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OLD FETTESIAN NEWSLETTER NO. 66, JULY 2021
LETTERS TO SIR WILLIAM FETTES Written to him on 5th October 2020 Dear Sir William Fettes, We write to you as Carringtonians who are proud to celebrate this historic moment for the school. As the second oldest house still standing we not only carry the legacy of Fettes but also that of 148 years of Carrington. As custodians of a house that is the product of your legacy we would like to thank you for all the memorable moments Carrington as a house has experienced. From William Wilson being the first Carrington boy walking through these hallways of the House to War hero Sandy Gunn being the very embodiment of what it means to be a Carringtonian but most importantly a Fettesian. Carrington while certainly different in many aspects now, would still be recognisable to many of the Old Fettesians. Carrington and your legacy had their lives positively shaped by this community. By being at every crossroad and every challenge that last 150 years has thrown at us Carrington can proudly say that it can reflect the impact you have had on the students in the past, the present and the future. We thank you for creating this thriving environment that we can proudly call our school and our second home. We hope and are confident that your legacy will continue to be upheld in the next one and a half decades. Yours sincerely Carrington House
Dear Sir William Fettes, On behalf of Arniston House, on the 150th anniversary of the Founding of the College, I write to you in thanks of your bequest to establish Fettes; a thriving community of high achieving students and unified family. The progression of the school is a testament to your legacy and hard work and dedication that every pupil demonstrates, past and present. Arniston House has made a significant journey in its 53 years; although the exterior has remained unchanged, the heart of the house is ever-changing. As boys (1967–1982) and girls (1982 onwards) have passed through, and continue to pass through the house, the attribute of being not only a house, but home has endured. Currently loved by our Housemistress, Mrs Rachel Nicol, Arniston is universally recognised as a ‘happy house’. Each Arniston girl brings something unique to the house, and we are very proud of our collective achievements. Arniston is a caring family, where every girl has a role to play in the successful running of the house. Arniston girls are always there for friends who might need encouragement or support. Trust and honesty are the cornerstones of our success. We would like to acknowledge all Old Fettesians who have passed through Arniston, in its 53 years; they have sculpted it into what it is today. A specific acknowledgement goes to Sir Eric Anderson, passionate and committed who passed away this year. As first Housemaster of Arniston, he held onto memories of Arniston fondly throughout his life, returning in 2017 for the 50th anniversary of the House’s opening. Retired Prime Minister Tony Blair noted “no one forgets a good teacher,” in clear recognition of his Housemaster, Sir Eric, who he had a lot of admiration for. Sir Eric holds a very special place in Fettes’ heart and shall be remembered fondly by all those whose lives he touched. On behalf of myself and my fellow Arnistonians, along with every Fettesian, Old Fettesian, and member of staff, I would like to say we are truly proud to be part of what you, Sir William, set out for us all those years ago. For your legacy and for Fettes, we are forever grateful. Yours sincerely Arniston House
