Glasgow

The first fruit of our plans was a convivial gathering at Davy’s Wine Bar, just off London’s St James’s Street, on 20th March. Fifteen FPs attended, including many familiar faces as well as some very welcome newcomers: John Sinclair (1947-59), Ian Reid (1951-63), David Anderson (1954-58), Duncan Hopkin (1955-61), Philip Edwards (1956-67), Ian Mair (1956-69), Hamish Norbrook (1959-65), Peter Elliot (1962-75), Sandy Nicol (1962-71), Nick Clarke (1963-74), Mike Stobbie (1963-69), Graham Thomson (1979-83), Lori Houlihan (1981-86), Angus Duguid (1987-93) and Ross Methven (1987-93).

Our next venture will be a theatre visit in late July to watch the acclaimed play Shackleton’s Carpenter, performed by FP Malcolm Rennie (1952-65). Future events are likely to include a lunch and further informal wine bar gatherings.

This is my valedictory report for the London Centre. With effect from 1st June, Graham Thomson will take over as Secretary. Also stepping down will be our longstanding President, Donald Lamont, who has given such sterling support during these past few difficult years. For the next year I shall assume the office of Centre President, the President thereafter being elected on an annual basis.

Yorkshire

Sandy Nicol

The 60th dinner of the Yorkshire Centre was held on Friday 28 September 2018 at the Principal Hotel in York, presided over with his usual charm by the Yorkshire President, Doug Skene, who was accompanied by his charming wife Gina. This was a new venue, where we were very well looked after, although a return to the splendid surroundings of the Grange Hotel will happen for the 2019 dinner.

Sadly, there was no school representation, but we were delighted to welcome the President-elect of the Club, Iain Hopkin and his wife, Ann, to their first Yorkshire dinner. Iain presented a short video from the school, as well as updating members on the current situation regarding the Club and the Club Centre in Aberdeen. Iain gave us much to think about, much has happened since and there was plenty well-meaning discussion on the plans for the future.

Once again we were very pleased to welcome guests from other Centres and a variety of localities throughout the North of England and further afield, with the now regular addition of a German guest with David Galloway! The evening always provides a chance for good conversation, good dining and, most importantly, good company, and a chance to catch up with old friends, hear news of Aberdeen and the Grammar, and share tales of when we were there! If there are any FPs in the North of England, who have not yet managed to attend one of our dinners, please do get in touch and come along.

Former Pupils attending the Dinner, listed in order of entry into the School were: Wilson McIntosh (1932-45), Robert Cromar (1944-49), Brian Bruce (194652