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Editorial We are aware that there are some who feel that a school and F.P. magazine should confine itself to school and F.P. matters and should contain nothing else. It has, however, been our policy to include articles on subjects which we considered would be of wide interest to scholars and/or F.P.s, for example, our article explaining " The Aberdeen Endowments Trust " ; while we have from time to time popped in here and there a good Doric poem. In this issue we reproduce an article about Record-breaking in Sport which we consider will be read with wide interest by boys and F.P.s alike. We have also included in this issue some brief notes about a matter of vital concern to all of us at the moment—" The Common Market ". This has, however, been put in very much as a last-minute " space-filler ", (page 64) being prompted by a comment in The Scotsman of 9 December. Through the remarkable patience and sympathetic understanding of the University Press the Magazine very often is not " put to bed " until only a matter of days before it is due to come out—as regards this issue, the compilation of it is being completed only on the evening of this tenth day of December, with " The Mag. " due at School on the twentieth! In view of the tight last-minute schedule to which the General Editor is forced to work he is often, for certain technical reasons, obliged to fill up some pages here and there in the Magazine at the very last moment, or be faced with empty gaps ; and it usually for this reason that some " foreign " matter is included. The General Editor accepts full responsibility for this, but would welcome comment as to whether such " foreign " matter is generally acceptable, or whether it should be omitted. The General Editor
xii
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 78thyear No. 189 (New Series oltbyear No. 18o)
DECEMBER 1961
Vol. LXV
No. I
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The Magazine is published under the auspices of The Former Pupils' Club twice during the year, in December and June.
The Magazine Committee Rector of the School
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John Vass Skinner, M.A., B.LITT., DIP. Ell.
General Editor
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Campbell Connon, M.A., LL.B., 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen.
Editor of Notes, ObitBrian K. Crookshanks, M.A., LL.B., uary, and Marriages 12 Bon-Accord Square, Aberdeen. Editor of the School Section . Alexander Tait, M.A. Chairman of the F.P. . Alan J. Peters, C.A. Club Executive MacLachlan, M.A., Union Street, Aberdeen.
Secretary of the F.P. Club J. Scott LL.B.,
Advertisements
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.
220
Frank C. Connon, M.A., LL.B., ix Golden Square, Aberdeen.
Printed for The Former Pupils' Club at The University Press Aberdeen
CONTENTS ILLUSTRATIONS Photograph of Sheffield Plate presented by Col. 0. B. Forbes . Facing page 3z School Athletic team for 1961 . . . . . Between pages 32-33 . . . School Cricket team for 1961 • • 32-33 General Section— " Hyslopiana " by John B. Menzies . . . . Page 3 " Sports Records will always be broken "—article . . ,, 9 School Section— School Office-Bearers . . . . . . 15 School and Random Notes . . . . . 16 Literary and Debating Society . . . . Dramatic Society. Scientific Society. Scripture Union • Arts Club. Radio Club. Music Notes . . • • . Photographic Society, Lower School Notes •P Film Society . . . . . . . 21 Junior Deesidc Field Club Hill-Walking Club . 22 If C.C.F. Staff Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . House Notes „ 24 Scout Notes • • . . . . . a6 School Sporting Activities— Rugby . . . . . . . . z8 Hockey . . . . . . . PI, 2 Cricket . . . . • • Swimming. Badminton . . . . IP Athletics . . . . . . 33 Literary Section-Poems—Reflections by K. J. Thomson . . 34 Ode to a Model Railway by A. Hatrick The Blackbird by R. G. Milne . . . 34 Television by G. Hay . . . . 35 Spring by J. McIntosh . . . . ,, 35 The Graveyard by J. McIntosh . . . 3, 35 Autumn and Winter by J. Muir . . ,9 36 Marching Song by N. Norbrook . II 36 Prose—How to like being lazy by J. F. Murray 36 . The Dawn by D. Hay . 37 Grampian Television by Messrs. Murray, Welding and . . . Wheeler . 1.1, 38 38 Former Pupils' Club Section— Club Office-Bearers . . • 39 . . Annual Dinner . ,, 41 . . Glasgow Centre . • ,, 43 London Centre . . . . 44 Rugby Section . . . . 44 Cricket Section . . . . 45 Hockey Section . . . . Notes about F.P.s . . . 47 University Notes . . . . >, 51 Marriages . . . . . • • 54 Obituary . . . . . • • • • 58 ,, New Members . . . . Topical Item—" The Common Market " 64 " Note: An Asterisk " after a name throughout the Magazine indicates that the F.P. is a member of the F.P. Club. The years appearing in brackets after the name indicate the years of attendance at School. •
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" HYSLOPIANA" [In our issue of June 195 8 we promised an article about " Archie " Hyslop and his works, for, although he died suddenly in 1943 he is still a lively memory in the minds of many F.P.s. Unfortunately several matters interfered with the article's being compiled as early as we had hoped but eventually we approached a young F.P. John B. Menzies (1951-S9)—whose work, while he was still at School, had caught our editorial eye—and invited him to consider undertaking the preparation of this promised article. He immediately agreed to do so, and all the papers which we had received on loan from Mr. Hyslop's widow were dispatched to him in London where the following article was prepared for us by him. Those who knew Archie and who read over the proofs agreed that he has done an excellent job, indeed it appears as if he had known Archie closely himself ; and we are most grateful to Mr. Menzies for his ready and effective assistance. Mr. Eric Linklater has written a Foreword for us.—Editor.]
Archie Hyslop was the most kind and genial of men. Had he been less genial he might have been a scholar. Was it for his Ph.D. that he wrote a thesis on The Calendar of Numa Pompilius, and defended his choice of so improbable a subject with the remark, " No one knows anything about the old boy, so nothing one says of him can be contradicted "? But a scholar, a dedicated scholar, must withdraw from his fellow men, must live remote from common interests, and Archie preferred to mix with people, to manage them, and make them sing. So he became a schoolmaster, and then a rather unorthodox inspector of schools. He was a talented musician, and might have been better, if he had taken his music more seriously. But for him it was a social gift rather than an art; with a piano he could entertain friends in such a way that the striking of the " sma 'oors " was indeed an unwelcome interruption, for his gift of musical parody and improvisation was a joy to all who heard him, and he could be witty with words as well as with the music. I wrote some simple pieces for performance during the first three or four Gala Weeks, and for one of these—in 1924, perhaps—Archie composed most of the music and wrote some of the lyrics. Tiffin Time in Turra, quoted above, we wrote between us—line about, if I remember—and his music for it has a wicked little echo from a group of sentimental songs, popular at the time, called the Indian Love Lyrics. For another of his tunes he boldly cribbed from Wagner, from Lohengrin, I fancy. It was great fun to work with him— though " work " is the wrong word for so frivolous a collaboration. There is some mention of his picture-collecting. This, I think, began after his marriage, and he showed great taste and judgment in buying a lot of paintings by Sam Peploe. They could be bought pretty cheaply at that time; but not now. And he had some beauties. What a good Hyslop Memorial his collection would be, if the School could acquire it. He was a big, robust-looking man, but less robust than he appeared, and his early death was a shocking loss to all his friends, and to the cause of gaiety in Scotland. ERIC LINKLATER 3
4
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
To my generation of Grammarians, the name of Dr. Archibald I lyslop brings to mind one of those intellectual giants who seemed to prosper with astonishing frequency in the more spacious dayS of forty years ago. But to our fathers and grandfathers Dr. Hyslop was much more than a classicist shepherding floundering schoolboys with deceptive fluency through the vagaries of the subjunctive tense, or even a first class scholar running second only to Sir William Tennant (1904-1910) the Dux of the School in his year. As one of his contemporaries and friends has said, " He had one of the most generous hearts I have ever come across, and whatever he chose to do he could achieve supremely well ". Indeed noble praise. Archie, for as such he was far better known to all his admirers, came up through lower School to Middle and Upper Schools, and around the age of twelve was known not so much for his not inconsiderable academic prowess, as for his gift of comic entertainment and mimicry, doubtless facilitated by his natural rotundity! So much so that in those days he rejoiced in the by-name of " Fatty Hyslop ". He also, as he grew up into Senior School, took a leading part in the annual " Judicial Night " or " Mock Trial " as it is called nowadays, sponsored by the Debater. And his natural ability for music was well used at the Annual Sing Song held on the Friday night before Christmas. Alas, this School event has been replaced on the calendar by an abbreviated " Messiah" for reasons neither obvious nor aesthetic. After leaving School Archie went on to Aberdeen University where he took his Arts degree with Honours in Classics just before the outbreak of the First World War. A few weeks after the commencement of hostilities, Archie joined up as a subaltern in the Gordon Highlanders with whom he was engaged in administrative duties until mid-1916, when he was posted to France as Assistant Education Officer to the Third Army. Afterwards, at the dose of 1918 he was attached as Staff Captain to the Peronne Area Sub-Headquarters and in November 1919 he was demobilised with the rank of captain. It was at this time that Archie first started writing comic sketches for London Opinion, which is now sadly defunct, and for the doyen of all humorous magazines, Punch. However, after the war Archie resumed his studies at Aberdeen University and added Honours English to his degree in Classics. Thus, with a double qualification he joined the staff in i921. That same year he was awarded the Croom Robertson Fellowship at Aberdeen, and this led in 1925 to his receiving the degree of PH.D. Nonetheless, the previous year he had followed Douglas Miller, who was then Rector of the School, to Manchester Grammar School, where after only another brief stay of four years Archie became one of His Majesty's Inspectors of Schools in Scotland. First of all he was attached to the Western Division and later graduated to be officer in charge of Kincardine and Zetland. Finally in 1938 he was in charge of the Border Division. In addition to that he was Inspector of Music in Scottish Schools and Training Colleges and the Scottish Education Department's representative on the Joint Committee for Music and Drama in Scotland, as well as being Chairman of the
"lama"
5 Scottish Co-ordinating Committee of the Council for the Encouragement of Music and the Arts. Upon the outbreak of war in 1939 Archie used his talents not once more as an active soldier, but as a script and song writer for E.N.S.A., the organisation to provide entertainment for the troops in the field. Unfortunately this additional strain proved too much and after a swift and unexpected illness he died in Glasgow Infirmary on 18 February 1943. It is one thing to set down the bare bones of a man's career, but it is quite another to cover those bones with flesh and breathe life into them. In this instance it is unimaginably difficult firstly to sketch a pen portrait of a man so vividly remembered yet, to me, so distant, and secondly to describe adequately such a gifted and myriad personality as that possessed by Archie. As I have said Archie joined the staff in 1921, and although the brilliance and quality of his teaching was held in highest regard from the Rector's room to the most " unwillingly to school " in Middle I, Archie was best remembered for his extra-curricular duties. Archie's special interest was the School Scout troops in the administration of which he played no small part, although it was among the boys themselves that he showed his real mettle. The wit and amusement he extracted from the many concerts, sketches and jamborees he helped to sponsor is savoured yet in the remembrances of those who worked with him, and the choruses and music he composed still remain undimmed in the memories of those who either sang or heard them. For example from the " Scouts Opera ", the forte of the 9th troop, performed for the 17th troop's Café Chantant in October, 1923 and Jamboree Week in January, 1924 comes this gem; sung to the tune of the Cobbler's song from Chu Chin Chow. I sit and I boil and I roast and I stew, And I struggle to think of something ncw. Struggle and struggle, but all in vain, We always come back to mince again.
A valid criticism of open-air cooking perhaps learnt at first-hand on the top of Clochnaben some sleety week-end. Or, having found a can of syrup falling in " clorts upon his shorts ", Archie asks: Who would ask Ambrosia, So famed in ages olden, If he could readily obtain, A tin of syrup golden? It glows and twinkles merrily, Like sunlight in solution, What though its use compel us to Immediate ablution.
There was a scheme proposed after Archie's death to collect and publish these verses, but unfortunately it came to nothing due to the financial risk attendant upon such a venture. Thus it is that the bulk of Archie's work has been left in its typewritten form and indeed some of it in the author's own hand. Perhaps such a scheme could be
Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine
6
looked into again for I am certain Archie's deliciously light verse would find a ready sale both among his admirers who remember him personally and those of the School who relish the delights of a couthy rhyme. But Archie's talents were not reserved just for the Scouts his interest in boys ranged through the whole School. He continued to vitalise the School Concerts with his musical gifts and to dazzle the Literary and Debating Society with his ready wit. He also organised swimming parties on Saturday mornings to the shore north of the Don mouth which were highly esteemed and very popular. Presumably it was not in those days a la mode to sit in the Lounge of the " Caley " drinking coffee with either a herd of young ladies chattering around you or keeping up with the small talk of Elders and Betters rattling their tongues in time with their cups to produce a deafening cacophony. Archie also had, at that time, the comparatively rare and strange hobby of photography, and his ability and the quality of his work soon attracted the attention of the local press as well as the interest of the school boys around him. In later life this hobby drew him into the realms of etching and drypoint, and eventually he became a collector of paintings who possessed an excellent collection of works by living Scottish artists. In addition to all these activities Archie also managed to write the music for " The Prince Appears " a Student Show in the early twenties. He also wrote along with Eric Linklater the lyrics for the same show. For example, in collaboration with Linklater he produced : When its tiflin time in Turra, There's a host of spicy smells, But the silence of the burgh, Isn't spoilt by temple bells. When the evening fans in Turra, No policemen mar the view, But a' the loons both old and orra Carol blithely " fou the noo ".
And Archie on his own discussed the shortage of domestic staff : The Grand old Duke of York Called thousands to his aid, Today he'd find it hard to get A single scullery maid. The great to menial tastes Their dignity must lower, Small wonder if their language is More lurid than their gore.
That is the first stanza of ' " which goes on to say
" said the Duchess ' the chorus of
said the Duchess as she polished up the taps. " said his Highness cutting bread. But I'm not G.B.S. So I'll leave you to guess The word that the Baroness said. "
"
" Hyslopiana"
7 Needless to say that Student Show had its niche of popularity along with all the others. But Archie was shortly to turn to a wider audience than a Scout Concert or a Student Show, for just about this time wireless came within the reach of most people. As it transpired radio and later television were largely to supersede the live theatre and especially music hall as a means of mass entertainment, but there was one person who was keeping the traditions of Scottish comedy going during that period and that was Harry Gordon. Thankfully the Scottish comedians with their early ancestors such as one suspects Archie Armstrong, (who was entertaining the court of James VI and I 350 years ago), have survived to delight us with the " Five Past Eight " Shows and in London at present Stanley Baxter's " On the Brighter Side ". However, Harry Gordon and Archie Hyslop got their heads together and people like the " Laird of Inversnecky ' and " The Auldest Aiberdonian " were born. Stanza two of the ' Aiberdonian's " song goes : I can min' fin Bruce—the great king Robert—came by here,
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The council held a banquet ; aye the rates went up that year, They thankit Bruce for keepin' a' the English oot o' reach, Ye see, it hidna struck us then to advertise the beach.
And stanza three, I can min' on Hazelheid afore there was a tram, I can min' fin Mr. Walker first said Walker's Darn, I can min' fin folk was hangit beside the Mercat Cross, I can min' fin there was peacocks doon in Peacock's Closs.
But while writing the " Inversnecky " sketches for Harry Gordon, Archie also wrote for Aberdeen's Radio Station, at that time in Belmont Street. One of the best known of his writings in this field was " Pride o' the Green " described by Archie himself as a " nonsense opera ". It was broadcast four times within five months in 1937 and once again in March 1938, later to be revived in 1953. The script I have in my possession is also annotated for a television production and has the words " televised 1937 " written on it. The operetta is in two acts, the first taking place in the Green and the second in a "stately home" on Deeside. The plot concerns Betty the daughter of a benevolent though grasping fishwife, Mrs. MacFinnan, who sells her wares to the many suitors beguiled to the Green by Betty's charms. Naturally Mrs. MacFinnan has plans for a wealthy match for Betty, but they go slightly agley when she falls in love with Jimmy the local representative of the Inland Revenue. Jimmy's name is anathema to mother especially when he proposes marriage. However mother wins the day when she convinces Betty she should marry Sir Sam, a wild colonial who has made his money and come home to roost on Deeside. The wedding plans are well advanced for Betty and Sir Sam when he is suddenly and dramatically presented with " Hula frae Waikiki ", one of his dusky wild oats. At last the " deus ex machina" has appeared and Sir Sam spurns Deeside and Mrs. MacFinnan to return with Hula to foreign climes leaving Betty and Jimmy free to get on with their original wedding. In another
8
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
operetta for radio Archie bemoans the fact that Shakespeare painted a very black picture of Macbeth making the historically benevolent King into a tragic tyrant. To restore the equilibrium Archie creates a situation whereby a browbeaten Macbeth profusely apologises to the three witches, saying that his wife is waiting for him and he hasn't time to stop. But Archie's imagination was too fertile to describe in detail for my story would go on and on and on. The stream of sketches, songs, operettas, music and poems flowed on unabated well into the war years, and even under threat of invasion and strict rationing Archie managed to write a song about cheeses.
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I like a bit o' cheese, From bonny Ayrshire. Produced by Scottish cows. Within a Scottish byre. I never tire o' Dunlop, For how could Dunlop tyre ? I like a hit o' cheese, As part o' my diet. And every kind I saw, I always had to try it. But now there's only one kind, And I dinna want to buy it.
That comes from one of the many songs he wrote for E.N.S.A., but no one realised how quickly the candle would be finallv extinguished. As I have said Archie died suddenly and tragically in 1943, but although Dr. Hyslop the Scholar and Examiner was gone, Archie the " Bright and Buoyant Spirit " was still very much alive in the memories of those who knew him and were his friends. And though Archie was more of a legend to us of later years than a dominie with a propensity for the joie de vivre, I'm sure no one once aquainted with his high ideals would grudge for one second the sentiment that " he had one of the most generous hearts ". A great epitaph for a Great Grammarian. JOHN B. MENZIES* (195 1-59)
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" Sports Records Will Always be Broken" [Reproduced]
There is no mystery about why world records in sports continue to drop. And there seems little doubt that they will continue to drop, probably forever. Many observers will see in this the indomitable spirit of man. Man may indeed be indomitable, but his spirit has little to do with breaking world records. He breaks records with his brains, mostly, and until the day his native shrewdness gives up the ghost, no world records will last for long. In the Olympic games (196o), records were smashed by the dozen. They were smashed thanks to (I) gimmicks ; (2)new training methods ; (3) size. Gimmicks The first, Gimmicks, is surely the most important, now that training methods are temporarily standardized. Just because man has always been running or jumping in a certain way does not mean that this is the best way. The athletes who become world-record breakers these days know this, or at least sense it. They search around for a gimmick, something that will give them the extra half-second or half-inch they need. Swimmers shave all the hair off of their bodies—and records drop. Hammer throwers put ballet slippers (especially manufactured in splay-footed sizes) on their feet, and find that they can spin faster, because the ballet slippers slide better while still giving them a feel for balance. Because they are spinning faster they naturally can sling the iron ball farther. High divers who used to tuck their knees under their chins when somersaulting, now spread their knees slightly and tuck their heads between them. This provides a tighter tuck, a faster spin, and more somersaults per dive. As regards Oarsmen, for fifty years the shape of racing-oar blades did not change. Then a German crew experimented with wider, stubbier blades. They won. They won again. And in Rome, they won the Olympic eight-oared championship. Is there something important in the shape of the oar? Probably. In any case, virtually every crew in the world will be using the new oars next year. Gimmicks in sports come in all shapes and sizes. Before the war Cornelius Warmerdam found that, by taking a longer run, he could pole vault fifteen feet. Promoters promptly lengthened the runways for him, and he topped fifteen feet everywhere he went. Other vaulters adopted this change and added a new one: Instead of Warmerdam's heavily taped bamboo pole, they carried a light, slim bit of Swedish steel. The new pole gave them more whip and thrust, in addition to less weight. Now everybody does it. In swimming, Johnny Weissmuller set a too-yard free-style record of fifty-one seconds flat, which stood for seventeen years. Nowadays, any good high-school swimmer can equal that, and 9
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine probably a hundred or more college swimmers can beat it. Why? Part of the reason is that today's pools are faster. Backwash gutters have been designed that keep the surface of the water flat, even when six or eight swimmers are thrashing about in it. And the modern swimmers do flip turns which Weissmuller never thought of and which he might have drowned attempting. During the Olympics, world records in swimming fell all over the place. The surface of the water in the Olympic pool possibly was flatter during the races than ever before in any pool. The floating lane markers were as thick as a man's arm, and helped keep the water surface free of waves and backwash. Even in the ioo meter dash, an Olympic record was broken. The German, Armin Hary, was clocked in io.z seconds, and won the right to call himself the world's fastest human. But is he faster than Jesse Owens, who did io.3 in 5936? Hary's take-off was from starting blocks (a gimmick) held in place behind his feet by pegs he had driven into the ground. Owens ran out of a shallow hole, which he had dug into the track with his spikes. Owens watched Hary win and then said musingly: " Those starting blocks ought to be worth at least a tenth of a second." Tracks today are faster, too. Men have experimented with all kinds of composition for tracks, and with the earth below them to a depth of six feet. When Gunder Haegg began to set records at 1,5oo metres and a mile at tracks in Scandinavia, it was duly noted that the tracks were new, and that under them was a layer of gravel, a layer of clay, and sometimes even a layer of logs. The result was a more resilient track, less tiring to run on, as grass is less tiring to the legs than cement. The Olympic track is brick red in colour, and is said to be composed of elements which include rubber. In any case, the day of the black cinder track is definitely over.
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When all men are training alike, the man with the gimmick is going to be the winner and record breaker. Training But though gimmicks may explain the records, the explanation of the plethora of athletes today who would have been considered supermen three Olympics ago is training, training, training. Gus Stager, coach of the Olympic men's swimming team, was a wonderful college swimmer at Michigan in 1948. He specialised in events from 400 metres on up. He used to practice by " swimming a couple of miles a day, then kick maybe 1 ,ooo yards, then do a few windsprints." Stager Worked Out once a day. He is coach at Michigan now, and all of his swimmers work out twice daily all year long and he has even experimented with three workouts a day. " What you look for in training," Stager says, " are three things : Strength, speed and conditioning. It is very hard to work on all of them in a single workout. You can practice sprinting, for instance, to build up your speed. But sprints do not give you the conditioning you need. You can swim a fast mile, but this does not help your
" Sports Record: Will AlAgs be Broken" speed. You can practice simply puffing, with your feet in a rubber tube. That's wonderful for strength, but not for speed, and it doesn't help your conditioning too much either." Stager's own answer to the problem is separate daily workouts devoted to conditioning, strength and speed. " Swimming used to be simply a sport," he says. " But we're religious about it today." Weissmuller was a wonderful swimmer, too, but by today's standards he knew nothing about training. He had believed that any exercise other than swimming was bad for his muscles. Everyone else had believed this too. Then, just before the war, Bob Kiphuth of Yale revolutionised swimming by starting his swimmers on bodybuilding in September, not even letting them into the water until they were experts at lifting bar bells and running up the stairs of eightstory buildings. But even Kiphuth did not carry his theories as far as they are successfully carried today, and Kiphuth's swimmers of the war years were in poor shape compared to the moderns. PHYSICAL TRAINING
What is just beginning to be explored in sports is the question of the limits of human physical stamina. The 400-metre swim used to be a paced distance event. It is a virtual sprint now. The 400-metre run was also a paced race. It is a sprint now. So is the Soo-metre, virtually, and before long the mile will be also. Take a look at the training routine of Herb Elliott, world record holder at 1,5o0 metres and the mile. Last week, the zz-year-old Australian lowered his own 1,500-metre world record to three minutes 35.6 seconds, the equivalent of a 3 :5 2.6 mile. When Elliott began training seriously for his furious assault on the record books, he used to race ten miles a day through the parks of Melbourne, four days a week, after work. On Fridays he would drive to the training camp of his coach, and on Saturdays and Sundays at 5 a.m. he would rise, jog half a mile to the beach and run for thirty minutes over the hard-packed sand, just out of reach of the incoming rollers. Then he would plunge into the sea to refresh himself, following his dip by a run back to camp for breakfast. After eating, he would run for four hours, covering as many as thirty-three miles. Back at camp again, he would lift weights until lunchtime. After lunch and a brief rest he would run back to the beach, where there is an eight-story-high, sixty-degree sand dune covered with coarse grass. He would run up this hill, over the top, down and around, over and over again, until at last he dropped from exhaustion. One reporter once counted him running up this hill forty-five times. When Elliott, after collapsing, came to again, he would go for another swim, then back to camp for dinner, listen to classical music and go to bed. " There is no telling what his body can do," said Cerutty. He should have added: " Neither Elliott's body, nor anyone else's." In every serious branch of sport, athletes are working harder than
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine
they used to. Naturally, dozens of men have broken four minutes for the mile. I, for one, do not believe there were any psychological factors involved at all. Glenn Cunningham, for example, was a wonderful pre-war miler. But he was only in fair physical condition compared to the moderns. All he did in training was run a few miles a day. He believed that weight-lifting would ruin him. He may have seen the four-minute mile as a psychological barrier, but in actual fact he wasn't in good enough shape to run that fast. Runners today are in good enough shape, dozens of them. My feeling is that Roger Bannister merely happened to be first. He was, of course, a great runner, even though he did less training than most moderns. But he still did much more and much wiser training than the pre-war milers. And at the time that Bannister broke the barrier, ten other men were about to. The fact that Cunningham and others failed to break four minutes is not nearly so significant as the fact that they came so close—on so little practice (by today's standards). None of them, for instance, did any weight-lifting, believing it would make them muscle-bound and useless. Today, nearly every top athlete in every sport lifts weights as part of his training routine, even sprinters. Weight-lifting has been particularly important in the weightthrowing events—shot-put, discus and hammer. One top shot-putter, trained exclusively on weights, never touching the shot until the day of the meet. Each time he picked the iron ball up in competition it felt punier to him, and he heaved it farther. If gimmicks in some events, and training in others, explain many broken records, two other factors must not be overlooked : One is the use of drugs, and the other is simply the increasing size of the human body. DRUGS By drugs I do not mean to suggest anything illegal or immoral, although in some sports, particularly professional cycling, illegal drugs certainly are used. But even high-school athletes today know about dextrose and fructose, salt tablets and vitamin injections. And obviously all these help to stimulate top performances. Size As for Size, man is simply getting bigger all the time, and the bigger he gets the higher he will jump and, presumably, the faster he will run. There can be no limit set on weight-throwing, high-jumping, polevaulting or such events. A century from now all competitors in them may be seven feet tall, weigh 30o pounds and be far more agile than we are now. There is better nutrition in the world today, less sickness and, assuming our growth is not stunted by hydrogen bombs, we should get to be very big creatures indeed. What will the records be in the Olympic games of zo6o ? Who can tell ? Perhaps the need for sleep will have been eliminated by
Sheyfreld Plate
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then, men will train twenty hours a day and spend the other four inventing new gimmicks to squeeze another few feet out of a javelin throw or a ioo-metre dash. Until man has used up the entire day for training, stopped growing and ceased inventing gimmicks, there can be no record set which will not be broken. The above abbreviated article (by a roving sports reporter for The New York Times in Europe) has been reproduced by permission of The New York Timer in the belief that its matter will be of considerable interest, not only to schoolboys but to all interested in the development and evolution of sport.—Ed.
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The Sheffield Plate The beautiful piece of Sheffield Plate shown in the photograph facing page 32 has found its way back to the School after a lapse of 137 years, and is the gift of Colonel 0. B. Forbes, C.B.E., E.D., now resident in London but late of Ceylon. The circumstances leading to its presentation to the School are as follows. Shortly after the start of the present session Colonel Forbes, who was then on holiday in Scotland, paid a visit to the School with the object of making enquiries about his great-grandfather, the Rev. Robert Forbes, who had been a Master at the Grammar School early last century. The information actually available in School records is, of course, scanty but a little is contained in that invaluable sourcebook on the history of the School, Dr. Morland Simpson's Bon Record. His name appears, for example, in the list of Masters and UnderMasters given in the Appendix, which shows him as having come to the School in 1799 from Inverurie, where he had been employed as a schoolmaster. A later entry records the appointment in 1842 of James Dunn as " Under-Master, in place of Forbes, deceased ". He is also mentioned as one of the three Under-Masters of the School during the Rectorship of the great Melvin. They must have bred them tough in those days, for although he was already sixty-four when Melvin was appointed Rector in 1826, he carried on teaching till his death, some sixteen years later, at the ripe old age of eighty. His total period of service in the School, as recorded on his tombstone in the Old Churchyard at Inverurie, was forty-two years. Is this a record ? The information provided in Bon Record can now be supplemented from two other sources. One is, of course, the Sheffield Plate tray, which, as the inscription shows, was presented to Robert Forbes by the pupils of the 3rd Class in 1824 as a testimony of their gratitude to " a much loved teacher ". The other is an old parchment, which the Rector came across in the School a few weeks after Colonel Forbes's visit, containing " Rules and Regulations " for the Annual Supper Meeting of the Class which entered the Aberdeen Grammar School in the year i 8o6 under the tuition of Mr. Forbes.
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The document is dated z5 November 1814, and contains, in addition to the rules and regulations aforementioned, a list for each occasion on which the Supper was held of all members attending. The record extends from 1814 to 1847 and includes a special mention of the death of the Rev. Robert Forbes at Aberdeen on Sunday, 13 March 1842. No dearer testimony could be found than that provided by these two tributes of the esteem and affection which he inspired in his pupils. The tray, which has been preserved as an heirloom in Colonel Forbes's family, came into his possession a year ago on the death of his brother, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Charles Forbes. Arrangements are now being made to have it mounted in a case similar to that which houses the collection of Archery Merinis and to give it the place it so dearly merits alongside these and other treasured relics of the School's past. Our most sincere thanks are due to Colonel Forbes for his generosity in making this benefaction to the School. The inscription on the tray reads as follows:
Hoc
ROBERTO FORBES carissimo praeceptori gratorum animorum testimonium DANT Discipuli Tertiae Classis Gram. Schol. Aberd. 1824.
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School Section School Office-Bearers, r96x-62 Prefects DOUGLAS W. T. PAUL (Senior Prefect) FRANCIS N. McKENzts (Deputy Senior Prefect) JAMES K. ARCHIBALD MESTON C. CHRISTIE GRAEME W. FRASER ANDREW J. LEACH NIGEL MURRAY MICHAEL SMITH ROBERT WALLACE IAN R. WRIGHT
JOHN D. ANDERSON ERIC A. BEVERLY GORDON J. DORWARD GORDON D. GRANT ALEXANDER W. MATHIESON PETER J. N. STEWART KENNETH J. THOMSON
JAMES A. BANKS ROBIN A. CRAIG IAN A. GLENDINNING DAVID LESLIE GRAHAM G. Ross ALISTAIR B. THOMSON GEORGE F. WEBSTER
House Captains Byron FRANCIS N. MCKENZIE
Dun
Keith
DAVID LESLIE
DOUGLAS W. T. PAUL
Melvin GEORGE F. WEBSTER
Captain
Rugby Vice-Captain
DOUGLAS W. T. PAUL
FRANCIS N. MCKENZIE
Hockey Captain
GORDON D. GRANT
Ifice-Captatn
JOHN P. STEWART
Swimming Captain
I., "ice-Captain
ANDREW J. LEACH
CHARLES T. RIACIL
Literary and Debating Society President ALEXANDER W. MATHIESON Vice-President KENNETH J. THOMSON Secretary GEORGE W. REID Treasurer MICHAEL SMITH Dramatic Society President PETER J. N. STEWART Vice-President Secretary GRAHAM Cms Treasurer President
DOUGLAS W. T. PAUL Treasurer
Captain
FRANCIS N. MCKENZIE
FRANCIS WATT DAVID C. LESLIE
Film Society Secretary IAN H. How's GORDON D. MITCHELL
Badminton Club Secretary GEORGE F. WEBSTER Cadet Force
Sen U.Offs.
JOHN D. ANDERSON, PETER BIRNIE
Scripture Union Secretary II
ALEXANDER S. MATHER
Editors of School Section KENNETH I. MACDONALD GEORGE W. REID
DOUGLAS W. T. PAUL GRAHAM G. Ross If
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine School and Random Notes " An original something, fair sirs, you would have us To write—but how shall we begin? For we fear we have nothing original in us Excepting Original Sin "—T. CAMPBELL And now we proceed to write these notes seated up the Tower in an atmosphere of three desks, four and half chairs, one pen, half a dozen newly painted hockey balls, and the local ghost. Outside the radioactive rain drips depressingly past the window. We too (or is it four) are very depressed. We do mean to be funny, but . . . However, gentle reader take a laugh, dilute with a smile, and thus fortified proceed: * * * The Boma! Not THE bomb, but a fill-a-paper-bag-with-water-and-throw-ittype sailed into the sacred precincts of the Howff one interval, thus increasing the number of drips contained therein. (Caused quite a shower in fact.) Exit to restore order twenty-five tarnished chromium badges with their owners and their dampened spirits, chanting: " If I should die think only this of me . . . " Only one valiant soul, however, who stuck to his duty with " leech " like tenacity, went beyond the School-doors, " Will anyone who has seen him since, or can give any information please telephone .. . " * * * Despite the new additions to the School some loon obviously thinks the whole building should go. This bright spark (joke) on being rejected by an old flame (joke) tried to fire us with some enthusiasm (joke) by setting the School alight. (NO joke.) * * * While on this burning topic, it is with great concern that we report the S.U. has gone underground with the players to improve their match play. The fall-out of prefects in the School cellars was considered outwith the safety level. This, however, has been righted and the gallant band of peace officers has again forced King Nicotine to submit. Well done men! (and so you should be). * * * " A man who could make so vile a pun would not scruple to pick a pocket " *
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J. DENNIS
The driving spirit of Room a has ceased to be a Minor and has graduated to Oxford, due mainly to his excellence in Morris dancing. * * * May we, on behalf of the boys, extend a cordial welcome to the new flusters and wish them a happy stay here, " Let schoolmasters puzzle their brains With grammar and nonsense and learning Good liquor we stoutly maintain Gives genius a better discerning "—GOLDSMITH * * * " We are not amused."—QUEEN VICTORIA
School Section
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The editors view with gravely serious anxiety (sounds nice) the large number of big strapping lads awaiting an interview (painful) with Higher Authority near the office every Friday morning. May we suggest that if the School were made coeducational there would be no latecomers as all boys would arrive in School before the first bell(e). *
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The tst XV has potential. 44 * * " Look out, gentlemen, the schoolmaster is abroad."—BnitoN BROUGHAM Not only that but he has brought the fashions back with him, for winkle pickers arc definitely in, especially with younger pupils of the School. However, this may be due to the inspiration of the dress of our banjo carrying foreign language students. *
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" Once more have many tackled hills In twinkle pickers and cavalry wills." * * * Polite boys with tip-ical smiles now hold doors open for masters. * * * There is a rumour that Room 3o is being used for the Howflie Badminton Championship; surely this could have nothing to do with Mr. Flett's absence? Seriously, though, we wish him a speedy recovery. " A chair fell, sir, honest." * * * And that, gentlemen, is about that, except to mention that on " reiding " through these notes we found many " gross " and " appauling " " goofs ". * * * " We cannot say more than that, can we? Nor do we deem it advisable in the interests of the editor to whom we are spatially contracted. To say less."—STEVIE Sstrni. Footnote: Any similarity in these notes to person or persons alive or dead is wholly intentional.
Literary and Debating Society At the Annual General Meeting held in June of this year, the following officials were elected for session 1961-62: Honorary President, Mr. A. Tait; President, A. Mathieson; Vice-President, K. Thomson; Secretary, G. W. Reid; Treasurer, M. Smith. Although in previous years it has been generally accepted that there has been a general decline in the standard of speaking in the Society, it has been gratifying to note that there has been a considerable improvement so far this term. Attendances in general arc smaller than they have been in previous terms, but this may not necessarily be a bad thing, for although we have been forced to call upon a few members to speak more than once, the quality of their speeches and of many speakers from the floor have compensated for this. We arc indebted to Messrs. Archibald (VI), Norrie (VI), Paul (VI), Thomson (V), Dorward (V), Wood (V), Phillip; Norbrook and Rennie of (III), but in particular to Mr. Cruickshank of (VI) whose views have prompted some fine discussions in the open debates. As is customary the first meeting took the form of a Hat Night, where members were asked to comment on quotations ranging from Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde.
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.Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine.
The Society followed this by debating the motion: " That entertainments risking public life should be banned." Mr. Cruickshank and Mr. Rennie spoke for the affirmative and Mr. Robinson and Mr. Thomson for the negative, in a debate which revealed some new speakers from the first year. Our first inter-school debate, with Albyn, has already taken place, and although the response from the School was disappointing as regards numbers it had its full share of speaking from the floor, which proved to be lively and entertaining. With this in mind we look forward to a full and interesting session when we hope that the standard in the Society will continue to improve. GEORGE W. REID„reeretary
Dramatic Society The Society this year is more rushed for time than ever before, as we must present our play before Christmas, and not in March as was the custom. The reason for this is the change in examination dates. Therefore, we had to start rehearsing as soon as possible, and meet not only on Monday afternoons, but also on Wednesday evenings. This year, we chose The Critic by Richard Sheridan, an eighteenth-century comedy, which suits our requirements perfectly, since it does not present too many difficulties and requires a large cast. This year we have broken the tradition of the Shakespearean play, but with Mr. King, Mr. McGee and Mr. Murphy as producers we are confident that we will once again bring off a successful production. GRAHAM D. CAIE
Aberdeen Schools Scientific..Society The Scientific Society has again proved very popular with the boys of the Upper School. It is unfortunate that the School membership has to be limited to fifty. The aim of the Society is to encourage an interest in branches of science normally outside the School syllabus. The opening meeting was addressed by Professor Burnett of Aberdeen University on the subject, " Plastics "—an enlightening talk about recent developments in this field of chemistry. The programme for this session promises to be most interesting. We have been very fortunate in that the British Association have offered to sponsor two special lecturers—Dr. Margerisson, the scientific correspondent to The Times is to address the Society in December and Dame Kathleen Lonsdale is to speak on the subject of " Crystals " in March. Two film shows have also been arranged. We are, as always, indebted to Mr. Bruce for his unfailing help and advice. IAN WRIGHT, President
Scripture Union The Scripture Union branch in the School has got off to quite a reasonable start this session. The attendances, if not large, arc consistent. We arc glad to find that quite a number of the younger boys seem to be very interested in the Scripture Union's activities, and attend regularly week after week. So far this session we have had excellent speakers in Dr. Stephen Short from Weston-superMare, Rev. Alan Robertson, chaplain to Aberdeen University, and Rev. John Birkbeck, minister of John Knox Church in the city. Our other activities include quizzes, Bible-study groups, and filmstrips. Our thanks are again due to Mr. Duncan for his interest and advice. ALEX. S. MATHER, Secretary
School Section
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Arts Club The Arts Club continues to meet on Friday evenings with a good attendance at the Craft section and a larger turnout of painters than we have seen for a year or two. Older members may be seen facing up to themselves manfully by producing selfportraits, another at work on a memory of San Vitale from last Easter's School visit to Italy and Ravenna. Clay and wood are manhandled into rich and even exotic shapes. Indeed a good time seems to be had by all, thanks to Mr. Atkinson and Mr. Hemingway for their guidance. ALAN F. MORRICE, Secretary
Radio Club Supplemented by many new members from the third year, the Club looks forward to a successful session. Apart from construction work, we hope to have a series of lectures by qualified technicians. We are, however, hampered by lack of components, and we would appeal to all parents and Former Pupils to get in touch with the technical department if they have any old radio or television sets which they can spare us. A. J. LEACH
Music Orchestra The orchestra this year has, unfortunately, lost the services of Mr. Wilson, who, for some years, has been responsible for the fine work done by it. However, we look forward to playing under the baton of Mr. Hawksworth, knowing that the high standard of performance will be maintained. The orchestra still lacks violinists, but a pleasing feature is the formation of substantial viola and 'cello sections, which for some years had been rather small. The annual concert in June was the highlight of the season. Alisdair Mackenzie gave a memorable performance of the Slow Movement of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto, and no less convincing was the Bach Bradenburg Concerto No. 1 in which both soloists and orchestra were outstanding. With the changes in the Music staff, no performance has been arranged as yet, but it is anticipated that a choral and orchestral concert will take place next year. NIGEL MURRAY, Upper VI
Choir Notes The Choir rose to the occasion at last term's School Concert by performing, in German, two very difficult works by Schubert, " Nachtgesang im Walde ", and " Herr, unser Gott ", accompanied by small instrumental ensembles. A group of part songs also included in the programme provided an entertaining contrast. Mr. Wilson's departure is a sad loss to the Music Department, for his good humour and encouragement, especially at concert rehearsals, will be missed. This term the Choir is kept busy with an interesting selection of carols in preparation for the School Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols to be held on t 2 December in Rubislaw Church. The enthusiasm and loyalty of Choir members is encouraging, and a few more tenors and basses will be welcomed, especially in preparing for the School Concert.
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_Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
Photographic Society The Society started its activities this year with a slide show by some of the senior boys. We meet as in previous years in the art rooms at 6.3o p.m. on Friday evenings. The membership stands just over the twenty mark, and it is encouraging to see so many of the younger boys attending. Because of the differing experience of the members it was difficult to arrange a programme which would cater for all, and therefore the Society was split into a beginners and an advanced group, meeting on alternate Fridays. Members have been on expeditions with the Hill Walking Club to Kintail and Glencoe and we hope to join them on further climbs. This session we are concentrating on including a series of colour transparencies to be shown with appropriate music from tape recordings. We have completed the first part of the series, namely: the English Cathedrals; The Epstein Exhibition and a miscellany of Abstract Photographs. ALISTAIR B. SHEWAN
Lower School Notes Each year at this time I invariably find that I have omitted to do two things, namely (a) to have my Christmas Cards destined for friends overseas ready for posting by surface mail, and (b) to keep a careful record of Lower School events worthy of mention in the Magazine. The former decd of error and omission must bring satisfaction to the P.M.G. at the prospect of extra revenue deriving from Air Mail stamps(!), the latter chagrin in the heart of the Editor at having to possess his soul in patience waiting for my late (or should I say early?) contribution, for with six weeks of term still ahead of us it would seem that I have in some measure to assume the mantle of Janus. [How right he is!—Ed.] The first day of term saw changes in our staff room once again, the places of Mrs. Frances K. Reid and Mrs. Irene E. H. Macdonald being taken by their successors Mrs. Helena M. Philip and Miss Isabella D. Cooper whose services we have been most fortunate to secure. Both able teachers of long standing, we hope that their sojourn with us will be long, happy and satisfying. It was with a certain sense of foreboding that we noted the absence of Miss Ethel M. Stewart on that first day of term. We knew that she had been on holiday in Kenya visiting our one time Deputy Rector, Mr. Henry Paterson, and, having had experience previously of the romantic spell which darkest Africa cast over another lady member of our staff some few years ago, we feared the worst or perhaps I ought to say the best. I lowever, in due course Miss Stewart appeared, unscathed by any shaft of Cupid, assuring us that her holiday had been purely educational! In so far as daily routine is concerned for the 3z6 willing and unwilling workers of the Lower School and the 13z of the Kindergarten, we can but display the sign " Business as usual ". 1 understand, however, that the even tenor of our ways may be a little upset sometime in the course of the next few weeks by a visitation from certain august gentlemen of Her Majesty's Education Department when they have had their till of Science, Maths, Latin and Greek, etc., in the Upper School. As yet no Lower School Rugby XV has emerged from the Primary VII class teams, but judging by the general enthusiasm evinced by all the players for their new game no difficulty will be found in forming a strong side. Two games are scheduled to take place this term against Robert Gordon's College and Blairmore respectively. In Primary V and VI soccer continues to be played and enjoyed by the majority of the boys. Thanks to the keenness and energy of our Lower School masters and the co-operation of the P.E. staff numerous games have been arranged with city and county Primary School teams after school and on Saturday mornings. In swimming, Mr. Mortimer's Beginners Class has a full quota from
School Section
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the Primary VII pupils, so it seems that I shall have the pleasure of presenting a sheaf of certificates in due course. In my June report I mentioned the names of three boys whose paintings had been selected for the National Exhibition of Children's Art. In July we were apprised of the fact that the painting of one of the three, John Dickson now of Primary VI A, had been awarded a " Highly Commended ", which earned him not only a three guinea cheque for himself but also a six guinea one for the School. With this most welcome gift through John's good offices we soon hope to be able to brighten our dingy walls with a few reproduction paintings. And talking of dingy walls, these may well be transformed in the not so distant future and become brightly new and resplendent, for in the past month or so we have observed numerous gentlemen wandering about the Lower School corridors, pausing occasionally to pore over the plans which they carry. Two boys, Philip Mathewson of Primary VII A and David McRobie of Primary VI A also have had paintings accepted for the Children's International Art Exhibition in Warsaw. Both of these boys deserve high praise, for, out of a total of to5,ooo pictures entered from eighty countries, 5,ooo only were selected for exhibition. As the general standard was very high it's quite an achievement to have a picture included in this exhibition. Contrary to our usual practice of having a Carol Service in the School Hall before breaking up for Christmas, we are planning to hold the traditional " Service of Nine Lessons and Carols " in Rubislaw Church near the end of term. In this act of worship boys from all the classes will participate. The Lower School Choir still recruits approximately forty boys to its ranks and already they are preparing for the Lower School Concert to be held in February 1962, at which the opera " Barbarina " by Mozart will be performed. Finally, as Lower School Notes would not be complete without mention being made of our " Keepers of the Peace ", here are the names of our Monitors for this session: Robert J. Grant (Head), Dennis G. Benzie and Gordon F. R. Anderson of Primary VU A, Ruaraidh D. J. MacKay (Deputy), Keith Pink and William S. Urquhart of Primary VII B; Alan W. MacLeod and Andrew Sim of Primary VI A; Marshall Byres and Alexander Wylie of Primary VI B. J. D. M.
Film Society Continuing the successful policy of previous years, we are showing films, which, while, we believe, artistically and technically sound, have a general appeal, especially to our younger members. At our opening meeting, " Genevieve ", the story of the Brighton Veteran Car Rally which developed into a race, and, in a like vein, " The Travel Game " will be shown. Later in the School year, we intend, to have " zoooo Leagues Under the Sea ", the film of Jules Veme's famous book, " North West Frontier ", a quite recently made film about the Indian army at the turn of the century, " The Iron Duke ", a semi-documentary dealing with the Duke of Wellington, and " Those Were the Days ". Our final programme—the proverbial " sting in the tail "— will consist of " The Incredible, Shrinking Man ", enigmatically described on the Membership Card as " Horror ", and a Laurel and Hardy Murder Case. During the showing of this latter film no one, absolutely no one, will be allowed to enter or leave the Hall! It is hoped that a Film Study Group will be again formed during the summer term. We are, as always, indebted to Messrs. Hemingway and Baxter, the driving forces of the Society, and to those members of staff and committee whose constant interest is invaluable. IAN II. HOWIE, Secretes°,
22
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine The Junior Deeside Field Club
The first excursion this year took place on 16 September to the Sands of Forvie. The sun was shining as we left Aberdeen on the short journey to Newburgh. Our first stop was at the Ythan Hotel, and from the top of a small hill Dr. Coull, of the University Geography Department, told us about the topography of the area. Then on to the sands themselves, where the wind was rising, and we could clearly see the erosion in action, while Dr. Gimmingham of the University Botany Department explained how the dunes are formed. The historical aspect was covered by Dr. Coull who told us that, although early man lived there, he has left little trace of his presence. However, a race which colonised the area about 2,000 years ago left an impressive site of hut circles, marked by their circular stone foundations. This village was discovered in 1949 when the covering sand was blown away. Further north, on the more stable part of the sand, Aberdeen University has been carrying out excavations at the site of the Old Parish Church of Forvie, which is very old and does not even bear the medieval cruciform shape. The best known feature of Forvie is the bird life and it has been made a bird conservatory. It has a large breeding colony of cider duck, and large numbers of Arctic terns, red shanks and swans. The next excusion will be in the summer term to the Inverurie district, and it is hoped that a large number of boys will attend. ALAN REID (Representative) ALISTAIR B. SHEWAN
Hill - Walking Club The Club this year continues to flourish, and a full and varied programme has been arranged for the coming season. Since the previous Magazine was issued three major outings have been undertaken. The first was a combined geography-hill-walking expedition to Ratagan youth hostel on the shores of Loch Duich. Of the two expeditions attempted the first was the ascent of the Saddle, a mountain with diverse attractions of rock faces, steep corries and narrow summit ridges. The other was a traverse of the Five Sisters of Kintail, which provided a wonderful view of the west coast. However, the rain then took charge and continued for almost two days. This enabled us to see the Falls of Glomach, believed to be the highest in Britain with 270 to 300 feet of sheer descent, in full spate. During the September week-end the Club paid a return visit to Glen Coe, which had proved such a fine centre for the equivalent trip last year. Among the fine expeditions carried out were the ascent of Buchuille Etive Mor, the mountain guarding the eastern entrance to the glen and famous for rock-climbing, Bidean Nam Bian, which is justly regarded as one of the finest mountain groups in all Scotland, the traverse of Aonach Eagach and a number of peaks in the Mamorcs. The October outing to Mount Keen, though not granted the best of weather, seems to have been most enjoyable. This season has seen the introduction of a Mountaineering Section consisting of ten boys, who under the guidance of an experienced leader, have accomplished a number of interesting routes in Glen Coe and in the Cairngorms. Further rock and snow climbs arc planned for the coming season, most of them in Coire Sputan Dearg on Ben Macdhui and on Lochnagar. NIGEL MURRAY, Upper VI
School Section
23
Combined Cadet Force Army and Basic Sections Last year's training session saw a high percentage of passes in the Certificate " A " Part I and an excellent hundred per cent pass in the Part II. Annual Camp was once again held at Cultybraggen, near Comrie, Perthshire. Although the weather was mixed, a large and varied programme was achieved, including a day at the range and a night exercise. Cpls. Coutts, Dickson, Forrest, Ross and Stone successfully took part in a Signals Classification Course at camp and Cpl. Dickson also passed a Naval Aviation Course at Culdrese, Cornwall. This term we welcome R.S.M. Whyte, who has come along to help in the training of the N.C.O. Cadre and the preparing of the proficiency for their Part II examination in December. We hope that his stay in Aberdeen, and his connection with the Grammar School will be a pleasant one. The following promotions took place this term: Sgt. Anderson to C/Sgt. and Cpl. Forrest to Sgt. It is hoped that once again there will be a short, inexpensive trip to B.O.A.R. during the Easter holidays. J. D. ANDERSON, C/Sgt. R.A.F. Section The R.A.F. camp this year was held at Royal Air Force, Dishforth in Yorkshire. Thanks to the benevolence of the Station Commander, all cadets received six to eight hours flying, and this made the camp all the more enjoyable. Also during the summer holidays, a large number of cadets took part in specialist courses. Cpl. Cameron and Sgt. Whyte attended " Star" camps; ex-Flt. Sgt. Grant flew to Gibraltar with the R.A.F. and stayed for several days. In addition, many cadets attended Radio Familiarisation and Naval Aviation courses. The future of the R.A.F. section is very bright for the coming year, with twelve potential advanced proficiency candidates, and twelve R.A.F. proficiency candidates. The section is under the charge of Flt. Sgt. Birnie, assisted by Sgts. Leach, Dalgarno, Whyte, and Hargrave, and Cpls. Dewar, Duncan, Dorward, Forbes, Pirie, and Somerville. With the completion of our new Headquarters, we are pressing ahead with our work under much improved conditions. As a new venture, an Admin. section has been formed under Sgt. Leach, and this new section is dealing with all the mail and paper work, thus relieving the officers of one of their most time-consuming duties. Our thanks are due to P.O. McLeod for the assistance which he has given us in the past year, and also to P.O. Hunter who has given up so much of his spare time to come and give us talks and lectures. P. BIRNIE, Flight Sgt. Changes in the School Staff Arrivals ... Mr..John T. Waters, T.D., s.cost. (London), has succeeded Mr. Lawson as Principal Teacher of Commercial Subjects. Educated at Newcastle Royal Grammar School, Mr. Waters took his teaching diploma at Hull University College and had behind him some years of business experience and primary teaching before going to Strathallan School and thence to Dollar Academy. At Dollar where he taught for twenty-two years he gave service to the school in a variety of demanding activities, as House Tutor, Captain in the Combined Cadet Corps and Careers Master. Mr. Waters has obviously settled readily and without fuss into the life of the Grammar School, and seems undismayed, and indeed happy, though so far removed from his native northern English shires.
24
Aberdeen Grammar School Afagazine
Recognition of the ever-increasing range and complexity of Science and its attendant importance in the educational field has decided a number of Education Committees to give to the different branches of the subject the status of separate departments. The Aberdeen Committee is one of these, and as the first occupant of the post of Principal 'reacher of Physics appointed Dr. James C. Milligan, M.A., ED.B., m.o. Dr. Milligan was educated at Arbroath High School and thereafter at St. Andrews University where he graduated with first-class honours in Physics and subsequently took his doctorate. ills first teaching post was in Aberdeen Academy, a position which he held both before and after the war; from 1940 to 1945 he served with the Army in various theatres of conflict. Later he went to Banchory Academy as Principal Teacher of Science and then to Daniel Stewart's College in Edinburgh as Principal Teacher of Physics. Dr. Milligan's academic achievements are evidence of his high intellectual gifts, and he comes to the School with a long and successful record of teaching behind him. That he has elected to return to Aberdeen is, we hope, a sign that he cares for the air and the people of the North; and we wish him all happiness and success in his life and work here. Mr. Arthur L. McCombie, M.A., who succeeds Mr. James Walker as Head of the History Department has it in common with his august predecessor that he is an Aberdonian in education and upbringing; but contrariwise (though not unexpectedly) his place of schooling was Robert Gordon's College, a notorious source of Grammar School masters. He graduated in 1950 from Aberdeen University with Honours in History, and after gaining his teaching diploma in Aberdeen Training College took up his first appointment at Elgin Academy as assistant in History and Geography. Promotion followed to the headship of the History Department, and now with a fine teaching record behind him he comes to the Grammar School. Mr. McC.otribic will also be welcomed as an experienced and expert sportsman, for at Gordon's College he captained the ist XV and was vicecaptain of the 1st XI, he played cricket for the Elgin team and has only forsworn the game to take up golf with assiduity and, we gather, some measure of success. His numerous talents we have little doubt will be appreciated and utilised, and for these and for himself we give him a warm welcome back to Aberdeen.
. . . and Departures Mr. John L. Wilson leaves us to take up the newly created post of Music Organiser for Aberdeenshire. During his comparatively short stay in the School, musical activities have flourished, and the Senior Orchestra in particular has gone from strength to strength under his expert baton, I Ie will be missed also fur his sporting prowess, particularly in tennis, badminton and cricket, and for his genial, imperturbable personality. We wish him every success in his new post. It is with the greatest pleasure that we have to record that Mr. Donald Hawksworth, B.MUS. (1...O11dO11), F.R.C.O., A.R.C..M., at present Assistant Music Master in the School has been appointed to succeed Mr. Wilson. The School has come to know and appreciate the high quality of Mr. Ilawksworth's musical talent, and the integrity of his mind and judgment. It is a good thing that we can enjoy the prospect of Mr. Hawksworth's being attached to the Grammar School for some time to come. We congratulate him heartily on his deserved promotion.
House Notes Byron The following officials were elected at the beginning of the session : House Captain, F. Neil McKenzie ; Vice-Captain, Robert Wallace; Rugby Captain, F. Neil McKenzie; Vice-Captain, Robin A. Craig; Hockey Captain, John P. Stewart; Vice-Captain, Michael Dick; Swimming Captain, John Brown; Vice-captain, Robert Wallace.
School Section
25
Although a strong cricket team just failed to retain the House trophy, the athletic sports proved to be a runaway victory by a decisive margin of points. The House rugby team this year is strong and it should do well. The hockey prospects arc not so bright perhaps, but they will give a good account of themselves. The swimmers should maintain the previous high standard of the House in this field. F. NEIL MCKENZIE, House Captain Dun The House Officials elected for the current session 1961-6z are: House Captain, David C. Leslie; Vice-Captain, Eric G. Davidson; Rugby Captain, David C. Leslie ; Vice Captain, Peter Malvey ; Hockey Captain, John D. Anderson ; Vice-Captain, Patrick M. Stronach; Swimming Captain, Richard E. E. Forbes; Vice-Captain, Peter B. Taylor. Last term, the House did well in the Cricket Cup Competition; being runners up. However, because of lack of senior competitors in the Annual Sports, the House managed to secure third place only. Prospects in winning the Rugby Cup this year are not so good; as the number of rugby players in the ist and znd XV's has greatly diminished. This factor does not deter us, for, what we lack in numbers is made up for in enthusiasm. It is hoped that the younger boys of the Middle School will be successful in the Middle School Rugby Cup Competition. This term, our hockey team under the able captaincy of John D. Anderson, met with disaster, being beaten into last position by much stronger teams. The House's prospects in the Annual Swimming Gala are promising and we shall certainly try to finish up with as good a record as last year. DAVID C. LESLIE, House Captain Keith Officials: House Captain, Douglas Paul; Vice-Captain, Andrew Leach; Rugby Captain, Douglas Paul; Vice-Captain, Graeme Fraser; Hockey Captain, Michael Dower; Vice-Captain, Alan Young; Swimming Captain, Andrew Leach; ViceCaptain, Charles Riach. Having completed a very successful summer season the House is now looking forward to an equally successful winter term. This year the House hopes to fulfil their promise and win the Rugby Cup. With a strong team with many in the 1st XV they should prove a good all-round side. In hockey and swimming we hope to emulate last year's unexpected successes, and emerge victors in the next competition. In junior rugby the House should have no difficulty in retaining the trophy. DOUGLAS PAUL, Captain Melvin At the beginning of term the following were elected: House Captain, G. Fraser Webster; Vice-Captain, Malcolm E. Christie; Rugby Captain, G. Fraser Webster; Vice-Captain, Alexander W. Mathieson; Hockey Captain, Gordon D. Grant; ViceCaptain, Malcolm E. Christie; Swimming Captain, Malcolm E. Christie; Vice-Captain, Ian R. Wright. Since the last appearance of the Magazine the House has won the cricket championship. The House rugby team, although better than last year's, will depend on the younger members. The hockey team, however should be hopeful of retaining the Hockey Cup as it contains several of this year's 1st Xl. Our success in the Swimming Gala will depend mainly on the Middle and Lower schools. G. FRASER WEBYIER, I louse Captain
z6
Aberdeen Grammar School Ma,gazine
Scout Notes 1st Group A successful Summer Camp was held at Kingussic during the first two weeks of July, although the weather was not as kind as it might have been. An excellent turnout of the Troop was expected and achieved. Since Summer Camp the extensive alterations to the Group's premises have been made complete and paintwork effected. This has all resulted in our now possessing up-to-date and adequate headquarters, with a den for each patrol, allelectric light and heating—and a low bank balance. To alleviate this last it is hoped to have a series of social events during the winter. An important new venture is the formation of a senior patrol. Last session's P.L.s: Rick Rennie, Ronald MacDonald, Alasdair Lawrance, Geoff Wood and John Heath now work on senior scouting—greatly in the outdoors, with John as P.L., Ronald as Second. To replace them in the main body of the Troop Robert Taylor, Harry Massie, Harry Miller, Doug Stewart and Hugh Munro have been promoted to P.L.s, with equivalent movings-up right through the patrols, making room for entry from the Pack. I can report that the Troop is in good heart, and are a vigorous and enthusiastic group of boys. Our activities arc more indoor in winter, but all our preparation is for outdoor work in the summer, which we hope will not be too severely broken up by Leaving Certificate exams next year. Our S.M. Hunter Cairns has not been with us, due to illness, since September-we wish him a speedy recovery and hope he'll be back soon. ROBERT FALCONER, Acting S.M.
Pack I am happy to report that the Pack is, if anything, in better shape than ever. The number of boys is forty, and we have a waiting list of moderate proportions. The ist Pack is for Grammar pupils between the ages of eight and eleven, and all Cubs have the right of automatic admission to the Troop. One of our recent successes is Ewen Rennie's gaining of the Leaping Wolf. several others are reaching this climax of a Cub career, and excellent progress is being maintained at all levels of Cub work. There are seventeen first stars, including six boys with the second star—and more arc fast approaching this standard. The new dens built on to our premises in town have proved invaluable for games and instruction alike, and it might be said that some part of the Pack's progress in tests may be attributed to this factor. Principally, however, it is due to the energy and enthusiasm of the boys, and the Scouters who run the Pack. Although there were not as many inter-Pack activities in 1961, the ist were represented at the Jubilee " At Home " demonstration in June, and the football team reached the semi-finals in the annual seven-a-side tournament. A.C.M. Peter Jeffrey is now working mainly with the Troop's Senior Patrol, and I thank him warmly for his assistance during his time with the Pack. No less sincere is my appreciation of the work done by the other Pack Scouters— " Bogheera ", " Babo ", and " Kim ", who have supported me as much as ever in the last six months. ROBERT FALCONER, C.M.
1st Rover Crew Since the last issue of the Magazine the crew (has been very active. In summer, we visited the North of Scotland Rover Moot at Inverness, the Scottish Moot on the island of Inchcolm in the Firth of Forth, and took part in the Scottish Challenge Hike, held this year over stiff country near Glencoe and Rannoch Moor. We were placed 6th equal in this.
School Section
17
This term we have organised visits to Mr. Maitland Mackie's farm at Rothienorman, and to the Twin Spires Creamery at Bucksbum. On a November we had an enjoyable Hallowe'en Party, with the Ferryhill Ranger company as our guests. There have been two outdoor activities, a " mystery " night hike, and a day's climbing on Ben Avon. The membership of the crew is at the moment twelve. DAVID R. CLARK, Secretary 9th Group No Notes received. t7th Group Summer camp was held this year at Mains of Dalvey, Granton-on-Spey. Though not blessed with good weather a number of first and second Class hikes were successfully completed and various other tests passed. The camp on the whole was a very successful and happy one. A very successful September week-end camp was held at Kingswells in, this time, perfect weather. The Group is once again in the throes of the Café Year and already the parents committee have a very ambitious programme and arc determined to surpass all previous years. A Jumble Sale and Coffee Morning have been arranged, and the Café Year is in the capable and enthusiastic hands of Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. Inglis, and we wish to thank these two ladies for accepting the massive task of café conveners. The following promotions have taken place: P.Ls. Neil McKenzie and Donald Ross to A.S.M.s; P.L. Colin Whyte to T.L.; Seconds Derck Summers, Alex Grieve, John E. Inglis and David Morgan to P.L.s ; Scouts Ross Baird, Graham U'ren, Alastair Gracic and John R. Inglis to Seconds. To all those we wish the best of luck and success in their new posts. We wish to congratulate David Brown, Alex, Grieve and Alastair Gracie on gaining their Scout Cords. Well done. The Cub Pack is still doing extremely well and although they lost thirteen boys to the Troop are now almost back to strength again. The number of Cubs who gain their Leaping Wolf before coming into the Troop is extremely high and is unquestionable proof of the high standard of training that they receive and the efficiency with which the Pack is run. Once again our thanks to Miss Merson and her assistants. JOIN K. BLAIR, Scollimasitr
*
z8
Aberdeen Grammar School
School Sporting Activities Rugby Three years ago it was stated that the Grammar School would have a really good XV in season 196x-62. Though a number of members of the then Junior XV have left School the prospects for this season are bright. It is still too early to say whether or not this is a really good XV but certainly it is a very satisfactory one and it has turned in some good performances. The early part of the season was marred by a number of injuries to key players, and it was not until the Gordon's game that the recognised 1st XV turned out in full—with an excellent result! It has indeed been unfortunate that McKenzie was not available, through injury, for a number of matches during the term, for he is a most competent stand-off half. An innovation this season has been a match between an Aberdeen Schools XV and a Highland Select (Abbey, Elgin, Gordonstoun and Inverness) at Elgin on Wednesday, 25 October. In what was a most enjoyable game the Aberdeen XV ran out clear winners. Following this a North XV played an Edinburgh XV, losing by 5 points to o. The Grammar School was represented by Paul who captained the side, Craig, Webster, Fraser, Wallace, Ross and Andrews. Results Won 12-3. School—Dalnacraig High 23 September v. Dundee School lost the toss and kicked off into a slight breeze. Conditions did not suit open rugby, but School endeavoured to move the ball about. After fifteen minutes Craig was sent over in the corner, and just after Paul dived over in an identical position. In the second half Webster scored two fine tries, before Dundee earned a consolation score. 3o September v. Glasgow Acad.—Rubislaw Draw 3-3. School played uphill in the first half and after continual pressure were rewarded by an excellent try by McKenzie. Just on half-time Academy pounced On a school defensive blunder and levelled the score. In the second half School went all out for the winning score but Academy's defence held out and the game finished in a draw. 7 October v. Gordonstoun at Gordonstoun Won 26-3. This game was won very easily, School giving a grand display of open rugby. The main feature of the game was Craig's seventeen points. Other scorers were Leach, Webster and Fraser. 14 October v. Dollar Acad.—Rubislaw Lost:8- t 3. School playing downhill were soon on top of this strong, well-drilled Dollar side, and it was no surprise when Craig crossed the line after a fine kick ahead by Webster. Craig himself converted. In the second half Dollar's strong forwards dominated the game and enabled their backs to score three fine tries, two of which were converted. School fought back and just on no-side Craig kicked a penalty. 2 t October v. Aberdeen Acad.—Chanonry Won 13-0. From the kick-off, School went straight into attack. However, Academy more suited to the wet conditions soon pressed on School's line, and it was completely against the run of play when Craig kicked a penalty. In the second half, School's supreme fitness told and playing good open rugby they found no difficulty in going further ahead. Tries were added by Watt and the scrum in a push over. Craig converted both scores.
School Section
4 November v. Robert Gordon's College—Seafield. \Von 27-0. After three minutes School took the lead when Craig kicked a penalty. School soon began to dominate play and from a line-out Paul barged over in the corner. Minutes later Paul again barged over this time between the posts. Craig converted both scores and just on half-time kicked another penalty. After the resumption School, completely outclassed the poor College side and tries were added by Mulvey, Hadden, Ross. Craig in excellent kicking form, converted Mulvey's score. This was School's best display to date.
Hockey The School team have made an excellent start to the season under the efficient captaincy of Gordon Grant. Five of last year's XI have returned this season, which is an improvement on previous years, and makes for a better understanding in the team. Fred Lawson has been capped by the North District, and played against Midlands at centre-forward. He joins the very select band of schoolboys capped for the Senior District team. His displays this season have been outstanding and his honour is well deserved. Our other elevens have suffered from the unplayability of Mannofield and there is no doubt that the new pitches at Rubislaw cannot be ready quick enough as far as we arc concerned. I wonder if it is generally known how indebted we are to the Links and Parks Department for School hockey. We have three teams playing fairly regularly in the afternoons and School have not a single pitch of their own available at that time as we share Rubislaw with F.P.'s. Outstanding Games 4 November. v. Gordon's College. Won 5-0. This game had been eagerly anticipated as College were reputed to have a much stronger team this year. The game was played in very cold conditions which were a test of physical fitness for the players taking part. The early stages of the game were even, and it was rather a surprise when Lawson opened the scoring from a long corner. 'I'his score disheartened College and School went on from strength to strength. Excellent play by the School forwards brought danger to the College goal and there were many narrow escapes before Wright scored a glorious solo goal. In the second half School were well in command and College had no answer to Lawson's stick work. Goals came at regular intervals, all from the indefatigable Lawson. The margin of five goals did not flatter School in the least. This was a disappointing College team and only the left half and right winger were up to standard. In a compact school team Grant, Stewart, Lawson and Wright were outstanding. 8 November. v. University " A ". Draw I-1. In lovely sunshine at Kings it was nice to see old Grammar stalwart Peter Walker captaining the Varsity side. Early play favoured the School but Varsity were always dangerous with their fast open play. Despite getting many long corners School were unable to break down a very strong University defence. Lawson was being very closely marked and the other forwards were unable to create the necessary openings for him. Mid-way through this half a defensive lapse allowed University to take the lead. The School defence were finding the large Kings pitch a problem and Varsity were using their fast wingers to great effect. In the second half School played with much more spirit and stood up well to some rather coarse defensive play by a Varsity team which did not stand on ceremony. It was only justice when School equalised from a penalty bully. Lawson made no mistake from the award. Varsity came back strongly, but School defence were now playing much better and stood firm. It was a very hard game with a
30
-Aberdeen Grammar Sehoo1 Magazine
draw just about the right result. The hard hitting tactics of Varsity rather upset the more delicate hockey playing School side and several players were below par. Christie, Dower, Stewart and Lawson were not, however, intimidated and performed creditably.
Cricket With six of last year's XI back at School, and some promising players coming up, team building was comparatively easy. tinder the captaincy of that able cricketer D. R. Auld, there developed one of the strongest School teams for some years. Of the two games lost, one was to a very accomplished and formidable Glenalmond XI, while the other occurred in a " brief " encounter with Gordonstoun —brief in that the total playing time was very limited. For a satisfactory game of cricket, at ist XI level at any rate, four hours playing time is needed. Auld was again our most competent batsman. His highest score was in the second Gordon's game: 68 not out, while his finest innings was for the Aberdeen School's XI v. Glasgow when his excellent technique and concentration extracted the Aberdeen XI from a difficult situation. Also among the runs were Aird, Craig, Milne, Lawson and Gauld, while the others on occasion had good knocks. The pace attack was maintained by Morrison, Souter, Paul and Andrews, the last mentioned coming into the side towards the end of the season. Hadden bowled medium pace with considerable success in the early part of the season. Again, however, Auld was the main " wicket taker ". His 5 for 4 against the Academy, and his 3 for z against Gordons were typical of the standard of his bowling. Fielding was generally good though one or two dropped catches proved costly. For the second successive season School achieved the double over Gordon's College. The return game at Seafield proved to be a high scoring match and in reply to School's 173 for 3 Gordons made 14o. In the Aberdeen v. Glasgow School's XI School provided five players. Auld, who captained the side, Aird, Morrison, Webster and Craig were our representatives. Colours were awarded as follows : Cap: D. R. Auld. Full Colours: H. M. Aird, T. Morrison, I. Souter. Half Colours: G. F. Webster, G. G. Milne, R. A. Craig. xst XI Results 29 April. v. Dundee High School, at Dundee. Won by 6 wickets. Dundee H.S., 52 all out; School, 53 or 4. 6 May. v. Gordonstoun, Home. Lost by z wickets. School, 55 all out; Gordonstoun, 56 for 8. 13 May. v. Perth Academy, at Perth. Won by 7 wickets. Perth Academy, 51 all out; School, 5 z for 3. 17 May. v. Gordon's College, at Rubislaw. Won by 78 runs. School, 119 for 7 declared; Gordons, 41 all out. zo May. v. Glenalmond, at Rubislaw. Lost by 8 wickets. School, 93 all out; Glenalmond, 94 for z. 27 May. v. Perth Academy, at Rubislaw•. Won by 5 wickets. Perth, 72 all out; School, 77 for 5 wickets. 17 June. v. Aberdeen Academy, at Chanonry. Draw. School coo for 5 declared; Academy 48 for 6. 21 June. v. Gordon's College, at Seafield. Won by ;3 runs. School, 173 for 3; Gordons 140 all out. 24 June. v. Glasgow High School, at Glasgow. Draw. School, 131 for 8; Glasgow High School, 73 for 8.
Simpsons' FOR SPORTS EQUIPMENT YOUR HOCKEY OR RUGBY OUTFIT CAN ALWAYS BE RENEWED FROM STOCK *
All the year round we have a very large selection of Golf equipment Camping enthusiasts always catered for Butka Swimwear and Fred Perry Sportswear always in stock Badminton and Tennis Restringing and Repairs. 24 Hour Service Golf and Cricket Repairs given prompt attention
Simpsons ' • SPORTS EMPORIUM 28 BRIDGE STREET, ABERDEEN (Palace Ballroom Corner) OPEN ON SATURDAYS UNTIL 6.30 P.M. 'Phone 21094
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
32
2nd XI Despite the fact that the record shows only one victory and two draws out of five games this was a very competent side. The two games which were lost were to Inverness Royal Academy ist XI (by 9 runs) and to Glenalmond 2nd XI (by 28 runs). In the other games School scored very respectable totals and only time saved the opposition from defeat. Leslie was captain of the side and his most successful batsmen were Wright, Lawson, Fraser, Keith and Richardson while the brunt of the bowling was borne by Lawson and Andrews. Runcic proved to be a first rate wicket keeper.
4 i
3rd XI Comprised mostly of Fourth form boys under the Captaincy of Taylor of the Sixth this XI had a good season. Only one game was lost, while all the others were won. Black was the most successful batsman while Grant and Johnstone bowled well. Colts, Juniors and Minors Middle School cricket had a good season. After a poorish start Colts settled to play some fine cricket. Duncan, Lamb, Cowie and Davies being particularly outstanding. Among the Juniors who distinguished themselves were Morrison, the Captain, Ingram, with both bat and ball, Petrie, Will and Angus. Minors got off to a good start with some very promising cricket. A little more care would have given them an undefeated season.
1st XI and XI 3rd XI Colts Juniors Minors
Results Played Von 9 5 I 5 5 4 10 7 8 5 7 5
Lost z
Drawn 2
2
2
i 3 i i
o o 2
i
Swimming and Life-Saving Society This year there are to6 members in the Swimming Club, the bulk of whom are from the Middle School. Next year, with the completion of the School Swimming Pond this is bound to improve, as is the general standard of swimming. A newcomer to the School this year is John H. Wright who is North of Scotland Too yards freestyle champion. The Life-Saving Society goes from strength to strength with about Go boys preparing for their Intermediate Certificate, 33 boys for the Bronze Medallion, 2 boys for the Bronze Cross, 9 boys for the Award of Merit and 5 senior boys training for their Instructor's Certificate.
•
I
Badminton Club The officials for the season arc as follows: Captain, F. Neil McKenzie; Treasurer, G. Fraser Webster. Though the majority of the members of the Club are VIth year, most are new to the game, and the general standard of play is lower than in previous years. This is due simply to lack of experience. There is a noticeable lack of support from boys further down the School. It is hoped to arrange the usual fixtures. F. NEIL MCKENZIE, Captain
i
A report will be found elsewhere in the Afagezzine of the Sheffield Plate tray which has been presented to the School by the generosityof Colonel 0. B. Forbes. Some of our readers may be interested to know that Colonel Forbes's father, Mr. James Forbes, was the founder of the Colombo firm of Forbes and Walker, one of the Directors of which is Stanley G. Williamson, the present F.P. Consul for Ceylon.
School Athletic Team, 1961
Standing—Mr. G. Mortimer, D. C. Leslie, D. R. Clark, J. Keay, A. R. Smith, J. G. Andrews, R. A. Craig, K. G. Edward, G. P. Maclntosh, Mr. A. L. Stevenson. Sitting—D. W. T. Paul, D. R. Auld, A. J. Leach (Captain), M. VG. R. Gauld, G. G. Milne.
School Cricket 1st XI Season, 1961 r
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.Vianding—Mr. F. R. Paterson (Games Mader), F. Colitis (Scorer), J. W. IIadden, G. Milne, J. G. Andrews, D. W. T. Paul, R. A. Craig, Mr. A. L. Stevenson (Games Mosier). Siding—F. K. S. Lawson, G. F. Webster, T. Morrison (Vice-Captaiit), D. Auld (Caplain), H. M. Gird, I. P. Sauter, J. It Gould.
School Sec/ on
33
Athletics Last summer was a particularly good season for Athletics, with the younger boys showing a keen interest, which augurs well for 1962. In the Senior Matches School won against Aberdeen Academy by 59 points to 51 but lost narrowly to Robert Gordon's College. The final relay had to be won by School for a draw, but it was lost by a yard, thus making the final score 46 points to 54. The outstanding performance was that of fourth year boy, Gordon L. McIntosh, who ran the mile in 4 minutes 36.7 seconds. In the Middle and Lower School matches the results were: Middle School Win by 714 to 584 pts. v. Robert Gordon's Win by 98 to 89 pts. v. Aberdeen Academy v. Rosemount Win by pi to 584 pts. Lower School Win by 384 to 3ii pts. v. Robert Gordon's A party of sixteen boys attended the Scottish Schools Athletics Championships. The oustanding performance was that of Andrew J. Leach who came second in both the 220 yd. hurdles and rzo yd. hurdles in his first year in the 17-19 year age group.
*
*
School Holidays Christmas and New Year Vacation Easter Vacation
Session Ends
Friday, zz December 1961 to Wednesday, 3 January 1962 (both dates inclusive). Monday, 9 April 1962 to Monday, 23 April 1962 (both dates inclusive). (This period includes Good Friday and the Spring Holiday, zo and 23 April respectively.) Friday, 29 June 1962.
*
*
34
Aberdeen Grammar School Alagazine
Literary Section Reflections on a Wet Evening The shining lamp-posts, lonely, bare, aloof; The glistening stones, reflecting back their gleam; The drip, drip, drip of moisture from a roof; The gutter-water rushing drainwards in a stream; The saturated air, so still and damp That one would think it had not moved for years; And through the night, a policeman's distant tramp, An echo to his solitary thoughts and fears; The peaceful scent of cleansing, freshening rain; The inner glow that drives the cold away; The melancholy sense of gentle pain That all this beauty is but a passing day. KENNETH J. THOMSON, V Ode to a Model Railway For many years I have been, On model railways very keen. I bought a board and on it laid, Fibre track of oo gauge. A hill was built with trees galore, And a quarry mining iron ore. The populace grew from strength to strength, The platforms were built of enormous length. The points were laid, the contacts soldered, The button was pressed, my engines smouldered. But the wiring was done with the greatest of ease, Which promptly desembled. No laughs please. At last all was ready. The switch was thrown, I thought it would work: but a fuse was blown All I am left with is a deep burning feeling, And a big black mark on the bedroom ceiling. ALAN HATRICK, Middle II The Blackbird The blackbird whistles on the tree, And sings his song, so sweet, to me, The blackbird sings so long all day, Oh he sings so very gay! He is so black with yellow bill, And sits upon my window sill, He has a nest so neat and trim, And Babies peeping from the rim. He is so busy all the day He hasn't any time to play. I like the little blackbird, I wish he liked me too, I'd open up my window, and let him fly right through. RAMSAY G. MILNE, Primary IV A
School Section
33
Television At first the craze was B.B.C., But now its Grampian I.T.V. Now the Commercial channel replaces All those old familiar faces. We look at it with staring eyes, Watching the things the housewife buys: Butter, chocolate, soap, detergent, We're told our need for them is urgent. Bronco and Laramie disappear, Cheyenne and Gun Law now are here. Criss Cross Quiz has come to tease us When " Ask me Another " used to please us. Now Probation Officer's seen, Instead of Dixon of Dock Green. Yet all the programmes seem the same— The only difference is their name. GORDON HAY, Middle III Spring is freed at last from icy bondage, swift flowing, The river, The linnet, once again, darts from stalk to stalk—and the fox comes forth from leafy boscage. Is Mother Spring the ruler of the woods and fields once more, And has the Winter gone, no more to dash his foaming waves against the English shore ? The hedgehog now awakes from his deep, undisturbed rest, To search for bugs and snails, which his prickly lordship likes the best. The farmer's boy appears surprised, to find the world so nice, To see the pond, no longer caked with cold, hard ice. Ah, yes! 'Tis true, for surely Spring is here, And the wakening of the world proclaims, " This is the pride of the yam!" JoHN McINTosH, Primary VII A The Graveyard The graveyard's sombre shadows, gravestones, dark and still, The altars stand like gallows; go there, those who will. There's them that died so peaceful, theres them that died in pain, But men who enter in there will ne'er come out again. The graveyard's situated on yonder clouded hill, Where ghosts and souls lie screaming; go there those who will. There's them that went to heaven, and them that went to hell, But those that died here praying, no one can ever tell. Some men, they died in battle, others died in bed, There's them that were old bachelors, and them that all were wed. The graveyard's claimed its victims, but it didn't need to kill. Be glad that you are breathing; go there those who will JOHN MCINTOSH, Primary VII A
36
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Autumn The leaves will tumbling From the trees And fall upon the ground. The seed will scattering One by one And new tree come From the ground.
Winter The tiny little snow flakes Fall Upon the hard and narrow Wall They melt before the sun Its heat And run in water round My feet JOHN MUIR, Primary IV A
Marching Song We strike from spite Not for our right To show that we're displeased. We've had our way The stewards say And always disagreed. We want to show We really know Who has the upper hand. So follow me Put down your tea And join the picket band. H. NORBROOK, Class III How to Like Being Lazy Laziness, had it been written about by Messrs. Sellar and Yeatman, would have undoubtedly been a Good Thing. It is merely a battle of the mind, in which Conscience has a short tussle with Temptation, and Temptation invariably wins. The following may indicate to you what a pleasure it can be to be lazy. The first point which springs to the mind is when to be lazy: " how " is very easily dealt with. Most so-called tireless workers are under the impression that the best time to be lazy is in bed. But it may be noticed that the laziest usually go to bed very late. The reason for this is psychological; it's not much fun being lazy when there's no one there to try and stop you. When you are supposed to be awake, there is much more fun. For instance, you have just settled down during " Emergency-Ward so ", and Ma comes in at half-past nine and suspiciously asks you if you have any homework to do. " Oh, no ", you say, " just an English ink exercise and a History ink exercise and a three-page Maths problem and five pages of French translation .. ." and so on: there you have the fun of the thing. An essential part of being lazy is the Deaf Ear. if someone wishes to give you a lecture on Virtue, all you have to do is concentrate on anything other than the speaker. The pendulum of a dock will do: it deadens the senses quickly. The art of the subject can he acquired with a little practice. At school, a short nap can be taken with a teacher that drones on for a long period of time about
School Section
37 If he nothing in particular. If the master is absent-minded, so much the better. tells you to do an exercise that you recall doing a month ago, you can practise your laziness by letting that slip your mind. By these methods you can thoroughly enjoy yourself by not doing a stroke of work. If you feel really tired by a hard day's " work ", and by an odd chancc you have no homework to do, do not say so. Find a book you want to read. Gather the morrow's tomes together, but leave a text-book and jotter open at the place. Keep a pen handy. If you hear footsteps while reading your novel, hide it, pick up the pen and look tired (this won't be difficult). Chew the end of the pen thoughtfully until the footsteps have gone away again. Thus you avoid household chores. That " Procrastination is the thief of time", is a proverb I never believed. If you have plenty of time to do the job, you will actually take far more time to do the job than you actually thought, and it won't be a very good job when you've finished it. But if you have a limited time to do it, and you can imagine the face of the person who wants it, the job will be completed long before you expected and probably it will be much better done. Besides, being lazy gives you good practice for strike action in later life. J. FREDERICK MURRAY, /V2
The Dawn The man with the broken leg pulled himself out of the hatch. From my position he looked like a monster from outer space. I sank back in my corner. I felt sick, cold and empty. We almost certainly knew he would die. The outer hatch closed and there was silence for a moment. Then there came a thud. " He was a brave man ", said an old frizzled-up woman. Then once again silence reigned. I snuggled down in my corner and slept. I was sick of looking at the people and the cellar's four walls and its sparse apparatus. I was wakened up by my mother handing me a plate of corned beef. I just stopped myself from complaining for I knew we all had to put up with the same food. I thanked her for it and stuffed the crumbling meat down my dry throat. It tasted terrible. The talk started again. I pulled myself up, picked up a few of my comics and walked over to my friend. I exchanged comics with him, then sauntered back to my own corner and sat down again. My friend and I had hardly passed a word to each other simply because there was nothing to say. All the excitement had drained out of the situation days ago. I simply could not understand what the other people had to speak about. My sister kept grumbling, " There's nothing to do ", over and over again. Ohl I got terribly mad at her. The minutes ticked away into hours and then at last 5 o'clock came. In the evening we played at a quiz, to pass the time away. After the game was finished we all stopped speaking and tried to go to sleep. It happened the next morning. There came a tap on the hatch again and again. The sound resounded through the whole cellar. All heads were turned upwards, mouths open and eyes bulging. From my position they looked like frogs. Then a man hurried forward and climbed up the ladder. He pushed the inner hatch open and then once in the compartment between the outer and inner hatch he shut the inner hatch. Then he opened the outer hatch. There was a silence while everyone strained their ears to hear what was happening outside. There were words spoken but we could not make them out. Then there was a yell and the inner hatch opened and the man's face appeared and he shouted, " We're saved, the air is clean." There was a dash for the staircase. I got there first. I half climbed, half crawled up the iron staircase. The hatch was just above my head. As the top of my head appeared above the hatch I wondered " What will I see?" DOUGLAS HAY, Middle I. M.
38
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Grampian Television
Independent television, a form of television which has proved very popular in England and southern Scotland, has, at last, arrived in our district. The two transmitters, at Durris, and at Mounteagle on the Black Isle, serve a total viewing population of 872,ooo people. The Mounteagle transmitter is I,43o ft. above sea level, and the Durris transmitter is the highest in the country, its tip reaching z,ooo ft. above sea level. Grampian serves an area from Earlsferry on the Firth of Forth, to Scardroy in the west, and to Berriedale in the North. This large service area is almost totally served from the Durris transmitter. Three of us had a bright idea. It was that we should write to the Press officer of Grampian and ask if we could be shown round. We carefully wrote the letter and posted it. We were like cats on hot bricks until the reply came back. Each day, I searched among the mail for it, then on the Tuesday morning, it arrived. I eagerly ripped open the envelope and unfolded the letter; the reply YES! we could go down to the studios the following Saturday. We arrived at the studios about it l'oclock on the Saturday morning, and Miss Christie of the Press Department showed us round. She and all the others were very kind, taking great interest in us, and showing us how things worked. Grampian employs ninety-five people at their Queen's Cross Studios, an outside cameraman, technicians of various kinds, producers, announcers, set designers, make-up and wardrobe staff and office staff. Grampian's telecine department has so far a stock of over too films all bought from film and television companies in America and in Britain. When a film is required, it is sent up to the telecine projectors of which there are three. When we were at the studios a girl brought up a commercial film to the telecine projector, and the controller there ran it through specially for us, something rarely done for visitors. The film was placed in a 16 mm. projector, which, like the slide and 8 mm. projector, all faced a " camera ". I call it a camera, but it is really a metal box about 3 ft. long and t ft. high with three glass panels for the projectors. By means of mirrors the light is reflected into a camera lens, and the film is then televised like a " live " show. When the film is being run through, the sound is shown as moving lines on a green disc, and the picture quality on a monitor screen. The most interesting part of the whole tour was our visit to " Studio 1 ". It is a vast place, with heavy soundproofing and insulation. On the sparred roof there are at least fifty lights, and on the walls there are wires, switches, mains and plugs of gigantic size. All those wires seemed to run through the wall into the Control room. The Control room is separated from the studio by a thick glass panel. In the studio there is a large sheet of white canvas, stretched from the floor to the light beams right round the studio. This canvas can be made to look like a curtain or, by projection, an outdoor scene. In the studio there are three cameras. The lower floor of the building is composed for the greater part of offices. Some of these offices contain only desks, files and telephones, but the others are more interesting; they contain props designs and sets. In the set-designer's office we saw a lamp, with a black cardboard shade. We were a bit dubious as to how it would look on the screen but just two days later we saw that very lamp on the Magazine " News and Views ", and it looked very real indeed! BRIAN A. MURRAY DEREK WELDING DAVID WHEELER (all of I D)
Former Pupils' Club Section (Club Founded xx September 1893)
Club Office-Bearers, 1960-61 Honorary President : JOHN VASS SKINNER, M.A., B.LITT., DIP. ED. (Rector since :9S9) Honorary Vice-Presidents : HENRY JACKSON BUTCIIART (1890-99), D.S.O., O.B.L'., T.D., B.L., LL.D., D.L. DOUGLAS PATERSON COCHRAN (1906-15). JAMES CATTO DUFFUS (1897-1904), O,B.E., M.C., M.A., LL.B. Sir WILSON JAMESON (1892-1902), G.B.E., K.C.B., M.D., LL.D., SC.D., F.R.C.P. JAMES GRAY KYD (1891-98), C.B.E., F.F.A., F.R.S.E. JOHN ADAM LILLIE (1893-1903), M.A., LL.B., Q.C. ERIC LINKLATER (1913-16), C.B.C., M.A., LL.D., T.D.
Sir ARTHUR LOTHIAN (1892-94 and 1898-1904), K.C.I.E., C.S.I., LL.D. The Right Hon. Lord MEsroN (1901-02). GEORGE GORDON NICOL (1894-1903), D.S.O., M.I.C.F.., M.CONS.E. Sir WILLIAM PETERS (1900-06), C.M.G., M.A. JOHN LENNOX RIDDELL, (1907-16). Sir JAMES JACKSON ROBERTSON, C.H.E., M.A., B.U., F.R.S.E., F.E.I.S. (Rector 1942-59). WILLIAM DOUGLAS SIMPSON (190I-I ), O.B.E., M.A., LLD., D.LITT., F.S.A.(SCOT.), P.S.A. Sir JOHN WILLIAM TAYLOR (1906-I I), K.B.E., C.M.G.
Sir WILLIAM ROBERT TENNANT (1904-I0), C.I.E., M.A., LL.D. Sir JOHN MACKAY THOMSON, C.B., M.A., F.R.S.E. (Rector, 1920-21). Sir LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON (1899-1908), C.B., O.B.F.., M.A., D.SC., F.R.S.E., LL.D. ROBERT BERTRAM WILLIAMSON (1906-18), D.S.O., M.A., LL.B. President : The HON. LORD JOHNSTON (1913-26) Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive : ALAN J. PETERS (1920-30), C.A. Secretary and Treasurer : JOHN SCOTT MACLACIILAN (1922-32), M.A., LL.B., zzo Union Street, Aberdeen. General Editor of Magazine : CAMPBELL. CONNON (1926-38), M.A., LL.B., 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen. 39
40
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
Secretaries of Centres : Bengal and Assam—DR. WILLIAM GEORGE MACMILLAN (1916-22), c/o Indian Jute Mills Research Institute, 3 Taratala Road, Calcutta, 27. Central Africa—GEORGE MITCHELL. GROAT (1927-40), P.O. Box 394, Salisbury. Edinburgh—ALLAN CAMERON FRAZER (1925-30), M.A., w.s., Lo Ad)Oll Crescent, Edinburgh 3. Glasgow—JOHN GORDON MICHIE BIRSS (1926-38), M.C., M.A., A.C.W.A., 99 Essex Drive, Scotstoun, Glasgow, W.4. London—NINIAN MAcxrE (1927-37), M.A., 9 Old Burlington Street, London, W.I. Malaya—BRIAN Scorr GRAY (1943-49) B-Sc., P.O. Box 207, Banting, Selangor, Malaya. Yorkshire—ARTHUR JAMES ADAMS (1919-30), 485 Bradford Road, ThomburY, Bradford. Secretaries of Sections : Cricket—ALEXANDER MUNRO DAVIDSON (1937-45), B.L., 18 Golden Square, Aberdeen. Golf—GEORGE ALEXANDER CRAIG WALKER (1917-23), 164 Market Street, Aberdeen. Hockey—WILLIAM GArr (1945-48), 8 Camperdown Road, Aberdeen. Rugby—GEoRGE M. M. SLATER (1 935-47) 164 Craigton Road, Aberdeen. Executive Committee : The Vice-President of the Club, Chairman. ALAN CROMBIE ROBERTSON WATT (1925-37), M.A., LL.B., Vice-Chairman. The Secretary and Treasurer, and General Editor of Magazine, ex offices. The Rector of the School, ex officio. WILLIAM LEWIS CONNON (1930-40), S.L. ALEXANDER CROMAR (1944-50), M.A. BRIAN KERRINGTON CROOKSHANKS (1934-46), M.A., DOUGLAS GEORGE DEMPSTER (192433), B.Sc. WILLIAM GATT (1945-48). GORDON HARVEY HENDERSON (192134), M.A., LL.B.
JOHN MAXWELL MILNE (1934-46),
M.A. JoHN McP. MUTCH (1932-45) C..+. KENNETH JAMIESON PETERS (1929-41), M.A. WILLIAM WALLACE PORTER (I91 5 -z 3) JAMES REID 0924'34. IAN LEWIS SMITH (1918-30). DONALD JOHNSTON STEPHEN (1946-52). ERIC DOUGLAS WATT.
Section Representatives Cricket—WILLIAM EwEN (1932-44).
Golf-GEORGE ALEXANDER CRAIG WALKER (I 9 17-2 3). HoCkty—ROBERT LETS CROMAR (1944-49)• Rligly-GEORGE M. M. SLATER (1935-47), Staff—ALEXANDER BRUCE, T.D., M.A., B.SC. Hon. Auditors : Messrs. liowilt and SMITH, c.A.
Former Pupils' Club
41
The Annual Dinner The Annual Dinner was held in the Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen, on Friday, zo October 1961. The change of venue was the result of a combination of circumstances and the record number of 210 F.P.s and Guests present at the Dinner agreed that the facilities afforded us were the best for many years. For the first time in recent memory the whole company was assembled in one compact gathering, and could not only hear but see the Speakers. The Chair was occupied by our President the Hon. Lord Johnston. The principal guest was the Rt. Hon. Lord Milligan, who proposed the toast of " The School and the Club " replied to by the Rector and the President. In a witty toast to " The School and the Club " Lord Milligan set the pattern for a delightful evening which was a worthy " follow-on " to last year's Dinner, the emphasis being on a light-hearted reunion of Former Pupils and their guests. " A great deal must depend on tradition and reputation when one thinks of a School such as the Grammar, and the Former Pupils of the School are the day-to-day advertisement, or otherwise, for their old School." Lord Milligan felt it a great pity that the " old school tie " is so often laughed at, because its wearer shows, if nothing else, that he is proud of his old school. " Many missionaries have been saved from the pot because the Cannibal Chief realised that both he and the missionary had been at Balliol, and the moral would seem to be that if one has the misfortune to end up in a cannibal pot, one must be sure to wear one's old school tie." Lord Milligan paid tribute to the interdependence of the School and the Club and stressed the closeness of interest between them. He was most impressed by what he had learned of the School Amenities Fund which he felt was an admirable way of assisting future generations in the School and helping to keep the School as independent as possible from public aid. In addition to helping the School, however, he felt that the members of the Club owe a duty to help one another, and not only in the sense of bailing them out when in trouble. In this connection he expressed himself as most impressed by the Magazine, which he considered an invaluable means of keeping F.P.s in touch with developments in the School, and with news of one another. Lord Milligan regretted he was not in a position to throw any further light on the age of the School and sympathised with the School and the Club in their difficulties in determining this matter with any degree of precision. He doubted, however, whether either the School or the E.P. I-Iockey Section was as old as was suggested by the title of a recent Magazine article referring to the Hockey Section's Jubilee, and indicating that the Section was some 2,500 years old. Lord Milligan told of the farmer who attended the General Assembly in Edinburgh and was later asked how he enjoyed it. " Thae Ministers are like dung—they do a power of good when spread a' ower but when a' gaithered thegither they're fair nauseatin'." While Lord Milligan did not wish to cast any aspersions on the gathering at the Dinner, he felt that the story was apt as applied to Former Pupils spread throughout the world. The Rector in his reply for the School expressed his appreciation of the continued support which he and his Staff received from the Club. He felt that the School was in good heart and could stand up to scrutiny. He spoke of the considerable building extension programme planned to start next spring and condemned as untrue Gordonian speculation on the ultimate course of demolition work presently progressing gradually westwards in Skene Street. He assured us that the School is not scheduled as a target for the bulldozers. The building of the Swimming Pool is up to schedule and it is hoped that it will be open in the summer of 1962 (possibly with a ceremonial first dive by the F.P. Club Secretary). Work on the extension " wider still and wider " of Rubislaw Field also progresses. Commenting on the new Leaving Certificate system which comes into force this session, the Rector expressed the view that it may be an attempt to impose the English sytem on Scotland, and to put the English " Advanced " level in place of the Scottish Higher Leaving Certificate would be a great pity.
42
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
Our President, in his reply on behalf of the Club expressed his gratitude to the Club for the honour of the Presidency. He commented on the comparative youth of the F.P. Club in view of the existence in the early nineteenth century of Dr. Forbes's Dining Club, formed by a group of pupils of the School under Dr. Forbes who was a Master at that time. In traditional vein, the President reminisced to our delight on the School as he knew it, including " the tall, gaunt figure of Morland Simpson, who terrified me ". The toast of the Guests was proposed by Ian G. MacPherson who poked fun here and there at certain guests. His superb, if somewhat incredible, anecdotes about George P. Milne, were surpassed only by that same gentleman when he replied on behalf of the guests, and gave an amusing insight into the happenings in a consultant's life. Allan J. Peters thanked the Chairman and also the Entertainments Secretary (Brian K. Crookshanks) who after a " first and last " Dinner in 1959, and " second and final " Dinner in 196o, had now successfully arranged his " third and positively final " Dinner. It is interesting to note, for the record, that the Lower School has had only three " Lower School Masters " in its existence, and all three were present at the Dinner. They are, of course, A. J. M. Edwards, D. M. Annand, and J. D. Morrison. Mr. Annand happened to be in Aberdeen on leave from his post as an Education Officer in Northern Rhodesia, and was a guest at the Staff table at the Dinner. The following F.P.s attended the Annual Dinner in the Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen, on zo October 1961 (dates indicate year of entering School): 1902 George Forbes. 1904 Sir G. A. Williamson 1905 H. J. Edwards. 1905 I as. Leith. 1906 . P. Jeffrey. 1906 ). C. Sangster. 1906 R. B. Williamson. 1907 G. R. Fraser. 1907 T. P. E. Murray. 1907 J. L. Riddell. M. Edwards. 1008 A. J. M 1908 E. J. Galloway. 1909 F. S. Anderson. 1909 J. G. Kilgour 1910 Alex. Gray. 1910 L. R. Harper. 1910 I. G. McPherson. 1910 R. J. Maitland. 1912 J. R. Carry. I912 . G. Sellar. 19'2 N. B. Sellar. 1913 J. B. Esslemont. 19x3 M. G. Gibb. 1913 l ; H. Henderson. 1913 D. H. Johnston. 1913 W. N. Stewart. 1914 H. Esslemont. 1914 B. C. Ross. 1914 N. S. Williamson. 1915 F. B. Cartwright. z915 G. P. Pyle. 1916 A. M. Campbell. 1916 M. Cramb. 1916 13. Hanna. 1917 F. F. Stott. 1918 A. M. Hardie. t918 L. Middleton. 1918 W. M. Millar. 1918 A. W. Raffan. 1918 I. G. Shinnie. 1918 I, L. Smith. 1929 N. S. Clark. 1919 A. D. Troup. 192o A. J. Peters.
1920 A. W. R. Wilson. I920 N. F. Wisely. 1925 G. H. Henderson. 192I O. H. R. Still. 2921 E. H. M. Stott. 1922 J. S. MacLachlan. 1923 G. E. C. Barton. 1923 G. G. Cook. 192 3 J. Mortimer. 1924 W. L. Forbes. 192 4 I. Reid. 1925 F. Harper. 2925 G. C. Massie. 1925 A. C. R. Watt. 1926 H. M. R. Watt. 1927 D. G. Patterson. 1928 E. Buthlay. 1929 K. J. Peters. 1930 W. L. Connon. 1930 F. J. Meldnim. 1932 W. M. Ewen. 2932 S. L. Henderson. 1934 B. K. Crookshanks. 2934 J. M. Milne. '935 J. D. Chalmers. 1935 G. M. M. Slater. 1936 E. McLeod. 2936 D. M. A. Shewan. x937 A. M. Davidson 1937 J. 13. Rust. 2937 :. D. Watt. 2938 D. N. Annand. 1938 T. G. Coutts. 1938 J. A. Leith. 1938 P. E. G. Mitchell. 1939 J. Gran t. r939 1. 11IcBain. 1939 W. A. Stewart. 194o A. A. Lawrence. 1942 A. H. Cairns. 1942 M. Jeffrey. 2943 M. S. R. Bruce. 5943 A. Crawford. 1943 M. F. Watson.
1944 A. Cromar. 1944 R. L. Cromar. Galloway. 1591.: W.. Bda tt. 1944 E. Grieve. 1944 D. R. Harper. 1944 J. P. Jeffrey. 1944 J. C. A. Michie. 1944 i. Thompson. 1945 T. Craig. '945 W. Forbes. 1945 R. W. Grant. 1945 A. E. Mcllwain. 1946 H. M. Aird. 1946 D. R. Clark_ 1946 J. Hutchison. 1946 . Murray-Smith. 1946 G. D. Reid_ 1946 G. A. Robb. 1946 A. R. Smith. 1946 M. G. Walker. 1946 I. M. Yeats. 1947 K. M. Gorrod. r994477 AH. M cLIn tyre. i . NI e eod 1947 R. Smith. :947 M. L. Wolkoff. 1948 F. M. Coutts. 1948 G. Glentworth. H. Hill. F. Wisely. 11994488 I.C.F 1949 D. S. McKenzie. 1949 A- G. Mitchell. 1949 O. Phillipson. 1949 C. D. Rice. 1950 B. Harper. 1950 A. 13. Milne. 195o G. G. Milne. 1950 A. S. M. Porter. 1951 M. G. King. 1952 A. B. Matheson. 1952 E. Porter. 1195545 A: Soppitt. 9 R B. Watson.
Club Centres were represented by Major-General K. A. M. Tomory (1899-1908), Edinburgh; R. A. E. Mennie (1924-36), London; R. L. Richards (1922-34), Glasgow. Staff members present were: The Rector, Messrs. D. Anderson, R. Brown, A. Bruce, R. Ilenson, N. King, D. McLean, R. McLeod, E. Morrison, J. Morrison, A. Robertson and I. Stephen.
Former
Cleib
43
Glasgow Centre In conjunction with the Glasgow Section of the Aberdeen High School F.P. Club and the Glasgow and West of Scotland Gordonians an enjoyable Theatre Evening was held on 17 October 1961; and on zz October teams representing the Edinburgh and Glasgow Centres took part in the annual golf match at Carnwath. The Annual General Meeting of the Centre took place in the Grosvenor Restaurant on 17 November 1961. Office bearers and Committee for 1961-6z are: President, I. A. Anderson; Via-President, R. L. Richards; Committee, A. E. Anton, B. D. D. Emslie, W. O. Fiddes, W. G. Gow and C. F. Thomson; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, J. G. M. Birss. The Annual Dinner was held in the Grosvenor Restaurant on Friday, 17 November 1961. The President of the Centre, Ian A. Anderson, was in the Chair, and there was an attendance of thirty-three. The speeches were all most entertaining and assured the success of the evening. At very short notice Mr. G. B. Esslemont, City Chamberlain of Glasgow and Honorary President of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Gordonians, agreed to assume the role of principal guest, as Professor Howie of the Chair of Bacteriology at Glasgow University, who was to have proposed the main toast, was prevented from attending through illness. Other guests included Mr. J. V. Skinner, the Rector, and the Honourable Lord Johnston, President of the Club. In proposing the toast of " The School and the Club " Mr. Esslemont complained that he had been unable to consult any suitable reference library regarding the subject of his toast—and then proceeded to demonstrate in an extremely amusing and entertaining speech that he had no need of any such source of information. Referring to Mr. Skinner as a Glasgow man giving Aberdeen the benefit of his talents, Mr. Esslemont drew attention to the number of Glasgow graduates on the staff of Aberdeen University. Replying on behalf of the School M. Skinner said that not only were twelve of the professors at Aberdeen University Glasgow graduates, but that the University had been founded by a Glasgow man, and that Aberdeen presently had Glasgow men as Lord Provost and Director of Education. To balance all this, however, Glasgow had of course an Aberdeen man as City Chamberlain. Mr. Skinner referred to the progress being made in building the swimming pool, and to the extension and modernisation plans for the School. Additional accommodation was, he said, desperately needed because of the ever increasing number of pupils and difficulties arising from the new fourth year examinations. At the last bursary competition, despite the inadequacy of laboratory accommodation, the School had gained the top four bursaries in Science. In one respect, he said, with some hesitation at a Glasgow function, the School was most fortunate in that it had as teachers five honours graduates in mathematics and six in science. The Honourable Lord Johnstone replied for the Club, saying that his main impressions on a recent visit to the School after a lengthy absence were that the boys were tidier and quieter than in his day, and that the whole place seemed to have become much smaller. Referring to the extension programme he said that what really mattered was not the size of a school but the quality of the masters. Looking around the company he said that he often wondered what became of one's exact contemporaries at school. He had come to the conclusion that they all left Aberdeen, for Aberdeen's main export was men, and to replace the best something else had to be imported—men from Glasgow, perhaps, as had been indicated by previous speakers. The toast of " Our Guests " was proposed by Dr. R. L. Richards and replied to by Mr. A. Webster. The following members of the Centre were present; W. O. Fiddes (1904-15). A. A. R. Smith (1909-16), J. Stirrat (1911-21), C. F. Thomson (1912-14), I. A. Anderson (1912-24), A. Christie (1919-29), I. F. Stratton (1921-23), R. L. Richards (1922-34), G. N. Pennie (1923-26), R. D. Mitchell (1923-32), J. G. M. Birss (1926;8), A. L. Speirs (1926-38), B. D. D. Emslie (1929-35), A. E. Anton (1932-401'), T. I. Morrison (1934-47), I. F. Macleod (1947-54).
44
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
London Centre At the Annual General Meeting which took place on Thursday, 5 October at the Caledonian Club, the following appointments were made: Mr. A. D. S. Anderson was appointed President in place of Mr. G. T. Simpson who had expressed the wish that he should not be asked to stand for election again, having now completed two terms of two years each. Messrs. A. H. K. Slater, G. D. Cochran, G. J. Anderson and N. K. B. Robson were elected as Committee members to replace Sir John Taylor, Ian Cumming, G. W. Bowes and D. J. G. Shennan who retired under the rotation rule, and L. D. Hay was elected as Committee member to replace the late D. S. S. Marr. Ninian Mackie was re-elected as Secretary and Treasurer for a further year. At the Annual Dinner to be held this year at the Connaught Rooms on Thursday, 1 4 December, the Reverend Fraser McLuskey (who has accepted an invitation from the Committee to act as Honorary Chaplain to the Centre), will be the principal speaker, who will propose the toast of " The School and the Club ".
F.P. Rugby Section The Section is very fortunate in again having a good recruitment from School. Some of last years School Ist XV are playing very successfully for the znd XV and are already knocking on the door of the ist XV. Due to the increased playing strength it was decided at the end of October to start a 4th XV and so far five fixtures have been arranged with other 3rd XVs. It is hoped that this number will be increased as the season goes on and a full fixture list prepared for next season. The 1st XV made a good start with three wins in a row before suffering their first defeats against Jordanhill T.C. and Stewart's F.Ps. Since then good wins have been recorded against Dunfermline and Allan Glen's and although the game against Edinburgh Aeries was lost the team played with great spirit. This fire seems to have been lacking in the last three games and although one of them was won if the team had played in the way the season was started all three could have been victories. The znd XV as usual is having a good season only losing two games so far and scoring three times as many points as they have had against them. Not only are they playing well as individuals but they are combining very well as a team. The 3rd XV is doing fairly well with four wins to three lost. However all their defeats have been narrow margins so they too have an impressive points total with more than twice as many for as against. Results snd XV tat XV Sept. 2 r. Panruure „ 9 v. Aberdeen Wand. 16 v. Aberdeenshire „ 23 v. Jordanhill T.C. „ „ 25 v. Stewart's F.P. 3o v. Dunfermline Oct. 2 V. Dundee H.S. F.P. 7 v. Allan Glen's F.P. „ 14 v. Edinburgh Aeries , „ 22 v. Howe of Fife 28 v. Aberdeen Univ. Nov. 4 V. Perth Aeries
30-8 W 21-6 W 13- 3 W 0-27 L 3-29 L 13-5 W 17-3 W 6-o W 3-18 I. 3-14 L 16-0 W 3-21 L
Sept. 2 r. Panmure 2nd „ 9 v. Aberdeen Wand. 2nd 16 v. Shire znd „ 23 v. Montrose rst „ 3o v. Dunfermline and Oct. 7 v. Allan Glen's 2nd 24 v. R.N.A.S. Arbroath xst 21 V. Howe of Fife 2nd „ 28 v. R.A.F. Kinloss 1st Nov. 4 v. Moray 1st
17-8 20-3 41-3 3-8 25-8 14- 3 28-0 6-13 24- 3 8-8
3rd XV Sept. 2 V. Gordonians 3rd „ 9 r. R.A.F. Buchan z3 v. Shire znd Oct. 7 r. Gordonians 3rd 14 v. RN.A.S. Arbroath znd 28 v. Aberdeen Acries 3rd Nov. 4 v. Moray and
8-11 L 25-0 0-6 3 -5
W I.
34- 3 x2-8
W W
3-8
1.
1.
G. M. M. SLATER, Hon. See.
W W W L
W W
W L
W. D
45
Former Pupils' Club
F.F. Cricket Section The following Officials were appointed at the Annual Meeting of the Section: President, K. J. Peters, Strathmore Union XI: Captain, W. A. Stewart; ViceCaptain, J. G. N. Fraser. Grade XI Captain, K. Watt; Vice-Captain, J. C. Milne. Secretary, A. M. Davidson; Treasurer, W. M. Ewen; Match Secresag, G. Wilson. Although the weather of the past season has been disappointing this cannot be said of the enthusiasm within the Section. This last season has seen a considerable number of young players joining the Section and many of them were " blooded " in the Strathmore side. It is most encouraging to see these young members joining as in previous years, probably due to conscription, very few of the boys leaving school joined the Section and doubtless on completion of National Service they were disinclined to take up the game again. Although these young players lack experience I think that in the years ahead the Section should have the nucleus of an excellent cricket side. This is not to say that the results have been disappointing. The Strathmore Union XI finished much higher in the table this season than they have done for many years past, while the Grade XI just failed to gain promotion to Grade I. Financially, the Section is in good heart thanks mainly to the co-operation of members in providing their cars for travelling to Away matches, for without their co-operation the costs of public transport would be well beyond our means. The members have also generally co-operated in the running of the Section and particular reference should be made to Mr. Matthews, who has proved to be a worthy successor to L. E. Tyson, in the preparation of wickets and his assistance with the other activities of the Section. We look forward to a more favourable season next year so far as regards the weather and if the enthusiasm shown in this past season can be continued I have no doubt that it will be a successful one. Practices commence in the latter part of April and any former pupils interested in joining the Section or boys who arc leaving School this summer will be warmly welcomed and are assured of most interesting fixtures in whichever side they may be playing to say nothing of the friendly matches which are arranged and which are always enthusiastically supported. A. M. DAviosoN, Secretary Averages Baiting Highest score 53* 11 33* t7 31* * Indicates not out.
Total runs 248 11 1 183
Innings to
R. Bain W. Buyers W. A. Stewart
Average 35'4 18.5 11.48
Bowling A. M. Davidson W. A. Stewart T. P. Crosgrove
Maidens
Rots
Wickets
Average
20
214.2
31 58
123
318
32
92
29
2S9
14
6. 15 16'18 181
Overs 67
46
Aberdeen Crammar School Magazine F.P. Hockey Section
After the success of last season, particularly the Jubilee week-end matches at Easter, it comes as no surprise to find that the 1st XI is showing signs of being unable to keep up the almost unbroken line of successes. In the first nine games played this season, two have been lost and it is a few seasons now since we started off so poorly I I However, there arc signs of a revival—some might prefer the word rejuvenation—and we are now looking forward to the remainder of the season with great optimism. Our second and third elevens go on from strength to strength, the former having lost but one game and the latter being so far undefeated. With such strength in reserve it is no surprise that our club has produced consistently so high a standard of hockey over the past seasons. We are fortunate in our " youngsters " and grateful for their tremendous enthusiasm. (It is on record that our and XI beat Aberdeen University 1st XI who only a fortnight before had beaten our 1st string!! So much for " reserve " strength.) The numerical strength of the Section is now over forty and, if recruits continue next season as they have done this, then we will have to consider running a 4th XI. We were very heartened by the number of players who joined us from School and extend a welcome to them along with the hope that they will enjoy their hockey in our midst for many seasons to come. With our good fortune, our misfortune, and we had bid farewell to Alistair Philip and wish him good luck in his first post and his new club. No one is indispensible but Alistair has been greatly missed for his play and for his active interest in all aspects of our Section's life. Before finishing we should like to express our thanks to Mr. Matthews for all his work on our behalf. Ever willing and sympathetic to our needs he has the ideal outlook for a groundsman for people who don't like to miss their game. A. CROMAR, Captain *
F.P. Blazers Wanted on Loan The City of Aberdeen Boy Scouts Association are presenting their annual Gang Show in the Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen from Monday, 9 April to Saturday, 14 April 196z. One of the numbers necessitates the use of coloured Blazers. If possible eight old style Club Sports Blazers (magenta and green stripes) would be required. Any Member of the Club in possession of such a Blazer and prepared to lend it for this purpose is asked to communicate with the Club Secretary.
Notes about F.P.s Honours and Awards Companion of the Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.) Gordon Matthews Hector (1 924-25), 0.E.E. was made a Companion of the Order of the British Empire in the 1961 Birthday Honours List. He is Deputy Resident Commissioner and Government Secretary in Basutoland, having been appointed in 1946 to the Colonial Administrative Service. He was posted as Secretary to the Government of the Seychelles Islands in 5952, where he also acted for some time as Governor. He went to Basutoland as Deputy Resident and Government Secretary in 19f3. He has served as Secretary of the Constitutional Reform Committee for Basutoland.
•
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) James S. M. Eddison,* who is an Honorary Member of the Club, was awarded the O.B.E. in the 1961 Birthday Honours List. Mr. Eddison was appointed to the Staff of the School in 1925, and was House Master of the Boarding House for twenty years. He left the School on his appointment as Headmaster of Smithfield Primary School, Aberdeen, and thereafter he went to the Middle Secondary School, Aberdeen. In 1956, when Northfield Secondary School was opened, Mr. Eddison was appointed its first Headmaster, a post which he still holds. * * * Colonel Robert Arthur Smart* (1919-31), C.B.E., has been awarded the Medal of Honour of the French Military Medical Service. * * * George Gordon Allan* (x939-51), who has recently been working as a Sub-Editor on the Daily Telegraph in London, is now a Sub-Editor on The Seaman and is working in Edinburgh. Allan Cunningham Anderson* (i9o7-I2) has now relinquished his appointment with the Canadian Embassy in Havana and has retired to Ottawa. Robert Kilgour Booker* (7928-41) is now Senior Partner in the firm of Allan & Gledhill, Advocates & Solicitors, in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Douglas Paterson Cochran* (5906-55) is now acting as Business Executive to Messrs. Ian Burke, Martin & Partners, Architects & Town Planning Consultants, Dundee. He has in addition formed Messrs. Cochran Insurance (Consultants) Ltd. practising in Dundee, in addition to his jute business mentioned in the last issue. He appears to be even more active in retirement than before. Edward Gray Cran* (1944-47), B.Sc., whose marriage is reported elsewhere in this issue, is a Civil Engineer with Messrs. F. A. Macdonald & Partners, Glasgow. He is employed in their Aberdeen Branch. Messrs. Macdonald are the firm concerned with the designing of the School Swimming Pool. Newell Burnett Cran* (1878-84) has now retired from the Ministry of Works in the Public Service, Southern Rhodesia and is resident in Umtali, Southern Rhodesia. George Edmond Crombie* (5956-21) is now Counsellor of the British Embassy in Dublin. 47
48
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
Andrew John Maxton Cruickshank (1919-25) is the author of a new play " Unfinished Journey " in which he took the leading role and which he also directed in its pre-London presentation at Edinburgh. This is his sixth play since the war, but the first which he has put on the professional stage. Scott McKenzie Davidson* (1934-44), after leaving Messrs. Harrisons & Crosfield in November 1959, spent most of 1960 at home in Cults. He returned to Mai.tya in November 1960 and is now employed with the Baru Tiga (Selangor) Rubber Co. Ltd. as Manager of the Sungei Gumut Estate, at Kalumpang, Selangor. James Gordon Dunbar (1951-58) recently obtained his Postmaster General's Certificate at Aberdeen Wireless College, and has now qualified as a Marine Radio Officer. John Michael Eddison* (1939-48), B.sc., has recently been admitted as an Associate Member of the Institute of Structural Engineers (A.M.I.STRUCT.E.) and also an Associate Member of the Institute of American Civil Engineers (A.M.A.sr.E.). In August he and his wife made the journey from London to Teheran (where they are now living) by car, following a brief home leave in London. Gordon Sinclair Elmslie* (1 933-43) now holds an appointment with Reynolds Jamaica Mines Ltd. at St. Ann, Jamaica. Major Sir John Frederick Ferguson* (1904-09) has been appointed along with Lord Bridges to carry out the independent enquiry into the theft of Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery. Sir John, after serving in the Army from 1912-33 was appointed to the Metropolitan Police as Chief Constable. He was Commandant of the Metropolitan Police College from 1938-39 and after the war was successively Chief Constable of the Sussex Joint Police Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and Chief Constable of Kent, relinquishing this latter post in 1958. Alexander Forsyth* (1923-30), B.SC., who is Managing Director of T. & H. Smith Ltd., Blandfield Works, Edinburgh and a Director of William Paterson (Aberdeen) Ltd., has been elected an honorary auditor of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain for 1961-62. Allan Buchanan Gardner (1942-50), M.A., B.A., LL.B., has been appointed to the legal staff of the International Labour Office, Geneva. He is the son of the late Mr. A. B. Gardner, former City Architect of Aberdeen. Godfrey Power Geddes* (1903-11), M.A., retired recently from the Culter Mills Paper Co. Ltd., of which he had been Secretary for the past thirty-seven years. Ile is to continue as a Director of the Company. As Colonel Geddes he is a Past Chairman of the County of Aberdeen Territorial Forces Association, and has had a long association with the Counties of Aberdeen and Kincardine Territorial Forces. He commanded the 5/7 Gordon Highlanders (T.A.) from 1932-36, and became their Honorary Colonel in 1945. Following the reorganisation of the T.A. shortly afterwards, he became Honorary Colonel of the 5/6 Gordons in 1946. During the 1939-45 War Colonel Geddes was Sub-District Army and Homc Guard Commander for North-east Scotland during 1940-41, and Aberdeen Garrison Commander from 1941-45. Robert Imray Alexander Gray* (1932-35) is now assistant to the Treasurer of the Singer Manufacturing Co. in New York and is mainly concerned with the Company's foreign financial problems. Ile is resident at Madison, New Jersey. He resigned from the Chartered Bank of India in 1951. David Alexander Green* (1947-51) is now stationed at Frobisher Bay, in the North-west Territory of Canada where he is employed in the Telecommunication Branch of the Airport. His brother Peter James Green* (1947-57) is stationed with the Hudson's Bay Company at Cape Dorset zoo miles away. Gilbert Frewin Hamilton* (1921-30), M.B., CH.B., who is Senior Lecturer in Anatomy at Aberdeen University, is at present spending a year in the United States as Visiting Professor of Anatomy at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This distinction has come to Dr. Hamilton only a short time after an earlier visit
Notes about Old Boys
49
to the States where he was engaged on four months neuro-surgical research at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, near Detroit. Dr. Hamilton was co-author, with Professor R. D. Lockhart and Dr. F. W. Fyfe, of the book Anatomy of the Human Body. While in America Dr. Hamilton hopes to see something of his brother William Aitken Brown Hamilton (1921-27) who is Director of Personnel at the United Nations in New York. Denys Hartley Henderson* (1938-50), M.A., LL.B., has recently taken up an appointment as Assistant Secretary of the Billingham Division of 1.C.I. Ltd. After graduating in law at Aberdeen he completed two years' National Service, latterly as a Staff Captain attached to D.A.L.S. After demobilisation he joined thc Secretary's Department of the Paints Division of I.C.I. at Slough, and two years later was promoted to the Billingham Division. John Craib Hollifield* (I949-6o) has won a Bursary of the Architects' Registration Council. He is a Student at the Scott-Sutherland School of Architecture in Aberdeen. Redvers Noel honside* (1907-17), M.B., CH.B., has been appointed Junior Warden of the Apothecaries' Society for 1961-62. Ian Patrick Strain Jack* (1948-51) is now an Associate of the Institute of Builders in Scotland. James Grant Kellas (1940-54), M.A., has been awarded a Carnegie Trust senior scholarship in History for 1961-62. He is carrying out postgraduate research at Edinburgh University. Douglas Robert Kynoch* (1948-56), M.A., after a year as teacher of English at a Language School in Germany, has been appointed an announcer with the newly formed Grampian Television Company at Aberdeen. George Skene Laing (1938-49) has been appointed Fieldsman for Messrs. Boots in the Dingwall area. He began his career with Barclay Ross & Hutchison, Seedsmen, Aberdeen, and joined Boots just over five years ago. He has been employed by them in various parts of Scotland during that time, including Aberdeen. Innes Fraser Macleod* (1947-34) is now a lecturer in the Department of General Studies, Paisley Technical College. James Fraser McLuskey* (1920-51), M.C., B.D., who as was recently reported is now Minister of St. Columba's Church of Scotland, Pont Street, London, has accepted an invitation from the Committee of the London Centre of the Club to act as Honorary Chaplain to the Centre. John Angus.Colin Marr* (1936-43) is now Clerk to the Council of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He is anxious to make contact with any F.P.s who are either members or associate members of the Institution. Leslie Deane Mayor* (1923-33), A.F.C., was Group Director at the Royal Air Force Staff College, Bracknell from 1956 to 1958, and was thereafter Station Commander of the Bomber Command Bombing School at Lindholme, Yorks, from 1 959-61. He is now Director of Air Staff Briefing at the Air Ministry with the rank of Air Commodore. Alan Keith Gordon Paterson (1943-56), M.A., has been awarded a Carnegie Trust Scholarship in Spanish, and is now studying at Cambridge University. Richard George Paterson (1937-47), M.A., whose marriage is reported elsewhere in this issue, has taken up a teaching appointment in Hong Kong. Alistair Reid* (1943-3o) has now taken up an appointment as Architectural Assistant with Scottish Malt Distillers Ltd. at Elgin. George Brown Cameron Sangster* (1928-37), o.s.c., B.D., Minister of Queen's Cross Church, Aberdeen, spent two months this summer in the United States, preaching at the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, Greensboro, North Carolina. The visit was on an exchange basis, with the Rev. J. M. Garrison of Greensboro occupying Mr. Sangster's pulpit at Queen's Cross during August.
So
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
David Pringle Smith* (1946-47) is now an Associate of the Chartered Insurance institute and has been posted to Bogota, Colombia, South America, to take up an appointment in the Foreign Organisation of the Royal-Globe Insurance Group. He would be interested to hear of any F.P.s in that area. James Edward Smith* (1916-22), PH.D., B.SC., Technical Selector of the Recruitment Division of the Shell International Petroleum Co. was in Aberdeen recently to open the Company's Exhibition " World of Oil " in Aberdeen Art Gallery. After graduating at Aberdeen Dr. Smith was for some time Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology in Aberdeen University. Before taking up his present appointment he was engaged as a Geologist in Venezuela. Colin Robert Sutherland* (1947-60), who was a member of the ist Scout Troop while at School, and is now a Rover Scout, has received the Baden-Powell award, the highest qualification of a Rover Scout. David Aitchison Taylor* (1955-58) has commenced his overseas training with the National and Grindlays Bank, London. He hopes to be posted overseas after a year's training. Sir Arthur Landsborough Thompson* (1899-1908), C.B., n.sc., has been appointed by the Minister of Health to be Chairman of a new Statutory Board for the Administration of the Public Health Laboratory Service in England and Wales. George Joseph Cathcart Thompson* (1914-2z) has been appointed Ship Stores Manager of Philip Morris & Co., Ltd., Tobacco Manufacturers. He was originally with the Dominion Tobacco Co. in Aberdeen, and was later the Company's Chief Representative in Scotland until 1928. In 1930 he became Home Trade Representative in South-east London for Carreras Ltd. and, after the war, began the development of that Company's Ship Stores section, of which he was manager until taking up his new appointment this year. Kenneth Douglas Troup (1927-38), who is a Naval Architect, is now chief designer with a construction company engaged in making small craft, and is also a director of the firm's Marine Engineering Co. at Cobham, Surrey. He designed a special barge with a revolving stage on which the American Wind Symphony Orchestra gave riverside concerts along the Thames from Greenwich to Oxford during last summer. Ronald Warman* (1942-54), who has been with the Union Carriage & Wagon Co. in South Africa, is at present in Aberdeen on leave before going out to an appointment in Australia. In South Africa he has been living at Springs, Transvaal, and was for a time Captain of Springs Boys' High School Past Pupils' Hockey Team. He was picked to play in the East Rand Hockey Trials. Fergus Connon Wilson* (1931-34) has now taken up an appointment with Roan Antelope Copper Mines at Luanshya, Northern Rhodesia. *
*
*
Proposed Club Centre in Midlands of England Interested Members of the Club are anxious to establish a Centre of the Club in the Midlands of England meeting probably in Birmingham. Anyone interested in the formation of such a Centre is asked to communicate either with Donald E. Philip, J26, Stoke Hill, Guildhouse, Coventry, or the Rev. Charles W. Matheson, The Manse, 1 Merridale Road, Wolverhampton, Staffs.
Former Pupils' Club
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University Notes At Graduation Ceremonies in the University of Aberdeen, Degrees were conferred on the following F.P.s. SUMMER GRADUATION, 6 and 7 JULY 1691 HONOURS AND ORDINARY DEGREF-S IN ARTS DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.) With First Class Honours Alan Keith Gordon Paterson in French-Spanish. With Second Class Honours Ronald Reith Robb in Classics. Alistair Erskine Philip in Psychology. Stuart Auldjo Middleton in Economics-Politics. George Scott Collie in Mathematics. Ordinary Degree James Gordon Birss. Sidney James Law. Philip Noel Love. HONOURS AND ORDINARY DEGREES IN SCIENCE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.SC.) With First Class Honours Duncan Shortreed O'Dell in Zoology. With Second Class Honours Alan Duff Stewart in Natural Philosophy. Alexander Milne Mackie in Biochemistry. Ordinary Degree John Charles Alexander Michie. DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING (B.SC. ENG.) With Second Class Honours Charles Ian Cruickshank in Civil Engineering. Leslie McKenzie Nicol in Electrical Engineering. Ordinary Degree John Barry in Civil Engineering. William Barton Brown in Civil Engineering. George Fraser Masson in Civil Engineering. Alexander William Still in Civil Engineering. John Gray Munro in Mechanical Engineering.
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DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF LAWS (LL.B.) With Commendation Micheal Stewart Rae Bruce, M.A. John George Nevill Fraser, M.A. Ordinary Degree Robert Fairweather Gillan, M.A. David Ivor Morgan, M.A. John Robert Young Mutch, M.A. Mario Luigi Vicca, M.A. Melville Forsyth Watson, M.A. DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF LAW (B.L.) Henry Ogilvy Cameron. DEGREES OF BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY (M.B., CH.B.) Ordinary Degrees Gordon MacLeod Cheyne. Neil Edward. Charles Samuel Alexander Wheatley Levitt. George Willson Stephen. Elliot Allen Williamson. Ronald George Wilson. DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION David Ivor Macpherson Sutherland, M.A. James Reid Wight, M.A. WINTER GRADUATION, 1 NOVEMBER 1961 DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.SC.) George McArtney Phillips, M.A. DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.) Ordinary Degree John Parkinson Drummond. Neil Alexander Duncan. Stewart McLaren Scarlett. DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.SC.) Andrew Dick Nichol. DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF DIVINITY B.D.) Graeme MacLean Bruce, M.A.
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DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF LAW (B.L.) Irving Philip Gordon. j
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DIPLOMA IN EDUCATION Ronald Innes Malcolm, M.A. Union Management Committee 3. David B. Galloway. 1. Thomas Houghton. z. Richard Templeton. Students' Representative Council 4. Alan W. Milne. i. W. Ross Slessor. S. Alexander W. Logic. 2. Ian Vaughan. 6. William A. Clark. 3. Robert Falconer. University Prize and Medal Winners Session 1960-61 Anderson Gold Medal and Prize in Clinical Medicine—Neil Edward. Henry Prize in Divinity—Bryce Anderson. Henry Prize in Logic—Ian M. Yeats. John McFarlane Prize in Geography—Ist Year—Robert C. Scace. MacQuibban Prize in Medicine—Neil Edward. Society of Advocates Prize in (t) Roman Law—Charles D. Rice. Society of Advocates Prize in (z) Jurisprudence—Francis Lyall (Equal) Society of Advocates Prize in (3) Public International Law-Micheal S. R. Bruce. *
*
[Apologia—It is regretted that the years at school have been omitted in the foregoing Notes. Unfortunately this has not been realised until it was too late to do anything about it.—Ed.]
Marriages Allan (1937-41, 1942-43, 1944-48).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 8 September 1961, RICHARD FRANCIS ALLAN,* son of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Allan, Ardgay, Milltimber, to Sheila, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. McMahon, Pluscardyn, Huntly. Bowie (1940-53).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 5 August 1961, JAMES FREDERICK RONALD BOWIE,* son of Dr. and Mrs. F. J. T. Bowie, 13 Carden Place, Aberdeen, to Lena Catherine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Stephen, 86 Whitehall Place, Aberdeen. Broomfield (1945-S4).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 7 October 1961, WILLIAM MCINTYRE BROOMFIELD,* eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Broomfield, 67 King's Gate, Aberdeen, to Mary Catherine, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Reid, Hobart Road, Willoughby, Ohio, U.S.A. Brown (1 939-51).—At Mannofield Church, Aberdeen, on 1 July 1961, ALEXANDER SCOTT BROWN,* youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. II. Brown, Westbank, 18o North Deeside Road, Milltimber, to Aileen Doris, only daughter of the late Mr. W. J. McRobert and of Mrs. A. L. McRobert, Invernairne, Newlands Crescent. Aberdeen. Brown (i935-47).—At St. George's West Church, Edinburgh on 3 June 1961, . ALLAN MELVILLE BROWN,* younger twin son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Sinclair Brown, Woodend Cottage, Parkhill, Kemnay, to Marion Isabella, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Macaskill, 65 Comely Bank Road, Edinburgh 4. Bruce (i947-54)At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen on 23 August 1961, GRAEME MACLEAN BRUCE,* B.D., son of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander S. Bruce, to Racden Avenue, Aberdeen, to Anne Moyra, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Scorgie, 7 The Square, Oldmeldrum. Campbell (1944-53).—At Mannofield Church, Aberdeen, on 21 July 1961, ALEXANDER KEITH CAMPBELL,* elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Campbell, 6 Oakdale Terrace, Aberdeen, to Sheila Margaret, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon F. Clark, 154 South Anderson Drive, Aberdeen. Cowie (1937-51).—At St. Boniface Garrison Church, Rheindahlen, Western Germany, On I2 August 1961, GORDON STRACHAN COWIE,* M.A., LL.B., son of Mr. and Mrs. G. S. Cowie, 17 Kepplestone Avenue, Aberdeen, to Angela Mary, daughter of Major and Mrs. R. G. Whelband, H.Q., B.A.O.R. Craig (1940-52).—At Rubislaw Church, Aberdeen, on 26 July 1961, RONAI.D CRAIG, youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. Craig, 5 Woodburn Avenue, Aberdeen, to Sheena Margaret, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. D. Cooper, 18 Woodhill Terrace, Aberdeen. 944-47).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 18 August 1961, Cran EDWARD GRAY CRAN,* B.SC., A.M.I.C.E., youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Cran, lb Mount Street, Aberdeen, to Wendy Isobel Mary Diack, of 46 Smithfield Road, Aberdeen. Davidson (1928-39).-At Queen's Cross Church, Aberdeen, on 2 September 1961, ALEXANDER KENNEDY DAVIDSON,* youngest son of the late Mr. James Davidson and of Mrs. S. W. S. Davidson, Cults, to Elizabeth Aileen, youngest daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. J. F. MacLeod. Deans (1946-48).—At St. Peter's Church, Thurso, on I June 1961, WILLIAM FRASER MACKIE DEANS, youngest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Alexander G. Deans, Aberdeen, to Gwendoline, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank R. M. Bremner, Thurso East Mains, Thurso. Dick (x944-48).—At St. Mary's Cathedral, Aberdeen, on 20 May 1961, WALTER Dicx,* son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dick, 18 Deemount Gardens, Aberdeen, to Eleanor Margaret, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Thomson, 4; Osborne Place, Aberdeen. 54
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Donald (1938-40, 1941-44).—At Rubislaw Church, Aberdeen, on 7 September 1961, JAMES FORREST DONALD,* son of Dean of Guild J. R. Donald, 34 Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen, and of the late Mrs. Donald, to Anne, daughter of Mrs. P. D. Lawrence, 45 Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen, and of the late Mr. John Gerrie, F.R.C.S. Drummond (195z-56).—At Drumchapel Parish Church, Glasgow, on x July 1961, JAMES PATRICK DRUMMOND, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. H. Drummond, 77 Queen's Road, Aberdeen, to Elizabeth Maclachlan, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Kerr, 18 Kaystone Road, Blairdardie, Glasgow. Duthie (1945-5o).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 9 September 1961, ALEXANDER HENDERSON DUTHIE,* younger son of the late Mr. D. W. Duthie and of Mrs. Duthie, 83 Willowbank Road, Aberdeen, to Norma daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Brown, 224 Birkhall Parade, Aberdeen. Farquharson (1945-49)At Woodford Congregational Church, Ilford, Essex, on 15 July 1961, JAMES KEITH FARQUHARSON,* elder son of the late Dr. James S. Farquharson and of Mrs. D. M. Farquharson, Ravenscraig, Hatfield Road, St. Albans, to Vivienne Anne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Ashcroft, 33 Leigh Avenue, Ilford, Essex. Fleming (1937-42).—At Colinton Parish Church, Edinburgh, on 9 September 1961, JOHN STEWART FLEMING, son of the Rev. and Mrs. J. G. Grant Fleming, East Manse, Banchog, to Elizabeth Mary, daughter of the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. J. W. C. Dougall, 68 Spylaw Bank Road, Edinburgh. Gardiner (1939-47, 1949-52).—At St. Ninian's Parish Church, Corstorphine, Edinburgh, on 27 July 1961, AUSTIN JAMES SUTHERLAND GARDINER, M.B., CH.B., elder son of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Gardiner, 6o Beaconsfield Place, Aberdeen, to Ruth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Leslie Duncan, 20 Gordon Road, Edinburgh. Gordon (1939-48).—At St.:George's West Church, Edinburgh, on 21 October 1961, PETER MITCHELL GORDON,* M.A., R.D., son of Dr. and Mrs. D. G. Gordon, Caldwells, Inverurie, to Fiona Selby, elder daughter of Sheriff and Mrs. T. P. McDonald, 68 Northumberland Street, Edinburgh 3. Harper (1940-54).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 5 July 1961, JOHN LOUIS HARPER,* elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis R. Harper, 112 Seafield Road, Aberdeen, to Fiona Mary, daughter of the Rev. Professor and Mrs. A. M. Hunter, t z Westfield Terrace, Aberdeen. Harrow (1943-47)At St. Devenick's Church, Bicldsidc, on 27 July 1961, ANDREW LEWIS HARROW,* younger son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Beverley Harrow, Toftwood, Milltimber, to Margaret Joan, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Anderson, Caimbaan, Bieldside. Hunter (1935-47).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 17 July 1961, JAMES MORE HUNTER, son of the late Mr. J. M. Hunter and of Mrs. E. Hunter, 8 Forbesficld Road, Aberdeen, to Evelyn, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Ramsay, to Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen. Johnstone (1914-22).—At Rubislaw Church, Aberdeen, on 9 June 1961, JOHN WILLIAM JOHNSTONE,* 13 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen, to Norma Anne, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Forbes, 43 Rubislaw Den South, Aberdeen. Johnstone (1914-21).—At St. Finnian's Church, Belfast, on 59 August 1961, PETER ALEXANDER JOILNSTONE,* x Forest Road, Aberdeen, to Hilary Derinda, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward McBrien, 20 Hillsborough Drive, Belfast 6. Kinnear (195o-56).—At the Church Of St. John the Baptist, Coventry, on 21 October 1961, Captain DAVID THOMAS KINNEAR,* R.A.S.C., son of the late Mr. Arthur Kinnear, Aberdeen, and of Mrs. E. C. Kinnear, Ardmore, 74 Barton Road, Luton, to Margaret Elizabeth Murray, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Murray Bladon, 64 Kenilworth Road, Coventry.
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Lillie (1944-5z).—At Aberdeen, on 23 September 1961, JOHN GORDON LILLIE,* son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lillie, 38 Mugiemoss Road, Bucksbum, to Joan, younger daughter of the late Mr. Robert Stephenson and of Mrs. Stephenson, 6i Morningside, Road, Aberdeen. Mcllwain (1945-51).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 14 July 1961, ALEXANDER EDWARD MCILWAIN,* M.A., LL.B., son of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Mcllwain, 6t Louisville Avenue, Aberdeen, to Moira Margaret, daughter of the late William Kinnaird and of Mrs. Annie Kinnaird, 4 Hoscfield Avenue, Aberdeen. McIntyre (I945-51).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 28 July 1961, RUARAIDII WISIIART MCINTYRE,* M.B., CII.B., youngest son of the late Mr. Peter J. McIntyre, Broughty Ferry, and of Mrs. C. McIntyre, 59 Forest Road, Aberdeen, to Lesley Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Milne, 27 Hazledcne Road, Aberdeen. MacLeod (t945-54).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 15 July 1961, ROBIN DEWAR MURRAY MAcLEoD,* son of Mr. and Mrs. R. B. MacLeod, Oakbank Schoolhouse, Aberdeen, to Gwen, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. S. Mair, Elstead, Hitchin, Herts. McWhirter (1946-52).—At St. Giles Church, Camberwell, London, on zo May, 1961, WILLIAM EWING MCWHIRTER, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. T. C. McWhirter, 64 Great Western Road, Aberdeen, to Gillian, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. French, Highwold, Chipstead, Surrey. Mackie (1946-54—At Bergen, Norway, on 25 July 1961, MAITLAND MACKIE, son of Mr. Maitland Mackie (1926-28) Westerton, Rothienorman, and of the late Mrs. Mackie, to Halldis Ramm, of Fanai, Bergen. Mackie (1941-54).—At Aberdeen, on 14 October 1961, WILL T Am DONALD MACKIE, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Mackie, 10 King's Gate, Aberdeen, to Margaret Wilma, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Murray, 18 Whinhill Road, Aberdeen. Miller (I939-44).—At Finzcan Church, Aberdeenshire, on 1 July 1961, ANcus RODE RICK DURIE MILLER,* elder son of Dr. and Mrs. H. D. N. Miller, Cairn-monEarn, Banchory, to Alison Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. FarquharsonIang, of Finzcan. Milne (1947-50).—At John Knox Church, Gerrard Street, Aberdeen, on 17 June 1961, ALEXANDER MILNE, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Milne, 4 Richmond Terrace, Aberdeen, to Eileen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Hay, zo Richmond Terrace, Aberdeen. Milne (194i-52).—At Hilton High Church, Aberdeen, on zz September 1961, IAN WILLIAM MASSON MILNE,* son of Mrs. J. A. Milne, 9 Wallfield Crescent, Aberdeen, to Frances Eileen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Dcy, 1 i o Wcstburn Road, Aberdeen. Milne (I 948-52).—At Trinity Church, Aberdeen, on 16 September 5961, WILLIAM ALEXANDER MILNE, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Milne, z Great Western Place, Aberdeen, to Mary Grant, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. Simpson, Fortes. Moir (1940-53).—At St. Ninian's Training Centre, Edinburgh, on 25 August 1961, IAN ANDREW MOIR,* M.A., A.D., son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew F. Moir, 39 Carden Place, Aberdeen, to Elsie, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Fraser, 38 Park Road, Trinity, Edinburgh. Munro (1940-51).—At Craigicbuckler Church, Aberdeen, on 6 June 1961, I IAMISH MCDONALD MUNRO,* eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Munro, so Oakhill Road, Aberdeen, to Shirley Helen, daughter of the late Mr. Charles Strachan and of Mrs. E. Strachan, 5 Craighill Terrace, Tain. Murphy (1945-51).--At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 7 August 1961, PETER ALEXANDER MURPHY,* son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Murphy, 92 Gaitside Drive, Aberdeen, to Margaret Jean, youngest daughter of the late Mr. John Christie and of Mrs. Christie, Middleton of Potrerton, Whitecairns.
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Paterson (1937-47).—At St. Mary's Church, Aberdeen, on 14 August 1961,
RICHARD GEORGE PATERSON, M.A., second son of the late Mr. Albert Paterson and
of Mrs. Paterson, 5 Carlton Place, Aberdeen, to Anne-Marie Desbarats, of Pau, France. Pirie (1949-55).—At Causwayend Church, Aberdeen, on 17 June 1961, HUGH PIRIE, second son of Mr. and Mrs. James Pink, 331 Hilton Drive, Aberdeen. to Maureen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Watt, to Harris Drive, Aberdeen. Scott (t 949-52).—At Trinity Congregational Church, Aberdeen on a September 1961, ALEXANDER CAMPBELL SCOTT, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Scott, 2 Gilcomston Terrace, Aberdeen, to Irene R. Davie, 56 Mastrick Road, Aberdeen. Scott (1942-5o).—At St. Michael's Church, Lamboum, on 12 August 1961, NEIL McCALLtym Scorr,* eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. I. Scott, Dernclcugh, Cults, Aberdeen, to Gillian Grace, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Pavier, 2 Blind Lane, Lambourn, Berks. Scrimgeour (1921-2.4).—At St. Andrew's Parish Church, Glasgow, on 23 September 1961, RONALD CHARLES SCRIMGEOUR,* eldest son of the late Dr. F. J. Scrimgeour and of Mrs. Scrimgeour, 76 Craigleith Road, Edinburgh, to Christine Gertrude, younger daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Rust, Benholm Castle, Johnshavcn, Kincardineshire. Simpson (1945-47).—At Ferryhill South Church, Aberdeen on 1 July 1961, JAMES DUTIIIE SIMPSON, son of the late Mr. J. Simpson and of Mrs. K. Simpson, to Theresa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Wiseman, 8 Queen's Terrace, Aberdeen. Steele (1945-51).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 29 July 1961, WILLIAM ALEXANDER STEELE,* son of Mr. and Mrs. George Steele, 286 Union Gro'Ve, Aberdeen, to Catherine Fraser, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Mennie, 5z Midstocket Road, Aberdeen. Stewart (1937-4.9).--At St. John's Church, Seaham, on it August 1961, JOHN only son of Mr. and MIS. J. R. Stewart, 15 Leadside ANDREW STEWART, Road, Aberdeen, to Moira, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Andrews, 162 The Avenue, Denesidc, Seaham, Co. Durham. Tosh (i946-53).—At North Church, Aberdeen, on 21 October 1961, ALASTAI R HUTCHISON Tostt,* eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley M. Tosh, 14 St. John's Terrace, Edinburgh, to Gillian Taylor, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Fraser, to Riverside Terrace, Aberdeen, Wagrel (1943-49)In Venice, on s July 1961, MARTIN JAMES WAGREL, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Wagrel, 29 Seafield Gardens, Aberdeen, to Patricia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Morgan, Southampton. Walker (1942-49).—At St. Columba's Free Church, Aberdeen, on 9 September 1961, JAMES RUSSELL WALKER,* son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Walker, 113 Westburn Drive, Aberdeen, to Coleen, daughter of Chief Constable and Mrs. A. J. Matheson, 81 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen.
Obituary John George Alcock* (1912-14) died suddenly at Lumphanan on 6 June 1961. He was sixty-two years of age. He spent all his working life with Aberdeen Savings Bank, being for a time Manager of the St. Machar Branch. From 1932 until his retiral in 1959 he was Manager of the Southern Branch in Holbum Street. During the First World War he served first with the Black Watch and thereafter with the Royal Flying Corps. He had been in poor health during the last few years, and at the time of his death was spending a holiday at Lumphanan. cx.B., died in Bristol on 7 June 1961. Francis William Begg (1894.97), Dr Begg was a native of New Deer, and after graduating practised for a time in Aberdeen. He later moved to England and was for many years at Wroughton, Wilts. During the First World War he served with the West Riding Field Ambulance Unit, R.A.M.C. in France, Belgium and Salonika. In 1927 he went to Australia and was for a number of years in practice in Victoria before returning to this country and practising in Pilning, Gloucester. On the introduction of the National Health Service he retired from general practice but was for six years a Surgeon at sea. His two sons were at School—James Hudson Begg (1923-27) and John Hudson Begg (1923-27). Both left School to accompany their father to Australia. Andrew Clark* (1895-1901), M.A., died suddenly in South Africa on 15 June 1961, aged seventy-nine. He was the youngest of five sons of the late Rev. Alexander Clark of the Free Church, Kingswells, who to quote Andrew's own words, " trudged the weary four miles from Kingswells through ' dubs ', along the ' Lang Stracht ', down past Oakbank into Midstocket Road and down Craigie Loanings to the School, arriving more often late than not ". After leaving School he studied at Aberdeen University graduating in Arts in 1906. He taught at the West Burgh School and the Academy in Forfar until 1908, when he went to South Africa to take the place of his eldest brother Alexander at Selborne College, East London, while he went on overseas leave. He taught in various places in Cape Province, South Africa, until 1917 when he became Secretary and Treasurer to Cathcart School Board, Cape Province. In 1933 he received a similar appointment at Queenstown, Cape Province, a town which owed much to the benefaction of the late Hon. Sir William Bisset Barrie (1848-S3), M.A., M.D., LL.B. Andrew Clark retired from this appointment in 1943, but this was far from being the end of his activities. In 1944 he was employed by a local auditor and accountant in Queenstown. He later moved to Pretoria where he became a clerical assistant in the Defence Department, or as he described it himself " one of the insignificant cogs in the war machine ". In 1945 he was Secretary and Accountant of a Co-operative Creamery in Queenstown, and in the following year took up Government work in East London. In 1953 he was appointed Town Clerk of Keiskama Hock, Cape Province. He retired in 1958 owing to failing health and in 196o moved with his wife to East London to stay with the younger of his two sons. He took a great interest in the careers of his class fellows at the Grammar and at Aberdeen University, among them being Dr. No MacNaughton Clark, Professor William Soutar Mackie* (1895-1901), Professor of English Language, Cape Town University, and the late Theodore Watt. Only one of the five brothers now survives—James Haggart Clark (1888-92), M.A., who retired from the Ministry in 195o and is resident in Abernethy, Perthshire. The other three brothers were George Clark (1889-?) who died in British Columbia in 1929 ; William Clark (1893-99) who died in South Africa in 1952 and Alexander Clark (1885-89) who died in 1954 also in South Africa. John George Duncan Ferries (1894-1905), O.B.E., died at Bieldside, Aberdeen, on 24 September 5961, aged seventy-five. He was the only son of the late John Ferries, Managing Secretary of the Northern Co-operative Society Ltd. He served 58
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his legal apprenticeship with Messrs. Fraser & Duguid, Advocates in Aberdeen, qualifying as a Law Agent in 1916. In 1920 he became a Partner in the firm of Whincup, Carle & Duthie (now Carle, Duthie & Ferries), Advocates in Aberdeen, and in the same year he was admitted a member of the Society of Advocates, Aberdeen. For many years he was Chairman of the Court of Referees dealing with Appeals under the Unemployment Insurance Acts, and since 1948 was Chairman of the Aberdeen Local Appeal Tribunal under the National Insurance Act. He was also Chairman of the Military Service Hardship Committee, the Appeal Tribunal of the National Dock Labour Board, and Aberdeen Reinstatement Committee. He was Joint Manager of the Harbour Branch, Aberdeen, of the National & Commercial Bank of Scotland Ltd., a local Director of the Royal Insurance Co. Ltd. and an Elder of the West Church of St. Nicholas. He was made an O.B.E. in 1951. He was Honorary Secretary of the Aberdeen Business & Professional Club from its formation in 1932. In recognition of his long service in this capacity the Club made him an Honorary Member on the occasion of its Silver Jubilee in 19f7. It is interesting to note that a similar distinction was conferred on the Club's first Honorary Treasurer, the late Charles Williamson (1883-85), M.A., c.a., who died in 1960. Mr. Ferries is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son Harvey Ferries* (192539), B.L., is a partner in the family firm of Carle, Duthie and Ferries and who has succeeded his father as Secretary of the Business and Professional Club. Alexander Flett* (1891-92), R.D., died on 15 August 196o, aged eighty-two. He was a member of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners. After leaving School he served a four year apprenticeship on a sailing vessel, and was thereafter an officer on several steamers sailing all over the world. For a time he was Captain of a steamer on the coast of India. Shortly before the outbreak of war in 1914 he joined the Suez Canal Company as a pilot, but left in 1915 to take part in the war. He was mentioned in Dispatches. In 1925 he was promoted Lieut.-Commander, R.N.R. (Retired) and awarded the Royal Naval Reserve Decoration. Following his war service he was Berthing Master at the Corporation loading pier at Southendon-Sea until his retiral in 1934. John Maclennan* (1888-9o), M.D., died at Nairn on 8 May 1961 in his ninetieth year. He was a native of Kyle of Lochalsh and graduated in Medicine at Aberdeen in 1895, taking his M.D. degree in 1925. He was in general practice in Thurso for forty years before retiring to Nairn in 1936. He was a keen sportsman, being an expert shot and fisher. While he was a student he represented the university at Shinty. He was a keen Freemason, being a Past Master of the Thurso Lodge and a member of the Aberdeen Royal Arch Chapter. Archibald Campbell Macrae* (1896-1901), M.B., C11.B., died on 19 September 1961. He graduated in Medicine at Aberdeen in 1912 and joined the Indian Medical Service in 1913. He was mobilised on the outbreak of war as a Lieutenant and served in various theatres of War. In 1932 he became Deputy Assistant Director of Medical Services in the Indian Medical Service, being promoted Lieut.-Colonel in July of that year. In 1943, with the rank of Colonel, he was appointed an Honorary Physician to the king. In 1945, by which time he had retired from the Indian Medical Service, he was acting as Chief Medical Officer for the British Zone in Austria, where he did valuable work in connection with displaced persons. William George Melvin* (1888-96), M.1NST.C.E., died at Aberdeen on 3o May 1961. After serving apprenticeship as a civil engineer in Aberdeen he went to the Public Works Department in Bengal as an Assistant Civil Engineer. He was commissioned during the First World War with the 1st King George's Own Sappers and Miners of the Indian Army, and saw service on the North-west Frontier and in Persia. After the war he returned to Bengal, remaining there until 1926. He then took charge of the Engineering Department of the Lake Copais Co. Ltd., Aliartos, Greece. He was engaged in draining and irrigating swamp land north
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
of Athens to convert 6o,ooo acres into farm land. From 1931-35 he was engaged on various projects in the U.K., including the construction of the Priscilly Dam in South Wales. In 1935, along with another F.P. John Henderson Ducat (1881-86), he was the promoter of Tagu Tin Ltd., a private company formed to acquire mines, mining rights and metalliferous lands in Burma. He left Burma in 1940 and from 1942-47 he was Resident Engineer for the Ministry of Agriculture for the Mattraeth Marsh Drainage Scheme in North Wales. From 1948-53 he was with Messrs. Ward, Ashcroft & Parkman, Consulting Engineers, Liverpool, as Resident Engineer at Worsley Sewerage Scheme in Lancashire. He retired to Aberdeen in 1953. He was appointed an Associate Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers in 1907, became a Member in 1918, and was later elected a Fellow of the Institute. He contributed an interesting article on " Memories of Persia 1918 " in the June 1954 issue of the Magazine. Edwin Morgan* (1906-12) died suddenly at Streetsville, Ontario, on 6 July 1961. On leaving School he entered the service of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, Toronto. He was stationed in various parts of Canada in the course of his banking service, eventually being appointed an Audit Officer in 5929. At that time he reported that the first branch which he audited had as its Manager a School contemporary of his, Sidney S. Petrie (1904-10). He was in the service of the Bank at Los Angeles in 1934 where he acted as Club Consul. In 1937 he became Assistant Vice-President of the Bank in California, and later was promoted Inspector. In 5945 he became a Special Representative of the Bank, being particularly concerned with establishing contacts and procuring new business in the United States. He completed forty-three years' service with the Bank, retiring in July 1955. Since then he had been resident in Streetsville, Ontario. I lc is survived by his widow. His two brothers were also F.P.s and Bankers—Frederic William Morgan (19031909) who died in 1952 was also a Banker in Canada; Hugh Mackintosh Morgan* (1914-20) is with the Clydesdale & North of Scotland Bank Ltd. in Glasgow. James Dewar Robertson (1894-1905), M.C., M.R., C1-1.B., died suddenly in Swansea on 29 December 1960, aged seventy-one. A native of Glenlivet, Banffshire, he graduated in Medicine at Aberdeen in 19 to. He was for a time in practice at Ballindalloch, where he was also Medical Officer of Health. He was a Medical Officer with the 19th Battalion of the Machine Gun Corps during the First World War, serving with distinction and being awarded the Military Cross. After the war he went into general practice in Swansea and developed a very flourishing practice. He was Medical Officer to a First-Aid Post in Swansea during the early days of the 1939-45 war, showing great courage and resourcefulness during many of the severe air raids in that area. He was a Treasury Medical Officer and Chairman of the Swansea National Service Medical Board. He had a reputation in Swansea as a very popular and well-loved family practitioner. He retired in 1960. George Shepherd* (1890-97) died suddenly while on holiday at Scarborough on 6 June 1961, aged eight•. After leaving School he was for three years in the service of Robert Millar & Sons, Timber Merchants, Aberdeen. Thereafter he joined his father's firm of Simpson Shepherd & Sons, Wine and Spirit Merchants in Aberdeen, maintaining his connection with that firm until 1920. In recent years he had been living at Harrogate. He was the last survivor of four F.P. brothers, Simpson Shepherd (1890-97), William Shepherd (1894-1903), and Lindsay Lyall Shepherd (1900-07). Robert Erskine Wetherley Stroud* (1914-19), B.COM., c.A., died suddenly in Aberdeen on 3o October 196r, aged fifty-five. He was the son of the late Mr. Horace Stroud, a trawl owner in Aberdeen. He graduated in Commerce at Aberdeen in 5929 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Messrs. Bower & Smith, Aberdeen. Thereafter until the outbreak of war in 1939 he was on the staff of Messrs. Thomas McLintock & Co., Accountants in London. During the Second World War he served with the Royal Air Force, attaining the rank of Squadron
Obituary
61
Leader. Hie was mentioned in Dispatches in 1945. After the war he was Chief Accountant with United Kingdom & Dominion Wool Disposals Ltd. In 1951 he was appointed Secretary of Esslemont & Macintosh, Ltd., Tailors & Clothiers Aberdeen. He was also a director of the Company. He was an enthusiastic member of Aberdeen Toastmasters' Club, and at the time of his death was its President. He was also a member of Deeside Golf Club and the University Club. He was one of four F.P. brothers—William Richard Wetherley Stroud (1914-18) who is retired and living in Edinburgh ; George David Wright Stroud* (1914-19) who is in business in Aberdeen. The fourth brother, Horace Edward Stroud (1918-29) died in 1959. George Angus Taylor (1917-22), M.B., CH.B., and died at Oldham, Lanes. After graduating at Aberdeen in 1932 Dr. Taylor went into general practice in Oldham and remained there for the rest of his life. He was for many years a member of Oldham Town Council and was latterly an Alderman. His son is Angus Murray Uhornley Taylor (1945-46), Ii.A. Dr. Taylor who was fifty-six years of age is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter. Peter Webster (1898-19oz), M.A., died in Cambusbarron, near Stirling in May 1961. He was born at Maryculter, and attended Banchory Primary School before coming to the Grammar. He graduated in Arts at Aberdeen in 1906, and shortly after joined the staff of Bridge of Allan Intermediate School. After war service, first with the Lovat Scouts and later with the Royal Engineers (Signals) he returned to Bridge of Allan. He was appointed First Assistant at Riverside Junior Secondary School, Stirling in 1929 when the School was opened. Later he became Headmaster of Strathblane School, near Glasgow and in 1938 became Headmaster at Cambusbarron, retiring in 1949. Alexander George Gunn Williamson* (1914-26), m.c., died at Aberdeen on 15 September 1961, aged fifty-three. On leaving School he joined the Upper Assam Tea Company, remaining in their employment for thirty years. During the Second World War he joined the Indian Army and served as a Lieutenant with the 8th Punjab Regiment. He was captured on Penang Island where he had been left behind, but escaped and managed to rejoin his Company, only to be recaptured in February 1942. I le was a prisoner-of-war in Japanese hands in Singapore until September 1945. In 1949 he was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry in Siam during December 1941. The award was delayed due to the loss of records and to the political changes in India after the War. After his retinal in 1957 he returned to live in Aberdeen. Alexander Wilson (1902-05) died at Aberdeen on 31 May 1961, aged sixtyseven. He completed his education at Merchiston and thereafter served his apprenticeship as a civil engineer in the Harbour Office, Aberdeen, before joining his father as a granite merchant. He served during the 1914-18 war with the North Scottish Royal Garrison Artillery (T.F.). After the war he returned to the family business of Messrs. Alex. Wilson & Son, Granite Merchants, Aberdeen, in which he was still interested at the time of his death. William Young (1889-94) died at Tunbridge Wells, Kent in February 196o. After leaving School he was an apprentice with Messrs. Watt & Milne, drapers, Aberdeen from 1896-19oo. After a year in London with Messrs. Marshall & Snclgrove he went out to Trinidad where be was associated with various enterprises eventually being in business on his own account as a wholesale and retail dealer in general merchandise at San Fernando. During the First World War he served with the Royal West Kent Regiment and after the war he was a partner in the firm of Preston, Young & Co., London, lace merchants. This firm in common with so many others in the lace industry suffered badly as a result of the general decline in that industry before the Second World War. From 1939-45 he was a full time air raid warden in the London area and after an appointment with Enfield Rolling Mills following the war he retired to Tunbridge Wells.
6z
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
New Members of the Club (i5 May 1961-15 November 1961) LIFE MEMBER Gilbert, Henry (1958-61), 247 Queen's Road, Aberdeen. ORDINARY MEMBERS Aird, Hector MacQueen (1945-61), 71 Blenheim Place, Aberdeen. Archibald, William Grant (1 946-57), 31 Stanley Street, Aberdeen. Begg, Ian Stewart Darrioch (1950-61), 76 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen. Bisset, Brian David (1957-61), 39 Be!grave Terrace, Aberdeen. Burke, Alan (1953-60), 22 Ramsay Gardens, Aberdeen. Byiers, Robert (1955-61), 1o Hillview Place, Aberdeen Cameron, Henry Gordon (1955-61), too Cornhill Drive, Aberdeen. Campbell, Norman Kenneth (1951-58), 16 Westholme Crescent North, Aberdeen. Chilman, Paul Thomas (1958-61), 15 Greenmore Gardens, Aberdeen. Clark, David Robertson (1947-61), z Wellbrae Terrace, Aberdeen. Clark, Edward Charles (1955-61), 34 Newlands Crescent, Aberdeen. Coutts, Findlay N. (1948-61), 17 Richmondhill Road, Aberdeen. Downs, Alexander Loudon Muir (1949-61), An-Darrioch, Culter House Road, Milltimber, Aberdeen. Fraser, Neil McCallum (1953-6o), 7 Warren Close, Esher, Surrey. Freeland, Derek Michael (1957-61), " Renelle ", 37 Louisville Avenue, Aberdeen. Garden, Brian (1948-61), z7 Summerfield Terrace, Aberdeen. Gauld, Malcolm William Robertson (1947-61), 98 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen. Gibb, Michael (1947-61), 491 Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Glentworth, Garth William (1948-61), t9 Viewfield Gardens, Aberdeen. Gorrod, Kenneth Michael (1947-61), 114 Queen's Road, Aberdeen. Grant, Ronald William (1948-61), 42 Hillview Road, Nigg, Aberdeen. Grieve, Richard Andrew Francis (1948-61), 5 Ashley Park North, Aberdeen. Hall, Dr. David (1917-27), " Giewsley ", Western Road, Wolverton, Bucks. Hamill, James (1951-61), 76 Whitehall Road, Aberdeen. Henderson, Peter George (1951-61), 8 Mosman Place, Hilton, Aberdeen. Hopkin, Duncan J. (1955-61), 35 St Swithin Street, Aberdeen. Jamieson, Ernest Charles (1955-61), S4 Anderson Avenue, Aberdeen. Johnstone, Frank Dennis (195o-61), 89 Osborne Place, Aberdeen. Johnston, John I. (1947-61), z9 Hollybank Place, Aberdeen. Keay, James (1955-61), 1 Kincorth Gardens, Aberdeen. Keith, Ian Cameron (1950-6!), 151 Duthie Terrace, Aberdeen. Lamb, Raymond Johnston (1958-61), 14 Spey Road, Mastrick, Aberdeen. Lennox, Donald lain (1958-61), 7 Rubislaw Park Crescent, Aberdeen. Leslie, Raymond Alexander (1949-5 2), 58 Westray Road, Aberdeen. Mackland, Ian (1955-61), 271 Birkhall Parade, Mastrick, Aberdeen. Matthews, Nigel Frederick (1959-61), 94 Blenheim Place, Aberdeen. Middleton, John Gary Forsyth (1954-61), 7 Davidson Drive, Northfield, Aberdeen Middleton, Ian Adam (1938-44), " Strathbeg ", Manor Place, Cults, Aberdeen. Milne, Andrew Connon (1954-61), 387 North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen. Milne Gordon Graeme (195o-61), 38 Albyn Place, Aberdeen. Milne, James Elder (1 950-54), 257 Springhill Road, Aberdeen. Milne, Peter John (1955-61), 13 Chattan Place, Aberdeen. Miller, David Gavin (1948-61), 7o Cornhill Road, Aberdeen. Miller, Norman Melvin (1947-61), 2 Kaimhill Gardens, Aberdeen. Mitchell, Stuart John (1948-61), " Red Roofs ", 1 Harlaw Place, Aberdeen. Mitchell, William Douglas (1946-61), 43 Hazledene Road, Aberdeen.
New Members of the Club
63
Morrison, Alexander Findlay Barnes (1 954-61), 44 Polmuir Road, Aberdeen. Morrison, Terence (1955-6!), 59 Greenburn Drive, Aberdeen. McAllister, Laurence Lawson (1959), to Moray Place, Aberdeen. McAra Roderic George (1947-61), 17 Airyhall Drive, Aberdeen. MacLeod, Alasdair Hugh (1947-61), 71 Osborne Place, Aberdeen. McPherson, David Anderson (1956-61), 99 Willowbank Road, Aberdeen. Parkinson, David Kelly (1945 -59), 14 Seafield Road, Aberdeen. Peterson, Gordon Craig (1950-61), Caimcry Avenue, Aberdeen. Philips, Alexander Schroder (1950-61), 5o Newlands Crescent, Aberdeen. Phillips, David Ririe (1955-61), 140 Mid Stocker Road, Aberdeen. Reid, Geoffray Douglas (1946-61), 122 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen. Reid, Ian Booth (1935-51), at St. Swithin Street, Aberdeen. Robertson, Graeme Dunn (1956-61), 39 Hilton Terrace, Aberdeen. Robinson, Douglas M. (1955-61), 47 Morningside Avenue, Aberdeen. Runcie, David William (1954-61), 38 Harcourt, Road, Aberdeen. Shewan, Denis Michael Alastair (1935-43), 9 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen. Smith, Alastair Runcie (1947-61), 26 Viewfield Road, Aberdeen. Smith, Ian Leslie (1947-61), 31 Beechhill Gardens, Aberdeen. Smith, Ronald Ian Lewis (1947-60), " Cruachan ", Westerton Place, Cults, Aberdeen. Souter, Ian Patrick (1947-61), 3 Westburn Drive, Aberdeen. Spiers, Ronald Cowan (1948-61), 49 Regent Quay, Aberdeen. Stephen, John Matthew (1955-61), 540 Holburn Street, Aberdeen. Stroud, Horace Edward (1955-61), z8 Mastrick Drive, Aberdeen. Taylor, Andrew (1947-61), Chanonry Lodge, Old Aberdeen, Aberdeen. Watson, Roderick Bruce (1955-61), 3 Rubislaw Place, Aberdeen. Weir, John Grant Colin (1946-61), " Taymount ", 24 Rosehill Drive, Aberdeen. Whyte, James Graham (1956-59), Ormlie Lodge, Thurso. Wilding, David Mitchell (1947-61), 72 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen. Wisely, Ivan Charles Fraser (1948-61), 5 Westholrne Terrace, Aberdeen. Wood, Stuart Wakefield (1950-61), 53 Deansloch Crescent, Aberdeen. Young, Raymond Scott (1946-61), 135 Gardner Drive, Kincorth, Aberdeen. STAFF MEMBER McCombie, Arthur L., M.A., 87 Ashley Road, Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
64
The Common Market—To Trade or not to Trade A " getting together " of various European countries has been taking place in various ways since the war ; thus we have had : taking in organisation year 1948 " O.E.C.D. "—Organisation for Economic Co- 18 European members plus U.S.A. and operation and Development (the former Canada Marshall Plan) 1 949 " NATO "—North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 13 European members plus U.S.A. and (Military Alliance) and Canada France, W. Germany> 195 z " The Common Market " (The Inner Six) Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands. from which has developed195 z " E.C.S.C. "—European Coal and Steel Community 195 8 " E.E.C. "—European Economic Community 1958 " Euratom "—European Atomic Energy Community 195 4 " Eurovision " 24 members U.K., Norway, Swed1960 " E.F.T.A. "—European Free Trade Association en, Denmark, Austria, (" The Outer Seven ") Switzerland, Portugal. Common Market, and or not to join the The U.K. is now considering whether The Scostman of 9 December 1961 remarks : " It has been contended that the decision to join or not to join the European Common Market is the most fateful which has confronted any British government in the past century." The following chart, which we have compiled, will—we believe—be of interest to many, especially those of a statistical turn of mind, who are following the present developments with great interest, and perhaps, concern. Trade Export Figures (1960) Commonwealth \
/ 2
/
9%
17%
54% 1 40% / U.K.
7%
15°~-s
4-6% /
pop. 5z,zoo,ooo \ 45%
" The Common Market" pop. 170,000,000
/ 87°, ,
\
/
Rest of the World [Acknowledgement is made to The Scotsman and Time for information used in the above.]
0
Advertisements Without the support of Advertisers it would be a financial impossibility to produce the Magazine.
May we
suggest that in return you patronize them.
Enquiries regarding advertising in the Magazine should be addressed to : FRANK C. CONNON, ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER, 58 DEE STREET, ABERDEEN
xiii
GRAMMAR SCHOOL OUTFITS
BLAZERS*.(An Woo from 76/6 PULLOVERS (school Colours) 34/6 MUFFLERS 13/11 TIES—Junior, 4/11 ; Senior, 5/6 STOCKINGS from 8/6 69/YOUTHS' TROUSERS PP
(Terylene; Worsted)
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from £5 : 2 : 0
ESSLEMONT & MACINTOSH LTD.
(RETAILERS) TAILORS AND OUTFITTERS
ABERDEEN
UNION STREET Niv
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J. & A. OGILVIE UNION STREET
ABERDEEN We can offer you extensive service in the following spheres : •
FURNISHING FOR THE HOME, HOTELS AND INSTITUTIONS.
•
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•
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.Z7 1-
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60 GREAT WESTERN ROAD •
Tel. 25264
xv
Est. 1911
COMPLETE POSTER SERVICES IN NORTH-EAST SCOTLAND
The
.
i
I
AND GENERAL POSTER PUBLICITY Company Limited
60 UNION ROW
ABERDEEN
•
and at 3 CHURCH STREET INVERNESS
TELEPHONP
281 94
FOR FRESH IDEAS-IT'S
PRESTCOLD Perishable foods need safe storage and PRESTCOLD provide it, with handsome service cabinets. Well-known for their reliability they are extremely economical, saving on space, saving on running costs.
The SC. 141 Service Cabinet (see illustration) Capacity 14.02 cu. ft. gross—takes less than I so. yard of floor space. The frozen food locker holds 35 lb. of packaged food and makes 9 lb. of ice in one day. The door shelves can hold 20 milk bottles. The sealed refrigerating system is guaranteed for five years, the whole SC. 141 for one year.
The SC. 141 Service Cabinet
S PARK
Full details from:
' S xvi
AB
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6F1 8 ROSE ABERDEEN
s RE E T Tel. 27366
Ask the man who knows about
FISHING TACKLE Ask the veteran angler, the man who almost lives on the river, and he will unhesitatingly tell you that the 'Scottie' Trademark stands for the highest quality in fishing tackle.
JAMES BLAKE LTD. — Joiners and — Building Contractors
30-32 Gt. Western Road
"This is the most wonderful rod I hare eter used."—Col. J. T. H. (Manchester).
*This is just one of the many unsolicited testimonials we receive from day to day.
Enquiries courteously solicited
MARK
TRADE
SCOTTIE'
ALL CLASSES OF BUILDING WORK
J. S. SHARPE (FISHING TACKLE) LTD
35 BELMONT STREET ABERDEEN
Telephone 24382 Telegrams " Blake Builders "
ESTAELISHED Isis
• For QUALITY
DRY CLEANING
APPOINTED
TO
MELT PUR-
HER
MAIESTY
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•
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Cleaners
J. WILLIAMSON & SON Meat Purveyors, Poulterers and Game Dealers
450 UNION STREET 27 ROSEMOUNT VIA. ST. NICHOLAS STREET and THE SQUARE, CULTS Head Office and Works: 40 CLAREMONT STREET
Terephone 5 2 2 5 5
I, 2, & 3 MARKET BUILDINGS ABERDEEN Phone 28470
BRANCHES 35 FOUNTAiNHALL ROAD
THE SQUARE. CULTS
PHONE 21724
PHONE 47822
ALSO AT CHURCH SQUARE, BALLATER PHONE 38
FOR BUSINESS PRINTING
The Greyfriars Press 6 Upper Kirkgate, Aberdeen Telephone 29124
. . . and always of course for stylish Business and Sports wear . . . J OUR NEW ADDRESS:
an WEAR
MEN'S
131 HOLBURN STREET, ABERDEEN NO PARKING PROBLEM
(Corner of Hollybank Place)
th
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,
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i
t .'
iw' - -.) .-11. ;:44, t.
Shoes correctly fitted by X-RAY pedcscope
1,.. .1
JOHN A. DUNN LTD. FAMILY BOOT AND SHOE MAKERS
46 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN also at PETERHEAD, ELGIN, FORFAR, TURRIFF
-
Phone 20 158
xviii
F
THE NEW
AUSTIN A 60
i.
The NEW AUSTIN A60 is designed for power, safety, and comfort.
Its 1622 c.c. 61 b.h.p. engine gives you more than
80 m.p.h., and for the first time ever Austin offer fully automatic transmission in a car of this class. Standard Model L854:7:3 ex works ; De Luxe E883 : 10:7; Automatic Transmission L99: 3 :4 extra.
THE AUSTIN DISTRIBUTORS
,22.•213L)2A M(CD2DIZ LIMITED
UNION ROW, ABERDEEN. Tel 29155 (5 lines)
\IN
ABERDEEN'S FOREMOST FASHION SHOP
Have Morning Coffee, Lunch or Afternoon Tea in—
THE RESTAURANT Good service is one of the salient features of our Restaurant on the Third Floor.
We use our
best endeavours to treat you with courtesy, to serve you with deftness, while the daintiness of the appointments appeals to men as much as to women—and, above all, it is noted for its good food personally supervised by our Chef de Cuisine THIRD FLOOR (Elevator Direct)
WHERE QUALITY COUNTS
221 UNION STREET
XX
ABERDEEN
Z.0.0, 0.0, 4),C,..0,0,0,0,,0.4.0.47.0k0, 0,040x0xow.p.,.0%.0,60.0,40, ON
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DIAMONDS, SAPPHIRES, RUBIES, EMERALDS, ZIRCONS, OPALS
1, , I 1 i i
We have been in business for almost a century and our unchangeable policy has been to offer fine quality jewellery at competitive prices. The engagement ring is of supreme importance and when the occasion arises we invite you to examine our stock which we
1
11 1
are sure you will find interesting and reasonably priced.
i
1 /A (JEWELLERS)
191 UNION
y
id
STREET ABERDEEN ESTABLISHED 1863
,~„pw~.o~a»uFo*~ro n-.r...~owo.o~o-~.w~oVo~o-::v.~oaw•~..ao~~a,-o'*~o--o-oKi*o~o•aw~o~..
xxi
J. GEDDES IRVINE EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANTS AND TUTORS
Individual and Private Tuition in all subjects for all School, University, Professional and Civil Service Examinations
1 CARDEN PLACE : ABERDEEN Telephone No. Aberdeen 29863
BUSY MEN ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT
MORNING COFFEE LUNCHEON
AFTERNOON
TEA
HIGH TEA
Restaurant and Snack Bar: 468 UNION STREET Tea Room: 48 UNION STREET xxii
lk
I
WINES for a occasions One of the stimulating trends of the times is the enlightened approach to the pleasures of the table.
Wines, which have
become a topic of conversation are discussed knowledgeably and selected with discrimination.
Here you can choose
from a selection which for variety and value is unsurpassed in Scotland.
By Appointment To Her Majesty The Queen Grocers
By Appointment To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Grocers
atcluid GM:6 4.1i4 FAMILY GROCERS & WINE MERCHANTS
269-271 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN Telephone 27244 BRANCHES: CULTS • xxiii
BALLATER
ABERDEEN
CORPORATION OF
INFORMATION UREAU t
20 UNION STREET Telephone 2 3 4 5 6
Transport
Entertainments Accommodation
Telephone :
Telegrams : " GAELIC "
25283
'
1
I
u_11111
G. & W. Fraser Ltd. General and Commercial Printers Stationers and Paper Merchants BELMONT WORKS
10 BELMONT STREET, ABERDEEN xxiv
The crew of a Sea Vixen prepare for take-off as a Buccaneer passes arerhead.
Fly as an officer in the ROYAL NAVY Today the most advanced jet aircraft are in squadron service in the Fleet Air Arm. If you have a zest for flying and are attracted by the Naval way of life, you will find that the task of the Naval Officer in the Fleet Air Arm is exciting, exacting, and singularly rewarding. Your training includes a six months course at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. The age limits for the Fleet Air Arm are 17-25. You must have a G.C.E. or equivalent with passes at the Ordinary level in English language, Mathematics, and three other approved subjects. The Admiralty will however be prepared to consider boys with four Ordinary Levels only, if they are otherwise exceptionally suitable candidates. When qualified, pay at age 20 is £949 a year : a married officer of 25 can • receive up to £1,760 a year. After 12 years' service there is a tax-free gratuity of £4,000. Special 5-year commissions for Helicopter Pilots only You join between ages 17-26 on a 5-year commission and receive £775 tax-free gratuity on termination.
Send for the new illustrated booklet which will give you full details: The Admiralty, D.N.R. (Officers), Dept. FSM/I3, Queen Anne's Mansions, London, S.W.I. FAA.IS
eyttck.p 4/04e Waterloo ive O.eat Ostend•B.4. Chen omit . }J~rlf
N [Tit ARLANDI
unitirk
GWsNcrd~ . arussehy /
&rid egke LOOK FOR THI CREST IN ANY OF OUR FIFTY-TWO BRANCHES
.Ant.na
xhiatorioe • R....wort
THE SIGN OF SERVICE AND SECURITY
ABERDEEN SAVINGS BANK
TELEPHONE
ABERDEEN 23950 • TELEGRAMS
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