THE
ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHML MAGAZINE
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xii
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 80 year No. 202 (New Series 74th year No. 193)
JUNE 1968
Vol. LXXI
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No. 2
The Magazine is published under the auspices of The Former Pupils' Club twice during the year, in December and June General Editor
Alistair G. Gracie, 12 Fernielea Crescent, Aberdeen
Editor of the School Section
Alexander Tait, M.A.
Editor of Notes, Obituaries and Marriages
Charles Ritchie, 348 Hardgate, Aberdeen.
Advertisements
J. A. G. Mearns, Mearns Publicity, 7 Carden Place, Aberdeen.
Secretary of the F.P. Club
Brian K. Crookshanks, T.D., M.A., LL.B. 25 Crown Street, Aberdeen.
The General Editor invites contributions from F.P.s for the next issue of the Magazine and requests that all copy, both for him and for the Notes Editor, be submitted by 15 November 1968. Readers are asked to support the advertisers, without whose support publication of the Magazine would not be possible
Printed for The Former Pupils' Club at The University Press Aberdeen
CONTENTS Illustrations— School Rugby Team, 1967-68 . School Hockey Team, 1967-68 . University Air Squadron Dinner The New Club President . . General Section— "'Tis sixty years since ..." Notes about Old Boys . Marriages . . • Editorial Change . . The Denburn Project . Obituaries . . •
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School Section— School Office-bearers • Random Notes . . Staff Changes . . . The School Play . • The Bursary Comp. . . House Notes . . . Presenting the Prefects . Music Notes . . Societies Notes . . C.C.F. Notes . . . School Sporting Activities Lower School Notes. . Mr. Walter Duncan, at.A. .
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F.P. Club Section— Club Office-bearers . . Presidential Profile . . Centre News . . . Section News . . . Annual General Meeting . New Members . .
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An asterisk • appearing after the name of an F.P. indicates that be is a member of the F.P. Club. The years appearing after the name of an F.P. are those of bis attendance at School.
"'Tie sixty years since
"
Yes, it was sixty years ago this year when I first entered the Grammar School, and yet it often seems to be just six. In fact, so vivid arc many of my memories that the events might have happened yesterday. Of course the school I remember was not quite so grand as it is now, though it seemed grand enough to me in those days. There was no Byron statue—Byron arrived during my time at School, and a number of people were just a tiny bit shocked at the idea of having a statue in his honour, even though he was the most distinguished son of the School—there was no Shanghai clock, no swimming-bath or dining-hall, and the assembly hall that I knew occupied the space now taken up by the magnificent library and the rooms underneath it. There was no Rubislaw field. Our games and sports took place in the ground, bounded by Leadside Road on the north, lying between the Osborne Place gate and the wall that separated the School property from that of Westfield School. School games in those distant days were looked after by Mr. James Davidson who for many years was a well-beloved Mathematics master. Twice a year, in autumn and summer, Mr. Davidson visited ever class, thus providing a most welcome break from lessons, so that in his presence the members of each class could choose their rugger and cricket captains and vice-captains. The Infant School, comprising three years, consisted of Junior Infants, Senior Infants and Lower I. These classes were too young to play in the big field and had to confine their games to their own gravel playground. This was surrounded by classrooms, and how more windows, including those of the Rector's room, were not broken I cannot understand. Very often the biggest and strongest boy in a class was elected captain. We were all very hazy about the rules of rugger and cricket, and the captain could do pretty much as he liked, making up rules to suit himself. A few days before the Autumn Term of 1 908-9 began, my mother took me to the School to register me as a new boy. We were taken in to the awesome presence of Henry Fyfe Morland Simpson, a man on whom all my classmates and myself came to look in later life with the utmost affection and respect. This great rector was the man who pulled the School up out of medievalism and put it on a modern footing. He dominated the School for many years, including eleven or twelve of the thirteen years I was there, and I cannot think of the School without thinking of him at the same time. On the first day of term my mother again took me to School and there we met a host of other mothers with their sons. We were received by Miss Anderson, a most kind lady, whose skill and patience in teaching were beyond praise. She was in charge of Junior Infants, the lowest form of life at the School, and somehow or other saw me safely through that first year. I hated everything at first, being no good at anything. But before long the friends I made made life more tolerable, and by my second year (Senior Infants) things were much better. In those days there were only two teachers for the whole of the Infant School. Miss Anderson taught Junior Infants, and Miss Adam taught the highest class, Lower I. The intermediate class, Senior Infants, was looked after in the morning by Miss Adam along with Lower I, and in the afternoon by Miss Anderson. How these two stalwart teachers managed it I do not know, but fortunately before I had passed beyond the Infant School Miss Sutherland was added to the teaching strength and looked after, I think, the Senior Infants. One of my most vivid memories of those early days is the presentation trade to Mr. Samuel Pope on the occasion of his retirement. He had been Art Master for an incredible number of years and, when he departed, the whole School, even the youngsters like myself, were assembled in the Hall to bid him farewell. His dignified presence, his grey hair and kind face made a deep impression on me. So did the emotion in his voice as he made his farewell speech and talked of the School as a place where he had spent "many a happy year". I wondered how anyone could spend many a happy year in a school. Well, I was to know later. The Lower School consisted of four years, Lower II, Ill, IV and Va (Latin) or 6t
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
V b (French). The ladies who taught these, Miss Maydon, Miss Elizabeth Davidson, Miss Jessie Mackie, Miss Lcdingham and Miss Reid respectively were all very fine teachers. Miss Mackie exercised a kind of supervision over the Lower School and she was noted for the strict discipline she kept. But be it said at once that she always retained the respect and even affection of her young charges. I had been introduced to the "scuddcr" as early as Lower I. Miss Adam, small of stature though she was, could ply it with a stout arm, and we all had a healthy fear of her. Many years later, when she was old and very frail, I helped her across the street one day. I never for a moment thought she'd remember me. But she knew me allright and talked to me as if I were still a small boy in her class; and how pleased I was! But it was Miss Mackie of Lower IV who was the disciplinarian. She was reputed to have four "scudders" to suit the various degrees of crime we committed. They were kept in a locked cupboard behind the piano. In this cupboard she kept a number of botanical and zoological specimens which were preserved in alcohol, and when the cupboard was opened a vague whiff of something that had a smell like whisky floated through the room. We all implicitly believed that the "scudders" were steeped in alcohol to keep them in good condition. After the Lower School came the Middle School, Classical and Modern I, II and Ili. The Upper School was made up of Classical and Modern IV, V and VI. The Middle and Upper Schools were taught by Masters. Besides Mr. James Davidson and Mr. J. C. Knox who sometimes assisted himin running the affairs connected with Lower School games, I had encountered only one Master before reaching the Middle School. We had a game called "Round the School" in which we divided ourselves into two armies or gangs. One of these was called the Scots, and perfervid patriots tried to be included in this team. The other side—well, it would have been most unfair to call them the English. Our heads were full of Wallace and Bruce, of Stirling Bridge, Bannockburn, Otterburn, etc. The English were looked upon as our deadly foes and it was far too bad a name to apply to the opposite side in this game. So we hit upon the Normans as the name for the opponents of the Scots, and then, by one of those curious quirks of human nature, for some reason nearly everybody wanted to be a Norman. I myself had qualms about it and always secretly wanted to be a Scot. I've forgotten the rules of the game but we certainly made a terrible shindy as we ran shouting round the School, and one afternoon we drove "Caesar" Middleton frantic. He was doing his best to knock Homer into the heads of the Sixth Classical, but the row we kicked up made it impossible for him. So he sent two tall Sixth Formers out to capture some of us. When we saw these very large young men in long trousers descending upon us, both Scots and Normans all took to their heels. But I was slow off the mark and the young men grabbed me and haled me along to the dreaded Caesar. It was an awful moment. How was I to fact the terrible look of those eyes glaring down at me from below that lofty brow and from behind those intimidating glasses perched on that frightful Roman "beak"? Ruin seemed to stare me in the face. My feelings were indescribable. A thundering whacking followed by immediate expulsion from the School seemed to be the lightest possible punishment for my offence. But as I entered the room the frown disappeared from the formidable figure in the black gown, and the florid clean-shaven face broke into a charming smile. The young men in long trousers sitting at the desks stamped their feet and cheered me. All this put heart into me. I was given a seat and a copy of Homer and told to attend to the lesson. This was my introduction to "Caesar" and to Homer; and little did I think that fifty-five years or so later I should still be occupied with that incomparable poet striving in my turn to put him into other people's heads. After fifteen minutes Caesar said to me gently that if I promised never to make such an abominable row again ("rhow" he pronounced it) I could go; but if I ever came before him again, he had a strap which I might not like very much. So my first meeting with Caesar was not all that auspicious, but he became my greatest friend among the Masters, and that is saying a lot. It was always a pleasure to visit him every time I came back to Aberdeen up to the time of his
School Rugby 1st XV, 1967-68 BACK Row: Marshall H. Byres,
Peter Thain, Alan L. f fendry, Graham G. Reid, Kevin C. Carter, Gordon M. Smith, Forbes McK. Stuart, \X'. Robert Hutcheson, Richard \V. Duncan, lain S. llopkin. FRoN-r Row: David S. Carroll, Jon 11. Christiansen, Ian C. Urquhart, Rory D. J. MacKay (Capiain), Gordon F. R. Anderson (I Wr-Captain), Fwen F. N. Rennie, Scott I tench:I-son. INsor: Ronald L. Davidson.
School Hockey 1st XI, 1967-68 BAcK Row: Alexander B. Thomson, David F. McNay, William C. S. Smith, Dennis C. Hay, Charles M. Ritchie, Allan G. Buck, Mr. McNay. FRONT Row: Gordon T. Smith, Douglas S. Levinson (I 'ice-Captain), William S. Urquhart (Captain), \lan Gilmour, Brian F.. F. Angus.
"'Tis sixtyyears since . . ."
63
death. There was always a welcoming glass for his friends. Dear old Caesar, he was learned, helpful, kind and good, animus qao non eandidior alter. But Caesar was not the only one. All our senior Masters were looked upon with the greatest respect and affection. There was Charles McLeod (Teodie) who taught Mathematics, and along with him should be mentioned Peter Edward (Pat), who also taught Maths ("Pey attention to no other thing in the room but me." "Lauchin' again? I'll soon make ye lauch wi' another side o' yer face." "Dae ye think ye can take the denominator and throw it out o' the winds'? Naw!") There was Willia 1 Murison (Spicey) whose subject was English, and Maxwell Mackie (Max), brother of the redoubtable Miss Mackie whom I have already mentioned. Max's French was so fluent and his accent so good that a Frenchman I knew was quite taken in and thought he was a Frenchman. But we did not meet these senior men till we reached the higher levels of the School. When I first entered the Middle School war had brought havoc to the world, and the even tenor of our youg lives had been disrupted. There were no School games. Our splendid gymnastic instructor, Mr. Summers, had gone to the war, and what physical exercise we had took place in the School grounds under the charge of an aged ex-sergeant. And I fear we gave him a bad time of it. Kitchener's army trained daily in our grounds. The Gymnasium, which was part of the Westfield School buildings, was taken over along with Westfield School as a hospital for wounded soldiers, and the war was not many weeks old before we saw figures clad in light blue hospital garments hobbling about in front of the gym. We used to bring cigarettes from home for them. In the wartime we went to School at 8 a.m. There was a break of fifteen minutes about it o'clock, and lessons then went on till i .3o p.m. From that time onwards we were free for the rest of the day. The pupils of the Central School (now Aberdeen Academy) occupied our buildings from a p.m. till some time in the evening as their own buildings had, like our gym, become a military hospital. It was grim sometimes going to School on a pitch-dark winter morning, but I think most of us were glad to get our lessons over in the first part of the day, and we commiserated with the unfortunate Central School people. Several of the younger Masters went off to the army, and those who were left did a heroic job coping with the extra work that faced them. None can have done more valiantly than George Hay (Doddy) who had the gigantic task of teaching Greek to both sections, at one and the same time, of Classical II—forty-six young ruffians if I remember aright—packed into one room. His achievement was little short of marvellous, though it must have strained his good nature nearly to breaking point. "You'll write this thing out five hundred times for tomorrow, do you hear? And if you come with it only four hundred and ninety nine times done you'll get the biggest thrashing you ever had in your lifel" This was the sort of thing he would cry out sometimes in desperation. Of course nobody ever did write it out five hundred times, for we all knew that by the next morning Doddy would have forgotten all about it and be his sunny self again. He was a splendid teacher, and I mentally take my hat off to him every time I think of him. It was Roderick McCrae to whose unfortunate lot it fell to try to drive mathematics into my head. My approaCh to maths. was purely arithmetical and I never could think algebraically. "If I have A marbles in my right pocket and B marbles in my left one, how many marbles have I?" McCrae would ask. I hadn't the faintest notion; nor was I very much the wiser when he patiently explained he would have A+ B marbles. But McCrae, like all out Masters, was superb as a teacher, and I owe it to the grounding that he patiently gave me that in the end, with a mighty effort, I somehow achieved Higher Maths. He became, I believe, a Headmaster in London. He also taught me what Botany I know. I must mention also Mackenzie Forbes (Tiny) who, besides slowly but very thoroughly teaching us Latin, founded the School orchestra. This gave us great fun. The leader and chief first violin was James Crombie, who was ably seconded by Neil Marr and by the 'cellist Hamish Munro. Tiny, we used to think, really wanted
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Aberdeen Grammar Sebool Magazine
the orchestra for the purpose of trying out his own musical compositions. How they could have sounded to an audience when played by a somewhat unenthusiastic and very amateurish school orchestra I shudder to think. We had particular difficulty with his setting of "Jock o' Hazeldean". For good effect he repeated the phrase "And aye she let the tear doon fa' ", sung in a succession of notes descending through the octave (doh', tee, lah, soh, fah, mee, ray, doh,), and we had to make it sound more "pathetic" the second time it was played. We were very bad at this, just as we were at the bit—I can't remember the words—where Tiny used to exclaim, "Now, lads, the passion's rising here! Put passion into it, lads!" But it didn't really matter how we played, for when it came to the night of the performance—Tiny, of course, sang the song to our accompaniment—Tiny's magnificent voice was all that anyone could or wanted to hear. He could take the roof off the School hall, and we might as well—almost—have been playing "God save the Queen" or "Pop goes the Weasel" for all that anyone would have noticed when his voice rang out. It was a great experience to hear him sing. But I must draw these rambling remarks to an end with just a word or two about the unique Charles Davidson (C.D.). He was one of the most entertaining characters I've ever known. He was supposed to teach us English, but his method was, let us say, unorthodox. He never gave the impression of having prepared a lesson; he just came into the room and after sniffing in a disdainful manner and saying "There's a smell of boy in this room. Open the window", he would talk to us, telling us wonderful stories of faraway things and places, specially of Spain and the Spanish Main. He later became the first Master to teach Spanish at the School, and the first Head of the Department of Spanish at Aberdeen University. We all worshipped him. He lived till he was a very old man and for many years was a familiar figure in Union Street in his suit of brown plus-fours and his Balmoral bonnet with its red "tourie" cocked juantily on his head. It is thanks to these men and women, from H. F. Morland Simpson downwards, that I have always felt I couldn't possibly have found a better school, no matter where I had looked for one. These men and women not only taught us, never failing to give their patient and expert attention even to the dullest of us, but they gave us boys a feeling that they cared for us as human beings, and that we meant something to them. When a school can do this for its pupils, it must be something out of the ordinary, something precious, something which must be preserved. The world today badly needs places of this sort. Floreat in aeternum Schola Grammatica Aberdonensis! EDWARD J. WOOD (1908-20
Special Entertainments Notice The attention of all members is again drawn to the circular enclosed with this issue of the Magazine regarding the Annual Dinner and Ball. In view of the increasing cost of sending out this circular separately, it was decided by the Club Executive several years ago that adequate notice would be given of these functions if the circular were to be sent out with the June issue of the Magazine every year. You are therefore requested to preserve carefully the circular (which is the only intimation which will be given) until you decide to submit your application form to Philip N. Love, Esq., M.A., LL.B., 58 Dee Street, Aberdeen. In addition, you should note these dates in your diary: Annual Dinner—Thursday, 17 October 1968 (Douglas Hotel, Market Street, Aberdeen). Annual Ball—Thursday, 26 December 1968 (Beach Ballroom). Only members of the F.P. Club may apply for tickets.
Honour OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (0.B.E.)
Patrick Kilgour Booker*** (1933-45) has been made an O.B.E. in recognition of overseas service. An Arts graduate of Aberdeen University, he studied at Oxford before joining the overseas service in 1953. He was permanent secretary to the Minister of Finance until the Independence of the Federation of South Arabia. Thomas M. Arnott* (1937-5o) has been promoted to Sales Manager of the Marley Tile Co. Ltd. in Scotland. Ile is now living in Bearsden, Glasgow. Andrew Matthew Campbell* Jnr. (1943-53), is now a member of the Seven Incorporated Trades and the newly formed St. Fittick's Rotary Club. John Harrison Campbell (1959-63) was recently awarded the Medal for the most outstanding Student in Printing administration at Stowe College, Glasgow. He is studying administration with Langstane Press with a view to entering at executive level. Jonathan Mahram Daube* (1951-53), Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools, Newton, Massachusetts, has just received the degree of Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Harvard University. From September 1968 he will be Senior Lecturer in Education, University of Malawi, Malawi, Africa. William Gordon Downs* (1950-63) has left the British Linen Bank in Aberdeen and joined the staff of the Leicester Permanent Building Society in Sheffield. His brother, Alexander Loudon Downs (194961), is an Inspector with the Commercial Union Insurance Company. Meldrum B. Edwards* (1948-60), m.sc. (Cantab.) is meantime engaged in a research project on Inter-City Transport sponsored by the Ministry of Technology. His base is the University of Southampton and the project is likely to occupy two years. In May, he was one of a party of fifty British Atheletes sent under the auspices of the British Amateur Athletics Board to Fort-Romeu for a fortnight's high altitude training in the Pyrenees. Alexander James Forbes* (1952-58), who is with the Bermuda Police, has been chosen four times to play for the "Pick of Bermuda" rugby team. Before going to Bermuda, he worked for the Ministry of Finance in Northern Rhodesia. Edwin Grieve* (1944-50), is now a partner in the legal firm of Stephen Rollo and Bond of Dundee after being in practice in Nairn for the past five years. 65
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
Duncan Duthie Harvey (1943-50), manager of a tea estate in Assam, was recently in Aberdeen on leave. James William Howison* (1937-50), B.SC., PH.D., is shortly emigrating to take up a post with the Wiggins Teape Group in Australia. He will be living near another F.P., Stephen McPherson (1944-50), m.s., CH.B. who is in general practice near Melbourne. James Lawson Mowat* (1915-16), M.A., PH.D., retired in 1964 after serving with the International Labour Office since 1928. Since retiring he has occasionally worked for the Office as Interpreter at meetings. He was during 1966-67 Secretary of a small non-Governmental organisation, the International Schools Examination Syndicate (which has since been renamed the International Baccalaureat Office). The work of the Syndicate was directed to devising an International School Leaving and Universities Entrance Examination which it is hoped will by 1975 be recognised as equivalent to the national examinations. Dr. Mowat is Club Consul for Switzerland and lives in Geneva. Ralph Charles Sutherland Walker* (1949-55), B.A., McGill 1964, has been elected a Junior Fellow of Merton College, Oxford. He went to Balliol as a Rhodes Scholar in 1964 and took his B.Phil. degree there in 1966. In 1967 he was awarded the Bank of Montreal Centennial Fellowship in the Humanities, and recently won the John Locke Prize for Mental Philosophy at Oxford. He is the elder son of Ralph S. Walker (1910-22), Molson Professor of English at McGill, and his younger brother, David A. C. Walker (195o-55), B.A., McGill, 1966, is also at Oxford, preparing at Lincoln College to take a B.Phil degree in English. George Tyrell Nicol Wood (1918-23) was one of the speakers at the opening session of the M.R.A. Pacific Assembly in Wellington, New Zealand. He has been a full-time member of the movement for thirty years and has travelled the world considerably for them. He spent ten years in Australia and eight in America and Canada, working on the industrial side. Even in recent years, with a home in Aberdeen, he has visited Germany and the Far East and has spent the last seven months in Australia. Rugby Record For continuity of representation on the Scottish Rugby Union Committee the record for a Club must surely be held by Grammar F.P.s. Ever since 1930 there has been an F.P. on the Committee, our members having been as follows: R. M. Ledingham (i930-1949), afterwards President of the S.R.U.; J. R. S. Innes (1949-1962); J. M. Milne (1961-1968); and now W. L. Connon (1968- )•
Marriages
67
Marriages Annand (195o-53).—At St. Fittick's Church, Aberdeen, on 6 April 1968, CHARLES SOUTER ANNAND, son of Mrs. J. Annand, 3 Lemon Street, Aberdeen, to Margaret Jane, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Naughton, 18 Springbank Street, Aberdeen. Courts (I948-61).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 16 April 1968, FINDLAY MACRIJRY CODTTS, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Coutts, 17 Richmondhill Road, Aberdeen, to Christine Gilray, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Leathern, 415 Caledonian Road, Wishaw. Davidson (1954-6o).—At Trinity Church, Crown Street, Aberdeen, on 26 December 1967, Bram= ERSKINE DAVIDSON, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Davidson, 87 Gaitside Drive, Aberdeen, to Eileen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Gordon, 27o Great Western Road, Aberdeen. Dean (i945-5o).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 8 March 1968, PETER ALEXANDER DEAN, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Dean, 96 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen, to Arm Maxwell, only daughter of Mr. William Moar, Kambister, Birsay, Orkney and the late Mrs. Eileen Moar. Fraser (1951-58).--At St. Stephen's Church, Liverpool, on 6 April 1968, COLIN NORMAN FRASER, son of Capt. and Mrs. N. Fraser, 5 Belfort Road, Gateacre (late of Aberdeen), to Ann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. McConnell, Gateacre. Irvine (1951-55).—At St. Devenick's Episcopal Church, Bieldside, on zo March 1968, KErm ROBERT IRVINE, only son of Mr. and Mrs. K. James Irvine, "Beechwood", Pitfodels, Aberdeen, to Avril Allene, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Ogilvie Munro, 9 Westholme Crescent South, Aberdeen. Macfarlane (1939-53).—At the West Church of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen, on 26 December 1967, MICHAEL WATT MACFAIUANE, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Macfarlane, 41 Cairnfield Place, Aberdeen to Mary Webster, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Campbell, 6z Skene Street, Aberdeen. McLeod (1952-63).—At St. Mary's Parish Church, Banff, on II August 1967, IAN RONALD MCLEOD, LL.B., elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald McLeod, 43 Lenart Avenue, Aberdeen, to Jennifer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Main, 23 Whinhill Road, Banff. Miller (1954-60).—At Rubislaw Church, Aberdeen, on 16 December 1967, DAVID GEORGE MILLER, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Miller, 16 Craigendarroch Avenue, Aberdeen, to Lesley Forbes, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Forbes, "Ernan Lodge", 82 Beechgrove Terrace, Aberdeen. Minto (1929-39).—At Horsham, on 6 February 1968, CHARLES NICHOLSON MINTO, M.B., CH.B., D.P.II. younger son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Crighton Minto, Aberdeen, to Elizabeth Bremner, elder daughter of the late Mr. D. Bremner and Mrs. Bremner, Port Dunbar, Wick. Mitchell (z946-60.—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen, on 4 April 1968, WILLIAM DOUGLAS MITCHELL,* elder son of Mrs. Mary Mitchell and the late Mr. William Mitchell, 43 Hazledene Road, Aberdeen, to Lorna, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walford Binnie, "Dumber", 12 Woodburn Place, Aberdeen. Morrison (i959-62).—At Nigg Parish Church, Aberdeen, on 29 March 1968, JOHN SurriE McKAr MORRISON, only son of Mr. and Mrs. John Morrison, 5 i lnvercauld Road, Mastrick, Aberdeen, to Elsie Thomson, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bruce, 38 Girdleness Road, Torry, Aberdeen. Munro (I954-6o).--At Holburn West Church, Aberdeen, on 6 January 1968, linmian DAVID MUNRO*, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. James S. Munro, 19 Ashley Gardens, Aberdeen, to Alison Barclay, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Walker, 107 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen. Noble (I945-52).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen, on 5o March 1968, PETER Scorr NOBLE, younger son of Sir Peter and Lady Noble, 48 Aubrey Walk,
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
London, W.8, to Margaret Emma, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Leask, 40 Forbesheld Road, Aberdeen. Richard (i948-61).—At St. Nicholas Congregational Church, GRAEME NEILSON RICHARD, son of the late Mr. David F. Richard and stepson of Mr. Edward L. Watt, 45 Beachwood Avenue, Aberdeen, to Grace Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Scott, 2 Cornhill Terrace, Aberdeen. Stephen (1945-57)At Bombay, on 4 May 1968, IAN CLARK STEPHEN, son of the late Mr. R. Stephen and of Mrs. V. M. Stephen, 12 Seafield Avenue, Aberdeen, to Doreen, daughter of the late Mr. M. Reuben and of Mrs. F. M. Reuben, Bombay. Weir (7 942-57).—At King's College, Aberdeen, on 29 March 1968, JAMES WILLIAM HENDERSON CAMERON WEIR*, eldest son of the late J. N. C. Weir, B.SC. (Agric.) and of Mrs. J. F. Weir, Taymount, 24 Rosehill Drive, to Yvonne Dawson Cleghom, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carle, Norwood, 25 Raeden Avenue. Wyllie (1943-5o).—At Aberdeen, on 16 March 1968, JOHN HAMILTON WYLLIE, elder son of Dr. and Mrs. Andrew M. Wyllie, "Lochhead", Cornhill Road, Aberdeen, to Kathleen Ruther, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Mackay, 15 Granary Street, Burghead. Yule (1945-58).—ln London, on 16 December 1967, WILLIAM YuLE*, only son of Mr. and Mrs. P. C. Yule, 12 Whitehall Terrace, Aberdeen, to Vivian, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Walters, Edgware.
Editorial Change It was with very real regret that at the beginning of this year the Executive received Rae C. Barton's resignation as Editor of the Magazine. The regret was not because Editors are difficult to find but simply because since taking up the reins following the untimely death of Campbell Connon at the end of 1963 Rae has been a diligent and enthusiastic Editor of the Magazine, and has in addition taken an active part in the deliberations of the Executive. Rae started off on the right foot because, contrary to the usual practice, he actually volunteered his services. Each of the eight issues of the Magazine edited by him has borne the clear stamp of the Editor's views on the content of a magazine of this nature. Rae has tried very hard to produce a balanced publication and he succeeded in this to a remarkable degree when one considers the unwillingness of people to contribute copy. We all sympathise with the reasons which have compelled Rae to lay down the editorial pen but we hope that in retirement he will perhaps contribute from time to time to the Magazine's pages. Meantime we would place on record our gratitude for a job well done. In his place we welcome Alistair George Gracie (19S3-66), the youngest Editor ever to occupy the editorial chair. Alistair is a trainee journalist with Aberdeen Journals where we hope that he will receive much encouragement and practical assistance from several F.P. colleagues on the staff. Only appointed in mid-April, with the printers' deadline a matter of four weeks away, Alistair has worked very hard to ensure that this issue is in your hands at the usual time. We wish him well in his task and would urge F.P.s everywhere to do a little soulsearching and see if they cannot find it in themselves to make his life easier and everyone else's reading more enjoyable by penning an article for the Magazine.
The Denburn Project
69
The Denburn Project The decision to build a heat pump arose from a discussion in the engineering class. A heat pump involves extracting heat from some natural source and changing it into high grade heat by compression. The Denburn, a stream which passes through the School grounds, seemed a suitable natural source. Power would be necessary to drive the compressor. As the stream was some distance from the School buildings it was decided to construct a turbine to drive a generator thus harnessing the stream's energy in both heat and motion. Efforts rather than scientific experiments were made to determine the velocity and quantity of water flowing. A !a foot stretch of the stream was made free of stones and a reasonably uniform channel prepared over this distance. By measuring the cross-section of the channel and timing the movement of small blocks of wood through the measured distance an estimate of the cubic feet of water flowing per minute was obtained. Hosepipes were used to conduct the water through an aqueduct but the site was abandoned due to an inability to keep the pipes full, and also friction and sagging between the supports. The second site meant taking the water at a weir, through short pipes with a drop of four feet, to a point ten feet from the weir. The pipes were later discarded in favour of a metal spillway with a rectangular nozzle. At this point a short article and illustration of a turbine suitable for low heads, came to hand. The article was about such a turbine, designed by Dr. Donat Banki, and built for experimental purposes by engineering students at Oregon State College. The Banki inward flow turbine consists of two circular end plates joined together at the rim with a series of curved blades. The water strikes a blade on the rim, flows over and passes through the inner space to strike a blade on the exit side of the wheel. The simplicity of construction made it suitable but a departure would have to be made from the original principle. The flow through the Denburn turbine would have to be on a horizontal plane using the natural approach velocity in place of the vertical flow in the original. Application of formulae, with various presumptions, indicated that the water had a potential of about one and a quarter horse-power. From this information and the materials in stock the dimensions of the turbine were estimated. A critical factor was the blade angle. The angle between inlet and outlet was governed by sheer physical ability to bend the ten gauge mild steel plates. Some indecision as to the best inlet angle led to a simple device which would allow variations to be made. A mass production line was set up to produce pins slotted and threaded. These pins were first riveted to the blades and then secured with nuts on a pitch circle between the end plates. Trial runs eventually decided the best angle of the blades relative to the periphery. They were then welded into position. The circular end plates were turned on the outside face-plate of a wood-turning lathe. The diameter of these discs was deduced from the torque necessary to produce x horse power at 15o revs. per minute.
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
The original article on the Banki indicated that a central shaft was undesirable as it might impede the flow through the wheel. It was also indicated that internal fins would be an improvement by directing the flow to the correct position on the exit side. The first of these was met by securing short end shafts only. The second was tried at a later stage but frictional, and possible alignment, affects were too high. Ball bearings to carry the main shafts were obtained from a scrapyard. The housings were blanked off on the outside and the suspending structure attached to these cover plates. Much thought and discussion was given to the method of fixing the turbine in position. Eventually it was agreed that suspension was the most suitable system and worked well in practice. Variations of only i amperes were observed when maximum power was being developed. The generator and motor were redundant stock and were obtained at no cost to the project. The drive between the turbine and generator was a flat belt. Water splash caused considerable slip until advised and presented with a chrome leather and nylon belt. This belt demands considerable tension but the turbine bearings stood up to the effect. The first installation worked well enough but a prolonged dry spell made the flow of water minimal. An appeal to the fire service to lay on a water supply met with a generous response. It was satisfying to see that the turbine could stand up to the thrust and produce more than adequate power. To overcome the low flow in the stream an alternative site was selected and a dam built. Owing to the rough rock bottom across the 1 z foot width of the stream the dam had to be built five times before a secure bottom strip was established. Preliminary trials were disappointing; to build the dam had meant sacrificing some of the head so that although a reasonable head was maintained brake tests showed just over i horse power at 1 zo revs. per minute. Then came the rains, maintaining a full dam with a definite velocity of approach. This was sufficient to develop between i and i horse power quite adequate for driving the motor and compressor of the heat pump. The original intention to build the heat pump was no more than an exercise in seeing how such an arrangement worked with practical demonstrations of expansion, compression and change of state of the working substance. Professional advice was sought on the dimensions of the unit. This advice was freely given and extended to an indefinite loan of essential equipment. An 8 feet long continuous loop evaporator coil was formed from a 100 feet length of copper tubing (often in the hest Laurel and Hardy tradition). One gross mistake was made through using the wrong type of pipe junction. These junctions leaked rendering the first assembly ineffectual. The importance of keeping the system moisture free had been learned the hard way. When the system had been dried out and rebuilt a trial run was made in the workshop. It was a joy to see a frosty fur develop on the evaporator and feel hot air corning from the radiator. The units were then transferred to the Denburn and satisfactory results obtained in terms of heating the garden shed which had been built to house the units. External influences pre-
The Denburn Project
71 vented investigations into the efficiency of the pump on the site although some basic temperatures were measured. A local business man having heard of the school project came to see the installation. He had, as a sideline, developed a somewhat similar scheme. In place of the turbine he had a very large but slow moving wooden wheel. Much of the energy developed was lost, however, in driving enormous gears and heavy belts before driving the high speed generator. The resulting electric power was used for lighting and heating an old barley mill. The object of the exercise was mushroom farming. This chance encounter led to a discussion on possible extensions of the project. Mushroom growing, egg hatching, bulb forcing and milk pasteurising were some of the possibilities mooted. The general concept being that a Highland crofter might quite reasonably build the turbine and heat pump. A farmer who was interviewed about chicken farming thought the most useful function for the heat was grain drying. A rectangular bin was then constructed and erected over the radiator. It was only possible to carry out the drying process during the school day. Results after eighteen hours were most encouraging. A very wet very damp weekend intervened and the reduction in the moisture content gained was more than lost. Further attempts at grain drying showed that while the heat was adequate the flow of air was insufficient. To improve the bin it was necessary to introduce a fan which would drive the air, arrange for the hot air to be evenly distributed through the grain and to devise an exhaust air duct which would draw off the moist air. To this end a duct of perforated sheet was inserted at one side of the bin for the inlet air and a zig-zag wall on the opposite side, rather in the form of Coventry Cathedral. Perforated sheet taking the place of the stained glass. Thus it was hoped the hot air would take the line of least resistance across the bin and be sucked into the exhaust duct. The type of fan finally selected was a multi-bladed one, which was really the Banki all over again. Perspex was the material selected for the fan and voluted. A transparent construction would allow for observation of the air flow by injecting smoke. In addition the opportunity to examine the stresses in the blades by photo-elastic technique was too good to be missed. To succeed in this experiment a stroboscope would have to be introduced into the beam of the projector to still the image. The first two fans disintegrated. So spectacular was the vivid crack of blades that the disappointment at the failures did not count. The third fan built from the salvaged parts and reinforced at the blade fixings was switched on by remote control; it held and worked successfully. The fan was simply two circular discs of perspex attached to a duralumin shaft with thirty-six 1 inch blades, of slightly curved perspex, held between the rims of the discs. One of the discs, the inlet side of the fan, had four quarters removed leaving a rim, four spokes and a central boss. The volute casing was also made from clear perspex and
Aberdeen Grammar Seboo, Magatine 72 mounted on a frame against the radiator. The unit was driven by a 1 horsepower motor at 1400 revs. per minute. An experimental fan was also constructed using perspex and sheet araldite. This fan was placed between two polarised filters and a stroboscope beam set in line. After many adjustments and difficulties the objective was attained. At 6ooo revs. per minute bending of the blades appeared creating stress fringes `held' in the beam of the strobe. This unit allows for quantitative experiments on centrifugal force, bending moments and Young's modulus. From the first fine flurry of dust out of the casing there was little doubt that sufficient air flow could now be provided. The only remaining point was whether the directional flow intended would be followed by the air stream. With the bin full of grain smoke was applied to the air intake. The smoke was seen to travel rapidly across the heat pump units and down into the fan, up the first duct and puff forcibly out at all the inspection ports on the exhaust duct. Although further tests are necessary to prove the economy and establish practical proportions for the heat pump grain drier, such a unit has definite advantages. Toxic fumes are not present to contaminate the grain and the fire risk is considerably reduced. Future classes will be denied the experience of building the units but they will have the opportunity to carry out many worthwhile experiments and probably modifications.
Obituaries Alexander James Allen (1908-15) died recently in Edinburgh. He served for many years in Aberdeen with the Eagle Star and British Dominions Insurance Co. Ltd. as Chief Clerk and later as Inspector of Agents. In 1948 he became Branch Manager of the Dundee office of the Eagle Star. He was a Vice-President of the Rugby Section and on his retirement moved to Edinburgh. Charles Burnett (191o-17), m.s., CII.B., D.P.H., died in Edinburgh on 17 December 1967. On leaving School he served with the Highland Light Infantry for a time before being commissioned in the Royal Flying Corps. After service he attended Aberdeen University, graduating in medicine with honours in 1924. He obtained his Public Health Diploma in 1937 following a period in general practice in Perth. After a number of posts in London hospitals he went into general practice in Edinburgh, from which he retired a few years ago. John Harvey Cochrane (1894-190o) died at Banchory on II November 1967. He served his apprenticeship as an engineer with Hall Russell & Co. Ltd., Aberdeen and thereafter studied at Glasgow Technical College. After qualifying he joined United Lampack Plantations Ltd. in Sumatra in 1910. He returned home in 1 914, and served with The Royal Scots in France. He was wounded in 1916 and invalided take up out in the following year. At the end of the war he returned to Sumatra toTobacco an appointment as Manager and Administrator of the Shanghai-Sumatra Co. Ltd. He remained in the Far East until his retirement several years ago, since when he had lived in Banchory. George Frederick Cox* (1899-1906) died in January 1968, aged eighty. He studied at Aberdeen University graduating with honours in Arts in 191o. He was Assistant Professor of Greek at Aberdeen University during 191o-1911 and of Hebrew at St. Andrews University 1914-16. He was ordained in 1918 and was for a
Obituaries
73 short time Assistant Minister of St. Andrews Parish Church, Edinburgh. He was inducted to the charge of Harray, Orkney in 1922 and ministered there until 1954. He was for twenty years of that time Clerk to the Presbytery of Orkney. On retirement he took up residence in North Berwick. Stephen Goodbrand• (1895-1900), M.B., CH.B., died at Banchory on 16 January 1968. After studying at Aberdeen University he graduated in medicine in 1908. Two years later he joined the West African Medical Service. He retired in 1932 since when he had been resident in Banchory. John Hartley Henderson* (1913-2r) died very suddenly on 8 January 1968 while motoring on business in Kincardineshire. He was sixty-three years of age. After leaving School he was for ten years in Ceylon where he was engaged in tea planting. In 1934 he returned to this country and shortly afterwards was appointed representative in Scotland for Messrs. T. Birse & Sons, Wholesale Tea Merchants. Later he went into business on his own account as a Tea Merchant in Aberdeen and was still actively engaged in this business at the time of his death. His son Denys Hartley Henderson* (1938-50), M.A., LL.B., is now in West Kilbride. John Livingstone* (1906-8) died in hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia, on 15 January 1968, aged seventy-four. After leaving School he was a clerk with Messrs. Kemp Walker & Co., millers in Aberdeen until 1913. Thereafter he joined the Hudson's Bay Company with which he served for over twenty years. Much of this time was spent in one of their lonely trading posts within the Arctic Circle. Thereafter he went to the North West territory where he was engaged in copper mining and from there he moved on to Yellowknife, where again he was in mining. He retired some years ago to Vancouver. lain Campbell MacLean (1963-64), Pilot Officer, R.A.F., was killed in an air crash at Lochailort, Inverness-shire, in December 1967. The son of Mr. and Mrs. John S. Maclean (Principal Teacher of English at Buckie High School), Thin was educated at Ullapool School, Fordyce Academy and Buckie High School before coming to the Grammar School. At Grammar, he was awarded the Former Pupils' Club Silver Medal for German and the Brebner French Prize. He joined the R.A.F. in January 1967 and was commissioned three months later. Oswald George Prosser* (1907-IS), M.C., S.D., M.B., CH.B., D.L., died in hospital at Hull on zo December 1967. After leaving School he studied at Aberdeen University graduating in medicine in 1925. Later that year he set up in general practice in Hull and apart from war service remained in practice there for thirty-nine years until his retiral in 1964. During the Second World War he served with the R.A.M.C. and was for a time second-in-command of r5o (Northumbrian) Field Ambulance and thereafter in command of 48 Field Dressing Station. He served in North Africa where he was captured in 1942. He was a prisoner in Italian hands until repatriation in the following year after which he rejoined the Northumbrian Division, serving with it until the end of hostilities. After the war he continued with the Territorial Army, firstly in command of the Northumbrian Division Field Ambulance and latterly as Assistant Director of Medical Services with 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division. He was awarded the M.C. for distinguished service in 1942 and his long service in the T.A. was marked by the award of the Territorial Decoration. He was a Deputy Lieutenant of Hull and the East Riding. Dr. Prosser was the son of an F.P., Aberdeen solicitor, Alfred A. Prosser (1877-86). He was an enthusiastic F.P. and maintained a keen interest in the activities of the Yorkshire Centre of which he was a former President.
School Section School Office-bearers Prefects REARAIDII D. J. MACKAY (Senior Prefect) ALAN GILMOUR (Deputy Senior Prefect) EWEN F. N. RENNIE GORDON F. R. ANDERSON IAN A. FRASER GORDON M. SMITH ROBERT J. GRANT W. H. KERR ANDERSON GORDON T. SMITH WILLIAM R. HUTCHESON RAYMOND A. BINNER W. CAIRNS S. SMITH DOUGLAS S. LEVINSON BRIAN S. BOYD FORBES M. STUART J. LACHLAN MACKENZIE MARSHALL H. BYRES PETER THAIN HUGH R. MACLEOD DAVID S. CARROLL IAN C. URQUHART GRANT MATIIISON KEVIN C. CARTER WILLIAM S. URQUHART DAVID G. E. NORBROOK STUART W. CUMMINGS ALISTAIR T. WILKINSON RONALD L. DAVIDSON
House Captains Byron
Dun
IAN C. URQUIIART
GORDON F. R. ANDERSON
Keith
Melvin
RUARAIDH D. J. MACKAY
EWEN F. N. RENNIE
Captain RUARAIDH D. J. MACKAY
Rugby Vice-Captain GORDON F. R. ANDERSON
Captain WILLIAM S. URQUHART
Hockey Vice-Captain DOUGLAS S. LEVINSON
Captain GRAHAM GOOD
Swimming Vice-Captain STEPHEN M. DAVIDSON
Captain RAYMOND BINNER
Cricket Vice-Captain FORBES M. STUART Athletics Captain KEVIN C. CARTER Tennis Captain GORDON T. SMITH
Literary and Debating Society Lice-President JOHN H. ALLEN President DAVID G. E. NORBROOK Treasurer NEIL McBEArti Secretary HUGH R. MACLEOD President JOHN E. MCINTOSH Secretary HUGH R. MACLEOD
Dramatic Society Vice-President WILLIAM R. Htrrctiv.soN Treasurer IAN A. FRASER Cadet Force DAVID G. MORRISON
Editors of the School Section of the Magazine JOHN E. MclNrosH DOUGLAS S. LEVINSON J. LACHI.AN MACKENZIE RUARAIDH D. J. MCKAY DAVID G. E. NORBROOK
74
Random Notes Earlier this term, vivacious globetrotter Suzette, daringly attired in white knee-length socks, shocked the staff and pupils alike by breezing into School in the company of a scruffy shag-eared quadruped, answering to the name of Mimi. Irrefutable proof that the School is going to the dogs. Has Madame sparked off a trend? Perhaps the School will soon resemble Cruft's in all its glory. We can see it all now ... the organ is playing, and yes, here they come... . Heading the queue, Mr. Hemingway and his Old English Sheepdog, closely followed by Mr. Spence with his Bull Mastiff. Now in comes Mr. Davis with Pongo the Poodle, hotly pursued by Mr. Stephen, being dragged in by his pet Chihuahua. Or perhaps Madame is trying to foster the idea that the School is one big happy family. * * * The rugby season ended with more games lost than won, but there is one consolation. The Ist XV is the best team in Scotland at leaping over benches, burping and hanging on wallbars. * * * Rennie drove daddy's car somewhat recklessly in the School grounds this session, and made an Arch-enemy. We hope that all is forgiven, but still doubt the wisdom of the offender's driving examiner. * * * Welcome smoke enthusiasts. This is David Coalman reporting on the final stages of the area lung scorching contests, direct from the heart of the School. Here at the ringside the air is thick and close . .. cigarette lighters glinting in the mid-morning sunshine ... brown fingers, deft and practised, ply skilfully with carefully selected "snibs". The tense silence is broken only occasionally as a virtuoso sucks in a lungful of smoke, or as a hacking cough erupts from the gallery. Up to now, as anticipated, it's been a clean sweep for the sixth year, who have a whole crop of brilliant star performers, excelling particularly in the solo ring-blowing event, and team smoke-belching competition. But here is the moment we have all been waiting for—the traditional exhibition by the competitor chosen as this year's supreme maestro of the games. A small, rotund sixth-former steps into the arena, crowned by the victor's Gold Leaf. This man has all the attributes of a champion—hunched shoulders, bleary-eyed and pale-faced with those mahogany-tinted fingertips which are the result of years of dedicated practice. The crowd is hushed as he launches straight into a masterly display of acrobatic ring-blowing, the event which he has made his own. Not since the hey-day of the late, great Sidney Woodbine have we seen anything as technically perfect as this—my word! what a beauty I That's a flawless one, not losing its shape as it rises above the cubicle doorway. The crowd roars its approval as the maestro decides to perform his speciality. An assistant comes forward to wipe his brow as concentration is momentarily broken. Collecting himself with a final deep breath, he steps into the marbled cubicle and takes the victor's chair of honour. The atmosphere is electric—the maestro's 75
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine face is deeply furrowed in concentration, drawing in a whole cigarette in a single breath. Eyes are agog as a great cloud of smoke is expelled with infinite patience and contortions of the lips. Expectation mounts as the cloud forms gradually into the shape of a hand, finger by finger, and snakes towards the chain at his right elbow. The air is absolutely charged with tension ... it's unbearable ... we just can't watch! But ... oh! .. . superb! ... with a final delicate quiver of the lips, the maestro has managed it, and a royal flush puts the lid on a scintillating display. The crowd goes mad with adulation, jostling to congratulate him . .. we've never witnessed scenes like these before .. . it's absolutely fantastic. And on this high note we must end. Now over to Harry Carpainter for shove-halfpenny in the main cloak-room. * * * The School's new summer sport, introduced misguidedly by someone in high authority, has caused much embarrassment for those playing it, and free comedy entertainment for spectators in Anderson Drive. Volleyball is its name, but the object of the game, i.e. to volley the ball, has not yet been perfected by those unwitting enough to devote themselves to the new game. Someone once said, if we remember rightly, "It is a game of no great skill; anyone can play it." lie reckoned without the hard core of Grammar School athletes. Their efforts to hit the ball over the net alone were futile, but when it came to neat inter-passing.. .. * * * 76
Earlier in the term, LIFE IN THE RAW'S international news-team sent out all investigators to uncover evidence about the disturbingly high rate of fruit-square addiction in the School. The following exposure reveals the distressing tendency among young people to renounce traditional Western values and follow the new, hip "fruitie" philosophy. Here are the bare facts: The School has a total of some 700 hardened addicts, many of whom confess that they are unable to face another day without their eleven o'clock shot. The unscrupulous exploitation of these pitiful "fruities" is continued unabashed by a ring of pedlars who entice prospective "clients" to the railings, where the "hard stuff" (and we mean hard) is alluringly displayed. Interval each day is the scene of fantastic thronging as addicts flock to promised euphoria, drooling and twitching in expectation. Their craving is insatiable, and the trade thrives despite the efforts of anti-vice chief Robert McNay's crack "fruit-squad". Statistics have proved that productivity drops yet lower in School during the periods after interval, when addicts are "high". In an exclusive interview with an ex-fruitie just returned from a month's rehabilitation, the whole heart-rending story of his degeneration was retold. He can reminisce on that first bite into ecstasy and recalls his progression to the status of a hardened "fruitie", living only for his daily dose purchased at the Whitehall Road railings. His career ended, however, when fruit-squad agents made a lightning pounce on a psychedelic "fruit-in" on the fruit lawn, where he was
Staff ChanRes
77 implorfruit-squares, passers-by with showering the act of arrested in ing them to "Drop out, switch on and bite in". lie is one of the fortunate, and is already well on his way to leading a normal life again. However, the evil traffic goes on unabated in our midst. The important question is: can we allow the callous exploitation of pupils to continue unchecked ?
Staff Changes As we go to press the staffing situation seems fairly satisfactory. We wouldn't dare to speak in a full, loud voice of the rock-like stability of the staff, but we might just dare to whisper that there's been less movement this year than in some previous ones, and hope thereby to have identified a heart-warming trend. We are not roaring or spitting any defiance at the Gods; rather we cross our fingers or ourselves and hope for the best, for a future not too disturbed by the ambitious stirrings of the young or the resigning eloquence of the older ones. And we qualify all we say with the phrase, "as we go to press", for the period between the Magazine's going to the printers and its date of issue is a dangerous one. This is the time of year when academics, teachers and such-like cattle seem most unsettled; sudden, almost midnight tlittings are not uncommon, thousands at the bidding of economic ambition or perhaps mere, pardonable desire for change, post o'er land or ocean in quest of the promoted post which is the holy grail of twentieth-century man. We who stay have the comfort of Milton's assurance that they also serve who only stand and wait. But twentieth-century man may have his come-back, "But waiting for what?", he may ask. "Waiting for God? or for Godot?", a question to which we find it difficult to provide a wholly acceptable answer. But enough of these Muggeridge-like mutterings. It is enough to say that this year's report is not a very lengthy one.
Departures... The School knows Mr. James Corbett as a capable teacher of Mathematics and a powerful, skilful, football player. America, we also know, is avid for men with just such talents, and when they arc so well and so conveniently combined in one person as they are in Mr. Corbett's case it is not surprising that his name should be added to the long list of able and ambitious men who have decided to emigrate. We must continue to regret the loss of so much trained ability, even though, as the cant phrase goes, our loss may be another's gain; and we all hope that in teaching, coaching or playing, Mr. Corbett will find his abilities fully and properly utilised and so bring him success in more fields than one. Mr. Richard Galloway left at the close of the Easter term to take up the highly responsible post of head of the Music Department in Dunfermline High School. This very speedy promotion was perhaps to be looked for in view of Mr. Galloway's musical talent and quick attunement to teaching; and in going to Dunfermline he is going to a place whose musical life must be enriched by the endowments of its richest son, Andrew Carnegie. We do not doubt that Mr. Galloway will add musical lustre to that substratum of iron and gold. Mr. David Murray of the Geography Department has accepted a post as Instructor-Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. Before opting for teaching Mr. Murray served with the R.A.F., and the brevity of his stay with us suggests that in going to the Navy he is still emotionally attached to Service life and manners. We hope that in exchanging the clouds and the classroom for the dark gold-braided uniform and a possibly sea-borne base of operations he will be happy and enabled to extend his knowledge of geography, oceanography and the like. He will be particularly missed
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by the Acro-Modelling group whose activities he has done so much to foster, and of course by the Air Section of the C.C.F. Mr. William McLeod after a two years' spell in the Technical Department of the School leaves at the end of the Summer Term for a post in Bankhead Academy. It is a school which has one immediately obvious advantage in that it is nearer Mr. McLeod's new home, and another more cogent one in that it is a developing school with an expanding Technical Department calling for the varied skills with which Mr. McLeod is so well equipped. He will find a wise mentor and a good companion in his new head of department, Mr. Robert Ines who served so acceptably for a number of years in the Grammar School.
The School Play Once again great Caesar bled in sport; and once again the lofty scene was acted o'er in states and accents never known to Rome. This time by the School Dramatic Society under the directorship of Mr. Quentin Cramb and Mr. Murray McAllan on the evenings of it, 12 and 13 March 1968. Surprisingly perhaps, this would appear to be the first time that the Society has played "Caesar"—surprisingly because this play does appear to have so much to commend it to a boy's school. Women's parts arc few and call for no particularly sophisticated display of the female body, mind or spirit; the cast is large and can be contracted or expanded as may be found convenient to cope with the crowd scenes; and there is a deal of strong action—a turbulent mob, dramatic assassination, daggers, blood and all, hallowed pieces of oratory, and a medley of forays, trumpets and corpses to round things off satisfactorily. An in-built recipe for success, one might think. Yet Mr. Norman King who knew and loved Shakespeare, and who had got, over many years most successful productions, a pretty shrewd understanding of what a boys' cast can do, never tackled it with the Society. He felt that an audience is prepared to be happy with partial success in a comedy, but that tragedy must have throughout a level of acting and an integrity of understanding that boys may not be able to sustain. Mr. Cramb, with Mr. McAllan, this year risked a different view. In the event he justified his faith in the boys and his more than competence as a director; it was, everybody agreed, a signally effective production. Right from the first scene it became evident that practised and confident hands were in charge. The crowd disposed themselves with an effect of casual symmetry, each voice clearly heard against the background fuss and jabble, and then stilled themselves, but not too suddenly or obviously, to hear the two tribunes. The actors appeared not, what we so often have to accept in this scene, as a bunch of betoga'ed marionettes, but as a credible group of individuals on the look-out for cheerful diversion, agreeably unaware as yet of the blood-fury they were to unleash later in the play. Philip Mathewson as the facetious cobbler delighted with his own sharpness, acted as a focus for the dispersed, shallow geniality of the crowd, and so provided a very natural lead-in to the serious, emotional words of Flavius and Marullus. The crowd were given their proper importance; it was a particularly happy idea to bring them in through the audience from the darkened auditorium to the lighted stage, there to register on their faces and by their actions the rising effectiveness of Antony's oratory. Some of the smaller, younger boys gave, consciously or not, a very moving impression of an innocence corrupted by this Machiavellian eloquence and compelled into channels of witless destruction. But we are bound to remember particularly the leading characters. Alastair Scotland gave an oddly muted performance as Caesar. He was impressive in stature and in pose, and spoke with an effortless fluency; but instead of using natural hieratic regality of movement to suggest a great man doomed to ritual sacrifice, he turned this into a monolithic stiffness. Ile chose also to speak, for the main part, in
The School Play 79 a curiously flat voice. The effect of all this was to give an impression not so much of greatness fatally eroded by vanity as of too sniffy rectitude of an insecure dowager that broke down under strain into a dreadfully revealing petulance. Yet it is notoriously a difficult part, and within his self-appointed limits Alastair Scotland played it with consistency and with a strong stage authority. Casca, who drove home the first dagger caught the audience's fancy and drew its applause by a markedly individual performance. More than any other of the cast David Malcolm spoke and acted in isolation, making of the part a vehicle for his very evident histrionic powers. He presented a kind of pocket Hercules, flexing his physical and vocal muscles; at one time acting the very consciously irresponsible young blade, at another suggesting the knowing old fellow who presumes he'll be forgiven all his roguishness; at times with Irish intonations in his words, at others with some of the nuances of Auchinblae or Auchterless, and somehow very effectively giving the feeling that he was activated by passions not quite under his control. Even when, with a most satisfying elan, he spoke his contempt for the stinking breaths and sweaty nightcaps of the mob he was a valiant puppet. It seemed in happy ironic keeping that his climactic line is simply, "Speak, hands for mel" A very striking performance. Of the other, lesser conspirators space permits only occasional reference. Graeme Salter as Metellus Cumber acted with something of the assured bearing and controlled power of voice that we feel to be suited to an antique Roman. Michael Simpson spoke his words with a heady self-convincing eagerness that almost persuaded us that he might indeed have brought Caesar to the Capitol against the evidence of augurcrs and the pleadings of Calpurnia. The boy Lucius, played by Michael Ross, spoke freshly and at other times drowsily, adapting flexibly to the requirements of this agreeable part. Calpurnia, a difficult part always under the chastening shadow of Caesar was played with an attractive, clear modesty by William Barlow. David Gordon's Portia was, against all odds, a big success. Her first appearance, a mixture of fuss, flurry and bosom, brought to mind a youngish suburban matron, come suddenly she realizes into company of a higher social bracket than she's accustomed to. Perhaps it was this suggestion of ingenuous vulnerability, added to her speaking so clearly the Shakespearean words, that gave these words of appeal their strangely moving power. Octavius Caesar who has the last word to say, has not a great deal to do in the play. On his first appearance, seated at the corner of the stage deciding who should live and who should die, Peter Thain's husky voice suggested power and a latent, cold ruthlessness well suited to the eventual winner of the game. In the last act he made more the effect of a jumped-up gangster, who'd got himself by some contrivance inside the uniform of an operatic field-marshal. He seemed a little unsure about his dress and his accent, but he spoke the last words boldly and so made an effective curtain. It remains to speak of the central trinity, Antony, Cassius and Brutus. How did Antony make his own those speeches that are the world's common property and even some schoolboys know by heart? Andrew Cook did remarkably well. Wisely he avoided grandeur of voice and exaggeration of rhetoric; for him, a fourth year boy, to have taken that course would all too probably have resulted in stridency and bathos. For the most part he seemed to speak the words within the compass of his own unforced understanding of them, responding within himself to their meaning and emotional weight. Strangely enough it was the reticence of grief that came over, as much as Antony's flexible manoeuvrings towards revenge. It didn't work all the time. "If you have tears, prepare to shed them now" was spoken so that the limpid words expressed and carried the weight of feeling with no strain; later on lines that have stayed in the world's memory, " 'Twas on a summer's evening in his tent That day he overcame the Nervii"
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and might have been expected to come over with the full unforced effect of great poetry, fell rather flat. Possibly we were keyed up to expect too much. It was only when he yielded to the impulse to shout the words that his syllables fell into a jarring Aberdonian dissonance. But that was rarely; it was a very promising performance. Hugh McLeod was well cast as Cassius. We were given a vivid impression of the man—lean, worried, not really sure of himself, not perhaps very clever—who by long biting on the tooth of his own envy has grown obsessed to the margins of hysteria. It is a hysteria that lies just below the surface of this man who would seem to be self-contained and self-aware—and this uneasy containment Hugh McLeod suggested very well. When dealing with the lesser conspirators he dominated, easily and flexibly; only at times, confronting the Brutus whom he'd hoped to manipulate to his own purposes, he broke too easily into tones of petty expostulation. His voice would then register a nagging peevishness that alienated sympathy. On the other hand he rose to the very taxing challenge of the quarrel scene with Brutus, displaying the fire of a proper impatience and a real generosity of mind. This long and involved part was well sustained. The outstanding performance was John McIntosh's in the part of Brutus. It was a very mature performance, serious, massive. From the outset it was clear that he had thought to some purpose on the part and on the ways by which the complex implications of Shakespeare's words could be got over. As he spoke the words, "For let the gods so speed me as I love The name of honour more than I fear death" a good deal of the tragic conflict that is the play's greatness was already at work. He had obviously subdued himself to his part and applied himself to a proper understanding of its complexity. In previous plays John McIntosh has impressed, by a natural forcefulness of speech and gesture, but has sometimes thereby been led into extravagance. In this play he used the natural force and fire of his personality not to project his own image but to be a vehicle for the dramatist's purposes. This feeling of strength and integrity was maintained through the play's length; Brutus never was felt to be a weakling or a prig; and to see a good man caught—and catching so many others—in the toils of his own scrupulous sense of honour became a most moving experience. He was particularly good in dialogue; in his self-communing soliloquies he seemed less at grips with the part. It is enough to say that Antony's last words were an epitaph that this Brutus had worked for and fully deserved, "Nature might stand up And say to all the world, `This was a man'." Good acting comes not of itself. Maybe you can't make silk purses out of sows' ears, but neither are sow's ears of themselves good purses. Behind all that we have said were the producers, and praise of others implies praise of them. The whole production was assured and speedy, with nothing left to chance. The staging was simple and adequate; the symbolic backdrop sufficiently reminded us of the Roman background; the properties came and went with no fuss; and the sound effects were often ingenious and always geared to the action. All concerned arc due high praise, and particularly Mr. Cramb and his co-producer Mr. McAllan. It was a more than promising beginning to what we hope will be a long series of productions. A. T.
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"The Bursary Comp." Over the last few years the School has had a fine run of success in the Aberdeen University Bursary Competition. This year its success has been dramatic. Grammar boys took the first four places, others were very highly ranked and, in all, ten Grammar names appeared in the published list of seventy-eight. It is, on all scores, an exhilarating record. The present Sixth form have, right throughout their School career, been accepted by their teachers as having amongst them some highly talented boys; these results confirm, with a relentless objectivity, the assessments of their masters, and the boys, who have brought honour and a fair measure of incidental profit to themselves, will be happy that the School as a whole will bask in the glory they reflect. It is also good to be able to record that this year language pupils carried off some of the top honours. The first two places went to boys who are specialising in Science and Mathematics, but the third and fourth places were taken by boys studying languages. This perhaps suggests a nice balancing of the cultures. But it must also be said that in the list as a whole the Maths./Science combination is still massively dominant. We list the names of the successful boys with the places they gained in the Competition and take this opportunity of congratulating them most heartily. t. Robert J. Grant 2. Grant Mathison 3. John L. Mackenzie David G. E. Norbrook 4. 7. Gordon J. Sim 14. Eric S. Cameron zo eq. Peter T. May 27. Peter M. Catto 46 eq. Gordon I. McGrath 52. James Cooper
House Notes Byron House In the inter-house Rugby competition, the House was beaten by a more experienced Dun team. Unfortunately we failed to retain the Hockey Cup and had to be content with second place. Our hopes of success in the sports must rest with out strong Upper School team, as the House seems to be lacking in talent further down the School. The cricket team has a number of experienced players and should do well in all the competitions especially the sevens. IAN URQUHART, House Captain
Dun House At a meeting earlier in the Summer Term, the following officials were elected:
Cricket Captain, D. McNay; Vice-Captain, F. Stuart; Athletics Captain, D. McIntosh; Vice-Captain, A. Wilkinson. The House hockey team, although containing a number of young and inexperienced players, played throughout with great spirit against stronger opposition and ended the season as overall winners, only one goal having been scored against them. Our congratulations must go to the hockey team captain, David McNay, who won a Scottish sch7)olboys hockey cap during the season. The House rugby teams were equally successful. The Senior House rugby team beat all other opposition in winning the I louse Championship and the seven-a-side teams did well to win the seven-a-side cup.
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Cricket prospects are bright and it is hoped that the House will retain the Cricket cup. With the School Sports approaching we hope that our athletes, under the captaincy of Donald McIntosh, will return some good performances and win the Sports. Finally, our thanks to Mr. MacLeod and his colleagues for their advice and encouragement throughout the year. GORDON ANDERSON, House Captain Keith House Officials elected for the summer term were: Cricket Captain, Raymond Binner; Vice-Captain, Marshall Byres; Athletics Captain, Brian Boyd; Vice-Captain, Gordon I lutcheon. During the Winter Term the House won the Gala after a struggle with Melvin. Stephen Boyne, Ranald Fordyce and J. Murray performed great service for the House in winning the championships of Groups I, II and the Primary respectively. In the Rugby competition, which was run on a knock-out basis, the House reached the final by accounting for Melvin but was defeated by a strong Dun XV. The House also did well in the seven-a-side competition. After defeating Melvin and Byron, the team was unlucky to lose to Dun. The hockey XI was composed of very young and relatively inexperienced players. Nevertheless, they put up determined resistance to stronger Houses. During the six games played they drew with and beat Melvin and also drew with Byron. This term we look forward with confidence to the Sports with the hope that our younger athletes will form the basis of a winning team. The prospects of the cricket XI are more doubtful but enthusiasm will be a good substitute for any lack of ability. Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Stephen and the other masters concerned with the House for their help and encouragement throughout the year. RORY D. J. MACKAY, House Captain Melvin House The following officials were elected for the summer term: Cricket Captain, lain S. Hopkin; Vice-Captain, J. Anstock Athletics Captain, Stuart W. Cummings; Vice-Captain, G. M. Smith. In the Annual Swimming Gala we came second after a close fight with Keith. The House rugby team lacking players in key positions (notably scrum half and stand off) did not live up to expectations, while the hockey team did all that was expected of it. It is doubtful if this year's cricket team will be as successful as the one last term, but enthusiasm will count for a lot. At the sports we again look to the younger boys to give us a lead and hope to do better than last year. We would once again offer our sincerest thanks to Mr. Will and the rest of the masters who have helped in the running of the House. E. RENNIE, House Captain
Presenting the Prefects Ruaraidh D. J. McKay. This year's "Grand Fromage" is Captain of the 1st XV and rivals MacLeod for versatility in the School. Can silence the Howff with one commanding growl. Finds difficulty in communicating with ordinary mortals but gets on well with Hutcheson. "A name which you all know by sight very well, But which no one can speak, and no one can spell." Southey Alan Gilmour. The Deputy Senior Prefect is an intelligent, sporting, modest lad, or so he says. He is rumoured to be President of the Film Society. Won a
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Scottish Hockey cap, which has already been well fumigated. Cold morning air on a winter Saturday makes him gasp and wheeze so he has found an ingenious way of heating it by inhaling it through a weed-filled tube. "I like work, it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours." Jerome K. Jerome Gordon F. R. Anderson. A cheery, fair-haired country loon, Gordon has been slightly corrupted since entering his Sixth Ycar, and seems to spend an inordinate time in the Howff. Friendly with Rennie, but we don't hold this against him. ViceCaptain of 1st XV and Captain of znd XI, an honour which he cherishes more greatly. "Pharos in the night, a pillar in thc dawn, By his inspiring light may we fare on." Clinton Scollard W. H. Kerr Anderson. Kerr's interest in photography is developing rapidly and he has taken to his duties as President of the Photographic Society with a will. Despite a rather negative attitude, he tends to see things in black and white and can therefore take snap decisions. He also plays thc oboe, studies local history, and probably holds the Howff record for the number of ex-girl friends. "At what I sing there's some may smile, While some, perhaps, will sigh." Thomas Moore Raymond Binner. Although his appearance suggests that he won't last through the winter, Raymond is a sportsman of some note. Skipper of 1st XI and Captain of znd XV. There the resemblance to G.F.R.A. ends. On the surface, seems a quiet, meditative type, but anyone who has seen him on a Saturday night will know to the contrary. "Art thou pale for weariness?" Shelley Brian S. Boyd. Brian remains wholly innocent and incorruptible despite thc temptations offered by life in the Howff. Utterly sane and trustworthy, he has been seen fraternising with female members of the Salvation Army in Union Street. Naughty Brian! "He bath songs for man or woman, of all sizes." Shakespeare Marshall H. Bytes. A diminutive, imp-featured fifth former who performs heroics on the rugby field despite his size, Marshall has the rolling gait of a man who has spent six weeks in the saddle. Although martial rule was never very popular, he maintains order among the ist Year, who arc only slightly bigger than he is. "The man was so small he was a waste of skin." David S. Carroll. A blond, athletic type, who also sings in the School choir, David brings a large globular character answering to the name of Bumble into the Howff at lunchtime, much to the disgust of McKay. Ilings around with several other fifth year undesirables. "Come sing me a bawdy song." Shakespeare Kevin C. Carter. A dedicated athlete, Kevin attributes his immaculate physical condition to Mr. Falconer's training and second helpings of School dinners, macaroni and cheese, and jelly and cream. Dreams of shattering the School record for the zzo yards, and keeps in trim with occasional scrum-downs with Rennie and • MacKay during free periods. Star darts player? "There is no love sincerer than love of food." Shaw Stuart W. Cummings. A gangling character, Stuart is probably the worst card player in the world. Looks a ready-made leader of men from his six foot high blue eyes to his immaculately bulled shoes. It's a shame the way people take advantage of him. "It is dangerous to be sincere unless you arc also stupid." Shaw Ronald L. Davidson. Comes to school at 9 a.m. prompt every morning, heavily disguised in a blue anorak. Ron has an interesting way of spending his Saturday nights, but we don't really fancy it ourselves. He is a lunch-time denizen of a certain establishment in Rose Street. "I regard the pub as a valuable institution." Sir Alan Patrick Herbert
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Ian A. Fraser. A conscientious performer of his prefectorial duties, Ian spends most of his time tidying up after Hurricane Ewen has passed through the Howff. Plays the pipes and scrummages against tremendous odds for the znd XV, but still manages to remain reasonably healthy. "I will take my pipes and go now." Donn Byrne Robert J. Grant. Although rather disappointed at having to leave School with only nine highers, Robin has spent most of his time working, but he occasionally relaxes by doing a few mathematical problems. A keen mountaineer, he is always trying to convert others to his passion for climbing and has been known to become quite drunk .. . with enthusiasm for his hobby. Discusses Brahms with Mathison. "In Mathematics he was greater Than Tycho Brahe or Erra Pater; For he, by geometric scale, Could take the size of pots of ale." Samuel Butler William R. Hutcheson. Billy-Bob maintained a high state of fitness during the winter by pushing his clapped-up Imp, which is generally Filled with f-m-l-s. Unfortunately, he was invalided out of the ist XV after a kamikaze attempt to stop Urquhart. Now compared to a giant slug by ... (we'll spare the poor fellow's life). "Never walk fast in the streets, which is a mark of vulgarity." Lord Chesterfield Douglas S. Levinson. A fanatical golfer, Douglas can be seen at Hazlehead on many afternoons ... not always on Wednesdays! As vice-captain of the ist XI, he engages in long incomprehensible discussions on hockey tactics with Urquhart. Despite allegations to the contrary in last year's Magazine, does not smoke, and his main vice is the writing of Random Notes. "With virtue and quietness one may conquer the world." D.L. J. Lachlan Mackenzie. Lachlan's main passion is music. He is leader of the Aberdeen Secondary Schools' Orchestra, and gained his Higher Music without going to any classes. He denies that he applied this method to the other six subjects. He is also an ardent concert-goer, although it is alleged that his motives arc not purely musical. An excellent linguist, he is a useful substitute for a French and German dictionary. "He was a fiddler and consequently a rogue." Swift Hugh R. MacLeod. Bugsy exudes the air of a cultured man of the world. He is a good actor. Hughie will try anything once, and has even been seen at a class. He has the loudest baritone voice to which these hallowed corridors have ever rung... or ever wish to. "To do two things at once is to do neither." Publius Syrus Grant Mathison. Grant is a high f(a)lutrin' character and is an ardent admirer of Brahms ... but was astonished to find that the more Philistine prefects were not following his example in celebrating the composer's 135th anniversary. He is one of the only two prefects who actually spend free periods working in the Howff. However he occasionally sacrifices his much-loved gym periods to help edit the Magazine, "The flute is not an instrument which has a good moral effect; it is too exciting." Aristotle David G. E. Norbrook. A bespectacled, intellectual chap, David's voice has a ring of Oxford about it. We don't mind it really, since it provides a welcome contrast to the guttcral tones of Wilkinson. Washes down his school-dinner every day with a heady draught of poetry that transports him to a sphere far outwith the ken of the rest of the prefecture. .. no person can be a poet, or even enjoy poetry, without a certain unsoundness of mind." Macaulay Ewen F. N. Rennie. A boisterous character, who indulges in such quaint pastimes as throwing chairs, stamping on table-tops and smothering other prefects
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with cream buns. Living proof that man is indeed descended from the apes, Ewen keeps up his strength by drinking at least ten bottles of milk every interval. Also claims to be the sharpest card-player in the Howff. "The loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind." Goldsmith Gordon M. Smith. Looks, from behind, like a taxi with its doors wide open. I las to put up with Mathewson day and night, a burden he bears with Stoic tolerance. Was a fiend for training, but now seems to rely on other sports to keep him fit. "Five minutes—Zounds 1 I have been five minutes too late all my lifetime." Hannah Cowley Gordon T. Smith. Gordon is a mild, inoffensive character, surprisingly, as he is the only boy in the School with full colours for two sports. Is another habitual latecomer, but claims to be on late duty every day. He is a Sensible, Pleasant, Amiable Sort. "To play billiards well is the sign of a mis-spent youth." Herbert Spencer W. Cairns S. Smith. The only carrot-heid in the Howff, Cairns plays for the cricket and hockey 1st XIs, and is secretary of the S.U. At the end of periods, wanders into the Howff muttering something about "panache", attributable perhaps to the influence of Mr. Beedie. "There is a divinity within our breast." Ovid Forbes M. Stuart. Competes with Cummings for recognition as the tallest prefect, but is definitely the uglier of the two. Forbes is Vice-Captain of the ist XI Cricket, and did some neat ballet-dancing for the 1st XV, but played well enough to gain half-colours. Is popular with the games staff. "He was short on intellect, but long on shape." George Ade Peter Thain. A stalwart yeoman type. Pete is a stout fellow. He rivals McIntosh as an exponent of the shady tactic on the Rugby field. Best known as the man who brought bad language to the Howff, he finds it difficult to communicate with the more genteel members of the Prefecture, especially Mackay. "Needin' chinned ?" P.T. Ian C. Urquhart. Another prefect who is plagued by Mathewson, and treats him with the contempt he deserves. Gained a cap for rugby, but has not yet had the courage to wear it. I-Ie boasts the usual conical physique of a prop-forward, but this does not prevent his swimming like a duck—'nuff said. "Huck was cordially hated and dreaded by all the mothers of the town because he was idle, and lawless, and vulgar, and bad." Mark Twain William S. Urquhart. As a near-scratch golfer, Billy frequently visits the turf. On the rare occasions when he deigns to grace the Howff with his presence, he assails the ears of the prefecture with off-key renderings of corny pop-tunes to the accompaniment of an incredibly realistic impersonation of Mr. McNay. Idolises Gary Player, Billy Little and The Colonel. "Oh, this pernicious vice of gaming!" Edward Moore Alistair T. Wilkinson. Being of a sanguine, voluble temperament, "Beefy" does not follow his brother's had example of being in Howff arguments. Alistair is a fine card-player, and never cheats, something which cannot be said for most of his Vth year colleagues. "His voice in one dull, deep, unvaried sound Seems to break forth from caverns underground." Charles Churchill "What's on your mind ?—if you'll forgive the overstatement." Fred Allen
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Music Notes "Christians, be joyful!" These words, which begin Bach's "Christmas Oratorio" sounded particularly thrilling as they rang out in St. Machar's Cathedral at the start of our Recital of Christmas Music on zo December. A feature of both this work and of the other main work in the programme, the "Fantasia on Christmas Carols" by Vaughan-Williams, was the fine singing of Hugh MacLeod in the important baritone solos. Miss Pamela Mayor and Mr. John L. Wilson also delighted the large congregation with their performance of the contralto and tenor solos in the "Christmas Oratorio". This same recital saw the debut of Mr. Andrew Dinnes as conductor, and the Lower School Choir's delightful singing of Bax's "Five Polish Carols" was a highlight of the evening. If this was Mr. Dinnes' debut, it was a swansong for Mr. Richard Galloway who has now left us for Dunfermline High School. We wish him every success in his new sphere. This session has been graced musically with a particularly talented group of sixth form pupils, and they provided the mainstay for many of our usual series of Lunch Hour Recitals held in the Spring Term. We had fine recitals from Hugh MacLeod (baritone) and Robin Grant (piano). Lachlan Mackenzie played the difficult G major Sonata of Brahms, and Alistair Robertson and Robin Grant played the first movement of Beethoven's "Spring" Sonata. Mr. Spittle's wind players provided an interesting programme of quintets, a Telemann Trio Sonata for Flute and Oboe (Grant Mathison and Kerr Anderson), and music for French Horns. The strings of the orchestra played Bach's Third Brandenburg Concerto, and accompanied Mr. James Hunter in Teletnann's "The Schoolmaster", and our guests this year were the choir and instrumentalists of Hilton School under their conductor, Mr. Alfred Tough. The highlight of the season for many boys was, however, the staff recital. This year the programme transported us from the torrid heat of Spain (Flamenco guitar—Mr. Neilan) to the arctic wastes of Russia (Russian Folk Songs—Mr. Ian Galloway). The climax came, however, when various unlikely members of staff showed their prowess as virtuoso (or should I say virtuous?) pianists, the Deputy Rector winning the first prize for style! This year, we have live boys in the National Youth Orchestra, all of them string players. One of them, Marshall Willox, won the Instrumental Challenge Cup at this year's music festival, and Hugh MacLeod completed the double for Grammar by winning the equally coveted Vocal Challenge Cup. These arc the most outstanding of the many successes gained by Grammar School pupils in the festival. An extra event to the normal run of things took place on Sunday 17 March, when the Choir participated in "A Journey of Praise", a special Church Service in which the School and the congregation of Beechgrove Church shared. This was a new venture, and arose partly at the request of a Beechgrove elder who had been very impressed by the School Carol Services held at the end of last Autumn Tcrm. The School has notched up a formidable list of performances of the works of Benjamin Britten during recent years, so it was perhaps to be expected that we would be the first school in Scotland to tackle his latest work for children, "The Golden Vanity", composed last year for the Vienna Boys' Choir. Although only a short work, it makes no concessions to the youth of the performers, who arc expected to have a considerable amount of musical "know-how". The work was given twice, on 15 May at a University Lunch Hour recital, and on 16 May in the Aberdeen Arts' Centre. Both performances were outstanding successes, and much credit is due to the boys concerned and to our charming producer, Miss Rose McBain of the Speech Department. On 16 May, Mr. Dinnes also steered the Lower School Choir and Senior Instrumental Ensemble through another difficult modern work, "Meet my Folks" by Gordon Crosse. The young performers seemed to take the astringent harmonies of this work in their stride, and a fresh and vital performance was achieved.
Societies Notes
87
Telemann's "The Schoolmaster" (with Mr. James Hunter as soloist), and a Woodwind Quintet completed the bill. The School Orchestra is to have a one day course on 6 June, under David Stone, a well known composer and arranger, and a member of the B.B.C. music staff in London. The final events in a busy year of music come later in June—a choral/orchestral recital in St. Andrew's Cathedral on 18th and an orchestral concert in the Arts Centre on the zoth.
Societies Notes Badminton Club The Club, as mentioned in the Christmas issue of the Magazine, has had very successful joint meetings with the High School and St. Margaret's but the highlight of the year was a close fought match against the masters. This we unfortunately lost to a strong master's team. E. RENNIE, Secretary
Photographic Society This session, though suffering through decreasing numbers, the Photographic Society had a varied syllabus. There were two outings which were successful although poorly attended. Our grateful thanks are due once again to Mr. Will for his help and unending patience. W. H. KERR ANDERSON
Chess Club Since Christmas the Club has had a successful if uneventful run of meetings. We had two matches with Gordons, in which a young and relatively inexperienced team acquitted itself most respectably. The results of the tournaments, including the recently-inaugurated Lower School one, arc not yet available. In the recent Chess Congress held in the Civic Arts Centre, several of our members did well, Graham Watt of the IVth year being awarded a special prize. Our thanks go to our President, Eric Cameron, and Mr. Galloway our Honorary President, both of whom have done a great deal of work for the Club this year. HUGH R. MACLEOD, Secretary
Railway Society The Society has had another very successful year. The interest shown by the first form has rather overwhelmed the committee, and if this trend continues, the Society should be guaranteed a prosperous future. Several enjoyable slide shows were given by club members in the early part of the session; and later we were pleased to welcome the return of Keith Jones and Eric Groves, who both gave interesting lectures. This year's committee was: President, Robert J. Cranston, Secretary, William A. Petrie, Treasurer, William Cormack. Once again we must offer our thanks to our Honorary President, Mr. Bruce for his never failing interest. ROBERT J. CRANSTON, President
88
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Dramatic Society
On 1 t, ix and 13 March 1968, the Society presented a performance of "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, of which a comprehensive review may be found elsewhere in this Magazine. During the Summer Term, the Society plans no activities, although it seems that a revue of some description is to take place towards the end of term. Once again I should like to thank our producers, Mr. Cramb and Mr. McAllan, our stage directors, Mr. Finlayson and Mr. Tough, and our business manager, Mr. Tait for all their excellent work which helped to make the production the success it undoubtedly was. HUGH R. MACLEOD, Secretary Hill-Walking Club Once more, the Club has had a full and highly successful programme this year. In January we had our annual outing to the Brimmond Hill, and although this was not an ambitious undertaking, it was well attended and most enjoyable. In February and March, we went to Kerloch and the Brown Cow Hill near Corgarff, both of which outings were enjoyed by all who took part. In the Summer Term we are having four outings over five weekends, two of which have already passed: the annual outing to the Cairngorms, which weekend we spent at Aviemore Youth Hostel instead of L. Morlich, and the single-day outing to Beinn a' Bhuird and Beinn A'an, which was blessed with reasonably good weather. Still to come are the invitation long weekend to Skye, which, owing to the difficulty of the terrain, must be confined to fourth year and upwards, and the All-nighter to Beinn a' Ghlo on 8 and 9 June. Once again, on behalf of the members of the Club I should like to extend our warmest thanks to Mr. Will, Mr. Stephen, Mr. Hawksworth and Mr. Scott for all the work they have put into the organisation of the outings, and to the numerous other members of staff who have assisted them. HUGH R. MAcLF.on, Secretary Senior Discussion Group Although attendances have remained small this session, a "hard core" has always managed to turn up for the meetings, and one encouraging sign has been that fourth year members have been in the majority at most meetings. This bodes well for the future of our group which does lack something in mass-appeal. Our thanks go again to Mr. Duncan for so ably umpiring our sessions, and to Mr. Watt for letting us wage polemics in his room. N. MCBEATH Scripture Union Although a consistent attendance was maintained throughout the term the numbers were slightly down from last year. During this term our programme included three guest speakers, Mr. Duncan, Mr. R. Walker and Mr. W. Murray. We also had a number of profitable discussions and a few quizzes. Again we would thank Mr. Duncan for his valued advice and guidance. CAIRNS SMITH, Secretary
Societies Notes
89
Motor Club Mr. Dinnes took over this term as Master-in-charge of the Motor Club, The term's meetings have been fairly successful; but have, as yet, mainly been film shows. Several people were approached about speaking to the Club, but turned down the invitation for various reasons. The committee were encouraged, however, by the attendance for Sergeant Senior's talk on road safety—especially when cornpared with last year's poor turn-out. It is thought that some of this interest has been generated by the highly successful Navigational Treasure Hunts. Unfortunately, though, the new regulations do not allow the traditional large June Treasure Hunt, as the maximum unregistered entry is twelve cars. The Club car, after being used during the summer holidays of 1967 for brick target-practice, a general source of wiring, and a rubbish bin, has had to be pensioned off. A new car is still to be purchased after the summer holidays, for which purpose a Quiz is being run this term. KENNETH McEwEN, Secretary The Historical Society We have had several interesting meetings this term, including an unusual panel game and a series of slides of the north-east. Miss May Thompson gave a lively and enjoyable talk on superstition, and a large attendance heard Professor Hargreaves give a fascinating, well-documented talk on the slave trade. One of the staff, Mr. McLeod, delivered an interesting, illustrated account of Hadrian's Wall. Later this term the Society hopes to visit one of the castles of the north-east. We would like to thank the History Department, once again, for their help and interest in our activities. DEREK R. COPLAND, Secretary Literary and Debating Society Since Christmas, the Society has had a most successful run of debates, including two inter-school debates, with the High School and Albyn, a highly amusing Staff Debate and a Mock Trial, in which Mr. Ramsay was arraigned on several capital charges and, needless to say, found guilty! In addition, there was held, on 59 March, the annual Six Schools' Debate in the High School Hall. This also proved quite successful, and there is every chance that the Union of School Debating Societies will continue to flourish for some time to come. During the remaining six weeks of this term it is hoped to arrange some debates. Already organised is a Teach-in, to take place on is June in St. Katherine's Community Centre. HUGH R. MACLEOD, Secretary
C.C.F. Notes This term has seen considerable changes in the military scene in Scotland. Scottish Command has disappeared to become merely Headquarters Scotland. Highland District is now an Area and the familiar T. & G.F.A., 4 Rubislaw Terrace, has been absorbed into the Highland T.A.V.R. Association in Dundee. The C.C.F., however, carries on albeit at somewhat longer range. One innovation in the new scheme, the Cadet Training Team has proved a fine source of help and inspiration and Captain Norman Scott has been always ready and willing to co-operate. The training side
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
has gone reasonably well, although the Army Cadets were rather unfortunate in the examination which they sat. At this time we are making preparations for the summer camps although this year we have not been placed yet for R.A.F. camp. Fg. Officer David Murray's departure early next term will be a great loss to the R.A.F. Section in which he has done very sound work during his stay here. We wish him good luck in the Senior Service and hope he will be happy in the darker uniform.
Army Section During the term from Christmas to Easter two exercises were held on 8-9 March and 22-23 March. The first exercise was arranged by the senior N.C.O.s for the second year cadets. Capt. Scott and his training team organised the second exercise with the co-operation of a group of junior soldiers from the Bridge of Don Barracks. This last exercise was a success for the Contingent as no junior soldiers were able to break through the Contingent defences over Bennachie. The exercise was hampered by a heavy mist and the junior soldiers found the going hard. In the first week of the Easter holidays a party of eleven cadets attended Arduous Training at Kingussie drill hall. Although an exercise was postponed due to very heavy snow, the night exercise and various walks were carried out with complete success. A team was entered for the cadet Wapinschaw on 28 April but, due to a thick mist at the Black Dog Ranges, the competitions had to be cancelled. The team only managed to fire ten rounds each. The basic training of the second year cadets is now almost complete. All cadets have fired the .22 rifle and those attending annual camp will have the opportunity to fire the .303 rifle. Annual camp this year will be held at Cultybraggan camp near Comrie in Perthshire. The cadets will live in Nissen huts and eat in communal mess halls. Exercises will be carried out each day in the camp training areas with cadets firing blank ammunition under supervision. During the week there will be a section competition where points are awarded at the daily inspections, the assault course and the Drill competition. At the camp there are facilities for rock-climbing, canoeing and swimming and it is hoped that the cadets will make full use of these facilities. There will be a platoon of regular Army soldiers from the Scots Guards who will demonstrate firing modern infantry weapons for the benefit of the new cadets. I would like to thank Fl.-Lt. M'Leod for his efficient running of the Contingent, Capt. Galloway for his help as Training Officer and R.S.M. Rogers for his attentive support as cook on weekend exercises and his valuable advice on Army Section training. C./Sgt. I. M. TArr
R.A.F. Section Despite interruptions from Easter holidays and examinations, this term so far has proved very successful. The results of the Proficiency Examination, held on 2 i March, were very encouraging with, out of the thirteen cadets sitting, nine passes with distinction, three passes with credit and one ordinary pass. This shows the high standard of training which has been maintained from last year. This term, five cadets have obtained "A" and "B" gliding certificates: Cpls. Fettes and Ross at 662 Gliding School, Arbroath, and Cpls. K. Geddes, N. Geddes and Henson at 662 Gliding School (Detached Wing), Dyce. Due to the adverse weather conditions which we have been experiencing lately, the use of the Primary Glider has been limited. However, it is hoped that an attempt will be made before the end of May.
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
92
the benefits which accrued from a high degree of physical fitness and a simple, direct approach to the game. I should like to thank him for his guidance and instruction during the season. RoRY D. J. MACKAY, Captain, ist XV
Record Played sat XV 2nd XV 3rd XV 4th XV Colts Juniors Minors
r8 14 7 7 II 13 13
Won
Lost
Drawn
Pointsfor
8 so s is o 3 I 3 3 4 0 3 6 o 5 II 1 1 11 1 I Senior Rugby Cup DUN Afiddle School Rugby Cup—MELviN Malaya Cup for House Severs—BYRON
163 2z6 59 50 108 204 118
Points Against 182 54 56 48 69 39 43
Who's Who in the 1st XV R. D. J. Mackay. 5 ft. 9 in., 12 st. 1 lb. Captain. Prop or flanker. A worthy skipper of the side. Played in two contrasting positions as the needs of the side dictated and always contrived to lead from the front. Cap. G. F. R. Anderson. 6 ft. oi in., 1 i st. it lb. Vice-Captain. Stand off half. His game was more confident and varied this year and this led to the back line being much more organised. Half colours. M. H. Byres. 5 ft. 7i in., 8 st. 8i lb. Scrum Half. A natural player whose flair has been augmented by his ability to work at the basic drills. His lack of avoirdupois has disadvantages, but he doesn't shirk his defensive obligations. Half Colours. D. S. Carroll. 5 ft. 8 in., 9 st. 7i lb. Wing. A player who tends to be underestimated. Injuries reduced the number of games he played, but he has the ability to be a first choice player next season. K. C. Carter. 6 ft. oi in., 12 st. lb. Wing. Never able to command a regular place. He worried too much and never relaxed enough to do himself justice. J. H. Christiansen. 5 ft. 7i in., 9 st. 3 lb. Full back. Undisputed "unluckiest player of the year". He had settled down to being a confident full back when he had to go and break a leg! He deserves better luck in the future. Half Colours. R. L. Davidson. 5 ft. 9 in., I I st. 4 lb. Centre. A hard running centre. He built on last year's experience and developed more finesse in attack without losing his directness in defence. Full Colours. R. W. Duncan. 5 ft. so in., 12 st. 2i lb. Prop. A tireless worker always in the thick of it. Not stylish, but quietly and effectively goes about his business. S. Henderson. 5 ft. 6} in., io st. 1i lb. Centre. Originally brought into the side for his constant defence he gradually gained enough confidence to show that he also had the ability to attack with good effect. Half Colours. A. L. Hendry. 5 ft. it in., 13 st. 9 lb. Lock. A good all round forward, hut, although he had some fine games, he is not always consistent. I. S. Hopkin. 5 ft. to in., 12 st. 6i lb. Hooker. His hooking improved with the season—his kicking didn't! A valuable player in cover defence. Half Colours.
school Hockey
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W. R. Hutcheson. 5 ft. II in., is st. 6i lb. Lock. A true "toiler of the deep". Never flashy in the open, but always found in the thick of the fray. G. G. Reid. 5 ft. it in., is st. 41b. No. 8. A steadily improving forward who has the admirable quality of needing to win. With a bit more control he should do well. E. F. N. Rennie. 5 ft. Si in., la st. lb. Flanker. Still running and chasing, but not always catching! His worrying tactics often proved a thorn in the opposition's flesh. Half Colours. G. M. Smith. 6 ft. oi in., n1 st. 1 ai lb. Wing. A wholehearted player who was always prepared to give his best in both training and matches. Not the most subtle of attackers, but he had to be stopped with the same determination he put into his own defence. Half Colours. F. McK. Stuart. 6 ft. ti in., ix st. I lb. Full back or centre. His confidence grew as the season progressed, but although his natural instincts were for attack, it was as a full back that he finally made his mark. Half Colours. P. Thain. 5 ft. gin., ix st. 31b. Flanker. Always, predictably, to be found covering deep. A wider approach should ensure him a place. L C. Urquhart. 5 ft. 9i in., II st. is lb. Prop. A first-class prop. In both tight and loose he has been outstanding. A hard competitor. Cap.
Hockey This has been one of the really outstanding seasons in the history of School hockey. The ist XI completed the season undefeated by any school side. Only Fettes managed to draw, and that was after we were two goals up and apparently coasting to victory. A particularly fine match was played, at Fort Augustus, with our old friends of Abbey School, and a 3-1 victory over a strong home side was one of the best results of the season. In addition, we had the most unique honour of having three of our boys capped for Scotland in the quadrangular tournament at St. Andrews against England, Ireland and Wales. The players, who earned our congratulations and thanks for a half day, were Denis Hay (centre half), Alan Gilmour (right half) and David McNay (inside right). It perhaps should be mentioned at this stage that three former pupils Neil Buxton (goal), Denis Hay (inside right) and Fred Lawson (centre), played this season in the same Senior Scotland side, against Spain and Wales. We particularly congratulate Neil Buxton on his first cap and hope that it is the precursor of many. As for Denis and Fred, they arc seasoned internationals and added to their laurels this season with further caps against England and Ireland. These honours bring reflected credit to the School, and give us considerable pleasure in the hockey section. Some alterations to the team early in the season added strength to the forward line and gave the team a more balanced appearance. At times our defence was suspect, and we lost goals that should never have been surrendered in some games. Individually, the defenders played very well, but it was a lack of understanding and covering of one another that was lacking. The half back line of Gilmour, Hay and Gordon Smith was rock like, and the strength of the side lay in its consistency. In the forward line Urquhart was the general, and he captained the side with enthusiasm and authority. He was extremely unfortunate not to be capped for Scotland, and we were very sorry that he missed out in the honours. The right wing of McNay and Smith blossomed into a very dangerous and effective unit, while Angus has only to develop some of the basic skills to become a splendid centre. In the North District Senior League II the Team played very well and finished runners-up to Ruthrieston Ramblers. This was a very worthy effort against adult opposition. I don't believe that League Hockey is a good thing for inter-club relations, as it creates a situation where the winning is more important than the game.
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
However, there is no doubt that the School hockey standards are closely linked with the maelstrom of adult league hockey, and in the meantime we shall continue to take part at this level. Regular Team: Thomson, Ritchie, Levinson, Gilmour, Hay, G. Smith, C. Smith, McNay, Angus, Urquhart and Buck. Colour Awards: Cap: Alan Gilmour and William S. Urquhart. Re-award Full Colours: David MeNay and Gordon T. Smith. Full Colours: Denis C. Hay, Douglas Levinson and William C. Smith. Re-award Half Colours: Brian Angus. Half Colours: Charles Ritchie and Alexander Thomson. Results H 0-4 v. Grammar F.P.s 13 1-I 1-4 V. Academy 16 H 2-I v. Ruthrieston A 0-2 3° 7 Oct. v. Academy F.P.s "A" H 4-0 v. Grove Academy H 4-0 14 21 v. Gordon's College A 5-1 1 Nov. v. University "A" A 3-z v. Fulmar H 4 rr v. Grammar F.P.s "A" A r-2 v. Ruthrieston Ramblers H 0-3 18 2, v. Gordonians "A" H 3-o 2 Dec. v. Grove Academy A 5-2 v. Morgan Academy H 9 v. Grammar F.P.s "A" H 3-2 16 13 Jan. v. Fulmar 20 v. Ruthrieston Ramblers A 1-3 27 v. Gordonstoun Ii 3-1 3 Feb. v. Perth Academy A v. University "A" 0-2 14 17 v. Gordonstoun A z Mar. v. Abbey School H v. Gordon's College 6 H 2-0 v. Strathallan H z-o 9 13 v. H.M.S. Malcolm H 9-1
Scorers _
7 Sept. v. Academy F.P.s
16 20 23
v. Fettes College v. Academy v. Abbey School
Played IO
A H A
2-z 4-1 3-1
Urquhart Gilmour, C. Smith
— Gilmour, Angus (2)„ Urquhart Gilmour, C. Smith (2), Angus Urquhart (4), Taylor Urquhart, Gilmour, Angus Cancelled Urquhart — Urquhart, Gilmour, McNay Angus, McNay, Urquhart Cancelled Urquhart (a), Buck Cancelled Urquhart Urquhart (2), McKay Cancelled
-
Cancelled Cancelled C. Smith (a) C. Smith, Urquhart Urquhart (3), C. Smith (3), McNay (2), Burk (1) C. Smith, Urquhart Urquhart (z), Angus, C. Smith McNay (a), C. Smith
School Fixtures W'on Lost 0 9
Drawn 1
2nd XI. This team did not have a very successful season, largely due to lack of spirit and teamwork. James McKay, who captained the side with commendable zeal, did his best to instil some esprit de corps. There were within the side some promising individual players such as Merson (left back), Taylor (inside right) and Rennie (outside left), but a team is only good when the spirit and enthusiasm to work together is also there. Near the end of the season some of the more promising batch of fourth-year players were introduced with pleasing success. In this category were
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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
Kenneth Walker (goal), who has a bright future if he learns quickly that the hockey section look for more than mere playing ability, Alan Walker (left half or inside forward) and Geoffrey Smith (left half or centre half). Regular team: Lawson, McPherson, Mcrson, McDonald, Marsden, Walker (iv), Anderson, Paterson, Taylor, Sangster, McKay and Rennie. Results Played
Won
Lost
Drawn
18
3
Io
5
3rd XI. This side played extremely well and with an excellent team spirit. The whole team showed enthusiasm for the game and were able to produce hockey of a fairly high standard. The most promising players were Tait (right back), Fulton (left back), Knox (half back) and Bartlett (goal or right wing). This team was captained by Burns, a player who could have been a regular member of the znd XI but chose to contribute more to the section by captaining this eleven. Regular Team: Bartlett, K. Walker (IV), G. Smith (IV), Tait, Crighton, Yule, Sandison, Fulton, Burns, Knox, C. Smith, Tease, Levinson and Catto. Results Played
9
Lost
Drawn
3
I
5
4th Year XI. This team has played very well all season and the players arc making good progress. There were one or two losses of personnel due to illness and leaving school but such was the depth of talent available that the team continued to show splendid results. Apart from the players who have risen into higher XI's the most promising players were Ritchie, Turner and Scott. Regular Team: I.. Reid, A. Christie, K. McLean, J. Fletcher, D. Hewitt, L. Begg, D. Cheync, D. Grant, P. Wilson, R. Abel, A. Turner and M. Scott. Results Played
Von
Lost
Drawn
6
3
2
I
Colts. This session has once again been marred by adverse weather conditions which played havoc with the official programme set out for the Colts. Only three games were played from an official list of ten. However, several of the team did play twice in a combined Colts v. IVth year XI and the Colts themselves participated in a number of practice sessions on the Saturdays free from fixtures, rain or snow. Thus ample opportunity has been given to judge the potential of the team. The team was a good one and many of the players should make their mark in the future. The boys obviously lack the fine skills of the game but this is more than compensated for by the immense enthusiasm and keenness which they show for the game. It is difficult to select individuals, but players to watch in the future arc Brockic (goal), Cockburn (right half), Brock (centre half), and Park (outside right). Regular Team: Davidson, Brockic, Wood, Draper, Mitchell, Brock, Cockburn, Nisbet, Park (Capt.), Smith, Stilson, Rankin, Rennie, Robison and Hay. Selections made from this pool of players. Results Played 3
2
Lost
Drawn
1
o
Loner School Notes
97
House Hockey
Dun, under the captaincy of David McNay shocked Byron by winning the Hockey Cup. It was a case of enthusiasm and teamwork proving superior to the individualism of a potentially very strong Byron side with six first team players in their side. It certainly proved that teamwork is the essential factor in a game like hockey. Fred Lawson has presented the Section with a beautiful silver cup and it has been decided to present it to the winning House in a six-a-side competition which will be held annually. We thank Fred for his generosity and also for the continued help that he gives as a coach. In addition, of course, the Section is very indebted to Dr. Innes, who for many years has joined us on Wednesday afternoons to give us the benefit of his vast experience of hockey, and the many masters whose co-operation make possible School hockey in its present form. R. McNAv
Lower School Notes In spite of the dreary inclement weather this spring both staff and boys kept remarkably free from illness but because of the bad weather our P. Vs especially missed a number of games afternoons. During the Spring Term our Lower School XVs played a number of games. The results were: sat XV Dundee High lost 11-3. won 3-o. Blairmore R.G.C. won 3-6. drew o-o. R.G.C. and XV Dundee High lost 12-8. R.G.C. won 17-o. The Summer Term has started with a fairly full cricket fixture list and an XI of enthusiastic players has put in much practice. Let us hope that their skill will match their zeal when they meet the adversary on 15 and 22 June. Lower School swimmers played their usual part in making the Annual Swimming Gala a success. Our Lower School Champion this year is John D. Murray Vila and the runner-up is lain Robertson VIIA. Towards the end of the Spring Term all classes of the Lower School participated as players and audience in a concert in the School Hall. A tremendous amount of skill and hard work was put into this and much fun and enjoyment was derived from it. It was quite a spectacle to see—the Hall swarming with Red Indians, Pilgrim Fathers, Greek heroes not to mention Robin Hood, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Our thanks are given to the pretty young ladies who graced the stage with their performance of Cendrillon (Merci Bien, Monsieur Aitken). P. VILA and P. VIA took part in the Festival of the Spoken Word, both performing original plays, "The Pilgrim Fathers" and "Odysseus and the Cyclops." P. VIIA's play "The Pilgrim Fathers" has since been granted the Mina Brooks Award and VIIA will be performing the play again at the Children's Theatre on Saturday, 25 May. Successes of the Lower School boys at the Music Festival are too numerous to mention but P. Ws under the expert guidance of Miss Mayor brought credit to the School and themselves by being placed first in their section. The Lower School Choir has been as busy as ever this year. Their hours of hard work culminated in their performing in "The Golden Vanity" and "Meet My Folks". To see the final rehearsal the 235 Lower School boys were herded safely from the School to the Civic Arts Theatre. In February Go boys of P. VII and 59 boys of P. VI sat the Transfer Examination. Garth Knox Vila and lain Robertson VIIA deserve special mention for winning the
98
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
competitive bursaries open to all entrants to next session's Middle I. John Ross of P. VIII) won a presentation bursary but has now left for Glerirothes. Perhaps the most memorable event of the summer term will turn out to be the much discussed and much enjoyed excursion to Loch Muick and Broadcairn. The thing I will remember most about the trip is the fact that in spite of wet and blistered feet and the long wait for the return of the victorious final assault party, I did not hear one complaint from any of the boys. Possibly what the boys will remember most is the sight of certain members of staff fording the Muick or of another member of staff serving in the chip shop at Aboyne—for which labour he received a free fish supper. Preparations arc now under way for the P. VIIs trip to Edinburgh Zoo and also for our summer camp which is to be held at Aboyne School from 6 to 13 July. Staff Changes in the Lower School Mrs. H. Barber, who joined the Lower School staff last August has changed her sphere of influence from the classroom to the home and its many attendant activities —we wish her well. Mrs. M. Farrand who came as a "temporary" teacher of P. VA last October replacing Mrs. K. Jones, will continue until the end of term. J. N.
Mr. Walter Duncan, M.A. The School heard with shock and with a deep pang of sorrow of the sudden death of Mr. Duncan. We had known him for the briefest time, for he took up his appointment to the Classics Department of the School only at the beginning of this term. He came with the reputation of a dedicated and successful teacher, in a career which included among other things some twenty years' service at Peterhead Academy, and two years in Aberdeen Academy immediately before coming to us. The teaching of the Classics, we all know, has been much diminished in recent years, in extent if not in status; and we may take it as a tribute to the Classical reputation of the Grammar that Mr. Duncan should have expressed the wish to bring to a full completion the span of his teaching career in this School, teaching the old languages after the old, tried fashion. In the tragically few weeks that were granted him, he showed that he would have well served the School and that traditional discipline. We sensed in this quiet and courteous man a Roman gravity married to an unpretentious humanity. His speech was simple and direct as was his approach to staff and boys. He was respected and liked. To his surviving relations, the School, staff and pupils alike, would wish to convey its deepest sympathy.
Former Pupils' Club Section (Club Founded xt September 1893)
Club Office-Bearers, 1968-69 Honorary President: JOHN VASS SKINNER, M.A., B.LITT., DIP. ED.
(Rector since 19S9) Honorary Vice-presidents: HENRY JACKSON BUTCHART (1890-99), D.S.O., O.S.E., T.D., B.1,., LL.D., D.L.
JOSEPH ROBERT CARRY (1918-30), M.B.E., T.D. DOUGLAS PATERSON COCHRAN (1906-15). ALEXANDER GRAY (1910-22), M.A., LL.B. THE HON. LORD JOHNSTON (1913-26). JAMES GRAY KYD (1891-98), C.B.E., F.F.A., F.R.S.E. JOHN ADAM LILLIE (1893-1903), LL.D., M.A., LL.B., Q.C. ERIC LINKLATER (1913-16), C.B.E., M.A., LL.D., T.D. IAN GOWANLOCK MCPHERSON (1910-17).
The Right Hon. Lord MESTON (1901-o2). JOHN LENNOX RIDDELL (1907-16).
Sir
JAMES JACKSON
ROBERTSON,
O.B.E.,
LL.D.,
M .A.,
B.D.,
F.R.S.E.,
P.E.I.S.
(Rector 1942-59). CECIL A. G. SAVIDGE (1913-24), M.B.E., M.A. WILLIAM DOUGLAS SIMPSON (1901-13), C.B.E., M.A., LL.D., D.LITT., F.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.B., M.A., F.R.S.E. (Rector, 1920-21). Sir 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. EDWARD JAMES WOOD (1908-21), M.A.
President : ERIC Ros BIRKETT (1920-22), C.A.
Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive GORDON HARVEY HENDERSON (1921-34), M.A., LL.B.
Secretary and Treasurer : BRIAN K. CROOKSIIANKS (1934-46), T.D., M.A., LL.B. 25 Crown Street, Aberdeen.
General Editor of Magazine : ALISTAIR GEORGE GRACIE (1953-66) Fcrniclca Crescent, Aberdeen. 99
Too
Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine Secretaries of Centres :
Central Africa—GEORGE M. GROAT (1927-40), 2 Cornwall Lodge, Umptali Road,
Beams Station, Salisbury. Dundee—RosEar S. RILLEY (1946-55), c 'o Bank of Scotland, Blackford, Perthshire. Edinburgh—DAvID A. BRIrrAIN (1 943-49), M.A., LL.B., 2 Circus Gardens, Edin-
burgh. Glasgow—JOAN G. M. BIRSS (1926-38), M.C., M.A., A.C.W.A., 99 Essex Drive,
Scotstoun, Glasgow W•14. London—P. G. M. MACPIIEF. (1930-41), Ranger, 34 Dukes Wood Drive, Gerrards
Cross, Bucks. Malaysia—BRIAN S. GRAY (1943-49), B.SC., P.O. Box 207, Banting, Selangor. Yorkshire—ARTHUR J. ADAMS (1919-30), "Guyscliffe", Clara Drive Calverley,
Pudsey, Yorks. Ireland—ANDREW M. M. STEVEN (1936-50), M.A., LL.B., c/o Secretary's Office,
The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast. Secretaries of Sections : Cricket—ALEXANDER M. DAVIDSON (1937-45), B.L., 18 Golden Square, Aberdeen. Golf—GEORGE A. C. WALKER (1917-23), 164 Market Street, Aberdeen. Hockey—F. K. S. LAWSON (1948-62), 114 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen. Rugby—CHARLES RITCHIE (1945-51) 348 Ilardgate, Aberdeen. Executive Committee :
The Vice-President of the Club, Chairman. Vice-Chairman—JoHN MAXWELL MILNE (1934-46), M.A. The Secretary and Treasurer, and General Editor of Magazine, ex offidlls. The Rector of the School, ex officio. HECTOR M. AIRD (1946-61). JOHN W. CRADOCK (1940-46). A. J. M. EDWARDS (1908-21). DONALD A. FOWLIE (1944-57). DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE (1950-64). RAYMOND A. HARDIE (1939-65). DR. DOUGLAS R. HARPER (1944-58).
PHILIP N. LOVE (1952-58). JOHN C. A. MICH1E (1944-58). W. WALLACE PORTER (1915-23). JOItN B. RENNIE (1947-53). I. LEWIS SMITH (1918-30). A. FROST TAYLOR (1929-35). MELVILLE F. WATSON (1942-56).
Section Representatives Cricket—JoHN G. N. FRASER (194 2-55).
Gdf—GEORGE A. C. WALKER (1917-23). Hockey—ALEXANDER. CROMAR (1944-50). Rugby—CHARLES RITCHIE (1945-51).
Staff—ROBERT McNAY. Swimming—H. A. B. HARPER (1950-57).
Hon. Auditors : Messrs. BOWER and SMITH, C.A.
Presidential Profile
1OI
E. Ros Birkett President of the F.P. Club 1968-69 It will give great delight to his many friends that Ros Birkett, like five other notable Presidents of the Edinburgh Centre before him, has been elected to the supreme office in the Parent Club. It is a distinguished succession—a Judicial member of the House of Lords, two Senators of the College of Justice, a Sheriff Principal and a Registrar General. Ros may well feel at home among them because he is not only outstanding in his own profession of Chartered Accountant, but can vie with any of them in his devotion to the School and the Club. His stay in the School was a short one—only two years-but it must have had a profound effect upon him: for his affection for the School and his services to it, both in public and by stealth, have extended over a long number of years. They were focused at first in 193z when he became a founder member of the Edinburgh Centre and a member of its committee. Since 1933 he has been its auditor. The Centre received with complacency and approbation his annual motion that his fee should be doubled and never failed to give its approval to a proposition which left it no poorer and him no richer in 1968 than they were respectively in 1933. Ros's invariable appearances in blazer, scarf, tie and any other conceivable garment capable of displaying the colours of the F.P. Club fortified and sustained visits of a variety of rugby and hockey teams venturing from the genial enthusiasm of Rubislaw to Raeburn Place or Jock's Lodge. Visiting clubs from the north-east rarely attract crowds of Murrayfield proportions and the number of supporters travelling with the team is usually tenuous if not indeed non-existent. But Ros was never deterred. The fiery support of his highly coloured if somewhat bizarre figure never failed to spur F.P. teams on to greater efforts. In 1954 and 1955 he was President of the Centre and discharged the duties of his office with geniality and good humour. In honouring him the Club honours itself. For Ros brings to the Chair, not only personal distinction of mind and character, but what is perhaps more important, a dedicated and abiding affection for his old School.
Centre News Edinburgh The Annual Dinner was held in the Carlton Hotel on 12 January x968, under the Chairmanship of Mr. James Craig, w.s. the Centre's President for the current year. The principal guest was Mr. Moultrie R. Kelsall who was accompanied at the top table by the President of the Centre, the Rector, Duncan Macgregor, Peter C. Millar and Dr. W. A. Copland who represented Edinburgh Gordonians. In all, twentythree F.P.s and twenty-one guests sat down together. The Chairman proposed the toast of "The Queen" and Mr. Kelsall proposed the toast "The School and the Club". One of Mr. Kelsall's principal interests, as readers of the correspondence columns
102
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine
of The Scotsman will appreciate, is the preservation of buildings of historical and architectural merit and he went so far as to describe himself as a dedicated preservationist. Although he referred to the "Balmorality" of the School's present main building architecture, the impression he created was that even such extravaganza are well worth the efforts made to retain and preserve them in all their eccentricity. The Rector replied for both School and Club, explaining that due to illness, the President, Mr. J. R. Carry was not able to attend the dinner. At the appropriate moment in his speech, the Rector, as he put it, metaphorically "doffed the mortarboard to don the FP tie". The Chairman then proposed the toast of "The Guests" and Lt. Col. Duncan McGregor replied. Mr. James R. Fiddes, Q.C. proposed the toast of our Chairman. Mr. Allan C. Frazer, our former Secretary becomes the new President of the Centre, and Mr. James R. Fiddes, Q.C. the new Vice-President.
London The Annual Dinner was held on 1 December 1967, in the Caledonian Club. The toast of the School and Club was proposed by the Reverend J. Fraser McLuskey, D.D. M.C., The replies were made by Mr. J. Carry, M.B.E., T.D., President of the Club, and Mr. J. V. Skinner, M.A., ➢.LITT., Rector of the School. The following members were present: Henry G. Edwards (1905-54); Donald S. Stewart (1906-18); Ian Cumming (1907-14); George T. Simpson (19 x 0-20); John William Benzie (5952-59); R. D. Bruce (1913-22); William M. Davidson (1914-28); George W. Bowes (1915-28); Walter Graham (1916-19); James E. Smith (1916-22); Edgar Reuben Gauld (1917-23); John H. L. Imes (1919-23); William P. Smith (1920-25); James L. S. Thomson (1920-27); Edgar B. Bright (1921-31); A. Lawson Wood (1922-28); John Wilson (1923-30); James Morton MacDonald (1924-26); Robert A. E. Mennie (1924); John K. Colley (1925-35); Ninian Mackie (192 7-37); George L. McEwan (1929-35); Peter G. M. MacPhce (1929-41); John G. C. Brown (1930-42); Norman K. B. Robson (1933-40); Ian M. Duguid (1938-43); Robert Falconer (1944-58); William Yule (1945-58); George J. Anderson (not known); J. G. W. Jones (not known); J. Fraser McLuskey (not known); R. A. Smart (not known).
Ireland The Centre held an informal dinner in the Queen's University Staff Club, Belfast, on 12 February 1968. William S. Benton (1904-1I) presided over a gathering of ten F.P.s. The Centre looks forward to renewing acquaintance with Roderick R. F. MacLennan (1909-18), one of the founder-members now resident in Inverness-shire, who will be paying a brief visit to Ulster in June. The Secretary, Andrew Steven (1936-50) (whose address appears elsewhere in the Magazine), will be glad to meet any F.P.s who visit Northern Ireland on holiday or on business.
Section News Rugby The season did not get off to a good start due to lack of playing members during the months of September and October. This caused one or two poor results from the 1st XV and correspondingly poor results from the minor sides. In fact, on more than one occasion it was necessary to cancel 3rd XV games and one and XV game had to be scratched. Nevertheless, the 1st XV soon found its feet and recorded some very good results. In particular, the team won against Edinburgh Accies,
Air Squadron Dinner The strong representation of those connected with the School who attended the annual dinner of the University Air Squadron.
Itos B1RKETT President t,f the P.P. Club 1961;--69
T.P. Hockey
103
Trinity Accies, St. Andrews University, Hutchesons Grammar School F.P. and Musselburgh. An interesting feature of the season was the Section's first venture to Ireland where a match was played against Tullamore at Dublin on the week-end of the Ireland v. Scotland International. As already mentioned, the season was somewhat marred for the minor sides because of lack of numbers. In fact, the and XV had eight matches cancelled and only just came out on the credit side. Of the twenty-eight fixtures arranged for the 3rd XV, thirteen had to be cancelled, and the 4th XV were only able to play one of the ten matches on their fixture list. There have been quite a number of young players coming to the fore during the past season but it is distressing that they are unable to enjoy a game of rugby because of a lack of playing personnel. All the championship fixtures have been confirmed for next season and a game against Edinburgh Accies at Murrayfield on January 1 xth has been added to the list. The playing record for the season just completed is as follows: Points V P D L For Against ist XV 2 ;6 19 13 456 332 I znd XV 25 13 II 365 28o 3rd XV 15 — 8 187 1S7 7 The following colour awards were made by the Selection Committee: Full Colours: R. A. Craig, D. G. Fowlie, S. Glover, P. N. Love, D. Mare, H. R. Millar, C. Ritchie. Half Colours : H. M. Aird, J. G. Andrews, J. A. Banks, P. M. Collier, G. G. Hutcheon, J. M. Jeffrey, R. A. McDonald, G. F. Webster. Representative Honours: North Midlands v. Edinburgh—C. Ritchie. Hockey ao Jan. v. Gordonian. 4-o. W. This turned out to be a fairly easy victory, despite the fact it took us 25 minutes to score. Two goals each by Fred Lawson and Joe Le ipet put the issue beyond doubt in a few minutes of the second half. 27 Jan. v. Aberdeen (league). 4-o. W. F.P.s aimed to go through the league unbeaten, and this was one more stepping s1 on the road. On the comparatively smooth Links pitch, our forwards went to town on a wide open Aberdeen defence, and slotted 4 goals to seal 2 more points in the championship race. 3 Feb. v. Edinburgh Varsity. 6-o. W. Edinburgh could only field a shadow of their full team, and paid the full penalty, being thoroughly squashed. This was undoubtedly the worst University team we have ever faced, and they must do better if the fixture is to continue. to Feb. v. Highland (at Inverness). 3-1. W. This annual fixture up north turned out to be a very close affair. We scored early on, and Highland equalised before half time, to signal the beginning of a teethy struggle. F.P.s only managed to slow up the game in the dying minutes with goals from Lawson and Hampton. 17 Feb. v. Dundee Varsity—cancelled. This game was called off at s p.m., after the Dundee lads had already arrived. They were naturally a bit sour about the whole affair, and we trust this situation will not be allowed to happen again. 24 Feb. v. Gordonians—cancelled. 2 Mar. v. I.C.I. Grangemouth. 4-o. W. I.C.I., always a hard team, proved a little more docile on this occasion, and were subdued without a struggle. The F.P.s defence played a very sound game on this occasion, and reserve Alan Pink distinguished himself by scoring a brace of goals. Lawson and Drummond added the other two.
104
./lberdeen Grammar School A lagazine
9 Mar. v. Aberdeen (league). t-o. W. This game was played in driving rain at the Links, and was without doubt the worst display I have ever seen by an F.P. team. Alex. Hampton scored very early on, and the game developed into a chapter of blunders and mistakes. In spite of this, two more valuable league points were obtained. 16 Mar. v. H.M.S. Fulmar. 2-2. D. Fulmar, with whom we drew earlier on in the season, again proved to be a tough nut to crack. The Navy side twice found themselves in arrears, and twice came back to level terms, and try as they might, F.P.s could not capitalise on their obvious mid-field superiority, and convert the numerous chances into goals. 23 Mar. v. Grove Acad. F.P.s. 1-1. D. Grove, one of Scotland's strongest sides of recent years, came to Rubislaw with their usual hard-to-beat crew. In a real ding-dong battle, our only counter came from Alex. Hampton in the first half, a goal which was justifiably equalised in the second half by a give-away-nothing Grove side. One of the high spots of the season, this! 3o Mar. v. Ruthricston. 1-2. L. Our bogey team struck again! We seem incapable of beating this crew, in spite of being superior in every division, except that of putting the ball in the net. F.P.s took a lead in the first half, and coasted along happily until struck by two hammer blows in the second half. Our defence was split open by stupid mistakes on each occasion, and the forwards could not shoot, even at an open goal. Ah well, c'est Is vie! 6 April. Six-a-side tournament. This had to be curtailed to a knock-out tournament, due to atrocious conditions in the form of snow. Our first six won their section easily then scraped through their semi-final against Ruthrieston with a very doubtful goal, and finally disposed of Varsity fairly comfortably in the final. On the week-end of 12-15 April a team of fourteen F.P.s plus two non-playing members, went to Dublin as guests of Avoca hockey club. A full catalogue of events of this week-end would fill a book, and suffice to say, a great time was had by all!!! We drew o-o with Cork (who subsequently won the Irish Cup), lost 2-3 to The social life was very and beat Avoca B Avoca, beat London College hectic, to put it mildly, and everyone is looking forward to Avoca's return visit here in two years time. In general we have had a fairly successful season, losing only three games in the year, and all to the Ruthrieston club. We beat or drew with all the strong clubs from the Midlands and Edinburgh, including the Scottish Cup winners, Inverleith. Fred Lawson, our centre forward, was chosen for Scotland in all five international matches. Fred, Alex Hampton, Eric Watt and John Drummond played for the Picts this season, and Messrs. Lawson and Drummond are going to Copenhagen at the beginning of June, again with the Nets. Our six-a-side team is undefeated through its last three tournaments, and the full XI is in the final of the May Tournament at the time of writing, against, inevitably, Ruthrieston! Officials elected for next season are as follows: ist XI Captain, Keith Campbell; Vice-Captain, Joe Leiper. 2nd XI Captain, Allan Pirie; Vice-Captain, John Sim. 3rd XI Captain, Ken Mackie; Vice-Captain, Donald Bruce. Secretary, Alan Esslemont. Match Secretary, Douglas Campbell. JonN P. DRL7MMOND, Captain
Annual General Meeting The Sixty-sixth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the Caledonian Hotel, Aberdeen, on Monday, 25 March 1968. There were eighty-two members present.
Annual General Meeting
IO$
Executive Report The Report by the Executive Committee of the Club for the year to 31 December 1967 was submitted by the Chairman of the Meeting, Mr. Gordon H. Henderson, the Vice-President of the Club, and the following are extracts form the Report. Membership
The following is an analysis of the membership of the Club as at z8 February 1968, with comparable figures at 28 February 1967. Life Membership
Ordinary
Honorary
Staff
Total
28/2/67
1,121
1,273
28/2/68
1,134
1,265
8 8
34 24
2,436 2,431
-f - 13
-8
--
-10
—5
Losses by Death During the year the deaths of thirty-six former pupils of whom twenty-two were members of the Club, were recorded in the Magazine. These included George
Gordon Nicol, D.s.o., who was for many years a member of the Executive and who had served as Vice-President of the Club and Chairman of the Executive in 1928-30. He twice declined to accept office as President of the Club, and was the only Honorary Vice-President, other than former Rectors, who had not at one time been President of the Club. The list of deaths also included that of Philip Douglas Lawrence, Minister of Rubislaw Parish Church, Aberdeen from 1940 and Chaplain to the School for over twenty years. Social
The Annual Dinner of the Club was held in the School Hall on Thursday, 19 October 1967. It was attended by thirty Junior Members and 178 Senior Members of the Club and their guests. The President, Mr. J. R. Carry, was in the Chair and the principal Toast was proposed by Dr. Donald J. Macdonald, formerly Rector of Inverness Academy. The Annual Ball was held in the Beach Ballroom on Wednesday, 27 December 1967 and was attended by 581 members and guests. The surplus on the two functions amounted to £84 2S. 7d. Magazine
The Executive has received, with great disappointment, the resignation of Mr. Rae C. Barton as Editor of the Magazine. He has filled this important post in the Club since the spring of 1964 with much acceptance and it is a matter for regret that circumstances have now compelled him to give up this task. The appointment of a successor is being urgently tackled and it is hoped that a recommendation may be made to the next meeting of the Executive. School The usual medals were presented at the Annual Prize-giving, and the customary
Grant was made by the Club to the School Sports Prize Fund. Close contact continues to be maintained between the School and the Club at all levels. The Executive is happy that the Rector and the Staff Representative Mr. McNay are normally able to be present at Executive Meetings and their opinions on matters of mutual interest to Club and School arc much valued. During the past year there has been no fresh development in the situation regarding the proposals for comprehensive education in the city. The Executive takes the view that at this juncture, with so many factors which cannot be precisely determined affecting the situation such as finance staffing difficulties and the presently postponed raising of the school leaving age, it is better to leave matters alone and await developments. It is felt that any undue whipping up of public feeling on the matter, or on the other hand any action indicating on the part of the Club a blind acceptance of the proposed scheme would be detrimental to the best interests of the Club and the School.
I o6
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine GENERAL RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
RECEIPTS Ordinary Subscriptions received prior to January 1967 Received in 1954 x958 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966
1966
213 263 106 582 627 215 92 25 o
40 to 0 1 o o o zo 0 I o o 9 6 o 9 6 o 30 I2 0 49 1 0 142 6 0 £243 11 0 273 5 0 65 5 0
Ordinary Subscriptions received in 1967 Arrears recovered in 1967 Revenue from Investments (Gross) Interest at 3 per cent on Life Member Capital Fund Surplus on Entertainments Account Miscellaneous Provision for Sundry Creditor in 1966 not required
-
-
-
-
_
_
-
-
I
0
630 219 84 II 10
9 3 2 2 0
6 6 7 3 0
41536 18 to
11521
4138 254 767
4582
MAGAZINE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT REVENUE 4tx5 8 0 Sales 302 It o Advertisements 588 5 2 Transferred to General Receipts and Payments Account £1006
£I
4
2
BALANCE SHEET au LIABILITIES
1966 46350 310
I. LIFE MEMBER CAPITAL FUND Amount at credit at 31st December, 1966 Life Members' Subscriptions received in 1967
47160 214
Less Transferred to Receipts and Payments Account
£6946
-
-
-
-
II. OTHER FUNDS (a) Legacies—D. j. T. Jamieson (b) Swimming Pool Fund
£6946 360
1 0
9 0
£7306 219
I 3
9 6
148 10 0
III. CAPITAL ACCOUNT Surplus on Receipts and Payments Account for the year ending 31st December 1967 o Less Amount at Debit at 31st December 1966 O
523 92 554
VI. ENTERTAINMENTS RESERVE VII. SUNDRY CREDITORS
t 8353
3
4100 o - 0 48 to 0
2 48
IV. ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE Balance of Subscriptions received in 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 Subscriptions received in 1967 for future years
£7036 18
-
-
_
245 175
8 II 0 5
8
6
460 16 176 2 521 I
0 7 8
48463 17
0
70
I 10 0 2 10 0 0 15 0 8 xi 0 42 3 0 So 8 0 133 9 0 191 10 0
December ABERDEEN, 8th March :968.—We have examined the foregoing Accounts for the year ending 31 states the position of the Club the Accounts correct. We are of the opinion that the Balance Sheet correctly of the Accounts. 34, CARDEN PLACE, ABERDEEN
F.P. Club Accounts
I07
for year ending 31 December 1967 1966 £245
ro 3 255 in
lo 9
9 75 20
767 92
16
PAYMENTS Working Expenses, including Honorarium to Secretary and Treasurer Honorarium to Auditors for Year to 31 December 1966 Corporation Tax to 31st March 1966 Income Tax paid by deduction from Investment Income
-
School and Trophy Medals Capitation Grants London Edinburgh Glasgow
-
£2
255
8 o a
9 257 1O 23 17
£30 0 0 9 O O 9 o o ---
Club Development Sports Prize Fund Transferred from Magazine Account Transferred to Entertainments Reserve Surplus for year
£214 15 11 to to 0
£1541
9 6
48 0 O 44 8 0 20 O O 588 5 2 84 2 7 245 8 ii
£1536 18 to
for year ending 31 December 1967 930 229
EXPENDITURE Cost of Printing Working Expenses, including Honoraria
£769 2 9 237 1 5 £10(2154,
£1 f59
2
at 31 December 1967
1966
ASSETS
1. INVESTMENTS
Units, Standard Trust Ltd. (at cost) (Market Value £2 954 los.) 3665 Ordinary 5s. Stock Units, Aberdeen Trust Ltd. (at cost) (Market Value £4810 6s. 3d.) 3600 Ordinary 5s. Stock Units, The Anglo-Celtic Trust Ltd. (at cost) (Market Value £3960) 270 Class 'B' Common Shares, United Corporation Ltd. (at cost) )Market Value £1782) 2194 Ordinary 5s. Shares, Second Scottish Northern Investment Trust — — — — Ltd. (at cost) (Market Value £3016 15s.) — 25o Ordinary 5s. Shares, Royal Insurance Co. Ltd. (at cost) (Market Value £553 20. 6d.) -
3110 Ordinary 5s. Stock
£6409
£990
1 6
1994 18 8 999 11 6 884 9 O 976 6 8 563
8
z
(Total Market Value £17076 135. 9d.) (1966 £12185 cos.)
£6408 15 s
II. CASH AND BANK BALANCES
(x) Aberdeen Savings Bank Ordinary Account Special Investment Account
-
-
-
£117 14 3 6o6 19 4
-
(2) Bank of Scotland Deposit Account Current Account Deposit Receipt 1674
(3) Cash in hands of Treasurer III. CAPITAL ACCOUNT
175
95 £8353
_
Amount at Debit at 31st December 1966
IV. SUNDRY DEBTORS
_
-
-
-
£92 O 598 1O 1OO 0
O O O
-
-
£724 13 7
79o to O 47 O 5
1562 4
0
O 0 0 492 17
7
£8463 17
0
found 1967 and relative Balance Sheet as at 3! December 1967, compared the figures with the vouchers,atand as at 3t December 1967. We have had exhibited to us the various Securities supporting the Funds the close BOWER & SMITH, C.A. Honorary .4 Jailors.
io8
Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine General Business
The Accounts for the year, duly audited and certified, were submitted and approved. (They are reproduced elsewhere in this issue.) Reports on the year's activities were submitted on behalf of the various athletic sections, and it was noted that all were in good heart. The appointment of office-bearers then took place and the Chairman thanked Mr. Joseph R. Carry, retiring President, for his keen and continuing interest in the Club's welfare and in all its activities. The Meeting then proceeded to consider a motion in name of the Rugby section seeking to amend the Club Constitution so as to enable non-Former Pupils of the School to become members of the Section. The 1st XV Captain, Mr. Robin Craig and Mr. Douglas Fowlic spoke on the motion explaining the difficulties experienced by the Section in recruiting players from School leavers. The Section was concerned lest its first class fixture list should suffer as a result of deterioration in the standard of players. The motion was discussed at considerable length before being put to the vote. The result of the vote was the rejection of the motion by 68 votes to 13, one member abstaining.
New Members of the Club (r December 1967-15 May 1968) Life Members Bux-row, lan William Derek (1 947- 54). BROOMPIELD, Alexander Byron (1946-55). CRADOCK, Richard Henry Whitby (1943-51), 17 Baillieswells Drive, Bieldside, Aberdeen. DAVIDSON, Duncan Colin (1920-24), 8 Eighth Street, Houghton, Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa. LEvrrr, Charles Samuel Alexander Wheatley (1940-f4), M.B., cit.B., 59 Springfield Avenue, Aberdeen. MAcxrE, William Donald (1941-55). MArinEsow, Gordon (1932 -44)• SIMPSON, John Alexander Trager (1919-28), D.F.C., 190 Centre Street West, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. WOLKOFF, William W. (1941-53), Flat 17, 46 Windsor Road, Ealing, London, W.5.
Ordinary Members ADAMSON, lain William (1959-67), 5 Scafield Drive East, Aberdeen. CORA1.I., John Munro (1962-65), 86 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen. JACK, Dennis John Harper (1960-67), 38 Springfield Avenue, Aberdeen. LESLIE, Roy McIntosh (1954-67), 45 Albury Place, Aberdeen. MARJORIBANKS, Alexander (1965-67), 66 Blenheim Place, Aberdeen.
OGG, Ronald George (1958-67), 4 Primrosehill Gardens, Aberdeen. REID, Ian Nicol (1954-63, 1965-67), So Contlaw Road, Milltimber, Aberdeen. SMITH, John Bower (1954-67), Kilrenny, Victoria Street, Insch. STONE, Michael Terence (1953-62), 147 King's Gate, Aberdeen. TitomsoN, Jamus Brian (1949-62), Apt. toil, Gamble Avenue, Toronto, 6, Ontario, Canada. TRAILL, Robert Lumsdcn (1961-67), 44 Birkhill Parade, Aberdeen. Wool), David Park (1951-f4), c/o Ocean Fleets Ltd., India Buildings, Water Street, Liverpool, 2.
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xviii
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