Glasgow

Glasgow

Our Annual Dinner was held on Friday 3rd November at the GoGlasgow Urban Hotel on Paisley Road West, with Glasgow President, Malcolm Gauld, welcoming thirty members and guests (including Doug Skene, representing the York Centre, Nigel Watt, representing the Edinburgh Centre, Brian Crookshanks, the Editor of the AGSFP Magazine and Evelyn Parbrook, the Glasgow President of the High School FP Club), with the traditional cry of 'HULLAWRER PEEPUL'. After an excellent meal, the A.G.M. of the Centre was held, with the accounts, confirming that we were still solvent, approved, and the committee, yet again, unanimously re-elected.

In welcoming Doug Allsop, Malcolm reported that he graduated from Aberdeen University in English and Philosophy before forging a career in the oil industry, later specialising in emergency media response in times of crisis. He dealt with the media during the tragedy of 16th July 1988 when 167 workers were killed in the Piper Alpha explosion and in several high profile helicopter accidents since then. Doug proposed a very interesting and informative Toast to the School and the Club, with memories of his education and business career and with words of encouragement for the younger members of the audience. (Interestingly, his toast, and our dinner, was mentioned in the 'Bottom Line' column in “The Herald” on November 9th. Thank you Scott.)

The Head Teacher, Alison Murison, very ably assisted by Holly Imperiale, Head Girl, and Fergus Kennedy, Head Boy, giving the pupils' perspective, replied to Doug's Toast on behalf of the School, updating us on all that was happening within its hallowed grounds, highlighting its many successes both academically and in the vast range of extra-curricular activities. Once again we were all impressed by the calm self- assurance of these excellent representatives of our school

In introducing Gillian Thomas, the President of the Parent Club, Malcolm reminded the company that she is not only the third lady to achieve this high office but the first to hail from the Commonwealth. A keen sportswoman (school colours for badminton), she became a primary teacher before marriage and emigration to Canada. She gave an excellent reply to the toast with a summary of her most enjoyable time in office, however, with the continuing concerns of all involved at the heart of the Club in building and sustaining links with all members, she explained her intention to improve the Club's profile on social media with a view to engaging with younger FPs.

Past Head Boy (1995-96) Stefan Colling proposed a most witty and appropriate Vote of Thanks and the assembled company gradually disappeared into the night, well fed and very well entertained.

The Committee intend meeting during the summer to discuss whether our Dinner will be held in October or November and whether we should change the