AGS Magazine June 1991

THE

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHML MAGAZINE

ABERDEEN

pruiLZ4 for The Former Pupils' Club atThc Unkversily Press Volume 94

June 1991

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine 107th year No. 229 (N em Series 96thyear No. 220)

June 1991

Vol. 94

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

Derek A. Harley, M.A., Dip. Ed., 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen AB1 6YQ

Editor of Notes, Obituaries and Marriages

Kenneth A. McR. Nisbet, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen AB1 6YQ

Secretary of the FP Club

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

Treasurer of the FP Club

John D. Murray, LI..B., C.A., 5 Bon-Accord Square, Aberdeen AB9 1XR

The General Editor and Notes Editor are happy to receive contributions for the next issue of the Magatine at any time before mid-April 1992.

In order to assist the distribution of the Magatine, members of the Former Pupils' Club are requested to advise the Secretary promptly of any change of address.

Printed for The Former Pupils' Club at BPCC-AUP Aberdeen Ltd

CONTENTS Financing the Magazine Letter from Club Consul Rector's Report The departure from the School of three dedicated and well respected colleagues School Office Bearers Extra-Curricular Activities School Prizes 9th Aberdeen (Grammar School) Scout Group Plane Sailing?

Working in Thailand Aberdeen Grammar School Memorial Stone A Plea for the Silent Majority Book Review: "Then a Soldier"—Memories of the 1950s School Boarding House Former Pupils' Club Office-Bearers Annual General Meeting President's Report Our President Annual Dinner Club Centre Centre Reports: Edinburgh Glasgow, London, Yorkshire Section Reports: Cricket Curling Football, Golf, Hockey Petanque Rugby Swimming, Women's Hockey The Class Society Notes about Former Pupils Marriages Obituaries Abstract of Accounts Illustrations Mr. Arthur McCombie's presentation Head Girl and Head Boy, Principal prize-winners Girls' Hockey 1st XI Marie Rourke Chess Team Cadet Warrant Officer Barry Fraser Dramatic Society Aberdeen Grammar School Memorial Stone School Boarding House Handing over the Badge of Office Reunion of Class 1951-65

page 3 3 4 6 8 10-19 20 22 23 24 27 28 29 30 32 34 36 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 53 58 59 65 6 9 10 14 15 17 18 27 31 37 51

Financing the Magazine and Beyond 500 The cost of producing the 1990 edition of the Magazine can be summarised as follows: £ L 4,679 Cost of printing and postage 2,390 Advertising revenue 1,445 3,835 Beyond 500 (1/11/89 to 31/10/90) 844 Despite the disappointing response to the Beyond 500 scheme it was decided to run it for another year (1/11/90 to 31/10/91) to help defray the cost of the 1991 Magazine. Unfortunately, the response has yet again been disappointing. Only 140 members participated (out of a Club membership of approximately 1,800) and this will produce income of approximately £1,500. It seems reasonable to assume that the cost of printing and postage will increase at least in line with inflation and therefore yet again the Magazine will have to be heavily subsidised by the Club Centre, a subsidy which the Centre can ill afford.

The income produced by the Beyond 500 scheme is nevertheless most welcome and the opportunity is taken to thank those members who have participated and whose support has surely given the Magazine in its present form a stay ofexecution.

Indeed, such has become our financial dependence on the Beyond 500 scheme that it has been decided to continue it for another year. The other possible ways of raising finance mentioned in this article last year, namely increasing the ordinary annual subscription or raising a capital sum by way of donations to produce annual income, have been dismissed for the moment.

To allow members living abroad enough time to participate after receiving this Magazine, the next Beyone1500scheme will run from 1 November 1991 to 31 October 1992 and, to encourage younger members (or indeed any other member), the annual subscription of k12 can be paid by monthly standing order. Further details are given on the application form in the centre of this Magazine. Members not wishing to participate may wish alternatively to give a small donation.

You are urged to participate now. The Beyond 500 scheme is one of only two fundraising efforts by the Club. Please support it.

Letter from Club Consul I note the plea made in the June 1990 edition of the Magazine concerning the difficulty in funding future issues. In another section the cost of life membership is shown as O5.

As a life member of several years standing I do not recall the cost of such membership, but I am sure that many life members would be happy to pay the difference between the original subscription and the current O5. As such I enclose a cheque for £50 (a "guestimate") to aid the funding of future editions of the Magazine.

Having lived ex-Aberdeen since 1958, I do appreciate information about contemporaries and School activities. As one gets older, interest shifts from "marriages" to "notes about former pupils" and no doubt further down the track to the "obituaries".

Perhaps other life members could consider a similar "donation".

Michael B. Thomson (1938 51) Club Consul, Wellington, N.Z. 3

Rector's Report Reflecting our circumstances and priorities, my report focuses mainly on buildings, people, and pupil achievements.

1 am glad to confirm that rebuilding of the fire-damaged area is on schedule for completion in December of this year, which will clearly be another major milestone in the long history of the School. As well as restoring a magnificent building, the new facilities provided will be most welcome as we adapt to new courses and modern techniques. Plans for refurbishment of adjacent areas are now ready for Education Committee approval and will have to be implemented over the next two years before the single-site target can become a reality. It is perhaps worth noting that pupils leaving S6 this year represent the last group admitted before the fire in 1986.

News about people again tends to be dominated by departures rather than arrivals. Mr. Hugh Diack and Mrs Catherine Reid retired from the English Department last summer, and over the course of the session Mr. Richard Greig, Mrs Mary Lennox, Mr. Grant Bruce and Mrs Lynne Greig all gained promotion to career posts in other schools. Mr. Alex Garrow also became Depute Rector of Bridge of Don Academy in April this year. Additional and very significant retirals from Board of Studies staff were those of Mr. Arthur McCombie, after nearly thirty years, and Mrs Jean Downie, after nineteen years, both of whom gave loyal and devoted service to the School. Their contributions and that of Miss Jenny Archibald, who retired from the post of Administrative Assistant, were recognised by both colleagues and FPs at appropriate presentation dinners.

In the formal curriculum pupil achievements are considerable, particularly during a period of relatively rapid transition to Standard Grade, Revised Higher and imminent 5-14 developments. Among discrete innovations this year will be our Activities/Work Experience week in June, when a whole range of educational visits and excursions will be programmed, alongside work-experience for the whole of the new S4 year-group.

Extra-curricular successes are necessarily those of particular individuals or teams, and we share the pleasure and pride of many young achievers. The chess team were Regional and National jamboree champions of last year and went on to win the Scottish Team Championships this year. One of the younger members of the team, Luke Russell, is also British Champion in his age category. At the Scottish Schools' Athletics Championships last summer Jillian Grams was first in the 1500 metres and Lisa Davidson first in the 800 metres. Fiona Lumsden and Alasdhair love also competed successfully, and Alasdhair recently represented Scotland in an international cross-country match. Among a very committed group of swimmers Crighton Bain, Rory Mearns and Findlay Bain all competed successfully in the National Championships, and from an equally committed badminton group, Marie Rourke became under-13 Scottish Champion. Our hockey boys had successive victories in Edinburgh and the girls' teams are regional champions at both senior and under-15 level, with Julie Ewen selected for the Scotland under16 team. Rugby was affected by severe winter weather, but there remains very enthusiastic participation in all three teams, a description equally valid for cricket in summer. The senior football side progressed to the semi-final of the Scottish Cup, at which stage they lost narrowly in a closely contested game.

When an annual review includes other spheres of activity like the Christmas Carol Service in St. Machar's Cathedral and our highly successful musical Free As Air, the range of pupil achievement, and of course staff support, is most commendable and encouraging. Parental support is also evident in our School Board, which presented its first annual report in September 1990, and in the on4

Redoes Report

5

going work ofour P.T. A., whose recent "firsts" included a careers convention and a fashion show, both very well attended.

On such a basis of positive involvement by all in the School community and a very supportive Former Pupils' Association, we can look forward with confidence to the many challenges of education in the 199Os.

6

Aberdeen Grammar 3ebool Magazine

The departure from the School of three dedicated and well respected colleagues During session 1990 91 the School said farewell to three people whose contributions to the life of the School had not only been immense, but also unique, each in their own right.

First to go was Arthur McCombie, the Depute Rector. Arthur had fulfilled many roles at Aberdeen Grammar School. He was Principal Teacher of History, before taking on a shared deputyship with Archie Baxter, which saw him as the first depute to be in charge of Rosemount Annexe when it was added to our campus after we went comprehensive. When Archie retired Arthur then assumed the remit of Deputy on his own and, with the exception of being Acting Rector during an interregnum period in the late eighties, he continued in that post until he retired.

Arthur was always a man of great enthusiasm and energy where the School was concerned and we were all very relieved to see him come through a short spell of illness a few years ago and see him return to his normal self. The Rectors with whom he has worked have valued his sincere commitment and support, especially at times like the fire of 1986, when much of the smooth resumption to near normal circumstances was due in no small measure to his tireless efforts.

He was liked and respected by pupils and staff alike and was a veritable fund of knowledge about the history of Aberdeen Grammar School and all it stands for.

Indeed, it is hoped that, just because he has retired, all this will not be lost and certainly many people have suggested to him that he might commit this knowledge to paper as some sort of historic saga of the School.

Arthur supported all facets of school life, whether it was shouting on the players at Rubislaw or clearing up after pupils' discos. He was always there and all pupils who came in contact with him, for whatever reason, knew they would get a fair hearing. Despite his Gordonian connection we were all sad to see Arthur leave the Grammar, hut happily he has been sighted on a few occasions in the last six months

Head Girl, Emma Hendry, presents Mr. Arthur McCombie with a gift on behalf of the School to mark his retirement in August 1990.

Retirement of Teachers

7

back in the building. He fits these visits for coffee and a chat around one of his hobbies—golf--for which he now has more time.

His support of all matters connected with the Former Pupils' Club was recognised when he was made an Honorary Vice-President of the Club at the A.G.M. in March. We all wish him health and happiness in retirement and assure him that he is welcome at all times in the School, at Rubislaw or in the Club Centre.

Next to go was Jenny Archibald, the School Administrative Assistant. Jenny succeeded Betty Gibb and therefore had a difficult act to follow. However, with her blend of quiet efficiency and unstinting dedication to her job, Jenny stamped her mark on the administration of the School.

As with Arthur, successive Rectors found their job would not have been as straightforward had Jenny not been there to advise them and support them.

Almost nothing happened in the School without Jenny keeping her finger on the pulse and her meticulous manner meant that no deadlines were missed and no essential tasks went unattended to. She supported many aspects of the extracurricular life of the School and could be seen in attendance at all functions, whether in an official or unofficial capacity.

She watched the office and administrative side of the School grow to the point where we now have a staff of six and enough paper is produced to put most forests in the shade. Through all this she coped and much of what she did went unseen.

This was especially true in the links which the School has with the FP Club, whereby she made absolutely sure that all prizes and other affairs connected with the Club were administered to perfection.

We hope she can now sit back without her typewriter in front of her and partake in some of her hobbies with more time to enjoy them. We also wish her health and happiness for a long spell of retired life.

Lastly, Christmas saw the departure of Jean Downie, Assistant Rector. Jean came to the School as a teacher of physics, had a very brief spell as Principal Teacher of Physics and was then appointed Assistant Rector with responsibility for a variety of things, ranging from girls to guidance and careers to catering at School functions.

Whatever it was she had to do, Jean put her own stamp on it and her cheery manner and approach were not only a support to her but more so to the staff and pupils with whom she worked. The range of duties with which Jean was tasked over the years seems endless. How she coped with those is in itself a miracle, not to mention the fact that several extra-curricular activities benefited from her involvement, e.g. the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, school trips and the like. She played a vital role in integrating the girls into the School and that exercise would not have been achieved with so few hitches had Jean not guided it at every turn in the right direction always with the best interests of her girls at heart.

She loves the outdoors and hopefully will be able to pursue those hobbies, like hillwalking and skiing, without the pressures of school to worry about. Her interests in music stem from her talent as a singer and pianist and she will now be able to relax with that rather than doing patrols in the girls' toilets or fighting over issues about whether girls should wear trousers instead of skirts. Jean has lots she wishes to do in retirement and we wish her the health and strength to see it through.

All three of the above members of staff will be missed by the School and the Club. We wish them all many long, happy years ahead. Their services to the School and the Club were recognised by presentations from staff, pupils, parents and FPs alike. To all of them we would say thanks for their immense contribution to the School and the FP Club and hope that we will see them back in the School or the Club Centre as often as possible in future years.

(By a colleague.who was fortunate to know and work with all three.)

School Section School Office-Bearers Prefects

Head Girl: EMMA HENDRY Deputy Head Girl: MAIR] EDDIE

Head Boy: MALCOLM SMITH Deputy Head Boy: BARRY FRASER S 6 Prefects

PAULA HARDIE NIKKI LUMSDEN ELAINEMCALLISTER

ROBERT ALLAN LESLEY ANDERSON INCA BRUCE Bt LL CHILTON ANDREA CHOW

GAVINMCBAIN COLINMCCoLL CHRISTOPHER MATHESON

STEWART CRAIG FR ANCES CRESSER JONATHAN DUCKWORTH J ANE DUFFTY FIONA DUTHIE ROBIN FORSYTH

ROSANNE MURRAY

GRAEME GORDON

CLIFFORD WATT

ALICE NIMMO KAREN REID DAWN RIDDELL HENRY SHAND

S 5 Prefects ANDREW NICHOLSON MICHELLE PARSONS RUSSELL PENNIE

JENNIFER BARRON LISA COLLINSON KEVIN HALES GORDON INKSON

HELEN REID LYNN RITCHIE SARAH ROBINSON FIONA SMAIL LOUISE UNDRILL

BALINT JOO B ARRY MCGLASH AN RACHEL MCROBBIE CARLA MARTINEZ BRIAN MIDDLETON CATHERINE. M(X)RE

JAMES WILLIAMS DAVID WILSON

Colours Awards

Hockey

Full Colours: HalfColours:

EMMA HENDRY NICOLA KEEPE HENRY SHAND BILL CHILTON GRAEME GORDON Du NCAN HARRIS

Soccer

Full Colours: HalfColours:

KEVINMCINTOSH MURRAY RITCHIE SCOTT SHEPHERD STEVEN FRASER BRIAN MIDDLETON GLEN DAVIDSON DAVID GARLAND

Badminton

Full Colours: HalfColours:

Basketball Athletics

Full Colours: Full Colours:

CHRISTOPHER GRAY ANDREW FOWLIE EMMA HENDRY KERRY DOHAN LISA DAVIDSON JILLIANGRAMS 8

Head Boy and Head Girl 1990-91

Malcolm Smith and Emma Hendry

Some of ihe principal prize-winners with their trophies and certificates.

9

Extra-Curricular Activities Girls' Hockey 1st XI

t 111 III

I

+-! dr,

Back Row: Nicola Keepe, Sarah Robinson, Clair Scott, Helen Reid, Jennifer Lawson,

Carolyn Fraser.

Front row: Julie Ewen, Gail Anderson, Emma Hendry (Captain), Natalie Vicca ( Vicecaptain), Emma Eddie.

Trophies: North District Indoor Cup North District Knockout Cup North District Senior Tournament Trophy Girls' Hockey This season has been very successful in many ways. What started as a season of rebuilding has climaxed with the 1st XI winning all three North District trophies.

In October three of the 1st XI were selected to play for North District under18s and four for the under-16s in the Inter-District tournaments held in Edinburgh.

The 1st XI won the North District Indoor Cup in February and this led to their competing as North District representatives in the Scottish Indoor Cup at the Bells Sports Centre in Perth. They put on a very good display and credited themselves well. The following weekend five members of the School side were selected to play for the North District indoor team, with Emma Hendry as captain.

Later in the season the 1st XI continued their unbeaten run and won the North District Knockout Cup after a thrilling penalty shoot-out against Albyn 1st XI in the final. This won them a place in the Scottish Cup finals in St. Andrews at the end of April.

10

Extra-Cterriolar Activities The two teams met again less than a month later in the final of the North District tournament, where A.G.S. gained a convincing 2-0 victory.

The 2nd XI has also played well, putting in some very good performances throughout the season, with mainly younger players in their side.

Special mention must be made of the third-year team, which won the North District Knockout for their age-group. The team worked hard improving their skills as the season progressed and thoroughly deserved this fine victory.

The first- and second-year teams are showing much promise and have both had a good season. Again this year, thanks are due to some FPs who have coached and encouraged this group.

The School again claimed national recognition when, at Easter, Julie Ewen (S4), the 1st XI goalkeeper, played for Scottish Schools' under-16 team in Germany.

Once again, thanks are due to Mrs Carrie Welsh for her undiminished enthusiasm and expertise which have enabled the School to field successful hockey teams, thus keeping up the traditional high standard of girls' hockey at A.G.S. 1st XI squad: Julie Ewen, Helen Rcid, Nicola Keepe, Emma Hendry (Captath), Carolyn Fraser, Natalie Vicca ( Vice-captain), Emma Eddie, Jennifer Lawson, Clair Scott, Ann-Marie Davies, Gail Anderson, Sarah Robinson.

Boys' Hockey First XI

This season saw a new look Aberdeen Grammar School 1st XI, with new strips and tracksuits being provided by generous sponsors, RAM sports. The team had improved greatly from last season, partly due to Monday-night training at Chris Anderson Stadium. This astroturf training improved the overall skill of the team and the weeks of training finally paid off when playing on a short tour in Edinburgh. An impressive team performance secured victories over Fettes (2-1) and Stewart/Melville (1-0). This proved to be the highlight of the season, as a 100% record had not been achieved in Edinburgh for some time.

An up-and-down league season meant that there was no league placing for the 1st Xl. However, the team managed not to give anything away to R.G.C.. 'A', drawing 0-0-2 pleasant change from last season, when the team did not fare quite so well.

Apart from the School matches, some of the team found themselves playing in the men's District Leagues for Hazlehead and the FP Hockey Section, amongst others. This undoubtedly helped to improve the standard of some of the team.

However, a great deal more improvement was required if the team was to reach the standard of M.B.C. Again, M.B.C. dominance in the league and cup prevailed. Unfortunately, the 1st XI were knocked out of the cup by a dubious back-stick goal in the closing minutes, with R.G.C. 'A' winning the match. The team, putting this result aside, continued to improve the more they played together. Hopefully, the players who return to the fray next year will help to improve the team and build on what has been learned this season.

The following boys played for the I st XI: Kevin McIntosh, Duncan I iarris, Hendry Shand

(Captain), Gordon Inkson, David Patullo, Scott Robertson, James Williams, Edward Church, Bill Chilton, Graeme Gordon, Andrew Calderwood, Christopher Matheson, Richard Scott, Reynard Earl.

Second Xl

Despite the team's ability, co-operation and enthusiasm as a unit, we have nothing to show for a hard, gruelling season, with all games being very competitive. This has not been a year wasted, as we have learnt and developed as the season progressed.

12

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

There is still hope, as several youngsters appeared in the 1st XI ranks over the season and many other quality players show promise for the future.

2nd XI players: Robert Allan, Richard Scott, Daniel Dukes, David Taylor, Daniel Allinson, Ian Arthurs, Graeme Milne, Angus Duguid, Michael Lam, Peter Shand, Kevin Watt, Matthew CoHinson, Reynard Earl, Scott Japy, Richard Jarvis, David Scott, Ian Watson, Graeme Stewart, Carey Veitch.

Colts XI At the start of the season about twenty-five players were interested in playing for a Colts Xl. This figure soon dropped with a few early defeats, including a loss in the first game on a sloping pitch away to Portlethen (1-3).

Reaching the semi-final of the Cup gave us a boost, although losing in that game to M.B.C. (0-10) brought us back down to earth with a bump.

From then until mid-January quite a few games were postponed, but those that were played included another two heavy defeats by M.B.C., two losses at the hands of Peterhead, a win against Ellon and one against Westhill. Unfortunately, there were two close defeats by R.G.C. and a 0-1 defeat away to D.H.S. Towards the end of the season we improved, mainly due to a few team changes, being beaten in only one of our last six games. These wins included a comfortable 2-0 home-win against George Watson's College and an incredibly dose 1-0 win away to Abbey School.

This season's team players were: Paul Parsons, Patrick Davidson, Simon Fogiel, Neil Thornton, John Patillo, Paul McClintock, Euan Pink, Philip Hendry (Captain), James Campbell, Kenneth Goldie, Simon Earl ( Vice-Captain), Michael McRobbie, Andrew Young.

Colts Rugby The third-year boys worked hard to enjoy their season. After such a successful season last year it was disappointing to lose so many games to the weather or because the opposition could not raise a team.

In the second term the game against R.G.C. produced a quality team performance; the result was not so good. The game against Nairn Academy produced both and was a reward for all the practice and training earlier in the term.

The School can be justly proud that it encourages and supports boys who show such loyalty and commitment to a team.

Boys who represented the 1st XV were: Gregory Addison, Colin Ballantyne, Grant Hamilton, Andrew Jackson, Matthew Jeffers, John MacDougall, Christopher Milne, Barry Shepherd, Keith Wildridge, Ross Methven, Cameron Butler, Fergus Small, Magnus Inglis, Jonathan Wraight, Graham Thomson, Keith Sim, Stuart Chesney, lain Algie.

Junior Rugby Only twelve boys attended practice sessions regularly and made themselves available for Saturday fixtures. With the help of various social members the team managed to finish the season. The boys worked very hard in practice and have improved individually and as a team.

Boys who represented the 1st XV were: Michael Armstrong, Kefayet Chowdhury, Grant Davidson, Callum Fraser, Richard Johnstone, Jamie Flett, Andrew Milne, Gavin Hendry, Christopher McDermott, Tim Reinecke, Stephen Parry, Stuart Petrie, Darren Pinto, Theo Trayhurn, David Brown, Stephen Gammack, Andrew Lints.

Minors Rugby The First Year once again produced two teams. The majority of the players attended weekly practice sessions after school and Saturday games and practices.

The first team were showing the ability to play as a team by the end of the season

Extra-Curricular Activities

13

but needed more games to develop. They had a comfortable win against Nairn Academy at Rubislaw, playing very direct rugby. The game against Montrose Academy showed the spirit of the team was good. The opposition were strong and our boys played with commitment and determination.

Boys who represented the 1st XV were: David Coutts, Rupert Daly, Michael Naylor, William Smith, Kevin Stuart, Andrew McLauchlan, Inns Cameron, Mark Murphy, Jim Wilde, Stefan Coiling, Andrew Haw, John Mitchell, Matthew Moore, Andrew Paterson, Peter Williams, Thomas Young, Malcolm Booth, Andrew Corsar, Stewart Fowlie, James Royall, Russell Cadger, Ian Hodgins, Darren Rose, Gareth Clifford.

Senior Boys' Soccer The senior boys enjoyed a highly successful season, winning the league (shared) and the J. M. Low (Regional) Trophy. The team were also beaten semi-finalists in the Scottish Cup and the President's (Aberdeen Schools') Cup. The Senior Schools' League title was shared with Cults Academy, when the team were level on points and no suitable dare could be arranged for a play-off because of the bad weather in the spring term.

The School enjoyed a great run in the Scottish Cup, before losing 3-1 to St. Patrick High School from Dumbarton at St. Johnstone's ground in Perth. The boys did not play to the best of their ability, but their effort and attitude were highly commendable. Perhaps, if the match had not taken place so early in the summer term (on the first day back), then the result might have been different.

After losing to St. Patrick's, the team slumped to a surprise 3-4 defeat at the hands of Dyce Academy in the semi-final of the Aberdeen Cup (President's Cup).

In the quarter-final of the J. M. Low Trophy the School team managed to defeat Oldmachar 2-1 after extra-time. The semi-final at Rubislaw saw Grammar crush Elgin Academy 6-2 as the home side returned to form. Cults Academy provided the opposition in the final and, after dominating the first half, Grammar found themselves trailing by two goals at half-time. Goals from Scott Shepherd and Glen Davidson tied the match with twenty minutes to go. The game went into extratime and Grammar dominated the remainder of the match, winning the cup by three goals to two.

Badminton Club The School badminton players have competed in the junior and senior leagues for South Grampian Schools.

Following their successes at the area championships, three pupils—Marie Rourke, Craig Howie and Christopher Telfer— represented the School at the Scottish Schools' championships at Meadowbank.

Congratulations are due to Marie Rourke, who won the Scottish Schools' Under-13 Girls' Singles Championship.

Charities Committee The Charities Committee has continued its work this year, adding a few new ventures to its repertoire of fund-raising events.

October saw us provide a car-wash service, with the money raised donated to Voluntary Service, Aberdeen. We also went into the pens and pencils business for the first time, with profits raised going to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Barnaby Bear was raffled for Barnardo's. We also attempted a Valentine's Day deliveryservice and cake and candy stall for the Susanne Haining Wheelchair Appeal, and our donation for this was boosted by additional money raised by staff. Comic Relief Day in March was a highlight, with a range of stunts and stalls in front of the Physics labs. These occasional schemes were run in addition to the daily tuck shop.

14

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Staff have been very supportive, and in January we welcomed Mrs L. Arthur to the Committee, to replace the dependable Mrs J. Greig, who has left for Australia.

Mention must be made of Jane Duffty and Elaine McAllister, who have been diligent in everything they have done. Junior members have also made a significant contribution, with enthusiastic support for flag days, etc. So, all in all, it has been another busy year for the Committee.

Office-Bearers: Chair: Jane Duffty, Treasurer: Elaine McAllister, Secretary: Clifford Watt (to December 1990), Lisa Collinson (from January 1991).

Marie Rourke, winner of the Scottish Schools' Under-13 Girls' Singles Championships.

(Photograph reproduced by kind permission of the Press and Journal).

Extra-Curricular Activities

15

Chess Club The chess club continues to flourish, with lunch-time attendances regularly around thirty. We have been encouraged by financial support from the School travel allowance, from the Former Pupils' Club (via the Amenities Fund) and from our sponsorship by B.P. Not only has this permitted additions to our equipment, both of chess clocks and sets, but it has also enabled our various teams to participate in all available competitions.

In the regional league competition both our teams are acquitting themselves well, and younger members are keen to be involved.

Nationally, a team of ten players defeated the strongest chess schools to win the Scottish Jamboree Championship in November. Unfortunately, a February Jamboree event, staged in Aberdeen, coincided with a big snowfall, which resulted in the withdrawal of most teams involved. Nonetheless, our team managed (just) to defeat the two Perth teams which struggled to make it here.

Our team of four was defeated (very narrowly) in the semi-final of The Scotsman Scottish knockout cup championship.

However, in The Times British Championship, for teams of six, the School qualified as zone winners for Scotland (from twenty-seven entrants) to proceed to the inter-zonal stages and played Royal Grammar School, in Newcastle. It promises to he an interesting, and demanding, experience.

No doubt attendances will dwindle as the weather improves into summer but, as this season ends, we look forward to lots of players, old and new, enjoying the competition and camaraderie of the club next session.

Captain of the chess team, Mark Russell, holds up the Scottish Jamboree Team Championship trophy.

Other team members pictured are Mark Rowson, James Cant, Jonathan Rowson, Luke Russell, Ross Martin, Paul Craig, Gillian Maycock and Sari Johnson. Missing was Stuart Chesney.

Also pictured is team coach Mr Michael Wilson, Principal Teacher of Mathematics.

(Photograph reproduced by kind permission of the Press andJournal).

16

Aberdeen Grammar Selma! Afaxiqine

Combined Cadet Force Throughout the past session cadet strength has remained quite constant at twenty cadets in the Army Section and thirty cadets in the RAF Section. A strong recruiting drive in March produced sixteen recruits for the RAF Section. We hope that a similar number will be recruited into the Army Section later this year. Both Service Sections are now fully manned on adult strength and they are operating effectively with at least two hours training every Thursday after school during term-time.

To mark twelve years' service with the CCF Contingent, the Contingent Commander, Squadron Leader R. J. Nugent, was awarded the Cadet Forces Medal in September 1990. We extend our congratulations to him and hope that he will have enough stamina to cope with a further twelve years!

The senior cadet of the Army Section, Cadet Warrant Officer Barry Fraser, was awarded a Lord Lieutenant's Cadet Certificate by the Lord Provost of the City of Aberdeen at a ceremony in the Town House in November 1990. Barry leaves school in the summer, but we are hopeful that he will continue his service with the Contingent as an adult Underofficer.

Over the past session our CCF Unit continued to obtain help from the personnel of 22 CTT based at Gordon Barracks, Bridge of Don, and the liaison RAF Staff at RAF Turnhouse, Edinburgh. We also obtained some help from past cadets who live in Aberdeen. Under conditions where there is adequate adult supervision, we have found that a diverse training programme can easily be provided for the cadets.

The Biennial Review of the Contingent took place in June 1990. The Reviewing Officer, Air Commodore W. McC. Rae, is a former cadet and a former pupil of the School. The Contingent received a very favourable inspection report.

The RAF Section has been fortunate this year with air experience, flying in Chipmunks at R AF Turnhouse. Most of our eligible cadets have clocked up about one hour's flying over the year. However, many scheduled dates in winter were cancelled due to bad weather. Air experience gliding has been inadequate this year.

The gliding flight-time for each cadet is still too short and there are not nearly enough cadet places each year.

To supplement our flying programme eight senior RAF Section cadets were most fortunate to take the opportunity of `flying' the helicopter simulator at Dyce.

Each cadet received fifteen minutes' training on the simulator.

As part of the School's Activities Week, the Contingent is planning adventurous training at Rothiemurchus in June 1991. We hope to provide a programme consisting of hillwalking, abseiling, rock-climbing and canoeing. In addition, the RAF Section will visit RAF Lossiemouth for day attachment 'work shadow' at various Squadrons and Sections. The Army Section will visit Fort George. We also hope to provide full-bore shooting at the Fort George ranges. Two Chipmunks from RAF Turnhouse will be deployed to RAF Lossiemouth for AEF during the last day of the training week and AEG may also be provided at RAF Kinloss.

The camps in Easter and summer 1990 were all very successful. Four cadets and two officers attended an Easter Camp at RAF Buchan; two cadets attended a camp at Gibraltar; thirteen cadets and two officers attended the Summer Camp at RAF Coningsby and twelve Army Section cadets and one officer attended a Summer Camp at Cultybraggan.

In Easter 1991 four cadets, one officer and one underofficer attended the Easter Camp at RAF Brawdv, Wales. Three cadets and one officer attended RAF Gutersloh, Germany, and two cadets attended the Joint Services Camp at Gibraltar. In summer 1991 we hope to send twenty RAF Section cadets to RAF St. A than, Wales, and twenty Army Section cadets to Warcop, Cumbria. We also hope to send four RAF Section cadets to Warcop, Cumbria. We also hope to send four RAF Section cadets to RN courses during the summer, two Army Section cadets

Extra-Ciirricidar Activities

17

to a leadership course at Frimley Park and three RAF Section cadets to a leadership course at RAF Hereford. The above list serves to show the variety of opportunities available to cadets in the CC:F. Many of these courses and camps, which are run at little cost to cadets, provide an excellent way of promoting life in the Armed Services.

The teaching of the CCF/RAF Section syllabus has continued thoughout the year. In December 1990 four cadets passed part 1 of the Proficiency Syllabus and six cadets passed part 2. A further six cadets were awarded a pass at the Advanced Level. The Rector inspected the Contingent and presented certificates to cadets in the Army and RAF Section during a special parade.

The Army Section training programme over the past session has provided cadets with a good grounding in basic proficiency subjects, such as map-reading, first-aid, dress/discipline and arms training. The training has been supplemented by full-bore and .22 shooting throughout the year. Army cadets have been active in fieldcraft and fitness training. Additional adult help will be necessary next session in order to cope with the various stages of cadet training.

We were much relieved to learn that plans for a toilet extension to the CCFHQ accommodation have been approved. At the convenience of HTAVR A, work is scheduled to start within the financial year 1991-92. New heaters and electric sockets were installed recently and, judging from our latest quarterly electric bill, these additions are being fully utilised!

The senior cadet of the Army Section, Cadet Warrant Officer Barry Fraser, is presented with a Lord Lieutenant's Cadet certificate by the Lord Provost of the City of Aberdeen at a ceremony in the Town House in November 1990.

Looking on are Squadron Leader R. J. Nugent (third left) and the Rector, W. J. Johnston (second right).

.•4brrdren Grammar School Magazine

18

Golf Club In summer 1990 the inaugural McCombie Cup for the School scratch championship was well subscribed with entrants, and Gordon Rough (S5) was a worthy winner. He went on to be the team's leading scorer in the Regional qualifying round of the Golf Foundation British Schools' Championship. In this event, staged at A bo yne, our team of Colin McColl, Gordon Rough and Andrew Fowlie finished a creditable second to Ellon Academy, but failed to progress to the next stage.

Gordon had the consolation of returning the day's best score.

We look forward to healthy competition this summer term and also to the Activities Week golf trip to the Moray Coast.

Free As Air This year's production by the Dramatic Society was the charming musical Free As Air by Julian Slade and Dorothy Reynolds.

The play was based around the life in the fictitious island of Terhou off the coast of the mainland island of Jersey. It told of the misadventures of a wealthy young heiress, who ran away to the island.

The show involved pupils from all years and the experience of senior pupils, former pupils and staff created an enthusiasm and determination which gave the younger pupils confidence and encouragement.

Yet again the Society delighted audiences with its originality and its youthful production.

It was thoroughly enjoyed by all involved and we would like to thank all the staff who helped and assisted us in making the show such a success.

•:

A scene from the Dramatic Society's production of trey As Air.

Literary and Debating Society The 1990-91 session was a very full one, with debates taking place most Thursdays after school. It was refreshing to see some new speakers emerging and equally encouraging to see so many well-attended debates.

Extra-Csirricular Activities

19

The topics were very wide-ranging from "Deportation Orders for the Ninja Turtles" to the more serious "Implications of The New Abortion Pill" and "Legalisation of Soft Drugs".

It was disappointing that many debates arranged against other schools had to be cancelled due to other commitments by these schools. However, towards the end of the session, five schools participated in a most entertaining Hat Night.

The Bishop Prize was shared between Nikki Lumsden, Mark Dyson and Patrick Graham. The judges were very impressed by the quality of both content and style shown by the contestants. The variety of approaches to the topic "How Far Would You Go To Be Beautiful/Handsome" was commendable.

It is very clear from the enthusiasm and interest shown by the Committee, presided by Nikki Lumsden, the participants and the audience, that the Debating Society is poised to have another excellent year.

Young Amnesty Group This year Amnesty International celebrates its thirtieth birthday. To mark the occasion the Young Amnesty group members have organised a number of events, most notably the "Livewire" School Bands Concert and a "Lunchbreak" recital in the Music Hall, in conjunction with the newly-formed School Wind Band. Four members attended a national Young Amnesty conference in London, and fundraising has continued with the sale of T-shirts, badges, raffle-tickets and Christmas cards (which were designed especially for the group by Rachel Sinclair of the fifth year). The regular discos at Zig-Zags are now a well-established tradition.

Members took part in the Amnesty International flag day, while material help was also given to Dyce Academy to help start their group.

Much of the money raised is used to purchase air mail envelopes. The group regularly receives "Urgent Action" newsletters, giving details of the cases which must be dealt with quickly, and we respond with as many letters and faxes as possible. The cases range from proposals to introduce anti-humanitarian legislation, through genocide and "disappearances", to the murder of streetchildren by the Secret Police. Several months ago the government of the U.S.A. debated possible expansions of the death penalty, which would further breach the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights. The Young Amnesty group wrote to the U.S. Embassy and faxed the Ambassador at the Aberdeen hotel where he was speaking on the day of the debate. Our action was reported in the local press, on Northsound Radio and also on Radio Scotland (with an interview).

To learn new ways of exerting pressure on violators of human rights, the group used some of the money raised during the year to send Alison Hall, Sharon Rafferty (third year) and Christine Caldwell and Lisa Collins (fifth year) to the annual Young Amnesty conference in London. The day was spent listening to lectures on the use of "comics", such as Crisis, in conveying messages, the life of Beatriz Rose, a former political prisoner in Chile, the work of an Amnesty researcher and the treatment of immigrants in Britain. The third-year members then took part in a workshop on press censorship, while the fifth-years discussed methods of consciousness-raising.

The organisation certainly took a high profile on Valentine's Day, when the Bands Concert was held. The excellent music was provided by five School bands: Black Death; Jimmy Petrol; Jools James and the Blue Flames; Fraction Genius and Interference. The tuck shop, operated by the Charities Committee, contributed to a very memorable evening. B.P. provided the P.A. system.

We would like to thank both pupils and staff for their support throughout the year, particularly Mr. Forbes, all janitorial staff and the Rector.

20

...Aberdeen Grammar School itingazine

School Prizes 1990-91 The J. Mortimer McBain Prize to the best Mathematical Scholar in S5 or S6 The Masson-Bain Prize in English The Brebner Prize in French—Equal The Gordon McMinn Prize in Computer Studies The Norman Mackie Memorial Prize in 53—Equal The Former Pupils' All-Round Award in S3 The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Biology The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Chemistry The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Computer Studies The Former Pupils' Club Prize- Geography The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Geology The Former Pupils' Club Prize—German The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Home Economics The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Modem Studies The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Physics The Former Pupils' Club Prize Religious Studies The Former Pupils' Club Prize--Spanish The Former Pupils' Club Prize—Technical Subjects The Gavin Falconer Memorial and Former Pupils' Club Prize—Music The Charles Alexander Walker Prize in History The Hamish Adams Greig Prize in Mathematics and Science in S5—Equal

Louise J. Undrill Clare E. I.appin f Jennifer A. l.yden 1 Lee-Rose MacRae Steven A. Kennedy Fergus C. Smail Paul A. McClintock Susan T. Grant Mhairi F. Mackintosh Jane H. Duffty Steven A. Kennedy Leanne M. Russell I. W. P. Bill Chilton Paula F. Hardie Diane I.. Webster Mairi I.. Eddie Christine A. Caldwell Denise K. M. Milne Judith M. Thomson Michael W. M. Pole

{

Lesley Anderson Benedict P. D. Gomer f Louise J. Undrill Christine A. Caldwell Barry J. McGlashan

The Samuel Pope Prize in Art The Derek Stewart Memorial Prize in Mathematics Yvonne R. Huddart in S2 Fergus Smail The Alexander Thomson Prize in Mathematics in S3 Alice I. Nimmo The George G. Whyte Prize in Mathematics in SO The Edith and David Ritchie Bishop Prizes for Nikki l.umsden First Public Speaking Mark Dyson Second Third Patrick Graham The Dr. J. Minto Robertson Prize in Clare E. l.appin Shakespearean Studies The John Moir Robertson Memorial Prize in Linda Craig Business Studies The Campbell Connon Prize for Local Studies—Equal { Stewart Craig Lynn Wisely Linsey A. Maycock The Dr. A. A. Cormack Prize Jillian E. Grams The Philip Love Trophy The Rector's Shield for outstanding contribution to Nikki l.umsden the running of the Literary and Debating Society

School Prites 1990-91 Aberdeen Grammar School Dramatic Society Award for outstanding contribution to Drama The Patrick W. Scott Shield for best recruit in the Combined Cadet Force The Former Pupils' Club '1965' Prize for the greatest contribution to the life of the School—Equal The Arthur I.. McCombie Prize in Art History The Jenny C. Archibald Prize in Home Economics in S4 Sports Prices The Neil Meldrum Inter-House Rugby Trophy (S1) —Dun

21 Frances L. Cresser Scott McKenzie Elaine L. McAllister { Jane H. Daft), Jane Alexander Jennifer Rodger

Andrew J. McLauchlan

The Former Pupils' Inter-House Rugby Cup —Byron The Former Pupils' Junior Rugby Cup- - Byron The Former Pupils' House Hockey Cup Melvin The Junior Hockey Cup for Girls—Keith The Rector's Medal for Swimming The Dr. Morland Simpson Cup for Swimming The Isobel O. Anderson Medley The Girls' Cup for Swimming

Justin M. Smith Andrew D. Milne Henry J. Shand Jane Paterson Barry J. Fraser Diane I.. Webster Diane 1.. Webster Nikki Lumsden

Badminton Awards Senior Championship Girls' Champion Junior Champion

Christopher Gray Lynn B. Ritchie Craig H. Howie

The English Speaking Board Examinations Grade 2 Emma V. Blwyddin Joanne Leonard Lynne E. Ritchie Katherine Dove Ruth E. Dukes Grade 3 Lisa Clift

Very Good Pass .

Very Good Pass Credit .Credit Distinction Credit

Drama Shields Play making—Senior 1 —Senior 2 The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme Silver Award All-Round Trophy Awards The Former Pupils' All-Round Trophy and John No Dawson Prize The Former Pupils' All-Round 'Trophy for Girls

Shonagh M. Dunbar Michael J. Armstrong

Morag Ormiston Catherine Moore

Barry J. Fraser Emma A. Hendry

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

22

The Runner-up to the Former Pupils' All-Round Trophy and The Agnes Durward McDonald Prize The Runner-up to the Former Pupils' All-Round Trophy for Girls Certificates of Merit:

Malcolm G. Smith Main L. Eddie Jane H. Duffty Rosanne E. Murray Elaine L. McAllister Robert W. Allan Henry J. Shand

9th Aberdeen (Grammar School) Scout Group It occurs to me that some people might read this report out of curiosity, wondering what the Ninth Aberdeen Scout Group has to do with the Grammar School.

Until the closure of its Primary Department the School sponsored three Scout Groups—the First, the Seventeenth and the Ninth, membership of which was restricted to pupils of the School. After the Groups were starved of a supply ofcubage boys following the closure of the School's Primary Department, they all decided to go "open" and accept any boys from age eight.

Since then the exclusive sponsorship deal became redundant, although the Ninth is still officially "sponsored open" in the eyes of the Scout Association. All three Groups are still alive and well and meet in the Great Western Road area of Aberdeen, within about halfa mile ofeach other. This geographical closeness made no difference when the city was our catchment area (through the School), but does now mean that we arc, to an extent, competing for recruits in the area. There are still original Grammarians in each Group, although they are becoming fewer in number. We take most of our boys from Hazlehead and Harlaw Academies, their feeder primary schools and another local school.

This year, John Connon Esslemont (1910-22), has been awarded Scouting's most prestigious service award, the Silver Wolf, which is awarded "for service of the most exceptional nature", and is the direct gift of the Chief Scout. Jack Esslemont is 86 now, but his capacity for work seems endless and he is still working hard for the Movement. In particular, he has in recent years promoted the local Gang Show, for which about ten thousand tickets have been sold in the last six years alone. Jack was involved in Scouting work with the late Fenton Wyness, the then County Commissioner, who was instrumental in acquiring our camping ground, Templars Park, in 1935. Jack worked as a warden there for its first five years. In 1959 he became the first County Administrator with the opening of the new headquarters at Rubislaw Terrace and in 1965 he was awarded the Silver Acorn for his work in reorganising Aberdeen County into two districts.

The Group continues to go from strength to strength with a total of seventythree boys and leaders. This coming year should see the formation of a Venture Scout Unit, which will extend our facilities to boys and girls from 16 to 20 years of age.

Concerning the introduction of girls into all sections of the Scout Movement, the plans published by National Headquarters have been delayed by The Privy Council, which must approve the change to our Royal Charter. Girls will, however, be admitted to the new Venture Scout Unit.

Neil J. G. Lawrie (1961-74) Group Scout Leader (Tel. 316819)

Plane Sailing?

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Plane Sailing?

As a fares agent and fares/ticketing trainer for Dan Air, the British scheduled and charter airline, I am often asked various questions on fares, airlines, airports and other aspects of the airline industry. The aim of this article is to try and answer some of the more-commonly-asked questions, which might help you the next time you intend to fly.

A frequent comment one hears is "'The man in the seat next to me had a much cheaper ticket". There can be many reasons for this, such as when he booked his flight, whether it is a return or one-way fare, whether he is staying over a Saturday night, and what flight he is travelling on.Today's airline fare structures are very variable. For example, on Dan Air's domestic routes there arc at present seven fare types, and all the other carriers have about the same number for their routes.

So how does one get the cheapest fare? One of the ways to do this is to make sure you know the flights and dates you want to travel on before contacting the airline, and book as far in advance as possible (as the cheap fares are normally limited to a certain number on each flight). Most cheap fares, however, have restrictions regarding refunds and change of reservation. It is probably true to say that travelling mid-week (i.e. between Tuesday and Thursday) and staying over a Saturday night will make it more likely that you will get cheaper fares, as Fridays and Mondays are the peak days for business traffic for most airlines. This therefore restricts the number of cheaper fares on those days.

Another common question asked concerns check-in time for flights and why this varies from airport to airport. For example, the boarding gate at Aberdeen is about five minutes' walk from the check-in areas, whereas at Gatwick or Heathrow you could face a twenty-minute (or even longer) walk from the check-in desk to the boarding gate. Passengers are asked to check in well in advance to allow time for the luggage and in-flight refreshments to be loaded onto the aircraft and for the passengers to board the plane. If all the passengers turned up at the last moment, no flight would ever leave on time.

There are certain things you can do to help the airline make sure that checking in goes smoothly. First, make sure you have the correct ticket for your flight and that it is in your name. It is surprising how many people never look at their ticket until they get to the airport. If you're going to a country which has specific visa and health regulations, make sure you have the correct documentation prior to travel.

Always check the bagagge allowance on your ticket and try not to exceed it, if possible. The airlines will charge for excess bagagge, because extra weight means extra cost to the airline. Only one piece of hand baggage is permitted. This is a Civil Aviation Authority regulation, so it would be unfair to blame the airline or its handling staff for enforcing the rule if other carriers have been more lax in the past.

One of the most common problems facing air travellers is lost luggage. The passenger should tell the airline staff immediately about his missing luggage, as it might have been left on the aircraft by mistake. When you check in, make sure your baggage is tagged with the correct destination and you should also keep your baggage receipt it will be needed to help trace the bag, if lost. Always label your baggage. If you do not want to put your address on the outside, make sure a note of your address is stuck on the inside of your case. This will prevent staff having to rake through your clothes, etc. I have had to search cases in the past to find a name and address. Always carry a description of your bag, i.e. type, size, colour and any distinctive items you have in it. All this helps to trace your baggage and to get it back to you.

A small article of this nature cannot answer all the questions asked concerning air travel, but most airline staff will be willing to help you as best they can, in order to ensure a smooth start to your journey.

Kenneth A. McR. Nisbet (1972-78)

24

Aberdeen Grammar School ,Vagarcine

Working in Thailand What is the truth about Thailand?

Until the Gulf War drove other foreign news off the British newspapers, articles on Thailand appeared regularly, often confusingly, and usually unflatteringly.

Even people with only the remotest idea of Thailand's geographical position, and no idea at all about its culture and social structure, are "experts" on its traffic jams, polluted beach resorts, patent and copyright violations and prostitution. Of course, sex and sensation sell newspapers, so the last of these is probably the most familiar to the casual reader.

On the other hand , lots of people (and I am one) fall in love with Thailand. They keep coming back for more, they set up business here, they retire here. Why? What is the truth about Thailand? After almost eight years here I still cannot answer the second question, and very few foreigners can. Learning about Thailand is like peeling an onion: after some time you realise that things are not at all as may appear on the surface and, just as you begin to understand the underlying layer, you discover your own ignorance and another layer beneath. The role of women in society, the lack of (or presence of) racial intolerance, the power-structure in Thai politics, the financial structure of Thai business, the welcome into (or rejection from) the extended family all have layer after layer of complexity, each apparently contradicting the indications of the layer above.

What is not in doubt about Thailand is that there are three seasons, when it is hot, hotter and even hotter, working is exciting, rewarding and exhausting, the culture is deep, pervasive and attractive, and the people are (within the normal distribution of all human groups) more welcoming and friendly than in most other societies.

So who runs Thailand?

FPs will know that on Saturday, 23 February a military junta overthrew the "democratically" elected government, abrogated the constitution, declared martial law and arrested the Prime Minister. As this was taking place, I arrived back from Bhutan, but found the airport to be quite normal. Later in the evening, being curious, I took out a car (carefully checking that it had international organisation number plates) and went in search of tanks and guns. I found only restaurants bursting with Thai families enjoying their regular Saturday evening out, bars full of foreign tourists enjoying the attention of the hostesses, and not a soldier to be seen. In the event, the military obtained the approval of the King and the Supreme Patriarch, and appointed an interim cabinet of strong, independent and widely respected persons. Since the Prime Minister and five others are serving, or former, trustees of my Institute, obviously we applaud the choice.

In fact, political strength in Thailand is a triangular balance in which the powerplay between the military on the one hand and civilian/businessmen politicians on the other is stabilised by the monarchy. The fallen government had removed influence from the military and established a semi-permanent presence in which the power clique are reputed to have amassed huge fortunes. The military reacted by moving "to protect the monarchy and the interests of the people" and in so doing restore their own power position. Their actions have the support of most of the people, although intellectuals decry the ready abrogation of the constitution.

Meanwhile, life and business go on unchanged.

Significant in all this is the role of the King. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy (like the United Kingdom), but the people place much more reliance on the leadership and wisdom of the monarch than we do. It is deeply significant that the very first thing done by the military junta was to obtain a Royal Assent to their proposed rebuilding of the political structure of the country. I must say that I share

rorking in Thailand

25

the admiration of the King, and of the Crown Princess, who is an Honorary Faculty Member of my Institute.

Economic Development Thailand is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. It is booming, with all the excitement and difficulties that entails. How different from the U.K. In Bangkok a new skyscraper appears every day, fortunes are made on the stock exchange, and Mercedes cars carrying 630 per cent import duty pour into the country. Yet in the rural areas of the North East the average per capita income is still below USS400 per annum! The industrial capital investment is based, in good part, on the presence of low-cost labour, which means that I can employ a driver, two maids and a gardener (the last three from the North East), while IBM, AT&T, Seagate Technology and a myriad of Japanese companies have moved their manufacturing operations here from higher-cost areas.

How do Thais treat foreigners?

On the surface Thais welcome foreigners with charming smiles and traditional courtesies. No ex-colonial hang-ups exist here, since Thailand has never been colonised. Basking in the warmth of the Thai welcome , it comes as a shock to discover that one is, and always will be, a farang—an alien. But that is true in Aberdeenshire, too!

It rankles, as well, to be charged higher prices for goods and services than are Thais. This first happened to me when I visited the ruins of the former capital at Ayutthaya, 40 pence entry fee for Thais, 80 pence for farang. Then, as I stood looking at the ruins and dreaming of the palaces, temples, kings and queens of long ago, I realised a Thai group next to me was caught in the same reverie. From their clothes and language, and more from the shape of their hands and feet, I could tell they were poor farmers from up-country. Earning a paltry 5400 per annum, why shouldn't they enjoy their own national treasures and their dreams at half price?

Thais are a proud and independent people, but they are not arrogant. They have not the displeasing superiority complex sometimes evidenced by successful island nations, nor the reactive inferiority complex of depressed or colonised nations.

They are simply Thai: free, cultured, successful and very human. They can form deep friendships, equally deep enmities, and most courteous casual relationships— just like Aberdonians, but in a different, less extrovert way.

Of Men and Women When I attended the Grammar School it was not co-educational, nor did I have any sisters. So I spent my adolescence in total ignorance of the female of the species, as a result of which I have had a considerable curiosity about them ever since.

Thailand is a happy hunting ground for all sociologists interested in researching "gender-specific issues", to use the current jargon.

On the surface, again , Thailand is the last bastion of male chauvinism. The polite language, the culture, the tradition of service, the polite body postures all emphasise the superiority of the male. Add to that the widespread availability (and use) of the female body to gratify male lusts and one feels that this should be the grand battleground for the women's liberation movement. But hold on: the central figure of the Thai extended family (with associated language implying inside is good and outside is bad) is the mother. Many of the top business-persons in Bangkok are women, certainly a higher percentage than in London. Fifty per cent of my 140 Thai postgraduate students are women—match that in engineering and technology in Aberdeen! Go to any restaurant and see who checks the bill—the family accountant is the wife.

Nevertheless, there are two aspects where social improvement is required.

Women carry the major shareof labour on the farm, and vast numbers of rural girls

26

.4brrdern Grammar School MagaTim

seek employment in the flesh trade. It is a shock to realise that the extremely charming, extremely moral girls of the country village are the same girls who unashamedly ply their trade in Bangkok. Again there are layers within layers. The grasping hussy who employs every trick to separate the male from his money then sends almost all of the ill-gotten gains home to her mother. Some return home and are accepted into the village community almost without stigma. Others marry and make good wives. But many, too, are overcome by the degradation, their marriages fail, they become totally coarsened and anti-social. They say here that "you can take a girl out of the bar, but you cannot take the bar out of the girl". The practice of prostitution, and of having a minor wife, are ancient and widespread and nothing to do with tourism. Culturally and socially it is not the same as in Europe, although the demeaning of the woman makes it every bit as undesirable.

The roots of prostitution in Thailand, as in so many countries, lie in rural poverty, inadequate education and limited employment opportunity. For what purpose would a Grammar FP hire a girl who cannot read, write or count? Drudgery on the farm, labouring on the construction site or selling one's body are the only choices.

Well, almost, because A.I.T. does employ about fifty local girls as golf caddies.

They love the work, support their families on the income, have no difficulty carrying golf-bags, and markedly improve your golf game (not to mention the ways they improve your score, if you let them). I would take a beautiful Thai ladycaddy before a golf-cart any day.

Of course, there is a social hierarchy in caddying as in all affairs here. My caddy is the wife of the caddy-master, and my senior colleague is allocated the wife of the starter. Both are excellent and gained distinction in their exams to Grade A status (seriously, we do train and examine caddies).

Talking about the A.I.T. Golf Course and business entrepreneurship, my security guards are allowed to sell the franchise to sit in the many water hazards all day waiting for balls to drop in. This franchise is jealously guarded, so security is excellent, which makes me happy. The balls retrieved must be sold to my golf shop at low cost, but the retrievers get a good percentage, so they are happy. The balls are bought cheaply by the students and staff, so they, too, are happy and in their joy and happiness they promptly hit the balls back into the water. So everybody is happy, except perhaps the rich army generals who lost new balls in the first place.

An amusing and trivial anecdote, perhaps, but it illustrates the way in which we all enjoy life in Thailand.

Now I know why I get tired When I first came to Thailand, I tried to work and play at the same speed as in Scotland, only doing more of both. In this heat that is impossible. So now I take soda-water in my whisky to stay cool, take four hours to a round of golf (the norm here is six and a half) and, when not working or partying, go to bed at 8 p.m.

Because that seems to happen only once or twice a month and I am in my office before 7 a.m. each day, I think I know why I get tired—and advancing age doesn't help!

However, if you want to visit a country where the people are charming, the beer is excellent, where we drink only twelve-year-old Scotch or V.S.O.P. cognac, the ladies are beautiful, work blends effort with pleasure, the food is one of the world's best cuisines, and where life and business continue blithely through cowps d'itai, then jump on the plane and visit me in Thailand: I have plenty to show you!

Alastair M. North (1937 50) President, Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand

Aberdeen Grammar School Memorial Stone

Aberdeen Grammar School Memorial Stone

ON THE SCHOOL HILL STOOD THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL OF ABERDEEN FOR OVER SIX CENTURIES - THIS STONE MARKS THE SITE OF THE SCHOOL FROM 1757 TO 1663 WHEN THE PRESENT BUILDING IN SKENE STREET WAS ERECTED •

INSCRIBED BY THE ABERDEEN GRAMMAR SCHOOL FORMER PUPILS'CLUB

MC:v1XXX

The photographs show the stone marking the former site of the School. The stone can be seen near the front entrance of Robert Gordon's College and the Robert Gordon Institute of Technology in Schoolhill.

The cleaning and highlighting of the stone was arranged by Mr. Eric Craig, a past president of the Club.

28

Aberdeen Grammar School Magavne

A Plea for the Silent Majority Nearly fifty years on from leaving school in 1942 I still find the Magazine fascinating reading, the various sections in the 1990 issue being without exception of great interest and well written. Sadly missed for several years, however, has been the traditional "School and Random Notes", latterly the "Prefects' Notes", at one time the literary centrepiece of the School Section. That it does not appear is puzzling, because with the welcome advent of co-education in the School it is reasonable to suppose that there are now much wider possibilities for witty commentaries on pupils' activities than ever before.

While always welcoming the arrival of the Magazine in June each year I also enjoy attending the annual dinners of the London Centre, which I have done regularly for many years. With the magnificent backcloth of the Halkin Street Caledonian Club, good food and wine, together with an abundance of stimulating and friendly company, no London-based former pupil in his right mind could fail to have a memorable evening at the Caledonian as November comes round each year.

The object of this article, however, is not to underline how the writer enjoys reading the Magazine and attending London Centre dinners. It is to put in a muted plea for the majority of former pupils whom one never hears or reads about in the Magazine or anywhere else.

By their very nature the Magazine reports concentrate on the activities of the more distinguished and successful former pupils, and we are all naturally proud to hear of boys who perhaps were in our class at school who have gone on to become Her Majesty's ambassadors in important foreign capitals, or who have been knighted for services to the medical or legal professions, or who have become captains of industry. It can also be a pleasure to meet them at the annual dinners and buy them drinks (or have a drink bought!). Furthermore, to read "Notes about Old Boys" in the Magazine with its catalogue of achievements might lead one to suppose that, in tote, ex-Grammar pupils more or less run the world. This, of course, is not entirely true and there could be wisdom in setting out a few downto-earth comments to put the record straight.

The first thing to bear in mind is that the majority of former pupils probably do not become life members of the Club. The second thing is that the majority, whether Club members or not, probably end up as good and worthy citizens, husbands and fathers, wives and mothers, solid ratepayers and voters, but that their activities, jobs, hobbies and contacts do not genuinely merit mention in the

Magazine.

The value of the education given by any school can be measured by the level of self-confidence it implants in its pupils, based on knowledge of the essential skills required in an advanced society plus knowledge of one's fellow creatures. School playgrounds and classrooms cannot be bettered as places to find out what human nature really is like, and people do not change much in later life.

The track record of Aberdeen Grammar School in respect of the above is impressive, but just as important in my view is the inculcation of knowledge and awareness of civilised values, the feeling that there is a great deal more to life than mere money-grubbing and showing off. With regard to these aspects of things, my own experience is of course of the School fifty years ago, but I am sure that in the context of today's world it is just as good as it ever was.

What the Grammar School does for its pupils it does for all of them, not just for those whose achievements in later life merit publicity and awake pride in the rest of us. The silent majority exist, unsung, and without doubt deserve a passing mention in the pages of the Afagazine which I for one accept and enjoy as it is.

John G. C. Brown (1930-42)

Book Review

29

Book Review "Then a Soldier"—Memories of the 1950s

By John F. McClellan (1944-50), M.A. (Published by the Book Guild Ltd., Price £12.95)

John McClellan retired prematurely from his job as an Under Secretary in the Scottish Office in August 1985 on grounds of ill-health. Since then he has kept busy, running an Educational Trust (on behalf of the film star, Sean Connery) and chairing the Housing Management Committee of Hanover Housing (Scotland), which is concerned with horsing,for the elderly. A keen writer, hisfirst novel was published in January of thisyear.

In a recent letter to the General Editor, Mr. McClellan writes: "My hope is that the book is an entertaining read, And I am particularly keen to draw it to the attention of my old School and my.former schoolfellows, because 1 think they may. find it ofspecial interest. They, like me, had to cope somehow with ' two years with the Colours and three and a half with the Reserve'; they, like me, had to come to terms with the all-engrossing interest in sex at a time when the social conventions made it difficult (well, more difficult than after the swinging sixties) to do very much about that interest; and some of them may, like me, have found themselves pitchforked into colonial society at a time when the writing on the wall spelled its demise. The Grammar School, Aberdeen University and the Gordon Highlanders were the originsfrom which I came and implicitly from which the hero of the novel comes.

Having written the book!am keen that it should be read—and above all by those in the North East who share some or all of those origins."

The review of Mr.MeClellan's novel, Then a Soldier, (helow) was written by his old schoollriend, David M. Craig ( 1937-50), who has published various books of literary criticism andpoetry. His two most recent books have beengreat successes both in terms of sales and of critical acclaim Native Stones, a book about climbing, and On the Crofters' Trail, about the Highland Clearances. Professor Craig holds a Chair in Creative Writing at Lancaster University.

One of my best-remembered sights of John McClellan in creative flow was on the tarmac in front of the pavilion at Rubislaw in 1949. He was wearing the darkblue-and-white hooped jersey of the 2nd XV and he was surrounded by other members of the pack. They were laughing heartily at yet another of his stories. All I could hear, as I lurked shyly some yards off (I was a scrum-half), was the punchline: 'The whip!' N-n-not the whip?' This sounds fairly advanced for 1949, but then, John was sophisticated for a second-row forward.

Our own collaboration peaked in the joint editorship of the School section of the Magazine in 1949 50. I haven't re-read our Prefects' Notes for a good thirty-five years -I think they were a not unusual mixture of in-jokes, literary• tags both Latin and English, and faintly smutty jibes at the more picturesque teachers. To ourselves we were inspired, our laughter crackled almost too fast for our pens to catch, and we chattered away in sweet harmony, almost never disagreeing.

John seems to have written mainly minutes since then—precise, even witty, no doubt, but closed to the public. So it's a joyous thing that at this, well, mature stage in his life he should have let the storyteller in him flow out into a complete imaginative work.

Because this lively and lifelike novel is his, it's full of the ludicrous, the observant, the warm-hearted, the worldly. Our hero is a lieutenant in the Gordon Highlanders, doing his National Service in Nigeria c.1955. When he's conned by a devilish alliance of RSM and Colour Sergeant into buying a clapped-out Morris Minor, naturally the horn sticks on and its banshee wail, in the middle of a reception at the Residency, stampedes the guests al] over the official zinnias and petunias.

Having plunged sweatily into an affair with the Resident wife's niece, he's

30

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

suddenly saddled with a perfectly unjustified murder charge. The moment he at last unhooks Jane's brassiere, the Quartermaster drives up to the swimming-pool with a screeching of brakes and loud calls for iced beer . . . Women rise and set around the horizons of young Jos Maclean's life like unattainable moons—the smart young beauty from the Home Counties, the Major's passionate wife, a child prostitute brought to his tent in jungle camp by his temporary batman ("`That was very thoughtful, Usuman," he said') and a much older one in Soho before he leaves for Africa.

Through it all Jos doggedly reads his way through War and Peace, Vanity Fair, and Middlemarch and grows into a mutually understanding and respecting relationship with his batman, Okoko. This is the subtlest aspect of the novel and Okoko the best-characterised of the dramatis personae. We can understand our hero's attacks of nostalgia as Africa comes to an end for him—even though he considers that `Most of your fellow-officers are second-rate soaks who are out here because it is the only way they can get a reasonably paid job and life style above their means and capacities.' Then a Soldier is not often as edged as that but it is not softcentred either. It is in every sense an adult comedy.

It delights and moves me that the potential for this book was stored in John's brain all those years. Surely, now, he will think of doing similar justice to the equally bizarre goings-on which he must have witnessed in St Andrew's House and Parliament—although he may have to cover his traces still more inventively so as to `protect the living' and avoid litigation.

D.M.C. (1937-50)

School Boarding House 8 Queen's Road, Aberdeen The photographs below of the former School Boarding House in Queen's Road, taken some sixty years ago, were found recently by Norman W. Jones (1928-40).

In a letter to the General Editor he remembers his fellow-boarders of that time: The photograph of fourteen boys on the steps of number 8 Queen's Road was taken in December 1928 and was intended as a form of Christmas card to be sent to the parents. These boys were the first intake to the School Boarding House, which opened in that year.

On referring to the Roll of Honour 1939-45,1 discovered that no fewer than five of these boys were killed, and all in the Royal Air Force: Alastair Moir, Leonard Blackhall, Jack Paul, Sandy McLean and Ian Fyfe.

Of the others, I know that Arthur Walker, James Durno and Neil Mercer have died. Charles Hall lives near Aberdeen and John Kemp in London, but I have no knowledge of Alan Watt or John Wallace.

The second photograph was taken in February 1930, comprising thirty-seven boys along with James Eddison, Housemaster, and Miss Mayor, the Matron.

Sadly, I recognise only about half of the larger group. Most of the faces ring a bell, but the names escape me in so many cases.

Not all the boys' parents were abroad, although most were. Some, such as Arthur Walker, James and Leslie Durno and the Pauls were "country boys"— farmers' and bankers' sons - while other parents resided in England.

Number 8 Queen's Road is, of course, now a Scottish Youth Hostel and I am told it was gifted to that Association in the mid-1960s and designated the King George V Memorial Hostel, but I am pretty sure that the Boarding House had ceased to be some time before that. . . .

School Boarding I louse

31

Rear: Arthur Walker, James Durno, Alan Watt; ThirdRaw: Neil Mercer, Alastair Moir, John

Wallace; Second Row: Richard Jones, Leonard Blackball, Jack Paul, John Kemp; Front: Norman Jones, Sandy McLean, Ian Fyfe, Charles I lall.

Former Pupils' Club Club Founded 11 September 1893

Club Office-Bearers, 1991-92 Honorary President: WILLIAM J. JOHNSTON, B.SC., DIP. F.D.

(Rector) Honorary Vice-Presidents: IAN G. McPi IERSON (1910-17) (President, 1965-66) EDWARD W(X)D (1908-21), M.A. (President, 1966-67) JOSEPH R. CARRY (1918-30), M.B.E., T.D., D.L., F.B.C.O. (President, 1967-68) ERIC Ros BIRK Err (1920-22), C.A. (President, 1968-69) ALLAN C. FRAZER (1925-30), M.A.,1.L.B., W.S. (President, 1970-71) JOHN V. SKINNER, M.A., M.LITT., DIP. Eli, J.P. (Rector, 1959-72) AIR MARSHAL SIR LESLIE MAYOR (1923-33), K.C.B., A.F.C., D.L., F.R.AE.S., R.A.F.

J.

(President, 1972-73) GEORGE E. C. BARTON (1923-26), M.A. (President, 1973-74) Ti i E VERY REVD. J. FRASER MCLUSKEY (1920-31), M.C., D.D. (President, 1974-75) ROBERT A. E. MENNIE (1924-36), M.A., F.R.N.S., F.1NST. PET. (President, 1976-77) JOHN W. CRAIX)CK (1941-46), C.A. (President, 1977-78) WILLIAM L. CONNON (1930-40), B.L. (President, 1979-80) T. GORDON CouiTs (1938-49, 1950-51), Q.C., M.A., LL.B. (President, 1980-81) JAMES A. N. WATT (1927-39), C.A. (President, 1982-83) BRIAN K. CRooKSFiANKS (1934-46), T.D., M.A., LL.B. (President, 1983-84)

ERIC D. WATT (1937-50), B.ED. (President, 1984-85) MAURICE CR AMB (1916-29) M.A., L.L.B., LLD. ALAN J. PETERS (1920-30), C.A. IAN LEWIS SMITH (1918-30) DouGLAS N. GEORGESON (1929-40) (President, 1985-86) ROBERT D. GILL, M.A., F.C.P. (Rector, 1972-86) ANDREW S. NOBLE (1939-52), M.A., F.C.M.A., F.I.M.A. (President, 1986-87) PROF. PHILIP N. LANE (1952-58), c.B.E., M.A., LL.B. (President, 1987-88) W. MORRISON BROWN (1933-46) (President, 1988-89) ERIC. CRAIG (1934-46) (President, 1989-90) THOMAS I. MORRISON (1934-47), T.D., B.Sc.(Aber.), M.Sc.(Glas.), C.Chem., F.R.S.C.

(President 1990-91) ARTHUR L. MCCOMBIE, M. A., F.S.A.(Scut.) (Depute Rector, 1973-90) President: Dr. J. R. S. INNES, (1923-35), M.B., Ch.B. Vice-President of Club and Chairman of Executive: JAMES C. LYON (1953 59), A.R.I.S. A., Secretary: JOHN F. HENDRY (1951-65), LLB. Treasurer: JOHN D. MURRAY (1961-74), I.L.B., C.A. General Editor of Magazine: DEREK A. HARLEY (1974-80), M.A., Dip. E.

32

Former Pupils' Club

33

Secretaries of Centres Club Centre-PETER M. ROBERTSON (1967-73), LL.B., 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen AB1 6YQ. Edinburgh—NIGEL G. M. WATT (1963-69), w.s., 11 Athol! Crescent,Edinburgh EH3 8H E. Tel. 031 229 1212.

Glasgow—J. PETER CAIRNS (1945-57), Dellglenan, 3 John Street I.ane, Helensburgh G84 9NA. London—ERNIE COHEN (1949-62), 76 Francklyn Gardens, Edgeware, Middlesex H A8 8SA. Yorkshire—W. Sam GILCHRIST (1929-36), B.L., 18 Clifford Moor Road, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 6PG. Secretaries of Sections Cricket— RICHARD S. T. FERRO, 12 Kirkbrae Avenue, Cults, Aberdeen AB1 9RF. Curling—BRUCE S. ALLAN (1953-58), A.R.I.A.S., 55 Carden Place, Aberdeen AB1 1UN. Football—GORDON G. D. FRASER (1975-80), 1 Carden Place, Aberdeen AB1 1UT. Golf —PETER M. ROBERTSON (1967-73), I.L.B., 33 Northburn Avenue, Aberdeen AB2 6AH. Hockey—BARRY SCOTT (1974-80), 7 Rosewell Place, Aberdeen AB2 61-1N. Petanque—DAVID THOMSON, 5 Northcote Road, Aberdeen AB1 7SY. Rugby—CALium A. McDoNALD (1963-76), 22 Harcourt Road, Aberdeen AB2 4NZ. Swimming PETER MULVEY (1952-62), 26 Mile-End Avenue, Aberdeen AB2 41.R. Women's Hockey—KAREN A. PATERSON (1979-85), 63 Beechgrove Terrace, Aberdeen AB2 4DS. Executive Committee The Vice-President of the Club, Chairman RICHARD H. CR ADOCK (1940-41 and 1945-51), I 'ice-Chairman The Secretary, the Treasurer and the General Editor of the Magazine, ex officiis The Rector of the School, ex officio SUSAN E. ARMSTRONG (nit SMITH) IAN H. McLEOD (1951-55) HARVEY E. MORRISON (1951-65) (1974-80) ALAN G. CAMPBELL (1959-65) TIMOTHY J. ROLFE (1980-86) GEORGE M. THOMSON (1943-44) ERIC CRAIG (1934-46) H. ALAN S. HAMILTON (1943-56) HELEN C. WALLIS (1981-87) DOUGI.AS McAwsTER (1961-74) WENDY WATSON (1984-90) DEREK McKAY (1944-50) DAVID K. YULE (1951-65) TIMOTHY E. McKAY (1976-81) Section Representatives Club Centre—BRIAN K. CR(X)KSIIANKS (1934-46) Cricket—JOHN G. N. FRASER (1942-55) Curling—BRUCE S. ALLAN (1953-58) Golf—DALLAs G. MOIR (1969-75) Hockey- - JOHN P. DRUMMOND (1947-58) Pktanque—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)

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

34

Auditors

Messrs. BOWER & SMITH, C.A. Club Consuls Australia-JAMES W. HOWISON (1937-50), 100 Curtin Avenue, Wahroonga,

New South Wales 2076, Australia. Tel. 02-4873164.

Australia—DR. FORBES SMITH (1945-57), 8 Naming 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 Mt:G. MARR (1954-58), 4 Milne Crescent, Kanata, Ontario, Canada

K2K 1H6.

Canada—SANDY WATT (1937-50), 1733 Coleman Street, North Vancouver,

British Columbia V7K 2V7. Tel. 604987 6209.

Canada—PETER J EFFREY, 20163 Lakeshore, Baie d'U rfe, Quebec H9X 1P8. Tel.

(514) 457-6252.

Ireland—ANDREW M. M. STEVEN (1936-50), M.A., Ll..B., DIP. ED., 5 Beech Hill

Avenue, Saintfield Road, Belfast BT8 4NS. New Zealand—MK:limit. B. TitomsoN (1938-51), 39 Jubilee Road, Khandallah,

Wellington 4, New Zealand.

South Africa-- JosEri I FARQUIIARSON (1929-43), Business Mount Nelson Hotel,

P.U. Box 2608, Cape Town 8000. Tel. 23-1000 Ext. 153; Home 402 Clarepark, Brooke Street, Claremont 7700, Cape Town. Tel. 611436.

Thailand—PROF. ALASTAIR NORTH (1937-41 and 1942-50), Asian Institute of Technology, GPO Box 2754, Bangkok 10501, Thailand. Tel. 5290100-13.

U.S.A.-MICHAEL G. KING (1951 60), 4720 Fortuna Way, Salt Lake City, Utah 84124, U.S.A.

Annual General Meeting The eighty-ninth Annual General Meeting of the Club was held at the Club Centre, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen on Monday 25 March 1991.

The Chairman commenced proceedings by welcoming on behalf of the Club Mr. T. I. Morrison, at the end of his presidential year, and Mr W. J. Johnston, the Rector.

Deaths

During the year the Executive had recorded with sadness the deaths of three prominent members of the Club: Mr. Neil I. W. Meldrum, a past president, Mr. Cohn C. Allan, the Treasurer of the Club, and Mr. Michael G. H. Gibb, Secretary of the Rugby Section.

Membership

The Chairman reported that membership was once again down on the previous year and that this was a disappointing trend. He encouraged members to make contact with contemporaries who were former pupils but not members of the Club.

Social The 1990 Dinner and Ball had enjoyed success. Dr. Douglas McAllister, in his first year as Entertainments Convener, was thanked by the Chairman.

Former Pupils' Club

35

Club Centre dinners had been held in Edinburgh, Glasgow and London and had been well supported. The Head Girl had spoken at the Edinburgh Dinner and the Deputy Head Girl at the Glasgow Dinner. Both were congratulated on their very able performances.

The Centenary Committee was due to meet again in the early part of May. The Chairman repeated that it was important that membership be encouraged with the Centenary approaching.

School The rebuilding of the fire-damaged areas of the School was still on schedule and due for completion at the end of the year. It was hoped that refurbishment of other parts of the School unaffected by the fire would take place thereafter.

The School Board continued to function and there remained an FP presence on the Board.

Two senior pupils had once again been guests of the London Centre for a week in June.

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

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

In presenting the accounts the Treasurer, Mr. J. D. Murray, pointed out that the Beyond 500 fund-raising scheme was still in need of more support, and members were urged to encourage others to become involved in this venture.

Office-bearers for the year 1991-92 were elected in accordance with the lists contained earlier in this Magazine.

FP Club Annual General Meeting, 1992 The 1992 A.G.M. will be held on Monday, 30 March at 7.30 p.m. at 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen.

Please make the appropriate note for your next year's diary.

FP Club Centenary 1993 The Executive Committee decided early in 1990 that a subcommittee be formed to organise the celebrations for the FP Club Centenary in 1993. Mr. R. H. Cradock was appointed as Convener of the Sub-committee, the other members being Mr. W. M. Brown, Mr. A. K. Campbell, Mr. E. Craig, Mr. J. C. Lyon, Mr. M. F. Watson, Mr. D. K. Yule and Mr. J. G. N. Fraser (Clerk).

The Subcommittee has agreed that the major events of the Centenary should take place in the autumn of 1993, as close as practicable to the actual date of the Club's foundation, viz. 18 October. The customary date of the Annual Dinner would be Friday, 29 October 1993, which seems entirely appropriate for the Centenary Dinner, and it is hoped that similar dinners will be organised on that date by the various Club Consuls around the world. Other social events are likely to include a Past Presidents' Cocktail Party and, subject to District Council approval, a Civic Reception, both to be held close to the date of the Centenary Dinner, while a Centenary Ball is also planned towards the end of 1993 in place of the usual Annual Ball.

36

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The Sports Sections will be invited to hold appropriate celebratory events between September 1993 and August 1994; it is hoped that the Rugby Section, which was founded shortly after the Club itself, will avoid a clash of dates by having its main celebrations towards the end of that period. The organisers of class reunions will be encouraged to convene such gatherings during 1993-94. A special Centenary Issue of the Magatine has also been mooted.

A major feature of the Centenary celebrations will be an exhibition, hopefully at James Dun's House, which may comprise a history of the Club and its officials, biographies of famous FPs, sporting memorabilia, etc.

The Rector of the School has attended a meeting of the Subcommittee in order to discuss ways in which staff and pupils might become involved in the Centenary and to suggest various projects benefiting the School which could serve as a focus for fund-raising efforts.

The Subcommittee will be meeting again this autumn and would welcome any proposals from FPs for appropriate ways of commemorating the Club's Centenary.

In connection with the proposed exhibition, offers to lend suitable artefacts or memorabilia relating to FP activities would also be appreciated.

President's Report The unexpected and undeserved but cherished—invitation to become President of the AGSFP Club for 1990-91 concentrated my mind on why this Club should still be operating so successfully almost one hundred years after its foundation.

I decided that there were at least four reasons: I. Obviously, the School itself—changed more than a bit from my time but still, sensibly, the Grammar School. Names and memories came flooding back to me as I recognised areas of the School during my tour of the building, with the Rector, last October. I am sure that we all look forward to the result of the restoration and refurbishment of the School.

It seems to me that girls have added a tremendous amount over the years to the School, and I hope also to the FP Club. This was particularly obvious at the School prize-giving, where many of the academic prizes and the awards for extra-curricular activities went to girls. I think I am now used to seeing girls in Grammar blazers!

2. The sporting Sections of the Club, all of which bring much enjoyment to participants, I am sure.

I have not been able to see every Section in action, but I do know more about each one than I did a year ago.

3. The Club Centre—how much the Club owes to those FPs who were the midwives of the Centre over twenty years ago. They overcame the fainthearted and must be content with the results of their vision. I urge FPs to use it more—both Aberdeen-based and visitors.

4. The hard work of successive officials within and outwith Aberdeen. Neither my own purse, or that of your Treasurer, has allowed me to visit any of the Club Consuls, but one of these days . . . ! If any FP does find himself or herself travelling near where we have a consul, please contact him. I know the call will be most welcome.

It is disappointing to note that Club and Centre memberships are down and falling. Can each person reading this not help to arrest this trend by persuading at least one other FP to join both Club and Centre before the end of the year? liven those FPs who found school bitter to endure might find it sweet to remember, and what better way to remember it all?

Former Plods' Clmb

37

It was a great delight for me to attend the FP dinners in Aberdeen, London, Edinburgh and Glasgow during the last year, and to meet at each of these centres FPs who were contemporaries of mine at school—instantly recognisable despite the passing years! I do hope that Bill Gilchrist can get the Yorkshire dinner back on the programme for my successor.

The Club owes a particular gratitude to the enthusiasm of its Aberdeen-based officials. Thank you all for keeping things—including the Magatime!—going so well.

Although the last year has brought me much pleasure, it also held its share of sadness. To have lost three such FP stalwarts as Colin Allan, Mike Gibb and Neil Meldrum during the year was a bitter blow. We adjust to life without them, but we shall not be able to replace them completely. All three were unique in their own area of service to the FP Club and its Sections.

During the year my mind wandered often to those who were at school with me but with whom contact has since been lost. I regret not having met more of them.

It is a peculiarity of life that one can recall the names of, and something about, individuals from forty or more years ago, but from time to time fail to remember where spectacles were last laid!

I hope to remain in contact with the FP Club in the future—a club I could not leave in better hands than with Dr. J. R. S. (Donnie) Innes. He is far worthier than I of being your President. Nevertheless, thank you for having me. It has been, and will remain, a very real honour.

T. I. (Tim) Morrison (1934-47)

The immediate past President of the Club, Mr. T. I. (.1 im) Morrison (left), is pictured handing over the badge of office to his successor, Dr. J. R. S. (Donny) Innes, in the Club Centre, 86 Queen's Road, Aberdeen.

38

Aberdeen 6rnenenar School Alakqine

Our President Dr. J. R. S. Innes (1923-35), M.B., Ch.B. The presidency of the FP Club has passed securely from one pair of safe hands to another. Educationist and sportsman, "Tim" Morrison has been succeeded by medical doctor and sportsman, Dr. J. R. S. lnnes. "Donny" Innes is an outstandingly distinguished FP. He has had a successful career. He is very widely known, and his huge interest in rugby football is almost legendary. He was a noted international player: he captained Scotland and he later became President of the Scottish Rugby Union.

Dr. Innes's years at school began in 1923, shortly before David M. Andrew prepared to settle in as Rector, and the Byron statue was being unveiled. "Donny" left in 1935 to go to Aberdeen University, but while still a pupil at the School, his willingness to assume responsibility, to motivate others and to lead, came to the fore. He captained the School 1st XV at rugby; was Captain of Keith House; was Vice-Captain of cricket and athletics. He was also a prefect and was Sports Editor of the School Magazine. He won cap and colours at cricket and rugby.

In 1940 he graduated as a doctor, and did a six-months' residency at both Woodend and Foresterhill hospitals. Then it was the Army: commissioned in the R. A.M.C. as a medical officer, he was posted from Beckett's Park, Leeds. He served with both 155 and 156 Field Ambulances of the 52nd Lowland Division, which had been intensively trained for mountain warfare, but went into action in 1944— "Donny" with it—through the Low Countries. Demobilised in 1946 with the rank of major, he continued to serve in the Territorial Army after his return to Aberdeen, where he went into general practice in Rubislaw Terrace. He married, in 1943, Dr. Peggy Erskine, who died in 1990. During his dedicated medical career, Dr. Innes also held the post of Medical Officer to H.M. Prison, Craiginches, from 1949 to 1987. He was present there in 1963 at the last execution in Scotland.

Displaying firm schoolboy initiative and authority, he once, as a prefect, hauled the writer of these words into the prefects' room (situated then in the modern languages' corridor of Messrs Gonnella, Cunningham, McKenzie and "Suivi" Souter). Punishment of fifty lines was speedily administered by him, acting as prosecution, judge and jury. There was no appeal. The crime? Organising a cribbing ring for French exercises in Mr. Gonnella's class.

The ability to motivate others stood the youthful "Donny" in fine stead on the rugby field, where his career was both impressive and an inspiration to those following him. He was a most mature captain of a tremendously good School 1st XV. With him played T. J. T. Nicol (afterwards the Army's senior Church of Scotland padre); W. J. G. Meldrum (Neil's elder brother); Arthur Spark; J. V. Hay and many others. Innes led by example and firm encouragement.

However, he insists modestly (as with all sides he skippered) that he had always the good fortune to be associated with fine, talented players, needing only a nudge to bring out the best in them. But it was a splendid nudge which "Donny" could always bring to bear. He went on to captain Aberdeen University, and, while still a student, won the first three of his international caps for Scotland, playing as a wing or centre-three-quarter. He was a constructive player and a tremendous tackler. ("One of the best international rugby tacklers I ever watched", maintains J. B. G. Thomas, noted rugby historian and author of many books on the game.)

"Donny" first donned Scotland's international jersey in 1939 against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. In that year, too, he appeared in the Murrayfield "Sevens", playing for the all-conquering Co-optimists, winners of the tournament. They fielded as backs, that day, "Donny" and Prince Obolensky, scorer of what many believe to be rugby's finest try. The "Sevens" afternoon at Murrayfield that day

Former Pupils' CINh

39

saw "Donny" score more tries than Obolensky! When commitments permitted during World War II he continued to play, winning Army and Services' caps.

Demobilised and back in Aberdeen, he was appointed Captain of the almost allcony uering FP side in 1947-48--a team of enormously experienced talent, most of it the result of the influence at school of that magnificent games master of the interwar years, Duncan McGregor.

By now Dr. Innes had also been made Captain of the Scottish international team, with fellow-FP, W. D. ("Daily") Allardice as his scrum-half. "Donny" also played for Barbarians on their Easter tour of Wales. Once again, in captaincy, as in his school days, there was stamped the Innes authority—quiet, crisp, effective. The great '47-'48 FP side were barnstorming around Scotland when, on one numbingly cold Rubislaw afternoon, the home side were leading their opponents by well over twenty points with but a few minutes to go to no-side. Triumphant FPs began to over-elaborate—exhibition stuff. The voice of disciplined authority soon stopped that. Captain "Donny's" commanding tones rapped out: "Cut it out, FPs. Settle down. This game's not won yet!"

So to administration. From 1949 to 1962, in the game he loved, he was the North District representative on the S.R.U., succeeding, in the post, another FP, R. M. Ledingham, who became President in 1961-62. Came the accolade: "Donny" himself was appointed Scottish Rugby Union President in 1973-74, a post in which he has subsequently been emulated by two other FPs who played with him, D. W. C. Smith and W. L. Connon.

Dr. Innes, as the Club's new President, has brought to the post the same muchrespected qualities of self-discipline, control and authority displayed by him, smilingly and persuasively, in his career and in sport. He is still very fit. Nowadays his exercise is mainly golf at Royal Aberdeen. He is well-known in the North East and he is a member of Aberdeen Probus Club.

He confesses his pride at the honour paid him by the FP Club. But he is a most acceptable and understandable choice to be at our helm. He relishes activity, challenges and their fulfilment. All FPs wish him well as President. They will certainly not be surprised if the Innes brand of quiet, innovative authority is stamped firmly, but fairly, on the Club's affairs. He will be, as ever, a fine ambassador. And, if the tasks and challenges confronting the Club were to grow in number and intensity and we all tended to become excited, we might well again hear the exhortation: "Settle down, FPs—this game's not won yet!"

K.J .P. (1929-41)

40

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Annual Dinner The 1990 Annual Dinner was held in the New Marcliffe Hotel on Friday 26 October. Under the chairmanship of Mr. T. I. (Tim) Morrison, the Club President, the company enjoyed a most successful evening.

The principal speaker was Mr. Arthur McCombie, former Depute Rector of the School, who proposed the toast to the School and the Club.

Replies were made on behalf of the School by the Rector, Mr. William Johnston, and on behalf of the Club by the President. Mr. Peter Robertson then proposed the toast to the guests, and the reply for the guests was made by Mr. Ron Fraser. Mr. James l.yon, the Vice-President of the Club, proposed a vote of thanks to Tim Morrison, not only in respect of his able chairmanship of the Dinner, but also in relation to his outstanding service as Club President. Mr. Lyon made reference in particular to the President's long association with the Hockey and Cricket Sections.

In the course of the evening Mr. Arthur McCombie was presented with a silver salver in recognition of his outstanding service over many years to the School and the Club.

The following FPs were present at the 1990 Annual Dinner: B. S. Allan (1953 58), R. Allan (1937 48), L. Anderson (1979 85), M. Batchelor (1959 65), N. W. Borthwick (1952-65), W. Brooker (1937 50), W. M. Brown (1933-46), A. H. Cairns (1943 56) (President, Edinburgh Centre), J. P. Cairns (1943 57) (President, Glasgow Centre), A. G. Campbell (1959 65), A. K. Campbell (1944 53), Miss J. Campbell (1980-86), I. M. Carry (1960-72), J. R. Carry (1918-1930), Dr. L. Carson (1979-85), J. M. Clark (1947-59), Miss C. Cormack (1978 83), J. W. Cradock (1940 46), R. H. Cradock (1940-41 and 1945 51), E. Craig (1934-46), A. Cromar (1944 50), B. K. Crookshanks (1934 46), R. L. C. Dargie (1964 73), I. Davidson (1980 85), P. B. Donald (1943 49), J. Drummond (1947 58), A. Findlay (1979-85), D. G. Fowlie (1950-64), J. P. Grant (1936-45), R. Gray (1951-65), H. A. S. Hamilton (1943-56), J. F. Hendry (1951 65), A. Howie (1977-83), Dr. J. R. S. Innes (1923-35), M. A. A. Innes (1932 45), Miss F. Jeffers (1984 90), K. Jones (1957 66), Miss J. Knaggs (1979 85), A. A. Lawrence (1940 46), F. K. Lawson (1946-61), P. N. love (1952-58), J. C. Lyon (1953-1959), Dr. D. McAllister (1961 74), Miss M. MacDonald (1980 86), Miss S. MacDonald (1980 86), A. MacKay (1967 73), D. McKay (1944 50), T. E. McKay (1976-81), Mrs S. Marshall (nee Milne) (1979-82), A. D. Milne (1952-58), J. D. Moir (1969 75), D. G. Moir (1969 75), II. E. Morrison (1951 65), T. I. Morrison (1934-47) (Club President), Miss M. Moser (1976 80), J. D. Murray (1961 74), Miss S. Nairn (1978 83), H. Paterson (1941 50), Miss K. Paterson (1979 85), Miss T. Paterson (1980-86), F. Pont (1978 84), P. Robertson (1967 73), B. Scott (1974 80), R. C. Sherriffs (1951 65), Miss K. Smith (1979 85), Miss S. Smith (1974 80), R. Smith (1978 83), A. G. Thompson (1946 57), Miss A. Taylor (1974 80), M. I.. Vicca (1952 56), Miss H. Wallis (1981 87), M. F. Watson (1943 56), Miss W. Watson (1984-90), E. D. Watt (1932-50), A. G. Williams (1964-77), W. Wood (1937 48) Also in attendance: W. J. Johnston (Rector).

Staff: J. Archibald, M. Cromar, A. Garrow, R. J. Nugent, S. Ramsay, P. Wood.

Former Staff: R. D. Gill (Rector, 1972-86), D. Kinghorn, R. McLeod, I. T. Stephen.

Emma I lendry (Head Girl), Malcolm Smith (Head Roy).

George McKenzie (Club Centre Steward).

Fornirr Pupils' (lub

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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 (magenta and green stripes on black background or magenta stripe on green background). Also available are sweaters and body-warmers, each in the approved Club grey and with the Club badge embroidered. Ties are priced at £8, sweaters at £24 and body-warmers at £7.50. Also available, in small sizes only, are a limited number of sweaters at a special "sale price" of £7.50.

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

FP Club Membership Subscription Rates Life Membership Ordinary Annual Membership Junior Annual Membership

£75 £6 £4

(under 22 years of age on 1 January)

School Leaver's Membership

£4

(The subscription covers the balance of the year the member leaves school and the two succeeding years) Subscriptions are payable to the Treasurer, John D. Murray, 5 Bon-Accord

Square, Aberdeen AB9 1XR.

Centre Reports Club Centre There have been several changes in personnel at the Club Centre during the last year. Doug Georgeson, a founder member of the Centre, resigned as Chairman in October and Brian Crookshanks is the new Chairman. John MacRae resigned as Secretary in November 1990 and Peter Robertson has taken over the secretarial duties. Mrs Muriel Massie replaced Mrs Frances Bisset as Assistant Stewardess in April 1990.

The Club Centre is in good heart, although membership has dropped in the last year, and this gives the Management Committee cause for concern. Allied to this is the question of Sports Section members who are not members of the Centre, or who become members but quite blatantly fail to renew subscriptions and still use the Centre. The matter is being investigated by a sub-committee, with a view to finding a workable and acceptable solution.

Repairs and maintenance in the past year have included the installation of a security system. A new barbecue area has been provided and this is being funded primarily by the Sports Sections.

The Centre had its twenty-first birthday last year and this was suitably celebrated with a party in October. Other functions have included the ever-popular fireworks party and a Burns Lunch.

The Saturday night draw continues to be a popular attraction, especially when the prize-fund exceeds £1,000, as it did last year.

The Club premises are well equipped, well staffed and, hopefully, well run.

There is no room for complacency and the Management Committee is reviewing the fabric and usage of the premises to establish what improvements and maintenance will be required in future years.

42

Aberdeen Grammar School Afagazine Edinburgh

The Centre held its Annual Dinner on Friday 1 February 1991 in the Carlton Highland Hotel, Edinburgh. President, Hunter Cairns, welcomed the company of eighty-two members and guests who included Thomas I. Morrison, President of the Parent Club, Bill Johnston, the Rector, Dr. Wilson McIntosh and Peter Cairns, representing respectively the Yorkshire and Glasgow Centres, Alan Thomson, the President of Edinburgh Gordonians, Emma Hendry, Head Girl, and Malcolm Smith, Head Boy. The principal guest was Ian MacGregor, the retired Headmaster of Bathgate Academy and a former official in local education both in West 1.othian and previously in the old Aberdeen County Council. He proposed a toast to "The School and The Club" and this he did most eloquently—it was obvious that both the School and the Club had left a deep impression on Mr MacGregor. Excellent replies were made by the Rector and the Parent Club President.

For the first time the Centre had invited both the Head Boy and the Head Girl to be guests at the top table—Emma Hendry delivered "A Pupil's View" and it was generally agreed that this was one of the highlights of the evening. Thereafter Nigel Watt thanked Hunter Cairns for the admirable way in which he had chaired the proceedings.

In the course of the dinner the Centre, as usual, held its Annual General Meeting.

Nigel Watt and Edward Fraser were elected as the new President and VicePresident, Nigel Watt was re-elected as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer and the new committee members are Alastair Philip and Jimmy McGregor.

The Annual Golf Match with the Glasgow Centre was, unfortunately, cancelled due to inclement weather. It is hoped to resuscitate the fixture at Buchanan Castle this year. The Annual Golf Outing was, as usual, held at Bruntsfield in August and was won by our former President, Ronnie Smith, with a stableford score of 42 points and he thus won the Mor Brown Trophy for the second time—an unprecedented feat! Ian MacI.eod, the defending champion, was in second place with 41 points and former winner, Fergus Davidson, third with 40 points. Ten members participated and enjoyed an excellent high tea in the clubhouse—they were joined by Centre President, Hunter Cairns, who presented the prizes. This year's outing will be held again at Bruntsfield on Wednesday 28 August.

Next year's Dinner will be held in the Carlton Highland Hotel on Friday 17 January 1992—the eve of the Scotland v. England Rugby International at Murrayfield.

Any reader who has recently come to the Edinburgh area and who has not received any communication from the Secretary is invited to contact Nigel Watt at 11 Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh (telephone 031-229-1212).

Finally, it is with regret that the death of former Centre President, Bellamy Cay, has to be reported. Bellamy will always be remembered by members of the Centre for his most generous hospitality in his family home in India Street after the Centre's Annual Dinner. He was a character and will be sorely missed. Several members of the Centre attended his funeral.

The following FPs attended the Annual Dinner: Dr. N. M. Borthwick (1952 65), D. A. Brittain (1943 49), W. M. Brown (1933 46), A. H. Cairns (1943 56), J. P. Cairns (1943 57), T. G. Coutts (1938 51), D. L. Cowie (1942 44), E. G. Cran (1944-47), B. D. D. Emslie (1929 36), D. J. Fettes (1953 59), N. A. Fiddes (1965-71), J. F. Fraser (1936-49), D. R. Harper (1944-58), J. F. Hendry (1951 65), S. A. Howard (1947 58), R. B. M. I iowie (1972 78), N. C. Irvine (1929 34), L. G. Johnston (1932 45), Rev, Dr. J. F. Kirk (1937 47), Dr. A. R. Lyall (1933-46), Dr. M. G. Lyall (1935 48), J. C. Lyon (1953-59), D. McAllister (1961 74), Dr. J. A. McGregor (193544), Dr. A. W. McIntosh (1932-45), K. I. Masson (1959-72), P. C. Millar (1933 44), A. J. K. Monro (1933-46), H. E. Morrison (1951-65), T. 1. Morrison (193447) (Parent Clib President), Gill W. A. Morrison (1923-26), Miss M. J. Moser (1976 80), J. D. Murray (1961-74), W. M. Murray (1945 54), Dr.

Crater Reports

43

A. F. Philip (1943 56), J. M. Rae (1963 71), R. S. Rilley (1947 55), D. P. Smith (1945 47), R. G. C. Smith (1926-37), R. G. L. Stirrat (1959-64), Miss A. E. Taylor (1974-80), D. M. Watson (1979 85), M. F. Watson (1943 56), N. G. M. Watt (1963 69), A. G. Williams (1964 77), R. A. Williamson (1928-36).

Also present: J. F. C. Davidson (Staff, 1963), W. J. Johnston (Rector).

Glasgow The Annual Golf Match with Edinburgh was cancelled due to inclement weather. This saved yet another trouncing of the Glasgow Centre golfers by their Edinburgh colleagues. However, undaunted by their abysmal performances in the past, a match has been organised in 1991.

The joint function with Gordonians at the High School was again a success, with a large turnout. The venue was the Green Kettle, Whistlefield.

The Annual Dinner was again held in the Royal Scottish Automobile Club, with the principal speaker being Tom McCartney. Replies were given by the Rector, William J. Johnston and by the Club President, Tim Morrison. The venue and date for next year's Dinner have not yet been set.

Members of the Glasgow Centre who attended the Dinner were: J. Peter Cairns, Alexander Cheyne, Basil Ernsley, lain S. Fergusson, Malcolm W. R. Guild, Austen Gardener, Arthur Grant, Dr. Robert Lynch, Alexander Mcllwain, Andrew McLaren, R. I. Malcolm, Canon Gibb Pennie, Alexander Spiers, Colin Sutherland.

London The London Centre continues to prosper with a growing membership as described below.

As in previous years our principal social event in 1990 was the Annual Dinner, attended by nearly 70 members and guests, and held as usual at the Caledonian Club. We were delighted to see the Rector and the President of the Club, together with guests from other schools. Our guest speaker was Mr Alan Newman, Q.C., an eminent member of the English Bar, who gave a highly amusing and enjoyable speech. One of the most gratifying aspects of the Dinner was the attendance of many younger FPs, who clearly enjoyed the evening and, hopefully, will play an increasing role in the running of the Centre.

Our thanks again go to Sandy Nichol for his expert organisation of the sixth-year Summer Trip.

Yorkshire Unfortunately, owing to a dwindling membership combined with holiday commitments, the response to the circular for the Annual Dinner received such a poor response from members that the Secretary had no option but to cancel the Dinner. It was particularly disappointing for two reasons. Firstly, the Rector, four Presidents and Honorary Member, Ian Thom, had intimated that they would be in attendance, and secondly, as a result oflast year's report, two new members were unearthed in the shape of Douglas Skene (1959-64) and Stan Duthie (1959-64).

Both are in the insurance broking business in Leeds, but owing to the Magatine being issued late last year, both already had holiday commitments and were therefore unable to attend.

Unless there is a better response this year, it is greatly to be regretted that the Dinner, which has been in continuous existence for forty-two years, will have to be regarded as a thing of the past.

Yorkshire (or even near-Yorkshire) FPs are earnestly requested to get in touch with Centre Secretary, W. Scott Gilchrist, 18 Clifford Moor Road, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 6PG (Telephone number: 0937-845440). Non utendo morn fraditionis.

Section Reports Cricket Grade XI The 1990 season could without contradiction be described as a season of two halves. By the middle of June a League record of Played 7, Won 5, Drawn 1, Lost 1, had senior members of the Section warning against a quick return to Grade I. However, a black weekend in July, when no points were gained from two games (one conceded after a last-minute loss of players and the other lost within an hour by an eight-man team), led to August being a month when the side had to fight hard to avoid relegation.

The penultimate game of the season was notable for the fact that Mannofield XI unilaterally revised the Strathmore Union fixture-list in order to enable them to field a strengthened team in the Grade II match between our clubs. Fortunately, their skipper's decision to bat first plus the excellent batting of Neil lnnes-Smith in scoring his maiden fifty for the Section and Eddie Church's marathon 19 ensured a comfortable draw. This set up the final game with Gordonians, when a highscoring draw earned them well-deserved promotion and ourselves another season in Grade II at the expense of Mannofield.

The major batting factor in the team's good start to the season was Mike Hart, whose 45 not out against Banff was followed by 59 riot out at Crathie and 77 not out against Balmoral; inevitable elevation to the Strathmore XI resulted! On the bowling front Gordon Inkson was the star performer with 4 wickets against Balmoral and 5 against Stonehaven, while Brian Proctor's 5 for 40 enabled us to beat Lads Club when defending a total of only 128. Another exciting finish took place in the cup-tie at Stonehaven, with both sides recording 157 for 7, when Alan Redhead's 53 just failed to get us home; in the replay, at the same venue, our victory was almost an anti-climax against a weak Stonehaven side. In the Cup semi-final we lost narrowly to Turriff in a match which had to be re-arranged in the holiday period.

In the second half of the season notable performances were Eddie Church's maiden fifty against Crathie and lain Hopkin's rapid 54 in the same game. Sandy Keilloh scored a fluent 56 against Stonehaven at Rubislaw in a high-scoring draw, when we just failed to remove the last opposition batsman. Throughout the season Sandy fulfilled a valuable sheet-anchor role in admirable fashion. During August Graeme Gordon came into the side and showed that he has the ability to take plenty of wickets in future seasons.

Reviewing the averages, lain Hopkin's excellent season was reflected in his 323 runs at an average of nearly 27. On the bowling scene Gordon Inkson did very well to displace Brian Proctor as our main wicket-taker with 28 wickets; he also retained the Grade Association Under-18 Bowling Cup. Eddie Church bowled most overs and gained 18 wickets to accompany his 231 runs and 12 catches. These figures show how the balance of the side has moved towards the talented youngsters of the Section. Rob Fryer and Gavin Milne made valuable contributions with the bat, while Derek 1-larley's consistency and Scott Munro's fielding were also notable features of the season.

Looking forward to next season, the outlook should be bright. The youngsters will be older and wiser, and hopefully our involvement in the Scottish Cup will attract new players to join the Section, thus reducing concerns about our ability to field a full XI on occasion.

The following officials have been elected for 1991: President ). G. N. Fraser; 1st XI Captain P. A. Redhead; 1st XI Tice-Captain R. S. T. Ferro; 2nd XI Captain P. M. I. Hart; 2nd XI ViceCaptain N. B. Keilloh; 3rd XI Captain J. G. N. Fraser; 3rd XI Vice-Captain R. Wallis; Youth XI Captain G. Gordon; Youth XI I 'ire-Caplain R. Bowman; Secretary R. S. T. Ferro.

44

Section Reports

45

Reserve Grade XI The 3rd XI had a satisfactory season in 1990, finishing fourth in Reserve Grade 2 and reaching the semi-final of the Johnston Cup. Several young players joined the side after a successful recruitment drive.

On the batting front Dick Wallis was again highest scorer and his total included a century against Gordonians. In that match Dick and Graeme Gordon set a new fifth-wicket partnership of 73. Richard Bowman and Paddy Graham were useful batsmen throughout the season and each scored over a hundred runs.

Graeme Gordon was the side's leading bowler with twenty victims, while Richard Bowman, Crawford Gordon, Scott Munro and Paul Russell all bowled economically.

Fielding was generally of a reasonable standard, but in a few matches dropped catches proved costly.

It is hoped that the team will make its mark in the league and cup this season and that the players will continue to enjoy their cricket.

Under-18 XI The Under-18 XI was revived in 1990 under the enthusiastic leadership of Graeme Gordon and enjoyed a successful season. After an initial heavy defeat at Mannofield, the team strung together five successive victories against Westburn, Elton, Inverurie, Banchory and Stoneywood. Features of these games were steady batting by Richard Bowman and Patrick Graham and incisive bowling by Graeme Gordon, Eddie Church, Mark Rowson and Gordon Inkson. Unfortunately, the final league fixture of the season had to be postponed until a date towards the end of July, when Graeme and Eddie were away on tour. This match was won by the eventual league champions, Cults, despite a splendid all-round effort by Gordon Inkson.

Cup fixtures against Mannofield and Ellon were played with under-strength sides and resulted in defeats, while Inverurie scratched to us. Mannofield defeated Cults easily in the Under-18 Cup Final. The present crop of youngsters have shown great promise both at Grade and at Under-18 level, and with some improvement in fielding another successful season is in prospect, all the 1990 players being eligible to turn out again in 1991.

Curling We were delighted this year to welcome eight more ladies to the Section, bringing the membership to thirty-four. This has allowed us to have five rinks of six in the internal club leagues, each with some of the new members Ind with a small pool of occasional members as substitute players.

The Autumn League was won this year by Douglas Mitchell, whose rink had a 100% record. Close on Doug's heels was Roy Nudd, followed by Eric Craig, Jim Andrews and finally John Paterson.

The Spring League was won by Jim Andrews' rink, but due to intense "discretion" on the part of our two reluctant heroes, no play-off occurred and the priceless league trophy will require to be sawn in two.

In the R.C.C.C. North-East Province League a team with Eric Craig as skip, supported by Bruce Allan, George Cruickshank and Norman Patterson as number 3, 2 and lead respectively, won through the preliminary round of the competition to the "High Road" division. Doug Mitchell then skipped the team through the second, somewhat more demanding, round with rather mixed results.

In our annual battle against Gordonians C.C. all that might reasonably be said is that the haggis, neeps and tatties at the Seafield Club were very enjoyable.

46

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Our annual dinner was held in the FP Club Centre with great success and was attended for the first time by one of our lady members in the charming person of Lorraine Hay. The Section is in very good heart and we look forward to next season with great enthusiasm.

Office-bearers: George Cruickshank, President, George Thomson VicePresident, Bruce Allan Secretary and Geddie Hay Treasurer.

Football It has been a fairly non-descript season, with the team eventually finishing in the middle of Division 6 of the Aberdeen Amateur Leagues. Inconsistency has again been the main problem. We managed some very good results against the better sides but equally some very poor results against lesser opposition.

On a brighter note there has been a good team-spirit this year and all of us are enjoying our football. A major part of this can be attributed to the excellent facilities provided for playing and training at Rubislaw and at the Club Centre for post-match debates.

Once again, for the fourth year running, we have picked up the Fair Play Cup for our division. This cup is awarded to the team with the best disciplinary record over the whole season.

Golf With the death last year of Cohn Allan, the Section lost one of its most loyal members. Cohn was a long-serving Secretary and past Captain and over the years he was a consistent performer and regular recipient of silverware at the prizegiving. He will be sadly missed.

The Section had a successful season in 1990, with two outings at Braemar and outings at Ballater, Huntly, Brechin and Turriff. Peter Robertson won the Russell Henderson Cup for the three best scratch scores and Jerry Moir won the Walker Cup for the three best handicap scores.

The Challenge Cup against Gordonians was played at Duff House Royal in August, when we were whitewashed. Team-spirit and morale were raised two weeks later at Turriff, when we beat Gordonians to win the H AR Trophy, with Jim Lyon the outstanding scorer. We lost at the nineteenth hole to Dollar Academy in the second round of the Queen Elizabeth Coronation Schools' Tournament at Barnton. With Peter Robertson and Alan MacKay winning and Dallas and Jerry Moir losing narrowly, Ian Creswell and Harry Kinghorn finished all-square after eighteen, but lost at the nineteenth when Dollar holed a six-foot putt.

This year's Captain is Gordon Hatrick, Gordon Milne is Vice-Captain and Peter Robertson continues as Secretary.

Hockey Season 1990-91 was one of consolidation for the Section after the disasters of last year. Both on the administrative and the playing side there has been a marked improvement in performance and for the first time in a long while the Hockey Section can look ahead with quiet confidence.

Administratively, the Section has been served well by Ron Fraser in his role as Hon. Secretary, Colin Houston as Match Secretary and Mike Stewart as Treasurer.

In addition the commitment and willingness of team captains to work together has been a significant factor in the upsurge of fortunes.

On the playing side the 1st XI, with many youngsters in its ranks, ended the season in third place in National League Division Two. The captain and coach, Murray Carnie, and vice-captain, Murray Bissett, must take much of the credit for

Section Reports

47

guiding so many youngsters through a difficult period. Indeed, it was a joy to watch such fine young talent as Philip Webster and Simon Balchin play with great skill and flair throughout the season.

The 2nd X1 enjoyed a very successful run in the District Cup, before being beaten in the semi-finals by Kelburne 2nd XI in Glasgow. Once again, the 2nd X I was unable to overtake Gordonians 'A' in the race for the District League Division One title, but the performances were very creditable. Team captain, Richard Bush, has again been a major influence.

Grammarians ended mid-table in District League Division One, with a team which has provided an interesting mix of experience and youth. The days of Grammarians being merely a stomping-ground for the Section's over-35s seem to have gone forever, and the new exciting blend of maturity and younger players is working well.

The 3rd XI took the only honours this year by winning District League Division Two. Marshalled by Ben Johnson, the 3rd X1 looked to have too much class for their competitors, and the team's achievement is even more remarkable, considering that they blooded several youngsters in the course of the season. There can be no more pleasing sight for the Hockey Section than to see the 3rd XI back in their rightful place in District League Division One. The 4th XI continued to struggle in District League Division Two, but team captain, Donald Howie, has done a fine job in raising a team every week, since his team always seem to bear the brunt of the call-offs from the other XI s. As usual, the 4th XI played with great spirit and enjoyed its hockey. The Colts XI was run

by Fred Lawson and the youngsters could have wished for no better teacher. The development of these players over the season was remarkable and no doubt many of them will be chasing places in higher Xls next year.

The highlight of the season was undoubtedly the joint Men's and Women's National Invitation Tournament over the Easter weekend. Eight men's and six ladies' teams participated from all over the country. The standard ofhockey played was high and the most pleasing aspect of the weekend was the way in which all teams mixed freely during the social activities. The tournament was without question highly successful and will have done much to enhance the Section's reputation countrywide. The real attraction of the weekend, however, was the appearance of lain Taylor, the goal-keeper of the 1988 gold-medal-winning Great Britain Olympic side, and Norman Hughes, captain of the bronze-medal-winning 1984 Olympic team. Both guests entered into the spirit of the weekend and turned out for the President's XI. In addition, lain Taylor ran a coaching session for local goal-keepers.

We are particularly fortunate to have within the Section the cream of young talent in Scottish hockey and no other club has such an abundance of internationalists at youth level. Great credit must go to Gavin Fraser and Murray Carnie, who have shown great dedication in coaching the schoolboys. Without doubt the future of the Section lies within its youth, but it is important that the youngsters be given every opportunity both in playing terms and financial terms to develop to their full potential.

The Hockey Section would like to thank the Club Centre, its steward and staff for their help over the season, as well as Hughie Miller, for the use of Rubislaw playing fields.

Petanque The Petanque Section continues to thrive, with a membership of thirty plus who give all-round support to piste and bar, especially on Sundays.

On our home pad we played two French teams. One team was an oil company from Peterhead, and the other a P.R. Company from Paris. The Parisian team

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magatine

presented the Section with what has now been called the Maurice Chevalier Trophy. Whilst we won both matches handsomely, more importantly our hospitality was much appreciated by both teams.

In annual competitions the Winter League Pairs finished in a three-way "playoff", David Earp and Ron Comber eventually prevailing.

The Peter Tawse Memorial/Summer Solstice Trophy was won by David Thomson.

The winners of the Section's Open Tournament were as follows: Tripks: Corrie Christie, David Thomson, Derek McKay. Doubles: John May and Neil Robertson.

Singles: Ron Comber.

The Section's funds, adroitly manipulated by Dick Cradock, stand at £274, with this season's subscriptions still to come.

The Section's annual dinner was held in the Club Centre on Friday, 26 April.

Rugby The past season has been a sad one indeed for the Section, both on and off the field. Within the space of a few days we lost both Mike Gibb, who died after a tragic accident, and Neil Meldrum, who died after a short illness. Fuller tributes to Mike and Neil appear elsewhere in this Magazine, but it is necessary to record the outstanding contribution made by both of them over many years.

Sadly, matters on the field were no better, and the end of the season saw us relegated to Division IV for the first time in ten years. There is a sense that the Section has, in some ways, reached the end of an era. There is talk of the formation of an Aberdeen side, in some as yet undecided form, which would have undoubted consequences for the future of the Section in Scottish senior rugby.

There is some cause for hope. The success story of the year has undoubtedly been the Mini-Rugby Section, which has attracted dozens of youngsters to Rubislaw every weekend. Without Mini-Rugby many boys would be denied the chance of playing the sport, and it is to be hoped that in the years to come the Mini-Section will pay dividends at senior level. Many Section members have assisted in making Mini-Rugby a success this year, but special mention must be given to Kevin Wyness, who has become something of a hero-figure to the youngsters (many of whom have never seen anyone as ugly, except in the movies!) The Colts team were, once again, North District Champions„ and congratulations go to the team and to Keith Scott, their coach.

At senior level there have been one or two encouraging signs, with a crop of young players breaking through to the first team. Unfortunately, injuries to key players such as Club Captain, Alastair Smith, and North District stand-off, Chris Evans, have meant a lack of consistency and balance throughout the season. This trend has been repeated in the second and third teams, which have also had disappointing seasons.

Despite the traumas of the season, the Section remains optimistic. Memories return to our last journey into Division IV, when we returned after one season and went on to become Division III champions in the following season. A repeat performance will require a lot of hard work and commitment, but there is much to look forward to with the Centenary season approaching and the possibility of a tour in Easter 1992.

Players chosen for representative matches were as follows: North Midlands Under-21: W. Main and N. Goodall.

North Midlands Under-18: B. Campbell.

Section Reports

49

Swimming Membership of the Section remains fairly constant, with new faces replacing old, particularly in the family session.

The Section meets every Tuesday evening during term-time between 6.15 p.m. and 9.15 p.m., with three hourly sessions for family, recreational and free swimming activities.

New members are always welcome, but it should be noted that children are only permitted to attend when accompanied by an adult.

The officials for 1991 are: Roger D. Houghton President, Norman G. Marr Treasurer, Pete Mulvey Secretary.

Women's Hockey The Women's Hockey Section has had a very successful and enjoyable season, in spite of many fixtures being postponed due to bad weather.

For the first time this season the Women's North-District League consisted of three divisions, as opposed to two in previous years.

The 1st XI, under the captaincy of Carol Cormack, played in Division Two against some teams formerly in Division One, but finished third in the division.

The 2nd XI, captained by Karen Paterson, played very successfully, losing only once and winning the Division Three title.

The indoor team, under the captaincy of Allison Stroud, improved on last season's performance, causing a few surprises for some opposing teams.

The Section participated in several tournaments this year, including the biannual Easter Tournament, held in March and hosted jointly with the Men's Hockey Section. It was a very successful event, despite one or two setbacks.

Membership is continuing to grow, with a number of enthusiastic schoolgirls joining the Section.

Thanks are due to Fred Lawson and to all those who kindly gave up their time to umpire for us during the season.

The officials for 1991 are: Lesley Carson—President; Alison McClosky—Captain, 1st XI; Karen Paterson— Secretary; Shona Macdonald—Captain, 2nd XI.

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. lberdeen Grammar School Magazine

The Class Society On Saturday, 23 June 1990, in the Stak is Treetops Hotel, there were present, among others, the Rector and a former Rector of the School, the Rector of St Machar Academy, the Secretary of the Club, a renal specialist from California and an academic historian from Pennsylvania, two representatives of Canadian high finance and insurance and a high-tech mining engineer from Australia, the Commanding Officer Medical British Forces Cyprus and a decorated Royal Navy Falklands War hero, a television actor, sundry oil executives and bank managers, a recent recipient of the OBE, a former private physician to the Jordanian royal family, not to mention the future Chief Executive of Grampian Regional Council and the future British Ambassador to Uruguay. A glittering occasion? Well, hardly. It was just that motley crew from the School year 1951-65 holding yet another reunion, on this occasion to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of their leaving School.

Diligent readers of the Magazine will recall that it was asserted in the June 1976 issue that the year's 1975 reunion was the first recorded AGS School-year reunion, and so far this claim remains unchallenged. Since 1975, other (older) years have held reunions, though 1951-65 still holds a commanding lead with (since 1990) three events to their credit. The 1951-65 year, however, has not been too proud to adopt some of the innovations of their followers in the reunion business. In 1990, for example, the year incorporated a Saturday morning visit to the School in the reunion programme and, for the dinner itself, slightly extended the guest list to include eight of their former teachers. The participants also received a "year book" composed of potted biographies of those attending and Halsey Bradford's humorous, nostalgic, but faithful reminiscences of the School years 1951 to 1965.

These enhancements of the original reunion programmes of 1975 and 1980 seem to have been popular, as the FP attendance rose to fifty-nine as against fifty-five in 1975 and forty-four in 1980.

The year was especially honoured to have with them as their guest Mr. J. V. Skinner, Rector (1959-72), whose presence was none the less imposing for his confinement in a wheelchair. A number of the company were surprised (not to say embarrassed) by his recollection oftheir adolescent days and his knowledge of their progress (or lack of it) since. Other former teachers, whose presence greatly enlivened the general conversation, were Mr. J. Flett, Mr. K. D. Henderson, Mr. A. L. McCombie (who, along with Russell Gray, had provided a fascinating tour of the School on the morning of the dinner), Mr. R. McLeod, Mr. W. S. May, Mr. J. Munro, Mr. F. R. Paterson and Mr. I. T. Stephen. It was also particularly pleasing to welcome to his first reunion the Rector, Mr. William Johnston.

As on previous occasions, the dinner was chaired by Dr Harry Millar, Senior Prefect (1964-65), and the toast to the School was proposed by Donald Lamont, Deputy Senior Prefect (1964-65) with, on this occasion, Mr. R. "Tarzan" McLeod proposing the toast to the Year.

The dinner and the after-dinner conversations and libations were generally and hugely enjoyed. One other innovation borrowed from another year's reunion was an extensive display of the School class and team photographs. This served to supplement the natural nostalgic content of the evening and was a source of much amusement at the following day's lunch in the Club Centre, which was attended also by wives, families and friends.

Arrangements had been made at the lunch to play recordings of 1964-65 hits, but the volume of conversation and general hilarity was such that the vintage music of the Merseysound went unheard. The last survivors of the lunch straggled reluctantly homewards in the early evening.

Thus concluded another enjoyable, perhaps the most enjoyable, reunion. It

Silver Jubilee Reunion of Class 1951-65 June 1990

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Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

seems that the year 1951-65 is possessed of such a degree of corporate conceit that its members will never tire of each other's company. So what of the future?

Well, in the first instance, as a result of an after-dinner collection in Harry Millar's School rugby cap, the year was able to donate the sum of £550 to the School to endow "The 1965 Prize". After discussion with the Rector, and bearing in mind the especial sociability of the year both at School and thereafter, it was resolved that the prize should be awarded annually to the sixth-year pupil who, in the assessment of the sixth-year pupils themselves, had made the greatest contribution to the life of the School and to the life of his or her year in both formal and informal activities.

Further, there will be issued to all who attended the 1990 reunion (and, on payment of £5, to all others who were eligible to attend) a twice-yearly newsletter.

Information for inclusion should be addressed to Dave Yule, 11 Kinkell Road, Aberdeen A B1 8I-IQ, who will also be pleased to receive, on behalfof Jock Hendry, fees of £5 from those who wish to be added to the circulation list.

Further still, there will be a fourth reunion, but whether in five or ten years time or at some other interval will be determined by response to the newsletter.

For the record, the soi-disani organising committee for the 1990 reunion consisted of Alan Campbell, Jock Hendry, Doug Mart and Dave Yule, but in truth the year organised itself, as one can confidently predict it will do again and again, while sufficient remain to occupy a dining-table.

Former pupils attending the 1990 reunion were as follows: Roderick J. Anderson (1959 65), J. Ross Baird (1951 64), Martyn A. Batchelor (1959-65), Neil M. Borthwick (1952 65), R. Halsey G. Bradford (1951 65), Eric Buchan (1951 65), Colin F. Caie (1959-65), William Cameron (1959-63), Alan G. Campbell (1959-65), John H. Campbell (1959 63), Brian J. Carrie (1952 64), Ian Craik (1959 65), I lugh S. Clark (1951 65), Peter M. Collier (1960.65), Patrick M. Costello (1959-65), George Cowie (1952 65), Richard Cowling (1959-65), William Dewar (1959-65), Bruce Drummond (1959 65), Murray J. Dunlop (1952 65), Norman K. B. Edwards (1959 64), Russell Gray (1951 65), Alexander Hardie (1954-63), Gordon A. Hay (1951-65), Brian W. Henderson (1963 65), John F. Hendry (1951-65), Roger D. Houghton (1959 63), Alistair K. G. Lamont (1952-65), Donald A. Lamont (1951-65), William Leiper (1958 65), George C. Letts (1952 62), Roderick A. McDonald (1951 64), Alisdair G. Mackenzie (1952 65), liamish MacLeod (1952 57), Neil MacLeod (1959 65), Jack Main (1961 64), Douglas Marr (1959 65), Henry R. Millar (1952 65), Michael R. Millar (1959 66), Harvey E. Morrison (1951-65), Ronald Neave (1959-64), Hamish T. E. Norbrook (1959 65), Richard A. Reece (1952 65), George G. Reid (1959 65), James D. Reid (195465), Malcolm F. Rennie (1952 65), Alexander F. Shearer (1959-65), Murdoch J. Shirreffs (1951 64), Richard C. Shirreffs (1951 65), Douglas Skenc (1959 64), Brian A. Smith (1959 64), David W. Smith (1954 65), Roy G. L. Stirrat (1959 64), Roderick J. Stuart (1950 62), Laurence M. Tough (1959 64), Derck J. Walker (1959 65), H. Oliver Will (1959 65), Charles A. Wilson (1959 65), David K. Yule (1951 65).

Information about some of these (culled from the Reunion Year Book) may be found in the Notes Section of this Magazine.

D.K.Y. (1951 65)

James Lochore Addison (1959-65), M.A., has been appointed tax manager for K. P.M.G. Peat Marwick McLintock's business services department. A graduate of Aberdeen University, he worked for the Inland Revenue as a tax inspector for a number of years.

Brian G. Anderson (1963-65), M.B., Ch.B., is Chief of the Secure Care Unit, Manhattan Psychiatric Center, New York, involved in the care of the most violent patients in Manhattan. He is also assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at the N.Y. University Medical School and in private practice he treats patients with manic depressive illnesses, such as "high-functioning lawyers, actors and movie directors".

Roderick S. Anderson (1959-65), B.Sc., F.I.A., is Head of Group Technical Services for Barclay's Financial Services Limited. After leaving school he graduated with honours in mathematics from Aberdeen University, and in 1974 he gained a Fellowship of the Institute of Actuaries. He has remained working in that domain since and has held posts with Hill Samuel Life Assurance. His working life has all been spent in London, although he married an Aberdeen girl and has a daughter and a son.

George Angus (1959-65), B.Sc., completed a science degree at Aberdeen University in 1968 and after teacher training went to the Gordon Schools, H unt I y as a mathematics teacher, where he still teaches.

He is a keen sportsman, playing indoor football, golf and bridge. He has also played cricket for Aberdeenshire and Scotland.

John Berland Anton (1936-46), M.A., who was for many years a solicitor and later a magistrate in Western Australia, retired in 1989. He is now living in Aberdeen.

Gary A. Bain (1984-90) was selected to row for Scotland in 1990. He was half of the crew that won the Junior Coxless Pair event at the annual Home International Match, rowing with Richard Harris of Hazlehead Academy. As well as competing for Scotland in Amsterdam and Ghent International Regattas, they are also the reigning Scottish champions and British silver-medallists in the coxless pair event.

Gary, who was Deputy Head Boy in session 1989-90, is currently studying at Aberdeen University.

J. Ross Baird (1951-64) is Operations Director of Richard Irvin Marine Services Ltd. After leaving school he worked as an insurance clerk and then held various posts in the motor trade. He set up his own business, Motortrend, a motor accessory dealer, but unfortunately this did not work out as planned and he went L. Parkinson as a credit controller. When that on to take up a position with J. company was taken over he moved to his current post.

He has a keen interest in motor sport and has achieved considerable success in rallying. Latterly he was co-driver for David Gillanders, and he has many top-ten placings in national-status rallies to his credit. He also recently set up a small business, selling model soldiers to war-game enthusiasts. is Principal Landscape Martyn A. Batchelor (1959-65), M.A., Architect with South Tyneside's Department of Planning. A graduate of Aberdeen University, he went on to gain a postgraduate diploma in Landscape Design at 53

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Aberdeen Grammar .S'eboal Magazine

Newcastle University in 1971. To this he added an Associateship of the Landscape Institute (1974) and Membership of the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management (1983). He has worked in landscape design since qualifying and has held his current post since 1974.

A member of the 1st (Aberdeen Grammar School) Scouts at school, he is a member of the Group's association. He also continues a very keen interest in the School and has attended every Parent Club Annual Dinner since leaving school.

Robert Kilgour Booker (1928-41), C.B.E., M.A., LLB., was awarded the C.B.I. in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to the British community in Singapore. He is a senior partner with Allen and Gledhill, advocates and solicitors, Singapore, and is an advocate and solicitor of the High Court there. He has held the posts of Chairman of the British Association of Singapore, Governor of United World Colleges of South-East Asia and is chairman of several charitable organisations in Singapore.

His brother, Patrick Kilgour Booker (1933-45), O.B.E., M.A., was awarded an O.B.E. in 1968 for services as a diplomat in various Middle-Eastern countries. On his return to this country he became involved in administration at Aberdeen University before retiring.

Dr. Edward Kerr Borthwick (1933-42), M.A., Ph.D., has retired from the chair of Greek at Edinburgh University. An honours graduate of Aberdeen University, he lectured in classics at Leeds University from 1951-55, before being appointed a lecturer in Greek at Edinburgh University.

His other interests included playing the French horn with the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra, of which he has been a member since its inception in 1963.

He was captain and later president of Braid Lawn Tennis Club.

Dr. Neil M. Borthwick (1952-65), B.Sc., Ph.D., is currently Senior Hotel Inspector for the Scottish Tourist Board, a post he has held since 1989, having been a hotel inspector for the Board for four years previously.

An honours graduate in Biochemistry from Aberdeen University, he went on to complete a Ph.D. at Glasgow University in 1984. He was appointed as Research Fellow in Cancer Research at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff in 1974, and in 1980 moved to Edinburgh as a research scientist in the M.R.C. Brain Metabolism Unit, Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

R. Halsey G. Bradford (1951-65), B.Sc., graduated with a degree in geography from Aberdeen University. On leaving university, he decided to travel the world and ended up in Toronto, Canada. He has lived there since and has worked for the Manulife Insurance Company for over twenty years, having started as a trainee programmer. He is now Director of Administration and Data Processing.

A keen ornithologist, he has visited Africa, South America, Australia and South-East Asia and has seen over 1,200 species of birds.

He still maintains an active interest in rugby as a player and referee, although latterly he has been refereeing more than playing.

David P. Bruce (1929-35) is living in retirement in Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

After leaving school he was a trainee at the Cafe Royal in London. During the war he served with the King's Royal Rifle Corps and Army Catering Corps.

After leaving the army, he worked in the catering industry and was latterly a civil servant in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.

Colin F. Caie (1959-65), M.A., graduated with honours in Economic Science from Aberdeen University in 1969. He then worked as an economist, a scuba diver and a cowboy in various parts of the world. After working offshore for a period, he moved to Toronto, Canada, where from 1974 to 1978 he worked as an economist for the Canadian Bankers' Association. Since 1979 he has worked for Manulife International, "mainly acquiring companies and merging them (small banks and other insurance companies) basically playing with other people's money", he states in a letter to the Notes Editor.

Notes Ahem' Former boils

55

William Cameron (1959-63) is a Sub-Officer with the Fire Service at King Street Fire Station in Aberdeen, having joined the service in 1972. Prior to that he was a marine engineering officer with London and Overseas Freighters Ltd. Chief Executive of Grampian Regional Council Alan G. Campbell (1959-65), LLB., was appointed Chief Executive of Grampian Regional Council in April of this year.

A law graduate of Aberdeen University, he began his career in local government in 1968. He worked for the then Aberdeen County Council, before being promoted to Depute Chief Executive and Director of Law and Administration for Grampian Regional Council. Among the immediate challenges he faces in his new post are the reorganisation of local government and the introduction of the replacement for the Community Charge.

A former Notes Editor of the Magazine, Mr Campbell is Chairman of Deeside Thistle Cycling Club and still races on a national basis.

John H. Campbell (1959-63) is Production Director for Langstane Press in Aberdeen. He joined the company in 1964 as a cashier and has worked his way up through the company's ranks.

A keen golfer, he also takes an interest in rugby and cricket.

Brian J. Carrie (1952-64), M.B., Ch.B., B.Med.Bloi., works in California as a leading specialist in kidney disease and malfunction. He is involved in both teaching and private practice. He was one of the first graduates in Medical Biology from Aberdeen University, specialising in pathology. He was awarded a blue for Water Polo at university.

After graduating he worked at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, before moving to Stanford Medical Centre in 1977. He takes time to enjoy golf and squash as his leisure pursuits.

Alan J. Clark (1972-78) has been appointed Principal Teacher of Physical Education at Inverness Royal Academy. Prior to his move to the Highlands he was Assistant Principal Teacher of Physical Education at Ellon Academy.

He has taken several groups of pupils on canoeing trips to France and is also a keen golfer, having been a committee member of Ellon Golf Club.

Ian Clubb (1953-58) has been appointed Managing Director of B.SkyB., after the merger of the two satellite television companies, B.S.B. and Sky Television.

After leaving school he qualified as a C.A. in 1963, working for a small Aberdeen firm. He then went on to work for Thomson McLintock, but decided that a change of scene was necessary.

He then joined the International Thomson Organisation as a systems analyst.

During the next ten years he worked his way up to chief accountant, helping with the sale of The Times group of newspapers to Rupert Murdoch.

In 1980 he was appointed group finance director and chairman of Thomson North Sea, having been general manager of Thomson North Sea. In 1982 he moved to the other side of the world, where as finance director of Woodside Petroleum he was involved in the development of the North-West Shell Gas Project off Australia. When in 1985 that company was taken over by B. H. P. and Shell, he returned to the UK, where he helped to set up a broad-based energy group, Carless. He then joined B.S.B. as deputy chief executive in charge of finance and administration.

Peter M. Collier (1960-65), M.B., Ch.B., is a senior partner in a private general practice in the Harley Street area of London. After graduating from Aberdeen University in 1971 he held a short service commission with the Royal Navy. He spent the last four years with the Royal Marines in Malta, Norway and Arbroath.

Formerly a keen skier, he has recently taken up painting and has managed to sell some of his work.

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Aberdeen Grammar Schaal Magazine

Richard Cowling (1959-65), B.Sc., is principal research engineer with Mount Isa Mines, Queensland, Australia, where he is involved in research into computer applications in mining. He has an honours degree in Applied Science (Mining Engineering) from Newcastle University, and his work involves liaison with universities and other research centres.

Ian Craik (1959-65), M.A., has been appointed as one of two new Depute Directors of Education for Grampian Regional Council. Currently Acting Regional Community Education Officer, he has been appointed Depute Director for Community Education. A graduate of Aberdeen University, he also holds a Diploma in Community Work from the North-East Polytechnic of London.

After working as a nursing assistant at a psychiatric adolescent unit, he was senior project worker at Fulham Y.W.C. A. for two years.

In 1976 he was appointed Divisional Community Education Officer for Aberdeen and, apart from a two-year secondment to the Northern College of Education, he has worked in the Community Education Department since.

Gordon Kenneth Crookshanks (1979-85) was one of thirty people in the country to pass the pilot selection tests at Bristow Helicopters and be offered sponsored Helicopter Pilot Training. He passed out of the Bristow Helicopters Ltd. Flying Training School at Redhill, Surrey in May 1990 with a Commercial Pilot's Licence on helicopters. He was then posted as a First Officer to Bristow's at Aberdeen for six months, during which time he underwent further training on aircraft type conversion on the Sikorsky S61N helicopter, and operated flights on offshore support. He is currently one of the pilots on Search & Rescue Flight at Stornoway Airport on the Isle of Lewis.

Colin Dalziel (1966-71) has been appointed General Manager of Grampian Steel Services (Oldmeldrum), having joined that company in 1987. Prior to working for the firm he found employment with a number of industrial concerns.

William Dewar (1959-65), A.I.B.(Scotland) is Manager of Banking Services for the Clydesdale Bank in Banchory. He joined the bank on leaving school and has worked in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.

A keen golfer, he is currently Match and Handicap Convener of Banchory Golf Club.

Lindsay Dron (1975-81), has been appointed an associate of Aberdeen solicitors, Stronachs. A graduate of Aberdeen University, she works in the firm's private clients' department.

Bruce Drummond (1959-65), M.A., B.Sc., F.B.C.O., is a partner along with his brother, John P. Drummond (1947-58), in the family business of opticians, Eddie and Drummond, in Aberdeen.

He is a Fellow of the British Optical Association (subsequently the British College of Optometry) and is much involved in optical politics, currently as the North-East of Scotland representative on the Association of Optometrists.

Nicholas H. Edwards (1981-87) graduated with first-class honours in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and is now undertaking research into laser physics at Oxford University. His sister, Hilary Edwards (1979-85), graduated with honours in Biblical Studies and English from St. Andrews University in 1989 and is now working with mentally-handicapped adults in Aberdeen.

John Connon Esslemont (1910-22), B.Comm., has been awarded the Silver Wolf by the Scout Movement in recognition of his long service to Scouting in Aberdeen.

One of Scouting's highest-honours, he has taken a great interest in the production of Gang Shows over the years.

A graduate of Aberdeen University, he was for many years a director of John E. Esslemont Ltd., merchants in Aberdeen.

His brother, Alexander Gordon Esslemont (1908-20), was a director of H. J. Heinz & Co. Ltd., a company he worked for since graduating from Aberdeen University in 1924.

Notes About Former Pupils

57

Dr. Graham Findlay (1940-43), M.B., Ch.B., D.Ohst., R.C.O.G., has retired to Ferndown, Dorset after thirty-five years in general practice at Ilford, Essex. A graduate of Aberdeen University, he also held the post of House Surgeon at Wanstead Hospital.

While on holiday in Tasmania in February 1990, he stayed with fellow doctor and former pupil Alexander James Gray (1926-30), son of former maths teacher at the School, Mr Alexander Gray. Dr. Findlay intends to spend much of his retirement on the nearby golf course.

Robin Wattie Glashan (1938 51) qualified in medicine at Aberdeen and then held hospital appointments in Bristol and Glasgow, before going to Huddersfield at the end of 1968 as a consultant urological surgeon. He qualified F.R.C.S. Edinburgh in 1963, Glasgow in 1964 and England in 1983.

He retired early recently due to ill-health and is now living in Aboyne.

Ian McLennan (1961-74), LLB., has been appointed a partner with the Aberdeen firm of solicitors, James and George Collie. A graduate of Aberdeen University, he joined the firm in 1990 and works in the firm's corporate and commercial department.

Dr. Alasdair Burnett Matheson (1952-58), M.B., Ch.B., F.R.C.S., was awarded an O.B.E. in the New Year's Honours List. A graduate of Aberdeen University, he has worked at Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle and is currently a consultant in accident and emergency care at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. He was awarded the O.B.E. for his work in connection with the Piper Alpha disaster, helping the survivors recover from their ordeal. His outside interests include curling and trout-fishing.

Albert John Horne Paterson (1935-47), M. A., LL.B., has retired from the Army Legal Service with the rank of Colonel. After graduating from Aberdeen University in 1953, he served with the Gordon Highlanders and the 2nd Nigeria Regiment, R. W. African Frontier Force, before joining the Army I.egal Service in 1956. ).P., D.I.., F.R.S. A., F.S.A.(Scot.), was Kenneth Jamieson Peters (1929-41), C. reappointed in 1991 to the Board of Peterhead Bay Harbour Authority and appointed Vice-Chairman. He serves also on the British Railways (Scottish) Board, of which he has been a member since the early 1980s. He was made, in 1990, a Fellow of the Scottish Council, Development and Industry. He was Managing Director of Aberdeen Journals Ltd for 21 years, having previously been, successively, the Editor of the Evening Express and the Press and journal. He was twice President of the Scottish Daily Newspaper Society and served on the Press Council for three years. He has been both Captain and President of the FP Cricket Section, and is now a member of the M.C..C. He is proud of being a member of the FP Rugby Section—as well as being a patron of an English rugby club.

Harry Ball Craig Ritchie (1924-30) has retired to the city of Vancouver, Canada after many years in business. After leaving school, he served his apprenticeship with the firm of W. McKinnon in Aberdeen.

As a member of the Army reserve, he was called up and served in France with the R.A.S.C., before being evacuated. He served with the R.A.S.C. throughout the war, reaching the rank of Captain.

After the war he joined Shell Oil and worked in Venezuela for eight years. In 1955 he joined the firm of H. A. Simmons (Engineering) in Vancouver, where he worked until his retirement.

Dr. Graham Garland Ross (1951-62), B.Sc., Ph.D., has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. Graduating with honours in Natural Philosophy from Aberdeen University, he went on to complete a Ph.D. in High Energy Physics at Durham University in 1969.

He has held posts in various countries, including Switzerland and the U.S.A., where he was a senior research assistant at the Californian Institute of Technology.

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Aberdeen Grammar Srbool Magazine

John M. Shearer (1955-68) was appointed in April 1990 as Personal Insurances Controller for the Norwich Union Insurance Group at their branch in Preston, Lancashire. He has been with the Norwich Union since leaving school and has spent most of his career in Aberdeen. He also spent a few years in the early 1970s in Kingston-upon-Hull.

Dr. George Geddes Shirriffs (1947-57), M.B., Ch.B., M.FA., F.R.C.G.P., has been elected Chairman of the Scottish Council of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

A graduate of Aberdeen University, he has been in general practice in Aberdeen since 1968. Both his children, Lesley M. Shirriffs (1951-65) and Brian J. Shirriffs (1960-66), attended the School.

Dr. William Cairns Stewart Smith (1956-68), M.D., M.B., Ch.B., M.P.H., M.F.C.M., has moved to South-East Asia as Director of the Leprosy Mission there.

A graduate of Aberdeen University, he took up the post of Senior House Officer at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on leaving university. He then went on to become Medical Superintendent at Belgaum Leprosy Hospital, India, before returning to this country, where he was a senior registrar in community medicine for Tayside Health Board. Until he took up his current post, he was Deputy Director of the Cardio-vascular Epidemiology Unit at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.

Michael Boyd Thomson (1938-51) has been appointed Chairman of the Life Offices Association ofNew Zealand, which represents the interests ofLife Insurers in New Zealand. After leaving school he joined the Norwich Union Life Insurance Society in Aberdeen and has worked for that company in Nairobi (twice), Dar es Salaam, Karachi, Edinburgh and, since 1983, has been General Manager for New Zealand.

Nick Weightman (1980-85) has passed out from the Britannia Royal Naval College as a midshipman. He joined the Royal Navy in 1985 as a weapons engineer.

During his time at the College he acquired skills in navigation, boat-handling, seamanship, leadership and parade training. He will start his pilot training at R.A.F. Linton-On-Ouse near York after two months' service at the Royal Naval Air Station, Portland, where he will gain general experience. His interests include skiing, salmon fishing and subaqua.

Gordon S. Williams (1933-46) has retired from Wiggins Teape Ltd., after forty years' service with the company. An Honorary Vice-President of the Hockey Section, he coaches a local prep-school side in Farnham, where he lives. His son, Donald, is also a keen hockey player and recently won a British cap, playing in the Champions' Trophy in Australia.

Marriages Beedie (1968-74).— At Pahiatua, North Island, New Zealand, in April 1990, Hamish R. Beedie, son of Mr. and Mrs J. Beedie, Midstocket Road, Aberdeen to Jill Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs Brown, Pahiatua, North Island, New Zealand.

Brown (1971 75).—At Craigiebuckler Church, Aberdeen on 20 September 1990, Kenneth Brown, 40 Gray Street, Aberdeen to Jane Watmough, 32 Broomhill Terrace, Aberdeen.

Clark (1974-80).- At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 4 August 1990, Peter J. Clark, younger son of Mr. and Mrs Clark, Mannofield, Aberdeen to Fiona Carson, Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

Fraser (1980- 84). -- A t St. Machar's Cathedral, Aberdeen on 7 April 1991, Mark Fraser, 2 Craigiepark Place, Aberdeen to Susan Rust, daughter of Mr. and Mrs Rust, 6 Fernhill Place, Aberdeen.

Obituaries

59

Grieve (1974-80). —At King's College Chapel, Old Aberdeen on 11 May 1990, Peter Grieve, youngest son of Dr. and Mrs Grieve, 4 Carnegie Gardens, Aberdeen to Nicole Bannenberg, youngest daughter of Mr. G. Bannenberg, Merellaan 781, Massluis, The Netherlands.

Munro (1980 -85) and Wood (1980-86).--At the North Church of St. Andrew, Aberdeen in September 1990, Scott W. Munro, 26 Ellon Road, Aberdeen to Elaine Wood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs Wood, 175 Midstocket Road, Aberdeen.

Ruxton (1977-82). At Mannofield Church, Aberdeen on 28 July 1990, Eoin R. M. Wilson, Perth to Alison M. Ruxton, Aberdeen.

Valentine.—At Torry Parish Church, Aberdeen on 20 October 1990, Nicholas Valentine, Bonnymuir Place, Aberdeen to Elenor Phillips, Craigton Place, Aberdeen.

Watt (1926-38).—At Great Eversden Parish Church, Great Eversden, Cambridge on 6 April 1991, Dr. Harold M. R. Watt, Cults, Aberdeen to Mrs Muriel 1. Burbidge (née Whyte), Great Eversden.

Wilson (1980- 86).—At the Kirk of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen in April 1991, Guy Donegan-Cross, Westgate Meltham, West Yorkshire to Ruth C. Wilson, Station Road East, Peterculter.

Obituaries Charles Ernest Anderson (1912-20), B.Sc., M.1.E.E., died aged 84 in Kent and Canterbury Hospital after a long spell of ill-health.

After graduation from Aberdeen University he worked for Aberdeen Corporation Electricity Department, before joining Bowater Paper Mills. In 1952 he moved to the Bowater Paper Corporation as Contracts Engineer, retiring in 1971. His interests included music, photography and gardening.

A life-long member of the FP Club, he is survived by his wife, Ethel, two sons and five grandchildren.

Frederick Cooper Arnaud (1929-36), B.Sc.(Eng.), died at home in Dumbarton in April 1991, aged 71.

A former dux in mathematics, science and modern languages, he graduated from Aberdeen University with a degree in engineering in 1939. During the war he served with the Royal Navy as an engineering officer on the cruiser H.M.S. Newcastle, surviving a torpedo hit while trying to break the blockade at Malta.

After the war he joined the Crown Film Unit in Nigeria as a sound recordist, making documentary and service films. He spent several years with the Nigerian Marine, protecting the country's port installations and lighthouses.

Following Nigerian independence he returned to this country and joined the Factories Inspectorate, becoming Chief Factories Inspector and later Deputy Chief of the service, a position he held until his retirement.

He is survived by three daughters.

Patrick Dickie Burr (1915-28), B.Sc.(Eng.), died at home at Sale, Cheshire, in June 1990. He was 80 years of age. A graduate of Aberdeen University, he started work with Metro-Vickers Electrical Co. Ltd. in Manchester in 1935. He returned to Aberdeen as a lecturer in electrical engineering at Robert Gordon's Technical College in 1937, and found work with his previous employers from 1942-48, and again in 1953.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and two daughters.

60

Aberdeen Grammar Schaal Magazine

David Robert Bellamy Cay (1935-46), a former president of the Edinburgh Centre, died at his home in Edinburgh on 3 April 1991.

Bellamy Cay's latter years were withdrawn and overshadowed by ill-health. But in his heyday at the Bar he was a warm and distinctive character, liked by solicitors, popular with his colleagues and respected by the Bench. Though never pretending to deep profundity in the Law, he was nonetheless a more than competent performer. He was in his element in the days at Parliament House when Saturday mornings were given over to undefended divorces. It was by no means a rarity for him to conduct most i f not the whole roll of cases—perhaps ten or a dozen—before the same judge with a conciseness and brevity which were a pleasure to the Court and the envy of less-fluent practitioners. But about it all he had a wry sense of selfdepreciation and humour, as when he concluded his entry in the Scottish Who's Wbo by adding, "Defended the last man hanged in Scotland."

He was a particular favourite of Grammar FPs in Edinburgh. It became at one time a genial tradition after FP Dinners that what seemed to be the entire company should adjourn to his Chambers, where his hospitable good nature shone with benevolent delight. He was President of the Centre in 1978.

My friendship with Bellamy covered more than thirty years. I knew his strengths and frailties as he knew mine. Behind the mask of a boo oiveur there was the kindest of men who seemed to be drawn to those who were handicapped or in need, so that he could enfold them in the generosity of his own spirit. If you were in difficulty, Bellamy was your man. He could be utterly relied on, loyalty being at the core of his personality. Characteristically, if you were to meet him at eight o'clock, Bellamy was there five minutes before the hour.

He was sustained by a devoted wife, loving children and a great company of friends within and outside the profession who affectionately recall the cordiality of his prime.

There seems to be less sunshine now that Bellamy has gone on ahead.

A.C.F. (1925-30) Dr. Alfred George Emslie (1912-24) T.D., M.B., Ch.B.. D.P.H., F.R.C.P., died at Eastbourne, East Sussex on 8 May 1990 aged 83.

After leaving school he went on to graduate with honours in medicine from Aberdeen University in 1929, and gained a doctorate with commendation in 1933, taking the Diploma in Public Health the same year. He was appointed a research student at the university, studying carbohydrate metabolism, before taking charge of the Biochemistry Department.

In 1932 he became Resident Medical Officer at Aberdeen City Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Moving to Eastbourne in 1935, he was appointed Assistant Physician to the Princess Alice Memorial Hospital and started the Electro-cardiograph Department there in 1946, continuing his interest in cardiology. As a territorial army officer he was mobilised at the outbreak of war in 1939 and in 1941 he was appointed Lecturer and Instructor to the Army School of Hygiene in Aldershot. He then served in India as a Medical Specialist and was officer in charge of medical divisions with the rank of Lieut. Colonel.

In 1949 he was elected President of Eastbourne Medical Society and Chairman of the Eastbourne Division of the Association in 1950. He served as a member of the Eastbourne Hospital Management Committee from 1951-57. One of his principal interests was the treatment of diabetes and he formed the Eastbourne and District Diabetic Club. He was its Chairman since 1955.

A very keen fisherman, he spent much of his holidays fishing Scotland's rivers and lochs.

He is survived by his wife, Freda, a daughter ahd two sons.

His elder brother, Dr. John Alexander Simpson Emslie (1905 17), was also a doctor in practice in Eastbourne, after having practised in Banchory• from 1925-46.

Obituaries

61

Michael G. H. Gibb (1942-46) died peacefully at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on 23 January 1991, following a fall at his home on Christmas Day. He was 53.

Educated at the Grammar School and Fettes College, Edinburgh, he was immediately called up and did his National Service in the Royal Marines and served in Cyprus during the EOKA troubles. He joined Mugiemoss paper-mill, C. Davidson & Sons, and was on their management staff for many years.

Mike played with great distinction for the FP 1st XV for many years and captained the side in season 1964-65. He played several times for North Midlands and in 1964 was selected to play against the touring New Zealand All Blacks. A tragic accident at work left him without the use of his left arm, but within a short period of time he was back in the fold and became heavily involved behind the scenes of the Rugby Section. For many years he combined the duties of Honorary Secretary and Team Secretary. He also served on the North District Rugby Union committee. In recent years he became actively involved in promoting youth rugby.

In the past ten years Mike was "Mr FP Rugby" and was highly respected for his knowledge of the game and for his great administrative ability, not only within the Club, but throughout Scottish Rugby.

In spite of his physical handicap Mike was a keen golfer and played in many FP and Mill outings, achieving considerable success. The writer vividly recollects losing a sizeable wager during a challenge match played at Edzell.

"Gibbers" will be fondly remembered for his pawky but warm sense of humour, his tireless energy, his friendship and the total honesty with which he carried out his duties. The enormous attendance at the Crematorium on 28 January spoke eloquently of the affection in which he was deservedly held. He will be sorely missed.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, Elizabeth, his daughter, Jennifer and his son, Gordon.

I.H.M. (1951-55) John (Ian) Maddison Hendry (1920-31) died peacefully at Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen on 19 February 1991, aged 77 years. On leaving school he joined his father in business and for virtually all his working life was in some way connected with the fish trade in Aberdeen. He saw war service in various parts of Europe, rising eventually to the rank of Major. Throughout his retirement he maintained a keen interest in television coverage of all sports, especially rugby and cricket. He had won a cap in the latter sport in his days at the School and played for the FP team for a number of seasons.

He is survived by his two children, John F. Hendry (1951-65), LL.B., who is Secretary of the FP Club, and his daughter, Alison Forbes, who lives in Perth, Western Australia. His granddaughter, Emma A. Hendry (1986-91), was Head Girl and winner of the All-Round Trophy for Girls in session 1990-91.

Former President of the Club Neil Ian Wilson Meldrum (1925-37), M.A., LL.B., the younger brother of W. J. G. Meldrum, better known to his classmates as Hamish, spent his entire school life at the Grammar, and the two brothers both left their mark in the School's athletic annals—Hamish, by establishing records in track and field events which survived the challenge of several decades, Neil by performing the possibly unique feat of winning every track event from the 100 yards to the mile, with the exception of the 440 yards, in the 1937 annual athletic sports.

On leaving school, Neil immediately joined the FP Rugby Section, but unfortunately a successful playing career was prematurely terminated by a severe leg wound sustained whilst a serving officer with the Gordon Highlanders at El Alamein in 1942.

62

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Despite the injury, which but for Neil's grit, determination and obstinacy would almost certainly have meant amputation of the limb, he managed to channel his enormous energy and enthusiasm for rugby into refereeing, running the touchline and, more significantly, into administration as honorary secretary of the Section, an office he held with distinction from 1945. During this period he is remembered especially for his impressive and enviable fixture list, which he built up and which included matches against many of the leading clubs in the south. Historically, however, Neil will be best remembered as the conceiver and instigator of the annual rail excursion "To Kyle in Style", which raised hundreds of pounds for the empty coffers of the Rugby Section.

For his whole-hearted commitment to the improvement of the game of rugby in the North of Scotland Neil was honoured with the Presidency of the N.D.R.U. for the years 1976-78—an office he fulfilled to the complete satisfaction of all the associated clubs.

On discharge from the Army, although initially destined for the ministry, Neil returned to Aberdeen University, and duly graduated M.A., LL.B., and thereafter set up in business on his own in Aberdeen, being joined in later years by his daughter, Gillian.

Neil's other interests extended to Church activities—he was an elder for many years, and sometime Commissioner to the General Assembly. The Boys' Brigade and the British Legion also consumed much of his time and energy, both of which he gave freely and generously.

Over the years Neil pursued his courtship of the Former Pupils' Club primarily through a long active association with the Executive Committee, culminating in his espousing presidency for the session 1981-82 and fulfilling the office in his own inimitable fashion.

The late James S. G. Munro, a brother lawyer, epitomised the man when he wrote in the Magatine of June 1981: "Yes, Neil is different he is a `character' in the best sense of that word, and has generated so much enthusiasm for the School and the Club over so many years to the great enjoyment, and admiration of his peers".

We bow to the memory of a dedicated Grammarian and feel privileged to have had the opportunity of benefiting from his infectious enthusiasm, and to have had reawakened in us the need to preserve the enviable status of Aberdeen Grammar School as a historic seat of learning in Scotland.

Our sympathy is extended to his widow and to his daughter, Gillian.

John Paterson (1940-47) died in London after a short illness in September 1990, aged 58.

After leaving school he joined the Aberdeen office of the Scottish Daily Express.

He then went on to become industrial correspondent and London news editor with The Scotsman.

In the early 1970s he joined the Engineering Employers' Federation as head of public affairs, before taking up a similar post with the Newspaper Society. After recovering from a heart attack three years ago, he edited the Kensington and Chelsea Times series of newspapers. He is survived by his son, Ritchie, who also works in publishing.

David B. Ross (1928-36), D.F.C., died at home in Bromley, Kent on 31 December 1990, aged 70.

He joined the R. A.F. as an ordinary airman, serving with Bomber Command as a rear gunner on Lancaster bombers. He was awarded the D.F.C. and bar.

He went on to reach the rank of Air Commodore, serving with the Ministry of Defence before his retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and two sons and a daughter.

James Dougall Rust (1937-48) died at Roxburghe House, Milltimber, Aberdeen after a short illness on 6 March 1991, aged 57.

Obituaries

63

A director of several companies, including Shirras Laing & Co. Ltd., and a former director of granite merchants, Charles McDonald, he continued his education at Gray's School of Art after leaving school.

When the family firm of granite merchants was taken over in 1978, he continued his interest in the granite trade and in a number of other companies.

He was a Burgess of the Guilds and sat on the rates appeal tribunal. A keen angler and a member of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club for thirty-six years, he was an elder of Queen's Cross Church, Aberdeen. He is survived by his wife, Muriel, and two sons and two daughters.

James Bruce Smith (1918-24) died in the Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, U.S.A. in February 1990, aged 82.

President and founder of the Bruce Smith Agency, insurance brokers, he moved to Chicago in 1932. In his youth he was a keen lightweight boxer and rugby player.

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

Sir Alexander Cuthbert Turnbull (1939-42) K.B.E., M.A., M.D.(tlon.%), M.B.,Ch.B., F.R.C.O.G., died at home in Oxford on 18 August 1990, aged 65.

After graduating from Aberdeen University he completed his national service with the army, spending part of that time in India. Returning to Aberdeen, he gained the M.R.C.O.G. in 1954 and was appointed Senior Lecturer at Queen's College, Dundee, then part of St. Andrews University. In 1961 he returned to Aberdeen University as Senior Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. In 1966 he was appointed to the chair of that subject at the Welsh National School of Medicine in Cardiff and was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Later he was to receive that body's rarely-awarded honorary fellowship and served as senior vice-president.

Developing an international reputation, he was elected to the Nuffield Chair at Oxford University in 1972, and became a Fellow of Oriel College in 1973. He served on the Clinical Research Board of the Medical Research Council and on the Council of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Knighted in 1988, he travelled throughout the world and was much in demand at conferences. He encouraged research in his subject and pursued the use of new technology for the assessment of foetal well-being during the antenatal and intrapartum periods.

Ralph Spence Walker (1910-22) M.A., B.A., died at his home in Cambridge on 14 May 1990, aged 85.

An honours graduate of Aberdeen University, he also graduated with first-class honours from Cambridge University in 1931. He was then appointed Principal .

English Master at Derby School, a post he held for four years, before returning to Aberdeen as a Carnegie Research Fellow in 1938. In 1939 he was appointed Lecturer in English at Aberdeen University, a post he held until 1955. During this period he was editor of the Aberdeen University Review and other publications. In 1955 he was appointed Molson professor and chairman of the Department of English at McGill University, Montreal, a post he held until he retired to the U.K. in the early 1970s.

He was the second-youngest son of the Rev. George Walker, minister of the East Church of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen, and one of five brothers who attended the School, the others being Dr. Charles William Walker (1902-12), M.A., M.B., Ch.B., M.C., James Frederick Walker (1902-14), M.A., who taught mathematics at the Grammar School during the 1930s, George Francis Walker (1903-07) and Dr. Ronald Powlett Walker (1904-11).

Professor Walker is survived by his wife, Margaret, and two sons, Ralph C. S. Walker (1949-55) and David A. C. Walker (1950-55), both of whom attended the School.

Percy Robert Wood (191(1-20) died at his home in Aberdeen on 29 September 1990, aged 86.

64

Aberdeen Grammar School Magazine

Percy was the younger brother of Stanley Alfred Wood (1909-19), also a former pupil of the School. On leaving school he joined the Clydesdale Bank, before serving with the R.A.F. during the war.

After the war he served as a director of several city and West-Coast companies, before retiring in the early 1970s.

A keen sportsman, he played golf, tennis and bowls and was a member of Woodend Bowling Club.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah, his daughter and two grandchildren.

Abstract of Accounts for year ended 31 December 1990 FP Club INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 1989 £2,088 1,470 751 2,177 3,500 820 1,024 664

Subscriptions Revenue from Investments (Gross)

£1.830 1,470 747

Transfer from Life Members Capital Fund at 5% Magazine Advertising Revenue

2,390 3,500 696 1,445 482

Donation from Club Centre Entertainments Account Surplus

Beyond 500 Miscellaneous Income

£12,560

£12,494 £5,0/9 295 500 742 300 4,653 403

Working Expenses, including Honoraria School and Trophy Medals Capitation Grams Expenses of Visits to other Centres

£5,065 318 600 996

School Amenities Fund

Magazine Cost of Printing and Postage Corporation Tax

4,679 367

f,11,932

12,025

£562 SURPLUS FOR YEAR Transferred to Capital Account £3 5,432 15,505 1,718 1,215 1,571 2,886 5,978 2,266

£535

BALANCE SHEET HERITABLE PROPERTY At cost less loans INVESTMENTS At cost ROBERT G. WILSON BEQUEST MISS ISABELLA GRANT BEQUEST RESTORATION ACCOUNT BEYOND 500 SUNDRY DEBTORS CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

£16,932 15,505 1,773 1,303 1,681 2,525 6,172 2,116 £48,007

£46,571 Less; £3,582 SUNDRY CREDITORS 1,180 ORDINARY SUBSCRIPTIONS PAID IN ADVANCE

5,843

£4,762 £41,809

£5,588 255

NET ASSETS

£42,164

Rcbrerralrif by: £14,272 LIFE MEMBERS CAPITAL FUND

18,447 CAPITAL ACCOUNT 1,718 ROBERT G. WILSON BEQUEST FUND 1,215 MISS ISABELLA GRANT BEQUEST FUND 1,571 RESTORATION FUND 2,886 BEYOND 500 FUND 1,700 OTHER FUNDS

£14,200 18,982 1,773

1,303 1,681 2,525 1,700 £42,164

£41,809

65

66

.-lbrrriren Grammar School Afagaziar

Amenities Fund INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 1989

1990

£786 Interest from Investments ((Gross) 339 Donations £1,125 L1,093 Grant; made 25 Honorarium to Treasurer

L786 679 ,t1,465 L1,453

£1,118

1,453

£7 SURPLUS FOR YEAR

£12 BALANCE SHEET

£7,109 INVESTMENTS—At cost 131 CASH AT BANK

£7,240

£7,109 143 £7,252

Arprewited by:

£7,709 CAPITAL ACCOUNT 131 REVENUE ACCOUNT £7,240

E7,109 143 £7,252

67

Abstract g( Accounts

Club Centre INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

1989 (44,760 Gross Profit on Bar [Sales £109,036 (1989--£105,383)I 9,043 Annual Subscriptions 19,702 Gaining Machine Revenue (Net) 4,565 Other Income

£47,514 8,937 24,376 2,533

£78,066 (20,892 18,393 9,187 378 6,368 3,500 3,204 1,704 740 2,950 10,014 1,025

£83,360 '$ages and National Insurance Rates and Insurance Heating and Lighting Telephone (Net) Repairs and Maintenance Donation to FP Club Other Donations and Interest Administration Expenses Steward's Pension Scheme honoraria Miscellaneous Expenses, Cleaning, etc.

Depreciation

£24,608 18,601 9,218 309 6,644 3,500 2,609 1,220 832 2,950 9,761 1,036

£78,355

81,288

£(289) SURPLUS;(13EFICIT) FOR YEAR

£2,072

BALANCE SHEET FIX ED ASSETS and Equipment At cost Furniture, Fittings .(5,760 less depreciation

£5,880

CURRENT ASSETS (92,474 4,356 4,303 1,169

Loan Account AGSFP Club Stock in Hand Synch Debtors Cash in Hand

£102,302

£90,974 3,794 4,127 1,478 £100,373

CURRENT LIABILITIES

£29,572 Sundry Creditors 5,887 Subscriptions in Advance 15,347 Bank Overdraft

£28,654 6,379 12,892

£50,806

£47,925

£51,496

52,448

(57,256 10,800 Less:1.51ANS

£58,328 9,800

£46,456 NET ASSETS

£48,528

Represented by:

£10,557 CAPITAL ACCOUNT 35,899 SURPLUSES £46,456

Appeal Fund and Other Donations

L10,557 37,971 £48,528

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UNIT TRUSTS LIFE ASSURANCE PERSONAL & CORPORATE FINANCE

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SHOPS, OFFICES & INDUSTRIAL UNITS, ETC LIABILITIES - ON-SHORE & OFF-SHORE CAR • HOUSE • TRAVEL PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE Contact: Bob Johnstone or Alan Mackay 109 Holburn Street. Aberdeen AB1 6BO Tel 0224 592421 Fax 0224 574519 Mernbef of

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THE BRITISH

INSURANCE BROKERS' ASSOCIATION

William L. Gorrod (Aberdeen) Ltd. PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

34 Duthie Terrace, Aberdeen Tel 31 3076

PLUMBING WORK From a washer to a new bathroom suite

ELECTRICAL WORK From a fuse to a complete rewire

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Adam, Cochran & Co Advocates SOLICITORS

ESTATE AGENTS

NOTARIES PUBLIC

6 Bon Accord Square, Aberdeen AB9 1 XU Scotland Tel: 0224 588913

Fax: 0224 581149

Property Shop 37 Langstane Place. Aberdeen Tel: 588913 Branch Office Thainstone Agricultural Centre, Inverurie Tel: 0467 23761 Partners Hugh D Cochran

F. Gordon Cochran

Peter W. Rockwell

J. Robert B. Leith

Peter M. Robertson Authorised to conduct investment business under the Financial Services Act 1986 by the Law Society of Scotland

FOR YOUR PERFECT WEDDING DAY We have newly refurbished both our function suites to a high standard At THE CULTS HOTEL we can cater up to 80 persons comfortably and with extremely competitive prices we will definitely make Your Wedding Day very special

THE CULTS HOTEL THE SQUARE CULTS Telephone 867632 •

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Suppliers of all types of Gaming Machines

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116 Cornhill Road Aberdeen AB2 5DH Tel: 483331

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JAMES MILNE & co

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS FOR A PERSONAL AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE * ACCOUNTANCY AND AUDIT

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BUSINESS AND PERSONAL TAXATION

* CASH FLOW FORECASTS

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FINANCIAL PLANNING

* BUSINESS PLANS

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COMPUTERISED SERVICES

5 BON-ACCORD SQUARE ABERDEEN AB9 1XR , ,

TELEPHONE 584458

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FAX 583998

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Bruce Miller's for TN., Video, Hi-Fi, Musical Instruments, Pianos, Keyboards, Sheet Music, Accessories, C.D.s, Cassettes, Video Tapes and Books.

BRUCE MILLER'S For people with more sense than money 363 Union Street, Aberdeen. 'lel: 0224 592211

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BRINGING PEOPLE AND PROPERTY TOGETHER Whether you're thinking of buying or selling property then think of the Aberdeen Solicitors' Property Centre first Buying: With over 20 years experience, the Aberdeen Solicitors' Property Centre has by far the widest selection of properties to choose from in the North East.

Selling: Over 5000 people visit the centre each week. Our Property Register is the most complete guide to property in the area.

PROPERTY REGISTER NEW EDITION EACH WEEK OPENING HOURS: MON., TUE& &VIED. 9a.m..5p.m4 6.30 Am 8 p.m.

OTHER SERVICES New Bulletin every Thursday Duty Solicitor always available—for free first interview.

Helpful, impartial advice—no 'high pressure" selling.

Free Booklets on all aspects of buying and selling property.

Comfortable surroundings —take time to look around.

ASPC ABERDEEN

PR O PERTY CENTRE 40 CHAPEL STREET, ABERDEEN A81 1SP

TEL: 632949

DUTY SOLICITOR available-FREE first interview THURS:Sam..8 FRI: 9 a m.-5 pm.; 6.30 pm.-8 pm SAT:9am 430 pin.

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CHARTERHOUSE

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Charterhouse Tilney is one of the UK's foremost regional stockbrokers.

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We offer over 150 years of experience and a full range of specialist services and research facilities to the private client, including advisory and discretionary portfolio management.

To find out more about Charterhouse Tilney, call Barry Scott or Meera Dennis.

Charterhouse Tilney, 7 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen AB1 1XE. Telephone: (0224) 624066. Fax: (0224) 624055.

A umbel of tAt Socritiot Assaf'tlok And I limber 01 the Inte.nsilml Stock WWII THE A0111 IOU Of SCOILAND GROUP

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Park & MacRae Solicitors Conveyancing ( Commercial and Residential) Estate Agency, Corporate work, Tax Planning, Wills, Trusts and Executories, Factoring and Leases. Civil and Criminal Court Work, Matrimonial, Legal Aid. 26 Carden Place, Aberdeen ABI I UQ Telephone: 0224 639037 Document Exchange No. A B39 (Aberdeen)

Partner: John Alexander MacRae, LL.B., N.P.

Legal and Public Capacities: Advocates, Solicitors, Notaries Public and Estate Agents

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FEUGHSIDE • BANCHORY • ROYAL DEESIDE • KINCARDINESHIRE TEL: 03302 4782 - TELEX: 73737 FAX: 03302 4712 Invery House, a beautiful Georgian mansion built in 1804, has been transformed into a magnificent country house hotel. Situated on Royal Deeside and only 18 miles from the international airport at Aberdeen. Invery is set in its own grounds of 40 acres of woodland on the banks of the River Feugh.

All 14 suites have private bathroom, satellite television, direct dial telephones in the bedroom and bathroom, and are furnished to the highest standard with antique furniture.

The cuisine, which uses the finest local Scottish produce and is complimented by over 500 wines, is under the supervision of our chef Clive Iamb.

There are many excellent golf courses within a short distance of Invery House. and the most outstanding of the traditional clubs is "The Royal Aberdeen Golf Club" at Balgownie Links.

The setting of Invery House provides the finest of shooting and fishing in the area with grouse moors, pheasant shoots and stalking. All these can be arranged at short notice with our agents, who cover all of Deeside and other parts of Scotland.

Proprietors: The Spence Family

General Manager: Mr. Michael Pownall