AGS Magazine June 1984

THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOU MAGAZINE

; 4

ABERDEEN

primed for -The Forrner• Pupils' Club atilte University Press Volume 87

June 1984

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 100th year No. 222 (New Series 89th year No. 213)

JUNE 1984

Vol. 87

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

Mrs. Marion M. Smith, M.A., 29 Victoria Street, Aberdeen AB1 1UU

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, LL.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 1985.

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

CONTENTS General Section— .

Fa's Like Us? .

The Rector's Message .

President's Report .

The Moderator Looks Back Cardiac Transplantation .

A Science Mistress before Co-education .

The London Centre 1908-83 . .

Another Young F.P. Abroad . . . . .

Book Review . . . .

Mr. James Murray . . .

John Stirling .

page .,

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3 4 5 6 10 13 IS 17 18 19 19

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20 20 24 25 26 27 37 37 38 39 39 46

School Section— . .

School Office-Bearers . . .

Prefects' Notes The Parent-Teacher Association . . .

Staff Changes. . .

Mr. Harry Hopkins . .

School Sporting Activities .

Colour Awards 1983-84 . .

Combined Cadet Force .

A. G. S. Markdorf Exchange . . .

Music Notes . .

Clubs and Societies .

Staff Pantomime .

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. . . . . .

. .

. .

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Former Pupils' Section— . .

Club Office-Bearers .

Annual General Meeting .

Our President .

Centre Reports . .

Section Reports .

Reunion of Class of 1952-58 .

Reunion of Sixth Year Class of 1959 . .

Notes about Former Pupils . . .

Marriages . .

Obituaries . . .

Accounts

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48 50 53 55 58 63 69 70 81 82 98

Illustrations— . .

The Moderator's Visit .

Head Boy and Head Girl .

First International Netball Captain . . .

School Rugby. . . .

Ski Club .

Staff Pantomime . . .

Club President .

The All-Round Gentleman

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8 21 21 32 45 47 54 85

. . . Fa's Like Us? . . .

It was difficult to know how one should react to the Scotsman editorial of 27 August 1983. Of course, one knew, as if by instinct, that Aberdeen Grammar School had always been and would remain the finest and most humane seat of learning in the kingdom: but, in recent years at least, we had tended to restrict any utterance of such a conviction to chauvinistic outbursts at rugby matches against Robert Gordon's College or Gordonians. Such claims as these, we might safely assume from the record book, could be refuted all too easily.

It was difficult, then, to come to terms with a national newspaper's expression of belief in Aberdeen Grammar School's great distinction in propagating humane values throughout the world, when many of us. as interested parties, had lacked the energy or conviction to commit ourselves openly to that same belief.

One response, at least, was clear: that of congratulation to lain Johnstone Macbeath Sutherland (1933-41), K.C.M.G., M.A., who, by the discharge of his duties as the British Ambassador in Moscow, had drawn such favourable attention to the School. For the rest. even if we avoid the commitment of making any major claim for the School by allowing the Scotsman to do the talking for us, it will suffice, if teachers, pupils and. former pupils accept this fresh encouragement to strive towards the high values which the nation expects of Aberdeen Grammar School.

For the benefit of those, who may have missed this remarkable editorial, the text is reproduced below (with the Magazine Editor's italics):

"A nice touch Diplomats have their own and various ways of dealing with what are, sometimes euphemistically, known as provocative incidents. The reaction of the British mission in Moscow to the Soviets' handling of a mysterious stranger who drove into the embassy courtyard with a home-made bomb— diplomatically classified as a "small device"—is interesting. It is not clear from the reports whether the stranger intended to blow up the embassy or to seek sanctuary within its walls. At all events he was manhandled off the premises by the Russian police whom he had eluded. A spokesman later disclosed that the British Ambassador had spoken not only to the Soviet authorities about the unauthorised entry but also about the strong-armed methods employed by the Russian police in removing the intruder. Other members of the embassy, apparently, had also shown concern over what they considered the excessive use of force.

The British Ambassador in Moscow is Sir lain Sutherland, an Aberdeen man. He was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and Balliol. One trusts that all Grammarians and all Balliol men will consider that Sir lain's conduct reflects credit on his school and on his college and that it conformed with the highest Foreign Office standards. It was also a tribute to his upbringing, not perhaps so surprising, since both his mother and his father were distinguished artists held in esteem and affection by all who knew them. When one reflects that the man with the small device was not a pedestrian passing through an Alpine village at dusk and holding aloft a banner but a motorist, whose intention might well have been to blow up the embassy, the reaction of Sir lain and his staff seems all the more civilised and humane.

One wonders what the Muscovites made of the interest shown by the British Embassy in their unofficial visitor's rights. Moscow does not abound in civil rights societies ready, at the drop of a fur hat, to bound into action when a policeman lays so much as a little finger on a suspected pickpocket.

The notion that 'he accused must be treated as innocent until he is proved 3

4

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine guilty has not been much favoured by the Kremlin, let alone the belief that even if the accused is found guilty he should be spared rough handling. At a time when parts of the world dispense barbaric penalties it is comlorting to know that the dignity of man, even of suspect man, as extolled t rough-out the ages in Aberdeen Grammar School, stillfinds its champions within our foreign service."

The Rector's Message Over the years I have enjoyed immensely my contacts with the former pupils in the various Centres, but this year I was particularly delighted on two accounts. The 75th Anniversary Dinner of the London Centre was an occasion long to be remembered. It offered an excellent opportunity for the many former pupils present to reminisce on days gone by and at the same time appreciate the many changes that have occurred in the School during these years. The second cause for satisfaction was the revival, after many years, of the Glasgow Centre Dinner in November. I took the opportunity of reminding the former pupils present of the importance of former pupils' reunions, not only in Aberdeen but elsewhere in the country. Former pupils are the School's ambassadors wherever they are and such reunions are a reminder that Aberdeen Grammar School continues to export worthy citizens to all parts of the country.

On Friday, 10 February, the School was honoured to receive a visit from a distinguished former pupil, Dr. Fraser McCluskey, past President of the Former Pupils' Club, and this year's Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. He was delighted to re-visit his old school and had an opportunity to address a gathering of senior pupils in the School Library.

The past year has been one of growing concern at the excessively large number of pupils seeking admission to the school under the Parents' Charter.

The roll reached a peak of 1719 pupils in December and action had to be taken to reduce that number. The intake into SI in August 1984 will be restricted to 240 and limits have also been put on years SII and SVI, so that for session 1984-85 the roll should be at least less than 1700. However, there will have to be a comprehensive review of the situation and a long-term policy for admissions agreed by the Education Committee for the years ahead, in order to ensure that the opportunities currently available to our pupils in and outwith the classroom are not endangered. Having said that, I am pleased to be able to say that this year we have again enjoyed success academically, in sport and in many of the other activities that go on throughout the year.

This School, like all others, is currently involved in a massive exercise of preparation for the implementation of the radical new programmes introduced by the Munn and Dunning Reports and "16 to 18, an Action Plan". We share the concern of many that, because of financial constraints, adequate resources and staff may not be forthcoming to meet the requirements of the new courses and new forms of assessment. One thing is certain, life will not be easy for staff or pupils in the next year or two, until the new programmes become established and familiar to all involved. All this on top of the influx of pupils has put a very considerable strain on our staff and I would like to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the way in which my colleagues have responded.

As always on this occasion, I take the opportunity of thanking the Former Pupils' Club and the many individual former pupils who continue to take a very lively and positive interest in the welfare of their old school. The most recent example of this is the magnificent rose bowl which has just been presented by the Club as the All-round Trophy for Girls and which is now on display in the Sanctum in the School Library.

ROBERT D. Giu.

President's Report The keen observer of presidential behaviour will be aware that, despite their individual idiosyncracies, there are some common features linking successive Presidents (other than that they all went to Aberdeen Grammar School).

Invariably at the time of his election, and again at the Annual Dinner, the incumbent President will remark how deeply conscious he is of the honour done him by the Club in electing him to its highest office. Readers will recognise these expressions, and may, as I confess I have done in the past, have reacted to them with a certain cynicism.

There is a limit to the number of ways in which a President can acknowledge what the Club has done to him. I sought a variation on the traditional form of expression but fell back on roughly the usual phrases—with the difference that now I understand how my predecessors had felt, and words which to the listener or reader may seem trite had a whole new meaning. I was conscious of the honour, I was anxious to justify the confidence shown in me, and I was filled with a mixture of emotions which were difficult to express in other than these same trite phrases.

In March 1983 the prospect of a presidential year was exciting, with the opportunity to meet former pupils in various outposts of the Club empire, and it stretched into the great unknown of the seemingly distant future. Writing in April 1984 I have to say that while the year lived up to all my expectations of it, the speed at which it passed took me by surprise.

The Prize-giving and other major occasions in the School year which I was able to attend were enjoyable and interesting, if for me not as novel as for the average president. Having attended such functions in other capacities over many years, I remain filled with admiration for the School's ability to stage musical, dramatic and other events with such conspicuous success. That the Annual Concert is not better supported by parents, if not by others, must be discouraging for the organisers, and those who missed this year's performance are the poorer for their absence.

The President of our Club has no executive functions, so that I can claim no credit for the change of venue of the Annual Dinner, nor for the choice of principal speaker. I may be permitted to take personal pride in having presided over the first such function at which a lady proposed the principal toast, and how well Dorothy Kidd did it, too! I was asked a few t►mes that evening how 1 had felt at what, for a President, is the high point of the year, and my response was that I thoroughly enjoyed myself, which was the simple truth—I thought it was an excellent function. There was another presidential "first" in that while several of my predecessors had had their sons at the Dinner, I was the first to have a daughter present in her own right as a former pupil.

The round of Centre Dinners was stimulating, although when one looks back at the succession of Dinners in October/November there were a few hectic weeks. I was especially happy to be associated with the revival of the Glasgow Centre and with the 75th Anniversary of the London Centre, the only disappointment at the latter being the need for so many to leave for their long journeys home. It is commonplace to remark that the strength of our Club lies in its branches, but that does not detract from the accuracy of the statement.

The enthusiasm of the former pupils, whom I met at each Centre, is ample testimony to the value they place on our Club and to the dedication of the officials of our Centres. If I single out Glasgow for special mention, it is simply because once a branch has been allowed to slip into a period of inactivity, it is a particularly hard task to re-activate it. The McLaren /Emslie effort over the last two or three years has been quite tremendous, and if they take pride in the result, theirs is a quite justifiable pride.

The intimate atmosphere of the small gathering of the faithful in Yorkshire at the start of the dinner season contrasted sharply with the largest ever preCalcutta Cup function in Edinburgh, but at each I felt very much at home.

5

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

A recurring remark of mine at each Dinner was that our Club is one of which, as its President, I was quite unashamedly proud. Wherever I went and to whomever I spoke, I recognised the strength of the ties which bind our members together and which enable us to go on towards our Centenary with a loyalty and affection for our old School, knowing that both we and the School enjoy the highest standing in the community locally, nationally and internationally.

Humility is not one of my most notable characteristics, but I have been humbled by being chosen to follow a line of distinguished Presidents. The experience has been enormously satisfying for me and I can only hope that I have contrived to give as much satisfaction to my fellow members. My good wishes go to Eric Watt for a successful year in office, and I know that he will receive the same warmth of welcome wherever his duties take him.

BRIAN K. CROOKSHANKS (1934-46)

The Moderator Looks Back The 1983 issue of the Magazine included a tribute to the Very Reverend].

Fraser McLuskey (1920-31), M.C., M.A., B.D., D.D., in whose appointment in 1983 as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the School and Club took both pleasure and pride.

The Magazine is highly privileged to be able to include the following account by Dr. McLuskey of his year as Moderator, during which the School was favoured by a Moderatorial visit.

"You'll enjoy being Moderator," a former holder of the office wrote to me when I was nominated. "There's nothing like it." It is certainly true that ecclesiastical comparisons are apt to be misleading. In the Church of Scotland the Moderator is not an executive. He doesn't hire or fire. He is not a Presbyterian pope or archbishop. He is not head of the Church of Scotland.

He, or perhaps one day it will be she, is a minister like any other, who for one year is released from normal duty CO undertake special responsibilities. These fall into two unequal parts. Immediately on appointment by the General Assembly he is called upon to act as Assembly Chairman or Speaker. There- at home and abroad, as requested. For his year of after he visits the Church, office he acts as the official representative of the Kirk.

Although the Assembly now lasts for only seven days, the Moderator's responsibilities there are demanding. The life and work of the Church are reviewed. Policies are debated by men and women, approximately half of them Ministers and half Elders, drawn from every part of Scotland and most walks of life. If this example of Christian democracy is to work, then the agreed rules of procedure and debate must be kept and a fair deal given to all. Like most if not all of my predecessors I had contemplated the Assembly with a certain trepidation. In the event I found it a moving and indeed a happy experience. In the act of worship with which each day began, as in the Communion Service we shared together, we found a sense of unity which sustained us through the hours of discussion and blessed us with a comradeship strong enough to take the strain of difference in points of view.

Thanks to the very generous gift of the Baird Trust there is now a residence for the Moderator in Edinburgh. The Church has the use of the top two floors of the Georgian house in Charlotte Square. To have such a base, a minute or two distant from the Church offices, is an enormous help. It is a temporary home, however, of which one has only fleeting glimpses. Constant movement is the order of the day.

The Moderator is required to visit five Presbyteries and to spend ten days in each. In my case these have been Lochcarron and Skye, Paisley, Dunoon.

The Moderator Looks Back

7

Buchan and Stirling. A Presbytery may receive a Moderatorial visit once in ten years. The form varies little. On the two Sundays the Moderator preaches at the maximum number of services, often joint, which can be arranged, meeting chose present at receptions following. On week days he addresses rallies of the Women's Guild and Office-bearers Unions. Church meetings, however, by no means occupy the greater part of the tour. "Religious Experience," said the late Dr. Temple, "is the whole experience of the religious man." The Christian faith is concerned with the seven days of the week and not Sunday only. The Moderator visits schools—notably for this Moderator the Aberdeen Grammar—colleges, hospitals, prisons, police, factories, fish farms, ship yards. When doing so I have learned how strong still are the links between Church and State in Scotland. The Church of Scotland is the National Church in more than name.

The "Urgent Call to the Kirk," adopted at last year's General Assembly, informs us that only one third of the citizens of Scotland are on the roll of any Church and less than twenty per cent are on the roll of the Church of Scotland.

Nevertheless the generous official welcomes I have everywhere received from Regional and District Councils and the friendliness of the reception I have everywhere encountered convinces me that the Kirk continues to possess a valued place in the life of Scotland. People look to it still with interest and expectancy. For this we owe a great debt to Ministers who serve as chaplains to the Armed Services, to the Police, to Hospitals, Schools, Universities, and to Industry. The Church goes out to those who in most cases do not come to the Church.

Moderators visit the three Services in turn. It was my lot, and a very happy one, to go to the Army. Four packed days in Northern Ireland showed the cheerfulness and courage with which our soldiers perform their essential and costly role. A week in Germany took me to the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the Black Watch and the Gordons. As an added bonus I had a day with the RAF in Bruggen. On visits to London I saw the 2nd Battallion Scots Guards and the S.A.S., to which in World War II I was chaplain. I had an evening with the London Scottish Regiment, to which, as minister of St. Columba's, I am Honorary Chaplain. As a special Moderatorial privilege I took the Salute at a Passing Out Parade in the Scottish Infantry Depot in Glencorse and at the Edinburgh Tattoo.

In recent years overseas tours have taken moderators to Korea, to India, to Africa, to the West Indies. Before my year of office ends I am to visit Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark to meet leaders of the Churches in these countries. Up to date travels have taken me to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend the union of the two Presbyterian Churches in the United States and to East Germany for the Martin Luther celebrations. The Atlanta occasion was especially joyous as Presbyterians, separated since the days of the Civil War, affirmed their unity and became one undivided Church. The celebration of the world's debt to Martin Luther was clouded by the difficulties experienced by the Church in East Germany. Communist influence pervades every area of national life. The degree to which a member of the Church is loyal to his convictions is the degree to which he is conscious of the hostility of the communist establishment. A quick trip took me to Strasbourg to meet our Scottish E.M.P.s and to see the Parliament at work. Angry noises off from a demonstration by French farmers injected a note of realism into the agricultural debates.

London is favoured with a Moderatorial visit each year at St. Andrewstide.

An annual service in St. Columba's is followed by a tea party to both of which London Scots came in large numbers. This was a welcome excuse to visit my flock and our sister congregation, Crown Court. I saw a host of London friends as I carried through the normal calls on leaders of Church and State, on

The Moderator's Visit

Standing (1 to r): Cohn McLean (VI), Diane Jeffrey (VI), Wolfgang Gorner (VI), Susan Oliphant (VI), Sui Yen Ah-See (VI), Niall Steele (VI), Hilary MacDonald (VI) Seated (1 to r): Mr. Gill (Rector), the Moderator, Mr. McCombie (Depute Rector)

The Moderator Looks Back

9

Scottish Banks, the Independent Broadcasting Authority, the Royal Scottish Corporation, and the Royal Caledonian Schools, British Council of Churches and Christian Aid. The welcome lunch by the Secretary of State for Scotland deserves special mention. It was followed by a visit to the Houses of Parliament and, on the day after, to the Crypt where it is customary for the Moderator to preach at a service for Scottish Peers and Matrons of Parliament. At the Royal Smithfield Show, with its many Scottish competitors, I was invited to present prizes but not, I am thankful to say, to do the judging. After some twentythree years in London I was on familiar territory but wearing quite literally, a different hat.

My Moderatorial year coincided with the centenary of the Boys Brigade. I shall long remember the August celebrations in Ibrox Park, Glasgow. Glorious sunshine bathed the Saturday display, splendidly staged, and the closing service on the Sunday afternoon. What a privilege to address a congregation of some forty thousand. The Rangers directors who made us such welcome guests invited me back to see the ground under normal conditions. On the occasion when I accepted this invitation Rangers won, whereupon I was told I could have a free seat any Saturday.

Other services stand out also. I preached in St Giles on Battle of Britain Sunday, when a Battle of Britain pilot read the lesson, and again on Remembrance Sunday. Following Moderatorial custom I preached in the Universities of Glasgow, where once I was University Chaplain, in St. Andrews and in Aberdeen. In rapid succession I visited Gordonstoun, Fettes and Eton and found in all these abundant evidence of the influence of the Christian faith. After twenty years I paid a return visit to Balmoral as the guest of our Queen and preached at the Service in Crathie. Another service I am unlikely to forget was our own Centenary celebration in St. Columba's in March last when her Majesty was our very welcome guest. It was exactly one hundred years since my predecessor thrice removed, Dr. Donald MacLeod, had led the Congregation to its new home in Pont Street.

The Church of Scotland has long been ecumenically conscious. Aberdeen has provided notable evidence in St. Columba's, Bridge of Don, built and shared by the Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church. The two Congregations have their own places of Worship in the one building but the central area is common to both. The service of dedication in which Cardinal Gray and I took part was followed by a Social of joyous enthusiasm. The Christian Church, in spite of division, was doing its best to show that it ought to be and wanted to be one. As you would expect, Aberdeen was showing the way to us all!

You could say I started my Moderatorial year with a formidable job description. The "Urgent Call to the Kirk" invited the Moderator to lead the Kirk in prayer and intercession for a renewal of the Church and the Conversion of Scotland in which some three million people remain to be won for Christ and his Church. "The membership of the Kirk steadily diminishes," states the Call. "A damaging cut-back in churches and worshipping communities takes place, there are fewer and fewer pastors . . . " Facts are chiels that winna ding and these facts have never been far from my thoughts. Nevertheless I have continually been impressed and encouraged by the congregations I have visited—by Ministers, office-bearers, Sunday School teachers, choir members, men and women in the pews. I have found a joy in Christian worship among young and old alike and an enthusiasm for service to our fellow-men. Those who are found in our slimmed down Church today would hardly be there without a sense of their own need and the need of the world for that power to live life in its fulness which only Christ can bestow. The anxiety and fear which few can long escape open ears and hearts to the Gospel message. What shall we do to be saved from the growing disunity in our own land and the cosmic disaster another world war must bring? Man's

10

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

extremity, of which our people must be growingly aware, is God's opportunity and chat of the people called by His Son to His service. As for these past months I have been privileged to company with so many who are hearing and answering that call, little wonder that I end my year with strengthened faith and deepened thankfulness and joy.

J. FRASER MCLUSKEY (1920- 3 I)

Cardiac Transplantation When asked to say who Neil McKenzie is, many of us will always reply, The best stand-off half the School has produced in modern times." Memory is deceptive, even in the case of your Editor, whose burden of years is comparatively light, but one might almost affirm on oath, that Neil's side-step could stretch half the width of the pitch, and that, by the lime that Neil began on, say, the third of his long mazy runs (the courses of which were totally unpredictable, except that they would inevitably terminate across the goal line), all the remaining twenty-nine players simply stood back in a mixture of weariness and bewildred admiration.

The worldat large, however, knows ofNeil not for his leisure pursuits, but for his pioneering achievements in his profession. In May 1983 he performed the first Canadian heart and lung transplant operation some six months before such a procedure wasfirst attemptedin thir country. The operation, furthermore, has been a complete success, and the fortunate patient has joinedseveral others, on whom Neil has performed successful heart transplant surgery.

F. Neil McKenzie (1948-62) graduated from Aberdeen University with the degrees of M.B., Ch. B. in 1968, and, following a British Heart Foundation fellowship, with the degree of M.D. in 1971. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1972 and of Canada in 1976. Before taking up residence in Canada, he held the post of Lecturer in the Department of Surgery of the University of Aberdeen, and he has held his present appointment as Associate Professor of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the University of Western Ontario since 1977.

At the Editor's request he has provided the following account and personal assessment of the modern and relatively controversial surgical procedure of cardiac trans/Vat:hon.

Time honoured but not time worn idioms of the English language refer to the heart as the seat of the soul. Our heart throbs with emotion, not infrequently ending in heartache or, less comfortably, heartburn. "Have a heart," you say, "less of this heart rending imagery!" These expressions imply resilience, persistence, "whole-hearted" endurance, and appropriately so.

Weighing around 300 gm and about the size of your fist, the human heart will beat about 36 million times per year and in that time pump a little over 2.5 million litres of blood. We have become accustomed to living our three score years and ten, and with such an expectation, it is remarkable that pump failure does not occur more often.

Most commonly, when pump failure does occur, it is the result of obstruction in the coronary arteries, occasionally because of an acquired abnormality of the heart valves, but rarely because of disease of the heart muscle itself or because of a congenital abnormality. If the damage has progressed beyond the point at which standard medical or surgical treatment can be effective, then the only remaining option may be to replace the heart itself.

The earliest experiments in heart transplantation were performed during the first decade of this century. It was found possible to stop the heart, transfer it to another animal and restore normal rhythmic heart action. This was an

Cardiac Transplantation

11

outstanding achievement, all the more remarkable, because it was accomplished long before the era of anticoagulants, antibiotics, fine suture materials and heart lung machines, the technology we now take for granted.

The man responsible, Alexis Carrel, deservedly won the Nobel prize for Medicine in 1912 for his work in transplantation. Many years later, in 1936, Carrel appeared on the front cover of Time magazine with Charles Lindbergh with their design of a heart lung bypass machine. Another thirty years were to pass before this dream became reality.

By the early 1960s advances in two areas set the scene for heart transplantation in man. First, we began to gain some insight into how the body reacts to foreign tissue, how we recognise "self- and differentiate it from "non-self- .

This response allows us, for example, to recognise the foreignness of an invading flu virus or bacteria and to react to repel the invader. An implanted heart or liver or kidney are similarly treated as foreign, and, to prevent rejection of the implanted organ, the normal rejection response has to be modified by drug treatment. One of the dilemmas of transplantation becomes immediately apparent. If the rejection response is completely prevented by large doses of suppressive drugs, the patient will be exposed to the risk of overwhelming infection, since the ability CO react to any invader is suppressed.

If a low dose of anti-rejection drugs is used, the risk of infection will be smaller but the risk of rejection much greater. The margin for error is small.

Secondly, after trial of many different techniques, a sound and reproducible technique for heart transplantation was established. The recipient s diseased heart is removed leaving cuffs of the main collection chambers for blood returning to the heart from the body (right atrium) and from the lungs to the heart (left atrium). The outflow arteries from the heart to the lungs (the pulmonary artery) and to the body (the aorta) are divided. The donor heart is removed in similar fashion leaving cuffs which can then be sutured to the cuffs of corresponding tissue which have been left in the recipient. During the operation on the donor the heart is cooled to minimise damage during the period that it is without circulation. The recipient's own circulation is maintained following excision of the heart by connecting the patient to a heart lung bypass machine which performs the work of the heart and lungs while the new heart is implanted.

Successful heart transplantation requires that a suitable recipient is selected, that the operation is performed quickly and appropriately, and that the correct decisions are made with respect to post-operative management of the rejection process.

Currently most teams involved in heart transplant restrict possible recipients to those under 50 years of age. Beyond age 50 the rigours of the acute rejection treatment are poorly tolerated. All recipients have severe heart disease, not amenable to any simpler form of therapy, with an estimated life expectancy of less than a year. The average - age of the eighteen patients that I have transplanted has been 27. Twenty other patients had been accepted for transplantation but a suitable heart could not be found and all died before operation could be performed. This disturbing fact reflects the severity of the disease in those patients and the shortage of suitable donors.

I have briefly outlined the steps of the operation. It is in fact rather straightforward, and, since a normal heart is being implanted, few of the difficulties associated with "normal" cardiac surgery are encountered. The operation usually takes about four hours to perform and does not involve staff or equipment which would not regularly be required for heart operations.

There has recently been renewed interest in heart transplantation. In part this has arisen because of a gradual improvement in results. The long term outlook after heart transplantation is now essentially the same as after kidney transplantation. Introduction of new anti-rejection drugs along with better

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patient selection have been the principal factors responsible for this improvement. We now have much more potent yet safer drugs which allow suppression of the rejection reaction, while leaving the patient's own defence mechanisms largely intact.

What about the artificial heart—will it replace heart transplantation as the preferred method of restoring the irretrievably damaged heart? We are very far from attaining such a goal. No man-made replacement part works nearly as well as the normal tissue, and this situation is likely to persist for many years to come. It is possible that an artificial or synthetic heart might be used as a temporary measure until a suitable donor heart could be found, but we arc still far from achieving a "bionic" man.

Occasionally heart disease progresses to the point when secondary damage occurs in the lungs. In this situation replacement of the heart alone would be unsuccessful, and transplantation of not only the heart but also both lungs is needed. The recipient should fulfil the same strict criteria mentioned for heart transplantation, and so the pre-operative evaluation is essentially the same.

The operation, however, is far more complex, not in theory, but in its practical performance. The potential pitfalls arc plentiful and this is reflected in the results. Of about twenty-five such operations performed in the United States there are currently twelve survivors, one of whom is still living some three years after the operation. In Europe there arc no survivors in ten attempts. The one Canadian patient on whom I operated a year ago is alive and well.

What about the costs of all this esoteric surgical activity? When health authorities are finding difficulty in funding basic health care, how can expensive programmes such as transplantation be justified? The early days of heart transplantation left the public with a poor impression. Operations were accompanied with much fanfare and it seemed that no self respecting cardiac surgeon could resist the ego trip. It was a matter too of national pride. Thus by 1970 some 200 operations had been performed by over 60 teams in 20 countries. The results obtained were abysmil with only about 20 per cent of patients surviving one year. Considerable advances have been made since that time. Most patients will leave hospital about four weeks after operation, special facilities are not necessary, other than a health care team committed to their care, and, for those individuals looking after a transplant, it is a modest addition to their day to day duties. The operation is applicable to only a small number of those with terminal heart disease, probably in the range of 1-2 cases per million of population.

Anticipated survival now is 80 per cent at one year and 50 per cent at five years. These figures far exceed the survival statistics which are currently obtained following treatment of many forms of cancer. The initial cost of treating the cancer patient may be smaller, but the cost per successful procedure (long term patient survival or care) is much higher. With heart transplantations a higher initial cost is justified in terms of cost per successful operation since the majority of patients survive.

Survival after an operation, while an important and, of course, easily measured index of an operation's worth, tells only a part of the story. For most of us quality of life is as important as quantity. Most cardiac transplant survivors lead completely unrestricted lives, return to gainful employment, and do not become a chronic drain on the health care system.

In the institutions active in the field of heart transplantation research plays an important role. Watching a new heart beat in the chest of a sick patient is satisfying of course, but the secondary aim is to achieve better understanding of the body's defence mechanisms. Thus, as a result of observations with a new immunosuppressive drug, we arc beginning trials in young patients suffering from diabetes. If the goal was restricted simply to achieving organ function, such potentially useful observations would not be made.

A Science Mistress Before Co-education

13

I have somewhat belaboured the issue of costs, largely because heart transplantation is perceived mistakenly as a costly, highly technical undertaking which gives poor results. Myths die hard. In most "civilised" countries an infinitely larger sum of money is spent buying Valentine cards each year than is expended in heart research. Perhaps it is good that it is so, but it does reflect our priorities.

Heart and heart lung transplantation will remain a very effective means of treating a few carefully selected patients with terminal heart disease.

Substantial improvements have been made over the past decade and the next decade will almost certainly be even more fruitful.

F. NEIL MCKENZIE (1948-62)

A Science Mistress before Co-education (An Historical Romance) In August 1960, the somewhat bemused possessor of a new Honours degree in Botany and an even newer document confirming my qualification under Chapter V and Article 39 of the Regulations to teach Botany, Zoology and Chemistry in Scottish Secondary Schools, I decided, in the absence of any clear idea of what to do next, to apply to Aberdeen Education Committee for a temporary post. I had been brought to this stage by the advice of "the Prof ' to us girls that we ought to take advantage of the six month postgraduate teaching course offered by the Aberdeen College of Education to recent Honours graduates ("never mind whether you are interested or not, this is an offer not to be repeated"—it wasn't). I had missed the appointments bus at Easter when we were released into the market, as I had retreated to home ground in the north-east of England for a session of rehabilitation following an aggressive bout of glandular fever. On coming back to life in early August I wrote to the Education Committee offering my services. Back came the reply—I was to report to the Grammar School for duties as an Assistant Science Teacher—this was to be a temporary appointment, very temporary. It was emphasised that a lady science teacher was definitely not on the Grammar School's shopping list. I would be employed only until a suitable man could be found. (It seems that I was the only science teacher available—times were very different then). I accepted the post, and told my friend.

'All boys and masters,' she said; "Wow! You'll soon be married then," she said.

"Marry a teacher? Don't be stupid! No one in their right mind marries a teacher."

So it was I turned up on day one of the winter term with knees knocking and little in the way of confidence.

Mr Lynch dished out the timetables. What was this? There must be some mistake with mine. All Arithmetic, Physics and a few Chemistry classes here and there. I was a biologist wasn't I? This couldn't be right. Off to the Rector.

Mr Skinner, on hearing my problems, was quite unmoved. "Miss Kitchin, you have a Science Degree haven't you?" That was that.

The horrors that followed! IM for mathematics. That class contained Marc Abrioux (the Abriouxs were friends of mine, Marc would help me, one can be so mistaken). It takes a class no time at all to recognise inexperience and shaky ground where the subject is concerned. A class of twenty eleven year old boys, even containing a friend, has no charity. Then on to third year Physics, not the top stream of course. I discovered that I quite liked that. Heating up metal balls so that they expanded and wouldn't go through a ring that they could go through when they were cold. I thought I coped with that class quite well. Dr. Alex Grieve shattered my illusions twenty-three years later (he was in that

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class—how he has changed). It is a constant source of wonder tome how those little boys and bigger boys did eventually grow up into people and became G.P's and Consultants and Solicitors and University administrators and more teachers.

And I remember the coffee breaks and dinner hours. Morning coffee was (for me) in the library with Miss Matheson and Miss Boyd who were the only other ladies in the Senior School. They went elsewhere for lunch. For the first week of term I had my lunch in the dining hut along with the boys and my colleagues including John Lockie, Donald Hawksworth, Jim Will and Ian Stephen. They were kind to me and John had been in my class at University.

They took me for an after lunch coffee in the Staff room—the only time I was able to chat with them about classes or anything else for that matter. A pleasant interlude, but it didn't last long. One day after Assembly Mr Lynch beckoned me out of line "Miss Kitchin, I am sorry to have to ask you this, but please would you kindly refrain from going into the Staff common room. I am afraid that some of the older gentlemen are upset by your presence." Could Jezebel have felt like this? The others said such older gentlemen liked to enjoy a sonorous nap in their special chairs by the fire after lunch. I was unwittingly restricting this practice. (Funny, my current colleagues in the Aberdeen School of Agriculture have no such inhibition, but times change.) Where did I go?

Nowhere special, but I got to know the bookshops and the antique shops within walking distance of the Grammar pretty well.

But shed no tears for me. The Grammar had its bonuses. Helping with the make-up for drama productions was fun. Then there was the Hill Walking Club. People meet people in spite of visible and invisible barriers.

Every morning before Assembly the entire staff would congregate in the Chemistry Lab, when the Rector would give out any notices for the day. We all stood in a circle, always in the same places, then we all trooped into the Hall.

Opposite me in the circle stood this good looking bloke, who held his trousers up with a leather belt, who always had the shiniest shoes, and who always smiled at me. He was never seen in school at other times, at least not in my territory, and he didn't go for school lunches. I didn't know who he was and I didn't ask.

Well, come September and the impending holiday weekend. Messrs.

Hawksworth, Will and Stephen were arranging to take the Hill Walking Club to Glencoe to stay in the Youth Hostel and climb the adjacent peaks. It seemed they were worried about the catering arrangements and could do with some (female?) help with the chores. Would I like to join them? I wasn't doing anything else, and why not? Home was 300 miles off, and my flat mate would be away. How such seemingly trivial decisions can irrevocably influence one's destiny. That man with the shiny shoes was there. He was detailed to walk at the back of the group and look after the tail-enders. It was very, very wet and my corduroy trousers were heavy and my progress slow. We two were at the back. As yet, we have never returned to Glencoe, but that weekend was to herald the major events in my life during the following twenty-four and more years.

My employment at the Grammar terminated at Easter 1961: they found that suitable male science teacher and I was directed to new pastures. But that is another story.

Footnote: Alison Innes (nee Kitchin) went on to study for a Ph.D degree, and is currently a Lecturer in Agricultural Botany at Aberdeen University . She was married in 1962 to Robert Innes (Assistant Teacher of Technical Education at Aberdeen Grammar School 1959-66, and currently Head of the Department of Technical Education, Aberdeen College of Education). They have two children, Colin aged 20 and Felicity aged 16.

ALISON M. INNES

The London Centre 1908-83 It is said that the first thing two Scotsmen do on arriving in foreign parts is to found a Caledonian Society. Seventy-five years ago this need for social contact, particularly among members of the medical profession, seems to have stimulated F.P.s living in London to get together, and an inaugural meeting to appoint a committee was held on 15 December 1908 at the Inns of Court Hotel, where plans were made to hold a first dinner at the Hotel Previtali on 16 January 1909. Twenty F.P.s attended this inaugural function.

Both these hotels have disappeared long ago. The Hotel Previtali in Arundel Street run by the Mentasti family in the 1870s was recognised as a suitable hotel "for foreigners" and had a reputation for its good wine cellars. The whole area was redeveloped in 1915 and later J. Lyons built their well-known Coventry Street Corner House on this site, itself now a victim of further West End modernisation.

The first committee consisted of T. J. Wilson, C.A., Secretary, Drs. R. J. Collie, A. Dyce Davidson, Messrs ). Hall Barron, Alfred Melvin, J. A. Robertson, L. H. Ross, J. C. Smith and George Watson.

The minute book for the first nineteen years is no longer available but the minute book for the period December 1927 to May 1978 is carefully preserved in London and a glance through the entries for the pre-war years makes one realise how much change has taken place. As "Happy Harry" Milne would have put it—Tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis. Inevitably, finance is always a major concern of all committees and this is a constant theme over the years, as the Secretary records the deliberations of the Committee.

In 1928 the question of the Capitation Grant was exercising the minds of F.P.s in London and Aberdeen; the minutes record that the London Committee would accept the terms put forward by the Executive "although these were by no means generous," in order to regulate the financial situation that had been in a somewhat chaotic state for nearly two years. One can only wonder at the tough attitude shown by these expatriate Aberdonians who, all successful—and I imagine—wealthy men, would battle for months with the Executive in Aberdeen over a matter of £28. The Executive equally was not overawed by the fact that the President of the London Section was a Peer of the Realm!

At this time also the name "London Centre" proposed by the Executive Committee was adopted.

In October 1931, the Committee in considering a suitable venue for the Annual Dinner had before it the following quotations for a four course meal: Café Royal-10/6 per head Hotel Victoria, Northumberland Avenue-10/Princes' Galleries—8/6 "including gratuities to waiter".

In 1938, the year of the Munich Crisis, the Annual Dinner was held at the Criterion, price 10/- including 6d per head gratuity.

The Centre normally held three meetings a year in the winter season, each of which included a dinner and a lecture. The institution of a grander Annual Dinner started around 1929 when 108 members and guests attended and the guest of honour was Lord Birkenhead; other guests were the Marquis of Huntly. the Marquis of Donegal and Lord Craigmyle.

For some of the functions, musical entertainment was arranged and the minutes of 10 November 1933 record approval of the following fees for the Dinner in December: The Western Brothers Miss MacLennan Suitable Pianist (sic) Pipe Major McDonald & N.C.O. 15

f6:6/f3:3/10/6 £2:10/-

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Another matter which exercised the Committee was the appointment of an "outfitter in London" from whom the Club Colours could be obtained. A Mr. Henry Hardy of Conduit Street was duly appointed official outfitter on the understanding that "the articles would be supplied at the prices charged by Messrs. Esslemont & MacIntosh."

The mailing list of F.P.s before World War II varied between 250 and 295 but attendances at most functions were around 15%, a cause for complaint at committee meetings. There arc references to London F.P.s going abroad to the Far East or returning "from the Colonies," and some of the latter were invited to the informal dinners to relate their experiences.

The meeting of the Committee held at the Middle Temple on 16 May 1940 was the last for the duration of World War II. Lord Alness, who was a very active member of the London Centre, presided and the Secretary records that the minutes of the previous committee meeting could not be read "as the minute book had been sent to Aberdeen on the outbreak of hostilities for safe keeping and was still there."

The first meeting of "the surviving members" of the Committee after the cessation of hostilities took place on 13 January 1948. At this meeting a number of F.P.s, who were to be closely associated with the London Centre activities over the next two decades, were elected to the Committee. Among these was George Bowes, in whose home the first meetings took place. He chaired several of the early meetings and later was President of the Centre from 1966-68. Harry Slater was Secretary from 1948-56 and President from 1962-66. Douglas Marr, until his untimely death in March 1961, was a very loyal committee member. He will be remembered by the older generations of F.P.s for his double-act with Miss Dorothy Kidd in the Student Shows of 1938 and 1939, a worthy precursor of the "Scotland the What" tradition.

Other notable Presidents of the London Centre during this period were Sir James Crombie, G. T. Simpson and Gilbert Anderson.

The Centre may perhaps be criticised for its lack of enterprise, in that the well-tried formula of the A.G.M. followed by an informal supper in May, and the Annual Dinner in November has seldom been varied. The pre-war predilection for paid entertainers has been replaced by serious post-prandial drinking at the bar! In 1978, however, the Committee decided to open attendance at the dinner to ladies, two years before ladies first attended the Aberdeen Annual Dinner. This egalitarian step was, I think, dictated more by economic considerations than by a desire to concede equal rights to the fair sex! Hospitality at our Annual Dinners is extended to London Gordonians, London Heriots and the London Association of Glasgow High School.

The Secretary circularises 150 F.P.s in the London area and fifty or sixty of these give their active support. So the London Centre looks forward with confidence to celebrating its centenary in 2008.

The following is a list of the principal office-bearers of the London Centre since 1948: Secretary President 1948-56 A. H. K. Slater 1948-53 Lord Alness 1956-63 Ninian Mackie 1953-57 Sir James Crombic KBE. CMG. 1963-64 R. A. E. Mennie 1957-61 G. T. Simpson 1964-68 P. G. McPhee 1961-62 A. D. S. Anderson 1969-71 R. A. E. Mennie 1962-66 A. H. K. Slater 1971-74 R. Falconer 1967-69 G. W. Bowes 1974-79 A. S. Noble 1969-73 G. J. Anderson R. A. E. Mennie 19791973-77 R. A. E. Mennie 1977-81 J. G. W. Jones A. S. Noble 1981ROBERT A. E. MENNIE (1924-36)

Another Young F.P. Abroad Another school-leaver has followed in the footsteps of Sheena Naughton and Margaret Macrae-Gibson by travelling to the African continent to take up a voluntary, temporary teaching post under the auspices of Project Trust. Alasdair Friend, who left School in 1983, is teaching in Dumyat. Egypt. and, like his predecessors, has been assisted in this commitment by a grant awarded by the Club.

Although an account of Margaret Macrae-Gibson's service in Dumyat appeared in last year's issue of the Magazine, it is thought that readers will also be interested to read the following letter which Alasdair Friend sent to the Secretary of the Club from Dumyat.

Quite separately, but importantly, it gives the Editor an opportunity to correct the mistaken spelling of Dumyat in the June 1983 issue!

Dear Mr. Hendry.

You may be surprised by my address since you probably think that I'm in Kenya.

Owing to "circumstances beyond my control" my year with Project Trust has changed to the coastal town Dumyat in Egypt. Again I'd like to thank the Former Pupils Club for their generous support in making this year possible.

Dumyat is a large town situated on the Damietta branch of the Nile, two miles from the Mediterranean. It lies amongst the lividly green rice fields and huge groves of swaying date palms of the delta, and the brackish reed beds of Lake Manzala. I live with my partner in a very small fifth floor flat in one of the poorer parts of town. We are entirely self-catering on a small gas stove. This is proving great fun because food is so cheap and easy. Scattered round the backstreets are huge ovens where anyone can have their food baked for a token fee. The local delicacy is fish, mostly mullet, covered in sawdust to be half smoked, half baked whole in these communal ovens.

Everyone throws all their rubbish out of the window and into the 'street' below to be fodder for the hordes of goats, cats, ducks and rats! It's something of a novelty (having no dustbins) to launch rotting vegetables from such a height and to watch them explode on impact. A few days ago the unseasonably dry weather broke and turned the normally dusty streets into quagmires of green mud—this is when our two recently acquired bicycles really come into their own.

I am writing this letter very late at night, the only time free from teaching, related commitments and washing my clothes! I teach a six day week in the English Language School. I help teach twenty-eight lessons to children ranging from Ph -8 years old. I find the older children a great deal more rewarding because they are a great deal more receptive and can at least understand me from the outset. The standard of English is excellent—by Primary 4 the children can carry on a ten minute conversation with me.

The school, however, is suffering from the problem of dropping attendance and bad management.

For three afternoons a week I and the other three volunteers teach conversational English to adults within our own school. Our roll stands at 65. giving us four classes for three standards of English. I teach the top class, a very demanding but rewarding job.

The first thing which strikes you about the Egyptians is their incredible kindness and hospitality. In the first few weeks, when we had difficulty with out Arabic, there was a never-ending stream of people more than willing to help out. One evening we spent in Port Said was a perfect example of Egyptian hospitality. While walking along the street, we were invited by a total stranger to come to his son's wedding party. Muslim weddings arc totally different from the Christian ceremony. To start with the whole ritual takes about a year. The 'party' is very strange; the men sit on one side of the hall, the women on the other with the couple sitting in the middle among decks of lights and flowers.

They sit impassively while the guests gaze at them and stuff down piles of rich cakes—no dancing and little apparent merriment. I wonder if an Egyptian in Britain might meet the same kindness and warmth as we receive.

The Egyptians' lives revolve entirely around their Islamic faith, and often religion is their first topic of conversation. The greater proportion of Egyptians are very serious about life, and sometimes I find their attitude depressing. I find the Muslim attitude to 17

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

women fascinating, but very difficult to comprehend. To be unable CO speak to Egyptian women outside the work situation is very strange. It would be unacceptable to acknowledge a woman teacher in the street. Totally veiled women are rare, but ninety per cent cover their hair, legs and arms with long flowing robes.

I have found Arabic much easier to learn than I expected. Reading and writing Arabic beyond my name, however, is defeating me. One major difficulty is that there arc two words for everything in Arabic, colloquial and formal respectively. Some colloquial words cannot be written down-2 very strange concept. Language has caused few problems, only great amusement. When we first arrived we asked one of our fellow teachers, if she could tell us where we could buy flour. She gave us a weird look saying, "We don't use much flour for cooking in Egypt." This did not surprise us, because we had searched hard for flour, and we noted her directions. Off we trudged to be confronted by a florist!.

As I write we look forward to Christmas in Luxor and a "Scottish" New Year in Dumyat.

Seasons Greetings, Alasdair Friend

Book Review Patrick O'Leary, Regency Editor: Life offohn Scott (1784-1821) (AUP) In an article entitled "John Scott: Another Great F.P. of Nineteenth Century Literature" published in the Magazine of June 1982, readers were invited to submit for publication in the Magazine "some thoroughly researched work on Scott's life and works" particularly with a view to Scott's bicentenary in 1984. Such an outcome was scarcely to be expected in the case of a literary figure, who has been relatively neglected for so long, and so it was particularly gratifying to discover the publication in May 1983 of the first biography of John Scott, and to learn that the publishers had seen fit to present a copy to the School Library.

Mr. O'Leary's book fully satisfies the publisher's advertisement of "a deeply researched yet highly readable biography". The trouble Mr. O'Leary has taken with his research enables me to correct some of the detail in my 1982 article, of which Scott's dates at School, /792-96, are not the least significant! Indeed, it is pleasantly surprising for the Aberdonian reader to find how much attention Mr. O'Leary has paid to the Aberdeen aspects of Scott's life. This attention is evident not only in the information culled from official and unofficial records of the city during Scott's childhood residence in Aberdeen, but also throughout the biography's development in the treatment of Scott's relationships with his family by reference to family correspondence.

If Mr. O'Leary has not skimped on the duller, domestic, but, for the Aberdonian reader, intriguing details of Scott's life, neither has he neglected the more fashionable and, in some cases, sensational events of his literary career. Scott's early reformist crusading in the Stamford News and the Champion, his altercation and subsequent reconciliation with his schoolfellow, Byron, his fruitful editorial relationships with Lamb and Hazlitt, and finally the confused and tragic duel in which Scott died, each receives at least the larger proportion of one chapter of carefully researched material. The quarrel with Blackwood's Magazine and the duel with Jonathan Christie (himself an alumnus of Marischal College) are treated particularly thoroughly, and Mr. O'Leary successfully unravels some of the complicating currents and undercurrents which influenced Scott's sadly ill-judged duel. In the interests of protecting themselves from prosecution, of course, many of those involved with the duel were reticent about what took place, and it is possible that the dying Scott himself did not fully understand the actions of his antagonist or of the two seconds, so that a clear picture of what transpired has not yet emerged. and may possibly never do so.

19 Mr. O'Leary quotes liberally from his sources throughout the book, and it is perhaps from the quotations of Scott's own writing that the reader has the best opportunity to guess at the true complexity of the character of the man—the quotations of Scott's contemporaries, which Mr. O'Leary uses, are often at odds in their opinions as to Scott's qualities.

Mr. O'Leary often lets his references speak for themselves without comment, but in conclusion he does offer some assessment of Scott's achievements. "John Scott was a powerful writer . . . without being a great one. But he was a great journalist, one of the many hot-tempered, inprovident, talented Scotsmen who have left their mark on Fleet Street . . . His critical assessments of Wordsworth, Byron, Keats and Shelley, taken in the round, were more perceptive than those of his contemporaries, and superior to most written since . . . John Scott's political writings often showed balance and common sense ahead of his time. His crusading articles on military flogging, electoral reform, press freedom, legal humbug, and penal savagery, sometimes Dickensian in their fervour, helped to create the climate for the social changes which lay ahead. But he was at his best when he was most the journalist, describing what passed before his eyes: a royal procession in London, Brussels after Waterloo, a canal barge full of Dutchmen, Byron at a Venetian ball, the death of a favourite son, the street scenes of Paris, a trial for libel."

Mr. O'Leary's achievement in drawing together for the first time the material about John Scott from the extensive and very varied source material is important for its own sake, but it must be heartily welcomed by those who have an interest in the recording of the deeds of distinguished former pupils of Aberdeen Grammar School. The publication of this biography does much to redress the relative neglect ofJohn Scott over the years, but there is still ample scope for readers of the Magazine, perhaps aided by Mr. O'Leary's most useful bibliography, to compose articles on aspects of Scott's life with a special School interest. The "Aberdeen connection" in the duel, the relationship between Byron and Scott, and the (probably) contrasting attitudes of Scott and that other nineteenth century F.P., Sir James McGrigor, Director General of the Army Medical Department, to military flogging, all suggest themselves as fruitful areas for research.

D. K. Y. (I951-65)

Mr. James Murray Mr. James Murray, who was a member of the staff of Aberdeen Grammar School from February 1959 until his retirement in August 1979, died in December 1983. His first appointment was as Principal Teacher of Technical subjects, a post he held until he was promoted to Assistant Rector in August 1973. During his retirement, Mr. Murray did not enjoy good health. Nevertheless, although for the most part resident in the Edinburgh area, he frequently came north to revisit the school which meant so much to him.

He will be remembered by the staff and pupils who knew him as a colleague and teacher, respected and admired for his genuine interest in all aspects of the school curriculum, particularly those involving the less academic pupils. In the School, he pioneered work for the Young Scientists of the Year programme and the water pump on the Denburn aroused national interest as well as securing second prize in the competition. He was also responsible later, for restoring the old school garden.

To his son, Duncan, who is now a lawyer in Edinburgh, we offer our sympathy and recognition of the years of loyal service to the School in so many capacities.

John Stirling The school mourns the death of John Stirling of the second year, who died following a tragic accident during the Easter holidays. The School offers its sympathy to his family in their sad loss.

School Office-Bearers Prefects Head Boy: NIALI. A. STLELE Head Girl: Sul-YEN W. AH•SFE Deputy Head Boy: CouN F. MCLEAN Deputy Head Girl: SUSAN J. OI.IPHANT DIANE JEFFREY KENNETH U. ALLSOP DAVID KING RUSSELL C. BORTHWICK JAMES T. MACDONALD JAMES F. BI.ACKLAWS HILARY F. MACDONALD JUDY A. CALDER FIONA C. LYNCH LESLEY S. CARSON CRAIG W. MCKAY IAN C. CAMERON DAVID). M AIR ANDREW A. COUPER FRANCES B. MILNE ALAN J. DRUMMOND ALISTAIR J. K. MOIR ALISON L. M. FINDLAY CAROLINE M. MILLER KAETRIN B. Foam DEREK A. RITCHIE NORA E. GARVIE FIONA J. SARGENT CHRISTINE GORDON KIM E. SMmI WOLFGANG G. V. GORNER DOUGLAS M. WATSON PAMELA M. GUNN MORAL WATSON ANDREW C. HUTCHISON SALLY WHEATLEY FIONA C. J AFFRAY ALAN WIGHT SUSAN A. JAFFRAY ALAN L. WILSON

Sports Captains Hockey (girls): SUSAN J. OLIPHANT Rugby: KENNETH U. AI I SOP Netball: MARIE J. MILNE Hockey (boys): JAMES T. MACDONALD Soccer: ALAN WIGHT

Literary and Debating Society President: Sul-YEN W. AH-SEE Vice-President: DOUGLAS M. WATSON Secretary: JAMES T. MACDONALD Treasurer: LESLEY S. CARSON

Dramatic Society President: KAFXRIN B. FoorE Combined Cadet Force Senior Cadet: W.O. ANDREW A. COUPER

Prefects' Notes Niall A. Steele. (Head-Boy) Our "mintal" Head Boy believes in peaceful methods . He's seen bombing up and down the rugger pitch—never with the ball though. A constant passenger in a certain Cortina Estate (Sarah doesn't mind). Fellow inaugurator of the Yo-Yo Club (see J. B.) Sui-Yen W. Ah-See. (Head-Girl) Our darling Debating leader! Sui-Yen is everyone's friend, always thinking about others before herself (but not before Loughborough). Boys have been known to risk anything for her.

20

Head Boy and Head Girl 1983-84

Niall A. Steele and Sui-Yen W. Ah-See

First International Netball Captain

Marie J. Milne (VI), the second pupil of the School to gain an Under 18 Scottish Schoolgirls Netball cap, and the first to captain the Scottish team 21

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Colin F. McLean. (Deputy Head-Boy) Foosty, the Emerald Isle's answer to Seb Coe. It is rumoured he is fuelled on Guinness. A good Republican he hails from 'Derry but London's never far from his mind! He also hopes for half colours for netball.

Susan J. Oliphant. (Deputy Head-Girl) Hockey Captain, Nelly is a real romantic at heart, and listens to "Our Tune" daily. A sport fanatic, she enjoys badminton, but is it the game or the competitors??

Kenneth U. Allsop. Mixes business with pleasure but not accounts and water! Rugby Captain, he's into cars and Nina in a big way—he's her 100th Balloon.

Russell C. Borthwick. Keeps the Tuck Shop running at a steady loss. A soccer casual and turf accountant. Russell's hobbies include eating, eating and eating . . .oops!, and drinking too!

James F. Blacldaws. Is there something outside the window? James is really into Physics. He's a singularity and lives in a Black Hole. Founder member of the Yo-Yo Club.

Judy A. Calder. Only stops giggling when she is playing hockey for home and country. This is the woman who gave up men for Lent—but will it last?

Lesley S. Carson. Very conscientious worker in school, on hockey trips and on Douglas. Treasures flankers as she does Lit. & Deb. funds.

Ian C. Cameron. "Fish". In between impersonating "The Man from Atlantis", and long periods of laziness, Ian finds time to listen to his personal stereo. And work, of course!

Andrew A. Couper. Self-styled S.A.S. commander—he models himself on Lewis Collins (except he's two feet too short). Specialises in glandular fever, head butts and haircuts. His cap makes a perfect frisbee—much to his annoyance. Sandhurst you have been warned!

Alan J. Drummond. "Fingerbob" plays hockey for home and country. He does try his hardest, especially in German. The 1st years' favourite, Alan has a way with microphones.

Alison L. M. Findlay. Constantly chattering, Finn's a belly enthusiast.

"Cute ears"—there's no "accounting" for her taste in yoghurt.

Kaetrin B. Foote. Mrs Wood's willing assistant, Kaetrin zooms around School (and town, in the Fiat). Is there someone at Blairs? She hopes to reach our level one day.

Nora E. Garvie. Nora's brother is a member of the Vice Squad, therefore she's a very nice girl! (phew!!). A sporting cadet—the R.A.F. lads still have the bruises to prove it.

Christine Gordon. Flautist and hockey player, "Sheepdog" is responsible for the "beware of the dog" sign on the Howff door. Her bark is far worse than her bite though!

Prefects' Notes

23

Wolfgang G. V. Gorner. Wolfy is a "Stern" boy who never fails to take a bow at the Drama Society and lit. & Deb. Flies high with the cadet force but on terra firma everybody hears him!

Pamela M. Gunn. Hippy Dippy Pam likes travelling (to Arran, Port Glasgow and Gordonstoun especially). She tends to look down on the rest of us but we're sure she'll shrink.

Andrew C. Hutchison. One of the 5th year international hockey hooligans, the baby in the family, Andy Pandy likes pineapple juice and other exotic drinks.

Fiona C. Jaffray. Rumoured to have spoken to her twin once—but we don't believe it! Fiona tends to use force on patrol—she's really "a bag of wind." (quote Susan Jaffray).

Susan A. Jaffray. Tuckshop twin, loves a fling. Susan is a keen hockey player but prefers throwing insults and (water) in her sister's direction.

Diane Jeffrey. D. J. loves a song and ping pong. A future teacher, and another romantic, she'll hustle everyone with top-spin.

David King. "Kingy" was once a quiet lad—what have we done to him?!

Hobbies include suicide on rugby fields and collecting bus tickets. "Ben" is a favourite in the Howff. )ames T. Macdonald. "Jimmy Mac"'s social life has soared recently—he's oen seen boogying on down at one of Aberdeen's well known night-clubs.

He's "into" the Scandinavian-type look just now. . . .

Hilary F. Macdonald. Our bumbling dissertation expert, Hilly sprints about the hockey pitch—but does she know what she's doing?? Holds all-time record for sewing on full colours (3 hours 20 mins.).

Fiona C. Lynch. Our little computer expert, Fifi is a jolly member of the Howff. She has an eye for good design—she loves driving, but hates parking.

Craig W. McKay. Does anything for a "faint" hand-shake with the Moderator. He gave up hockey for his bagpipes.

David J. Mair. David's the Howff's toboganning expert; a walking stick cured his pain in the neck. A clever chap—he's still trying to work us out.

Frances B. Milne. Frequently seen watering shop plants on Saturdays.

Mysterious Frances is a holder of a set of Tuck Shop keys, but who holds the key to her heart? Stuart Adamson perhaps?

Alistair J. K. Moir. Our self-styled D.J.'s pastimes include rugby, hide and seek with Miss Cusick and Gillian. The vice-captain of the rugby team, Alistair enjoys a good bite and is a "jazzy" character.

Caroline M. Miller. Loves children; Caroline gets on well with many Howff members! When not captaining the Hockey 2nd XI, she ventures out to the student. ski slopes with a certain

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Derek A. Ritchie. Romeo Ritchie, our six foot Casanova spends more time in the company of his girlfriend than of us lower species, sensible chap!!

Fiona J. Sargent. Always late, Fiona is supposed to be working this year, though she averages seven or eight tutorials a day! Parents refuse to let her have any more house parties.

Kim E. Smith. Kool Kim, everyone's pal, a hockey queen, often seen jiving about the Howff and has been seen jogging to Kool and the Gang.

Douglas M. Watson. Works hard at School, at debates on the rugby pitch and on Lesley too! Will we sec him at the Bat in the future?

Morag Watson. Competes to be the smallest prefect in the Howff (when she's in) Morag is a big "hit" with the school orchestra.

Sally Wheatley Seen impersonating a rainbow, Sally is our dance expert (that's not saying much for the rest of us). Striving to reach new heights, Sally soon hopes to be five foot.

Alan Wight. Collects Pringlcs, valentines and haircuts. Big ears and head to match which comes in useful when he is captaining the football team.

Alan L. Wilson. The life, soul and fixture of the Howff, cuddly Alan plays a central role in the successful rugby team. He also loves to "Relax" and can make anyone smile.

The Parent-Teacher Association Last year's School Magazine carried an item on the setting up of a PTA. It still exists, and can claim to have fulfilled various useful functions since then.

At the humblest level, although the E.I.S. ban on parents' evenings made the PTA coffee service redundant during 1983-84, parents were glad enough to be asked to wash up for the senior pupils' Social Dance. The reward was a rare glimpse of their offspring in a civilised social mood, sans disco.

More important, the PTA now produces a regular termly newsletter which is distributed to parents and teachers through the School. This has been a particularly important year for keeping parents informed about issues affecting their children, and the PTA newsletter has tried to discuss these openly.

The main topic of discussion has of course been the increased number of pupils enrolled at Aberdeen Grammar School in the wake of the "Parents' Charter". It was teachers who first drew attention to what were becoming overcrowded conditions, but on this issue parents and teachers arc absolutely at one. The PTA was able to call a series of well-attended meetings to draw attention to the problem, and this strengthened the position of parent and teacher representatives on the School Council. As a result of representations from that statutory body the Education Authority was persuaded to fix a lower maximum roll, year by year, than had first been proposed.

The Grammar School is still too large. But the last year has demonstrated that parents and teachers share a common interest in acceptable working conditions and good educational standards. The PTA will continue to press for improvement here. Meanwhile there may be other uses which can be envisaged for this still very new body. The parents and teachers on the Committee will certainly respond to whatever initiatives come their way, either from the scattered homes of pupils or from within the school itself.

ALASDA1R ROBERTS

Staff Changes Once more there have been comings and goings and rather more comings than goings amongst the staff. There have also been promotions (acting and permanent), and welcome returns.

Mrs. Pat Wood became Principal Teacher of Drama and Media Studies and in August Mrs. Suzanna Porteous and Mrs. Susan Hayworth joined her in this new department.

Languages saw many changes; some of a very brief nature. Mr. Robert Dalzell joined the German Department in August, but in December went back to his home territory taking up an appointment at Hamilton Grammar School. Miss Fiona Beattie and Miss Fiona Donaldson joined the French and German Departments in August and, we are glad to say, have stayed. In February Mrs. Anne Warrander was appointed to the French and German Departments. Mrs. Rosemary Maycock, a former colleague was appointed as a part-time French teacher in August.

The School was privileged to have the services of three foreign assistants this session: Roselyne Dagand in the French Department; Gabriele Haltenhoff in the German Department and Juanna Fernandez in the Spanish Department.

The English Department too had its fair share of changes. Mrs. Jenny Montgomery was appointed to Kemnay Academy as Principal Teacher of Guidance. She has been replaced on a temporary basis by a former colleague, Mr. Adam Findlay, who has just returned from exotic climes. Mrs. Elizabeth Neish, having produced a son and heir, Keith, made a welcome return to our midst in October. Regrettably for us, happily for her, in May Mrs. Margaret Kinnaird is to retire. Mrs. Kinnaird is off to Easter Ross to a country cottage where we're sure she'll find much to occupy her.

A promotion, a birth, a retiral, the English Department (and, it must be acknowledged, the History Department of which she is also a member) also celebrated a marriage. We congratulate Miss Eileen Mitchell, who had been appointed Principal Teacher of Guidance in May, and who became in December, Mrs. Strachan.

In June, Mr. Keith Murray, a former pupil, joined the Physics Department.

In August Mr. Strephon Swemmer was appointed to the Mathematics Department, Mr. James Walker was appointed to the Technical Department and Mrs. Victoria Perryment to the Biology Department. In November she went to Gordon Schools, Huntly and in January he went to Crieff High School. Mrs. Anne Glasgow joined the Business Studies Department on a part-time basis in August. In February Mr. Ralph Harnden joined the Geography Department and Mr. David Paton joined the Biology Department. We look forward to welcoming Mr. A. Murray to the Technical Department at the end of April.

Mrs. Louisa Rutherford, who had been helping in the Art Department on a temporary basis during Mrs. Helen Smith's absence, is now teaching there on a regular part-time basis. At present Mrs. Rutherford is in hospital after a car crash. We wish her a speedy recovery.

In February the lure of promotion took another of our members of staff to Kemnay. Where Jenny Montgomery went, Dr. Albert Brydon followed two weeks later as Principal Teacher of Chemistry.

And in April Miss Elenore More leaves us to take up an appointment as Assistant Head Teacher at Linksfield Academy. Miss More came to us from Linksfield and so is looking forward to working once more with her former colleagues. We wish her good luck in this new appointment.

The School recruited the help of several temporary teachers during the session. The English Department benefited from the presence of Mr. James Tinto (certainly no stranger to the School) in Mrs. Neish's absence, and the Biology Department acquired the services of Mrs. Linda Price (once more a 25

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

former colleague) until the arrival of Mr. Paton. Mrs. Judith Thrower was a similar help to the Geography Department prior to the arrival of Mr. Harnden.

Our thanks are also due to Mrs. Megan Meister and Mrs. Doreen Gray who helped in Modern Languages, Mrs. Susan Miles who helped in Mathematics, Mrs. Barbara Crane who helped in Science, Mrs. Gladys Taylor who assisted in the Chemistry Department, and Mrs. Jennifer Earp who helped in Home Economics. Mrs. Eileen Millbank is to be commended for breaking down sex barriers and helping in the Technical Department until the arrival Mr. Murray.

No school department nowadays can function without the help of temporary and part-time staff, and in our School this is probably most true of the F.E. Department. Grateful thanks are due to Mrs. Marjorie Miller, Mrs. Charlotte Sutherland, Mrs. Caroline Armstrong, Mrs. Elma Ross, Mr. Michael Aitken, Mr. Pat McAndrew and Mr. Mike McLeod. Mrs. Paula Clarke has also been assisting in the P.E. Department in place of Mrs. Vaila McCombie who is seriously ill. Mrs. McCombie is sorely missed.

Finally, one change that certainly cannot go unnoted is the departure after seventeen years of Mr. Harry Hopkins the School's last Head Janitor. This has meant the return of Mr. Ron Foulger, after a five year absence to the post of Group Supervisor Janitor.

Mr. Harry Hopkins In October last year, after 17 years' service, Mr. Harry Hopkins retired from the post of Head Janitor in the School.

His period of service witnessed many changes in the School. When he arrived, the major extensions of the early sixties had just been completed, but he had to deal with the later spread of the Secondary School into the old Lower School and then the absorption of Rosemount School as an annexe to the main block.

In his time, he witnessed the gradual disappearance of the Primary School pupils and their later replacement with girls, when the School became coeducational in 1973. The ladies on the secondary staff numbered only a handful when he came, but reached almost half of the 120 strong staff by the time he left.

Perhaps it was not surprising in these circumstances, that the janitorial world itself in the school was transformed by the arrival of Mrs. Reid as Mr. Hopkins' assistant. The reorganisation of the janitorial arrangements throughout the Region which took place last Autumn, means that Mr. Hopkins is the last Head Janitor of the School.

In his early years in the School Mr. Hopkins shared the adventures and various exploits of Messrs. MacLeod, Galloway and Gray, as they introduced the young C.C.F. cadets to the rigours of the military life on the school playground and at their annual camps.

No-one enjoyed the School social occasions more than Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins, and it was unfortunate that Mr. Hopkins' last few years at School were dogged with ill health.

His retirement was marked by a presentation from the staff of a cheque to Mr. Hopkins and a bouquet to his wife.

We take this opportunity of thanking him for his service to the School and of wishing him and his wife a long and happy retirement in Culter.

School Sporting Activities Boys' Athletics Outwith the normal Grampian School Meeting the athletics team were invited to triangular meets at Gordonstoun and Stonehaven. In all three meetings there were some excellent individual performances and none better than the Captain of Athletics, Colin McLean's, bronze medal run at the Scottish Schools Championship. Colin eventually lowered his 1500 m time to 3 m:5 sec which is an outstanding time for any athlete, far less a S.V pupil!

Girls' Athletics This year's athletics season was relatively short due to particularly bad weather—however, our athletes remained enthusiastic and successful throughout.

Wednesday and Thursday evenings were allocated for training and coaching at Rubislaw this year, under the supervision of Mrs. Webster and several senior athletes. These sessions were well attended by S.I and S.I1, but there was a disappointing lack of interest amongst the seniors.

The first meeting took place at Mackie Academy, where we competed against the hosts and Montrose Academy. The following weekend a team of athletes participated in the Scottish Schools Championships at Meadowbank, Carolyn Sheehan (I), Kathleen Madigan (II), Rhona MacLennan (II), Susan Adams (II) and Nora Garvie (IV) all competed exceptionally well. A busy week followed with the School taking part in two invitation relays against Albyn and St. Margaret's. The South Grampian Sports were also held that week at Kaimhill, where the School excelled by winning thirteen first places and ten second places. Hard on the heels of this success, a team travelled to Pitreavie to compete in the Scottish Schools Pentathlon and Relay Championships.

Vivienne Higham (111) and Rhona MacLennan (11) represented the School in the pentathlon, and several relay teams competed. Due to an unfortunate leg injury our senior team was unable to run; however there was compensation in the success of two junior teams—one reaching the semi-final and the other winning. The gold medal winners were Lisa Friend (I), Bridie McGlashan (11), Susan Adams (II) and Kathleen Madigan (II).

Our own Sports Day was disrupted by bad weather and was subsequently made a two day event in the last week of term. Keith won the House Trophy once again, and the individual medals went to Sharon Sutherland (I), Rhona MacLennan (II), with Bridie McGlashan a close second, and Vivienne Higham (III). The School's Colours Committee awarded Nora Garvie (IV) full colours.

All the athletes would like to thank the P.E. Staff, especially Mrs. Webster and Mrs. Miller, for much appreciated time and effort spent in helping and encouraging our athletes this season.

Boys' Hockey 1st XI It was clear that this year's team would have difficulty in sustaining the success of last year following the departure of seven first team players.

After many changes, the following players formed the final 1st XI: S. Macdonald (captain), A. Fowlie (vice-captain), A. Brown, J. Blacklaws (S.VI), A. Drummond, A. Hutchison, L. Anderson, C. Howie, A. Mackie, S. Sinclair (S.V) and P. Fleming (S.IV). Players involved in changes within the team were I. Walker, M. Laing (S.V) and N. Stewart (S.IV).

It was not until mid-November that the team settled in both composition 27

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

and performance. Alan Drummond moved to centre midfield where he stayed till the end of the season, improving with every match. Andrew Hutchison came forward to centre back where his skills could be put to better use while Peter Fleming of S.IV was drafted in from the 2nd XI to play sweeper.

Christopher Howie was switched from the left to the right wing, bringing Alan Brown to left half and Scott Sinclair to left wing. To improve our goal difference James Blacklaws moved to centre forward, where his strength and fitness proved invaluable.

It was while the team was undergoing these changes that our hopes of winning any competitions this season were crushed.

In the League we suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Hazlehead in the first match of the season—we subsequently finished in the top three, losing only the one match.

Our District and Scottish Cup hopes ended when Hazlehead won a controversial match at Rubislaw—again by a one goal margin.

Once the players settled into a team, however, the results improved considerably. It is a reflection of the growing use of "all-weather" pitches that during the season nearly half of our matches we played on artificial surfaces.

We proved ourselves to be competent on these pitches with some notable results. A memorable 1-0 win over Scottish Cup finalists Stewart's Melville away at Edinburgh was preceded by a convincing seven goal win at Kincorth Academy. Also at Kincorth we reached the final of the North District Schoolboys six-a-side competition.

Possibly the highlight of the season was being held to a 1-1 draw at Seafield by Robert Gordon's in a match played in treacherous conditions.

Once again, we participated in the District indoor competition, again with little success due to the lack of facilities at our disposal.

During the course of the season, the team matured considerably, developing its skills and teamwork. Subsequently, a large number were selected for North District Honours—Under-18s: James Macdonald, Andrew Fowlie, Alan Drummond, Alan Brown, Andrew Hutchison, James Blacklaws, Lawrence Anderson; Under-16s: Christopher Howie, who successfully moved up to the Scotland Under 16 team.

At the under-18 level, James Macdonald, Andrew Fowlie, Alan Drummond and Andrew Hutchison were selected for the National Trial. However, only Alan Drummond and Andrew Hutchison were successful in reaching the 18 strong squad.

3rd XI The third year side started the season very well and in the first game they played together they beat Northfield Academy. They then went on to play Peterhead Academy in the local cup competition and did extremely well in holding last year's winners to a 1-1 draw only to be beaten in extra time.

The team improved throughout the first term and recorded wins against Westhill, Perth Academy and Dundee High School. The second term started with six weeks of bad weather when no games were played, but the team started their games with a win over Peterhead B. The highlight of the season came in a re-arranged match against Peterhead A, who were league leaders and required two points to become league champions. The team played extremely well to win 3.2.

The season ended with a friendly match against R.G.C. at Seafield and again they won 2-0 in a keenly contested match.

Team: M. Sutherland, D. Simpson, M. Parsons. R. Squair, J. Corkhill, A. Simpson, B. Willox (capt.), C. Wilson, J. Seager, G. Milne (vice-capt. ), A. Gooday, D. Flemming, P. Brander

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Girls' Hockey 1st XI This season's 1st Xl saw several changes from last year's line-up. The introduction of four girls from S.IV and the return of Shona Robb (V) in goal saw us starting the season well with a 4-1 win against Albyn.

Our luck continued, when we travelled away from home recording a good win (3-1) over Dunfermline High School. This was followed by an outstanding match with George Watson's, the next day. Although beaten (3-1), it is fair to say that the teams were evenly matched and chances were missed by both sides.

November arrived and, after a draw (2-2) with Albyn, our season hit its lowest point—a 6-2 defeat by Morrison's in Crieff. Determined to forget our "below par" performance we lined up against Millburn Academy, the next week, in a rather unusual manner. After discovering only minutes before the start that both teams wore red strip, we improvised slightly—since only six pairs of white socks could be found one red and one white sock each seemed to be the best solution!

December began with a triangular tournament in which we beat St. Margaret's 2-1 and drew 2-2 with Peterhead. Our last fixture before Christmas was a defeat (2-1) by Harris Academy played in heavy snow!

With many fixtures in January and February cancelled because of uncooperative weather our first fixture of 1984 saw us 1-0 winners in a very close game with Gordonstoun.

The full team was reunited for the local tournament. Wins of 5-0, 1-0 and 3.0 in our section over Hazlehead, Turriff and Banff respectively earned us a semi-final tie with Peterhead. This proved to be a closer affair—0-0 at full time, still equal after penalty strokes but luck was on our side as we went through to the final after sudden death penalty strokes. The final was not quite such a close affair and a 3-0 win over Aboyne saw us retain the trophy (our third consecutive win) and qualify for the Scottish Cup. After two close matches—wins of 2-1 over Dunfermline High School and 1-0 against Gordonstoun—we travelled to Forfar for the Scottish Cup. Here, we competed with mixed fortunes. In our first match we were held to a draw (0- 0), in a very close game by Monifieth High School. A win (1-0) over Mary Erskine's left us only needing a draw against Dollar Academy to reach the semi-finals. Unfortunately, this was not to be. After losing an early goal from a penalty stroke we were unable to find the back of the net and Dollar duly claimed their semi-final place instead of us. The team was not too disheartened as their standard of play and determination were excellent.

With the season now drawing to a close we can look back on a very successful year. A significant boost to team morale at Christmas, was the news that we were going "home"—we were no longer to be based at Kaimhill and could once more play on more familiar territory at Harlaw.

All hockey players would like to extend their thanks to the P.E. Department, and, in particular to Mrs. Webster, for all their help. Thanks are also due to Mr. Milne for the excellent condition of Harlaw pitches.

1st Team Pool: Susan Oliphant (capt.), Judith Calder (vice-capt.), Lesley Carson, Nora Garvie, Vivienne Higham, Sally Hutchison, Hilary Macdonald, Lorna Murray, Kirsten Pont, Pauline Reid, Shona Robb, Kim Smith.

2nd XI Under the captaincy of Caroline Miller, the 2nd XI had a successful season with many notable results against opposing 1st XIs. Throughout the season the team saw few

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

changes, thereby allowing the players to establish a good team spirit. The team's attitude and dedication were at no time questionable and many closely fought fixtures were enjoyed by all. Altogether a very profitable season!

2nd Team Pool: Caroline (Miller (capt.). Elaine Adie. Mend Brown, Fiona Ewen, Alison Findlay, Christine Gordon, Pamela Gunn, Julie Knaggs. Judith Miller. Lesley Miller, Karen Paterson, Kate Robinson.

3rd XI The 3rd XI had a season of mixed fortunes under the captaincy of Fiona Jaffray. Many good wins and several narrow defeats against opposing 1st XIs were recorded. The highlight of the season was the district tournament in February. The team played outstandingly well to win their section. Unfortunately a narrow 1-0 defeat by Aboyne meant that they missed out on a final clash with the 1st Xl. 3rd Team Pool: Fiona Jaffray (capt.), Janet Adams, Sonia Bruce. Jackie Campbell, Barbara Graham, Morag Macdonald. Shona Macdonald. Shirley McGill, Dianne Mair, Theresa Paterson, Jennifer Robb. Stephanie Simon, Diane Watson. Julie Wilson, Ruth Wilson.

Representative Hockey The school was well represented in North District teams this season. Susan Oliphant, Judith Calder, Hilary Macdonald and Kim Smith played for the under-19 team, which narrowly missed reaching the final of the inter-district tournament.

An under-16 team was introduced for the first time. We were again well represented by Vivienne Higham, Sally Hutchison and Kerry Smith.

Vivienne Higham was included in the final trial for the Scottish Schoolgirls under-16 team. Judith Calder fought her way through a tough under-19 trial to be included in a squad of 16. All hockey players wish her well for the forthcoming internationals to be staged at Keele University.

Girls' Indoor Hockey Eleven girls from S.1V, S.V and S.VI benefited from Mr. Swanson's coaching in preparation for the North Schools Indoor Tournament held' in January. Practices were held, as usual, on Tuesday lunchtimes in the School Gym, but this year we were also lucky enough to have the use of a games hall twice before the tournament.

In the tournament itself, we beat Cults and Bridge of Don, and drew with Kincorth and Bankhead. These results were good enough for us to reach the semi-finals, where we lost to Albyn on sudden death penalty strokes. Judy Calder and Susan Oliphant, both S.VI, were chosen for the North District squad and played in the Scottish Schoolgirls Indoor Tournament held in Perth. North Schools had their most successful year ever by coming third in the tournament.

In conclusion, all pupils involved would like to thank Mr. Swanson for his encouragement and perseverance throughout the season.

Ist VI Pool: Judy Calder (capt.), Hilary Macdonald (vice-capt.). Lesley Carson, Nora Garvie, Lorna Murray, Susan Oliphant, Shona Robb and Kim Smith.

Netball The 1983-84 netball season has proved to be successful at both team and individual level. The senior team won the District League making a total of six consecutive times. The junior team played well throughout the season, finishing second in the Junior League.

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31

Senior team: Debbie McIntosh (caps.). Sharon Benzie, Lies! Gauld, Bridie McGlashan, Lorna Murray. Sarah Philpot, Kirsten Pont, Pauline Reid and Clare Waterman.

At the tournaments this year, the S.I team defeated Hilton Academy in the final, while the S.11 team beat Hazlehead Academy. The under-16 team also proved victorious by defeating Northfield Academy in the final.

A major innovation occurred in the Aberdeen netball scene, when an Adult League was introduced to encourage competition at a high level on a local basis. The school team is currently lying first equal with Hazlehead Wood Group and has a good chance of winning the league.

Adult Team: Marie Milne (capt. ), Judith Calder (vice-caps.), Sharon Benzie, Nora Garvie, Bridie McGlashan, Debbie McIntosh, Ann Middleton, Lorna Murray, Susan Oliphant, Kirsten Pont and Pauline Reid.

In the Scottish Cup the School team achieved an all time record by gaining a place in the semi-final, having beaten the previous year's winners in the quarter-final. The semi-final proved to be a very close match which our team lost by the closest margin possible-21-20.

In a series of Scottish Schoolgirls Under 16 Trials, Sharon Benzie, still only thirteen years of age, gained notable success by reaching the penultimate squad of twelve—while in the Under 18 age group both Marie Milne and Susan Oliphant reached the last fourteen.

Marie not only went on to be chosen to represent Scotland but brought further honour to the School by being chosen to captain Scotland.

Our thanks are due to Miss Ramsay for her dedicated help and encouragement and also to Mrs. Montgomery, Mrs. McCoig, Miss Sharkey and Mrs. Smith, who assisted in coaching the teams and umpiring matches on various occasions.

Rugby 1st XV 1st XV Squad: K. Allsop (capt.), A. Moir (vice-caps.), M. Smith, A. Herrera, A. Wilson, N. Thompson, R. Haywood, P. Caush, T. Ross, D. Watson. J. Nethell, N. Steele, D. King, V. Roberts, N. Alexander, T. Charlton, E. Flynn, D. Thomson.

This year's rugby team started slowly and progressively improved throughout the year. The team had more experience this year with twelve boys from S.VI regularly appearing. We again had a very mobile pack who, on form, were a match for any side. The back division, which had promised so much, finally came to life in December and from then on produced some entertaining rugby with the 35-0 win over Inverness Royal Academy an example of open, running rugby.

The season began with a win against Mackie Academy. which set us up for our trip to George Hertiot's. The game was a very close affair and we were unlucky to come away losing 17-15. The following two games were disappointingly lost to Dundee High School and Glasgow Academy. The first round of the newly formed Scottish Schools Cup saw us beat Mackie Academy once again, but this was followed by a string of five defeats before we won at Elgin against Moray Rugby Club Colts XV. Two of these defeats were at the hands of George Watson's College and Dollar Academy, the latter producing one of the finest school sides seen in Scotland for many years. A comfortable win against Aberdeenshire Colts set the pattern for our next trip to Edinburgh.

In the opening minutes a display of attacking, aggressive rugby left Royal High School trailing and in the end 23-7 was a fair reflection of the game.

School Rugby

Alistair Moir, Jim Nethell and Tim Rolfe in action for the School 1st XV against Ellon Academy

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In the New Year there were two good victories over Inverness Royal Academy and Aberdeenshire Colts with a try count of six in each game before an away. game in Glasgow against High School. After we had been leading for the entire game, High School scored in the last minute to snatch a win by 8-6.

The next game was the Derby match against Robert Gordon's College and in a hard encounter we went down 7-6. The opposition played well and did just enough to win but the scores are narrowing. Will next year be the year? An indication of the intensity of these games is that at the final whistle the vicecaptain leapt in the air with hands raised in victory. On returning to earth and realising his mistake he wasn't quite so jubilant.

Eventually we managed to reverse the narrow defeats by beating Hutcheson's Grammar School 9-8 in Glasgow. This was an excellent team performance, and for the first time in many years the School had recorded wins in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

At the end of the season, Alan Wilson with eight tries was our leading try scorer but Neil Thompson's 102 points all from his right foot were a major factor in a reasonably successful season.

2nd XV The seconds never really settled down during the season because of injury in the 1st XV, injury in out own ranks and, of course, the severe winter, which caused the cancellation of some of our easier matches.

Despite these difficulties, however, some very good. exciting rugby was enjoyed by all concerned. The spirit of the team was excellent. We fought hard all season, usually against older and bigger teams. This team spirit was portrayed marvellously in our match against Gordonstoun, which we were unlucky to lose by 4-3. Playing with 14 men (13 for half the match) we did very well to beat Montrose Academy by 12-9. In our match against Gordon's we gave an older and bigger side a good "run for their money", and the scoreline of 9-24 does not do justice to our play at all.

Names that should be singled out for special mention are those of Martin Tytler, who played very well in the backs and forwards throughout the season; Eugene Flynn for his good aggressive forward play, and Ian Davidson, a good full back, on whom we could always rely.

Finally, the team would like to say a big "thank you " to Mr. Jones for the time that he gave up for us every Saturday.

Squad: I. Davidson, P. Begg, M. Lodge, G. Couper, N. Weightman, S. Munro, T. Philpott, C. Ritchie, D. Thomson, T. Sutherland, T. Rolfe, H. Roberts, G. Craigen, R. Smith, M. Grant, K. Leigh, A. Ramsay. D. Ritchie, E. Flynn, K. Herrera, K. Hay (capt.), M. Tytler. T. Charlton.

Colts The Colts team this year had a commendable record of nine wins, one draw and five defeats. With most of last year's Junior team returning and with all the team playing at the same games session we hoped our team work would improve—which it did.

After winning comfonably against some of the local sides we faced the formidable Dundee High School who ran up a big score against us. Glasgow Academy travelled up here expecting an easy victory but our commitment surprised them and a 26-4 scoreline flattered them. We then produced an excellent away win over Gordonstoun (6-4), whose pack was physically overwhelming compared to ours, but the team stuck to their jobs and in the end we deserved victory. We defeated Gordon's 14-4 in a tame match before losing 18-6 to Perth Academy when we failed to convert pressure into points.

After the Christmas break we defeated Montrose (44-4) and Inverness Royal Academy (24-8) before losing to Elgin (0-3) and Hutcheson's (6-14). Our season ended with the

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second encounter with Gordon's and because of injuries in key positions we fielded a team who were outplayed but held out to half time with no score. We scored very quickly in the second half and held out to the last minute when Gordon's scored a try to level the scores at 4-4.

The team had ten players in the District Under 15 trials and eight played in one or both of the District games. Finally our thanks to Mr. Adey and the ground staff for making it an enjoyable season.

The team was selected from I. McCombie (captain), I. Ralston (vice-captain), E. Geddes, G. Blount, C. Smith, S. Malhan, I. Booth, S. Rolfe, M. Anderson, C. Flynn, M. Bisset, M. Watt, D. Imlach, C. Kerr, C. Andrews, E. Herrera, A. Stevenson and M. Reid.

Juniors This year's team started the season well with a convincing win over Aboyne Academy.

The jubilation over this victory was very quickly quenched by an equally convincing defeat at the hands of a well disciplined team from Glasgow Academy. The remaining matches played before the Christmas break produced mixed results as the strong pack, which remained virtually unchanged all season, linked with a back division, whose strength varied from week to week.

Those parents who supported the tears will remember the nail-biting fixture played away at Gordon's in early November. A close determined match saw Gordon's leading the scoring. Five minutes to go and Grammar took the lead. Grammar battled on but last minute scores from Gordon's gave them the victory.

After Christmas the weather played havoc with the fixture list. That, combined with the inability of many schools to raise teams, resulted in the cancellation of several matches. This was unfortunate as the strong forwards had at last combined with an equally strong back division.

One match which was played was the return fixture against Gordon's at Rubislaw.

Determination from both sides was once again the order of the day. A late score again put Grammar in the lead. The lead was held this time, and a deserving Grammar team left the field the victors.

This year's captain, Andrew Watt, led the team strongly from the front row. He was frequently seen to break away and forge a path through the opposition. John Stirling, a the other prop, showed equal determination. Between them Scott McLellan had successful season as hooker. In the second row. Little and Large, Richard Munro and Colin Calder did their utmost to shove their team-mates forward. Colin's height in the line-out proved most useful. Karl Schmitz at No 8, played intelligently making the most fellow of his position, and was rewarded with the winning try against Gordon's. His back row were Garth Edward and Gareth Howells. Garth started the season at centre but was more often in the thick of the action than in his position. A move to wing-forward matched his skill and enthusiasm, and it was notable to observe that wherever the ball was. Garth was. Ironically, in the final match against Ellon Academy. Garth was required to play at centre where he stored a well deserved try, which he successfully converted.

At scrum-half, Evan Duthie and Colin Blues played well. John Wilson directed the backs sensibly from stand-off. Gary Simpson, who started the season in the second row, produced some very straight dynamic runs at inside centre. Outside him, for the second half of the season, James Taylor made the most of the thrusts initiated by Gary. The wings, Michael Flynn and Matthew Wood, ran well, although Matthew's most notable games were at full-back in the absence of the sure hands of Stephen Matthews.

Minors Once again the Minors had a successful season. The results were encouraging and wins were recorded against Peterhead, Ellon, Banff, Elgin and Mackie. Against Gordon's, the they went down to a more experienced team, early in the season and again

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experience of Blairmore proved too much. Two of the most satisfying results were draws against Inverness Royal Academy and Elgin Academy. With only minutes remaining they fought back to draw 18-18 and 10-10 respectively.

The hallmark of this season's team has been its determination particularly in defence.

The scoring was often done by the forwards where D. Batey and K. Jamieson were prominent. Among the backs Craig Anderson was the Captain and his steadiness at stand-off helped to keep the backs together. Alan Rockwell was a lively scrum half and Derek Mitchell a strong centre until his unfortunate injury before a game actually started. Next season, attention will have to be given to combining more effectively.

The team was drawn from A. Strath, F. Azalbert, R. Angus. D. Mitchell, A. Duncan, D. Sinclair, C. Anderson, A. Rockwell, S. Allan, C. Clark, I. Bennet, D. Batey, M. McLeod, K. Jamieson, I. Diamond. S. Matthews, G. Grant, P. Blackwood, and C. Taylor.

Just as encouraging were the performances of the 2nd team who lined up regularly for practices and played with great success and satisfaction in their matches, notably against Peterhead and Montrose.

The prospects for next season look good for these boys.

Soccer Season 1983-.84 was a transitional year for the 1st XI. Having lost eight players from last year's successful side, the team struggled throughout the season as the young players' inexperience showed during several narrow defeats by older sides in the league. Such was the lack of fifth and sixth year players, that towards the end of the season, four third year boys were brought into the 1st XI pool, a move unprecedented in senior soccer at the Grammar.

As well as the middling position in the league, the team made first round exits in both the Scottish Cup (2-1 to Elton) and the President's Trophy (3-0 to Dyce). By far the best performance of the season was the 2.1 defeat at the hands of the eventual winners of the trophy, Kincorth, in the quarter-final of the Grampian Regional Cup. This was the second season in succession that the 1st XI has been defeated by the eventual winners of the trophy at the quarterfinal stage.

On a brighter note, all of the present 1st XI are back at school next year, and so, under the leadership of district player, A. Wight, and, with the experience of R. Seager at the back and M. Ingram up front, the side will have its best chance for several years of winning a competition.

1st XI Players: R. Borthwick, I. Smith, C. Stuart, R. Fyfe, A. Wight (Capt.), R. Seager, D. Marnoch, C. Clark, W. Thornton, M. Emslie, P. Ferguson, S. Ullah, A. McLean, M. Ingram, and C. Cheyne.

Swimming The highlight of the year was again the achievement of Ian Cameron S.V. Ian was selected to swim for Scottish Schools in an International event and took first place in the 100 m breast stroke. He also took first place in the Scottish Championships at the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh again in the 100 m breast stroke.

Ian Smith in S.II also qualified for the Championships and came in a very creditable seventh place.

Tennis The tennis in 1983 was extremely successful, largely because we were given the use of Harlaw Academy courts at Hazlehead.

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These were put to good use every Monday and Tuesday evening, especially by the large S.I and S.II tennis clubs. We hope to have the use of this facility next season.

The popular ladder matches for the juniors were won by Karen Beveridge (II), Fiona Campbell (I) and Dawn Marie Thompson (I).

The annual School tournament had five enjoyable events and was played with great enthusiasm by a large entry. The winners in these events were: Jun. Singles—Kerry Smith, Jun. Doubles—Kerry Smith and Gillian McPherson, Sen. Singles—Marie Milne, Sen. Doubles—Kirsten Pont and Pauline Reid, Mixed Doubles—Marie Milne and Russell Borthwick. Marie, who was School tennis captain in 1983, also won the Under-19 Singles Event in the Aberdeen Schools Championship and reached the final of the North-East tournament.

In the Schools League, there was no lack of enthusiasm, and everyone enjoyed the experience, but unfortunately the boys from Robert Gordon's College were too strong an opposition for our girls, and so the team was unsuccessful this year.

The Senior House Tennis trophy was won by Byron, which was captained by Susan Main.

We wish to express our thanks to Mrs Whyte and Mrs Armstrong for their organisation and support for yet another year.

Table Tennis Club This year sees the end of an era as fat as the Table Tennis Club is concerned. Four out of the six regular Senior Tcam members are leaving school: Diane Jeffrey (VI), Finlay Ross (VI), James MacDonald (VI) and Mark Hill (VI). On behalf of the Table Tennis Club many thanks should be extended to them for their service over the last few years.

The leaving of the "Gang of Four" paves the way for some younger players to enter the Senior Team, and with our Under-14 Team doing well by finishing near the top of their League this year, competition for the vacant Senior Team places could be fierce.

The Table Tennis Club meets in Rosemount gym on Thursdays at lunchtime and after school.

Staff Netball The formation of a netball league in Aberdeen in 1982. sparked off a hitherto unknown enthusiasm in various staff members. With amazing regularity it was noted that secret meetings were being organised in Rosemount gym.

This was, in fact, no secret conspiracy but an assembling of staff under the careful eye of Miss Ramsay who, still undaunted by the massive task before her, sought to instil the basic rudiments of netball to an enthusiastic but unto-ordinated group.

After a shaky start the team took part in the first winter league, where enthusiasm abounded but skill was still lacking. The summer league which followed in 1983 saw a great improvement, where many an enjoyable evening 'al fresco' awaited our opponents at Harlaw playing fields.

Since then the league has ironed out many of its original problems with most matches, whose results are eagerly awaited by all members of staff, being played at Westhill Community Centre.

While never really hoping to gain the success (or skill) of our school adult team, the staff have improved by "leaps and bounds" and lie a creditable third in their division.

(With due credit to Mrs. McCoig we also have the reputation of being the best dressed.)

With a short summer league about to begin and the winter league already organised. we on the staff look forward to many more interesting encounters with friends and rivals old and new.

Colour Awards 1983-84 Boys Rugby: Full Colours: Kenneth Allsop. Alistair Moir, Neil Alexander, David King. Niall Steele, James Nethell, Neil Thompson, Alan Wilson, Michael Smith Half Colours: Valgard Roberts, Thomas Ross, Richard Haywood. Douglas Watson, Alexander Herrera Hockey: Full Colours: James McDonald. Andrew Hutchison, Alan Drummond, Andrew Fowlic Half Colours: Alan Brown, James Blacklaws, Christopher Howie, Lawrence Anderson Soccer: Full Colours: Alan Wight Half Colours: Rupert Seager

Girls Hockey: Award of a Cap: Judith Calder Full Colours: Hilary McDonald, Nora Garvie, Kim Smith Half Colour:: Shona Robb, Vivienne Higham, Pauline Rcid Netball: Award of a Cap: Marie Milne. Susan Oliphant Full Colours: Nora Garvie Half Colours: Ann Middleton Table Tennis: Full Colours: Dianne Jeffrey Badminton: Half Colours: Kirsten Pont, Pauline Reid.

Combined Cadet Force Army Section Last session ended with a trip to B.A.O.R. for the Annual Camp. The Section was hosted at Bunde by the 1st Armoured Division of the Royal Corps of Transport during the first week in July. The weather. for a change, was excellent, the training facilities provided were superb, and the cadets who attended will surely look back on this as one of the high points of their cadet service. The range of activities in which they participated, the large amount of equipment and vehicles which they saw, handled and even drove, are too numerous to list. Suffice to say it was a marvellous experience.

Despite our local recognition of equal rights, it was not possible for the girls to go to the camp in Germany. They had their own camp during the second week of July at Cultybraggan, again made enjoyable by the continuation of the good spell of weather we had last year.

Fired by the successes of summer, and full of enthusiasm to spread the word about the Cadet Force, we started this session by recruiting a full complement of numbers, both old and new.

The training schedule has contained all the usual elements with good progress being made by all. Much of the training for those beyond recruit level has been based on preparation for the Annual Highland Cadet Tactical Team Competition, which we have decided to enter this year. In fact we are entering two or three teams, one of which will be a girls team. Though the competition will not be easy, and should test abilities, it will be the culmination of our cadets' training year, so that they should be at peak efficiency to cope with the competition's rigorous demands.

At Easter a parry of cadets will be staying at Cromdale Outdoor Centre for five days and skiing at Cairngorm. There have been a number of weekends this year when skiing has been possible, and this will mean that all those going at Easter will be able to ski and, unlike their predecessors in previous years. be able to progress immediately to a much more advanced level.

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The summer term will be spent in preparation for the various proficiency awards, the Annual Inspection in June, and the Annual Camp (this year for all Army Cadets) at Cultybraggan during the first week of the summer holidays.

We continue to benefit from the full support of the 22 Cadet Training Team and especially from one of their members, Sergeant Martin Barclay of the Gordon Highlanders. Martin has given unselfishly of his time to help us, and when he returns to join his regiment in June, we will certainly miss his enthusiastic and cheery approach and ever present assistance. We wish him well.

RAF Section We are happy to report that the Royal Air Force Section remains in a healthy state with around 75 cadets and 3 officers. In December, a number of cadets were promoted in rank: Flt. Sgt. Andrew Couper was promoted to Warrant Officer, two Flight Sergeants and four Sergeants were created. Also, six Junior Corporals were promoted to the rank of Full Corporal.

The teaching of the Proficiency Syllabus has continued throughout the session. Ten cadets have now reached and passed Proficiency III, while ten cadets have passed Proficiency II. As in previous years, the Rector awarded these cadets with Proficiency Certificates at a Special Inspection and Presentation Parade in December of last year.

We arc pleased to report that our Air Experience Flying Programme has not been greatly affected by weather this year. Groups of cadets attended AEF 12 at RAF Turnhouse Edinburgh over the course of the session and most of our Section had been flown in Chipmunks by March of this year, each cadet receiving about 30 minutes flying instruction.

The Annual Camp was at RAF Sealand in North Wales. Around 30 cadets attended this camp. Although there are no Operational Flying Squadrons at the Station, the cadets were kept fully occupied over the week. All the cadets were flown in Chipmunks at RAF Woodvale, and they all had the opportunity to fire .303 rifles. last year we did not have a formal Annual Inspection. However, in its place, the CCF decided to have a parents' Open Evening. The RAF Section was in a position to exhibit a number of interesting displays. A large number of parents and friends attended and it was acclaimed a considerable success.

Pilot Officer G. Morrison has now passed all the necessary courses for Gliding Instruction and in February of this year the Section took possession of a Primary Glider.

As it turned out, the Primary Glider was the same one that we had to dispose of in the 1970s. Unfortunately, it was found to be unserviceable and we now await the arrival of another Glider.

The Summer Camp this year will be at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. The Section has been allocated 28 places for this camp.

A.G.S.—Markdorf Exchange Last June a group of twenty-three pupils from Markdorf on Lake Constance visited the school as part of an on-going educational exchange with the Bildungszentrum there.

The exchange is now in its fourth year and offers the pupils a unique opportunity of living with a German (or Scottish) family and attending classes at a German (or Scottish) school.

While the German pupils were here they enjoyed a varied programme of excursions to Dunnottar Castle, Loch Ness, and Glenfiddich Distillery, but for some the trip to Glasgow for the Scottish Cup Final between Aberdeen and Rangers will have been the most memorable event.

Mr. McCombie's conducted tour of Aberdeen is now an established part of the exchange activities and was a firm favourite with the guests.

This June twenty-two A.G.S pupils will be paying a return visit to Markdorf.

Music Notes In June last year we were delighted to be host to our exchange groups from the Werner-Von-Siemens Gymnasium from Regensburg. They spent a happy ten days, joining us in a Folk Evening in Rosemount Hall, at which they were instructed in the intricacies of the Dashing White Sergeant and the Gay Gordons, and we did our best with some Bavarian dances which literally brought us to our knees. The musicians combined in a concert with some attractive items from the German pupils, and then all joined in the "Skye Boat Song". The combined orchestra played the 'Canon' by Pachelbel and 'Captiol Suite' by Peter Warlock.

After summer, we started preparations for Christmas. We were asked to provide the first half of the "Evening Express Carol Concert" in the Music Hall. On the night the Music Hall was decked with festive lights and Christmas trees. The capacity audience joined in the carols and enjoyed many excellent and varied items presented by the senior choir, primary choirs and the orchestra, who gave fine support for the singing. They ended our contribution with the "Christmas Festival" by Leroy Anderson, excellently played.

St Machar's Cathedral was also the scene of a happy evening with parents, friends and pupils joining in carols old and new. The Senior Choir and Madrigal Choir were in good voice and the Brass Ensemble gave their usual exciting contribution.

After Christmas we turned our attention to the Annual School Concert in the Music Hall in March. The theme of the concert was "Music from the Stage.''' Fine singing came from the feeder primary choirs conducted by Laura Ross, their choice being the Dance Duet and Evening Prayer from "Hansel and Gretel" and songs from "Annie" and "Oliver". The Madrigal Choir and Senior choir featured Gilbert and Sullivan climbing aboard "H.M.S. Pinafore" and then a selection from Rodgers and Hammerstein shows.

The concert opened with the dramatic playing of the trumpets in the "Grand March" from "Aida" and the orchestra, led by Catriona Fraser, gave us a fine range of music—from the flowing "Barcarolle" from the "Tales of Hoffman" to the exciting "March" from "The Love of Three Oranges" by Prokofiev. An innovation was made by adding live dancing to the Concert and the Zig Z A.G.S. to the accompaniment of the Wind Ensemble conducted by Norman May delighted the audience with their interpretation of "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue."

The second half offered a showcase for the solo horn of Christopher Weddle in "Nocturne" by Mendelssohn and a flute solo by Christine Gordon in the "Dance of the Blessed Spirits" by Gluck. The evening came to a happy conclusion with a medley from "Jesus Christ Superstar" with sparkling playing from the orchestra.

The Music Department would like to thank the instrumental staff, pupils, former pupils, staff and former staff who help us in our music making.

We are now getting ready to pack our suitcases and renew friendships with our German friends when a party of music pupils set off in June for Regensburg.

Clubs and Societies Angling Club There were a number of trips to the River Don at Kin tore last season with about forty anglers taking part. It is interesting to note that. although most of the anglers are boys. two of last year's second year girls, both of whom were quite accomplished, came along on two of the trips. Unfortunately, one of these girls has now moved from Aberdeen and so, unless some of the present first year girls join this year, Annabelle Dawson will be the sole female. However, she does have her twin brother Henry to help her net any fish.

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The trips were arranged for the long summer evenings, although, on a couple of occasions, it was difficult to tell whether it was summer or winter with icy gales whipping up the water like the middle of the North Sea. The trout stocks on the Don were not unduly depleted on the earlier trips, due to the aforementioned gales and a river in spate, but, on the later trips, quite a few trout were taken, mainly on the fly. Andrew Linsell, of last year's first year, had the largest catch when he accidentally hooked a cow on his back-cast while fly fishing. It was quite amusing to see him charging round the field trying to play his catch. Eventually, he had to cut his line since his catch was too large for the net or the minibus, This season it is again hoped to arrange a few trips to Kintorc, although permits arc required for this stretch and these arc relatively expensive for pupils, considering the short duration of the outings. Gordon District did not see fit to give us a deduction on the rate for the daily permit. (If anyone knows of any possible beats which we may be allowed to fish for trout, we would be very glad to hear from them.) It was hoped to arrange some trips to a loch at Haddo House, but, since being changed into a Country Park, fishing is no longer encouraged on the estate.

We look forward to 'tight lines' for the remainder of the '84 season.

Badminton The Badminton Club has enjoyed a reasonably good season. The Junior and Senior teams finished fourth and third in their respective leagues, the Senior team finishing in their highest position ever.

We were again well represented in South Grampian teams. Susan Oliphant (VI), Pauline Reid (IV), Jeremy Seager (III) and Pamela Robertson (III) played in inter-area competitions. Susan, Jeremy, Pamela and Kirsten Pont (IV) were selected to play in the Scottish Schools Championships. Jeremy and Pamela also played for South Grampian Schools in the local league. and Susan was a member of the team who played in the Barratt Club Championship Competition.

We also showed up well in the Secondary Schools Tournament held at Christmas.

Although producing no winners, we had runners-up in Pamela Robertson in the underfourteen girls singles, and Pamela and Susan Oliphant in the over-sixteen girls doubles.

In the North-East Group Singles in February we again produced runners-up—Jeremy Seager in the under-fifteen boys competition and Ann Falconer (I) in the under-thirteen girls tournament.

We had little success outwith Aberdeen this season. Pamela, however, kept the flag flying by winning both the under-fourteen singles and doubles at the Highland Open in Inverness.

For the first time a school singles competition was held for S.III to S,VI pupils. A closely contested tournament saw Jeremy Stager become the first winner with the runner-up still undecided.

All Badminton players would like to thank Mrs. Cromar and Mr. Parry for their help with the younger pupils. Special thanks are also due to Mrs. Shand for her time, help and encouragement throughout the season.

Chess Club This past year has been a successful one for the Aberdeen Grammar School Chess Club. particularly for the younger members.

With the increase in numbers in the School this year, we were able to have two strong first year teams, both of which did very well. The 'A' team came first in its section winning all its matches by a remarkable score of 4-0 each time. The players in this team, top-board first are: C. Howie, M. Sheehan, D. Sinclair and D. Mitchell. The 'B' first year team also won all its matches, until it was defeated in its last match by Robert Gordon's College, but ended up a creditable second in its section. The play-off between

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the section leaders, Gordon's "A'. and Grammar 'A' was a very dose match, one win and three draws, but unfortunately the Grammar team lost in this final.

The S.II team were once again in excellent form this year after winning the first year shield last year. They suffered no defeats, winning most matches by 4-0, and won the second year shield as a reward for their superb victories. Congratulations to the team of K. Schmitz, P. Jong, N. Simpson and B. Main.

The Senior Team unfortunately did not win all its matches, but will probably be placed third in their 2nd division section. Having lost many of the older pupils from last season, the team was fairly young: S. Hutchison (S.IV). A. Beveridge (S.IV), C. Wilson (S.I11), K. Schmitz (S.II) and reserve D. King (S.VI).

The players gained the experience of playing against oppositions of varying strength from other schools, and it is hoped that next year we will be able to enter two senior teams in the Grampian Schools League—one in Division 1, and one in Division 2.

We also wish all those members entering the Grampian Schools Secondary Tournament at Easter, the very best of luck.

Computer Club The Computer Club is alive and functioning, albeit at a BASIC level.

(Mathematicians can also possess literary skills!)

During the past year, the Club has again met on three nights each week with pupils from S.1I1 to S.VI being eligible for membership. Once again our problems has been lack of machines—pupils soon outgrow our 1K ZXE1s and look for something a little more sophisticated in the APPLE orchard or the PET corner. The situation has been alleviated to some extent by one or two pupils bringing their own machines, but more machines are badly needed.

An encouraging development has been the interest shown in some of the more serious aspects of computing with one pupil exploring the intricacies of machine code and others showing keen interest in word processing. Nobody so far has come up with a program to write "Munn and Dunning" modules though!

Finally, Mr. Nugent will no longer be available to supervise the Club on Tuesday nights and the Club takes this opportunity to thank him for his services and contribution over the past two years.

Dance Club Once again Dance Club has maintained its high level of professionalism. For the second year running there has been such a high demand from our first and second year pupils to join Dance Club, that would-be dancers were required to audition.

The Day of Dance was held on 9 March at the College of Education. A.G.S. performed extremely well and it was an enjoyable event for all who took part. There were four dances entered, two senior and two junior. The first senior dance.

"Rainbow", choreographed by the girls and Mrs. Whyte, consisted mainly of four basic movements which occurred throughout the dance. "Rainbow", as its name suggests was full of curves and bright colours. For the second senior dance "Ghouls", the dancers wore ghoulish black wings with black lines on their faces, accompanied by devilish grins.

The first junior dance, "Vino Collapso", was a light hearted dance full of bright colours, interesting costumes and appropriate losses of balance. The second junior dance, "Carillon", was very effective. The music was composed by Ron Forbes and the main instruments were bells. The dancers portrayed these bells by moving at different times, coordinating with the music.

Once again the House Dances are taking place. Last year's winner was Byron. Their dance, "Trumpet Call", choreographed by Donna Main, used the popular Glenn Miller tune, "In the Mood", and the dancers portrayed the different musical

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instruments featured in the music. This year we expect the House Dance Competition to be closely contested.

My last word must be one of thanks and must go, of course, to Mrs. Whyte, without whose energy and commitment the Dance Club would not maintain as high a standard as it dots today.

Dramatic Society The Dramatic Society's year began with the annual visit to the Pitlochry Festival Theatre to see J. M. Barrie's "The Admirable Crichton", which was performed to the usual high, professional standard which we have come to expect from the resident company. At the beginning of 1984, a trip to see an American comedy "You Can't Take It With You" performed at His Majesty's Theatre by the National Theatre proved CO be very enjoyable.

This year's major production "Ondine" is a romantic French fantasy by Jean Giradoux. The devoted work of Mrs. Wood and the enthusiasm of the cast will, no doubt, reap its rewards.

It has again been a successful year for individual members: Kaetrin Foote, in the stage management department has been invited to return to the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain in London. James Warbis (sound); Sian Fiddimorc, Keith Hawley, Yvonne Gallagher and Adam Moy (acting) will be auditioning to see if they are lucky enough to be given a place in this year's Summer Season of the Youth Theatre.

Charlotte Greenaway (acting) is also auditioning for the Scottish Youth Theatre in Edinburgh. We wish them all good luck.

The Society is again indebted to all the members of staff who have helped us through another very eventful and successful year. We look forward to an equally succesful, if not more successful year in the coming session.

"Ondine" The best yet. That was the verdict. And certainly Pat Wood's production captured well the play's fantasy element. In the background Neptune and mermaids swam surrounded by fish of strange and fantastical shapes and colours. For Ondinc, as her costume of shiny green and swirling white and her silver make-up showed, came from the lake. Voices calling to her from the depths emphasised this, and, when the Old One appeared, their other-worldness was once more imaginatively conveyed: they did not speak; their thoughts echoed round the stage. The illusionist, well played by Nicola Lappin, conjured up flowers, controlled seals (delightfully played by Marie Barron, Janine Burr and Kirsten Edward) and revealed the future. The mortals looked on delightedly but uncomprehendingly.

Jill Hutchison captured Ondine's strangeness and captured her Hans, played by a rather low key Stephen Watt. Pauline Cooney demanded our sympathy as the abandoned Bertha and looked charming in white and flower-bedecked wedding attire.

The stars tackled complex roles well.

In supporting roles Gillian McPherson made a very convincing Eugenic, Charlotte Greenaway was compelling as the entranced maid and Christopher Reid, the servant, played mischievously to the audience. Indeed the whole cast are to be commended on the quality of their acting.

This imaginative production made effective use of projections: not only did fish swirl but a lord wooed his lady and, at the end, the Signs of the Zodiac suggested powerfully that the lovers were fated. Voices were echoed to eerie effect. Dances too added to the air of fantasy. Other ondines (Pamela Taylor, Alison McKenna, Lesley Ann Reid, Laura Pike), their arms insinuating like waves, danced entrancingly.

The stage crew under Kaetrin Foote's efficient management ate to be congratulated on their expertise. We might not see those behind the scenes—at least not until the end—but we certainly saw the results of their efforts and they were of a very high

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quality. The sets with, for example, pillars echoing in green swirls the waters of the lake were very clever. The make-up was imaginative and the costumes from the court ladies to the stars were magnificent.

Everyone connected with this production should congratulate themselves. "A great success", when it was first produced in 1939, "Ondine" is once more a success—the latest in an impressive line of successes for the Dramatic Society. We look forward to next year's production.

M.S.

Film Society This was a very successful year for the Society, with attendances high enough to warrant everyone sitting downstairs instead of on the balcony.

Unfortunately it was not possible to screen two popular films, "The French Lieutenant's Woman" and "Monty Python's Life of Brian." To replace them, we had "Rocky" which attracted the largest attendance of the year and "Being There" which caused the largest exodus. Asa result the "management" called for an extra film, "Buddy Buddy". The rest of the year's programme catered for a wide variety of tastes with "Fort Apache the Bronx" , "The Sting", "The Love Bug", and "Who Dares Wins".

Our thanks to Mr. Garrow and Mr. Will for their smooth running of the Society.

Literary and Debating Society With the largest membership ever, 1983-84 has proved a very active session for the Society. Home and inter-school debates were extremely entertaining and although some had to be cancelled earlier this year, their loss was compensated by others which were all of a very high standard. Perhaps the two most enjoyable events on the agenda, however, were the Staff v. Pupil debate, in which we were delighted to invite Miss Toher of English and Mr. Murray of Physics to argue "that marriage is an outdated institution" (the motion was defeated). and the Four Schools Debate hosted by the Grammar (chaired by James Macdonald) at which the Presidents of the four societies spoke on the motion "that Nationalism is dead". The motion was proposed by Robert Gordon's College and St Margaret's School and was opposed by Aberdeen Grammar School and Albyn who won by a decisive majority. Many thanks to members who made an effort to be present at all debates.

Entering no less than six competitions, the Society was very successful in three. We reached the semi-finals of the Esso Speechmaking Competition with Jill Hutchison as speaker and the Grampian finals of the E.S.U. /Conoco debating competition with Douglas Watson and Sui-Yen Ah-See as our speakers. Our team of Lesley Carson, Wolfgang Corner and Sui-Yen Ah-See. who were the winners of the United Nations Speechmaking Competition in the Grampian Region, went on to the National Final where they won second prize. There was also, for the first time, a junior competition held during lunch hours which was won by Fiona Bennett and Mei-Lin Ah-See. Competitors wish to thank all supporters of these and other competitions.

Finally, the Society would like to thank, in particular. Mrs. Montgomery, the Honorary President for the last four years, who left in February, and who is now at Kemnay School, and Miss Toher, who kindly took over the position. Their interest and enthusiasm have prompted a keen debating spirit within the School, which we hope will be perpetuated throughout the years to come.

One o' Clock Club The Club has enjoyed another successful session with attendances well up on last year.

A significant factor in the Club's continued success has been the role played by the prefects in providing regular tuck-shop facilities and in maintaining a mature, friendly presence. which was very much appreciated both by Club members and by supervising staff.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

In the main, members have been considerate and helpful to one another and have looked after facilities and equipment well.

Thanks are due once again to Mr. Montgomery and the Melville Carden Kirk Session for their generosity in allowing us to use their hall, and to all staff members who helped with the running of the Club this year.

Photography Club The Photography Club continues to meet every Thursday at the darkroom after school. There is a range of members from S.I to S.VI. who work in groups either processing black and white films or printing. We have recently been gifted a very welcome set of professional studio stands, lights and umbrella which can be used by members.

We would like to thank Miss MacKenzie who gives us freely of her time to instruct and encourage us in the art of photography.

Schools' Scientific Society The programme of lectures for the past session covered a variety of scientific topics.

The lectures and the speakers are listed here: "Science Against Crime" (Dec. Sgt. Jensen); "What do we Eat" (Mr. W. Moser); "Bicycles, Boomerangs and Gyroscopes" (J. Thomson); "Sounds of Music" (Professor C. Taylor); "Holography-3D Images" (Dr. J. Watson) and "Why do Carnivores Smell so Bad?" (Dr. Gorman).

Spectrum—Scripture Union The group continues to meet on Wednesday lunchtimes, although following the departure of last year's large complement of S.VI, our numbers have been rather lower this year. Numbers have risen, however, since the start of the session, and we now have a group of about twenty-five. During the past year, we have had a series of talks on the twelve disciples, and more recently on the "Fruit of the Spirit". We have also had several filmstrips. and last September we were honoured to have a visit from four representatives from the evangelistic ship "Logos." At the start of the year we were glad to welcome back one of our former members, who spoke on his experiences since he left school.

Other highlights of the year included June's barbecue at Balmedie, where some of us got slightly wet, and the New Year party, which this year was in fancy dress. Many weird and wonderful people/animals/vegetables turned up, and the games were, as usual, hilarious, especially restricted as we were by our costumes. More recently, some of the seniors joined together to bring us a monthly Scripture Union Magazine and from 16 to 18 March we went on our annual weekend, this year to Kilravock Granary. Speaker for the weekend was Eddie McKenna, who talked about "A Christian Lifestyle." Many of us got wet (again!) but not due to the weather, which was superb.

We also have the chance to meet with other schools in Get-Togethers, for S.I and 11. and Viewpoint, for S.IV—VI. Thanks, as always, go to Mrs. Watt and Miss McKenzie for their support, guidance and help throughout the year.

Ski Club This has definitely been a season with a difference. All through January, skiers could be seen kneeling in front of the snow gates praying for the snow to stop but all to no avail. The month passed with cancelled buses and refreshments in the Fife Arms Hotel

Ski Club • 6144.

Mr. Duncan instructing pupils at Glenshec

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

at Braemar. The Siberian conditions, however, did not deter certain members of staff and pupils from fighting their way through to the ski centres on the weekend of 21/ 22 January only to find themselves trapped for varying periods of time.

The first weekend in February brought a change of fortune with the senior weekend at Avicmore. Conditions on the Saturday varied from Arctic in the morning to Alpine in the afternoon, but at least there was skiing. Elation soon turned to disappointment the next day as the road to Cairngorm was once again blocked and the party had to return to Aberdeen via Inverness. This was not without mishap as both mini-buses had a minor disagreement with a fence on leaving the Youth Hostel, but the only damage was to the drivers' pride. And since then the season has been very good with two outings every weekend to Glenshee.

For the first time in many seasons, teams were entered in the Scottish Schools Ski races and met with mixed fortunes. The boys team encountered stiff opposition in their race and failed to qualify for the final. Despite allegation of poor team selection, wrong wax and insufficient training, it is unlikely that the Team Manager will resign. The girls team of Rachel Petrie. Paula Petrie. Gillian Stephenson and Valerie Gordon finished a creditable seventh in their race, which augurs well for the future.

Once again the Club organised an Easter excursion to the continent to Bovec in Yugoslavia in conjunction with St. Margaret's. This proved to be a successful and enjoyable trip attended by a total of seventy-six pupils.

Lastly, thanks are due to the members of staff who gave freely of their time to allow the above activities to take place.

I

Staff Pantomime Robin Hood was in Sherwood. The Sheriff was there being dastardly, as expected. But why was Dracula there after Maid Marion's blood? Why were Kirk, Spock and Scotty beaming down? Because of the ingenuity (and enterprise?) of our script writer Doug Ritchie.

After a year's rest to whet the pupils' appetites. the Byron Players returned with 'Robin Hood'. Stars from the past had gone but there were stars who still shone. Jack Thomson. the hero, Robin, commanded the stage more effectively than he commanded his men. Doug Ritchie ranted volubly as the Sheriff but was no match for Moya Cromar's predatory but very wealthy and so very desirable Lady Amelia. She longed to succumb to the charms of Dracula. Ian Galloway, who indeed wanted to get his teeth into her. There were also new stars. Susan Hayworth made a charming but spirited Maid Marion who wooed and won the audience with her rendition of "They Don't Know" as she herself was wooed and won by Robin. And Suzanna Porteous, with demented pigtails. a sun visor. a yellow sweatshirt and a mini kilt, made an unforgettable Scotty.

And of course there were other cameo performances too numerous to mention.

Perhaps, however, the show was stolen by Ian Milne and Cathy Reid as 'wifies' having a 'rare gossip'. The stuff of panto!

This year's panto was. I believe, the best to date. The script conjured up Time Lords and ghouls, space captains and Metric Men and even a ladies netball team. The stage became a spaceship, a dusty castle, forest greenery, an eerie tombstone-filled graveyard and even somewhere in the depths of outer space, thanks to the talents of Norman Constable. The cast-created costumes were colourful, bizarre, contrived and outrageous.

There were singing trees and hockey stick horses. There were songs to sing along with and villains to hiss. There were even surprises galore. Who could have expected Hitler (Elie Whyte) to goosestep through Sherwood? Surely John McEnroe (Pat Wood) should have been in the pits and not on the stage? And is Ron Fulger really Dr. Who after another transformation?

Congratulations once more to the staff and to the pupils of Dram. Soc., who lent their time and expertise. and of course to Pat Wood who made it all possible.

M.S.

I •

Staff Pantomime

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A formal photograph of the conventional staff members of an "elitist" school in Aberdeen

Former Pupils' Club Section (Club Founded 11 September 1893) Club Office-Bearers, 1984-85

Honorary President: ROBERT DOUGLAS GILL, M.A.

(Rector) Honorary Vice-Presidents: DOUGLAS P. COCHRAN (1906-15), F.A.I.B. (President, 1957-58) THE HON. LORD JOHNSTON (1913-26). (President, 1961-62) IAN G. MCPHERSON (1910-17). (President, 1965-66) EDWARD J. WOOD (1908-21), M.A. (President, 1966-67) JOSEPH R. CARRY (1918-30), M.B.E.. T.D.. D.L.. F.B.C.O. (President, 1967-68) ERIC Ros BIRKETT (1920-22), C.A. (President, 1968-69) ALLAN C. FRAZER (1925-30), M.A.. LL.B., W.S. (President, 1970-71) JOHN V. SKINNER, M.A.. M.LITT.. DIP.ED.. J.P. (Rector, 1959-72) AIR MARSHAL SIR LESLIE MAYOR (1923-33), K.C.B., A.F.C., D.L.. F.R.A.E.S., R.A.F.

(President, 1972-73) GEORGE E. C. BARTON (1923-26), M.A. (President, 1973-74) THE VERY REVD. J. FRASER MCLUSKEY (1920-31), M.C.. D.D. (President, 1974-75) ALAN C. R. WArr (1925-37), M.A., LL.B. (President, 1975-76) ROBERT A. E. MENNIE (1924-36), M.A.. F. INST. PET. (President, 1976-77) JOHN W. CRADOCK (1941-46), C.A. (President, 1977-78) WILLIAM L. CONNON (1930-40), B.L. (President, 1979.80) T. GORDON COurrs (1938-49, 1950-51), Q.C.. M A., LLB. (President, 1980-81) NEIL I. W. MELDRUM (1925-37), M.A., LL.B. (President, 1981-82) JAMES A. N. WATT (1927-39), c.A. (President, 1982-83) BRIAN K. CROOKSHANKS (1934-46), T.D., M.A., 11.B. (President, 1983-84) President: ERIC D. WATT (1937-50), B El) Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive: ERIC CRAIG (1934-36)

Secretary: JOHN F. HENDRY (1951-65), LL.B 36 Albyn Place, Aberdeen AB9 'YU Treasurer: COLIN C. ALLAN (1936-45), C.A.

63 Gray Street, Aberdeen ABI 6JD General Editor of Magazine: DAVID K. Y011(1951-65), M A .

11 Kinkel' Road, Aberdeen ABI 8HQ

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Former Pupils' Club Section

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Secretaries of Centres Edinburgh—NIGEL G. M. WATT (1963-69), W.S., 10 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8HE. Glasgow—J. PETER CAIRNS (1943-57), Dellglenan, 3 John Street Lane, Helensburgh, G84 9NA. London—ROBERT A. E. MENNIE (1924.36). M.A., F. INST. PET. 9 Butler Close, Saffron Walden, Essex CBI' 3DB. Yorkshire—A. J. M. MILLER ( ► 942.55), M.A., C.A., 13 Wenlock Drive, Escrick, York.

Ireland—ANDREW M. M. STEVEN (1936-50), M.A., LL.B.. DIP.ED.. 5 Beechill Avenue, Saintfield Road, Belfast BT8 4NS. Secretaries of Sections Cricket—DEREK A. HARLEY (1974-80). 57 Mile End Avenue. Aberdeen AB2 4PU. Curling—BRUCE S. ALLAN (1953-58). A.R.I.S.. 55 Carden Place. Aberdeen AB1 IUN Golf-PETER M. ROBERTSON (1967.73), LL.B.. 102 Stanley Street, Aberdeen AB1 6UQ. Hockey—DENTS N. YULE (1960.66), LL.B.. 14 Lochside Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB2 8AE. Photographic—NEIL J. G. LAWRIE (1961-74), 9 Braeside Terrace, Aberdeen AB1 7TS Rugby—MICHAEL G. H. Glee (1942-46), 25 Viewfield Road, Aberdeen ABI 7XL. Swimming—ROGER D. HOUGHTON (1959.63), LL.B.. 26 Bethany Gardens. Aberdeen.

Executive Committee The Vice-President of the Club, Chairman A. KEITH CAMPBELL (1944.53), Vice-Chairman The Secretary, the Treasurer and the General Editor of the Magazine, ex officiir The Rector of the School, ex officio ALAN G. CAMPBELL (1959-65) DOUGLAS G. FOWUE (1950-64) JOHN GARVIE (1976-81) PETER GRIEVE (1974-80) H. ALAN S. HAMILTON (1943-56) DEREK A. HARLEY (1974-80) IAIN S. HOPKIN (1962-68) JAMES C. LYON (1953-59)

ROBERT MACKIE (1970)

W. DOUGLAS MrraiEu. (1946.61) FIONA M. A. MCCOMBIE (1975-81) MAIM J. Moset (1976-80) DAVID P. Swum (1946-47) G. FRASER WEBSTER (1949-62) Dervis N. YULE (1960-66)

Section Representatives Club Centre—RICHARD H. W. CRADOCK (1940.41, 44-51) Cricket—IAN P. SouTER (1947-61) Curling—Al.ASTAIR C. MATILAND (1943-52) Golf-HARRY K. S. K1NGHORN (1943-56) Hockey—JOHN A. SmrTH (1966.72) Rugby—IAN M. GILBERT (1969-72) Staff—IAN T. STEPHEN Swimming—PETER M. ROBERTSON (1967-73) 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.

Canada—GORDON B. SINGER (1949-50), 103 Lake Mead Drive, Calgary, Canada 72P 327.

Malawi—ALASDAIR H. McLEon (1947-61), P.O. Box 30045, Lilongwe 3, Republic of Malawi, Central Africa.

New Zealand—MICHAEL B. THOMSON (1938-51), 39 Jubilee Road, Khandallah, Wellington 4, New Zealand.

United States—BRIAN S. GRAY (1943-49), Apartment 1404. 4615 North Park Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20085.

United States—MICHAEL G. KING (1951-60), 42 Richard Road, Edison, New Jersey 08817.

Annual General Meeting The Eighty-second Annual General Meeting of the Club was held in the Club Centre, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen on Monday, 26 March, 1984.

Executive Report The following arc extracts from the Executive Report submitted (in the absence of the Chairman) by the Vice-Chairman. Mr. Eric Craig.

Deaths of Members The Executive paid tribute to the regrettably large number of distinguished members. who had died in the course of the year. Particular mention was made of the death of three Honorary Vice-Presidents of the Club: A. J. M. Edwards. who had been a sporting legend in his own lifetime. and whose contribution to the School and Club as a gentlemanly father figure had been incalculable. Sheriff J. A. Lillie, a distinguished lawyer and writer, and). S. G. Munro, formerly a valued servant in the administration of the Club and a member of the celebrated 1947-48 F.P. Rugby XV. Another member of that most successful of F.P. rugby teams, whose death had been noted with sorrow, was J. C. Hunter, formerly head teacher of P.E. at the School. and a staff member of the Club.

Membership Membership of the Club was only marginally lower than the previous year. and stood at 2024. It was a matter of concern. however, that as many as 125 Ordinary members had not yet renewed their subscriptions for the year.

School The School and the Club continued to be keenly interested in each other. Recruitment of new members from School was still not as high as the Executive would wish, and it was intended to repeat the experiment of a free disco for school-leavers in the Club Centre. which had proved to be successful as a social event. Officials of the Club would maintain the traditional recruiting visit to the School each year.

In the course of the year f850 had been disbursed from the Amenities Fund and had been put to good use in a wide range of School extra-curricular activities.

Since 1979 the Club had donated annually money for an all-round prize for girls in S.VI to match the long-established MI-round Trophy for boys. For 1983-84 and afterwards the Executive had purchased a handsome rosebowl inscribed with the names of the previous winners, as an All-round Trophy for girls. The School had expressed its particular appreciation of this gift.

Magazine The centenary issue of the Magazine was due to appear in June 1985, and the Executive Committee had appointed a sub-committee to assist the editorial team in its production. Any suggestions for the form or content of the centenary issue might be submitted to the Editor. It was the opinion of the Executive that the 1983 issue had been of a particularly high standard, which it was hoped would be repeated in the centenary issue.

Social Both the Annual Dinner and the Annual Ball had been highly successful. The former was worthy of remark not only because of the new venue (the New Marcliffe Hotel), which had proved to be a most fortunate choice, but also because of the excellence of the speech of the first ever lady principal speaker, Miss Dorothy Kidd. The latter had been remarkable not simply as a social success, but also because of Jeremy Moir's singlehanded achievement in raising f450 by die Ball raffle. The Executive congratulated Alan Hamilton on the organisation of two enjoyable functions.

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Annual General Meeting

51

Sports It was gratifying to report the establishment (at no cost to the Club) of an all-weather cricket pitch at Rubislaw.

Centres In general, the activities of the Centres continued along the traditional, successful lines, but three events deserved particular attention. As forecast at the previous A .G.M the Glasgow Centre had been revived, and had organised an enjoyable and wellsupported dinner towards the end of 1983; the London Centre had celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary in fine style in November 1983; and the Edinburgh Centre had recorded its highest ever attendance at its Annual Dinner in 1984. The Edinburgh Dinners, organised on the eve of home rugby internationals were proving popular with F.P.s not only in the Edinburgh area, but also from Aberdeen and elsewhere.

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 Club's accounts for the year were submitted and approved. An abstract of the accounts is printed at the end of this Magazine, and the full statement of accounts may be obtained on request to the Secretary.

Office-bearers for the year 1984 85 were elected in accordance with the notifications elsewhere in this Magazine.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the outgoing President, Brian Crookshanks, on the motion of the Vice-Chairman, who referred to his long record of service to the Club, terminating with a year as an outstandingly successful President. In reply, Mr. Crookshanks asked the Club never to under-estimate the dedication of its "permanent" officials, to whom the Club should be deeply grateful.

Annual Dinner: First Lady Speaker In the report of the 1981 Annual Dinner, the writer (with an eye more to easy comic effect than to elegance or accuracy of expression) designated the 1980 Dinner, when lady members first attended, as "Ladies Night." lf, despite its inadequacies, that appellation may be allowed, and if (as is most certain) one may presume further upon the self-effacing generosity of the lady F.P.s present at the 1983 Dinner, Friday 28 October 1983. must be declared to be "The Lady's Night."

Miss Dorothy Kidd, former Headmistress of Albyn School for Girls, proved to be the perfect choice to propose the toast to the School and the Club. Not only was she witty and highly entertaining, punctuating her speech of typically feminine grace and charm with demonstrations of her flair for the "common touch", but she also displayed a knowledge of the School and Club, which could rival that of many of those present.

The very idea that any lady should be the principal speaker at the Annual Dinner, of course, was a novel one, and Miss Kidd acknowledged this early in her speech, when she questioned whether even Allan Frazer and the late Roy Milne could possibly have dreamt up a better comic role for her to perform in one of their Students' Show scripts.

It was already apparent, however, that Miss ICidd's speech was no joke, though, to the huge entertainment of the company, it proved to be an occasion for laughter.

Miss Kidd proceeded to elaborate on her flawless credentials to propose the toast of the School and the Club, itemising most amusingly her contact over the years with the School, its pupils and its former pupils. Many of these contacts (such as those made by playing for the High School 1st XI against the Grammar rugby team at hockey, or by clandestine coded messages between girls' and boys' boarding houses with the

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

consequent mutinous action of the girls in "breaking croc" to meet the boys in shepherded walks at Hazlehead) gave us a unique opportunity "to see oursels as ithcrs see us".—Gordonian speakers had never seemed to remember such things!

Finally, by virtue of her highly tuned professional awareness, and, despite her admirable determination to entertain for every second of her speech. Miss Kidd was able to leave the company with a valid educational message. Quoting both from Miss Irene Valentine (who must have taught many of those present) and from Ruth Hutchison (the School's first Head Girl), she expressed the conviction that, having lost the Primary School, and having admitted girl pupils. Aberdeen Grammar School was no longer the same School as had been attended by older F.P.s. Instead, the School had undergone a remarkably successful transition, in which it had been helped by its long tradition and by the belief and support of its former pupils. The real reason for the School's success, however, lay with those still within its gates—the teachers, who had proved so adaptable to changed circumstances, and the pupils (especially those boys in S.VI at the time of the first co-educational intake, who were reliably accused of having "spoilt the new S.I girls rotten"). The School (in common with most other schools) was now facing a host of problems imposed from without—educational policy change, unemployment, and restrictions on public expenditure—but history showed that if any school could survive, Aberdeen Grammar School could, and would survive magnificently.

While there can be no doubt whatever, that Miss Kidd, as the first ever lady speaker. quite stole the show at the 1983 Dinner, she must (at least in this report) share some of the limelight with another innovation. For the first time in many years the venue of the Dinner was altered, and that decision of the Entertainments Committee proved almost equally successful. The New Marcliffe Hotel was not only much more conveniently situated, but also offered a most enjoyable meal pleasantly served in comfortable and commodious surroundings. The Entertainments Committee, therefore, remains more than a little puzzled and slightly disappointed by the continuing relatively low attendance at the Dinner (118 in 1983).

Certainly, no exception could be taken with the conduct of proceedings by the President, Mr. Brian Crookshanks. Many of those present expressed the view that his overall performance was the best they had heard by an F.P. President, and certainly his amusing, yet efficient, mastery of the evening (in which, no doubt, he was aided by his unsurpassed knowledge of School and Clik affairs accumulated in a long career of service) was faultless. His speech itself was largely concerned with matters reported elsewhere in this Magazine, and therefore, requires no detailed reporting here. It is worthy of record, however, that, at his proposal, the company agreed to send greetings to the Rt. Rev. Dr. J. Fraser McLuskey on his appointment as Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and that the President intimated with sorrow the earlier intention of the Executive Committee to have made a modest presentation during the Dinner to the late A. J. M. Edwards in recognition of his eightieth birthday, which, regrettably, he had not survived by many weeks.

On behalf of the School. the Rector replied fittingly to the toast to the School and the Club, and the toast to the guests was proposed by Mr. W. Morrison Brown and answered

by Mr. Ian Edward. The latter, in seeking to convey a personal impression of the generosity of F.P.s, vividly portrayed the delightful character of the late Freddie Edwards in recollecting the occasion, when a Gordonian rugby player had sliced a drop goal attempt disastrously towards the corner flag. and Freddie from the touchline had charitably commentated. "A useful diagonal punt!"

This was an excellent occasion with only the slightest of blemishes, among which was the delay in the top table taking their seats, and, in the confidence that the standard can be maintained, the Annual Dinner can be heartily commended to those Aberdeen F.P.s, who incomprehensibly stay away. As readers may sec from the report of the Edinburgh Centre, on current trends the time is not far off when the Edinburgh Dinner will be better attended than that of the Parent Club. That would be a poor return for Alan Hamilton's industry and devotion to the principal social functions of the Club.

Our President Eric D. Watt (1937-1950), B.Ed. It was the unanimous decision of the Annual General Meeting on 26 March to elect Eric Douglas Watt as President of the F.P. Club for 1984-1985.

Eric is one of the former pupils whose name has been synonymous with sport, especially hockey. a game which he still plays regularly.

For it to be said in 1946, when Eric had to make a decision on the question of which sport he would choose as he entered the third year of Middle School, that there was no future for him in hockey, seems to have been ill-conceived, but this must have been the incentive necessary to take him to the top in the sphere of International Hockey.

But Eric has also shown the ability to maintain his connection at grass roots level with the Hockey Section of the F.P. Club itself.

Eric was born on 10 June 1932. He entered the School in 1937 and progressed through Lower, Middle and Upper participating in every aspect of school life including football in Lower School to Rugby, Hockey and Cricket, being School Captain of the latter two. He was also Captain of Dun House.

His natural ability as a sportsman and as an outstanding hockey player brought him to the forefront, and the Scottish Selectors recognised his potential by choosing him to play for the Scottish National Team against Wales at Paisley in 1950, while Eric was still at School. Many of his contemporaries will recall the School half holiday celebrating his unique achievement.

Eric's hockey career extended internationally for sixteen years, while he accumulated 52 National Caps and 2 Great Britain Caps. He was also selected for the 1962 Olympic pool but, because of his father's illness, was unable to go. His achievement should be brought into proper perspective with the present international hockey scene. His record 52 caps were mainly gained at home country internationals over a number of years, whereas in International tournaments these days a player could achieve four caps in the space of one weekend. Eric still manages to find time to play occasionally for Grammarians and also for North Veterans, of whom he is a founder member.

Apart from being Captain of the F.P. Hockey Section and playing Cricket for F.P.s, he was captain of the F.P. Golf Section. He also was Captain of the North District Hockey Team and for a short time was a Member of the Scottish Hockey Disciplinary Committee.

His outstanding achievements in sport were recognised in 1963, when he was awarded the Usher Vaux Trophy for the Sports Personality of the Year. He was also able to put something of his knowledge and technical skill back into the game of hockey through his appointment as one of the first National Hockey Coaches and also as a member of the Scottish Sports Council between 1970-72.

On leaving school Eric attended the University of Aberdeen as an Engineering student, and while a student he played for Aberdeen University and represented Scottish Universities.

Eric completed his National Service between 1954-1956 with R.E.M.E. and sport was also prominent in his service life, during which he captained the R.E.M.E. hockey team and also played for the British Army.

On returning to Aberdeen he entered his father's wholesale fish business and took over its management on the death of his father in 1966.

Eric's talents were not confined to the hockey field, and he became Director of the Local Fish Trade Association. His wholesale fish business, however, was disposed of in 1968, and, although Eric maintained his connection with the fishing industry until 1970, he entered the College of Education in Aberdeen and obtained his B.Ed Degree in 1974. In pursuit of his chosen career in 53

Club President 1984-85

Eric D. Watt (1937-50), B.Ed.

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55

teaching, he took appointment as a teacher at Mosstoddloch Primary School and subsequently advanced to the position of Head Teacher at Mosstowie, near Elgin, where he is at present.

Eric is married to Mav, who teaches Physical Education at schools in the Cullen area. They have three children—Russell (26) who works with a local oil company, Shirley (25) who is teaching in Edinburgh, and David (20) who is attending Aberdeen University. It is obvious that Eric and his family all enjoy the outdoor life and activities which are still centred around teaching and sport.

It is unfortunate that Eric had to move out of town to take up his teaching post m Banff and Moray, as undoubtedly he would have become Chairman of the Club. He had served on the Executive for many years before becoming Vice Chairman in 1974. His keen interest in the Club, and all it stands for, is reflected in his service as a founder member and supporter of the F.P. Club Centre.

It is a measure of the esteem in which Eric is held by his fellow F.P. Club Members that he has been elected to the highest office which the Club can bestow. Eric has served the Club with dignity and great ability and is a man we should feel proud to have as our President.

A.K.C.

Centre Reports Club Centre The Club Centre at 86 queen's Road achieved a small surplus in the last year which was an encouraging upturn in view of a disappointing early part of the year.

A fine trophy cabinet has recently been erected in the Lounge Bar and arrangements are being made for the display.

Dick Cradock continues as Chairman with John Paterson and Jeremy Moir continuing as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

The Steward, Bill Mackie, is now assisted by Miss Maureen Beverley, a recent recruit from the part-time staff to become full-time Assistant Steward following the resignation of Graeme Flett.

Catering is now provided in the Club Centre by Sodexho—an offshore catering company. Under the enthusiastic control of Stewart Allan the facility is a good one and greater use of it is encouraged.

Younger members are always welcome and a membership application form can be found enclosed in this Magazine.

Edinburgh The Annual Golf Outing held at Bruntsfield on a very pleasant August afternoon was won by Jeffrey Smith with a ridiculously low Stableford score of 43 points. Twelve F.P.s participated and they were joined for high tea afterwards by our President, W. Morrison Brown. With the resurrection of the Glasgow Centre it has been decided to have a challenge march between the two Centres at Bruntsfield in May. A "Cheese and Wine" Party was again held in the Caledonian Club, Abercromby Place, but unfortunately the numbers were very disappointing.

Those attending, however, thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the function will continue to be held on an annual basis.

The Annual Dinner was held at the beginning of February in the Carlton Hotel on the eve of the Scotland v. England Rugby International, when there

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was a record attendance of eighty-seven F.P.s and guests. Our principal guest for the evening, W. D. "Buff" Hardie, star of the hilarious Scotland the What? revue—gave a superb toast of "The School and The Club" and suitable replies were made by the Rector and the Parent Club President, Brian K. Crookshanks. Mor Brown was as usual an excellent Chairman, but on this occasion his performance was staggering, as he had only been discharged from hospital the previous day after a major operation. During the course of the evening the Annual General Meeting was held with Mor Brown, David Cowie and Nigel Watt being re-elected as President, Vice President and Hon. Secretary respectively.

Next year's Dinner will be held in the Carlton Hotel on Friday, 1 March 1985—the eve of the Scotland v. Wales Rugby International at Murrayfield under the Chairmanship of W. Morrison Brown. It is hoped that this year's record attendance will be broken, and, if any members of the Club find themselves in the Edinburgh area at that time, they will be made most welcome. They should contact the Secretary, Nigel G. M. Watt, at his address which is given elsewhere in the Magazine.

The following members of the Club attended the 1983 Dinner: C. C. Allan (1936-45), A. M. Beattie (1945-57), F. C. B. Black (1914-17), T. Blair (1934-44). Dr. N. M. Bonhwick (1952-65), D. A. Brittain (1943-49), W. M. Brown (1933-46), Prof.

N. K. Buxton (1948-58), E. G. Byiers (1963-69), A. H. Cairns (1943-56),J. P. Cairns (1943-57), N. Cameron, R. B. F. Clark (1961-68), P. Cook, T. G. Coutts (1938-51), D. L. Cowie (1942-44), B. K. Crookshanks (1934-46), B. D. D. Emslie (1929-35), H. A. Forbes (1943-56), J. E. Fraser (1936-49), M. G. H. Gibb (1942-46), R. D. Gill (Rector), J. A. Gray (1926-35), H. A. S. Hamilton (1943-56), D. R. Harper (1944-58), J. F. Hendry (1951-65), H. D. Jamieson (1921-34), D. G. Kilgour (1938-50), Rev. Dr. J. F. Kirk (1937-47), Prof. P. N. Love (1952-58), D. McAllister (1961-74), D. I. K. MacLeod (1952-54), R. S. MacLeod (staff member), A. C. Maitland (1943-52), K. I. Masson (1959-72), J. D. Moir (1969-75), H. E. Morrison (1951-65), Miss M. J. Moser (1976-80), A. S. Noble (1939-52), Dr. A. E. Philip (1944-56), D. R. Reckie (1962-75), D. Reith (1924-35), R. S. Rilley (1946-55), P. M. Robertson (1967-73), S. A. C. Robertson (1939-51), A. M. Sim (1956-69), J. N. F. Smith (1963-69), R. G. C. Smith (1926-37), Miss S. Smith (1976-80), D. J. Stephen (1946-52), Miss A. Taylor (1974-80), Dr. P. A. Walker (1946-59), W. D. D. Wallace (1939-51), A. C. R. Watt (1925-37). Dr. G. C. M. Watt (1957-70), N. G. M. Watt (1963-69), R. A. Williamson (1930-36).

Glasgow It is a great pleasure to report that the Glasgow Centre has been revived and that at the Annual General Meeting prior to the Dinner on 4th November 1983 the Committee appointed was as follows: President Basil Emslie, Vice President Andrew McLaren, Secretary/Treasurer Peter Cairns, Committee Members David Allan, Gary Allan and Ian Watt.

At the Dinner more than thirty former pupils were joined by their guests, and since then the Committee has been active in arranging a brief programme for 1984. We hope to have beaten Edinburgh at Golf on 15 May about the time that the Magazine is going to press.

We have the honour of arranging a joint meeting with Gordonians and High School F.P.s, and it is hoped that this will take the form of a barbecue for families on 7 September at Ross Priory. Should the weather be inclement there is ample indoor accommodation for us.

The Dinner this year will again be held in the Royal Scottish Automobile Club on Friday, 2 November, and obviously any former pupil, whose name is not on our mailing list should contact the Secretary Peter Cairns at Helensburgh (0436) 71708. We hope to see an increase on last year's Dinner attendance.

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London The Annual General Meeting of the Centre was held on 9 May 1983.

Andrew Noble was elected President for a second two year period of office. D. Robbie and R. Mennie were appointed Treasurer and Secretary respectively for a further year. R. Anderson, J. Clark and D. W. C. Smith were elected to serve for a three year period on the Executive Committee replacing J. Brown, R. Falconer and H. Reid who retire by rotation.

The Centre celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary with a well attended dinner at the Caledonian Club, Halkin Street, on Friday, 11 November 1983.

81 members and guests enjoyed a pleasant and nostalgic evening. Andrew Noble presided over the formal proceedings with the professional expertise of a managing director of a large company with the experience of many Annual General Meetings of shareholders behind him.

Harry Slater, who was secretary and the President in the post-war years when the Centre was re-established, sketched the history of the Centre and stressed its particular debt (in common with the School and the Club at large) to Dr. Theodore Watt's vision and drive in its foundation period, and to Lord Alness, whose felicitous presidency after World War II had ensured that the Centre did not sink as a casualty of that war but resumed in sufficient strength to carry it to its seventy-fifth (and one may hope hundreth) anniversary.

The Toast of the School was proposed by Stephen Robertson, whose splendid speech contained a high content of the Doric wit, which we associate with Scotland the What, and which was much appreciated by his audience.

The Rector replied on behalf of the School and revealed that he had done some documentary research into the early proceedings of the London Centre.

Brian Crookshanks responded on behalf of the Club in characteristic vein.

In addition to the traditional guests from the London Associations of Gordonians, Glasgow High and Heriots, we were delighted to welcome the Presidents of the F.P. Centres of Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as a contingent from Aberdeen. The late licence and the "dram service" provided by the Caledonian Club enabled the socialising to go on to the "wee sma' Doss" .

The following Club members attended the Annual Dinner: W. Georgeson (1911-21), W/Cmdr R. Bruce (1913-22). A. Walker (1923-25), J. A. L. Thomson (1920-27), A. H. K. Slater (1923-35), W. J. G. Meldrum (1925-35). R. A. E. Mennie (1924-36), B. D. Emslie (1929-36), E. G. Sangster (1927-39), D. W. C. Smith (1930-41), I. B. Taylor (1933-40), A. Fiddes (1936-43), W. M. Brown (1933-46), G. S. Williams (1933-46), J. G. C. Brown (1933-46),B. Crookshanks (1934-46), M. Lyall (1935-49), A. S. Noble (1939-51), R. Cradock (1940-51).J. Clark (1949-51), D. Galloway (1944-58), R. Falconer (1944-58). A. Burke (1955-60), K. Gonad (1947-60), J. B. Davidson (1947-60), E. Cohen (1949-62), lain Reid (1951-63), J. D. Reid (1953-65),J. F. Hendry (1951-65). S. Robertson (1939-51), E. A. S. Porter (1951-58), N. Matthews (1958-61), R. Anderson (1959-65). A. Nicol (1962-71), I. Carry (1960-73).

Yorkshire The annual reunion dinner of the Yorkshire Centre was held on 30 September 1983 at the Dower House Hotel, Knaresborough.

The Centre President, John Alexander, gave a warm welcome to the President of the Parent Club, Mr. Brian Crookshanks, to the Rector, Mr. Robert Gill, to the Secretary of the Parent Club, Mr. John Hendry, and to Mr. Morrison Brown, the President of the Edinburgh F.P. Centre. The Yorkshire Centre is most appreciative of the support it receives from Aberdeen and it is a

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great pleasure to have representation from other Centres; the presence of our guests was a major factor in the general enjoyment of the evening and members were very grateful for the trouble they had taken to attend.

The occasion was made the more noteworthy by the presentation by the Parent Club of a Yorkshire Centre President's Medallion and Badge of Office.

In accepting the very handsome token of the Centre's existence (some 35 years after its inaugural meeting!) the President thanked the Club for the interest shown in the Yorkshire outpost, and assured members that such official, not to say hasty, recognition would not be allowed to influence the informal constitution and character of the Centre—although competition for the right to wear the Presidential Jewel was expected to become more severe in the future!

After hearing from the Rector of the latest changes in the School, in its pupils, staff and activities, and from the President with news of the Club and of its members, the proceedings were rounded off by the traditional "Birse Cup" and the inevitable reminiscences; another enjoyable reunion had come to an end.

The 1984 Dinner will again be held at the Dower House Hotel, Knaresborough, on Friday, 28 September, and all Members of the Club who are within reach of Knaresborough that day will be most welcome and should contact the Secretary of the Centre, Alistair J. M. Miller, 13 Wenlock Drive, Escrick, York, Telephone 0904.87-480.

Those present at the Dinner were: Brian K. Crookshanks (1934-46). President ofthe Club, Robert D. Gill, Rector, John F. Hendry (1951-65), Secretary of the Club. W. Morrison Brown (1933-46), President, Edinburgh Centre. W. Johnstone Alexander (1931-43), President ofthe Centre, David R. Cormack (1963-67), William A. Johnston (1940-44), Douglas McAllister (1961-74), A. Wilson McIntosh (1932-45), Alistair J. M. Miller (1942-55), Secretary of the Centre, I. Nicol Reid (1954-63/1965-67), James A. N. Watt (1927-39).

Section Reports Cricket Strathmore Union XI

The cricket season of 1983 will be remembered chiefly by the Strathmore Union side for the first ten scheduled games—none of which were played.

Nine of those matches were cancelled by inclement weather, and the other was scratched by a Blairgowrie team unable to raise eleven players.

As a result, the 1st XI's first league game took place on 18 June, two months late, but happily ended in a comfortable win over Montrose at Rubislaw.

Overall, the season was a successful one, with the team winning nine and drawing three of the fifteen league matches played, finishing in a very creditable second place in the Union table.

With Jerry Moir making his debut as captain, the year included some notable victories. Graham Davie made an all-time best score of 61 to help in the defeat of Forthill at Rubislaw, the game being won with under two overs left. And two sparkling innings by Nick Johnson (79) and John Eagles (65 not out) ensured a very professional win at Arbroath in August.

The customary defeat of local rivals Gordonians at Rubislaw was achieved through a team effort, with Jerry Moir chipping in with his usual six wickets.

Other batting highlights included John Eagles, in his first season with the Section, making a century in the final game at Brechin; and Neil McLean's stirring 76 at Dalnacraig against D.H.S.F.P, an innings ended more by sheer exhaustion than the opposition's skill.

The bowling honours were again taken by skipper Moir, who won the

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Strathmore Union prize for the highest aggregate of wickets. Martin Webster demonstrated an accuracy and perseverance which belied his years, and legspinner John Eagles gave wicketkeeper Calum Macdonald some very useful stumping practice.

Poor batting let the side down in both the Three Counties Cup and the "Press and journal" Sevens, and the 1st XI's debut venture in the Scottish Cup was not marked by a surfeit of success: they lost all four tics, albeit against competent sides.

Some lighthearted memories from the season past: Ian Souter powering a six over his partner's head at Forthill, while under strict orders from his captain to hold out for a draw; Jerry Moir's face when, in search of a haul of ten wickets in one game at Blairgowrie, he was thwarted by a surprisingly effective piece of fielding (no names mentioned) to remove the home team's ninth man; Alan Hunter, with some demon-like pace bowling taking 3 for 5 in the rout of Montrose for 60, only for F.P.s to use up 40 overs reaching their target.

The 1st XI undoubtedly missed the experience and all-round abilities of exskipper Richard Ferro, who missed almost the entire season with a leg injury.

But John Eagles provided compensation, and it was also encouraging to see the younger element in the squad—Graham Davie, Peter and Alan Redhead, in particular, displaying much of the potential they promise at nets. Further consolidation should come in 1984, if only the weather improves!

Thanks are due to our sponsors, who have provided a new concrete practice wicket at Rubislaw: Alexander Hall and Sons. (Builders), Sparrows and Tyseal Office Equipment; all of our "voluntary" tea-ladies, so ably marshalled by Mrs. Margaret Proctor; the ground staff at Rubislaw, Bill Allan and Hughie, for their efforts; and all car drivers who offered transport to away games.

Nets will again be held at Rubislaw throughout the season, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm, with the latter night devoted to coaching for schoolboys and those wishing "proper" tuition.

Grade XI We started the season of our return to Grade 2 with high hopes, but ended it in a scramble to provide a cushion against possible relegation; early season cancellations due to weather (yes, even in a "record-breaking summer") led to the last game remaining unplayed long after sensible people were playing hockey, football and rugby.

Nevertheless it was a season packed with incidents and unusual statistics to ponder over the winter. There was Dave Robertson's fine, memorable century (103 not out) in an opening partnership of 169 with John Fraser against Academy, the highest stand ever for the Grade XI. We had our opponents 9 wickets down batting second on four occasions yet couldn't clinch victory. Our highest ever last wicket stand of 50 was played

by Dave Robertson and Martin Webster against Anchorians: yet at Stonehaven our last 4 wickets fell in 4 balls, a useful start of 101 for 4 becoming 109 all out! A prominent Westburn batsman was "bowled not out" and "caught not out" cheaply in successive innings to the chagrin of bowler Brian Proctor. Also a certain brewer's Book of Records would be hard pushed to beat our last unusual item! 2 brothers (McLean) run out for nought and each never having faced a ball—versus Banchory!

Yet such a mixture was possibly inevitable in a season where just a small core of players had to be relied upon to provide consistency-44 players appeared in the 17 matches, 32 of whom played in fewer than 25% of the games. We look forward to a regular intake of developing players from the Grammar School ready to carry the torch (or better, the bat and ball).

Richard Ferro (convalescing from the Strathmore XI due to injury) gracefully headed the batting averages and Ally McLean (regrettably only available for a very successful half-season) the bowling averages. The Proctor Batting Cup was won by John Fraser with 334 runs and the Hopkin Bowling Cup by Brian Proctor with 43 wickets. The All Round

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Trophy was awarded to John Fraser. who in addition to aggregating most runs, helped turn our fortunes with his 68 not out to beat Balmoral and also contributed several telling bowling stints.

Best individual performances included in batting, R. Ferro, (60 not out), D. Robertson (103 not out). J. Fraser (71), N. McLean (59 not out) and, in bowling, A. McLean (8 for 38), B. Proctor (7 for 28) and M. Webster (7 for 57, Cup). Martin Webster showed the virtues of straight—rather than hopeful—bowling by taking half his wickets clean bowled and half the rest LBW. Dave Robertson was always a great battler.

We had a good Bon Accord Cup run, only foundering in the Final against a better allround Stonehaven. Ian Hopkin's team again won the Fochabers 7-a-side competition for the Section. Last year's Captain and Vice-captain (B.Proctor and I. Hopkin) were reelected for the 1984 season.

Reserve Grade XI The Reserve Grade XI suffered from both bad weather and lack of leadership during the first half of the season. Captain David Galloway, after skippering the side to an excellent victory over Lads Club, went abroad for the summer, and Vice-Captain Martin Webster was called to serve in higher spheres. However, fortunes revived with the return from a year's sojourn in Germany of Derek Harley, who led the team to some excellent victories, notably against Gordonians and Kintore, the latter a thrilling match which culminated in a run out in the final over.

The league record was: played 14, won 7, drawn 1. lost 6, although two of the wins and two of the defeats were attributable to scratchings. Most consistent performers were Stephen Forbes and Lawrence Anderson; Stephen took 19 wickets at 11 runs apiece with his skilful off-breaks and topped the batting averages at 24.33, due to a series of not outs. His additional haul of 5 catches made Stephen a worthy first winner of the Reserve Grade XI All-Round Trophy. Lawrence turned in some excellent bowling performances and his competitive nature was shown to good effect on several occasions, particularly against Lads Club and Kintore. Other youngsters to make their mark were Alan Drummond, Gavin Milne and Simon Nicholson, who showed admirable commitment and enthusiasm.

The more experienced members of the Section were, regrettably, less in evidence.

Kenneth Stephen scored a half-century against Gordonians in his sole appearance, and Calum Macdonald took advantage of a rare opportunity to bat high in the order to do likewise against Lads Club. Alan Michie also had a half-century against Kintore and batted well on several other occasions.

The reputation of the Reserve Grade XI as cup-fighters (only one defeat in the previous three seasons) received a severe dent with a depleted IX crumbling against Stonehaven at the Links on a Sunday in June when the Section's resources were stretched beyond the limit to find three teams.

The Reserve Grade is being divided into two Sections. with promotion and relegation, in 1985, initial placing being dependent upon results in 1984. It is hoped that F.P.s can achieve a place in the upper division, but this will depend upon greater availability and commitment on the part of members of the Section, together with a willingness of senior members to assist the Reserve Grade XI on and off the field.

Curling The Curling Section is in good heart and is pleased to be actively curling again after the enforced lay-off last season. The new curling rink is now providing us with good 'ice' after a few teething problems. Situated at Dyce it is not as convenient as the old rink for some members, but ample car parking space and modern facilities make the extra journey worthwhile (more so if you win your match!).

The Section has thirty-six members who are divided into six rinks which play one another in a league and also in a knock-out competition. Neither of these competitions has been decided at the time of writing, with three rinks having a chance CO win the league.

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F.P. rinks were well beaten by Gordonians in the annual match for 'The Granite Stane' and the trophy was handed over to them by our President, Fraser Webster, at a very pleasant buffet in the Club Centre after the match.

Fraser and Sandy Cameron led more successful rinks in the "P&J" Trophy, with Sandy going out in the quarter-finals and Fraser being beaten in the semi-finals by Eric Craig playing for his other Club, Marischal.

Golf There were six outings of the Section last year—we went to Braemar, Huntly, Brechin, Turriff and twice to Ballater. Subscriptions have been paid by 41 members and the numbers have averaged 30 which is the same as last year.

The Challenge Trophy was played at Turriff in August. The match result finished 4 points each but with Gordonians forfeiting the last two matches because of their failure to raise a team F.P.s won using a holes up differential.

Gordonians seemed unwilling to acknowledge defeat in this way but the threat of a Sheriff Officer arriving at the Seafield Club to collect the Trophy achieved the desired result. Gordonians gained their revenge two weeks later also at Turriff when they recaptured the H.A.R. Trophy by four shots in a low scoring match.

The Queen Elizabeth Tournament was played at Barnton in September when F.P.s succumbed to former winners Loretto in the second round having had a bye in the first.

The Annual Dinner was held for the first time at the Cults Hotel. The speakers (and there were many) included Harry Bannerman, who proposed the toast to the Section, and the reply was given by the Captain, Donald Mackie.

The toast to the guests was proposed by Ian Creswell and the reply by Peter Mitchell.

This year's Captain is Harry Kinghorn with Ian Creswell, Vice Captain.

Peter Robertson continues as Secretary/Treasurer.

Hockey The Section has enjoyed its most successful season for many years. The 1st Xl has just won its last two league games, finishing Champions of National League Div 2, and ensuring first division status next year. We thus return to the rightful place of F.P. hockey, in the upper echelons of the sport in Scotland. The team has remained fairly constant throughout the season, and under Murray Bisset's leadership, has improved throughout the year.

However, to remain in Division 1 on the longer term will take a great deal of dedication and application, but no doubt the encouragement given to the Section by this season's success will ensure that these qualities are evident in abundance.

Alan Prosser's 2nd XI looks set to win local league Div. 1. They are several games behind in their programme, mainly due to an exceptionally good run in the Scottish District Cup, but require only about 1 point per game to land the title. In the Cup, they disposed of all the good teams on the way to the semifinal, but surprisingly and unfortunately lost form at that stage, to go down 2-0 to Kelburne 2nd XI. The young 3rd Xl (there are exceptions, Ben) can boast three internationalists in their ranks from last year's Scottish Schoolboy's Under-I6 team.

All three, Andrew Hutchison, Alan Campbell and Alan Drummond made the final trials for this year's under-18 national team, but only Andrew has made the final squad. Many congratulations to him, and, since they are all only fifth year pupils, no doubt all three will make the grade next year. The 3rd XI also

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play in local league Div. I and under David Leighton's able guidance, arc comfortably placed in the middle of the table.

Congratulations are also due to Chris Howie of the 4th XI on making this year's Scottish Schoolboys under-16 team. John Albiston commands a young, enthusiastic squad, whose endeavour on the field is reflected by a high position in local league Div. 2, in which they play against other clubs' 1st, 2nd and 3rd XIs. It is a great asset to any club to have such a tremendous strength in depth throughout its ranks.

The Grammarian XI, forced to enter league hockey because of lack of opposition, arc about to win local league Div. 2. The old guard plods on manfully, occasionally reinforced by the odd pair of legs that can actually run, and still thoroughly enjoy their game. However, their very success is going to make team selection an absolute nightmare next year, as we will have three teams at least in local league Div. I. The club continues to be well served by its officials, who willingly do their own jobs, and anything else asked of them. We look forward to continued success next season, and can assure the rest of the F.P. Club that the notorious trophy cabinet in the Club Centre should be glistening with silverware from now on.

Rugby After the previous two seasons, when it has given great pleasure to report on the successive promotions to Division 2, it is rather disappointing to report that the 1st XV has been relegated after only one season. Such disappointment, however, must be qualified by the realisation that, with more and more clubs aiming for the top, the once very powerful Glasgow H.S.F.P. (now amalgamated with Kelvinside) is the other club to go down with us.

All concerned with the Section realised that life in the second division would be hard, but it had been hoped that our position would be maintained. The second division is very competitive, and the level of clubs is similar. Apart from heavy defeats by Glasgow Academicals, the champions, and Preston Lodge F.P., all games which were lost were very close, and in two instances they could have gone the other way. Victory in either game would have preserved our second division status. The game against Langholm was lost by 12-10, F.P.s having scored two tries to four penalty goals. Against Edinburgh Academicals, who have been promoted, the game was only lost by 7-6 as a result of a rather lucky last minute try. The best win was over Highland at Inverness. Most players trained very hard, and again thanks must be extended to coach Brian Clark for his dedicated service, which this season unfortunately failed to produce the results that we hoped for. It is of interest to note that all the games against sides in lower divisions were won comfortably, even though on occasion weakened sides had to be fielded. This, one hopes, augurs well for next season.

The 2nd XV had a successful season being placed high up in the Midlands league, and finishing on a high note by beating Gordonians at Seafield for the first time for many seasons.

The 3rd XV, despite many changes in personnel, held its own in the Aberdeenshire league, where the standard of opposition provided by the various new clubs from the county continues to improve.

The 4th XV competed admirably up to Christmas, but the snow and ice of January served to cool their ardour, and no games took place after the lengthy break caused by the weather.

Although the school sides continue to show great enthusiasm, it has become an increasing anxiety to the Section management that for the past year or two only a very small number of boys have joined the Section. Many school-leavers

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63

naturally continue their education elsewhere, and the financial attractions of offshore work are a great temptation. I am sure, however, that there are plenty of young men available to play and it can only be hoped that the excitement surrounding Scotland's Grand Slam success will tempt them back. All will be very welcome and, I am sure, will enjoy themselves.

During the season the Section entertained the Petersham Club from Sydney. The F.P. side won a most enjoyable game, and a good time was had by all.

In conclusion, all interested are reminded that "Kyle in Style" will run this year on 18 August. This outstanding day out is vital for the Section's finances and it is hoped will be given its usual large support.

The 1983-84 team records were as follows:

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

P 27 23 18 7

W 13 16 10 3

L

14 7 7 4

D 0 0 1 0

Reunion of Class of 1952-58 The renaissance of class reunions (which appear to have fallen out of fashion for many years until 1975) continues unabated, and the quality of these functions continues to improve.

On Friday, 21 October 1983, it was the turn of the class of 1952-58 to celebrate its 25 Year Reunion, and this they accomplished in the style befitting such a distinguished School year. For the forty-seven former pupils who attended, the act of reunion was not restricted to the dinner itself, but included also a visit to the School, and the receipt of a most informative and entertaining compilation of no fewer than seventy-two potted biographies of former pupils from the year.

At the dinner, the speakers were Profesor Phil Love, who welcomed the company, Mr. R. "Tarzan" McLeod, who proposed the toast to the Year of '58, and Mr. Bob Taylor, who replied to the toast. In addition to the former pupils, there was present the most formidable array of School staff ever to have been assembled outwith the confines of the Grammar School: Messrs R. D. Gill. W. D. Allardice, J. Banks, A. Bruce, P. Cook, J. Flett, K. Henderson.). C. Hunter (now, sadly, deceased), R. McLeod, R. McNay, J. A. D. Michie, E. E. Morrison.). D. Morrison, F. R. Paterson, I. Stephen and J. Will. This most imposing display of pedagogical authority seems not to have inhibited the wee laddies' amusement, and we are reliably informed that an exceedingly good time was had by all.

To Mr. Quentin Cramb goes the credit for the composition of the very substantial collection of notes on his contemporaries, and extracts from his impressive production are reproduced below in respect of those former pupils who were present at the reunion.

It is regretted that space will not permit the inclusion of the many excellent pen-pictures of the remainder, among whom were such distinguished F.P.s as David Bonavia, the journalist, and Dennis Hay, the hockey internationalist.

David Allan (1945-58) lives in Milngavie, Glasgow and is now a Police Chief Superintendent in Strathclyde. David joined the Aberdeen force on leaving school but rapid promotion soon found him in the more challenging territory of Glasgow, from where he was seconded to H.M. Inspectorate of Constabulary before taking up his present post.

Dave has taken a degree in the University of London but on a far more sinister level he is a graduate of the F.B.I. Earlier this year he was sent on a study tour of India and now describes himself as an expert "on Tandoori carry-oors". David has a son and daughter and numbers among his hobbies, golf and the conservation of old buildings. Where was he when they did away with our social centre, the Holburn Cafe?

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Edward Anderson (1944-57) works as a Dentist in private practice in Ontario, Canada. Eddie graduated from St. Andrews University, was a house surgeon in Dundee Dental Hospital, and thereafter worked for the N.H.S. in Dundee and Aberdeen. That he emigrated to a better life in Canada is testified in the range of his hobbies: golf, skiing (alpine and cross-country), camping, canoeing, gardening and oil painting. He also claims to have set out to track down the William Balfour somewhere in Canada but did not get his man. Eddie has two daughters and a son.

Harold Bell (1945-57), after attending the Scottish Hotel School, followed a family tradition by becoming a publican. He is now proprietor of Bell's and Balmoral Lounges and lives in Cults with his wife and three sons. A fervent Dons supporter, he is currently flushed with their success and on non-Pittodrie days can be found on the golf course making divots and contacts.

David Blair (1944-58) is now a Senior Lecturer in Kirkcaldy College of Further Education and lives in that town. David taught in Arbroath after graduating in Modern Languages at Aberdeen University. Father of a girl and boy, he is an elder of the church.

Dave's hobbies include reading and travel but he roundly condemns the scale of sports coverage on television. He is invited to take up this topic with Hector Stewart when they meet.

James Bothwell (1944-58) is a travel agent and farmer, known to have taken bus loads to Katmandu in his time. His career may be charted by his successive ownership of a Land Rover, bus, farm and donkey. This talented entrepreneur alleges that his hobbies are collecting cigarette packets and watching Dolly Parton videos. Jimmy has a son and daughter and lives in bucolic surroundings at Mill of Muchalls.

Neil Buxton (1948-58) has, only recently. been appointed as Depute Director.

Glasgow College of Technology. Before that, Neil lectured in Economics in Aberdeen University where he graduated, and at Hull. Then, appointed as Professor at Heriot Watt University Neil was well-travelled in his capacity as visiting professor at Sydney and in the USA. Secretary of the Scottish Economic Society, he is also the holder of distinguished posts in hockey, as Manager and Selector of the Scottish Team. Signs that Neil may have reached a watershed arc his devotion to bowls and his animosity towards joggers. Neil currently lives in Edinburgh with wife, two sons and daughter.

James Peter Cairns (1943 -57) had a nickname which dates all of us with precision: "P.C. 49". He now lives in Helensburgh, where he is Manager of a Bank after a series of promotions which had taken him to places exotic such as Echt. Zambia and Glasgow.

Peter qualified and did his early training in Aberdeen. Another of us with three daughters, who might have sent them to his old school and so helped civilise the place.

In his spare time Peter enjoys golf and bridge and gardening (truly).

Henry Cameron (1952-58) is a solicitor in Aberdeen, senior partner in a large firm of Advocates specialising in aviation and other expanding local industries. After early training in accountancy, Henry took a Bachelor of laws degree at Aberdeen University and his occupations have likewise moved from the field of accountancy to that of Law. "Hen" is a Director in several companies but still finds time for squash and golf. Given the financial base of his work, it is not surprising that Henry took the precaution of marrying a distinguished mathematician and they have a son and daughter.

John Brebner Cameron (1946-57) had the inexplicable school nickname of "Brcem".

He trained as an engineer at the National College in London. was involved in research work and became a design engineer. Breem now runs his own practice of consulting engineers and lives in Aberdeen with a family of three daughters. He enjoys golf, swimming, squash and fishing.

Quentin Cramb (1944-58) is a member of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Schools.

After graduating at Aberdeen University, Quentin taught in Huntly, became special assistant in the English Department of A.G.S. and thereafter Principal Teacher in English in Madras College, St. Andrews. Appointed to the Inspectorate in 1972, he worked in the West of Scotland before becoming National Specialist Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State, in English and Drama, in the period 1975-1982. "Q" is now

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Robert Falconer (1944-58) is a Director of a market research company in London having begun a career in this field with Cadbury's when he graduated in Psychology at Aberdeen University. After a respectable pause of four years with London Press Exchange Ltd. he, in his words, "bought out" his present company in 1969. Bobby is a member of the Institute of Marketing and sounds suspiciously like a tycoon, listing as an interest "food and wines". No sybarite he, however, as his interest in gardening and antipathy to smoking demonstrates. Bobby's family, wife Eva and two girls persuaded him to reveal that after three heart operations, he is the possessor of a transplanted aortic valve of porcine ancestry. He lives in Haslemere, Surrey.

George Forbes (1947 -58) is Chief Accountant in Transport Development Group and works in the south east of England. George is very modest about his University time and qualifications describing these respectively as "briefly" and "almost". Another of our mountaineers, George has climbed a smattering of "Munros" and is a member of the British Mountaineering Council and the Austrian Alpine Club. He can also claim the distinction of three completed marathons. George and his wife Audrey have two daughters and live in Orpington, Kent.

David Galloway (1944-58) "Porky" has a string of medical qualifications, M.B. 01.8 . o obm RCOG and M .R.C.P. and a polished bed-pan manner. The influence of BadenPowell is manifest in the extra medical offices that he presently holds. He boasts (out of his wife's hearing) expertise in D.I.Y. and gardening. Having taken a powder from Beecham's, he is now Head of Clinical Pharmacology at Roche, U.K. He and his wife Diana have two daughters.

David Grant (1951-55) manages his own firm in Aberdeen and lives in Bieldside with his wife and his three boys. "Gus", of such all round ability of intellect and in games, was a sad loss to the school and us when he left in 1955 and it will be good to see him at the reunion. A measure of this gifted man is the range of his interests: golf, rugby coaching and refereeing and singing in a choir.

Laurence Gray (1956-58) is Adviser in speech and drama for the Grampian education authority. Larry trained with the Abbey National in Glasgow before deciding on a teaching career. After graduating from Aberdeen University, he taught in local schools until taking up his present post in 1976. Now living in Milltimber with his wife Elizabeth and three sons who include twins, Larry's leisure time is given to occasional hill walks, and as much listening to Richard Wagner's operas as is feasible. The joy in Wagner derives not from any fascist tendency but rather intense admiration of the amalgam of music and drama produced by Hitler's favourite composer.

Douglas Harper (1944-58) is yet another of our several distinguished medicals. He is a Consultant Surgeon in Falkirk where he is chairman of the Medical Committee. After graduation, Doug worked in Aberdeen, moved to Edinburgh as a Senior Registrar and took up his present appointment in 1976. He is an Examiner of the Royal College of Surgeons. Edinburgh. where the candidates would enjoy a confidence in the integrity of a former Boy Scout and now elder of the church in Bridge of Allan, where he lives with wife Dorothy, three daughters and a son. Despite adding enhancements to his degree, Doug still finds time to do some hillwalking.

Stanley Howard (1947-58) runs his own building contracting company in Edinburgh where he lives with his wife Pat and their two sons and daughter (Michael and Sarah are twins). Stan served his apprenticeship as a quantity surveyor in Aberdeen, gaining his associateship of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. He then joined the Development Corporation of Milton Keynes and spent a year in South Africa before returning to Scotland. Stan enjoys relaxing with a drink but salves his conscience and repairs his physical condition by sailing, jogging and working. He has held office in the Edinburgh and District Master Builders Association. His wife was Madame Murray's finest exponent of the samba [biographer's footnote].

William Hutcheon (1952-58) is a sergeant with Grampian Police. His non-physical interests are Bonsai culture, model soldiers and beetles (of the V.W. variety). His prejudices include hirsute contemporaries. Bill has a son and a daughter.

Reunion of Class of 1952-58

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John Keller (1952-57) is a self-employed Insurance Adviser, whose main specialisms are life and pensions. John may find the reunion dinner a fruitful source of new clients.

Remembered by your correspondent for the sharpness of his intellect and a rabid enthusiasm for school dinners unshared by his peers, John joined Commercial Union Assurance when he left school and gave them twenty five years of service before breaking away to work independently in 1982. John lives in Milltimber with wife Elizabeth and two daughters. He is a numismatist who swims and plays badminton and pool, deriving in the last great advantage from times misspent in Burroughs and Watts in Rose Street.

If down in Epping Forest something stirs, it may be John Kelly (1946-58) trampolining. Jack manages two Sports Centres at the aforesaid Epping and at Waltham Abbey, plays rugby still and coached the Great Britain Trampoline Team from 1976-1978 finding both success and a wife, Jan. With his wife, Jack also trains a levitation club. Jack, who taught P.E. in schools and lectured at Hull University after graduating from Jordanhill College of Education, is now Sports Officer for Epping Forest District Council and lives in Much Hadham. In his spare time, he cycles a great deal for a reason that must remain privy to your correspondent but then hurls his bike down to swim or to run. For the uninitiated; Jack is doing the Triathlon. The father of two girls and a boy.

Stewart Leslie (1945-58) is a Director of a Pharmaceutical Company who has recently moved to Cambridge to join the Epping set. Once rejoicing, if that can possibly be the word, in the nickname "Toto", Stewart, while expressing his distaste for form filling. places within his pro-forma material of a libellous variety. The most discreet of his hobbies then are: fishing, golf, squash, charades, winetasting and cribbage. Stewart took his qualifications at Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology. He has a boy and girl and a wife who must be understanding. given the unmentioned hobbies.

The boy "most likely", has been. The confines of a potted biography are severe when the life and times of Philip Love (1952-58) are described. That Phil received the accolade of a CBE in 1983 is not surprising in the light of his considerable achievements.

After graduating in law at Aberdeen, he became a partner in the local firm of Campbell Connon to whom he is still consultant, as part of his duties as Professor of Conveyancing and Professional Practice of Law at Aberdeen University. An inveterate organiser and leader, Phil has been: President of the Law Society of Scotland; Chairman of the F.P. Executive Committee; one of the creators of the F.P. Centre; Rugby selector for North Midlands after a distinguished playing career (in the wrong position—author's opinion); Honorary Sheriff of Grampian. Highlands and Islands; Scottish Solicitors' representative on the Council of the International Bar Association and a legal Chairman of the local rent assessment panel. You may find it surprising to know that he has seen enough of Isobel to father three sons who have been consigned to an education in Gordon's College—the only blot on the Love escutcheon. Despite the panoply of his achievement. Phil retains a disarming candour in language. entreating that reunions should not be about people "bumming their loads".

As we shall see, no sobriquet was more prophetic than that given to Colin ("Frog") Martin (1952-57). Now living in Pittenweem, with wife Paula, another marine archaeologist, and his two sons. Colin's life has been a Boys Own tapestry: flying instructor, short service commission in the Army, agricultural studies abridged, as was sojourn in office work, free-lance writer and photographer, free-lance archaeologist and diver. In 1973 Colin helped to establish the Institute of Marine Archaeology at St. Andrews and it is in that University that he now lectures and has just been awarded a doctorate for a thesis on the Spanish Armada.

George Masson (1952-58) is a Chartered Civil Engineer who specialises in the arcane aspects of cement and concrete technology. Formerly a site engineer and consultant engineer. George is now Technical Manager with a construction company and lives in Sutton Goldfield with wife, two daughters and a son. As befits the most brilliant sportsman of our school generation, George still plays tennis, golf and squash. Was last seen by your correspondent scoring a typical try for Streatham and Croydon R.F.C. in a T.V.

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recording of the Middlesex sevens. George graduated from Aberdeen University with a degree in civil engineering but thereafter left the city for London.

Alasdair Matheson (1952-58) graduated at Aberdeen and gained his fellowship in Edinburgh, having lectured in the Universities of Aberdeen and Newcastle and spent happy years in general surgery in Carlisle. He is now Consultant in charge of the "A & E" department of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary—what was once the familiar "casualty". Ali and his wife live in Aberdeen and he finds some free time to invest in model engineering, photography and fishing.

John Michie (1944-58) had hoped to retire at forty and patently risks all in his choice of hobbies: hang gliding and windsurfing. His affection for his old school is evident and has taken active form in his organising role in the reunion. John went to Aberdeen University where he took a science degree. He now lives in Aberdeen, is married to Mary and has a son and daughter.

Alan Milne (1950-58) is in General Practice in Aberdeen and has been since working in Anaesthetics in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Like Bill Doverty, Alan is the possessor of the T.D. and has just retired from his post as Lieutenant Colonel in Field Ambulance.

He enjoys hockey, skiing, squash and golf but tells us that his philately has lapsed. Alan lives in Bieldside and is the father of a son and daughter.

We need not have worried. During the anxious months of the Falklands War. Group Captain William Rae (1946-58) was at the epicentre of operations as Briefing Officer on the staff of the Chief of Defence Staff. Willie's distinguished career in the R.A.F. has thus had one kind of climax which would have drawn from him those characteristics we remember: a talent for command and a reservoir of courage. Willie has two daughters, Nicola and Fiona, and lives in Wyton, Huntingdon. finding time to indulge in at least two hobbies; squash and antiques: an interesting pair these, combining, as it were, ferocity and delicacy; attributes of Willie perhaps.

Douglas Ross (1944-58) lives in Wiltshire and is employed as a Company Secretaryaccountant. Douglas, or "Beep". graduated in Aberdeen and took his C.A. Qualifications before going into exile. A fine rugby player in his prime. Doug plays the mandatory sports for us forty year olds: golf and squash. He lives in Trowbridge and has a family of four; three boys and a girl.

For reasons obscure, or perhaps unrevealed, James Ross (1945-57) was known at School as "Hairy". Jim, as students of F.P. Magazines of the last forty years would know, followed in what was an ancient and respectable Grammar tradition. He went to plant tea in India, but must have found that libation too mild for his taste, since he is now Publican of the Crown Hotel in Keith, where he claims to be "stagnating", an assertion we hardly believe, as he can be seen, it is said, hillwalking, playing squash and, he says, completing a veterans' marathon. Jim is the father of a daughter and son but his gorge rises at the sight of girls in Grammar uniforms, a scene he clearly regards as sacrilegious.

Charles George Scott (1945-53) worked as a surveyor when he left school, but after nine years the vocation of teaching called and, after qualifying at Aberdeen College of Education, he teaches in Aberdeen. George or "Scotty- , as we knew him, has a daughter and two sons. His hobbies include art, golf, swimming and badminton.

George Shirriffs (1947-57) is in general practice in Aberdeen, is an Associate Regional Adviser in general practice and is a Diving Doctor. A man of many parts and qualifications added to his medical degree gained at Aberdeen, George has done research into therapeutics and lectures in clinical medicine. Always a runner, George is yet another in our marathon band. He plays golf. hillwalks, keeps an allotment and finds time for his wife, son and daughter. George has the most interesting range of prejudices which includes: old boys reunions, Ford Capri drivers, land owners (allotments do not count) and smokers.

Donald Stewart (1945-58) co-dux with Bobby Falconer, has continued in the academic life which that school distinction promised. Donald graduated in Modern Languages at Aberdeen and thereafter lectured in the University College of North

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69

I . 3"A qtvgfo uozunaH 6561,o

John Charles Stanley Arnaud (1929-40), m A . who was principal teacher of English at Keith Grammar School for 23 years, retired in June, 1983. A graduate of Aberdeen University, he taught at Blairgowric High School and Portree High School before being appointed Head of English at Keith in 1960.

He was a lieutenant in the Intelligence Corps of the Indian Army from 1942 to 1946 and after the War served as an intelligence staff officer in the Territorial Army.

Former Chairman of the Banffshire Liberal Organisation, he was a justice of the peace for Banffshire and later for Moray District. Five years ago he was ordained a non-stipendiary priest for the Isla-Deveron Group of the Episcopal Church of Scotland.

His brother Frederick Cooper Arnaud (1926-36) B.Sc. (Eng.). is also a graduate of the University of Aberdeen with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He served as a lieutenant (engineer officer) in the Royal Navy during the War. After the War he held positions with English Electric and as a sound engineer with the Crown Film Unit, Buckinghamshire, where his duties included the production of a documentary film in the eastern provinces of Southern Nigeria. (His interest in such films went back to School days as testified by an article in the June 1936 Magazine headed "Documentary Films" and concluding F. C. Arnaud—Mod V. A.). He joined the colonial service in Lagos, Nigeria as a member of the Marine Department responsible for port installations and in 1956 returned to English Electric in the U.K. In 1959 he became the Electrical Inspector of Factories for Scotland based in Glasgow and went on to hold senior posts with the Inspectorate in London. In 1976 he returned to Scotland with the title of Superintending Specialist Inspector in Charge of Scottish Field Consultant Group of the Health and Safety Executive. He retired from this post at the end of September 1983 and lives at Longniddry. He is currently engaged in writing a history of the electrical branch of the factory inspectorate.

Youngest of the Arnaud brothers, Stanley William Arnaud (1930-43) B.Sc. (Eng.), is a consultant engineer with particular responsibility for contractual claims at the Cambridge headquarters of Sir M. MacDonald & Partners who arc engaged in water-orientated engineering schemes in many parts of the world.

Thomas Meldrum Arnott (1937-50), managing director of Marley Extrusions Ltd. and a widely respected personality within the plastics industry, is a former Chairman of the British Plastics Federation Pipe Group and currently a member of Council and Chairman of the Chairman's Committee of the Federation.

He has recently been appointed by the British Standards Institute to chair the co-ordinating committee overseeing and improving the efficiency of the standards making mechanisms.

He is resident in Canterbury.

Alexander Gordon Beattie (1922-34), M.B.. Ch B . D.P H., retired in August 1983 as Grampian Regional Council's Medical Officer with responsibility for the Police Force and Fire Brigade.

70

Notes About Former Pupils

71

A graduate of Aberdeen University he served with the R.A.F. during the War and was appointed Medical Officer to Aberdeen City Police in 1946.

During his 37 .years in that post he served under four chief constables and five firemasters assisting the police casualty surgeon in forensic work and initiating stringent tests for police diving and mountain rescue teams. He continues as Medical Adviser to Aberdeen District Council.

James Clark Bell (1918-24), M.B., Ch.B., retired from general medical practice in 1979 and is now living in Goodmayes, Ilford, Essex.

Ian Macintosh Brooker (1934-45), M.B.. Ch.B.. is now a G.P. in the Shetlands but on 30 January 1955, while a medical officer with the R.A.F., he made the first ascent of an 8,000-foot mountain in South Georgia, which was subsequently named Brooker Peak by the Royal Geographical Society. This event was recently celebrated when Ian's son, Gregor, who was born on the very day of that first ascent, flew over the peak as the guest of 1312 Flight, R.A.F. Stanley on a Hercules mail drop over South Georgia.

Robert Douglas Bruce (1913 - 22), Ni . B.. Ch B . Wing Commander R. A . F. (rtd.), became an octogenarian on 6 May 1984 and celebrated in suitable style at a gathering which included F.P.s at the Royal Air Force Club, Piccadilly. Ian H. McLaren (1913 - 22), F.R.I.B.A . A.R.I.A.S . recalls how he and Douglas Bruce manned an Aberdeen Corporation bus running from Footdee to Hazlehead during the 1926 General Strike.

Alan G. Campbell (1959-65), LLB.. was one of four Scots in an international field of 4,500 who set off on the 164 mile one-day cycling event in May 1983 from Paris to Roubaix on the Belgian border. The course has the reputation of being the toughest of the one-day classic events since the final 60 miles includes many sections of narrow, deformed, and muddy cobbled tracks across fields and farmyards which recreate conditions common eighty years ago and inevitably cause crashes, punctures and equipment failures.

He reports that after five tyre changes and close encounters with the mud of Flanders he reached the velodrome in Roubaix within the time limit and with the hard-won knowledge that there is something in this world much rougher than the old Aberdeen cassies!

He is Chairman of the Deeside Thistle Cycling Club and is involved with the organisation of Tandems for the Blind.

Alistair George Cheyne (1965-69) is now a successful and acclaimed member of the Queensland Theatre Company in Australia. When he left School he worked in a bank, but, as his sights were firmly fixed on the stage, he moved to Ulster Television and then won a three-year scholarship to RADA. His acting roots stem from his time at Mile-end Primary School where he made an appearance on the BBC Television Series "Dr. Finlay's Casebook"—no doubt alongside the estimable Dr. Cameron—Andrew J. M. Cruickshank (1919-25). This led to more television work under the guidance of Children's Theatre mentor, Miss Catherine Holling,worth.

He emigrated two years ago with his Australian wife.

David R. Clark (1947-61), B.Sc., M.Sc., F.S.A.(Scot), was first veteran (over 40) in last October's New York Marathon. He was placed 40th from a field of 15,193.

Cdr. Hugh S. Clark (1951 • 65), D.S.C.. R.N., decorated for bravery in the Falklands campaign, was promoted to the rank of Commander in January 1984 and is Chief Instructor at the Royal Navy Air Station at Culdrose, Cornwall.

He has been seconded to the Sultan of Oman's navy for two years and expects to take up the appointment later this year.

George Leslie Cruickshank (1918-23), A.R.I.B.A., is one of two who answered the question posed by lan H. McLaren (1913- 22) in the last Magazine "does anyone now living still remember me?" Not only does he remember but he has also sent two photographs taken at a scout camp at Haddo House in 1920

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

which include Ken Brown, George Cochrane, Cecil Savage, Ian H. McLaren and Pat Walker.

G. L. Cruickshank also referred to the article in the last Magazine about the F.P. rugby section 1922-23, the members of which he knew very well. The team included his brother J. R. L. Cruickshank ( 1915 2 I ), M.A., LL.B.. W.S.. who was the School All-round Trophy winner of 1920-21.

G. L. Cruickshank was controller of the Brick Industry during the War and his career was spent in the brick and building materials industry. He lives in retirement in Kirby-in-Cleveland, Middlesborough.

Michael Davidson (1973-78) graduated with honours in photography from Trent Polytechnic, Nottingham and took up a post with the North East of Scotland Library Service. He is now employed with Aberdeen District Council in their technical services unit.

David Mitchell Cooke Donald (1926-32) has been a Director of Robert Fleming's merchant bank for twenty-three years, Chairman of the Mercantile and General Reinsurance Company and a Director of the Prudential Corporation. He derives great satisfaction from the collection of Scottish art which he has assembled for Fleming's and from his work as Hon. Treasurer of the charity, King George's Fund for Sailors.

Leo Dtunin (1914- 17), A.R.I.B.A.. F.R.I. A s , suggested , when making his booking-for the Dinner, that he could be the oldest member. Since he was born as recently as 1902 this may be true in regard to those attending the Dinner but is quite clearly not the case so far as the Club itself is concerned.

Since the next Magazine is the centenary issue, the Notes Editor would welcome correspondence and claims for this distinction from the more mature members of the Club whose binhdate, and perhaps recollection, goes back to the nineteenth century.

Meldnun B. Edwards (1947-60), B.Sc., finished fourth in the British Veterans (over 40) Hill Running Championships held on a grand prix basis over ten races and won the veterans' race at the Gisborough Moors Fell Race, near Cleaveland, in April 1984, while representing Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club. He has organised for the Club the highly-successful Aberdeen Milk Marathon since its inception in 1979 and is one of the directors of Running North, a specialist running shop in Aberdeen. He is a principal engineer in the transportation section of Grampian Regional Council's roads department.

He is the son of the late A.J. M. Edwards (1908- 21), whose obituary notice is in this Magazine.

Pauline Esson (1975-80), former Secretary of the Photographic Section, has now taken up employment as a Floor Manager with Habitat in Cardiff, after brief spells at their Edinburgh and Newcastle branches.

Chnstopher Ronald Gallon (1962-75), LL.B., has been assumed a partner in the firm of Gray & Gray, solicitors, Peterhead and Aberdeen.

Norman Garden (1960-66) has moved to Stavanger, Norway, continuing his career with B.P. He was previously head of their computer projects division at Dyce.

William Scott Gilchrist (1929-36) graduated B.t.. at Aberdeen University after war-time service as lieutenant commander, R.N.R.. Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Federation of Malaysia, he was for some time F.P. Consul in Kuala Lumpur. On his return to Aberdeen he was a teacher for 12 years and latterly spent five years as administrator in the offshore oil industry. In his retirement he lives in Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire.

Alistair G. Grade (1953-66), a former editor of the Magazine, was appointed to the post of Deputy Hcad of News and Current Affairs with Grampian Television on 1January 1984. He has been with the company since

Notes About Former Pupils

73

1970 and was previously in the employment of Aberdeen Journals. He is a keen member of Aberdeen Squash Racquets Club and an accomplished mountaineer. His brother, Ian Gracie (1949- 62), is an accountant with Central Regional Council in Stirling.

Rev. George Ian Griffiths (1925- 36), M.A , B.D.. retires in October this year as Minister of High Cross Church, Melrose. It will be just over 40 years since he was elected Minister of Bonhill South, Alexandria, Dunbartonshirc. Six years later in 1950 he became Minister of Chalmers Church, Wishaw. He has been in his present charge since 1976.

Angus A. Hogg (1977-83) won second place for achievement in science studies in a competition sponsored by Grampian Regional Council and Amoco (UK) Exploration. He won a seven-day trip to the oil firm's locations in this country and the School received f500 as part of the prize.

He is studying science at Glasgow University.

William Dalton Ironside (1914-24), A.R. I B.A.. has also responded magnificently to the inquiry from Ian H. McLaren (1913-22), who wished to know if anyone still remembered him. W. D. Ironside (in the kind of letter which Notes Editors love to receive—full of reminiscences) remembers I. H. McL. for his ironic sense of humour, "he was always good for a laugh", but concedes his recollection may relate particularly to the time when they both were studying architecture at Robert Gordon's Technical College.

W. D. Ironside recalls with particular affection the late Archie Hyslop (also a former pupil) "who wrote that marvellous camping song for the scouts of the Grammar (I was in the 17th Troup) which I sincerely trust is still being sung around camp fires in the 1980's." He has volunteered to sing the song over the telephone and the Notes Editor will be pleased to make his phone number available!

"To those masters mentioned by I. H. McLaren may I add two of my special favourites. Charles Davidson (C.D.) who taught our unruly lot English was a born joker and no mistake. He had great charm in class and a beautifully modulated speaking voice which was particularly appreciated when, on juggling his coins he said, 'I'll give a penny to the boy who will tell me . . . " He had seldom to part with his cash!

My second favourite was Alexander Gray. He was the gentlest and most pacific of instructors in mathematics, but alas, after having been persistently needled by "X" rebelled, and the two of them ended with a confrontation of flying fists to the delight of the rest of the class".

Enc Ferguson Johnston (1935-40) retired in May 1984 from TSB Scotland after 43 years service.

He began his career with the former Aberdeen Savings Bank, serving in a number of city branches before becoming manager at Bucksburn branch in 1962 and of the Southern branch, Aberdeen in 1969. Three years later he became administrative secretary and in 1977 assistant general manager, operations.

Last year he was appointed Area General Manager, East, for TSB Scotland, formed by the amalgamation of the Scottish Savings Banks in May 1983. This Dundee-based post gave him responsibility from Shetland to Berwickshire.

A Burgess of Guild of Aberdeen, he is president of the Cairngorm Club.

Richard Gemmill Jones (1928-38), F.R.I.B A., A.R I.A S.. M.S.I.A., retired as senior partner from his architectural practice, Swan & MacLaren of Singapore, at the beginning of 1978 and now lives near Auchterarder in Perthshire. He and his brother, Norman Williams Jones (1928-40), were two of the original boarders at the Grammar School Boarding House. After serving with the Scottish Horse during the second World War with the rank of Captain, R. G. Jones completed his architectural training at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and after five years of practice with the Aberdeen firm of George Bennett Mitchell & Son, joined Swan & MacLaren in Singapore in 1954.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

While in Singapore and Malaya he attended several enjoyable re-unions with the Malaysian F.P. Club, which was then a very active and surprisingly numerous group under the enthusiastic consul, Brian Gray (1943-49).

Alan). Kinghorn (1974-79) graduated with a B sc in Business Studies and is now working in Edinburgh for the automotive division of Dana (UK) as a trainee manager.

Robert Tom Kessack (1942-47), who joined Aberdeen Savings Bank on leaving School, has been appointed manager of the TSB at Cults, Aberdeen.

He was previously the advances manager of the Bank's Union Terrace branch.

Douglas McAllister (1961-74), B.Sc.(Eng.), Ph.D., has now taken up a post with I.C.I. Ltd. on Teeside and was the youngest member of the Club at the Yorkshire Centre Dinner in September 1983.

Calum .J. MacDonald (1973-79), m A . graduated with honours in English at the University of Aberdeen in 1983, and has been employed since then as a journalist with the "Press and Journal". He is Assistant Match Secretary of the Cricket Section and is a regular member of the F.P. Strathmore Union XI. Neil W. McDowall (1972-78). Head boy and all-round trophy winner of 1978 graduated u..B. D.L.P. from Aberdeen University in 1983 and is now employed as a trainee solicitor in Grampian Regional Council's Department of Law and Administration. A note of his marriage to Jennifer Lynn Cawdron (1973-78), who is a student dietitian, appears in this Magazine.

Alexander Edward Mcllwain (1945-51), M.A., LL.B., S.S.C., in May 1983 became the third F.P. in the last four years to become President of the Law Society of Scotland, the others being I. M. S. Park (1942- 55), C.B.E., M.A., LL.B., and Profesor Philip N. Love (1952-58), C.B.E.. M.A.. LL.B. This sequence is all the more remarkable when it is appreciated that, until striking this rich seam, the Law Society of Scotland had never before in its distinguished history seen fit to bestow this honour on a Former Pupil lawyer.

Sandy Mcllwain is a partner in the firm of Leonards, Hamilton and was until recently Dean of the Society of Solicitors in Hamilton and a member of the Legal Aid Central Committee. He has been a member of the Council of the Law Society since 1972 and has convened a number of important committees of the Society, not least the Professional Remuneration Committee.

Sandy Mcllwain has been at the helm of the Law Society of Scotland at a challenging time. Divorce has just been made competent in the Sheriff Court, the Secretary of State has recently used his newly acquired statutory power to fix all legal aid fees and and the solicitor's conveyancing monopoly is under threat. Individual advertising and the abolition of scale fees arc also current contentious issues. In dealing with such matters Sandy Mcllwain has striven to look after the interests of both the legal profession and the public, and has tempered firmness with diplomacy in all of his dealings with Government Ministers and officials. He has been, in the the very best of Grammarian traditions, an enthusiastic and dedicated President.

Since taking office as President he has travelled widely having visited America, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Austria, Northern Ireland and Eire, not to mention England.

In addition to his work on the Law Society and in his practice in Hamilton, he is currently Chairman of the Lanarkshire Scout Area, a Member of the Lanarkshire Health Board and an Honorary Sheriff sitting at Hamilton. In common with his F.P. predecessors in office, he is a graduate in Arts and Law of Aberdeen University, where he was President of the Students Representative Council and much involved in the Charities Show along with another well-known F.P., Stephen A. C. Robertson (1939-51) of "Scotland the What" fame. Despite all this they both still have a sense of humour.

F. Neil McKenzie (1949- 62), M.B.. Ch.B.. M D.. F.R.C.S.E.. F.R.C.S.(Can.)..

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rpc/nd .aussog moor saloN

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

that support will largely determine the speed of development of the service and this two-way facility."

Neil Mackie (1963-66), who studied at the Royal College of Music in London following graduation from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama is a tenor soloist, and is to sing in the presence of the Duke of Edinburgh at a special concert in July 1984 to mark the fifteenth anniversary of the Scottish Baroque Ensemble.

He lives in Ruislip, Middlesex.

George A. MacNab (1935-1944), Dip.Arch.(Abdn)., F.R.I.B.A., F.R.T.P.I., M.I.A., has been appointed Professor of Architecture at the University of the Orange Free State in Bloemfontein. He has been in South Africa for a year, engaged as architectural consultant for GMW Computers Ltd. of Berkhamsted, Herts. He was formerly a founding partner of Reiach and Hall, Architects, Edinburgh and of the Reiach Hall Blyth Partnership. a multi-discipline practice. Amongst various academic duties, he will be responsible for studies in computer•aided architectural design and for post-graduate work and master's degrees in this field. A new powerful graphics computer has been acquired for this purpose, the first of its kind in any of the South African Universities.

A past-president of the Edinburgh Architectural Association, George was also chairman of the Board of Architectural Education of the UK Registration Council, a council member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, chairman of the Practical Training Committee of the R.I.B.A., a member of the Visiting Board to Schools of Architecture, and a representative of the Commonwealth Association of Architects Overseas. He is now a member of the Institute of South African Architects, without being asked to submit to examination—a concession, he says, never granted to him at School!

He is a Past-President of the Edinburgh Centre (one of his proudest 'hot scats'), handing over to Morrison Brown who, he was happy to note, was elected President of the centre for a third term.

Once a keen skier, George can't find much snow in the Republic. Also 'Anno Domini' and an achilles tendon have intervened in tennis! He "enjoys following South African Rugby (of very high quality) and regrets that more world-class Clubs and teams cannot tour in the Republic."

He sends greetings to all Grammarian friends and to the Club.

James A. Main (1961-66), who served with the Sheriff Clerk's office in Aberdeen for 13 years, has recently taken up an appointment with James Reid & Son, Sheriff Officers.

Derek George Marnoch (1940- 52), B.Sc., was appointed to the post of Chief Executive of Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce in July 1983 and prior to that he had held the office of President of Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce for two years. Since the Chamber's three previous chief executives have remained in office for only short periods, Mr Marnoch's appointment was seen as bringing stability coupled with an in-depth knowledge of business affairs in the north-east.

A graduate in engineering of Aberdeen University. he completed his National Service with the Royal Signals and then joined the family business, National Fishcuring Co. Ltd., which was sold to the Christian Salvesen Group in 1970. Since then, having qualified as an accountant, he has held a number of senior management posts within the Salvesen organisation. latterly as financial systems manager.

He brings to the post of chief executive considerable experience as an engineer, exporter, accountant and manager, together with periods of appointment on an Industrial Training Board and as a director of local companies. A past president of Junior Chamber, Aberdeen he joined the Council of Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce in 1976, becoming transport convener, vice president and then president.

Notes About Former Pupils

77

Douglas Marr (1959-65), M.A.. Dip.Ed., was appointed to the post of Deputy Rector for the Gordon Schools, Huntly, in October 1983. A graduate of Aberdeen University, he was at Hilton Academy and the School before being appointed assistant headteacher at Kemnay in 1981.

Grant Mathison (1955- 1968) graduated from Aberdeen University with first class Honours in maths and after two years research, latterly at Leeds University, was awarded an M.Sc. He returned to Scotland to teach in various schools in Dundee during which time he also studied for and was awarded an MPhil. at Dundee University. He has recently been appointed H.M. Inspector of Schools and lives in Edinburgh.

Robert A. E. Mennie (1924-36), M.A.. F.Inst.Pct.. past President of the Club and currently Secretary of the London Centre, presided in March this year at the centenary dinner of The Aberdeen University Club, London. The Club was established by a group of medical graduates and has an unbroken history throughout the 100 years other than during the two World Wars. They meet regularly in the Royal Scottish Corporation in London's Covent Garden. Bob Mennie also organised the 75th Birthday Dinner of the F.P. Club Centre in London in 1983; more about this is recorded elsewhere in the Magazine.

Alan C. Moir (1961-66), M.A.. has recently been appointed Assistant Head Teacher at Carrick Academy, Maybole. He graduated M.A. with Honours in History from Aberdeen University in 1970, and, after completion of teacher training at Aberdeen College of Education in 1971. he was appointed to the staff of Belmont Academy in Ayr. He married a fellow member of staff, and they now have two sons. In 1976 he was appointed Principal Teacher of History in Auchinleck Academy, a post which he held until his recent promotion. As Assistant Head Teacher, he has a special interest in the implementation of the Munn and Dunning Reports, which he approaches with more enthusiasm than is commonly discovered in teachers and parents! He is an elder of the Church.

Alastair E. D. Nicol (1962- 75) reports that after leaving School he took a course in German Studies at Aberdeen University, including a very enjoyable year of residence in Passau from which it was extremely difficult to return, before graduating M.A.(Hons.) in 1980. Having at that time no definite idea of what career to follow, he took up a temporary post as despatch messenger with Grampian Regional Council on the bottom step (literally!) of Woodhill House, but gradually became more interested in the paperwork than the driving, and has recently moved upstairs to the greater heights of committee clerk in the Department of Law and Administration.

I. Michael S. Park (1942-53), C.B.E.. M.A., LL.B . past President of the Law Society of Scotland, has accepted an invitation from the Secretary of State for Scotland to serve on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, becoming one of four Scottish Lawyers on the twenty-member Board. The Board have been operating since 1964, and their role is to compensate victims who have been injured in criminal assaults.

He is a partner in the Aberdeen firm of Paull & Williamsons, Advocates.

Alan Keith Gordon Paterson (1943-55), M.A.. has been appointed to the chair of Spanish at St Andrew's University. Professor Paterson, who was previously senior lecturer in Spanish at Queen Mary College, University of London, intends to continue the provision made at St Andrews for students who have been unable, through lack of opportunity, to learn Spanish at school.

A keen amateur actor and a specialist in seventeenth century Spanish drama, he is to visit Cordoba in southern Spain this summer to collaborate on a research project on provincial Spanish theatre. He is an authority on the playwright, Calderon, whose work is becoming increasingly popular in this country.

A man of many interests, he describes his hobbies as including continental cuisine, motor-cycle mechanics, art history and rugby.

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George McCartney Phillips (1950-55), M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D., who is a reader in numerical analysis at St Andrew's University, carried out a lecture tour of universities in the U.S.A. and Canada in the summer of 1983. He is the author of two books, one of them on computers, and was previously on the staff of Aberdeen and Southampton Universities.

Murray G. H. Pittock (1973-78) graduated with first class honours in English Literature and Language from Glasgow University in July, 1983. He has been awarded the highly-prestigious Snell Exhibition Award to Balliol College, Oxford, which is awarded to the best student in the faculties of arts, law and science at Glasgow University and carries an entitlement to five years' study at Oxford University. It is his intention to study English literature of the 1890s and he hopes to gain a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

In his final year at Glasgow University he was Dean of Debates and his other interests include politics and ancient Middle-East history. He also had some poetry published.

James M. Rae (1964-71), M.A., joined the John Wood Group in Aberdeen in 1981 and has recently been appointed marketing director with Wood Group Offshore responsible for marketing and developing the company's logistic and property service.

He has previously held appointments with the Scottish Development Agency, the North East of Scotland Development Authority and Seaforth Maritime.

Wing Cdr. Alexander Cheyne Reed (1947- 53) was awarded an O.B.E. in the military division of the 1984 New Year's Honours List. A graduate of Aberdeen University he joined the R. A.F. through the University Squadron in 1955.

He is stationed at H.Q. Allied Air Forces Central Europe, West Germany.

Ewen Fraser Nicholson Rennie (1955-68), M.A., M Sc . after ten years as an educational psychologist, firstly with the West Riding County Council and then with Kirklecs Metropolitan Council, changed career in September last year to become head teacher of Combs Hill Special School in Dewsbury. As an educational psychologist he had several papers published in professional journals and latterly was leader of Kirklees Portage Project (a home visiting teaching service for pre-school handicapped children).

An all-round sportsman at School, Ewen played rugby league until 1981 but is now involved- in the running boom mania, having completed eight marathons and being the present Road Running Captain of the famous Longwood Harriers. He is also Secretary of MIND in Dewsbury District and before he began to devote more time to running he had been Secretary of Mirfield Labour Party and Chairman of Kirklees Labour Party.

His older brother, Rick Rennie (1950-64), having spent several years working for the Scottish Court Service in Edinburgh, transferred to Glasgow two years ago and is now living in Milton of Campsie.

George A. Robb. (1946 60), ni A . LL.B. W S.. and Ronald Scott Brown (1946-55), M.A., LL.B., are executive directors of Aberdeen Fund Managers Limited which commenced business on 1 June 1983 as the first specialist investment management company in Aberdeen. The company is initially supplying investment and general management services to Aberdeen Trust plc and to a number of private clients and has funds under management of around £110 million.

George Robb graduated in arts at Aberdeen University in 1964 and in law at Edinburgh University in 1966. He qualified as a solicitor in 1968 and was admitted as a Writer to the Signet in that year. He was a partner in Brander & Cruickshank, solicitors from 1973 to 1983. He is a director of Aberdeen American Petroleum Company plc, East of Scotland Resources Limited and other companies. He is a former Secretary of the Club Centre.

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79

Ronnie Scott Brown graduated in arts and law at Aberdeen University in 1958 and 1960 respectively, qualified as a solicitor in 1961 and became an Advocate in Aberdeen in that year. He was a partner in Brander & Cruickshank, solicitors, from 1966 to 1983. He is a director of Aberdeen Trust plc. Temple Bar Investment Trust plc, East of Scotland Resources Limited and other companies.

Carol A. Sargent (1976-82), who was capped for Scottish Schoolgirls at Hockey and captained a very successful School 1st XI, has been awarded a full blue in the sport by the Aberdeen University Athletic Association.

Major David W. Smith (1952-65). MB.ChB.RAMC. has been awarded the Murphy Cup in the presentation of awards for 1982-83 by the Director General Army Medical Services. This is awarded annually to the member of the R.A.M.C./R.A.D.C. who has done most to further the interest of sport during the year.

A former captain of the School and F.P. XVs, he is stationed in M.R.S. Sennelager, West Germany where he is Senior Medical Officer.

Another F.P. winner of the same trophy some years ago was D. W. C. Smith (1930-41) (see below).

Douglas W. C. Smith (1930-41), O.B.E., M.B., Ch.B. takes up office in June, 1984 as a Junior Vice-President of the Scottish Rugby Union.

Dr Smith won eight caps for Scotland between 1949 and 1953 and played for the British Lions on the 1950 tour to New Zealand and Australia. He was manager of the Lions in their historic 2-1 Test victory in New Zealand in 1971 and has been associated for many years with London Scottish.

An all-rounder in his youth, his time of 10 secs. for 100 yards established in 1941 had not been beaten at the School up to the time of metrication and will remain the School record.

During World War 11 he played football for Aberdeen Football Club.

He is in general medical practice in Essex.

John Morrison Smith (1924-32) retired in June 1979 from Steel Brothers & Company Ltd. having served in various locations (including Burma, Borneo, India, Ceylon and East Africa) for almost 46 years. He has returned to this country and taken up residence in Guildford in Surrey.

He played for the F.P. XV and was patrol leader in the 1st Scouts and has, no doubt, happy memories of Clinterty and Pitfour.

In a letter to the Editor he recalls that it was Mr. David M. Andrew, Rector of the School in the 1930s, who introduced him to Steel Brothers & Co. Ltd., whereupon he entered their London Office in November 1933. Similarly introduced and joining the company at the same time was Gordon Burns (1926 33), now resident in Aberdeen.

The death of his brother, Roy Stuart Smith (1931- 40) is recorded in this Magazine.

Roy G. L. Stirrat (1959-64), B.A.. M.R.T.P.I.. has recently become a partner in an Edinburgh firm of environmental planners, W. J. Cairns & Partners. He has previously held planning appointments with local authorities in England and Scotland and with firms in Aberdeen and Glasgow.

Man Soutter (1963-76), B.Sc., spent two months undertaking research in Greenland while studying for an honours degree in Geography at Aberdeen University. He moved to Canterbury in 1980 as administrative assistant in the registry at the University of Kent where he also acted as a tutor and did some teaching in text processing. In 1983 he moved to Cambridge University to take up a post as a university officer in the General Board of the Faculties.

Rev. James S. Stephen (1919-29), M.A., B.D.. Ph D., retired from the ministry in July. 1982 and is living in Urquhart. Morayshire. At School he played for the 1st XV for four years and was Athletics Champion in 1928. He was President of Aberdeen University S.R.C. in its Jubilee year and after

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completing his Ph.D. in History became a senior trainee with Unilever Ltd. in Leeds and London, playing rugby for Headingley.

He returned to Aberdeen to study Divinity and was appointed the first organiser for Blood Transfusion for Aberdeen and the North East. In 1942 he became Minister of Mortlach (Dufftown) where he remained until 1962, during which time he served on the Religious Advisory Committee of the B.B.C. and on the Executive of the Scottish Association of Boys' Clubs. In 1962 he moved to the neighbouring parish of Botriphnie and was Minister of the linked parishes of Botriphnic and Boharm for the last eleven years.

The death of his brother, Major General Robert A. Stephen (1919-25). C.B , C.B.E.. M.D.. F.R.C.S., is recorded in this Magazine.

William Hay Stephen (1920-29) was awarded the O.B.E. in 1983 for services to the fishing industry.

Brian Still (1956- 59) has been appointed manager of the Aberdeen Branch of Lloyds Bowmaker following the reorganisation of that group. On leaving school he studied navigation at Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology and worked both as a junior navigation officer and in the civil service before joining Lloyds and Scottish Finance in Aberdeen in 1968. He later became branch manager in Aberdeen for Lloyds and Scottish.

Sir lain Sutherland (1933-41), K.C.M.G., M.A., represented Her Majesty the Queen at the funeral of President Yuri Andropov in the Red Square in Moscow on 14 February 1984. Mrs Thatcher and the Foreign Secretary, Sir Geoffrey Howe, who stayed with the Sutherlands in the British Embassy across the Moskva river opposite the Kremlin, represented the British Government.

Sir Iain, who has been British Ambassador to the Soviet Union since September, 1982 had, sixteen months previously, represented the Queen at Mr. Brezhnev's funeral. Sir lain joined the Foreign Service in 1950 and, as a junior secretary at the Embassy, was also in Moscow for Stalin's funeral in March, 1953.

A Scotsman editorial commenting very favourably on Sir lain's conduct during a potentially dangerous incident in the British Embassy is quoted in full at the beginning of this issue of the Magazine.

Gillian A. Thomas (Crookshanks) (1975-80), whose marriage is recorded elsewhere in this Magazine, is now resident in Calgary, Canada. where her husband has an appointment with Gulf Oil. She attended the Annual Dinner presided over by her father, Brian K. Crookshanks (1934-46), and (she) was also Aberdeen bride of the month.

Derelci Walker (1959-65) was appointed, at the beginning of 1984, to the post of manager of the Clydesdale Bank, Fort William Branch. He was previously at the Clydesdale Bank's chief office in Aberdeen.

Graham C. M. Watt (1957- 70), M.B.. Ch.B., B. Mcd.Biol.. M.R.C.P.. graduated in medicine from Aberdeen University in 1976. After hospital appointments in Aberdeen, Shetland, Leicester and Nottingham, he spent two years as research registrar with the Medical Research Council, Epidemiology and Medical Care Unit, based with Dr Julian Tudor Hart at Glyncorrwg Health Centre in an ex-mining village in South Wales. Since February 1983, he has been Head of the Glasgow MONICA Project setting up a Glasgow centre for the multinational WHO project monitoring trends and determinants in coronary heart disease. Research interests have been the relationship between salt intake and blood pressure, and the very high coronary mortality in the West of Scotland.

His brother, Nigel G. M. Watt (1963-69), LLB.. W.S.. is a partner in the Edinburgh law firm of Hagart & Burn-Murdoch, Secretary of the Edinburgh Centre of the Club and, as such, organiser of the increasingly well-attended Edinburgh Dinner.

Marriages

81

They are sons of Alan C. R. Watt (1925-37), M.A., LL.B., past President of the Club and Editor of the Magazine and grandsons of the late Theodore Watt (1889-1901), IA .A., LL.D.. former Secretary and Treasurer of the Club and Editor and chronicler par excellence of the Magazine from 1907 until his death in 1946.

Harold M. R. Watt (1926-38), M.A., also a son of the late Dr Theodore Watt, is to have the Honorary Degree of LL.D. conferred upon him by the University of Aberdeen at a graduation ceremony in July. A more detailed account of Mr Watt's long and distinguished record of service to the University will appear in the June 1985 Magazine.

William B. Whiteford (1972-78), who graduated B.A. in English from Edinburgh University, went on to train as a journalist with Aberdeen Journals.

He recently took up a post as a radio reporter for Radio Tay. Stephen M. Wood (1974-79) is an engineer with British Telecom in Aberdeen. During training he won both Scottish and U.K. Apprentice of the Year awards.

Marriages Carry (1960-73).—At Craigiebuckler Church, Aberdeen on 8 October 1983, lan Malcolm Carry, youngest son of Mr and Mrs J. R. Carry, 26 Woodburn Avenue, Aberdeen to Christine Karen, daughter of Mr and Mrs A. G. Westland, 20 Morningsidc Gardens, Aberdeen.

Crookshanks (1975-80).—At Beechgrove Church, Aberdeen on 16 September 1983, Timothy James Thomas, 38 Leslie Crescent, Westhill, younger son of Mrs Claire Thomas, Reading, Berkshire to Gillian Anne Crookshanks, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs Brian K. Crookshanks, 99 Fountainhall Road, Aberdeen.

Davidson (1967-72).—At Udny Arms Hotel, Newburgh on 19 August 1983, Tom Davidson, younger son of Mrs Ethel Davidson of 4 St Swithin Street, Aberdeen to Lesley Alison, daughter of Mr and Mrs J. K. Wild of Nottingham.

Dempster (1951-63).—At St Margaret's Church, Bucknall on 11 June 1983, Alastair Martin Dempster, son of Mr and Mrs D. G. Dempster, 2 Braehead Way, Aberdeen to Gillian Anne, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs N. F. Newton, Meadow View, Bucknall, Lincs.

Farquhar (1955-67).—At Aberdeen Registrar's Office on 20 January 1984, Lyall Andrew Farquhar, son of Mr and Mrs Lyall Farquhar, 6 Deeside Crescent, Aberdeen to Rhona, daughter of Mr and Mrs Alexander Ritchie, 13 Cornhill Drive, Aberdeen.

McDowall (1972-78) and Cawdron (1973-78).—At All Saints Church, Bolton on 4 September 1982, Neil William McDowall, son of Mr and Mrs I. McDowall, 46 Brighton Place, Aberdeen to Jennifer Lynn Cawdron (1973- 78), daughter of Mr and Mrs B. L. Cawdron, Woodstock Lodge, Ashleigh Drive, Bolton.

McLennan (1961- 74).—At the Registrar's Office, Aberdeen on 12 August 1983, lan Fleming McLennan, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Forbes McLennan, 7 Craigiebuckler Avenue, Aberdeen to Maureen Anne only daughter of Mrs Margaret Porter and the late George Porter, Kolme, Inex Road, Lowestoft.

Mair (1952-66).—At Logic Kirk, by Stirling in July 1983, Donald David McAndrew Mair, only son of Capt. and Mrs A. Mair, 16 Buchan Street, Macduff to Maureen, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs A. Ferguson, Woodhill Cottage, Alva House, Alva, Clackmannanshire.

Neil (1976 80).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 30 June 1983, Michael Watt, only son of Mr and Mrs Robert Watt, 15 Deemount

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Avenue, Aberdeen to Jennifer Ann Neil, daughter of Mr and Mrs Gordon Neil, 3 Oakhill Crescent, Aberdeen.

Robertson (1971-76).—At St John's Parish Church, Deskford on 24 September 1983, John Donald Robertson, eldest son of Mr and Mrs G. Robertson, 17 St. Swithin Street, Aberdeen to Margaret, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs R. Menzies, Muckle House, Deskford.

Swan (1971-76) and Murray (1974 80).—At Beechgrove Church, Aberdeen on 7 July 1983 Charles B. Swan, son of Mr and Mrs Ronald Swan, 1 Westfield Terrace, Aberdeen to Jacqueline A. Murray. daughter of Dr and Mrs Campbell Murray, 10 Oakhill Road, Aberdeen.

Tait ( 1964-70) . - At St Helen's Church, Wheathamstead, on 11 June 1983, Archibald John Morrison Tait, second son of Mr and Mrs Alex. Tait, 23 Dublin Street, Edinburgh and formerly of 51 Whitehall Road, Aberdeen to Gail Rosalind, second daughter of Mr and Mrs A. Lee Gibson, "Pipers", Pipers Lane, Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

Watt (1957 70).—At New Kilpatrick Registry Office, Bearsden on 29 December 1983, Graham Charles Murray Watt, younger son of Mr and Mrs Alan C. R. Watt, Kirktonbridge Cottage, Skene to Elizabeth Anne, only daughter of Mrs Kay Munro and the late Mr John Munro, formerly of Beauly, now Rookery Cottage, West Molland, Devon.

Watt (1968-73).-At Southend Parish Church, Southend, Argyll, on 9 July 1983, Ian Wan, youngest son of Rev and Mrs Robert Watt, I Coldstream Avenue, Dunblane to Isabella Emily, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Gilbert R. Campbell, Amod, Southend, Argyll.

Obituaries Cohn David Adamson (1967-69), M.A., was found dead in Groshehlen, West Germany in December 1983 and his death was treated as a case of murder. He was 33 years of age.

On leaving School he went to Aberdeen University, where he graduated in 1973 and qualified as a primary teacher in the following year.

After teaching at Springhill Primary in Aberdeen and at Inverurie he was appointed head teacher at New Byth Primary in 1978 but left teaching the following year. He then moved to the oil industry and worked for SEDCO rapidly rising from roustabout to sub-sea supervisor which position included duties at an ironworks in Celle, West Germany near which he died.

William Stephen Benton (1904 11) died in Belfast on 31 May 1983 at the age of 90. He was President of the Belfast Centre of the Club.

The following appreciation has been received— "Mr Benton was born in Morayshire of farming stock in January 1893. He came to Aberdeen and attended the Grammar from 1904 to 1911. He was a keen sportsman and played for the School first teams at rugby and cricket, later representing the F.P. Club at rugby during the season 1911-12.

He saw service in France during World War I, being commissioned in 1915.

In 1919 he went to India and, on his retirement in 1946, was Director of Civil Engineering, Railway Board, Government of India.

He came to Belfast in 1948 and was the unanimous choice as President when the Club Centre was formed there in 1964. He remained as President until his death, his genial presence adding much to the gatherings. A man of moderation, though with considerable strength of character, he will be greatly missed by his many friends, both F.P.s and others, in Belfast. The centre was represented at his funeral and conveyed condolences to his wife Dorothy, son William and daughter Fiona."—A.M.M.S.

Obituaries

83

Michael George Birnie (1963-69), A.I.B.(Scot.), died in hospital in Aberdeen on 19 August 1983 after a long illness. He was 32 years old.

After leaving School he joined the Clydesdale Bank and worked at various offices in Aberdeen and overseas before he was appointed accountant in charge at the Aliens Branch in Aberdeen in 1979. He held that post until 1981 when he had to retire owing to ill-health.

He was an associate of the Institute of Bankers and also a keen sportsman.

Cyril Norman Bradford (1947-56) is reported to have died in Iraq in February 1982.

Alexander Whincup Carle (1914-20), B.Sc.(Eng.), died on 20 October 1981 at the age of seventy-eight.

A graduate of Glasgow University, he joined the B. & N. W. Railway with headquarters at Gorakhpor, United Provinces, India in 1928 as assistant locomotive superintendent and was promoted district superintendent in 1934.

He retired prematurely from India in August 1948 on account of the political changes in that country. For the last two years of his service, he was in charge of three steam ferry services across the Ganges with headquarters near Patna.

On his return to this country he was employed in the service department of Albion Motors, Glasgow.

While in India, he had been F.P. Club Consul for Bihar.

Alexander Chalmers (1917 26), M.B . Ch.B.. M.R.C.G P . died on 10 May 1983 at the age of 75.

A former colleague and friend writes— "Dr Alexander Chalmers, was born in Fyvie, Aberdeenshire in 1908 and attended Aberdeen Grammar School from 1917 to 1926. He then went on to graduate M.B., Ch.B., from Aberdeen University in 1931. After house appointments in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, St. Mary's Hospital, Plaistow, and the National Temperance Hospital, Hampstead, he joined the practice in Sittingbourne, Kent in which he remained until his retirement in 1974.

A founder member of the Royal College of General Practitioners and a bachelor, Alex. devoted his working life to the care of his patients. Despite a crippling illness in 1960 this care continued until he retired. Appointments held outside the practice included: Industrial, Hospital Clinical, Police Surgeon, Factory Medical Officer, County Surgeon St. John Ambulance.

In 1968 he was appointed Commander of the Order of St. John. An active man, he enjoyed life to the full, and his other interests included Rotary, holidays, photography and golf.

Unfortunately within three months of his retirement he became totally blind. It was quite typical of Alex. that he made light of his disability and was never heard to complain. That he was endeared to friends, colleagues and partners alike was manifested by the large congregation at his funeral service.

He will be missed by many."

James Stanley Rowland Cruickshank (1914 21), B.A., U. B , W.S., died suddenly at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 27 August 1983. He was 78.

He was the son of the late Alexander Thomas Cruickshank (1882-87), O.B.E..

M A , J.P.. an original member of the F.P. Club and President in 1923-25.

J. S. R. Cruickshank went on to Trinity College, Glenalmond and then to Cambridge and Edinburgh Universities where he graduated in Arts and Law. He was admitted to the Society of Writers to the Signet and was an Advocate in Aberdeen and became a partner in the firm of Messrs Brander and Cruickshank, Advocates, which his father had founded in 1902. J. S. R. Cruickshank was for many years a senior partner in the firm, and, although he retired several years ago, he remained with the firm as a consultant.

In 1933 he was appointed lecturer in constitutional law and history at Aberdeen University, and succeeded his father as Chancellor of the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney. He was Chairman of Aberdeen Trust and of the local

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branch of the Clydesdale Bank, and was also a director of the main board of the Clydesdale Bank and of Aberdeen Edinburgh and London Trust Ltd. and East of Scotland Trust Ltd. He was invited to become the first Chairman of Aberdeen Construction Group when the company was established in 1965 and guided the company for some years thereafter.

Past Magazines chronicle his considerable successes on the golf course; he was a former champion of Royal Aberdeen and played the game until his death.

Alfred (Freddie) John Meldrum Edwards (1908-21), M.A., B.Com , honorary Vice President of the Club, died very suddenly on 24 July, 1983 at the age of 80. He was active in watching and reporting sport right up to the day before he died.

A graduate of Aberdeen University, he went on to study at Cambridge for a year in the 1920s and then returned to Aberdeen University where he gained blues in football, cricket and swimming and a half-blue in athletics to add to the swimming blue he had earned at Cambridge.

After leaving University he taught at Rosemount School, Aberdeen then as head teacher at Aberdeen Grammar Lower School, assistant head of the boarding school during the second World War and at St. Clement Street, Walker Road and Skcnc Square Schools.

In addition to part-time sporting journalism and broadcasting, Freddie managed to fit in a number of reserve games for Aberdeen F.C. and played cricket for F.P.s, Mannoficld and Aberdeenshire. He was also a very keen water polo player in his Cambridge days and after he retired from full-time teaching in 1963 he coached youngsters in cricket and rugby. It was only in 1934 when he became head of theJunior School that he took up Rugby, but in 1966 when in "middle-age" performed with credit for an Aberdeen Wednesday Club side when its youthful members failed to turn out in sufficient numbers. Right up to his death Freddie retained his love for and connections with sport of all kinds. He was a president of Aberdeen University Cricket Club and Honorary President of the University Athletic Association who marked his 80th birthday in May, 1983 with a special dinner.

Freddie was perhaps the all-rounder in the history of the Club and yet even that accolade and the preceding catalogue of his interests and achievements does not come near to recording and celebrating Freddie, the man. So many people over the years in diverse walks of life and connected with a wide variety of sports and endeavours will remember him with great affection. A fellow journalist, wrote, "I do not think I have ever come across a sporting personality as universally loved and respected as Freddie Edwards.

Cricket and rugby were his forte as a part-time journalist but Freddie's interest in sport, both as a participant in his earlier days and latterly as spectator and commentator extended far beyond these confines, and he could discuss with almost equal authority, football, athletics and swimming among other topics.

I suspect, however, that it was in the people who played these games rather than the games themselves that Freddie's deepest interest lay, and it was from his daily contact and conversation with fellow-sportsmen that he derived most satisfaction.

His unfailing courtesy and willingness to help other people, no matter what it meant in terms of personal effort won him countless friends who now share a deep sense of loss in his departure."

A great servant and supporter of the School, School games, the Club and Club activities and the Magazine, it is fitting that the most recent Magazine contained a well-researched and interesting article written by Freddie and entitled "Rugby Football Sixty Years Ago".

The All-Round Gentleman

The late A. J. M. (Freddie) Edwards (1908 21), M.A.. B.Com.

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The Magazine of 1971 records the then President stating, "It is a cause for regret that Freddie Edwards, whose services to School and Club alike are unique and likely to remain so, has never held the office of President which he richly deserves. The reason for this, I believe is a misplaced sense of modesty."

On 30 November 1978 a long-awaited opportunity presented itself to members of the Executive Committee who had struggled in vain for many years to pay tribute to one who had successfully warded off all previous attempts to burden him with Club honours; for Freddie Edwards with his customary diligence in serving others, had undertaken, in the run up to the North Midlands v All Blacks game to show in the Club Centre an historic film of a similar encounter in the early 1950s. At the conclusion of the showing, to Freddie's great surprise and to the company's delight, he was presented with a silver salver in recognition of his long and outstanding service to the Club.

In making the presentation that day Neil I. W. Meldrum (1925-37) referred to Freddie as the last of the great all-rounders in the North East and added, "not only in his long coverage of sporting events for the press but in his everyday life, Freddie is not known to have said a bad word about anyone.

Perhaps it is by the example that he sets in this way and by his other gentlemanly qualities that Freddie has made his greatest contribution to the life of the School and the Club."

The Annual General Meeting of the Club in 1979 unanimously applauded and approved the proposal that Freddie be elected an Honorary Vice-President of the Club—an unusual distinction as this is normally bestowed only on past Presidents of the Club.

The Minister at the packed funeral service concluded— "Freddie was a gentleman, a person who was incapable of being unkind or uncharitable. He was courteous and modest, a supreme encourager, and one who displayed to all whom he met that God has given us life to be lived with power and zest—not for oneself but for others."

Alan Flockhart Esson (1929-34) died on 31 December 1982 at the age of 62.

During the Second World War he was a Lieutenant, R.N.R. and was mentioned in dispatches "for gallantry, tenacity and undaunted devotion to duty in patrols in the Aegean area throughout one of the most dangerous periods of the war in the Mediterranean.' He served in command of H.M. Submarine Ultimatum, and had the very interesting experience of being sent to Oslo to take over from the Germans one of the largest types of U-boat and bring her to this country.

After the War he became a physical training instructor.

Charles Gillespie (1910-18) died in London in 1983 at the age of 80.

A professional singer, he appeared at His Majesty's in Aberdeen with Richard Tauber during the forties and in more recent years had been living in London and was engaged in producing shows for amateur operatic societies.

The December 1965 Magazine included a photograph of Class Lower III in June 1913, which contained Charles Gillespie and noted him as "an actor during World War II, but with whom contact had been lost". He was subsequently traced and was a life member of the Club.

Gordon Couper Grant (1904-17), B.St.(For.), died suddenly at his home in Culter on February 15, 1984, aged 84.

He was the second son of John Grant, co-founder of Watt and Grant. When at School he was an active member of the 1st Troop of Scouts and became a King's Scout. On leaving School he was called up and served as a clerk in the Royal Flying Corps until demobilisation in 1919. He then went to Aberdeen University to study forestry and graduated in 1922.

From Aberdeen he went to Canada to the University of Toronto where he took a further B.Sc. in forestry. After graduating from Toronto he did a

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considerable amount of mapping and surveying in Manitoba but in 1926 decided to go farming in Alberta. He and a fricnd, Harold Shirreffs, also of Aberdeen, took a farm at Camrose (Burnieboozle Farm) growing wheat as a main crop. Soon afterwards the depression years hit Canada and the price of wheat slumped. The farm had to be sold and work was where one could find it—tutoring in English, fire fighting, instrument men on Banff-Jasper Highway and many other jobs in order to get by. He wrote of his experiences then, in the Magazine of June 1939.

He returned to the U.K. in late 1937 and became assistant to Ray Bourne, a well known consultant forester in Denham Bucks., until the latter's death in 1949. He then went to Essex as under manager forestry adviser to the English Timber Supply Co. He left there in 1952 and returned to Aberdeen as a research assistant in the Forestry Department of the University investigating the costs of private forestry in Scotland, where he remained until his retiral in 1969.

He enjoyed his retirement as it gave him the chance to spend more time composing music and writing poetry. His elder brother, Stanley Noel Grant (1902 13), will be 90 in December.

Norman Elliot Hutchison (1927-29) died in hospital in Aberdeen on 20 September 1983. He was 60 years of age.

He was a son of the late Alexander B. Hutchison (1896-1904) and was associated throughout his working life with the well known family bakery business founded by his father. He was Convener Deacon of Aberdeen Baker Incorporation and rose to the office of Deacon of the Seven Incorporated Trades in Aberdeen.

A keen sportsman when younger, he played rugby for Wanderers and was a former Captain of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.

He was a governor of Albyn School from 1966 to 1980 and held office as vice-chairman.

He is one of three brothers who attended the School, the others being his twin. Kenneth Williams Hutchison (1927 29), and the late Alexander Burnett Hutchison (1923 29), flight lieutenant R.A.F. V R.. killed on active service at the age of 22 while attached to 43 Fighter Squadron in May 1942.

James Peebles Kennaway (1905-17) died in hospital at Milltimber, Aberdeen on 4 March 1984 at the age of 83.

The Roll of Pupils (1863- 1919) records that he was in the service of Messrs Isaac Spencer & Co. oil manufacturers in Aberdeen after leaving School and in the 1930s he established the Kenway Tyre Co. firstly at premises in Rennie's Wynd which he continued to operate until he sold the business to Goodyear Tyres in the mid 1960s. He continued thereafter to have an interest in the business and was active in it until 1983. He enjoyed gardening as a recreation.

He was a son of the late William Kennaway, baker in Aberdeen, and two brothers were also at the School, William Barclay Kennaway (1902- 14), who died at Aberdeen in 1927, and Charles Gray Kennaway (1904-16), who died at Aberdeen in 1953.

Sheriff Principal John Adam Lillie (1893-1903), Q.C.. LL.D., died on 2 June 1983. He was in his 99th year.

Sheriff Lillie, to give him the designation by which he was so generally known, went to Aberdeen University where he took an Arts degree and then Edinburgh where, in the Faculty of Law, he laid the foundation of his wide knowledge of the general principles of Scots Law and the importance of their systematic exposition. His professional training he received in the offices of Baillie & Gifford, W. S. and Davidson & Syme, W. S. and as devil to Charles E. Lippe.

He was admitted advocate in 1912 and called to the English Bar in 1921 but did not practice there. At the Scots Bar he steadily acquired, in unusual

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measure, the confidence and regard of the bench. His opinion was frequently sought on questions of company law and many other matters. He took silk in 1931 and retired from practice in 1971.

In 1941 he was appointed Sheriff Principal of Fife and Kinross. Just as he had at the Bar the confidence and regard of the Bench, so on the Bench he had the confidence and regard of the Bar, demonstrating in appeals in civil causes and in charges to juries in criminal trials the accuracy of the observation made of him by Lord Reid of Drem—"Sheriff Lillie has one of the finest legal minds in Scotland." He retired in 1971 being then the longest serving Sheriff of any Sheriffdom. From 1928 to 1947 he was lecturer in Mercantile Law in Edinburgh University. He greatly enjoyed this work and nothing gave him greater pleasure than when former students spoke to him of their happy recollections of the class. During this period he declined an invitation from another University in Scotland to be Professor of Scots Law. He was also an author and prepared, with Alan McNeil the book which became the standard text book on the Mercantile Law of Scotland. He also contributed to the Encyclopedia of the Laws of Scotland and after his retiral he wrote Tradition and Environment, an autobiographical social history of our times; Speech Literacy, an original investigation of the art of oral communication and Ninety Years a Golfer described by a golfer as remarkable and delightful. His general aim in writing was to describe real life in accordance with basic principles and to communicate useful techniques discovered by the study of practice.

When not engaged in the work of the law and public service, Sheriff Lillie spent much of his time out of doors with his _principal means of keeping fit being golf. He holed in one on no less than five occasions, the last being at Muirfield on a stormy spring day when he was 91 years of age.

Sheriff Lillie's eminence in the legal profession was recognised by the University of Aberdeen in 1967 when it conferred on him the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws, an occasion which he described as the crowning event of his career. Throughout his long life he regarded the School with proud devotion, noted the rise to eminence of former pupils and regarded his election as President of the Club in 1950 as one of the most outstanding events in his career.

The following tribute has been received— "I knew Sheriff Lillie as a founder member of the Edinburgh Centre for nearly fifty years. Next to his Church, the Grammar School and its Club had the highest place in his affections and he attended Centre Dinners until well into his 90s. One of his proudest achievements was to be elected President of the Parent Club.

By nature he was a shy man—brought about at least in part by the deafness which afflicted him and for which there was no remedy. He was a stickler for punctilio. It is practice at the Bar for all advocates, whatever their rank and standing, to address each other by their surnames—the prefix 'Mr' being banished. In current informal days the rule more and more gives way to Christian names. Sheriff Lillie, however, was of the old school. Not being a member of the Bar I graduated from Mr Frazer later relaxed to Frazer and after some forty years he would even address me in letters as "Dear Allan Frazer".

Needless to say I never ventured any intimacy beyond "My dear Sheriff . . . " The obituary above sets forth his very distinguished career in the Law and otherwise. The opening chapters of Tradition and Environment should be required reading by anyone who seeks to know what Aberdeen and its Grammar School were like at the end of the last Century. As to the Sheriff himself he was sui generic. We shall not look upon his like again."—A.C.F. John Clark McGregor (1926-29), M.B.. Ch .B . died on 13 January 1984 at his home in Thurso at the age of 72.

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He was born at Armadale, the son of a Castletown doctor, Dr. John Grant McGregor (1896-1900). On leaving the School he entered Aberdeen University and after graduating 14 B.. Ch.B. took up a post at Woodend Hospital. In 1935 he went into practice in Thurso. During the Second World War he served as a medical officer with the R.A.F. and was stationed in West Africa, Canada and throughout the U.K. He returned to Thurso after the war and continued in general practice until his retirement in 1977.

A medical colleague describes him as "a greatly respected doctor who served the community with distinction."

James Irvine Melville (1917- 21) died on 22 August 1983 in Sao Paulo, Brazil after a long and painful illness, at the age of seventy-seven.

He went out to Brazil in 1927 for the Royal Bank of Canada, for whom he acted as manager in Santos for a time but mostly in Sao Paulo until his retirement in 1966. He was appointed F.P. Club Consul for Brazil in 1951 and this he continued until the 1970s.

The Notes Editor is grateful to John Hay (1913-19) who writes from Ibipora, Brazil and keeps him advised of F.P. news in that distant part.

Lord Meston (1901-02) died on 2 January 1984 at the age of 89. Dougall Meston, as he was when he attended the School, was the son of the first Baron Meston, and he went on to Charterhouse and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.

He served in the Royal Artillery in the first World War and afterwards on the north-west frontier of India, retiring from the Army in 1922. He became a barrister of Lincoln's Inn in 1924 practising on the south-eastern circuit. He was an honorary member of the incorporated association of architects and surveyors.

His versatility was displayed in the variety of his many publications. These dealt with the law of moneylenders, the law of nuisances, the Restrictive Trades Practices Act 1956, the Rent Act 1957 and several works concerning landlord and tenant, war damage and the Housing Acts. Above all he was a staunch individualist with definite views concerning the rights of property which he considered were treated with less respect than they deserved. He was president of the National Federation of Property Owners and stood as a liberal candidate at a by-election at Southend in 1927 and at the General Election of 1929.

He succeeded his father, the Rt. Hon. James Scorgie, first Baron Meston of Agra and Dunnottar (1876-80), LL.D., on his death in 1943 and thereafter was active as a Liberal in the House of Lords.

His death brings to an end the direct link with his father, who was Dux and Gold medallist of the School in 1880. He studied at Aberdeen and Oxford and passed into the Indian Civil Service and. as Sir James Meston, was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh in 1912, where he served with great distinction and was elevated to the peerage in 1919.

Following his return to this country he had many commitments in business and public affairs and was an outstanding worker for Liberal principles. He was appointed Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen in 1928 and held this office with characteristic distinction for fifteen years. The freedom of the City of Aberdeen was conferred upon him in 1935. He had a great and continuing affection for the School and accepted office as an Honorary Vice-President of the Club. The same honour was also bestowed upon his son, the second Lord Meston, whose death is here recorded.

Alexander A. P. Milne (1927 31), m A . died in Glasgow on 6 June 1982, aged sixty-nine.

The following appreciation has been received— "He was re-christened 'Oscar' by his clever young schoolmates in by-

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reference to Oscar Slater (who also, like the young Milne, spent some years in Peterhead, he unjustly in prison, our Oscar in much appreciated liberty), and Oscar he remained to all his friends. Modern Dux of his year at School he chose English as his preferred subject at University and duly graduated M.A. With honours in 1935. From then on he lived but sparingly in Aberdeen. In search of new experience, some money, and relaxing sunshine he directed himself south and east. First of all to Malaya as an Officer in the Malayan Police Service, and after a brief return to London, to Hungary, India, Malaysia and eventually Hong Kong where he settled to teach till the years compelled retirement and return to U.K. He lived a life full of incident and unsought adventure. His first return to London chanced to coincide with the near approach of Chamberlain's Munich mission and Oscar turned a patriotic penny by helping to dig shelters in Hyde Park against the hour when the skies might rain bombs. To move then to Hungary in the heart of Middle Europe seems now, and must have appeared more so then, rash to the point of perversity; nevertheless Oscar was happy with life there in Budapest till, as was inevitable, Admiral Honhy was compelled into active belligerence. He got out by way of Istanbul, and so to India and the Indian Army to experience something of The Jewel in the Crown way of life, the Khyber Pass and Afghanistan. Teaching might well seem tame after all this movement, but Hong Kong and the Chinese ambience was much to his taste, and there, making no provision for the morrow, he made good use of his gift for languages and found life agreeable. Returning home he lived briefly in Aberdeen, then in Edinburgh and finally settled, most improbably, in Glasgow's Maryhill.

For most of his life Oscar lived in and for the moment, the timeless moment. Taking life as it came he found a deep and evident pleasure in the mere process of being alive, and he complemented the life of the senses with a quick and sensitive response to literature and above all to music. He was a hedonist, a natural Epicurean. But time cannot quite be shrugged off and takes, we know, its revenges. Oscar's health was far from good in his last few years. But then he discovered in himself an admirable stoicism; he neither complained nor repined; he found the library of Glasgow University conveniently near and generous, and lived with the memory of sunnier days with no envious back-looking. The world seems darker to me since his passing." A. T. Robert Lamb Milne (1915-26) died on 20 January 1984 at the age of 73 years.

A life long friend and School contemporary writes— "Robbie Milne attended the Grammar School from 1915 to 1926, and then entered the long-established family firm of John Milne, Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers in North Silver Street, Aberdeen. There he remained for the rest of his life except for the War Years. His initial training in the Army was carried out in the Scots Guards at Chelsea Barracks, but he was later commissioned in the R.A.S.C. in which he saw active service in France and Germany.

There was much for him to do to build up his business on his return to civilian life, but his vitality and, above all, his great sense of humour carried him through to success in his work. His circle of friends in Aberdeen and around was very extensive, partly due to his work, but also because of his natural kindliness and courtesy, and the personal interest he took in everyone he met. His work included the preparation of inventories of many of the large mansions and castles in Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire and he relished the experience of seeing these beautiful homes and their contents.

In h►s schooldays he was a keen member of the 9th Grammar Troop of Boy Scouts and he later became the Troop's Scoutmaster, but relinquished this task on being appointed firstly the Grammar Group Commissioner, and finally a

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District Commissioner for Aberdeen. I-k was in his element in his Scout activities when concerts were being given for Troop funds where his energies were highly successful and greatly appreciated. Robbie was a great admirer of Archie Hyslop who wrote many songs for the Scouts to sing around their camp fires or at Scout concerts, such as 'The Scout Opera', which Archie wrote for the 9th Troop to perform at the 17th Troop's Cafe Chantant in 1923 in aid of their funds. Robbie never tired of quoting from these musical efforts and obtained unending pleasure from doing so. He was, himself, adept at writing humorous playlets and verse for Scout concerts. One of his plays comes to mind, called 'Rex v. Tam O'Shanter', which demonstrates his flair for writing in the boric: Stan' up, O'Shanter; faurs yer mainners?

Ye're chairged, at call of the Complainers, That on the thirteenth o' November, (At least as near as I remember) Ye rode a horse—to wit, een Meg, Across a narra', humpy breg, Without due caution an attintion (an' ither things I needna mintion) A' takin' place at ten at nicht— Ye hidna even got a licht, Forbye the skelp that ye were going' Careering' throu' a built-up Zoin Approaching forty miles an hour, You an' your muckle ae horse power.

Robbie was also a versatile sportsman in his youth. being particularly outstanding in swimming and tennis where, in the latter, he played as a team member for Aberdeen Four Courts Club. He represented the North East of Scotland on several occasions in tennis matches with other Scottish Areas. He also played football as a centre half for a team in the Aberdeen Juvenile League.

In his latter years, Robbie suffered considerable debility but, somehow, managed to retain his happy outlook on life and love for his fellow men."

Royston John Milne (1918 30), M.A., LL.B., died suddenly on 3 August 1983 at the age of 71.

He attended the School from the infant class to the Upper Sixth on the classical side. He graduated M.A. with Honours in English in 1934 and LL.B. three years later. As a student he contributed and latterly edited the University Magazine, Alma Mater, and took a leading part in writing the words and music of Out for the Count, the immensely successful Student Charities Show in H.M. Theatre in 1936. Over the years he also contributed much to the

Magazine.

During the War he served with the Royal Navy and as an officer on H.M.S.

Manxman took part in the dreaded Murmansk convoys guarding the war supplies on their way to Russia.

After the War he practised law in Edinburgh and Aberdeen and was for a number of years an assistant with Campbell Connon & Co., Solicitors.

The following appreciation has been received— "This brief notice does scant justice to one who on any showing was a remarkable man, except by its very nature it infers that his achievements were not of a kind that are noised abroad but were unobtrusive and done by stealth.

I first came across his enviable talents in the lower middle School class presided over by Doddy Hay—most lovable and percipient of masters. We were as unkempt a collection of Goths as you could find in the School—a

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burden only sustained by Doddy with frequent retreats to the Master's Room for a quick drag and tuppeny bars of Cadbury's obtained from the Janny to make life less unbearable in the classroom.

I still remember Doddy's delight in Roy's essays, rich in style and wit, based on an affectionate knowledge of P. G. Wodehouse, that master of English style, while the rest of us sought to curry favour by offerings at best unoriginal regurgitations of what we had heard and thought to be acceptable, set out in a style which owed more to Chums and Dixon Hawke than to the Authorised version of the Bible.

Roy was a perfectionist. If there was a knotty point of law to be elucidated, a difficult letter to be written, a memorandum which required precision of thought and forceful presentation, Roy was your man. I have heard it said that the successful Petition to the Regional Council to restore the School's famous name was the work of many hands. But it is not mere affection which detects in its matter and manner the persuasiveness which was the hallmark of Roy's deft and individual style. For him nothing would do but the right words in the right order.

In my mind's eye I can see him at the piano improvising on some piece of dance music horn the 1920s or 30s—searching with eager fingers and fastidious ear for the right chord, the elusive phrase, the tantalizingly deceptive rhythm and uncontent till he had found them.

I can hear his hearty laugh and the throw-away lines which came bubbling up from his imagination. Most of all I remember his letters in that inimitable handwriting which never changed in sixty years. The felicity of his style, his spontaneous wit—often salty but never malicious. No-one, and I specially include myself, ever sought his counsel and came away empty. His own preoccupations were set on one side: the probe of his mind went straight to the heart of the matter—be it some esoteric legal conundrum or some nagging personal dilemma. Always Roy gave of himself wholeheartedly and brought his wisdom to the rescue.

Old F.P.s recall him from schooldays: younger ones remember his as a genial avuncular figure in the F.P. Club Centre where he was for a time resident. All of us cherish his memory in our hearts, knowing, alas, that in the days to come the sum of human happiness will be diminished, and for all of us there will be less laughter and sunshine on this earth."—A. C. F. died suddenly James Scott Gray Munro (1922-28), M .8 E., T.D.. J .P., D.L., at his home in Cults on 10 October 1983 at the age of 66.

A long-standing friend has submitted the following tribute.

"His record of achievement shows him to have been one of the outstanding former pupils of his generation. At the time of his death, President of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen, former leader for many years of the Progressive party on Aberdeen Town Council, former Chairman of the Executive and subsequently President of the F.P. Club, Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Aberdeen, senior partner in one of Aberdeen's leading law firms, wartime Major in the Gordon Highlanders, Secretary of a branch of the Royal Red Cross and also the St. Andrew's Ambulance, former vice-captain and long time committee member of the F.P. Rugby Section—the list could go on endlessly. A man all his life devoted to public service and the interests of others. A paragon of virtue it would appear.—Well, maybe not quite. He was a most outstanding human person with human frailties like all of us: at many times a puzzle to his very many friends and also, I think, to himself: gay and cheerful on the surface but a great worrier: a man of infinite kindness, which he always tried to conceal, critical of the behaviour of others, but yet apt to take offence if criticised himself. He had an ability to use language with supreme wit but on occasion with an abrasiveness, in which he prided himself.

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His professional standards and integrity were of the very highest and his attention to detail in his clients' interests were beyond praise, but while he excelled in seeing his way through big problems, he could occasionally make an unnecessarily great issue of some small matter of no consequence. But all this makes for humanity. Perfectly put by Charles Murray in one of his poems: We're maistly a' a mixture man Like pasture on a hill, Whaur tufts o'gorse an scrogs o breem Raise stoot cups still.

I first met Jimmie, as he was universally known, in 1937 when, on leaving School, we played together in the F.P. rugby side and were fellow committee members. As a hooker, he was perhaps not the best striker of the ball, but it was rarely that he failed to talk the opposing hooker into submission. His performances on social occasions until his retirement from the game in 1950 also attracted the admiration of not only his own team but also many a visiting club—far removed from the respectable professional gentleman, who appeared at his desk on Monday morning. After a period of refereeing Jimmie took up golf and my golfing friends tell me that, original as usual, he would prefer to putt round a bunker rather than try to clear it. But enough—details of nearly fifty years of memories of this remarkable individual could fill a book.

His greatest service to the community, of course, was in his service on the Town Council. For most of the time, unfortunately for Jimmie, he was in the opposition, and for many years leader. It was an impossible position to carry but he stuck to this task manfully over the years, and was only too willing to raise any matter in the Chamber, if he genuinely decided it needed to be aired. If the political balance had been the other way there is no doubt he would have made an outstanding Provost.

After he lost his place in the Council as a result of the ill founded legislation which prevented him, as a ratepayer in Aberdeen, from being a councillor, because he lived in Cults, he was never quite the same person again. His whole life had been geared to public service and there is no doubt he missed it dreadfully. In later years he concentrated on his two final interests, his garden and Aberdeen Football Club, to both of which he gave the kind of devotion that he gave to any concern in which he was interested.

In the year of my presidency of the F.P. Club Jimmie wrote the Presidential Profile, which is an annual feature about the current president in the Magazine, and referred to me as being "Different". I think I can now repay the compliment and refer to Jimmie as being "Different". Wherever he moved he was held in high esteem, even, I know, by his political opponents. It has been a great privilege to have been a friend of his for so many years, and the City of Aberdeen is a poorer place for his passing." N. I. W. M. G. Quintin Murray (1922-27) died on 18 December 1983 at the age of 72.

A stockbroker with the Aberdeen firm of William Murray, he served in the Royal Navy during World War II and saw action aboard motor torpedo boats in the English channel.

One of the most colourful characters on the north-east golfing scenes in the 1950s, he achieved numerous individual and team triumphs on the golf course, but his greatest coup was buying his own golf course. One July night in 1950 he wrote out a cheque for 12,750 to become the sole owner of the Cruden Bay Golf Course which had been put up for sale by a Glasgow scrap merchant firm. The framed cheque can still be seen at the Cruden Bay Golf and Country Club which grew from that unusual beginning. The following day Mr Murray was joined in the venture by a hotel proprietor and a local solicitor and they formed a company.

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Quintin Murray was a member of the Cruden Bay team which won the Journal Cup at Hazlehead in 1953. He went on to win the individual matchplay competition for the Jeffrey Cup beating his brother-in-law and Cruden Bay team mate, Lewis Middleton (1919-32), 2 and 1 in the final at Balgownic.

A regular competitor in the Northern Counties Cup Tournament he was a member of the winning Cruden Bay team at Peterhead in 1957.

A contemporary and close friend provided a most accurate description of his ebullient personality when he said, "He was a real swashbuckler.'

Alexander D. Rhind (1933-36) died in hospital in Aberdeen on 25 March 1984 at the age of 63. The following tribute has been received— "Sandy, as he was known to us all, was born at Inverness on 30 November 1920, moved to Aberdeen when twelve years old and attended Aberdeen Grammar School. From 1939 to 1945 he saw active service in the Fames and North Africa, with the Scottish Horse, the Lovar Scouts, the Cameron Highlanders and the Liverpool Scottish, rising through the ranks to the position of Captain.

After a year at Dundee Agricultural College, he joined the staff of Scottish Agricultural Industries at Inverness, working with them there and in Dundee and Aberdeen until he was forced to retire early through ill health in 1979.

He was an elder of Mannofield Church, a keen gardener, rugby fanatic, and an admirer of Scottish country music.

Sandy was a very kind, loving and gentle man who lived for his family, his Church, his neighbours and friends. He had a good word for everyone and was always ready and willing to help all who required advice, comfort, or assistance of any kind. I am sure all who knew him have happy memories of the very pleasant hours spent in his jovial company. He will be sadly missed—a giant of a man in every way, a tower of strength to all who knew him."

Robert Lawrence Richards (1922-34), MB..Ch.B..MD..FR . CPE.FRCPG. died in hospital at Stirling on 17 December 1983 after a brief illness. He was 67.

Robert (Bobby) Richards came from a medical family in Aberdeen and his father, Dr. Robert Richards, was also a pupil at the School (1899-1904). The following is an extract from the tribute to Dr. R. L. Richards which appeared in the British MedicalJournal— "Bobby Richards graduated M.B . , ch.B. at Aberdeen University in 1939 although medicine had not been his first choice as a career: he had originally wished to take a degree in forestry, but in the 1930s forestry was not a career with many openings and he therefore took up his second option of medicine.

He did his house jobs in Aberdeen and then went to Edinburgh as resident surgical officer at Gogarburn and clinical assistant at the Royal Infirmary. He remained in Edinburgh until 1946 to work on peripheral nerve injuries for which he was awarded an M.D. with honours in 1944. In 1946 he went to the Mayo Clinic as a Rockefeller fellow and during that time visited other centres in the United States and Canada.

On his return home in 1947 Bobby entered the Royal Army Medical Corps becoming officer in charge of the medical division at the Military Hospital for Head Injuries at Wheatley, near Oxford. He returned to the Edinburgh Royal as a clinical assistant and later moved as registrar to the Postgraduate Medical School at Hammersmith; in 1951 he was appointed lecturer and two years later senior lecturer in medicine at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow.

In 1960 Bobby was appointed consultant in administrative charge at the Southern General Hospital and returned to the Western in 1963, where he remained as the senior consultant until his retiral in 1978. He was an academic by nature and continued to carry out careful research and to write good papers as well as several excellent textbooks. Above all, he was a splendid general

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physician and teacher as well as a wise counsellor and friend to many younger doctors.

Bobby was a man of few words but a careful listener with a genuine interest in other people's problems. An astute observer of all things in nature and in people, he was a kind and friendly man who valued his friendships above all else. His other activities included golf, of which he was a steady and reliable exponent, and bridge, which he took up seriously after retiring; but his greatest joy was to go walking in the countryside and on the Cairngorms."

He was a former President of the Glasgow Centre of the Club. His brother, William Leslie Richards (1924-35), M A ,11. B.. attended the School.

James Harold Robb (1925-29) died suddenly at his home in Ontario on 19 August 1983. He was 70 years of age.

He began a career in life assurance in Aberdeen on leaving School and during the Second World War served as a bombardier in the Royal Artillery.

After the War he was on the staff of the Sun Life Assurance Society in Edinburgh and during that time was Secretary of the Edinburgh Centre of the Club following its revival in January, 1947. In 1950 he took up an appointment in Johannesburg, and two years later joined the Crown Life Insurance Company in Toronto, where he went on to occupy a senior position until his retirement seven years ago.

He was active in Scouting throughout his thirty-two years in Canada, was awarded the Scout long-service medal, and was given a Scouter's funeral as a final appreciation for all he had done for the organisation.

He is survived by his wife and two sons.

James Henry Scott (1920-26), M.A., NLB , Ch.B. died in Blackpool in May 1983 at the age of 75.

He graduated M.A. at Aberdeen University in 1929 and then switched to medicine graduating IA B., Ch.B. ten years later.

During the Second World War he served as a major in the R.A.M.C. and in 1947 started his own practice in Blackpool, in which he served until his retirement five years ago.

William Dawson Sinclair (1934-38), M.B.. Ch.B., D.P.H. died on 6 December 1983 at the age of 63.

A school contemporary and friend writes— "Dr. Dawson Sinclair died in Leicester after a long illness endured with courage.

He was born in Aberdeen on 6 May 1920, and brought up in Ellon where his father was a family doctor. After his father died in 1935, the family moved to Aberdeen and he completed his schooling at the Grammar. He graduated M. B , Ch.B. at Aberdeen University in 1943. After a year in London hospitals, he joined the R.A.M.C. After demobilisation in 1947, he specialised in chest medicine and then spent a time in_ general practice in Hull. He then moved to Nottingham as Senior Medical Officer in the Health Department. Finally, he worked for five years in a hospital for the mentally subnormal before having to retire in 1975 due to ill-health. Dawson will be remembered for his friendliness and for his sense of humour which lay beneath his quiet exterior.

His friends will regret that they saw so little of him in later years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Roy Stuart Smith (1931-40) died suddenly and peacfully at his home in Aberdeen on 4 February 1984 at the age of 63.

He took a Diploma at Gray's School of Art after leaving School and later joined the family business of John Smith & Son, Painters and Decorators. He was noted for his good works which included taking members of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Association on outings and to functions etc. The president of this Association is Logic Samuel Bain (1919-31), T.D., D.L., M.B.,

96

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Ch.B.. D P M., M.R.C.P.G. Roy had two brothers at the School, William Smith (1921-30), B.Sc.. M B . Ch .B . who died on 27 March 1977 in Salisbury, Rhodesia at the age of 6,4 and who was a consultant radiologist of considerable repute and John Morrison Smith (1924-32), who now lives in retirement in Guilford, Surrey, and about whom a note appears in this Magazine.

Major General Robert A. Stephen (1919-25), C.B., C.B.E., M.D., Ch.M.. M.S., F.R.C.S. died on 9 July 1983 at the age of 86. He was director of Army Surgery and Consulting Surgeon to the Army, Royal Medical College from 1959 to 1967.

Born in Elgin, he received his medical training at Aberdeen University graduating M.B., Ch.B. in 1930.

He proceeded to graduate M.D. in 1933, and obtained the F.R.C.S. in 1947, M.S.(Malaya) in 1959, and Ch.M. in 1960. He was commissioned in the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1934, eventually retiring in 1967. During the Second World War he served with distinction in the British Expeditionary Force in France, Greece, Crete, and North Africa as a surgeon. Later he commanded the 14th Field Ambulance before serving with the Middle East forces as officer in charge of the surgical division of the 4th General Hospital. During this period he was mentioned in dispatches on three occasions. Next followed various appointments in Germany and Middle East Land Forces, including assistant director of medical services to the 51st (Highland) Division, until he was appointed assistant professor of military surgery at the Royal Army Medical College from 1952 to 1956. He then became consultant surgeon HQ Far East Land Forces until 1959. His last posting was as director of Army surgery and consulting surgeon to the Army with the rank of Major General. He was awarded the O.8.E. in 1954, the C.B.E. in 1958, and the C.B. in 1965 and was appointed Queen's honorary surgeon from 1960 to 1967.

Few surgeons had as much experience of field surgery, and he never tired of expounding its principles to his trainees; principles, he said, that had to be relearnt in each war. During the latter period of his career he was responsible for managing all Army staff and their dependants suffering from cancer, and under his arrangements a most satisfactory relationship was maintained between the Queen Alexandra Military Hospital at Millbank and the staff of the Westminster Hospital.

A colleague writes "Bob's patients found in him not only a highly skilled surgeon but a friend personally involved. They were quick to recognise his complete integrity, his quiet gentleness, his calmness and authority under stress, and his determination to sec them through. From his personality they found the strength and hope they needed and the knowledge that in their struggle they were not alone."

A note about his brother, Rev. Dr. J. S. Stephen (1919 29), appears in this Magazine.

Norman Gray Taylor (1913-23) died at his home, 14 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen on 9 July 1983 at the age of 74.

On leaving School he joined the family business of Robert Taylor & Sons, Coal Merchants, Bon Accord Coal Company. Later he opened the Ashley Garage.

He was a keen fisher and shot and, when younger, a member of the Aberdeen and District Motor Club.

Ian Stewart Thomson (1903-09) M.A., M.B., Ch.8 . M.D., died on 18 September, 1983 at the age of 90. He was the last survivor of three distinguished sons of Professor (later Sir) J. Arthur Thomson of Aberdeen University, all of whom attended the School from their home at Castleton House, Old Aberdeen.

Ian Stewart Thomson graduated M.A. from Aberdeen University in 1913 and

Obituaries

97

served in France and Flanders as a medical orderly from 1914-17 and as a surgeon-lieutenant in the R.N.V.R. on the Dover Patrol and the Black Sea until April, 1919. He graduated M B.. Ch.B. in 1921 and in 1925 was appointed Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Westminster, London, a post which he held until 1948, when he was appointed chest physician at the Westminster Chest Clinic.

He retired in 1958 to Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Yorkshire, where he continued to take a close interest in the School and Club and although unable to attend the Centre Dinners always sent a letter of apology.

His younger brother, David Landsborough Thomson (1911-18), M.A., B.Sc., Ph.D., LL.D., vice principal of McGill University, died in Montreal on 20 October 1964. His versatility was one of his most outstanding characteristics. Not only did he write books on biology but also a detective novel and composed light verse and crossword puzzles.

The eldest of the Thomson brothers Sir (Arthur) Landsborough Thomson (1899 1909), C B . O.B.E . D.Sc.. LL D.. died on 9 June 1977. He was knighted for his services to the Medical Research Council, which he served for thirty-eight years, and was also an ornithologist of international repute.

Keith Thomson (1913-19) died in Hamburg, Michigan, U.S.A. on 3 June 1983. He was 81 years of age, the youngest and last surviving of four brothers who attended the School.

He was a member of the School Rugby XV in season 1917-18 (which featured in the December 1949 Magazine) and went on to study agricultural science at Aberdeen University.

He emigrated to the United States of America and took up a post with the Dodge Motor Company in Detroit. In the late 1920s he tried poultry farming in California but soon returned to Detroit and served for many years with the Chrysler Motor Company.

His widow, in a letter to the Editor, reports that, as a life member of the Club, he took great pleasure in reading the Magazine which kept him in touch with his contemporaries.

His brothers who attended the School were George Grant Thomson (1910 12), Charles Ferguson Thomson (1912-14), m.c , and James Ferguson Thomson (1913-15).

William George Thow (1911-22), B.D.S.. died after a long illness on 22 September 1983. He was 77 years of age.

A graduate in Dental Surgery of Edinburgh University he returned to Aberdeen soon afterwards and started in practice with his father in Skene Street, within sight of the School, in 1927. He retired in 1972 to Seaford, Sussex.

He was a keen golfer, angler and marksman and joint provider of the Golf Section's Gibb Thow trophy.

James C. Hunter died suddenly at his home in Aberdeen on 15 March, 1984 at the age of 67.

Born and brought up in Montrose he served as a Physical Education Instructor with the Cameronians during World War II, reaching the rank of Major.

After the War he was Games Master at the School, and, while a staff member of the Rugby Section, played as a forward in the legendary XV of 1947-48. He attended their reunion in September 1979.

After service at the School he became head of Physical Education in Aberdeen County Council and then Grampian Regional Council until his retirement.

He was responsible for a number of School ski-ing trips to the Continent and was a keen member of Decside Golf Club.

Abstract of Accounts for year ended 31 December 1983 Club Centre INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 1982 133.990 8.490 18.076 1.431 .161,987 £19,862 10.033 6.823 481 5.548 4.213 2,112 1,209 1.796 2,800 6,733 695 161.705 £282

f3.955

187,215 3,831 3.757 230 £97.073

Gross Profit on Bar (Sales £91,172 (1982-187,785) Annual Subscriptions Gaming Machine Revenue (Net) Other Income Wages and National Insurance Rates, insurance and Feuduty Heating and Lighting Telephone Repairs and Maintenance Donation to F.P. Club Other Donations and Interest Administration Expenses Stewards Pension Scheme Honoraria Miscellaneous Expenses. Cleaning, et( Depreciation

£35.306 8,272 18,300 2,334 £64.212 119.845 11,075 8,529 518 4.524 4,213 2.149 1,266 1,196 2.800 6.923 793 63,831 1381

SURPLUS FOR YEAR BALANCE SHEET FIXED ASSETS Furniturc. Fittings and Equipment—At cost less depreciation CURRENT ASSETS Loan Account—A.G.S.F.P. Club Stock in Hand Sundry Debtors Cash in Hand

14.515

f88,364 6,433 3.666 250 £98,713

CURRENT LIABILITIES (23.378 Sundry Creditors 5,010 Subscriptions in Advance 12,723 Bank Overdraft

/26.862 5,986 9,732 /42,580

141.111

56.133 £60,648 6,000

135.962 £59,917 6,200 Lejr: LONG TERM LOANS .£33,717 NET ASSETS

154.648

Reprelented by: 19,397 CAPITAL ACCOUNT—Appeal Fund and Other Donations 44,320 SURPLUSES 133,717

98

19.947 44,701 £54,648

Abstracts of Accounts

99

F.P. Club INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 1982 £2.471 Subscript ions 1,439 Revenue from Investments (Gross) 761 Transfer from Life Member Capital Fund at 5% 1,030 Magazine Sales and Advertising Revenue 4,213 Donation from Club Centre 709 Entertainments Account Surplus 52 Miscellaneous Income £10,675 £2,846 Working Expenses, including Honoraria 2,213 Loan Interest 175 School and Trophy Medals 325 Capitation Grants 617 Expenses of Visits to Other Centres 3.711 Magazine—Cost of Printing and Postages £9,887 £788 SURPLUS FOR YEAR TRANS. TO CAPITAL ACCOUNT

£3,316 12,073 1,626 1,518 10,037 6,020 2,941 £37.531

£2,608 1,491 746 642 4,213 506 50 £10.256 £3,201 1,988 284 450 642 3.536 10,101 £155

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

(2,167 12,073 1,616 1,279 10,723 7,197 3,646 f 38,701

Less:

£3,122 SUNDRY CREDITORS 1,473 ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE £4,595 £32,936 NET ASSETS

£3,790 1,365 5.155 (33.546

Represented by:

£14,462 14,630 1,626 1,518 700 £32,936

LIFE MEMBER CAPITAL FUND CAPITAL ACCOUNT ROBERT G. WILSON BEQUEST FUND MRS. ISABELLA GRANT BEQUEST FUND OTHER FUNDS

£14,166 14,785 1,616 1,279 1,700 (33.546

Amenities Fund 1982 £747 130 £97 £850 25 £875 £22

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Interest from Investments (Gross) Donation Grants made Honorarium to Treasurer

£858 25

Surplus carried to Balance Sheet

£6,609 INVESTMENTS—At cost 93 CASH AT BANK £6,702

(747 150 £897

883 £14

BALANCE SHEET £6,609 107 (6,716

Represented by:

£6,609 CAPITAL ACCOUNT 68 REVENUE ACCOUNT 25 SUNDRY CREDITORS £6 702

£6,609 82 25 £6,716

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