AGS Magazine June 1988

THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOU MAGAZINE

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Category of Membership (please indicate with X) (See Note 2) F.P.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 104th year No. 226 (New Series 93rd year No. 217)

Vol. 91

JUNE 1988

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 Notes, Obituaries and Marriages

Derek A. Harley, M.A., 57 Mile End Avenue, Aberdeen AB2 4PU

Secretary of the FP Club

John F. Hendry, LL.B., 36 Albyn Place, Aberdeen AB9 IYU

Treasurer of the FP Club

Colin C. Allan, C.A., 63 Gray Street, Aberdeen ABI 6JD

The General Editor and Notes Editor are happy to receive contributions for the next issue of the Magazine at any time before mid-April 1989. Please note, that for the 1989 issue the General Editor will be Derek Harley and the Notes Editor will be Kenneth A. McR. Nisbet, 17 Hartington Road, Aberdeen ABI 6XT.

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

CONTENTS .

Financing the Magazine . . . .

Rector's Report . . . . . . . .

School Prizes . . . . . .

School Office Bearers . . . .

Extra•Curricular Activities: Badminton Club . . .

Boys Hockey . . . . .

Rugby . .

BAYS, Charities Committee .

Dramatic Society, Dance Club, EYE Essay . .

Exploration Society, CCF . . . . . . . .

Innuendo . . . . . .

School Fire 1986: One FP Response . . . .

Byron and the Grammar School . . . . . . . . .

Thoughts of the Presidents . . . . . .

Confessions of a Greenhouse . . .

9th Aberdeen (Grammar School) Scout Group . . . . . . . .

Club Apparel . . .

Former Pupils' Club Office Bearers . . . .

Annual General Meeting . . . .

President's Report . . . . . . . .

Annual Dinner . . . . . . . . .

Our President . . .

FP Club Membership Subscription Rates . .

Centre Reports: Club Centre, Edinburgh . . . . . . . .

London . . . .

Glasgow, Yorkshire . . .

Section Reports: Cricket, Golf . . . .

Curling, Hockey . . . .

Petanque . . . . . . .

Rugby . . . . .

Swimming, Women's Hockey . . . . .

FP Hockey Veterans . . . .

Notes about Former Pupils . . . . . . . . . .

Obituaries . . . . .

Reunion of the Class 1948-62 . . . . . . .

Marriages . . . . .

Classical V 1937 . . . .

Abstract of Accounts .

page ,, ,, ,, , ,, ,, . ., ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ., ., ,, , ,, ,, ,, ,, ., ,, , ., .. ., ., ,, ., ,, .. ,, ., . .. ,.

3 4 5 7 7 9 10 11 12 13 15 20 21 26 30 33 33 34 36 37 38 41 42 43 44 45 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 62 68 70 72 77

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8 8 14 28 69 73

Illustrations .

Head Girl and Head Boy . . .

From BP to BAYS RAFA Wings Appeal—September 1987 . .

A Plethora of Presidents . . . .

1962 Year Reunion Classical V 1937: Then . . . After 50 Years

. .

. .

. . . .

. .

Financing the Magazine Your Executive is proud of the high standard of the Magazine and of the sterling efforts of the General and Notes Editors.

The cost of publication and circulation is a severe and increasing strain on the finances of the Club. Last year the cost was: Printing (including inserts) £3,832 91 Envelopes 712 Postage £4,635 Part of the costs are recovered by way of advertisements.

Your Executive is keenly aware, that the Magazine is probably the only link with the School for Former Pupls outwith Aberdeen, and is determined if at all possible, to maintain the Magazine in its existing form and with its current range and frequency of circulation.

In order to help defray the cost of the Magazine, the Executive is launching a fund raising scheme under the title, Beyond 500. Please give it your full support, otherwise the style and/or the frequency of the Magazine will have to be undesirably altered. The decision is yours.

Details of the Scheme (An application form is printed in the centre pages of the Magazine).

(1) Annual Subscription of £12 payable by 24 August 1988.

(2) Half of the proceeds from the first 250 tickets will be disbursed to members of the Scheme by means of a monthly draw (including all tickets) commencing September 1988.

(3) Prizes in the monthly draw will be allocated as follows: 2nd Prize-28% 3rd Prize-12% 1st Prize-60% (4) Half of the proceeds from tickets sold in excess of 250 will be disbursed in a twice yearly draw. This is additional to the monthly draw, and prizes will be as in (3) above.

(5) In each year the draw will run from September to August.

(6) Participants are not limited to one ticket.

(7) All administrative expenses of the scheme will be paid out of the Club's share.

(8) The net profit from the scheme each year will be paid over to the general funds of the AGSFP Club.

Before deciding to launch the Beyond 500 scheme, the Executive carefully considered and rejected various other fund-raising devices including an increase in Club subscriptions and a simple appeal to Club members. The Executive appreciates, however, that certain members may hold objections of principle to lotteries, and earnestly hopes that any such member, who feels unable to participate in Beyond 500 will send an equivalent donation to the Club Treasurer, Colin C. Allan, 63 Gray Street, Aberdeen AB1 6JD. The future of the Magazine is in all our hands.

3

Rector's Report In last year's report, I made reference to the importance of good relationships in creating the learning environment so necessary in any school.

In reviewing the past year, I am glad to confirm that indicators such as national examination results, individual distinctions, and wide-ranging involvement in extra-curricular activities all provide positive and encouraging signs of success.

Specific reports which follow on subsequent pages will add detail to a broad picture of progress within stable parameters.

Final effects of the negotiated solutions to the national teachers' dispute have included alteration of the school day locally and structured in-service training time for staff is now a very welcome innovation. Curricular change is also very much with us, as Standard Grade courses and associated methods arc developed for SIII/SIV, with SCOTVEC modular courses being added to SV/SVI options.

These initiatives clearly command support from staff and their contribution of professional commitment has to be matched by the investment of time and resources required for effective transitions, again a part of national and regional planning.

On the staffing scene, there have been several changes necessitated mainly by promotion or maternity leave. One notable retiral at the end of the session will be that of Mr Laurance Murray, Principal Teacher of History, after twentytwo years of very loyal service to the School and its pupils. We wish him a long and happy retirement.

Aware of concern generated by the absence of tangible signs of re-building, I am happy to convey an indication of decisions reached and planning stages completed in the process of concentrating the rebuilt school on one site with an ultimate roll of 1000 pupils.

In general terms, departments presently accommodated at Rosemount will be relocated in the fire-damaged part of the main campus, to create a modern, well-equipped interior within the environment of a listed building.

Departments directly involved are Art, Business Studies, Computing, Drama, Home Economics and Learning Support, with provision also being made for the Library, technician support facilities, office accommodation, a lecture theatre and social areas.

A steering group comprising members of the Directorate, Architectural Services and the Rector has met regularly since August 1987 to translate the general aims into detailed drawings, in consultation with subject staff and Regional Advisers. Plans have been proposed, discussed, amended and finalised, for costing and submission to the Education Committee, following which several statutory processes can be initiated, including involvement of our School Council.

Subsequent phases of the overall plan should include refurbishment of existing undamaged facilities and provision of a Games Hall. We obviously face the prospect of a busy period ahead, compensated by hope and expectation for the future.

4

School Prizes 1987-88 The J. Mortimer McBain Prize to the best Mathematical Scholar in SV Mark A. Stewart The Masson Bain Prize in English Ruth Alexander The Brebner Prize in French Maura T. Grant Dr. J. Minto Robertson's Prize in Shakespearean Studies Stuart M. R. Lorimer The May Thomson Scottish Poetry Prize—Equal f' Jane S. Ritchie Diane C. Legge —second Catherine Baxter The Gordon McMinn Prize in Computer Studies Derek G. Glen The Norman Mackie Memorial Prize in SIII Malcolm G. Smith The Former Pupils' All Round Trophy in SIII Jane H. Duffy The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Biology—Equal Clive J. Kelty 1.Mark A. Stewart The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Chemistry David W. A. Stewart The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Computer Studies Morven M. M. Hadden The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Geology Mhairi M. Harvey The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Geography Michael S. Gordon The Former Pupils' Club Prize—German—Equal 'Mark A. Stewart t Melanie G. Millar The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Home Economics Anne T. Keelan The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Modern Studies Fraser J. Mitchell The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Physics Michael S. Gordon The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Religious Studies Sarah H. Massie The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Spanish Philippa M. Bowling The Charles Alexander Walker Prize in History Susan Miller The Hamish Adams Greig Prize in Mathematics and Science in SV—Equal 1 Clive J. Kelly tMark A. Stewart Sir J. J. Robertson's Prize for Contributions to the John Vicca Magazine Stuart M. R. Lorimer Garth Edward Kerry Duncan Michael K. Greig Deborah Park The Samuel Pope Prize in Art Nicola Still The Derek Stewart Memorial Prize in Mathematics in SII Mark G. Russell The Alexander Thomson Prize in Mathematics in SIII Andrea Chow The George G. Whyte Prize in Mathematics in SVI David W. A. Stewart The Gavin Falconer Memorial and Former Pupils' Club Prize in Music Rhona Duncan The Edith and David Ritchie Bishop Prizes for Public Speaking—Equal Sharon L. Sutherland Stuart M. R. Lorimer second Amy J. Anderson third Michael K. Greig 5

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The Alastair G. Simon Memorial Prize in Spanish in SIII The John Moir Robertson Prize in Business Studies Campbell Connon's Prize for Local Studies Dr. A. A. Cormack's Prize The Philip Love Trophy The Rector's Shield for outstanding contribution to the running of The Literary and Debating Society Aberdeen Grammar School Dramatic Society Award for outstanding contribution to Drama Badminton Awards Senior Championship Girls Champion Junior Champion Drama Shields Playmaking—Senior I -Senior Il The Runner-up to The Former Pupils' All Round Trophy for Girls The Runner-up to The Former Pupils' All Round Trophy and The Agnes Durward McDonald Prize The Former Pupils' All Round Trophy for Girls The Former Pupils' All Round Trophy and John Ivo Dawson Prize

Alison D. Campbell Neil A. Simpson David W. Daniel Michael A. Rourke Carolyn Sheehan Fiona E. Bennett Martin J. Galley Alan P. Rockwell Karin A. Smith Andrew H. Fowlie Hamish Briones Mark Russell Maura T. Grant Karl A. L. Schmitz Fiona E. Bennett David W. A. Stewart

School Office Bearers Prefects

Head Bor DAVID STEWART Deputy Head Boy: ANDREW WATT

Head Girl: FIONA BENNETT Deputy Head Girl: MANIA GRANT

MHAIRI HARVEY COLIN HOWIE CAROL HUGHES KEITH JAMIESON ELAINE JONES LYNDA LILLIE CAROLINE MACLENNAN WILLIAM MAIN SION MATTHEWS STEPHEN MATTHEWS FRASER MITCHELL ANITA MORRISON PAULA PETRIE LAURA PIKE

EMMA ALLEN

Neu BROWN COLIN CALDER JAMES CHALMERS JOHN CHRISTIE PETER CRAIG KIRSTEN CRAWFORD JOHN DAVIDSON GARTH EDWARD CORRIE EWART ANNE FALCONER LYNNE FASKIN HOWARD FRASER MORVEN HADDEN

STEVEN RAE IAN RAWLINSON MICHAEL RHIND HAZEL RICE ALAN ROCKWELL COLLEEN Ross KARL SCHMITZ CAROLYN SHARP CAROLYN SHEEHAN SHARON SUTHERLAND CLARE SWEET EMMA WATERMAN NICOLA YOUNGSON

Sports Captains

Hockey (Boys): RICHARD MUNRO Hockey (Girls): SHARON SUTHERLAND Soccer: STUART DEVINE Literary & Debating Society

President: FIONA BENNETT Vice-President: HAZEL RICE

Secretary: MORVEN HADDEN Treasurer: SHARON SUTHERLAND Combined Cadet Force

Cadet Warrant-Officer: MICHAEL RHIND Colour Awards 1987-88 Hockey Boys Full Colour: RICHARD MUNRO; DAVID STEWART Hockey (Girls) School Cap: TRAC.EY ROBB: Full Colour: HELEN WALLIS:

Half Colour: ANNE FALCONER, LINDSEY PONT Basketball Full Colour: EMMA ALLEN: Half Colour: ANNE FALCONER, LYNNE FASKIN

Badminton Full Colour: PAM ROBERTSON: Half Colour: ANNE FALCONER. ARLENE BRUCE Soccer Half Colour.' STUART DEVINE, JOHN WILSON

Extra-Curricular Activities Badminton Club The Club meets every Sunday afternoon in Northfield Academy Games Hall, as no similar facility is available at Aberdeen Grammar School.

Matches are played with the other schools in the area at both Senior League and Junior League level.

This year, six of our players were selected to compete at the Scottish Schools Championships in Edinburgh on March 19120—Anne Falconer SV, Arlene Bruce SV, Emma Waterman SV, Lindsey Pont SVI, Christopher Gray SIII and Christopher Brown SII. The interest in badminton displayed among School pupils is very gratifying and deserves full support. Mrs Shand would be most grateful for assistance from parents or FPs, who could attend the Sunday afternoon sessions.

7

Head Girl and Head Boy 1987-88

Fiona Bennett and David Stewart

From BP to BAYS

BAYS Chairman, Paul Mellor SVI, receiving a cheque from BP representative, Mr. Peter Elliot, an FP of the School. Also in the picture is Mr. William May, Principal Teacher of Chemistry.

8

Extra-Curricular Activities

9

Boys Hockey 1st XI: K. Wood, P. Skinner. A. Deans. R. Munro (Copt), C. Howie. D. Stewart (Vice-Capt), F. Milne, R. McKay, D. Lumsden, E. Willox, N. Bennett.

With the departure of eight of last year's 1st XI. this season's team virtually had to start from scratch with younger players joining the team. The first match started in a very uncertain manner but eventually we overcame Oldmachar Academy in our first league game of the season. The first encounter with RGC came very early in the season at Seafield—not one of our favourite surfaces—and although we played a good deal better, we eventually lost 4-0.

The Cup competition then followed and we made it through to the final having beaten RGC 'B' and Peterhead. Our opponents in the two-game final were RGC. They again proved too strong for us and won both games although we gave them a harder game at Rubislaw. The remainder of the first term was not distinguished by fluid enterprising hockey, although we did manage to beat all our opponents. The league was settled when RGC completed their games without defeat, thereby relieving us of the Senior League Trophy.

The second term started badly with no games played until 13 February, when we went to Gordonstoun with a few players missing but were reasonably pleased with only a 3-0 defeat. We travelled to Dundee High School for a very untidy game, in which we eventually managed a 2-2 draw. The annual trip to Fort Augustus to play Abbey School was eagerly awaited and we produced some good hockey on the all-weather surface. This year, however, Abbey proved to be quite strong with a number of older boys and we lost 5.3. Perhaps our best performance of the season was at Rubislaw, against Strathallan who were undefeated in all their fixtures. We had three good chances to go ahead in the game but our lack of experience against stronger opponents proved to be rather disappointing when Strathallan scored from a short-corner, a goal which proved to be the winner.

In summing up the season, we can claim to have had some successes and, hearing in mind the composition of the team with mostly SV boys playing, it could be claimed as a partial success. We are obviously looking for better things next year. Finally, our thanks to Mr W. Cran for all his umpiring duties during the season.

2nd XI: After a vast clearout of 2nd XI players into the 1st XI, the second team was left with a mixture of Fifth and Fourth Year players who had not previously played together under the captaincy of Magnus Bruce.

The season got off to a bad start after a heavy home defeat by Peterhead. but progress particularly in team cohesion, was quick, and before long the scorelines were more respectable. In the Cup, we went out in the first round to the eventual winners, RGC 'A . at Rubislaw. During a spell of consistent play. the team had a good spell with a win and close results in games in which the deficit had been expected to be larger.

Unfortunately, many games had to be cancelled either because of the weather, or because of the unavailability of players for a variety of reasons including promotion to the 1st Xl. Colts: R. Allan, N. Morrison, R. Bowman, C. Matheson, S. Inkster, Bilderheek (Copt). E. Stone, C. Ingram. B. Milne. M. Rae, K. Mackie.

B.

van

The first major event of the season was the semi-final of the local Cup competition.

This game was played against Cults Academy at Cults and, considering that we had only been playing a few weeks, we did well to hold them to a draw in normal time. However. our inexperience showed in extra time and we lost the tie-2.1.

The team generally played very well recording wins over Peterhead, Linksfield and RGC. One game to be remembered was against Dundee High School, when, after a very even contest, we had the chance to win with a penalty awarded in the last seconds of the game. but being true sportsmen, we decided to miss the stroke and left the game a draw.

During the second term we went up to Gordonstoun with the 1st XI and managed to beat their Junior Colts by 2-0, but when we went to Fort Augustus, we found the opposition a little older and they beat us 3.0. Our return match with RGC at Seafield once again proved a difficult fixture for a Grammar side. Having beaten them quite easily at Ruloislaw. we could only manage a 1-1 draw by scoring from a last minute corner.

10

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

We played in the Linksfield Academy indoor tournament but our lack of proper preparation showed and we did not contest the final.

Overall the team played with great enthusiasm and no little skill which augurs well for the years ahead when we hope to play for the School's 2nd XI and perhaps 1st Xl. Our thanks to all the umpires during the season especially Mr Williams who gave up his Saturdays on numerous occasions throughout the year.

Juniors Rugby Cheered on by a large crowd. the Juniors lost their first game of the season 4-14 to Dundee High School at Rubislaw. Grammar twice crossed the opposition line but failed to ground the ball. Gordon's College were the next opponents and hopes were high for a victory. Scoring first, the team lost concentration and turned in one of the worst performances of the season to lose 24-4 at Seafield. A 56-0 victory over a good Perth Academy team at Perth was the first evidence that all the hard practice had been worthwhile, but then we lost despite territorial advantage to an under-fourteen team from Elgin Academy. At Montrose the team did not play well and were defeated, but the last game of 1987 was probably the best of the year. With great fighting spirit, Grammar came from behind twice to defeat Aberdeenshire U-14, 16.12. The first home win!

1988 proved frustrating as week after week, games were cancelled. A trip to Murrayfield to see Scotland v France was the only reward for continued practice. Then the team gave vent to their frustration by defeating Gordon Schools, Huntly by 0-44, and in two mid-week games against Ellon Academy we lost 24-3 away from home and won the second at Rubislaw 32-0. The return game against RGC was played at Rubislaw on the last Wednesday of term. The team were desperate to prove themselves better than the previous results. Everyone knew exactly how they were going to play the game, the team were confident of a win. A crowd of teachers, pupils, parents and pressmen watched in delighted disbelief as Grammar won 20-4. The last game of the season was away to Brechin High School. They were a spirited. good-natured side but suffered a heavy defeat 0-55.

The team had achieved its goal for the season and proved that on that day (23.3.88), AGS were better than RGC. We will have to wait until October 1988 to see if they can prove it again! If this team can learn to concentrate and put pressure on the opposition, next season will be even more enjoyable for them.

Boys who represented the 1st XV were: A. McKenzie. A. Nicholson (Vice-rapt.), P. Graham, A. Comber, J. Reynolds, G. Brown, J. Williams, G. Cormack • H. Morrison, S. Fraser, N. Smithers, M. Bell (Captain), C. Barry, P. McCurdy, R. Pennie, S. Law, A. Ash, S. Macintosh, B. Middleton, I. Forbes, A. Wann, M. Featch, L. Black, G. Davidson.

Minors Rugby During the first term, fifty boys attended practice on Saturday mornings. From these boys, three teams represented the School. The tremendous enthusiasm and co-operative spirit of the group produced excellent House games in the second term and all the boys deserve credit for their contribution.

The Minors started the season well with two spirited performances against Blairmore and Lathallan. The XV were playing as individuals but showed promise of a good team in the making. All the boys enjoyed the experience of travelling to these games.

The game against Ellon Academy saw the effort of the previous games grow into a strong determination to win, and win they did.

Robert Gordon's exposed the limitations of our forwards to win good set-piece ball and the game was lost 10-6.

Against Dundee High, the forwards worked well as a unit and won good scrum and line out possession. The backs moved the ball well and contributed to a good team performance: 4-14 at Dundee.

The second game against Ellon Academy was a tribute to the team spirit developed through the season. They scored sixty-eight points and conceded only 10!

Rubislaw was the venue for the last game of the season. Confidence was high as the team continued to improve due to their commitment to hard practice. The crowd of parents who had supported loyally all season were joined by staff, pupils and FPs. They were not disappointed. The team played well and beat RGC 14-0.

Extra-Curricular Activities

11

Boys who represented the 1st XV were: T. Bothwell, R. Davey. K. Sim. I. Arthurs, J. Smith. S. McKay, G. Thomson, M. Roarty, M. Lam. L. Woods. N. Paterson (Captain). C. Stewart, M. Inglis. D. Sheehan, I. Watson, G. Milne, J. Wraight, S. Chesney. M. Dyer (Vice-capt.), L. Yackiminie, D. Dukes.

Next season will show whether they are as good as they think they are!

BAYS (Science Club) As reported in the 1987 edition of the Magazine, the Science Club, affiliated to the British Association Young Scientists (BAYS). was formed in March of last year. BAYS is the largest national youth science organisation in Great Britain and is dedicated to the promotion of science among today's young men and women.

This article gives a brief outline of what our branch has achieved over the past year (under the chairmanship of Paul Mellor, SVI) and what its future objectives are. The Club. one of the largest in the School, has just over 100 members and is at present recruiting and renewing the membership. Over 1987-88, we have managed to maintain a mixed programme of lectures, visits and debates on almost every available Tuesday throughout the school terms. For this our thanks must be recorded to all our lecturers and guides, who, in the main, have come from the University, RGIT or local industry.

Other activities have included entering a team for the BAYS 'Masterminds' competition and a number of members have undertaken CREST Awards, a sort of scientific equivalent to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. In addition, the inaugural edition of our own Science Magazine was published in March and will come out twice annually.

The BAYS Magazine Editor is Mark Stewart (SV).

We have also managed to finance ourselves quite successfully this year, having not only obtained sponsorship from the TSB, but British Petroleum and Petcare of Rosemount. Aberdeen, as well. Thanks arc due to Mr Peter Elliot, a Former Pupil now at BP, who arranged our sponsorship and many other activities this year.

In June, we will have our 'Lecture of the Year'. Professor Morris who holds the Chair of Parapsychology at Edinburgh University, will he delivering a lecture entitled the 'Supernatural' to the Club during a School afternoon. The Rector has given his permission for the absence of BAYS members and various science classes from school to attend the lecture and we hope for an audience of over 100 pupils.

In the future, I foresee the Club becoming involved in more and larger activities. For instance, there are many national BAYS events in which our members could participate and visits further afield could be arranged.

To close, I must thank our advisers, Mr Leishman and Mr Nugent, but especially Mr May for their whole-hearted support. without which the Club could not have continued.

Charities Committee The Charities Committee was formed in November 1987 at the request and initiative of a few senior pupils. It is a joint staff-pupil Committee whose objective is to involve the School in the raising of funds and money and their distribution to needy organisations. The Committee gets many requests from groups requiring assistance but the policy has been to concentrate on a few.

The first major event organised was the sale of Christmas cards, drinks, crisps. etc. at the School parties in December. This raised £175, of which £100 was given to Aberdeen Foster Care and £75 to the BBC 'Children in Need' Appeal.

Next came what turned out to be a remarkable occasion in the history of the School.

With the Rector's permission, participating staff wore red noses on Comic Relief Day on 5 February and invited pupils to donate for the privilege of seeing them emerge as human beings. Mr Peaker of the Chemistry Department, even went as far as shaving off half his beard, and this alone raised a staggering £282. We managed to get our red noses early, unlike oil companies, banks, offices and even a Dr Fraser who phoned to say, that he heard we were selling red noses and would we oblige. Even Lord Byron was seen sporting one! Pupils and staff showed great imagination and ingenuity in deriving means of collecting cash. For example, two girls parading hockey sticks and little else collected £111 during the lunch hour. One SII boy charged ip for a look at his bus pass and 70 people did. Teachers were kidnapped and eventually released. Prefects 'fancy dressed' their way around their normal duties for £110.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

In all, £1567 was raised and sent off to the Appeal.

Other events are planned. By the time this is read, Help the Aged and the Meningitis Association should have prospered from the School's efforts, Given the vast reservoirs of good will and generosity that exists amongst the School community, maybe these modest efforts are just the beginning.

Office-bearers are Catherine Johnston (SVI) Chairman, Isabel Mackerill (SV) Secretary. Beth Wilson (SV) Treasurer.

Dramatic Society After a lapse of four years. Aberdeen Grammar School Dramatic Society was reformed and throughout the spring term was busy rehearsing for a performance of Blithe Spirit

by Noel Coward.

This 1940s improbable farce, directed by Head of Drama. Mrs Pat Wood, was performed successfully on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 21.23 March in the main School Hall. This production afforded many opportunities for designers, actors, actresses and special effects to display their respective theatrical abilities.

'Dramsoc' as the group is known in School, has in the past staged various productions such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, Androcles and the Lion, and Ondine. The group consists mainly of SV and SVI pupils with 'behind-the-scenes' help from certain members of staff and some SIII and SIV pupils.

The Co-Presidents of the Society arc Martin Galley and Ruth Alexander.

Dance Club This session, 1987.88, saw the revival of the Dance Club at Aberdeen Grammar School. It was reintroduced initially by the senior pupils, in particular Laura Pike, and it very quickly became a popular club activity—at times as many as sixty pupils of all years were attending at a Tuesday lunch-time. During the first term, we were lucky to have the Phoenix International Dance Group visit the School and take a workshop at which thirty of our Dance Club members took part. This proved very popular and served to increase the enthusiasm for the Club.

We were then invited to create a short dance to be performed as part of the Evening Express Christmas Concert at the Music Hall in December. Twelve of senior girls put together a very energetic and exciting dance. 'Tinseltoes', and this was well received at the performance.

Later in the year, as part of the Grampian Schools 'Day of Dance' in March, the Club performed a dance called 'Weather Report'. This involved twenty-two pupils from SI to SVI, ably assisted and encouraged by Lesley Reid of SVI. Once again, the performance was well received and thoroughly enjoyed by the pupils.

We trust that the enthusiasm and success of the present members will ensure the Club's active continuation into the next session.

EYE Essay Prize To mark the European Year of the Environment (EYE), the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority held a national essay competition on the theme 'Energy, the Environment and You'. The competition was divided into two sections-11-14 years of age and 15.18 years of age—and Benedict Gorner, a thirteen-year-old Aberdeen Grammar School pupil was placed first in the former section. By this achievement he brought not only distinction to the School, but also a cheque for the School's use, which accompanied his own prize.

Benedict's essay (on the subject of 'Energy and the Environment: a balance of needs') was one of about 400 received and considered by the panel of judges, which was composed of Angela Rippon, Professor Peter Jones (Chief Economic Adviser to UKAEA), and John Lewis (Chairman of the Association for Science and Education).

At the prize-giving ceremony held in April at the Royal Institution of Great Britain in London, Professor Jones said of Benedict's essay, "Benedict's contribution was distinguished by its freshness of style and thoughts. For his age group, the awareness he showed of the problems and trade-offs fully merited the first prize he was awarded by the panel".

Extra-Curricular Activities

13

Exploration Society The Exploration Society was set up almost a year ago with the general objective "To train students in the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to enable them to undertake extensive and detailed exploration of particular environments including remote wilderness areas."

It was intended that the activities of the Society should complement and not compete with existing clubs and activities like Hillwalking and Skiing. In the past year, members have been involved in a variety of activities like canoeing (both in a pool and on the river), abseiling, rock-climbing, general rope work, field studies and Nordic skiing. The areas of activities have ranged from Bennachie and Clachnaben to the Lecht area, Glenshee area, Ben Nevis and the Island of Rhum.

Fund raising activities have enabled the Society to buy a selection of rock-climbing equipment and ropes as well as twelve pairs of Nordic skis and twenty pairs of Nordic ski boots. We also have at our disposal two fairly beat-up and leaky BATs (Baths Advanced Trainer-Pool canoes) which are used in the pool sessions. It is hoped that future funds will be used to expand this pool of equipment, especially in the canoeing area.

Records of our activities include the Exploration Diary, updated after each event, the Rhum Report (available in the library), innumerable slides and photographs and two videos—one of the Ben Nevis weekend and one of the Rhum trip. It is hoped to have a general showing of these at a later date.

Combined Cadet Force The RAF Section has been active over the past session with many interesting aspects of training. The Section was little affected by the teachers' dispute and there is now a strong core of senior NCO cadets which greatly benfits the smooth running of this Section. FlyinI Officer G. Morrison was unable to continue his service with the RAF Section from my 1987 and the Contingent Commander, Sqd Ldr R. J. Nugent, is temporarily to ing care of the day-to-day running of the RAF Section over and above his other Unit responsibilities. We are fortunate, however, in having a strong core of senior NCOs and in securing the services of a parent, Mr Harvey Pole, who has given the RAF Section a great deal of help, especially with .22 Range Practices and Arms Training in general. Our thanks also go to Captain Geoffrey Rolfe who was able to run an Advanced Practical Navigation Course during the Winter Term.

The new cadet rifle, entitled the L8I A, will soon replace the Enfield .303 rifles. This rifle is a single shot version of the SA80 and it has been specially designed for cadet use.

The recruits of the RAF Section received Arms Training with the new rifle this session and the more senior cadets also received lessons on the handling of this rifle.

Our RAF Section Flying Programme has run smoothly over the past session, and, despite the variable weather conditions, all our eligible cadets have been given at least 25 minutes in Chipmunks. In addition, at least 18 cadets have received Air Experience Flying with the Search and Rescue Units at RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Leuchars.

Gliding has become a regular feature of the Hying Programme and 10 cadets have travelled to 663 Gliding School, RAF Kinloss over the past year for AEG in Ventures.

The Primary Sailplane which was stored and operated from Rubislaw Playing Field has now been removed and no replacement can ever be contemplated by Headquarters Air Cadets. Therefore, the glider training at Kinloss is a welcome alternative to the old 'grasshopper', although it will deprive the residents of Harlaw Road of many hours of entertainment!

Last May, the RAF Section visited RAF Lossiemouth on a field day. The cadets were shown around the various Flying Squadrons and installations there. We hope to arrange a visit to RAF Leuchars in June 1988. In July, 18 cadets attended Annual Summer Camp at RAF Lyneham where they were flown in Hercules. In Easter 1988 six cadets attended an RAF Station in Germany and two cadets attended RAF Gibraltar. We also look forward to a Summer Camp in July 1988 with an attendance of 25 cadets.

The teaching of the CCF/RAF Section Syllabus has continued over this year. In December 1987, fifteen cadets passed Part 1 of the Proficiency Syllabus and seven cadets passed Part 2. Six cadets were awarded a pass at the Advanced Level. The new Rector of the School inspected the Contingent just before Christmas and he presented Proficiency

Royal Air Forces' Association: Wings Appeal—September 1987

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AberdeenGrammarSchool Magazine

Some of the cadets of the Aberdeen Grammar School CCF who collected the sum of .f756.54 on behalf of the RAFA Wing Appeal in September 1987. (Holding the cheque is Cadet Angus Louden who was the top collector in the North East).

(Photograph reproduced by kind permission of Aberdeen Journa!s Ltd.)

Innuendo—A Hint of Today's School

15

Certificates, Attendance Certificates and Rank insignia to many cadets in the Army and RAF Sections at this Special Parade. In particular, two cadets obtained a pass with distinction in the Advanced Navigation Examination. Flight Sergeant M. Rhind was promoted to Cadet Warrant Officer, Sergeants P. Mellor and K. Ramsay were each promoted to Flight Sergeants. Corporals M. Bruce and P. Main were promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Junior Corporals N. Boyle, G. Daly and Cadet S. Mellor were promoted to Full Corporals. Five Junior Corporals were appointed.

Warrant Officer Michael Rhind was awarded a Lord Lieutenant's Cadet Certificate

by Lord Provost Henry Rae at the Town House in November 1987. This is a particularly fine honour which reflects the meritorious service which he has given to the Contingent over the years.

In December 1987 we learned that our RAF Section had been nominated for the coveted Air Squadron Trophy. This award is presented to the most efficient and 'airminded' RAF Section in the United Kingdom. Later in the year, we will compete with 6 other RAF Sections in order to decide which Section will receive the actual award.

We are pleased to report that our Contingent won the Wings Appeal Trophy for the fourth year in succession. Around twenty cadets mainly from the RAF Section. collected a sum of .(756.54 on behalf of the RAFA Benevolent Fund. Sixteen cadets attended a Presentation Parade at Douneside House, Tarland, in October.

The Army Section was fully restored to the Contingent in April 1987. with an initial enrolment of 35 cadets. Adult staffing of the Contingent was insufficient to permit the enrolment of girl cadets. Indeed. the Contingent as a whole, suffers from staff shortage, and an improvement in this area would greatly enhance overall efficiency within the Unit.

However, the adults involved with the CCF in the School are all fully committed and do all that is within their power to provide an active and stimulating training programme for both the Army Section and the RAF Section.

As part of Army Section Training, ten cadets attended a Summer Camp at Cultybraggan, Perthshire in June 1987 where they received an intensive week's Army Training. In addition to the normal weekly parades, the Section have been active in fieldcraft during two week-end exercises at Monymusk Estates. Two cadets were involved with the CCF/ACF NCO Cadre run by the 22CTT in January 1987. Numbers of enrolled cadets have gone down over the past session and we are hopeful that a vigorous recruiting campaign in August 1988 will restore our strength in the Army Section to its establishment of 55.

Innuendo—A Hint of Today's School After a gap of some years, a pupils' magazine, Innuendo, has been published within the School. The aim of the editorial team was to provide "a fair and balanced display of the literary and artisitic talent that is abounding in the school". In pursuit of their aim, the editors have collected material covering a wide range of subjects—for example, an interesting interview with the Rector, a report (and extensive political comment) on a visit to the Soviet Union, compilations of views on the prefect system, and on the possible decline of pop music. a brief but enlightening description of school life in America, club reports, a series of articles on conservation (including erudite comments on the ozone layer by the Head Boy, and an appeal for support of the Green Party), a photographic report on Comic Relief day at the School, short stories, and a little verse, all interspersed with artwork.

Innuendo was published just as this Magazine was going to press, so that the Editor has not bad the leisure to consider carefully the merits of individual pieces of work within its covers. For that reason the extracts that follow should not be viewed necessarily as representative of the best in the pupils' magazine.

They do give some indication, however, of a range of attitudes expressed by today's Grammar School pupil, and it is hoped, that on that account they will be of interest to readers of this Magazine.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The First Year We asked some first years to give us their first impressions of their early days at this renowned establishment. The following are a few of the best examples we received . . .

I got up at seven o'clock and rushed around trying to get everything ready. I put my clothes on, although it took me about five minutes to work out how to put my tie on. It was about seven thirty and I still hadn't had my breakfast. I made some tea and toast—but spilt it on my skirt . . . so I had to get changed.

Seven forty-five and April comes in for me. We caught the bus and eventually reached the front gate of this enormous school. My first thoughts were how do I find my way around? I saw some friends and I think they were as nervous as I was. The prefects were waiting for us and were very nice and polite. All the teachers were very helpful, but it was hard to get used to moving around all the time.

At twelve fifteen the dinner bell rang. I made my way to the dinner queue. I had hot-dogs, trifle and a cup of coke—it was delicious! Then back to school with three more subjects to go.

When the end-of-school bell rang. I was crushed by Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Years. I caught the bus home, and once I had gone to bed, I decided that the Grammar wasn't such a bad school after all!!

LESLEY MUTCH And now for a male view: I am new to the Grammar School. I've only been here one week and I have already discovered most of the things that I like and dislike, but as I have just started I might change my mind about some things as I get older.

There are many things that I like about the Grammar. The thing I like most is the Bun-queue because the buns are only twelve pence—and yet they are still nice. The subjects that I like best are Art and German. I like Art because I like making things and drawing cartoons, German because I am interested in West Germany and its language. The other thing I like is rugby. Although I haven't yet played in an actual game, I have played something like the real thing at a practice and enjoyed it.

I have grown to dislike some things about the Grammar School, many of them being subjects. These are History, Religious Education and Home Economics. I probably don't like them because I am not interested in them. I also don't like being amongst the youngest pupils as I get bossed around and called things by older pupils.

TOMMY KIRKPATRICK I had a really bad day at school today. We had Metal-work first thing. It was really boring! All we did was write about design and look at a picture and write down what things were natural and what was man-made. Then to top it all, we had to pay one pound twenty for the key-tab that we will be making next week.

Before break we had Physical Education. I did not enjoy it, mainly because we had to run round the gym, flat out, for six minutes. While we were running Martin tripped over his shoe lace and "lucky-old-me" was just behind him. I went tumbling down on top of him and then Angus landed on top of me! Martin ended up at the nurse with a very sore head, whilst I got three staved fingers and a sprained ankle, which I am tending in bed at the moment.

Break was not exactly brilliant either, I lost my twenty-four pence so I could not buy anything and just had to go hungry. Before lunch we had Religious

From Brookside to Bed

17

Education which was extremely boring. The only thing that kept me awake was the prospect of lunch . . . until Tommy told me a corny joke, to which I exclaimed "Oh my God!" and discovered that the teacher was right behind me!

Lunch was OK. Mum arrived home late, and consequently I arrived late for double Art and ended up with a pink slip. Art was better than usual, the only highlight of the day! We were doing travel posters and I was painting one for Egypt. Martin was doing one for America, but he couldn't draw Mickey Mouse.

After school some of my friends and I had to go and see Mr Swanson because somebody rang the bell on the bus back from field, The culprit was eventually found and we were all sent home.

TOMMY ARTHURS Slept in again! Late for Home Economics—extra homework for tonight.

Made a muck up of someone else's material. Well, we can't all be perfect.

Scraped through History alright. Then French, went to the wrong room and was late again. Religious Education—what a bore! Don't think the R.E. teacher likes me a lot. Nothing much happened in maths. Dropped a buttered roll in the middle of a shop at lunch break. What an embarrassment! Bell didn't ring so I was late for English. No sympathy from the teacher though.

Library—disaster! Knocked down a shelf of books. Eighth period at last—sat and spoke through maths. Then home and went to bed early so as not to be late again tomorrow. What a day!

LINDSAY JAFFRY Arrived at School early—stood about and twiddled my thumbs for twenty minutes. What a bore! Almost got trampled when the first bell sounded and then nearly got roasted by the bunsen burner in Science (the less said about that the better). Maths was pretty easy—phew! French—all frogs' legs and snails to me. No, it was pretty good. Interval and then Art at last. Pity my 'watercolour' turned out more water than colour.

Lunch—uncooked Scotch Egg! Yuk! On to English where we are doing a book called "Grinny' ' (personally I don't see what there is to laugh about).

Maths again and homework! Then woodwork—what a laugh. By the time we're finished we've no fingers left. What a day!

GAVIN DUNBAR

From Brookside to Bed It's five o'clock, dark and spots of rain float past the window. It is Saturday evening. The opening credits of Brookside march up the T.V. screen and the familiar music floods into a million teenagers' rooms. After the first fifteen minutes of subtle and less subtle swipes at government and society, the adverts appear. The interlude heralds the first opportunity for preparation for the forthcoming night. The phone rings, and it's the usual rushed conversation: "He's going out with who? . . . What are you wearing? . . . Are you bevyin'? . . . Where arc you heading?"

The phone is slammed down again and my studious gaze is assumed to assimilate further, the week's action in Brookside Close. But every few minutes, niggling thoughts interrupt my concentration, as I wonder whether to shave my legs or whether the underwear I'm wearing will do for the night—I mean just imagine if . . .

As Brookside finishes, another spate of phone calls boosts BT's annual profits, and tenuous arrangements are reached throughout the nation. Now is

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

the time for all immersion heaters to be activated as innumerable showers gush into life. Bodies writhe and shampoo slithers, as the modern-day mating preparations get underway. Hair dryers whine and make-up drawers are raided in a frantic attempt to make a million teenagers beautiful. Wardrobes are plundered and panic stalks, when the contents of the afore-mentioned wardrobes don't quite match the images splashed across the fashion pages of Cosmopolitan.

I am ready . . . no just another dab of blusher, right that's it. Silently I mince down the stairs and upon reaching the front door call, "I won't be late, goodbye!", then flee into the night.

Already the tribulations of an urban Saturday night have been many.

However, the night is adolescent and a few more nerves have yet to be jangled before it's time to sneak back to the bedroom. Once in its group, the teenager gains confidence and voluble appraisals of Brookside fill the air. Following financial consultations and mood assessment, it is decided that a pub will be descended on first.

While the "men" get the drinks, we visit the toilet, and a chance to comment on the talent is found. Amid suggestions, denials, refusals and lies, we discern who is after whose body, and the evening can progress.

Back in the bar, as Lloyd Cole croons from the speakers, the first tequilas are slammed. Everybody is happy, but still sensible, and the conversation at this stage is intriguing. Relationships are probed and advances are welcomed or delicately terminated. But soon it is decision time again. Where will the group move on to? It filters through that a night-club is offering cheap drinks tonight, so without further hesitation, the group rises and is absorbed back into the night. One or two glasses have disappeared and a chair crowns a post box; the night is now in its twenties.

With eighteen people in the mini, I find the trip to the club illuminating—for never before have I examined someone' ear so closely. I'm sure my hair must look awful.

With an anarchic shriek, the group struts into the club and overruns a table and sufficient chairs. Sweat oozes and drink flows, and mingling with the "funky" beat are snatches of ever more meaningless conversation. The night approaches middle-age as everybody "gets down and boogies". Treks to powder one's nose become ever more frequent and emotion runs high.

"I wonder if she actually fancies him at all," I prognosticate, "Because it looks to me as if she's chasing that other guy." Some times these clubs just appear to be an emotional battle ground, with the vanquished hunched in corners and the victors curled in corners.

Gradually, couples form and as the beat of the music slackens, the Saturday night ritual is faithfully followed. Brandies are downed and the mini is crammed again for the journey to the ceremonial kebab house. The group of truly crapulous teenagers stumble into the shop and with varying degrees of success, attempt to order their kebab in broad Turkish. The kebab man is used to such things, and calmly serves up the traditional boiled meat for greatly inflated prices. The night begins to draw its pension as the happy group disintegrates.

I reach the front door and while battling with a recurrent mental argument over Sartre's existentialism, struggle to open this door with the back door key.

With an Oscar-winning portrayal of sobriety. I pass the "monster's" bedroom and "hit-the-pit". After a couple of minutes, I open my eyes, interested to find my leg being stroked. I throw the cat out of bed, and return to a revolving vision of Sartre.

Miss G. EDWARD S6

Operation Mobilisation

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Operation Mobilisation Once upon a time (for want of a better opening) I was a properly dressed (i.e. Mum's choice), hard-working (when I felt like it), clean-living (before I joined the Literary and Debating Society) First Year, and although that was six years ago, I can honestly say that it feels like yesterday. My time at Grammar has passed very quickly and six years, two school-exchanges, thirteen formal exams, six St. Machar's carol services and five Scripture Union camps later, I can truly say I've had a ball!!

Over the past few months I have been planning what I will do after I depart from A.G.S. and having battled my way through forms, interviews, open-days and the odd conference. I have decided to take a year out before going to Edinburgh University to study Divinity, and it is of this year that I'm going to write.

Operation Mobilisation is an organisation that 99.9% of you will not have heard of. It is an organisation whose aim is to spread the Good Ncws of Christ, and indeed has been doing so for nearly thirty years. OM has approximately 1,700 missionaries world-wide and runs courses ranging from two weeks to two years of full-time commitment. Most of the schemes are aimed at young people (seventeen/eighteen and onwards) and the range of activities is very varied.

My first step is in July '88 which will be spent in Belgium and Austria. This is basically a month of training where I will be taught the skills I am to use in my year. OM is an evangelistic movement (that doesn't mean a Bible Bashing preacher) and various forms of communication are used; these include drama, music, dance, discussion, talks and—if I am forced—perhaps even art. The programme for this summer is called "Love Europe" and teams are being sent to France, Belgium, Eastern Europe and Austria—where I am hoping to go.

OM also operates in other countries, but they are not the target of this year's campaign.

After my month of training I will come home for August just in time to leave for my year in September '88. Hopefully I will return to Austria and remain there until September '89. My year will be spent participating in street drama, open air discussions talks to groups, trying to unite Churches, running bookstalls, and everything else that occurs where I am. It will be very different from anything that I have done before, but I am greatly looking forward to it.

Unfortunately, because OM is a voluntary organisation, I have to fund myself for the year. This costs £220 per month (in total £2,640), but if you consider this covers accommodation, food, keep and the cost of materials, it is not extremely expensive. I am trying to raise the money through various sponsored events—a quiz, a pop concert by a renowned local band (of whom most of you won't have heard) and appeals to churches and Christian organisations; so if I ask you to sponsor me—please do!

I believe that this year will give me a wider experience of life which I will need to study Divinity, and will also be something that I will remember for the rest of my life.

FIONA BENNET. Head Girl

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

School Fire 1986: One FP Response Readers will be reassured to find in the Rector's Report (p. 4) the confirmation, that (despite the absence of evidence visible from Skene Street), steady progress has been made with the rebuilding of the School in the sense that intensive planning has been under way since August 1987, and firm proposals are now ready for consideration by the responsible bodies. These proposals are based on a reduced school roll of 1000 pupils housed entirely on one site (thus dispensing with the Rosemount accommodation), and embrace not only the incorporation of updated and relevant academic accommodation and equipment but also the intention to proceed ultimately to a complete refurbishment of the School's accommodation and the provision of a Games Hall, a sad deficiency in the School's existing facilities.

Former pupils will naturally be very relieved to learn that the replacement of the damaged accommodation is proceeding in such a satisfactory manner.

Certainly, the Executive Committee of the FP Club has been increasingly heartened by the progress reports that the Rector has considerately made to the Committee, and the Executive remains of the mind that no general appeal need be mounted meantime.

Nevertheless, it is clear, that, even if insurance replacement succeeds in providing the same (or in some cases improved) technical facilities for teaching and learning, some of the treasures that were destroyed (especially in the Library area) will remain as a permanent loss to the School's history and tradition. For that reason, the Executive would repeat the assurance given i❑ the last Magazine, that donations of books, works of art and objects of interest to the School will be most gratefully received, if the donors would first approach the Club Secretary to discuss their intentions. Monetary donations will be banked by the Club Secretary in a special bank account along with donations already received, so that appropriate expenditure can be authorised as soon as the School is able to identify any areas of need.

It has been reported already, that a number of donations were received almost as soon as news of the fire was broadcast and offers continue to be received by Jock Hendry, the Club Secretary, from time to time. One recent donation, however, seemed especially worthy of notice. Mr David D. Murison (1922-29), Mn (Abdn and Cantab), has presented to the School (meantime in the safe-keeping of the Club Secretary) his collection of medals, which consists of the Dux Gold Medal (which he won at the School in 1929), the Smith Gold Medal for the Best Latin Versionist (1927-28), the Morland Simpson Silver Medal for Greek (1929). the Arthur Johnston Silver Medal, the Robbie Gold Medal in Greek (which Mr Munson won at the University of Aberdeen in 1933) and the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal awarded in 1977.

Mr Munson, of course, is one of the School's most distinguished former pupils. Throughout his academic career he has made a very significant and substantial contribution to Scottish life and culture, most notably as editor of the Scottish National Dictionary, an immense labour from which not only eminent scholars but also the average Scot with an interest in his or her native tongue has derived real benefits of instruction and enjoyment.

The display of Mr Murison's very handsome medals in the rebuilt School will be enhanced by the lustre of Mr Murison's enduring achievements in the academic world and in the life of Scotland.

Byron and the Grammar School

21

Byron and the Grammar School To mark the bicentenary of the birth of Lord Byron, the School's most famous former pupil, the Editor invited Dr. Loula Solomou-Dalgarno to write the following article on the type of education that the poet would have received in the Grammar School of his day. Though currently settled in Aberdeen, Dr. Solomou-Dalgarno is of Greek nationality, and it was in Greece that her interest in Byron began. She studied for her N.D thesis on Byron in the University of Aberdeen under the supervision of Professor Andrew Rutherford. formerly Regius Chalmers Professor of English at the University.

Professor Rutherford is a well-known Byron scholar, and was much involved in the visit of the Byron Society to Aberdeen, when the Society toured the School in June 1976.

The statue of Byron by Pittendrigh Macgillivray which was erected outside the present School buildings to mark the centenary of the poet's death in 1824 signals to the passing world a connection of which the School is proud. Byron is the most illustrious of the School's pupils. But how well served was Byron by the school he attended between 1 795 and 1798? This, the bicentenary of his birth, is perhaps an occasion to look more closely at the education Byron received in Aberdeen.

In 1808 Byron wrote: Of the Classics 1 know about as much as most schoolboys after a Discipline of thirteen years. I This thirteen years' discipline was made up of his years in the Grammar School of Aberdeen, where he passed from the first to the fourth class, a further two years at Dr. Glennie's school at Dulwich, his years at Harrow, and finally his years at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Careful attention to this outline curriculum vitae raises some interesting questions about Byron's education in Aberdeen. When he left from the fourth class of the Grammar School he was within a year of completing his schooling and proceeding to one of the University Colleges in Aberdeen. Why, then, did Byron on moving to England attend a preparatory school before entering Harrow? And why is it that when Byron eventually did enter University it would be seven years after he had left the Grammar School in Aberdeen?

These facts seem to point to marked deficiencies in Scottish education: in Grammar school standards of the period and perhaps in the level of Scottish University teaching. Or is there another explanation?

Byron is the principal source of what information we have about his earliest schooling. In Ravenna in 1821 he began a journal as 'My Dictionary' which he stopped after two entries and resumed later as 'Detached Thoughts'. The second of the 'Dictionary' entries is "Aberdeen" under which Byron enters his recollections of his schooling.2 The very first school he went to was that of a Mr. Bower, whom Byron recalls as 'being called "Bodsy Bowers" by reason of his dapperness'. He was sent to this school to be taught how to read but he only managed to memorise the lessons and pretended to be able to read them. He was eventually caught out and punished in the following fashion: my ears boxed—(which they did not deserve—seeing that it was by ear only that I had acquired my letters).

However, after a bad start he was put into the hands of James Ross with whom Byron claims to have made an astonishing progress. Byron retained grateful and fond memories of Mr. Ross—a graduate of Marischal College and later Minister of St. Nicholas Church. Under the care of Ross, Byron learned to read

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

and then discovered reading history to be what he describes as his 'grand passion'.

Byron then had 'a very serious—saturnine—but kind young man named Paterson for a tutor—he was the son of my shoemaker—but a good scholar as is common with the Scotch' .4 This tutor is identified by H. F. Morland Simpson as a John Patterson who graduated from Marischal College in 1800.5 Byron remembers how he began Latin with his tutor in 'Ruddiman's Grammar' and continued with him until entering the Grammar Schoo1.8 It is thought that Byron entered the Grammar School in January 1795 but it is not possible to verify the precise date since the Register for 1795 is among the official Grammar School records which have been lost. Byron describes himself as having 'threaded all the classes to the fourth' and describes the school as follows: The Grammar School might consist of a hundred & fifty of all ages under age. It was divided into five classes—taught by four masters—the Chief—teaching the fifth & fourth himself—as in England the fifth, sixth forms, and Monitors are heard by the Head masters.7 The following table reproduced from Morland Simpson's account of the School in Byron's time and based on Class Registers shows that Byron's memory of the school population is extremely accurate:8

1796 29

29

4

21

Jan

Apr

June

Oct

6 Jan

1797 7 11 Apr June

127

142

141

i6o

140

159

15 Oct

i Jan

1798 Iy IS Apr June

20 Oct

19

29

Jan

Apr

Jul

zi Oct

ii6

149

147

III

174

170

t6o

d17

19

17

1799

No. in the School 10, ,

No. in Byron's class

Class V

51.

Class II zS 55

5:

33

Class lit 14 33

14

to

19

Class IV 18

14

25

t6

22

1;

II

21

22

12

i

17

—

19

Byron's place 6

The class registers do not give the number of Byron's place in class. The numbers given in the chart appear as added in pencil in the register next to his name and arc arrived at by counting the order in which his name appears in the various lists. There seems no reason, however, to question the judgement of Morland Simpson that the order in which the names are given is that of an order of merit as opposed to a random one.

The restricted nature of the curriculum at the Grammar School needs to be stressed. Even as late as the period 1832-35 when David M. Masson attended the school, boys at the Grammar continued the practice of attending other schools for a portion of the day. Masson refers to fees of ten shillings and sixpence a quarter at the Grammar 'for the very best classical education that was to be had, for love or money, in all that area of Scotland'. But to this was added 'six and sixpence a quarter for attendance at Mr. Craigmyle's writing school, and six and sixpence a quarter for attendance at Mr. James Gordon's mathematics school—at which two public schools it was usual for Grammar School boys to take instruction'.9

14

Byron and the Grammar School

23

In his 'Dictionary' Byron recalls acquiring his handwriting under an Aberdeen teacher, Mr. Duncan. Byron does not explain at what point he attended the school which would appear to be the one referred to in the Aberdeen Almanack (1787) as 'Teachers of Writing, Arithmetic, etc.

Wm. Duncan, Alexr. Sinclair'. But the fact that Byron mentions his lessons in handwriting from Mr. Duncan in the middle of his account of his period at the Grammar School may support the suggestion that he supplemented his Latin lessons at the Grammar in the way Masson describes as being the custom in his schooldays, and which the break between 12 o'clock and 3 o'clock in the Grammar School day of Byron's time permitted. Further evidence for this is provided by the anecdote which John Robertson recounts in the Atheneum, 9 November 1861, of an incident when Byron set out to cross the graveyard of St. Nicholas Church in a snowstorm with other schoolfellows on their way to Mr. Duncan's writing school in St. Nicholas Street.

Apart from some practice in reading English in classes 1 and II, the curriculum was exclusively Latin. For detailed information about the curriculum in Byron's time, it is perhaps fortunate that something untoward occurred at the end of 1795 which led to a special meeting in January 1796 to investigate the affairs of the School. Questions were put to the Rector, Dr. James Dun, and the other masters with the answers being recorded.

Mr. Andrew Dun, who was shortly to be appointed Co-Rector, was asked to give a list of all the books read in his class during the course of three years.

He replied: Rudiments [i.e. Ruddiman'sl, Vocabulary, Corderius, Eutropius, Wall's Grammar, Grammatical Exercises, Cornelius Nepos, Ovid and Caesar. Reading English practised in the first and second Classes, particularly in the 1st for the first three months.10 The Rector himself, Dr. James Dun, was required to answer questions concerning the two highest classes: Q. Are the 4th and 5th Classes employed in reading the same Lessons?

And how long has this been the practice?

A. Yes. And this practice has been observed for the last five or six years, and has been found beneficial.

Q. In composing Versions from English into Latin are the Scholars of the highest Class left entirely to chuse Vocables themselves?

[Vocables, i.e. words and hints on rendering].

A. This is sometimes done and sometimes not.

Q. Do the highest and lower Classes [i.e. Classes IV and VI both receive the same Argument? And are they equally assisted by the Masters in receiving Vocables?

A. The same Argument, but not of the same length.

Q. What books are in use to read in the 4th and 5th Classes?

A. Virgil, Terence, Livy, Cicero, Sallust, Caesar, Horace. The greater part of the time is employed in reading Prose Authors.

Q. How many versions are prescribed then in the course of the week?

A. Generally three.

Q. Are they when reading Poetry constantly exercised in scanning it, and repeating portions of it from memory?

A. Very frequently."

It is amply clear from these answers that the business of the school was exclusively that of a Grammar School in the traditional sense of the term: to drill Latinity into the boys as a preparation for university study. This had been the original character of the school and the bursary system of entry to the University Colleges of Aberdeen with its 'Version' test, an English passage to

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

be translated into Latin. saw the school tenaciously maintain that character well into the nineteenth century while equivalent schools in other Scottish cities were broadening the curriculum.

A pupil in the School shortly after Byron was James Melvin who was to become, from 1826 until his death in 1853, one of its most celebrated Rectors.

We have accounts from David M. Masson and others of the amount of Latin they did in the School in Melvin's time, of how the emphasis in translation was on accuracy to the nicest shade of distinction, on a select list of authors slowly worked through with every sentence gone over at least five times, and emphasis above all on versions. This suggests how exclusively philological the approach to Latin would have been in Byron's time since Melvin, who was described as being at the head of Scottish Latinity of his day, was regarded as the supreme exponent of the traditional methods and not an innovator. It is clear that Byron's education at the Grammar School was Latin rather than Classical: aiming at linguistic competence rather than setting out to encourage literary and philosophical interests.

Since Morland Simpson's study of the records shows Byron to have been about three years younger than most of his class, the impression is given of a pupil of precocious capacity. His place in class was somewhat middling but given that he was ten years old in the penultimate class, he was clearly no dunce. Indeed while he was still at what now would be regarded as primary school age, he had a grounding in Latin and exposure to Latin authors which most pupils today leaving secondary schools with H-grade passes in Latin would have difficulty in matching.

It was not unusual for pupils to leave the Grammar at this period from Class IV rather than Class V , but in view of his age Byron would no doubt have gone on to Class V had family circumstances not led to the move south to England. Byron would have entered Aberdeen University at the age of 12—young but not uncommonly young for the Scottish Universities in the eighteenth century.

However, this picture of Byron's educational achievements is sharply challenged by the story of what followed the move to England. Byron's first biographer, Thomas Moore, stresses how Byron had to retrace his steps at a preparatory school 'toiling through the rudiments again'. This gives the impression of a pupil whose grounding in Latin was so imperfect that he needed a further two years' preparatory 'cramming' before entering one of the great English public schools. The depressing picture becomes even more black when one notes that on entering Harrow Byron needed special additional tuition to bring him up to the standard for the form of his age-group. Byron's headmaster at Harrow, Dr. Drury, recounted to Moore how after his first interview with Byron he assigned him to an older boy 'in order to familiarize' the young newcomer with the school system. The effect was, in Drury's words, that Byron 'conceived by his own deficiency that he should be degraded and humbled, by being placed below' the boys of his age.12 Dr. Drury, an enlightened psychologist, reassured Byron that he would not be placed in a form until he could rank with those of his own age. Drury then arranged for one of the masters to be his tutor so that Byron could achieve this.

What can this 'deficiency' which Byron recognised in himself? One can simply dismiss the suggestion that this points to defects in the Latin education he received at Aberdeen Grammar School. Deficiencies on that front, if they existed, would have been remedied in Byron's two years at Dr. Glennie's Academy at Dulwich. Further, there is the evidence recorded by Moore from a schoolmaster, Mr. Rogers. When Byron first moved to England he received unsuccessful treatment for his leg. So that his education would not be neglected Mr. Rogers was employed to give him lessons in Latin. Mr. Rogers

Byron and the Grammar School

25

who read parts of Virgil and Cicero with Byron represented his 'proficiency to have been, for his age considerable'. The most plausible explanation is that the deficiency that Byron was able to discover so quickly in his conversation with his fellow schoolboy was that boys of his age at Harrow had made considerable progress in Greek.

It is unfortunate that neither Byron nor anyone else has left a record of when he began Greek, as this would be a crucial piece of evidence. What we do know is that Greek and Greek authors played a large part in the Harrow curriculum when Byron attended the school. The school curriculum under Dr. Drury is said to have been at the mid-point in the swing from an earlier preponderance of Latin to the marked preponderance of Greek which was to follow. Further, it is amply clear that the Aberdeen Grammar School curriculum in Byron's time did not include Greek. As Morland Simpson explains in Bon Record, it was not until 1826 that a sub-committee recommended the introduction of Greek into the Grammar School curriculum for eight to eighteen hours a week. But at a meeting of the full city Council it was decided this would make too great inroads into the time devoted to Latin.

Consequently it was decided that three hours only should be given over to Greek grammar and easy sentences.

The evidence, then, points towards Byron being well enough served by the Grammar School so far as an education in Latin was concerned. The absence of Greek from the Grammar School curriculum was to prove a handicap for him in the short term. But in the longer term Byron may have been fortunate in coming to Greek at a later age when he would have been more ready to appreciate Greek literature. And for someone whose love of Greek literature and devotion to the cause of Modern Greece was to make his name synonymous with Philhellenism, it may have been fortunate that his introduction to Greek verse came not under the dry philological bias of the Grammar School approach but under the more liberal and literary bias of Drury's Harrow, which awakened in Byron what he described as a 'passionate fondness' for works such as the Prometheus of Aeschylus.

The exclusively Latin curriculum of Aberdeen Grammar School probably makes it no coincidence that when Byron came to write about the Grammar in 1821, recalling the Scots and Doric pronunciations of the word 'school', he should have done so with the aid of Latin terms: 'Scotice "Schule"— 13 Aberdonice LOULA SOLOMOU-DALGARNO NOTES 1

2 3 4 5 6

7 8

Letter to Robert Charles Dallas. 21 January 1808. Byron's Letters andjournals, ed.

Leslie A. Marchand, 1973, I. p. 148.

Byron's Letters and Journals, VIII. pp. 107-8.

Ibid.

Ibid.

Bon Record: Records and Reminiscences of Aberdeen Grammar School from the Earliest Times by Many Writers, ed. H. F. Morland Simpson. Edinburgh, 1906, p. 15.

Presumably, Rudiments of the Latin Tongue by Thomas Ruddiman which, first published in 1714, became the standard Latin grammar for Scottish schools in the 18th century.

Byron's Letters and Journals, VIII, p. 108.

Cf. Bon Record, p. 174. I am also indebted to Mr. R. D. Gill, formerly Rector of the Grammar School and Mr. A, McCombie, the Deputy Rector, for allowing me to consult the School registers and giving me helpful advice in matters concerning Byron and the Grammar School, a few years ago when I was working on my Doctoral thesis on 'Byron and Greek Poetry'.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Masson, David M., James Melvin Rector of the Grammar School of Aberdeen: A Sketch. Aberdeen, 1895, pp. 14-5.

10 Bon Record. p. 182. Simpson is quoting from Records of Visitations to The Grammar School, Old Town's House, Aberdeen, which I have consulted.

9

11 Ibid., pp. 178-9.

12 See Thomas Moore. Letters and Journals of Lord Byron, London, 1830. I, p. 30.

13 Byron's Letters andJournals, VIII. p. 108.

Thoughts of the Presidents The official Scottish Rugby Union programme for the Calcutta Cup match on 5 March 1988 contains an article by Peter Mitchell, which begins as follows— "Aberdeen Grammar School, the Granite City's most ancient seat of learning, not only produces poets like Lord Byron, it seems to spawn Presidents of the Scottish Rugby Union.

Bill Connon, the current incumbent, is the fourth FP since Hitler's War to hold the highest office. to which has been added the lustre of being the 100th President.

The late Bob Ledingham was the first of the quartet in season 1961-62 to be followed by Dr Donnie Inner in 1973-74. Then it was the turn of the rumbustious Dr Doug Smith, Manager of the victorious Lions in New Zealand in 1971. to take the helm last season.

Doug handed over the reins of office last June to Bill, a 65 year old solicitor and when, it was asked at the time, had the Scottish Rugby Union had at the helm men from the same club in successive seasons?"

It is a very special distinction for the School and the Club that two of its former pupils should be honoured in this way, and the Editor is especially grateful to the two Presidents for taking the time from their very busy schedules to share their thoughts about the game of rugby with readers of the Magazine.

Dr D. W. C. (Doug) Smith, SRU President 1986-87 Little did I think, as I entered the portals of the famous Grammar School in 1929, that two men were going to influence me to such an extent that, besides my medical career, Rugby Football was to become the be-all of my life, notwithstanding athletics, cricket and soccer honours at School and University.

However, when that great man, the 'Gamie'—Duncan McGregor, first encouraged me to "pit the ba doon upon the Brun, silly boy!!" it was the beginning of my rugby career. And having worked my way up through the Minors, Juniors and 2nd and 3rd XVs of the School sides, I eventually found myself in the 1st XV with the famous red-edged blazer, and my first 'cap'.

And then the joy of captaining the 1st XV in my last year at School.

On to Varsity and playing for the FPs for the first year, for Varsity for five years, and'then returning to play for FPs. Then the second great man in my rugby life came upon the scene—Donny Innes, who improved my rugby so much that it wasn't long afterwards, while in the Army, that I not only played for the Army, Combined Services, Barbarians and Scotland, but became a British Lion in 1950 and went to New Zealand and Australia. In those days one travelled by ship and it took four weeks either way. As I had broken my arm just before we left, I had rather a traumatic few weeks, not knowing when or if I would play. However, I did play and was 'capped' against Australia in Sydney.

After 1950 I settled in Essex, joined a Gordonian, Jimmy Farquharson, in general practice, and was fortunate enough to be able to continue my rugby career with London Scottish. I captained them in 1952 and retired from

Thoughts of the Presidents

27

playing in 1960. I became a member of Committee in 1961 and have remained on the Committee since then. In the meantime I took Scottish on two tours to the USA and had the great honour of managing the victorious British Lions in 1971 on their tour of New Zealand.

I had hoped that the Scottish Rugby Union would ask me to be their London Representative when I returned from New Zealand, but that was not to be. I thought I'd been forgotten until a February night in 1984; the 'phone rang at 11 pm and a voice said "This is Adam Robson (President of the SRU) here. The Committee have asked me to find out if you would be interested in being Vice-President of the SRU." After I had been lifted off the floor I stammered and stuttered and said "Marvellous" and broke down and cried!!

I knew most of the members on the Union and of course it was a great joy for me to know that an old School pal and member of the FP side of 1947, Bill Connon, was one of the senior members and Charlie Ritchie a relatively new one. Bill was a member of the prestigious International Rugby Football Board at the time and had spent most of his waking hours, when not making his fortune at law, living rugby football.

My first year as Junior Vice-President to Hamish Kemp, the President and Dod Burrell the Senior Vice-President, was happily not too strenuous, although I was up in Edinburgh or Glasgow most weekends attending Committee meetings, speaking at rugby club dinners and, of course, enjoying to the full all the games of rugby. The first time I was in charge was when Scotland 'B' played Ireland 'B' in Galway. As usual with the Irish, it was a memorable affair with hospitality of the highest order. The season as far as Scotland was concerned, was not a successful one, losing every game. But our 'B' XV and under-21s and under-18s were doing well and some now famous names were thrusting forward—Gavin Hastings, Iwan Tukalo, Matt Duncan, Scott Hastings, David Sole, John Jeffrey, Alan Tait, to mention a few.

And so to the following season with Dod Burrell as President and, to my delight, Bill Connon as Junior Vice, which meant he would be my second in command in 1986-87.

The pressures start building up as you become Senior VP with more committee work, more dinners to attend and of course, watching more and more rugby. Fortunately we had a most successful season sharing the Championship with France, and, if Wales had not had a gentleman called Thorburn, no doubt it would have been another Grand Slam and Triple Crown season. However, our 'junior' sides were doing exceedingly well which was a great joy to us all in the Union with the prospect of the World Cup in New Zealand in May/June 1987 on the horizon.

Perhaps the greatest thrill of my Presidential year was the Welsh game on 21 March 1987, when Princess Anne honoured the SRU by becoming our Patron, and the delight of talking to and escorting this charming lady to lunch, to the team presentation, and sitting beside her watching 'her' team beating Wales is something I will never, ever forget.

Many changes have come to pass at Murrayfield: the splendid Presidential Suite and Committee Room, all the offices and modern equipment for the Secretary, Treasurer, technical staff, ticket office and all the female staff. I took particular pride (in December 1986) in officiating at the opening of what many of the visiting Rugby Unions have called the finest Rugby Museum and Library in the world.

Finally, a word on the World Cup and my own pleasure at being part of the Scotland team, and having Bill Connon with me for most of the time.

Accompanied by our wives it was a great bonus to end my term as President. In hindsight, it was a great occasion, having so many of the developing rugby nations and the established rugby nations playing against each other. Scotland

A Plethora of Presidents

Joining the North District Representative to the SRU, Charlie Ritchie (extreme left), in a discussion of weighty rugby business are (from left to right) Doug Smith, Donnie Innes and Bill Connon, the three FP Presidents of the SRU.

The Rector (fourth from the left) prepares to lead by their halters five FP Presidents to their feed at the Yorkshire Centre Annual Dinner 1987. From left to right the Presidents are W.J. Alexander (Yorkshire). Andrew McLaren (Glasgow), Ian Duguid (London). Phil Love (Parent Club) and Mor Brown (Edinburgh).

28

A Plethora of Presidents

29

were outstanding, popular both on and off the field and, but for that initial game against France, which ended in a draw, I am sure Scotland would have reached the final against New Zealand. I am also sure that New Zealand would still have won the first William Webb Ellis World Cup. Now we look forward to the Cup being held in the UK in 1991. However, it is a marathon. I must have watched at least sixteen games in the five weeks, either at the field of play or on TV. Bill is now President and is a great rugby man who has done so much for Aberdeen, Scottish and International rugby, and it is a great pleasure for me _ to join with him in these 'Thoughts of the Presidents', especially as it may never happen again that consecutive Presidents will come from the same school, the same side, and are still, so many years on, great friends.

Bon Record—Aberdeen Grammar School.

Mr W. L. (Bill) Connon, SRU President 1987-88 As a player and as an administrator Doug Smith gained just about every honour which the game of rugby football has to offer. It was odds on that one day, with his wide experience, he would be invited to become President of the Scottish Rugby Union. Doug discharged his Presidential duties in 1986-87 with great care and attention to detail and with tremendous enthusiasm. He was very much a player's President. Half an hour or so before the start of an International the President is expected to address his troops in the highly charged atmosphere of the dressing room. Ever the motivator, Doug did so with a good deal of blood, guts and thunder.

During this past season I took a different approach and confined myself to offering the players a few words of encouragement and wishing them good luck. In my view the captain and the two coaches should provide all the motivation that is required. 1 shall not forget these visits to the players' dressing room not only before but immediately after a game. Without any doubt winning is a whole lot better than losing.

As I write my contribution to this joint article I have completed just over nine months of my Presidential year which, broadly speaking, has followed the pattern of Doug's year, save for changes of venues and of course, different results.

In mid-December our Patron, now HRH The Princess Royal, advised us through her Private Secretary that she would like to return to Murrayfield accompanied by her husband, Captain Mark Phillips, and her son Peter, to witness our game against France on 6 February 1988. Our Patron is a most popular visitor to Murrayfield, and has endeared herself to the players, committee and spectators. To have been her host during lunch and the game and to accompany her for the presentation of the teams and the match officials was an unforgettable experience. And, of course, Scotland won what proved to be its only game in this year's Five Nations Championship to the utter delight of young Master Peter Phillips.

When my presidency terminates at the end of June I shall have completed twenty years on the Committee of the Scottish Rugby Union and concurrently I served for seven years on the International Rugby Football Board, a committee of sixteen, comprising two representatives from England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and France. During that time the Union and the Board have had to address themselves to many issues.

The Scottish Rugby Union in my time has never shirked its responsibilities in its determination to stamp out dirty play. It has suspended key players for lengthy periods, even when it has cost Scotland dearly at international level. In some cases even entire teams have been suspended. The SRU has encouraged clubs to take action against players whose transgressions have been witnessed

30

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

by club officials though not by the referee. The Scottish Rugby Union as the ruling body of the sport in Scotland must not fail in its duty to ensure that the game is being played not only according to the Laws of the Game, but also within the Laws of the Land. If a Union cannot discipline its players properly then these players can expect to answer for their indiscipline in a court of law—as Mr Peter Fraser, QC, the present Solicitor General has stated. I am certain that no ruling body of any sport in Scotland would wish this to happen.

In September 1893 the following Resolution was proposed to the Annual Meeting of the Rugby Football Union (RFU) "that players be allowed compensation for bona fide loss of time." An amendment "that this meeting, believing that the above principle is contrary to the true interest of the game and its spirit, declines to sanction the same" was carried by 282 votes to 136 and the Northern Union, which later became the Rugby League, came into being two years later.

The foregoing fundamental principle that compensation for loss of earnings did not apply, continued until the Annual Meeting of the International Board in 1987 when the Board accepted that no-one should be financially embarrassed by playing at the topmost level of the game. A new Tours Allowance was instituted to enable Unions to compensate their players for loss of earnings while playing international rugby on tours abroad of not less than twenty-one days duration. This, however, does not extend to internationals played at home. Scotland did not agree with this proposal and sought to keep the amateur ethos of the game alive and at the same time to maintain a balance between the genuine demands of players and the traditions of the game. A major reappraisal of amateurism in Rugby Union was required and only time will tell if the new set of Regulations relating to Amateurism adopted by the Board at the Annual Meeting in March 1988 meets that requirement.

Mindful of the concluding remarks of Phil Love as President of the FP Club in his excellent address at the School Prize-Giving in 1986, Doug Smith and I cherish the idea of our famous and ancient School. We are proud to be Aberdeen Grammarians. Whatever we have achieved in our respective professions and in sport, we are, and always shall be grateful for and mindful of all the School has done for us.

The Confessions of a Greenhouse The summer of 1963 was, as I recall, delightful. Sunshine, balmy evenings, the smell of freshly mown grass and hanging over it all—though I knew it not then—the seeds of future guilt.

My guilty feeling has no doubt dogged me for years and so now, twenty-five years later, I have finally decided to reveal all. It concerns the Great Greenhouse Scam—of which I was one of the principal perpetrators.

Allow me first to set the background to this ignoble but highly successful enterprise.

I came to School in 1952 having been transplanted from another town. My education was greatly influenced by some of the greatest teachers and best loved characters of the School—Miss Swann, Miss Gracie, Syd Farquhar, Tiger Thomson, Basher Banks, Bouncer Bruce, Bob McNay, Alec Tait, Ivor McGee, Bill Squared, Tarzan McLeod, Ron Henson, Bobo Wilson, Holy Willie Duncan, Twinks Stephen, Tabby King, Pasie Walker. Louis Grant, Archie Baxter, Jim Will. The Bush, Peddie Willox, Donald Hawksworth, Gogs Anderson and others whose names are no less illustrious but escape my immediate memory.

The Confessions of a Greenhouse

31

All of these worthies did their best to inspire me, encourage me, terrify me or belt me so that I would acquire the knowledge which they had to impart—with more or less success. In the main, in spite of my own laziness, they succeeded, since by the end of my fifth year I had acquired almost all the subjects at Higher and '0' level which I needed either to go on to University or to commence a professional career—with two major exceptions; I had failed Mathematics and French at '0' grade. Without these my future was in jeopardy' I had also consistently failed Latin.

I therefore returned to School for my sixth year with a very much reduced curriculum—advanced English (since I already had my Higher), subsidiary French (because all that was left was to try to instil in me the basics of the language and culture), Mathematics (because it was obligatory) and Latin because I had to fill in the week somehow.

Thus one fine day I found myself in the company of two other boys who, like me, had never fathomed the depths of Latin (each of us having failed our '0' grade twice) in the presence of one of the School's most respected and loved teachers who had already done everything he could to instil in us the beauty of this most eloquent of languages. He stared at us and we stared at him. He broke the silence first. "1 see you're back again," he said. Well what could we say to that? To cut a short story even shorter we came to an agreement—we would bother him as little as possible and he would reciprocate.

This is easily said, but certain practical details had to be worked out. We couldn't after all, be seen lounging around the corridors when we were supposed to be in class and all concerned had to be able to produce some evidence of effort at the end of the year. Thus was born the Housesteads Project and the Great Greenhouse Scam.

At this point let me reassure you all; the master concerned, although he invented the Housesteads Project, was at no time involved in our business. He was not aware of it (although with hindsight one wonders whether the eye chose not to see what the heart would most certainly have grieved over) and would never have approved of any part of it.

Housesteads was a Roman settlement in the South of Scotland. It was therefore agreed that we three should build a scale model of the fort and have it ready for Parents Day when we could proudly exhibit the fruits of our interest in Roman culture and architecture.

So to work. The pre-requisite was a place where we could build this magnificent structure. This required considerable negotiation with the Head Gardener since the only spot we found suitable was in the greenhouse at the Skene Street end of School. This we duly acquired, on condition that we didn't harm his potted plants, cuttings, etc., etc.

Secondly, we had to acquire a suitable base board. After all, this was to be a model of some importance. This required delicate negotiations with the Head Janitor who finally agreed to lend us a somewhat battered blackboard (why it was called a blackboard escapes me because it was green), provided that we installed it ourselves. This we duly did, although we had great difficulty in manoeuvring it through the greenhouse door.

Finally we required raw materials—balsa wood, glue, etc. This problem was overcome by our benefactor—the teacher concerned, who dug deep into his own pocket to finance our purchases. I can well remember knocking on the Staff Room door and asking for another 10s. to buy more supplies. I can assure all concerned that every penny of the money which we received for this project was dutifully and honestly applied to that end and to no other. At no time did we use any of it to finance our enterprise.

So how did we start up in business?

Well, it started in a harmless enough fashion. Since we had so much free

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

time we spent it in the greenhouse, working on our model. Then one day someone, I can't remember who, suggested that it might be rather pleasant to have a cup of tea from time to time. No sooner said than done—after all borrowing a primus stove from the CCF storeroom together with a canteen in which to boil the water is permissible—isn't it?

The problem with tea is that (a) some people prefer it with milk, (b) it is much appreciated if accompanied by biscuits and (c) you have to get rid of the tea leaves. We solved these minor problems easily. The milk came from our daily school ration, the biscuits were obtained courtesy of the CCF (but only once, they were vile, iron rations, probably left over from the war) and the potted plants, flower beds and cold frames were ideal repositories for our detritus.

We should have known of course that we couldn't keep our little secret and private world to ourselves. The word soon spread that 'something' was going on up at the greenhouse. All too quickly we had visitors. We tried to fend them off but to no avail. They trotted up between classes and at break time and sniffed the tea-laden air. They hinted that a cup of tea would be most welcome and that a place like a greenhouse, with glass walls which opened up, was a fine place to puff quietly on a cigarette while contemplating great thoughts. And so began our enterprise.

Simply stated we offered a cup of tea, a cigarette and a biscuit for 6d. Not 6p-6d. And we made money! Enough that by the end of the first week we were able to buy our own biscuits—not the sort of stuff in the CCF stores at all—and supply the cigarettes and make a profit! My how the money rolled in!

Of course like all businesses we had our ups and downs. The downs being principally when our Latin master decided that he wanted to see what we were up to with his money—and I hasten to repeat that it was never used for tea, biscuits or cigarettes!

The advantage of the greenhouse was that it was built on a slight rise and gave a full view across the front lawn and the pathway leading up to it. We could therefore see him before he saw us. At the first sign of a stranger we went to action stations and disposed of the evidence or covered it up with flowerpots.

We had had some practice in this art when one day a school inspector turned up.

Although no doubt proud of the effort being expended by his Vlth form class of recalcitrants, our respected teacher showed somewhat poor judgement in bringing him anywhere near our HQ. Disaster was only narrowly avoided by heaving tea leaves all over any plant in sight—thank goodness the gardener's taste didn't run to orchids—and by an immediate evacuation of our guests split into two strategically designated groups—the Biologists and the Botanists.

Thus, as these two erudite gentlemen strolled up the path, no doubt admiring the carefully tended lawns, they passed the first group gazing with rapt attention into the goldfish pond and had their ears been attuned would have heard much serious discussion and mutterings interspersed with delightful phrases such as Carassius auratus and Carassius vulgaris.

Their visit over, had they chosen to stroll a little further, they would have observed the second group, intently studying a patch of weeds which had grown against the rear wall.

How their hearts must have been gladdened to see so many senior pupils engaged in such suitable studies—especially the prefects who had a somewhat unjustified reputation for rushing to the howff at the first available opportunity to smoke and play cards.

It all had to come to an end, of course—with Parents Day. In case you imagine that we spent our time living it up, allow me to disabuse you. We finished our project and did it rather well, I like to think. However. we did have a slight problem on Parents Day itself—you sec while it was

9th Aberdeen (Grammar School) Scout Group

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relatively easy to bring the black(green)board in to the greenhouse it was impossible to take it out again because we would have had to turn it on its side and the little buildings and trees, etc, would have fallen off. Drastic measures wcrc therefore required. The sides of the greenhouse had to be opened up!

There was some disagreement about this, mainly led by the Head Gardener, but, while he was off somewhere pleading his case, we raised the lids on the cold frames outside, stepped gently inside them and managed to slide our masterpiece through the wide open walls. He wasn't too pleased about it, but I think he should have been grateful to us—after all they do say that tea leaves work wonders on roses don't they?

Well, I still failed Latin. I did however scrape through in both Mathematics and French. Odd isn't it, when you think that today I'm a Chartered Accountant and have lived in France for seventeen years?

L.S.D. (1952-63)

9th Aberdeen (Grammar School) Scout Group In 1908, when Scouting started and our records begin, there were only three Scout Troops in Aberdeen, and one was the 9th. This year, therefore is our eightieth birthday.

In 1970 we celebrated our sixtieth birthday. The purists will note that this was two years late, but of course we are speaking about Scouting! In 1978 we got it right and recorded our seventieth year, and so it seems fitting that we should mark the occasion of our eightieth birthday this year. Accordingly, we have made arrangements to hold a reunion dinner in the Amatola Hotel in Aberdeen on Friday 18 November 1988 and a warm welcome is extended to all past members of the Group, whether Cub, Scout, Rover, Scouter or helper.

Records show that in 1970 tickets cost all of 30r. (k1.50 to younger readers).

Unfortunately inflation has taken its toll and this year's Dinner will cost £12.50. However, I am sure that it once again will be a most memorable occasion and a chance to renew old friendships.

Those interested in attending the Dinner or in obtaining more information should contact me as soon as possible either by telephone at Aberdeen 315088 or by writing to me at 132 South Anderson Drive, Aberdeen AB1 6LU. I would also be grateful to receive the address of any past members who may not have been notified through this Magazine, in order that I may notify them individually. Although the Group possesses extensive records, I would be delighted to receive or to borrow any more records or photographs that former members may have so that we can add further details to the history of the Group.

Please support this venture and make this anniversary as successful as the previous reunions.

HUNTER B. WILL (1948-62), Scout Leader Club Apparel Members —particularly members Furth of Aberdeen—may care to know that the Club currently has a new stock of ties in club colours (m a enta and green stripes on black background or magenta stripe on green bacte round).

Also available are sweaters and body warmers, each in the approved lub grey and with the Club badge embroidered. Ties arc priced at f'8, sweaters at £17 .82 and body warmers at f15.

Apply to the Secretary, John F. Hendry, 36 Albyn Place, Aberdeen.

Former Pupils' Club (Club Founded 11 September 1893) Club Office-Bearers, 1988-89 Honorary President: WILLIAM J. JOHNSTON. BSC.. DIP.ED,

(Rector) Honorary Vice-Presidents: 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.C., F.B.C.O. (President, 1967-68) ERIC Ros BilocErr (1920- 22), c.A (President, 1968-69) ALLAN C. FRAZER (1925-30), M.A., U. B.. W.S. (President, 1970-71) JOHN V. SKINNER, M.A.. M.LITT.. DIP.ED..I.P. (Rector, 1959-72) AIR MARSHAL SIR LF.SLIE MAYOR (1923-33), K.C.B.. A.F.C.. D.L.. F.R.AE.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. Vitt= (1925-37), M.A.. U.B. (President, 1975- 76) ROBERT A. E. MENNIE (1924-36), M.A.. F.R.N S.. 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 Cotrrrs (1938-49, 1950-51), Q.C.. M A., LL.B (President, 1980-81) NEIL I. W. MELDRUM (1925-37). M.A., LL.B. (President, 1981-82) JAMES A. N. WArr (1927-39). C A. (President. 1982- 83) BRIAN K. CROOKSHANKS (1934-46), T.D.. M.A.. u B. (President. 1983-84) ERIC D. WArr (1937- 50), B.ED (President, 1984-85) MAURICE CRAMB (1916-29), M.A., LL.B.. LL.D. ALAN J. PETERS (1920- 30). C.A. IAN LEWIS SMITH (1918-30) DOUGLAS N. GEORGESON (1929-40) (President, 1985-86)

ROBERT D. Gm_ M.A. (Rector, 1972-86) ANDREW S. NOBLE (1939-52), M.A., F.C.M.A.. F.I.M.A. (President 1986-87) PROF PHILIP N. LOVE (1952- 58). c B E . M A.. LL.B.. (President 1987-88)

President: W. MORRISON BROWN (1933-46),

Vice•President of Club and Chairman of Executive: MELVILLE F. WATSON (1943-56). M A.. LL.B. Secretary: JOHN F. HENDRY (1951-65), LL.B.

Treasurer: COUN C. ALLAN (1936-45), c A

General Editor of Magazine: DAVID K. YULE (1951- 65), M A 34

Former Pupils ' Club

35

Secretaries of Centres Club Centre—JOHN A. MACRAE. AGSFP Club Centre, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen ABI 6YQ. Edinburgh—N1GEL G. M. WATT (1963-69), w.s.. II Athol] Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 8HE. Glasgow—J. PETER CAIRNS (1943-57), Dellglenan. 3 John Street Lane, Helensburgh, G84 9NA. London—ERNIE COHEN (1949-62), 68 Grafton Way, London W1P 5LE. Tel. 01 387 0809.

Yorkshire—W. SCOTT GILCHRIST (1929-36), 18 Clifford Moor Road, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 6PG. 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), M.A . 57 Mile End Avenue, Aberdeen AB2 4PU. Curling—BRucE S. ALLAN (1953-58), ARTA S . 55 Carden Place, Aberdeen ABI IUN. 33 Northburn Avenue, Aberdeen AB2 6AH. Golf—PETER M. ROBERTSON (1967-73), Hockey—DENis N. YULE (1960-66), Eli) . 14 Lochside Road, Bridge of Don. Aberdeen AB2 8AE Petanque—DEREK McKAY (1944-50), 8 Whinhill Road, Aberdeen ABI 2XH. Photographic—NEIL). G. LAWRIE (1961-74), 9 Braeside Terrace, Aberdeen ABI 7TS. Rugby—MicHAEL G. H. Gin (1942-46). 25 Viewfield Road, Aberdeen ABI 7XL. Swimming—ROGER D. HOUGHTON (1959-63), u B.. 19 Richmondhill Gardens, Aberdeen AB2 4LW. Women's Hockey—LESLEY S. CARSON (1981-85), 116 Ashgrove Road West, Aberdeen AB2 5BD. Executive Committee The Vice-President of the Club, Chairman JAMES C. LYON (1953-59), Vice-Chairman The Secretary, the Treasurer and the General Editor of the Magazine, ex officiis

The Rector of the School, ex officio ). R. S. INNES (1923-35) JEREMY D. MOIR (1969-75) HARVEY E. MORRISON (1951-65) SUSAN E. SMITH (1976-80) AMANDA E. TAYLOR (1974-80)

ALAN G. CAMPBELL (1959-65) ANDREW M. CAMPBELL (1916-27) LESLEY S. CARSON (1981-85) JAMES M. CLARK (1947-59) JOHN P. DRUMMOND (1947-58) DOUGLAS G. FOWLIE (1950-64) DEREK A. HARLEY (1974-80) RONALD W. GRANT (1948-61)

M. STUART WATSON (1977-83)

G. FRASER WEBSTER (1949-62) ALAN L. WrisoN (1978-84) Representatives Section Club Centre—H. ALAN S. HAMILTON (1943-56) Cricket—IAN P. SourER (1947-61) Curling—BRucE S. ALLAN (1953-58) Golf-GEORGE M. THOMSON (1943-44) Hockey—BRIAN COCKBURN (1965-71) Petanque—DEREK MCKAY (1944-50) Rugby JOHN D. MURRAY (1961-74) Staff—RussELL GRAY (1951-65) Swimming—PETER M. ROBERTSON (1967-73) Women's Hockey—LESLEY S. CARSON (1981 -85) Auditors Messrs. BOWER & SMITH. C.A .

Club Consuls

Australia—DR. FORBES SMITH (1945-57), 8 Narrung Road, Mount Eliza 3930, Victoria,

Australia.

Canada—G. DOUGLAS MENZIES (1934-44), 15414 74th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta Canada T5R 2Y4.

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

Canada—IAN McG. MARK (1954-58), 4 Milne Crescent, Kanata, Ontario, K2K 1H6.

Malawi—ALASDAIR H. McLEoD (1948-61). PO Box 30045, Lilongwe 3, Republic of Malawi, Central Africa.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

New Zealand—Miaisa B.

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

United States—MICHAEL. G. KING (1951-60), 4720 Fortuna Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84124, West Africa—BRIAN S. GRAY (1943-49), World Bank, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, West Africa.

Annual General Meeting The eighty-sixth Annual General meeting of the Club was held at the Club Centre, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen on Monday 28 March 1988.

Before proceeding to the formal business of the meeting, the Chairman reminded members, that 1988 was the 200th anniversary of the birth of the School's most celebrated former pupil, Lord Byron. On behalf of the Club, the Chairman welcomed Professor Love, at the end of his presidential year. and Mr Johnston, the Rector, who had interrupted his holiday to be present.

Executive Report The following is a summary of the Executive Report submitted by the Chairman, Mr. A. Keith Campbell.

Deaths of Members During the year the Executive had recorded with sadness the deaths of Mr. Ian Shinnie and of Mr. William Mackie, an honorary member of the Club. Mr. Shinnie at one time had been Notes Editor of the Magazine and had continued a loyal and interested FP until his death, and Mr. Mackie had been a faithful servant of the Club in the capacity of Club Centre Steward for seventeen years.

Membership In the course of the year membership had increased by 41 to a total of 1988.

School Detailed planning of the rebuilding of the School had proceeded apace, and it was to be hoped that work on the site would commence in the near future.

Mr. Johnston had successfully completed his first year as Rector and the Club was greatly indebted to him for the informed contribution that he had made already to the welfare of the School and the Club.

During the year 41,050 had been disbursed from the Amenities Fund to various Societies and Clubs within the School.

The London Centre of the Club had continued the recently established practice of inviting two selected pupils to visit centres of interest in the capital.

Magazine The Executive wished to record its gratitude to David Yule and Derek Harley, the General and Notes Editor respectively for the production of the 1987 Magazine. Mr. Yule was to retire after the 1988 issue and would be succeeded as General Editor by Mr. Harley. The Executive would shortly be invited to approve the appointment of a new Notes Editor.

Honours to FPs Mr. W. L. Connon had succeeded Dr. D. W. C. Smith as President of the SRU in June 1987, and Mr. T. I. Morrison continued as Chairman of the Great Britain Men's Hockey Board. Mr. Philip Dawson, appointed President of the International Curling Federation in 1985 continued to be highly influential in the sport. Mike Smith had been capped by Scotland at cricket.

Social Two new Sections, Petanque and Soccer, had been established in the course of the year.

Former Pupils' Club

37

Both the Dinner and the Ball had been well-attended and had enjoyed general success. The Executive was grateful to Mr. Jim Clark for his continuing service as Entertainments Convener.

The various outlying Centres of the Club had successfully held their traditional annual dinners, all of which the President had attended.

General Business Reports on the year's activities were submitted by the representatives of the Club's Sections and the Club Centre. Similar reports appear later in this Magazine.

The meeting agreed to record its congratulations to the Cricket Section on its outstanding achievement in winning the Strathmore Union.

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.

In presenting the accounts, the Treasurer, Mr C. C. Allan, refered to the very serious prospect for Club finances in the immediate future because of the continuing and severe drain on Club funds represented by the cost of producing the annual Magazine. The Executive had been acquainted with the gravity of the Club's financial position, and had considered a number of possible measures for improvement (including a general appeal), and had decided, that in the first instance a "400 Club" should be introduced with the aim of generating additional income.

Members were urged to support the "400 Club" to the best of their ability, and to bear in mind, that if the Club's finances were not improved in the course of the year, the Executive would have to give serious consideration to the discontinuation (from 1989 of the Magazine in its present form. ice-bearers for the year 1988-89 were elected in accordance with the lists contained earlier in this Magazine.

President's Report To have attended Aberdeen Grammar School between 1952 and 1958 was in itself a great privilege but to be appointed President of the Former Pupils' Club twenty-nine years after leaving the School was, for me, something very special.

How does one attain the office of President? Is it the result of bribery and corruption, or the application of the Buggins' turn rule, or just sheer lack of competing talent? The immodest but truthful response is that it's none of these! I never for one moment aspired to be President of the FP Club when I joined the Club in 1958 but, from the day I left school, I was encouraged by FPs, who had the interests of their old School and Club at heart, to participate actively in the widest spectrum of FP Club affairs including, amongst others, the Rugby Section, the Entertainment Committee, the Club Centre and the Executive Committee, culminating in Captaincy of the Rugby Section, Secretaryship of the Entertainments Committee, Chairmanship of the Club Centre from its inception in 1969 until 1974, and Chairmanship of the Executive Committee between 1984 and 1986. Having been put out to grass for a year following the latter Chairmanship, I was elected president at the end of March 1987.

FPs will be interested to know in general terms what I got up to—in my official capacity—during my year in office, but I will spare you all a blow by blow account of the excesses which were forced upon me at bacchanalian extravaganzas, which I had no alternative but to attend on your behalf.

A visit to our quite unique Yorkshire Centre Dinner at Knaresborough in late September was followed by attendances at the Parent Club Dinner in Aberdeen at the end of October and then the London and Glasgow Centre Dinners in quick succession during the first two weeks of November.

Extraordinarily generous hospitality at these Dinners was more than matched by that provide by Gordonians, Herioters, Watsonians and Stewarts Melville

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

FPs at their Aberdeen Dinners which I had the honour and great pleasure to attend on your behalf. The true spirit of camaraderie and the old friendly (?) rivalries were manifest at all these Dinners and it was a great privilege to take per.

But I am sure that FPs will want to know about my extra-Dinner activities.

There were two particularly significant developments during my Presidential year. The first was the arrival of the new Rector of the School, William J. Johnston, who took up the reins of his demanding office on the last day of March 1987, the day on which I became your President. During my year in office, I greatly enjoyed my many contacts with the Rector, both formal and informal, and it is reassuring to be able to report that he attaches great importance to maintaining the excellent links which have long existed between the School and the Club. Aberdeen Grammar School has indeed been fortunate to attract a Rector of the calibre of William Johnston and I take this opportunity of wishing him a long, distinguished and happy tenure of office as Rector.

The other significant development was the decision which was taken in June of 1987 by the Education Committee of Grampian Regional Council that the School will be re-built as a secondary School providing an ultimate roll of 1,000 pupils. The '1,000 pupil' capacity of the School reflects the Education Committee's philosophy that it is highly desirable to avoid the over-large secondary school, and the 1,000 pupil maximum is a feature which is considered educationally sound. I do hope that the re-building work will be commenced with all possible speed and that the fire-ravaged structure will be restored in a manner which is acceptable to the School, the Club and the citizens of Aberdeen.

It was with great reluctance that I surrendered the reins of office as President to my successor, Mor Brown, at the AGM held in the Club Centre on 28 March 1988, but I take great comfort in the knowledge that the Club will be in very good presidential hands. Mor Brown is a dedicated FP whose commitment to FP Club affairs during his quite unique eight year presidency of our Edinburgh Centre has been second to none. I wish Mor all success and satisfaction during his presidential year. I understand that it is his intention to be in attendance, but only as an observer, at meetings of the Club Executive Committee and I welcome this development—although I have no doubt that the Chairman of the Executive Committee will have some difficulty in convincing the President to be merely an observer! I do, however, believe that every President of the Club should at least be kept fully informed of matters being discussed and decisions being taken by the Executive Committee, and ideally means should be found for allowing him to express his views and to influence Executive Committee decisions in his position as 'leader' of FPs during his Presidential year.

PROFESSOR PHILIP N. LOVE (1952- 58)

Annual Dinner The 1987 Annual Dinner was held in the New Marcliffe Hotel on Friday 30 October, and was attended by 148 FPs and guests. Though numbers attending were less than in the previous years (when an exceptionally gratifying increase had been recorded), the 1987 Dinner must be judged to be among the most successful of at least the past twenty years, in particular because of its warmth, its wit, and its discreet but firm management.

The Dinner's warmth was most distinctively demonstrated in the company's response to the messages of two Rectors. Firstly, all present cordially applauded a letter read by the President from John V. Skinner, the last Rector but one, who, in apologising for his absence, also sent his greetings to Mr Johnston, the new Rector, and wished all present an enjoyable evening. General satisfaction was expressed on all sides at the news of Mr

Annual Dinner 1987

39

Skinner's successful convalescence after the illness which had prevented his proposing the principal toast at the 1986 Dinner, and all wished him well in his continuing recovery and expressed their gratitude for his message of goodwill.

Secondly, the company bestowed a warm welcome and an attentive ear on Mr William Johnston, the new Rector, who, in replying to the principal toast on behalf of the School. was addressing the Dinner for the first time.

Mr Johnston acknowledged with gratitude the warmth of the welcome he had been given in Aberdeen from colleagues in both the public and private sectors. He wished to assure FPs, however, that he had been in the job long enough to establish that there was a difference between Aberdeen Grammar School and Robert Gordon's College!

He expected that FPs would wish to know what was new in their School and what remained the same. As for what was new,—he was. His approach to education was (deceptively) simple: it was to employ all available resources (including new technology) to maximise the educational opportunities for all the School's pupils.

His rectorship had not begun in the most favourable of circumstances in the School's history, but already there were propitious indications of a bright future, and in the longer term relationships would certainly continue to improve. Those FPs with children at the School would be aware of changes in the school day designed to make room for staff training; SCOTVEC modules had been introduced in S5 and S6; there had been an increase in resource-based activities, and, most welcome of all (and warmly applauded by the company) extra-curricular activities were making a determined comeback.

Though it might not be discernible to the passer-by on Skene Street, rebuilding was progressing. in the sense that a building (which took account of accommodation provision currently available in the Rosemount annexe) already existed on paper, and a target completion date of August 1989 had been agreed upon.

The School remained the same. however, to the extent that it continued to record good examination results, that its pupils continued to be pleasant. well-adjusted young people, and that it continued to surround itself with an atmosphere. nebulous perhaps, but inextricably linked to a sense of history through its buildings, its traditions and the affection and concern of its former pupils.

Mr Johnston closed his speech by inviting FPs to maintain their support for the School, the well-being of which was promoted in a way that was not easily defined by FPs' concern.

The wit of the Dinner, though liberally sprinkled through the discourses of all the speakers, achieved its zenith of picquancy in the principal toast proposed by the Hon Lord Prosser. Lord Prosser was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1974 and thereafter was leader of the Scottish Bar until 1986, when he was appointed a supreme court judge. In that capacity (he said by way of introduction), he was accustomed to addressing thieves, charlatans, cheats, rogues. liars. embezzlers and drunkards—as well as their clients! He continued in similar vein (with a delivery which would be the envy of many a successful professional comedian) to the company's immense amusement and to the great detriment of the accuracy of this scribe's note-taking. The one serious thought which Lord Prosser did express (and even that in a self-deprecatingly humorous manner) was that the 'ethos' of a good Scottish school was that it did not have one. If such an ethos had to be identified, it was an atmosphere in which the flourishing of intellectual endeavour was not inconsistent with common sense and practicality. The Grammar School, he believed, was favourably placed to foster such an atmosphere, both now and throughout its long history.

The management of the Dinner, of course, rested with the President, Phil Love, and although he also contributed more than his fair share of warmth and wit, it was the natural grace with which he controlled the proceedings that most distinguished his performance as President as one of the very best at an FP Dinner. The reason for the accomplished ease of his chairmanship is not far to seek. FP Presidents are elected most typically either on account of their general distinction, or because of their signal service to the Club and the School. Phil satisfies not one, but both of these criteria with an abundance to spare. He possesses. therefore, not only the self-assured confidence among his peers to sustain him in the face of the most critical audience, but also the strongest and most comprehensive grasp of School and Club affairs to inform his utterances with relevance and common sense.

He expressed the Club's pleasure at the decision to rebuild the School before turning to a report of the Club's activities.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

In rugby, the most important development was the Section's undertaking responsibility for the Colts (School) rugby team. These young players would form the basis of the Club's rugby teams of the future and he urged all former players to support them to the best of their ability. He also drew attention to the unique honour for the Club in the succession of Bill Connon to Doug Smith's vacant presidential chair at the SRU. It had been a remarkably successful year for the Cricket Section. The 1st XI had won the Strathmore Union for only the third time in its history and the 2nd Xl (despite its best efforts) had gained promotion to Grade 1 of the local Grades.

The Hockey 1st Xl, however, had been relegated to Division 2 of the National Leagues. but "a young squad including Jim Lyon and John Drummond(!)" were determined to gain promotion, and results so far were very encouraging.

The Women's Hockey Section continued enthusiastically to establish itself. The Club wished the Section every success and would continue to offer whatever support it could.

It was a matter of particular pleasure, that the ladies, in selecting their playing strip, had chosen the traditional green and magenta of the Club, which they wore with pride.

The Women's Hockey Section, however, was now only the third newest Club Section.

Firstly, a Petanque Section (based at the Club Centre) had been formed and had already established threeputer. (Here it has to be recorded, that the President made the obvious and not wholly inappropriate pun). Secondly, a Soccer Section. which had already been formed in the sense that an established team consisting very largely of FPs had been in existence for some time, had recently sought and been granted recognition as a Section of the Club. This was a most welcome development, which the Executive Committee had been delighted to approve.

The Centres of the Club, of course, continued to thrive.

Stuart Watson proposed the toast to the guests with the levity that such a duty traditionally demands. He made his own significant contribution to the wit of the Dinner, and though his warmth was more evident in back-handed compliments, it was none the less sincere. He maintained the very high standard set in recent years by the younger generation of FPs who have proposed this toast, and, as a former Head Boy, it was appropriate the he should draw attention, as he did, to the welcome presence of the current Head Boy and Head Girl as guests of the Club.

The reply on behalf of the guests was also performed extremely wittily and with similarly disguised warmth by Mr George Allan. Headmaster of Robert Gordon's College. It would be idle (as with Lord Prosser's speech) to attempt to reproduce in print the humour of Mr Allan's remarks, but it may give a flavour of his theme to record, that (as also in Lord Prosser's speech) it relied heavily on disparaging references to the President's sportsmanship and on the affinity of sharks and the legal profession.

Keith Campbell, the Vice-President of the Club competently proposed a vote of thanks to the President, to which Phil was gracious enough to respond by thanking the Club officials who supported him in his presidential year.

There followed 'Auld Lang Syne' and thereafter much warmth, some wit, but very little management was displayed by the joyful groups that greeted each other in conviviality until the early hours.

The following FPs were present at the 1987 Annual Dinner: B. S. Allan (1953-58), D. N. Annand (1938-51), N.J. Bain (1974-80), G. E. C. Barton (1923-26), M. A. Batchelor (1959-65), Miss F. Bennett (Head Girl), Dr.). A. F. Birss (1951, 1955-62), J. Blacklaws (1979-84), A. G. Campbell (1959-65), A. K. Campbell (1943-53), D.Campbell (1979-83),J. R. Carry (1918-30), Miss L. S. Carson (1981-85), J. M. Clark (1947-59). Miss C. Cormack (1978-83), T. G. Coutts (1938-49. 50-51), J. W. Cradock (1940-46), R. H. Cradock (1940-41, 45-51), B. K. Crookshanks (1934-46). G. Crookshanks (1979-85), I. Davidson (1980-85), J. P. Drummond (1947-58), Miss S. Drummond (1981-87), Miss K. B. Foote (1978-84), Miss F. Forrest (1978-83), Dr. D. G. Fowlie (1950-64). Dr. Lesley S. Fraser (1974-80). A. Garrow (Staff), Dr. R. W. Grant (1948-61). R. Gray (1951-65). Miss P. Gunn (1979-85), H. A. S. Hamilton (1943-56), D. A. Harley (1974-80).J. F. Hendry (1951-65). A. Howie (1977-83), Miss C. Howie (1975-81), Dr. J. R. S. Innes (1923-35), W. J. Johnston (Rector), K. G. Jones (1957-66), A. Kennaway (1950-62), D. King (1978-84), A. J. Kinghorn (1974-79). Prof. P. N. Love (1952-58). J. C. Lyon (1953-59), Dr. D.

Our President

41

MacAllister (1961-74), A. McCombie (Staff). I. R. McDonald (1940-52), Miss S. Macdonald (1980-86), R. Mackie (1970), A. M. McLaren (1926-39), R. McLeod (Staff), Mrs. S. Marshall (1979-82). G. C. Massie (1926-38), W. May (Staff), J. A. Milne (1938-50), P. Milne (1959-72), W. D. Mitchell (1946-61), J. D. Moir (1969-75), H. E. Morison (1951-65), Miss M. J. Moser (1975-80).J. D. Murray (1961-74), Miss S. J. Mutch (1974-79), R. Nugent (Staff). M. J. Ord (1957-63). I. M. S. Park (1942-55), R. Philips (1958-71), T. Philpott (1980-86), Miss F. Pont (1978-83). Miss K. Pont (1980-86), Miss J. Robb (1980-86), Miss T. Robb (1981-87), T. Rolfe (1980-86), G. Ross (1958-71), R. C. Shirreffs (1951-65). Miss S. Simon (1980-86), C. Smith (1978-83). I. L. Smith (1918-30). Miss K. Smith (1978 -85). R. Smith (1978-83). Miss S. E. Smith (1974-80), I. Stephen (Staff), D. Stewart (Head Boy), Dr. G. V. Stone (1957-63), G. Strachan (1968-74), Miss A. E. Taylor (1974-80), I. Wallace (1978-83), D. Wallis (1979-85), Miss H. Wallis (1981-87), D. M. Watson (1979-85), M. F. Watson (1943-56). M. S. Watson (1979-83), A. C. R. Watt (1925-37). G. F. Webster (1949-62), Miss J. Wilson (1980-86), M. Wolkoff (1947-59). D. K. Yule (1951-65), D. N. Yule (1960-66).

Our President

W. Morrison Brown (1933-46) William Morrison Brown—Mor for short—brings to his office as President of the Club the enviable quality of incandescent enthusiasm for everything he does. Nihil tetigit quod non ornavit was once said of a poet—was it Goldsmith?—"He touched nothing which he did not adorn." So it has been with Mor in pursuit of his three main interests in life: Scouting, Rugby and the Grammar School.

As a member of the 38th Troop—now alas no more—it was predictable that he would attain the highest of qualifications and of course he became that most exalted of species, a King's Scout. His education was unsullied by any contact with other scholastic establishments—all AGS from start to finish 1933-46. He was Captain of Byron, was capped in the 1st XV in the golden age when the School had a rugger team, and FPs boasted such international giants as Donny Innes, Doug Smith and Daily Allardyce. Mor, unique in many senses, set a precedent which surely has never been matched by playing for FPs while still a schoolboy!

Even service in the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders from 1946 to 1953 didn't quench his zest for putting first things first. He played for Scottish

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Command and took his rugby skills as far from home as Malaya. In between times he was to be found in diverse representative teams—FPs, London Scottish, North and Midlands and many more.

And when his playing days were over, it was characteristic of Mor that he should take up refereeing to set standards for those coming after him and instil in them his own love of the game.

But it is his devotion to the School and its affairs more particularly in the last decade or so that most distinguished him. The Edinburgh Centre elected him its President in 1980 and continued to do so until 1988. Indeed he might have held the office in perpetuity had not the parent club intervened and made it clear that it could not allow him to be Edinburgh's monopoly and crowned his career as a Grammarian by choosing him for its highest distinction. To this office he brings a fresh and lively personality. Conversation with Mor—and he is the most approachable of men—immediately lets loose a flood-tide of geniality and laughter which nonetheless does not conceal the shrewd mind which lies behind the light-hearted banter.

He offers his own distinctive and personal style to FP Dinners. In the Chair he conducts the proceedings with a lively and infectious spontaneity which old hands at the game know very well doesn't happen by accident. The Club with unerring instinct has chosen as its President a gifted Grammarian with qualities of heart and mind which are the fine flower of a dedicated son of the School.

A .C.F. (1925-30)

FP Club Membership Subscription Rates Life Membership Ordinary Annual Membership Junior Annual Membership (under 22 years of age on 1 January) School Leavers Membership (The subscription covers the balance of the year the member leaves school and the two succeeding years)

£75 £6 £4 £4

Subscriptions are payable to the Treasurer, Colin C. Allan, 63 Gray Street, Aberdeen AB1 6JD.

Centre Reports Club Centre 1987 proved to be another busy year at 86 Queen's Road but the Annual Accounts show an overall loss for the year which is giving the Management Committee cause for concern. The Committee is currently actively considering how the trend can be reversed. The Management Committee is fully aware that greater use of the facilities and encouragement of new members and to outside bodies to use the premises for meetings and functions are just some ways in which more business can be generated. 1987 did see certain expenditure of a non-recurring nature which perhaps made the position appear rather worse that it is in real terms.

As the Chairman reported at the AGM, members were shocked and saddened by the untimely death of Bill Mackie who had been a loyal and faithful Club Steward for some seventeen years. The gathering of so many people, both at the service and in the Club Centre afterwards on that day in December, was fitting tribute to a man who had rendered quite excellent service to the Club for so long. To the Mackie family we record sincere thanks for Bill's contribution to the FP Club and sincere sympathy in his loss.

1987 saw the introduction of bar music in the lounge bar in the evenings as well as limited Saturday evening catering. It is expected that this will be developed during 1988 and already the functions' diary is filling up with a variety of different events. It is hoped, during the year, to introduce on a regular basis, a Sunday lunchtime attraction and members are encouraged to visit 86 Queen's Road for information about this and other Club matters.

Our new Club Steward, George McKenzie was appointed and took up his duties on 28 March. To George we extend a very warm welcome, and at the time of writing we are pleased to report that he has settled in well in his new position.

New members are always welcome, and membership forms can be obtained from the Centre Secretary, John A. MacRae, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen.

Mr. MacRae can be contacted during business hours at 26 Carden Place, Aberdeen (0224) 639037.

Edinburgh The Centre held its Annual Dinner on Friday 4 March 1988 in the Carlton Highland Hotel, Edinburgh, when President W. Morrison Brown welcomed a good attendance of 80 members and guests. The principal guest was the well known FP, Eric Craig—other guests were Professor Philip N. Love, President of the Parent Club, William J. Johnston, the Rector, Martin Hunter, representing Edinburgh Gordonians and Johnny Alexander, Ian Duguid and Andrew McLaren, respective Presidents of the Yorkshire, London and Glasgow Centres. As usual, the Annual General Meeting of the Centre was held during the Dinner—David L. Cowie and Ronald G. C. Smith were elected as the new President and Vice-President, Nigel G. M. Watt was re-elected as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer and the new Committee members are David G. Kilgour and A. Hunter Cairns.

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Eric Craig proposed the principal toast of 'The School and the Club' in most humorous fashion and excellent replies were made by the Rector and the Parent Club President. The toast of 'The Guests' was proposed by Miss Marie J. Moser and Andrew McLaren replied.

After eight years in office, President 'Mor' has decided to step down.

During his presidency, 'Mor' has not only chaired the Annual Dinner in his own unique style, but has also attended all or very nearly all of the other FP Dinners—the Parent Club and its various Centres as the Centre's representative. His enthusiasm knows no bounds. At the end of the evening, 'Mor' was presented with a suitably inscribed silver quaich by the new President, David Cowie. In response 'Mor' for the first time in his life was almost lost for words, but he did manage to thank the Centre.

The Annual Golf Match with the Glasgow Centre was held at Bruntsfield and resulted in a very narrow victory for the Centre, 2 1/2 -11/2 . Glasgow are geting better, but are not yet miles better! The Annual Golf Outing was again held at Bruntsfield in August and the trophy was won by new Vice-President, Ronnie Smith, with a stableford score of 19 points—the Outing had to be curtailed to ten holes due to the dreadful condition of the golf course. An excellent high tea was taken in the club house afterwards.

Next year's Dinner will be held in the Carlton Highland Hotel on Friday 20 January 1989, the eve of the Scotland v. Wales Rugby International at Murrayfield.

Any reader who has recently come to the Edinburgh area and has not received any communication from the Secretary is invited to contact him at 11 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh, on 031 229 8851.

The following FPs attended the Annual Dinner: W. A. Alexander (1931-43), A. M. Beattie (1945-57), E. R. Birkett (1920-22), F. C. B. Black (1914-17), Dr. N. M. Borthwick (1952-65), W. M. Brown (1933-46), A. H. Cairns (1943-56). A. K. Campbell (1944-53). T. G. Coutts (1938-51), D. L. Cowie (1942-44), R. H. Cradock (1940-41, 44-51), E. Craig (1934-46), B. K. Crookshanks (1934-46). G. K. Crookshanks (1980-85), I. M. Duguid (1938-43). D. J. Fcttes (1953-59), Miss K. Foote (1978-84), J. E. Fraser (1936-49), D. N. Gcorgeson (1929-40). H. A. S. Hamilton (1943-56). D. R. Harper (1944-58), J. F. Hendry (1951-65).1. Hopkin (1962-68). R. B. M. Howie (1972-78). L. G. Johnston (1932-45), W. J. Johnston (Rector). Rev. Dr. J. F. Kirk (1937-47). Prof. P. N. Love (1952-58), A. R. Lyall. D. McAllister (1961-74), Dr. J. A. McGregor (1935-44). Dr. A. N. McIntosh (1932-45). A. M. McLaren (1926-39), R. S. Macpherson (1946-52), Miss M. MacraeGibson (1977-82), K. 1. Mason (1959-72), J. M. Milne (1934-46), A. J. K. Monro (1933-38, 40-46), H. E. Morrison (1951-65), Miss M. J. Moser (1976-80), Dr. A. E. Philip (1943-56), J. M. Rae (1963-71), J. B. Rennie (1947-53). R. S. Rilley (1947-55). Miss A. M. Ruxton (1977-82), Rev. G. B. C. Sangster (1928-37), R. G. C. Smith (1926-37), Miss S. E. Smith (1974-80), W. A. Steele (1945-51), D.J. Stephen (1946-52), I. B. Stephen (1948-57), Miss A. E. Taylor (1974-80), Miss P. S. Traylor (1978-84), D. M. Watson (1979-85). M. F. Watson (1943-56), A. C. R. Watt (1925-37), N. G. M. Watt (1963-69). A. G. Williams (1964-77).

London In addition to the Annual Dinner, the London Centre AGM has also become an important social event for members. Attendance has increased over recent years and a lively Dinner is held afterwards in the Caledonian Club in Halkin Street, London SW 1. The news that the Centre intends to subsidise the cost of wine this year can only enhance its popularity.

At the AGM on 18 May 1987, lan Duguid, Iain Reid and Roddy Anderson were unanimously re-elected as President, Secretary and Treasurer respectively for the forthcoming year. The pedigree of the Executive Committee was

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45

enhanced by the election of two past Presidents of the Parent Club, in Andrew Noble and Doug Georgeson, together with Ian Glendinning.

The President and other representatives of the London Centre have been particularly active in the past twelve months in attending the Annual Dinners of other Scottish schools, including Glasgow High School, Heriots, Stewart Melville and Gordonians, as well as the other School Centres. This type of outside contact appears to be on the increase and is to be welcomed.

The visit by two sixth formers from the School was organised this year by Sandy Nicol in succession to Ian Carry, whose previous work since the inception of these visits was very much appreciated. Kay Beveridge and Gordon Milne visited London in the week of 15-19 June and a full and varied programme was again arranged. The Centre plans to repeat the visit again this year, when two of the candidates for the All Round Trophy will visit London.

The Annual Dinner in 1988 is to be held on 11 November and all FPs will be welcome. Last year's Dinner was held on Friday 13 November at the Caledonian Club and was attended by over sixty members and guests. The sense of style and atmosphere created by the Club's surroundings was complemented by the convivial and informal tone of the proceedings. We were absolutely delighted that the new Rector, Mr Johnston was able to attend our Dinner and we enjoyed hearing from both himself and Philip Love as Club President. The principal speaker was the Reverend Kenneth Hughes, who is Minister to the Crown Court Church of Scotland in Covent Garden, and his most entertaining speech was much enjoyed by all those present.

Glasgow The high hopes of the golf team of a result better than a whitewash by Edinburgh were realised by the writer and his partner, but sadly overall the rest of the team did not reach the high standard expected and Edinburgh were again the winners.

The joint function with Gordonians and the High School was a most successful buffet lunch at the Greenkettle, Whistlefield with over forty in attendance.

The 1987 Dinner was held in The Royal Scottish Automobile Club with the principal speaker being Jack Webster. Replies were given by the Rector William J. Johnston and, from the Club, Professor Philip N. Love.

The Dinner for 1988 will be held on Friday 4 November at a venue to be announced.

Members of the Glasgow Centre attending the 1987 Dinner were: Garry Allan, lain Allan, Peter Cairns, A. I. Cheyne, Basil Emslic, lain Ferguson, Mike Gauld, Bill Gow, A. Grant, John L. Harper, Graham Morrice, Andrew McLaren, Alexander Mcllwain, Canon Grbb Pennie. Colin Sutherland, W. G. Uren.

Yorkshire There was a splendid attendance of twenty at the Annual Dinner held in the Dower House Hotel, Knaresborough, on Friday 2 October 1987. Historically the Dinner must have been quite unique in that five current presidents were in attendance in addition to our new Rector, whose presence was greatly appreciated. The presidents were Philip Love (Parent Club), John Alexander (Yorkshire Centre), Morrison Brown (Edinburgh Centre), Andrew McLaren (Glasgow Centre) and lain Duguid (London Centre). Additional and most welcome guests were Vice-President and Chairman of Executive A. Keith Campbell and Ian T.Stephen, former Mathematics Master at the School. In

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such illustrious company, how could the Dinner fail to be the outstanding success it was! Our enjoyment, of course, was also attributable in no small measure to the organising abilities of our Secretary, David R. Cormack (1963-67), who sadly had to demit office after one year's tenure, as his employers have seen fit to promote him to some little known outpost of the empire called Worcester! The good news, however, is that although now an exile', he will continue to attend the Centre's Annual Dinner.

John Alexander extended a warm welcome to all presidents, guests and members, and Philip Love in his (at times most witty) reply brought the Centre up to date with the Club and sporting activities connected therewith.

The Centre was delighted to learn from the Rector, of the sensible decision to rebuild that part of the School destroyed by the fire. The traditional Birse Tea' (liberally laced) was served at the close of a most enjoyable function.

David Cormack's successor is William Scott Gilchrist (1929-36), 18 Clifford Moor Road, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 6PG telephone 0937 845440.

Any expatriates not already listed, or any FPs intending to 'emigrate' to Yorkshire are cordially urged to get in touch. Entertainments Secretary W. A. Johnston (1940-44) gave the outlines of a proposed luncheon in May 1988, and detailed information will be made available to members in the New Year.

Next year's Dinner will be held at the same venue on Friday 30 September, nearly forty years since the inaugural Dinner held at the Great Northern Hotel, Leeds, in December 1948.

Others present were: Richard Cradock, Douglas N. Georgeson (1929-40), R. G. Johnston, Alastair Miller (1942-55). A. Wilson McIntosh (1932-45), Ian N. Reid (1954-63, 1965-67), Norman Stronach, Gordon Thom and Norman R. Wishart (1927-40).

• Will anyone knowing the origin of the term 'Birse Tea' please get in touch with the Secretary.

Section Reports Cricket Strathmore Union XI The 1st XI enjoyed a momentous season in 1987, winning the Strathmore Union championship for only the second time since 1948.

A number of memorable games took place during the season. The team's most crucial victory was at Arbroath, where Jerry Moir produced outstanding figures of 8 wickets for 25 runs in 24 overs. Another critical match was against Dundee High School FPs, with John Dixon's unbeaten innings steering Grammar to victory. The grand finale of the season was the win at Mannofield which sealed the championship, and which ended with a largish six from Dallas Moir.

There were some excellent individual performances, particularly among the bowlers. Dallas Moir recorded figures of 34 wickets at less than 7 apiece, while twin brother Jerry had the highest aggregate of wickets (50 at an average of 8.4). Richard Ferro was the most successful supporting bowler with 13 wickets (average 8.3).

If the team's strength lay in its bowling, the batting had depth and consistency. Skipper John Eagles aggregated over 500 runs, including 99 against Brechin at Rubislaw. John Not Out' Dixon averaged 38 and Dallas Moir averaged 37. Jerry Moir, Don Hitchen, Richard Ferro and Alan Redhead also made useful contributions with the bat.

The 1st XI looks ahead to the new season with confidence, hoping to capitalise on the successes of the past year. John Eagles leads the side again, with Peter Redhead as his vice-captain.

Grade and Reserve Grade Xls. 1987 proved to be a season of mixed fortunes for the 2nd and 3rd Xls, with the former winning promotion to Grade I and the latter ending the summer in the lower regions of Reserve Grade II. The Grade XI finished second in its league, playing 18 games, of which 9 were won, 5 drawn and 4 lost. Much of the team's success was due to the talents of captain Ian Souter, whose shrewd tactics and all-round playing abilities proved crucial in several matches.

Alastair Soppitt and lain Hopkins shone with the bat, while spin bowler Brian Proctor, injured midway through the season, had already taken 25 wickets. Several other bowlers made their mark. Youngster Peter Fleming notched up ten victims, as did Mike Hart, while vice-captain Derek Harley chipped in with six wickets.

The Reserve Grade side's shortage of players was reflected in their rather disappointing record of played 8, won 1 and lost 7.

After an early cup exit at the hands of Banchory, FPs bounced back with a convincing victory against Kintore in the League. The team's bowling attack was spearheaded by Niall McDonald (11 wickets) and Peter Fleming (13 wickets), before they were called to serve in higher spheres. Peter Fleming topped the batting averages, with two creditable innings of 37 and 49.

For the new season it is hoped that greater player availability and more commitment on and off the field will enable the side to mount a serious challenge on the league title.

Golf The Section had a successful season last year with outings at Braemar (twice), Ballater, Huntly, Turriff and Brechin, all of which were blessed with good weather and consequently good scoring throughout the year. There is a strong nucleus of regular attenders and numbers average twenty-five. For the second year running we had a hole in one at the October Outing at Braemar, when associate member, John Paterson, holed his tee shot at the third hole.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

For the first time in many years, we won both annual matches against Gordonians. The Challenge Trophy was won at Huntly in April. Dick Cradock and Harry Kinghorn were narrowly beaten in the top match but the other three games were all won convincingly, the winning partnerships being Tom Davidson/Jerry Moir, Jim Lyon/George Thomson and Cohn Allan/Doug Mitchell. The HAR Trophy was won at Braemar in October and our team of Peter Robertson (net 59), Jerry Moir (61) and Gordon Hatrick (63) won by 17 shots (probably a record).

The Section was invited to participate in the bicentenary celebrations of Glasgow Golf Club in July. The competition was confined to over fifties (age, not waistline) and George Thomson, John Cradock, Colin Allan, Eric Craig, Ronnie MacKinnon and John Grant represented the Section.

We played in the Queen Elizabeth Coronation Schools Tournament at Barnton in September and our team of Dick Cradock /Harry Kinghorn, Peter Robertson/Ronnie MacKinnon and Colin Allan/Doug Mitchell lost in the second round to Allan Glens in an exciting match at the nineteenth hole.

Six outings have been arranged for 1988. John Drummond is Captain, George Thomson is Vice-Captain and Peter Robertson continues as Secretary.

Curling Following the problems of last season concerning the future of the Curling rink and the possible loss of members of the Section, we have played this season with a reduced number of rinks. Nevertheless, we have had roughly the same number of games for each curler and have been able to enter a reasonable number of competitions with varying degrees of success.

The spring and autumn leagues were won respectively by the Fraser Webster and Doug Mitchell teams and the play off was won by Fraser's rink. Roy Nudd capably skipped Doug Mitchell's rink to success in the knock out competition.

Last season we were able to arrange some ice for the School, and this year, through the good offices of the curling rink and BP, the School had ten sessions with tuition for a larger number of boys and girls. We now have a definite input of junior curlers. which, we hope, will transfuse the Section with new young blood on an annual basis.

Gordonians failed to lose this year in the annual match.

The Dinner was its usual well-attended social success, and appeared to be enjoyed by all the participants.

We look forward to good curling and fellowship in the future.

Hockey On the whole the past season was a successful one. Weather conditions for the most part were good and for a change there was no backlog of matches.

The 1st XI under the captaincy of Neil McLean started the season by winning the Forbes Trophy, beating Gordonians in the final 4-1, a splendid achievement. They made a good start in the league and by midway held second position. Although they also had a good run in the final stages, they just failed to gain promotion to Division I of the National Leagues.

The 2nd XI under the captaincy of Murray Carnie, and with the aid of several experienced players in their side, won the District League Division I title. This is the first time since 1984 that Grammar has claimed the domestic title, and everyone who has played for the 2nd XI this season is to be congratulated. The 3rd XI, although disappointed in the league, more than made up for it in the Cup, by reaching the semi-final.

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The 4th XI had their most successful season in Division 2 and achieved their highest placing.

Grammarians too, put up a good show by winning the Division 2 title on goal difference. This success ►s at least partly attributable to a strong pool of players, which included several new faces!

A very encouraging sign was the unofficial formation of a Colts team, for which our thanks arc due to Murray Carnie and Malcolm Ewen, the coaches of these young players. Next season a Grammar FP Colts team will be entered for Division 3 under the supervision of Murray Bisset.

As for the indoor game, the 1st XI under Ronnie Smith had an excellent season, winning promotion to Division 2 and reaching the last sixteen in the Cup, only to go down by 3-6 to the holders, Plexus.

Our congratulations go to Chris Howie for winnng 1st X1 colours and for his election for the Scottish Under-21 side, to Ron Fraser for winning Club colours, and to Paul Gogolinski, who won the Graham Fraser Trophy.

Unfortunately, L & C Estates have had to withdraw their sponsorship of the Section, but we willingly record our gratitude, to Ted Gibbon in particular, for the generous support we have received over the past seven years. Most regrettably, L & C Estates have withdrawn at a time when overheads have risen at a rate never experienced before, much of which is due to greatly increased levies by the North District, and the extraordinarily heavy demands imposed on us by the SHA. With the prospect of the artificial surface at Rubislaw much nearer, our fund-raising act►v►ties have been stepped up. The events included a barbecue, a grand raffle, three theatre nights and a disco. However, we still have a long way to go, and any person or organisation willing to help in any way to raise the £25,000 required for the artificial pitch, should contact David Leighton, whose tireless efforts are much applauded by the Section.

Next season a new management structure has been set up to help select the 1st XI. Following the successful example of some National League teams in the south, there will be a manager (Ben Johnston), captain (Neil McLean) and trainer (Murray Carnie). We wish our new committee every success.

As always the Section is indebted to its officials, team captains and all those prepared to help bring about a healthy, vibrant and progressive Club.

Petanque After several years of playing on 'RRC's Patch' under 'RRC's Rules', Petanque went legitimate in 1987. Affiliation to the Scottish Petanque Association was followed by acceptance as a full Sporting Section of the FP Club.

The daunting task of building our own playing area (Terrain) was achieved in a few short weeks and the hard work of members produced a top class Terrain providing either two International or three Scottish Grand Prix pistes.

The off►cial opening of the pistes took place at a barbecue on 28 June with Foveran Petanque Club as our guests.

The subsequent Pairs Competition was won by our own Eric Wilson partnered by Jim Moroney of Foveran. However the 'star' of the day was our tame Gordonian tight-head prop who left the Foveran players stunned by his unique panache.

Several of our forty members ventured out into the Scottish Circuit and the team of Lawrence Anderson, Dermot Keith and David Thomson took back from Stonehaven a runners-up trophy.

A highly successful Open Tournament was held during the first week of September. The complet►on of the competition was greatly assisted by the

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

installation of a floodlight system. The winners were: Singles, Ron Comber; Pairs, Gary Anderson and Gordon Hatrick; Triples, Jim McLaren. Eric Wilson and Derek McKay. With the Club being represented on the Scottish Circuit by at least one team we look forward to a successful, and most importantly, an enjoyable season.

The Committee for 1988 is: Derek McKay, Jim McLaren. Ron Comber.

Peter Henderson. Al Ritchie, David Thomson.

The officials for 1988 are Derek McKay Captain, Jim McLaren Secretary/Treasurer, Ron Comber Piste Convener.

Rugby

Gallia est omnis divisa in pastes trey. The opening words of Julius Caesar's De Bello Gallico recollected by the writer from Classical IV many years ago make a strange opening to a report on the FP Rugby Section. Like Gaul. however, the season 1987-88 has been divided into three parts.

Part one was from the start of the season until the middle of October. Good form was shown by the 1st XV in its opening friendlies and in the first league game. The junior sides were recording reasonable results and the newlyformed Colts team was winning at both under-I8 and under-16 level. Things looked promising.

Part two ran from the middle of October until 15.00 hours on 27 February.

The first team (although achieving wins in friendly matches) lost eight league matches in a row. The 3rd XV, reigning champions of Division I of the District League. were relegated to Division 2. The under-I8 Colts, when appearing well set to win the North District under-18 League and qualify for the national knock-out stages managed to snatch defeat out of victory in their vital game against Highland.

Part three began at 15.00 hours on 27 February. Suddenly the 1st XV found form and soundly defeated Haddington 27-3 at Rubislaw. The following Saturday, in what is termed a four-pointer at the North Inch at Perth—a common graveyard of FP hopes—a magnificent victory was achieved and a subsequent win over Highland avoided relegation to the fourth division to the delight of a large band of travelling support. Thereafter, in the end of season Wiggins Teape River Series Cup, Gordonians and Howe of Fife were soundly defeated, before Boroughmuir, the cup holders and a strongly placed first division side, ended FPs' cup run in an entertaining quarter-final at Rubislaw, from which the home side took much credit. In addition, sevens tournaments were won at Inverness and Banff.

It is difficult to explain the ups and downs of the season, though it must be said that failure to kick comparatively easy goals was a contributory factor to the poor mid-season results.

The Colts teams under the able direction of Keith Scott did very well apart from the game against Highland mentioned above. At the start of the season it was intended to field only an under-18 team, but it was found possible also to field an under-16 team. The great majority of the Colts are Grammar boys, although the under-18 team includes a few from elsewhere. The running of these two teams is very time consuming and former players are urged to volunteer their services to help by travelling with the teams. Nobody involved with the Colts need fear that his time will be mis-spent—this enterprise (so far successful) is of major importance both for the game of rugby and for the maintenance of liaison between the School and the Club.

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Before concluding this report of the Section, it is no more than fitting, that tribute be paid to Ian McLeod, the Section's President. for an unprecedented span of four years. He has done a wonderful job, and throughout the Section's fluctuating fortunes his interest and enthusiasm have continued undiminished.

Provided that suitable stock is available, the sixteenth "Kyle in Style" excursion will take place on 20 August. The funds raised by this "traditional" but ever-enjoyable outing are essential to defray the increasingly onerous expenses of running the Section, and the trip is commended to all as a first class day's entertainment.

The 1987-88 team records were as follows: 1st XV 2nd XV 3rd XV Colts under-18 Colts under-16

P 31 19 11 18 13

W 17 12 5 14 6

L 14 7 6 4 7

D 0 0 0 0 0

Swimming The swimming sessions on Tuesdays during term-time continue to be popular with a wide range of members, who use the facilities in three sessions: families from 6 pm until 7.30 pm, sports orientated and 'serious' swimmers from 7.30 pm until 8.30 pm, and a 'free' session from 8.30 pm until 9.15 pm.

Members are to be congratulated on their conformity with this timetable, which results in the maximum utilisation of the facilities.

The Section was disappointed that the pool had to be closed for repair for some time during the session, and that, despite strenuous claims to the Regional Council, no abatement of rent was conceded for the period when the Section was prevented from using the pool. Nevertheless, the annual subscription remains at a modest f16, and it is hoped that it can be contained at this level for session 1988-89 also.

Two rules deserve emphatic repetition in members' own interests: firstly, non-swimmers and children must be supervised at all times, and no children will be admitted to the pool without adult supervision; secondly, no valuables should be left unattended in the dressing rooms.

The Section now boasts a good mix of male and female members, but applications from new members will still be welcomed by Roger Houghton (Secretary) or Norman Mair (Treasurer) at any meeting of the Section on Tuesday evenings at the School pool.

Women's Hockey The Women's Hockey Section has completed a busy and successful first season of competitive play in Division 2 of the SWHA North District League.

In addition we have been involved in the North District 11- and 7-a-side tournaments, friendly matches with teams outwith our division or outwith the league and the annual fixture with the School 1st XI. The results in general have exceeded our initial expectations and will give us a final placing in the middle of our division. Several Section members attended District trials from which Allison Stroud and Nina Wanendeya were selected for the North 2nd XI. Four members are being presented for 'C' Grade umpire examination later this year.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

During the months of October 1987 until March 1988 the Section leased a school games hall, which allowed our activities to continue despite adverse weather and also enabled us to play friendly indoor fixtures in the outdoor closed season. We plan to repeat these arrangements for the coming winter.

In May the Section is participating in the 'Hockey Across Scotland' marathon of over 36 hours of hockey, in order to promote the sport and raise funds for the Scottish Hockey Associations and for charity. The Section itself is undertaking other fund raising ventures, such as the Family Fayre so as to meet the costs of an indoor training facility and with the aim of purchasing basic requirements, such as goal-keeping equipment.

The present membership consists of a core of stalwarts—who comprise the regular team—plus several more who attend when other commitments permit.

We are very pleased to have some schoolgirls within the Section pursuing their hockey at senior level. Nevertheless, the Section still needs more members and any person interested in becoming involved would be made most welcome.

(Please contact F. Lawson Sports or the Section Secretary, Lesley Carson).

The Section wishes to express its thanks to several umpires who have given their time and skills during the season, as well as to the many others within the FP Club and beyond whose assistance and interest has provided much appreciated encouragement. In particular we thank most sincerely Mr F. Lawson, to whom we are all indebted for advice, coaching and constant support.

The Section members all look forward to the forthcoming year secure in the . confidence of this past successful season and in anticipation of continued progress and enjoyment.

FP Hockey Veterans Veterans hockey permits the continued involvement of players of mature years in the game that they first enjoyed in their youth, and quite a number of 'less immature' FPs continue to play in local, national and even international competitions. The latter tournaments require extensive travelling and the local veteran team, The Auld Craws, have become seasoned globe-trotters, competing in Holland, Germany. France and Belgium. This year the Auld Craws return to Belgium, where they will defend their international veterans' title in Kortrijk. Later in the year they will also compete in Wales.

FPs of longer than average experience of the game. who still enjoy their hockey and its wider social aspects, include Brian Cockburn, Keith Campbell, Peter Donald, John Drummond, Jim Lyon, Gavin Gray, Murdoch Shirreffs, Barry Urquhart, Ken Walker and Eric Watt.

Any other FPs with the appropriate interest, experience and maturity are invited to contact Keith Campbell. c/o the Club Centre.

Alexander (Sandy) George Anderson (1933-42) retired as Chairman of Aberdeen Construction Group in June 1987, after forty-two years in the building industry.

After graduating from Aberdeen University during the Second World War with a degree in Engineering, he worked for two years in Bristol in the development of aero engines. He then returned to Aberdeen and in December 1945 joined his father's construction firm, W. J. Anderson, as a civil engineer.

Sandy Anderson became a director of the company in 1947 and, when his father died in 1962, he took over as Chairman and Managing Director.

In 1969 the firm of W. J. Anderson joined Aberdeen Construction Group, and in 1972 Sandy Anderson was appointed Civil Engineering Director for the Group.

Edward H. Argo (1972-74), who became Sales Executive with CALA Homes (Aberdeen) in November 1986, has been appointed Sales Manager in charge of the firm's operations in Aberdeen.

N. Roderick (Roddy) D. Begg (1951- 59), M.A.. LL.B., was appointed to the post of Secretary of the University of Aberdeen in March 1988. Until then he had been holding the post of Deputy Secretary at the University, having previously served in a variety of administrative posts in the University Office since his return to Aberdeen from the University of East Anglia in 1966.

David B. S. Brown (1956), an Aberdeen policeman, was promoted to the rank of Inspector in March 1988. He joined the force in 1960 and has spent most of his service in Aberdeen, including work in community involvement, recruiting and training, criminal records and the general enquiries department. Most recently, he has been Grampian's training and liaison officer on matters connected with home defence and the UK warning and monitoring organisation. His new post is in recruiting and training.

David Brown is well known in cricketing circles as a former regular for Aberdeenshire who won several Scotland international caps.

Ernest Duncan Brown (1914-17) is in retirement in Harare, Zimbabwe, after sixty-eight years in the motor car industry. In May 1919 he commenced an apprenticeship with the Austin Motor Company under a scheme initiated

by Sir Herbert Austin. Ernest Brown was promoted within the company and its successors, culminating in his transfer in 1960 to Rhodesia. He retired as Chairman and Managing Director of Leyland (Zimbabwe) in 1980, and in retirement he retains a consultancy with Leyland (Zimbabwe) and its subsidiaries.

Alasdair C. Bryce (1974-79) was awarded a half-blue in football by Aberdeen University Athletic Association in June 1987.

Harry Burnett (1965-70) was promoted in June 1987 to the post of Head Teacher at Tarves Primary School. He was an assistant teacher at Strathdon Primary School from 1973 to 1978 and immediately prior to his current appointment he was Head Teacher at Rayne North Primary School.

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

David W. Caldwell (1972-76) plays football for English Fourth Division side, Torquay United. After leaving Inverness Calcy in 1981 he moved to England to join Mansfield Town, for whom he scored 57 goals in 157 league games. He had brief spells on loan at both Carlisle United and Swindon Town before joining Chesterfield, and in the 1986-87 season he was their leading marksman with 14 goals in 36 league matches.

Ian McM. Clubb (1953-58) was appointed a director of Edinburgh naturalresource consultancy Land and Timber Services in December 1987.

Prior to his current appointment he was Group Managing Director of independent oil company Carless, Capel and Leonard. He is a former Chief Executive of Thomson Scottish Forestry and President of Thomson Forestry Incorporated.

In the 1960s Ian was a prominent member of the FP 1st XV, serving the Section well at scrum-half.

Jane M. Coutts (1977-82), B.Sc. (Hons), is currently carrying out research at Aberdeen University and RGIT for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, with a thesis on drug metabolism.

In June 1985 she completed a Bachelor of Science degree (with commendation), before spending a year as a laboratory assistant with Grampian Regional Council Water Services Department. She then returned to RGIT, graduating B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry (with Biology) in November 1987.

Jane Coutts is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and of the Biochemical Society.

Kenneth Coutts (1944-50), B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., is a veterinary surgeon practising in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.

On leaving school in 1950, he spent a year at Aberdeen University before taking his veterinary degree at Edinburgh University. While at Aberdeen he broke the mile record held by the late Dr. Alfred (Freddy) William Clark Lobban (1924-35), M.B., Ch.B., M.F.C M., D.P.H., and the very next week he received a telegram of congratulation from Dr. Lobban.

Kenneth Coutts represented Great Britain at the International Student Games in Luxembourg in 1951 and won the Scottish Mile title in 1952.

Brian J. Daniel (1977-82), M.A. (Hons), was awarded the James M. Cowie Prize for his performance in the Financial Accounting papers in last summer's Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland examination (part one). He was placed equal first. In addition he was placed equal sixth in the overall order of merit and awarded a commendation.

In July 1987 Brian participated in the Stonehaven Half Marathon—his first attempt at such an event, and finished the race in a time of 1 hour 56 mins.

57 secs. In doing so, he raised a small sum of money for charity and intends to enter the Half Marathon again this summer.

Malcolm K. Daniel (1975-81), M.B., Ch.B., brother of B. J. Daniel (above), passed the first part of the professional examination for membership of the Royal College of Physicians in February of this year. He is currently working as a senior house officer at Dr. Gray's Hospital in Elgin, Morayshire.

Jonathan M. Daube (1951-53), Ed.D., has been named President of Manchester Community College, Connecticut, the largest community college in that state. After graduating M.A. (Hons) from Aberdeen University in 1957. he went to the United States in 1963 after five years as an English teacher in England. He received his doctorate from Harvard University and was from 1968 to 1970 Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Malawi. For the past nine years he has been President of Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Laura A. Davidson (née Knaggs) (1978- 83), B.Ed., graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree from Aberdeen University in July 1987 and is

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currently teaching at Aboyne Primary School. She was Evening Express Bride of the Month for July 1987, and a note of her marriage appears elsewhere in this issue.

Philip Dawson (1925-37), M.A., LL.B., a consultant with the firm of James and George Collie, Advocates in Aberdeen, was elected President of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen in November 1987.

Cohn C. Dick (1962-68), M. A., was appointed General Sales Manager at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre in Glasgow in May 1987. A graduate of Aberdeen University, he moved to Glasgow from a post with car hire firm Avis as Director of Sales and Marketing support for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Alan E. Donald (1942-44), C.M.G., B.A., LL. B., was appointed British Ambassador in Peking in May 1988. He joined the Foreign Office in 1954 and has served in a number of countries, mainly in the Far East. From 1984 until his current appointment he was Ambassador in Indonesia.

Brian R. Durward (1971-73) lectured to some of the world's leading physiotherapists at an international conference in Australia in May 1987. He won a place at the World Congress of Physical Therapy after his research on stroke patients was recognised by his profession. Brian worked in Glasgow hospitals until he turned to teaching two years ago. A graduate of Strathclyde University, he now works at Queen Margaret's College, Edinburgh.

Alexander James Forbes (1952-58) has been awarded the Colonial Police Medal for outstanding service in Bermuda. Superintendent Forbes has spent twenty-four years with the Bermudan force at Hamilton, dedicating most of his service to operational and administrative work. He served for three years with the Special Branch. The award was made in recognition of his outstanding ability and exemplary conduct. Supt. Forbes spenthree years in Zimbabwe in the Ministry of Finance before moving to Bermuda.

Eric A. Forbes (1958-63) became Technical Director of the Aberdeen-based Scottish division of Hall and Tawse Construction in March 1988. Mr. Forbes, who has been with the company for fifteen years, was previously Technical Manager.

Another FP, James A. Leask (1960-66) has been appointed Financial Controller and Company Secretary of Hall and Tawse. He was with Aberdeen Construction Group for seventeen years, holding posts with several group companies.

Stewart L. Forbes (1960-66) stepped down in April of this year after completing his two-year term of office as President of the North District Men's Scottish Hockey Association.

Paul Furneaux (1974-80), B.A., in May 1987 won the first Young Scottish Artist of the Year award, his prize being a year living and working in Paris. A student at Edinburgh College of Art, he came out top of an entry of twelve representing Scotland's four major art colleges. The competition was open to final year and postgraduate students, and was judged by four leading figures in the art world. Each contestant had to prepare two paintings with a portfolio of drawings, sketches and studies. The estimated value of the prize is 110,000.

Graham Good (1962-68), C.A., who joined Grampian Television as an accountant in 1975, has been appointed Company Secretary. He previously held the post of financial controller.

Richard G. Gordon (1972-77), a former Aberdeen bank clerk, is a member of Northsound Radio's news team. He is also involved in the station's coverage of sport at local and national level.

Alex M. Grieve (1951-64), m B. Ch.B.. M.R.C G P., M.F.O.M., D.Obst., R.C.O.G., at present working in the central Health, Safety and Environment Division of the Shell Group in The Hague, returns to the UK to take up the post of Chief

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Medical Officer, Shell UK Ltd., on 1 August. After leaving the army in 1981, he 'retired' to Shell and worked at their Essex refinery for a year, before returning to Aberdeen in 1983 to take charge of their medical resources in the North Sea. He has been in The Netherlands since 1986, and looks forward to becoming an active member of the London Centre of the Club, once established in the south.

Jacqueline P. Gunn (1974-79) is an air hostess with British Caledonian Airways based at Gatwick Airport. Her work has taken her to Hong Kong, the United States, the Middle East and Africa. Before taking up her appointment with British Caledonian two years ago she was with Air UK, flying on domestic routes and to short-haul European destinations.

She was the Evening Express Bride of the Month for March. Her brother, David W. Gunn (1977-82), and sister, Pamela M. Gunn (1979-85), also attended the School.

David B. Haggart (1945-52), J.P.. M.A., has been Head of the Careers and Appointments Service in the University of Aberdeen since 1963. In recent years David has become well-known to local radio listeners as a presenter of Northsound Radio's religious magazine programme, Sunday Best. He is an elder of Ferryhill South Church and a member of the Panel on Worship of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. In this capacity he was a member of the group which compiled Songs of God's People, the recently published supplement to the Church Hymnary.

He and his wife, Gwen, have been making music together since 1964, when they met in an Aberdeen University production of The Marriage of Figaro.

They have given more than fifty performances of their programme, Listen to the Words, to church audiences all over the North East and beyond.

David alscp has an interest in housing—he is Convener of the Housing Management Committee of Castlehill Housing Association.

As a Justice of the Peace, he serves as a Presiding Justice in Aberdeen District Court.

Ian Drysdale Halliday (1952-58), c A , was elected in October 1987 Chairman of the Board of Governors of Doha College, Qatar, having been Treasurer since 1982. In February 1987 HRH The Princess Royal laid the foundation stone of a new £2,000,000 campus for 500 pupils aged from 5 to 18. Since 1981 Ian Halliday has been Finance Director of Ghanem Al-Thani Holdings in Doha, Qatar, a company controlling the business interests of a member of the ruling family.

Jacqueline Heddle (1977-83), B.A., has been appointed by Aberdeen company Technical Video Productions as their marketing and production assistant, on a freelance basis. After graduating from Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and the Diploma of the Institute of Marketing, she worked in London and Edinburgh.

Leslie Copland Henderson (1953-65) has become Projects Director of the Stewart Milne Group, the Aberdeen construction company. He was previously the company's Associate Director responsible for sales and marketing.

Jennifer A. Ingram (1977-83), M.A., graduated with first-class honours in Geography from Aberdeen University in July 1987. She was awarded the Silver Medal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society for the best graduating student at Aberdeen University. A former winner of the All-round Trophy for girls, she is currently working in the Geography Department of St Andrew's University as a research assistant, studying infant and child mortality in East Scotland between 1750 and 1830. She is also carrying out research in historical geography for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Dr. J. R. S. (Donnie) Innes (1923-35), M B.. Ch.B., retired from his Aberdeen practice in September 1987 after a distinguished medical career spanning more than forty years.

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A former President of the Scottish Rugby Union, Dr. Innes won eight Scotland caps, five as captain of the national side.

Alison E. Kay (1976-82) was appointed as a research analyst by Aberdeen business consultants Park Main and Associates in January 1988. After graduating from Edinburgh University with a degree in Business Studies, she worked in marketing and research posts in Edinburgh and Paris.

Gavin Thomas McEwen (1958-64), M.A., Ph. D., has joined accountants Coopers and Lybrand as Associate Director with responsibility for the tax practice in their Aberdeen office. Dr. McEwen was a district tax inspector with the Inland Revenue at Cupar before joining Coopers and Lybrand.

Sir Maitland Mackie (1926- 28), C.H.E., B.Sc., F.E.I S., LL.D., was guest of honour at a dinner in Fyvie Castle given by executives of major North Sea oil companies to mark Sir Maitland's retirement in February 1987 as Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire. Sir Maitland became Lord Lieutenant in 1975 and has been closely involved with the oil industry. He was presented with a silver quaich to mark the occasion.

A well-known businessman, he is a former convener of Aberdeen County Council and, as first chairman of NESDA, led the inaugural delegation to Houston, Texas, in 1974.

Sir Maitland is a director of numerous companies, including Aberdeen American Petroleum Company, and is Chairman of the Oil Industry Community Fund. He was also a member of the Secretary of State for Scotland's advisory committee on the oil industry.

Neil Mackie (1963-66), one of Britain's leading tenors, brought out a major recording of art unpublished work by Benjamin Britten in September 1987.

Along with his teacher, the late Sir Peter Pears, Neil released the Heart of the Matter—a sequence on Edith Sitwell's work devised by Britten for the 1956 Aldeburgh Festival.

Duncan L. Macrae (1948-52) retired in 1986 after twenty-five years in Hong Kong, where he was Deputy Managing Director of Hong Kong United Dockyards Ltd., and Director of a number of subsidiary and associate companies. He is a past Chairman of the Hong Kong branch of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and Institute of Marine Engineers and is a Fellow of the British Institute of Management.

A life-member of the Cairngorm Club, he has retired to Braemar, where he can be found on the golf course when the weather is too inclement for climbing.

Dr. Ronald D. MacRae (1917-23), M B., Ch B . D.P H.. F.R.C.S., is living in retirement in Portsoy, Banffshire.

After working as a surgeon with the Indian Medical Service, he served in Quetta. Kabul and with the British Army of the Rhine.

A.G.S. Magazine (1885- 1988) is to be congratulated on attaining the age of 103 years, but most centenarians require some kindly support and your Magazine is no exception.

Your Executive is launching a fund-raising scheme Beyond 500, to save the Magazine in its present form.

You will find at the beginning of the Magazine an article on financing the Magazine and an application form in the centre pages. Please give it your full support.

John A. C. Marr (1936-43) retired in August 1987 after nearly twenty-two years on the clerical staff of Lloyd's Register of Shipping in London. He was Head of the Classification Department which employed fifty-five staff.

Dr. Colin). M. Martin (1951-57) was presented with a prestigious marine archaeology award in November 1987. Director of the Scottish Institute of Maritime Studies at St Andrew's University and an international authority on

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

underwater archaeology, Dr. Martin was awarded the Keith Muckelroy Prize at a ceremony in the Tower of London. The award was made to mark Dr. Martin's work in setting up the institute in 1983 and the archaeological diving unit at St Andrew's. His pioneering research on the Spanish Armada was also recognised.

In 1986 the diving unit was awarded a contract by the Department of Transport to help protect wrecks in British waters. The unit advises and guides diving teams licensed to work with historic wrecks and assesses newlydiscovered underwater sites.

Dr. Martin worked as a flying instructor and freelance writer and photographer before taking up marine archaeology. He has conducted underwater excavations of three Armada wrecks, including the El Gran Grifon, which he discovered off Fair Isle in 1970.

Co-author—with Professor Geoffrey Parker—of a book The Spanish Armada, published this year in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the famous fleet, Dr. Martin is appearing in the BBC TV series Armada, to be screened this summer.

Robert A. E. Mennie (1924- 36), M.A., F.Inst. Pet., was elected a Fellow of the Royal Numismatic Society in January 1987. In a letter to the Notes Editor he writes that one of his retirement activities is putting his long-neglected degree in Classics to some use by arranging and cataloguing the ancient coins collection in Saffron Walden Museum.

W.S., a distinguished solicitor in Peter C. Millar (1933-44), O B.E.. M.A., Edinburgh, has been reappointed as Chairman of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland. The appointment is for a period of four years and commenced in May 1987.

Hugh M. Munro (1951-64), B.A.. M.Eng.. C.A., was appointed by Arthur Young, Chartered Accountants, as office managing partner in June 1987. He joined the firm after nineteen years with Arthur Anderson & Co. Mr Munro was appointed after John Philip Grant's (1937-45) decision to retire from the post he held for fifteen years. Mr Grant continues as senior Aberdeen partner with responsibility for clients.

Shona Naim (1978-83), graduated from Stirling University in July 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Studies with French and is now working for J. Sainsbury plc in Crawley.

Susan ). Oliphant (1978-84), a graduate of Queen Margaret College, Glasgow is a physiotherapist in the Aberdeen hospitals.

At School she was Deputy Head Girl and Captain of the Hockey 1st XI. A prominent badminton player, she was also awarded a cap for netball in session 1983-84.

Keith Pixie (1959-67), was promoted in November 1987 to the rank of Inspector with responsibility for computer development in the Grampian Police Force. Since joining Grampian Police in 1973 he has served in Aberdeen on divisional duties, and in the public office, communications and community involvement departments.

Another FP, Christopher. Anstock (1960-73), was also promoted to the rank of Inspector. He joined Grampian Police in 1978 and continues in the identification bureau, where he is an authorised fingerprints expert.

Ramsay S. H. Pirie (1977-83), graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Quantity Surveying from RGIT last year. He is currently working for a private practice in Doha, Qatar, Arabian Gulf.

D Phil., was appointed Lecturer in Murray G. H. Pittock (1973-78), English at Pembroke College, Oxford, in December 1986.

Fiona A. Pont (1978-83), LL.B., D.L.P , a graduate of Aberdeen University, is currently serving her apprenticeship with Aberdeen legal firm Raeburn Christie & Co.

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A badminton player of ability at School, she is Secretary of the Women's Hockey Section.

Group Captain William McCulloch Rae (1946- 58) has been given a special award for his fund-raising efforts for the RAF's Benevolent Fund. He was presented with the diamond jubilee sword at the RAF's anniversary concert in London in May 1987 by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir David Craig. Group Captain Rae has been station commander at RAF Finningley near Doncaster since November 1985, and two years ago the base raised £86,675 for the fund.

Michael J. Raeburn (1950-63), joined Charles Barker, Mearns and Gill Public Relations, Aberdeen as an Accountant Director in March 1988. After service in the Royal Navy he worked in the North Sea helicopter and supply industries before joining Shell and working for them in Africa and London.

Katherine E. Rawles (1979-80), M.A., completed a sponsored cycle run on the Continent in September 1987 which raised £800 for Scottish War on Want. Together with a student friend, she spent three weeks cycling more than 500 miles from the mouth of the Rhone at Marseilles to the river's source at the Furka Pass in the Swiss Alps. The money raised will help fund long-term water projects in Africa.

An Aberdeen University graduate in Philosophy, Kate Rawles is currently carrying out post-graduate research work at Glasgow University.

Tracey J. Robb (1981-87), a former Head Girl and runner-up to the winner of the All-round Trophy for Girls, was selected for the Scottish Schoolgirls senior hockey squad in April 1987. A goalkeeper, Tracey was then called in to the Scottish under-21 squad in June of that year for the four-nations tournament in Eindhoven, Holland. She is currently preparing with the under-21 squad for the Junior European Cup in Paris in September.

Although she is a Law student at Aberdeen University, Tracey travels to Glasgow every weekend to play for the top Scottish women's team, Glasgow Western, but maintains a link with North hockey through the Aberdeen side, Merlins.

Her sister, Jennifer L. H. Robb (1980-86), is studying Geology at Durham University, where she maintains her interest in rowing, both as a participant and as a coach. She has just completed a year as Secretary of the Junior Common Room of St Aidan's College, an experience which she found very rewarding.

Ian Robertson (1969-75) was the winner of a top award in the 53rd annual exhibition of the Aberdeen Artists' Society in May 1987. A former student of Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen, Ian won the society's own award of a travelling scholarship for an artist aged between 24 and 30. The award is worth £750.

Neil B. S. Robertson (1976-79), became junior partner in Aberdeen public relations consultancy McEwen Ross Partnership in November 1987. On leaving Aberdeen College of Commerce with a Higher National Diploma in communication studies, he joined the firm in 1986.

Neil, who is Secretary of Aberdeen and District Motor Club, joins senior partner K. (Ken) J. McEwen (1962-68) to help in the development of new business.

William Y. Salter (1932-45) retired in August 1987 from the post of Depute Director of Architectural Services with Grampian Region after thirtythree years' local authority service in the North East. He is spending his retirement in Fochabers.

Alastair George Sharp (1918-24), M.B.E., Q.C.. D.L., has retired from the Circuit Bench in County Durham, where he was Senior Circuit Judge. He has settled down to retirement in Durham, but still has a cottage in Tomintoul.

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When there is snow on the Lecht or on Cairngorm, he enjoys Langlauf skiing, whilst his grandchildren do slalom.

M. (Mike) J. Smith (1978-84) won his first full Scottish cricket cap against Ireland at Coleraine in July 1987. His promotion followed a successful match for Scotland 'B' against Lancashire 2nds at Old Trafford and reflected his continued improvement in recent years.

The Aberdeenshire all-rounder was a regular member of the team which won the Scottish Counties' Championship in 1987 for the second year in succession. as was his brother. R. (Roddy) C. Smith (1980-86).

Another FP, George Murray (1946- 53), D.A., played a part in the Aberdeenshire team's success as coaching convener.

Classical VI, 1936-37 Ronald G. C. Smith (1927-37) wishes to track the careers of his School contemporaries of Classical VI, 1936-37 and would he grateful to receive any information about the former pupils listed below: William Adam (1925- 37); R. Jack Anderson (1931-37) (deceased); Alastair H. Campbell (1928-37); J. Mearns Davidson (1927-37) (deceased); Philip Dawson (1925-37); Alan B. Ewen (1926-37); James R. Fiddes (1924- 37); Ian S. Flett (1925- 37); George C. Hadden (1925-37); Ninian Mackie (?-1937) (deceased); Malcolm H. A. Mackintosh (1936-37) (deceased); Willian B. McGowan (1926- 37); Neil I. W. Meldrum (1925-37); Donald D. Pennie (1928-37); Kenneth D. Petrie (1925-37) (deceased); Louis S. Rusack (1926-37); George B. C. Sangster (1928-37); H. Haldane Thomson (1928-37): Alan C. R. Watt (1925-37).

Information about some of the above, of course, has appeared in recent issues of the Magazine, but Mr Smith would appreciate any details that readers can make available to him.

Ronald Smith can be contacted at the following address: 6 Braehead Grove, Edinburgh EH4 6BE (Tel: 031-339-5112).

Lindsey A. Steele (1977-83) graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Accountancy from Aberdeen University in July 1987 and is currently a trainee chartered accountant with a local firm.

She was the Evening Express Bride of the Month for October last year and a note of her marriage appears elsewhere in this issue.

Dr Ranald F. F. Steven (1933-43), M.B.. Ch. B., a Life Member of the Club, is Honorary President of Aberdeenshire Cricket Club.

Innes Taylor (1974-80), Dip. A.D.. B.A. (lions), Diploma Member C.S.D., graduated with an honours degree in Graphic Design from RGIT in July 1987.

He has set up his own Aberdeen-based business in graphic design. and in recent months he has undertaken work for estate agents, insurance brokers, educational institutes and oil-related companies. Innes Taylor specialises in corporate identity work and is a Diploma Member of the UK Chartered Society of Designers and a member of the Creative Forum of Scotland, Aberdeen Small Business Club and Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce.

A regular member of the Hockey Section's 1st XI. he was selected to represent the North District in the Baxter Trophy Inter-District Tournament recently.

A note of his marriage to Anne C. Wilson (1975-80) appears in this

Magazine.

Yasmin H. Thomaneck (1976-82). M.A , graduated with honours in French and Spanish from Aberdeen University in July 1987. Following a three-month training period at the European Parliament in Luxembourg and employment with the news agency Agence Europe, she is currently working as a translator for the European Confederation of the Iron and Steel Industries (EUROFER) in Brussels.

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Carole M. Vicca (1977-83), a staff nurse at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, has become the first woman in the North East to be awarded a black belt in the martial art of tukido.

David A. C. Walker (1950-55), B.A., M.Phil., has been appointed Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of English at Seke Teachers' College, near Harare, Zimbabwe.

Derek J. Walker (1959-65) has been appointed Manager of the Clydesdale Bank's Dufftown branch. He began his banking career in Aberdeen in 1965 and worked in various East coast branches before moving to Fort William, where he was Manager for the three-and-a-half years immediately prior to his current appointment.

Donald Eltnslie Robertson Watt (1931-43), Professor of Scottish Church History at the University of St Andrews, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in March 1988.

Jennifer A. West (née Dron) (1973-79) was appointed in December 1987 as a legal assistant at the Inverurie office of C. & P. H. Chalmers, Advocates.

A graduate of Aberdeen University, she joined the practice after working with Aberdeen legal firm Philip and Wadsworth. Her main role is conveyancing.

Hunter A. B. Will (1948-62), B.&., was appointed in March 1988 by Grampian Regional Council as a divisional road surveyor. In 1968 he commenced work for the former Aberdeen Town Council and has worked for the Regional Council Roads Department since local government reorganisation in 1975. Prior to his current appointment he was assistant divisional surveyor, a post he held for four years.

Nigel H. Young (1975-81), a student at Scott Sutherland's School of Architecture in Aberdeen, was a member of an eleven-strong team which won a prestigious international competition to give a new look to a derelict wharf site on the Hudson River. The team spent a week in New York looking at the four mile long site, then a week working on their ideas. Their design won the .18000 first prize, beating other schools and recognised firms of architects from all over the world. The competition was run by the New York Fine Arts Commission.

Obituaries Dr. Logic Samuel Bain (1919-31), T.D., M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.P. (Glasgow), D.Phys Mcd (England), D.L., died suddenly on Monday 29 February 1988 at the age of seventy-four. The following tribute has been received from a fellow former pupil and medical colleague: Logic was the fourth son and fifth member of an illustrious family, all of whom made their mark locally, nationally, and in Logic's case internationally.

At School and at University, he performed quite adequately but without in any way jeopardizing his much greater commitment to the sporting pastimes which he adorned especially in the realms of rugby, golf, and tennis for each of which he was awarded a "Blue".

In 1937 he graduated M.B.,Ch.B. and for a time thereafter was employed in Tor-na-Dec, when it was a private sanitorium for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculous disease, but he soon opted for a House Surgeon's appointment in Ward 10, ARI with Mr. F. K. Smith, who at that time was Senior Surgeon at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. In Ward 10 Logic came under the influence of another much respected hospital mentor, Mr. Sydney Davidson, whose frequent rendering of 'Have you ever seen a dream walking?' during major surgical procedures, left the embryo surgeon in a state of frustrated despair, not because of any lack of skill on Mr. Davidson's part, but because of the toneless mutilation of what Logic considered a fine ballad; Logic himself was no mean mimic of his beloved Bing Crosby. After Ward 10 Logic was apprenticed to Sir Dugald Baird, under whose considerable influence he became aware, possibly for the first time, of his own latent medical talent.

In the Spring of 1939, following the example of his three brothers, Logic joined the Territorial Army and was embodied in August of that year, and posted to the 5th (1st Scottish) General Hospital which at that time was mobilising in the magnificent old Station Hotel at Cruden Bay. After the fall of France, Capt. Bain as he then was, was sent to the Middle East, where he rejoined his colleagues in the now designated 15th Scottish General Hospital, and remained there until May 1942 when he received a posting to West Africa, but he returned to the Middle East in 1943 to join a Field Ambulance, with which he remained until he was repatriated from the Cassino area in November 1944.

Logic was demobilised in 1945 and he returned to the Royal Infirmary in Aberdeen, where the then Professor of Medicine, Robert Aitken, managed eventually to persuade a very reluctant candidate that he was just the person to take charge of the newly established Rheumatology In-Patient Unit at Stracathro Hospital. In order to prepare for this novel undertaking Logic had once again to apply himself to a prolonged spell of grinding study suitably rewarded in 1953 with the Diploma of Physical Medicine (England). In that year he was appointed Consultant in charge of the newly established Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology at ARI. Over the years, often against formidable odds, he built up a most efficient and splendidly organised department, which coped better than most with the v^ry large number of out-patient referrals, by virtue of working long hours in the clinic, initially in what was then termed the "Up Town Baths" near the Odeon Cinema. In 1962 he was responsible, in association with Miss Rosemary Lane and Miss Ruby Burnett, for the setting up and establishment of a School of Physiotherapy at Woolmanhill and he remained its Director until his retirement in 1979.

Logic was a founder member of the British Association of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, and was granted Life Membership of that association and 62

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of its successor, the British Rheumatology Association. In 1974 when the Heberden Society met in Aberdeen, Logic gave the Heberden Oration and for this he was awarded the Society's Medal. In 1978 he was created a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Glasgow having been admitted as a member in 1975. In 1980, after 37 years loyal service to the Medico Chirurgical Society he was elected its President.

He cherished the honour of appointment on 1 May 1967 as Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Aberdeen, and on a less formal plane he was equally delighted to have been invited to be President of the North District Rugby Union in 1966. He brought to this office all his usual enthusiasm and energy despite the many other calls on him at that time.

When the Aberdeen Branch of the British Rheumatism and Arthritis Society, later to be known as Arthritis Care, was founded in 1960, Dr. Bain was adopted as Chairman, and under his energetic and stimulating leadership the Branch has become established as the largest and wealthiest in the United Kingdom. His name will forever be associated with Lovat Lodge in Nairn, which he purchased for the Society, and had renovated and adapted so that patients handicapped by arthritis, or similar affliction, could be comfortably and successfully accommodated for holidays, and he also established a mobile home in the caravan site at Strachan near Banchory, where arthritic sufferers could conveniently and comfortably escape for short periods.

Logic Bain is a household name throughout the North East of Scotland and beyond, his patients have found in him not only a physician, expert in his field, but a caring, gentle man always accessible and readily available for help and encouragement, and his pawky yet warm sense of humour must have helped on many occasions to create a more optimistic outlook and bring a ray of hope to many languishing in the depths of despair. He was also held in the highest regard by his medical colleagues and nursing staff.

Logic Bain will long be remembered with affection by his many friends, and not only for his contribution in the field of Rheumatology. He brought to his duties as a chairman his inherent natural charm and an alert and active mind, which he could apply to the discussion of almost any topic with simplicity, clarity and considerable authority. His performance on the golf course—particularly in the late 1940s, when he won the Phillip's Trophy confirming his status as number one golfer in Aberdeen, and had the thrilling experience of playing in an exhibition match against the Open Champion, Fred Daly—was immaculate. He was also himself immaculate in dress and grooming, and he was as they say "a good guide of himself' maintaining an upright, athletic figure, the envy of many much younger.

Dr. Logic Bain maintained and cherished the highest standards of skill, integrity, efficiency, leadership and compassion, and we will remember him also for a glorious sense of humour, and as a wonderful companion—especially on social occasions. No doubt he is now in jovial manner remarking ruefully to the heavenly hosts, whom undoubtedly he will have gathered around him, that his earthly colleagues will only be permitted to recall the anniversary of his demise once every four years.

J.R.S.1. (1923-35)

Alistair William MacDonald Bews (1955-59) died at his home at Caversham Park, Reading, Berkshire, on 11 June 1987. He was forty-four years of age.

Alistair Bews was a former employee of British European Airways based at Dyce Airport, Aberdeen and a member of the. FP Club.

He is survived by his wife, Chris, and a son and daughter.

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Roy McKay Craigmyle (1946-52), an accountant in the Aberdeen law practice Storie, Cruden and Simpson, died at home on 29 November 1987 after an illness. He was fifty-four years of age.

He became an accountant after leaving school and saw National Service with the Royal Army Pay Corps stationed in Cyprus.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, five children and one grand-daughter.

His son, Athol] R. D. Craigmyle (1976-81), and his daughters, Morag J. Craigmyle (1975-80) and Rhona M. Craigmyle (1979-84), also attended the School.

Andrew J. M. Cruickshank (1919-25), m B.E , D.Litt., died suddenly on 29 April 1988.

Dr. Cruickshank, though he will always be most popularly remembered (and affectionately imitated) for his portrayal of Dr. Cameron in the much loved TV series Dr. Finlay's Casebook, achieved considerable success in more serious theatrical productions. He gave particularly notable performances in several Ibsen plays, and had an especial interest in Ibsen, Shakespeare and Aeschylus. He also maintained a long-established interest in philosophical and religious writings, and especially in existentialist thought.

A more substantial obituary will appear in next year's Magazine.

Edward Henry Marcus Doughty (1924-31), A.M.I.E.E., Grad.I.Struct.E., died in Huddersfield on 29 March 1987 at the age of seventy-one.

He was transferred from the Aberdeen area of the North of Scotland HydroElectric Board to the electrical engineering department of the Admiralty during the war, and on leaving the Admiralty in 1945 he took up an appointment as senior assistant electrical engineer with ICI Ltd (Dyestuffs Division) at the Huddersfield works. He left there in 1947 to become electrical engineer to the St. Anne's Board Mill Company Ltd. in Bristol, a subsidiary of Imperial Tobacco Company Ltd. Edward Doughty was a life member of the FP Club.

Dr. Alan Alexander Duffus (1900-11), M.B., Ch.B., D.P.N., died on 9 March 1988 at his home in Fernhurst, near Hazlemere, Surrey. He was in his ninetythird year.

Alan Duffus graduated in medicine from Aberdeen University in 1920 and in 1922 he completed the Diploma in Public Health. That same year he went to Singapore to take up the appointment of Assistant Medical Officer of Health. He held this post for several years before returning to the UK, where he was a general practitioner in Watford, Herts, until his retirement some thirty years ago.

Dr. Williamson Jackson Finnie (1928- 31), M B.. Ch.B., D A., died on 5 August 1983 at the age of sixty-nine.

After graduating in medicine from Aberdeen University in 1938 and holding junior anaesthetic appointments at Ipswich and Ilford, he joined the RAMC for four years serving mostly in India. He was discharged with the rank of Major. In 1947 he went to Bradford and at the inception of the National Health Service was appointed Consultant Anaesthetist to the city's hospitals.

A Fellow of the Faculty of Anaesthetists he maintained a wide interest in teaching, research and writing and lectured at Bradford Institute of Technology and at Bradford University.

Dr. Finnie was a former President of the St Andrew's Society of Bradford and a past President of the Yorkshire Centre of the FP Club.

Reverend Dr. William Morton Grant (1907-12), a retired Drumoak-born minister, died at his home in Larbert, Stirlingshire on 16 August 1987. He was ninety-two years of age.

Dr. Grant, who was minister at Falkirk West Church for forty years until his retirement in 1967, was the son of a Drumoak minister, Rev. W. M. Grant. He

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graduated M.A. from Aberdeen University in 1919, B.D. in 1922, and D.Phil. in theology in 1928. In 1923 he obtained a further degree in theology from the Union Theological Seminary in New York.

He is survived by his wife Peggy, and a son and a daughter.

Dr. William Watt Hutchison (1940-53), B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., who led some of Canada's most important geological research, died in Ottawa on 3 July 1987.

He was fifty-two years of age.

The son of an Aberdeen bank manager, Dr. Hutchison graduated B.Sc. (Huns) from Aberdeen University in 1957 and left for Canada that summer to work in Newfoundland as an assistant with the Geological Survey of Canada.

He carried out post-graduate research over the next five years, completing a Master of Science degree at the University of Toronto in 1959, where he was awarded a Ph.D. three years later.

In 1962 he joined the permanent staff of the Geological Survey of Canada, where he and his colleagues mapped a previously uncharted geological area roughly three times the size of Switzerland. stretching from Alaska to the Canada-US border.

He was appointed President of the Geological Association of Canada in 1973, and also served as Secretary-General of the International Union of Geological Sciences. By this time he was a Canadian citizen, and the first Canadian to hold the post following his appointment in 1978.

In 1981 he was appointed Director-General of the Geological Survey of Canada, taking over the management of one of Canada's oldest scientific research centres and the second-oldest geological institution in the world.

Dr. Hutchison was married with two children.

James (Hamish) Ritchie Leith (1917-24) died on 20 January 1988. He was eighty years of age.

At School he played cricket for the 1st XI and also represented the School at rugby.

He began his accounting career with the local firm of Bower & Smith, and, having qualified as a chartered accountant, he moved to London in 1931 to work with the firm Thomson McLintock. He continued with this firm (working on a number of substantial audits, for example, I.C.I.) until 1938, when he was appointed Secretary of the Associated Lothian Coal Organisation.

This was a traumatic time for the coal industry with the imminence of nationalisation, and Mr. Leith was active in the transition from private to public enterprise.

In 1946 his father became ill, and he returned to Aberdeen to assist him in the family business of Ellis & McHardy. From 1946 until 1972 he was Secretary and a director of the firm, from 1972 (when his father died) until 1979 he was Chairman, and after the business was taken over, he was appointed President of the new company from 1979 until 1983. In 1982 he and his wife moved to Worcester to be nearer their son.

Hamish Leith gave prodigiously of his time and energy to business, social, educational and charitable activities. The following is just a selection of the many offices he held: Dean of Guild, City of Aberdeen (1971-81); ViceConsul for the Netherlands in Aberdeen, Moray and Nairn (1954-74), for which he was created Chevalier in the Order of Orange Nassau by Queen Juliana; President of Royal Warrant Holders in Aberdeen (1976); Director of British Sailors Society, Aberdeen, including responsibility for the Aberdeen Mission and Home; Vice-chairman of the Board of Governors of Robert Gordon's College (1971-75) and Convener of the Governors of Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology (1974-82)—he was made a Fellow of the Institute in 1982; Deputy Chairman of City of Aberdeen Valuation Appeals Committee (1957-80); Member of Aberdeen Harbour Board (1951-75);

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President of Coal Trade Benevolent Association of Scotland (1969/70); Trustee and Member of Committee of Management of Aberdeen Savings Bank; President of Royal Northern Club (1975 and 1976).

In addition to these many onerous commitments, Mr. Leith was a keen Rotarian, having served as president of Aberdeen Rotary in 1956/57, and in his retirement he joined Worcester Rotary Club in 1986. He was also active in Worcester West Probus Club (for retired business people) and continued to play golf.

Dr. Leslie Carse Liddell (1922-23), M B.. Ch.B., died at his home in Tonyrefail, Glamorgan on 5 October 1987 after a long illness. He was seventy years of age.

He graduated in medicine from Aberdeen University in July 1938 and in early 1940 he joined the RAF. A Flight Lieutenant, he was a prisoner in Japanese hands in Java for much of the war. Dr. Liddell practised medicine in Penygraig, Glamorgan in the 1950s.

He was a Life Member of the FP Club and a long-standing member of the Rugby Section.

Harold Adair Nelson (1919 -32), M.I.C.E.. M.I. MUN.E.. M I W E., F.G.S., died very suddenly in Aberdeen on 16 December 1987 at the age of seventy-three.

Mr. Nelson retired to Aboyne in 1979 after working for the Malawi Government as Superintendent Civil Engineer (Water). He had previously worked in Zambia. where he was chief of water engineering, and in Libya and Sri Lanka. He worked for the former Aberdeen County Council and before going abroad held senior posts with various water authorities in England.

During the Second World War Harold Nelson served with the Royal Artillery (T.A.) in France, the Middle East and Burma.

Mr. Nelson, who was single, is survived by a brother, William Adair Nelson (1912-24), and a sister.

Former Notes Editor Ian Gray Shinnie (1918- 28) died in hospital in Aberdeen on 18 September 1987. He was seventy-six years of age.

He worked in the motor trade for twenty-five years before becoming managing director of McCoss & Co. Ltd., Sports Goods Manufacturers, Aberdeen in 1957. He retired from the firm in 1985.

A former President of Aberdeen and District Motor Club and a member of Aberdeen Rotary Club for some fifty years, Ian Shinnie became Notes Editor of the Magazine in July 1955. He held the appointment for five years, during which time he also served enthusiastically on the Executive Committee of the Club. He was a keen attender of FP functions and proposed the toast to `the Guests' at the Annual Dinner held in the Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen in November 1962.

Mr. Shinnie is survived by his wife Margaret and daughters Tricia, Sarah and Liz. Ronald Powlett Walker (1916-27), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., died at Wolverhampton New Cross Hospital on 20 July 1987, aged eighty-seven.

He was the youngest of the four sons of the late Rev. George Walker, D.D , Minister of the East Church of St Nicholas, Aberdeen, all of whom attended the School and later graduated from Aberdeen University.

At School he was an enthusiastic member of the 1st Aberdeen Troop of Scouts (eventually becoming its Scoutmaster). After leaving school he pined a first-class honours degree in Classics, before going on to study Medicine, in which he also graduated with honours, a creditable achievement, since he was handicapped by partial deafness, against which effective hearing aids were not so readily available as they are now.

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Ronald Walker had a liking for open-air pursuits, in particular hillclimbing, bird-watching, swimming—he was a member of the University team—and also for Scottish country dancing, which took him and his wife, Alison, from place to place and made them many friends.

Dr. Walker married in September 1939, shortly after joining a practice near Wolverhampton, in which he remained for the rest of his professional life. It was there that he earned his reputation as a highly efficient doctor and a kindly, frank and unassuming man. He and his wife Alison took a leading part in the promotion and organisation of Red Cross First Aid classes in the neighbourhood, and another movement in which they were both active was in the conservation of the countryside.

Besides Alison, his widow, Ronald Walker leaves a married son, Alastair, two married daughters, Christine and Alison, and six grandchildren. An elder son, Ian and his fiancee, died in a car accident in France in 1966.

Dr. James Webster (1920-26), M.B.. Ch.B., D.P.H., died in North Berwick on 5 April 1986 after a long illness. He was seventy-seven years of age.

After graduating in medicine from Aberdeen University in 1931, he became a House Physician at the Sick Children's Hospital in Aberdeen. He was also resident Medical Officer at Aberdeen City Hospital until 1933, the year in which he obtained the Diploma in Public Health.

Dr. Webster went on to be resident medical officer at the City General Hospital in Leicester, before returning to Aberdeen to enter general practice.

He also practised in Peterhead, where he held the appointment of Deputy Medical Officer to Peterhead Prison from 1935-36.

James Webster became a principal in general practice in Dundee in 1936 and, following service with the RAMC in the war, he returned to practise in Dundee.

He retired in 1968, on account of ill health, to North Berwick where he resided until his death.

Club Centre Steward William Mackie died very suddenly in Aberdeen on 23 December 1987, aged sixty-one. He had been at work as usual in the Club Centre the previous evening, and discussing arrangements for the Christmas Draw which had been scheduled to take place on the day he died.

Bill Mackie belonged to Banffshire, and spent the greater part of his early life in Keith.

Following war service he gained experience in a number of trades, latterly working as a railway engineer. During this period of employment he represented his region as one of a select group of British Railways staff on a study tour of the West German railway system. In a career change, he entered the licensed trade, and after spells with Railway Clubs at Keith and Stirling he came to Aberdeen as our Steward in the autumn of 1970. He rapidly established himself as a popular steward, and, as the Centre was still in its infancy at that time, his was a key role in its development. Always goodhumoured, Bill's cheery personality stamped itself on the Centre and he earned the friendship and the respect of our members. Until ill health forced her to retire, Bill's wife Jenny played a lesser, but by no means a minor, part in the running of the Centre. Bill himself was troubled in the last few years with spells of illness, but he was never happy when absent from work, and made light of his problems. Those closest to him found him more concerned about his wife's reduced mobility than with his own health.

Made an honorary member of the FP Club some years ago, Bill was as fiercely proud of the Club and the Centre as the most loyal former pupil and, as a member, was often to be found on "our side" of the bar on his evenings off duty when, with the rest of us. he would help to set the world right.

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Though he had been deeply involved with association football before he came to Aberdeen, serving as treasurer of Islavale FC for a number of years, he quickly transferred his allegiance to the oval ball and became one of the Rugby Section's most dedicated supporters at Rubislaw and sometimes away from home.

The large attendance of FPs at the Crematorium on 29 December spoke eloquently of the affection in which Bill was deservedly held, and, as an era in the Centre's history ended so suddenly, our sympathy goes out to Mrs. Mackie, and to Robert, Susan and Richard.

Reunion of Class 1948-62 After much letter writing, cajoling and even blackmail the "25 years on" Reunion Dinner of the class of 1948-62 took place at the Treetops Hotel on Saturday 19 December 1987.

It was most gratifying that, for this our first reunion, 43 former pupils were able to attend, some travelling from deepest England and various parts of Scotland. The guests for the evening were the Rector of the Grammar School, Mr. W. J. Johnston, Mr. J. A. D. Michie, Director of Education Grampian Region and Prof. P. N. Love, President of the Former Pupils' Club.

David C. Leslie, one of the organising group, made a speech of welcome making amusing reference to the astonishing ingenuity that most of the former pupils had shown in disguising themselves to avoid recognition. This had been achieved principally by tinting or removal of hair and padding the body into grotesque shapes.

D. W. T. Paul, Head Boy 1961 -62, proposed the toast to the School. This took the form of a series of anecdotes and memories which he had obviously cobbled together in an inebriated state a few days previously. Doug successfully set the mood for the evening with his most entertaining speech.

The Rector replied for the School and gave an update on the re-building proposals for the burned out area of the School as well as an insight into his personal thoughts for the future of the School. From Mr. Johnston's report it would seem that the School is in good heart and about to embark on an exciting new era. He concluded by stating his desire to maintain the strong links that exist with the FP Club.

Mr. Michic, a former teacher at the School, proposed the toast to the FP Club. His reminiscences of his teaching days at the Grammar School reinforced his reputation as a raconteur of the highest level.

Phil Love replied on behalf of the FP Club. In a dramatic opening to his speech, he whipped off his dinner jacket and donned his school blazer, which (to the company s general dismay) still fitted perfectly. After making a hostile and unprovoked attack on the two organisers. Phil settled into one of his routine after dinner speeches enlivened only by the excellent heckling of the now mellow audience. (Well, he's had too many nice things said about him!)

The speeches over, the remainder of the evening was spent around the bar recalling former times, and agreeing to hold a similar event in a further 25 years.

A stovies lunch was arranged for the following day at the Club Centre, 86 Queen's Road, and was well attended by wives, children (young adults in many cases) and the wreckage of the previous night.

All in all it was agreed that the reunion had been a great success.

JAMES G. ANDREWS (1948-62)

1962 Year Reunion

•

Back row (left to right)—J. Digwecd, F. Watt, P. Mulvey, R.Wallace, A. Rodger. M. Pratt, D. Millar, M. Dower, J. Gauld, W. Murray, F. Lawson, E. Cohen.

Middle row—A. Dewar, F. Webster, C.McLean, G. Fraser, E. Rasmussen, M. Duckworth, A. Downs, P. McHattie, H.Will, I. Glendinning, J. Conroy, I. Taylor, E. Wilson.

Seated—C. Riach, A. Ewen, P. Taylor, D. Campbell, J. Andrews, D. Leslie, P. Love (guest), D. Paul, J. Michie (guest). W. Johnston (guest), M. Webberley, K. Edward, 1. Gracie, G. Meldrum, C. Ritchie.

Front mw—G. Torpey, P. Stronach, M. Mitchell, A. Burnett, A. Sainsbury, W. Robertson.

Marriages Barnett (1977-81).—At St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Aberdeen on

22 April 1987, Ian Alexander Smith, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Smith, Kirkland, Forgue to Miriam Anna Ramat, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Barnett, Shem-lea-mir, 18 North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen.

Craigmile (1976-82).—At Holyrood Abbey Church, Edinburgh on 29 June 1987, David William Craigmile, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur B. Craigmilc, 3 Beechgrove Gardens, Aberdeen to Judith Brook, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Brook, Claines, Worcester.

Crockart (1975-80).-At Beechgrove Church, Aberdeen on 31 July 1987, Michael George Crawford, only son of Mrs. Gena Crawford and the late Mr. John Crawford, 1 Barnhill Road, Macduff to Lorna Lissadell Crockart, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Crockart, 184 Midstocket Road, Aberdeen.

Ewen (1972-78) and Lynch (1975-80).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 3 September 1987, David Forbes Ewen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold D. Ewen, 241 Union Grove, Aberdeen to Curio= Francis Mary Lynch, elder daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Lynch, 14 Gladstone Place, Aberdeen.

Fowlie (1978-84).—At Huntly Parish Church on 20 August 1987, Andrew James Fowlie, son of Mr. and Mrs. James A. Fowlie, 4 Harcourt Road, Aberdeen to Helen Christian Buchan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Buchan, The Muirs, Kinnoir, Huntly.

Fowlie (1976-81).—At Beechgrove Church, Aberdeen on 25 July 1987, Ian Vance, son of Mr. and Mrs. I. Vance, 11 Moir Green, Aberdeen to Caroline Mary Fowlie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James A. Fowlie, 4 Harcourt Road, Aberdeen.

Inns (1975-81). —At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 18 September 1987, Dr. Alastair Noel Palm, second son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Palin, 7 Waverly Road, Dalkeith to Pamela Jayne lanes, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Duncan R. Innes, 43 Jesmond Road, Aberdeen.

Kelly (1974-79).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 28 May 1987, Neill Terence Kelly, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Terence D. Kelly, 184 Deeside Gardens, Aberdeen to Louise Williamina Laird, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Laird, 8 Deeside Avenue, Aberdeen.

Kelly (1970-76).-At St. Chad's Church, Chorley, Lancashire on 10 April 1988, Peter Joseph Kelly, son of Mary Kelly, 82 Desswood Place, Aberdeen and Edward Kelly, Yorkshire to Caroline Addison, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Addison, Chorley.

Knaggs (1978-83).—At St. Mary's Cathedral, Aberdeen on 4 July 1987, Bruce Alexander Davidson, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Davidson, Wynfold, Ramsay Road, Banchory to Laura Anne Knaggs, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Knaggs, 119 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen.

Kydd (1975-81). —At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 15 August 1987, Timothy Moffat, younger son of Dr. and Mrs. Robin Moffat, Croydon to Angela Mary Kydd, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kydd, 29 Richmondhill Road, Aberdeen.

McKenzie (1961-74).—At Shilbottle Parish Church on 19 September 1987, Dr. Richard Paterson McKenzie, only son of Mr. and Mrs. S. R. McKenzie, 1 Pitmedden Terrace, Aberdeen to Lynda Appleby, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Appleby, West Lodge, Newton-on-the-Moor, Felton, Northumberland.

McLennan (1963-76).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 22 July 1987, Forbes Fleming McLennan, second son of the late Mr. Forbes McLennan and Mrs. Yolande McLennan, 7 Craigiebuckler Avenue, Aberdeen to Elisabeth Margaret May, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Barclay, Barclay Arms Hotel, Sandwick, Shetland.

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Michie (1972-78) and McLennan (1974-79).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 6 May 1988, Alan Johnston Michie, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. James A. D. Michie, 50 Morningfield Road, Aberdeen to Patricia Anne McLennan, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David M. McLennan, 7 Airyhall Crescent, Aberdeen.

Necchi (1977-82).—At St. Columba's Roman Catholic Church, Banchory on 28 June 1987, Harry Leith. Aberdeen to Claudia Angela Necchi, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fabrizio Necchi, 14 Viewfield Gardens, Aberdeen.

Nicol (1954-66).—At Fraserburgh Registry Office on 21 August 1987, Philip Aitchison Nicol, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Nicol to Susan Jane Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Brown, Holmwood, High Street, Strichen.

Reid (1976-82).—At Our Lady of Aberdeen Church on 10 July 1987, Stathis Vitsos, Argassi, Zakynthos, Greece to Sarah Jane Reid, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Reid, 19 Gladstone Place, Aberdeen.

Ritchie (1977-83).—At Torry United Free Church, Aberdeen on 5 September 1987, Robert Graham Milne, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Milne, 2 St. Kieran Crescent, Stonchaven to Elaine Elspet Ritchie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Ritchie, 66 Blenheim Place, Aberdeen.

Robertson (1976-80).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 19 June 1987, David Munro, younger son of Dr. and Mrs. H. D. R. Munro, Uphall, West Lothian to Denise McDonald Robertson, elder daughter of Dr. and Mrs. George S. Robertson, 70 Hamilton Place, Aberdeen.

Sassella (1979-82).—At Mannofield Church, Aberdeen on 22 August 1987, Mark Trevor Sassella, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Sassella. 7 Village Farm Court, Torphins to Sylvia Robertson, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Robertson, 14 West Cairncry Road, Aberdeen.

Scott (1973-77).—At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 2 May 1987, Colin Gordon Runcic, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Runcic, 67 Prospect Terrace, Aberdeen to Julia Elizabeth Scott, twin daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George G. T. Scott, 260 Queen's Road, Aberdeen.

Simpson (1973-79).—At St. Mary's Cathedral, Aberdeen on 23 May 1987, John G. Ruddy, 69 Fallock Road, Glasgow to Lorna Anne Simpson, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Simpson, 28 Ashgrove Road West, Aberdeen.

Steele (1977-83).—At Queen's Cross Church. Aberdeen on 17 October 1987, John Caldwell, only son of Mr. and Mrs. K. S. Caldwell. 9 Airyhall Drive, Aberdeen to lindsey Anne Steele, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George L. Steele, 15 Gladstone Place, Aberdeen.

Stewart (1963-76).—At Firbush Point, Killin on 6 June 1987, Arthur David Stewart, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth B. Stewart, 35 Belvidere Street, Aberdeen to Moira Elizabeth Kerr, only daughter of the late Mr. Robert Kerr and Mrs. Kerr, Gowan Braes, Burray, Orkney.

Stuart (1974-79).—At Ruthrieston West Church. Aberdeen on 30 January 1988, Graham Stuart, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Stuart, 32 Grove Crescent, Aberdeen to Frances Elizabeth Mitchell, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Mitchell, 216 Countesswells Road, Aberdeen.

Taylor (1974-80) and Wilson (1975-80).—At Rosemount Church, Aberdeen on 29 August 1987, Inns Taylor, only son of Mr. Robert A. Taylor and the late Mrs. Edith Taylor, 91 King's Gate, Aberdeen to Anne Christine Wilson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. lan D. Wilson, 79 Westburn Road, Aberdeen.

Whyte (1975-81) and Milne (1978-85).—At St. John's Episcopal Church.

Aberdeen on 17 July 1987, Grahame S. Whyte, second son of Mr. and Mrs. William G. Whyte, 16 Harcourt Road, Aberdeen to Marie J. Milne, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew C. Milne, 181 Westburn Road, Aberdeen.

Classical V 1937 The above heading is shorthand for the School class which was Middle IIIA in session 1934-35 and which, with a few changes in its composition, became Classical V in session 1936-37. The two smaller photographs opposite should make things clear. The larger one is evidence that the class was still an entity of sorts more than fifty years later.

The class's 'After 50 Years' reunion dinner was held in the Royal Northern and University Club on 4 September 1987, arranged there by the kindness of Robert D. Gill (Rector 1972-87). our guest, who replied to the single toast, that of 'The School', proposed by Professor James K. Russell.

The twenty-one of us had been reduced by death to fifteen. One could not be contacted. There were just four apologies for absence, two of these from North America. So, at the reunion, we were ten.

On the following (Saturday) morning, Gordonian Arthur L. McCombie, Deputy Rector, considerately met us at the School, commentated from intimate knowledge of the facts upon the history of the different parts of the building, and shared with us the sadness of the sight currently presented by those parts that are burnt out.

A unanimous desire was expressed to start a presentation fund so that something of its own choice might be offered to the School to reflect our gratitude for what it had done for, and been to, us and perhaps to help replace something destroyed in the fire. The School decided that, however many replaceable volumes insurance monies might restore to the School Library, it would always relish having more. At April 1988 the fund stood at around £650. The bank account holding the class's contributions—and potentially any others—will be operated by the Rector to assist with selective extension of the School Library's book stock.

Some notes about each class member follow.

William Adams (1935-37), B.& (Agra, joined the class from Peterculter when it was Classical IV. After graduating in 1941 he served with Indian infantry in India and Italy.

Demobilised with the rank of Major, he has farmed Nether Anguston, Peterculter. His eldest son John Adams, B.& (Agr ) 1970, who is with the Ford Motor Company, was at the School 1959-65.

John Gordon Michie Bims (1926-38), M.C.. M.A.. 1.c.M.A., Classical dux of the School in 1938. had his Arts course at Aberdeen University interrupted by war service in the Gordon Highlanders, latterly with the 8th Army in the Middle East and in France. He was twice wounded and won the Military Cross before being demobilised with the rank of Major. He became company accountant with King Aircraft, later financial controller and director of H. K. Porter's U.K. operations in Stirling and Newcastle. Resident in Glasgow, where he died in 1983, he was for many years secretary of the Glasgow Centre of the FP Club.

Charles Alexander Clark (1932-37). Nun with honours in economics (Aberdeen) in 1941. War service in the RAFVR almost wholly in India and Burma. After teacher training in Moray House. Edinburgh, taught in Aberdeen and lectured part-time in economics at what is now Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology. Completed external B. A. degree in modern history (London) in 1955; thereafter principal teacher of history at Kirkwall Grammar School (1956-62). Back at RGIT lecturing in liberal studies, and then economics (1962-67). Finally head of economics and social studies departments at Dundee College of Commerce (1967-82). In the group photograph of the School Cricket XI in the June 1937 Magazine.

James Alexander (Hamish) Dey (1935-38). M A., son of the late Rev. James Dry. minister of Kelman Memorial Church. Peterculter 1926-56, did war-time service in the RAF in England, Rhodesia and the Middle East before graduating in Arts from Aberdeen University and taking up teaching appointments at Knox Academy, Haddington 1950-75, then at Preston Lodge, Prestonpans 1975-81. In 1972 he received 72

C f61A I vo.mv1.9

After 5o years ...

Then ...

Middle IIIA (1934-35) Urquhart, Mathieson, Simpson, France, Fox, Birss, Irvine () G), Watt Irvine (A C), Speirs, Clark, Russell, Mackay, Milne, Gray, lanes

Classical V (1936— 37) lens, Watt, Fox, Lindsay, Mathieson Simpson, Dey, Fleming, Grieve, Mackay Birss, France, Speirs, Adams, Clark, Russell

_

France, Milne, Speirs, Russell, Adams, Irvine (A C), Clark, Mathieson Dey, Gill, Watt

74

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

the honorary rank of Major for services to the Combined Cadet Force. He is in retirement, and frequently on the golf course. at Haddington.

Robert David Spinal Fleming (1925-37) spent a year at St Paul's School, London and another studying law at University College, London, joined the University of London Air Squadron and became a Pilot Officer in the RAFVR. He was trained as a fighter pilot and was killed in action during the Battle of Britain in September 1940. See AGS Roll of Honour.

Edgar Alexander (Sandy) Fox (1926-37), M 8 . Ch. B, for most of his medical career was general practitioner at Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, where, having seen their family of four sons married, he and his wife still reside.

Ronald Spalding France (1926-38), m n , showed more sporting prowess at School than any other class member. He appeared in the Magazine Cricket 1st XI photographs for both 1937 and 1938 seasons. His considerable ability as a rugby wing three-quarter put him into the 1936-37 1st XV until a heavy tackle caused him severe injury and put him out of it. Nevertheless he played hockey for FPs and won the All-Round Trophy in his last year at School. During the War he became a Major in the Herefordshire Regiment, serving in Normandy through to the Baltic with 11th Armoured Division, and in the Middle East. He was mentioned in despatches in 1945. Having completed his Aberdeen University degree, he joined his wife's family clothing manufacturing business in Cheshire and chaired the company for twenty years before retiring in 1982, residing at Wrinehill, near Crewe. He had been a member of the executive of the British Clothing Manufacturers' Federation for twenty-five years.

Robert lmray Alexander Gray (1932-35), after being tracked down to his semiretirement home in Morristown, New Jersey, has written copiously and most amusingly about life in general and about his own career, which embraced membership of 612 Squadron (Dyce); RAF war service in England, Iceland and the Azores; residence in Sri Lanka, Belgium, Switzerland and USA; and travel to most of the capitals of Europe and Latin America. First he was with The Singer Company, then with International Paper Company as their Director of Finance for Europe. A life-time recreation was icedancing, bur in semi-retirement he is a contented home computer buff.

George McKenzie Denny Grieve (1936-37), MA.BD, who died in harness on 26 April 1987, a few months before the class reunion, had ministries in Kelso. Helensburgh and Kelvinside. His wife, who was Kathleen Johnston of Earlswells, Bieldside, has played a prominent part at national level in the Church of Scotland Woman's Guild.

Ian Dunbar (Nunkey/Hambone) Innes (1933-38), v it D . M 8 Ch 8 , was during School days a well-liked, initiative-taking Boarding House boy. At Aberdeen University, like his father. Ian George lnnes (1905-08), he was president of the SRC. After war service as a Surgeon Lieutenant and a spell as registrar in dermatology at Aberdeen, in 1948 he joined his father in general practice in Hull. continuing the partnership after Ian G. Innes's death in 1965 until his own death at the age of 56 in 1978. His grandfather John Bremner Innes (1862 -64), schoolmaster at Strathdon, was secretary of the Lonach and founded the tradition, meticulously continued by son, grandson and now great grandson, whereby the Lonach Highlanders enjoy hospitality at the schoolhouse on their march to the Lonach Games. Drs. Ian George and Ian Dunbar were staunch upholders of their old School and University, both actively kept up with their contemporaries although 'exiled' in Hull. and both added strength over many years to the Yorkshire Centre of the Club.

Alexander Clarke Irvine (1932-35), after employment in the offices of Seggie & Co. and Archibald McKenzie, in May 1939 enlisted in the TA Royal Artillery and saw action in France and Belgium as sergeant surveyor up to the evacuation from Dunkirk. Later in the war. he was back in Europe, via the Normandy landings. with Lord Lovat's Commandos. He was mentioned in despatches. and later saw action in France, Belgium.

Holland and Germany. Between 1946 and 1983 he served in employment exchanges at Huntly, Aberdeen. Glasgow, Lerwick and Dunfermline where, in 1983. he finished his career as manager of the West Fife offices of Dunfermline and Inverkeithi❑g.

James Graham Irvine (1927-38) died on naval service in 1944. He had studied for two years at the Royal Veterinary College, London, before joining the Fleet Air Arm in 1940.

Trained in Canada, commissioned in 1941, from HMS Illustrious he took part in actions against the Japanese and fought at the Madagascar landings. By I943 he was in the Mediterranean, involved in the Italian landings, including Salerno. See AGS Roll of Honour.

Classical V 1937

75

Angus William (Skeeto) Lindsay (1935-38), B.Sc. (Eng.). brother of Stanley Frederick Lindsay (1930-32), M.B. Ch.B . who died in 1971, and nephew of John William Lindsay (1888-91), M A.. m B.. Ch. B.. who died in 1946, is a member of a Peterculter family with strong personal and professional links, extending over 88 years, with Paraguay, where Angus was born, and where his mother, at a good age, currently resides. Following war service as an RA Captain in Africa. Italy and Germany, his main career was with Gulf Oil in the Middle and Far East and in Central and South America. From 1974, when 'in retirement' based in Winnipeg. he again ranged far and wide as a consultant on various engineering projects until 1982, when he joined Canadian Executive Service Overseas as a volunteer consultant in international disaster relief. He writes most interestingly from obviously close familiarity with people (including heads of state) and places in Latin America—the Amazonas of Brazil, the Orinoco River of Venezuela, the Alto Plano of Peru, the remote areas of the Chaco of Paraguay, the pampas of Argentina, Costa Rica, Patagonia, Nicaragua, Ecuador. Belize, Guatemala . . . and many more.

John Robert Mackay (1926-37). i‘rn . u. B., saw active service during the war as a pilot in Bomber Command in England, the Middle and Far East, then in Transport Command. His M. A. was taken in 1940, his LLB in 1949, and in 1950 he was admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh. In 1956 he entered the Colonial Legal Service and was appointed as the first official magistrate in North Borneo, from where however, within two years, he was flown home to Aberdeen seriously ill, and he died at the early age of 37. A brother is Alexander Murray Mackay (1930-42), M B. . Girl., general practitioner in Edinburgh. The oldest brother, Donald George Mackay (1924-30), M.A., B . Ch B • medical statistician, died in 1983, as did the youngest brother. Kenneth James Mackay (1935-42), M B.. Ch. B., psychiatrist (at Yellowknife, Canada). brother of Professor Gordon David Wyllie Mathieson (1926-38), M.B..

Mathieson (1932-44), M.B.. Ch.B., M.Sc. (MEG.), F.R.C.P.(C.), of Montreal, now at St Johns, Newfoundland, was a Surgeon Lieutenant 1944-47, did hospital jobs in Bradford, Birmingham and Coventry before marrying in 1958 a London University medical graduate and emigrating with her to Canada. He is still in active medical practice in N. Vancouver but showed that he knows his priorities by turning up at his Aberdeen University class reunion in 1983 and at the AGS class reunion in 1987.

John Alexander Barclay Milne (1927-37), sun , had a rough time as a bomber pilot in the war, as documented in some detail in Operation Millennium by Eric Taylor, a fascinating book published by Robert Hale in 1987. In 1957 he graduated M.A at Aberdeen University and his subsequent teaching career covered two years at Powis Junior Secondary School and twenty years in primary teaching at Banchory. He retired in 1979 and continues to reside in Banchory. A son, Derek Alexander Barclay Milne (1946-59), now teaches at Banchory Primary School.

James Knox (Jake) Russell (1932-37), M.D.. F.R.C.O.G., was one of the six in the class who headed for medicine at University and whose classical schooling was no obvious detriment to their careers in that science-based profession. Jake's war service was in the RAF in Bomber Command at the height of the offensive against Germany, then with Fighter Command and with 125 Fighter Wing when involved in the liberation of Copenhagen. Post-war, he trained as a gynaecologist under Sir Dugald Baird, moving in 1950 to Newcastle-upon-Tyne where, from 1958, he was professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, and, 1968-78, dean of postgraduate medicine. A long World Health Organisation consultancy, visiting professorships and external examining have made him a world traveller. Since his retirement in 1982 he has taken up again a particular RAF interest—the early detection of serious stress in aircrew. At the bottom of his garden at Tranwell Woods, Morpeth, he has a smoke-house where he pursues his hobby of curing and smoking salmon, sea trout, eels, mackerel, bacon, chickens, etc. He is thinking of writing a monograph on the murky subject. See also June 1985 Magazine.

Ronald George Simpson (1925-38), M.D.. F.A.C.P. (fond. and Edin.), was awarded his doctorate with Honours and the distinction of the Thursfield Award (for the best thesis of the year). He served with the R.A.M.C. 1944-47, mainly in India. After junior and senior medical registrar appointments with Aberdeen General Hospitals, he specialised in geriatric medicine, being consultant physician based in Perth and senior lecturer in geriatric medicine at the University of Dundee until his recent retirement. He is a past president of Perthshire Cricket Club and of the Scottish County Cricket Board, also president-elect of Perthshire Medical Curling Club.

Alexander Logan (Sandy) Speirs (1926-38), O.B E., M.D., F.R.C.P (Cond. and Glasg ). D.C.H.. is the son of the late Alexander Speirs, M.A.. B.Sc., mathematics and science master at the

76

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

School 1900-35, known to generations of boys as 'Pym', and brother of the late John Hastie Speirs (1911-24). Ni A . B A IC.Anixb i. Perhaps it is no surprise that Sandy was maths and science medallist. He graduated in Medicine in 1943 and was house surgeon and house physician in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for a year before entering the Navy where he saw service with MTBs in the Channel then moved to Fleet Air Arm stations. Most of his subsequent career has been in central Scotland as a consultant paediatrician based first in Glasgow and then in Stirling and Falkirk Royal Infirmaries. He was awarded the o B E. in 1979 for his work in relation to thalidomide. He is an examiner for the M.R.C.P. (U.K.) in Scottish and English hospitals and visited Hong Kong for this purpose last year. Now in semi-retirement in Bridge of Allan, he is an Honorary Sheriff in Stirling—surely an unusual appointment for a doctor. One of his two daughters is married to an FP—Michael Grant Walker (1949-57), F.R c s , a vascular surgeon at Manchester Royal Infirmary.

William Smith (Billy) Urquhart (1928-37) is the one member of class whose whereabouts are so far untraced. His family home was for a while at Hillside, Cults. As a scout he contributed much liveliness to the 9th troop.

Harold Murray Robertson Watt (1926-38), M.A., LI. D., son of the late Theodore Watt (1889-1901), MA. 11D, brother of the late George Theodore Robertson Watt (1918-31), M.B. Ch.B., of Alan Crombie Robertson Watt (1925-37), si A . u. B , retired chairman of industrial tribunals, and of Professor Donald Elmslie Robertson Watt (1931-43). M A . D Phu. (Oxon ), F.R.S E , is in retirement at Cults after thirty-six years' involvement with Aberdeen University Press. See June 1985 Magazine.

HAROLD M. R. WATT (1926--38)

Abstract of Accounts for year ended 31 December 1987 Club Centre INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

1986 136.443 9.128 13.628 2.480 61.679 120.137 14,850 7.751 410 2,885 3.500 2.149 1.168 1,196 3.000 6.883 1.054

Wages and National Insurance Rates and Insurance Heating and Lighting Telephone Repairs and Maintenance Donation to FP Club Other Donations and Interest Administration Expenses Stewards Pension Scheme Honoraria Miscellaneous Expenses. Cleaning. etc.

Depreciation

164.983 1(3.304)

DEFICIT FOR YEAR

71,114 (£7,662)

1 5.974

BALANCE SHEET FIXED ASSETS Furniture, Fittings and Equipment—At cost Less: depreciation

£5,078

189,408 6,752 3.273

1,381

Gross Profit on Bar (Sales £95,716(1986-£93,965)) Annual Subscriptions Gaming Machine Revenue (Net) Other Income

163,452

CURRENT ASSETS Loan Account —AGSFP Club Stock in Hand Sundry Debtors Cash in Hand

5.391 12.519

£22,219 14,379 7,126 457 6,939 3,500 1.929 1,511 1,196 3,000 7,962 896

£91,099 6.965 2,463 250 £100,777

1100.814

128.964

£37,137 8,685 13.542 4,088

CURRENT LIABILITIES Sundry Creditors Subscriptions in Advance Bank Overdraft

£31,565 5.356 16,682 £53.603

146.874 153.940

47,174

159.914 6,300

£52,252 6,300

LESS: LONG TERMS LOANS

£45,952

113.614

Represented by: 110.557 43.057 (33.614

CAPITAL ACCOUNT—Appeal Fund and Other Donations SURPLUSES

77

£10,557 35,395 £45,952

78

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

F.P. Club INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

1986 £2.229 1,612

724 1.683 3.500 555 252 £10.355 3.737 168 500 1,255 3.794

1.511 501 £11.486 £( 931)

Subscriptions Revenue from Investments (Gross) Transfer from Life Member Capital Fund at 5% Magazine Sales and Advertising Revenue Donation from Club Centre Entertainments Account Surplus Miscellaneous Income

£2,010 1,612 725 1,615 3.500 850 155 £10,467

Working Expenses. including Honoria School and Trophy Medals Capitation Grants Expenses of Visits to other Centres Magazine—Cost of Printing and Postages Back in Business Newsletter Corporation Tax

£4,100 178 500 1,057 4,635 — 449

DEFICIT FOR YEAR TRANSFERRED TO CAPITAL ACCOUNT

10.919 452)

£(

BALANCE SHEET £16,123 14.470 2.034 1.021 5.122 2.811

HERITABLE PROPERTY—At cost less loans INVESTMENTS—At cost ROBERT G. WILSON BEQUEST MRS. ISABELLA GRANT BEQUEST SUNDRY DEBTORS CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

£14,432 14,470 2.073 1,100 5,534 1,821 £39,430

41.601

£4.119

Less: SUNDRY CREDITORS

1.302

ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE

£3.421 £36.180

£2.635 446 3.081 36.349

Represented by: £13.751 16.830 2.054

1.021 2.324

36.180

LIFE MEMBER CAPITAL FUND CAPITAL ACCOUNT ROBERT G. WILSON BEQUEST MRS. ISABELLA GRANT BEQUEST OTHER FUNDS

*.

1163: 7376 8 2,073 1.100 3.022 £36,349

79

Centre Reports

Amenities Fund INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 1986 £746 200 9Q6

£1,072 Grants made 25 Honorarium to Treasurer £1,097 f(151) £6,609 135 6.744

BALANCE SHEET INVESTMENTS—At Cost CASH AT BANK Represented by:

£6,609 135 £6,744

f747 200 (947

Interest from Investments (Gross) Donation

CAPITAL ACCOUNT CREDITOR REVENUE ACCOUNT

f927 25 f(

952 5)

(6,609 155 (6,764 (6,609 25 130 f6,764

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