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THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHODL MAGAZINE

ABERDEEN

prinad forlIte Former Pupils' Club atilie University Press Volume 83

June 1980

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 96th year No. 218 (New Series 85th year No., 209)

JUNE 1980

Vol. 83

The Magazine is published under the auspices of The Former Pupils' Club in June each year General Editor

David K. Yule, M.A., 11 Kinkell Road, Aberdeen AB1 8HQ

Editor of the School Section

William D. Hall, M.A.. 45 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen AB2 4AX

Editor of Notes, Obituaries and Marriages

Alan G. Campbell, LL.B., 22 Rosebery Street, Aberdeen AB2 4LL

Secretary of the F.P. Club

John F. Hendry, I.L.B., 36 Albyn Place, Aberdeen AB9 1YU

The General Editor and Notes Editor are happy to receive contributions for the next issue of the Magazine at any time before mid-April 1981.

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

CONTENTS General Section— Rector's Report . . President's Report . . . . The Four Cairngorm Four Thousands Record Operation Drake . . Military Medicine

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3 4 5 9 12

School Section— School Office Bearers . Random Notes . Prefects' Notes . School Sporting Activities Staff Changes . John A. Flett James D. Murray . James R. Gilbert . Music Notes . "Noye's Fludde"' The Mini-bus Fund . Combined Cadet Force. Total and the Grammar Dramatic Society Productions Clubs and Societies . . Amenities Fund and Ski Appeal The Grammar at Large . . . Staff Panto .

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16 17 19 23 34 35 37 37 38 39 40 42 43 43 45 51 51 52

Former Pupils' Section— Club Office Bearers . Annual General Meeting Our President Centre Reports . Club Centre . Section Reports . Rugby Reunion . Annual Dinner Notes about Former Pupils . Obituaries . Marriages . Accounts .

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53 55 56 57 59 59 64 66 68 75 81 83

Illustrations— Trainin g for a World Record, Meldrum B. Edwards . Head Boy and Head Girl . . . Scottish Schoolgirl Hockey Caps . Staff Rctirals, John A. Flett and James D. Murray . Reunion of 1947/48 F.P. XV. .

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4, 7

6 20 20 36 65

Rector's Report In my reply to the toast at the Annual Dinner of the Former Pupils' Club in October (to which reference is made in the report on the Annual Dinner elsewhere in this magazine), I commented on the problems facing schools as a result of falling rolls and financial cuts. Six months later of course, these problems are still with us, but I am pleased to be able to predict that the courses offered to our pupils in Session 1980—81 will not be significantly different from those operating at present. Should there be further cuts in staffing and finance in succeeding years, however, some restriction in course options would be inevitable. It is therefore in the interests of all our pupils, present and future, that every effort be made to stabilise and, where possible, improve the present staffing ratio and financial provision in our schools. If this is achieved, the opportunities now available to our pupils will have been safeguarded. At morning assembly on 17 April, four Vth year girls—Janet Dutch, Sheila Hart, Pamela and Patricia Rannie—came up to the platform to receive cheques from Mr. Brian Crookshanks, Vice President of the Former Pupils' Club, for £50 each, given by the Former Pupils' Club as a donation towards the cost of their going on the British Schools Exploring Society trip to Arctic Norway. If proof were needed of the very real links between the Former Pupils' Club and the School, it is to be found in this generous gift to the girls who have brought honour to the school by being selected to join the first group of girls ever to go on such an expedition. This year a great effort is being made by staff and pupils to raise enough money to buy a new mini-bus for the school. Already they have raised about half the sum required (a new bus costs about f8,000) and it is hoped to achieve the target later in the year. Contributions are being received from various bodies and for all of them we are grateful, but special mention must be made of the most generous donation of #750 received from Total Oil Marine Ltd in recognition of the help we give to the Total French School within our buildings. Elsewhere in this magazine there is an appreciation of the long and valued service to the School of four of our colleagues, who are retiring at the end of the session. Mr. John Flett has been on the staff of Aberdeen Grammar School for thirty years, as a Teacher of Mathematics and more recently as a Principal Teacher of Guidance. Mr James Murray has served the School for twenty-one years, initially as Principal Teacher of Technical Subjects and latterly as Assistant Rector. Mr. James Gilbert has been on the staff of the Technical Department for ten years, and Mrs. I. Houlding of the Music Department unfortunately is retiring for health reasons, having been on the Staff for seven years. I take this opportunity to express my personal thanks to them and to wish them a very happy retirement. Again, during the past session, I was able to attend the Annual Former Pupils' Club dinners in London, Edinburgh and York and as always I received a most warm welcome. To all Former Pupils and especially those no longer living in Aberdeen, I extend a cordial invitation to revisit the School at any time. R. D. Gill

President's Report Working on my own impulses. as suggested by the Editor, I am delighted to have this opportunity of reporting on my activities during my year in office. Early in July I attended the School prize-giving as a member of the small platform party or 'the hoodie craws' as they were disrespectfully called forty years ago. I had the pleasure of handing over various cups, medals and special prizes. Two such prizes were won for the first time, the Club's All Round Trophy for Girls being awarded to Ruth Hutchison, and the runner-up to the All Round Trophy for Girls being awarded to Sarah Bridges and Lorna Dunbar jointly. My main assignment during the year was to preside at the Annual Club Dinner, a very happy function held in the Royal Darroch Hotel, Cults at the end of October, when the principal guest was the former Rector, Mr. John V. Skinner. A small but a very loyal and happy band of F.P.s gathered together in mid October at the Dower House Hotel, Knaresborough, for the Dinner of the Yorkshire Centre, whose President, Leslie G. Boyd, had been my cubmaster of the 9th Pack, and whose Secretary James A. N. Watt, another 9th cub and scout, I had not encountered since leaving school. Among the company were my predecessor Arthur). Adams and Professor Edward). Wood who had been President of the Club during my term of office as Chairman of the Executive. I regret that, owing to previous engagements, I was unable to attend the London Centre Dinner, the date of which had been brought forward one month from December when I was available. On the eve of the memorable Calcutta Cup match at Murrayficld in March I attended the Dinner of the Edinburgh Centre in the Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh, under the able chairmanship of George A. MacNab. The sixty-five F.P.s and guests in attendance greatly appreciated the excellent arrangements made for them by the genial Secretary, Nigel Watt. Perhaps the highlight of the year was the Annual School Carol Service which took place in St. Machar's Cathedral just prior to the Christmas holidays. The School Choir, the Madrigal Choir and the Brass Ensemble, in presenting Nine Lessons and Carols under their conductors Mrs. Anne Brown and Mr. Drew Tulloch, gave a truly wonderful performance, which was much appreciated by a capacity audience. Afterwards at the Club Centre Mr. Gill, the Rector, liberally entertained a number of people, including the Head Girl, Lesley Fraser, who lost no time in asking me how much longer it would be before lady F.P.s could attend the Club Dinner! And so to the Annual General Meeting of the Club in March when I dcmitted office and was pleased to invest my successor Gordon Coutts with the chain of office (now insured for f500!) and wish him well. As John Cradock told me it would be, it has been a happy and pleasurable year which has passed all too quickly. Throughout I have been very conscious of the signal honour accorded to me by the Executive and members of the Club. Space does not permit me to thank everyone by name, but I would like to record my appreciation of all the help and cooperation I received from Brian Crookshanks, Jock Hendry, Jim Lyon and last but not least Bert Gill. The School and the Club are in most capable hands and the link between the two has never been stronger. Past and present pupils of the School are bound together in a manner of which the late Dr. Morland Simpson would undoubtedly have approved. W. L. CONNON ( 1930-40)

The Four Cairngorm Four Thousands Record It was on the understanding that the Editor thought that an account of a run which I undertook in the Cairngorm mountains last summer would be of particular interest to those with a love of the Scottish hills that, some eight months after the venture, I have given an account on paper of the motivation leading to my attempt on the record run of the late Eric Beard of Leeds, the background to it, the help given by willing officials, and the actual run itself. My first competitive steps towards a distance running career took place in the 50 yards dash in 1949 at the age of 6 on the sloping grass patch near the gymnasium at the A.G.S. kindergarten sports. They progressed through School athletics with the encouragement of 'Dycie' Paterson and my father, to University and club athletics, with an international cross-country vest and the Scottish junior title coming to me in 1964. There was also a near miss in making a bid for participation in the 1968 Olympics when I finished seventh in the British marathon trial. A severe muscle injury the following year put paid to my road running aspirations, but in 1974 I found that I could compete in hill races with little difficulty and I have enjoyed a number of full seasons in this gruelling branch of athletics. My favourite race became the annual Cairngorm 10 miles event from Loch Morlich to the summit and back and it was this test which instilled in me an interest in the Cairngorms. The fortuitous inspiration of my record attempt was an article from "Climber and Rambler" on the career of the legendary mountain record breaker Eric Beard, which was passed to me by Bill Smith, a prolific and knowledgeable writer on fell running. The article included an account of Beard's record run from Glenmore Lodge to Braeriach, Cairntoul, Ben Macdhui, Cairngorm, and back to the Lodge. It was set in 1963, and had taken 4 hours 41 minutes for the 25 miles run which included an ascent of 7600 feet. Beard set a number of records in the hills of Britain, many of which still stand, before dying in 1969 at the age of 38 in a car crash, typically on his way to compete in a charity run. The link between Beard's record and his numerous fund-raising efforts made me determine to attempt the run and at the same time raise cash for a deserving cause. I approached John Gordon, Chairman of the Friends of Raeden Children's Assessment Centre, and it was decided that my run would raise money for every minute under 5 hours for the distance. Thus even if the record remained unbroken I had 19 spare minutes in which to earn money for Raeden. I decided to do the run on Monday 9 July, or, if the weather was extremely bad, the following day. My friend Dave Armitage, a top flight orienteer, kindly offered to assist me, and on 17 June we undertook a reconnaissance of the route in perfect conditions in a clockwise direction. This took us 6 hours, which made me a little anxious about my ability to crack 5 hours on the day, but Dave felt confident that it could be done under what would be virtually race conditions. Despite Dave's reservations about my attempting the Cairngorm Hill Race on 30 June, (only nine days before the four Peaks) I had my best crack at winning it to date, leading by a minute at the summit in record time and although I was caught on the descent, I finished third inside the old record, and only 7 seconds away from first place. This boosted my confidence no end for about 24 hours, until I found that through my efforts I had strained my left hamstring quite badly. Suffice it to say that I limped a total of only 20 miles in the week leading up to the record attempt. Although I was extremely worried that my leg would not stand up to 25 miles of hard mountain running, at least my reserves would be substantial after the enforced easy week. In the hope that 5

Training for a World Record

Meldrum B. Edwards (1946-60). (Photograph by D. McAllister, member of F.P. Photographic Section)

Four Cairngorm Four Thousands Record

my injury might just withstand the aggravation, my wife, Kareen, and I set off for Glenmore Lodge on Sunday, 8 July, and were kindly given the guest room by Fred Harper, the Principal at the Lodge. Fred informed me that there was a rumour that Eric Beard had glissaded down Cairn Toul in about 5 minutes on his record run. The knowledge that there was no snow on Cairn Toul did not encourage me. We slept about 10 yards from the start of the run, listening to a high wind in the mountains. Day dawned and I was in luck—perfect conditions, sunny, quite calm, and not too hot. Dave would set off at 12.30 p.m., half an hour ahead of me so that I would have the incentive of catching him, and secondly, when I caught him, he could help with navigation on the Macdhui plateau. Another Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club colleague, Derek Green, was to meet us at the Ptarmigan Restaurant for the final ascent of Cairngorm. En route I would be checked in at Braeriach and Cairn Toul summits by Bob Anderson and his girl friend, Judy, and at Ben Macdhui by my colleague at work, Keith Adams. Three watches were used including my own digital wrist watch and a digital stop watch. Dave set off and I spent the next half hour putting on my kit (2 vests, shorts, the inevitable headband, and training shoes), checking the contents of my nylon waist pouch (map, compass, whistle and glucose tablets) jogging and doing stretching exercises. At last 1 p.m. arrived and I was off, glad to be on my way. From the beginning I treated the run exactly as if it were a race, concentrating one hundred per cent. After half a mile of forest path I was on the Cairngorm road and feeling good and fresh. At the first sharp bend on the road I broke off to the right, dropped down to the bridge over Allt Mor and climbed the steep bank to the path running alongside the reindeer reserve. Very soon I was approaching the Chalamain Gap and saw a party of walkers, but I was concentrating so hard on my footing that I only raised a hand to greet them. As I navigated the huge boulders of the Gap, still trying to keep a running rhythm I felt glad I was attempting the run this way round when fresh. I am sure the broken rhythm would have taken its toll on tired legs nearing the end of the 25 mile haul. Just as I left the boulder field I felt a twinge in my left hamstring. Surely my leg wasn't going to bother me—I began to feel very aggressive but tried to stay relaxed as I dropped down to the Lairig Ghru, the leg giving spasmodic aches. I just got to the burn below the Sinclair Hut before a huge party of Boy Scouts approaching from the south and as I reached the Hut after 481/2 minutes running I realised that my leg had stopped hurting. It was not to trouble me again. I broke off the path from the Hut and headed south cast up the first big climb, en route for Braeriach. The going was good on Sron na Lairage, and I was running fast and relaxed with no time to appreciate what was an obviously impressive view to the west over Coire an Lochain. As I dropped down to Bealach above Coirc Ruadh I encountered a couple and they comfirmed that I was on the correct route. I reached the summit of Braeriach and there was Judy with a welcome glass of orange. I checked my watch-1 hour 29 minutes. I was seven minutes up on Beard's schedule and feeling as fresh as a daisy. I had a minute's break, then set off for the Falls of Dee and round the Pinnacle Gully, a most spectacular route in the superb visibility. As I skirted Angel's Peak I saw Dave ascending Cairn Toul ahead of me which increased my confidence further with the knowledge that I had nearly cancelled his half-hour start in less than two hours. He reached the summit about a minute ahead of me, and I took another welcome drink from Bob. The time was 2 hours 4 minutes, 8 minutes ahead of record schedule, and I was still strong. Nevertheless, we did

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

not delay long as more than half of the run was still to be done, and I followed Dave down the 2000 foot drop to the Lairig. We were going well but if Beardie glissaded down this stretch — — — ! We reached the Lairig at 2 1/2 hours and after the prolonged descent the prospect of an immediate 2000 feet plus drag up to Macdhui was as welcome as a fight with Joe Frazier after one with Ali. 1 began to tire but knew that once I was accustomed to the climbing I would perk up again. We jogged and fast-walked up the south side of Tailor's Burn from which I drank frequently, but gradually felt stronger, We crossed the burn, the gradient slackened, and there was the Macdhui cairn with Keith, Anne and a squad of walkers who had heard what was going on. A drink, glucose, a seat this time-3 hours 14 minutes. I was 9 minutes ahead, and Beardie surely couldn't have glissaded Cairn Toul or I would be behind by now. A 3 minute stop, then off we set, with Dave going well, and me feeling O.K. at a steady pace, but wary of running too fast. Just after Cairn Lochan the familiar feeling of glycogen depletion, oft felt in previous long distance races, began to tell. Every slight rise began to feel ridiculously tough, and gradually I began to waver and slow to a walk. As the crow flies I was only just over half a mile from Cairngorm, but a crow goes horizontally—and I had to climb. One always feels worse than one really is and I forced myself to remember this even though I was stopping to take glucose on the 500 feet ascent of Cairngorm. After what seemed like an age we reached the summit. 3 hours 58 minutes. I could hardly believe it—I was 5 minutes ahead of schedule, having taken only 4 minutes longer than Beardie for this stretch. This knowledge plus about six glucose tablets must have boosted me, because although I descended the slabs of Cairngorm only gingerly at first, strength gradually came back to my legs. We reached the restaurant, and there was Derek. By now all my aggression and resolve were back with a vengeance. Dave dropped back, content with his great efforts, to leave Derek and I almost gliding down the gravel path to the large car park at Choire Chais. My father and Kareen had come up the road in the car prior to dashing back to time me in. "I've got it!" I shouted excitedly. We approached the spot where we were to cut down the hillside to miss the large hairpin bend, and I realised that I should have looked at this stretch earlier because I made a hash of it. encountering such rough terrain that twinges of cramp threatened. Eventually we were back on the road, and as I looked at my watch I realised that I only had to keep running to get the record. Through the forest, over the bridge and we were at the ford only a few hundred metres from the Lodge. To the annoyance of a party of walkers I splashed them as I hurtled through the water—I was too tired to say sorry. Through the finish, down on the ground and a look at my watch—done it! My own digital watch and the digital stop watch held by my father coincided at 4 hours 34 minutes 8 seconds. The comparative elapsed and point to point times of both runs were the following: Braeriach Cairn Toul Ben Macdhui Cairngorm Glenmore Lodge

Beard

Edwards

1.36 (1.36) 2.12 (0.36) 3.23 (1.11) 4.03 (0.40) 4.41 (0.38)

1.29 (1.29) 2.04 (0.35) 3.14 (1.10) 3.58 (0.44) 4.34.08 (0.36)

The similarity of the point to point times are remarkable and it is obvious that the deciding factor was my running the first three quarters of an hour as I would run a race.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

often be very old and have passed through many hands. The chief began by reciting a kind of chant and then the gifts were exchanged. We were very honoured because we received a tanoa from the chief. The yaquona ceremony followed and the chief received the first bowl and his spokesman proceeded to nominate the order in which those following should be served. The Fijians stick very religiously to customs surrounding yaquona and when you receive a 'bib', a hollowed our half coconut shell, you must clap once, take the drink and down it in one, while the server claps twice or three times, return the bib to him and then clap three times yourself. In the old days failure to stick to this custom resulted in a visitor being clubbed to death and eaten. Fortunately this practice has died out, but it may still cause ill will if any of the customs arc broken. Keteira. like Vunuku the other village we worked in, was typical of a remote Fijian village. Virtually all the huts were constructed of sheets of corrugated iron. My first job there was a goodwill gesture. We were told that there was a very important job to do and after we had volunteered we discovered we had to spend the afternoon erecting a chicis privvy! Work at Vunuka was hindered by the lack of building materials and tools but when this problem was overcome the work went like a bomb. Owing to a lack of bolts, not only in Vunuka but on the whole island, the walls of the teachers' quarters had to be fastened to the frames with nails. By the end of our stay in Vunuka we had built two teachers' quarters and had laid most of the foundations for a double classroom. We were greatly helped at Vunuka by the immense strength of some of the men who thought nothing of carrying 100 kg on their shoulders for any distance. Our departure from Vunuku was the most incredible scene I have ever witnessed. We held a small ceremony in our hut during which we presented the villagers with a letter signed by all of us. The letter told how much we had enjoyed our stay in Vunuku, how the villagers had helped us and how we wished to return at a later date. There followed a mass photography session outside the house and then the chiefs spokesman invited us to a last sevu sevu and dance. When the boat eventually arrived to take us back to Suva some of the villagers were literally in tears. We danced down to the beach doing a conga with the locals carrying our bags. Some of the locals clambered into our boat with us and only jumped out at the last minute. My hand got pulled out of joint with all the handshaking. All the people were shouting, wailing and crying." "The sea phase proper started when we left Suva bound for Nanua Levu in the Yassawa group of islands which is off the north-west coast of Viti Levu. We actually motored nearly the whole way to the Yasawas, stopping for one night near Nandi. Sail was finally set when we sighted the Golden Plover, another brigantine like the Eye of the Wind. We sailed in company to our anchorage in the Yasawas. From leaving the Yasawas my watch had its first taste of a sailing wind. I was very lucky that I knew the basics of square sails when I came on board, and therefore had a clearer picture of where ropes should be. Some of the other YEs were not so lucky. Generally we did not do all that much sail handling as the trade•winds were cooperative for most of the journey. From the Yasawas we laid a course for a tiny remote island called Tikopia and, to our great surprise arrived to find two other boats there! The Eye of the Wind caused a stir among the natives and soon we were enveloped in a minor armada of outrigger canoes. The Tikopeans were poor by our standards but they had a church and a small school and. surprisingly I thought. a two way radio for talking to the major islands in the Solomon group. The buildings were palm huts which apparently arc better than corrugated iron. Most of the Tikopeans wore small fish hooks round their necks and these were unique to the island. When we arrived on Guadacanal Island wearing them people knew we had been to Tikopia. It appears that each island in the Solomon group specialises in a different art form or design. Kwaiwata Island was the most remote island we visited and the Eye of the Wind was the first boat to stop there for a number of years. The islanders did have some idea about western ways as the children were educated on nearby Gau island. Several times instead

Operation Drake

of wanting money for goods they bartered for fish-hooks, matches, lighters, needles and cotton. They were expert carvers and woodworkers, whose carved outrigger paddles were much in demand on the ship. Several locals were later seen paddling their canoes with pieces of palm leaves!" "The second land phase (in Papua New Guinea) started after our rather confused arrival in Lae on board the Eye of the Wind. We stayed in Lac for three days before the Jungle Survival (Suicide) course started. We were given a series of lectures on equipment, radio and medical matters. Then we were deposited in the jungle to 'bivvy' up for the night. It rained heavily and the torrent of water soon found the faults in the construction of our shelter. Four people achieved a good night's sleep. The next morning we were shown several poisonous beasties and then carted into the jungle. We camped a few yards from the road and spent a comfortable night. In the morning I had an unpleasant shock, my boots were full of large black ants half an inch long — 'Remember to shake my boots out next time', I thought. Walking in the PNG jungle is very tiring; there are always vines to trip you up, the terrain is a succession of steep-sided valleys and the low lying ground is usually swamp rendered virtually impenetrable by briars with sharp thorns, plants with razor sharp leaves, bugs and crocodiles. Unfortunately, while fighting our way slowly through a swamp we made a navigational error which resulted in our going further into the swamp, and failing to make the rendezvous on time, and we made camp only three miles from our starting point! That evening 1 nearly cut my finger off with a machete and only prompt action with a bottle of iodine stopped the cut becoming infected. One of the main problems in the PNG climate was that any cut, scratch or prick tended to go septic and would develop into a tropical ulcer. The two days we spent on the course taught us the very basics of living in the jungle. Later we were split up into smaller groups to undertake various projects; I was sent to the Forestry Project in Buso. After an uneventful trip we were marooned at Buso camp which was to be our home for the next two weeks. The three of us were given a palm leaf hut to sleep in which only had half a floor! The main reason for the camp's existence was the aerial walkway situated 15 minutes walk from camp and 100 feet up in the rain forest canopy. We reached it either by climbing up a rope ladder (shattering) or by being hauled up a pulley (shattering for the person pulling you up). The second walkway was to be a permanent structure for the use of PNG scientists after the expedition had gone. Two trees were chosen as the main anchor trees. Then a PNG 'tree climber' climbed one and attached a pulley. The PNG tree climbers were remarkable people, who were totally unafraid of height and could climb apparently smooth tree trunks, some of which were over 100 feet high. Once both trees had been climbed a line was shot between the two using a crossbow. Various wires were pulled across and secured to form a cradle for the walkway itself which was then pulled out along the wires. It was fairly easy working at this height since we had become used to risking our necks on the yards of the Eye of the Wind. Also it was impossible to see the ground because of the thick canopy 30 feet below us. We were taken back to Lae on board the Eye of the Wind and it did feel good to be back on board again. We left Lae on a scheduled flight from Nadzab airstrip, and caught the flight from Port Moresby to Singapore via Jakarta. We briefly glimpsed Singapore as we rushed from one plane to the next. Our final flight was from Singapore to Heathrow via Bahrain. After a rushed goodbye in Heathrow I caught my flight to Aberdeen. This was the end of Operation Drake in one sense but the start of it in another. It was meant to train us to manage our own expeditions in the future and has certainly fulfilled that aim. I now have the seeds of ideas for my own expeditions, and so Drake will live on long after the actual expedition has finished.—

Military Medicine In the Duthie Park there stands a large obelisk, a familiar landmark to Aberdonians since it was moved to its present site from the quadrangle of Marischal College many years ago. What may be less familiar to the casual stroller in the park is the fact that the obelisk stands as a memorial to Sir James McGrigor, who held the appointment of "Surgeon General" or director of the army medical department under the Duke of Wellington. and who attended the School in the late eighteenth century. Unlike his near contemporary at School, Lord Byron, SirJames McGrigor continued to hold the School in great affection throughout his life. It is astonishing that, after a life of much distinction and great excitement in the major theatres of war throughout the world, he could write in his autobiography of a School prize-giving as "the most joyous . . . of any time in my lift". He continues, "it has since been my good fortune to obtain various distinctions and honours, but with none of them have I been more elated than the (first) prize which I then gained, when it was presented to me by the Lord Provost." In 1789, when he was only eighteen years old. McGrigor and eleven friends, some of whom studied medicine with him in Edinburgh, formed the Aberdeen Medico-Chirur. gical Society, which still flourishes today, and which, in the eighteenth century. provided an essential stimulus for the development of an effective medical school in Aberdeen. McGregor's major achievement, however, was to demonstrate the importance of an army medical corps by his humanitarian concern for the health and welfare of the soldier. His innovative approach to military medicine which had never previously received the attention that it required, provided the inspiration for the developments which led to the establishment of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Since the days of Sir James McGrigor, many other F.P.s have made their own contribution to the RAMC and to the medical services of the other branches of the armed forces. The Notes Section and sadly, also the Obituaries of this Magazine alone give evidence of such service. Printed below are two contrasting accounts of experiences of military medicine by two F.P.s who were contemporaries at School and at University. Perhaps other military medics (tome of whom have already -promised" in rash moments to put pen to paper!) will contribute brief articles on their own experiences for future issues, or, better still, perhaps some medical historian will develop or correct the above editorial comment on that most distinguished but often neglected F.P.. SirJames McGrigor.

It's a Man's Life in the Regular Army . . . With the continued contraction of the British Army I had considered myself lucky to spend six years in Germany. The opportunities to travel further overseas had virtually disappeared with Hong Kong the only remaining station outside Europe. Nevertheless, here I sit almost on the equator in a warm tropical paradise with the Editor's letter in front of me asking for an article on Brunei. "Brunei?" you may ask, "Where is Brunei?" Brunei is a small independent sultanate on the north-west coast of Borneo, 800 miles east of Singapore and surrounded by the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah. It is one of the most ancient sovereign states in S.E. Asia. As far back as the sixth and seventh centuries Chinese historians were writing of it. By the sixteenth century its trading links with India, Persia and Arabia had converted it into an Islamic state which ruled over the whole of the islands of Borneo and the southern Philippines. 12

Military Medicine

Apart from its being warm (not hot) all year round and covered in dense jungle, Brunei has many similarities to Aberdeen. The population is the same as the City, the area the same as the County and the newly acquired wealth is due to the recent discovery of offshore oil. There are links with home in the population too. Although I have met only two F.P.s, Ron Saville (1955-58) and Gordon Spate (1945-58), I have come across many other Scotsmen, notably the heads of the Army, the oil company and the bank. Despite its independence Brunei is by treaty a British Protected State, making the British Government responsible for external affairs and defence. In addition to a battalion of Gurkhas from the British Army permanently stationed in Brunei at the Sultan's expense, the country has its own forces, the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment, to which arc seconded about two hundred British Army, Royal Navy and RAF officers and men, including four medical officers—so here I am for two years, RMO to the Second Battalion RBMR. Contrary to possible expectations, exotic tropical diseases are few and far between. Malaria has been eradicated and compulsory immunisation has eliminated most of the infectious diseases. The high standard of living allows people to enjoy good health. I find my working day taken up with the same work as I would have in a British battalion—coughs and runny noses occur all over the world. The local people are very friendly and especially so towards the British. It is appreciated when we make a big effort to speak the local Malay language, and we are fortunate in being given a six week introductory course in basic Malay on arrival in Brunei. The new found oil wealth has greatly changed Brunei over the past twenty years, lifting it out of mediaeval times towards the status of a thoroughly modern, westernised country. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is a delightful mixture of the old and the new. New buildings arc cropping up everywhere—hospital, hotels, office blocks, government buildings and schools (Malay or English speaking) but pride of place goes to the £2 million Sir Omar Ali Saiffudin Mosque built in 1958 as a reminder to all that Brunei is essentially an Islamic state. This magnificent building of marble with a golden dome overlooks Kampong Ayer, the water village, and original town. Wooden houses, shops, schools, clinics and police stations are all built on stilts standing in the muddy waters of the Brunei river estuary. Here half of the town's 60,000 people still live and work. The mosque is named after the then Sultan who abdicated in 1968 in favour of his Sandhurst trained son, Sir Hassanal Bolkiah. A dedicated Anglophile, he also built a memorial to the late Sir Winston Churchill. This impressive semi-circular building houses a library, an aquarium and exhibition of the great man's life with displays of his writings, clothes, events in his life and even cigars. Outside there is a life size statue with arm raised in the famous V-sign. Brunei children now think that all Englishmen wave with two fingers! The new Sultan rules over the Country with the help of many advisers. The people are contented, the standards of living being far higher than in the neighbouring countries of S.E. Asia. Colour television was introduced in 1974 along with interest-free Government loans for individuals to buy a set and new Japanese cars are to be seen everywhere. There is no income tax and petrol costs approximately twenty-five pence per gallon. The RBMR is a thoroughly modern army with two infantry battalions, a Scorpion tank squadron, a naval flotilla with the latest missile carrying gun boats, a large helicopter based Air Wing and all the backup facilities necessary for them to function independently. Money is no object and an artillery battery with British surface to air missiles is to be established in 1982. The Regiment was born in 1962 under the guidance and training of the British Army. With the original young officers and soldiers now achieving seniority it

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

was hoped that they would no longer require British help after 1983 when Brunei attains its full independence, but with the increased sophistication of equipment it appears that we shall be here for some time to come. Brunei's wealth has come from its natural resources of oil and gas. Oil was first discovered in the 1920s but it was not until the discovery in 1963 of the vast oil fields "off-shore" that the oil industry escalated. Brunei Shell Petroleum is owned in equal shares by the Brunei Government and by Shell International. Crude oil is exported at the rate of 250,000 barrels per day bringing in an annual revenue of over £1,000 millions—not bad for such a small country. In 1972 the world's largest liquefied natural gas plant was opened in Brunei. It was built with a 331/3 per cent investment share from the Japanese company, Mitsubishi, and each year five million tons of liquefied gas are transported in seven special tankers to Japan. The majority of the population lives along the seventy mile coastline—one continuous sandy beach. Inland is dense tropical rain forest, a jungle inhabited by millions of species of plants and animals, a cornucopia for the botanist and zoologist. A few tribes of the aboriginal races of Borneo (Murut, Dusun and the head hunting lban) live in scattered long houses accessible only by river or, as I visited them, by. helicopter, but most of these people have migrated to the coastal towns and villages looking for the work and money which will change their way of life. Is the Western influence really beneficial? It was so strange to see a young native Iban mother bottle-feeding her baby and when I asked the local witch doctor if I could bring him anything (meaning medicines) on my next trip he said, "Yes, Johnny Walker!" The Scots arc famous even in the darkest, most uninhabited corners of the world! We (my family and I) have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Brunei and when we return to Europe later this year we shall have many unforgettable memories of the Far East—sunshine all year round with weekend barbecues at the beach; a garden full of everlasting colour, bougainvillea, hibiscus and frangipani flowers surrounded by the conifer (and Scottish-like) casuarina trees; our always smiling amah, Siti, who was greatly honoured to work for the doctor; and the eighteen year old, 4 feet 10 inch tall primigravid breech, who appeared on my doorstep fully dilated, having been brought down from deep in the jungle where she had received no ante-natal care—just at half time in the FA Cup Final on television! Holidays in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia with an expected trip home via Australia, the Pacific and California will have completed two years which not many more Army doctors will ever experience. David W. Smith (1952- 65)

. . . Tell That to the Marines Of my five years in the Royal Navy, more than three were spent serving with the Royal Marines as a Commando Unit Medical Officer. After an aptly named "beat up" at Stonchouse Barracks, Plymouth where we were taught to march like men not fairies and to do press ups in mud pools on Dartmoor because it was good for us, we embarked on a five week All Arms Commando Course at Lympstone, Devon. This was a shortened version of the true "Boot Neck" course which skimped over subjects like weaponry and

Military Medicine

battle tactics yet spared none of the physical and emotional horrors of tear gas, speed marches, sleepless nights on guard, and endless exercises. The Death Slide began the "Tarzan Course", a timed agility test most of which wok place half way up a number of tall trees and on wires, ropes, nets and ladders tenuously connecting them. One began by hurling oneself into space from a 30 foot tower and sliding down a rope at gathering speed to the ground. Having scrambled up again into the foliage, one was prevented from losing one's grip not by fear of the fall itself but by anxiety that the PTIs, howling abuse from below, would fulfil their promises of atrocities various upon the inadvertent plummeter. This exercise, and others designed with the same streak of sadistic ingenuity, narrowly failed to make me knuckle under and the passing out parade doubled as a memorial service for those less fortunate. 41 Commando was based in Malta but, consequent upon the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in July 1974, the Unit spent most of the following year in Cyprus, first at Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area, at the time of the invasion, later as United Nations troops scattered in observation posts over the Greek-held South of the island. In the absence of proper medical facilities and with only a handful of Turkish-Cypriot doctors there was much work to do. Hours were long and medical problems were never-ending but the rewards, both in satisfaction and experience, more than compensated for the hardships. Next I was posted to 45 Commando based in Arbroath at "The Condor". With its Mountain and Arctic Warfare role, we spent 9 months training in Skye, in the Grampians, and on our very own dry ski slope, and the remaining 3 months of each year protecting NATO's Northern Flank in North Norway. Narvik in January is cold and there is little comfort in a snow hole or a brushwood bivouac for the would-be survivor. I paid lip service to military matters but was completely won over to cross-country skiing, demanding as it does a combination of fitness, balance and bodily co-ordination which I had no idea I possessed. I became a Military Ski Instructor. The Royal Marines encourage enthusiasm, however far misplaced, and as a result I was able to lead a ten man expedition across Hardangervidda, the enormous expanse of sub-Arctic desert which lies in the south of Norway, and where the heroes of Telemark hid at the time of their successful raid on the heavy water plant at Rjukan during the Second World War. Not only did we escape a boring NATO exercise but the end of our marathon ski coincided with Holmenkollcn, Norway's annual ski festival held in and around Oslo. Alongside 4000 others, we entered the 40 kilometer ski race and won medals for achieving something better than mediocrity, then marvelled at those idiots who fly on skis from the jump which overlooks the city—it's the Scandinavian equivalent of Lympstone's Death Slide I suppose—you never know where you're going to land, only that it will probably hurt. Now I'm a civilian again and working in general practice in Central London where I'm transported by cars, tubes, lifts and elevators and there's never enough snow to ski on. Thank God!

Peter M. Collier (1960.65)

School Office Bearers Prefects

Head Boy: NORMAN J. BAIN Head Girl: LESLEY D. FRASER Deputy Head Boy: DEREK A. HARLEY Deputy Head Girl: JILL. FRASER (left Christmas) KATHRYN J. ALEXANDER MARGARET E. ALLSOP GORDON ANGUS ALASDAIR C. BRYCE (left Christmas) PETER J. CLARK MARTEN W. CORMACK MARGERY G. Courrs ALLAN S. BRIAN I. FITZPATRICK PETER GRIEVE WENDY E. HUTCHISON LINDSAY G. KESSACK DOUGLAS C. MACRAE-GIBSON

FIONA M. A. MCCOMBIE TIMOTHY E. MCKAY AILEEN MASSON JOHN M. MESTON PAMELA G. MURRAY J. ANN OLIPHANT CALUM P. OLIVER MARK A. QUIRIE GRAEME T. SMITH SUSAN E. SMITH AMANDA E. TAYLOR LIZ A. WILSON

arnim

Sports Captains

Rugby: CALUM P. OLIVER

Hockey (Boys): LINDSAY G. KESSACK

Soccer:

ALASDAIR C. BRYCE (till Christmas) CHARLES ANDREW (from Christmas)

Hockey (Girls): SUSAN E. SMITH Netball: MARGERY G. COUTI-5

Literary and Debating Society

President: JILL FRASER (till Christmas) AMANDA E. TAYLOR Vice President: FIONA M.A. MCCOMBIE Secretary:

AMANDA E. TAYLOR (till Christmas) KATHRYN J. ALEXANDER Treasurer: DEREK A. HARLEY Dramatic Society

President: CHRISTOPHER J. PARSONS Cadet Force

Flight Sergeant: KENNETH M. LAING Editors of School Section NORMAN J. BAIN

AILEEN MASSON

MARGARET E. ALLSOP

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Hugh Macleod sang robustly in "Noye's Fludde" and put Mr. Galloway's discarded beard to excellent use. The judicious use of ammonia has discouraged reforestation, we gather from a source close to the donor.

The First XV apart, the Male Invalid of the Year Award went to John Meston (V), whose basso profundo choral rumblings led predictably to pulmonary collapse. He maintains Sarah Hook (IV) took the Female Award, managing to catch her hand in a coffee grinder and her head on a door. Not vice versa, whatever the assertions. *

There is no truth in the rumour: that sleeping out in the Genesis Queue was recognised as a test for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award; that a certain Classics Teacher flew a bomber in the First Punic War (nor yet the Second!); that Lancia is planning a Motor Show in the Staff car-park. *

There is undeniably truth in the rumours that Mr. Falconer has left and Mr. Flat is soon to leave. A quick check has shown that the Byron Statue is still in sou.

Nurse Brown has also passed on (to another post). With her goes a whole consolation of soothing reassurances: "Right, take your clothes off!" — "Who's next? Eat this cube!" — and "Don't worry, we've washed all the needles!" *

The English Department, we learn on good authority, is become a stronghold of Feminism. Male pupils, or most of them, arc styled as insensitive and as having "pacemakers instead of hearts"! Only the fairest of the fair are exempt from such obloquy. 'Brown eyes are out.

A certain Head Girl had trouble emptying her Christmas stocking: Ford Fiestas, for 211 their streamlining, don't fit in terribly well, it seems. *

Most exclusive club in School currently is that of the Pupil Librarians. Conditions of work arc excellent, as are the coffee — and luncheon — facilities. And plenty to read, too.

Having said all of which, we have said enough, if not too much. The rest shall be silence! Except — and these are "Random Notes" — does anyone know why School rugby (and other?) teams habitually wear navy blue jerseys, navy blue shorts — and royal blue stockings?

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Head Boy and Head Girl 1979-1980

Norman J. Bain and Lesley D. Fraser. (Photograph by Mils McKenzie. Art Department.)

Scottish Schoolgirl Hockey Caps

NUN h 1111

Margery G Coutts (left) and Susan E. Smith (right), who were capped for the Scottish Schoolgirls XI in 1979-80. (Photograph by Mitt McKenzie, Art Department.)

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

John M. Meston. John and cars don't mix. He has interests in the female hockey team and takes detours on his way home. John's greatest ambition is to become a fully. fledged action man with eagle-eyes and gripping hands. Too much Biggles too young? "I was dropped from the 1st XV because of injury,...—J.M. Pamela G. Murray. 'Spam' is known to lend out her services—as a double bass player. She's not often in the Howff, but her few entries are well heralded. She has lots of contacts in the music world and attends some pretty riotous 'last night' parties. She can't help it: she doesn't play hockey. J. Ann Oliphant. Ann's into teeth. Since Alasdair left, she's been denied her favourite pastime of sticking out her tongue at him. A little journey in a sedan chair carried by two muscle-bound hockey players (can that be?) was not appreciated by a member of the P.E. department. Although these two players are the bane of her life, Ann remains cool. Calum P. Oliver. Calum's the strong, silent type; rumour has it he does possess a tongue. Pin-up man of the 1st XV, he captained a determined if disappointed side this year. He's a well-seasoned punter, who takes a very active part in Howff sports. "Team talk! Back of the bus!" Mark A. Quirie. A regular member of Calum's team, Mark bore his injuries as only a man can. He's a tough little guy and insists it's all muscle. When not displaying his strength on the rugby field, he's taking on the North Sea with his surf-board. "Once upon a time. . . . Graeme T. Smith. The only thing we know about Graeme is that he is affectionately known as "Cas". We think there's a contest between Cas and Gordon for fewest appearances in the Howff; but Derek is still in the lead. Where do they go to?

•

Susan E. Smith. Susan is hockey captain this year, and along with Mug. reached international standard. She's determined that that tuckshop will make a profit, even if it means murder (probably Peter's). A hockey forward, hardly classifiable as a dancer, she attends Miss Shepherd's lunchtime jigs regularly. "Did you pay for that?!"—S.S. (the initials are appropriate!) Amanda E. Taylor. Amanda's going for a career on the stage. As President of the Lit. and Deb., she fought sturdily against W.D.H. and reluctant speakers. Unfortunately she has had less success with the coffee fund. A supporter of the male hockey team, little R. Mandy is a good friend of F. Marty. "lop please!"—A.T. Liz A. Wilson, Liz is an oddity in the Howff: diligent, quiet. conscientious, intelligent, polite, good-natured, punctual and reliable. In fact, we really don't know how she survives. Maybe she sees the Howff as an extension of her well-populated home.

School Sporting Activities Rugby As far as the 1st XV were concerned, the past season was not as disappointing as the results might suggest. All team members would agree that their knowledge of the game was greatly improved by the comprehensive coaching provided by Mr. Adey, who deliberately set out to make us think about the game we professed. This knowledge was to prove very valuable as many players were forced to play out of positon in several matches because of an unfortunate, indeed almost unprecedented, string of injuries which afflicted us nearly all season. Players also benefited from learning more about the spirit of the game and about the etiquette associated with away fixtures in particular. From the start this was going to be an inexperienced side, with only five or six of last year's Firsts returning and three boys from Fourth Year playing regularly in the side. Injury, as noted above, also disrupted things. For example, Timothy McKay had a pre-season ankle injury which sidelined him till the Easter term; Peter Grieve was rouchlined for weeks by a troublesome back; the team captain was off from October to Christmas with a stubborn thigh knock; while Mark Quirie took the consolation prize for the most injuries, suffering from groin strain, a dislocated finger, a broken arm, and recurring travel sickness—not all at once! Inevitably the weather also disrupted the season for all school sides this year not so much by wintry conditions as by prolonged rain which saw several fixtures cancelled, including some notable glamour games, such as those v. Stewart's/Melville and the High School of Glasgow. Our early-season training schedule was a welcome change from tradition. Instead of using the gymnasium on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we used the field till weather and darkness prevented us. This, though rather wearisome in terms of travel, gave us a great opportunity to improve our ball skills as well as our basic fitness. The season's matches can be split into three groups. First, there were the games in which the opposition forwards were the key factor. The games lost to Dollar and Dundee High School are cases in point: Dollar's pack were older and more mature, while High School had a formidably quick back-row. Secondly, there were the games where our opponents had powerful and penetrative backs. In the matches v. Hutcheson 's and Gordonstoun, we were outgunned by faster, heavier three-quarters. Our defence was often severely strained, but fortunately improved as the season went on. Finally, there were the games in which we were the dominating side. In these, however, we often failed to translate pressure into points, and some of these fixtures, though won or drawn, were nonetheless occasions of disappointment. One match which fell into the third category was the game v. Elgin Academy, which ended in a 6-6 draw. In this frustrating performance we made little progress in attack though we managed to pin Elgin to their own 22 metre area for a large proportion of the game. Six points down at half-time, we went into the second-half with more determination and Neil Strachan kicked two fine goals to level the score. At last our backs had the opportunity to run the ball, but too much of our possession was kicked away and once again the backs were not allowed to show their mettle in attack. In contrast a 21-3 defeat by Gordon's College in our second meeting was a much more mature performance. Our forwards worked well together: on several occasions they drove back the heavy Gordon's pack, both in the scrums and the loose. On a day that was excellent for handling, our backs had to work hard to stop the 23

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

R.G.C. backs from running riot: some fine tackling was in evidence, especially from Mark Quirie and Graham T. Smith. Alas, the final scoreline did not truly reflect the run of the game, or the freakish bounce of the ball that prevented a John Garvie score in the first-half. Finally, thanks arc in order CO Mr. Allan and his team for their maintenance of the Rubislaw pitches, to Mr. Adey for untiring endeavour and enthusiasm, and to the members of staff who assist with rugby throughout the School. Credit should also be given to the team pool, who maintained their morale and spirit of friendship throughout a very hard season. The team pool consisted of Calum Oliver (cap.), Norman Bain (v.-capt.), Mark Quirie, Peter Grieve, Martin Hardy, Neil Strachan, Charles Mitchell, Graeme R. Smith, Graham T. Smith, Nigel Young, Steven Christie, Michael Grant, Timothy McKay, Kenneth Anderson, John Garvie, Philip Grant, Bruce Hardy. 2nd XV Over the season a young Seconds side improved enormously under the care of Messrs. Jones and Adey. From the pre-season training onwards the squad showed a high workrate, but it took time to evolve team tactics and individual know-how. Injuries to the 1st XV delayed the team's settling down, too, but by the season's end there was a distinct maturity in attitude and standard of play. A 14-man effort saw off Elgin Academy Seconds by 19.4; Morrison's scored a last-minute goal to "steal", by 12.6, a game that Grammar knew was theirs for the winning; and the best and most enjoyable game of the season was a 12.19 loss to the "auld enemy", when our light pack excelled themselves, but slight defensive errors were punished. The season ended with a sense of what might have been and a healthy optimism for the future. The team squad, thirteen of whom were from S. IV, consisted of (forwards) H. Houston (capt.), M. Kennedy (v. -capt. ), P. Aiken, M. Forsyth, C. Michie, N. Milne, G. Petrie, M. Pithie, E. Robb, and M. Scott; (backs) G. Campbell, A. Clarke, D. Cowie, M. Daniel, F. Dunphy, D. Galloway, D. Jack, J. Reid, P. Smith, J. Steele, J. Stevenson, C. Sutherland, and G. Urquhart. Colts As can happen, the trouble with this team lay nor in the players they had, so much as in some players they didn't have: a natural stand-off would have transformed the side. Cameron Murray, a fine kicker and attacking runner. scored lots of points, but the backplay lacked shape. Further, there was a team weakness in the fundamentals of passing and tackling. And yet the backs had individual pace, while the forwards had unusual height and presence, if not real physical maturity. The ream's record suffered at times because of a current uncertainty in schools rugby about who plays whom: a Third Year side is one thing, an Under-15 team another; North schools, for example, play in an age-group league. Agreement seems called for! Over the season two matches stay in the memory. The game v. Gordon's (lost 14-22, but a cliffhanger) was a tousy local derby, at times too hectic but undeniably played with commitment by both teams. The last game of the season (won 15-12 v. Hutcheson's G.S. away) was a "good un": Grammar played three-quarters of the match with 14 men after an injury, bur held on with great spirit to beat technically superior opponents. The players that day felt the pleasures of team effort and team success that rugby so distinctively offers. The Colts side was usually on these lines: G. Stables; B. Daniel, K. McLaren, A. Walker. A. Watt; C. Murray, M. Hall: A. Allan (capt.), E. Riddoch, P. Armstrong, H. Reid, C. Sim, J. Barclay, A. Hogg, R. Kinghorn.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Duthie both played with enthusiasm and effort, but lacked the speed and drive necessary in wingers to trouble opposing defences. Brian Fitzpatrick, who had to play a rather lonely game in the centre of the attack, improved his stickwork and ability to run at a defence as the season progressed, but was not afforded enough consistent support. To bring balance to the team it was decided to play Barry Scott in mid-field rather than at centre-forward where he had played last season. Barry has the control to beat opponents and to work the ball forwards so that he was always potentially dangerous on a dry ground where the ball would run for him. Barry is a talented player, but must, for the sake of his future in the game, imprint on his mind that as far as umpires' decisions are concerned 'every single one of them is right'! Allan Duthie and Kenneth Stephen provided an interesting comparison in styles in mid-field, Allan's directness contrasting with Kenneth's neat, and sometimes too precise, play. Kenneth also has an alarming tendency to dribble the ball within his own twenty-five. When he was moved to centre-half Graham Davie came to dominate the defence. As he is still in his fourth year he has first-rate potential as he marks well, shows good positional sense and hits the ball with crisp precision. Once Graham Davie moved to centre-half, Lindsay Kessack was given the space to play as a sweeper and not as an auxiliary centre-half. Lindsay then fully came into his proper game and showed his ability in performing an efficient job at mopping-up. Both Michael Reid and Derek Harley improved greatly as the season progressed. They both developed into sound, strong backs with an awareness of the value of close marking of opponents. Derek found the rather more limited role of full back much more congenial than the wider responsibilities of centre-half, where he started the season. In goal, Innes Taylor was, on the whole, an able and brave goalkeeper but allowed a few costly lapses in concentration to take the gilt off a good season. Many of the games were played on wet pitches which made the game difficult as players kept over-running the ball. One exception was the game at Gordonstoun, where the pitch was frozen hard with a very uneven surface from which the ball flew at unpredictable heights and with abrupt changes in direction. Gordonstoun won 2.1, but two, and possibly all three, goals could be directly attributable to the playing surface as the ball was deflected off the pitch. And School missed a penalty. In the Royal Bank of Scotland Cup, School beat Peterhead by a single goal in a game that was played almost exclusively in the Peterhead half of the pitch; in the next round School drew with Stewart's-Melville after extra time but scraped to a win on penalty flicks: and in the semi-final Gordon's College scored the only goal of the game. In all these games the team suffered from lack of power in the forward line and should have beaten both Peterhead and Stewart s-Melville more convincingly. Against Gordon's College, School missed the two best chances of the game when it seemed easier to score than to put the ball past. Barry Scott was a member of the North District Schools side which won the Royal Bank of Scotland Interdistrict Shield. Barry was also a member of the International training pool, but regrettably was not selected for the final squad. As always the hockey section is indebted to the staff who have turned out to umpire and to travel with the teams and also to the ground staff at Rubislaw for the preparation of the pitches. The following boys played for the first eleven: Graham .). Davie, Allan S. Duthie, lan S. Duthie, Brian I. Fitzpatrick, Derek A. Harley, Lindsay G. Kessack(capt.), Gavin S. Michie, Michael C. Reid, Ernest Robertson, Barry Scott, Kenneth A. Stephen, Innes Taylor.

School Sporting Activities

2nd XI Since the side consisted of a mixture of fourth and fifth year pupils there was no opportunity for serious practice as a team. This caused many difficulties in settling an organised team and playing in some kind of coherent manner. At the start of the season. an attempt was made to play hockey by stringing passes together. but this was abandoned for the simple, but remarkably effective, tactic of hitting balls hard at the opposition and taking advantage of such situations as arose from deflections and badlystopped balls. Against comparable sides, creditable results were obtained—two draws against Gordon's and two defeats, each by three goals to two, against Abbey. The Gordonstoun boys were, on average, older than ours, which led to a rather one-sided game and a defeat by seven goals to one. The following played for the team: G. Angus, P. C. Annand, A. J. Houlding (cap.), D.J. W. Keith, A. F. McIntosh, M. R. Reich, P. B. Scott, G. G. Sluyter, G. P. Spence, C. A. Stephen. J. S. Stewart. K. Sutherland, M. R. Sutherland, W. G. N. P. Webster. 3rd XI The third eleven has passed through a number of capable hands since the boys were introduced to hockey at the start of their third year. Mrs. Webster started the group, which was then coached by a number of F.P.s on Saturday mornings. This was an immense help as a fairly small number of boys could be taken by one adult with the resulting advantage that all the players could be seen to practise strokes correctly. Since Mr Swanson has been appointed to school, he has spent much time with the third year boys and introduced an indoor hockey session after school on Wednesdays. This is very important as so many Saturday practices and games afternoons have to be forgone because of the weather. The boys had quite a successful season for it must be remembered that many schools introduce hockey well before third year so that our beginners are often playing teams with considerably greater exposure to the game. The boys have played with enormous enthusiasm and determination which augurs well for next season. The following boys played for the team: Brian Allan, David Bisset, Kenneth V. Coutts, Alastair G. M. Howie, David S. Hutchison (capt.), Alexander J. lnnes, Stuart A. Nicoll, Neil F. Pithie, Edward G. Reid, Ian Sutherland, Charles C. Smith, Ronald Smith, Rory H. Webster, Malcolm F. White. Finally, as we wish Mr. Falconer well in his new post, so we welcome Mr. Swanson, himself a hockey player of considerable experience, to our midst. He, and all of us, would be delighted to extend the F.P. association with and involvement in School hockey, a link that can only benefit all concerned!

Girls' Hockey This has been a most successful season for girls' hockey in the school, despite bad weather which caused a large number of fixtures to be cancelled, including those at the end of the season with Dollar Academy and Dunfermline High School. In September, the 1st XI travelled to Edinburgh to play George Watson's College, a trip which resulted in an excellent match, drawn 2-2. The next day we took part in the St. Leonard's Invitation Tournament at St. Andrews, finishing a very creditable second in our section to Dundee High School, who went on the reach the final. Chance for revenge came when Dundee High School travelled to Aberdeen, and in an exciting match, we held them to a 2-2 draw.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

A week of intensive training in indoor hockey, taken by Miss Lefevre, paid off when we won the North District Indoor Tournament at Kincorth. A handsome trophy was presented on this, the first year in which the tournament had been held. After a lengthy period of bad weather, the schools' senior outdoor tournament was held in March. Three Grammar teams took part. The 1st XI reached the semi-finals and were unlucky to lose on penalty strokes. Kincorth Academy held an invitation 7-a-side tournament for the first time this year, and the Grammar team won the shield by beating Mackie Academy 1—0 in the final. The School 1st and 2nd Xls and the Second and Third Year "A" teams travel to play against top hockey schools outside Aberdeen. This enables our 3rd XI and Third Year B" team to compete in the South Grampian Senior and Junior hockey leagues. Both teams have put up fine performances, the 3rd XI finishing fourth in the Senior League and the Third Year "B" team fifth in the Junior League. The groundwork to the success of the senior teams begins in the first years at school. The standard of play throughout the First, Second and Third Years augurs well for the future. The Third Year have had a very successful season, the "A" team reaching the final of their year tournament and more than holding their own when playing schools outside Aberdeen; the "B" team have already been mentioned in the league report. The Second Year have a very keen group of Saturday players, and they will benefit greatly from next season's fixtures. They did very well to reach the final of their year tournament at the beginning of the season, and since then they have improved steadily and reached a good standard of play in their most recent matches. The First Year have suffered very much from an unusually wet season, but they also have a very keen and promising squad of players, who all played well in the First Year tournament. Three teams and reserves played, and two narrowly missed reaching the semi-finals. We would like to thank the P.E. staff and the many people who help with umpiring and coaching on Saturday mornings. We appreciate their effort and hard work, which has helped to maintain the high standard of play throughout the school. Senior squad: Karen Greig, Anne Fiddes, Anne Duffy, Wendy Hutchison, Rhona Farquhar, Zoe Barclay, Ann Oliphant, Margery Coutts, Ailsa Webster, Gillian McCready, Chloe Barclay, Susan Smith (capt.), Carol Sargent, Aileen Masson, Fiona McCombie.

Representative Hockey This year the girls of the hockey section have again been strongly represented both at District and International levels. Five pupils played in the two District squads—a fine achievement! These girls were Susan Smith (VI), Margery Coutts (V), Fiona McCombie (V), Gillian McCready (V), and Carole Sargent (IV). The first North team came a close second in the District tournament at Irvine, losing only one game—to South-West, the eventual winners. The second North side also took part in the Irvine tournament, putting up a creditable display in the atrocious weather conditions which prevailed. The school was also represented at International level, two pupils being chosen for the fifteen-strong Scottish Schoolgirls squad. Margery Coutts and Susan Smith deserve the honour and our congratulations, and set a standard for their team-mates and successors to aim for.

School Sporting Activities

Soccer The season in the Aberdeen District Schools' Senior League started off in fine style with two convincing wins against Harlaw and Kincorth Academies. The team showed considerable attacking promise, with an ability to build up moves from the back The next two games, however, saw extremely closefought contests go our opponents' way after we had done well to fight ourselves back into things after an indifferent start. These games, versus Cults and Hazlehead, the latter of whom we had already beaten in a "friendly," were matches we could and should have won had we approached them in the right way. In the Spring Term two defeats away at Powis and Bankhead, with scores that did not reflect our boys' work-rate, jolted the confidence of the Grammar team. That was soon restored, however, at Stonchaven v. Mackie Academy, when only a late act of folly gained the home side a draw they did not truly deserve on the run of play. The football played throughout the season was always lively, often good, and at times quite excellent. Alasdair Bryce was an outstanding centre and his loss at Christmas was a distinct blow. In midfield, the ball control and constructive play of Raymond Duncan gave the team balance, especially when in the second term, our route to goal had to become more varied. At the back, team captain Charles Andrew and Gordon Fraser were very steady, Richard Brown played reliably, and the attacking play of Mark Melling was a feature. Only lapses of concentration in both penalty areas, by the team and by individual players, prevented this side from winning the league. A little more sharpness next season and the coming through of some very useful youngsters should dispel any lingering belief that Grammar can't play the round-ball game. Team squad: Alan Rae, Stephen Peddle, Mark Melling, Richard Brown, Charles Andrew (rapt.), Gordon Fraser, Paul Thomson, Richard Nicholson, Raymond Duncan, Neil McPherson, Philip Davie, Alasdair Bryce, Alan Finnic, Stephen Sutherland.

Aberdeen Schools Rowing Association This Association, formed in the sixties, is a relatively recent development, and Aberdeen Schools' crews have been markedly unsuccessful when matched against such well-drilled clubs as those of Heriot's and Holyrood. Our crew's only success in the '79 season was in the Aberdeen Head of the River race; owing to lack of fitness and to inexperience we could manage only a second and third at Dumfries and Stirling respectively. Unfortunately we were excluded from the National Championships at Strathclyde because of a rule which bans composite crews of pupils from different schools. This rule affects Aberdeen rowing in particular as Grammar and Hazlehead Academy have found it necessary to combine to produce a reasonably strong crew. There are excellent facilities for rowing in Aberdeen, and the Schools now have a carbon-fibre eight as well as a four. Regrettably they are not being fully utilised, and after this season they may not be used by Grammar pupils at all unless some initiative is taken. This is so because the only pupils now rowing arc Fifth Year, younger pupils not having been given the chance to row. As some of these senior pupils will be leaving at the end of session, it will be impossible to form full crews thereafter. Grammar rowing could well sink from sight!

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Sunday "Rowing" The Crew (Coxed Four): Rosalind Wilson(capt.), Nicola Brunt. Karen Greig. Angela Kydd, Fiona McGhie, Rhona Farquhar(cox.). Sitting huddled in a rocking, dangerous boat in constant danger of hypothermia or at the very least of capsizing, never to be heard of again, we often wonder how we ever could have contemplated rowing. It all started when Mrs. Webster asked if anyone was interested in rowing. Immediately we imagined blue sky, warm sun on our backs, green trees and sparkling water. Six of us volunteered to have a go, and that Sunday had our first lesson in rowing. What a shock! There was a gale-force wind the first time, low tide the next, and we have since encountered many other unpleasant objects, including ice-bergs, speed-boats, and sadly even a dead body (it was fished out by the police). We row mainly on Sundays, from 9 a.m. to midday, usually arriving exhausted at home at about 1 p.m. We aren't very good owing to an overdeveloped sense of humour in the crew and not enough time to practise, but yet we fight valiantly on against all odds, for example the Hazlehead girls crew. Our rowing debut saw us competing in an Aberdeen regatta as a novice crew; we came second (no guesses out of how many!) Unfortunately, our next regatta (the Aberdeen Head of the River Regatta) was on the same day as our practice hockey tournament; so by the time we got to the river, none of us was in a fit state to row, but we did manage to complete the two mile course without stopping (we didn't bother to ask for our time, but assumed it wasn't very good as we were not exactly inundated with prizes). We are now in "training" for the summer regattas. If anyone would like to come and encourage us, we're the six beautiful girls in the black and white Adidas T-shirts you'll see bombing up and down the river (no cameras, please!).

Netball This season the senior team won the district league, being undefeated for the second year in succession. Once again we gained valuable experience by competing in the Scottish Cup. We won through the national quarter-finals by beating Linlathen High School from Dundee, but were beaten in a very hard game by St. Margaret Mary's in Glasgow. The junior team also brought home their league trophy for the second year running, despite narrowly losing one of their games. The First and Second Years trained enthusiastically for their tournaments. The First Year were unfortunate to be beaten by the eventual winners, Northfield, while the Second Year deservedly won their competition. The school was well represented in both the Aberdeen and East of Scotland select teams, with Carole Fiddes(V), Jackie Laing(IV), Judith Calder, Susan Oliphant, Anne Watt(II), Nora Garvie(l), and Patricia Wilson(I) playing for Aberdeen, and Carole Fiddes, Jackie Laing, Susan Oliphant, Anne Watt, Judith Calder and Patricia Wilson representing East at various levels. In conclusion, we wish to thank Miss Ramsay for her encouragement throughout the year, and Mrs. Paterson for her help.

Girls' Athletics It was a very successful season for girls' athletics in the school, with a squad of ten girls qualifying to compete in the Scottish Schoolgirls Championships

School Sporting Activities

on 16 June at Meadowbank. The junior relay team ran well to reach the final in their event, whilst the senior team narrowly missed qualifying for their final. The five juniors were Pam Peddie, Jayne Dick, Marjory Philpott, Ailsa Webster, Elaine Davidson. The senior team was Fiona McCombie, Carol Sargent, Margery Courts, Morag Craigmyle. Margaret Malloch also qualified to compete in the 400 m. In the South Grampian Schools Championships our athletes did particularly well, gaining a large number of places. The Second, Third and Fourth Year relay teams all gained first places in their respective races. The Second Year team ran extremely well to break the Sports' record in the event. After a season of good weather, it was unfortunate that the School Sports had to be cancelled as a result of heavy rain. In the Year Sports held for the First, Second and Third Years, the First Year winner was Susan Oliphant, and Elaine Davidson won the Second Year award in a very close competition. There was no doubt, however, about the Third Year winner Jayne Dick— who gained five first places, including a school record in the long jump and several other outstanding performances. We would like to thank the P.E. staff, especially Mrs. Miller, for the time and encouragement they have given, and look forward to the coming season, as there arc a number of very promising athletes in the school.

Girls' Swimming In the first term some senior pupils were of great help to the SI beginners on Tuesday nights. Priority was given to the beginners and they quickly made progress so that it was possible to allow all girls to attend the Tuesday swimming club. Everyone is grateful to Mrs. Paterson for the help she has given the swimmers since she came to the school. In the finals of the South Grampian Schools Gala, Fiona Ewen gained first place in the SI freestyle and second in the backcrawl; Lindsay Good was second in the Sill breaststroke, and Gillian Mutch third; Natalie Knaggs was third in the SIN/ breaststroke. In relay races, third places were gained by our SI, SIll and senior teams. In our school galas, many races were keenly fought. Championship medals went to Laura Forbes (V, VI); Eunice Alexander (IV); Gillian Mutch (I11); Judith Robertson (II) and Fiona Ewen (I). SI team: Zandra McRobb, Rachael Grant, Lorna Murray, Fiona Ewen. Sill team: Gillian Mutch, Lindsay Good, Sandra Miller, Alex Wilson. Senior team: Zoe Barclay, Ros Wilson, Chloe Barclay, Eunice Alexander.

Girls' Lawn Tennis The Girls' Tennis Club, now totalling 120 members, enjoyed an active season. Despite adverse weather, a lively ladder system was operated: Gillian Crookshanks, Wendy Nicoll, Vivien Grant and Diana Jeffrey were the eventual prize winners. In the schools' league our all-girls team finished third out of six, satisfactory considering that it is a mixed league! Scottish Cup success eluded our two senior sixes, but inter-school results in the younger years promise well. In the two main local tournaments there was a large Grammar entry. In the NorthEast Tournament, Gillian McCready won the senior girls singles (her brother, Graham McCready, took the junior boys title) and Wendy Nicoll was losing

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

finalist in the junior girls singles. In the Aberdeen Schools Championships, Gillian McCready was senior girls champion. In our domestic tournament, Gillian Crookshanks won the Senior Singles and, with Gillian McCready, the Senior Doubles. Wendy Nicoll took the junior title and, with Marie Milne, the Junior Doubles. Keith was the winning House.

Badminton Club The badminton team, in the Schools League for the first time, successfully won promotion to Division One by finishing second in the league, having lost only one league game out of nine. Needing only one point against Hazlehead "B" to secure the title, the team narrowly lost after having to make a last-minute team change. The team, although disappointed, should take encouragement from the performances of Susan Oliphant, Fiona Pont and David Hutchison, who all played very well throughout the season. Fiona and Susan also showed up well in the South Grampian Schools Competition, where Susan won the under-14 singles, and along with Fiona carried off the under-14 doubles title. Gillian McCready on two occasions stepped into the team at short notice and played her part in the team's gaining promotion. A special mention should also be given to Mr. Duncan, who gave up many hours of his time to take the badminton club and to drive the team to all their away matches. At last the school has established itself on the badminton map! Team Members: Gillian Crookshanks, Gillian McCready, Wendy Nicoll, Susan J. Oliphant. Fiona Pont, Allan S. Duthie, Derek Harley. David S. Hutchison, Lindsay G. Kessack.

Table Tennis The vagaries of the Schools League scoring method were well illustrated this past season, as despite winning all their matches our "B" team only managed to gain the runners-up berth in their league! However, the "A" team benefited from the scoring system, as they regained the Forsyth Memorial Trophy from arch-rivals Linksfield Academy, despite losing to them in the league decider. Sufficient points were gained, even in defeat, to clinch the "A" league title for the fourth time in the last five years. The consistent play of Gordon Fraser, Kenneth Stephen and Peter Smith contributed much to the "A" team's success. The Second Year team, who had promised so much in the previous season, managed to finish only third in their league despite the consistent performances of Finlay Ross and Diane Jeffrey. Indeed, one of the delights of the year was the regular sight of Diane's male opponents sliding to defeat after defeat, much to their surprise and ignominy! The First Year team (half of whom were girls) failed to make much impression in their league, but can look forward to a bright future with sustained practice and competition. "A" Team: Gordon Fraser, Kenneth Stephen, Charles Andrew, Gordon Angus. Peter Smith and David Galloway. Aberdeen Schools Champions: Senior Girls—Eunice Alexander Junior Girls—Diane Jeffrey Open Doubles—Eunice Alexander and Gillian McCready

School Sporting Activities

Colour Awards Rugby Full Colours: Half Colours:

Hockey (boys) Full Colours: Half Colours:

Soccer Full Colours: Half Colours: Badminton Half Colours: Hockey (girls) Caps: Full Colours: Half Colours:

Netball Full Colours: Half Colours:

Calum Oliver Norman Bain Michael Grant Peter Grieve Martin Hardy

Timothy McKay Charles Mitchell Mark Quirie

Alan Duthie Lindsay Kessack Graham Davie Brian Fitzpatrick Derek Harley

Barry Scott Kenneth Stephen Michael Reid Innes Taylor

Charles Andrew Alasdair Bryce Gordon Fraser

Raymond Duncan Mark Melling Richard Nicholson

Gillian Crookshanks Alan Duthie

Derek Harley Lindsay Kessack

Margery C,outts Wendy Hutchison Fiona McCombie Chloe Barclay Zoe Barclay Anne Duffy Rhona Farquhar

Susan Smith Gillian McCready Aileen Masson Ann Oliphant Carol Sargent Ailsa Webster

Margery Courts Carole Fiddes Jacqueline Laing Aileen Masson

Fiona Gillanders Ann Oliphant Carol Sargent Ailsa Webster

Staff Changes In addition to the three gentlemen, accorded individual treatment and tributes below, who, having wrought long and worthily in this School's service, have this year sought the pleasant refuge of retirement from the stresses of the classroom, Mrs Isobel Houlding of the Music Department has also elected to retire, after seven years on the staff. Unhappily in her case the reason is not seniority of years but poor health. A colleague pays tribute to her "valued services" and observes that she "still takes an active interest in the work of the Music Department and the School". All will join in wishing Mrs Houlding better health in retirement. Departures Various factors some , as above, for happier reasons than others) have seen several of our staff move elsewhere, and the teachers concerned have included some of our most active and popular colleagues. Mr. Douglas Bruce, who contributed much to the School's extra-mural activities, was the transfer "victim" of a required staffing rationalisation and joined the Technical Department of Bankhcad Academy. Mr. Rodwell left the Geography Department to take a further degree at the University. Miss Kathleen Lawrence moved to Albyn School for Girls as teacher of Art, while Miss Alice Farquhar went to Blairs College as teacher of English, a historic appointment, to be sure, in that she became the first woman to be appointed to the teaching staff at Blairs. Mr Donnie Meldrum became Assistant Principal in the Chemistry Department of Lochaber High School, a move with tangible attractions to so dedicated a hillman, and Mr. Bob Trail, an F.P. himself and activist behind organisations as seemingly dissimilar as the School soccer team and the School tuclcshop, was appointed Principal Teacher of Physics at Mackie Academy. Mr David Lobban, the force behind the demanding Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, became Principal Teacher of Physical Education in the newly-built Westhill Academy (Mr. Brendan Adey became Assistant Principal of P.E. in Mr. Lobban's stead from within our own ranks). The sideways step of Mr. Roy Falconer to become Head of the Physical Education Department at Robert Gordon's College was a major school event and left a distinct space in the gallery of types that make up a school staff. A staunch Gordonian, deeply influenced by the mores of that peculiar, puritanical institution (writes another Gordonian), Roy Falconer, after a National Service commission in the R.A.F., and a department headship at St. Albans from, 1956 to 1966, came home to give the Grammar School thirteen years (seasons?) of characteristic service. He gave much as he demanded much; perhaps his most distinctive qualities, his hairstyle apart, were his adherence to standards and his thoroughness. A biological hockey-enthusiast expresses gratitude for Roy's "encouragement and good advice", and for his 'organising all the essential provision for the smooth running of hockey teams". Those, too, who best know the redoubtable "Jock' appreciate that,bchind the track-suit, Roy, austere and aloof as he could seem, cared more for his parishioners than he would ever have displayed. It seems odd that he's moved elsewhere. Arrivals The kings depart, the princes—and princesses—arrive. Miss E. Bland joined the English Department from Speyside High School; Mrs. L. Paterson came 34

Staff Changes

from Fraserburgh Academy to teach Geography. Mr. G. Bruce, formerly of Lossicmouth High School, is teaching Chemistry, and Mr. J. Jackson, from Paisley Grammar School, is now Assistant Principal in our Physics Department. Mr. G. Welsh. previously teaching in Hertfordshire, joined the P.E. team after Easter; Mr. David Swanson came from Hilton Academy to become Principal Teacher of Physical Education. The vacancy created by Mr. Murray's retiral was filled by Mr. A. Garrow, Principal Teacher of Physics at Kincorth Academy, who has thereby rejoined the staff of Grammar School as Assistant Rector. To all we extend a warm greeting and good wishes!

John A. Flett Just thirty years ago in the School and Random Notes of this magazine the arrival was recorded of "Mr Flett, to teach us of Mathematics, Of Euclid and the kindred mysteries. We hope that VI will be nice to him". How little they knew him! A smartened and chastened VI just managed to survive the experience. Mr. Flett is a native of Findochty on the Moray Firth coast, surely a breeding ground for mathematicians and scientists since three other members of the school staff hail from within five miles of his home town. He was educated in both Mathematics and Classics at Fordyce Academy, now only a memory but in its day a fountain of scholarship. At Aberdeen University, in the course of graduating with honours in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy he gained the de Gurbs prize in Mathematics. After two and a half years' teaching service in Fraserburgh Academy, Mr. Flett accepted a post in the Mathematics Department of the Grammar School, surely an inspired appointment greatly to the benefit of the school. His nononsense discipline and at times stern appearance together with his gifted teaching caused many of his pupils to reach a level in Mathematics surprising even to themselves (at this stage many F.P.s reading this article will be nodding their heads in vigorous agreement). His pupils soon became aware of Mr. Flett's interest in their welfare as well as in their mathematical progress, and rarely fail to drop in on him for a chat on any visit to their old school. More recently Mr. Flett became one of the first Principal Teachers of Guidance to be appointed to the school and, while retaining his links with the Mathematics Department, carries out his new task with his usual care and efficiency. He gives little away about his attitude to the two major changes in the school during his time: the transitions from secondary to comprehensive, and from all boys to co-educational, but it is no secret that the second of these was less traumatic than the first. For many years now Mr. Flat has battled against ill-health, but F.P.s who were at school in the fifties will remember him as a stalwart assistant of Ian Park and Bob McNay on the hockey field, and the hardest hitter of a hockey ball to be seen in any Staff v. Pupils match. In school matters his skill and conscientiousness remain unaltered, and present-day pupils benefit from his teaching just as much as their predecessors of thirty years ago. John Flett was at all times willing to go that extra mile to help a pupil or a colleague, and with his retirement this summer the Grammar School loses a good servant. Pupils, F.P.s and staff join in wishing him a long and happy retirement. I.T.S.

Staff Retirals

Mr. John A. Flett.

Mr. James D. MUIT.1

(Photographs by Miss McKenzie, Art Department.)

James D. Murray James Murray dedicated twenty years to the interests of Aberdeen Grammar School. Before and throughout those years, though, his roots clung firmly to the surrounding countryside from whence he had grown and with which he countinues to enjoy a deep and abiding affinity. Born and bred in Stonehaven, he qualified and worked there for some time being as a craftsman and skilled woodworker of considerable merit before caught up in the throes of the Second World War. His experiences as a soldier during those war years were both dramatic and traumatic. His years as a Prisioner-of-War, his escape and eventual liberation are stories in themselves. Returning to "civvy strcct", he taught at Powis School and Aberdeen Academy before being appointed Principal Teacher of Technical Subjects at Aberdeen Grammar School in 1959. In 1973 he was appointed Assistant Rector, with a special concern for those pupils who were less likely to pursue academic courses. Those pupils and many others, who even yet revisit the school and almost immediately inquire after Mr. Murray, are a continuing testimonial to the respect and affection he generated amongst them. As a member of staff, too, he was not only respected as a professional, but popular as a friend and colleague. Many of us who were surprised to sec him retire early, were less surprised to hear that he has been unable to cut himself off entirely from school-life, and had indeed started to teach again , albeit part-time, in Elgin. We would all wish him. a happy retirement no matter in what form he decides to spend it, and in wishing him good luck, assure him that there will always be a rather special place for him in the affections of Aberdeen Grammar School. S.G.A.

James R. Gilbert In June the Technical Department and the School say farewell to that kenspeckle figure, Jimmy Gilbert. After ten years in school he leaves to those most familiar with him the pleasurable memory of anecdote and incident such as is only possible from teachers who seek and achieve close human relationships in their daily work. His decade in the Technical Department has been milestoned and millstoned by numerous curricular developments, demanding innovation and change, and testing to the full the versatility of the teacher. The School is indebted to him for the time and effort given each year to the pupils successfully trained in Cycling Proficiency. A willing part-timer on the hockey pitch, he undertook enthusiastically his yearly journeys to Fort Augustus and other places of action. We wish him a long and happy retirement, confident that his unfailing friendly interest in people and places will sustain him in those quieter, more leisurely days that lie in store. A.P.F.

Music Notes The music diary has been particularly full and varied this year, starting with the Annual School Concert in July 1979 in the Music Hall. The theme of the evening was Music of the Twentieth Century, and there was a wide range of music to suit all tastes. The concert also witnessed the birth of a new "orchestra" for the Jubilee Toy Symphony by Horovitz. A galaxy of talent from present staff, former staff, former pupils and parents performed with much vivacity and no little skill in the three-movement work. Outstanding in its virtuosity was the cadenza, brilliantly executed on kazoo (Shann Dillon) and police whistle (James Michie): cries of "encore!" came from the audience and the players readily obliged. The School Orchestra excelled itself in the Symphonic Antique by Emma Lou Diemer, and musically illustrated the story of Tom Sawyer's Saturday by Johnny Dankworth, with narration in suitable American accent by Ross Parsons. The concert ended with the combined forces of the primary school choirs, School Choir and Orchestra performing a selection from "The Sound of Music", and sent the audience home whistling and humming the familiar melodies. Earlier, in June, we had played host to a party of pupils from the Wernervon-Siemens Gymnasium in Regensburg. Their visit appeared to give pleasure to all concerned, and they gave us a delightful musical " thank you'' in the form of a concert in the Rosemount Hall for host pupils, families and friends. We were treated to a most enjoyable evening of musicmaking and dancing, and we are now looking forward to meeting our German friends again when it is our turn to visit Regensburg in June,1980. The next item in the diary was a seasonal occasion, the service of Nine Lessons and Carols in St. Machar's Cathedral on 20 December. This event is now well established. There was a large congregation, and the rafters of the old church rang to the sounds of carols old and new. Meantime we had a very ambitious musical and dramatic offering in its rehearsal stages: ''Noyes Fludde" by Benjamin Britten. It was an exciting if somewhat daunting project. We were very fortunate in having as producer, James Logan, whose skill and imagination fired everyone with enthusiasm and rought the Ark through the flood and safely to land. The lighting was in the expert hands of Vince Torrance, and we are greatly indebted to all who helped in the final performances on 28 and 29 February in St. Machar's Cathedral. The cast plus orchestra numbered approximately 140; everyone who participated, from smallest mouse to biggest bellringer, will have memories of the production for a long time to come, as will the audience, who were warm and enthusiastic in their response. With scarcely time to draw breath or take a few bars' rest, a programme of baroque music was presented in St. Andrew's Cathedral on 24 March, the programme being arranged and conducted by Drew Tulloch. The recital started with the recorder consort playing music by Hook, Purcell and Chedeville, and the chamber orchestra followed with the well-known Canon and Gigue by Pachelbel. The evening ended with the Cantata "Herz and Mund" by Bach, with soloist, Anne Brown (soprano), Isabel Gill (contralto) and Hugh MacLeod (baritone). The work provided opportunities for some fine obligato playing on trumpet by Michael Brands; Catherine Blasdale provided the oboe obligato, and the violin obligato was beautifully played by teacher and former pupil, Bryan Dargie. The choir and soloists were ably supported by the chamber orchestra and organist Geoffrey Pearce. Now we arc turning our sights on our visit to Regensburg. We set off on 21 June, and so it's now on to the music of Scotland, its reels and strathspeys, to complete the musical spectrum referred to at the beginning of this article!

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But these were not the only highlights of that performance back in 1959. Who could forget the authoritative, stentorian voice of God as interpreted by James Morrison; and the dignity of Locke Nicholson as Noah, with snow-white hair; and the cheeky, coquettish presentation by Pamela Mayor, of Mrs. Noah? Nor must we forget the unexpected, deafening boom of the gong which caused many of the congregation to leap out of their pews; and by contrast, the spine-tingling trumpet fanfare, confidently and brightly executed by Ron McLeod. The evening was ably directed by Donald Hawksworth, with senior pupil James Lobban at the organ. For weeks before the performance. the Music rooms had resounded with strange music; the Technical rooms reverberated with hammering, banging and sawing: and the Art rooms were, as usual (!), quietly purposeful with the preparation of a hundred masks, palm tree, rainbow, sun, moon, stars and waves. Ycs, those waves—long sheets of blue, green and white cloth, vigorously shaken and rippled in a manner which left their tiny manipulators physically exhausted and the congregation distinctly squeamish! But it was the host of vivacious animals and birds in their lifelike masks, sometimes completely enveloping them, which charmed the congregation, and their hearts were further captured by the light-footed Dove, played by the smallest boy in school, who pranced up and down the nave gaily waving an olive branch. At the close of the performance not one hand was raised to applaud. The emotional effect on the congregation and their appreciation of the magnificent effort by the boys of the Lower School were very evident from the solemn stillness which pervaded every corner of Beechgrove Church and voices were still hushed as people made their homeward way through that dark, chill December night, now illuminated and warmed by a vivid interpretation of Benjamin Britten's version of one of the great Genesis stories.

J.W.

The Mini-bus Fund Our mini-bus has served us well, but old age brings its problems! Costly repairs are needed more frequently, particularly with the stringent safety regulations demanded by the Authorities. Now we need a new mini-bus, which will cost us the staggering sum of £7,500. Most of the pupils and members of staff have been involved in fund raising, in one way or another. Before Christmas the staff staged a very successful and enjoyable pantomime, which brought in £495. Mrs. Dutch and Mr. Flett, with the enthusiastic aid of the whole Second Year, held a coffee morning and sale of work which raised over £800. Mrs. Ritchie, who has now unfortunately left us, devised and motivated the Mini-bus Quiz: nearly 7,000 quiz-sheets were sold, bringing in well over £600. Two Third Year boys raised nearly £55 between them, and then refused the reward for selling most in their year: they wish to remain anonymous. Another £300 was raised by classes 11A3, 11B5, 11B3, 111, and 15. Miss Marshall deserves thanks for organising the classes' efforts which are described below. We have also held a sponsored silence (1110), a sponsored swim — miniature version (1I5), a sponsored table tennis marathon (1110 boys), a sponsored football match, and all have helped to raise the total to over £5,000! The most recent event to take place was the School's Sponsored Swim. Although all the returns are not finalised at the time of writing, it is thought that the "swim" will nett about £1,500. Congratulations are in order to the P.E. staff and the many pupils who participated. We are also particularly grateful to Total Oil Marine Ltd., for their donation of £750 towards the Mini-bus Fund. Their generosity typifies the close links that have been formed between Total and the Aberdeen Grammar School. Our last main effort is scheduled to take place in June, when the whole school, staff and pupils, will take part in a sponsored walk along the disused Deeside railway line.

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Combined Cadet Force Each year brings its new problems and its changes—and this year has been no exception. "Cut-backs" have affected many organisations recently and we in the Cadet Force Movement have suffered from them in relation to the assistance received from the local training teams, made up from regular forces personnel. Their numbers and skills have been both reduced and redistributed, leaving impossible situations for team commanders to cope with. The local Army training team is currently running with only two men where it had four or five this time last year, and the RAF team from Edinburgh has been reduced from three to one. It should be said, however, that although our RAF liaison N.C.O. is based in Edinburgh, at RAF Turnhouse, he gives us excellent service and help. There also seems to be a drop in the amount of time which the average cadet has available for attendance. Nowadays young people have so many commitments to jobs after school and at weekends, sport and other interests that they cut back the time which they spend individually on all these, almost to the point where they can gain very little from the given activity in which they arc involved. In the Cadets, this results in difficulty in getting the same cadets together often enough to run meaningful instructional courses. If the cadet joins and wants to enjoy it, then he must be willing to be involved, to turn up regularly and to do his best when he is present. For those who adopt this attitude, a "club'' like the Cadets soon becomes most enjoyable and rewarding. On the bright side, this year saw the installation of new heating into the headquarters and other minor work services. What a difference the new heaters have made—as was borne out by a recent electricity bill! It is also pleasing to report that our overall numbers remain above our establishment figure, although for the first time in many years the RAF section outnumbers the Army Section. We are also very pleased that one of our ex-cadets, Graham Morrison, has been back with us regularly and has done a lot to assist, both generally and with the training—he is both enthusiastic and willing, and I hope we will have him with us for some time to come. To the rest of the officers I afford my usual thanks at this time of year for all the time and effort they expend on dealing with a host of problems. After the Easter break we will be preparing for the usual package of inspection and camps—the first on 20 June, the latter both taking place in early July, to Cranwell and Inverness. After that we look forward to seeing as many cadets back next year as can manage, plus a fresh intake from the second year pupils—still boys only, at the moment! Army Section The Army Section has had a reasonably quiet year. The numbers were reduced by a very low intake in August, and this allowed us to devote time to smaller groups. NCO cadres were started and things went quite well but it is still too early to decide on promotions at this stage. As usual the solid core of enthusiasim is there, and the normal range of activities are being undertaken. Shooting remains ever-popular and there are some very good shots amongst the younger cadets. Next term we will be concentrating on the other military skills, like section battle-drills, and hope to enter a team for the Highland Tactical Team Competition at the end of May. In February we had an interesting visit from the National Infantry Display team, which gave the cadets an insight into the life of a regular soldier. Although not many of our ex-cadets necessarily join the Forces, most who do come back to visit us, and without exception seem to enjoy their new career thoroughly. This term the RAF section were issued with smart new anoraks. Not to be outdone, the Army Section members were issued with equally smart new-pattern barrack dress trousers which will look much tidier for formal parades. 42

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Worthing's birth is unravelled. The settings were bright and colourful, especially in the garden scene. Amanda Taylor made a most personable Lady Bracknell. while Alastair Bridges (Algernon) and Ross Parsons (John Worthing) worked well together, if sometimes seeming to force things rather. Amongst the minor characters, the contributions of Sarah Stankler and Donna Canale were notably effective.

"The Murder of Maria Marten" What does one demand of a melodrama? Provocation? Pangs? Penalty? A beautiful damsel in distress? Whatever one demands, one could not help but enjoy this year's School Dramatic Society production of "The Murder of Maria Marten". Even before the play had begun it was clear, as enthusiastic members of the audience appeared in period costume, that we were ready to be entertained and were prepared to participate in that entertainment. Mr. Drew Tulloch at the piano was quick to exploit this auspicious sign with his selection of music from the past which prepared us for a world devoid of social workers and moral equivocation. Very effectively he underlined that, in melodrama, a villain is a villain is a villain by providing Ross Parsons with his own ominous music. The play could not have had the impact that it did without his help. With such beginnings it was easy for lain Whyte, as Master of Ceremonies, to transport us skilfully back to the era of the Victorian Music Hall. Displaying a command of language to rival Leonard Sachs and wielding a gavel to establish his authority, he set the scene. We were ready to be entertained and the Dramatic Society did not fail us. The pupils were given the opportunity to overact and they did not let the chance slip. Ross Parsons, complete with obligatory moustache, dominated the stage as he swirled his black cloak with its blood-red lining and performed his dastardly deeds. His timing was good and he projected his voice so effectively that his malevolence seemed to be a truly potent force. All the hisses of the audience could not save the heroine from his clutches. Despite her white-dressed vulnerability and her handwringing, Sarah Stankler was doomed. Though young and perhaps ►acking in maturity, the villain and the heroine played their parts with relish. Yet in passionate display they had their rivals. Graham Whyte outdid himself as the bereaved father — keeping his would-be comforters at a distance with distraught arms — and Amanda Taylor, totally convincing as the devoted mother, fainted and screamed impressively. Alistair Bridges and Kate Rawles provided a satisfying counterbalance to the tragic relationship of Maria and Corder in their amusing and affectionate courtship, and finally Donna Canale was outstanding as Nell Hatfield, the sparkling-eyed gipsy. To single out particular pupils, however, is invidious since all entered into the spirit of the melodrama with enthusiasm. From such a young cast the standard was impressive. They maintained their accents and projected their voices well; only in their singing could weakness be detected. Talented though the actors and actresses were, they could not have made such an emotional impact on the audience, who on occasion hissed without cue-card prompting, without efficient backstage help. The stage crew changed the scenes swiftly, the lighting and sound effects were very successful — Angus Hogg's fire effect particularly so, and the final scene, dominated as it was by black and red, had powerful visual impact. The Stage Manager Chris Parsons must be highly commended, and he himself must be very proud of his team, particularly his fliers! All credit must go to Mrs. Pat Wood for another inventive presentation (her use of tine-projection to convey the mother's dream was especially effective). Moreover, she involved the audience very cleverly, encouraging them to lose their inhibitions and shout out their reactions by means of Cheerers and Hissers positioned in their midst. Initially one felt, as the production opened with its Maypole Dance and the "courtship" of Maria and Corder, that perhaps the melodrama was too dated or too obvious with its emphasis on action rather than motivation, but before long the audience were gripped and their applause at the end was justifiably and genuinely enthusiastic.

Clubs and Societies Bridge Club The departure from School of Mr. Trail!, who founded the Club, came as a sad loss: members wish to record their gratitude for his efforts. Since he left for Mackie Academy, the Club has continued to meet on Tuesday afternoons, and is indebted to Dr. McKenzie for his coaching and encouragement. It is hoped that the Bridge Club will expand over the next school year, and that it will be possible to send a team of four to the Scottish Schools Bridge Championships.

Chess Club The past year has brought continuing success to the Chess Club. For the first time. Grammar fielded two senior teams in the Grampian Schools' League, and both finished in respectable positions in their respective divisions. Senior "A" ended the season unbeaten, but were just pipped to the title by an ever-strong Gordon's College side; Senior "B" showed some potential in their debut season in the League, finishing in third position. Our second-year team did particularly well winning all but one of their matches in convincing style. The first-year team, however, had a rather disappointing year, but gained valuable experience from their matches. This year's senior "A" team was Derek Harley (VI), Philip Brown (V), Donald Maclean (IV) and David Imric (V), and Richard Smith (IV) was first reserve. Derek Harley and Donald Maclean came joint runners-up in the North-East of Scotland Secondary Schools' Congress, and the latter recently came third equal in a competition for Grampian Region schools, sponsored by Esso, to gain a place in the Region team. Also representing Grammar in the side are Paul Cowie (II) and Robert Moretti (I) (reserve). The team was narrowly defeated in their first match against the Lothian Region, and have further fixtures against Dundee, Fife and Edinburgh. The Club meets after school on Mondays and Tuesdays in Room 29 (Language Block), and new members are always welcome, whatever their standard of play. Finally, a word of thanks to Mr. Galloway for his invaluable help in the running of the Club, to Mr Jackson for helping with away fixtures, and to Messrs. Hall and Montgomery for driving us to away matches.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme The absence of Mr. D. Lobban from the helm of the Award Scheme, following his appointment as Principal Teacher of Physical Education at Westhill Academy, is a serious loss. All the staff and pupils value this opportunity to place on record their thanks to Mr. Lobban for the time and effort he gave to the scheme. There were 170 pupil participants in 1978/79 and just over 100 in 1979/80, but this is not to suggest that the scheme is on the wane at the Grammar School! Indeed it continues to flourish. At the Bronze level over sixty pupils have completed their Service and Design for Living/Physical Activity sections, and arc now training for their summer "Expedition", while at the same time working on the Interest section of the award. Similarly at Silver level twenty-nine pupils have completed two sections of the award and are working on the remaining two. The Gold Award, including the extra Residential section, usually requires two full years to complete. Some of the twenty pupils involved will be presented for it this year, the remainder, we hope next year. The Award scheme continues to involve large numbers of pupils from the school in a diversity of activities requiring both theoretical and practical participation. This work could not continue without the support of an increasing number of staff from the school and many organisations outwith the school. The pupils would like to record their gratitude to the staff and organisations concerned for helping the scheme to function. 45

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Electronics Club

The number of pupils attending this year necessitated the splitting of the membership into two groups. Beginners were asked to meet on Tuesday at lunchtime, and those with some experience of electronics were requested to come along on Wednesday after school. As well as encouraging beginners to join in the activities of the club, this resulted, unintentionally, in some of the mote avid members attending twice per week. Projects undertaken during the year included a simple snap (card game) indicator—to take the argument out of who shouted first; an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver; and a fishing-line bite indicator. As to the future, how long will it be before a member builds his or her own microcomputer?

Film Society The Film Society had a late start because of repairs required on sound equipment to rectify a problem which has haunted the Society for several years. Two new projectors were also bought by the School. As a result, the first of only three films was not screened until 17 January. This season's films were "The Wild Geese", a war movie, "Capricorn One", a space thriller, and the most recent remake of "The Thirty-nine Steps". All three very good films! A short season, then, but one which will set the standard for a full season of about six films next year. We would like to thank Mr. Will for all his help, and Mr. Garrow for taking over from Mr. Murray so successfully.

Hill Walking Club The Club continues healthy and vigorous, and with the return of Mr. Alex Garrow and the arrrival of Mr. John Jackson, both holders of the Mountain Leadership Certificate, the leadership has become even stronger. The day trips have been very well supported, with parties of more than fifty in the Fungle and on Lochnagar. Last summer the senior "long weekend" trip had its base under canvas in Glen Orchy, while on the the September weekend, based at Loch Lochy Hostel, members were fortunate enough to obtain an all-round view from the top of Ben Nevis. On this occasion the rain started just 5 minutes after the party got back to its transport: needless to say we were not always as lucky! The junior weekend at Aviemore in May has already (pre-Easter) collected forty bookings. Mr Montgomery and Miss Durrand head a group of staff faithfuls, and the Club shows every sign of going from strength to strength, supported by almost equal numbers of boys and girls.

Literary and Debating Society In some ways this has been a very successful year for the Literary and Debating Society. Audiences remained consistently large throughout the session: an average attendance of about seventy pupils on Friday afternoons after school is very creditable and not currently matched by any other Aberdeen school. Furthermore, School teams did well in two major national speechmaking competitions. And the large number of younger members augurs well for the future: S IV could be a growth point.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

This season we have been sharing the R.G.C. bus for travel to more distant meets. This arrangement has worked very well in a season with a dearth of local events. With so many local forests now mapped, and a summer training scheme now in operation, we would welcome the opportunity to introduce the sport to newcomers. Orienteering is suitable for all ages and is inexpensive. You must expect to become wet, caked in mud, scratched, and to feel close to death; but imagine the sense of achievement when you complete your first course!

Photography Club The School Photography Club. started in October of last year, meets every Thursday in the darkroom at Rosemount Annexe. It will soon gather momentum with the coming of the summer term which, we hope, will bring good weather for outdoor projects. We meet on a rota system as there are far too many members to fit in the darkroom at any one time. Starting with the simpler things such as photograms. we progress on to processing and developing. Distortion and Solarization, which are relative to Graphic Art, are aspects of photography. Photography, besides being interesting for its own sake, can be strongly linked with Art and Graphic Design. This alone justifies a club of this sort. It is not readily appreciated how long it takes to produce the finished print. Although we are limited by the short 90 minutes allocated for the Club, we still feel that our interest and effort are worthwhile.

Railway Society Despite the failure of a planned liaison with the largely adult Aberdeen Model Club, on a joint venture, the Railway Society has had a very lively year. We had a later start than usual to the club year, thanks CO Mr Gordon's house renovation commitments! The scenery building has progressed a bit further, with several experiments on different techniques to achieve a reasonable standard of finish economically. The cheapest method involves reconstituted egg boxes (we inherited about 1000 of them). Some of the scenery sections have now been repainted up to ten times to achieve a more natural effect and to cover some minor blemishes (paint drips and other boobs). Work is currently in progress on the construction of a village to incorporate in the layout. The massive amount of material kindly donated to the society by Mr. Eric Ros Birkett, has been added to the Railway Society collection in the school library. It was hoped to make some of the exhibits available to a wider audience by displaying them in a railway museum and exhibition area that was to have been established locally, but plans for this have been shelved at present.

Scientific Society The Schools' Scientific Society had another successful year with a total of 243 members from all the Secondary schools throughout Grampian Region. As in previous sessions, the majority of members were pupils from schools outwith the city of Aberdeen. The membership fee is still only 10p, and for this nominal charge each member can attend a total of six lectures. The programme of lectures scheduled for the past session covered a wide range of scientific topics, which ensured that there was something of interest for most members. The first lecture took place in October in the hall of Aberdeen Grammar School where Mr. Ian Gall of the Schools' Resources Centre gave a lecture on electronic counting. Mr.Gall

Clubs and Societies

many had made many electronic devices which he brought along to show the audience the television. In uses of integrated circuits, for example in computing and in colour November, members of the Society visited the Zoology Department of Aberdeen University, where Dr. Ralph gave a well-illustrated lecture on the subject of marine biology was and, in particular, the organisms which live under North Sea oil rigs. The next lecture Chemistry held in conjunction with the Aberdeen University Chemical Society at the Department. Dr. W. Simpson and Dr. G. Fraser gave an interesting lecture entitled 'Chemical Magic—Atoms in Action'. The many chemical experiments demonstrated were greatly appreciated by the large audience. After the Christmas holidays. Mr. Q. Wilson of Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology gave an informative lecture on instrumentation for Offshore Engineering research. The lecture included a short film which had been taken by an underwater was television camera, remotely controlled from a surface vessel. The lecture in February the on the subject of red grouse. and the speaker was Dr. Moss, who works at Department of Ecological Research near Banchory. The lecture in March was presented by Detective Sergeant Jensen of Grampian Police who talked on the fascinating subject of Forensic Science. Sgt. Jensen illustrated his lecture with many slides showing the various scientific techniques employed in the detection of crime. Two of the three office bearers of the Scientific Society arc members of the School staff. Mr. A. Garrow, who has been responsible for organising the programme of lectures over the last three years, is the secretary, and Mr. R. Nugent has been the treasurer of the society for the same period of time. The president of the society is the Science Adviser for Grampian Region Education Department, Mr. K. Duncan.

Scripture Union The Scripture Union group continues to meet at Monday lunchtime and this session of we have had attendances of over thirty, which has been very encouraging. At many our meetings we have had speakers, among whom have been missionaries from such countries as Thailand, Morocco, and Communist countries. We have also seen films At including a series on "The Pilgrim's Progress", and had several Bible study sessions. school the end of January• we were fortunate to have the gospel singer, Tom Morton, in to give a lunchtime concert. Our other main activities have been a most enjoyable New Year party in Rubislaw Church Hall, and a weekend away at the Granary of Kilravock Castle near Inverness. been Our speakers for the weekend were Dr. Bill Mitchell and his wife, Alice, who have working in Peru as Bible translators. Throughout the year we have been sponsoring a raise Third World child—six year-old Carlos who lives in the Dominican Republic. To line in money for this project we held a sponsored walk along the old Deeside railway September. at At regular intervals we have been able to meet members from other school groups well venues outside the school. "Viewpoint" for S IV —S VI has been particularly attended with stimulating discussions, and there have been "Get togethers" for S I - S III with games and competitions. to take On the whole, this session has been extremely successful, and we should like help and this opportunity of thanking Mrs. Watt, Mr. Tulloch and Mr. Jackson for their encouragement throughout the year.

Ski Club only In the past season the club has experienced an upsurge of interest. Although on fourteen pupils took part in the Aberdeen Schools' instruction at Glenshee Saturdays, these had to be selected from over forty interested pupils.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

During the last week of the Spring Term. Miss K. Durrand and seventeen senior pupils joined the South Grampian schools' excursion to Caspoggio in Northern Italy under the leadership of Mr. J. C. Hunter. In spite of a relatively poor ski season, several Sunday excursions to Glenshee were organised by the school. On most of these occasions the school mini-bus was used, but. because of demand, a fifty-three seater coach was hired for three Sundays. One of these Sunday outings, unfortunately, had to be cancelled as we were unable to hire the required number of skis. With this in mind the club would be very grateful to hear from any F.P. who has any ski equipment to sell or donate! Finally the pupils would like to thank the members of staff who gave freely of their time during the past term.

Stamp Club The Stamp Club, currently meeting every Thursday in Mr. Will's Art room, enjoys an unusually high attendance of S 1 and S 11 pupils. Many pupils have taken up this most popular of pastimes, and have found that satisfying and lasting pleasure which no other hobby can provide. Swapping and auctioning of stamps take pride of place, but there are also quizzes and lectures so that all can improve their knowledge of stamp collecting. A visit to the GPO is also being planned for next term, and possibly one to a Stamp Fair as well. The Club is attended by nearly all years, and from the pupils' enthusiasm it looks as if stamp collecting in School is in good, if not exactly mint, condition.

Sub-Aqua Club The Club completed all the pool training and assessment for the Scottish Sub-Aqua Club's Snorkel Diver Certificate during the first term. After the Christmas break the term's work was preceded by a safety talk where instruction was given on the correct procedure to be followed when using diving equipment. The rest of the term was spent in training and in assessing the pool work for the 3rd Class Diver's Certificate. To become a qualified 3rd Class diver necessitates the trainee's participation in ten open water dives at a maximum depth of 18 metres. The members of the Club will be given the opportunity to complete this training during the third term. The Club then hopes to spend a week diving off the coast of Oban during the summer. The Club members would once again like to thank Mr. Ian Spence for returning on Monday afternoons to enable the club to function.

Wargaming Society This session has been another successful one for the Society despite the fact that wargaming is a minority interest. Membership has dropped slightly, however, probably because of unfortunate (non-military) clashes with other clubs. Activity this year has again mainly centred on the Second World War period, using the one seventy-sixth scale and also the one three-hundredth scale "micro" range which allows larger numbers of vehicles to be used. "Micro" infantry, however, is not a practical proposition. Last year's balance of Axis victories has been redressed, and the opposing sides are now running almost level. This leaves the maximum scope for the tactics of individual commanders to show and not be swamped by prior bias. We are currently conducting a knock out competition for teams of two, the final of which should be held soon after the Easter Holiday break. As things stand, experienced senior campaigners are in danger of defeat from raw recruits from S I and S II, to the embarrassment of the veterans. Our activities this year have been greatly aided by generous grants from the Former Pupils' Club and from the School and also by the help of Mr. Murray and Mr. Morrison throughout the year. Thank You!

Amenities Fund and Ski Appeal The report of the Club's Annual General Meeting records the fact that, in 1979/80, f704 had been disbursed from the Amenities Fund for the benefit of various School activities. In the June 1975 issue of the Magazine, Neil Meldrum, as Chairman of the Executive, drew attention to the wide variety of items of equipment which had been granted to the School from the Amenities Fund since it was established in 1957 as a result of the Grammarian Fair. It has been a cause of gratitude to the School that f600 to f700 has been available each year for the support of extra-curricular activities, and a source of pride to the Club that it has been possible to offer such assistance. Nevertheless, with continually rising inflation allied to the threat of the effect of public expenditure cuts on education budgets, it is open to question whether the doughty efforts of such F.P. stalwarts as Gilbert Hamilton, Joe Carry, James Munro and Scott McLachlan back in 1957 can be sufficient to meet the exorbitant needs of the 19805. This year new money was added to the Amenities Fund for the first time since its inception in 1957. The Club Centre generously agreed to make a donation of £100 and has indicated that it will continue to make an annual contribution of an unspecified amount. At the meeting of the Amenities Fund Committee in February, one of the grants awarded was for the purchase of a pair of skis for the School Ski Club. This small measure of assistance was all that could be afforded, given the competing demands of the many other interests of the pupils, but the Committee has asked that attention be drawn to the fact that "the School can use as many pairs of skis as it can lay its hands on". If any readers have spare sets of skis or other ski equipment, perhaps they would wish to donate them to the School where, they may be assured, good use would be made of them. The Rector would be delighted to hear from anyone who is able to help in this way. In addition, the Editor would be interested to hear from any member who feels able to commit his thoughts CO paper on how the admirable provision of the Amenities Fund may be further improved to cope with the challenge of the 1980's.

The Grammar at Large Each year Grammar pupils fly from the nest, many on a personal basis, others under the aegis of the School, others still on a trip organised by some other enterprising organisation. This year a party of boys and girls has already taken pan in what has become the annual school trip to Switzerland, while new ground has been broken by a party of Second Year pupils who spent a week in May in lona. Living in a community with strangers, they had the opportunity to discover the history of the island as well as its fashionably modern enterprises in solar energy and arts and crafts. Pupils from eight Aberdeen schools combined in a week-long ski-ing holiday at Easter to Caspoggio, a village in North Italy near the Swiss border. All the seventeen-strong Grammar contingent gained ski-ing awards by the end of the week, and Ramsay Pine was first and Douglas Macrae-Gibson second in the end-ofholiday slalom contest. During the summer holidays pupils from our musical community will make the biennial pilgrimage to Regensburg. The School's strong and fruitful links with Regensburg have been maintained for fifteen years, but, at the same time as our musicians leave for Bavaria in June, a party of 30 pupils will set out to forge new links on the first leg of a new educational exchange. The pupils will be based near Lake Constance but excursions will be made in Austria and Switzerland of which it is hoped more will be written in next year's Magazine. It is also gratifying to find pupils travelling far and wide on ventures sponsored by organisations other than the School, and even more pleasing to note their willingness to provide an account of their experiences for the benefit of their less fortunate fellows. In 51

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

particular, Kristin Brunt (SVI), who participated in an exchange programme with the United States sponsored by the English Speaking Union, and Malcolm Duckworth (SIV), who went on an interesting expedition to Lungs (near Jura) with the Stoneywood Outdoor Centre, provided excellent reports of sojourns which were obviously enjoyable as well as educational. Unfortunately, space does not permit their inclusion. Finally, we look forward to hearing from Janet Dutch, Sheila Hart and Pamela and Patricia Rannie after their return from an arduous and testing expedition in Arctic Norway. It is to the credit of the School that, in the first year that the British Schools Exploring Society has opened its expedition to schoolgirls, four Grammar girls have been selected. The cost of participating in the expedition is considerable. Aided by Mrs. Downie, the girls are pursuing sponsorship schemes with enthusiasm, and the F.P. Club Executive Committee has already awarded each girl f50 from the R. G. Wilson Trust. We wish them well, in the expectation that they will find a contrast in the warmth of generosity of prospective sponsors and the temperature of the Norwegian Arctic.

Staff Panto: "Cinderella" "Let's put on a staff panto!" said the buoyant Pat Wood — and many of her colleagues groaned in disbelief. It was first mooted in the Summer Term of 1979: and in the fullness of time and to the confusion of the Jeremiahs, on the 10 and 11 December the staff duly staged a memorably successful "Cinderella''' in the School Hall to packed houses of pupils and guests, and to the considerable enrichment of the School Mini-bus Fund. And not only did the School benefit financially, but the venture did much to improve staff-pupil relationships, as "teachers — became performers and people. Many hours of rehearsal, in a term already tiring with exam commitments, were made worthwhile on the nights concerned. Mrs. Wood produced the show with typical drive, and without her energy nothing would have happened that did happen. She was assisted by a nucleus of experienced players. Jack Thomson, shuttled hectically during rehearsals from footman to Baron to Buttons, sparkled in the last role, achieving great audience rapport; Eve Cowie's stage presence and timing came across vividly; Jeanette Shaw sang with a professional ease; and Ian Galloway enjoyed himself and gave enjoyment to the audience. Kathleen Durrand, new to the stage, was changed from teacher of Mathematics to a charming, blonde-tressed Cinders, while inevitably the pupils, though responding to all the performances (and considerations of space preclude the naming of all who participated), especially enjoyed the little and Large of A.G.S., viz. Bob Duncan and Neil Montgomery, whose comedy made up in gusto for whatever was lacking in subtlety. Perhaps the biggest cheers were reserved for a chorus-line of liberated schoolma'ms, throwing dignity to the winds and well-turned limbs in the air, in time with their accomplished leader, Ellie Shepherd. The Ball provided walk-on parts for a diversity of School characters in a diversity of garb and gear: revellers included personalities as unlikely as Che Guevara (R. McLeod), Elvis Presley (W. May), and a Deputy Godfather (A. L. McCombie), not forgetting a gate-crashing Punk from the P.E. Department (B. Adey). An identification competition on those disguised so deviously added more money to The Cause. Norman Constable's sets and effects bore the stamp of his talent, and many members of staff worked hard backstage to produce success onstage. Pupil members of the Dramatic Society gave welcome assistance as stage-crew and make-up artists. Particular mention must be made of Tom Henderson's contribution as accompanist on the piano: he wove a musical web overall, making singers of limited genius seem like performers of some distinction! Flaws there certainly were, but these are long forgotten, and already plans are laid for a staff group, designated the Byron Players no less, to enact a Christmas Pantomime each year. Will the next production be "Humpty Dumpty"? Will it be "Robinson Crusoe"? Christmas, 1980 will tell, and next year's Magazine will assess the outcome.

Former Pupils' Club Section (Club Founded 11 September 1893)

Club Office-Bearers, 1980-81 Honorary President: ROBERT DOUGLAS GILL, M.A. (Rector) Honorary Vice-presidents: ARTHUR). ADAMS (1919-30), B.Sc.(Vet.), M.R.C.V.S. GEORGE E. C. BARTON (1923-26), M.A. ERIC Ros BIRKETT (1920-22), C.A. JOSEPH R. CARRY (1918-30), M.B.E., T.D. DOUGLAS P. COCHRAN (1906-15), F.INST.I.B., A.A.I.B. WILLIAM L. CONNON (1930-40), B.L. JOHN W. CRADOCK (1941-46), C.A. ALFRED). M. EDWARDS (1908-2O, M.A. ALLAN C. FRAzER (1925-30), M.A., LL.B.. W.S. ALEXANDER GRAY (1910-22), M.A., LL.B. THE HON. LORD JOHNSTON (1913-26). JOHN A. LILLIE (1893-1903), LL.D., M.A., LL.B., Q.C. J. FRASER MCLUSKEY (1920-31), M .C., D.D. IAN G. McPmERsom (1910-17). SIR LESLIE D. MAYOR (1923-33), K.C.B., A.F.C., R.A.F. ROBERT A. E. MENNIE (1924-36), M.A. THE RT. HON. LORD MESTON (1901-02). B.L. JAMES S. G. MUNRO (1922-28), M.B.E., J. LENNOX RIDDELL (1907-16). JOHN V. SKINNER, M.A., M.LITT., DIP.ED.. J.P. (Rector, 1959-72). ALAN C. R. WATT (1925-37), M.A., LL.B. EDWARD). WOOD (1908-21), M.A. President: T. GORDON Courrs (1938-49, 1950-51), M.A., LLB., Q.C. Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive: BRIAN K. CROOKSHANKS (1934-46), T.D., M.A.. LL.B. Secretary: JOHN F. HENDRY (1951-65), LL.B. 36 Albyn Place, Aberdeen AB9 1YU Treasurer: COUN C. ALLAN (1936-45), C.A. 63 Gray Street, Aberdeen AB1 6JD General Editor of Magazine: DAVID K. YULE (1951-65), M.A. 11 Kinkel! Road, Aberdeen AB1 8HQ 53

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine Secretaries of Centres

Edinburgh —NIGEL G. WATT (1963-69), w s . 10 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8HE. Glasgow—DR. AUSTEN J. S. GARDINER (1939-51), Farringford, St. Margaret's Drive, Dunblane, Perthshire. London—ROBERT A. E. MENNIE (1924.36), m A . Rookery Cottage, Norton End, Wendens Ambo, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JS. Yorkshire—JAMES A. N. WATT (1927-39), 50 Southella Way, Kirkella, Hull HUI0 7LS. Ireland—ANDREW M. M. STEVEN (1936-50), MA. LLB. DIP ED.. 5 Beechill Avenue, Saintfield Road, Belfast BT8 4NS. Secretaries of Sections Cricket—DR. W. ALISTAIR STEWART (1939-47), 56 Forbesfield Road, Aberdeen AB1 6PA. Curling—AuisrAIR C. MAITLAND (1943-52), 1 Harlaw Terrace, Aberdeen AB1 6YU. Golf-ALEXANDER J. SIMPSON (1954-60), 426 Clifton Road, Aberdeen AB2 2EJ. Hockey—DENis N. YULE (1960-66), 11.B., 14 Lochside Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB2 8AE. Photographic—HUNTER A. B. WILL (1948.62), 132 South Anderson Drive, Aberdeen AB1 6LU. Ruby—MICHAEL G. H. GiBB (1942-46), 25 Viewfield Road, Aberdeen AB1 7XL. Swimming—ROGER D. HOUGHTON (1959-63), 31 Woodburn Crescent, Aberdeen. Executive Committee The Vice-President of the Club, Chairman PROF. PHILIP N. LOVE (1952.58), Vice-Chairman The Secretary, the Treasurer and the General Editor of the Magazine, ex officiir The Rector of the School, ex officio ALLAN A. Boom (1970-76) ALAN G. CAMPBELL (1959-65) RONALD R. COMBER (1947-53) JOHN P. DRUMMOND (1947-58) HARRY A. FORBES (1943-56) H. ALAN HAMILTON (1943-56) JAMES C. LYON (1953-59)

DOUGLAS McAllISTER (1961-74) KENNETH G. MACKIE (1950.64) JEREMY D. Mow (1969.75) GEORGE A. ROBB (1946-60) DR. W. A. STEWART (1939-47) G. FRASER WEBSTER (1949-62) DENIS N. YuLE (1960-66) Section Representatives

Club Centre—RICHARD H. W. CRADOCK (1940-41, 44.51) Cricket—IAN P. Sourea (1947-61) Curling—ALASTAIR C. MAITLAND (1943-52) GolfJAMES M. CLARK (1947-59) Hockey —JOHN A. SMITH (1966-72) Rugby—IAN M. GILBERT (1969-72) Staff—IAN T. STEPHEN Swimming—H. A. BARRIE HARPER (1950-57) Auditors Messrs. BOWER & SMITH. C A Club Consuls Australia—JAMES GREIG (1937-42), 24 Chicquita Avenue, Seaford, Victoria 3198, Australia. Canada—G. DOUGLAS MENZIES (1934-44), 15414 74th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada TSR 2Y4. Malawi—ALASDAIR H. MCLEOD (1947-61), P.O. Box 30045, Lilongwe 3, Republic of Malawi, Central Africa. United States—BRIAN S. GRAY (1943-49), 8113 Fenway Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20034. United States —MICHAEL G. KING (1951.60), 42 Richard Road, Edison, New Jersey 08817.

Annual General Meeting The Seventy-eighth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the Club Centre, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen on Monday, 31 March 1980.

Executive Report The following are extracts from the Executive Report submitted to the meeting by the Chairman. Finance and Membership While membership of the Club stood at the satsifactory level of 2,051, the response to the appeal in the 1979 Magazine inviting "lower rate" life members to make a further donation to the Club had been disappointing. The Treasurer would continue to welcome further donations from those who had purchased life membership at relatively low cost when membership subscriptions were lower. In common with all other organisations, the Club continued to suffer from rising costs and, in this regard, the Club was most vulnerable in respect of the production of the Magazine. While gratifyingly successful methods had been employed to keep rises in printing costs to a minimum and to offset such increases as were inevitable, the estimate that this year's Magazine's cost would rise to a figure close to #'2,000 had caused the Executive serious concern, and the matter of costs would be closely investigated in the coming months.

School and Amenities Fund The mutually beneficial links with the School remained close. The first award of the Club's All Round Trophy for Girls had been made in 1979 Grants of .O0 each from the R. G. Wilson Trust had been made to four girls selected to participate in a prestigious expedition to northern Norway. A total of ra4 had been awarded already in grants for school activities from the Amenities Fund. Social Mr. James Lyon had resigned from his appointment as Entertainments Secretary, having successfully organised the 1979 Dinner and Ball. The Executive and the Club as a whole were grateful to him for his efforts and achievements in the supervision of the Club's social functions over a number of years. General Business Reports on the year's activities were submitted by representatives of the Club's Sections and the Club Centre. Similar reports appear later in this Magazine. The accounts for the year were approved. An abstract of the accounts is published at the end of this Magazine, and the full statement of accounts is available from the Secretary. Office-bearers for the year 1980-81 were elected in accordance with the list immediately preceding this report. The meeting welcomed the news that Alan Hamilton, who was elected to the Executive Committee, had agreed to accept appointment as Entertainment Secretary in succession to Mr. James Lyon. It was particularly pleasing that Mr. T. Gordon Couto. the nominee of the Executive Committee for the presidency of the Club, had made the trip from Edinburgh to receive the chain of office from Mr. Bill Connor), the retiring president. 55

Our President Thomas Gordon Coutts (1938-49, 1950-51), M.A., LL.B., Q.C. Although Gordon Coutts must surely have the distinction of being the youngest F.P. to have been honoured by the Presidency of the Club he would be the first to acknowledge — if not indeed to claim — that he doesn't look it. Gravitas and grey hairs if not exactly essential for the practice of law as a senior member of the Scottish Bar are nevertheless useful and it is a mark of his selfeffacing character that in his case they aren't cultivated but worn with effortless and natural ease; which is totally unsurprising since the fact is that, impressively venerable though the appearance of the man may be, it does not approach in sagacity and seniority that of the elderly five-year-old who first graced the Grammar School in 1938. The man may have style — the aura that often accompanies intellect and judgement — but the white-faced wee boy trailing wisps of future glory was quite charismatic. The man may nowadays beguile their Lordships of the Court of Session but for a boy to mesmerise their ladyships of the Grammar School — not so much ladyships perhaps as battleships — that invincible flotilla of the Kindergarten and the Lower School under the benign command of Admiral Freddie Edwards — to match that formidable lot was an achievement of an altogether higher order again. But he did, he did — they were as much in awe of the raw, cheerful power of his intelligence as his classmates — your reporter was there and saw it all — from behind because the question always was — who would be second to T. Gordon Coutts≥ Maybe he sustained the occasional defeat in handwriting — he had to be quick to get down on paper a much larger store of knowledge than the rest of us — but in everything else he was inevitably the best. That included matters at Rubislaw where he shone on the Rugby pitch as a very fast malevolently determined winger and dazzled in athletics in which symbolically he showed a clean pair of heels to everyone in the sprints. He ran out of steam temporarily when he got to the Middle School — there was the little matter of an illness that kept him in hospital for many months and off school for almost two years and in retrospect what happened undoubtedly must have been that he outgrew his strength, the adolescent physique could not respond to the urgency of his spirit and talent. Anyway, when he came back it was a different philosophy. Since the expenditure of scarce energy was medically proscribed he took this to apply to the classroom as well as the playing-field and that canny decision in favour of commonsense rather than the high-flying folly of scholastic competition set the tone for his future. He coasted. Too much hard work he clearly decided was not good for the constitution and what could certainly have been a brilliant academic career in any discipline became merely distinguished. After catching up on the rest of us and sailing through the Highers, Aberdeen University beckoned and excellent degrees in HistoryEnglish and Law, the classic path for the man of commonsense as well as of sensibility, were followed by a legal apprenticeship locally and a transfer to Edinburgh to devil for an Advocate. Called to the Bar in 1959, he then trod the familiar path of the rising legal star — Standing Junior Counsel to this Government Department, External Examiner of that Law Faculty, Chairman of the next Tribunal, a thriving practice in between times — a career of service and care as well as personal prosperity taken in his stride and culminating in his appointment as a Queen's Counsel in 1973. "Taking silk" is the plush phrase used in the trade for such an enviable step and certainly all the trappings of success are in evidence including the discreetly splendid house in the New Town which is an elegant 56

Centre Reports

tribute not only to his own taste but also that of his charming wife who does her own dotty things as a rather distinguished archaeologist. This all sounds like pan of the dream world of someone enjoying the contagion of that particular virus of snobbery which rages unchecked through certain levels of Edinburgh society, but the private reality of Gordon Courts just behind the public facade is very different. One of the nicest things about him — and there are so many — is that he had never been in the slightest danger of losing touch with his roots. Even aside from the professional contacts for which he retains the healthy respect of the true Aberdonian he likes to keep abreast, if not ahead, of the scene at home. He shares custody of much local lore with his stay-at-home contemporaries and, as a connoisseur of that very special kind of North-East gossip which involves a comprehensive knowledge of the character and origins of the victim's male parent, this eminent holder of the Club's highest honour will assuredly relish the irony that several generations of Grammar boys really did "ken his faither''' who was the kindly old gentleman who had the chemist's shop at the corner of Esslemont Avenue and Leadside Road. It is enormously to the credit of the Club that they have chosen as President this complex, dignified man. It is even more to their credit that he has accepted the office for although he is not a very familiar public figure he is nevertheless one of real standing on the Scottish scene who, had he chosen, could, without difficulty, be in the limelight of politics or on a Sheriffs bench somewhere just now and on whose horizon there must shimmer further heights to be gracefully attained. We are lucky therefore that he is withal proud of his beginnings and his old school; lucky that he has held fast to those qualities of quiet commonsense and realism and humour which we like to think show the best side of the North-East character; lucky that when he reads this statement of respect and affection he is the sort of chap who will swear gently and dismissively with a sceptical yet delighted smile. S.A.C.R. (1939-51)

Edinburgh The Centre is in excellent heart and the usual three functions have been held during the course of the last year. A golf outing was held at Bruntsfield in early July, and, despite a relatively small attendance, a good time was had by all—the winner was the ever young Frank Black who amassed a ridiculous total of 42 Stableford points. This year's outing has been arranged for Tuesday I July again at Bruntsfield and it is hoped that members of the Club in Edinburgh and the surrounding area will make every effort to be present—any non-golfers will be made most welcome afterwards for high tea in the club house. In November a cheese and wine party was held in the Caledonian Club, A bercromby Place and was attended by twenty F.Ps and guests—again slightly disappointing, but it is hoped that numbers will improve in the years to come. Those attending certainly enjoyed themselves. The Annual Dinner was held in the Carlton Hotel on the eve of the Scotland v. England international at Murrayfield with sixty-five F.Ps and guests attending—the largest gathering for many, years. Stephen A.C. Robertson proposed the toast "The School and the Club" in splendid fashion befitting a star of the stage, and suitable replies were made by the Rector, Robert D. Gill, and the President of the parent Club, William L. Connon.through the voice of the Vice-President, Brian K. Crookshanks (as Bill

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

was unfortunately suffering from laryngitis). One of the highlights of the evening was the superb reply to the toast of "The Guests" by Dr. David W. Purdie, a gynaecologist from Dundee. Many of those present maintained that it was the most enjoyable speech they had heard for many a year. Our President, George A. Macnab, presided over proceedings and his excellent chairmanship ensured a most successful evening. Next year s Dinner will be held again in the Carlton Hotel on Friday 6 February, the eve of the Scotland v. Wales International at Murrayfield, under the chairmanship of our new President. W. M. (Mor) Brown. The Hon. Secretary of the Centre, whose address is noted in the list of Club office-bearers, will be pleased to hear from any members of the F.P. Club in the capital or surrounding area. The following F.P.'s attended the 1980 dinner: Robert D. Gill (Headmaster), F. C. B. Black, D. A. Brittain. W. M. Brown, W. L. Connon, T. G. Courts, D. L. Cowie, J. Craig, B. K. Crookshanks, S. W. Cummings, T. Davidson, J. E. Fraser, Allan C. Frazer, J. F. Hendry, Dr N. R. Johnston, D. G. Kilgour, Rev. J. F. Kirk, P. N. Love, G. A. Macnab, P. C. Millar, H. E. Morrison, Douglas Reich, J. B. Rennie, P. M. Robertson, S. A. C. Robertson, D. F. Ross, Rev. G. B. Sangster, L. D. Scorgie, A. B. Shewan, A. J. Simpson, R. G. C. Smith, D.J. Stephen, W. D. D. Wallace, A. C. R. Watt, N. G. M. Watt, R. A. Williamson.

London At the Annual General Meeting Dr. J. G. W. Jones was re-elected President for a further period of two years. Mr. Andrew Noble who has been Secretary of the Centre since October 1974 has expressed the wish to resign because of his increasing business commitments. The members acknowledge with gratitude the great contribution he has made to the Centre's activities during the past five years. Mr. Robert Mennic has agreed to take on the duties of Secretary. The death has occurred of Gilbert Anderson, for many years a loyal member of the London Centre and its President from 1969 to 1973. As a new venture on the social side a Thames River boat trip was organised in July. It was moderately well supported but the Committee is to give further consideration to the whole question of arranging social functions to cater for a Centre whose members are very scattered over a wide area where inflation has very sharply increased the cost of the simplest function. The Annual Dinner was held on the 9 November at the Institute of Directors. Forty-three members and guests were present. The toast to the School and the Club was proposed by Mr. George McRobie, Chairman of the Intermediate Technology Group. The Rector and Mr. Brian Crookshanks responded. Other London Centres represented were Dollar Academy, Gordonians, Heriots and Glasgow High. The following attended the annual dinner: W. W. Georgeson (1911-23), A. G. Elmslie (1912--24), R. D. Bruce (1913-22), A. Walker (1923-25). R. A. E. Mennie (1924-36), H. Reid, P. Mcphee (1930-41), John Brown (1930-42), Leslie Johnson (1932-45), Robert Steven (1933-41), M. Lyall (1935-48), Dr. D. Robbie (1936-48), Dr. John Jones (1937-47), A. S. Noble (1939-52), K. Courts (1944-50). J. Dunn (1946-48), S. Mitchell (1948-61), J. Clark (1949-61), D. Lennie (1963-76).

Yorkshire The 1979 Annual Dinner was again held at the Dower House Hotel in Knaresborough on 5 October 1979. The usual informal evening was enjoyed by the following members in the company of the President of the parent club, W. L. Connon, and the Rector, R. D. Gill:

Club Centre

E. J. Wood (1908-21), G. Leslie Cruickshank (1918-23), L. G. Boyd (1918-29), A. J. Adams (1920-30), J. A. N. Watt (1927-39). W. J. Alexander (1931-43), D. G. Joss (1947-54). A. J. M. Miller (1942-55), A. Campbell (1943-53). Earlier in 1979, some members and their wives met in York for an evening at the theatre, and supper. This event, organised by Martyn Batchelor was an enjoyable success and by the time this report is in prim, the 1980 theatre evening will have taken place. The 1980 Annual Dinner will be held at the Dower House Hotel in Knaresborough on Friday 26 September 1980 and all members of the Club who are within reach of this area will be welcome. Any member of the Club coming to live in or near Yorkshire are invited to contact the honorary secretary of the Yorkshire Centre, whose address appears in the list of Club office bearers (telephone 0482-650144).

Club Centre The Club Centre has had another very successful year, and with a considerable degree of pride celebrated its tenth aniversary at the end of 1979. The premises which members now enjoy have been improved out of all recognition since they were acquired in 1969, and few can doubt that the hopes of those who worked so hard to bring it into being have been realised. The Club Centre has established itself as the home of the Former Pupils' Club and a rendezvous for former pupils the world over, as well as being a successful social centre for F.Ps in the Aberdeen area and a place of after-match entertainment. Compared with the past few years' when extensive work was being carried out on the Lounge Bar and the Sports Bar, the year just ended has been one of consolidation. A substantial sum, however, was spent in equipping the premises with an up-to-date fire precaution system, and a useful store was constructed in the grounds. These items, coupled with the ever increasing dayto-day costs of running the building, made it quite an expensive year, but a small trading surplus was achieved and the financial outlook for the Centre appears satisfactory. The membership of the Club Centre at the end of 1979 stood at 1,079 as compared with 1,077 at the end of the previous year. This was the smallest increase in membership since the Club Centre was established, but it is hoped and expected that membership will again increase sharply as more and more girl F.P.s become members Dick Cradock completed a successful first year as Chairman, with the enthusiastic support of the Management Committee and officals. As always, mention must be made of Bill and Mrs. Mackie and their staff, whose devotion to the everyday work of running the premises makes the Club Centre the congenial place it is. Few private clubs can be better served.

Section Reports Cricket

•

Strathmore X1 Despite the generally damp summer, we completed more games this year than in several recent seasons, ending up once again fifth in the Union and top Aberdeen club. Arbroath won the Union Championship, having played 16 games, achieving 267 points at an average of 83.44 per cent. Five clubs then followed in a very narrow band of between 76.18 and 72.89 per cent—the

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

difference between a winning game and a losing game. It was generally accepted that the new points scoring system had been successful. No changes arc planned for this summer. Jeremy Moir was fifth in the Union batting averages (third amateur) accumulating 317 runs at an average of 45.29 and John Pickard was third in the bowling averages, but amassed 73 wickets, the most taken in the Union, at an average of 8.08. There were several notable individual performances this year. Harvey Morrison had a century at Perth, but unfortunately the match was later rained off; Gavin Wood had 92 against old rivals Gordonians; O1ly Will 73 against Mannofield; Richard Ferro 63 against Forthill; Neil Armour (on four return visits) was not out three times and averaged 127! On the bowling side, John Pickard had several very good performances, the best 7 for 37;Jerry Moir had 5 for 29, and newcomer Martyn Morris 5 for 16 in one of the most comprehensive victories over Brechin that F.P.s have achieved for many years. This summer Richard Ferro leads the team with Dave "Mushy Peas" Thornton as his vice captain. We are all hopeful that we will be able to build on last year's base and climb further in the table. Grade XI Season 1979 exceeded all reasonable expectations for the Grade XI. Our aim had been to consolidate our position in Grade 11 after having gained promotion, yet so successfully was this object fulfilled that we finished second in the league and earned further promotion. Thus, for the first time in around 30 years, F.P.s will be playing in Grade I in 1980. Of 18 league matches, 10 were won, 5 drawn and 3 lost, and promotion was clinched in an exciting finale at Woodside when Lads' Club were defeated, due primarily to an outstanding all-round performance by Brian Proctor, who returned figures of 8 for 39 with his left-arm spinners. This was only one of several occasions when Brian, a cricketer of great experience at home and abroad, baffled the opposition, and he finished the season with 51 wickets at less than 8 apiece, being runner-up in Grade II bowling averages. Brian was one of three recruits who made their presence felt, the others being Peter Sturrock and Martin Webster. Peter produced several useful performances with bat, ball and hand, while Martin's nagging accuracy (not to mention youthful enthusiasm) generally got our bowling off to an economical start. Martin's opening partner and vice-captain, Peter Tees, started the season with a bang-7 wickets at low cost against Anchorians—but his figures thereafter often failed to do him justice; only his best friends will believe that he took more catches than anyone else in the season. For the second time in three years David Leiper won the under-18 batting cup for all the Grades, with an average of 34.50; his innings of 98 against Mannofield at Rubislaw was a masterpiece of clean hitting and stylish strokeplay, and we all derived great pleasure from his selection for the Scotland under-16 XI for whom he performed creditably against Welsh and English Schools. Top run-scorer with 308 at 28 each was skipper John Fraser, who made up for his cowardly fielding by some lengthy stays at the crease and finished third in the Grade II averages. David Robertson, after an early matchwinning half-century against Queen's Cross, contented himself with encouraging the captain to greater efforts on and off the field, and managed a few spectacular catches towards the end of the season. Ray Binner was third top run-scorer, but was perhaps less prominent than in 1978, while Stan Rae also reached 200 runs and was a model of consistency, even if he suffered from a psychological block which prevented him exceeding 25. Ian Hopkin's appearances were never silent; one or two swift departures from the crease were more than compensated for by

Section Reports

some typically swashbuckling innings which terrified friend and foe alike. The immaculate elegance of Brian "The Mole" Clark, who claimed fifteen victims behind the stumps, was an example to all young cricketers. A number of younger members performed most creditably during the season, notably Gordon Fraser and David Mitchell. We hope that Santa Claus will have dropped a pair of boots into Gordon's stocking. David out-matched his Robertson namesake with the two finest catches of the season, against Queen's Cross and Stonehaven, as well as defending nobly on occasion. In 1980 we have entered a Reserve Grade XI for the first time for several years, in the hope that this will provide an opportunity for younger members to mature and older members to graze in a less competitive atmosphere, as well as ensuring a flow of schoolboys into the Section. Thus F.P.s enter the new decade with high hopes. New members, however, are urgently required at all levels of playing ability in order to consolidate recent successes. Anyone interested should come along to nets at Rubislaw on Tuesday or Thursday evenings throughout the season or contact Ian Sourer, 10 Cliff Park, Cults, Aberdeen (Tel. 47000 (H), 571631 (B)).

Curling This season saw the start of our internal league competition. The prize for the Winners is a cup generously donated by Ian MacDonald. The winners were Rink E, 'skipped' by Fraser Webster, who started by winning their first six matches and immediately putting themselves into an unassailable position. They faltered slightly in their final two games just to prove that they were human after all. Our congratulations to Fraser and his rink. In District and Province competitions several members enjoyed curling in some of the bonspiels sponsored by whisky manufacturers and, although no trophies or prizes were won, those competing were usually rewarded with a miniature bottle of the sponsor's brand. Despite our lack of success, we have gained valuable experience by meeting other curlers and competing against them. The inaugural Annual Dinner held in the Crescent Hotel was an outstanding success and our thanks go to Ronnie and Joan Comber for the excellent way the evening was conducted. It has been brought to the attention of the Secretary that the Treasurer still has some funds left in the Dinner Kitty from last year and, if so, this year's Dinner should be even better! The Section held its first 'Making' in October 1979 when 14 members went through the ceremony of 'being made'. It was an interesting evening and those who were initiated at that ceremony arc looking forward to being present when further members of the section arc "made". The office-bearers for 1979/80 were: President John W. Cradock; Vice-President; Alan Hamilton; Secretary Alastair C. Maitland; Treasurer Colin C. Allan.

Golf The section once again had an enjoyable and successful season with outings at Huntly, Ballater, Braemar and Turriff. Attendances were smaller than in previous years averaging about thirty per outing but some excellent scores were returned. The H.A.R. Trophy was once again retained by the Section in the annual match against Gordonians. The Challenge Cup was also retained as Gordonians were unable to establish a suitable date and venue.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

In the Queen Elizabeth Tournament at Barnton, our team did exceptionally well, progressing to the last eight, before they were eventually defeated by a stronger Watsonians team. At the Annual General Meeting held after the Ballater outing in October, J. M. Clark was elected Captain for the Season 1979/80 with C. C. Allan as his deputy. At the Annual Dinner held at the Crescent Hotel on 16 November, the toast to the Golf Section was proposed by S. A. C. Robertson (of Scotland the What fame), and the reply was given by G. F. Webster, Captain of the Section. The toast to the guests was made by J. F. Hendry and the reply by R. M. Gallon, captain of Royal Aberdeen Golf club. This year's dinner is to be held at the same venue on 7 November. Trophy Winnners for 1978/79 were: Russell Henderson Cup R. H. Cradock C. C. Allan Trophy W. D. Mitchell Walker Cup Dr. G. G. Milne Jeffrey Mug J. C. Lyon

Gibb Thow Trophy A. C. Maitland Alison Fowlie Trophy C. C. Allan Carry Cup A. J. Simpson Craig Spoon G. Craig

Rugby The playing record of the Section in the 1979/80 season is as follows:

Points 1st XV 2nd XV 3rd XV 4th XV

P 24 18 16 5

W 12 7 12 2

L 11 10 3 3

D 1 1 1 0

343 156 431 32

250 245 92 34

Under Ian Gilbert's excellent captaincy, the 1st XV gained promotion to Division 3. We had a poor start to the season against good opposition, but by the beginning of the championship, the team clicked and despite a bad result at Marr and a loss by 12-6 against Stirling*County, we reached December with six wins. During December and January the weather curtailed the fixture list badly and, when we restarted, the team did not play nearly so well but in the matches that counted, we drew 6-6 with Perthshire and, in front of a large crowd at Rubislaw, beat Corstorphine 15-3 to clinch promotion to Division 3. The 2nd XV did quite well in the Midland League winning three games and drawing one, but they could be a far better side if they trained more regularly. Under the guidance of Ron Comber the 3rd XV did well to finish second equal in the local district league, and only lost three games all season. Ronnie and his team are to be congratulated on their consistent and spirited performance. Brian Holden was picked for North-Midlands in December, but was unable to play because of injury. He took over as vice-captain in January when Ray Young was sent to work in Australia. At the Section's A.G.M. in April, the following officials were elected: Charlie Ritchie President, Brian Holden Captain, Mike Gibb Secretary and John Murray Treasurer. Finally, without detracting from the congratulations fittingly bestowed on Ian and the 1st XV, it has to be recognised that the team requires to be strengthened, if it is to succeed in Division 3. In order that the improving trend may be maintained, F.P.s arc urged to guide interested rugby players towards the Section, where they will be made most welcome.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The members have responded well to the strenuous efforts of the management committee in organising an excellent social season. Two buffet discos held jointly with Aberdeen Wanderer Ladies, a dinner disco in the Cults Hotel and a well supported indoor marathon were all very successful. The recent Easter Hockey Festival, when we were hosts to Cork Church of Ireland, Brittanic House H.C. of London, Stepps and Highland, was the climax of the season. The perfect weather enhanced the pleasure of F.P.s' success in winning the final against Stepps in one of the best and closest fought games in Aberdeen for many years. The hockey experience of Mr. D. Swanson, who was recently appointed as head of P.E. at the School is expected to improve both the standard of play and the liaison between F.P.s and the School with a consequent recruitment of players of hig,h quality. At the same time, our gratitude should be recorded for the work of Mr. Williams at the School, and it is with regret that we have learned that he is giving up his active interest in the School's hockey. Our umpires, Ian Middleton and John Drummond, continue the F.P. tradition at national level and we wish them continued success. The Graham Fraser Trophy was awarded to Kevin Price and was presented by Mr. Tom Fraser at the AGM after a moving speech. Our elected officials for next season are: Mike Murray (Club captain), Alan J. Prosser (1st .X1 captain), William S. Urquhart (Vice captain), Graham Sutherland (2nd X1 captain), Stephen Rennie (Vice captain), James C. Lyon (3rd X1 captain), Gordon Hay (Grammarians captain).

Rugby Reunion "The season just finished must rank as one of the most successful ever enjoyed by the Rugby Section." That relatively modest description refers not to the 1979/80 season which witnessed the upward struggle of F.P. rugby from the fourth to the third division of the national leagues, but is taken from the Magazine report of the 1947/48 season, when the Glasgow press showed the F.P. XV at the top of the Scottish unofficial championship table, when two members of the 1st XV were regular Scottish internationalists, one of them as captain of the Scottish XV, when the team also included yet a third player who had previously represented Scotland, and when not only the Scottish scrumhalf, but also the reserve scrum-half was a former pupil of the School. On 29 September 1979 the remarkable group who formed the 1st XV pool in 1947/48 had their first reunion. As their Hon. Secretary has observed (more than once!) not the least remarkable facet of the group, and certainly the most pleasing one, is that, more than thirty years after their year of triumph, the team pool remains intact and, from the evidence of the photograph accompanying this report, in blooming health. Listed below arc brief notes on those who attended the reunion. Five of those eligible to attend were prevented from doing so by other commitments. These were: D. W. C. Smith (1930-41), the Scottish internationalist and manager of the British Lions in their triumphant New Zealand tour in 1971, who is a general practitioner in London, R. F. Buthlay (1925-38), who is in business in Hartfordshire, Ian Duguid (1933-43), an eye surgeon in London, I. C. McLean (1930-43), a doctor in Australia, and D. R. Macgregor (1925-38), the son of the legendary School games master, Duncan Macgregor. J. R. S. Innes (1923-35) Captain and centre three-quarter. Skippered Scotland throughout 1947-48 including a Calcutta Cup victory over England. President of the Scottish Rugby Union in 1973-74 and currently in general practice in Aberdeen.

Reunion of 1947/48 F.P. )CV J. S. G. Munro R. J. Bain E. Buthlay J. A. Macgregor N. I. W. Meldrum C. R. Cruickshank K. W. Hunter F. R. Paterson W. L. Connon J. C. Hunter D. N. Georgeson A. H. Tawse W. D. Allardice L. Middleton J. H. Warrack J. R. S. Innes E. Hunter

(Left to right):

(Photograph by coarsely of Aberdeen Journals)

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

W. D. Allardice (1934-39) Scrum-half and Scottish internationalist. Games master at School for several years before moving to Dundee High School, where he is now deputy headmaster. R. ). Bain (1929-41) Forward. Local representative of the Construction Industry Training Board. E. Buthlay (1928-40) Full-back. Now a consultant with the Aberdeen Legal firm of Raeburn Christie. W. L. Connon (1930-40) Forward. For long a prominent member of the North District Rugby Union, and currently a member of the S.R.U. President of the Club 1979-80 and a partner in the legal firm of Mackenzie and Wilson. C. R. Cruickshank (1925-39) Vice-captain and full-back. Now in business in Aberdeen. D. N. Georgeson (1929-39) Forward. Despite appearances (!) the youngster of the team, and until relatively recent years still appearing in an F.P. jersey. Chairman of the Club Executive Committee 1977-79 and in business as a motor body builder in Aberdeen. E. Hunter Three-quarter. Member of F.P. Club by virtue of staff appointment to the School. Now deputy rector of Perth Academy. J. C. Hunter Forward. Also a staff member of the Club, he was head games master at the School before becoming director of physical education in Aberdeen. K. W. Hunter (1928-41) Forward. Managing director of Hunter Construction Ltd., in Aberdeen. J. A. Macgregor (1935-44) Three-quarter. Currently in general practice in Edinburgh. N. 1. W. Meldrum (1925-37) Hon. Secretary. Instrumental (along with the team's fine record) in obtaining such a fine fixture list for the Section, when such matters were not determined by league tables. Chairman of the Club's Executive Committee 1975-77 and a solicitor in Aberdeen. L. Middleton (1919-32) Forward. Oldest member of the team. Now retired but with many interests including croquet. Organiser of the reunion. J. S. G. Munro (1922-28) Forward. Prominent Aberdeen lawyer who has held several appointments of distinction in local public service. Former President of the Club. F. R. Paterson (1927-40) Three-quarter and Scottish trialist. For long a games teacher at the School and now at Torry Academy. A. H. Tawse (1930-43) Forward. Public works consultant in Karachi, who flew over for the reunion. J. H. Warrack (1937-42) Forward. Medical practitioner in Derby. One final item of interest which one of those attending the reunion has drawn to attention is that F.P.s have now served on the Committee of the Scottish Rugby Union for the past fifty years continuously. Our members have been R. M. Ledingham (1897-1909) from 1930 to 1949 and afterwards President of the S.R.U. from 1961 to 1962, J. R. S. 'rifles (1923-35) from 1949 to 1962 and President of the S.R.U. from 1973 to 1974,1 M. Milne (1934-46) from 1961 to 1968, and now W. L. Connon (1930-40), who became a member in 1968.

Annual Dinner The Annual Dinner was held in the Royal Darroch Hotel on 26 October 1979 and was thoroughly enjoyed by a company of over a hundred F.P.s and guests. There was a particularly warm welcome for Mr. J. V. Skinner, the former Rector of the School, who had returned, after a gap of seven years, to grace the Dinner with his

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L.9

12U14.161 innuuv

Brian James Bain (1972.78), who was the All-Round Trophy winner in 1978 and who achieved considerable successes in swimming and rowing at School,has been awarded a full blue for swimming at Aberdeen University. Rae Colledge Barton (1943-53), M A , , has commenced business on his own account as a Solicitor and Estate Agent at Aboyne having previously been a partner in the Aberdeen legal firm of Stronachs. N. Roderick (Roddy) D. Begg (1951-59), M.A.. LL.B., was appointed to the post of Clerk to the Senate of the University of Aberdeen in April 1980. Until then he had been holding the post of Registry Officer at the University, having previously served in a variety of administrative posts in the University office since his return to Aberdeen from the University of East Anglia in 1966. His principal leisure interest continues to be the theatre, and in recent years he has made a very substantial contribution to the success of the Studio Theatre Group, not least by storing the Group's scenery and props in his garage to the great detriment of his car. He has also been responsible for organising the Group's performances in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is the only University Registry Officer to have directed the Student Show. Gordon Grant Benton (1946-50), 0 B.E , R.I.B.A.. led the successful TransBorneo Expedition, a 72-day journey from the northernmost to the southernmost points of the world's largest island; this had not been attempted before. An Edinburgh secretary and an Australian completed the trek with him. Slide lectures have been given in a number of countries including Scotland where there was a presentation at Aberdeen University. He is a senior partner in James Ferric International, an architectural and planning practice operating throughout the ASEAN region and the Pacific. Eric Ros Birkett (1920-22), c.A., a former President of the Club, continues to travel afar as he has done since his retirement in 1969. As reported in the last Magazine he had just returned from New Zealand and in 1979 visited British Columbia and Alberta. Recently he and his wife spent a memorable fortnight in India and Nepal during which time they visited the Taj Mahal, a Maharhaj's Palace and took a plane flight alongside Mount Everest. Neil Keith Buxton (1948-58), M.A.. Ph .D . has been appointed to a Personal Professorship in the Department of Economics at Heriot-Watt University. He graduated with honours in Economic Science at Aberdeen University in 1962 and was an Assistant in the Department of Political Economy there from 1962 to 1964 when he was appointed Lecturer in Economic History at the University of Hull. In 1969 he joined the Department of Economics at Heriot-Watt University as a Lecturer in Economic History and became a Senior Lecturer in 1972. He was Visiting Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney, Australia in 1973 and 1975. He has been course director of Heriot-Watt University's new degree course in Government and Modern History and was awarded a doctorate for his research into the Economic History of the British Coal Industry from 1700. He has written and co-written several books on economics, the most recent being 68

Notes About Former Pupils

"British Industry between the Wars: Instability and Industrial Development in Britain 1919-1939''. A former Scottish hockey international he is currently an international referee at the sport. A. Hunter Cairns (1943.56), Dip.Arch.(Ahiln.), is Principal Architect with the Scottish Special Housing Association, Edinburgh and head of their Research and Development Group, a position which he has held for some seven years. In addition to having responsibility for producing the designs and production information for the Association's hundred-or-so house-types he has been responsible for switching the whole process on to a computer system, which has been running for two years and copes with 90 per cent of the architectural work of the Association. He joined the SSHA eleven years ago and was responsible for starting off the first building contract of Erskine New Town and coordinating a large part of the early design work there. Previously he had worked for Local Authority and in private practice. Alan G. Campbell (1959-65) LL. B., since October 1979 has been a Depute Director of Law and Administration in the employment of Grampian Regional Council based in Aberdeen. Martin Alexander Campbell (1947-60), has recently been apointed a Scottish Member of the International Panel of Hockey Umpires. He formerly played right back for Inverleith. Douglas P. Cochran (1906-15), F.INST.I.B.. A.A.I.B., honorary vice-president of the Club, who retired in 1960 as manager of the Royal Exchange Assurance in Dundee, continues to work as an insurance consultant. He lives in West Ferry, Dundee. He is extremely interested in tracing the whereabouts of Malaysian contemporaries of his who attended the School before the first World War and has passed an impressive file on this subject to the Notes Editor. Any information will be appreciated and should be sent to the Notes Editor. Peter M. Collier (1960-65), M.B., CH B., who has contributed an article to this issue of the Magazine, graduated from Aberdeen University in 1970 and, after serving five years in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in all parts of the globe, entered general practice in London, initially with the National Health Service and now in private practice. Amongst those whom he has recently entertained are Kenny Everett, Diana Ross and David K. Yule (1951.65), M.A , General Editor of the Magazine and Clerk to the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Aberdeen, who recently spent three months at the office of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals in London. William Fraser Cormack (1963-69), BSc.. has graduated Ph D from the University of East Anglia. He is an honours graduate in Agriculture of Aberdeen University. William Alexander Craig (1942-48), now lives in St. Albans, Hertfordshire. He is a Training Adviser with the Paper and Paper Products Industry Training Board covering establishments in the London, Essex and Suffolk areas. Gerald Leslie Crighton (1943.54), DA., R.1.B.A., A R.I.A.S., was appointed to the post of Depute Director in the Architectural Services Department of Borders Regional Council in August 1979. He had previously served as an Assistant Director of the Architectural Services Department of Tayside Regional Council based in Dundee. Bruce M. Drummond (1959-65), M.A., B.Sc., F.B.O.A., has been appointed Chairman of the Aberdeen and North East of Scotland Branch of the Association of Optical Practitioners. Both he and his brother, John P. Drummond (1947-58), are opticians in Aberdeen. John is a previous holder of the chairmanship and in addition is the immediate past Chairman of the Scottish Committee of Ophthalmic Opticians. John, of course, is well known

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

in hockey circles and in the season just ended he umpired one of two Scottish Cup Finals as well as inter district matches. John M. Eddison (1939-48), B.Sc.. F.I.C.E. F.A.S.C.E., M.I.Struct.E., M.E.I.C., is Senior Project Engineer (Infrastructure Department) with the Asian Development Bank. He worked from 1963 until 1977 for Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick and Partners, Consulting Engineers in London, Belize (formerly British Honduras), Brunei, Hong Kong and Sabah (East Malaysia), mainly on the supervision of airport construction contracts. In 1977 he joined the Asian Development Bank (ADB), an international organisation which finances development projects in the Asian and Pacific regions on the same lines as the World Bank. Although based in Manila in the Philipincs he travels extensively throughout South East Asia in connection with airport and highway projects in developing countries. In a note to the Editor he reveals that in his three years with ADB he has met many Scotsmen, a few Aberdonians, but very few F.P.s. Ian S. Flett (1925-37), M.A., M.Ed., is 1979-80 President of the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland of which he has been General Secretary for a number of years. Since 1966 he has been successively Director of Education of Fife County and Regional Councils respectively after service in teaching, advising and administration as an Assistant and Deputy Education Officer. From 1940 to 1946 he served in the Royal Air Force. He spent 18 years in the North of England and was Deputy Education Officer in Hull immediately prior to 1966. He was a member of the extra-mural board of Liverpool University and of the Institute of Education Delegacy to Hull University, and is currently a member of the extra-mural board of St. Andrews University. He is a member of the Consultative Committee on the Curriculum, Chairman of the Appointments Committee of the General Teaching Council for Scotland, Chairman of the Committee on Exceptional Admission to the Register and of the Committee on the Memorandum on Entry Requirements to Courses of Teacher Training. Other bodies on which he serves are the National Committee on Inservice Training of Teachers and the Governors of Craiglockhart College of Education. Prior to local government reorganisation he was an adviser to the Association of County Councils and is currently the senior adviser to the Education Committee of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. Frederick Alastair Forbes (1921-34), M B.E., M.B., Ch B , retired in September 1979 after forty years in medical practice in Aberdeen. He now lives in Torphins. He was awarded the M.B.E. in 1946 for brave work while a Prisoner of War in Japanese hands in Hiroco, an island between Java and New Guinea. Alexander Forsyth (1923-30), has recently graduated B.A. from the Open University. He is now retired but was formerly Managing Director of Edinburgh Pharmaceutical Industries and a full-time member of the Highlands and Islands Development Board. He lives in Fortrose. Allan C. Frazer (1925-30), M.A., u. B., W.S., the senior partner of the Edinburgh legal firm, Messrs Hagart and Burn-Murdoch, W.S., has retired. He continues to be associated with the firm as consultant. Robert Petrie Gammie (1912-18), M.B. Ch.B., is now retired from medical practice in Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire, and is living in Cambridge. George Simpson Geary (1954-58) has been appointed Business Development Manager at the Royal Bank of Scotland Head Office in Edinburgh. He joined the Royal Bank in 1958 and worked at several Aberdeen branches before being appointed Accountant at the George Street branch in 1965. He was transferred to the Head Office Branch Department as Business Development Officer in 1972 and became Chief Instructor at the Bank's staff training college in 1976.

Notes About Former Pupils

James Greig (1937-42), who went to Australia in 1950, made his first return trip to Aberdeen last year when he took the opportunity of looking round the School. In a note to the Editor he records his appreciation of this visit and states, "It was quite a shock to see girls at School and certainly a change to 1942!''. On leaving school he went to sea as an apprentice with the Clan Line and on completion of indentures and gaining his Master's Certificate went to Australia in 1950 where he served with the British Phosphate Commission in their ships trading to Naura and Ocean Island. He came ashore in 1955 and has since served with P & O Australia as Managing Director of their Victorian stevedoring operations and travelled extensively to the Arabian Gulf, Singapore and the Pacific on stevedoring business. He is now Administration Manager for Liner Services Container Terminals in Melbourne and is an active member of Rotary. Alexander M. Grieve (1951-64), Ni .B., Ch.B., D.Obst. R.C.O.G.. M.R.C.G.P., who studied medicine at Aberdeen University and completed house jobs at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, is serving with the Army at Episkopi, Cyprus as a trainer m General Practice. From 1972 to 1974 he was Medical Officer to the Infantry including one year in Northern Ireland. For the next two years he was in a research post in Physiology at Farnborough studying extremes of hot and cold. From 1976 to 1979 he was Medical Officer to the Special Air Service Regiment. He recently became the First Army Doctor to qualify as a tactical free-fall parachutist. Michael C. Hastie (1961-64), who represents the Ward of Seafield in the City of Aberdeen District Council is also Chairman of Aberdeen District Licensing Board. )ohn Fraser Kirk (1937-47), M.A.. B.D.. had the degree of Doctor of Philosophy conferred on him at Aberdeen University in May, 1979. Alistair Dunlop Low (1966.72) has won the top student award in the Chartered Building Society's Institute law and property examinations for Scotland. He lives in South Queensferry and works for the Alliance Building Society in Edinburgh. Jon Armistice McCleverty (1942-51), B.Sc., Ph.D., has been appointed to the Chair of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. After leaving the School he was accepted on a foundation scholarship at Fettes College, Edinburgh and thereafter graduated with First Class Honours in Chemistry from Aberdeen University in 1960, winning the Coutts Prize in Chemistry. After studying for his doctorate at Imperial College, London under Professor Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson, the Nobel Laureate, he studied for a year in the United States before taking up the post of lecturer in Chemistry at Sheffield University. Michael G. G. McDonald (1957-60), who joined the RAF in 1962, is now Personal Assistant to the Air Officer (Administration) of RAF Germany based at Rheindahlen. Gavin Thomas McEwer. (1958-64), M.A., graduated Doctor of Philosophy at Oxford in March 1980. After graduating M.A. with First Class Honours in Mental Philosophy from Aberdeen University in 1968 he went on to Kansas University where he graduated in Philosophy in 1970 after an exchange scholarship. Thereafter he worked for two years in Germany and in 1972 started studying at Queen's College, Oxford and three years later cook up employment with the Inland Revenue in Perth, continuing his studies in his spare time. His thesis entitled "Problems of Induction" considers a problem in logic and the theory of knowledge. former Liberal George Yule Mackie (1933-35) Lord Mackie of Benshie and

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

M.P. for Caithness and Sutherland has been elected Rector of Dundee University. Ian Macindoe (1968-74), who graduated Bachelor of Education at Aberdeen University is now teaching at Balmedie Primary School. A hockey player of some distinction he has ten full caps for Scotland and has played for Scotland in Belgium, Yugoslavia, France and West Germany. He has been Captain of Hazlehead for the last five years. John McLeod (1946-50) is to be an Associate Composer of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra this coming season. His new symphony had its premiere in London during April when it was performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra. He is Director of Music at Mcrchiston Castle School, Edinburgh. Alexander Willox Mathieson (1956-62), M.A . has been appointed Director U.K. Marketing Operations with British Leyland Cars. He graduated with Honours in Geography at Aberdeen University in 1966 and has been with British Leyland since 1969. He has held a number of posts in the Finance Department of that Company and joined sales and marketing in 1974 as Marketing Services Manager for Austin Morris and later Leyland Cars. He was formerly General Manager of BL Cars with responsibility for Scotland and the North of England. Henry R. Millar (1952-65), M.B., Ch.B., B.Med.Biol , M.R.C.Psych.. until recently a Senior Registrar in Psychiatry at Dundee Royal Liff Hospital, is now a Lecturer in Mental Health at Dundee University. Lt. Col. Alan D. Milne (1950-58), Ch B., has taken up duties as the new Commanding Officer of 252 Highland Field Ambulance, RAMC, TAVR, Prince Charles Barracks, Fonthill, Aberdeen. He is in medical practice in Aberdeen and until his new appointment was OTC Medical Officer. Richard S. Morrice (1963-69), B.Sc , is now a Production Manager with Klinge Chemicals Limited, East Kilbridc having spent several years in the teaching profession. George Desmond Redvers Nelson (1938-51), A R.I.C.S , has worked in local government for 29 years, formerly with Aberdeen Corporation and currently with the City District Council as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor in the Architect's Department. A keen sportsman he has played hockey for F.P.s and North District and Cricket for several sides in the Aberdeen Grades, currently turning out for Balmoral. Alan Nicolson (1966-22) has been appointed Manager of the Thurso Branch Office of the Leicester Building Society. He was previously based at the Society's Aberdeen Branch. Raymond John Nugent (1968-70), B Sc . who teaches physics and general science at the School, attended the RAF Section Cadets Annual Summer Camp at RAF Wyton in 1979 and reports that he met the following former pupils of the School who were stationed there — William McCulloch Rae (1946-58), who is Wing Commander and Commanding Officer of 360 Sqadron and Michael David Power (1964-70), who is a Flight Lieutenant, The School has achieved a notable distinction this year in relation to the Law Society of Scotland. Both the President and Vice-President of the Society in 1980/81 are former pupils and profiles of each, contributed by fellow members of their profession, appear below. Ian Michael Scott Park (1942-53), M A.. LL.B. The School was already in Michael Park's blood before he entered the Kindergarten in 1942, for his father was that much-respected Maths teacher, Ian Park. After graduating in Arts, Michael went on to take a degree in Law at Aberdeen in 1960, laying a sound academic foundation for a distinguished professional career. He was Hunter Gold Medallist in Roman Law and, in his final year, winner of the Williamson Law Prize. He went on to an

Notes About Former Pupils

apprenticeship with Paull & Williamson, Advocates, and in 1964, after a short period as an assistant solicitor with them, he was assumed as a partner. A dynamic personality, Michael is usually at his desk around 7 a.m. The cynic would say that this was because of his many activities and interests away from the office, and these are indeed numerous — temporary Sheriff, member of the Council of the Law Society and of many of its committees, chairman of Aberdeen Citizens' Advice Bureau, to name but a few. No-one can say that these have been sought and nurtured to the detriment of his legal practice for, as many can testify, he has an enormous capacity for work, and an enviable ability to get through it. Known to a wide TV audience as "Mike Park, Law Society", he was for a couple of years convener of the Society's Public Relations Committee, a task to which he brought rare gifts. He has an ability to go straight to the heart of a matter and to explain with easy clarity the seemingly inexplicable. Succinct and incisive in his pronouncements his advice and guidance are valued alike by clients and colleagues, and mark out his as a vintage Presidential year. Philip Noel Love (1952-58), M.A., LL.B., Professor of Conveyancing and Professional Practice of law at the University of Aberdeen, has been appointed Vice-President of The Law Society of Scotland for 1980-81. He thus adds another laurel to those earned by his all-round excellence at School and the University and in the worlds of rugby and legal practice and not least by his enduring achievements for the F.P. Club Centre and the Club. In his VicePresidency of the Law Society he succeeds Michael Park. Kenneth Jamieson Peters (1929-41), M.A., was created a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Birthday Honours List in 1979 in recognition of his services to journalism. A graduate of Aberdeen University, he worked on the former Aberdeen Weekly Journal, the Daily Record in Glasgow, the Evening Chronicle in Manchester and the Kemsley Newspapers Head Office in London. He was editor of the Evening Express in Aberdeen from 1953 to 1956 and Editor of the Press and Journal from 1956 until 1960 when he was appointed Managing Director. He is a Director of Thomson Regional Newspapers and of Highland Printers Limited and of Peter Reid & Company who published the John O"Groats Journal and Caithness Courier. He has twice been President of the Scottish Daily Newspapers Society, has been a member of the Press Council and serves on the Scottish and National Committees of the National Council for the training of journalists. He is also a Deputy Lieutenant for the City of Aberdeen, aiustice of the Peace, a Burgess of Guild, a Rotarian and a Member of the Chamber of Commerce. Murray G. M. Pittock (1973-78) gained first place in the First Year English class at Glasgow University in session 1978.79. This is a considerable achievement, as he was placed first out of almost 500 students — and won a prize of 200 guineas. Ian N. Reid (1954-63 and 65-67), M.B., Ch.B., took up an appointment as lecturer in Forensic Medicine at the University of Leeds in September 1978. In the four years before that he had been Lecturer in Pathology in the University of Aberdeen. Malcolm F. Rennie (1952-65), has received extremely favourable reviews for his portrayal of Mr. Collins in the recent television version of "Pride and Prejudice". He has the leading part in the world premiere of Graham Greene's new play "For Whom the Bell Chimes". Charles Duncan Rice (1949-60), M.A., Ph.D . who until dr summer of 1979 was Dean of Saybroke College at Yale University, has now been appointed head of the Department of History at Colgate University, Hamilton, New York State.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

George Rickart (1923.30) has retired after 14 years as Secretary-Manager of the Insurance Agents Association of British Columbia, Canada. Tributes to his service were made at various retirement parties at which the Insurance Industry in British Columbia was well represented. He is now resident in Vancouver. Robert (Robin) Riney (1947-55), who is Assistant Manager of the Bank of Scotland's Castle Street, Aberdeen branch, won the gold medal for the 100 metres at the Scottish Veterans Track and Field Championships in 1979. He took second place in the 200 metres. George Brown Cameron Sangster (1928-3, D.S.C., M.A , B.D . who for the past fifteen years has been minister of Murrayfield, Edinburgh is leaving to be minister at St. Andrew's, Nairobi, Kenya. He will work there with an African colleague. He is also the convener of the Kirk's Education for the Ministry Committee. George David Garden Shirreffs (1952-64) was recently appointed VicePresident of the Aberdeen Excise licence Holders' Association. He is proprietor of the Harriet Bar. Alan William Silver (1952-59), B Sc.. is a Chief Assistant in the Roads Department of Grampian Regional Council based in Aberdeen. He has just completed a successful year as President of Aberdeen Junior Chamber. The Chamber's projects followed the theme of The International Year of the Child and received recognition at international level. During his Presidency he represented the Chamber in Switzerland and Sweden. Alexander Logan Speirs (1926-38), M.D., F.R.C.P.(Lond.), and (Glasg.), D.C.H., was awarded the O.B.E. in the Queens Birthday Honours List in June 1979. He is the second son of Alexander Speirs, M.A., B.Sc., who was Mathematics and Science Master at School from 1900 to 1935. Dr. Speirs is Consultant Paediatrician at Stirling Royal Infirmary and Falkirk Royal Infirmary and is also on the staff of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow. Anthony K. Stewart (1962-75), B.Sc., graduated in Geography and Computer Science at Durham University in 1978 having played an active part in the running of Grey College and the University's Geographical Society. He has since undertaken a World Tour commencing at Aberdeen Joint Station and thence to London, New York, the United States, Candada and Japan. During four months in New Zealand he hitch-hiked on most of the North and South Islands and made the crossing to Stewart Island. In Australia he experienced the extreme heat of Northern Queensland before travelling south to Tasmania, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. He then travelled in South Africa and concluded his tour in Israel. He now works in Aberdeen as a programmer at the Medical Computing Centre at Foresterhill. His brother Arthur D. Stewart (1963-76), is in his final year of a Geology Course at Edinburgh University and proposes thereafter to embark upon a Physical Education Degree at Calgary University. Alex Young Stirrat (1911-20) advises that he is "alive and kicking" and living in Alderney, Guernsey where he has been since moving from Dorset in 1970. lan Teller (1953-66), M.A., graduated with First Class Honours in English at Aberdeen University and moved to Canterbury, Kent where it has been his intention to undertake a post-graduate course. Over the last two years, however, he has been a member of a folk group "Fiddler's Dram" who had considerable chart success with the record "Day Trip to Bangor" at the end of 1979. He played the viola in the School Orchestra and is now a violinist in the Group. (The Editor is not aware of any other former pupil having featured in the Pop Charts as a performer but would be pleased to put the record straight.)

Obituaries

Kenneth James Thomson (1949-63) is one of three members of staff at Newcastle University to be awarded a grant by the Social Science Research Council to study the EEC Common Agricultural Policy. The grant which totals £18,700 is to evaluate and compare costs and benefits of this much-criticised policy. Alan Rodger Webster (1943-56) has been appointed Vice-President of CANA Construction, a Company in the CANA Group of Calgary, Canada. After emigrating to Canada with his parents and brother in 1956 he became a civil engineering graduate of Carleton University, Ottowa. His new position gives him responsibility for his Company's building projects in Southern Alberta State. George Fraser Webster (1949-62), who joined the firm of Sedgwick Forbes Bland Payne (UK) insurance Brokers three years ago has now been appointed Director in charge of employee benefits consultancy at their Aberdeen Office. Hunter A. B. Will (1948-62), B.Sc., who is Leader of the 9th Scout Troup has been awarded the Medal of Merit by the Scout Movement. This award is only made for outstanding service to the Scout Movement. Former School games master Andrew L. Stevenson, LL.B., M Litt., D.P.A., who is Senior Lecturer in Physical Education at the College of Education, Aberdeen had the degree of Master of Letters conferred on him at Aberdeen University in May 1979. His thesis was on "The Development of Physical Education in State Schools of Scotland, 1900.1960''. He is a fellow of the Physical Education Association of Great Britain. Since 1976 he has been Conservative member for the Argyll ward of Aberdeen District Council and is convener of the Council's Housing (Building) Committee.

Obituaries John Crombie Adams (1914-16) died on 2 July 1979 at the age of 79 at Frankford, Ontario, Canada. He emigrated to Canada in the early 1920s and spent his working life as an engineer with the Bell Telephone Company in Montreal. He was the elder brother of Arthur James Adams (1919-30), B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., recent President of the Club. Their father, Peter Crombie Adams, attended the School from 1876 to 1878. Gilbert John Anderson (1908-21), B.Sc., died in 1979 at the age of 75. He graduated at London University in 1925 and was with the Anglo-American Oil Company from 1926 to 1932. In 1932 he joined the Eastbourne Mutual Building Society and became manager in 1942. He was a vice chairman of the South-eastern Counties Association of Building Societies, a member of the Eastbourne Hospital Management Committee and a past president of the Rotary Club of Eastbourne. He was a stalwart of the London Centre of the Club and a committee member for several years. Donald Leslie Bartlett Begg (1930.34), M A., died on 2 January 1980 at the age of 65. He represented the School in both rugby and cricket and was an honours graduate of Aberdeen University. He retired a few years ago from the post of Principal Teacher of History at Hilton Academy, Aberdeen having taught at that school for thirty years.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

James Henry Swan Benzie (1906-16) died on 8 August 1978 at the age of 80. He served at Cadet College, Quetta, India after leaving School and served in the Ninteenth Lancers Indian Army in France and Egypt during the First World War. He lived in Faringdon, Oxfordshire. James Dow (1920-28), M B , Ch.B., M.F.C.M., D.P.H., died suddenly on 27 December 1979 at the age of 69. He graduated in medicine at Aberdeen University in 1937, became a houseman at St. Luke's, Bradford and then went into general practice at Braemar, Aberdeenshire. In 1939 he joined the Royal Navy, later taking a permanent commission and gaining a wide experience of the service. He took the diploma in public health at Glasgow in 1957 and on retiring from the Navy in 1964 joined the public health service. He showed no sign of wanting to take things easily. Working in West Lothian, Midlothian and Peebleshire, he progressed in his new career and became the Depute Medical Officer of Health for Midlothian and Pecblesshire in 1971. It was typical of him that after retirement in 1975 he returned to West Lothian and worked as senior clinical medical officer in the Lothian Health Board's West Lothian District. F. C. B. Black (1914-1917) writes 'James was a happy cheerful man whom I first met on the China coast some 25 years ago. We had many pleasant games of folf together and many F.P. dinners too, both in Hong Kong and Edinburgh '. Hendry George Edwards (1905-14) died at an Ealing Nursing Home on 6 January 1980 at the age of 82. He served in the First World War with the Gordon Highlanders and RAMC_ and was, in professional life, a Life Assurance Branch Manager in Glasgow. He was the first Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Glasgow Centre of the Club from its formation at a meeting held on 1 December, 1930 and continued in that office until 1948 when he was appointed President of the Centre. He thereafter held a business appointment in the London area. He served the Club enthusiastically and conscientiously and was also Secretary of the Motor Section. His younger brother Herbert John Edwards (1906-17), B.L . has been living in Aberdeen since his retirement as senior partner in the legal firm of Messrs Watt & Cuminc. He was a generous supporter of the Club Centre at the time of its formation. George Angus Paterson Fraser (1911-22), M.B., Ch.B., died on 5 February 1979. He was 74. He graduated from Aberdeen University in 1927 and, after a time as Resident Medical Officer in Ashford New Hospital, Kent he set up in Medical Partnership in Market Deeping, near Peterborough and spent his entire career in that area. George Sutherland Fraser (1924-33), M.A. The following is reproduced from The Times by permission. Mr. G. S. Fraser, poet and critic, died in hospital in Leicester on 3 January, aged 64. From 1958 to 1979 he had taught at the University of Leicester, latterly as Reader in Poetry. Before that, he had been, since 1945, one of the dwindling band of fulltime literary journalists and, as Edwin Muir said at the time, "did perhaps more than anyone else to make the poetry of our time understandable to the poet and the reader, and so performed a task of great value to contemporary literature." This he did largely through his reviewing of current poetry, in many journals but notably in the TLS, and through his hosting of the BBC Third Programme's "New Poetry" feature. More than one generation of students and common readers have found their way into contemporary literature through his The Modern Writer and his World, first published in 1950 in

Obituaries

Japan (where he succeeded Edmund Blunden as British cultural adviser) and often reissued, revised and finally paperbacked since then. His judgments have worn well, and he was among the first in Britain to recognize the qualities of Pablo Neruda and the major post-war North American poets. His disinterested love for literature of many kinds, and his considedrable knowledge of philosphy and history, shone through his writings, and were manifest in his table-talk, which was of Coleridgean range, acuteness and resonance. Unwordly, absent-minded, an old-style bookman in manner though not in tastes or intellectual habit, he was a highly professional writer. An Aberdonian shrewdness and a capacity for speaking sharply when pretension demanded reproof lay in reserve behind a Pickwickian kindly innocence. He was a valued contributor to The Times Literary Supplement of which he had been poetry editor, and he had a long and fruitful connexion with the obituary department of The Times. Alfred William Grafton (1912-22), O.B.E., C.A., died on 11 January 1980 at Worthing. He was 76 years of age. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs Bower & Smith, Aberdeen and qualified as a C.A. in 1928 and was thereafter, for a time, with a firm of Chartered Accountants in London. In 1933 he was appointed Assistant Secretary to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited. During the War he was Secretary of the Motor Trade War Executive and in the New Year's Honours List in 1946 was made an Officer of the British Empire Order in respect of this work. He was, prior to his retirement, General Secretary of the Motor Agents Association. He was a Committee member of the London Centre of the Club and a member of London Scottish R.F.C. Surgeon Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Greeson (1902-05), K.B.E., C.B.. M.D.. who was Medical Director-General of the Royal Navy from 1949.52 and an Honorary Physician to King George VI died on 10 June 1979. He was 90. The son of the Reverend John Greeson, St. Kessog's Parsonage, Auchterarder, he went on to Aberdeen University where he graduated in Medicine in 1910. He graduated M.D. in 1913 and became a Surgeon in the Royal Navy the following year serving throughout the First World War and being present at the Battles of Heligoland Bight, the Falkland Islands, and Gallipoli. During the Second World War he was Fleet Medical Officer to the Mediterranean Fleet from 1939 to 1942 and was present at the Battle of Cape Matapan, when three Italian cruisers and two destroyers were sunk in a night action. In 1945 he was appointed C.B. He became Medical Director-General of the Royal Navy at the end of 1948, when the full effects of demobilisation were being felt and much rebuilding of the naval medical services and reserves was necessary. Under his guidance the best use was made of limited resources, and medical, dental, nursing and other staffs were deployed in such a manner that failure and breakdown were avoided. Among the problems he dealt with successfully were the pay of medical, dental and nursing officers and the conditions of service of male nurses in the sick bay staff. He fostered the creation of the atomic section of the RN Medical School at Alverstoke, where the Naval Medical Service introduced courses in radiological defence open to practitioners and nurses from the three services and to civilians. Sir Edward was made K.B.E. in 1950. He retired from the Royal Navy in 1952 and lived in Alderney, Channel Islands. Lt. Col. William Grenville lrvine-Fortescue (1910-13), M.C died at his home in Edinburgh on 19 February 1980 at the age of 82. During the First World War he served with the Royal Engineers in Greece and Northern Russia and during that time was awarded the Military Cross and

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Bar. He returned to Scotland in the 1920s and became Territorial Adjutant in Aberdeen until about 1930 when he moved to India. In 1946 he was posted to Germany where he served until his retirement in the early 1950s. The early years of this his retirement were spent at Durris and Bicldside before he moved to Edinburgh in 1966. The former President of the Scottish Chess Association he was an active member of Bon-Accord Chess Club, a Church of Scotland elder at Durris and Bieldside and a lay reader. Edward George Herbert Lightfoot (1921-24), L.D.S., died in December 1979 after some years in poor health. He was 73 years of age. The following tribute has been received: "After leaving School, Edmond qualified as a Dentist at St. Andrews and practised in Aberdeen. During the War he served with the Royal Army Dental Corps from 1943 to 1946 in Persia and Iraq. Edmond's father was a Priest and a Canon of the Episcopal Church in Scotland and Edmond himself was a keen and loyal churchman. It is also significant that he had a great interest and absorption in the Eastern Orthodox Church, enjoying its worship and discipline. His sensitive approach to life found its expression in painting, as an amateur, and his work was always characterised by delicate observation and portrayal of the simple, beautiful things in the world about him." He was a generous benefactor of the School Library appeal in the early 1960s. Lt. Col. Alexander Milne (1911-13), O.B.E., T.D., B.L.. died in hospital in Aberdeen on 27 October 1979 at the age of 82. He joined the Gordon Highlanders and served in France during the First World War arid was a Senior Officer in the former Territorial Fourth Battalion which went to France in 1940 and played a key role in the retreat from Dunkirk. Later he was given command of the Battalion which became the 92nd Regiment RA, an anti-tank unit. He was in command of the 4th / 7th BataIlion of the Gordon Highlanders (TA) from 1947 to 1950. He graduated in law at Aberdeen University in 1937 and became senior partner in the Aberdeen Legal firm of Peterkin and Duncan. Robert Gilbert Milne (1938-44) died on 11 May 1979 at the age of 52. On leaving School he spent five years in the Army with the Carneronians and the Highland Light Infantry before starting dental studies at St. Andrew's University. He returned to Aberdeen and set up a practice in Albert Street and for the past seven years had been based in Crown Street, Aberdeen. He maintained a life-long interest in rugby, originally as a player at School (he was a front row forward in the first XV in 1943/44 season) and later as a spectator at matches in Aberdeen. William Alexander Mitchell (1911-22) died in London in December 1979 at the age of 74. He had been for many years London Editor and Writer of the "London Letter" column in The Press andJournal. He attended Aberdeen and St. Andrews Universities and joined the staff of Aberdeen Journals in 1931. During the Second World War he was commissioned in the Royal Navy and served in aircraft carriers rejoining Aberdeen Journals after the war. In 1950 he moved to London to become London Editor. During his 20 years in that post he became well known as a theatre critic and specialist writer and his London Letter in the Press andJournal became a popular feature. He retired in 1971 but continued to live in London. A tribute in The Press andJournal reads: "After the War came the long years when Sandy Mitchell acted as London Editor of the Press andJournal and gave to the daily "London Letter" the very

Obituaries

special stamp of his personality. He enjoyed life in the metropolis and was a very amusing guide to its character and foibles. He soon became thoroughly at home in Knightsbridge and it was no surprise to his friends that in his retirement he choose to settle permanently there. He was the author of "Or was it Yesterday" a lively history of The Press and Journal produced for its bicentenary and in spite of his London residence he never lost touch with a host of friends in the North of Scotland who will salute his memory with warm affection." Hamish David Munro (1954-60), B.Sc., Ph.D.. died in hospital at London on 9 February 1980 at the age of 37. In 1964 he graduated with First Class Honours in Chemistry at Aberdeen University and went on to obtain his doctorate. He was Chief Patents Agent for Europe with the firm of Proctor & Gamble and latterly lived in Brussels. He contracted a virus and after being in hospital in Belgium for a week he was flown to Kings College Hospital, London where he died. He is survived by his wife and two young sons. Harold Stephen Caithness Patterson (1927-38) died in hospital in Aberdeen on 23 January 1980 at the age of 57. He joined the Royal Air Force at the beginning of the Second World War and served in Burma. He had been a member of the Territorial Army Reserve from the age of 15. He managed Patterson's Bar (now the Cavalier Bar) in Market Street, Aberdeen from his father's death until 1959 and then ran a drycleaning business in Torry. Edward Birnie Reid (1902-13), O.B.E., T.D.. C.A.. died in Aberdeen on 18 March 1980 at the age of 83. On leaving School he studied at Aberdeen University, Clare College, Cambridge and Fenoble and during the First World War he served as a gunner in Egypt and France and later with the Territorials becoming Honorary Colonel of the 51st Divisional Signals. In 1919 he commenced his apprenticeship with Messrs. James Meston & Company, Chartered Accountants becoming a C.A. in 1922. He became a senior partner in that firm and was a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. For a number of years he was Chairman of the Territorial and Ancillary Forces Association in Aberdeen. He was also appointed a Deputy Lieutenant. From 1948 to 1950 he was Rector's Assessor to Aberdeen University Court and served twice on the Society of Accountants Council in Aberdeen. He was President of the Cairngorm Club from 1946 to 1949 before being made an Honorary President. He was also Captain of the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in 1957. A former colleague has expressed the following tribute "Col. Birnie Rcid was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He will be remembered in the business world for his thoughtful consideration of everyone whether colleague, client or employee. His kindliness towards his staff was a by-word. He was tolerant of human failings and ever ready to help those in need." Alexander Rollo Robertson (1924-32), M.A., II.B., died in Sheffield on 2 November 1979 at the age of 64. On leaving School he went to Aberdeen University and graduated in Arts in 1935 and Law in 1937. In 1938 he took up an appointment with the United Steel Corporation in Sheffield and during the war was a Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, Middle East Forces. After the War he continued his commercial career in Sheffield and Cumberland with subsidiary companies of the United Steel Corporation.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

During his time in Aberdeen he was a stalwart of the 9th Scouts. He was a brother of the late Miss Ella Robertson of the School Kindergarten staff. Hamish Rutherford (1920-23), M.A.. L. L. died on 28 April 1980 in Wicken, Buckinghamshire at the age of 74. He was connected with the 17th Scout Group, graduated from Aberdeen University in 1926, and went on to teach French at Clermont-Ferrand University. He had been on the staff of Stowe School, Buckinghamshire for many years. Edward Henry Paton Simpson Shirran (1914-19) died on 2 May 1979 at the age of 76. He had been ill for some time. He went into business in partnership with his brother in the firm of D. & A. Shirran Booksellers and Newsagents in Holburn Street, Aberdeen. He moved to Ayr in 1938 and remained in the same line of business until his retirement in 1958. A very enthusastic philatelist, he won many awards, the last only a fortnight before his death. Frederick Roberts Sleigh (1914-17), M.B.. Ch.B., died at his home, Springdale, Biggar on 5 July 1979. He was 79. Dux of the School in 1917 he went on to Aberdeen University after serving in the 2nd Batallion London Regiment and graduated in Medicine in 1923. During his time at University he played for F.P.s at both rugby and cricket. He worked in general practice in Essex, Middlesex and at Biggar. He was the son of the late Charles William Sleigh (1874-79), C.B.E., M.A. LL.B., of Strichen who died in 1949 at the age of 86, after a distinguished life in public service. John Hastie Speirs (1911-24), M.A., B.A.. died at his home in London on 22 March 1979 at the age of 73. He was the elder son of Alexander Speirs M.A., B.Sc., who taught Science and Mathematics at the School from 1900 to 1935. After graduating M.A. with Honours in English at Aberdeen University he went to Cambridge where he graduated B.A. in 1931. He taught in Edinburgh for a period and then went to the University of Riga in 1935 where he met his future wife. In 1937 he went to the University of Egypt as a lecturer and finally as reader in English Literature. He was author of a number of books on Scottish and English Literature including The Scots Literary Tradition, Chaucer—The Maker, Mediaeval English Poetry and Poetry towards Novel. He was a recognised authority in his own field and in 1979 the University of Exeter proposed to confer on him the degree of Litt.D. Sydney Cardno Still (1904-10), M.A., died on 16 June 1979 at the age of 87. He graduated in Divinity at Aberdeen University in 1915 and after being an Assistant Minister in the North OF Church, Aberdeen and in Selkirk was appointed CO his first charge, at Kilcreggan and Cove OF Church in 1919. From 1927 to 1936 he was at Queen's Park North Church, Glasgow and from then until his retirement in 1954 he was Minister of St. James's Church, Paisley. When he retired he was a member of the Renfrewshire Education Committee, a Governor of Paisley Technical College, Vice-Chairman of the Glasgow School of Art and had been for many years Convener of the Paisley Museum and Art Gallery Committee. In 1952 he was Senior Chaplain to the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. He was a founder member of the Glasgow Centre of the Club. Robert Donald Strachan (1912-19). M.A., died in hospital in Aberdeen on 21 May 1979 at the age of 77. He had been ill for some time. He graduated in Arts at Aberdeen University in 1923 and then went on to Cambridge where he graduated B.A. He then took up teaching and from 1930 until 1945 was Classical Master in Dairy Higher Grade School, Ayrshire. He

Marriages

then was appointed to the post of Principal Teacher of Classics in Peterhead Academy which he held until his retirement. He was the School All-Round Trophy winner of 1919. John (Jock) Park Weir (1918-24), M.B.. Ch.B., died on 17 May 1979 in hospital in Bristol at the age of 74. The following tribute has been received: "Jock was a general favourite both at and on leaving School having a genial and rollicking manner. He was a very good forward on the rugby field and played for the First XV for a number of years. He also played for the F.P. XV in season 1929/30. On leaving School he studied medicine at Aberdeen University and did various locums and was for some two years resident medical officer at Kingscat Mental Hospital, Newmachar, Aberdeen. In due course he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps in which he spent the remainder of his professional career. Before the war he served abroad including India where he met his wife. During the war he saw service in North Africa and Italy." His home was at Keynsham, Bristol. John Alfred Youngson (1922-34) died in 1979 in a drowning accident near Athens at the age of 63. In the Second World War he served in the Eighth Army in the Western Desert and then in Greece. He was wounded there and met a Greek nurse whom he later married. In Aberdeen he and his wife had a boarding house for the elderly in Braemar Place. He had travelled overland to Greece and had spent three months there prior to his death. Charles Edward Smith (1922-25) died on 11 August 1979 in the Royal National Hospital, Bournemouth at the age of 72. He was born in Perth and started his career as a rubber planter in southern India before taking an interest in selling on returning to Britain. he had lived in Bournemouth for many years.

Marriages In the past the Marriages section of the Magazine has possibly not represented the most noteworthy items o.l concern to the School and the Club at large (albeit ofgreat importance to the individuals concerned), but this year it marks a highly significant event in the history of the School. Recorded immediately below is the first known marriage between two former pupils of the School in its long history of more than 700 years. Our best wishes are extended to Peter and Tracey Bavidge and, of course, to all the other couples whose marriages are listed below. Bavidge (1971-74) and Seabrooke (1974-78).—At Holburn West Church, Aberdeen on 12 April 1980, Peter Bavidge, only son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Bavidge, 47 Tay Road, Aberdeen to Tracey Seabrooke, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Seabrooke, 15 Collieston Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. Allan (1939-51).—At All Saints Parish Church, Carshalton, Surrey, on 22 March 1980, George Gordon Allan, 19 Leinster Road, Muswell Hill, London, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. G. J. Allan, 74 Desswood Place, Aberdeen, to Joyce, younger daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Ward and the late Mr. H. J. Ward, 139 Stanley Road. Carshalton.

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Benzie (1955-68).— At Ellon and Slains Parish Church, Ellon, on 14 July 1979, Dennis Gordon Benzie, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Benzie, 29 Newlands Crescent, Aberdeen, to Yvonne Walker, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. Courts, Wardhead Farm, Ellon. Buthlay (1960-72).—At Craigiebuckler Parish Church, Aberdeen, on 8 September 1979, Ian Buthlay, son of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Buthlay, 2 Woodburn Avenue, Aberdeen, to Kathleen Margaret, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alistair Mutch, 25 Oakhill Road, Aberdeen. Carry (1957-70).—At Craigiebuckler Parish Church, Aberdeen, on 27 October 1979, Peter David Carry, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Carry, 26 Woodburn Avenue, Aberdeen, to Jean, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander R. Elder, Lomond Villa, Downics, Portlethen, Aberdeen. Duthie (I965-71).—At King's College Chapel, Aberdeen on 12 January 1980, George Duthie, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Duthie, 37 Sanday Road, Aberdeen, to Marjorie, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Main, 27 Grant Street, Cullen. Fulton (1956-69).—At Smailholm Parish Church, Kelso, on 4 August 1979, Ian Anderson White Fulton elder son of Mr. and Mrs. James Fulton, 38 Woodburn Avenue, Aberdeen, to Janis Dorothy, only daughter of Rev. Mr. and Mrs. John D. Henderson, The Manse, Smailholm, Kelso, Roxburghshire. Grant (1957-70).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen, on 20 September 1979, David William John Grant, only son of Mr. and Mrs. William Grant, 68 Deansloch Terrace, Aberdeen to Patricia, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Cheyne, 55 Myrus Circle, Macduff. Hewet (1963-70).—At St. John's Church, Cumnock, on 6 October 1979, David Alexander Hewet, only son of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Hewer, 25 Kildrummy Road, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, to Patricia Bernadette, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. MacMillan, 86 Glaisnock Street, Cumnock, Ayrshire. McGregor (1951-64).—At Killermont Parish Church, Bearsden, on 29 June 1979, Colin Masson McGregor, only son of Mr. and Mrs. D. McGregor, 38 Mount Street, Rosemount. Aberdeen, to Catherine Joyce, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. E. Paterson. 12 Beachwood Court, Bearsden. Macindoe (1968-74).-At St. Machar's Cathedral. Old Aberdeen, on 28 March 1980, Ian Macindoe, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Macindoe, 1 Rosewell Terrace, Aberdeen, to Sheila, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Mustard, 53 Cattofield Place, Aberdeen. Martin (1966-72).—At Assembly Hall, Aberdeen, on 31 March 1980, Arthur William Martin, younger son of Mr. H. Martin and the late Mrs. Martin, 9 Mount Street, Aberdeen, to Alison Margaret, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Maining, Kinneff Schoolhouse, Montrose. Mitchell (1961-72).—At Holburn West Church, Aberdeen, on 29 March 1980, Forbes Mitchell, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Mitchell, 7 Sanday Road, Aberdeen, to Alison, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Baillie, 29 Gray Street, Aberdeen. Robinson (1968-74).—At King's College Chapel, on 15 February 1980, Nicholas Robinson, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. K. Robinson, The Old Rectory, Folla Rule, Rothienorman, to Judy. only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Birnie, Greenwards, Rura, Peterhead. Shaw (1965-70).—At St. Mary's Cathedral, Aberdeen on 25 August 1979, Kenneth William Shaw, second son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Shaw, 60 Leggart Terrace, Aberdeen, to Linda Jane, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Philip, 93 Morrison Drive, Aberdeen.

Abstracts of Accounts

Abstracts of Accounts for year ended 31st December 1979 F.P. Club INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

1978 #830 Subscriptions 382 Revenue from Investments (Gross) 683 Transfer from Life Member Capital Fund at 5%

(1,216 666 747 481 3,650 345 7

392 Magazine Sales and Advertising Revenue 3,630 Donation from Club Centre 413 Entertainments Account Surplus 21 Miscellaneous Income

£7,112

£6,571 f1,967 1,650 31 225 377 2,157

Working Expenses, including Honoraria Loan Interest School and Trophy Medals Capitation Grants Expense of Visits to Other Centres Magazine - Cost of Printing and Postages

£2,214 1,875 135 225 317 1.670 6,436 £676

£6,407 £164 SURPLUS FOR YEAR TRANS. TO CAPITAL ACCOUNT BALANCE SHEET

£7,807 5,142 1,268 1,000 7,270

£7,570 9.838 1,368 1.122 8,007 4,770 1.123

£30,607

£33,798

HERITABLE PROPERTY—At cost less loans INVESTMENTS—At cost ROBERT G. WILSON BEQUEST MRS. ISABELLA GRANT BEQUEST LIFE ASSURANCE POLICY—Premiums paid 4,644 SUNDRY DEBTORS 3,476 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

Less • £2,951 SUNDRY CREDITORS 787 ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE

13,188 969

£3,738

4,157

£26,869

£29,641

Represented by: f12,986 LIFE MEMBER CAPITAL FUND 11,415 CAPITAL ACCOUNT 1,268 ROBERT G. WILSON BEQUEST FUND 1,000 MRS. ISABELLA GRANT BEQUEST FUND 200 OTHER FUNDS

414.204 12,747 1,368 1.122 200

£26,869

£29,641

Amenities Fund INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

1978 £445 Interest from Investments (Net) —

4465 100 209

Donation

220 Income Tax Recoverable

£774

£665 £605 Grants made 25 Honorarium and Administration Expenses

624

£630 £33

£599 25

Surplus carried to Balance Sheet

£150

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

BALANCE SHEET /1627 INVESTMENTS—At cost

£6,240

170 SUNDRY DEBTORS 152 CASH AT BANK

160 312

f5,949

/6.'12

Represented by £5,997 CAPITAL ACCOUNT (73) REVENUE ACCOUNT 25 SUNDRY CREDITOR

16.609

45,949

(6,712

78 25

Club Centre INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

1978 £19,620 Gross Profit on Bar (Sales (61,958 (1978-154,671)) 5,698

123,418 6,066 17,693 1,697

Annual Subscriptions

12,874 Gaming Machine Revenue (Net) 1,338 Other Income £39.530

£14,230 4,478 3,409 320 2,003 3,650 1,280 799 729

1,400 1.88/ 934

148,863 Wages and National Insurance Rates, Insurance and Feu duty Heating and Lighting Telephone Repairs and Maintenance Donation to F.P. Club Other Donations and Interests Administration Expenses Stewards Pension Scheme Honoraria Miscellaneous Expenses. Cleaning etc. Depreciation

(16,148 5,874 3,799 314 9,201 3,650 2.813 698 729 1.700 2,770 867

£35,113

48,563

f4,417 SURPLUS FOR YEAR

1300 BALANCE SHEET

FIXED ASSETS £5,380 Furniture, Fittings and Equipment--At cost less depreciation

O 4.479

3.582 2,391 367

CURRENT ASSETS Loan Account—A.G.S.F.P. Club Stock in Hand Sundry Debtors Cash in Hand

£80,819

14.900

182,635 4,391 1,718 702 189.446

CURRENT LIABILITIES

£17,351 Sundry Creditors 3.733

Subscriptions in Advance 11,534 Bank Overdraft

£16,885 3,642 21,688

£32,618

/42,215

48,20!

47,231

f53,581 13.400 Less: LONG TERM LOANS

f52,131 11.200

£40,181

140,931

Represented by: £7,622 CAPITAL ACCOUNT—Appeal Fund and Other Donations 32,559 SURPLUSES

/8,072 32,859

£40,181

(40,931

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