AGS Magazine June 1962 by AGSFP Association

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xii

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 78thyear No. 19o (New Series 68tb year No. 181) No. z

JUNE 1962

Vol. LXV

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

John Vass Skinner, M.A., B.LITT., DIP. ED.

General Editor

. Campbell Connon, M.A., LL.B., 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen.

Editor of Notes, ObitBrian K. Crookshanks, M.A., LL.B., uary, and Marriages I2 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

220

. Frank C. Connon, M.A., LL.B., 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen.

Printed for The Former Pupils' Club at The University Press Aberdeen

CONTENTS General Section— Increase of Club Subscriptions . The late Mr. W. M. Henry . . . The late Dr. R. M. Macandrew Library Appeal . . . . . Some more " Hyslopiana " . All-round Trophy Winners, 1914-61 The Sir James J. Robertson Prize . School Holidays . . . . Miss Beatrice R. Brown, M.A. .

•

. Page

•

• • •

School Section— Office-Bearers . . . . . . . • • . . . School and Random Notes . • . • Presenting the Prefects . . . . . . • • Staff Changes . • . . . . . . . Literary and Debating Society. Dramatic Society. Film Society Film Study Group. Arts Club. Photographic Society. Radio Club . . . . . . . . . • . Hill-Walking Club. Ski Club . . . • • Chess Club. Scientific Society. Scripture Union . . . Coventry Tour . . . . . . . . . Lower School . . . . . . . . M Senior Choir . . . . . . . . • " The Critic " . . . . . . . . • C.C.F. . . . . . . . . Scout Notes . . . . . . . . . House Notes . . . . . . . . . . . School Sporting Activities . . usic

•

Literary Section— Poems and Prose .

•

F.P. Section Officials . . . . . Alexander Gray Esq. President 1962-63 A.G.M. 1962 . . . . Accounts for Year 1961 Notes about F.P.s . . . Marriages . . . . . . . . . . Obituary Rugby. New Members . . Yorkshire Centre. Malayan Dinner •

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83 84 86 89 91

„ 15

,, ,,

92 93 94 95 96 98 98 99 loo 1 ot 103

„ ,, ,, 51 15

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St IP

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67 68 74 76 76 78 8o 8o 81

„ „

105

117-I24

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PP SP

PP . PS

116

125 127 129 130 132

136 2 39 144 2 45

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.

Increase of Club Subscriptions For some time past the Executive Committee and its Finance SubCommittee have been considering the Club's financial position and it has now been decided that the rate of annual subscription will have to be increased. Will Members please note that as from i January 1963 the rates of subscription will be as follows: i. Junior Members (under z 1 years of age) increased from 5s. to 7s. 6d. per annum—but see No. 4 " Special Concession ". z. Senior Members, increased from IOS. to I5s. per annum. 3. Life Membership subscription remaining at £i 5. 4. Special concession for boys joining the Club on leaving School. this being similar to a scheme formerly operated but discontinued some years ago—a boy joining the Club before 3i December in the year of his leaving may pay a subscription of 3os. for the 5-year period commencing on the following 1 January. J. S. M. *

Editorial Apology The Editor apologises for Section Secretaries, etc., not having received the usual notification about the closing date for copy being received. A situation arose in which it seemed a June issue was not to be possible, but when this difficulty was overcome there was not time left for the usual notice to be sent out. *

Memoirs of W. M. H. "Inimitable Henry " (Written April 1962.) Asked to write about the late Mr. W. M. Henry one could hardly do better than let him speak for himself out of the pages of that quite delightful little book, Byways of Aberdeen, which he had published by D. Wyllie and Son in 1926. He concludes an essay on local scenery by quoting from Pliny the Younger, not very fashionable nowadays. " Ad quae noscenda iter ingredi, transmittere mare solemus, ea sub oculis posita negligimus "—(" we are always ready to take a journey or to cross the seas for the purpose of seeing things to which if they are put before our eyes, we pay no attention "). But that amiable weakness is only human nature after all, says Mr. Henry. Then on he goes-" . . . In respect of purity (speaking of pleasures) I should reserve the place of honour for walking, for you can always have a walk if you want it, while there is no guarantee that you will achieve the production of a carrot though you try. A perfect walk is among the realisable good things of life; the best of carrots only hovers on the confines of perfection. A walk round the gasworks or fishmanure factory is not likely to result in jolly humours except to a professional smeller, who owing his occupation to a delicate nose, might relish such strong meat for a change, or to such as the man whose nightly after-dinner stroll was to a certain part of his grounds where he could enjoy the strong olfactory sensation from a neighbouring factory and explain to his afflicted guest that he loved the smell because it meant five thousand to him. . . . As to company, bewildered by the contentious enthusiasms of those two great tramps, Hazlitt and Stevenson, I have never been able to make up my mind. If you want to potter around do it alone . . . for a spanking walk I prefer a ' jucundus comes in via pro vehiculo '—(` a cheery bloke is as good as a gig ')." On maps—"A winter night's exploration from the depths of an armchair is no bad substitute for the real thing, a foretaste of joys to come, without their irritations and complexities." Of Drumoak Church—" For the atmosphere of an old churchyard is irresistibly friendly. . . . Death seems no worse than a gulp of nauseous medicine. . . . Just below the church is a stretch of lupins, a cool splash of glorious blue in early summer, extending in a solid mass for zoo yards, ' as pretty a sight as ever I did see in my life ', with pioneers and skirmishers appropriating new territory as far again. They deserve to be as famous as Wordsworth's daffodils. . . . The poet's eye rolling in a fine frenzy is the greatest magnifier known. . . . Ignorance has its considerations, and I always derive superlative comfort from the saying : ' Ingorance of some subjects is a great part of wisdom.' . . . Even if you don't agree, it is consoling to be assured by so strenuous a worker (as Stevenson) that ' extreme busyness, whether at school or college, kirk or market, is a symptom of deficient vitality '." But on walking, continues Mr. Henry, " speaking for myself, ten miles is the extreme limit of a ramble; it is a stretch achievable between mealtimes, a trifle to youth, a satisfaction to middle 68

69 Memoirs of IV M. H. "Inimitable Henry" age, a feat not beyond the powers of the old. And so like Matt o' Mint in `The Beggars Opera', let us take to the road, like him, with that infectious air from Handers ' Rinaldo ' ringing in our ears, and bid nature stand and deliver. . . . A longish walk always leaves me with a slightly dazed feeling, suffering from a surfeit of colour and sound—the orchestration of the heavens." And this on Aberdeen and Shire—" The moody sea laves the sands and rocks at our doors. The winds and skies operate magically on our landscape. The storm-enshrouded Lochnagar is a noble and moving sight. The purple moorland at Cambus o' May, with its jewelled lake and islands and the birch-dad Dee, need not fear comparison with Kent or Sussex, softer beauties of the plains. The standard of autumn on the Braes o' Mar is up and streaming rarely. I would not exchange the Cairngorms for the Chilterns or the Downs, nor the Dee for any tame Saxon stream. . . . Each has his favourite place by the charms of whose divinities he swears. And there is room for the widest catholicity of taste. But even if we in the North-East have as many poets as Paisley, and possibly something better worth singing about, native reticence seems to disapprove of the confession. We die with all our music in us." From the Magazine of June 1943: An athlete as well as a scholar, Mr. Henry has played in many Staff v. Pupils cricket matches, and tennis matches . . . spent much time and effort coaching in rugby and cricket, in both of which he himself excelled. It was he who originated the annual excursions to the Cairngorms. . . . Before there was any regular teaching of music except in the Lower School, Mr. Henry, another of his talents being music, organised a School Choir and School concerts. Marvellously well-read and up-to-date in his scholarship, he was as able a teacher of English and History as the School ever had. Of latter years he set himself more and more to develop the teaching of Geography in the School, since the nature of that subject appealed to his practical, realistic turn of mind.

Memories crowd in on hearing again the magic name " Henry ", whether you knew him as Mr. Henry, Pawzie, Pa, Willie, W. M. H., Old Henry or just plain Henry. It is just less than thirty years since 1 first met him (a short enough time ago) in the staff room of the School —square set on the hearthrug in front of the fireplace, right arm outstretched, palm upturned, fingers wide as if holding a great bubble carefully balanced there, a precious globe indeed. Like the good juggler he was, he would let it drop to balance it again. Then, he was always surrounded by a group of equally loquacious characters in violent disagreement. W. M. H., strong swimmer, breasted those waves of opposition, would push all aside with a final grand gesture and go to greet his class with that inimitable, breezy swagger of his. If his classes were restless so was he. You Former Pupils will have a hundred stories of him—mostly exaggerated, as memories of schooldays are. Then the boys' rambles (geographical excursions). Even I remember one or two when I ran a little car and took W. M. H. to the meeting place and he let loose the pack of loons on to the hills. A little later staff golf outings to Aboyne, when the rain ran down our necks and out of our shoes, everybody wanting to

7o Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine give up but no one brave enough to say so because W. M. H. continued on in the downpour; when a then young member of staff (now a respected inspector) lost his breeks and was sent home with a chamber pot in his haversack; when a congenial group of staff would go with W. M. H. for a week-end to Perthshire for a breath of air on the hills and a blast. (These days seem far away.) Uproarious evenings—or so we remember them—with Pa Henry at the piano in some dim inn parlour, singing snatches from his well-loved Gilbert and Sullivan, Sea Shanties and Students' Songs over modest glasses of ale. A memorable Midsummer Night's Walk when we went up by Loch Muick as the sun set, over the hills in close mist to the Valley of the Pines, brewed tea over damp twigs, searched for Jock's Road, landed in bogs, glissaded down a snow slide, eventually to Braemar. (Mr. Henry says a walk should not exceed xo miles. He never took us less than 15 in these days and often up to z 5 .) Just before the Second World War he plied us with music from symphonies, ballet and opera. He knew his Glyndebourne and drew on his own great practical experience of all kinds of music. He was generous with his records as with all his interests and talents and skills. He sent us away into a khaki world with that lilt of a tune which stayed with us through those abominable war years. Also he sent us a copy of " Henry IV " appropriate enough perhaps—which was lost somewhere between Ripon and Deolali. After the war, when he had retired (the Midnight Hike, so help us, was at this period) endless pleasures in his company. He asked us often to go rambles, short ones now, and I think in these he re-lived the youth of his " Byways ". Almost every Saturday he invited us to share an evening meal. The table was immaculately appointed. (Mrs. Henry, charming always, would, in her kindly way leave us to go visit friends.) The gramophone roared, for W. M. H. was growing deaf, but the meal, of his own preparation, passed leisurely helped by a glass of good wine or ale and rounded off with cheese and a bite of something sweet. " Always have something sweet after cheese." Coffee and a soupcon of some precious liquid in a fine liqueur glass. Perhaps a cigar. Nothing rare in all that? No, save that it happened in granity Aberdeen when often we were utterly schoolweary. W. M. H. was much larger than life, jaunty, stylish. His physique impressed boys as much as his enthusiasms. A versatile athlete he liked to play games better than to win. But what we all remember most are those overiding enthusiasms, be it for sport, music, films, books, libraries, literature or his last love, geography. If I could paint I would paint a portrait of him standing high up on a hill against a windy sky, finger on a map, looking with a dear blue-bright eye on the wide scene of his much-loved Shire of Aberdeen. Inimitable Henry, your like will never be again at School, the best of Colleagues (and there were some splendid characters in the staff room that quarter of a century ago) an Ideal Companion and a grand storyteller. We cannot put down here the best of your stories, for the ears of little boys and ladies and old wives would bum red and burst

Two Mountain Problems 71 at their full, fruity flavour. You do remember the cove who dashed on to the station platform just in time to see the train he wanted to catch, leave? Exasperated, his eye fell on an old, old man bending down tying his shoelaces. So in his wrath he took a running kick and sent the old man sprawling. The old boy picked himself up, dusted his hat and started to ask why on earth he had been so dealt by —to be told, " Ach min, ye're aye tyin' y'er pints!" An old story told often enough. Where are today's Makars of Tales? You who knew W. M. H. and Doddy Hay and Ian Park and Mr. Gray and Bill Stewart will be exchanging better stories in the Friendly Places where you walk together. W. M. H. was a great map-traveller, but he did sail to Greece in the company of his son. Once I was privileged to go with him to Cambridge and North Harrow to stay with his family. I shall not forget W. M. H. in Trafalgar Square stopping the traffic to let a stray cat cross over into Whitehall. (On country walks he had an uncanny way with strange animals. Cats, strangest of all cattle, would follow him for miles.) But with him on to Whitehall—the cat still following—there to be hailed by a distinguished member of the Foreign Office; he would give pithy if friendly advice to a young film director; chat about multi-storey flats with an architect; wag a fat finger at a prominent barrister; shake hands with a banker; shock, maybe, a newly appointed professor with one of his famous broadsides, like, " The O.T. is the earliest edition of The News of the World ". All of these men, F.P.s, eager to shake his hand with a great fondness and true respect. W.M.H. made us think and think again. 188o: b. 10 November; 1903: M.A. Aberdeen; 1905 : Inverurie Academy; 1909: Grangemouth, Married; 1913: Grammar School; 1914-19: War; I 943 : Head Geog. Dept., G.S. ; 1945: Retired; 1961: died zo December, London. An epitaph ? " If ye live Ye've got t' dee, But if ye dee Ye've got t' live. And sae ye will." At that W. M. H. would knock back his head and snort, " Let them put that into Latin again, if they know where it's from." Rather, then, re-print your Byways of Aberdeen, your other published essays and your MSS ? ANON *

Two Mountain Problems (Contributed at the request of the Editor) The Scottish hills are no longer the lonely unfrequented regions which they were ten or twenty years ago. The purist may bemoan this but most people will agree that the trend is for the better. A Scottish Rip Van Winkle awakening some summer's day on the summit

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 72 of Cairngorm would be startled by the gaily-dad crowds to be seen all around. But should he awake on a winter Sunday to see the thousands of ski-ers congregated in Coire Cas he would probably flee from the uncanny spectacle like another Norman Collie. SAFETY IN THE HIGH TOPS

However this tremendous increase in popularity of climbing, walking and ski-ing does bring its own problems, one of which, namely the safety of people in the Scottish hills has probably received the most publicity in past years. A great deal of sense has been written on the subject but also, regrettably, much nonsense. Only a few experienced mountaineers have come to grips with the essence of the problem. It is not one of expert climbing knowledge, the use of maps, the ability to predict the weather or any of the other stock " essentials ", it is simply and primarily a matter of using common sense. A question of keeping one's wits about one and knowing one's capabilities. It is generally accepted that one should be physically &when in the Scottish mountains, but just as essential is mental alertness, for of prime importance is the ability to choose the right course of action to avoid accidents, or at least, if faced with difficulties, to make the right decision without delay. Let us look at just one instance. This past winter a chair-lift began operating on the upper slopes of Cairngorm, and within the next few months Deeside will probably have its own lift at the Cairnwell. Both are excellent projects and will prove a great boon to ski-ers, climbers and other visitors. But the very ease with which one can attain the four-thousand-foot mark in the Cairngorms brings its own dangers. Many more people are now visiting these heights and the increase is largely made up of the inexperienced who constitute an ever greater potential risk. Very little is done by way of offering them guidance. If visitors to Cairngorm were to remain on the north side of the mountain few accidents would occur. However a half hour's walk from the chair-lift can take them onto the slopes leading down to the cliffs around Loch Avon. This wild region—it is often compared for rugged grandeur with Loch Coruisk in Skye—now has the worst accident record in the Cairngorms. There can be few, if any, worse places in which to be lost. The terrain is extremely difficult, the chances of striking the correct route out are negligible, and the old adage " follow a burn downstream " involves one in a twenty mile trek! Surely at the cost of a slight disfigurement to the scenery it would be better to have a few guide posts and perhaps a couple of bivouac huts in this area? Before the days of chair-lifts and ski-roads a mountain ascent involved some strenuous walking for at least two or three hours. One's muscles were tuned up and there was ample opportunity to assess the weather and one's physical ability before encountering the severe conditions often prevailing on a Scottish summit. This lack of opportunity to take stock of the situation must often contribute to " Cairngorm-type " accidents.

Two Mountain Problems 73 What can be done to minimise the risk? Perhaps it is now unrealistic to say that every tripper to the top of Cairngorm should carry a map and compass or even have climbing boots and an anorak. If he has the correct equipment (and knows how to use it—many people don't!), that will help greatly. People should remember that underfoot conditions on the Scottish hills, particularly in winter, may be difficult and treacherous. Weather conditions may be such as to render further progress hazardous and perhaps even impossible—this is frequently the case around Christmas and New Year when the worst weather is usually experienced. What everybody can do, however, is exercise some degree of common sense and tackle only what they are qualified for and equipped to undertake; they should calculate the time it will take to reach their objective and return, consider what will happen if mist comes down, what is the best route so as to avoid dangerous stretches of rock or snow, etc. The essence of it all is to exercise a degree of caution if in doubt, and use foresight in appreciating what difficulties may be encountered and take the necessary action to avoid them. There are few climbing accidents and practically no cases of people getting lost which could not have been avoided by the application of common sense and foresight. A DIMINISHING RIGHT OF ACCESS

Whereas mountain safety is a well-defined, if somewhat difficult, subject there is another problem which may well emerge to be of as great import in future years. Can the public continue to enjoy the same degree of freedom to hike, climb and ski as it has done since the war? The whole pattern has so radically altered that it is futile to make comparisons with pre-war conditions. But basically the position now is that every year the public are excluded from more and more access roads, camp sites, bothies, etc. On the one hand it is unreasonable to expect proprietors to maintain roads or put up with campers or bothiers squatting on their ground when all these proprietors gain in return is more trouble and inconvenience to themselves. But on the other hand why in land-starved twentieth-century Britain should a landlord, frequently an absentee landlord of hundreds of thousands of acres, have any right to the exclusive enjoyment of some glen or mountain? The answer may lie in National Parks, but as yet Scotland, unlike her southern neighbour, has no such things. Nature Reserves unfortunately cannot fulfill this need. Bodies such as the National Trust for Scotland who own or look after extensive tracts of mountain country such as Kintail or Glencoe have gone some way towards help solve the problem, but the task is too great for any independent or voluntary body without government support. Unfortunately many people fail to realise the urgency of the problem. Access and amenity is the real concern, not only of a few thousand ski-ers and climbers, but also of the many hundreds of thousands of visitors who visit the Scottish Highlands in ever increasing numbers each year. But where lies the solution? In proprietors developing their land for visitors, or in the creation of National Parks, or in some restriction of

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 74 the old legal notion of absolute ownership of ground to a modified form of ownership-in-trust for the public—it is difficult to say. Meantime visitors would do well to remember that the facilities they enjoy are available to them usually only by courtesy of the owner, and that the least they can do in return is to show due respect and consideration for those facilities, and cause the least inconvenience possible. Many landlords are already most accommodating, but others have still to face up to the fact that they cannot keep people off the hills. This year has seen a change of ownership of one of the most popular Deeside climbing areas with what already appear to be somewhat unfortunate results for the general public. It is to be hoped that people will not tamely submit to too high-handed action on the part of proprietors. Such behaviour is surely quite unjustifiable under present-day social conditions, especially when suitable land for the recreations of climbing, camping, ski-ing etc. is as scarce as it is now. JOHN Y. L. HAY (1 943- 55) * * *

The Late Dr. Ronald M. Macandrew [This tribute was written by one who knew Dr. Macandrew over a period of z7 years, first as a pupil of his and later as a colleague.—Ed.] With the untimely death of Dr. Macandrew following an operation, the School fraternity has lost yet another of those " giants ' whose extended spells of devoted service to the School gave school affairs a continuity which they have lacked in recent years. Although he retired from the School staff in 1956, Dr. Macandrew continued to be actively engaged in the sphere of education, and he frequently made his cheerful presence felt in the School in connection with student-training and the invigilation of Leaving Certificate Examinations. A full account of Dr. Macandrew's career was given in the 1956 (Summer) edition of the School Magazine, but some side-lights might be given here which shed further light on the character and achievements of the man. After graduating with Honours in Classics at Glasgow University, he became increasingly fascinated by the Spanish language and literature, which he proceeded to study intensively in his own time, taking up residence in Spain for a period so that he might fully absorb the idiom. Thus self-taught but thoroughly equipped, he came to Aberdeen in 1921 to occupy the conjoint post of Teacher of Spanish at Robert Gordon's College and Aberdeen Grammar School, having for a spell as fellow-worker Mr. William Christie, now a well-known Aberdeen headmaster. The year 1936 saw the publication of his third book on Hispanic studies—the masterly Translation from Spanish—a manual for the dilettante as much as for the practical student, and an acknowledged " classic " in its field.

The Late Dr. Ronald M. Macandrew 75 With Dr. Macandrew's transfer in 1943 to whole-time teaching in the Grammar School, increasing place was given to the teaching of Spanish, until in 1948 Spanish became available as a subject throughout the entire Secondary Department, and Dr. Macandrew saw his labours crowned in the establishment of a full Spanish Department in its own right. A man of many parts, Dr. Macandrew took an active part in the Air Training Corps in World War II, having himself served as a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps in World War I. He was appointed Commandant of the Gordon's College Air Training Corps on its inception in 1941, later transferring to the same position in the Grammar School contingent—an office which he relinquished in 1946. A keen sportsman, Dr. Macandrew was a cricketer and football player of no mean ability in his youth, and he played for a local Spanish team during his residence in Spain. In later years, gardening and angling became his favourite forms of mental relaxation, and his advice in these matters was often sought by his colleagues. In the school community, he found many outlets for his boundless energies, and whether he was organising programme-sellers for school sporting events, or pursuing defaulting pupils for overdue library books—a task which, characteristically, he devised for himself with the object of assisting the school librarian—he discharged all his duties with zest and good humour. In the class-room, his teaching was inspired and refreshing, and he was a sluggish pupil indeed who did not respond to his infectious enthusiasm. " Teach the living example, and the rules will look after themselves!" was the touch-stone of his method, and his pupils very quickly found themselves chatting in Spanish. For " Doc ", however, as he was affectionately called by his pupils, the teaching of Spanish went beyond the mere inculcation of a language, and his pupils were kept constantly aware of the dynamic people who lay behind the language—a people with whom Dr. Macandrew himself had many affinities. His teaching was interspersed with pithy quotations and apt illustrations drawn from Classical and modern literature and from the Bible, and to sit at his feet was to partake of education in its widest sense. His alert, flexible mind was quick to see the possibilities of modern educational aids, and the epidiascope was quickly harnessed for the screening of comic strips culled from Spanish magazines! The task which lay nearest to Dr. Macandrew's heart, however, was that of Religious Instruction, and it was in this sphere that he felt himself nearest to the most vital function of the Christian educator— that of expounding the Christian interpretation of human existence. His services were in demand as a lay-preacher, and in him the Church had both a doughty champion in his fearless and direct brand of preaching and a silent advocate in his kindly dealings with his fellow men. An unassuming man behind his brisk, self-assured manner, Dr. Macandrew died as he had lived, bearing his cross bravely and with undimmed faith, leaving to us the memory of a man who endeared himself to all by his warm humanity and unfailing kindliness. S. B. H.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

An Appeal to F.P.s for Books for the new School Library The extensive alterations and developments which are to be carried out at School (as shown in the plans we reproduced in our issue of June 1961) will soon be under way, and one feature of these will be the building of a new School hall at the rear of the present buildings, i.e. on the south side of Leadside Road, and the present hall will then house the School library. It is accordingly suggested that F.P.s who still feel some attachment to the School might look upon this as an opportunity to express this attachment in tangible form by donating to the new library a copy of some book or books which have particularly interested them or which have possibly even influenced their life; in your scribe's case such books as The Farmer's Boy, Grass beyond the Mountains, The Human Situation, and H. A. L. Fisher's History of Europe, come randomly to mind; the Rector would welcome such donations, but to avoid duplication and so that some consideration may be given to the suitability of such donations, F.P.s who would be prompted to act upon this suggestion are asked in the first place to drop a note to the Editor of the Magazine indicating what his donation would be. Alternatively, some F.P. sections might like to " pass the hat round " for a new library cash donation ? In either event, however, it is suggested that donation be made through the Editor so that it may be seen what success this " informal " appeal has. * * Some More " Hyslopiana" I have read with great interest and delight the article " Hyslopiana " in the issue of the " Mag." for December 1961. I should like to add some personal reminiscences of Archie, as he and I were almost exact contemporaries at the " Gram ". I think we followed each other through most of the School from the lowest to the highest standards. I was actually a year senior to him but I knew him very well, though he did not mix with my set, which included Andrew Milne, Peter Diack, Sidney Finlayson and Harvey Simpson. I believe that Mr. Menzies has been right in emphasising Archie's sense of humour, his joy in lively life and in the gay things of the spirit. For these were in his real and truest character. He would never have been a scholar. Indeed he showed little inclination that way at School or university. To him the proper study of mankind was Man, and not books or the meticulously-worded tomes of erudite and accurate learning. I am sure that he thought that much of the so-called " higher scholarship " was a waste of time and caused a vexation of spirit. Quite appropriately Shelley's " Ode to a Skylark " could have been addressed to him; " Hail to thee, blithe spirit, bird thou never wert ". He had three great interests in life, humour and gaiety, music, and a kindly tolerant view of mankind. IIe was not greatly interested in things purely intellectual. I-Ie was an artist and viewed life as an artist does, keen on the evocation of the beautiful and the good. I can remember him from his earliest schooldays when he used to wear a sailor blouse with an open neck, a form of garment that was often imposed for some reason or other on small boys in those days of sixty years ago. In 1909, I went to study

Some More " Hylopiana"

French, to stay for a short time with a French cure at the Presbyters of Negron, a small village in Touraine about three miles outside Amboise. Archie followed me there a week later. At that time there were no conducted tours to France for schoolboys who wished to better their French. We made our own way. I remember him telling me on arrival at Negron that he had crossed London from King's Cross to Victoria in twenty minutes by bus for fourpence, while I had thought it necessary to take a taxi and was worried whether I could get to the train in time before it left for Newhaven. That was Archie all over. The church at Negron was a wonderful old medieval building with a stained glass window of the thirteenth century and it looked the part. Hardly any of the peasant people came to the services. Inside was an old pipe organ of which the cure, M. Charles Moulin, was very proud and he showed us it with enthusiasm, though neither of us had any interest in the Roman Catholic devotions conducted inside the edifice. Of course Archie bad to play that organ, and when the cure left us, he played, and howl He was sure that English music, secular or religious, was beyond the cures ken, even if the cure were listening to hear what the organ did. Archie did an improvisation of " There is a happy land ". It was before the days of ragtime but syncopation was just beginning to affect the popular music of the street barrel-organs; and Archie more or less (as we should say now) " jazzed " the childish hymn till it sounded like nobody's business and he made a glorious row with it. He then sped up the " Soldiers' Chorus " from " Faust " till it thumped like the " March of the Bulgarians " from " The Chocolate Soldier ". It was great fun and the simple old cure never knew the devilish tricks that were played on his church instrument. During that same stay in France Archie could never leave off his joking. He once made the old cure roar at dejeuner by telling in halting French an absurd tale about a farmer he knew in Scotland whose hen had laid on the roof of the barn an egg so enormous that it rolled off and cracked the farmer's head. All the time, of course, Archie remained completely serious like the comedian who gets his laughs by feigning surprise that there is anything to laugh at in what he says. Archie was really an artist in humour and frivolous gaiety. But he could be serious at times as well. I remember a debate at the university when the subject was that " Poetry is better said in Prose ". I opened for the affirmative and Archie for the negative. I treated the subject as a joke and recited some of Archie's early light verse about minccpics at Christmas. The recitation left him somewhat puzzled and he treated his side of the debate with the utmost seriousness. I remember him saying that it would be a poor world if we did without sentiment and regard for solemn things. Why, he asked, did people like great poetry and could even respect the verses in praise of the dead found upon tombstones in the churchyard. Surely it would be a sad place if these things did not exist and people did not care about them. Once in Wyllie's bookshop in Union Street I was turning over the pages of a new book on the lives of the great musicians. Archie came in and I asked him if he could enjoy a book like that. He replied: " Surely; it would be fascinating." He was one of the guests at my wedding in 192o and he presented me for a wedding present with a finely bound copy of this book, Grieg's " Lyric Pieces " with my initials in gold on the corner. He said: " You will find these lovely and not too difficult." I did. The book is one of my treasured possessions. Its contents I have played on the piano over and over again to my continuing delight. I did not meet him much after 192o as I was away in India and so am not familiar with his teaching and inspecting days. But I am sure these were permeated with kindliness, wit and gaiety and this seems to be proved by the tradition that has grown round his name amongst boys who can, many of them, never have seen him or heard his laugh. He was in fact an artist in humour and a happy interpreter of musical joy. In a sense he has reminded me of Harry Graham but Archie's humour was kinder and lacking in the cynicism that characterises Harry Graham's verse.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

In my opinion his songs " The Auldest Aiberdonian " and " The Inversnecky Zoo " are in the immortal class and display a real touch of genius. It was wonderful hearing them put across so brilliantly by Harry Gordon. They gave continual delight to the audiences at the Beach Pavilion for years. As a memorial to Archibald F. Hyslop I am not sure that thcy are not as satisfying and worthy an achievement as anyone could wish. HERBERT G. SORLEY* (1899-1909) *

ALL-ROUND TROPHY WINNERS 1914-62

Year 1914 ALAN MCBAIN (1903-14), M.A., C.A. Died at Aberdeen in 1954. 1915 No award. 1916 No award. 1917 JOHN TOWER SORLEY* (1904-17), M.A., M.B., CH.B. Retired from Colonial Medical Service in Nigeria, Now Medical Officer and Lecturer in Hygiene, Aberdeen College of Education. 1918 MAXWELL STEPHEN (1906-18). No up-to-date information.'' I9I9 ROBERT DONALD STRACHAN* (1912-19), M.A., B.A. Principal teacher of Classics, Peterhead Academy since 1945. 19201

1921 1922

JAMES ROBERT L. CRUICKSHANK* (1915-2I), M.A., LL.B.

W.S. Edinburgh.

1923

GEORGE M. PIRIE (1915-22). No up-to-date information4 CECIL ARTHUR GRANT SAVIDGE* (1913-24), M.B.E., M.A. Director, British

1924

KEITH RONALD THOMSON MATTHEW* (1912-24), M.B., CH.B. In practice in

1925

JAMES MILNE MCLEOD* (1912-25). Civil engineer. JAMES SMART ABERNETHY* (1925-26), M.A., LL.B. Town

National Committee, International Chamber of Commerce, London. Glasgow. 1926

Clerk of Tanga,

Tanganyika. 1927

ARTHUR MARTIN SCRIMGEOUR* (1921-27), M.A.

Export Executive, Glaxo

Laboratories Ltd. Headmaster of Lorebum St. Johns Primary and Junior Secondary School, Dumfries since 1956. 1929 WILLIAM GIBSON SI.OAN (1927-29). Died I July 1941. 1928

IAN FARQUHAR BOOTH* (1916-28), M.A., D.P.E.

1930

ALEXANDER JOHNSTON SLESSOR (1918-30), M.V.O., M.B., CH.B., F.R.C.S.E., F.R.C.S. Died in Edinburgh 1954. GEOFFREY ALEXANDER ROWTON (1920-31), B.A., LL.B. Killed in action in

1931

Burma, February 1 945. Prox. Aecessit—THOMAS Accountant in Aberdeen.

FALCONER

ROBSON*

(1918-31), C.A.

Chartered

1932 1933

JOHN SCOTT MACLACHLAN* (1922-32), M.A., LL.B. Advocate in Aberdeen. FERGUSON GEORGE DONALDSON SMITH (1922-33), D.F.C. Chief Inspector,

1934

ALEXANDER ROBERTSON TAYLOR* (1927-34), M.A., M.A., CH.B., F.R.C.S.E. Con-

Scotland Yard. sultative neuro-surgeon for Northern Ireland since 1952. joaN ROBERT STEPHEN INNES* (1923-35), M.A., CH.B. In medical practice in Aberdeen. 1936 WILLIAM Sco-rr GIBS (1925-36), M.A. Associated with Knowles & Sons (Fruiterers) Aberdeen and George L. Gibb & Co., Timber Merchants, Aberdeen. 1937 DONALD RONALD MACGREGOR (1925-38), M.A. Lecturer in Geography, Edinburgh University. 1935

.411-Round Traply Winners

Year 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942

1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948

1949

1950 1951

1952 1953 1954 1955 1956

1957 1958 1959 1960 1961

1962

RONALD SPALDING FRANCE (1926-38), M.A. Director of J. Haighton & Sons, Clothing Manufacturers, Nantwich. JAMES WYNESS (1933-39), M.C. Died in military hospital, Birmingham, February 1945. LAWSON DOUGLAS DAVIDSON* (1934-40), M.B., CH.B., D.A., F.F.A.R.C.S. Anaesthetist, Aberdeen Special and General Hospitals. ROBERT KILGOUR BOOKER* (1928-41), M.A., LL.B. Solicitor in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. WILLIAM DAVIDSON (1932-42). Killed on active service with R.A.F. in Italy, December 1944. WILLIAM CALDER MACPHAIL LAWRENCE* (1940-43), M.B., CH.B. In practice in Buckle. DAVID Low COWIE* (1942-44). Mercantile Bank in Hong-Kong. ARTHUR WILLIAM ALEXANDER MAIN* (1 939-45), M.A., H.D. Minister of Douglas and Angus Church, Dundee. ALBERT ALEXANDER LAWRENCE* (1940-46), M.H., CH.B. In practice in Buckie. GORDON BRUCE NICOLSON (1938-47). Chartered Accountant in Dingwall. JOHN MICHAEL EDDISON* (1939-48), B.SC., A.M.I.(STRUCT)E., A.M.A.ST.E. Civil Engineer with Brian Colquhoun & Partners, Teheran. Proc. Accessit-JOHN DUNN (1946-48). No up-to-date information—went to England from School.f ERIC HUGH CRUICKSHANK* (194°-49), B.SC., PH.D. With Shell Chemical Co. since 1937. ALASTAIR MACARTHUR NORTH* (1937-41 and 1942-50), B.SC., PH.D. Lecturer in Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Liverpool University since 1960. ARCHIBALD STEWART FRASER (1942-51), B.SC. Lecturer in Geography, Aberdeen University. ANDREW STEPHEN NOBLE* (1939-52). At St. Andrews University in 1955. ERROLL GRAY ANDERSON* (1945-S3). Planter in Malaya. ARCHIBALD STEWART HUNTER* (1945-54), M.B., CH.B. Graduated in Medicine 1960. KENNETH RAE PETRIE* (19f2-S5). Joined R.A.F. from School. DONALD Ross Nicol, (1943-56), B.sc. Graduated at Aberdeen in 1960. Pr0X. Accerrit-.ALAN KEITH GORDON PATERSON (1943-56), M.A. Studying at Cambridge under Carnegie Trust Scholarship in Spanish. MALCOLM SCOTT WEBSTER* (1949-57). Went to Gordon's Technical College from School. PHILIP NOEL LOVE* (1952-58), M.A. Studying Law at Aberdeen University. WILLIAM STEVENSON* (1948-f9). Arts Student at Aberdeen University. HECTOR MACQUEEN AIRD* (1946-61). Aberdeen City Police. GARTH WILLIAM GLENTWORTH* (1948-61). Arts Student at Aberdeen University. DOUGLAS WYNESS THOMSON PAUL. t Up-to-date information would be welcomed.—Ed.

Is this a Record ? In 1961-62, Douglas Paul completed three seasons in the 1st XV without missing a single match. He has has played in all in 52 games for the 1st XV.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The Sir James Robertson Prizes The number of contributions of reasonable quality submitted for the December issue was sorely scanty; but the adjudicators were happy to find that the pre-June offerings were much better both in numbers and in effectiveness, and hope that this trend will continue. After due consideration the awards for the year were made as follows; Hamish T. E. Norbrook III (i) Middle School prize James F. Murray IV (z) Upper School prize *

School Holiday Arrangements, Session 1962-63 Session Commences Autumn Holiday Mid-Term Holiday Christmas and New Year Vacations Easter Vacation

Spring Holiday Session ends

Thursday, z3 August 1962 Monday, 24 September 1962 Friday to Monday, 26 to 29 October 196 2 Monday, 24 December 1962 to Wednesday z January 1963 (both dates inclusive) Monday, I April 1963 to Friday, I2 April 2963 (both dates inclusive, being a period which includes Good Friday, I2 April 1963) Monday, 22 April 2963 Friday, z8 June 1963

Editorial difficulties ! How well we understood the problems of the editor of a school magazine which came our way and who had inserted therein the following Apologia: " This year it was announced in June that, for various reasons, the July issue was being held back till the end of September. These various reasons have caused further unavoidable delays, but we now present (with apologies for belatedness) ' the July issue, postponed until September, re-christened the October issue, and published in December '. It is hoped that the December issue will appear in January." *

3,,

Miss Beatrice R. Brown, M.A. " Father Time is not always a hard parent, and, though he tarries for none of his children, often lays his hand lightly upon those who have used him well. . . leaving their hearts and spirits young and in full vigour." So says Charles Dickens, and to whom might we not better apply this quotation than Miss Beatrice R. Brown, who, over a period of thirty-eight years, with only two short breaks, has served our School so well in her capacity first as Rector's Secretary and latterly as assistant mistress in the Kindergarten. At the end of June Miss Brown will be leaving us and I cannot help feeling that her going doses a very important chapter in that book entitled The Aberdeen Grammar School as it was between the Wars. There are few F.P.s I am sure who do not carry a vivid picture of Miss Brown in their mind's eye, either seated in her sanctum or carrying out her varied duties in some part of the School. She was, and is, a personality who impinged most forcibly on one and all. Elsewhere I used the word " volatile " to describe her, but to that might we not add vivacious, versatile, vigorous and vital, and say also never viperish or vitriolic? The Aberdeen Grammar School became for her as a garden—she the gardener (paid at gardener's rates although a graduate!), the individual pupils and members of staff the plants, docketed, named and deftly tended with care and consideration. And should a new graft make an appearance the original stem and stock was always remembered. What a remarkable facility this talented woman had and still has for remembering surnames and Christian names, addresses and Houses, relatives and relationships, and what better way of putting the new boy at ease than by making him feel that through his kith and kin already associated with the School, perhaps presently, perhaps in the dim and distant past, he was already and immediately accepted and welcomed as an important integral part of the school community and shared in its ethos. In speaking to former pupils or members of Staff concerning Miss Brown it is inevitably this part of her personality which is remembered most, together with her spontaneous, natural friendliness of approach. By just this seemingly effortless faculty and by her deep affection for the School and its inmates, she must rightly share the pedestal, equally in shrewdness, mayhap a shade lower academically, but none the less honoured, with the great ones on the Staff we need not mention who have gone before her, and with whom she was closely associated. It was by and through such personalities that the School became what it was. The School with its pupils was their whole life and not merely a convenient experience-fuelling station prior to taking part in the promotion race. Mr. Henry Paterson, our sometime Deputy Rector, told me a delightful story worth recording I think, of the small boy discussing his teachers with his mother many years ago, and in the course of conversation the name of Miss Brown was mentioned by the mother. 81

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Thereupon the young man piped up, " Oh Mummy but Miss Brown is not a teacher, she's the Rector's Lark." A slip of the tongue on the part of the child, but thinking more deeply what a subtle compliment to pay Miss Brown, that is if we have any poetry in our souls at all! From tales they tell there would appear to be only one blot on Miss Brown's copybook so to speak. This was occasioned by her making one of her rapid entries into Mr. Gray's room intent on settling some matter of School business. Mr. Gray, however, at that precise moment was demonstrating a mathematical problem by means of an elaborate tetrahedron constructed of string which was shakily supported by various hooks and nails throughout the room, the keystone of the whole edifice being the door knob. This removed caused chaos of the first magnitude! Transformation from Rector's secretary to assistant mistress in the Kindergarten was effected in the year 1946-47, when Miss Brown at J.J.'s suggestion spent a session at the Aberdeen Training Centre where she obtained her Infant teaching qualification. In this new role for sixteen years she has devoted herself to a life of service with the small boys no less assiduously and successfully than in the first part of her career at School; and on observing Miss Brown working with her pupils one would at once realise just how happy and efficient she was and how well suited to this sometimes Herculean, often unenviable, yet usually rewarding task of training the very young. The Aberdeen Grammar School will I feel continue its life for a gey long time before encountering just such another so leal and so true. To Ralph Waldo Emerson I leave the final word of benison and farewell. " Are there not women who fill our vase with wine and roses to the brim, so that wine runs over and fills the house with perfume; who inspire us with courtesy; who unloose our tongues and we speak; who anoint our eyes and we see? " J. D. M. 81

School Section School Office-Bearers, 1961-62 Prefects

(Senior Prefect)

DOUGLAS W. T. Nut

F. NEIL MCKENZIE (Deputy Senior Prefect) JOHN D. ANDERSON JAMES K. ARCHIBALD JAMES A. BANKS ERIC A. BEVERLY MESTON C. CHRISTIE ROBIN A. CRAIG GORDON J. DORWARD GRAEME W. FRASER

IAN A. GLENDINNING GORDON D. GRANT ANDREW J. LEACH DAVID C. LESLIE ALEXANDER W. MATHIESON NIGEL MURRAY GEORGE NICOL GRAHAM G. Ross

PETER J. N. STEWART MICHAEL Surrx ALISTAIR B. THOMSON KENNETH J. THOMSON ROBERT WALLACE G. FRASER WEBSTER IAN R. WRIGHT

House Captains Dun Byron DAVID C. LESLIE F. NEIL MCKENZIE Melvin G. FRASER WEBSTER

Keith DOUGLAS W. T. PAUL

Literary and Debating Society

President Secretary

ALEXANDER W. MATHIESON GEORGE W. REID

President Secretes°,

PETER J. N. STEWART GRAHAM CAIE

Vice-President KENNETH J. THOMSON MICHAEL SMITH Treasurer

Dramatic Society

Vice-President FRANCIS WAIT DAVID C. LESLIE Treasurer Film Society

Secretary

President

DOUGLAS W. T. PAUL Treasurer GORDON D. MITCHELL

Lug H. HowIE

Rugby

Captain

Vice-Captain

Doom .As W. T. PAUL

F. NEIL MAKENZIE

Hockey Captain

Vice-Captain

GORDON D. GRANT

JOHN P. STEWART

Cricket

Captain

Vice-Captain

F. NEIL MCKENZIE

G. FRASER WEBSTER

Swimming

Captain

Vice-Captain

ANDREW J. LEACH

CHARLES T. RIACH

Athletics

President

Vice-President ROBIN A. CRAIG

ANDREW J. LEACH

Tennis Club

President

Vice-President G. ERASER WEBSTER

F. NEIL MCKENZIE

Badminton Club

President

Vice-President G. FRASER WEBSTER

F. NEIL MCKENZIE Sen. U. Offs.

Cadet Force JOHN D. ANDERSON, PETER BIRNIE Scripture Union

Secretary ALEXANDER S. MATHER Editors of School Section KENNETH I. MACDONALD DOUGLAS W. T. PAUL

GEORGE W. REID GRAHAM G. Ross 83

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

School and Random Notes " The time has come—the Walrus said To talk of many things . . . . . . of cabbages and kings . . ." Though this is no wonderland, though we know no cabbages (personally), though the only King in these parts still maintains a liberal outlook, yet we feel inclined to agree about the " many things ". So we set to work. Due to the kind co-operation of several members of the Lower School this session's notes were originally drafted on vellum (" A finer kind of parchment prepared by lime baths and burnishing from the skins of kids "—Dictionary). Tired with school ink, we took a slice of the staff-room interval atmosphere, which, diluted with a little water, proved to be of the required consistency. Truly : " It takes a great deal of history to produce a little literature." But the spectral gentleman who inhabits this " dismal tower " gave a ghost of a smile on perusing these notes, so if you want to know what's funny about them you can ask him. Then you might tell us. We'd like to know too. * * During the Easter holidays your editors had been preparing a report running something like this : " We have been informed from usually reliable sources (the names being witheld to protect the guilty) that the Staff held a meeting at which the wearing of robes was discussed.. . ." What our information service did not disclose was that certain teachers had decided to wear gowns. Consequently we have not yet recovered from the shock of encountering several large, black, vampire-like creatures, which, however, on closer examination turned out to be members of that harmless species " magister superbus ". We believe that this measure is inspired by a desire to foster a closer relationhip between teacher and pupil, and to minimise the role of the teacher as taskmaster, warden and judge. But we do think that a thought might have been spared for the effect upon pupils. We are big boys now, and no longer afraid of things " black, grim and large ", but imagine, kind sirs, the psychological impact of so much authority, of those hangman's robes, upon the young innocents in this School (if there are any). The final word must be with Mr. Wagglance, otherwise known as Shakespeare : " No ceremony that to great ones 'longs, The marshal's truncheon, nor the judge's robe, Become them with one half so good a grace As mercy does." * * * Now to change to a more constructive note, viz. the swimming pool. At the moment of writing we have the proud distinction of being the only school in Aberdeen with a waterless, open-air swimming pool. We are assured by those that know that this won't last long. But, on a special assignment to the site (which incidentally has strong overtones of Quatermass and the Pit) the only life that your humble servants found was one death watch beetle; one British workman munching his special slimming crispbread and studying the tanning effects of solar radiation; and one drip in a drainpipe. We suspect that the other workmen (not that anyone has ever seen any) have suffered the fate of " De blind hoss stick'n in a big mud hole Can't touch de bottom wid a ten foot pole." * * * While on the subject of mysterious disappearances we wonder if anyone is sufficiently wide awake to keep trace of our rapidly changing Staff. We are still wondering as to the whereabouts of a certain teacher whose name we have forgotten, but which seemed to remind us of some antarctic explorer, probably Fuchs. *

School Section

It is believed that a certain sandy-hiired member of the prefecture was belted by a master. The prefecture sorrowfully report that the teacher concerned has since been sent to Coventry. * * * If it is possible to be serious for a moment or two in the midst of these extremely random notes, we would like, on behalf of the boys, to extend our sympathy to Mr. Bruce. Because of his unfortunate accident we have been deprived of his cheerful presence for some time, but we hope that he will be back with us at the beginning of next session. Our best wishes for a good recovery sir! * •* * While heartily agreeing with official reports on smoking, we would like to point out that they are no new idea. James I, writing in 1605, states that smoking is " a custom loathsome to the eye, hateful to the nose, harmful to the brain, dangerous to the lungs, and in the black stinking fume thereof nearest resembling the humble Stygian smoke of the pit that is bottomless". So now you know. We saw a gentleman in the press advocating pipe instead of cigarette smoking. But we ask you, can you imagine a little boy, doing his maths, puffing at his pipe, and remarking : " This is quite a three pipe problem, Watson." * * * Overheard in the Dining Huts: " The motor-car is everywhere replacing the horse," said the boy as he fished a piece of rubber inner tubing out of his stew. * * * We would like to take this opportunity of expressing our sincere desire to meet the kind gentlemen who so thoughtfully changed the date of the " Highers " from March to May. We wish to test their solubility in " aqua regia ". Our complaint is that it has spoilt both the Easter holidays and the Summer Term. The gentlemen in the Vth year, who had all their subjects to sit, began their S.C.E. exams just nine school days after the Easter holidays. We suspect that they did not fully enjoy their holidays. The exams finish on 7 June, the term on the 19th. Into that space has to be squeezed all those extra-curricular activities essential to school life. Even the teachers don't seem to like it. They have been wandering around with interminable sheets of names and marks, muttering things under their breath. However, we must just grin and bear it. Comment on the exam system : One S.C.E. candidate on his answer paper had by mistake written, in the space marked " Name of School ", ABERDEEN CRAMMAR SCHOOL. The Higher papers are now green in colour, giving rise to their affectionate nickname of " The Green Final ". * * * The masters now come into Hall to the strains of sweet music from the " merry organ ". We are still waiting for the gentlemen who play that machine to strike up, as the teachers approach, the resounding notes of " When the saints come marching in". * * On that happy note we must leave you. One final word of advice. Do not get up to larks at School, since the last part of the lark you are likely to see is the beak. * * * " May these words answer for what is done May the judgement not be too heavy upon us." T. S. Etym. * * * P.S.—Anent the prefects notes which follow—The truth of any information contained therein is strongly denied—by the prefects.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Presenting the Prefects

Douglas W. T. Paul. A keen sportsman. Douglas, a burly 6 footer, captained the 1st XV this year. He put this experience to good use in quelling any reluctant or rebellious subordinates. Has graduated from driving Dormobiles to Taxis (the end of an Elizabethan era ?). A budding actor who just failed to bloom, his efficiency as Chief Howffite left nothing to be desired. " And when we think we lead we most are led." Byron. F. Neil McKenzie. A young, innocent chic!, who has been totally led astray by " Howffie " company (or vice-versa ?). Neil is an excellent sportsman and, we are told, can even dance athletically! After a rather unfortunate experience in his driving, he now tends to shut doors behind him. A broken nose sustained early in the session has really made the fair sex flip over. Always does his homework. " Nimium altercando veritas amititur." Publius Syrus. John D. Anderson. One of the Vth year prefects who, despite his military rank as C.O. of the C.C.F., makes little or no noise in the inner sanctum. We are assured he occupies locker 15, and covers all his books with brown paper. He once played cards with Ross, but such a disastrous step has never again been undertaken. Plays the drums and goes to " McRobb "—but he is really a fine chap. " And that ye study to be quiet and to do your own business." Thessalonians. James K. Archibald. A mathematical student who unfortunately fell short of the " high priests' " standard. His quick tongue serves the necessary purpose of deflating any inflated egos, and his wit is rivalled by Smith alone (poor chap). He enjoys a cultural (?) discussion with Mr. Tait and holds singular views regarding the games staff. Once did the egg and spoon but now plays tennis! " The purest soul that e'er was sent, Into a clayey tenement." Tobias Smollet. James A. Banks. This rosy checked youngster (he answers to the name of Jeem), still believes an apple a day keeps the doctor away. He is the proud possessor of the only porcupine haircut in Aberdeen, but this disability does not handicap his sporting achievements—at Rubislaw at least! Attends church regularly, but still enjoys " a friendly game ". Always smiling. " A man whose youth has no follies will in his maturity have no power." Mortimer Collins. Eric A. Beverly. A brilliant French and German scholar (he occasionally reads books printed in English!), Eric is the unofficial brain of the Howff, but has not, as yet, offered to share his immense bursary (hint). Despite his education, the Howff's vices have been too much for him, and this much changed lad is prepared to partake in the usual noble pastimes. Leads a quiet social life but supports the Dons regularly. " Hell is paved with the skulls of great scholars." Giles Firmin. Meston C. Christie. A keen soccer player, he provides the School with a car park for Pittodrie. His distinguishing feature is his strange vocabulary. This " Piochal " (to use his own words) attends " Airchies " (as above) Maths classes regularly but, we fear, without much success. A self-confessed genius! " 'Tis easier far to flourish than to fight." Dryden. Robin A. Craig. An outstanding Vth year prefect, he amazes fellow VIthyear prefects in that he can study for six Highers and still play excellent rugby, cricket, tennis.... He reached " loo up " in the rugby season but he has still to use his immense boot to advantage in the " HowEr ". His quick wit and " sarki " comments, in the tradition of room 5o, has kept us on our toes. Has a strong attachment for certain rosy parts of Edinburgh, in which he re-joyces! " Robin was a rovin' boy, Rantin' rovin' Robin." Burns.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

most popular prefects, he has a strange affection for everybody and smiles all the time. Once tackled McKenzie in a rugby match. " . . . Nothing can confound a wise man more than laughter from a dunce." Byron. Nigel Murray. The only cultured prefect, Nigel plays the fiddle in the N.Y.O. and has recently been allocated a place in the Royal College of Music. He is devoted to Virgil, much to everyone else's disgust, but still manages to hold the unofficial Howffie knock-out whist championship. Occasionally leads impromptu community singing—Doesn't he Mr. Flett? " He was a fiddler, and consequently a rogue." Swift. George Nicol. A bright, breezy fellow who is always full of good cheer, George is a keen scouter and is always planning troop outings to Cults. He has a persecution complex about some of his teachers, but doesn't usually mind Glendinning or Grant sitting on his chest during the interval. Calls our Aberdeen baps, rolls. " The labour we delight in physics pain." Shakespeare. Graham G. Ross. A floppy haired farmer's son, who stays at Inverurie and as a result is never seen. I-Ie is a cheerful chap who plays hooker for the ist XV and regularly does Mr. Stephen's homework. Occasionally drives a red Mini-Minor, and even more occasionally plays tennis and badminton. He also has a strange affection for some rosy parts of Edinburgh. " What manner of man does Science make." Emerson. " Good at all things, but better at a bet." Byron. Michael Smith. A biologist, he takes great delight in describing his latest disection during lunch. Mike is the only prefect who has the right to make a bad pun, and he exercises this right continuously. Is a bosom friend of Sandy's and this in itself betrays some strange trait of character. Failed his driving test a few times, but has since learned the pavement is only for pedestrians. A fine, likeable rogue. " It often happens that a bad pun Goes farther than a better one." W. S. Landor. Peter J. N. Stewart. This budding Laurence Olivier got rave notices for his part in " The Critic ". He kept us amused throughout the year by his anecdotes concerning the art corridor and he is a staunch supporter of " Mon ". We rarely see him in our social circles but he surprised us by turning up at the School dance. A very likeable character. " Never meddle with actors for they are a favoured class—Remember that, as they arc merry folk who gave pleasure, everyone favours and protects them." Cervantes. Alistair B. Thomson. For some unknown reason everyone calls this tall, gangling youth Attic. We are told he plays rugby and tennis with some ability. On Sunday afternoons he can be seen walking up and down Union Street and he cuts a gay dashing figure at McRobb. Gets on well with the prefecture. " They who are pleased themselves must always please." Thomson. Kenneth J. Thomson. We arc greatly worried about Kenneth for he has scorned all bad company this year. A mathematical genius he also plays the fiddle and sings in a deep, deep voice. Devotes his week-ends to ski-ing and spirited displays for the 3rd XV. He has a small brother who carries him to school each morning. We hope this lad will LIVE next year. " He who puts off impurity, thereby puts on purity." Emerson. Robert Wallace. The Howffie Casanova. Everybody affectionately calls this broad, cherubic chunk, Wol, and he has a strange ability for making " sick "

School Section

jokes, but so far he has always managed to beat off the ensuing attacks. Every Friday he receives an epistle of love, and every Saturday he gives his heart to some other unsuspecting damsel. " Where passion rules, how weak does reason prove!" Dryden. G. Fraser Webster. A sportsman who has so far failed to impress Mr. Flett by his " Mauths . . ." He lives from day to day and can be often seen doing his homework in the early hours of the morning. He is vice-captain of the cricket team and chief sports adviser of McKenzie and Paul. His laughter is ready chorus for Wol's humour, but he does not confine his merriment to the Howff. Is trying to get a permanent place in some Union or other. " If four play whist, And I look on, They make blunders, And I make none." D. W. Thompson. Ian R. Wright. Ian plays the drums for the N.Y.O. and never fails to make a noise in the Howff. He keeps everyone amused by his antics and his horse-laugh can be heard in every corner of the school, except the gym where he has never been since the and year. Plays hockey and cricket very successfully and has a passion for " Woodies ". Was amazed to find the School had a library! " If thou hast never been a fool, be sure thou wilt never be a wise man." Thackeray.

Changes in the School Staff Arrivals . . . The vacancy created by :qr, l lawksworth's elevation to the headship of the Music Department was filled by the appointment of Mr. James M. Hunter, A.R.C.M. Talented as a pianist (he took part as a DIP. =S. ED., R.S.A.5.1., solo pianist in the International Youth Festival at Bayreuth in 1959), and as a trumpet-player (he has played the instrument with several orchestras), he does not disdain the athletic skills; his interest in golf and cricket, particularly, should find ample scope for its exercise and has already assured him the friendship of the many golfers on the Staff. Mr. Hunter comes to the Grammar from Kilsyth Academy, and we all of us wish him many years of happy and successful work and play in the School and in Aberdeen.

and Departures

Time, no doubt, will eventually repair our losses, but at the moment of writing we have a depressing balance sheet to present. " Who can hold a fire in his hand By thinking on the frosty Caucasus?" asks Shakespeare very pertinently. We might take comparative comfort from the knowledge that other schools shiver more than the Grammar in the present cold educational climate, and if we were merely statisticians, we might. We might also comfort ourselves with the adage that there arc as good fish in the sea as ever come out of it. But what if the sea should be getting smaller? These same statisticians, we remember, talk not of the sea, but of the pool of available talent, and of a shrink ing pool at that. How then shall we be comforted? These morbid considerations arc prompted by the knowledge that Mr. Keith Atkinson, among others, will not be teaching in the Grammar next term. We lose this talented, gentle, civilised man to the College of Education, and while we congratulate him heartily on this formal promotion, a nd commend the College for its percipience in appointing him, we must recognise that virtue has passed from the School with this transfer. We append this tribute to him from one who knows him well.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Mr. Keith Atkinson leaves to become a lecturer at the Aberdeen College of Education after sixteen years in the Art Department here. Over that long time he has been a truly excellent and loyal colleague. Design and Crafts burgeoned under the warmth of his skill, scholarship and kindliness— the rare bright sun of the gifted and sometimes dedicated teacher. To tell of all the tasks he has undertaken so expertly, so willingly and unselfishly would take space enough to fill a whole magazine, aye a dozen magazines—chores for Sports Days and Swimming Galas, Dramatic Societies, Libraries, School Orchestras and Choirs, Prize List Inscriptions, Art Clubs, Timetable Folders, End-of-Term Dances, Film Societies, Staff Functions, Parents' Day Exhibitions, Gray's School of Art Evening Classes, Illustrations for Torry Research, Illuminated Books, Church Organisations. What has he not done ? For all that and much more we are in his debt. In the vineyards of his new farm we hope he will reap as rich harvests as he has done here. There come vintage years, and, so they say, a good wine needs no bush. Goodbye, Keith. Godspeed. We cannot but wish you well. A little boy sings in the corridor, " Keith Atkinson's away Aye, they say, Fairly, fairly, We'll miss him sairly " to the tune of a child's familiar jig, but in slow time, the plain melody like a dirge. Mr. David Campbell, after a stay of just under two years, departed the School to join the Science Department of Hemel Hempstead Grammar School, on what would appear to be the second stage of a pilgrimage from Inverness to the Deep South. We remember with tenderness Mr. Campbell's fetching and carrying laugh, his daily communings with The Times newspaper and the top people there encapsulated, and his defence of Tradition in the Staff Debate last year, and wish him well in his new post. Dr. Milligan's stay has been even shorter. He moves from the post of Principal Teacher of Physics in the School to the Principal Lecturership in the subject in the Aberdeen College of Education. We congratulate him on this rapid advancement, but must also regret that a man so highly qualified in his subject should so quickly be taken from us. Dr. Milligan makes high demands on his pupils, and it is good to know, in a time when educational standards are declared by many to be in decline, that of the future teachers of Science from this part of the world much shall be required. He will find quite a coterie of ex-Grammar School masters at Saint Andrew Street to welcome him to his new appointment, and we, who remain, hope that he finds full satisfaction in teaching those who will teach. Mr. Andrew Robertson in leaving Grammar for Gordon's may be considered by some people to have fallen from grace, but when we know that the College is his old school it can be understood as a legitimate act of piety. In his comparatively short stay with us Mr. Robertson has played a full part in the extra-curricular activities of the School. As a Lieutenant in the C.C.F. he has helped to bring the Corps to its present pitch of efficiency and accompanied the cadets to camp ; and as a teacher of Modern languages he has organised and chaperoned trips to France with great acceptance. We are certain that he will soon re-integrate himself into the life of his old school, and we wish him well. The School is also much indebted to Mr. Singer who so quietly and efficiently took over Mr. Bruce's work, after the latter's catastrophic accident on 27 January. Mr. Singer hopes in the near future to resume teaching abroad. The School was very fortunate indeed to have his services at a difficult time; it is not everyone who can so efficiently take over the preparation of boys for the Bursary Competition and for the examinations of the Scottish Leaving Certificate, and we would record our grateful thanks.

School Section

As for Mr. Bruce, the School, pupils and staff alike were deeply saddened by his grim motor accident. It is good to know that he is now on the mend, and is convalescing with a cheerful spirit. He talks even of motor cars and of resuming work with the boys of the School, so we may know that the main shattering effects of the blow have been overcome. The School extends to him and to his mother their warmest wishes for permanent recovery and for long years to come.

Literary and Debating Society This has been a disappointing term both for office-bearers and for those who are really interested in the Society. Attendances have dropped steadily, and because of lack of support from the Vlth year and the other forms of the Upper School difficulty has been found in finding speakers. This has made it necessary for the officials to call on IIIrd year members who seem to have the interests of the Society at heart. Indeed the main speakers at the Inter-school Debate with St. Margaret's, where the two propositions " History makes men wise " (Bacon) and " History is Bunk " (Ford) were discussed, were in both cases IIIrd year boys. At a special meeting it was decided to arrange a programme of meetings for the Summer Term where the topics would be selected by and spoken on by Middle School members. We'll see what happens. Although attendances at other debates have been poor, at the Staff Debate the turnout was most encouraging. The members were not disappointed and we must thank Messrs. Tait, Finlayson, McCombie and Campbell for a most lively and entertaining debate which produced some interesting discussion from the floor. We must also thank all the members who have supported the Society throughout the session, and although this has been a difficult year 1 am sure that all the officials have enjoyed their term of office and hope that the Society will improve under succeeding committees. GEORGE Rain, Secretary

Dramatic Society According to our new arrangement, the presentation of " The Critic" by Richard Sheridan took place in December instead of March. Luckily the new dates did not affect the size of the audience—on all evenings the Hall was well filled. Contrary to popular opinion, the Society has not been idle since Christmas. On the last few days of this term we intend to present a Revue, for the School only. In the course of the year many members, taking advantage of concession tickets, have regularly attended the theatre. Also we have had, in conjunction with the Literary and Debating Society, a talk from M.R.A. members. Membership of the Dramatic Society has doubled this year and we arc greatly cheered by the interest shown. As yet we have not decided on next year's play—it will probably be Shakesperian—but with our wonderful team of producers, headed by Mr. King, it is bound to be a success. GRAHAM D. CUE, Secretary

Film Society At the end of the tenth successful season of the Film Society, what more can be said than that a " good time was had by all ". This year it was decided to hold an essay competition after each showing. Although the number of contributions from Middle and Upper Schools was somewhat disappointing, the response from the Lower School was staggering. Added to this was the fact that all essays were of a high standard, making the task of choosing winners almost impossible.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magaine

Another innovation this season has been the playing of tape-recordings of notes on the films before each showing, this replacing the printed notes previously issued. This is Mr. Atkinson's last season as a member of staff; and we take this opportunity of extending to him our most sincere thanks for all the services he has rendered to the Society. It is difficult to imagine committee meetings or discussion groups without his helpful comments . . . and who now will undertake the task of designing and printing the Film Study Group membership cards ? IAN H. HoWIE, Secretary

Film Study Group Since the " Highers " are later this year, the activities of the Film Study Group have had to be crushed into four evenings in June. However, we hope to present as stimulating a programme as in previous years. The films selected range from Buster Keaton's " Cops " to Eisenstein's " Battleship Potemkin ", and from Chaplin's " The Champion" to " Kameradschaft" and " Moans ". We arc, as always, assured of the unfailing support of Messrs. Hemingway and IAN H. HOWIE, Secretary Baxter. Arts Club

The Arts Club met during the winter and spring months with a good attendance. All forms were well represented. Some were engaged in pottery, printing and wood-carving in the Craft Room—Mr. Atkinson's " Boys "; while under Mr. Hemingway, who himself did some painting, were those who used pen, pencil and paint. We would wish to take this opportunity of expressing our deep gratitude to Mr. Atkinson, who leaves the School at the end of Summer Term to take up a new appointment, for the great interest he has taken in the Club affairs over the past sixteen years. ALAN F. MORRICE, Secretary

Photographic Society The work of the Society this year has been twofold. The older members, combining business with pleasure, undertook a number of projects, preparing tape recordings to be run with a showing of slides on topics such as English Cathedrals and The Epstein Exhibition at the Edinburgh Festival. Younger members have spent their time learning about photography and practising the arts of taking, developing, printing and enlarging, while using the darkroom and fine photographic equipment to good effect. This has been a year in which there has been no stereotyped work, but each individual has used the facilities and equipment to produce photographs for himself and for the project he chose. The darkroom is available on some evenings and much work is done on these occasions, as many Fridays are taken over by Exams, Film Society and Holidays. MICHAEL SMITH, Upper VI

Radio Club The membership of the Club has again increased, including a number of younger members which augurs well for the future. Several small receivers both valve and transistor have been built, while more ambitious members have experimented with radio control and television with varying success. Our thanks are due to the technical staff and Mr. Baxter who have been present to give help and advice. ANDREW J. LEACH, Upper VI

School Section

Hill-Walking Club The Club, under the able guidance of Messrs. Hawksworth, Stephen and Will has again gained enthusiastic new members from all years of the School. This winter, notable for its fierceness and the grimness with which the snow has lingered deep until the last possible moment, limited the size of hills climbed, but could not curb the keencss with which Brimmond and the Hill of Fare, to mention two, were tackled. In March, it was announced that there would be a snow-climb in the Devil's Elbow region. The attraction of this area after a town-confuting winter was so great that two separate parties were sent on consecutive weeks. The first party tackled the peaks on the east side of the Elbow, taking in Glas Maol, Cairn of Claisc and Carn an Tuirc. A few senior boys, travelling in a separate fast party, traversed the steep slopes of Glas Maol in very tricky conditions, with constant and necessary use of ice-axes, to reach the top of Creag Leacach, before following in the footsteps of the larger party. Luckily, we were blessed with a fine sunny day. The snow was still very thick and hard-packed, but this year we found the atmosphere of Glen Clunie very different from formerly. Far from being the bleak, uninhabited winter retreat that it used to be, traffic jams and the chorus of voices seemed to be the order of the day. The second party, on the following Saturday, were only able to climb to the top of the Cairnwell before they wisely turned back because of the very adverse conditions they met. This pair of climbs was indeed, a fitting climax to a harsh winter. Three very attractive expeditions have been planned for the Summer Term. In May, a Middle School party will set off for a week-end's climbing, centred on Loch Morlich Youth Hostel. This is the first Middle School Hostel trip ; we wish them well. In the beginning of June, it is proposed to hold an overnight hill-walk in the Glen Fcshie region. This will be a cross-over trip, two buses and two separate parties being used. The fitter and more experienced party will start from the Linn of Dec and take a mountain course northwards to the other bus at Coylum Bridge. Party no. z will proceed via the Larig Ghru pass to the Linn of Dee. A fitting climax to the season will be a long week-end at Garth Youth Hostel. Not only is this a scenically beautiful area but it is also very fine hill-climbing country and should provide an interesting change from the Cairngorms. The mountaineering section of the Club, under the leadership of Mr. Hawksworth, is also developing. Since the last notes were printed they have completed winter ascents of the Black Spout of Lochnagar and of the corries of Ben a' Bhuird. In complete contrast, a day was spent on the cliffs at Longhavcn. At the moment of writing, there arc plans afoot for a trip to Skye in the summer months. Taking the limiting winter conditions into consideration, the Club has again had a good year. For this, our masters deserve our most grateful thanks. SANDY MATH7E-SON, Upper VI And two new Clubs . . .

The Ski Club Due to the growing enthusiasm for skiing in Aberdeen, some boys in the Middle School, who had already enjoyed the sport with the Aberdeen Ski Club, decided to see if there was a need for a Club in the School. Enlisting the help of Mr. J. Wilson, a meeting was held and the response was very gratifying. Over fifty boys handed in their names as interested for season 1962-63. The following officials were elected : President, M. Burns, IV; Vice-President, A. Thomson, III; Secretary, H. Gudim,

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

During the Easter holidays, the Aberdeen Ski Club arranged an outing at very special rates for a party of Aberdeen Secondary School pupils. A group of twentyfive came from the Grammar. The experiment was a great success and everyone who was in the school parry is determined to take the sport seriously next season. As the Aberdeen Ski Club has kindly assented to help we hope to have a full programme. HARALD GUDIM, Secretary

The Chess Club In the autumn of last year Gordon's College challenged the Grammar School to a chess match ; the result was a to-z win for us. Stimulated by this success we decided to form a chess club, which has been well supported. The following officials were elected: Mr. I. Galloway, Honorary President; Michael Robinson, President; Bruce Mitchell, Vice-President; Peter Smith, Secretary and Treasurer. In a return match with Gordon's we won decisively by 91 games to ti. Four of our boys represented Aberdeen Schoolboys against Dundee Schoolboys—two won and two drew. In the Summer Term we hope to arrange a Masters v. Boys match. Our thanks are due to the Rector for a generous grant, and to Mr. I. Galloway and Mr. J. Wilson for their help and support. MICHAEL ROBINSON, President

Aberdeen Schools Scientific Society The Society has almost completed yet another successful series of meetings. These were held along rather different lines from previous years, the form of the meetings being more varied and covering a wider range of subjects. As in previous years, the British Association for the Advancement of Science kindly arranged two excellent lectures. In March, Dame Kathleen Lonsdale delivered a fascinating lecture on some aspects of crystallography. In October, Professor Burnett of Aberdeen University spoke on the subject " Plastics and their uses ", and following this, he kindly extended an invitation to the Society to tour the laboratories of the Chemistry Buildings at a later date. This visit took place in March and the members spent a very enjoyable and helpful evening being shown round the research laboratories. This evening was one of the highlights of the session. There were two film shows this year, extending over a wide range of subjects. The final meeting will take place in June and will take the form of a conducted tour of the Stoneywood Paper Mills. We are as always indebted to Mr. Bruce for his invaluable help and advice and thanks arc also due to Eric Grant, our Vth-year representative. IAN R. WRIGHT, President

Scripture Union The School Scripture Union branch has once again had a reasonably successful year. We are pleased to note that our attendances are fairly consistent and, although perhaps still not as large as we might hope, they have grown slightly during the session. Amongst the first-class speakers we have had since the last issue of the Magazine are Dr. David Short, a heart specialist from Woodend Hospital, Rev. George Reid, minister of West Church of St. Andrew and religious adviser to Grampian Television, and Mr. Duncan. Our other activities have included film strips and some lively discussion groups. We are, as always, indebted to Mr. Duncan for his help and advice. ALEXANDER S. MATHER, Secretary

School Section

Coventry Tour Easter 1962 " The best laid schemes o' mice and men gang aft agley " Fortunately, however, there are occasions when modest schemes achieve a singular success, and such was the case, we believe, with the Easter Tour of Coventry and the Industrial Midlands. Initially, the intention had been merely to visit that city to see something of its post-war reconstruction, of its world famous industry, and particularly of its almost completed cathedral, in the hope that something of the historic and symbolic importance of such a new building might have an salutary St. Crispin's Day impact upon the minds of the boys. As it proved, however, for pride of place every day of the tour vied with the rest, and this was undoubtedly due as much to persons we met as to places we visited. First, we extend our thanks to Mr. J. Middleton, M.A., C.A. for organising a visit to the Coventry Gauge and Tool Co., of which he is a director, then to Mr. A. L. Watson, a.sc. who arranged, and accompanied us on a tour of the G.E.C. Telephone Works. To a further two former pupils, Dr. J. Catto and Dr. McEwan both in medical practice in Coventry, we owe much, for not only did they most kindly offer to make the necessary arrangements for our visits to Courtaulds, and the Jaguar Car Factory, but also most generously invited the whole party of thirty-eight to the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, where we were privileged to sec the seldom -presented " Measure for Measure ", the opening play of the 1962 season at Stratford-on-Avon. Again by invitation we were given the opportunity of attending morning service at a church in Coventry, where we were welcomed by a Mr. and Mrs. Ray Pattison. Then, after worship, we learned that lunch was already prepared for us all in one of the church halls, and later in the afternoon when we arrived at the home of our new friends to bid them farewell, we found that further hospitality awaited us, this time in the form of a tea-party in the garden. Unexpected kindnesses such as these cannot pass unmentioned, nor will they be readily forgotten by us. (We might add, too, that such was the favourable impression created by the boys upon the congregation, that the visit is now recorded officially in the Minutes of the Warwick Road Congregational Church.] Rather puzzled by all that had happened, one young Grammar boy was prompted to ask, " What have we done to deserve all this? " The reason—a re-union if not quite of the Livingstone and Stanley fame, or the Crosse and Blackwell variety for that matter—was that Mr. Pattison and Mr. Murray had been prisoners-of-war together for five years, and had been closetted in a dungeon in Poland on the other side of Europe, while on that fateful night of 14 November 5940, Coventrians had sought shelter from the devastating German air attack which left the centre of the city in smoking ruins. But on that Sunday, war and destruction were far from our minds, and on the following day, once more as privileged visitors, we went to view the magnificent new cathedral—" a house that speaks of peace and reconciliation, a house in which all the arts and the craftsmanship of the time have united, stone, wood, glass, metal tapestry, the designer, the builders, the painter, the sculptor, the weaver ". When so much has been written, so many pictures shown of the Cathedral Church of St. Michael's, detailed comment here is quite unnecessary. We were all conscious of its unusual splendour, and later, in viewing, on television, the Consecration Service, we were made more aware that it is indeed " a house in whose building has gone the zeal and the love of a whole community ". Now we must thank our friendly and obliging bus driver, Mr. Robertson, who willingly and safely conveyed us to such places as the old town of Warwick, where we were taken on a conducted tour of its famous castle, near Stratford to Charlecote, one of the earliest of the great Elizabethan Houses, and then last, but by no means

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

least in the estimation of the railways enthusiasts in the party, to Rugby, where we were granted permission to wander around its 'Motive Depots—or Train Sheds— even to enter and be guided round the Testing Station, very seldom opened to the public, least of all to ubiquitous young train spotters. The feature, then, of this nine day tour, was its variety. While it had begun with a short visit to the old city of York, and had included a fairly intensive tour of Coventry, it ended en route home with a morning break at " Etruria ", the worldfamous Wedgwood Pottery factory near Hanley. In all we had covered some 1,300 miles. To all who contributed to the memorable success of this tour (and including the long-suffering but patient Youth Hostel Wardens) we extend our grateful thanks. To the thirty-four little Grammar boys whose behaviour and good manners on all occasions were such as to earn high praise and commendation for their school, a particularly honourable mention must be given, for without them no tour would have been possible, without their obedience and co-operation no enjoyment or satisfaction would have been achieved.

Lower School Dreich, overcast skies, atmosphere decidedly chill, but the whirr of the motor mower outside my window tells me that grass is growing apace despite the cold, and summer has officially come, though still clad in her spring garb. Synonymous with such manifestations of our northern summer the figure of a school Editor usually haunts me, but this year he must have been deflected from his purpose by the call of concurrent joys of H.L.C.s, " 0 " Levels and class exams. Imagine his pleasure on finding one contributor at least ready before the appointed hour. Miss Beatrice Brown's " Retiral " When no impending changes of staff have to be recorded at end of term in Lower School we feel truly thankful. Not so this year in the Kindergarten however, for 3o June will see Miss Beatrice Brown making her last appearance as an assistant mistress in that Department Note that I studiously avoid the word " retiring " which would be a totally erroneous term to use in relation to the volatile Miss Brown. A colleague—for so long a loving servant of the School and all it stands for, whose knowledge of and lively interest in pupils and staff both past and present, never cease to amaze me—she will, without doubt, be greatly missed, and quite how the Staff Function Committee will operate without its presiding Minerva I just do not know! What a host of friends here, pupils, F.P.s—mortal and immortal—I speak for in saying: " Halcyon days ad infinitum, Beattie! " The night of 14 February saw a full house for our Lower School Concert. The first half was devoted to work of individual instrumentalists, songs by the Junior Section of the Choir and three pieces by the Junior Orchestra, while in the second half the opera " Barbarina " by Mozart was performed by the Senior Section of the Choir. " Barbarina " was a fine example of well executed team work, given an aura of great charm by the singing of the four principals John E. McIntosh, William 1-I. K. Anderson, James A. Gauld and Andrew M. Sim. I'm proud to have at present in my room a very handsome silver cup— a constant reminder that our Choir Junior Section retained the cup awarded to Junior School Choirs at the Music Festival. To more or less round off their year the Choir took part in the Primary Schools Choir Assembly held in the Cnwdray Hall on to May, an event at the same time enjoyable, uplifting and stimulating. The wisdom of the Education Committee in appointing Mr. Donald Smith, D.A., to be head of the Art Department at Summerhill School cannot be refuted and

School Section

our good wishes go with him in his new job, coupled with the hope that he will be able to inspire his pupils in Summerhill as much as he did the boys of Lower School. Over a difficult time when we might well have been without an Art teacher altogether, Mrs. Dorothy Reid kindly filled the breach on a skeleton timetable—not an easy task when a young family and husband have to be catered for as well, and we thank her for her help. It is to be hoped that very soon a permanent Art teacher will be found for us. Although it would be untrue to say that the Primary VII Rugby was of a very high standard this session the boys enjoyed and benefited from their training and in the sphere of soccer for Primaries V, VI and VII good progress and great enthusiasm were evinced and maintained, due in the main to the effort and drive of Mr. Farquhar working hand in hand with the P.E. staff. Of the eleven games played by the 1st XI against city Primary Schools we won 6, lost 3 and drew 2 with a total of 31 goals for, and 17 against, while the 2nd XI did even better, playing 9 games in all of which they won 7, lost 1 and drew I. Of the cricket games arranged for this term three have already been played2 won and 1 lost—and we look forward with interest to the result of our two games against a Primary School Select and the two against R.G.C. With Mr. Lawson spending so much of his spare time in coaching the team, results ought to be gratifying. Thanks again to Mr. Lawson, we have got the Cycling Proficiency Training Scheme going at last in Lower School, and our first batch of prospective candidates will be trying their test on 13 June. Long may they cycle safely! Once started it is hoped that this will continue to be one of the many extra-curricular activities in which an interest will be taken by the boys. In summer term the accent is on athletics as well as cricket, and much of time at field is spent in this wise, to good effect we hope when the annual contest with R.G.C. comes along. Thirteen 30-yard Swimming Certificates have been awarded to Primary VII boys this term. Of course we expect that this number may be trebled by this time next year when our new pool should be in use. The attendance at the annual Swimming Gala was in general disappointing, but Lower School support was certainly not lacking and our Lower School Swimming Medal winner and runnerup were Robert A. M. Mann (P VIA) and Jonathan A. Anstock (P VITA) respectively. In addition to the more formal field games this term, we have introduced the boys in Primary VI and VII to the delights and relaxation of hill walking—so important an activity for those who are not naturally good at games—and have had three enjoyable outings to the Hill o' Fare, Clach-na-Bein and Bennachie. I think it highly unlikely that the boys of any other school in the city are able to participate in a comparable variety of sporting activities. At this year's Festival of the Spoken Word all the classes taking part—Primaries VII B, VI A, VI B, V A, V B—acquitted themselves most creditably and to round off our spring term presented their plays, mimes and speeches to the assembled Lower School in Hall. This term the Primary VII classes have as usual been paying educational visits to places of interest in the city. Places visited have been the Marine Laboratory, Stoneywood Paper Mills, the Fish Market, an Ice Factory, Cold Storage Plant, a Fish Processing Plant, a trawler, a Paint Factory, a Bakery and a Lemonade Factory. Re-reading this it all seems far removed from the world of work and study, but let me hasten to assure you that we do work hard too (here imagine a chorus of heart-rending groans from the 323 afflicted!) and it is good to note that though pipped at the post for the two open bursaries this year, three of our own boys were awarded presentation bursaries for Middle School, namely, Gordon I. McGrath, Alistair W. S. Smith, both of Primary VII B, and Gordon J. Sim of Primary VII A. J. D. M.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Music

This year has shown no abatement in the flourishing musical life of the School. Perhaps the most interesting development has been the inauguration of a series of Midday Music recitals, held during the Friday lunch break during the Spring Term. Nine recitals were given, and all attracted large and enthusiastic audiences. Nigel Murray and Allan Geddes opened the series with a Violin and Piano recital. Two former pupils and a former member of staff returned to perform for us—we had recitals from William Buyers (French Horn), Patrick Milne (Bassoon), and songs from Mr. J. Locke Nicholson. Other recitals included Mozart's Clarinet Trio (Alasdair Mackenzie, Kenneth Thomson, and Allan Geddes), Scots songs by Neil McKinnon, a Handel Trio Sonata played by the IVth year music group, a recital of verse and music (readers Graham Caie and Peter Stewart), and, to end the series, Music in Miniature, by the Music Staff. Further series of recitals are planned for the Autumn Term. Several of our boys gained musical distinctions during the past term. Nigel Murray was awarded a place in the National Youth Orchestra, and attended the course held at Gainsborough during the Easter holidays. He is going on to study at the Royal College of Music, as is Allan Geddes. Patrick Milne, a former pupil, gained a Bassoon Scholarship to the Royal College of Music, and will take up his studies there on completion of his course at Aberdeen University. In the Music Festival, Grammar boys gained several notable successes. Pride of place must be given to Alasdair Mackenzie who won not only the under 13 and under 18 clarinet classes, but also the Open Woodwind class (with two more Grammar boys, Neil McKinnon and Allan Geddes znd and 3rd—only one mark behind each other). Alasdair then went on to win the Instrumental Challenge Shield. Neil and Allan also had other successes, Neil winning the Hebridean and Scots song open classes, and the under 18 Flute class, and Allan winning the Beethoven Sonata class and the James Irvinc-Fortescue prize. Changes of staff are noted elsewhere, but we welcome Mr. James Hunter to the Music Staff. Mr. Hunter has taken over the Junior Orchestra, Recorder Group, and is about to make history as the first Music Master of the School to share in the training of the Pipe Band! Orchestra This year the School orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Hawksworth for the first time, is preparing work for the forth-coming concert. The String and Woodwind sections of the Orchestra are more or less complete, and our small brass section, composed mainly of younger boys, is already showing promise. Under these conditions, we can expect the performance, which includes the Overture to the Beggars' Opera, the Marchc Joyeuse by Chabrier, Beethoven's Romance in F, and " Hiawatha's Wedding Feast", an ambitious work for the choir and orchestra, to be very successful. ALLAN GEDDES, Lower VI

Senior Choir The work of the Choir during the Autumn Term culminated in a performance of " Nine Lessons and Carols " in Rubislaw Church during the month of December. The performance was a great success, and the choir gave its usual spirited rendering of several well known, along with some lesser known, carols. This term the choir has been kept busy with the preparation of Coleridge-Taylor's " Hiawatha's Wedding Feast" which will be performed at the Annual School Concert in June. Once again we would like to express our thanks to the Music staff, and in particular to Mr. Cullen, for their interest and encouragement throughout the year. IAN MACNAY, Upper V

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Reflections on " The Critic " Seven years ago the School Dramatic Society presented Sheridan's " Critic " with great acceptance; this year Mr. King and his assistants in production revived it with great success. An eighteenth-century play is obviously an attractive proposition to many actors; the appeal of the high, stylised manner, the rounded'phrase, the tapped snuffbox, the languorous extension of arm and calf, the devasting " Egad, Sir! " would seem to be perennial. Putting it another way, it provides just the excuse to show off on the boards, to mouth and to bow, to poise and to swivel with a mannered manipulation of limbs and syllables—to overact, in fact, and to be applauded for it. What is too often forgotten is that it also requires, and in the highest degree, vitality and intelligence, the vitality which suffuses the patterned language and the formal gesture with contemporary meaning, the intelligence which grasps and expresses the meaning and implications of words and makes them what they should be—vehicles of thought as well as sounds organised in space and time. The old style, therefore, requires panache and discipline, and without these we have burlesque, unconscious burlesque; the self-admiring but unselfcritical actor makes a fool of himself and of the play which he thinks he adorns. But then " The Critic " is a deliberate burlesque of a certain popular type of play, and thereby a satirical comment on some plays, playwrights and audiences. Obviously then it requires, on the actors' part, all the greater appreciation of the difference between unconscious and deliberate burlesque. It was the great virtue of this production that in Peter Stewart, and in Peter Mulvey to a lesser degree, it had two members of cast who seemed to be fully aware of what their parts meant in the play's context, and had the vitality, the stage skill and presence to get it over to the audience. The rest of the cast were amusing, competent, doing for the most part what was required of them, and obviously enjoying it, but it is of the essence of this play that Mr. Puff holds it, for success or failure, in the hollow of his hand. Peter Stewart never fell below the level that was required of him; quite simply Mr. Puff did his stuff. The first part of the play was less lively than it should have been. Graham Cale whose Viola in last year's production was so moving, just because there was no effort of will to overlay Shakespeare's verses with a medley of movement and interpretative " business ", this year went to the other extreme. There was vitality of a sort, but the jingling and jangling of ornaments and bangles was rather trying; in a sense he was trying too hard. Douglas Paul played Mr. Dangle with a bland innocence which was perhaps a truer reflection of his own nature than of the intention of the author. The lines of his face showed every desire to please, as was proper to the part; and his words came with a strong rhythmic rise and fall, but quite often they came a second or two behind their proper time, as if Mr. Dangle was excessively slow-witted or as if Douglas Paul suspected that he was going to forget his lines. But this was a manly first effort on the stage, and he cut a fine figure. Peter Mulvey's acting was a constant pleasure. It was a delight to see him raise an eyebrow, advance a foot, turn his head slowly in a gesture of insecure authority, and to hear him speak in a rich round voice, edged at times with spleen or rancour, or unctuous with the bonhomie that is false and knows itself that it is false. It was a well-timed, well-mannered exhibition. And finally, of the main characters, Peter Stewart. I should say he gave the best performance that I have seen over the last five years in School productions. It was a fine conception to think of Puff as a jumped-up Cockney Go-Getter, and to maintain the manner and the accent throughout the play. Here he was—the eternal player of the cultural market, brash and bold, now wheedling, now hectoring, and always falling back on the drama conventions of the day as they suited him. " That's a rule " said Puff; always the rule proved him to be right, and always his play, " The

loo

Aberdeen Grammar School Maserine

Spanish Armada " fell into further depths of absurdity. Mr. Puff's vitality extorted the admiration of the audience. When we know that Peter Stewart was in far from robust health when he played the part, it is surely a performance that merits the highest praise in print, as it drew the audience's delighted applause on the nights of the performance. We think back on the rest of the cast with pleasure. They played their parts with an affecting exuberance, moving happily in a most colourful production. They and the play's producers are all to be heartily congratulated. A. T.

Combined Cadet Force Army Section 'Phis year has seen the completion of the Part I syllabus by the third year cadets, and we are pleased to note that a very• large percentage of them obtained good passes in their Part I examination. During the Easter holidays, ten senior cadets, with Captain Galloway and F.O. McLeod, participated in an Arduous Training Scheme at Glenmore. Though this was rather marred by atrocious weather, several interesting exercises were carried out. This year it is hoped to give a demonstration of cadet activities to the first two years of the School, and we are also hoping to have an Annual Inspection sometime this summer. Summer Camp this year, will be held at Fort George and a large programme, including Adventure Training for the senior cadets, has been planned. We are pleased to note that one of our N.C.O.s, Cpl. Ross, has gained entry to Welbeck, and it is of note that he is the first Grammar schoolboy to do so. Once again, our heartfelt thanks must go to our officers and N.C.O.s, all of whom have helped to run the C.C.F. ably and efficiently. We are also grateful to R.S.M. Whyte, who has helped greatly in raising the standard of drill and discipline in the Section. Joie; D. ANDERSON, CISgt.

R.A.F. Section Due in a large part to the efforts of F./O. McLeod, the Royal Air Force Section has gone through what must be one of its most successful years ever. Twelve cadets passed the Royal Air Force Proficiency Exam, five with distinction, and four with credit, while Cpls. McLeod and Dorward scored the fantastic marks of 93 per cent. and 98 per cent. in the Royal Air Force Advanced Proficiency Exam. Nor in this bustle of activity was the flying programme neglected, as more cadets have flown with the University Air Squadron Chipmunks this year. Cpl. Morrison and Cadets Scott, Fowlie and Philip obtained gliding " A " and " B " certificates at 66z Gliding School, Arbroath. An Anson from Kinloss Air Station flew the Section on navigational exercises to the FA7ell-Perth area. This enabled us to put into practice our knowledge of navigation and map reading. In the last week of March the Section spent a day at R.A.F. Kinloss, staying overnight. Besides the extensive flying and ground programmes which were laid on for us during the day, there was an added attraction in that part of the Section was flown back to Aberdeen in a Shackleton Mk. III. It is hoped that this short camp will become a feature of the Section's activities in future. Looking forward to the rest of the term, we shall, as usual, be having basic glider training at Rubislaw, and shall be giving a display on the asst of June at our Annual Inspection. During the summer holidays the Section will attend annual

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camp from 2.8 July to 4 August at Royal Air Force Honington, a V-Bomber Station, and Sgt. Leach will attend a Star Camp, at Royal Air Force, Valley. We extend thanks to S./L. Brown, F./O. McLeod and P.p. Hunter for their help and guidance, which has been the driving force behind the success of the Section this year. P. A. BIRNIE, Flt./Sgt. Pipes and Drums This session the band has had to build up an entirely new piping section for our summer engagements. As a result, although there was no shortage of recruits, our piping strength is still of an unknown quality. The drumming section however, after four years' experience should provide excellent accompaniment, and the large number of beginners augurs exceptionally well for future years. We are, of course, greatly indebted to Mr. Whyte and Mr. Strachan our two keen and conscientious instructors, and Mr. McLeod who in his inimitable way has managed the financial side of the band. DOUGLAS PAUL, Drum Major

Scout Notes 1st Group G.S.M. (acting) I. G. S. MacGregor, 56 Union Grove. A. Hunter Cairns, 4i4 Gt. Western Road. S.M. C.M. Robert Falconer, 15 Devonshire Road. I. G. S. MacGregor, 56 Union Grove. R.S.L. Troop Notes

Between December and March, the Troop was fully occupied with the winter training. At the beginning of March, the Annual Open Night was held in the Group H.Q. and was a great success. During the second week of April the whole Troop camped at Clinterty. Yet again the numbers were higher than any previous year, over 4o boys in all, which must surely be the biggest camp ever to be held there. The weather was for the most part dry, but cold. In spite of this, the camp programme was a busy one, the activities were exceedingly varied, and a large amount of badge work was done. Summer Camp is to be held at Glen Gairn, about 4 miles from Ballater. In the meantime, the Troop is preparing for the big event with the usual programme of outdoor activities. It gives me much pleasure to announce that our T.L. George Nicol has recently been promoted to A.S.M. and it is hoped to " have a warrant out for him " before the autumn term commences. Peter Jeffrey, until lately A.C.M., has joined the ranks of warranted A.S.M.'s of the Troop. I should like to end by thanking the Troop A.S.M.'s for the support they have given me throughout the year especially Bob Falconer who " stood in " for me in my absence, and I hope both the Troop and the Scourers may look forward to many more years of Scouting as happy and successful as this one has been. A. HUNTER CAIRNS, S.M. Crew Notes

The main crew activity this year has been specialised badge work instruction for Scouts. This activity was carried on during February and March.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Maga:tine

Since the last issue of the Magazine, the Crew spent an enjoyable week-end climbing in the snow of Glendoll at New Year; and one of the highlights was a talk by Dr. W. Douglas Simpson, himself an ex-scout of the Troop, on the excellent work done by Scouts in the coast-watching service during the First World War. This term is as usual full of activity; in April eight members of the crew went to the N.E. Scotland Moot at Drum, and some members are going to the Scottish Challenge Hike, and the Scottish Rover/Ranger Moot, at Auchengillan. DAVID R. CLARK, Secretary 'lilt Pack Since New Year, it may well be said that the Pack's theme has been " outdoors ". A snow-game at Hazlehead, two trails, two other visits to Hazlehead, the football competition, the Cub sports, three days out at Clinterty, a trip to Beaconhill, and a parents' day at Clinterty have all appeared on the spring and summer term's programme, now nearing an end. It has been a rich and enjoyable half-year, with much on which the Pack can look back with pleasure. The Scouters enjoyed the contact with the parents which has been established over this period, and have been very gratified by the appreciation shown by the parents of the Pack's work and activities. An " At-Home " evening in our town headquarters was pleasant and fruitful. The boys have made excellent showings in at least two fields of endeavour these last few months. Nine " First-aid" badges were gained, together with three " Collector " and one " House-Orderly ". We are proud of the fact that Sixer Andrew Smith has earned the Leaping Wolf badge—the mark of ultimate success in Cub Work. Bob-a-Job reached an all-time record total this year—nearly £;o. Fourteen boys who earned over £1 were awarded a special badge for their efforts. A camp for certain senior members of the Pack is to be held from 17 to zo August, and preparations for this are already in band. This, although a Cub camp, will perhaps give a taste of Scouting joys ahead for our oldest Cubs. A party attended the " Gang Show " in April, and enjoyed it immensely. We may hope that the Pack visit to the show may encourage the boys to be members of its cast once they go up to the Troop. Clearly the first half of 1962 has been a period of great activity in the Pack. A busy Pack is a happy one, so let us hope that the months ahead will not show any falling-off in the level of activity! Once again I must thank my assistants, Bill Yule, Eva Slessor and Alasdair " Bunny " Lawrance for their valuable help. To Bill, who is leaving us for London to take up Clinical Psychology, the Pack wishes " Good Hunting ". We hope his experience with us will be useful! ROBERT FALCONER, ClibMalfer

9th Group The last months of 1961 saw the culmination of our year of " fund-raising ". The biggest project towards this end was the " Fair " held in the Music Hall on at October. The outcome of this was £313 which when added to the money already raised, along with L1 8 18s. from " Lucky Nine ", our Group Revue in the School Hall in November and £34 from a raffle, brought the grand total to £S72. This compares favourably with the 9th's efforts in fund-raising in previous years. We have a great debt of gratitude to our untiring parents' committee for all the work they tackled during this heavy year. The Troop strength stands at the moment at 47 and the Pack at 16. From these figures it is obvious that the Scouts are at full capacity while there are ample vacancies in the Cub Pack. We should like to put this right and therefore boys of the 8 to to age group would be welcome at the Pack Meetings on Wednesdays at 6.3o. Parents should contact our Cubmaster, Miss Sheila Mackie, 17 Hilton Street.

School Section

)

103

The New Year brought the appointment of Dr. Peter Mitchell as Group Scoutmaster, and to say Dr. Mitchell is welcome is an understatement, as a G.S.M. is essential to the successful co-ordination of Troop and Pack and the conduct of Group affairs. We offer him our thanks for taking on such an important job and hope he will be happy in his new association with the 9th—I say new because he is in fact an ex-member. We also bid welcome to MI. Joseph Carry as the new chairman of our Group Committee and thank Councillor A. M. Burns for his services in that office in the past. Arrangements are now under way for the Troop Summer Camp which this year will be in the Ncwtonmore area. At Easter " Bob:a-Job " kept the Scouts and Cubs busy as usual, and nine members of the Troop took part in " The Gang Show " at the Tivoli Theatre during the first week of the holidays. KENNEDY THOMSON, S.M.

17th Group G.S.M.; Mr. F. R. Paterson, 26 Osborne Place. Mr. John K. Blair, 8 Pitstruan Place. S.M.; Miss Alice Merson, 26 Braemar Place. C.M. This year so far has been an extremely busy year as preparations are now well in hand for our Café. As we are not only attempting to raise sufficient funds to cover running costs for the next three years but are also planning extensions to our headquarters, a costly business these days, The parents are very busy holding fund raising activities and have to date raised over £3oo. Easter camp which was held during the spring holiday week-end was attended by fourteen boys and with reasonably good weather was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The following boys have successfully completed their First Class training and gained their badges. Keith Muir, James Sandeman, Gordon Morrison, Alan Bell and Brian Johnstone. Summer Camp has been arranged this year for Glen Esk and it is expected that a good proportion of the Troop will be present. Jou14 K. BLAIR, Scoutmaster Pack Notes

o a

The Pack have had a busy and successful year. Four boys need only one more proficiency Badge to gain their Leaping Wolf. Our Annual Parents Night, which was supported by a large number of parents, was held on 3 April. The Cubs worked hard during Bob-a-Job week and a splendid total was raised. We now look forward to having some out of door meetings and the Pack Picnic which will be held in June. In September when several Cubs go up to the Troop we will have vacancies for new recruits and will welcome boys of S at that time. A. MERSON, Cub/neuter

House Notes Byron

The following officials for the Summer Term were elected : Cricket Captain, F. N. McKenzie ; Vice-Captain, R. A. Craig; Athletics Captain, R. A. Craig; ViceCaptain, F. N. McKenzie. The Senior House rugby team was perhaps unlucky to finish in third place, being narrowly beaten by Dun and Keith and drawing with Melvin. The hockey team turned in a meritorious performance, finishing in second place. The swimming gala gave the House another second place.

104

Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine

House prospects in the coming cricket and athletic competitions are bright, especially in athletics, where we are hoping to repeat last year's victory. Finally, I should like to record our debt to Mr. Baxter, the Housemaster, and his assistants. F. NEIL MCKENZIE, Howe Captain Dun Officials elected for the Summer Term are: Athletics Captain, David C. Leslie; Vice-Captain, Peter Mulvey; Cricket Captain, James A Banks; Vice-Captain, David C. Leslie. In the Upper School Rugby Cup Competition, the House managed to secure second position, being beaten by a strong Keith XV. In the Junior tournament, however, the younger Dun House boys showed their capabilities by winning in grand style. Our performance in the Swimming Gala was, alas, disappointing. Congratulations are due to our swimming captain, Richard E. Forbes, who, with fine swimming, won second place in the senior individual competition. Unfortunately our hockey team did not have a successful season. Prospects for the Summer Term are quite good, and we are hoping to better ourselves in the Annual Sports. The House cricket team will, I feel, have a hard task in obtaining honours. I would like to thank our supporting masters and especially our Housemaster, Mr. R. McLeod, for his usual efficient organisation of House affairs. DAVID C. LESLIE, Howe Captain

Keith

The following officials were elected for the Summer Term: Cricket Captain, J. Andrews; Vice-Captain, G. Fraser; Athletics Captain, A. Leach; Vice-Captain, K. Edward. During the winter terms the House experienced mixed fortunes in its sporting successes. A strong rugby XV recorded three fine victories to win the House championship. However, in swimming and hockey the young teams were unfortunate to occupy the penultimate position. In the junior House rugby championship the House finished runners-up in a closely contested competition. Prospects for the Summer Term are indeed bright. A strong cricket XI should prove formidable opposition, and our young and ageing athletes should assure the House of a good position in the sports. Once again we are greatly indebted to Mr. Wilson and Mr. Stephen for their help, advice and encouragement throughout the session. DOUGLAS PAUL, House Captain Melvin The following officials were elected for the Summer Term: Cricket Captain, G. F. Webster; Cricket Vice-Captain, F. K. Lawson ; Athletics Captain, S. Mathieson ; Athletics Vice-Captain, G. F. Webster. The winter season was, on the whole, very successful, the House winning both the Hockey Cup and the Swimming Gala for the third year running. In the Rugby Cup, however, we had to be content with third place, equal behind Keith and Dun. Congratulations are due to John Wright who won the Rector's Swimming Cup, and to Fred Lawson and James Gauld who gained Schoolboy International Hockey caps. Our prospects for the Summer Term are quite good in athletics, and we should have a reasonable chance of retaining the Cricket Cup. Finally, Mr. Brown and his associates are to be thanked for conducting the affairs of the House during the year. G. FRASER WEBSTER, Howe Captain

( 1_ 4

ALEXANDER GRAY, F,Sti. M.1, LL.B. President (if the P.P. Club 1962-3.

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The above photograph of one of the late " Pa Henry's" famous survey classes is reproduced—by courtesy of .4 herdeen Journals—from a June 1937 issue of the P. & J.

The late MR. W. M. HENRY.

School ist XV, Season 1961-62

Back Roar Mr. A. C. Stevenson, G. G. Ross, A. J. Leith, J. W. Iladden, G. F. Webster, G. W. Fraser, G. K. M. Murray, G. L. Thomson, I). A. Britt, C. T. C. Riach, Mr. G. Mortimer. Front Ron— I). C. Leslie, R. Wallace, F. N. McKenzie, D. \\ T. Paul (Captain), R. A. Craig, J. A. Banks, P. Mulvey.

School Hockey ist XI Season 1962

Bath Row—Mr. R. McNay, M. J. Dower, G. M. V. Dier, N. D. Forrest, P. M. Mann, A. T. Clague, G. H. D. Sommerville, J. P. Stewart. Front Ron. —li. R. Wright, A. N. T. Bhatti, G. D. Grant (Captain), F. K. S. Lawson, J. H. Gault!.

Winners of Paisley Grammar School Sevens, 1962 ). A. Banks, G. F. Webster, R. A. Craig, P. Mulvey, F. N. McKenzie, D. W. T. Paul (Captain), G. W. Fraser.

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i o6

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

znd's, 3rd's, 4th's The znd XV, though not as successful as the 1st, did well. Its members tried to open up the game at all times but lack of strong running centres made this a sometimes hazardous task. Some of the younger players showed considerable promise. The 3rd XV enjoyed a moderately successful season. Results would probably have been better if the team could have been kept together but injuries in the ist and znd XV's necessitated the frequent changing of the side. The 4th XV was undefeated. In all these sides the players enjoyed their matches and on occasions produced some fine rugby. Colts, Juniors, Minors The ist XVs of these groups went through the season undefeated. This is no mean achievement and the record table (above) speaks for itself. Attacking rugby has been the coaching theme in these groups and it has reaped its reward. The future of Grammar School rugby should be secure with these youngesters coming up but will they all stay for the full secondary course? Colts suffered from a dearth of backs but had such strength forward to make this a very minor handicap. The teams had a most successful season and had the performance of the backs as a whole matched that of the forwards the " points for " total could well have been doubled. Juniors has a wealth of ability both among the forwards and backs. Like the Colts they had a big pack though quite a number of positional changes had to be made during the season. There is a great deal of promising material here. It is difficult to compare our standard at this stage with the other Scottish schools, as almost all our fixtures are in the north. However, good wins by Colts against Paisley Grammar School, and Hutchison's Grammar School, and by the Juniors against Glasgow Academy, show that we are " up to standard ". The only blemish on Minors record was a draw with Gordons in the first contest with them. However, this can be excused when one considers that in the subsequent three games with Gordons, Grammar won. The team played well together and there were no outstanding " individual efforts ", usually a characteristic of this age group. This report would not be complete without a word of thanks to the members of staff responsible for coaching, not only the top teams, but also the many other boys who play the game. Also our thanks to the Masters who give of their time both in refereeing at Rubislaw and in travelling with teams. But for the work of the Staff it would be impossible to carry through the large number of fixtures. Our thanks also to our groundsman Mr. Mathew for his work at Rubislaw. House Rugby Senior House Trophy—KEITH. Middle School Trophy—DUN. Paisley Grammar School Seven-a-side Tournament This Sevens Tournament has grown from humble beginnings in 1940 to become probably the most " national " of the Scottish Schoolboys Sevens. This year, for the first time a Grammar School seven was entered, and it was hoped that not only would the seven enjoy the outing but that they might even get through the first round! This they did—and much more. By good clean fast handling, by utilising their speed of acceleration to the full, by skilful individual and team play, and by a very pleasing spirit of enjoyment and adventure—the seven not only won the tournament, but in doing so won the approval and support of the large number of spectators. It was a joy and delight to watch them—especially so for one who had himself taken part in this tournament in its early days.

School Section

107

Paul by his sound tactical sense played a big part in this victory but he was ably assisted by McKenzie, Fraser, Webster, Mulvey, Craig and Banks—all of whom deserve great credit for this fine performance. Draw Hamilton Acad. 1i Aberdeen G.S.

Aberdeen G.B. Glasgow H.S. Keil Sch.

} Glasgow H.S.

} Aberdeen G.B.

Aberdeen G.B.

Hawick H.S. H illhead H.S.

} Blithest' H.S. }

kyr Acad. Royal H.S.

) Royal H.S.

George Heriots Glasgow Acad.

} George ilerlots

Aberdeen G.S.

}

. George Heriots Aberdeen G.S.

Morrison' Acad. _ ' , cad. } mOTIV.O11B DDollar Acad. Paisley G.S. Allan Glen's Sch. } Paisley G.S.

Paisley

G.S.

Dunfermline H.S. 1 Ilutchesons' G.S. liutchesons' ,J* } Boroughmuir B°n3ughmuir Keivinside Acad. } Boroughmulr

Boroughinuir

Outstanding Games of the sat XV 17 December v. Royal High School at Jocks Lodge. 3-0. School elected to play against the wind and slope and from the kick-off played with considerable zest. However, towards half-time Royal High pressed hard and only great pluck and resolution by School prevented them from scoring. Both sides were very evenly matched and the ding-dong battle again ensued after the restart. Ten minutes from time, Craig kicked a penalty to give the School victory. This game brought out the best in the School pack and everyone in the team played superbly. 2o January v. Aberdeen Academy at Rubislaw. 23-3. School played uphill in the first half but did not cover themselves with glory and it was against the run of play when Paul went over following a line-out. Minutes Later, Craig scored in the corner but Academy rallied and converted a penalty to reduce School's lead. In the second half a great transformation took place in the School side. McKenzie, Craig and Webster broke through time and time again. The forwards completely dominated the opposing pack and playing superb rugby School coasted to a comfortable victory. 27 January v. Glenalmond at Glenalmond. 6-o. School more than held their own against a strong, fast Glenalmond side. Similar to the Royal High game, play raced from end to end. Glenalmond's threequarters always looked dangerous and only strong tackling by School prevented a score. In the second half, School began to dominate the play and were rewarded by a penalty by Craig. A little later, Hadden was sent over in the corner after some fine outfield play and this score dinched the game. so February v. Heriot's at Goldenacre. 0-3. School had much more of the play than Heriot's but faulty backing up prevented us from scoring. As it was, Heriot's pounced on a loose ball to gain their 3 points and ironically it was a former Grammar boy, D. Milne, who sealed our fate. School threw the ball about in grand fashion and endeavoured to keep the game open but Heriot's held on to their slender lead.

zo8

Aberdeen Grammar School Magarine

17 February v. Boro'muir at Meggetland. 16-o Playing up a steep slope in the first half, School did well to hold the fiery Boroughmuir side. In the second half, however, School came into its own and played some fine attacking rugby. After a penalty by Craig, he later crossed for a try in the corner. Soon after, Paul and Thomson added further tries both of which Craig converted. School must take credit for playing good open rugby against opposition who tried to keep the ball tight. z8 March v. Robert Gordon's College at Rubislaw. 11-3. School started this game in a superior psychological state of mind and this culminated in victory. College were an improved side but School, playing without Ross, were feeling the effect of three matches within a week. School were content to hang on to their lead and, finding College completely lacking in ideas, ran out easy winners. Scorers: Craig (penalty, try, and conversion), G. Thomson.

Who's Who in the 'St XV D. Leslie. 5 ft. 7 in. to st. x i lb. Full back. Made a shaky start to the season but improved as he gained experience. His positional sense was faulty, but his play was characterised by strong tackling in defence, and in attack, fast direct running. Half colours. G. Thomson. 6 ft. 12 st. t t lb. Wing threequarter. Lost his place early in the season because of poor handling. However, after remedying this fault he returned to the side and impressed with hard, determined running. In defence he tended to run too fast at his opposite number. J. Hadden. 5 ft. tt in. xi st. 5 lb. Wing threequarter. Played very inconsistently and as a result lost his place in the second half of the season. He handled well, was a speedy runner, and took a few good tries, but unfortunately his defence was very weak. F. Webster. 6 ft. ti in. It st. to lb. Centre threequarter. A well built elusive runner, he was the perfect partner for Craig. He tackled well and more than once cleared School's lines with a hefty kick. Only his very occasional lapse in handling can be faulted. Full colours. R. Craig. 6 ft. II st. 1 z lb. Centre threequarter. Potentially the most dangerous threequarter. He ran with power and determination, but after breaking he must learn to line up with the rest of the side. Tackled strongly and served the side well with his place-kicking. Full colours. G. Ross. 5 ft. 9 in. 11st. 5 lb. Hooker. He made up for his lack of height and weight by his determination and fearlessness. Throughout the season he hooked well and worked hard in the loose. He also backed up surprisingly well. Full colours. R. Wallace. 5 ft. 8 in. tt st. 12 lb. Prop forward. Although capable of fierce, spirited play he tended to be seen more in the open play than in the loose. He had a fair turn of speed and in passing movements was always there or thereabouts. Just failed to score his try. Full colours. G. Fraser. 6 ft. ti in. 13 st. to lb. and row forward. The power-house of the 1st " XV ". His size and strength were invaluable in the loose, set and lineout, and his supreme fitness always brought him to the fore in open play. His example encouraged and helped not only Murray but the whole team. Cap. A. Leach. 5 ft. to in. it st. 6 lb. Wing threequarter. Although capable of good rugby, played very inconsistently. Was a strong runner but always tried to run through his man or hurdle over him, rather than round him. His defence was shaky. Reward of half-colours.

School Section

I09

P. Mulvey. 5 ft. 6 in. 9 st. 3 lb. Scrum half. Despite his lack of height and weight he served the side very well. He had a sound service from scrum and line out, and was a nippy elusive runner. Defended courageously and was always harassing the opposition. Full colours. C. Riach. 5 ft. 9 in. 52 st. 3 lb. Prop forward. A strong, robust hardworking forward, who gave invaluable service in the loose and line-out. Backed up exceptionally well and can only be faulted for temporary lapses while assisting Ross the hooker. G. Murray. 6 ft. i in. 13 st. 6i lb. and row forward. A big, hefty chap who quite often used his weight and height to advantage. He had a tendency to fade out towards the end of a game, because of lack of fitness. He gained invaluable experience for next season and attention to fitness could make him into a really good player. Half colours. D. Britt. 5ft. to} in. I 1 st. 51 lb. Wing forward. A very mobile and intelligent player. He always troubled the opposing halves but never seemed to make a decisive tackle. Backed up and covered excellently and should do well next season. J. Banks. 5 ft. so in. it st. 6 lb. Wing forward Like Britt he was also fast and intelligent. More happy in attack than in defence, he impressed with some fine solo runs. Must learn to get rid of the ball a second or two sooner. Developed a useful kick, Full colours. F. N. McKenzie. 5 ft. to} in. I t st. 4 lb. Stand off. An outstanding player who was only available part of the season because of injury. Excellent handler of a ball but inclined to run across the field. Got his backs going smoothly, and always backs up. Cap. D. W. T. Paul. 6 ft. r in. 13 st. Lock. Undisputed leader of side and a first class skipper. Played very well (when he wanted to) particularly near the lines—to score or defend as needed. I-le set a high standard of play himself and his team followed his example. Cap.

Hockey 'This year's team has one of the best records of any School in the last ten years. It has conceded fewer goals than any team since the schooldays of Watt and the Cromar Twins! It was excellently led by Gordon Grant who, with quiet efficiency, proved himself a fine successor to the outstanding hockey captains of the past. Results W D L F A P 8 27 8 Against Schools 1 o 9 25 15 z All matches 27 8 71 The defence was very sound with each member covering up with splendid understanding. Forrest and Dower improved greatly during the season and especially noteworthy was the excellent play of Arthur Clague. The main weakness in the side was a tendency to depend, rather much, on Fred Lawson for scoring goals but, there is no doubt, that much of the success of the side was due to Lawson's outstanding displays and he should in the near future gain a Scottish Senior Cap. Probably the highlights of the season were the victories at Fettes and Fort Augustus. We narrowly lost the " B " league championship to our old rivals F.P.s "A ", finishing runners up for the second year in succession. We were delighted to have Clague, Grant, Gauld, Lawson and Wright win places in the final Schoolboys trial at Edinburgh. Lawson and Gauld were capped for Scotland v. Ireland and played in Belfast on 14 April. We were sorry to lose Malcolm Christie, an outstanding goalkeeper, at Xmas when he joined the Police Force; perhaps he will introduce hockey to that august body.

i io

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Colour Awards 1st XI Cap: F. K. Lawson, 1961-62; G. D. Grant, 1962. Full Colours: J. P. Stewart, 1961-62; M. Dower, 1962; A. Clague, 1962; J. Gauld, 1962; T. Bhatti, 1962; M. Christie, 5961. Half Colour: N. Forrest, 1962. Regular Team. Christie, Mann, Forrest, Dower, Grant (Capt.), Stewart, Clague, Wright, Bhatti, Lawson, Gauld, Sommerville and Dier. Sat XI Results Results

Scorers 3-1 Dier 2, Young 6-2 Bhatti 3, Lawson 2, Gauld 5-2 Lawson, 4-0 Lawson 2, Bhatti, Sommerville 3-2 Lawson, Wright, Gauld 3-0 Lawson 2, Dier 10-0 Lawson 6, Bhatti, Gauld, Sommerville, Stewart 28 „ a. Academy F.P.s " A " 2-0 Lawson, Wright 4 Nov. v. Gordon's College 5 -0 Lawson 4, Wright 1 t „ v. University " A " I - I Lawson 18 „ v. Perth Academy at Perth 4-0 Lawson 3, Wright 25 v. Gordon's College I -0 Lawson 16 Dec. v. F.P.s " A " 0-1 23 „ a. Academy F.P. 1-2 Lawson 53 Jan. v. Ruthrieston 1-4 Lawson 20 „ v. Fulmar at Lossiemouth 1-2 Lawson 3 Feb. v. Gordonstoun at Moray 3-3 Lawson, 3 t-3 Lawson 7 ,, v. Wednesday Wanderers to „ a. Aberdeen 5-0 Lawson 3, Gauld 2 24 „ a. Gordonstoun at Mannofield 4-0 Lawson 2, Gauld, Wright to Mar. v. Strathallan at Links. I-0 Lawson 57 „ v. Fettes Coll. at Edinburgh 4-2 Gauld 2, Lawson 2 24 „ v. Abbey School at Fort Augustus 2-1 Lawson, Sommerville 31 „ v. Gordonians 0-1 Leading Scorers: Lawson 43; Gauld It).

9 Sept. v. 1960-61 XI 16 „ v. Aberdeen a. F.P.s " A " 23 " 30 ,, a. Ruthrieston Ramblers 7 Oct. v. Grove Acad. at Dundee 14 ,, v. Gordonians " A " 18 „ a. H.M.S. Paliser

2nd XI This Team had rather a poor season although Captain Alan Young did his best to inculcate some much needed team spirit into their play. There were too many players in this team who put " self " before the team! Fyall, Stronach and Lamb were probably the most consistent players but the outlook for next year's 1st XI appears most depressing. Regular Team. Mackie, Phillips, Fyall, Stronach, Young, Lamb, Anderson, Rennie, McDougall, Urquhart and Lorrimer. Record P W D L F A 15 2 8 5 33 32 3rd XI This team had a very good season and showed a fine spirit. This was largely due to the enthusiastic captaincy of Melvyn Gallacher who could have had a regular znd XI place but agreed to lead this young and inexperienced XI. Players at this

School Section

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standard need to practice stopping, hitting and reverse stick work at every opportunity and to keep fit. Training and fitness are just as important as " skills ", and the bad habits of older colleagues should be carefully avoided if a player wishes to aspire to 1st XI stature. Promising players in this side were Cobb, Maclver, Campbell and Cowie. Regular Team. Hay, Cobb, Maclver, Campbell, Cowie, Cohen, Donald, Gallacher, Conroy, Cormack and Macfarlane. Record W D P L F A IZ o 27 7 5 39 Colts. This was probably the most disappointing Colts XI in the history of Grammar School hockey. It was not so much the results that brought about this opinion but the general attitude to the game. Some of the players seemed to think that they were honouring School by condescending to play on Saturday mornings. When I think back to 3rd year groups of boys in the not so long ago there would be 24 boys clamouring for a game every Saturday morning. Changed days!! Only Salter and Bhatti of this year's School XI have the stuff of which future players are made. Regular team. Allan, Salter, Stewart, Wilson, Clark, Farquhar, Scott, Morrison, Bhatti, Johnston, Caie and Leiper. Record P W D L F A I II 7 3 40 34 House Hockey. This was, unfortunately, a most one-sided competition with Melvin much too strong for all opposition. Eric Watt. We were proud indeed to bask in the reflected glory of our internationalist who notched his 36th Scottish cap during the season. This is an all-time record for a Scotsman and earned School a most welcome half day. Congratulations and thank you Eric. Again a hockey season comes to an end and we have to thank all the masters who make it possible with their interest and willingness to umpire. We are also indebted to Dr. Innes for his coaching on a Wednesday and to Alistair Soppit for his work with Colts. The season ended with the usual Masters v. Boys hockey match and, although some of the boys seemed a little keener than usual to win, an indulgent umpire saw to it that a 2-2 ending was summary justice for such an attitude! It was a most pleasant ending to a memorable season. R. MCNAY Outstanding Matches 16 December, at Rubislaw v. F.P.s " A ". a-1 Conditions were perfect for this eagerly awaited and most important league match. The game opened briskly with School playing uphill. Tackling was keen and the forwards of both sides were given little time to ruminate! School were a little quicker to the ball and had a slight edge in the early stages. F.P.s were, however, very dangerous on the wings where Wood and Leslie were using their speed to advantage. Thus early the pattern of the game became obvious; School trying to make an opening for Lawson through the centre and F.P.s using their wings. Chances were missed on both sides and a o-o draw at half-time was a true reflection of the play. On resuming School got quite definitely on top and Lawson and Gauld missed golden opportunities to score while Lyon was performing heroics in the F.P. goal. F.P.s weathered the storm and put in some severe pressure without being dangerous. It looked like ending in a draw when a long " mashie " shot of 7o yards caught School defence napping and the ever alert Leslie nipped in

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to reverse stick beautifully to Thomson who gratefully deposited the ball in the back of the net. It was indeed a nasty blow from fate to a School team who had played their hearts out and, at least deserved to draw. In a first class match, contested with tremendous zest and in every way sporting, it would be invidious to single out any School players for special mention ; all were heroes. In an excellent F.P. side none were better than Jimmy Milne and Donald Stephen, but I would say that the hammer of the School was David Ness, in more senses than one! A memorable match in the true tradition of F.P.-School games. 24 February v. Gordonstoun at Marutofield. 4-o. School attacked forcefully from the early stages of this game and the forwards missed many good chances to score before Gauld, backing up well, scored with a powerful, well placed shot from the back of the circle. Shortly after this Stewart was severely injured and had to limp out the rest of the game at outside left. Gauld took over at centre-half and proceeded to give an outstanding display. Half-time t-o. In the second half the School continued to play attacking hockey but it was lapses by the Gordonstoun defence that permitted Lawson and Wright to make it 3-o. Near the end Lawson scored a magnificent goal from the back of the circle. The School defence was very sound and the wing-halfs, Clague and Grant, supported their forwards with some excellent, long, crossfield passes. School thoroughly deserved this success and did not make the mistake of underestimating the strength of the opposition as they had done at Moray on 3 February when they threw away a 3-1 lead in the last five minutes. to March at Links. v. Strathallan. 1-o. From the beginning of this game Strathallan attacked the School goal. The powerful hitting and quick tackling of the Strathallan team completely unsettled the School team who were made to appear a mediocre lot. Only bad luck and poor finishing by the Strathallan forwards enabled School to be on level terms at the interval. In the second half School began to play with more fire but were lucky when a Strathallan score was chalked off because of an over eager Strathallan forward running offside. This seemed to galvanise School into action and a defensive blunder by the Strathallan left back allowed Lawson to score the only goal. This " settled " School and the tension, which had been all too obvious, disappeared. School now proceeded to play some first-class hockey and only some wonderful goalkeeping by the Strathallan keeper kept the score down. Strathallan were only attacking occasionally now but in one of these Mann brought off a spectacular save. School finished the stronger side. This Strathallan side was the best school team to visit Aberdeen for many years and they were unfortunate to be defeated. However, credit must go to a sturdy School defence in which Mann and Forrest played their best games to date. None of the forwards struck form and were much too timid in their approach to the game. Lawson has to Ix excepted from this criticism but had far too much to do on his own! 17 March at Edinburgh v. Fettes College. 4-2. The game began rather scrappily as both teams found the muddy conditions rather unsettling at first. Lawson was in top form with some mazy dribbles which left the Fettes defence helpless. Fettes wingers were fast, but close marking by School half-backs countered this danger most effectively. School were well on top but despite numerous corners they failed to score. It was a scrambled goal by Gauld which gave School a deserved lead and, just before the interval, the same player was on the spot to make it z-o at half-time. The second half was a replica of the first with School pressing continuously. Lawson scored after a Gauld shot had rebounded from the goalkeeper's pads. Lawson's fourth goal came shortly afterwards and it was probably the best shot of the game. The inside trio Gauld, Lawson and Bhatti played some exhibition

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

hockey at this stage without adding to the score and, to show that this was not to the liking of the Fettes lads, they scored two goals in the last five minutes to give the score a better appearance. It was not the first time this season that slackness near the end of a game, had allowed the opposition to score. School won more easily than the score suggests. 24 March v. Abbey School at Fort Augustus. z-1 This was one of the most exciting games of the season with School just managing to withstand terrific pressure in the dosing stages of the game and secure School's first ever win at Fort Augustus. At the outset both forward lines worried the defences but it was School who settled first and Sommerville, after a solo effort, shot a good opening goal. Abbey attacked from that point and a rather " jittery " School defence were lucky to survive, although Lawson did contrive to miss an easy chance near half-time. At the beginning of the second half School had their best attacking spell and Lawson was unlucky on several occasions not to increase School's lead. Then Abbey equalised from a School defensive blunder. This set-back was overcome by sheer determination and Lawson deservedly scored the winning goal, with a typical solo effort. Abbey tried very hard to retrieve the position but it was not their day and School happily rejoiced in a hard earned victory. This was, as usual at Fort Augustus, a most happy week-end for which we thank our hosts most sincerely. R. McNAY

Badminton Club The Club has suffered from lack of members. Most of the new members being from the Vlth year are so new to the game. Inter-school games were arranged, one with Albyn School the other with the High School, and two most enjoyable matches with the masters were played. F. NEIL MACKENZIE, Captain

Swimming Melvin House won the Swimming Gala with 177 points, well ahead of Byron. (144), Keith (98) and Dun (58). The results of the individual championships were points Group I (open) J. Wright (Melvin) 24 Group II (15-16i) R. Houghton (Byron) 15 Group III (i34-15) I. Wolstenholme (Byron) 10 Group IV (under 13k) Y. Abrioux (Melvin) 7i Lower School R. Mann (Melvin) The standard of swimming was very good in all groups, and when the new swimming pool is completed next year there should be a marked improvement. The Life Saving Society had a successful season, the awards issued by the Society were: z1 Intermediate Certificates; 19 Bronze Medallions; 1 Bronze Cross; 5 Awards of Merit ; and Charles Riach passed as a Scholar instructor. •

The under-four-minute mile

As we have already noted the 4-minute mile has been " broken " well over fifty times since Roger Bannister first did it in May 1954. On 27 January 196z, Peter Snell of New Zealand set up a new record of 3 minutes 54.4 seconds thereby breaking the previous record held by Herb Elliot.

School Section

Now there is talk of the possibility of a 3-minute mile! This sounds impossible, but consider how it appeared at one time that the 4 minutes could never be broken. You never can tell what dramatic results a new discovery in training procedure might have—and has it not been observed that a person who says a thing cannot be done is liable to be interrupted by someone doing it!

The School Sports The sun smiled on both days of the Annual School Sports and all the world was gay. On Friday, 8 June the weather was pleasantly warm and calm, while on Saturday, although there was, for a short period, an (Icr2sional gustiness in the breeze, and for another short period grey clouds coming up from the west seemed ominous with rain, there was no long anxiety. The clouds passed, the sun shone with increased warmth, and this with the now to be taken-for-granted smooth efficiency of Mr. Stevenson's planning and controlling of events, made for a most happy meeting. Keith House came back strongly this year to regain the House Championship with a total of 14oi points, displacing Byron House who scored xt9i points to be runners-up. The outstanding individual competitors were probably Andrew Leach and Jonathan Anstock. Leach retained the Open Championship with a score of zx points and broke his own Open Hurdles record. New Records Open Group: Hurdles: A. J. Leach-14.2 sec. Group z: Discus: M. Hastie—x 16 ft. 4 in. Shot Putt: B. Carrie-4z ft. 19 in. too yards: J. Elrick—to•9 sec. Group 3: Relay: Byron House-50.8 sec. too yards: J. Belka—x P8 sec. Group 4: Broad Jump: R. Clark-15 ft. 5i in. (equals record) Hurdles: J. A. Anstock—Ia•z sec. Group 5: 8o yards: J. A. Anstock-9.7 sec. 7o yards: S. Wyllie-9•I sec. Group 6: 6o yards: N. Emslie—8.5 sec. Group 7: 5o yards: C. R. F. Paterson-7.5 sec. (equals record) Group 8: Anstock was first in all the championship events of Group V. (Lower School), and in that group broke School records in the Hurdles and flo yards. The main results were as follows: House Championships: (1) Keith-144 points. (z) Byron-1194 points.

(3) Melvin—to3 points. (4) Dun—tot points.

Individual Championships: Senior Championship: A. J. Leach—z1 points. R. Craig-13 points. P. M. McIver—to points. Group 2: W. G. Downs-9 points. J. Elrick-9 points. Group 3: N. K. B. Edwards—8 points.

II6 Group 4: Lower School (Group 5):

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine L. Morrison—I2 points. H. Matthew-7i points. J. Anstock—z1 points. P. Mathewson-8 points.

Junior Deeside Field Club On Saturday, 26 May, the Club's ramble took its members to Inverurie and its neighbourhood. Expertly guided in the early part of the afternoon by Mr. Morrison, headmaster of Kemnay School, we visited the stone circle and avenue at Broomend of Crichie, one of the most important in Britain; and were told of other circles now dispersed, and of their significance. Later we went to the Bass, the geologically and historically important mound of layered sand in the cemetery of Inverurie; and also saw there some symbol stones. Moving on we passed the Harlow Monument and ruins of Balquhain Castle, and so came to the Maiden Stone. Mr. Jim Buchan obviously deeply versed in the lore of the countryside, told us some of the legends connected with the famous relic, and also gave us some of the background history of Bennachie, its hill fort and other things, emphasising that the area had been populated from very early times. It was a pleasant and rewarding afternoon. I would take this opportunity of commending this most excellent Club to any Grammar boys who have an interest in the history, geography and common lore of their own hinterland. ALAN J. REID, Lower VI. *

Changing over to the Metric System " It must have been unpleasant for children doing sums in Rome two thousand years ago. To multiply CMLXXXVIII by CCCXXXIX does not seem to us as easy as to multiply 988 by 559. At long last the British Government have decided that £ s. d. is today a medieval relic fit only for a museum together with the Roman M's, V's, X's, L's, etc., along with the guinea, abolished in 1817, but still used to try and make a charge look less than it is." In March 2907 a bill introduced into the House of Commons to make the metric system compulsory was defeated by the small majority of 52 in consequence of Government opposition, Lloyd George making the extraordinary statement that in France " the metric system has broken down hopelessly ". (France went over to the metric system in 1795.) On 19 December 1961, the Chancellor announced the setting up of a Commission to enquire into the best method of switching over to the decimal currency which is now used everywhere, except in Britain, Ireland, U.S.A. and most of the British Commonwealth countries. If consideration be given to what the denomination of the new currency should be, then it would seem that the only three systems from which the new one would be selected would be: 1. Dividing the £ into too cents each worth 2.4 of our present pennies with half or even a quarter of a cent as small change. 2. Dividing ten shillings into too cents (as South Africa did in March 1961). 5. Taking as a basic unit too pennies (8/4) Just as Britain took from 1582 to t752 to decide to adopt the new Gregorian calender so, it seems, shall a like period have elapsed before she switches to the metric system—which most of the Continent has now used for about 170 years. Extracted from a local stockbrokers annual New Year circular.

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Literary Section On a Ruined Church On distant rough-hewn hills the twilight falls, Splashing pink and rose the moss-grown walls; The fading fire lights up the shattered stained-glass panes And darkens ancient elms along the high-banked lanes. Now tenor bell swings out upon the evening air, No longer will parishioners come for worship or for prayer; But timelessness, it seems, forever hangs suspended there. For centuries here the church has stood, Worn by storm and gale and flood, Wearing away as mountains would. Now most of the old roof-slates arc missing, The winding path a grassy mat And weeds are choking the timeworn headstones Leaning, drunkenly, this way and that. And what inscriptions these stones have borne, Now, no one can tell, For warm spring rain and autumn storm And choking weeds and clinging thorn And passing time on graves forlorn Have done their work too well. And high from the chancel arch look down A sign-painter's beasts with a rotting crown, While massive, crumbling and still as the grave An ivy-locked pulpit frowns over the nave, For ivy now the chancel pillars binds, Creeping, choking, smothering all its finds. The elm-tree shadows grow long in the lane, As dusk descends on the hills again And only the wind in the trees remains Rattling the ivy on the window frames. I. TELFER, Middle HA

Lunar Landscape Desolate plains and rugged hills, With summits of hard grey stone, Deserts where it never rains, Where winds have never blown. Mounds of dark grey lunar dust, Where no man has set foot With no green grass and hedgerow, No tall tree and no root. A challenge lies high up in spare, The small and barren Moon, No one has yet alighted there, But Man will be there soon. DAVID NORBROOK, Primary

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine On catching sight of a spider on the wall Oh God, 1 hate spiders! It has a big round body. It's legs are thin, long, and creepy It's web is a big mass of hair. It is like a miniature octopus. JOHN P. EASTON, Primary VA The Prefect Who daily prowls around the gate To meet the pupils entering late? Who gloating tells them of their fate? The Prefect. Who occupies their simple minds And for another chance e'en pines To dish out reels and reels of lines? The Prefect. Who yells " Lcss pushing on these stairs " And at his wincing victim stares, Who cowcs them with vindictive glares? The Prefect Who turns the morning black as night? And over the gathering casts a blight, Who can it be? (Yep, you,ve got it right) The " blasted " Prefect. ANONYMOUS (For obvious reasons) Lines on a Stamp Album Here arc stamps from Andorra, Angola, and Dhar, From Greenland to Fiji and Zanzibar: A whole world's gathered between these covers— The world that's dear to all stamp-lovers. Hcrc are pictures of birds and people, Of brand-new sputnik and ancient steeple, Here's Walther von der Vogelwcide, And there I see a horse and rider. Gay-coloured flowers from Russia and Poland, A peaceful bay of Norfolk Island: How did you reach me, all you stamps? Were you licked by bishops, by tourists or tramps? Hcrc there are stamps of all shapes and sizes, Beautiful stamps the collector prizes. But , alas, in the midst of this colour and grace, Our own British stamps wear the same dull fact. JAMES KENWORTISY, Middle IS

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The Battle of El Alamein One night in the desert With no moon in the sky The battle commenced In the wadi so dry. The silence was broken By the roar of the guns, And the ground was made red By the blood of the Huns. The infantrymen charged, Again, and again, Many were wounded, And many were slain. By 4 a.m. the battle was won Objectives were taken By the break of the dawn And peace was restored to El Alamein. ALISTAIR $UTHERLAND, Middle IS

Thinking Sometimes I wish I was my dog, As through my homework I nightly plod. She sits so blissful, unaware, Without a worry or a care. As I struggle with sum and angle " Was that a right triangle?" She watches me with eyes aflame Willing me to play a game Does x equal y and y equal four? Now she's waiting at the door Be patient I am nearly done Soon we'll have a lot of fun. Yet if my dog I would really be, Who would come and play with me? Yes, get the ball; we'll go and play, A boy I will decide to stay. MICHAEL MOIR, Middle IS

Twistin' Dance halls packed with dense humanity, Chrome fittings reflecting teenage Satanity, Short skirts, black stockings, and long winkle-pickers, The mark of the young hard twisters and kickers. Black leather jackets and faded blue jeans, Motor bikes, fags, pinball machines, Barber and Bilk replace Chopin and Listz When Chubby starts swinging, the hips start to twist.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine The floors where once the waltz was new, Where mooners once tenderly kissed; Now shudders anew to the beatnik crew, All kicking, all raving the twist. Now although you arc old or feeble or ill, You can't help but getting the gist. The call of the " New Palace " heralds you still So, c'mon everybody, let's twist! MALCOLM F. RENNIE, Middle 111

The Rook (ageing) I come from taunts of spouse and worm, I make a sudden flurry, My wife says I am old infirm, She bickers, but why worry•? Past thirty nests I hurry down, Or stick between the branches, By ninety chicks in feathery down, All shrieking like Comanches. Till o'er the Grammar School I fly, It shakes me till I quiver, Though boys may come, and boys may go, " Catties " go on for ever. And back again I curve and flow, To join my nagging mother, For chicks may come and chicks may go, But Mums go on for ever. PETER STEEVES, Middle LY

Cold Water Cold water, irrigating the patches of moss on a mottled rock, languorous, delicate, in the shallow artificial pool. Tepid water, outspread, muddy water that spills across a blood-rich plain under the round white gaze of the tropical sun. Cold water that pours from bathroom taps-thc height of modernity—and then raps sharply on the enamelled bath. whence it swirls off down the dark and elemental complex of the sewers. Water that from the heights of Niagara floods into a vast and rock-furrowed wilderness so that tourists may say to their neighbours " I've seen Niagara falls " What is " Cold Water "? The title of an essay. GEOFFREY IL Wool:), Upper

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On Sitting Down The infant on his mother's knee just sits. The swan on nest of eggs in tranquillity just sits The hen on her perch contemplates shall it be a white or brown I lay or shall I just sit. The schoolboy at his desk nibbling his pencil in puzzlement just sits. Colonel Glen in his capsule speeds around the world and thinks shall I pull a lever or press a nob or just sit. Mighty men in Canterbury—York decide the prayers we say and shall we kneel or shall we stand or shall we just sit? If you should be seen to stand Someone will say go here, go there, do this, do that; but if you just sit

passers-by will stop to see also what is there and perhaps just sit.

Fishermen on the river banks in anticipation just sit. Old salts at their nets in cogitation as they weave just sit. In Trafalgar Square to ban the Bomb they just sit In factories if no tea is served on time they just sit. Perhaps one day when on the moon we land we wonder shall we lie or stand or just sit. THE ROBINSONS "

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Aberdeen Grammar School lbfagaZine On First Looking into a Classical Education

I made a few tentative travels in my early youth, as I was brought up in what I thought was a cultured family. " Is qui decimae legionis aquilam ferebat ", and " Arma virumque cano " my father would declaim, in the interval between the soup and the meat. I found later that this was all the Latin he knew, but at the time he blinded me with culture. However it stimulated me to childish curiosity and to plying my mother with questions. I learned about the wonderful men called Romans who brought order out of chaos in a wild country called Caledonia where dwelt a wilder people who wore blue paint and scythes on the wheels of their chariots. Small wonder was it then that my hand trembled when first I opened my Latin Grammar. Now I might learn what these illustrious people really were like— conquerors of nations, founders of government, engineers and scholars. " Amo! Amas I Amat I" we learned to chant in unison. They seemed to attach excessive importance to loving; they loved woods, chairs, queens, and country houses indiscriminately. Love conquers all, perhaps. After more thought and research, copious notes and sifting of evidence, I found they were also an energetic people, as evinced by their incessant hurrying. That was indeed their distinctive trait. Sailors would hurry to islands, farmers to inns, and queens to country houses. As might be expected of this noble race, they were exceedingly polite and, hurrying through the streets, a little out of breath perhaps in their shining white togas, would salute respectfully with a " Hail, O poet " or a " Hail, O farmer " or —exquisite touch—with a " Hail, O table ". There were only three classes of men and two classes of women, the sailors and the farmers and the poets, and the girls and the queens. Rome was indeed a hastening matriarchy, with the young girls disappearing presumably into the country houses to receive their secret training for queenship. The farmers were forever cultivating roses for the young ladies to adorn their tables. Rome was inundated with these blooms and the farmers vied with one another to produce the choicest. The schools there were all Grammar Schools, and they taught Latin Grammar. The Romans were so very successful because they all had a Classical Education. There may be a lesson here for the modem educationist, who would toss the whole thing wantonly aside. How pale a substitute are their modern languages all about pens . . . and the aunts that own them. How lacking in human warmth are their white precipitates and the long and dreary procession of symbols x y z. Should they not cast their minds back and remember how Rome declined and fell when the Romans forgot their Grammar? R. CRAIG, Middle IIA

A First Former's Impression of Rugby Of all the many afflictions that are thrust upon new secondary pupils, rugby is one of the worst (if you are not of the sporting type that is). Rugby, one soon discovers, is a dirty, muddy game. To be a player you have to have enough bone to withstand the kicking and just enough sense to kick back. The scrum is a good example. All the forwards pack together, and, when the ball is put in they begin to scratch, bite and kick for the ball. Eventually it emerges and one poor, ignorant fellow picks it up and begins to run. A moment later he is borne to the ground by sheer weight of numbers. Someone else secures the ball and the rest stampede over our poor player. " What will happen to him ?" you may wonder. Oh! don't worry, they'll dig him out at half-time. It would appear then,

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that the cardinal rule in rugby should be "never under any circumstances touch the ball ". Surely to enjoy ourselves we don't have to go out onto a cold rugby field and wallow in the mud like rhinos at a water-hole. You can, of course, join with many other sensible fellows in hoping for a downpour of rain. This will ensure that we can sit in the Hall and enjoy a film about—what else—RUGBY! GRAHAM TYRRELL, Middle IM On Spotters and Spotting

Aero-spotting differs from most other hobbies in that it can cost as much, or as little, as one likes. Basically, all that is required is a good pair of eyes and an interest in what one sees with them. The really keen spotter, however, will elaborate on these initial requirements to a degree little short of fantastic. Reference books, silhouettes, models, high-powered binoculars, camera with telephoto lens: all these become necessary as the spotter's enthusiasm grows. And without doubt a selected library of reference books is a great help. There are certainly plenty to chose from. A vast range of excellent publications containing photographs and the customary three-view silhouettes are available for only a few shillings. If you are especially interested in civil aviation, and keep a log-book of aircraft numbers, you will probably buy a small handbook listing civil aircraft markings. Then when you see an aircraft with the registration G-AMAD, your book will instantly tell you that it is an Air-speed Ambassador of B.E.A.'s Elizabethan Class, named " Sir Francis Drake ". Aircraft markings can be in themselves an absorbing study, but this is neither the time nor the place to explain them in detail. Also very helpful to aero-spotters is a model of the type of aircraft he wishes to identify. A wide range of model kits is obtainable at present, and from these an interesting and varied selection of civil and military aircraft can be assembled. Having constructed his model the spotter should place it in some conspicuous position where he will gradually familiarise himself with its shape and general appearance. This is the real secret of successful aero-spotting. The experienced spotter does not need to count the engines or fins, or decide whether the wing is high or low. He recognises the aircraft at once by its general shape and " sit " in the air, as you recognise your pal Fred Bloggs in the street, not by his big ears or lavender tie, but because his whole appearance tells you that he is Fred Bloggs. Furthermore, it is not enough merely to recognise the type of aircraft seen, you must also learn to recognise the particular " Mark " or variation of that type. Sometimes these differences are easily spotted. For example, the Avro Shackleton T4 differs from the MR3 in that it has a shorter, more rounded nose with a fixed under-nose radome and a blunt rear fuselage. Such differences could be vitally important in wartime. A Shackleton T4 would not prove any great deterrent to an enemy submarine because it is an unarmed navigational trainer, but the Shackleton MR3 with its twin nose cannon and a formidable load of bombs and depth-charges is an entirely different proposition. Now a word to budding aero-spotters. If you intend to take up aircraft recognition as a hobby, do it through one of the existing organisations such as the Air Scouts, the R.O.C. or the A.T.C. These will give you the benefits of organised visits to aerodromes and closer contact with the aircraft you are going to look for. But there is no real short-cut to successful spotting—the only way to become proficient is to study carefully the shape of every type of aeroplane you are likely to see, and keep in practice by trying to recognise every 'plane that passes overhead. And if anybody tells you that is a waste of time (there are such people, unfortunately), ask any R.A.F. pilot or Air Traffic Controller to tell you just how vital aircraft identification is to their job. ALAN JERMIESON, Middle Ill

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

A World of Sherwood Greene Robin Hood, known to close acquaintances as " The Green Man ", strode bravely into the clearing. He could just as easily have entered it timidly, but he preferred to act in a professional manner. He had a suspicion it tended to raise the morale of his men. As it happened, his manly gait was unnecessary, for all his men were out of camp (although one of them had left his bow very carelessly lying across the entrance). Picking himself up off the ground, Robin's glance fell upon a sack of gold. A smile played upon his lips. " Truly ", he thought to himself with a self righteous air, " truly it can be said that we protect the poor. We protect them from tyranny, oppression, taxation, victimisation, as well as more serious matters, and for a purely nominal sum. They were in any case ", thought he (again to himself) " paying half their miserable pittance to the Lord of the land (the other half was going to the landlord), so why should they object to paying the former half of their salary to his " Foresters' Union ". They were no longer troubled by taxation. He had personally supervised the suspension of all tax-collectors, seven feet from the bottom branch of the oak tree. " Truly ", quoth Robin to himself and any inquisitive fauna, " Truly it could be said that I control a veritable protection racket." At that point in his reminiscences, Robin observed by the gentle trembling of the earth and the dulcet twittering of the jackdaws that his men were returning. " Hast thou had good hunting, friends?" Robin was conversant with current American colloquialisms. " Sure, Robin. We halt haste—have hasten—to our favourite hunting ground, where we didst kill three venison ", quoth the head hunter. He was, occasionally, the barber. Robin contemplated this for some time until, at the psychological moment, a messenger entered. He threw himself onto one knee, a yard to the right of Robin, who liked to stand in front of the fire. " The Sheriff of Nottingham dost challenge thee and all thy band, and any who so dost or may wish it, to an archery contest, which will be held at half past one on Saturday afternoon and to which admission will be free to all those who do ;intend to enter it and to the winner of which ", quoth he " shall be presented a golden arrow by the sheriff of Nottingham." " I accept ", said Robin. As we had already observed, he was a man of action rather than of words. The following Saturday dawned a typical English summer day. People were already flocking on to the green, doubtless attracted by the notice signed by the sheriff's clerk, 0. R. Else. Soon the contest began. Robin and his bold bad band shot well. They scored two inners, four outers and the sheriff's clerk. The latter was almost unintentional. Then it was the turn of the sheriff's men. On came the archers. It was soon dear that they were one degree under, for all their shots went several degrees astray. This was not particularly surprising, because Robin had stuck lumps of lead on to their arrows. He was so jolly, always full of happy little tricks. The sheriff was therefore forced to present Robin with the prize, by one of Robin's men. He appeared to do so very willingly, but this was because the dagger sticking in his back was beginning to tickle him. Soon afterwards, while Robin and his bold etcetera band were winding their weary homeward way, a startling discovery was made. The arrow was not gold, but silver! This could mean two things, either that the sheriff's gold reserves were low, or that a mean and cunning trick had been played on them. Robin snarled, politely, with rage. Retributions would follow against this deed, which made Robin want even more (or less) to maintain his own standards of fair play. Would he ever cheat? HAMISH NORBROOK, Middle ❑I

Former Pupils' Club Section (Club Founded II September 1893) Club Office-Bearers, 1961-62 Honorary President : JOHN VASS SKINNER, M.A., B.LITT., DIP. ED.

(Rector since 2959) Honorary Vice-Presidents : HENRY JACKSON BUTCHART (1890-99), D.S.O., O.B.E., 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. THE HON. LORD JOHNSTON (1913-26) JAMES GRAY KYD (1891-98), C.B.E., P.F.A., P.R.S.E. JOHN ADAM LILLIE (1893-1903), M.A., LL.B., Q.C. ERIC L1NKLATER (1913-16), C.B.E., 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 McsvoN (1902-02). GEORGE GORDON NICOL (1894-1903), D.S.O., M.I.C.E., M.CONS.E. Sir WILLIAM PETERS (1900-06), C.M.G., M.A. JOHN LENNOX RIDDELL (1907-16).

Sir JAMES JACKSON ROBERTSON, C.B.E., O.B.E., LL.D., M.A., B.D., F.R.S.E., F.E.1.S. Rector (x942-59). WILLIAM DOUGLAS SIMPSON (190I -13), O.H.E., M.A., LL.D., D.LITT., P.S.A.(SCOT.), P.S.A. Sir JOHN WILLIAM TAYLOR (1906-11), K.B.E., C.M.G. Sir WILLIAM ROBERT TENNANT (1904-10), C.I.E., M.A., LL.D.

Sir JOHN MACKAY THOMSON, C.H., M.A., F.R.S.E. (Rector, 1920-2 t). Si1 LANDSBOROUGH THOMSON (1899-1908), C.B., O.B.E., M.A., D.SC., F.R.S.E., LL.D. ROBERT BERTRAM WILLIAMSON (1906-18), D.S.O., M.A., LL.B.

President : ALEXANDER GRAY, M.A., LL.B. (19 x o-2z)

Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive : ALAN J. PETERS (1920-30), C.A. Secretary and Treasurer : JOHN SCOTT MACLACHLAN (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.

12$

126

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., 1O Athol! Crescent, Edinburgh 3. GORDON MICHIE BIRSS (1926-38), M.C., M.A., A.C.W.A., 99 Essex Glasgow—JOHN Drive, Scotstoun, Glasgow, W.4. London—NINIAN MACKIF! (1927-37), M.A., 9 Old Burlington Street, London, W.I. Malaya—BRIAN Scorr GRAY (1943-49) B-SC., P.O. Box 2O7, Banting, Selangor, Malaya. Yorkshire—ARTHUR JAMES ADAMS (1919-30), 485 Bradford Road, Thombury, Bradford. Secretaries of Sections : Cricket—ALEXANDER MUNRO DAVIDSON (19i7-45), B.L., 18 Golden Square, Aberdeen. Golf—GEORGE ALEXANDER CRAIG WALKER (1917-23), 164 Market Street, Aberdeen. Hockey—WILLIAM GATT (1945-48), 8 Camperdown Road, Aberdeen. Rugby—GEORGE M. M. SLATER (1935-47) 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 officiis. The Rector of the School, ex officio. WILLIAM LEWIS CONNON (1930-40), B.L. ALEXANDER CROMAR (1944-50), M.A. BRIAN KERRINGTON CROOKSHANKS (1934-46), M.A., LL.B. DOUGLAS GEORGE DEMPSTER (192433), B.SC. WILLIAM MILNE EWEN (1932-44). WILLIAM GATT (1945-48).

PHILIP NOEL LOVE (1952-58) M.A. JOHN MAXWELL MILNE (1934'46). M.A. JOHN MORTIMER (1923-27) JOHN MCP. MUTCH (1932-45) C.A. WILLIAM WALLACE PORTER (1915-23) IAN LEWIS SMITH (1918-30). DONALD JOHNSTON STEPHEN (1946-52). ERIC DOUGLAS WATT (1937-50).

Section Representatives Cricket—IAN D. F. THOMSON (1944-48)

GO/f-GEORGE ALEXANDER CRAIG WALKER (1917-23). H0rkg-JAMES FORREST DONALD (1933-44). Rugby—GEORGE M. M. SLATER (1935-47).

Staff—ALEXANDER BRUCE, T.D., M.A., B.SC. Hon. Auditors : Messrs. BOWER and SMITH, C.A.

Gray's Anatomy (A Presidential Profile)

Though few men of any wisdom would speak lightly of the Legions of Imperial Rome, it must be conceded that they had a hard time in northern Scotland. Indeed, some inscriptions which have come down to us bear moving testimony to this. There is, for example, that sad scrap of ambiguity which reads, Aulus Tremulus Vesper, after one winter on the Wall, is now ready to climb up it. Or these, unearthed at Newstead: The soldiers of the 2nd Augusta onfrontier duty loyally volunteer for the naval service, and (apparently from a wall news-sheet) Operations against the northern tribes were renewed vigorously last night. Legions is missing.

One of our

At first it seems odd that the bright and tested eagles of Rome were never established in the North—odd, that is, until one considers that the hardy warriors who infested the Caledonian side of the Wall would almost certainly have included at least one character, mutatis mutandis, like Alec. Gray. (If more, then small wonder that the Roman Empire fell.) This concept pleases the present writer. Enchanting vistas open out. True one begins sternly:— " Alexander Gray (19ro-22), M.A., L.L.B. (Aberd.), able Advocate in Aberdeen, President of the Former Pupils' Club for 1962-3, elder son of a much respected lawyer, senior partner of a much respected firm which includes in its partnership two other F.P.s, John Hector Gray (1927-29), brother of our subject, and Allan C. R. Watt (1925-37) • • • " but this dissolves into a charming sequence of dreamlike episodes, through which stalks a sturdy, active, sinewy figure, uncommonly like Alec Gray, without his bowler and clad in Picto-Scottish skins, performing in a Roman-beset world, with unnerving vigour and quite unforgivable speed, all those functions, essential to the survival of a tribe, which have accresced around the man himself and been dignified with his own remarkable validity. Happy in the idiotic cinema which we have created, let us now watch some of the film. Down this clearing there swerves suddenly a muddy figure with a deceptive grin and what looks like a rugby scrum-cap (doubtless some Roman trophy). Yet what is that obstruction in his path? It is-forfend it, heaven—a huge Caledonian bear! Stop, Gray, stop! But it's too late, miles too late! (That was a Caledonian bear, that was, and guess who is touching-down behind a couple of dinosaurs ?) Some sequences showing primitive pastimes are quite endearing—see how he strikes both circular and tufted missiles with what Sir Mortimer Wheeler identifies as a " Bingo ", or primitive racquet. And here is A. Gray again, participating with three other worthies in a curious rite which consists in menacing a small, grounded egg with a longhandled cudgel. Actual impact with the egg is, it appears, taboo (though each in turn swings as close to it as he dares); and observe our friend's dance of well-concealed joy when his cudgel cunningly passes nearest to the egg without in any way disturbing it. 127

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 128 Now it is dusk, and near a Roman marching camp our President is seen to lurk behind a tree, clutching an axe. A legionary, foraging for sticks, draws near, unhappy wretch! Then, in winning accents which, most uncannily, might have been acquired along the Via Appia, our hero calls, " Ho, there, Lucius ! Look what /have found !" (Clunk!). This international incident is entirely worthy of the only F.P. recorded as speaking colloquial French so naturally that he was mistaken for a French rugby-player at a Scottish Rugby Union Dinner after a match with France at Murrayfield some years ago! Our screen begins to dim and the last we see of Mons. Graupius (as he is known in Gaul) is a figure sitting on a stump. He smiles, as he remembers the bop he gave Lucius, and then his face clouds over until his expression is one of sad distaste. He is thinking of all the things he really hates—fuss, pretence, humbug! Just as swiftly his expression dears as he decides characteristically to do something about it. He is going to write a poem about his dislikes and he is going to call it Gray's " Allergy ". Slowly he rises and as the picture fades he strides off into the darkness to ask the way to the nearest country churchyard. And so this epic ends and one is left to contemplate the Protean tasks and distinctions which Alec. Gray has attracted during his incredibly active life by his ability, assiduity and good humour. The list is impressive:— Chairman of the F.P. Club Executive and Vice-President of the Club from 1949 until 195 I ; Chairman of the F.P. Boarding House Company Ltd. (with the melancholy task of presiding over its liquidation in 1956); Honorary Treasurer of the North of Scotland Badminton Championship for 16 years prior to 1949; Member of the Council of the Scottish Lawn Tennis Association and Representative of the North-East of Scotland prior to 1949; Past President of the Scottish Squash Racquets Association and donor in 195o of a cup for annual competition among University students; Former Secretary of the Penguin Swimming Club (which he founded) and of Osborne Tennis Club; Former Treasurer of Beechgrove Church; Town Clerk of Ballater from 1939 until 1952; Member of Aberdeen Golf Club and of the F.P. Golf Section; Pre-eminently an enthusiast in all things French and a prominent Member of the Aberdeen Branch of the Franco-Scottish Society; Former Member of the Council of the Scottish Law Agents Society; and by no means least, even if last, a witty and genial best man at innumerable weddings and a speaker after many dinners. No wonder the Legions hadn't a chance! Nor, dare I hazard, have I, unless I can blandish some pliant and unworldly soul into lending me his initials, thus drawing down upon himself, and away from me, the thunderous charge of one of the most modest and most notable of the Scots Grays since Ensign Ewart captured the French Eagle. (But whose initials, I wonder? Ah, I know the very man!) R. J. M. (1918-3o)

Former Pupils' Club

129

Annual General Meeting, x962 The sixtieth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the Caledonian Hotel on Tuesday, 27 March 1962, with Mr. Alan J. Peters in the Chair. Executive's Report for 1961 The Secretary read the Report from which the following information is taken: Membership and Subscriptions The following is an analysis of the membership of the Club as at 28th February, 1962 with comparable figures at 28th February, 1961.

28/2/61 2812/62

Life Membership Partially Fully Paid Ordinary Paid 1,181 8 1,I6o 1,171 1,126 5 - 34

— 3

-- 10

h onorary It It

Staff 31 32

Total

— 46

2,391

2.545

Losses by Death During the year the deaths of 4o Former Pupils, of whom 22 were Members of the Club, have been recorded in the Magazine. These included a former President, Sir Patrick Ashley Cooper, and John Ewen Henderson, who was for a time Club Consul in Johannesburg and Colin Hay Miller, who was also for a time Club Consul in Selangor. Only last week Colonel J. Patrick Jeffrey, a former Chairman of Executive also died. Club Centres and Sections There are prospects of new Centres being formed in the Midlands of England and in the Northwest of England. Social The Annual Dinner of the Club was held in the Douglas Hotel on zo October 1961 when 26 Junior Members and Guests and 171 Senior Members and Guests were present. This was a change from the Calendonian Hotel and the fact that everyone present could sit in the one room seemed to meet with general acceptance. The Annual Ball was held in the Beach Ballroom on 27 December 1961 and attended by 4o Junior Members and Guests and 333 Senior Members and Guests. The surplus amounted to £30 os. 3d. School Work on the Swimming Pool is proceeding actively and it is hoped that it will be open for use during the session 1962-63. The major alterations and additions to the fabric of the School have now been finally approved by the Scottish Education Department and work will be commencing shortly. The alterations, of course, include the erection of a new Hall and the conversion of the existing Hall to become the Library.

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL FORMER PUPILS' CLUB Abstract 1960 £156 z66 44

6 0 5

0 o o

£366 11 0 391 r 8 219 z2 o 3 5 6 23 2 7 7 r7 ro o 15 zo £1012

RECEIPTS Ordinary Subscriptions received prior to January 1961. . . . . . . . Ordinary Subscriptions received in 1961 . . . . . Arrears recovered in 1961 . .

£141 15 0 185 5 0 56 10 0 £

. . . . Revenue from Investments (Gross) . . Interest at 3 per cent. on Life Member Capital Fund . . Sale of Roll of Honour and Roll of Pupils . . . . . Surplus of Receipts over Payments on Entertainments Account . . . . . . . . . Income Tax Refund Sale of Fraction of Ordinary Stock Unit Aberdeen and Canadian Investment Trust Limited . . . . .

448 0 23:: 10 5 o 0 7 1 0 0

4 0 40 8 0

o 0 0 £1053 17 4

Magazine Revenue and Expenditure Account £133 1 3

305 II 11

474 18

£91 4

REVENUE . . . . . . Sales . . . . . . . . . Advertisements Transferred to General Receipts and Payments Account

. . .

£ 166 2 286 17 538 II

0 5 2

£99 1 to

Balance Sheet as CAPITAL AND

LIABILITIES

I. LIFE MEMBER CAPITAL FUND— . £7 too Amount at credit at 31 December 1960 Life Members' Subscriptions received in 1961 . 75 and Life Member Special Appeal .

£7175

215

Less—Transferred to Receipts and Payments . . . . . . Account £7100

9 II. ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE— Balance of Subscriptions received prior to 31 December 1960 applicable to future years . Subscriptions received in 1961 applicable to . . . future years . . .

225 xo

8 10

£7334

III. SWIMMING POOL FUND

•

180 15

6960

264 Hz

8 zo 0

£72 33

of General Receipts and Payments Account for year ending 31 December 1961 1960 6 9

£1 73 3 138

87 7 474 18 16 17 117 18

£1012

9 9 5 6

9 2 1

PAYMENTS Working Expenses . . . • • • . Income Tax, Schedule D, year 1961.62 . Tax paid by deduction from Investment Income . . . . . Income . .

•

• • £3 9 9 z63 7 6

Miscellaneous Expenses—Medals, Capitation Grants, Club Development, etc.. . • . . • . . . Transferred from Magazine Account . . . Depreciation on Addressograph Machine and cost of Plates . . . . . . . . . . Surplus for year .

6 5

£187 7 8 166 17 3 136 13 9 538 51 2 13 6 6 11

£Io53 17 4

for year ending 31 December 1961

0 8 0

200 16

£713

EXPENDITURE . • . . . Stock of Envelopes as at 31 December 1960 Working Expenses including Envelopes and Honoraria to Editorial Committee

. •

Cost of Printing

• £38 14

• 5

£774 17 II

190 6 ro

•

Less—Stock of Envelopes as at 31 December 1861 £914

•

£229 12

I 3 8 7 216 s2 8 £991 10 7

at 31 December 1961

ASSETS /:7C-S0

I. CASH IN HAND AND IN INVESTED FUNDS .

£7026

5 re

Market Value of Invested Funds as at 31 December 196x . . . . . £12,725 5 9 II. CAPITAL ACCOUNT—

195 II

Amount at debit at 31 December x96o . £1 95 II 84 Less Surplus in Receipts and Payments Account for Year ending 31 December 1961 . II I 0 184 10

III. MAGAZINE—

Stock of Envelopes in hand Cash in Hands of Editor . 38 1 4

•

£I2 0

8 7 0 0

IV. ADDRESSOGRAPH MACHINE—

Purchase Price . Less—Depreciation to date

• •

•

8 7

0 0

£73 10 8 63 IO 8

ABERDEEN, 14 February 1962.—We have examined the foregoing Accounts for the year ending 31 December 1961 and relative Balance Sheet as at 31 December 1961, compared the figures with the vouchers, and found the Accounts correct. We are of the opinion that the Balance Sheet correctly states the position of the Club as at 3, December 1961. We have had exhibited to us the various Securities supporting the Funds at the close of the Accounts. BOWER & SMITH, C.A., Honorary Auditors. 245 UNION STREET, ABERDEEN. £7334

8 9

£7233 4

Notes about F.P.s Honours and Awards Knight Bachelor (K.B.) Richard Michael Fraser (1925-29), C.B.E., was created a Knight Bachelor in the New Year Honours List. He has been associated with the Conservative Research Department since 1946, becoming Joint Director in 1951 and Director in 196o. As such he has been responsible for policy, Parliamentary affairs and administration, and has been described by the Conservative Central office as the party's " chief backroom boy ".

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.) William Douglas Simpson* (1901-13), O.B.E., M.A., LL.D., D.LITT., F.S.A. (Scot.), F.S.A., was created a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours List. He has been librarian of Aberdeen University and Registrar and Clerk to the General Council since 1926, and is chairman of the Ancient Monuments Board for Scotland. Dr. Simpson is nationally famous as an authority on the history and archaeology of Scotland, and is the author of numerous publications on castles in the Buchan area. He has organised many excavations in the pursuit of archaeological knowledge. He has also been a prominent worker in the Boy Scout movement, being awarded the Silver Acorn in 1958 in recognition of fifty years' service to Scouting. He is a past president of the F.P. Club. Officer of the Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) Dr. Ian George Innes * (1905-8), M.A., B.SC., B.SC. (Agri.), M.D., was awarded the O.B.E. in the 1962 New Year Honours List. The award is in respect of his services with the British Medical Association. A native of Strathdon, he graduated M.A. at Aberdeen in 1911, B.Sc. in 1912, B.Sc. (Agri.) in 1913 and M.B., Cb.B. in 1918. He set up practice in Hull in 1921 and obtained his M.D. in 1928. He has twice been elected President of the Hull branch of the B.M.A. and has served on several other medical committees. His son Ian D. Innes ("NunIcy ") (1933-38) is in practice with him in Hull. Francis Sheed Anderson* (1909-12) was chairman of a recent Conference convened by the United Nations which prepared a new International Wheat Agreement. Mr. Anderson was Chairman of the International Wheat Council from 1949-59. Thomas Arnott Ballantyne (1942-47), M.A., LL.B., has been appointed manager of the Marcliffe Hotel, Aberdeen. He has recently been in practice as a solicitor in Fraserburgh. George Edward Colledge Barton * (1923-26), M.A., has been appointed President of the Aberdeen Business and Professional Men's Club. Other F.P.s amongst the Club's Officebearers are Andrew Scott Finnic (1925-35), M.A., C.A., Treasurer, and Harvey Ferries, B.L. (1925-39), Secretary. Michael Alastair MacDonald Beattie* (1943-57), S.D.A., S.D.D., has received an appointment with Messrs. T. Wall & Son as an assistant at a pig progeny testing station. John Godsman Brown (1924-26) has been appointed Director of Guided Weapons for the Ministry of Aviation. He is a former assistant manager and 132

Notes about Old Boys

1 33

chief engineer of Lympne Airport, and shortly after World War II he was appointed Regional Controller of the Ministry of Supply for the North Midlands. Douglas Callum* (1944-51) has recently succeeded his father as proprietor of the Central Hotel, Crown Street, Aberdeen. John Grant Christie (1948-56), s.m., whose marriage is reported elsewhere in this issue, is now employed with Imperial Chemical Industries, Billingham Division and is resident at Stockton-on-Tees. He studied for a year at Harvard University and graduated in 1961 as a Master of Science. Michael Peter Clark (1948-56) has been commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, having recently passed out from the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. Sir James Ian Cormack Crombie* (1908-21), K.C.H., K.B.E., C.M.G., M.A., LL.D., is the author of a recent publication in the New Whitehall Series H.M. Customs & Excise. The book is a study of one of the two great revenue departments of the United Kingdom and is of particular importance in view of Britain's possible entry into the European Common Market. The author is Chairman of the Board of Inland Revenue. James George Cruickshank (1945-53), B.Sc. has been appointed to a supernumerary lectureship in Geography at Queen's University, Belfast. Society of Advocates in Aberdeen Donald Arbuthnot Davidson* (1905-15), B.L. and Herbert John Edwards* (1906-17), M.A., LL.B., have been elected respectively President and Treasurer of the

Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. It is interesting to note that the previous Treasurer was Robert Bertram Williamson *(1906-18) D.S.O., T.D., M.A., LL.B., and another F.P., Norman John Jamieson Walker* (1893-190z), M.A., LL.B. continues as Factor and Librarian, an appointment which he has held since 1934. New members recently admitted to the Society included Dudley Nicolson Annand* (1938-51), M.A., LL.B. John Middleton Melvin* (1935-42), M.A., LL.B. Ian Michael Scott Park* (1942-55), M.A., LL.B. and George Robb * (1892-97). John George Wilson Davidson* (1922-28), c.A., was recently elected to the

Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Norman Alexander Donald* (1938-48) whose marriage is reported elsewhere in this issue, joined a motor company in Glasgow in 196o, and is now manager of one of their Glasgow branches. Previously he was a representative of an American company in Leeds. Ian McIver Duguid (1 938-43), F.R.C.$. (Lond.), n.o., whose marriage is reported elsewhere in this issue, has been appointed Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at London Hospital. He was formerly Senior Eye Surgeon at Moorfield Eye Hospital, London, and thereafter Ophthalmic Surgeon at the Institute of Ophthalmology, London, where he was engaged in research, particularly into the question of parasitic eye infection. F.P.s and the Hudson's Bay Company Kenneth Mackenzie Duthie* (1943-56) is post manager at Shamattawa, Manitoba, for the Hudson's Bay Company. Two other members of his class at School are also post managers—Iain Charles Stewart Michie (1947-56) at Port Harrison, Quebec, and Leslie Ford (1950-53) at Nemaska, Quebec. Other F.P.s at present employed by the Hudson's Bay Company are John Main Gibb * (1946-48) at Pelican Narrows, Saskatchewan and Peter James Green* (1947-57) at Cape

Dorset, North West Territory. F.P.s have had a long and distinguished connection with the Hudson's Bay Company, notably in the person of the late Sir Patrick

134

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Ashley Cooper (1896-1901) whose death was recorded in the June 1961 MagaVne and the Notes Editor would be interested to hear of any other F.P.s presently serving with the Company. George William Ferries * (1933-47), M.A., B.A., is now a senior work study engineer in the central work study department of Messrs. Guest, Keen & Nettlefolds (Screw Division), and is also visiting Lecturer in Psychology at the College of Advanced Technology, Birmingham. He lives at Water Orton, Warwickshire. James Martin Gatt * (1948-54) who is a Bassoonist with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, was recently on a 30,000 mile tour of the Far East with the Orchestra, one of the most extensive tours ever undertaken by a British Orchestra. Hamish Thomas Burns Hall* (1927-32), M.A., LL.B., who has been Town Clerk and Chamberlain of Macduff since 1956, has been appointed Town Clerk of Bathgate. University Air Squadron Alexander Freeland Cairns Hunter (1943-57) has again been rewarded for a successful year with Aberdeen University Air Squadron, and was recently presented with the Individual Trophy. Other F.P.s who have distinguished themselves with the Squadron are Cadet Pilot David Kelly Parkinson* (1945-50 who won the First-Year Cadet Cup and Cadet Pilot James Martin Jeffrey* (1942-49, 1952-57) who won the Acrobatic Trophy. Alexander Cantlay Hutchison* (1927-33), who was formerly assistant factory manager at the Ardeer Works of the Nobel Division of I.C.I., has now been appointed technical manager at the Company's office in Millbank, London. He lives at Sanderstead, Surrey. David Imes (1953-57), after a short time in an Aberdeen chartered accountant's office, joined the Metropolitan Police last year. In the best traditions of the Police Force he was responsible recently for the rescue from the Thames of an elderly man in danger of drowning. Ian Patrick Strain Jack * (1948-51), A.I.B. (Scot.), has pointed out to the Notes Editor that he is not an Associate of the Institute of Builders in Scotland but an Associate of the Institute of Bankers. The Editor apologises for the unfortunate mistake in the last issue of these notes. Michael Sutherland Jamieson (1936-40, 1942'40, M.A., who has been a lecturer at Keele University, Staffs, for the last two years, has been appointed Lecturer in English at the University of Sussex, Brighton. This is the first of the new group of English Universities. After graduating with first class honours in English at Aberdeen in 1953, Jamieson spent a year at Princeton University, U.S.A., and thereafter held a senior Carnegie Research Scholarship at Cambridge. William Alexander Johnston * (1942-44), who is a sergeant in the Traffic Department of Aberdeen City Police, recently received the National Award for 1961 for the greatest contribution by personal effort towards the safety of children on the roads of Great Britain. He is the first Scot and the first police officer to receive the award, which was instituted three years ago. Sergeant Johnston has carried out considerable work with deaf and dumb children, resulting in the publication of his own Highway Code for Deaf Children. The first printing of ro,ooo copies has been distributed to deaf children throughout the country and enquiries have been received about it from all over the world. The first reprint is now in hand. George McIntosh Keith (1950-56), son of Aberdeen's City Architect, has won the Aberdeen Town Council Medal for Civic Architecture. The award is made in recognition of a scheme submitted by him for the redevelopment of the central business area of the city. George is a final year Architecture student at the ScottSutherland School of Architecture, Aberdeen. John Fraser Kirk (1937-47), M.A., B.D., has recently been inducted to St. James' Church of Scotland, Forfar. He was previously Assistant Minister at St.

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Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh in 1954 and was called to St. Serf's Parish Church, Dysart, Fife in 5955. Robert Mackay Ledingharn* (5897-1909), M.A., LL.B., has completed the record period of forty-two years as Secretary to Aberdeen University Club. He is also President of the Scottish Rugby Union for 5965-62, and is the first F.P. to be so honoured. It is interesting to note that his brother George Alexander Ledingham* (1894-1905), o.s.o., m.c., was the first F.P. to win a Scottish Cap, awarded in the International against France in 5953. F.P.s in South America Dennis Trevor Llewellyn Marr (I93o: 1936-42) is British Vice-Consul at Maracaibo, Venezuela. He is also general agent in Western Venezuela for the

Royal-Globe Insurance Group. In a letter to the Notes Editor he points out that F.P.s appear to be taking over the operations of the Royal-Globe in that part of the world with Marr at Maracaibo, David Pringle Smith* (5 946-47) (as reported in the last issue) at Bogota, Colombia, and Kenneth Brebner Williams * (5938-46) at Caracas, Venezuela. Andrew Milne* (1903-9), M.A., formerly head of the Classics Department in the School, has been lecturing for the past five years at Rhodes University. He was invited to continue on the staff for 5962 but felt the time had come to enter on his second retirement. He is now resident in East London, South Africa, where he recently met Ian Andrew Moir* (5940- 53), M.A., B.D., who with his wife was on his way to take up a missionary appointment at Natal. F.P.s and the Signals Regiment, T.A. Thomas Patrick Edward Murray* (1907-18), o.B.E., T.D., A.D.C., M.A., LL.B.,

Advocate in Aberdeen, retired recently from the appointment of Honorary Colonel of 55 (Highland) Signal Regiment T.A. after forty years' service to the Regiment, which he originally joined as a znd Lieutenant in 592z. Colonel Murray continues as Chairman of the City of Aberdeen and Counties of Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine Territorial and Auxiliary Forces Association. As Lt.-Colonel he commanded his Regiment in 1938, during the hectic mobilisation period, and took it to France at the outbreak of war. Colonel Murray was again selected to command the Regiment on the re-formation of the T.A. in 1947. He relinquished command in 5953 but maintained his keen interest in the Regiment, succeeding, in 1956, Colonel Edward Birnie Reid* (1902-13), O.S.E., T.D., C.A. as Honorary Colonel. At his " dining out " last February a large company of serving and former officers heard the March " Colonel Edward Murray ", composed in his honour by the Pipe-Major of the Regiment, played in public for the first time. Other F.P.s present at the dinner were Major James Ross Sinclair Third (1956-28), , M.B., CH.B., and Captain Brian Kerrington Crookshanks * (1934-46), M.A., LL.B., both of whom are serving officers, Robin Cameron Birnie Reid (1933-37), C.A., Robert Clement Steven* (1933-40, M.A., Joseph Robert Carry* (1958-3o) and James Robertson Guy* (1924-36). Kenneth Jamieson Peters * (1929-41) was appointed Vice-President of the

Scottish Daily Newspaper Society in May.

George McArtney Phillips* (195o-55), m.sc., whose marriage is recorded elsewhere in this issue, has recently taken up an appointment as an assistant lecturer in Mathematics at Aberdeen University. Henry William Rankine* (5925-35), B.SC., A.M.I.C.E., who has been a Divisional Road Surveyor with Aberdeen County Council since 1951, has been appointed County Road Surveyor for East Lothian, and took up duty at Haddington on 5 June.

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Alexander Milne Rennie (1925-28), T.D., M.B., CH.B., F.R.C.S., has been appointed Honorary Consultant in Orthopaedic Surgery to Scottish Command. He is surgeon in charge of the Orthopaedic Department at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the Aberdeen Hospital for Sick Children. Calling F.P.s in Cape Town Reginald Mitchell Scott* (1919-28) has joined the sales staff of Messrs. Robb Motors Ltd. in Cape Town, main distributors for the British Motor Corporation in Cape Province. Scott is very anxious to meet any other F.P.s in the district. Alastair George Sharp (1918-24), M.B.E., Q.C., has been appointed a County Court Judge and will be one of the Judges of the Leeds circuit. He has been Recorder of Rotherham since 196o. John Alexander Trager Simpson* (1919-28), after spending four years at Stanleigh Uranium in Elliot Lake, Canada, is now comptroller at a nepheline syenite property of Industrial Minerals of Canada Ltd. at Nephton, Ontario. The company is one of only three or four in the world which mine and mill nepheline syenite, mainly for use in the ceramic industry. William Lee Sleigh* (1946-$4) has been appointed Chief Space Buyer with T. C. Bench Ltd., Advertising Consultants in London. Charles Edward Smith * (1923-24) is now area representative in Bournemouth for Messrs. Kearley & Tongue Ltd., wholesale provision merchants, London. Edward Alistair Smith * (1943-57), M.A., has been awarded the Royal Scottish Geographical Society's Silver Medal for 1961. Alistair, who graduated with Honours in Geography at Aberdeen University in 1961, has been studying under a Swedish Government Scholarship for Geographical Research at Uppsala University and has been carrying out research into iron ore mining in the far north of Sweden. Ian Clark Stephen* (1945-57) has received an appointment with the Chartered Bank in Aden. James Souter Stephen* (1919-29), M.A., B.D., PH.D., who has been Church of Scotland Minister at Mortlach, Dufftown since 1942 was recently inducted to the charge of Botriphnie. James Fenton Wyness (1915-2o) has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.

Marriages Allan (1945-58).—At West Church of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen, on 15 February 1962, DAVID LEITH ALLAN, * son of Mr. and Mrs. P. G. Allan, 19 Balmoral Road, Aberdeen, to Christine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. S. Laing, rz Queen Street, Woodside, Aberdeen. Anderson (1958-40,1943-51).- At St. Mary's Church, Painswick, on 3 February 1962, DAVID LYALL ANDERSON, * elder son of the late Mr. David Anderson and of Mrs. Dorothy Anderson, Kinnoull, West Cults, to Jetton Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Milner-Moore, Kingsmills, Painswick, and of Malaya. Anderson (1939-51).—At Mannofleld Church, Aberdeen, on 3 January 1962, WILLIAM ANDERSON, * son of the late Mr. William Anderson and of Mrs. Anderson, and Mrs. 4 King's Cross Road, Aberdeen, to Margaret, elder daughter of Mr. Ernest J. Brown, 138 Duthie Terrace, Aberdeen. Barron (1953-55).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 25 April 1962, EDWARD JAMES BARRON, M.B., CH.B., elder son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Barron, 33 Broomhill Road, Aberdeen, to Elizabeth Lauretta, daughter of Mr. C. Lindsay, Delnabo, Glengairn, Ballater. Birss (195I-57).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 19 April 1962, JAMES GORDON BIRSS, * elder son of Mr. arid Mrs. James F. Birss, z Harlaw Road, Aberdeen, to Margaret, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Smith, 4 South Crown Street, Aberdeen.

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Brown (1943-57)At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 21 March 1962, WILLIAM BARTON BROWN,* elder son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. BROWN, Denside, Portlethen, to Helen, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Hepburn, 439 Clifton Road, Aberdeen. Bull (1949-55).—At Castlehill Church, Forces, on 2 April 1962, FREDERICK GEORGE BULL, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Bull, 23 Smithfield Road, Aberdeen, to Margaret, only daughter of Mr, and Mrs. G. Hendry, 151 I-Iigh Street, Forces, Christie (1948-56),-At St. Andrew's Cathedral, Aberdeen, on 23 December 1961, JOHN GRANT CHRISTIE, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Christie, 89 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen, to Patricia, daughter of the Very Rev. Provost and Mrs. W. P. Shannon, Cathedral House, Rubislaw Den North, Aberdeen. Christie (1951-S4).—At Greyfriars Church, Aberdeen, on 1 July 1961, ROBERT BANNERMAN CHRISTIE, son of the late Mr. James Christie and of Mrs. Ruth Christie, 17 Lamond Place, Aberdeen, to Dorothy Stables, daughter of Mrs. Keith, Vancouver. Cox (1954-56).—At Greyfriars Church, Aberdeen, on 3 June 1961, DEREK Roy Cox, son of the late Mr. Thomas H. Cox and of Mrs. Elsie Cox, ix Coningham Terrace, Tillydrone, Aberdeen, to Marie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest W. Coc, 16 Coningham Terrace, Tillydrone, Aberdeen. Dixon (I943-57)At St. Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen, on 27 February 1962, ROY GEORGE OGILVIE DIXON, * only son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Ogilvie Dixon, 644 George Street, Aberdeen, to Dawn Ann, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Creswell, 31 Beechwood Avenue, Aberdeen. Donald (I938-48).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 1 August 1961, NORMAN ALEXANDER DONALD, * elder son of the late Mr. Alexander Donald and of Mrs. Sylvia Donald, 71 Hammersmith Road, Aberdeen, to Sylvia Margaret Bisset, only daughter of the late Capt. George L. Donald and of Mrs. Margaret Donald, 316 Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Duff (1953-57)•—At Ferryhill South Church, Aberdeen, on 20 May 1961, WILLIAM ALEXANDER DUFF, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Duff, 39 Garthdce Drive, Aberdeen, to Moira, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. McLaren, 3 Brierfield Lane, Rosehill, Aberdeen, Duguid (1938-43).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 16 December 1961, IAN MCIVER DUGUID, M.D., F.R.C.S. (Lund.), D.O.5 son of Mr. and Mrs. John Duguid, 2: Auldcastle Road, Inverness, to Yvonne Jean, daughter of the late Commodore William A. Michie, and of Mrs. Michie, 95 Whitehall Place, Aberdeen. Fearby (1937-45).—At St. Andrew's Cathderal, Singapore, on 16 January 196z, GEORGE EDWARD FLABBY, * only son of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney A. Fearby, Killgoen, Bieldside, to Sonja Dcirdre, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hewitt, Suma Park, New South Wales. Findlay (1952-58).—At the First Baptist Church of Haddonfield, New Jersey, U.S.A., on 27 December 196o, ROBERT CAMPBELL FINDLAY, son of the late Mr. Findlay and of Mrs. Sarah Findlay, 6z Rosehill Drive, Aberdeen, to Judith Gail, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Otis D. Black, 5 Station Avenue, Haddon Heights, New Jersey, U.S.A. Hadden (i951-5.4).—At Holburn West Church, Aberdeen, on z December 1961, BRIAN JOHN HADDEN, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Hadden, 41 Craigiebuckler Avenue, Aberdeen, to Laura, daughter of Mrs. Mellis, 286 Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Henderson (I932-38).—At the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, Frome, Somerset, on 6 January 1962, Lieut. Comd. THOMAS JAFFREY HENDERSON, R.N., son of the late Mr. R. I.. J. Henderson, C.A. and of Mrs. Henderson, 66 Forest Road, Aberdeen, to Susanna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Vallis, Welshmill Lodge, Frome.

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Johnston (1943-53).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 5 April 1962, NEIL RODERICK JOHNSTON, * M.B., CH. B., younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Johnston, 7o Fountainhall Road, Aberdeen, to Moyra Gill, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Coutts, zoo Rosemount Place, Aberdeen. Leatham (1938-49).—At Staten Island, New York, on 5 May 1962, PETER KELBY LEATHAM, son of the late Mr. W. D. Leatham, 7 Bayview Road, Aberdeen, and of Mrs. H. M. Leatham, 181 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen, to Maureen, daughter of Capt. and Mrs. J. V. Redmond, Staten Island, New York. Lovie (1950-55).—At Merkinch Church, Inverness, on 24 March 1962, ANDREW FRANCIS LOVIE, * son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lovie, 87 Willowbank Road, Aberdeen, to Margaret Elizabeth, only daughter of the late Mr. Johnstone and of Mrs. Johnstone, Inverness. Mair (195o-53).—In London, on 25 November 1961, JAMES (HAMISH) MAIR, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mair, Schoolhouse, Aboyne, to Cecilia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hennerty, of Liverpool. Meldrum (I 943-55).—At Castlerock Presbyterian Church, on 28 April 1962, F/O ROYAN SUTHERLAND MELDRUM, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Meldrum, I I Edgehill Terrace, Aberdeen, to Rosemary, daughter of the late Mr. Wallace Drennan and of Mrs. Drennan, Covehill, Castlerock, Northern Ireland. Morgan (1948-54).—At St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Aberdeen, on z8 April 1962, DAVID IVOR MORGAN, * M.A., LL.B., son of the late Mr. Leslie P. MORGAN and of Mrs. Morgan, 368 Great Western Road, Aberdeen, to Diane Cowperthwaite, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Scott, 2 Devanha Gardens South, Aberdeen. Muir (1948-53).-At St. Ninian's Church, Knightswood, Glasgow, on 25 December 1961, GARY YOUNG MUIR,* only son of Mr. and Mrs. John Muir, 3 Covenanters Drive, Aberdeen, to Margaret Mary, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James McCulloch, 221 Rotherwood Avenue, Knightswood, Glasgow. Phillips (195o-55).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 4 July 1961, GEORGE MCARTNEY PHILLIPS,* M.SC., son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Phillips, 71 Walker Road, Aberdeen, to Veronica, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Irvine, 23 Baker Street, Aberdeen. Stephen (1946-53).—At St. Ninian's Cathedral, Perth, on 3 March 1962, JOHN LINDSAY STEPHEN, * younger son of the late Mr. James Stephen, East Mathers, St. Cyrus, and of Mrs. K. Stephen, 152 Osborne Place, Aberdeen, to Catherine Ann, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James L. Forsyth, Innisfree, Letham Road, Perth. Taylor (1906-11).—At Caxton Hall, London, on 4 November 1961 Sir JOHN WILLIAM TAYLOR, * K.B.E., C.M.G., to Joan Marie Cecilia Hickman, of Tettenhall, Staffordshire. Urquhart (1941-54)At St. Mary the Virgin, Pillerton, Hersey, on 6 December, 1961, GEORGE ANDREW FORBES URQUHART, only SOO of the late Mr. George Urquhart and of Mrs. Urquhart, 31 Brodinch Road, Aberdeen, to Patricia Ann, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Brown, The Spinney, Pillerton Priors, Warwickshire. Wallace (1939-51).—At St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Peterhead, on 2 December 1961, WILLIAM DAVID DUNCAN WALLACE, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Wallace, 6 Glendee Terrace, Cults, to Sheila, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Philip, 42 Forman Drive, Peterhead. West (i951-57).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on z November 1961, ALEXANDER WILLIAM WEST,* son of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. West, 81 Morningside Road, Aberdeen, to Anne, daughter of Mrs. A. Barclay, 32 Fraser Place, Aberdeen.

Obituary Sir Jameson Boyd Adams (18 93-94), C.B.E., D.S.O., Commander R.N.R. (Rtd.), died at the end of April 1962, aged eighty-two. On leaving School he entered the Merchant Navy and was thereafter a Lieutenant in the R.N.R. He was second in command of Shackleton's British Antarctica Expedition in 1907-9 which progressed to within 97 miles of the South Pole. On his return he joined the Civil Service, but returned to the Royal Navy on the outbreak of war in 1914. He served as Flag Officer to Admiral Hood taking part in the Belgian Coast operations in 1914-15 and serving with the R.N. Siege Guns at Nieuport in 1917 when he was severely wounded. He was mentioned in dispatches in 1915 and was later awarded the D.S.O. and the Croix de Guerre. After the war he was General Manager of Employment Exchanges for the Ministry of Labour in London and later Controller of the North-Eastern Division of England employment exchanges. He was keenly interested in boys' clubs in Yorkshire, and in 1935 when he was released by the Ministry of Labour to take over secretarial duties in connection with King George's Jubilee Trust, The Times described him then as " an unconventional but most efficient Government official ". He opened the Scottish Youth Hostel under the shadow of Ben Nevis in 1938, and in 1939 was appointed chief Regional Officer of the Ministry of Information in North-East England. He was created C.B.E. in 1928, C.V.O. in 1938 and was knighted in x948. George Paterson Burr* (1894-1905), M.B., CH.B., died at Aberdeen on 24 March 1962. He graduated in medicine at Aberdeen University in 1911, and after two years in practice in Bradford he joined the Royal Navy as a Ship's Surgeon in 1914. Between the two World Wars he ran his own hospital at Swatow, China, but joined the Merchant Navy as a Ship's Surgeon in 1939. After his ship was torpedoed in the Indian Ocean he and several members of the crew were afloat for a number of days in an open boat. Despite Dr. Burr's efforts (which earned him a commendation for bravery) several of the men died before rescue. Dr. Burr served with the Blue Funnel Line after the war until his retiral in 1955. Alexander Bruce Butchart (1889-97) died suddenly at Vancouver on z6 November 1961, aged eighty-one. He was the third son of the late James S. Butchart, Advocate in Aberdeen and for many years was a farmer at Hayter, Alberta, Canada (where it is interesting to note that another F.P., DAVID A. POPE (1881-88), also farmed). He was thereafter Assistant Superintendent for the Prudential Insurance Co. of America at St. Catherine's, Ontario. He retired some years ago to East Hamilton, Ontario. He was one of five F.P. brothers—James Alexander Butchart (1889-95) D.S.O., R.F.A., who died in 1953; William Robert Butchart* (1889-94) who is retired and living at Vancouver; Henry Jackson Butchart * (1890-99), D.S.O., O.B.E., T.D., H.L., LL.D., D.L., WhO was Secretary of Aberdeen University from 1919-52 and is resident in Aberdeen; and Reginald Errol Butchart (1894-1906) who has since 1936 been Rector of St. Michael's & All Angels' Episcopal Church, Inverness and a Canon of St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral, Inverness. In addition, two uncles were also F.P.s—William Butchart (1864-68) and Charles Alexander Butchart (1876-79), M.B., C.M. William Gibson Cochrane (1894-1901), m.c., died suddenly at TivellIon on 8 March 1962, aged seventy-four years. After leaving School he underwent business training with the former Town & County Bank in Aberdeen and later in London. In 1911 he went to the United States and engaged for a few years in fruit farming near Washington. He returned to this country in November 1914 and was commissioned as a and Lieutenant with the 3rd Battalion Royal Scots. He served in France, Macedonia and the Caucasus until demobilisation as a Captain in 1919. He was awarded the Military Cross in 1918. In 1920 he joined the Penang Rubber Company in the Straits Settlements. He retired several years ago. His brother was Joins HARVEY COCHRANE (1894-1900). 139

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Robert Copland * (1901-7) died at Aberdeen on io October 1961, aged seventyone. After leaving School he attended Aberdeen University from i907-to and in 1912 went out to Ceylon where he was trained as a tea-planter on the Rangalla Estate. Later in 191z he went to South India and for the next six years was assistant superintendent, senior assistant and superintendent on various tea estates. During this time he also saw service as a trooper with the Southern Provinces Mounted Rifles of the Indian Defence Force. In 1918 he returned to Ceylon and from 1919-32 was manager of Nichols Oya Estate and from 1932 was manager of Mayfield Estate, Hatton, Ceylon. He retired in 1949 to Holywood, Dumfries-shire. Samuel Ellicock (1906-14) died suddenly at Aberdeen on 3o March 1962, aged sixty-one. He was for many years associated with his late father in a furniture business in Aberdeen, but in 1940 he established his own business as a haulage contractor. His son, Samuel Ellicock (1936-44), was associated with him in the business. Adam Fyfe Findlay* (1879-85), M.A., D.D., LL.D., died at Aberdeen on 19 January 1962, aged ninety-two. Dr. Findlay was a native of Johnshaven, Kincardine. He was Gold Medalist of the School in 1885 and thereafter he attended Aberdeen University where he graduated with first class honours in Classics in 1889. He studied at the United Presbyterian Divinity Hall, Edinburgh (now known as New College) and twice was awarded a Brown Downie fellowship, proceeding abroad for further study, first to Athens and then to Berlin. During the College's centenary celebrations in 1946 Edinburgh University conferred on him the degree of LL.D. Dr. Findlay's first charge was at Whithom in 1896, and thereafter he ministered to charges at Arbroath, Edinburgh and Linlithgow. He was Chaplain to the Scottish Horse in 1915-16 and to the Highland Light Infantry in Egypt and Palestine from 1915-17. He was elected to the Chair of Church History at the United Free Church College Aberdeen (now Christ's College) in 1924, and became a University Professor after the Union of the Churches in 1929. He was transferred to the new University Chair of Christian Ethics and Practical Theology at Aberdeen in 1935, and was appointed Master of Christ's College in 1937. He retired from both posts in 1947. He held the honorary degrees of D.D. and LL.D. of Aberdeen University. Dr. Findlay was one of the original members of the F.P. Club and one of the oldest surviving University graduates. He played in the first rugby match at Old King's playing field and was justly proud of his University rugby cap. In his laureation address when Dr. Findlay received his LL.D. degree in 1948 Professor (as he was then) T. M. Taylor said of him: " We recall with pleasure his kindly presence and the genial wisdom which he brought to our counsels: and we rejoice to think that in his retirement that same sanity and vigour which we have known here will continue to be available to the University and to the community which he has served with so much acceptance and distinction." Dr. Findlay was one of four F.P. brothers, viz. Alexander Findlay * (1882-91), C.B.E., M.A., D.SC., PH.D., LL.D. emeritus Professor of Chemistry at Aberdeen University who survives, his other brothers being William Findlay (1879-84), M.A., M.D., who died in 1904, and Louis Findlay (1879-4p) who died in 1953. James Patrick Jeffrey * (1906-18), T.D., B.SC., C.A., F.R.S.A., died suddenly in Aberdeen on 19 March 1962, aged sixty-one. He studied civil engineering at the Royal Technical College, Glasgow, and later graduated B.Sc., at Glasgow University. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1929 and was associated for many years with his father's firm of James A. Jeffrey & Co., Chartered Accountants, Aberdeen, of which firm he was senior partner before his retiral a few years ago. Latterly he had been on the staff of the George S. May, International Company (Great Britain) Ltd. in London. Only a few months before his death he retired from this company and opened a general merchant's business in Old Aberdeen. He was for twenty-five years an officer in the Royal Engineers becoming C.R.E. of the 51st Highland

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14r

Divisional Engineers. He was with the Division at St. Valery in 1940 but avoided capture. He commanded the Royal Engineers who mined the neck of the Le Havre peninsula, enabling one brigade of the Division and reinforcements to escape from France and for this he was mentioned in dispatches. He became Brevet Colonel in 195 I. He was the first chairman of the Aberdeen Progressive Association and represented Rosemount Ward on the Town Council from 195 1-54. He was a Past President of Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce and Aberdeen Rotary Club, and was for several years a member of the Scottish Council (Development and Industry) and of the Aberdeen Special Hospitals Board. He was Vice-President of the F.P. Club and Chairman of the Executive during 1936-39. His two sons are also F.P.s—James Martin Jeffrey* (1942-49 and 1952-57) and John Peter Jeffrey * (1944-59)• Edward Wilson Knox (1908-?), M.A., died at Innellan, Argyllshire, on 12 March 1962. After graduating M.A. at Aberdeen in 1925 he qualified as a teacher and was appointed principal teacher of history at Kelso High School, a post which he held from 1926-55. John Kermack Milne Lothian* (194914) M.A., died on 13 February 1962 when the aircraft which he was piloting from Kenya to Aberdeen crashed in Corsica. I-Ic was the son of Mr. John M. Lothian, Reader in English at Aberdeen University. He graduated M.A. at Aberdeen in 1958 with second class honours in economic science, and thereafter took up employment with the Kenya Shell Oil Company. While at the University he was an enthusiastic member of the Air Squadron, and in Africa he used his own plane in connection with his work. He is survived by his wife and two young children. Charles James Savory MacBeth (1905-11) died at Aberdeen on 1 April 1962, aged sixty-four. During the 1914-18 War he served first with the 3/6 Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, and later was commissioned with the Indian Army Reserve of Officers and attached to the 15th Sikhs, serving in India until 1919. After a short period of service in the Royal Irish Constabulary he rejoined the army and in 1921 was a sergeant with the Royal Scots. He later joined the civil service, retiring through ill-health in 1942. In 1954 he joined Mearns Publications, Aberdeen, and was one of their representatives until the time of his death. Dean Mackowie* (1932-44), Flight-Lieut., R.A.F., died at the R.A.F. Hospital, Uxbridge on 13 October 1961. He joined the R.A.F. direct from School and after six months at Queens University, Belfast, he underwent aircrew training in Canada, completing his course as a navigator. He served in many overseas stations and in 1954 he took part in the campaign against the terrorists in the Malayan jungles. He was one of the first members of the R.A.F. to be trained as a member of the V-Force, and flew with it for over five years as an air electronics officer. Dean was a keen rugby player at School and continued his interest in the sport during his service career, playing for Bomber Command and for the R.A.F. During his tour of duty in Malaya he captained the Combined Services Tcam. He is survived by his widow. Frances William Michie* (1885-90 and 1891), M.A., died at Aberdeen on 18 March 1962. After graduating in Arts at Aberdeen University in 1894 he taught Science in Dundee High School. In 1901 he was appointed to the Schools Inspectorate and after service in the Edinburgh and Dumfries and Galloway districts he was appointed Science and Art Inspector in the Highland & Northern Divisions in 1920. I-le became Chief Inspector of Schools in the Highland Division in 1932 and was transferred to the Northern Division based on Aberdeen, in 1935. He retired in 1938. His brothers were both F.P.s—George Michie (1876-8o), M.A., M.D., who died in 1954 and Charles Michie (1881-84), COLE., who died in 1923. James Robert Milne* (1887-?), D.SC., died at Edinburgh on 3 February 1961, aged eighty-four. Dr. Milne was educated at the Universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Oxford. In 1907 he was appointed assistant to the Professor of Natural

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Philosophy at Edinburgh University, and was appointed lecturer in the subject in 1912, a post which he held until his retiral in 1946. During the 1914-x 8 War he was an assistant physicist with Sir William Bragg in the ante-submarine division of the Royal Navy, being concerned with experimental work in the tracking of submarines. He was latterly in charge of the Admiralty Experimental Laboratory at University College, London, and during part of his service he was posted to Calais in France, where he met Sir William Bragg's secretary, whom he married. His F.P. brothers were Alfred Ernest Milne (1894-1907), w.s., Edinburgh, who died in 1954, and Charles B. Milne (1893-96), Q.C., M.A., LL.B., Sheriff of Dumfries and Galloway, who died in 1960. James Strachan Milne (1920-29) died at Greenock on 5 January 1962. After leaving School he served his apprenticeship in Aberdeen as an engineer, and after short spells in London and Greenock he joined the Ellerman Line as a junior engineer. He transferred in 1938 to the Eagle Oil & Shipping Co., and during the whole period of the 1 939-45 War he served aboard their tankers. After the war he took up work ashore, but his health deteriorated, and for the past ten years he was an invalid. He is survived by his wife. Charles Halliday Murray* (1895-190o) died suddenly at Aberdeen on 13 January 1962, aged seventy-seven. He was until 1948 proprietor of the old established firm of A. & R. Milne, Booksellers & Stationers, Aberdeen, having succeeded his father as sole proprietor in 192x. After selling the business he continued for a time as manager, but retired in 1949. He was closely associated with the Aberdeen & Stonehaven Branch of the R.S.S.P.C.C. and in his retirement he developed his hobby of toy making. He had a fully equipped workshop in his home, and turned out intricate models of all manner of articles which he presented to not-so-fortunate children in Aberdeen. William Fenwick Newlands* (1905-9), C.A., died suddenly while on holiday at Crieff on 20 November 1961, aged seventy. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1915 and was admitted to the Society of Chartered Accountants in Aberdeen in 1918. He was a partner in the firm of James A. Jeffrey & Co., and for several years was a member of the Council of the Aberdeen Society of Chartered Accountants, being elected president for the years 1948-50. Mr. Newlands was unmarried. LL.B., died at Aberdeen Charles Duncan Peterkin* (1893-1905), C.B.E., on 8 May 1962, aged seventy-five. He qualified as a law agent in 191 2, became an advocate in Aberdeen in 1914, and was a partner in the firm of Peterkin & Duncans until his retiral two years ago. He was treasurer of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen from 1949-55 and president from 1952-54. He served in the First World War with the 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders in France and Flanders as a Captain and Major. In 1918, as Lieut.-Colonel he was Administrative Commandant of Railheads to the 2nd Army. While serving with the British Army of the Rhine in 1919 he was twice mentioned in dispatches. It was in this year also that he was created C.B.E. He commanded the 4th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders (T.A.), from 1924-28 and became a Colonel in 1928. His brother Henry Peterkin (1886-93), M.A., M.B., CH.B., died in Aberdeen in 1 954. William Alfred Pope * (188 x-9o) died on 3o December 1961, aged eighty-seven. I-Ie was in the service of the Caledonian Insurance Company firstly in Aberdeen and thereafter, for most of his life, in Manchester. He was one of the few survivors of the sixty-two F.P.s who attended the inaugural meeting of the Club in 1893, and he was a member of the first F.P. rugby team in the season 1893-94. He was one of five F.P. brothers, all sons of the late Samuel Pope, sometime art master at the School. One brother survives him,

Obituary

•

143 John Robert Pope* (1885-96), who retired a number of years ago as general manager of the Caledonian Insurance Company in Edinburgh. The other brothers were Sam Pope (1876-87), solicitor, who died in 1946; David A. Pope (1881-88) who farmed in Alberta and died in 195o; and Herbert G. Pope (1890-1902), formerly City Assessor in Aberdeen, who died in 1959. William Walker Scott (1903-13) died at Strathfield, New South Wales, on 9 January 1962, aged sixty-three. He left School just before the First World War and in the ensuing years had the rare distinction of serving in all three Services. He mobilised as a private in the 4th Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders, later transferring to the Royal Engineers and then to the Highland Cyclist Battalion. In January 1917 he joined the R.N.A.S. and was later promoted Sub-Lieutenant. In April 1918 he transferred to the R.A.F. as a Lieutenant. After the war he was a partner in the firm of Slingsby & Scott, Oil Merchants, Aberdeen and later was a Hospital Equipment Officer at Elstree. In 1939 as a member of the R.A.F.V.R. he was recalled to service as a Flight-Lieutenant and served with the Bomber and Coastal Commands in this country and in India. After the war as Squadron Leader and later Wing Commander he saw service in the Netherlands East Indies, the British Military Administration in Malaya and finally as an administrative officer at R.A.F. Base H.Q., Singapore. He left the R.A.F. in 1948 and took up an appointment as superintendent assessor of the War Damage Claims Commission at Kuala Lumpur. He went to reside in Australia about 195o. His brother is James Douglas Scott* (1904-15) who is manager of the Control Department of Messrs. Leo Rapp, Ltd., metal stockists, Southall. John Adam Ritchie Smith (1922-27) died in a Nursing Home at Aberdeen on 7 January 1962, aged fifty-two. He was the son of John Smart Smith (1881-87) civil engineer in Aberdeen, and after leaving School he served his apprenticeship as an engineer with the Aberdeen Harbour Board. Thereafter he was for a time with Messrs. William Tawse & Co., civil engineers, Aberdeen, and then in the City Engineer's Department. He served with the Royal Engineers during the 1939-45 War and on demobilisation he returned to Aberdeen to a post with the Harbour Commissioners. His son John Smart Smith (1946-59) is studying Geography at Aberdeen University. John Leslie Inglis Wilson* (1913-18) died suddenly while golfing at Stonehaven on 6 May 1962. A former insurance inspector in Aberdeen, Inverness and Ayr, he established his own business as an insurance broker in Aberdeen about ten years ago. He was an enthusiastic sportsman, being a member of the Aberdeen Wanderers Rugby Club and Aberdeenshire Cricket Club. A keen Freemason, he was a member of Aberdeen St. Andrew's Lodge. Alexander Donald Stewart Anderson* (1918-24), President of the London Centre of the:Club, died suddenly on 6th June 1962. An Obituary will be published in the next issue.

144

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Rugby Notes

The tst XV has bad its best season for some years; an encouraging feature being the fact that strong teams have been sent to away games due to the efforts made by players to travel regularly. A successful innovation this season which was appreciated by spectators was the use of numbered jerseys by the 1st XV. The and XV has had a very successful season only losing four times and two of these to tat XVs. The 3rd XV have had a difficult season. Due to the fact that nearly thirty people were available to play for it the Selection Committee attempted to give everybody a game in rotation which meant that the 3rd XV never had a real chance to settle down as a team. Efforts were made to run a 4th XV and some games were were played but opposition was difficult to find. For the second year running an F.P. Seven won the Aberdeen Sevens. At Elgin the seven reached the final and at Inverness were put out in the 3rd round by one of the finalists. The records of the three XV are as follows: Against For Lost Drawn Won Played 28o 12 1 17 254 ist XV 30 119 381 15 23 4 and XV 4 138 206 8 1 18 3rd XV 9 Colours for Season just ended: Full: R. R. Comber, I. R. A. MacDonald, I. Clubb, C Ritchie, M. G. Gibb, D. N. Georgeson, P. N. Love, S. McPherson. Half: G. Singer, W. A. Wilson, R. Scace, II. McPherson, M. Walker, A. Walker. It is fitting that the Section should record its appreciation to Dr. J. R. S. Innes who has retired from the S.R.G. after completing thirteen years service. However, Dr. Innes is not being lost to the game as he is continuing as a North District and F.P. Selector. The Section congratulates the School 1st XV on their fine season and hopes that as in past years many School players will graduate to F.P. sides. It is also hoped that any players who hang up their boots this year will continue to take an interest in the Section by becoming non-playing members and that previous players who have lost touch should also take the plunge and rejoin. G. M. M. SLATER, Hon. Secretary

New Members of the Club (15 November 1961-15 May 1962) ORDINARY MEMBERS Anderson, Ronald James (5958-61), zz Rosebank Place, Aberdeen. Brown, Neil George (1917-27), 97 Craigton Road, Aberdeen. Craig, Dr. Alan Gordon (1933-45), 70 Forest Road, Aberdeen. Crighton, William (1955-65), zoo Fernhill Drive, Aberdeen_ Dingwall, Robert Daniel (1948-6r), 62 Devonshire Road, Aberdeen. Gill, Brian Henry (1956-6o), 21 Walker Road, Aberdeen. Gooding, Roger (1951-61), The Lodge School, Barbados, British West Indies. Haig, David Barnard (195o-61), 38 Kettlehills Crescent, Northfield, Aberdeen. Lyon, Bertram Andrew (1945-58), 40 Salisbury Terrace, Aberdeen. Maitlan I, Alastair (1943-51), 17 Devonshire Road, Aberdeen. Marshall, David Neil Scott (1952-6o), 68 Stewart Crescent, Aberdeen. Martin David Michael Weir (1947-59), Whiteside Farm, Lonmay, Aberdeenshire. Maxwell, James Douglas (1948-53), 13 Gilmour Road, Newington, Edniburgh. Menzies, Walter Neil (2928-29), 348 Queen's Road, Aberdeen. Miller, William Lockley (1957-6o), 5I Morton Street, Joppa, Edinburgh 15. Pratt, Michael Alexander (1948-61), 102 Cortihill Road, Aberdeen. Reid, Frank, (1924.28). 25 Newlands Crescent, Aberdeen. Smith, Stanley G., )I954-to), 18 Portland Street, Aberdeen. Stuart, Michael Rollo (1944-56), 29 Westholme Avenue, Aberdeen. Torpey, George Junr. (1956-59), 16 Middlefield Place, Aberdeen.

Former Pupils' Club

145

Yorkshire Centre

•

The Yorkshire Centre held their Annual Dinner on 29 March 196z, in the Senior Common Room, The University, Leeds. Mr. Alexander Gray, President of the F.P. Club, travelled from Aberdeen to join nine members of this small but enthusiastic centre of the Club at dinner. The gathering as usual was quite informal, as were the speeches by Dr. Prosser, President of the Centre, and Alex Gray. A short, and not too serious, business meeting was held during the course of the evening when the officials for the year were elected as follows: President, J. C. Spark; Secretary, A. J. Adams. Committee, Drs. J. W. Finnie and L. G. Boyd, and Messrs. J. E. Anderson and Ian Drummond. The traditional Birse Cup ended an enjoyable re-union. There follows a list of those present: A. Gray (1910-22), 0. Prosser (1907-18), I. M. Drummond (1928-34), W. J. Finnie (1928-32), I. Innes (1905-8), W. P. Milne (1897-9), J. A. Watt (1927-39), E. J. Wood (1908-21), J. C. Spark (1918-21), A. J. Adams (1920-30). Malayan Centre Dinner, 2965 Ten members of the Malayan Centre of the Club attended, along with guests, the Annual Dinner of the Centre, held in the Tangle Inn, Singapore, on zz July 1961. A most successful function was held although the number of F.P.s able to attend was disappointing. The 1962 Dinner will be held in Kuala Lumpur, which is more central and it is hoped that several more F.P.s will be present. The faithful ten were: Robert Kilgour Booker* (1928-41); Alexander Stuart* (1932-45); Alastair George Simon (1932-45); Vincent George Rohde Stephen* (1934-47); Kenneth Forbes Brown (1935-47); David Lyall Anderson* (1938-51); Harry Wilson McCaskill (1939-41); Brian Scott Gray* (1943-40; Ian Allan Cavanagh (1945-5 2); James Garden Taylor* (1949-55). •

•

" Thanks " to F.P.s from the Scout Gang Show In the last issue of the Magaine members were asked to make available old-style Club Blazers for use by the City of Aberdeen Boy Scouts Association for their Gang Show in the Tivoli Theatre. Members responded readily to this request and more than sufficient blazers were made available. The committee of the Gang Show have asked us to thank all members for their co-operation. It is worthy of note that blazers were forthcoming not only from Aberdeen " an twal mile roon " but were also forwarded from Dundee, Ayr and Quebec. I,

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