FP News
Memories of an Old Boy
1966 School Prefects picture: Brian Cram is third from the right on the back row. His (now) wife Pat is pictured beside him, second from the right on the back row.
Perhaps my most vivid, and fond memory of my time spent at the High School of Dundee, was that it was incredibly character forming. Whilst I would not class myself as an individual who enjoyed academic study, I certainly took great pleasure in participating in a variety of sporting activities. Throughout the duration of my education, I was fortunate enough to participate in numerous sports including, rugby, cricket, and athletics. Older boys, such as Roger Leslie, John McConnachie, Mike Walton, and Grampa Stuart, to name but a few, were an incredible inspiration to me, and taught me everything I needed to know. Further to this, it has to be said that some of the most influential figures from my school days were the members of staff who devoted much of their time to after-school activities. Mr. Allardice was a prime example. He was always immaculately turned out, and expected the same care, and attention to be taken by his pupils. Impeccably clean rugby jerseys, perfectly presented cricket flannels, sparkling white cricket boots, and white shorts with not a grass stain in sight were simply a few of his requirements. Once you had passed the infamous kit inspection, you were allowed to enter a world where doing your best was taken as the minimum acceptable level of effort. You had been taught how to play the game, and you knew what was expected of you, and your team mates. Mr. Allardice had support from members of staff who had also played rugby to a fine standard. Mr. Stewart, whose twinkling eyes and ready smile concealed an assassin of a wing forward, and brought discipline to even the most rebellious spirit. Mr. Hunter and Mr. Stewart were both passionate lieutenants, who coached and refereed in all weathers. Moreover, Mr. Stark’s coaching, with both bat and ball, was always supportive, striking ball after ball high into the sky to give everyone a chance to run some distance, and try to make a catch. Fingers spread out, palms together at the wrist to form a basket and most importantly, trying to relax and let your hands drop to cushion the impact of the ball. I haven’t thought about these instructions for well over fifty years, but I remember, as if it were yesterday, the pain of any failure to drop your hands to cushion that impact! One of the Science teachers at the time, Mr. Jack, took over leadership of the Cadet Force from Mr. Halliday. I remember, very vividly, the annual camping excursions to Cultybraggan, and latterly to Aultbea, which would no doubt be illegal now! Cadets
were put in charge of rifles, and ammunition, encouraged to head for the surrounding hills and woods with maps, and compasses. We would embark dressed head to foot in thick brown battle dress, which seemed to have no weather proof functionality, aside from the ability to absorb water slowly, such that by the time the water got through to your skin it was almost at body temperature. We often didn’t feel the cold until we ceased marching. The trick then was to get big a fire roaring imminently, no easy feat in the often damp conditions! Casting my mind back even further to these excursions, I can clearly recall Miss Chalmers’ memorable delicacies. Favourites such as skirlie, which was similar to the likes of haggis, or fried spam fritters with chips, as well as her legendary dumpling and custard kept us all stuffed full of calories. You could say we were fighting fit for the hardships of the cold and damp, as was often the conditions in the height of Scottish summers. As I have previously mentioned, I was by no means the shining star in terms of academia, I found classes regarding grammar, mathematics, foreign languages et cetera highly useful, but I wouldn’t class them as being the main focus of my interests, or passions. I am prepared to bet that should other former pupils cast their minds back to their school days, they too will fondly remember extra-curricular activities they were a part of, that often outshone their academic study. Since leaving the School in 1966, I have been fortunate enough to be asked to serve on the Board of Directors. It is highly encouraging to know that the concept of a community ethos is still very much at the heart of the School today. The world has most definitely changed since my time at the School. However, the requirement to equip future generations with the skills, confidence, and resilience to cope with the pressures of modern living still remains a top priority. Furthermore, there is an ongoing threat from politicians that our independence should be harmed by the removal of the School’s charitable status. The consequence of such a move will undermine the very children who have most to gain by being granted a bursary to study here. As a former pupil from the days that benefitted from state support I hope that fellow former pupils will rally to support the School in whatever ways they can. We all need to contribute, and show a determined effort to share the benefits of a school that cares so much for the future wellbeing of its pupils. Mr. G. Brian Cram, Class of 1966 Member of the School’s Board of Directors
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