entry to the heat final, along with teams from Elton Academy and Alford Academy. The final round was fiercely contested with all four teams having a real chance of winning through to the Scottish finals. In the end, our Team B won the final and in the process won the Aberdeen University Geography Department Shield for the second year in a row. Elton Academy also qualified for the Scottish finals by finishing as runners-up. The Scottish semi-final and final rounds of the competition took place on 17th of March at Linlithgow Academy, with eleven teams from all over Scotland competing for the ultimate Geography accolade. In the semi-final four teams, including ourselves, succeeded in reaching the final round. This was a tense affair, but Grammar triumphed to win the competition and lift the Clydesdale Bank Trophy. This was the first time that a team from the North-East of Scotland has won this competition. Success in the competition was largely due to many hours of atlas and reference work. The team is especially grateful for all the excellent tuition and support given by Mrs. Milton, Mrs. Arthur and Miss MacBean. Fraser Anderson

Enterprise Education Young Enterprise Two Young Enterprise companies were farmed in the School this session. Below are reports on their activities. Young Enterprise is a chance for 5th and 6th year pupils to take part in a business-type organisation. The purpose of the group is to design or create your own product and market and sell it to members of the public. I took part in Young Enterprise last year and I think it's a worthwhile experience. It allows you to mix with different people who you perhaps didn't know very well, or had never spoken to. It encourages you to work successfully together and co-operate with one another. Last year there were two different groups with 5th and 6th year pupils. The group in which I was involved was called 'Prestige'. To begin with, the group wasn't entirely successful. Nobody was co-operating properly and no solid decisions seemed to be made. As sudden deadlines were coming up and everyone began to panic, everybody seemed to gel better and we all started to work properly with one another. I think we were a successful group in what we made. We marketed lots of different products such as handmade scarves, hot chocolate sets and home-made Christmas tree decorations. At the very end of the year, any profit which was made was shared out equally amongst the group. This is a definite bonus of being involved in the project.

Former Pupils• Club Section I would recommend the 'Young Enterprise' group to any 5th or 6th year pupil as it gives worthwhile experience of being involved in real-life business situations, including going to weekly meetings, discussing ideas and working as a team. Alix Rattray Our business, named 'Shelflife', was one of two which ran from August 2005 to March of this year operating out of the Business Studies Department at the School. The Company Programme by Young Enterprise Scotland allows S5 and S6 students to fully appreciate and value the role of commerce in a rapidly evolving world. Naturally, we were far from alone in our quest to become the top organisation at the end of the year, competing with schools locally, regionally and nationwide. With the support and expertise of our mentor from the local business community, Mr Howard Wigg, we were in safe hands. Sheltlife concentrated its efforts on developing a range of products which would not only be popular and inexpensive but would be ecologically sound. This involved a high level of creative input and labour intensive methods. These practices, in pure business terms, may not have been the best but, as far as providing a good learning experience in business operation is concerned, it proved a good choice. The methods allowed us to get to know each other better. due to the amount of time we spent together. and taught us about working as a team and our responsibility as individuals. All in all the experiences, whether they were positive or negative, gave one a real taste of what working in a close network business would actually be like, whilst providing us with valuable skills to equip us for our future careers and beyond. Gordon Smith & Esther McIntosh Young Engineers Group This year the challenge was to design and manufacture an automated warehouse system, based around the use of a microcontroller. and mechanical pans. However, the club was unable to submit the warehouse project due to recent examinations and course work. After the summer holidays, the club will re-form and be tackling the task of creating the fully independent automated warehouse storage system, and will enter the project into many different competitions. This will, hopefully, gain the School some good credibility in the engineering sector of school teaching, and give the club members that extra edge when it comes to applying for college or university. Home Economics "Future Chet" 2006 Cookery Competition There was a real 'buzz' in the Home Economies Department where the School heat of 'Futurechef 2006' was held on Monday 3 October 2005. The first stage of this national competition attracted a large number of entrants from Si to S4 and a commendable performance was given by each competitor who took part. It was especially pleasing thatso many SI pupils, some of whom had not yet been taught Home Economics, were keen to show their culinary skills. Ramsay Braid. chef at the Queen's Hotel, helped judge the event and S4 pupil Philippa Davies was unanimously pronounced the winner. As a result, for the third year running, she represented the School in the local heat of the competition, which was held at Banff & Buchan College on 21 November. Although Philippa once again gave an excellent performance, a pupil from Mintlaw Academy was the lucky winner who was selected to go forward to the Scottish heat.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Scottish Food & Drink Challenge On Monday 13 February 2006, all S2 pupils took part in a very successful enterprise initiative, the 'Scottish Food & Drink Challenge' — an event assisted by Scottish Food & Drink, a subsidiary of Scottish Enterprise, and sponsored by Careers Scotland and Aberdeen City Council's 'Enterprise in Education' team. This initiative was conceived by Scottish Food & Drink as a means of developing links between schools and the food and drinks industry and 'The Challenge' allows pupils to gain an insight into the world of work at the same time as developing personal and social skills and core skills such as communication, numeracy and problem solving. The School was grateful to the Queen's Hotel for hosting the event, and the venue and accommodation proved to be ideal. Pupils formed teams of ten which then competed against each other to develop, within a certain timescale, a new food product i.e. a chocolate truffle, to be served after dinner at the hotel. Each team had to develop a recipe. manufacture the product, construct the packaging, devise a marketing plan and launch the product at a trade fair. Each 'Manufacturing Company' proved to be extremely competitive and some excellent marketing campaigns and packaging materials were produced — not to mention the truffles! The teams also gave very professional presentations when they launched their products at the trade fair. Overall, the event was considered by pupils and staff to be an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. Eco Group An Eco-school group was established at the School in session 2005-06. We are now part of a national initiative aiming to make schools in the UK more sustainable and environmentally aware. In our first year of functioning we have managed to set up a pupilled committee, meeting fortnightly, to look at small school-based projects which will improve our school environment and help move us towards environmentally friendly functioning! The projects set up so far have been paper recycling, and cartridge and mobile phone recycling. We try to compost the waste from the wildlife garden and residual food from the Home Economics Department. This will be developed further when we purchase worm bins with a grant provided by the Local Authority. Projects in the pipeline include a publicity campaign to raise awareness and increase participation within the School, and further development of recycling facilities to include bottles and cans. Our goal is to register for the bronze award given by the national eco-school organisation. This will entitle us to move to achieve our silver status and also give us a small financial award to help develop new ideas.

Painting of Mile End School On the occasion of Mile End School's recent centenary celebrations, the prominent Aberdeen artist, Eric Auld, painted a picture of the school. A limited number of copies of this were made and on Wednesday, 14 June 2006, a framed copy was presented to Aberdeen Grammar School by the Mile End Parent Teacher Association on behalf of Mile End School. The presentation took place at a short ceremony held in the Rector's Office. Present to hand over the gift were Eric Auld, Alasdair Stevenson. Chairman of Mile End PTA and Pam Michie. Headteacher of Mile End School. Also present were two former Mile End pupils from each of years S I to S6 and Janet Adams, a member of staff at AGS. herself a 40

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 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. The AGM for next session will take place on Wednesday 13 September at 7.30 in the School Lecture Theatre, followed by refreshments in the Staff Room. All parents are welcome to come along. Anyone who is interested in becoming involved in the work of the PTA, either as a committee member or as a volunteer, can either make themselves known on that evening or contact me through the School. Kate Graham

The Phil Love Trophy Deciding on the winner of this prize is always a difficult task, but one which annually highlights the vast array of talent and potential demonstrated by so many of our pupils across so many different fields. Yet again, this year, it was not an easy job to decide just which one of those many pupils who had brought outstanding credit to the School should be the winner. That said, the winner this year, in line with previous winners, clearly merits the award for the level of achievement which he has gained, bearing in mind that he still has another year to go at school. The Trophy this year goes to Jeremy Coleman for his outstanding talent as a musician and his involvement with music in School. locally and nationally. Jeremy has played the trumpet in the National Children's Orchestra of Scotland for the last three years. He was also a member of the Aberdeen Youth Brass Band when they won the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland championships. In the recent North East Music Festival he was awarded the Alex Wattcrs Bursary for his outstanding performance and next session he has been accepted for the Junior Academy of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music in Glasgow to study composition and trumpet on Saturday mornings. Jeremy also plays the piano and has passed the Grade 8 Examination with distinction. This session he was invited to London for a private lesson with the concert pianist Richard Meyrick. Jeremy has, therefore, demonstrated that he is a truly accomplished musician and anyone attending any of the concerts held twice a year in the School will have witnessed this. The combination of his natural talent and his personal dedication make him the latest in a long line of worthy winners who have all gained the highest recognition in their field and brought a great deal of credit to themselves and to the School. We look forward to hearing a lot more of his performances in the future.

Former Pupils 'Club Section

General Section 1256 and All That The year 2006 is being marked by the FP Club for the observance of three significant anniversaries. The first, of course. is the 750th anniversary of the earliest known date of the existence of the School and this is the main focus of our celebrations. Closer in time, however. are the 90th anniversary of the opening of Rubislaw Field and the 50th anniversary of the Grammarian Fair, both of them significant dates in the School's recent history. In his "Bon Record'', subtitled 'Records and Reminiscences of Aberdeen Grammar School', published in 1906 to mark the Thirteenth Jubilee of the School. H.F. Morland Simpson, Rector at the time, commented in the Preface that it is remarkable that a school so old and famous as the Grammar School of Aberdeen has never found a historian among its thousands of sons, many of them eminent in literature and history. Even now, a hundred years later, it remains true that the only approach to a history of the School is Morland Simpson's work. A planned history by the Rector's sun. Dr W. Douglas Simpson (1901-13), which was to have been published in 1956 to mark the Septcentenary of the School, was abandoned among the doubts cast at that time by the Professor of History at Aberdeen University on the authenticity of the claims that the School was in existence prior to 1256. So far as the School and its Former Pupils' Club are aware, no further research has been done in the filly years which have now elapsed. The decision taken by the FP Executive in 1954. and accepted by the special Joint Committee of Town Council, School and Club, still stands, that while 1256 may be regarded as significant for the establishment of advanced education in Aberdeen, the evidence relating to that date could not be regarded as providing a firm historical foundation for the celebration specifically in 1956 of the Septcentenary of the Grammar School but, due to the equal lack of evidence to the contrary, the Club would continue to use the phrase "founded prior to 1256". That claim has never been challenged. The bishopric of Aberdeen was established before 1150, and it is regarded by historians as virtually certain that there was a School attached to the Cathedral of Aberdeen, whose function would be to instruct choristers and others in Latin and in Logic. It is beyond any doubt that in 1256 the Chancellor of the Cathedral appointed a magister scholarum who would teach these subjects. That there was a Sang School associated with the Town Kirk of St Nicholas. founded in the 12th Century, is also clear and early Town Council records associate the Kirk, the Sang School and the Grammar School closely together. The claim to foundation "prior to 1256" being still unchallenged, and no-one having seen fit to carry out fresh research into what are, admittedly, obscure and incomplete records of both Town Council and Church, the Executive resolved, with the ready concurrence of the School, to mark 2006 as a year to mark a significant stage in the School's history. The celebrations of 1906 co-incided with the Quatercentenary celebrations of Aberdeen University, and the two events were linked in most remarkable fashion on the evening of Tuesday 25th September which, as the Magazine of November 1906 records, will long be remembered by those who gathered in the School that night, and remain in our annals as the most remarkable gathering associated with its history. So that the buildings could be prepared for the occasion, the School received a week's holiday, during which the Annual Athletic Sports were held, and during this break the whole buildings were transformed for the holding of a magnificent party. The two senior classes took part in the function as handy men and guides through the maze of buildings. North of the cast wing was a floored marquee for dancing. This was connected by a covered canvas tunnel to the main building and to the gymnasium, which latter was used as a concert hall. The Library upstairs was laid out as a refreshment room, while the gallery leading into it from the first floor of the main building was a buffet. The corridors and stairs were laid with red carpets, and the walls and 43

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

banisters draped with art muslin, the School colours being predominant in the main corridor. The hall was furnished with comfortable seats around the sides and large umbrageous palms were scattered like islands here and there. An orchestra on the platform provided music during the reception and at intervals during the evening. The purpose of all this was for the School to welcome back within its walls the many distinguished former pupils from all walks of business and academic ►ife who were in Aberdeen for the University festivities. The number attending the School gathering that evening was estimated to be close to two thousand ladies and gentlemen. The Reception was timed for 9 p.m. but such was the throng well before that time that it was advanced by half an hour, continuing until 9.30 when the Students' Torchlight Procession passed down Esslemont Avenue to be saluted by Bengal lights in the School's colours. Welcoming the company, Rector Morland Simpson said: "When the idea of celebrating the 650th anniversary of the known history of the school was first mooted, fears were expressed that we should be so overshadowed by the University celebrations that we could not possibly muster a gathering of our old friends. On the contrary, instead of being overshadowed, I would fain put it otherwise, and say that the University, with which for so many centuries this school has been so intimately associated, is shedding an added brilliance on our gathering. Without it we could not have hoped to see such a gathering of our former pupils, old and young, and my only fear is that the energetic committee has so transformed this school into such a palace of delights that you will hardly realise that it is a place of hard and serious work. But I hope our record will speak for us. You older pupils who look back to the old days and the old building in Schoolhill will realise that there is really more in the recorded history of your old school in this building than ever gathered round it before. You will see how we endeavour to inspire the young with records and examples of their predecessors. Our walls can speak for themselves." Thereafter the company dispersed over the building, visiting the laboratories, workshop, gymnasium and class-rooms. In the gymnasium and hall programmes of music were submitted; and one of the marquees in the grounds was set aside for dancing. Later in the evening the company re-assembled in the School Hall where speeches were delivered. Mr Justice Stirling - James Stirling ( 1846-51) — said that he counted it an honour to be asked to address such a gathering, and to give expression of the sentiment which brought them, the old pupils. together — namely that of showing their continuing interest in the existence and welfare of an institution to which each of them owed a great deal. It was in 1846 that he entered the Grammar School and in 1856 (after graduating from King's College) that he left Aberdeen for Cambridge, following which he settled in England, but it was to the training that he received at the Grammar School and at King's College during these ten years that he, to a large extent, attributed any capacity which he had shown for doing the work which fell to his lot in the subsequent fifty years. The mention of such periods as 50 and 60 years necessarily involved an anticipation of great changes in the meantime. I f no change had taken place the inference would be inevitable that Aberdeen had gone to sleep, but they all knew that it had not, and that the changes were very considerable. One such change which struck them at the outset was that the school was not the Grammar School in which he was brought up, but a very much better one. The previous building had long been recognised as having grown to be excessively shabby. Many hints by Dr Melvin had failed to take effect on the Town Council and the new building did not come about until after Dr Melvin's death. Sir James congratulated the present headmaster and his assistants on the new buildings, and congratulated those with whom control of the school now rested that they no longer had to encounter the abundant criticisms of a headmaster in Latin. Colonel Sir William Sinclair Bisset (1854-55) then addressed the company, commenting that he also had been brought up in the old Grammar School in Schoolhill. His father had looked on Dr Melvin as the great creator of the Aberdeen Grammar School and as an excellent man and teacher of boys. The old school turned out good men, and, although 44

Former Pupils ' Club Section the subjects taught were limited, the men found themselves well placed to compete in the race in the outside world. Nowadays there were many necessary adjuncts to a school if it was to maintain the proper standard - the high standard - which Aberdeen, in its determination always to have the best of everything, must certainly aspire to. He regretted that the accommodation for playing games was somewhat limited and he recommended the School Board to see that the recreation ground was enlarged. He also regretted the continuing delay in obtaining sufficient subscriptions to enable the proposed statue of Lord Byron to be erected; he felt that in this community everyone should be ready to honour the poet by contributing towards the erection of a memorial which would be worthy of the place and the great name of Byron. Professor David Ferrier, MD (1854-58), the last of the Former Pupils to address the company, said that his recollections, too, were associated with the Schoolhill building which he had searched for that say. He was sorry it had not been allowed to stand merely as an archaeological relic. The boys of the Grammar School now enjoyed many more advantages than in the old days. The classrooms were more spacious, the opportunities for recreation were greater now. At the old school they had only a granite-paved quadrangle to play in, and their games took the shape of a modified form of horse-play. He looked upon games as an important part of school training. He did not attach so much importance to them as was done in England, where games seemed to be the end and aim of the schools, and where boys were appreciated not so much by the position they took in the class, as by their proficiency in sports. After all, the work of the school was intellectual training, and games ought to be subsidiary to that. The world was ruled by brains; mere brute force was cheap enough, but technical training was only attained by long continued application. About midnight. a party of guests arrived from the Corporation banquet, the party including Lord Strathcona, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Principal Lang, Mr Justice Grantham, Mr James Murray MP and Mr J.M. Henderson MP. Both Lord Strathcona and the Archbishop addressed the company. after which the thanks of the company were expressed to all the speakers. The social part of the evening's proceedings was then resumed. Fashions have changed much since 1906. and it is doubtful if a gathering such as reported above would attract much support nowadays. Nevertheless, this year is an appropriate time for celebration for reasons other than simply the Fifteenth Jubilee of the School. The last hundred years since the 1906 festivities have seen significant changes and developments which would amaze our predecessors. The School lost its Lower School and became a co-educational comprehensive school in 1973. Its name was changed, and then changed back. It has been extended on a number of occasions and redeveloped in light of modem requirements. All these it has survived - and not least it rose as the phoenix from the ashes of the devastating fire in 1986, and took full advantage of the re-build to acquire significantly improved accommodation on the Skene Street frontage. Ninety years ago, September 1916, in the middle of the first World War, saw the opening of Rubislaw Field, meeting the need identified by Col. Bisset in his speech quoted above. Prior to that time School games were played on the expanses of grass adjoining the School building. Cricket 1st XIs played variously at Duthie Park. King's College and Mannofield for their 'home' matches. The need for more suitable games facilities had long been recognised, and the F.P. Club had accumulated a considerable fund for the purpose. By itself, the Club could not do much, and required the assistance of the School Board. That assistance was by no means guaranteed. and much tact was needed to bring forward the proposal. The driving force was Mr James Esslemont, President of the FP Club in 1913-14. who received strong backing from Mr A.T. Cruickshank, an F.P. who was, fortuitously, convener of the High Schools Committee of the Board. Further strong support came from the Chairman of the Board.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine It was reported to the FP Club Dinner in 1913, to much acclamation, that the 12-acre site on the east of Anderson Drive, between Cromwell Road and Harlaw Road, had been acquired by the School Board of the Town Council. By the time the Board had agreed to go ahead with the scheme War had broken out, but work went ahead with fencing and laying out the ground. Labour was available for the work, despite the demands of the War, but by late in 1915 it was realised that the job was more difficult than had been anticipated. Blasting work had to be carried out to remove the foundations of the old Bleachfield buildings, and the services of troops from the Royal Engineers, then training in the area, were obtained to uproot one giant tree. Extensive pipework had to be laid to drain the site and a bum running under the field had to be made safe. By the summer of 1916 the ground had been levelled and sown, except for the cricket pitch, which was turfed. Three tennis courts were laid out and, in fact, were used by the School during that summer. On 16 September the official opening ceremony took place when a procession of civic dignitaries, masters and boys, headed by Lord Provost Sir James Taggart made its way to the centre of the Field. There a silk ribbon was symbolically cut by Mrs A.T. Cruickshank. Initially known as New Field, the ground immediately came into use. Since then it has been an invaluable asset to the School and to the FP Club, expanded to the northwest as it was in the late 1940s. and now enhanced by an Astroturf all-weather hockey pitch. The handsome Pavilion, opened in 1923 as a War Memorial to Former Pupils who died in 1914-18, is about to be up-graded to bring its facilities up-to-date. As an afterthought, it is interesting to note that Mr Cruickshank, who was so closely connected with the Rubislaw project, himself became President of the FP Club in 1923-25. Then fifty years ago saw the great Grammarian Fair in the Music Hall, a massive effort by School. parents, staff and Former Pupils to raise funds to establish the Amenities Fund. The income from this, augmented by grants from the FP Club and the Club Centre, gives financial assistance to School clubs and societies and assists with travel costs of school sports teams. The then huge sum of £5400 was raised, but the original capital now requires to be augmented in order to produce income sufficient for the claims now made upon the Fund. It will be a main beneficiary of the fund raising efforts during 2006-07. Countless pupils have benefited from the assistance given to these objectives over the last fifty years and the only regret of the Trustees is that they do not have sufficient funds to meet all the requests which come before them annually through the Rector. Hopefully that is a situation which will be substantially improved by next year. B.K.C.

The Twa Gees Shortly after I arrived in Hong Kong in 1962 I was attending a service at Union Church, Kennedy Road, when I was accosted by a fellow with an Aberdeen accent who advised me that he would see me at the club on Friday night for the annual Twa-Gees dinner, "Eight prompt, black tie of course". That was it. No application form, no subscription, no initiation ceremony. I had instantly, without realising it, become a member of Hong Kong's most exclusive secret and illegal society - and my only crime was to wear my Grammar FP tie to church. I had been identified as a victim by Superintendent Alistair McNutt of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force. Many years later, the commissioner for police, whose more important post at the time was chieftain of the St Andrew's Society, advised me that some of my colleagues and I were under close surveillance by Special Branch because they

Former Pupils' Club Section had reason to believe that we were members of a secret society. This was true, the Twa-Gees was not a registered club and as such was in conflict with the strict laws of the colony. We were, in fact, a triad society. In order to assist the commissioner, I offered to provide him with a list of all the Gordonian members. The Twa Gees

Back (L-R) Bob Slessor, John Baird, Alistair McNutt. Charles Smith, Norman Wylie. Alan Wilkens, Jim Rasmussen, Ross Reid Front (L R) Ken Christie, Duncan Macrae, Bill Shev‘ an, Jim Fraser, Alan Ramsay, Jim Alexander

The Twa-Gees refers to former pupils of Robert Gordon's College and Aberdeen Grammar school resident in Hong Kong. whether or not they are members of the schools' parent Former Pupils' Clubs. The name `Twa-Gees' was coined by the mother of Charles Smith, who attended his first dinner in 1947. He must have had more warning of the dinner than I had, because he had time to write home to his mother and tell her of the forthcoming event. A telegram from Turriff duly arrived at the Hong Kong Club wishing the Twa-Gees a successful dinner. The name was immediately adopted. In the 1970s Charles Smith retired from his accountancy business and relocated to Australia where he became a successful racehorse owner. As far as I am aware, no written history of the Twa-Gees exists and meetings and events were never recorded. After all, it was a secret society. I assume, however, that the club existed in the early days of the colony. The company for which I worked was started in 1846 in Whampoa, the port for Canton, by John Couper, a shipbuilder from Aberdeen. With much foresight 47

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine the company relocated to Hong Kong in 1863, Number One on the register of companies and the pivotal concern which enabled "a barren island with hardly a house upon it" to become one of the world's largest and most important ports. At the opening of the Hope Dry Dock in Aberdeen, Hong Kong in 1867, the first chairman of the Dock Company, Sir Thomas Sutherland, commented on the remarkable fact that the three big names associated with the dock were from Aberdeen, and that he was from there as well. The old boy's network was operating even in these far-off days. Incidentally, two years previously this same Aberdonian, (when plain Tommy Sutherland) founded the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank, but that, as they say, is another story. During my 25 years in Hong Kong, the Twa-Gees membership hovered around the 25 to 30 mark. Most members held senior positions in commerce, industry or government and were long-term residents of the colony. At least one of their members, Bill Shewan, was incarcerated in the Japanese POW camp during the occupation. Bill said that his three-and-a-half years in Stanley Camp "gave him time to mature and gain a more tolerant and sympathetic understanding of human nature". The Twa-Gees met for dinner every year, usually at the Hong Kong Club, and in between times we held a farewell dinner for any member who was leaving the colony. There are far too many names to mention, but we did have such luminaries as David Bonavia (Grammar) who was editor of the Far Eastern Economic• Review and formerly The Times correspondent in Peking and a venture China-watcher, and lan Black (Gordon's), the international swimmer, who was headmaster of an Army school in the New Territories. In Hong Kong life your employment status was just as important, if not more so, than who you were as a person — a somewhat regrettable fact. Prominent TwaGees during the 1960s included the director of the Public Works Department, the commissioner for Housing, the deputy Police Commissioner, a High Court judge and the government chemist. In the private sector Twa-Gees were general managers or directors of Jardine Mathieson, Butterfield & Swire, the Shell Company of Hong Kong, Taikoo Dockyard, the HK Telephone Company, Lowe, Bingham & Matthews (now Price Waterhouse), China Provident, the two major medical practices and the three major banks, to name but a few! We kept in touch between meetings and worked to the old adage that 'rules were made for fools and for the guidance of wise men'. The colony prospered! It was little wonder that the Governor of Hong Kong, in a semi-official speech, made mention of the Twa-Gees as 'the Aberdeen mafia'. We were all Aberdonians to the core. I well remember our committee of two, Jimmy Rasmussen and myself, debating for hours the cost of advertising our dinner in the South China Morning Post in an effort to spread the net. Needless to say this never happened, as word of mouth was cheaper. Our funds were never wasted; the bills from the organiser of our annual soiree usually ended with the cryptic note, "As usual the cost of our refreshments far exceeded the cost of the meal and other expenses".

Former Pupils' Club Section We did, however, make a handsome donation to the new Fraserburgh lifeboat fund in 1985. And we once hired a grand piano to accompany our after-dinner bothy ballads, only to discover that nobody could play the bloody thing. On a personal note, I am probably the only Twa-Gee to have attended a dinner in the company of his son. Finlay was dispatched to Robert Gordon's and Sillerton for his secondary education, our own Grammar bug-house at 8 Queen's Road being long gone by 1975. I was glad of his company because when we returned to Kowloon Cricket Club from wherever we had been to collect my car, he was agile enough to climb over the 15-foot-high locked gate and awaken the sleeping watchman. Gordonians have their uses. Just to underline the close links with the North-east maintained by the TwaGees, the menu for the farewell dinner marking my departure was: Cock-a-leekie (The was Grannie macht et) — — Crabmeat Au Gratin (Fresh Frae Johnshaven's Creels) Aberdeen Angus Rib Eye 0' Beef (Kittybrewster's Prime) Malt Whisky Butter Sauce (Chivas' Auldest) Baked Tatties Frae Fyvie Greens aff Cockie Hunter's Barra Mousse Macrae (Whupped in a Braemar Bothie) Dauds o' Cheese, Oaties an' 1745 Biscuits Collie's Coffee wi' drammies an' nips Petit Fours in Hieland Mist I retired from Hong Kong in 1986, but was fortunate to return on a number of occasions as a consultant on the new airport project at Chek Lap Kok. On my last visit, in 1993, I had the pleasure of attending the Twa-Gees reunion in the new American Club on Hong Kong Island. It was organised by Gordonian Philip Stratton, a long-term resident who continues to live in Hong Kong, China, and who assures me that the club is surviving, albeit on a smaller scale than in my days. Duncan L. Macrae (1948-52) The above was first printed in the 'Leopard' Magazine of May 2006, (without the Menu) and is reproduced here by kind permission of the Editor of that publication.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine ARTHUR DIDN'T TELL US (Dedicated to Arthur McCombie who taught me loads but I don't remember local prehistoric sites being mentioned). When you think of stone circles do you think of Stonehenge? Shame on you! It's unique but totally atypical. Stonehenge's unique feature is the joining lintels — no other stone circle in the world has them. However, Grampian boasts its very own type of stone circle — the recumbent stone circle. A recumbent stone circle has a large (sometimes huge) prostrate rectangular stone in the south-west quadrant with a tall upright at each end, the flankers. The rest of the circle has between eight and twelve stones reducing in height to the North-East corner. Despite being over 4,000 years old, over seventy of these stone circles survive and are documented, the best examples being Easter Aquhorthies (sign-posted from the A96 at Inverurie), Midmar Kirk (just off the B9119 beyond Echt), Mullach (just off the minor road between Strachan and the Slug Road) and Tyrebagger. The latter, which is up behind the airport industrial estate, may be under threat from the Western Peripheral Route so watch this space! As well as having the unique collection of recumbent stone circles Grampian has been the source of over half of the 420-plus known carved stone balls. Carved stone balls date from about 3500 to 1500 BC, the later Neolithic into the Bronze Age. Almost all come from Scotland, mostly from the area between the Tay and Moray Firth, with one each to be found in Ireland, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Durham and Norway. The vast majority are about 7cm (3 inches) in diameter although some larger ones with a diameter of 90-114mm are also known. A few are oval rather than round. Most of the balls are covered in knobs varying from three up to 160 but most commonly (almost half of all known) have six. Some knobs and, sometimes, the spaces between them, are decorated with an incised pattern and occasionally the whole ball is decorated with a single design. The decorations include hatchings, incised lines, spirals and concentric circles. The size/prominence of the knobs varies. A fine collection can be seen in Marischal College Museum. Inverurie Museum also has some but the museum follows library opening hours so I have yet to visit. Grampian also boasts a significant percentage of Pictish symbol stones. The Maiden Stone will be known to most of you but many of the surviving others do so as broken fragments. They are usually decorated with recognisable stylised drawings but, like the recumbent stone circles and the carved stone balls, we can only guess as to their actual meaning and purpose. Fine examples of Pictish stones can be found on the ground floor of Marischal Museum but the best collections are in Angus at Meigle, the Meffan Institute in Forfar and the St.Vigeans Museum in Arbroath. Our region is also home to a fine collection of hill forts. Again, plenty of you will have climbed Mither Tap, but did you pause to consider the effort involved in constructing the hill fort round the summit. It's not scree; it's the remains of 50

Former Pupils 'Club Section 2,000-year-old walls! Tap O'Noth, the Barmekin at Echt and Dunnideer are also Iron Age hill forts which involved moving huge amounts of stone UPHILL in their construction. Dunnideer has been disfigured by a thirteenth century fort but is still recognisable. I hope this brief glimpse of pre-history will stimulate those of you living in Grampian, and those back visiting, to spend some time looking at real history rather than touristy National Trust properties or walking along the prom. Marischal Museum sounds dusty but is also well worth visiting, especially on a wet afternoon! Ewen Rennie (1955-68)

Ahemleen Grammar School Magazine

Former Pupils' Club Founded 11 September 1893 Club Office-Bearers, 2005-2006 Honorary President: GRAHAM LECKiE, BEd, MEd (Rector) Honorary Nice-Presidents: JOHN W. CRADOCK (1941-46). CA (President. 1977-78) T. GORDON COUTTS (193849), QC, MA, LL.B (President, 1980-81) JAMES A.N. WATT (1927-39), CA (President. 1982-83) BRIAN K. CROOKSHANKS (193446), TD, 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, LL.D (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), TEng (CEI), FInst 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 (1945-51) (President. 1999-2000) RICHARD F. TYSON (1944-49) (President, 2000-01) STEPHEN A.C. ROBERTSON (1939-51) MBE. MA. LLB, MUnN. (President. 2001-02) DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE (1950-64) MB,ChB, FRCPsych. (President, 2002-03)) ALEXANDER E. MelLWAIN (1945-51) CBE, MA,LLB, SSC, WS (President_ 2003-04) IAN H. McLEOD (1951.55) (President, 2004-05) GORDON G. MILNE (1950-61) MBChB (President, 2005-06) (Specially Elected) ARTHUR L. MeCOMBIE, MS, FSA(Scot) (Deputy Rector, 1973-90) (Elected 1991) ALISTAIR M. NORTH (1937-50) OBE. BSc, DSc, PhD, FRSE, FRIG (Elected 2004) WILLIAM J. JOHNSTON, BSc. DipEd (Rector 1987-04) (Elected 2005) President: DAVID L. ALLAN ( 1945-58) QPM, LLB, MPhil, FCMI Nice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive: MARTIN JEFFREY (1942-57) BSc. Secretary: Kill\ I III \DRY (1951-65) LL.B Treasurer: ALAN W. MARR (1969-75) CA General & Notes Editor of Magazine: BRIAN K. CROOKSHANKS (1934-46) TD, MA, LLB

Former Pupils 'Club Section

Regional Centres Edinburgh:

Glasgow: London: Yorkshire: Canada:

President — KEITH I. MASSON (1959-72) Secretary - NEIL M. I3ORTHWICK (1952-65) gborth(O:gborthwick.wanadoo.co.uk President — MA LCOLM K. DANIEL ( I975-8I ) peekAimsgaol.com Secretary - PETER CAIRNS (1945-57) President - A. GRAHAME B. YOUNG (1940.47) anicol@lineone.net Secretary — SANDY NICOL (1962-71) President - DOUGLAS SKENE (1959-64) martin@estateplans.co.uk Secretary - MARTIN COULTER (1983-89) President - GEORGE RICKART (1923-30) jpjeffrey@shaw.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)

theferrotamily(aJlincone.net ianpsouter@aol.com richardn4aberdeencity.gov.uk pmrobertson@adamcoehran.co.uk dharris(Oechnip.com emma.mairgnautronix.co.uk steve4esson-ca.co.uk davekitirobinson15.fsnet.co.uk era.aberdeen(ii:virgin.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 - IAIN S. HOPKIN (1962-68) Curling - MARIO L. VICCA (1952-56) Football - RICHARD NICHOLSON (1975-81) 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. CA.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Club Centre Committee DOUGLAS M. WATSON* Chairman BRIAN DEIGHTON* - Secretary HARVEY E. MORRISON - Treasurer M. COPLAND, N. GARDEN*, L. GEDDES, H.A.S. HAMILTON, P. HENDERSON*, J.F. HENDRY, I.S. HOPK1N*, D. INKSON, J.M. JEFFREY, K. STUART. J. WILLIAMS, M.WISELY, D.YOUNG (5 Denotes member of Management Team)

Club Consuls Australia — JIM W. HOWISON (1937-50), 98A Hull Road, West Pennant Hills, New South Wales 2125, Australia, E-mail: howison@tech2u.com.au Tel. 00 61-2-9875-1296 Australia — Dr. FORBES J. SMITH (1945-57). 242 Main Creek Road, Main Ridge, Victoria, 3928. Australia E-mail: forbessmith(kalphalink.com.au Tel. 0061-3-5989-6234 Canada - GORDON B. SINGER (1949-50). Box 7. Site 5. RR #2, Okotoks. Alberta, Canada T1S 1A2 E-mail: singsinggtelusplanet.net Tel. 00 1-403-995-0331 Canada — PETER J. GREEN (1946-57), 506 Slater Road, RR#2, Kemptville, Ontario, Canada, KIG IJ0 E-mail: chantagrie@sympatico.ca Tel. 00 1-613-989-3940 Canada — DAVID R. AULD (1947-61), 2187 Lafayette Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, V8S 2P2 E-mail: davidauld(q,shaw.ca. Tel. 001-250-595-0616 Corsica - IAIN WARES (1941-52). Via G.M. Angioy 34. Cagliari 09124, Sardinia, Italy. Tel. 0039-070-652508 Hong Kong - MARSHALL H. BYRES (1960-69). 2A Hatton House, 15 Kotewall Road. Hong Kong E-mail: marshall.byresk, ihk.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: gwking4o5c.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(a≥xtra.co.nz Tel. 0064-4-479-5678 Thailand — Prof. ALASTAIR M. NORTH (1937-50), 79/78 Soi 7/1 Mooban Tararom, Rainkhainhaeng 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 IA 2AH E-mail: dalamont4hotmail.com

Annual General Meeting The One-hundredth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held at the Club Centre in Aberdeen on Monday 27 March 2006, with Mr J. Martin Jeffrey. the Vice-President. in the Chair. The Chairman reported as follows: Introduction: I am delighted to be able to report that our Club has had another really good year and, without question, we now have a firm foothold in the 21st Century! We have again made steady progress in most areas. Our membership numbers have continued to grow. our finances are probably the strongest that they have ever been, communication with members is good, the Club Centre has had another sound year, our Regional Centres are active and

Former Pupils' Club Section FP sport continues to develop. The Astroturf pitch at Rubislaw is continuing to prove a tremendous investment and the next phase of development at Rubislaw is firmly on the agenda! Membership: During the year, our total membership grew to 1,284, a modest net increase of 8 over the 2004 figure. We actually gained 26 new members in total, including 18 school leavers, which was a smaller number than last year. However, we lost more than a few old friends during the year and, sadly, that included two marvellous former Presidents - The Very Revd. J. Fraser McLuskey (1920-31). who was President in 1974-75. and George E.C. Barton (1923-26), who was President in 1973-74. All are sadly missed.

Communications: The Magazine continues in the experienced and very capable hands of Brian Crookshanks. The Newsletter - now at Edition 17 - serves a crucial role in keeping Members up-to-date between Magazines. However, today people are seeking instant news and we are studying how we can use email and the intemet to better meet the needs of our members. However, we have to bear in mind that only about 65% of members currently have easy access to the intemet. Finances: The Club has had another first class year financially with a surplus of over £5,000 and a very strong Balance Sheet. Our total income again exceeded £25,000 and on top of that we received the marvellous total of £2,500 in donations which goes straight to the Second Century Fund. Once again, I would like to thank members for their splendid generosity and the way that you support the Club year after year. However, as always, we must continue to look for ways to further increase our income and maintain a tight control over our expenditure. We must also seek ways to ensure that all our capital is invested effectively and contributing positively to the Club's financial strength. Once again our thanks go to our splendid Treasurer, Alan Marr. who continues to keep us on the right path!

School: The School and the Club have a long tradition of working closely together and it has been a pleasure to continue this tradition with the new Rector, Graham Legge. Special thanks also to Russell Gray and Helen Innes for their ongoing support for the Club. We have updated the guidelines for the All-Round Trophies and have developed some ideas as to how the Club and the School can co-operate in some fund-raising activities in support of the Amenities Fund which was set up by the FP Club in 1956. Four 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. We are now looking at other ways to extend the distribution of the Magazine within the School.

Social Activities: The Dinner in March 2005 was a great success as was reported last time. This year, a freak March snowstorm threatened to wipe out the evening at one stage, but over 150 FPs and guests battled through the elements to enjoy a splendid evening. A display of Class photographs and other memorabilia to mark the "750th Anniversary" of the founding of the School created a lot of interest as did a special Commemorative Menu. Once again, a Buffet Dance in October attracted about 100 and with the excellent Graham Geddes band at the helm, the evening went with a swing. Congratulations once again to Lucy Mitchell, our very able Social Convener.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine The Regional Centres: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Yorkshire and Canada organised their usual excellent and wellattended Dinners and Edinburgh and Glasgow also co-operated in a range of other successful events. London had planned a Dinner at the House of Lords, but a clash of dates meant that the event had to be postponed. I am sure that London will recover from that disappointment this year. As in previous years, the support by the various Centres for the events and functions run by the other Centres has been splendid. Our thanks and congratulations go to the hard working Office Bearers 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, under new Chairman Doug Watson, has had another sound year and, despite some difficulties, just about broke even on the financial front. The big challenge for the 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. Doug Watson and a small team are currently evaluating a number of options and they plan to present their proposals later this year. We need to be creative, but realistic, in identifying and rigorously reviewing our options for the future. Once again, we have to thank the Operations Committee, and particularly Brian Deighton, 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 Head Barman, Mike Tasker, and his team of part-time staff for their friendly and helpful contribution to the running of the Club.

The Sports Sections and Rubislaw: As usual, each Section will again make its own report. However, FP Sport, operating under the umbrella of the FP Club, continues to flourish despite the various shortcomings of the facilities at Rubislaw. The new Astroturf pitch continues to prove an outstanding asset to the School and the two Hockey Sections and there is considerable potential for increased participation. Progress on the next phase of development - a new Pavilion - has been at a standstill for several months, but the project is now on the move again. The revised plans allow for the retention of the original building (this excludes the later additions of the west and rear changing rooms and the groundsman's flat). This is excellent news. The current provisional budget is £1.4 million, but we are hopeful that this will be increased so that the School and FPs will have a modern changing facility that will be genuinely fit for purpose.

The next 12 months: So what are our priorities for the next 12 months? Our number one priority remains the redevelopment of Rubislaw with the focus very much on a new Pavilion. However, we are also looking at a phase 3 which will involve improvements to the grass pitches. Secondly, we need to complete our review of the best way forward for the Club Centre and reach some decision. Thirdly, we must ensure that the structure and guidelines for the FP Club, the Club Centre and the Sports Sections really do meet current and future requirements.

A Year of Anniversaries and Fund-raising: As if the challenges above are not enough we have some very exciting Anniversaries and Fund-raising activities planned for the next 12 months or so. 1906 was the year of major celebrations for the School to mark 650 years (or more) since it was founded. 2006 brings the 750th Anniversary of the founding of the School. We are going to mark this with the launch of the "1256 Appeal". The monies raised for this Fund will be used for projects at the School and the Memorial Pavilion at Rubislaw. 1916 was the year when Rubislaw was officially opened, but it is felt that we should delay any celebrations until the new Pavilion is opened, probably in early 2008. 56

Former Pupils' Club Section

Finally. 1956 was the year of the great Grammar Fair which raised the initial funds for the Amenities Fund. We are going to work with the School to raise further sums for the Fund so that we can increase the support we can offer to the School for a wide range of extracurricular activities. We have much to look forward to! A big thank you: I would like to finish by thanking our hard working and committed office bearers Honorary President, Graham Legge; our retiring President Gordon Milne, ably supported by his wife Ann; Jock Hendry, Alan Hamilton, Alan Marc and Brian Crookshanks; also Lucy Mitchell, our excellent Social Convener and Whilma Jeffrey, who acts as Membership Secretary. My thanks also go to an experienced and supportive Committee who 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 2005 Accounts (reproduced at the end of this Magazine) were submitted and approved. The Treasurer reported a surplus of £5.779, 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.

Auditors Messrs. Bower & Smith, CA, were unanimously re-appointed Auditors of the Club and Section Accounts for the coming year. In terms of the Club Constitution. the Annual General Meeting is always held on the last Monday in March. The 2007 A.G.M. will therefore be held on Monday, 26 March at 7.30 p.m. in the Club Centre. 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen

President's Report "The older you get, the quicker time passes" and "Time flies when you are enjoying yourself' are both axioms which could be applied to my term of office. At least that's the way 1 see it! There may be those who think otherwise and found the speeches a bit long or the jokes a bit old hat. Be that as it may, I had a ball. Eleven functions, six speeches, two rounds of golf, several thousand miles of travel, hundreds of FIN met with, many old friends among them, and new friendships formed. At every turn, I was made most welcome and made to feel at home and in safe hands! That may all sound a bit of a cliché, but my predecessors in this office will attest to the truth of it. My year started with the School Prize-giving which was a strange mixture of familiar recollection and puzzling clues that struck a chord but seemed strangely out of context. I was confused by the rebuilt school that every so often seemed to transport me back fifty 57

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine years only to then unsettle me with some change that disorientated me again. The courtesy and warmth of Graham Legge's welcome put me instantly at ease, however, and it was a joy to meet the FPs of tomorrow as they received recognition of their athletic and scholarly achievements at school. I fondly imagined that for a year I would be able to offer sage advice and influence those issues and events with which the FP Club concerns itself, but soon came to realise that the President's function is not that. He is there to do duty as ambassador and spokesman, absorb much alcohol on behalf of the Executive, receive criticism and comment from the membership furth of Aberdeen and report to the Centres on developments "at home" -which mainly meant Rubislaw and the continuing saga of its future and the Club's place in that future. The Rector, who formed with me a double act at many functions, dealt with the School and its problems and achievements. I will miss his company. Without exception, the Centres wanted to know how they could best help the Club and the School, and many post-dinner plots were hatched with this theme in mind. Some will see fruition and some will have been forgotten in the haze of the next morning's hangovers. Interest is intense when groups of FPs are gathered in a social setting, and we must all be aware that there is a tremendously powerful loyalty at work which could and should be harnessed. The highlight of my year was undoubtedly the Canadian Centre weekend. This is no reflection on the other Centres, but a weekend in Victoria and Vancouver Island with a crowd of lads and lasses determined to enjoy themselves (most of whom I knew well from school andior rugby days) is hard to beat. The highlight of that event was seeing George Rickart being installed as Canadian Centre President at the tender age of 92! A sparkling speech of acceptance by him will live in my memory for a long time. The Aberdeen Dinner was the finale of my year and with the display of photographs along with other ephemera and mementos to remind us of the 1256 and all that anniversary I was flattered. touched and surprised that the "tombstone" from the old main corridor which commemorated the I st XV of 1960-61 had survived the fire and was thought worthy of display. A bit like seeing your own obituary ante mortem! To all those who elected me, advised, supported and cajoled me, a vote of thanks. It has been an honour and a great pleasure to be your President for 2005-06. I wish David Allan every good wish for his term of office. I know he will fulfil his duties with distinction. Gordon G. Milne (1950 - 61) Presidential Profile David Leith Allan QPM, LL.B. MPhil, FCMI (1944-58) On 27 March 2006 my old school friend and former police officer, David Allan, was elected as this year's President of the Former Pupils' Club. After leaving the School in 1958 David had a distinguished career in the police, rising from a police cadet with Aberdeen City Police to Assistant Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police thirty years later. The young PC 46 David Allan (not PC49!) was awarded the Baton of Honour as the best student in his group at the Scottish Police College at Tulliallan in 1959 and, by his own efforts. progressed very quickly to the rank of Inspector. After thirteen years in Aberdeen he, with his wife and family, moved to Milngavie in 1972 to join the City of Glasgow Police with the rank of Chief Inspector. The following year he was the first Scottish police officer to be selected to study at the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) National Academy in Washington DC. While there he distinguished himself on two occasions. From all the students, from both America and overseas, he was selected to give the key-note address to J Edgar Hoover. the famous Director of the FBI, and a large audience of other distinguished guests and college staff officers. The other occasion was when, during training, he had a .38 58

Former Pupils' Club Section pistol to shoot at moving targets - the "bad guys" - hiding in an artificial street of shops where cut-out figures appeared at random. David shot two shop signs, a lamp post, a priest, a figure of an elderly lady. and a cut out dog, with his six bullets. During the seventies and eighties he embarked on a degree course and was awarded a Bachelor of Laws degree, with Ilonours, from the University of London. He later graduated as a Master of Philosophy from the University of Strathclyde. Police training was a significant pan in David's career, culminating in his appointment as Deputy Commandant and Director of Training at the Scottish Police College. Later he was appointed as Divisional Commander of Maryhill Police Division in Glasgow, the home of the TV fictional character Taggart. At one time during this period a large area of Hearsden was flooded due to a fractured major water main. Although David was responsible for the rescue and recovery operation, he assured me at the time that he did not cause the flood. When he retired in 1991 he was honoured by the award of the Queen's Police Medal for services to policing. David's achievements did not end there. Not content to spend his retirement on the golf course, he was quickly recruited to undertake work overseas under the auspices of the British Government's Overseas Development Agency. He spent almost three years in Namibia as adviser to the Commissioner of Police on the effective management of a civilian police force. Then in Jamaica and St Lucia, both volatile countries, he spent several years introducing modern management techniques to the local police forces. During the past few years he has led a team of consultants working to improve the organisational development of the police force in Bosnia. He retired late last year and is about to leave the West of Scotland and return to Aberdeenshire to live in Aboyne. Sport has always been an important part of David's life, and he showed the same determination to succeed in this as he did in his working life. He played both rugby and cricket for the School, and captained the Aberdeen City Police cricket team which under his leadership won both local and national competitions. Golf, however, has been his most successful sport, and he has won many tournaments including, in 1979. the Ford Amateur Golf Championship which was then the UK's largest amateur golf competition. David is devoted to his very charming wife Christine, to whom he has been married for over 40 years, and to his two children and four grandchildren. This fan of Dixon Hawke from the Sporting Post and PC 49 on the radio has come a long way since his early days at the Grammar School. From the brief details above it will be apparent that David Allan is a talented, industrious and energetic person with the determination to carry out any challenge with good humour and dedication. He will he a great ambassador for the School and the FP Club. He is an eloquent and witty public speaker and will make a significant contribution to the future well-being of both the School and the Club. S.A.H. (1948-58)

A New Pavilion for Rubislaw At last! The project for a new Pavilion at Rubislaw is now well and truly on the move again alter a frustrating series of delays over the past twelve months or so. The Council has gone through a number of changes at a senior level and, in addition, they wished to put in place an updated set of guidelines for major projects and these were the main reasons for the delay. However, a Project Board was convened a few months ago the membership of which includes Councillors Martin Greig, Alison Smith and Brenda Craig: various Council officers; Graham Legge and Keith Milne from the School: and Alan Hamilton and myself from the FP Club. The Board is chaired by Councillor Martin Greig, who was been very helpful and responsive to the various proposals which we have submitted as well as keeping the project moving forward. The design of the new Pavilion has been agreed. an additional £400,000 of funding secured, and an application for Planning approval submitted. 59

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine The design of the project has changed significantly from the original as the core of the current building will now he retained and a new single-storey wing will be added to the west. The School and the various FP Sports Sections were all involved in the preparation of the original requirements and have been kept in the picture as the design has been developed. There will be six good-sized changing rooms (compared with the current four) each with its own set of modern shower cubicles. The four largest changing rooms will each comfortably accommodate a full Rugby squad while the other two are more than adequate for Cricket, Hockey or Football squads. In addition, the new wing will have its own Reception area plus (at long last) proper changing and administrative facilities for the School's PE staff. Ideally, we would have liked a total of eight changing rooms, but there was simply no chance of the necessary funds being allocated at this stage. However, the new wing has been designed so that if the case for additional changing rooms can be made in the future then it would be a relatively straight-forward operation to add these on. Only the central Memorial Hall and the two original wings will be retained from the existing building. Later additions the west and rear changing rooms, the boiler room and the groundsman's flat (Hugh, the current groundsman, is relocating to Harlaw) will be demolished. The two wing areas will be refurbished and converted into changing accommodation for visiting match officials, a kitchen and spectators' toilets - this will finally mean the disappearance of the brick "Gents" at the other side of Rubislaw that has done duty for decades. I don't suppose too many tears will be shed about that! The FP Club have come up with some ideas to reinforce the concept of the Hall as a living Memorial to all those FPs who lost their lives in the First World War. We will refurbish the panel inside the Hall and also the inscription on the exterior. However, we also hope to lighten the decoration and use the walls to create a gallery of outstanding sportsmen and sportswomen. FPs and pupils, to help motivate and inspire future generations of youngsters to take part in sport and perform to the best of their abilities. The Memorial Hall will also serve as a gathering and educational facility mainly for School use and we would like to install the latest audio-visual equipment for the easy, quality showing of Sport-related DVDs. Finally, we would like to replace the current Pavilion Clock — a with a modern mechanism while familiar focus for generations of pupils and FPs hopefully retaining the current style of face. The new Pavilion is an exciting and badly needed next step in the programme to make Rubislaw really "fit for purpose" in the 2Ist century. However, the current plan is to start work on site in January 2007 and it is not expected to be completed until January, 2008. This means that School and FPs will be without any changing facilities at Rubislaw for 12 months. This is going to present some major challenges and all parties involved are currently considering how they are going to operate during this period. In the meantime, the Project Hoard will be asked again to explore ways of reducing the length of the project. The original Memorial Pavilion was opened in 1923 and it was designed for a much smaller, boys-only School. The facilities were reasonably adequate until the 60s and even the early 70s. Since then their condition has steadily deteriorated and the building became hopelessly inadequate when the School became co-educational in 1973. Despite the best efforts of the Groundstaff, the current Pavilion has proved a strong disincentive for many pupils to participate actively in School sport. and it was not just the girls who were appalled by the state of the building. the showers and the toilets. Hopefully, the new Pavilion will change all this and pupils will quickly respond to the modern, new facilities when they are opened. We all look forward to that day. I would like to thank the Council, and in particular the local Councillors - Martin Greig, Alison Smith and Brenda Craig for their sustained interest and their marvellous support for the project. and I am confident that it will prove to be just as sound an investment as the very successful Astroturf pitch.

Martin Jeffrey Chairman, Executive Committee 60

Former Pupils' Club Section Centre Reports Club Centre It was made clear by the Chairman at last year's AGM that the Centre would need to make "a step change" in order to ensure its financial viability for future years. Much of this year has therefore been taken up by the committee in exploring ways in which to ensure that financial viability. One very clear and strong feeling put forward by an almost unanimous number of members, with only a small handful of alternative views being expressed. is that the membership wishes to retain the Club Centre at 86 Queens Road and this has resulted in the Committee concentrating its efforts on our current location and the best possible use of the asset which we have. These proposals are still very much in the early stages of thinking, and much work needs to be done before final decisions are taken by the Club Centre Committee as to the way in which they will recommend matters proceed before the Executive of the FP Club is asked for its approval. Throughout the year we have been privileged to have had a successful and dedicated staff led by our bar manager, Mike Tasker, ably assisted by Andrew Garden. Our thanks must go to Mike and Andrew for their friendly and efficient service. The function and meeting rooms have been well utilised by companies, firms, Sections and visitors throughout the year and are an important source of revenue to the Centre. The support of all Sport Sections is paramount to the success of the Centre itself. On catering we are now lucky to have the services of Lena Moyles who is providing a very high standard of lunches on Fridays and Saturdays as well as assisting the Sports Sections by meeting their catering requirements for teams and functions. Lena has transformed the presentation and standard of cooking within the Centre which is already showing significant financial benefits to the Club Centre. Another successful function to celebrate New Year was enjoyed by over 80 members and guests, and the monthly quiz night (on the last Friday of every month) continues to attract between thirty and fifty members. The Barbecue season will also see many local businesses holding their summer BBQ at the Centre - they are all much appreciated and most welcome. Anyone considering booking a function at the Centre should contact either the Secretary or the Bar Manager. The membership for 2005 finished with just over 680 members, and it is hoped that the current year will be at least as successful. We would appeal to all FPs who are not currently members to join and support the Centre. The FP Club must take steps to increase the number of FP members of the Centre. Thanks are due to the members of the committee, and in particular to the management board, for their immense support throughout the year. They have had a considerable amount of work, probably not envisaged at the start of the year, and which will inevitably lead to more work in the coming months. Particular thanks from all our members are due to our tireless Secretary, Brian Deighton, to whom the Centre owes much for its continued success. Canada Last year's Annual Reunion Weekend of the Canadian Centre took place on Vancouver Island, British Columbia in early September and was attended by 30 FPs and guests. We were delighted to welcome Club President. Gordon Milne to our reunion weekend, and we enjoyed showing him at least some of beautiful Vancouver Island. Gordon made the long trip to western Canada then flew back a week later to attend the Yorkshire dinner the following weekend. The States was also represented again: Bill and Barbara Wolkoff travelled from Missouri. and Peter and Maureen Leatham made the long drive north from Oregon to join us. 6I

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine The weekend started on Friday evening with a lively "meet and greet" evening at David & Edna Auld's home in Victoria. Informal get-togethers took place on Saturday and then we gathered in the evening for dinner at the University Club. Alex Home, outgoing President. installed George Rickart as President and presented the Canadian Centre with an engraved box to hold the Duguid decanter. Kenneth and Kate Pine hosted a wonderful Sunday brunch at their home in Sidney, and another weekend of old and new friendships came to an end. The following FPs attended the dinner (in order of entry to School): George Rickart (1923-30). Vancouver, British Columbia; George Warrack (1924-37), Comox, British Columbia; Peter Leatham (1938-49), Medford, Oregon, U.S.A.; Garry Jenkins (1939-44), Edmonton, Alberta; Bill Wolkoff (1942-53), Jefferson City. Missouri, U.S.A.; Peter Jeffrey (1944-59), Qualicum Beach. British Columbia; Roy Wares (1946-52). Vancouver, British Columbia; Peter Green (1946-57), Kemptville, Ontario; David Auld (1947.61). Victoria, British Columbia; Gordon Singer (1948-49), Calgary. Alberta; Philip Barron ((1948-56). Kanata, Ontario; Kenneth Pirie (1948-57). Sidney, British Columbia; Michael Hardie (1948-59), Almonte, Ontario; Gordon Milne (1950-61), Elgin, Scotland: Alex Home (195258), Breslau. Ontario; Peter Edwards (1956-64), Calgary, Alberta. 2006 and 2007 Reunion Weekends: This year's reunion will be held on September 8-10, 2006 in Ottawa, Ontario. when Ian Thomson will take over from George Rickart as the Canadian Centre President. Peter Green (Club Consul, Ontario) and his wife Anne are organising the weekend, and have arranged for the dinner to be held in the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. Looking ahead, the 2007 reunion will be held in Calgary. Alberta on September 7-9. If you would like more information. please contact the Centre Secretary, Peter Jeffrey (tel. 250-757-9946, or jpjeffrey@shaw.ca ). We always look forward to welcoming FPs and spouses/guests from Canada and beyond to our reunion weekends. However, if your travels bring you to Canada at another time of year, please feel free to get in touch with the Club Secretary if you would like to meet FPs while you are in Canada. Edinburgh The Centre held its Annual Dinner on Friday 21st April 2006 in the Clubhouse of the Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society. President Keith Masson welcomed the company of forty members and guests, including principal guest Gordon Murdie, the Rector, Graham Legge, the Head Girl, Nathalie Graham, the Head Boy, Andrew Henderson, the recently installed President of the Parent Club. David Allan, Calum Bruce, the Vice-President of Edinburgh Gordonians and Doug Skene and Malcolm Daniel, Presidents of the Yorkshire and Glasgow Centres respectively. Gordon Murdie proposed the toast of "The School and the Club" in a very amusing and entertaining manner and replies were made by the Rector, Head Girl, Head Boy and David Allan in his first function as President of the Parent Club. In August the annual golf match with the Glasgow Centre was played at Tulliallan, resulting in a narrow victory for Glasgow by 88 points to 86 and their retention of the trophy for the seventh year in a row. The Mor Brown Trophy was won by David Allan with the best individual Stableford score of 34 points. He is now not only the new Club President, but also the proud holder of this splendid trophy. John Barron was second and Malcolm Daniel third The next Annual Dinner will be held in the Clubhouse of the Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society on Friday 27th April 2007. 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). 62

Fortner Pupils ' Club Section The following FPs attended the Dinner (in order of entry into School): A.J.K. Munro (193346), D.G. Kilgour (1938-50). T.G. Coutts (1938-51). D.A. Brittain (1943-49), A.H. Cairns (1943-56), A.E. Philip (1943-56), A.M.M. Beattie (1944-57), J.P. Cairns (1945-57), D.L. Allan (1945-58), R.S. Rilley (1947-55), S.A. Howard (1948-58), D.K. Yule (1951-65), N.M. Borthwick (1952-65), S. Auld (1953-64), N.K.B. Edwards (1959-64), J. Hannah (1959-71). K.1. Masson (1959-72). I. Quigley ( 1959-64), D. Skene (1959-64). H.O. Will (1959-65), N.G.M. Watt (1963-69). J.H. Rust (1963-71), S.W. Cummings (1965-69), R.H.A. Malloch (1970-76) and M.K. Daniel (1975-81). Glasgow Our year started well with the Joint Outing to the new Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh on 10th September. The architecture of the completed building has been the subject of many opinions. It is certainly a striking edifice but with a large number of anomalies, such as an inability to clean some of the glass which is in unreachable parts of the roof. Suffice to say we had a truly enjoyable and enlightening tour, followed by an excellent lunch. On 17th August, at the Annual Golf Match against Edinburgh, the team of President Malcolm Daniel, David McNay, David Allan and Graham Morrice acquitted itself well by retaining the Caithness Globe for another year. David Allan was the winner of the Mor Brown Trophy. The Centre's Annual Dinner was once again in the Swallow Hotel. Glasgow with an attendance of 46 FPs and their guests. Our guest speaker was David Lacy. himself an FP, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. David proposed an excellent toast to the School and the Club. The Moderator began with a roll call from a School form book from 1963 which he had received from Ian Stephen whilst visiting churches in Moray. He had also met Malcolm Cauld's brother on this tour, proving that wherever you went there was always an FP nearby. Replies came from the Rector, Graham Legge, !lead Boy Andrew Henderson and Head Girl Nathalic Graham. The Club President, Gordon Milne, replying on behalf of the Club. told us of the continuing hard work he was undertaking on behalf of us all and of plans for the future. As previously advised Malcolm Gauld has organised a Curling Team. During the year the Team played five matches, winning one but unfortunately losing the other four. Malcolm would make very welcome any new members willing to participate. and he can be contacted by telephone, 01355 237039, or email: mwrgghotmail.com. This year's golf outing is on 30 August and is again at Tulliallan Golf Club. No details have been forthcoming regarding a Joint Function this year. Any FP new to the West of Scotland is invited to contact Peter Cairns, Tel 01436 671708 email AGSFPGlasgow@aolcom or peekairnsgaol.com to have their names added to the mailing list. This year's Dinner will be held on Friday 27th October in the Swallow Hotel, Paisley Road West. Glasgow. The guest speaker will be Bill May. former long-serving member of the School staff To reserve places, contact Peter Cairns as above. The following FPs attended the dinner (in order of entry into School): Steve Robertson (1939-51), David Allan (1945-58), Malcolm Gauld (1947-61), Ciordon Milne (1950-61), David McNay (1956-69), Stuart Cummings (1959-71), John Hannah (1959-71), Keith Masson (1959-72), Doug Skene (1959-64), Jim Leask (1960-66), Gary Allan (1963-76), David Lacy (1963-65). Malcolm Daniel (1975-81). Margery Taylor (1975-81) and Stefan Coiling (1990-96)

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine London Despite our expectations, it did not prove possible to hold a function before the end of 2005. By the time you read this report. however, we shall have held our informal evening visit and barbecue at the award-winning London Wetland Centre in Barnes on Thursday 17 August. We hope that an informal event such as this can become a regular annual event for the London Centre in the summer months. On Thursday 19 October we shall be celebrating 750 years of the Grammar School with of a dinner in the Peers' Dining Room at the House of Lords, to be hosted by Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, former Governor of Hong Kong and now Chancellor of the University Aberdeen. We look forward to strong support for this event, but numbers will be restricted to a maximum of 80. in A regional event, probably in the Oxford area, is likely in either the early autumn or the spring of 2007. With these three events we look forward to rejuvenating the London Centre and encouraging greater participation from FPs in London and the south-east of England. Yorkshire With a record 28 FPs and guests present. Yorkshire is delighted to report the most successful dinner - at least in numerical terms - in the 59-year history of the Centre. The Grange Hotel with again offered an excellent setting in which we shared a relaxed and informal evening. of those seated all which tables large the three over recounted reminiscences many pleasant present. Rack of lamb was on the menu, and although the knives were strangely blunt, the bonhomie and banter were sharp. Thanks to this banter, to the "Birse Tea", and to the beautiful words of our guest speaker, a good time was had by all. Our very special guest speaker for the night was David Craig (1937-50). David, writer almost and former Professor of Creative Writing at Lancaster University. delivered a poetic, magical, talk on "Grammar Teachers of the I 950s". He focused on the nick-names, the mannerisms, and the revered legends that surrounded teachers such as Andrew Milne (Happy Harry), James (Paasie) Walker, Ronald MacLeod (Creeper MacLeod, aka Tarzan), Bouncer Bruce, Suivie Soutar, Pizzie Hendry, Doddie Hay, Charlie Hemingway. James Collie, "Scotty" Couper. Bertie Johnson, and AB "Sandy" Russell amongst others. Members of our party could remember further names, and these were shouted forward of as the wine and the "Birse Tea" took full effect. Dick Tyson, added some further stories teachers, centred on various schoolboy pranks and the penalties exacted by the above all teachers. Names had changed, but those from later years at the School could recognise the same wrongdoings. Also with us on the night were our honoured guests from the North, including new Club President, Gordon Milne; the new Edinburgh President, Keith Masson: and the School were Rector, Graeme Legge. who all very kindly made the journey south to join us. We evening. to the added they which enjoyment the and presence their grateful for Responding on behalf of the Club, Gordon Milne gave a sincere presentation of his fondness for the School and his honour at being elected President. The Rector then presented a broad summary of the activities. and many successes, of the old School over the past year. A welcome ritual at Club dinners, these talks demonstrated the continued high standards of the Aberdeen Grammar School today. Doug Skene, Centre President, replied to our guests, and went on to stimulate an informal discussion amongst our large party. As in previous years, Doug laced the "Birse Tea" infusion with liberal helpings of Scotch whisky, and this was passed around the tables. This year there were no complaints that the brew "was not of sufficient strength". and an entire bottle was polished off. 64

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Curling an We highlighted last year the opening of the new facility in Aberdeen. We have enjoyed excellent first season of ice expertly prepared by Tom Brewster, an international curler, who Curl Aberdeen are fortunate in having as their manager. Much effort has been expended by the Development officer to broaden the interest of curling within Aberdeen. particularly with schools. Some 20 Primary and Secondary schools now use the facility on a regular basis and we hope this augurs well for the future of the sport and our facility. We continue to curl with Rubislaw Curling Club and join with them in their competitions. Ian Soutcr's team won the winter league and our other team, skipped by Geddie Hay, won the Spring league. We would welcome anyone who wishes to learn to curl. The coaching facilities at the rink rink are excellent. There are several "come and try" sessions during the year run by the this and well worth attending if you think you might be interested. Any FP wishing to take out to find him for instance first ) in the (ianpsouter(aaol.com Souter Ian contact should up what is available. Football This year has seen the team having to dig in, the best description being that it was a tough. character-building season. Following on from the previous season's promotion push we found ourselves in the First Division North. Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to a number of experienced players who, either through old age, family or work commitments (often a combination of all three!!), were unable to help us in this new challenge. It is appropriate to make specific mention of Rupert Seager (Goal Poacher) and Marco Bonato (Italian Goalie) both of whom of hung up their Grammar boots this year. They were much missed following years even boy, and and man Grammar, the for played Rupert has the team. exceptional service to into middle age-man status!! Marco is off to Holland after eight years in Aberdeen and the Grammar colours. We say a heart-felt thanks and best wishes to them both. The team now faced a new and more difficult challenge in a higher league which was to made even harder by the need to build a new team. Unfortunately. we have been unable of the half second in the effort valiant a following and status, retain our First Division season relegation was confirmed after the final game. During the season we were happy to welcome a number of new players who added both skill and enthusiasm to the team, culminating in the post-Xmas run of games which nearly avoided the drop. It was evident that we had found our feet at this level, albeit a little late, when we took three points off six of the top eight teams during this run. The lesson to be carried into the next season is to put the same preparation and commitment into the run-of-the-mill league games and not simply rely on raising performance levels when the opposition have reputations. It was our poor performances with our peers at the foot of the table throughout the season that sealed our fate. With regard to individual performances, it is difficult to select any one person but for effort over the season Richard Nicholson again should get a mention, along with Steve Fraser as captain and players' player of the year. Also I think mention should be made of Chris Fowlie, for his enthusiasm and desire to learn a new role in defence, and Ross Young. a new member who epitomised the change in the team following his recruitment in January. His energy and will to win revitalised the team at a difficult time in the season. To end on a bright note, the team's annual golf day was once again a roaring success, with the golf at Aboyne Loch well lubricated. The regulars at the bar in the FP Club would again have been impressed by the effort involved in the fancy dress when the evening thrash got underway. Notable appearances were made by Elton John and Paul McCartney!

Former Pupils' Club Section

Finally, we are all looking forward to the challenge of next season and look to bounce right back. Golf The Section continues in good heart, having had one wet outing to Braemar, followed by a drier one, and an outing at Ba!later, in addition to our annual trip to Taymouth Castle. Membership is similar to last year and competition for trophies is as keen as ever. Gordon lnkson won the Russell Henderson Trophy for the best 3 scratch scores, but is unlikely to retain the Cup as he has now moved to Dubai. We lost to Old Reptonians in a closely fought match in Round 2 of the Queen Elizabeth. Dallas Moir and Peter Robertson, even now, are still happy to mention an arboreal 3 at the 15th to win their match. The star performer at Taymouth was our Captain. Mike Murray, despite having to endure some severe handicap adjustments throughout the tournament. Mike teed off on Saturday morning as a 19-handicapper, and by Sunday lunch-time was down to II, and he still won. If he continues to improve at this rate he may well be playing in the other Walker Cup at Balgownie in 2011. Men's Hockey The first full year of the all-weather pitch has already borne fruit. Player numbers were significantly increased in season 2005/06 and this has led to some excellent team performances with our 1st team consolidating its league position and the 2nd team coming close runners-up in the East District Regional League. The opportunity to train and play on a high quality surface has observably raised the skill levels at all ages. Having a home all-weather hockey pitch has also attracted new players, young and not so young — the Club can now boast a 61-year difference in age between the youngest and oldest players. This upturn in membership has enabled us to extend our coaching programme to include mixed hockey and hockey for age 12 years through to adult. Thanks to the support of our members. and particularly the coaching team, the sustained effort and commitment to developing schoolboy hockey was rewarded last season when our under-16s team became un-defeated Scottish Schoolboy Champions for season 2005/06. The further development of our Web-site at www.agsfphockey.org.uk will enable Captains to post team selections on the site and allow players to e-mail their availability. A significant number of players received honours in 2005/06, at both District and National level. The youngest was 14, the oldest 73. In order that we generate opportunities within the wider community, more easily to access field hockey, formal discussions on merging the Men's Hockey Section with the Women's Hockey Section of AGSFPs have begun. Finally, as a key part of our development strategy, the Men's Hockey Section has been successful in recruiting two very experienced coaches for season 2006/07. One of these will lead our youth coaching team and the other our 1st team and Club programme. All in all it has been an extremely productive year for players and members. Rugby This season secs the Rugby Section gain its highest ever placing in Scottish Rugby since the start of the League structure, finishing as the third club in Scotland. despite a nail-biting start to the season, with only one victory from six games played. The spirit of the entire playing squads. allied to the 'never say die' approach of Coach Damian Reidy and his team, ensured that the season finished with a resounding 'bang'. Who can forget the enthralling

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 17-17 draw with Glasgow Hawks at Rubislaw, a feat which denied Hawks their third Championship until their following game? The team's record of: Drawn: I League Points: 65 Won: 12 Played: 22 is a sign that we are rapidly approaching the position where we will be challenging for the very highest honours in the coming seasons. The 2nd XV also had a mixed start, due in no small part to Jim Sugden's work commitments preventing him from playing a fuller part in the team's management. We were very fortunate that, as soon as it became evident that Jim would be unable to devote the required time, Alan Mekie stepped forward to take over as manager - and with the able assistance of Skipper, Fraser Rankine, returned the team to winning ways. Due to the Border clubs seceding from the 2nd XV Leagues, Alan's team finds itself once more in the Premier Division. They deserve all the support we can give them, especially when the 1st XV is playing away from home. Our Minis and Juniors have had an excellent season. Briefly, the U-18s progressed to the final at St Andrews, losing to Howe of Fife; the U-15s were runners-up in the Caledonia Leagues to Stirling, and played in the Premier League all season; the S2s went to Murrayfield and crowned a splendid day out by becoming the National champions. In addition to these domestic highlights, Aberdeen Rugby has travelled abroad with no small success. Our U- I 5s were the losing finalists at a tournament in Lille in May, where they beat all other club teams, losing to a Paris Select XV in the final. Our S I s went to Disneyworld, where they recorded an excellent win against teams from England. France and Belgium. Numbers continue to increase with, at certain levels, fixtures being needed for two teams. On the more general playing front, we were delighted to hear that Sean Crombie. an U21 regular. has signed a contract with the Borders Reivers and that Moray Low, who represented Scotland at the Club International, has signed with Glasgow Warriors. It is also good news that Ruaridh Jackson, following his excellent showing in the Bell Lawrie Cup, has been brought under the SRU's umbrella. We give all of these players our best wishes and hope to see them in a Scotland jersey in the near future. This season sees us lose three stalwarts, lain Stanger. known to all for his irrepressible spirit both on and off the pitch, as well as Aaron Pulman and Mark Ozich. Aaron has decided to return home to New Zealand and Mark fell foul of the tortuous employment laws, having been advised he had a post one day, only to find that the final signature on the document was not forthcoming. Both payers have had an enormous impact on the Club. Whoever saw Aaron when he came out of hospital found it impossible to believe he would ever play again, let alone have the impact he did during the last games of the season. His winning the inaugural Jack Nixon award speaks highly of the esteem he is held in by his peers. Next season's team sheet is still being firmed up, however we do know that Damian Reidy has signed on for another season and has expressed his intention to take us to the top of Scottish Rugby. Let us all get behind him in his task. At the Club's well-attended AGM new appointments were made; Derek Younger Chairman, Brian Clark - Director of Rugby, with Malcolm Copland. Gordon Thomson, Mike Inglis and Arthur McCulloch also being appointed to the Committee. Alex Forrester stood down as President and was replaced by David Robinson. Significant other business carried out at the AGM was the discussion of an updated constitution which it was agreed should be forwarded to the FP Club Executive for their approval. An overwhelming majority agreed that the Rugby Section adopts the playing name of 'Aberdeen Rugby'. Again, this was to be forwarded to the FP Club Executive for its approval. It was interesting that support for this latter initiative, aimed at increasing club membership from a broader membership base than at present, received support from such luminaries as Donny Inns, Ronnie Comber and Dave McDonald. 68

Former Pupils' Club Section More recently, the SRU held its AGM and league sizes from next season were a major area of concern. Happily, it was decided that there would be a 10-team Premier I league next season, changing to a 12-team league for Season 2007-08. The coming season will see two competitions, the normal league followed by a Super Cup Competition, where we have home matches against Hawick and Glasgow Hawks in Pool 'A' of the Cup. Let us hope we can show the same commitment and success as we did with the IT tournament which, for those of you with short memories, we won handsomely. The season starts on 26 August when we entertain Currie at Rubislaw. Finally, we are travelling to France for a pre-season camp, culminating in a match against St Jean dc Luz Olympique on Saturday 19 August. The tour theme is "Aberdeen Rugby Revives Auld Alliance". Let's see if our Seniors can emulate the success of our Junior sides in taking on, and beating, all corners. We are sure we take all your good wishes with us both to France and for the coming season. Do come and see what the best Rugby in Scotland looks like when we take on. and beat, the cream of Scottish Rugby. Swimming The Swimming Section has continued to meet on Tuesday evenings at the School pool, as it has done for over forty years. However, the end of this season has brought worrying developments which threaten the continuation of the Section. Firstly, the City Council has insisted that we have an independent qualified life-guard in attendance. We have been fortunate over the last few weeks to have secured the services of the School life-guard and we are grateful to Miss Helen Ines, senior Depute Rector, for organising this. We hope that a similar arrangement can occur next season. Secondly, our finances are in a very precarious state. Peter Robertson. our President, has sent requests to members whose subscriptions appear to be in arrears. If the Section is to continue, it is essential that these subscriptions are paid promptly. In addition, we have recently lost one of our most stalwart members. Gordon Inkson, who has moved on a permanent basis to Dubai. We wish him every success and thank him for all his support for the Section over the years. It is very much hoped that we manage to make a "splash with cash" next season so that the Section can report thriving success in next year's Magazine. Women's Hockey It has been another good season for the hockey girls. There are healthy numbers attending training regularly, and there is a great new crop of youngsters looking like better players with each week which passes. This season the girls appointed coaches per team instead of having training for all of the players under one coach. This gave the teams the chance to work more closely together in training and to go through their set piece work regularly. The girls' thanks go to Simon Tomkins and Scott Forsyth for looking after the 1st XI: Steven Allen (Frankie) for taking the 2nd XI; and Liz Stewart for coaching the 3rd Xl. Their efforts were very much appreciated, particularly given some of the weather we had on offer this season! The 1st XI played very well for the first half of the season and worked from a squad of sixteen players. Unfortunately, due to a number of circumstances, (particularly bad weather in March did not help) they ended the season having used a total of thirty-six players! On two occasions they played with only four regular squad members and had to borrow some of the Club's 2nd and 3rd XI regulars to help out. All the girls who stepped in worked hard for the team but the task was just a bit too much. In fact, they only lost one match but drew three, which ultimately cost them the League title, and they finished as runners-up this year in North District Division One. Their Cup run was badly affected by some of their regulars

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine being unavailable for a fixture in Edinburgh. They will be very keen to make amends for this next season. Results Played 18 Won 14 Drawn 3 Lost I Goals For 54; Goals Against 14; Points 45 The 2nd XI had a really good run in North District Division Two. They finished in third place and really enjoyed their season. In many ways their season might well have been even better had the 1st XI not had to borrow some of their players to fill in the gaps in their team at crucial times. They had an excellent record of attendance at training which showed in their match play. It is almost certain that they will be challenging for promotion again next season and with the youngsters already well placed in their team they will have a great chance of achieving one of the top two places in this League. Results Played 20 Won 12 Drawn 2 Lost 6 Goals For 57: Goals Against 19; Points 38 The 3rd Xl scored their greatest number of points yet in Division Two. They also scored more goals than ever before. They finished in 8th place, which is their highest ever finish, so altogether a great season for this team. They were hit by inconsistencies in their playing squad as the 2nd Xl were forced to borrow players from them to cover for some of their loss of players to the 1st XI. However the 3rds were as uncomplaining as ever and managed to get all their games played (bar one) which was no mean feat. The 3rd XI also played quite a few new players from the School who added some enthusiasm and speed to the team. They will be back for more next season and will be looking forward to finishing even further up the table. Results Played 19 Won 4 Drawn I Lost 14 Goals For 24; Goals Against 80; Points 13 The indoor season was the real success of this season with our 1st VI winning the North District Indoor League title. Their season was as tough as ever and not for the first time the League came down to the final match of the season. Going into this, our girls needed to win as the opposition had a marginally better goal difference. The game went from end to end and the Grammar girls were ahead right up to the point where, with only four minutes left, the opposition scored and then tried to hold out for a draw. It looked like there was not enough time left, but with only ten seconds remaining our girls got control of the ball and with two slick passes put their striker in position for one last strike at the goal. The shot was perfect and went beyond the opposition's goalkeeper and into the net. The cheer which went up just abut took the roof off the sports hall! The Grammar girls won the League with the last shot of the game - a very sweet victory! Results Played 8 Won 2 Drawn 1 Lost 5 Goals For 24; Goals Against 38; Points 7 The 2nd VI were equally proud of their indoor efforts as they finished in sixth place in the League. They had a mixture of players from our 2nd and 3rd outdoor Xls and gave some very strong opposition to some of the better teams in the League. Socially, the Club was as active as ever and took every opportunity they could to utilise the Club Centre. There were some organised events and some impromptu nights out, but it would be fair to say that the girls do their best to continue their reputation as a fun club. In particular, the wine nights and casino nights are very popular. The Club would like to thank a few people for their efforts. In particular thanks go to Richard Wallis who has umpired for the girls again this season. His commitment to help the girls has been second to none and the Club will never be able to thank him enough for his time and advice. Thanks also go to all the supporters. players. organisers, umpires and the management committee for their input to this season. As a footnote to this year's report it was thought it would be interesting to list the current players who went to the School. This year we have had a return to the Club of a

Former Pupils 'Club Section few girls who have been away from Aberdeen for some lime, and it has been great to get them back: Suzanne Blount, Wendy Bradford (nee Watson), Helen Bruce (née Wallis), Angela Christie (née Matthew), Sarah Church, Christina Fox, Nicola Fox, Kate Goodenough, Gillian Graham, Sari Johnson. Jenny MacRae. Emma Mair (née Hendry). Lucy Mitchell, Amy Stephen, Kim Stuart, Angela Taylor, and Morag Wisely. Another fourteen players are currently still at the School. Overall, membership again rose this season to over sixty players. As ever if you are keen to take up hockey again or even have never played before, you are very welcome to come along to training to see how you get on. Training is on Tuesday evenings at Rubislaw from 6.00pm 7.30pm and starts in August. 313386 For further information contact - Emma Mair Helen Bruce 561865

Social Events Buffet Dance The Buffet Dance was held on Friday II November 2005 at the Queen's Hotel. Aberdeen. A company of around 100 enjoyed an excellent buffet meal. Dancing was once again to the music of the Graham Geddes Band, which itself is a guarantee of an excellent evening. The usual high spirits were on display from various sections of the company. and all were agreed that it had again been a highly successful and enjoyable occasion. Annual Dinner The Annual Dinner was held on a stormy and wintry Friday. 3 March 2006 in the Queen's Hotel, Aberdeen. About 140 members and guests were present, and the company included several present and former members of staff as well as the llead Boy and Head Girl. The theme of the evening, in a departure from the usual pattern, took the form of a celebration of the School's 750-year history. The specially prepared Menu Card contained some very nostalgic photographs. Representatives were present from the Regional Centres, including two Club Consuls from Canada, and as usual there were official guests from the local FP Clubs and from Branches of the Edinburgh FP Clubs. The meal and the service provided by the Hotel were both or the high standard which we have come to expect. The President, Dr Gordon Milne. was in the chair and carried out his task with skill and no little wit. In the course of the evening the now customary raffle was drawn, bringing added pleasure to some, disappointment to many and some welcome funds to the Club. The principal toast, to the School and the Club, was proposed by Mr George Kynoch, who almost, but not entirely, shed the political mantle of a former MP. As a former pupil of the young Glenalmond, he had a great deal of respect for a school founded before the Wallace and Bruce era, but lamented that so much of our history and heritage is continually being run down by politicians, whether in Brussells, Westminster or Edinburgh. Mr Legge. in his reply for the School, gave news of the long-awaited Games Hall, of changes in the School with a re-configured House system, the re-introduction of a Dux award and the revival of inter-House sporting and cultural activities. The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks to Lucy Mitchell for once again arranging a most successful evening. An interesting display had been skilfully arranged by Chairman Martin Jeffrey to highlight events of the last l00 years in the context of the celebration of the School's long history.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Among artefacts on display were the All-Round Trophy, Morland Simpson's Bon Record and a copy of Theodore Watt's Roll ofPupils 1795-1919. These evoked much interest. The following FPs attended the Dinner (in order of entering School): J.R.S. Innes (1923-35). J.C. Sellar (1924-34), S.L. Henderson (1932-38), A. Stuart (1932-45), Ian Brooker (1934-45), B.K. Crookshanks (1934-46), T.1. Morrison (1934-47), J.F. Fraser W.D. Brooker (1938-50), S.A.C. Robertson (1939-51). J.W.Cradock (1936-49), (1940-46). D. Kelly (1940-49), H.B. Paterson (1941-50), J.M. Jeffrey (1942-57), Neil Munro (1942-56). W.B. Brown (1943-57), A.H. Cairns (1943-56). R. Dixon (1943-57), I. Kennaway (1943-57), A. Philip (1943-56), A.K.Campbell (1944-53), A. Cromar (1944-50) G. Cruickshank (1944-54), D.A. Fowlie (1944-57), D.B. Galloway (1944-58), E. Grieve (1944-50), D.R. Harper (1944-58), D.Jack (1944-50). J.A.C. Michie (1944-58), D. Ross (1945-58). P. Green (1946-57), L. Rennie (1946-53), J. Stephen (1946-53). M.G. Walker (1946-57), J.B. Davidson (1947-60). M.L. Wolkoff (1947-59), F.K.S. Lawson (1948-61), N.A.B. Will (1948-62), C.D. Rice (1949-60). G. Singer (1949-50), M.Webster (1949-57), G.G. Milne (1950-61), S.J.C. Esson (1951-64), R. Gray (1951-65), J.F. Hendry (1951-65), I.H. McLeod (1951-55), H.E. Morrison (1951-65). D.K. Yule (1951-65), N.M. Borthwick (1952-65), A.C. Dickie (1952-58). I. Douglas (1952-57). W. Hutcheon (1952-58), G.Cowie (1953-65), J.C. Lyon (1953-59), P. Rankine (1954-61), J.H. Gauld (1956-62), K.G. Jones (1957-66). F.I. Lloyd (1958-65). R.G. Milne (1958-71), M.A. Batchelor (1959-65), B.M. Drummond (1959-65), N.K.B. Edwards (1959-64), J.G. Hannah (1959-71), J. Lawson (1959-61). W. Cameron (1959-62), A.G. Campbell (1959-65), R. Dempsey (1959-63), K.I Masson (1952-58), G. Riddell (1959-62). D. Skene (1959-64). D. Walker (1959-65), D.K. lnkson (1960-66), D.N. Yule (1960-66), J. Main (1961-63), R.L.C. Dargie (1964-73). P.M. Robertson (1967-73). J.D. Moir (1969-75), D.G. Moir (1969-75), A.J. Thompson (196975), I. Taylor (1974-80). G. Whyte (1975-81). D.M. Watson (1979-85), L. Mitchell (198590), G.M. Inkson (1986-92), J. Williams (1986-92) and K. Stuart (1988-93) In addition to the Rector, G. Legge, former Rector W.J. Johnston, and former Staff members R. Donald. A.L. McCombie W. May and I.T. Stephen were present, along with L. Hutton. H. Innes, N. Montgomery, A. Smith and B. Thom of the present Staff.

RE-UNIONS The 1951-65 Re-Union, 2005.... The 2001 issue of the Magazine records the inevitability of a further (fifth) re-union of the year 1951-65. though the date remained uncertain. With earlier events in 1975, 1980 and 1990 a reasonably orderly programme had been maintained, but with the somewhat whimsical staging of a re-union in 2001 to mark "the real millennium", the schedule lurched out of kilter. and there was no obvious "date of next meeting" on which to focus. An internal debate arose between 2005 (putting us back on schedule, but only four years from the previous re-union) and 2007 (when most of us would have our sixtieth birthday — but how many of us would have been spared by the Grim Reaper for another six years?) A combination of adherence to conformity and timor mortis prevailed, and the date of 8 October 2005 was settled upon after extensive electronic consultation. For reasons, which may be explained by those who make a study of electronic communication, but which lie far beyond the ken of the present writer, this email consultation failed to elicit the not insignificant information that the Senior Prefect had chosen the very same day to celebrate his daughter's nuptials. Nevertheless, forty-eight members of the year, along with our honorary member. Bill Johnston, Rector 1987-2004, were able to participate in an extended three-day re-union season, which was generally acknowledged to be the biggest and best yet. 72

Former Pupils' Club Section

The extension of the re-union by a third day (Friday 7 October) enabled re-unionites to choose between golf (Balgownie), hill-walking (Bennachie) or snooker (Albyn Club), organized by Bruce Drummond and Derek Walker. Richard Shirreffs and Steve Esson respectively, before getting together for a drink in the Club Centre. Indeed, several of the year hd already demonstrated their support for the Club by availing themselves of this lastmentioned facility on the Thursday evening. Saturday morning was occupied by the now traditional tour of the School, which once again was conducted extremely ably and agreeably by fellow sixty-fiver Russell Gray. Assistant Rector. Saturday afternoon is notionally "free", but quite a number of the year chose to stay together, after lunch in the Club Centre, to watch the rugby at Rubislaw. (It is understood that Halsey Bradford created quite a sensation with his demonstration in favour of reclaiming Rubislaw rugby for FPs by delaying the start of the second half as he strolled casually from one touchline to the other). The Dinner itself, in the Thistle Caledonian Hotel, in the absence of Harry Millar. the Senior Prefect, was chaired efficiently and wittily by his deputy, Donald Lamont, currently HM Ambassador to Venezuela. The toasts, which exceeded all previous (albeit excellent) re-union speeches. and indeed all (albeit very high) expectations by their wit, nostalgia, aptness and overpowering hilarity, were proposed by Dr Neil Borthwick and Dr Harry Reid. The year was especially blessed to be able to welcome to the Dinner no fewer than seven remember it's forty years since the year left School — of their former teachers. Mr Donald Macaulay, Mr Arthur McCombie, Mr Ron McLeod, Mr Bill May, Mr Graham Munro, Mr Patrick Scott and Mr Ian Stephen who, along with the Rector, Mr Graham Legge, contributed enormously to the evening's enjoyment. And so on to Sunday for the buffet lunch in the Club Centre, for many the highlight of the whole re-union, when the company is complemented by the wives, partners, children and guests. and the noise level calls to mind the Tower of Babel. This part of the Re-union, too, seemed to be better than ever before, perhaps. it has been suggested, because the wives and other guests have become more familiar with each other. (One minor innovation for the 2005 Re-union was the institution of an organized girls' night out on the evening of the Dinner, though similar, smaller informal gatherings have always taken place). The real (unplanned, unintended) highlight of the Re-union weekend, however, came fittingly at the very end, when only a few stalwarts remained in the early evening of Sunday at the Club Centre. One of the year, John Lawson, was fulfilling his regular Sunday engagement of rehearsing his pipe band upstairs in the Centre, when Derek Walker persuaded him to bring them down to the lounge bar. After a few Scottish airs, there wasn't a dry expatriate eye in the house. So much for the fun - which, in the end of the day, is what the Re-union is all about but there were two notable achievements associated with the 2005 Re-union. Firstly. in the course of the week-end, £710 was raised and has been added to the School's 1965 Prize which was established by the year in 1990. This should secure the immediate future of the Prize, which does appear to be appreciated by the School (staff and pupils) and which allows pupils a rare opportunity to reward those of their fellows who contributed positively to the life of the School and to the lives of the pupils themselves. Secondly, thanks to the commitment and persistence of Mike Colvin, the year has a unique (as far as is known) photographic record of its progress through School from 1952 to 1965. Mike has captured on disc every single class photograph that was taken of the year along with every significant sports team photograph involving a member of the year. Those attending the Re-union were presented (along with the now expected year-book) with a CD and a brochure of the photographic collection, which truly is a most impressive compilation of School history.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

For the record, the Re-union organizers were Mike Colvin, Norman Edwards and David Yule, and FPs attending the week-end were: James L. Addison (1959-65), J. Ross Baird (1952-64), Martyn A. Batchelor (1959-65), Neil M. Borthwick (1952-65), R. Halsey G. Bradford (1951-65), Cohn F. Caie (1959-65), William Cameron (1959-63), Alan G. Campbell (1959-65), Alistair J. Clark (1959-65), Hugh S. Clark (1951-65), Michael B. Colvin (1951-65), George H.Cowie (1952-65), Richard Cowling (1959-65), Ian W. Craik (1959-65), Richard Dempsey (1959-63), Bruce M. Drummond (1959-65), Norman K.B. Edwards (1959-64), Steven J.C. Esson (1951-64), Robert G. Gauld (1959-65), Russell Gray (1951-65), Sydney G, Gray (1959-65), Alexander Hardie (1954-63), John F.Hendry (195165), Roger D. Houghton (1959-64), David Hyland (1959-64), Donald M. Lamont (195165), John Lawson (1959-61), William Leiper (1958-65), George C.Letts (1952-62), Roderick A. McDonald (1951-64). Alisdair G. MacKenzie (1952-65), Jack Main (1961-64), Brian Mair (1952-65), Douglas Mart (1959-65), Hamish T.E. Norbrook (1959-65), Richard B. Rae (1959-65), Peter M. Rankine (1954-63), Harry W. Reid (1952-61), James A. Reid (1963-65), Malcolm F.Rennie (1952-65). Richard C. Shirreffs (1951-65), William Small (1959-64), David W. Smith (1954-65), Lawrence M. Tough (1959-64), Alister B. Train (1959-65), Derek J. Walker (1959-65), H. Oliver Will (1959-65) and David K. Yule (1951-65). ....And the 1957-59 Re-Union, 2006 Alexander P. Farquhar The year 1951-65 has always claimed, in the Magazine and elsewhere, that they were the first Grammar FPs to hold a year re-union (in 1975) and, indeed, no year has come forward to contest this assertion. That old historian of the School, Arthur McCombie, however, has put a damper on this vainglorious assumption of distinction by casually informing the writer that a nineteenth century class of Grammar FPs used to meet regularly for lunch in town. Well, how about this as a mark of distinctiveness and a place in the Grammar, if not the Guinness, book of records? A representative group from Primary 6-7A in 1957-59 held a reunion with their Lower School teacher for Primary 6 and 7 forty-seven years after leaving his class. The teacher in question was Mr Alexander P. Farquhar, known to the boys of the Lower School as -Sid", an energetic, enthusiastic and charismatic educator, who made an invigorating and stimulating impact on the Lower School in the decade between the midfifties and the mid-sixties. Being both young and male, he stood in stark contrast to the majority (though not all) of his Lower school colleagues, who were neither, and seemed to find it easy to relate to the boys in his classes at the top end of Primary. One of the moving forces behind the re-union wrote. "He was in my opinion a major influence on most of our lives", a sentiment which was generally endorsed, along with the assertion that, while Grammar FPs would always disagree about the very best teachers who had taught them, nobody who was taught by Sandy Farquhar would dream of leaving him off his list of special favourites. Discipline in his class was strict remember this was at the time when the belt was still in common use in primary schools — but the prevailing ethos was of fun, laughs and enjoyment. This combination of firmness and fun was especially important to Primary 6-7A (1957-59), because and this is not something you will read every year in the Magazine — frankly, the class had been very badly served in Primary 5. when it had had no settled teacher throughout the whole year. Much leeway had to he made up in Primary 6. but somehow "Sid" Farquhar made the doubling of homework seem like a sporting challenge rather than a punitive imposition.

Former Pupils' Club Section Mr Farquhar's input to extra-curricular activities (particularly, but not exclusively, sport) was immense, and this, too, increased his pupils' trust in him as somebody who understood them. After such a eulogy, it is disappointing to have to record that no more than nine of the class — i.e. roughly one third — were able to participate in the get-together, but that does represent six more of the class than attended the 1951-65 Year Re-union, and so it probably does reflect favourably on the continued pulling-power of Sandy Farquhar. Indeed, two of the company traveled from Edinburgh and one from the Borders. The re-union lunch was held in the FP Club Centre on Saturday 28 February 2006, and was much enjoyed by all. As can be seen from the accompanying photograph, Mr Farquhar has worn a great deal better than several of his pupils, and could easily pass for a member of the class. After the lunch, Mr Farquhar was presented with a commemorative quaich, and the company sat on to exchange reminiscences well into the afternoon. Several of those present suggested that the re-union should be an annual event. Who can tell? It could be worth it just to hear the senior partner of Paull & Williamsons recite The Boy in the Train again. FPs present at the Re-union were: Ronald W. Arthur (1953-64), J. Ross Baird (195264), John R. Bisset (1952-65), Eric A. Buchan (1951-65), Russell Gray (1951-65), Richard A. Reece (1952-65), Murdoch J. Shirreffs (1951-64), G. Bruce P. Smith (1951-64) and David K. Yule (1951-65).

FUTURE REUNIONS 9th (Grammar School) Scouts The 9th Aberdeen Scout Group will celebrate its Centenary in 2008. Formerly the 9th Aberdeen (Grammar School) Scout Group, it is in extremely good health, still cooking on wood fires and, with a membership of 100 Scouts in all four Sections and about 20 Leaders, is the current holder of the Area Flag. Details have still to be finalised, but the outline plan is for a week-end of celebration, probably in September 2008, with three main themes — The People (the Young and "less young"), The Places (virtually unchanged) and the Programme (New and Old) — and three main Venues — The "Hut" in Granville Lane, Aberdeen, Templars Park, Maryculter and a formal Dinner at an Aberdeen venue to be decided. Anyone interested in participating should contact Neil Lawrie, (1961-74), Group Scout Leader, 9th Aberdeen Scout Group at 9 Braeside Terrace, Aberdeen, AB15 7TS — telephone 01224 316819 or e-mail: neil.lawrie@btinternet.com There is NO obligation: this is just an attempt to make up a mailing list of interested parties and perhaps gather any ideas or memories former members may have. Class of 1967 The class of 1961-67 plans to hold its third Reunion in Aberdeen in 2007, on a date still to be arranged. A Working Group comprising Harry Barlow, Ray Clark, Sandy Lyon, Geoff Wilkinson and Dave McDonald have mailed about 70 former School pals, but they are working on a list from some years ago. Anyone of the 1961-67 year who has not received a letter should contact Dave McDonald as soon as possible on 01224-644749 or email to dave.mcdonald@btinternet.com as soon as possible.

F.P. Club Membership Subscription Rates The current policy of the Executive is to review Subscription rates annually, but in normal circumstances we hope that it will only be necessary to amend them every 5 years. The last

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

increase was applied in 2005. so the next increase will hopefully not be until 2010. The Life Member "Top up" scheme — which has been hugely successful - currently involves a payment of £20 to cover the five-year period 2005 to 2009 inclusive. 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. 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 f4 from the "Top up". the Club receives £5 per Life Member in total each year. This doesn't yet match the £10 or so we receive from Annual Members. but we are moving in the right direction and we arc 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. Subscription rates are as follows:Life Membership: New Life Members: £100 plus a £20 "Top up" every 5 years, the first "Top up" being payable 5 years after Life Membership is taken out. £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 Year) School Leavers: School Leavers (Extended):

£5 (covers remainder of year of leaving plus 1 year) f20 (covers remainder of year of leaving plus 5 years)

Note: School Leavers also become Nlembers 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. nbe SizegjijiHalalftrHcraineriL 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: 6 Westburn Gardens, Inverurie AB51 SQU. Tel: 01467 - 622330 Email: martin.jeffrey@btintemetcom 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 be seen from the Accounts printed elsewhere in this Magazine, the total from this source was £2,502. Our grateful thanks go to everyone who has made a donation. New Members of the Club — 1 July 2005 to 30 June 2006 Life Members

Ken Gill Lori Manders

1969-75 1979-85

Nick Bradford Alastair Garvie

1961-74 1946-56

Richie Lyon

1985-91

Annual Members

Stuart Patterson Michael Philips 76

1972-78 1966-71

Former Pupils' Club Section Douglas Kynoch Ian Mair lain Michie David Middleton

1948-56 1956-69 1946-56 1958-71

Suzanne Blount Nathalie Graham Andrew Henderson Scott McMillan

2000-06 2000-06 2000-06 2000-06

Richard Reece Walter Robb Susan Watson Trevor Watt

1952-65 1946-56 1987-93 1983-88

School Leavers, 2006 Barry Mitchell Ralph Thompson Will Thomson Kim Walker

2000-06 2000-06 2000-06 2000-06

In addition to the above, contact has been re-established with three Life Members who had been 'lost' for several years -- Bertram Spence (1932-45), Alexander Grieve (1951-64) and Ian Sharp (1961-74).

Long Service Members In recent years we have published the list of our magnificent Nonagenarians. Sadly, four of these have died in the last year, but seven others have now attained the qualifying age. The full list is as follows, and we offer congratulations to them all :Norman Clark 1919-29 13 October, 1912 Norman Beattie 1921-31 26 April, 1913 George Rickart 1923-30 4 June, 1913 James Mackay 1919-32 18 March 1914 Tom Hutchison 1920-31 26 September 1914 Eric Cruickshank 1926-31 29 December 1914 James Davidson 1926-33 1I June 1915 Herdman McDougall 1921-34 3 February 1916 Gordon Dawson 1921-34 3 February 1916 George Matheson 1928-32 7 February 1916 Robert McNay Staff 23 March 1916 Douglas Jamieson 1922-34 14 May 1916 Trevor Gray 1921-32 10 July 1916 Congratulations to the following members of the Club who will attain the age of 75 during 2006 and so will become Long Service Members on 1st January 2007

Life Members David Brittain Bill Brooker Eric Cruickshank George Fraser Edward Fraser Brian Gray Jim Howison Alastair Hume Patrick Innes Albert Lawrie

1943-49 1938-50 1940-49 1936-49 1936-49 1943-49 1937-50 1936-47 1935-49 1943-46

Alan Donald Myron Hampton Peter Leatham

1942-44 1947-49 1938-49

Herbert Longmore Malcolm Lyall Frederick Lynch James Milne Campbell Murray Douglas Robbie Andrew Steven Martin Wagrel Graeme Wilson Norman Woodman

1943-48 1935-48 1936-48 1944-50 1943-49 1936-48 1936-50 1943-49 1938-48 1938-49

Annual Members Ian Torvaney Arthur Tough

1943-48 1946-49

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

NOTES about

FORMER PUPILS Honours and Awards Order of the British Empire William Cairns Stewart Smith (1956-68) MB.ChB, was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2006 Birthday Honours List in recognition of his services to healthcare. Head of Aberdeen University's department of Public Health he has, for the last thirty years. been involved in leprosy research, looking for ways to improve health care for the thousands of sufferers worldwide and prevent people from being permanently disabled by the disease. He has, during his career, spent three years in India and five years in Singapore as part of his studies into leprosy, and he is currently chairman of the World Health Organisation's technical advisory group on leprosy. Earlier this year he organised a three-day Global Forum on Leprosy Control at Aberdeen University. Honorary Degrees At a Graduation Ceremony held by Aberdeen University in November 2004 the degree of Master of the University (M.Univ.) was conferred on Derek McDonald Giles (1950-53) MBE, technician and curator of the University's historic instruments. In presenting him, Dr Roger Williams, the University's Director of Music, said:"In 1965, when the head of the former Music Department. Reginald Barrett Ayres, closed an interview with the comment 'well you'd better start on Monday for a six-week trial period', he could hardly have foreseen what an inspiration this would prove to be. Having worked at Alexander's Radio and TV retailers as an audio and television technician, Derek Guiles was perhaps an unlikely choice as a technician for a rapidly developing Music Department of an ancient Scottish University. But Derek's duties went far beyond his earlier experiences, and in his helpful manner and his scrupulous attention to detail he became invaluable to the musical life of the University. "When I arrived in Aberdeen thirteen years later. I witnessed Derek's ability to develop new skills. Until then, whenever a harpsichord was required for a performance of old music, the only satisfactory instrument available was the fine, historic Kirkmann of 1771. This recently restored instrument was transported to various venues for concerts, and it was obvious that, sooner rather than later, it would either be irretrievably damaged or would undergo serious deterioration. Derek was invited to build a new harpsichord, which would be used for every-day needs. Though he had never done anything like this, under the guidance of David Murray Derek produced a fine instrument which, to this day, produces a wonderfully resonant sound. Later, Derek was to repair a hapless Square Piano by the celebrated maker John Broadwood, dated 1802, which had fallen on hard times. By approaching this task with humility, skill and particularly in the care taken to source the correct materials needed for such a restoration, Derek transformed it into one of the finestsounding instruments of its type. Many people have benefited from Derek's advice and assistance — the City, and owners of historic instruments in the region. "When the Music Department closed in the early 1990s, Derek began to compile a list of the concerts which the Department had promoted since its establishment in 1943. The task was not as straightforward as it might seem, as many of the programmes, particularly from early days. had not been kept. But with Derek's many contacts and his ability to seek

Fortner Pupils' Club Section out friends of the Department, this record of programmes — now housed in the Special Collections section of the University Library is a positive treasure-trove of information, and is a valuable part of the University's recent history. "In the past, gowns and Derek have had a somewhat ambivalent relationship, particularly with the gowns of the Chapel Choir as they have been transported, perhaps to St Machar's Cathedral for the annual University Carol Service. Today, however, marks an important new relationship with this formerly troublesome garment and it is a very great pleasure to see Derek now actually robed in his own academic gown. "For his many services to the University, to the City and the region. Derek was awarded an MBE earlier this year." At the Summer Graduation held by Aberdeen University in 2005 the degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D) was conferred on Alan Grant Campbell (1959-65) CBE, LL.B. In presenting him, Professor Chris Cane said: "Alan Campbell was born and brought up in Aberdeen, the son of a journeyman plumber and a nurse. On leaving Aberdeen Grammar School he studied law at this University, and on graduating, rather than pursue a career in private legal practice, he took up a law apprenticeship with the then Aberdeen County Council in 1968. This was the fist step on what has proved to be a distinguished career in public service. "Alan Campbell's early work with the Council coincided with the advent of the oil industry. This was a time when the Council faced huge pressure on infra-structure and services, brought about by the influx of oil workers and services. The experience he obtained during this period was to stand him in good stead when, in 1984, he was appointed Director of Law and Administration, and Deputy chief Executive of Grampian Regional Council. Seven years later he was appointed Chief Executive of the Regional Council. When yet another bout of local government reorganisation produced 32 new unitary councils in 1995, Alan Campbell was appointed as first Chief Executive of the new Aberdeenshire Council. "His contribution to local government in Scotland, and his professional reputation and standing, have been marked in many ways. His senior colleagues in local government have elected him as President of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers in Scotland. He was appointed by the Scottish Executive to be a member of the Independent Committee of Inquiry into Teachers' Pay and Conditions of Service (the McCrone Committee). Last year he was appointed by the Executive to be a member of the group reviewing social work practice for the 2I st century. In 2002, in the Jubilee Honours List, he was awarded the CBE for services to Scottish Local Government - richly deserved recognition of a career which today extends over sonic 37 years. "One might be forgiven for thinking that 37 years of government of any kind would leave one with little time for relaxation, and little energy for what free time there is. But Alan Campbell is clearly a man of energy even when he relaxes. For more than forty years he has been a competitive cyclist. He was a founding member of the University Cycling Club, and through his association with the University has undertaken a number of highly competitive challenges. I will mention only a couple of these. The first is a circuit taking in the Cairn o' Mount, the Devil's Elbow, the Lecht and the Cabrach - a distance of 180 miles, completed in a single day. In 1978, at the centenary of the British Cycling federation, he joined a group who retraced the journey made by bicycle 100 years before by Sir Ian Keith Falconer from Trinity College, Cambridge to Keith Hall at Inverurie. It was 500 miles and it took less than 48 hours. Clearly this is a man who loves his sport. Indeed, it has been suggested that he derived at least as much pleasure from the publication of his photograph in Cycling Weekly as he did from the award of his CBE". At a Graduation Ceremony held at Bath University in July 2004 lain Gilmour Gray ( I 96975) BSc(Eng), FRAS, received the honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering. He graduated 79

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine near from Aberdeen University with honours and at once joined British Aerospace at Filton, and Bristol, in 1979. He has worked in a variety of roles on different An-bus programmes and since 2004 has been managing director of Airbus UK. He is responsible for the design in flight maiden its had which A380 new the including wings, manufacture of all Airbus May 2005. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a member of the Society's governing body. 2005 At a Graduation Ceremony held by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen on 13 July Doctor of degree honorary received the FRSE PhD. MA, (1949-60) Charles Duncan Rice the of Education. This recognises the huge contribution which Professor Rice has made in of Vice-Chancellor as years five After Scotland. in and America both in education, field of New York University he returned to Aberdeen University as its Principal in 1996.

Norman Roderick Darroch Begg (1951-59) MA, LL.B continues to pursue what has been adapted a lifelong passion for amateur theatre. Most recently he has produced three plays Toulmin David writer North-east by Home Harvest the book from Barron by Charles which was the pen-name used by John Reid, a farm servant in Buchan whose diaries and Group. other writings are remarkable pieces of literature. Roddy directs with Studio Theatre Alastair George Keith Bisset (1957-59) has written a book A Stroll Along the Bisset Beat telling of the highs and lows of his career as a journalist. Prior to his retirement six years time ago he was for forty years a reporter with the Press & Journal, and for most of that was in charge of the editorial team in Elgin. The book recalls many of the major stories which he covered together with his contacts with royalty and senior politicians as well as clashes with councillors and lawyers. He is now a Moray District councillor. Richard Henry Bradbury (1983-87) is administrative manager of the Chikankata Centre operated by the Salvation Army in Zambia. It is the largest and most comprehensive social services centre run by the Army in the world. It is supported by the Aberdeen Citadel youth for group Project AtoZ which is active in fund-raising for much-needed medical equipment the Centre. Henry Ogilvie Cameron (1952-58) LL.B , formerly senior partner of Aberdeen law firm Peterkins, is now chief executive of Sibir Energy, a London-listed energy company which has a substantial stake in Russian oil production. Richard Cradock (1940-51) tells the Editor that at 70+ he has entered into the computing world and will be delighted to hear from old school friends and can be contacted by email at richandkath.cradock@btinternet.com Maureen Cornyn née Gallagher (1979-83) is now a customer service officer with the Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd. in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim Robin Turner Donald (1939-41) who spent some time in Malawi in 1988-90, working at people the Ekwendeni Hospital, is now actively involved in fund-raising for the famine-hit Helen. wife his he and which charity approved Fund, an Ekwendeni the of Malawi through Walter a dietician. set up. The hospital was founded in 1889 by an Aberdeenshire man, Dr Elmslie of lnsch. Norman Esslemont (1948-52) has been appointed chairman of Voluntary Service Aberdeen (VSA). He has been a member of the VSA board of directors since 2001 and has been actively involved with the Communications and Fundraising Committee of which he 80

Former Pupils' Club Section was chairman prior to taking up his new appointment. Norman, who has been in retail business in Aberdeen all his life, has a keen interest in new business ventures and is a past chairman of Aberdeen Enterprise Trust. Ronald Adrian Cauld (1962-68), who was in practice as an architect in Aberdeen until a year ago, now runs the Casa Fontana hotel in Barga, north of Pisa in Italy. There is a large Scottish presence in Barga which boasts that it is the most Scottish town in Italy. Stephen ..%lesander Hall (1966-71) moved to New York in 1978 seeking 'a more exciting life' than he had experienced in Aberdeen. An accomplished artist, he has since then lived in or around Greenwich Village. the recognised artists' quarter of the city. He began exhibiting his work in the East Village in 1980, since when he has exhibited widely in the United States and in areas of the Far East. His work forms part of a number of corporate and private collections and has been featured in various films. Gordon Mackay lnkson (1986-92) LL.B has recently moved to Dubai to join Hugh Fraser International, a legal and business services consultancy, with whom he will work as a legal consultant specialising in oil and gas contracts and general corporate law. Susan Rose Inkson (1988-94) MA, LL.B alter graduating in Arts from Glasgow University, obtained a law degree from Strathclyde University last year. Having now obtained her Diploma in Legal Practice she is beginning a traineeship with McGrigors in Glasgow. John Robert Stephen (Donny) Innes (1923-35) MB, ChB is the first nominee for a place in the new Aberdeen Sports Council Hall of Fame which is to be established this year to mark the 21st anniversary of the Aberdeen Sports Council. It is hoped to recognise in this way Aberdeen-born athletes from a wide spectrum of sports, and the Hall will eventually be housed in the new regional sports centre planned for the Linksfield area of Aberdeen. Michael James Jamieson (1962-75), who now lives and works in Houston, Texas, was the farthest travelled participant in a Spirit of Show re-union of performers in Aberdeen Student Shows in September 2005. Part of the week-end programme was a cabaret brunch on the Sunday when the entertainers included Douglas Robert Kynoch (1948-56) and Stephen Alexander Cormack Robertson ( 1939-51). Clive Johnston Kelly (1983-89) MBChB, PhD, FRCSEd studied medicine in Glasgow after leaving School. and completed house jobs there before moving to Leeds and Sheffield to undertake basic surgical training. After a spell in Newcastle as a registrar he returned to Sheffield to undertake a period of research. He was awarded the first clinical PhD in Sheffield Medical School for his thesis on the 'endoscopic ablation of Barrett's oesophagus'. He is now specialising in upper gastro-intestinal surgery and has secured a fellowship for a year from July in Sydney, Australia to learn advanced techniques. Neil Lawrie (1961-74) has recently retired after thirty years' service with Grampiam Police. He served on the beat, with the Traffic Department and in the Control Room and for five years prior to retiring was Command and Control System Development officer. Francis Lyall (1944-57) MA, LL.B. PhD, the senior professor in Aberdeen University, who held the Chair of Public Law from 1974, has retired. He made a significant contribution to the success of the University's Law School thanks to his international standing in the world of space law and the popularity of his undergraduate honours course on that subject. 81

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine David Forrest McNay (1956-69) started his banking career on leaving School in the George Street, Aberdeen, branch of the Clydesdale Bank. He went on to serve thirty-three years with the bank, re-locating and working for spells in Ayrshire, Cumbria, Argyll and eventually holding the position of Senior Banking Manager in Dumfries. Like many of his age-group he became disillusioned with his employer and finally decided to take early retirement in 2002 having had enough of the ever-increasing losses in autonomy and the pressures being imposed on him by his 'Australian' employer. For the past three years he has been thoroughly enjoying a new career as a Business Start-up adviser with Scottish Enterprise, Dumfries & Galloway, in their Business Gateway office. Ian Linklater Mair (1956-69) BSc, CEng. MBCS, CITP has graduated MSc (Financial Engineering) with Distinction from Birkbeck College, University of London. where he has recently been working, He writes that this was undertaken partly as a personal challenge to reawaken parts of the brain largely unused during a thirty-year career in IT. He intends to continue with research into finance and mathematics. Ian McGowan Marr (1954-58). Master Mariner, has retired after thirty years with the Canadian Coast Guard, where he served as a Fleet Officer on search and rescue vessels and icebreakers both in the south and in the Arctic before moving ashore in various managerial and executive positions covering all aspects of marine operations. Much of his time was spent advancing Coast Guard and other Government programmes in the Arctic. some of which developed into international projects where he served as an expert on Arctic operations and oil spill response. His last full time post was as Director General Fleet. He is now serving as National Master of the Company of Master Mariners of Canada, and continues to serve NATO and other organisations helping ex-USSR nations to review and improve their marine infrastructures. He is a founding member of the FP Canadian Centre, was its second President. and was a long time FP Club Consul in Ottawa. John Munro Meston (1975-80) retired earlier this year after a career of 25 years in the Royal Air Force. He has now joined the Royal Naval Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant Commander and has taken up a post as a defence consultant. He is currently contracted to Thales. Alexander Norman MaIn (1954-60) MA. PhD has relinquished his Professorial posts in Western Australia. and is now offering a counselling and advisory service to refugee families. He is also assisting the United Church to merge a large number of its social and welfare agencies into a new larger entity, and is a member of a National Board for Education, Training and Development. Murdoch University has appointed him an Honorary Fellow. Gavin Johnston Milne (1979-84) BSc, ACMA, having left the Aberdeen area in 1997 is now the Financial Controller of Caledonia Oil & Gas Ltd based in London. He is married still and has two young children. A stalwart of FP Cricket during the 80s and early 90s, he is London. West in Club Cricket Kew for willow the brandishing His older sister Shona Marshall nee Milne (1979-82) who, with her husband, runs a farm near Alford, represented Scotland in Melbourne. Australia in the 2005 Commonwealth Shooting Federation Championships. She narrowly missed out on the final of the Women's Olympic Trap final, but was the top placed Briton. She took part in the recent Commonwealth Games. She has two children, a daughter studying civil engineering at Glasgow and a son. Kevin Dawson Milne (1971-77) joined the Bank of Scotland in Aberdeen as an office junior from School 1977and served for almost twenty years, ultimately as a manager 82

Former Pupils' Club Section involved in corporate and business banking at Aberdeen chief office. In 1996 he was offered a post with Aberdeen Asset Management within their private equity team. The job includes seeking new investment opportunities, working with businesses in which the company invests, and working with clients whose funds are invested by the company on their behalf. Andrew Lucke Nicholson (1986-911. fresh from a season at Sydney Opera House. was in Aberdeen in March as guest tenor soloist with the University Choral Society and Chamber Orchestra in a performance of Haydn's Creation in St Andrew's Cathedral. Derek Ogston (1937-47) CBE, MA, MB.ChB, PhD, MD. DSc, MLitt graduated Bachelor of Theology at Aberdeen University in July 2005. This was his seventh degree, and his second since retiring in 1998. He first studied for his MLitt in History of Art, and has published five art-related books. His latest degree follows attendance at evening courses at the University's Centre for Lifelong Learning. An emeritus professor of medicine, he spent his career in medical research. He is s former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and was for a time senior Vice-Principal of the University. David Kell• Parkinson 11945-59) MA who has been co-proprietor of Aberdeen's popular Atholl Hotel since 1989, has retired. Previously involved with Aberdeen Construction Group and with a farming business in East Yorkshire, he has been active in the hotel trade in Aberdeen since 1978. Donald Forrester Ross ( 1946-60) MA, CA retired from the position of General Treasurer of the Church of Scotland in July 2005. He served the Church for thirty-six years in its administrative headquarters at 121 George Street. Edinburgh. Donald was captain of Hockey in 1959/60 and played in the FP Hockey team which contested three successive Scottish Cup Finals from 1964 to 1966. The results were victory in 1964 against Whitecraigs, defeat (after extra time) by Clydesdale in 1965 and victory over Inverleith in 1966. lie later played for Glasgow Western and Thistles. the Scottish touring team, as well as representing both North and West Districts. He now lives in Rosemount. Blairgowrie and his sporting activity is on the local Rosemount and Lansdowne golf courses. His brother Edward Forrester Ross (1942-55) MA retired from teaching in 2002 and lives in Colchester. Neil Slirton (1992-98) who was already the Scottish and British junior prone record-holder. as well as being the Scottish and British junior final record-holder, won a Silver Medal in the Men's 50 metre Prone Pairs rifle shooting at the Commonwealth Gaines. Fiona Taylor ([999-2005), who was Deputy Head Girl last year, was recently named as best female cadet in the UK Air Training Corps and awarded the Dacre Brooch. She had previously been named as the top female cadet in the Aberdeen and NE Scotland Wing as well as top female cadet in Scotland & Northern Ireland Region ATC, for which she has been awarded the Corp's Andrew Sash. She is the first Scottish recipient of the Dacre Brooch since its inception in 1982. Fiona joined the ATC' as a cadet in 107(Aberdeen) Squadron in 2000 and completed her service as Cadet Warrant Officer. She has flown a variety of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and completed both Bronze and Silver levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. She has been awarded an Engineer Officer Bursary. signed up for ten years. and is now studying mechanical engineering at Newcastle University. She is spending this summer on assignments with the U.S. Air Force in Colorado Springs and with the RAF in Rothiemurchus and Cornwall.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Fiona's brother David Taylor (1996-02), a former Head Boy, has just graduated with First Class honours in Civil Engineering from Newcastle University and is about to start work in the oil industry with KCA Deutag in Germany.

Fiona Taylor with her brother and sister, Ross and Caitlin John Watt (1958-71) BL after three years as Area Procurator Fiscal for Grampian, based in Aberdeen, was appointed Area Procurator Fiscal for Argyll and Clyde in May 2005. He oversaw the introduction of the new `clean-stream' system in Grampian, designed to cut the time taken to bring criminals to justice. lain Innes Wolstenholme (1953-66), an architect with Aberdeen City Council, was at one stage in charge of the project for the refurbishment of Rubislaw Field and Pavilion.

Marriages Duckworth (1982-88) — At Queen's Cross Church, Aberdeen on 2 April 2005 Ewan Wilson, Livingston to Sarah Duckworth, daughter of Mr & Mrs Kenneth Duckworth, 34 Whitehall Terrace, Aberdeen Hamilton (1986-90) At Craigiebuckler Parish Church, Aberdeen on 20 August 2005 Keith Ian Wilson, Edinburgh to Fiona Jane Hamilton, elder daughter of H. Alan S. Hamilton (1943-56) and of Mrs Liz Hamilton, 35 Hazledene Road. Aberdeen Kelly (1983-89) - At Balbimie House Hotel, Markinch on 22 December 2005 Ashley Keith Kelty, twin son of Mr & Mrs J. Mitchell Kelly. 3 Edgehill Road, Aberdeen to Deirdre O'Sullivan, eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs Denis O'Sullivan. Springfield House, Clonlara, Co. Clare

Former Pupils' Club Section At Craigiebuckler Parish Church, Aberdeen on 29 December 2005 Pole (1986-92) Michael William Montford Pole, son of Mr & Mrs Harvey Pole, 20 Seafield Road. Aberdeen to Jennifer Holland, Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Reid (1983-88) - At Skene Parish Church on 25 March 2006 Christopher Edward Reid, eldest son of Mr & Mrs Edward Reid, 6 Edgehill Terrace, Aberdeen to Fiona. daughter of Mr & Mrs Alistair Ogg. Kirkton of Skene Skinner (1983-89 At Dunrobin Castle, Golspie on 2 July 2005 Peter Skinner, son of Mr & Mrs John Skinner. 52 Annfield Terrace, Aberdeen to Katie Powell, Dalchalm, Brora

Obituaries Former President George Edward Colledge Barton (1923-26) MA died peacefully in hospital in Aberdeen on 26 November 2005 aged 96. Born in Windermere. he was brought up in (ilassel and so only spent three years at the School. A prefect and 'a big, strong forward...of considerable promise' in the 1st XV, he went on to Aberdeen University, graduating in Arts in 1929. He trained as a teacher and took up his first post at Brechin. In 1933 he was appointed head of the Junior School of Robert Gordon's College and remained there until retiral in 1974. He was Housemaster of Sillerton House from its opening in 1937 until 1964. George kept up his association with the College, and in August last year he was one of three former housemasters who attended a reunion of 'Sillerton Loons', and just ten days before his death he was presented with a gold pelican badge by the College, only the second such badge to be awarded. George's dual loyalty to Grammar and Gordon's led him to describe himself as somewhat of a scholastic hermaphrodite, but of his loyalty to the FP Club there can be no doubt. He served on the Executive for several years becoming, in 1959-61 Vice-President of the Club and Chairman of the Executive. He was appointed Club President for the year 1973-74 and filled this role with distinction. By co-incidence, he was involved as VicePresident in the farewell to Sir James Robertson and the welcome to John Skinner, and then as President with the transition from John Skinner to Robert Gill. As a report on one of the ceremonies put it, he spoke "with grace and aplomb". That typifies the George Barton who was known and loved by all who knew him - he was a perfect gentleman. He captained the FP Golf Section in 1960. was a former Captain and long-serving member of Deeside Golf Club, was a past President of the Aberdeen Business & Professional Club, and was a member of the City of Aberdeen Probus Club. George was predeceased by his wife in 1985 and by his son RAE COLLEDGE BARTON (1942-55) in 2001. He is survived by his daughter Lesley. George John Baxter (1924-29) died peacefully at his home in Dailly, Ayrshire on 29 November 2005 aged 86. During the Second World War he served in the Royal Air Force as a fuelling officer, latterly at Prestwick. On demobilisation he was at once employed there by Esso Petroleum. He later moved to Heathrow, where he pioneered the fuelling of the first jumbo jets to arrive there. He was predeceased by his first wife, to whom he was married in 1944, and is survived by his second wife and by a son and daughter as well as by their children and grandchildren.

Aberdeen Grammar School Maga=the Distinguished Parliamentary Debater Robin Finlayson Cook (1950-60) MA, PC died suddenly while hill-walking with his wife near the summit of Ben Stack in Sutherland on 6 August 2005. He was aged 59. He left the School in 1960 when his father, a Science teacher. became principal teacher of Science at the Royal High School in Edinburgh. There, in his final year. Robin was president of the Literary & Debating Society and of Edinburgh Schools Citizenship Association. He attended Edinburgh University to read English literature as a basis for entry to the Presbyterian ministry, but had a change of heart. A schoolboy Socialist, he began to think of a career in politics. After a brief teaching career, and having failed to win Edinburgh North in 1970. he was elected to Edinburgh City Council, but was then elected MP for Edinburgh Central in 1974. Although a member of the Tribune Group of Labour MPs he was careful to distance himself from the far left of the party. He soon emerged as the brightest of the 1974 intake, and after serving on various party committees was made deputy spokesman on Treasury and economic affairs. When the new town of Livingston was created he was elected its first MP and held the seat until his death. He held increasingly important shadow posts and he was soon recognised as Labour's most menacing front bench performer. He attacked and harried senior Government ministers, but none of his performances was so great as that in which demolished the Government case on the Scott report on arms for Iraq in 1996. When Labour took power in 1997 he was appointed Foreign Secretary, but ran into difficulties on various fronts in pursuit of his avowed 'ethical' foreign policy. Following the election of 2001 he was demoted to be Leader of the House. tasked with reform of the Commons and Lords — a task which he came to relish as a challenge to be enjoyed. As it became clearer that the Prime Minister was determined to commit Britain to war with Iraq along with the USA. he made his principled opposition to this course of action known in Cabinet, but to no avail. In March 2003 he resigned from the Cabinet, effectively ending his career. In the Commons Robin Cook demonstrated that he was one of the modern Labour Party's leading thinkers and one of the most powerful orators in the House. He spoke with wit and elegance, at times with cruelty, and often with arrogance, but his forensic and debating skills were always deployed to maximum devastating effect. His performance in the House was such as to command respect and admiration even from those who disagreed with him. lie is survived by his wife and by the two sons of his first marriage. Gordon Strachan Cowie (1937-51) MA, LL.B, BD died suddenly in hospital in Elgin on 27 February 2006 aged 72. A Prefect at School and assistant School editor of the Magazine he studied at Aberdeen University, graduating in Arts in 1955 with honours in History-Politics and in Law with commendation in 1957. He served as Secretary of the SRC and went on to be its President in 1954-55. when he was one of five FP office-bearers. He was editor of Alma Mater in 1955-56. After National Service he took up a post as lecturer in international and comparative law in Queen's College Dundee in 1960, was admitted to the faculty of Advocates in 1962 and moved as senior lecturer to Glasgow in 1967. He was appointed as first holder of the Chair of Public Law there in 1973. A career change came about, and after taking a degree in Divinity he was ordained into the ministry of the Church of Scotland. After experience in two Glasgow parishes he \k as inducted to Birnie linked with Pluscarden in Morayshire in 1986. III health compelled him to take early retirement six years later but he continued to live in the area. Gordon is survived by his wife. a daughter, three sons and six grandchildren.

Former Pupils' Club Section Edward Gray Cran (1944-47) BSc(Eng). AMICE died peacefully at his home in Edinburgh on 8 August 2005 aged 76. Born in Elgin he came to the School in Middle III. A Prefect in his 6th year, he went on to Aberdeen University where he graduated in 1950. He then held posts as a chartered engineer and as a structural engineer with Wm. Tawse Ltd. Fairhurst & Partners of Glasgow and W.V. Zinn of London. In 1963 he was with F.A. Macdonald & Partners, Glasgow. the designers of the School Swimming Pool which was completed that year. In 1971 he was appointed as an engineering inspector with the Scottish Development Department in Edinburgh. He retired in 1989. For more than 45 years his principal interest outside engineering lay in the amateur musical theatre. He was a member of the Aberdeen Lyric Opera Company and later, in Edinburgh, the Bohemians Lyric Opera Company and the Southern Lyric Opera Company. He was, for fifteen years. the Regional representative in Edinburgh for the National Operatic and Dramatic Association. He is survived by his wife, Wendy. and a son and daughter. William Alexander James Davie (1937-49) BSc died in hospital in Aberdeen on 20 November 2004 aged 74. Throughout his life Bill was active in mind and body, with an infectious and idiosyncratic sense of humour: he inherited from his father (a native of Lumphanan who served in the Sudan Agricultural Service) a wide range of intellectual and country interests. At the Grammar he was a congenial member of a lively class ("So this is the notorious IIIA" said Ron McLeod on his return from WWII). In his Sixth Year, Bill was a Prefect and joint School Editor of the Magazine (with JAMES EDWARD FRASER (1936-49), a close life-long friend: their shared love of Gilbert & Sullivan epitomised Bill's love of paradox. Bill and Eddie met in Kindergarten I and celebrated the end of 13 years at school together by cycling, at Bill's instigation, from Aberdeen to Exeter). At Aberdeen University Bill studied Physics (i.e. Nat Phil) under the legendary Professor R.V. Jones. a kindred spirit. He was Business Manager of the 1951 Students' Show and a keen member of the Squash Club and of the Air Squadron. This led to Aeronautical Engineering at Cranfield where he developed his interest in Informatics. In 1955 he joined English Electric at Luton as an Electronics Engineer. From 1955 until 1966 he was with Elliot Brothers, first as a Development Engineer on electronic computers, then as a Technical Manager. In 1966. consistent with his entrepreneurial spirit, he established (initially in his garage), and became Managing Director of. Direct Data. From 1974 he was Managing director of Automated Library Services with a significant customer base. As his close friend JAMES KEITH FARUHARSON (1945-49) remarked, "...the note on dear old Bill's career... was an admirable story of successful enterprise". Bill retired to his ancestral roots in Lumphanan. and was delighted that his sons, though born in England, later followed suit. From his base at Glenmillan House he regularly attended the 49ers' Re-unions. ARTHUR FARQUHARSON TOUGH (1946-49) puts it well: "Bill...was always fun to meet. There was something very reassuring about him...Bill was always very popular among his peers". John Alexander Grant Elmslie (1931-45) MBChB died at his home in Stockport on 25 August 2005 aged 78. While at School he served in the Army Cadet Force, attaining the rank of C'SM. He was a Prefect, House Captain of Byron, House Athletics Captain, played rugby for the 1st XV, and was the winner of the Silver Medal for Gymnastics in 1945. He studied Medicine at Aberdeen University. and played Rugby for FPs. He graduated in 1951. Medically unfit for National Service, and following post-graduate training, he worked in Ayr and in Halifax, specialising in tuberculosis until control of this disease no longer required extensive supervision. He then entered general practice in Halifax where he remained for some forty years. Some years after retiring he moved to Stockport. The son of JOHN GRANT F.LMSLIE (1904-13), a general practitioner in Aberdeen. he is survived by his wife, Margaret. and by a daughter and grandson.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine James Leslie Hay ( 1940-53) MB.ChB died suddenly but peacefully at his Aberdeen home on 1 September 2005 aged 70. He graduated in Medicine from Aberdeen University in 1959 and, after the usual hospital posts, entered general practice in Kingston-upon-Hull in 1961. He returned to Aberdeen in 1964 and commenced general practice in Tony. On top of his busy practice he acted for more than thirty years as the unofficial port doctor for Aberdeen Harbour. This entailed being on call at any time, and he readily turned out to vessels in port and at sea, and from time to time also to oil rigs offshore. He retired from the National Health Service in 1995, but continued with private work, doing medicals for offshore workers. He is survived by his second wife, whom he married in 1975, and by his son and daughter and five grandchildren. His was the brother of John Veaman Leslie Hay (1943-55) BL. Harry Joseph Charles Hill (1948-59) MA died in Montreal on 18 August 2005 after a short illness. He was aged 64. DOUGLAS KYNOCH (1948-56) writes: "At the age of 8 or 9, Harry was sent round the primary classes of the Grammar to entertain fellow pupils with a puppet show of his own devising. He went on entertaining for most of his life in both the university classroom and the theatre, overcoming a stammer in the process. "His Edinburgh-born father having moved to Aberdeen as manager of the SA1 fertiliser factory. Harry was born in the Granite City, where he made a name for himself as an amateur actor and clown of great invention, while studying at Aberdeen University. He featured prominently in several student revues at His Majesty's Theatre, always to great comic effect. "On graduation in 1963 with honours in English, he took up a year-long appointment at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, a popular first posting lbr Aberdeen English graduates at that time. Thereafter, he attempted to launch a career in the theatre but had a hard struggle finding work. "In 1969, he returned to university work, lecturing in English at Winona State College. Minnesota for a year before joining the English Department of Concordia University, Montreal, as lecturer assistant, rising to associate professor. From then until he took early retirement from the university in 1999, he enjoyed a dual career of academic and actor, and appears to have been as much at home in the lecture-room as he was in the theatre. A former student testified that, in the opinion of numerous fellow students, he was "quite simply the best teacher- they ever had. "Meanwhile, he was distinguishing himself in a wide variety of theatre roles as well as taking part in over thirty films. both for television and the cinema. The stage, however, was where he felt most at home and where he declared himself to be happiest. In the course of his acting carter he played some of the finest roles of the Anglo-Irish theatre in Montreal, primarily at the Centaur Theatre. At one stage in his career, he performed three different one-man shows, two with a piano. He once had a night-club act, but got upset when "people clanked forks". "1986 saw the publication of his book, A Voice fir the Theatre, which has been used in Britain as a training manual for drama students. In 1997, he was made Laureate of the Quebec Theatre, an honour of which he was justly proud. "Scottish friends, unacquainted with the classicist, mourn the loss of the clown. Alas! poor Yorick. I knew him, Horatio". Alexander Fraser Ireland (1942-47) died in hospital in Aberdeen on 18 November 2005. following a short illness. He was aged 75. He joined the former National Bank in Aberdeen on leaving School and spent his whole working life in banking, always with the same bank but under its various names from the ongoing amalgamations of recent years. He had been in indifferent health for some time. He was unmarried, 88

Former Pupils' Club Section FP Club's Oldest Member Colin Campbell Jackson (1921-24), who was the oldest member of the FP Club, died peacefully in a nursing home at Rothienorman on 18 January 2006 aged 98. The youngest of four children, his initial schooling was at the John Watson School in Edinburgh, where he was introduced to the game of Chess at which he became a very skilled player. He returned to Aberdeen and to the Grammar in 1921 where he showed exceptional academic ability. Family circumstances dictated that he must earn a living rather than go up to university, and he joined an equine insurance company, a subsidiary of the Royal Insurance Co. This began a distinguished career in insurance, most of it with the Northern Assurance Company. He retired in 1977 at the age of 70. In retirement he was active on the chess scene, was a keen indoor bowler and kept a simple but tidy garden. He was proud to pick up a new Ford Fiesta in 1999 at the age of 92, and last cheered on the Dons at Pittodrie in 2004. He was persuaded to move into a care home in 2003 after the onset of Alzheimer's disease, but there he was happy and enjoyed excellent health until shortly before his death. He was proud of his membership of the FP Club, and the Magazine was always near to hand on a table. His wife predeceased him in 1980 and they had no family. William Alexander Johnston (1942-44) FInstRS died at his home in Harrogate on 20 June 2006 aged 79. Graduating from Aberdeen Wireless College in 1944 he enrolled in the Merchant Navy, serving on oil tankers until 1946. He joined Aberdeen City Police in 1948 and by the mid-50s was serving in the Traffic Department. He was heavily involved with road safety especially in relation to children, and in particular those who had hearing difficulties. In 1961 he published his own Highway Code for Deaf children. He was awarded the Shell Mex and BP Trophy for the most outstanding contribution by personal effort towards the safety of children on British roads in 1962. In 1966 he moved to Lanarkshire as assistant Road Safety Officer, a civilian post, and became Road Safety officer for Strathclyde in 1975. He was the first chairman of the Scottish Area Group of the Institute of Road Safety Officers. In 1982 he was appointed head of Road Safety for West Yorkshire County Council. When Metropolitan Councils were abolished in 1986 he moved to Harrogate and started a public relations consultancy firm along with his journalist wife, finally retiring ten years later. A member of the Yorkshire Centre of the FP Club, and its entertainment secretary for some years, he is survived by his wife and daughter and two grandchildren. Norman Williams Jones (1928-40) died suddenly, but peacefully, in hospital in Aberdeen on 11 September 2005 aged 84. He was born in Assam, where his father was a tea-planter but came to Aberdeen at the age of five with his older brother RICHARD GEMMELL JONES (1928-38). They were among the first occupants of the newly opened Boarding House at 8 Queen's Road. James Edison, the Housemaster, walked Norman to and from school until he got his bearings. The family eventually set up home in Forbesfield Road in 1934. Norman enjoyed all sports at school, his time there co-inciding with such Rugby greats as Donnie Innes, Daily Allardice and Doug Smith. He was offered a job with the Clydesdale Bank at 232 Union Street while awaiting call-up to the forces, which came in 1942. He served in various parts of the world with the RAF. including Sierra Leone. Demobilised in January 1947, he returned to the Clydesdale bank and served in Kinross, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Elgin and Dundee before returning to Aberdeen in 1973. He retired in 1982. He enjoyed golf, sailing, fishing and country walks. A note from Norman recalling Boarding House days and accompanied by two photographs of early residents there appeared in the 1991 Magazine (Vol. 94/30). His brother RICHARD died in 2000.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Alan Robert McDonald (1966-70) died as the result of a traffic accident in Aberdeen on 18 May 2006 aged 52. On leaving School he became a police cadet, and his whole career was spent with Grampian Police. He served in various divisions in the city and attained the rank of Sergeant. He retired in 2003 and had since been working as a tenancy management officer. He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. Former Scotsman Editor Eric Beattie Mackay (1930-40) MA died peacefully on 16 May 2006 aged 83. He began his University studies but enlisted in the Fife & Forfar Yeomanry. In 1944 as a Second Lieutenant in charge of an armoured car crossing the Belgian frontier he was badly wounded when a mine exploded beneath the vehicle, killing all the rest of the crew. After two years in hospital he was left with a pronounced limp. He returned to Aberdeen University, graduating in 1948. He worked on local newspapers, the Aberdeen Bob-Accord and the Elgin Courant before joining The Scotsman as a sub-editor. He moved to London to join The Daily Telegraph, returning to The Scotsman as London editor. In 1959 he was responsible for a series of scoops about Central African incidents and, despite pressure from Foreign Secretary, Sir Alec Douglas Home, he refused to stop running the reports. In 1961 he returned to Edinburgh as deputy editor and became editor in 1972. His approach to the devolution issue in the late 70s, placing the paper in support of a Scottish assembly within the Union, helped to boost The Scotsman to a record circulation of 100,000. In retirement he enjoyed bowling and his recreations of reading, travel and theatre. He was predeceased by his wife in 1981 and by one of his sons. He is survived by a daughter and two sons. William Donald Mackie (1941-54) died in hospital in Aberdeen on 31 December 2005 aged 69. On leaving School he trained as a TV and radio engineer at the Murphy factory in England before joining the family business of Alexander's, the well-known TV and electrical emporium in Holburn Street, Aberdeen. When the business was sold by his father he continued to work for Lloyds, the new owners, but they did not make a success of the business and it closed. Donald then traded for a few years from new premises in the same line of business. Described as one of the north-east's most colourful retailers, he was a larger-than-life character, always the life and soul of any occasion. A keen member of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club he was a low-handicap player. He was latterly in poor health. He is survived by two daughters of his first marriage, by four grandchildren and by both his first and second wives. John Low MacLachlan (1927-30) BSc, DipEd died suddenly, but peacefully, at his home in Aberdeen on 6 September 2005 aged 85. He trained as a telephone engineer, and served as such throughout the 1939-45 War. He then attended Aberdeen University and graduated in Science in 1955, trained as a teacher and obtained his Diploma in Education in 1956. He taught at Summerhill Academy in Aberdeen where he became Assistant Head. He became heavily involved in the development of mathematics education in Scotland as part of a national group. While at University he was a keen fencer, and throughout his life proudly wore his Athletic Association Blues tie. He became an elder of Beechgrove Church in the city and was a stalwart of the church choir. He was predeceased by one of his daughters and by his wife, but is survived by two daughters. He was a cousin of the late JOHN SCOTT MacLACHLAN (1922-32), former Secretary & Treasurer of the FP Club. Distinguished Churchman and Former President James Fraser McLuskey (1920-31) MC, MA, BD, DD died suddenly in hospital in Edinburgh on 24 July 2005 aged 90. A graduate of Edinburgh University, where he studied Arts and

Former Pupils' Club Section Divinity, he spent several months on a travel scholarship in Germany, where he was in contact with the Confessional Church. In 1938 he was appointed as Scottish secretary to the Student Christian Movement and in 1939 became chaplain to Glasgow University. Three days before the outbreak of war he married his wife who he had met in Germany. In 1942 he took leave of absence to become an Army chaplain. trained as a parachutist and was then posted to the newly formed 1st Special Air Service. As Padre he could not carry weapons. but that did not stop him from being one of the first to drop into German-occupied France where he endured many hazardous missions. A graphic account of his experiences is contained in his book Parachute Padre. After D-day he continued with his regiment and his Military Cross was awarded for his bravery in saving the life of a wounded sergeant whom he carried to the first aid post under heavy fire. After the War he continued as a Chaplain at Bagshot before taking up ministries at Broughty Ferry East and then New Kilpatrick in Bearsden. In 1960 he was called to St Columba's Pont Street, in London's Knightsbridge where he was a much-loved inspiring preacher and pastor until his retiral in 1986. He was elected Moderator of the General Assembly in 1983 and in this, as in all else, he was a dignified, commanding and impressive figure. He spent his retirement in Edinburgh. His autobiography, The Cloud and the Fire. was published in 1994. A loyal Former Pupil of the School. Fraser McLuskey was President of the Club in 1974-75 and carried out his duties in this role with characteristic charm, proving a popular visitor to the various Centres. While at Pont Street he was honorary Chaplain to the London Centre. His first wife died in 1959, before his move to London. He remarried in 1966, and is survived by his second wife and by the two sons of his first marriage. Harry McPherson (1947-53) MBChB died suddenly in Aberdeen on I January 2006 aged 70. Serum-half in the School 1st XV and captain of Tennis, he graduated in Medicine from Aberdeen University in 1959. He continued to play rugby for FPs for a time. He was in general practice in Aberdeen until retiring a few years ago. He is survived by his two sons. His brother Stephen McPherson (1944-50) lives in Australia. George Desmond Redvers Nelson (1938-51) ARICS died at his home in Aberdeen on 3 March 2006 aged 78. He qualified as a chartered surveyor and served as such with the Architect's Department of Aberdeen Corporation and later Aberdeen City District. He played Hockey for FPs for a number of years and represented North District. He also played cricket for several of the Aberdeen Grade sides. Michael Lawson Perkins (1942-45) known as Michael Sheard died peacefully at his home on the Isle of Wight on 31 August 2005 after a long illness, aged 67. His father was a clergyman in Aberdeen and Michael left the School after Lower II when the family moved to Edinburgh. After completing his education there he enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) where he learned to drop his Scottish accent. He then pursued a highly successful career on stage and screen, beginning with Perth Repertory Company in 1964. His role as Admiral Ozzel in The Empire Strikes Back earned him cult status. He was never out of work, appearing in many TV shows most notably as Maurice Bronson. the super-strict deputy head in Grange Hill. He is survived by his wife and three children. Michael Alexander Pratt (1948-61) MBChB, FRCP Ed died peacefully at his Aberdeen home on 15 August 2005 aged 61. Dr David G. Millar (1948-61) writes: "After several years in general medicine Mike entered general practice in Aberdeen in 1971. Although he took over a busy city centre practice he passed his MRCP and also maintained an active interest in hospital medicine, working part-time in Oncology. His skills, hard work 91

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine and contribution to the subject were recognised by his colleagues when they nominated him for fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, a rare honour for a GP. "Mike was a bon riveur who loved travel, fine wines and genial company. He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of both medical and non-medical topics. A keen fisher and able shot, he enjoyed the outdoors and was a long-time member of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. But, most of all, Mike was a devoted husband and proud father. He was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer three months after his retirement in April 2004. He is survived by his wife Norma and three children, the youngest pursuing a career in oncology". Mike's elder brother David Wilson Pratt also attended the School in 1949-58. Alfred William Raffan (1919-31) TD, MB,ChB, DA, FFARCS died peacefully in hospital in Aberdeen on 16 January 2006 aged 93. Captain of he I st Cricket XI at School, he studied Medicine at Aberdeen University, graduating in 1938. After house posts in Eastbourne he returned to Aberdeen as a resident anaesthetist at the Royal Infirmary. Following war service in the RAMC as an anaesthetics specialist he became registrar anaesthetist at ARI and the Sick Children's Hospital. He was appointed as an anaesthetist to the North East Regional Hospital Board in 1948 and was a member of the Board from 1971. He retired from the hospital service in 1977. He was for many years from 1971 a member of the Business Committee of the General Council of Aberdeen University. He was predeceased by his first wife in 1975. He is survived by his second wife and by children and grandchildren. James Napier Duncan Reynard (1943-46) died on 31 May 2005 aged 66. The son of the late JAMES Ci. REYNARD (1912-16) he spent three years in the Lower School before going to Wester Elchies Preparatory School at Aberlour and thereafter to Gordonstoun. There he developed an interest in engineering, and especially in marine and steam engineering. He later became involved as an engineer in the oil industry, specialising in pump engineering. His work took him all over the world. He retired to Ballater in 2001. He was keenly interested in motor racing and was at one time involved in racing cars at Ingleston. He is survived by his widow, a son and twin daughters. William Alexander John Riddell (1948-61) died at his home in Aberdeen on 17 May 2006. He was aged 61. The son of WILLIAM ALEXANDER RIDDELL (1919-24), he trained as a draughtsman. In recent years he worked with the British Airports Authority as a security officer at Aberdeen Airport. He is survived by his two daughters Dawn Hankinson née Riddell (1985-91) and Julie Riddell (1994-2000). Rowand Gordon Chalmers Skinner (1935-39) DFC, BSc(Eng) died in Kingston, Surrey on 29 April 2006, his 85th birthday. After graduating in Engineering from Aberdeen University in 1942 he joined the RAF, flying in Halifax bombers out of Melbourne in Yorkshire. He was awarded the DFC for his wartime services, which included the successful allied raid on the German V I flying bomb factory at Peenemunde. After the war he joined the English Electric Co. at Stafford and later worked for Bruce Peebles & Co. in Edinburgh before his career path took him with his family to Africa, with postings in Kenya, Sudan and Libya, where he worked as area manager for his company. In recent years he and his wife have been living in retirement in Kingston where they enjoyed receiving visits from family and old friends from their travels overseas. He is survived by his wife and a married son who lives in Dubai. George Bodie Thomson Smith (1943-45) AMICE, AMIME died peacefully in hospital in Aberdeen on 1 December 2005 after a long illness. He was aged 78. He was born in Buckie and attended the Grammar from the age of 15. He trained as a civil engineer with the former Aberdeen Town Council and served in Aberdeen and Perth before being appointed senior

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine He is also survived by two brothers, Michael Boyd Thomson (1938-51) and Kenneth Alexander Thomson (1945-57). The eldest brother, ALAN DOUGLAS THOMSON (193345) died in 1980. followed by IAN WILLIAM CRUICKSHANK THOMSON (1935-47) in 1981. Norman Alexander Walker (1930-41) died suddenly at his home in Aberdeen on 6 November 2005 aged 80. His father being the proprietor of licensed premises in Aberdeen's Castlegate, Norman joined his father in business, and remained in the licensed trade for many years. He retired from full-time work some time ago. He was predeceased by his wife. Graeme Wilson (1969-75) died suddenly in hospital in Aberdeen on 28 November 2005 after a long battle with motor neurone disease. He was aged 48. On leaving School. he attended Aberdeen Commercial College and trained as a computer programmer, in which capacity he worked for a time with Aberdeen City Council. In 1979 he joined Grampian Police, serving at various stations in the city and moving steadily up through the ranks. He was appointed Chief Inspector in 2000. His illness was diagnosed in 2004, but he was determined not to let this end his career. He transferred to the Information Disclosure Unit where he continued to work until his death. He dedicated the last year of his life to fundraising for charities which support sufferers from the muscle-wasting disease, and raised thousands of pounds in this way. A keen two-handicap golfer. one such event was a Golf Day at Newmachar Golf Course which raised over £13,000. Graeme is survived by his wife and two daughters. Former Members of Staff Thomas William Henderson MA, DipE died in hospital in Aberdeen on 18 August 2005, aged 78. Originally trained as a plumber, he made a career change in his late thirties and after graduating in Arts from Aberdeen University in 1968 he trained as a teacher. After three years at the tbrmer Rosemount Junior Secondary School he joined the Grammar staff as an assistant in the English department in 1971. He was appointed a Year teacher in 1973 and remained at the School until retiring about sixteen years ago. An accomplished pianist, he used to play with various dance bands in the city in his younger days. He is survived by his wife. James Alexander Davidson Michie M.A. MEd died peacefully in hospital in Aberdeen on 12 May 2006 aged 79. Educated at Auchenblae Primary and Mackie Academy (of which he was Dux) he served in the RAF at the end of World War II. He went on to graduate with first class honours in modern languages at Aberdeen University in 1951. His first and only teaching post was at the School from 1952 to 1958, and he was recognised as a gifted communicator who taught with consistent enthusiasm and success. He also studied at this time for his degree in education. He then moved into administration. After a spell in Fife as assistant director of education he became senior depute director in Dundee before being appointed director of education for Aberdeenshire. On regionalisation he took up the same post with Grampian Region in 1975, retiring in 1990. He was for many years a member of the Business Committee of the University and served as an assessor on the University Court. He had a wide variety of interests, educational, cultural and sporting, and before the onset of illness was studying for an M.Litt degree. He is survived by his wife and his two sons. Alan Johnston Michie (1972-78) and Gavin Scott Michie (1975-81). Eleanor Isobel Margaret Norbrook (née Hutchison) MA died on 7 December 2006 aged 89. Educated at Aberdeen High School for Girls and at Aberdeen University, she qualified as a teacher of Modern Languages. In the 1930s she travelled widely in Europe, witnessing

Former Pupils ' Club Section

the rise of Hitler. She arrived in Spain ten days before the start of the Civil War, and ended up being evacuated from San Sebastian by a British destroyer. In 1940-47 she was in the Latin-American Department of the BBC and later taught for three years in Nigeria before returning to Aberdeen in 1959. In the 1960s she was a member of the Modern Languages department at the School. Her two sons. to whom she passed on her love of languages, are both Former Pupils of the School - Hamish (1959-65) and David (1959-68).

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Abstract of Accounts for Year ended 31 December 2005 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 Los : Transfer to Second Century Fund Interest Magazine - advertising Fund Raising — Big Draw Social Events - Surplus Less : Charitable Donation Share of Rent 1€is Expenses - I Bayview Road

2,502 2.502

2005 £

2004 £

2,321 404

2,191 730

802 1.704

817 2,472

3,500

3,500 (1,863) (1,863) 3.479 4,180 2,759

3,461 4,320 3,451

417 1012

Miscellaneous

603 5,004

317 4,981 _Al 25.304

25.735

1,017 374 5,413 450 429 3,225 1,208 785 71 1.400 550 50 50 588 3,361 _ 554 19.525

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

5.222

2.939

EXPENDITURE Membership Communications Newsletters - Printing, stationery & postage Membership Secretary Printing stationery and postage 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 W.J. Johnston Presentation Rubislaw — Official Opening of Hockey Pitch Bank Interest paid Miscellaneous

SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR

Former Pupils ' Club Section Balance Sheet As at 31 December 2005

HERITABLE PROPERTY INVESTMENTS

2005 £ 113.969

2004 £ 113.969

6015

6.015

784 50,000 42,666

425 978 50,000 59.327

93.450

110.730

41,250 91,810 6,816 1,946 6.706 148.528

57,860 91,810 4,300 2,033 18.585

174.588

155.078)

03.858)

6±1916

56.126

15.569

15.830

6,455 10,156 6,015

2.6.111

5,856 7,493 6,015 20.932

49.337

40.296

64.906

56.126

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

CAPITAL ACCOUNTS Life Members

REVENUE ACCOUNTS The Big Draw Second Century School Prize Fund General

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Abstract of Accounts for Year ended 31 December 2005 F.P. Club Centre Income and Expenditure Account 2004

BAR ACCOUNT 138,281

j16.080

BAR SALES

6.547 06.140

COST OF SALES Stock on Hand at 31 December 2004 Bar Purchases

5.602 68.364

Less Stock on Hand at 31 December 2005

73.966 6.530

72.887 5.602 67.285 68.795

11,027 958 4,611 2,898 240

67.436 70,845

GROSS PROFIT MISCELLANEOUS INCOME Annual Subscriptions Gaming Machine Revenue (Net) Surplus from I Bayview Road Miscellaneous Income Interest Received (Net)

11.521 2.427 4.644 2.269 243 91.949

811.51.2 32,384 18,288 8,297 411 5.430 3,500 2,811 1,386 8,110 2,750 4.367

1131

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

88.869 I;401

(DEFICIT) / SURPLUS FOR YEAR

33,098 19,482 10,845 396 4,027 3,500 2,699 1,777 8,950 2,750 2,942 1.112 91.578 371

Former Pupils'Club Section

Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2005 2004

FIXED ASSETS £ 615 5.820

Furniture and Fittings Equipment

As per last Balance Sheet £ 615 5,11.20

Added £ 982

Depcn. £ 90 1.022

6.435

1.112

6.435

£ 525 5.780 6,305

CURRENT ASSETS 91,810 5,602 4,477 9,663 1.109 112.661

Loan Account - AGSFP Club Stock in Hand Sundry Debtors Cash in Bank Cash in Hand

20,270 8.449 28.719 83.942 90.377

Sundry Creditors Subscriptions in Advance

8,535 50.000 58.535

Tennent Caledonian plc AGSFP Club

31.842

NET ASSETS

91,810 6,530 4,881 7,615 L862 112,698

CURRENT LIABILITIES 23,008 6.832 29.84Q 82.858 89,163

LOANS 6,950 50.000 5 6.950 31113

CAPITAL ACCOUNT 13,495

Appeal Fund / Donations

13.495

SURPLUSES 18,347 -

Amount per last B/Sheet Surplus/(Deficit) for Year

18,347

31.842

18.718 32.213

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THE HALL, CHARLESTON ROAD, ABOYNE, ABERDEENSHIRE AB34 5EJ Telephone: 013398-86732 Fax: 013398-87303 E-mail: aboynegcampbellconnon.co.uk We provide a comprehensive range of personal and business legal services. We shall be happy to discuss your requirements for legal services. Please contact us.

Bright, talented, charming, ambitious... but enough about us.

Call: 0I224 272090/91 or Visit: www.abdn.ac.uk/sras

UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN

Prink:Li by Titypuil PA inms Lid. Shalom:II Coon Indoirrial Fttate Sharyweil kiyad, Iayporl. F ire Tc1:10B}121 5523K1 Fax: (01'011)551195

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