Hutchie Herald Winter 2022

The Hutchie Herald

This Issue School Awarded Royal Supporters International Education - School trips Investment and Developments

Rector’s Welcome

Just as covid seemed to be abating to the status of ‘normal’, my visit to the ever-loyal Canadian FP group in Toronto was prevented by a positive LFT result. Graham MacAllister stepped in at the last minute to update the group about the bursary recipients that they so generously support and more generally about “goings-on” at the school: Prizegiving saw Lord Lyon presenting the worthy pupil recipients with their awards and the school with our Letters Patent written on vellum that describe the assignation of our supporters. After a long process driven by the dynamic Gordon Casely C1961, the school crest and coat of arms has been joined by two griffins on either side. The griffin is a mythical beastie that symbolises courage and boldness, and was selected for its relevance to the Hutchie ethos. This can be seen in the newly updated 10 - year strategic plan which contains the following stated ambition for the school (the full document will be launched to parents in the new year and a link will be sent out to you).

Belong

A kind school where every story matters. All pupils, staff and parents, past and present, feel a sense of belonging and pride as members of the Hutchie community.

Flourish

Hutchie nurtures a strong and diverse community with opportunities for people to help one another, to be courageous as they find and follow their passions, to try new things and to build confidence in who they are.

Achieve

Together we achieve our potential academically, physically, creatively, spiritually and socially. Every individual journey is supported and valued with every success celebrated.

The school continues to perform extremely strongly and was rewarded yet again in the Sunday Times Parent Power league tables. The league tables are only one public measure of our continued, and reliable, extremely high level of academic performance; this is due to our wonderful staff who create the ethos with and for the pupils. We continue on our journey to make the school as energy efficient as we can. The latest upgrades saw a significant £865K investment at Kingarth Street which was re-wired and given state-of-the-art intelligent LED lighting, along with a doubling of the size of the solar panel array; this time being mounted on the roof of the strength and conditioning gymnasia in the Athletic Development Centre opened by Leon Smith OBE C1993 in 2019. On matters green, we have now said “farewell to Auldhouse” and moved our rugby pitches and pavilion into Pollok Park, alongside the existing Hutchesons’ at Pollok Park (H@PP) facility. Work has already begun on improving the playing surfaces at Norwood, with more significant investment now following in April 2023 as the 1st XV pitch is readied for the next season at H@PP. The final point I would highlight was reinforced by the returning Hutchesonian and Deputy Head Boy, Aubrey McCance C2022, as I toured him around the new Sixth Year study centre and S6 Bistro. We have worked with our catering partners, Aramark, to invest nearly £800K in modernising the kitchens and the dining hall. This has already been seen by the 1641 Society who attended our first in-person dinner since before Covid. As they, and Aubrey remarked, the new facilities “are just like a hotel, and are almost unrecognisable”.

Charity Round-Up

Our pupils have been very busy holding events this session in aid of children’s cancer charities.

In October pupils from Montrose House sold gold charity pins, raising £1,250 for Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group. In November the school announced Cure Leukaemia as its official charity this year, raising awareness and showing our support for finding a cure for cancer, which has, and continues to affect our Hutchie family. Since

then, pupils have been holding events including pancake mornings, chess competitions, plank challenges and musical concerts. to raise awareness and funds.

We want to be more widely known as the school that offers the best education for children in Scotland

Hutchesons’ values honesty, resilience, independence, curiosity, creativity and compassion.

School’s Royal Supporters

Hutchesons’ Grammar School, my alma mater, has become the first school in Scotland to be granted supporters. *

The move came about after a seven-year effort that culminated in Lord Lyon Dr Joe Morrow granting griffin supporters. The Lord Lyon presented the school with Letters Patent confirming the grant of supporters at Prize Giving last June. Supporters being a rare heraldic honour and not bestowed lightly, I had informally put forward the idea that the school might merit supporters to Lyon in Edinburgh back in 2015. This was followed by a presentation to the school governors – and I’m grateful for their encouraging response.

Hutchesons’ is an institution incorporated under Royal Charter. Discovery of the latter is where I struck gold… and all thanks to my old science notebook of 1959 – for there on the cover is a gold stamp bearing the words “The Royal Incorporation of Hutchesons’ Hospital in the City of Glasgow”. A further legal check confirmed the date of Royal incorporation as 1821, and with this evidence to hand, Professor Brian Williamson, chairman of governors, and Rector Colin Gambles petitioned Lyon for supporters.

Why griffins? The legendary griffin amalgamates an eagle forepart and lion hindquarters, bringing together courage and boldness. The griffin portrays intelligence, and is held to be a creature implying both trust and truth – the latter echoing the school motto Veritas. Classically, the griffin embodies moral strength, courage and leadership. Thus, the appearance of the griffin reflects the “Grammar School” founded by the brothers George and Thomas Hutcheson in 1641 - an institution established to teach the Classics.

Artistically, griffins lend themselves to being able to be rendered tall or wide, thus allowing a measure of freedom for visual heraldic use.

Lyon’s memorable visit in June is only the second time that Hutchesons’ has hosted such an event. In May 1960, Lord Lyon Sir Thomas Innes of Learney opened the present school building.

The addition of griffins rather changes the design of the school arms. So how will Hutchesons’ handle the change? This is one very pleasant problem to be solved!

*It’s true that Fettes College, Edinburgh, possesses supporters, but this comes about through a matriculation by Fettes of the arms of founder Sir William Fettes.

Gordon Casely (C1961)

Pictured L-R: Rector Colin Gambles, Lord Lyon Dr Joe Morrow, Prof. Brian Williams (former Chair) and Alistair Marr, current Chair of the Board of Governors.

International Education at

Hutchesons’ - South Africa

The Hockey Tour

South Africa was an unforgettable experience for the hockey girls. Shortly after our arrival in Cape Town, we took a trip up the renowned Table Mountain to see the spectacular views and much to our surprise, the boys first dance battle of the tour.

Our first couple of days at the hotel in Stellenbosch consisted of lots of jumping into a freezing swimming pool, lots of early morning wake ups (some of which were missed due to ‘broken alarms’) and hockey training sessions. We then played our first match of the tour which recorded an opening two wins on the scoresheet. Across the whole trip, we had a combined total of 6 wins, playing fabulous hockey and emotional reactions from some after our second win. It really set us in good stead for this year. Our bus driver Charles took us on many amazing drives along the scenic coastline and put up with our music as well as some karaoke (shoutout Mrs Campbell on the mic!) for the entire duration of the trip. He was also responsible for taking us to see some smelly but cute penguins and a harbour, where we were chased by a rather angry seal. Night activities were a highlight of the trip including some Bongo Bingo, Miss Knox enjoyed hosting that one, and a very competitive quiz night in celebration of Jess’ birthday. We got to surf at Muizenberg Beach, where some natural talents were unlocked, bringing success on the board to many of us. We were given a safety briefing beforehand to be aware of sharks, thankfully we did not have any encounters.

During the final days of our trip, we stayed at a Game Lodge and were lucky enough to get to do a sunset and sunrise safari! This was an amazing experience and we saw so many different animals including zebras, rhinos, elephants, cheetahs and lions, one of which jumped at our jeep, safe to say it scared us all! However, it was hilarious to those in the jeep in front.

On our last day, we travelled by boat to Robben Island for a very interesting tour of the Maximum Security Prison led by an ex-prisoner. The flight home consisted of many sick passengers from our group which did not make for an enjoyable journey for us. Overall, South Africa was the trip of a lifetime, improving our hockey, bonding us as a group and making many fun memories to treasure. Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible.

Written by Darcy Johnston S6

The Rugby Tour

The Senior Rugby boys also jetted out to South Africa on a trip where life-long memories were made - and some quality rugby was played. The U16, U18A and U18B teams took on teams from Stellenboch with both U18 teams securing comfortable victories. Their U18 teams’ next opponents, Groote Schuur, were big and physical sides but our pupils played at a high tempo and won both games. The U18 teams played two fixtures against Busy Bees RFC and again the match was very fast. Busy Bees were a physical side with lots of talented players. The Hutchie teams stuck to their game plan and managed to grind out two well-deserved victories. The South African rugby matches were a great experience for the Hutchie players who have really gelled as a team resulting in some great performances and wins in the current rugby season. Off the pitch the boys visited Table Mountain and tried their hand at surfing - a real highlight of the trip. Another highlight were the two Game safaris when they got close up to zebras, rhinos, elephants, cheetahs and lions

International Education

Education at Hutchesons’ - USA

Staff and pupils jetted off to the US of A during the October Break on a fournight, two city cultural break. Demand for the trip was so great that the travelling party was split into two groups.

The first flew across the Atlantic as soon as school broke up while the second group spent the second week of the October Break visiting Washington DC and New York. Pupils soaked up the political landscape of Washington DC before experiencing the cultural delights of New York City.

The full-on itinerary saw pupils visit the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court of the United States, the White House and the Washington Monument on Day 1.

The travellers worked up a healthy appetite so rounded off the day with dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and an evening walking tour of the WW11 Memorials, National Mall and Tidal Basin.

Day two included the United States Capitol tour before boarding a coach to travel to New York and a visit to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck and Times Square. Pupils were up bright and early for another busy cultural day. They visited the Statue of Liberty, Ellis

Island, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum and Wall Street before going out for dinner and taking in the Broadway Show ‘Almost Famous’. Their final day included a visit to the United Nations Headquarters and a meeting with Political Affairs Officer Lesley Brough C1982. They also enjoyed shopping on Fifth Avenue and a relaxing walk in Central Park before catching the bus to JFK airport for the flight home.

All the pupils (and staff) returned home exhausted having enjoyed a busy few days exploring Washington and New York. S5’s Charlie Gaya said:

“The USA trip was an amazing experience that I will remember forever. The highlight for me was the tour of the Washington Mall and Tidal Basin, especially the Korean war memorial as it felt so real and captivating as the lit-up stone statues stood strong mid battle.”

Farrah Mohammed, also S5, added: “The USA trip was such a great experience and I am so glad I did it. Washington was amazing to see and I loved going into the Capitol building. New York was breath-taking and Fifth Avenue was a highlight.”

New Developments

Norwood Playing Fields

Since the Farewell to Auldhouse, our grounds staff and janitors have worked hard to ensure the smooth transition to our new facilities at Pollok Park. The agreement with Giffnock Soccer Centre to secure Norwood happened in June and we spent much of summer making the new pitches rugby ready. We have also worked closely with our friends at Cartha RFC to access their pitches and changing facilities. People have already remarked on the lovely, wooded setting of Pollok Park, and we look forward to seeing our plans roll out over the coming months as we improve and extend the provision for rugby at H@PP and Norwood. Huge thanks must go to the PE Staff for all they have done to ensure the continuity of rugby and hockey while the school works through this latest development. Already we have seen some epic contests on Saturday mornings!

The Lunch Room

The new lunchroom opened in August and the pupils have been enjoying the modern facility which offers a range of different seating options.

Friendship groups of all sizes are catered for with a range of seating including booths, high bar-style tables as well as long bench tables. The new facility has been a hit with all age groups and the lunchroom is packed out every day. Last year the school appointed Aramark as the catering team with the promise “Year One - Taste the Difference, Year Two - See the Difference”. We hope you agree that the school has delivered a new lunchroom dining experience.

Developments @ Hutchesons’

A new S6 Bistro and Study Centre has been created to provide bright, modern spaces for individual study and collaborative project work as well as a social space where senior pupils can meet to eat lunch and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee.

The study centre was identified as an area for development following feedback from S6 pupils in recent years, but work was unfortunately delayed due to Covid.

This year’s S6 pupils were delighted to find the new facility waiting for them when they returned to school after the summer holiday.

Located on the first floor in the former History corridor, the individual learning zone has 16 pods equipped with IT charging ports. In addition, there is seating for 45 in the collaborative learning zone, designed to facilitate group project work and discussion.

Head of Sixth Year Experience Ms Luker said: “This newly created space mirrors the experience learners will have at university. It sets apart the S6 experience as one where they are encouraged to take ownership and responsibility for their learning and provides the perfect environment to foster this.”

And when the pupils need a break from all their learning, they can pop down to the S6 Bistro - where they can choose from a wide range of hot beverages and freshly baked treats.

S6 Bistro and Study Centre

A Greener future

Solar Panels

The school took a step closer to realising its green ambition of becoming a carbon neutral electricity consumer when a hundred more solar panels were fitted to the roof of the Leslie Ingram-Brown Cardio, Strength and Conditioning suites during the October break.

The additional installation takes the total number of solar panels to 199 which will generate 80% of the school’s electrical output.

The solar panel project was led by Roy Amner who was the HGSPA chair until he stepped down earlier this session, having completed many successful years in the role.

Roy was instrumental in sourcing, funding and arranging the installation of the panels with the help of additional donations from a number of parents.

Rector Mr Gambles said: “We are incredibly grateful to Roy for ensuring we have taken this step to a greener future. The panels represent a huge saving to the school as they will generate 80% of the school’s usage. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Roy who has been a huge supporter of the school in his role as HGSPA chair. His team of dedicated volunteers has raised a significant amount for school projects which will benefit the children as well as being the driving force behind the successful Hutchie Ball in 2019. He tells me that although he is no longer the chair, he is already working on the next Hutchie Ball 2023.”

Electrical Refit

The first stage of the refurbishment programme at the Primary School in Kingarth Street was completed over the Summer holiday.

A new smart, environmentally-friendly lighting system was installed throughout the three-storey building which creates the best ambient lighting for learning, automatically adjusting to compensate for changing natural light. The £865,000 investment will ensure long-term savings can be made whilst improving the learning experience for our younger learners.

The next stage in the improvement programme will see a complete uprade of the heating system. The school building itself dates back to 1912 and the Governors are committed to ensuring any works retain the historical features while incorporating, modern, functional facilities designed for learning in the 21st century.

Primary News - There Has

Primary 3 pupils entertained family and friends with their end of topic Roman show in the Assembly Hall at Kingarth Street.

The children have been learning about Romans and they were keen to share interesting facts through song. They performed incredibly well and were even able to count to 10 in Latin. Pupils also amazed the audience with their Latin rendition of Old MacDonald, and from the smiles, it was clear just how much fun the pupils had learning this term. To end the show, pupils encouraged the audience to stand up and join in the actions for the final song “…like a Roman.“

Following the performance, everyone was invited back to the ‘museum’ to see artwork up close. Keeping their costumes on, pupils acted as museum guides moving from gallery to gallery which displayed a range of roman artefacts and visual displays. Clay pots and pillars, shields and swords, and mini colosseums adorned the tables and walls. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”, and their performances and creative displays showed the hard work and enthusiasm that had gone into planning the event.

P5 Dynamic Earth Trip

Primary 5 pupils visited Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh in November to mark the start of their latest classroom topic on Natural Disasters.

Dynamic Earth is the only centre of its kind and is dedicated to telling the story of planet Earth.

Pupils loved the time-travelling lift which transported them to the beginning of time, the earthquake simulator where they felt the ground shudder beneath them, the real block of ice in the Ice Age zone, which was cold enough to see your breath, as well as the Under the Depths marine movie which explored habitats and the marine scientists of today.

The trip has motivated the pupils to learn more about the planet they live on.

P3 Roman Show

Has Been A Lot Going On

Tramway Exhibition Visit

Primary 6 pupils took a trip last week to Tramway to see an exhibition showcasing the work of local artist Norman Gilbert.

Norman, who lived in the southside of Glasgow painted people, plants and patterns, using a rich and vibrant colour palette. The children enjoyed a short talk from Alex, one of the curators at Tramway, and then explored the exhibition which included work from across Norman’s 70-year career.

The exhibition captures his family and domestic life as his children grew up, as well as his paintings in later life when he cared for his wife who had Alzheimer’s disease.

Norman continued to paint into his nineties, and some of his final paintings were on display in the exhibition for pupils to see, along with his palette, colourful fabrics, and chair. Pupils also learned that the wallpaper had been especially designed for the exhibition and had the opportunity to sketch in the gallery using a paper sketchbook created especially by Hutchie Primary Art Teacher, Mrs Gallie.

P1 Nativity

Our P1 pupils brought some festive cheer to Kingarth Street as the performed their Wriggly Nativity for parents and family.

A lot of practice had gone into the performance, and it showed. Between their individual lines and the different songs, the children had a lot to learn but they were well rehearsed. From hopping sheep to camel treks, twinkling stars to dancing angels, pupils told the story of Christmas.

A special mention needs to go to Aarvi, who stepped in as Mary at the very last minute to cover for Robyn who unfortunately took unwell.

Special thanks to Alexanders Country Store for the kind hay donation that set the scene.

P6

Secondary News - Talent

This session saw the return of the school’s Photography Competition. the first time it has taken place since the pandemic.

Glasgow-based visual artist and photographer Morwenna Kearsley agreed to judge the entries and with more than 50 entries she had her work cut out.

Pupils and staff had the choice of five themes: portrait, up-close, the magic of light, architectural, and favourite thing, and Morwenna was amazed at the calibre of images.

Criteria she looked for involved lighting, creativity, the story it told, and the use of colour, to name a few, and was delighted to announce the following winners for each category:

• Favourite Thing – S1/S2: Shahadha Althaff (S1)

• Architectural – S3/S4: Iona Wright (S4)

• Magic of Light – S5/6: Millie Johnson (S6) (winning image pictured above)

• Staff photo - Mr Stirling, Geography Teacher

Brainstorm Drama Show

Our S3 and S4 Drama Club pupils put on an excellent performance of Brainstorm. by Ned Glasier, Emily Lim and Company Three.

The play followed a blueprint in which pupils added their own experiences to create a unique performance. The pupils shared an insight into their world and the challenges they face.

The audience laughed, reminisced, and at times felt very nervous as the performers had them reflecting on their younger selves, reminding them how difficult it is to be a teenager in today’s world.

Photography Competition 2022

Talent Takes Centre Stage

Model UN Success

Twelve senior pupils travelled to Stockport to participate in the Model United Nations Conference at Cheadle Hulme School (MUNCH). The two-day conference was attended by almost 200 pupils from 25 school. It offers opportunities for our pupils to learn about countries around the world, debate to a high standard about global problems, and meet other like-minded delegates.

Our Hutchie delegates represented Egypt and Ireland on Committees ranging from Human Rights to Environment and Science. In advance of the weekend, delegates conducted research on pressing issues, given to them by their Committee Chairs, and produced Resolutions to provide solutions from their country’s point of view. Our pupils were delighted to receive five awards in total, with S6’s Matthew Baxter receiving a Special Mention, and Morgan Laraway (S5), Niklas Lange (S6), Lucy Stewart (S6) and Euan Wilson (S6), were all Commended for their participation in their respective Committees.

Winter Ensembles Concert

The sell-out Winter Ensembles concert did not disappoint with our talented musicians impressing the audience with a variety of performances. It was a mix of the traditional and the modern throughout the evening. The Percussion Ensemble played Mission Impossible while the Concert Band played The Greatest Showman and the String Collective performed The Nuptial Knot and Swinging a Home. Well done to all our pupils – almost 200 of them –who put on a fantastic show.

Hutchesons’ Sports

Boys’ Hockey

The boys’ season started off with a re-arranged trip south of the border to play matches against schools in Liverpool. A great weekend of sport was had by all. The teams lost all four games narrowly but made some great friends and look forward to welcoming them back up here next year.

With the usual excitement and nerves, the Scottish Cup draws came out for both senior and junior teams. The 1st XI managed to scrape a win against Loretto 4-3 and then came across a tough Strathallan team where they lost 5-3 despite having most of the chances and penalty corners. They now move into the Plate and play Balerno in this competition. The junior team has beaten both Gordonstoun and Merchiston to secure a place in the all-Glasgow semi-final against Jordanhill in January. Both squads, and the 2nd XI, have been enjoying the indoor season also, with the seniors coming out top in a friendly competition against Strathallan, George Watson’s and Stewart’s Melville College. The Boys’ Hockey squads continue to develop and their commitment to training is seeing great results with a number being selected to train with national development teams. Archie McLean, S5, Jack Nairn and Johnny Bradley, both S6, have been selected for the Aspiring Squad - the former U18 Squad. Jamie Green, S6, is also eligible for the Aspiring Squad but he currently trains with and plays for the U21s.

Our younger players are also showing lots of potential and Cameron Mitchell, S2, Myles Macaulay, Nicholas Richmond, both S3, and Elliot Cowle, S5, are now training with the Emerging (former U16) Squad. We look forward to seeing as many as we can stepping up to the full Scotland squads in the near future.

Girls’ Hockey

The school’s U14 Girls’ Hockey players have had a lot of success with a number involved in the trial process for West and South West District building towards the Scottish inter-district tournament in May.

South West district trialists include Madi Fensom, Katie Gilmour, Alyssa Lavelle, Sophie Macintosh, Sofia Schenini, Georgia Young, all S1, and Grace Hogarth and Imogen Lavelle, both S2.

West District trialists include Anna Green, Zoe Lyall, April Macaulay, Sara Roy and Eris Walton, all S1, as well as Kerry Gaya, Rebecca McCrossan and Amelia Paton, all S2.

At U15 level Beth Gambles, Georgia Cook, Mariam Hanif, Eilidh McLean and Amelie Laraway, all S3 are trialling for the U15 West team who will compete in the Scottish tournament in June.

At U16 level we also have several players who have impressed selectors and have been invited to join the Brave Academy training sessions as a potential stepping stone to national set ups. Anna Campbell, Rebecca Frain, Lily McKaig, Aneesa Phillips, Jazelyn Sandhu, Anna Steele and Eadie Simmers Clark, all S3 have joined the Academy along with S4’s Matilda Littlejohn.

At U18 level, our 1st XI captain, Emma Murray has been involved in the Scottish Brave squad.

Sports News Update

The Rugby season started off strongly with the 1st XV finishing the Conference unbeaten with a notable victory against St Aloysius securing the team the top spot. Hutchie, as a whole school, finished in 2nd place in the Whole School Conference table.

The 1st XV victory over St Aloysius set up a National Cup quarter-final against a very big and physical Strathallan side. Although Hutchie was the better side for the majority of the game, Strathallan pipped our players at the post and snatched victory, winning 17-13. This was a tough loss to take but credit to the players who were outstanding on the day and were a credit to the school.

The U16 side have had a mixed season so far and were unlucky in a tough Shield quarter-final against Linlithgow Academy who eventually went on to the Final. The U15s have used a large pool of players this season and several have stepped up to represent the U16 squad to test themselves against faster and more physical players. They bounced back well after a disappointing loss to George Watsons, beating Dollar Academy and Edinburgh Academy in two consecutive weeks. The U14 and U13 squads are developing well and looking forward to next Term where we have several tough fixtures scheduled.

A number of the players have been selected for Glasgow and the West U16 - congratulations to Logan Shaw, Logan Thomas and Fin Neilson, all S4.

S5’s Campbell Waugh, pictured above right, has captained the Glasgow and the West U17 squad to two victories over Edinburgh and the Borders. Sharoz Baig, also S5, plays in the squad too.

The school’s 1st XV captain Robbie Baird, S6, pictured above left, plays for the Glasgow and the West U18 and the Glasgow Warriors U18 squads.

Our S3 squad is shaping up very well with Gregor Sloan, Ben McCracken, Hamish Cornell, Harry Gilmour, Zander Summerhill, Ibrahim Ashraf, Zak Mohammad, Ollie Brown, Struan Finlayson and Murray Waugh. All will be asked to trial for the U15 district squad in the New Year.

1st XV captain Robbie Baird Glasgow & the West U17 captain Campbell Waugh

Senior Rugby Season

Spotlight on Pupil Achievements

Top Marks in National Exams

Several of our senior pupils were rewarded for outstanding achievements in the SQA exams, recognising the commitment and hard work they put in preparing for them.

Congratulations to Rohan Banerjee, S6 who achieved 100% in Higher Maths, to Jessical Molloy, who was awarded 100% in both Higher Geography papers and to Sowparnika Gopalakrishnan (C2022) who achieved 100% in Advanced Higher Chemistry. Robin Ferguson, S6, came 1st in Scotland in the SQA Higher Engineering Science exam. The pupils all made a point of thanking their dedicated teachers for their help across the years.

Nicole Brolly, S1, skated at the British qualifiers in Sheffield and performed exceptionally well. She increased her PB by almost five points scoring a fantastic 31.91 with a technical score of 14.97. With this score Nicole has now secured a place on the GB squad and hopes to be selected to participate in some international competitions.

Euan Mitchel, S4, won the Scottish National Open Water Swimming Championships 1 km event at Monikie in Angus. He is pictured with Rebecca Augier C2022 who also won her age group in the 5km.

Euan puts in a lot of training hours and 5am starts and that’s all before he does a full day at school.

Congratulations to Lucas Chin S3 for a successful run of badminton tournaments culminating in him winning the Scottish National Under 15 Boys Doubles Title in December. He also reached the quarter finals in the singles and semi-finals of the mixed doubles events. Lucas is in the Badminton Scotland Regional Performance Squad.

The Skater, The Swimmers and the Badminton Player

Achievements @ Hutchesons

Congratulations to Ben McCracken, S3, on his recent record-breaking lifts at a national competition. Ben broke four UK records at the UK and European qualifying powerlifting competition in the U14 age category.

Following the competition which was held in Nottingham in September, Ben is the British Holder in the following.

Squat - 92.5kg Bench Press - 65kg Deadlift - 127.5kg Total - 285kg. Ben spends a lot of time training in addition to his school rugby commitments and he is also accomplished in Karate - obtaining his black belt in the summer. Well done Ben

Star of the stage

A huge well done to S1 pupil April Macaulay who took the lead part of Mary in the musical performance of The Secret Garden at Cumbernauld Theatre.

She shared the stage with FP Gregor Duthie C1996 as Dr Craven.

They were also joined by Daniel Ogilvie (S5) on clarinet, Euan Wilson (S6) on trombone and FP Glen Mouat (C2021) on violin, who were part of the 16-piece on-stage orchestra. Hutchie Music Teacher, Ronan Corkey, was the Musical Director. This musical adaptation of the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, sees orphan Mary, return to Yorkshire from India to live with her embittered, reclusive Uncle and his disabled son.

Teacher Spotlight

Five members of the English department donned reindeer antlers and Santa tops to take part in the annual Santa Dash in aid of Cure Leukaemia - raising an impressive £700 for this year’s school charity.

Well done to Mrs Leonard, Dr Simpson, Mrs Reece, Dr Graham and Dr Rey who had a lot of fun completing the course at Glasgow Green.

Record-breaking Powerlifter

Former Pupil Spotlight - What

So, how did Rachael

From school Rachael attended Pembroke College, Cambridge where she studied Social and Political Sciences before moving to study Business and Management at ESSEC, near Paris in 1992. After graduating she worked for several years at the World Health Organisation in Geneva and became interested in health policy and in ways to do a better job allocating scare resources to improve people’s health at the population level. So, she went back to university, this time completing a Masters and then a PhD in Health Economics at the University of York. Her husband’s job took them to the United States for what she believed would be a short-term move.

Rachael said: “My husband started working at the International Monetary Fund. We thought we would be in the States for a few years, and it’s been about 20 years now. I worked in the private sector in the United States for several years before moving to the non-profit sector in 2012.

“I ran a large research program at the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute from 2012 to 2017, the goal of which was to establish a research network across the country to improve how we generate robust clinical and health evidence leveraging electronic health data. In 2017, I was asked to run another evidence generation network, this time in the medical device space. We actually know surprisingly little about how medical devices perform, even common devices like cardiac implants and hip and knee replacements, and they are regulated differently than drugs. I learned a lot about this under researched area.”

In 2020 COVID-19 struck and with her knowledge and experience she played a crucial part in the deployment of millions of home testing kits and just two years later Rachael found herself at the White House. She said: “When COVID-19 happened I went to work on the COVID-19 response at the National Institutes of Health reporting to the Director. I developed some of the first large scale home-test programs in the US, a program called

Rachael Fleurence - From Hutchie Dux to Special Advisor to the President

Rachael Fleurence joined Hutchesons’ in sixth year and quickly made her mark - being awarded the Dux medal for academic achievment. Fast forward 33 years and Rachael now works at the White House as a special adviser to the President of the United States.

go from Beaton Road to Pennsylvania Avenue, working in one of the world’s biggest powerhouses?

What Are They Doing Now?

“Say Yes Covid Test”. By the end of 2021, we had delivered over seven million free rapid tests to communities across the United States. In 2022, my boss, Dr Francis Collins, got a call from the White House to serve as the President’s Science Advisor. He called me and asked if I would come and work with him at the White House as his senior advisor. We have been working on two programs specifically: developing a national program to eliminate Hepatitis C in the United States and making recommendations to improve patient safety in hospitals. So, what does the average workday look like?

I wake up at 5.30, work out from 6-7, drop my daughter at school and head over to the office. We are a very small team of 3, so I am lucky to not have too many meetings and can get a lot done during the day. I am home around 5-6pm. I work when needed till about 8 or 9pm. I’ve worked more weekends than not during my time here but it’s exciting work. Basically, I work all the time but it’s very fun and these jobs tend to be in months not years, so there will be time to take it down a notch in the future. We did try to take a small break for a week at the beach this summer but we ended up driving back for the day so I could attend a meeting with the President and his science council. The meeting had been touch and go since the President had caught COVID the week before but it ended up taking place, so I was happy to go, even if meant shortening the week at the beach. What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

White House jobs are sprints not marathons because a lot of what can get accomplished is dependent on our election cycles and who controls Congress which happen every two years. The challenge is to get as much done as possible in these short increments. In our case, we’ve had 8 months to mount a national program to eliminate hepatitis C, get stakeholder engagement from patients, doctors and other key community leaders, as well as get support from within the Administration and Congress. We are a team of 3 so it’s a lot to get done. What do you enjoy the most about your current role?

I love the sprint aspect of the job and working to get something that could really change millions of people’s lives done. There is actually a cure for hepatitis C, drugs which are 95% effective, but it’s been expensive and hard to access for the people who need it. One course of 12 weeks can literally cure people, and prevent serious liver diseases down the road, including cancer, cirrhosis and liver transplants. What was the thing that surprised you most about working at the White House?

The building I work in, is right next to the actual White House, on the White House campus. It’s known as the Old Executive Office Building. By American standards, it is quite old – a couple of centuries. The building itself is quite beautiful which I hadn’t quite expected. Another surprise is how small the actual White House building is. What are your memories of Hutchesons’?

I have very fond memories of my year at Hutchie. It was somewhat of a culture shock coming from high school in France but also a lot of fun. I learned to appreciate the cultural differences between the Scots and the English and how important that was. I have fond memories of several teachers (French, English, Math) and the rector who helped me navigate my application to Cambridge. One of the most memorable experiences I remember is attending the high-school musical (My Fair Lady). We did not have the equivalent in France and it was just stunning to me to watch this show. I think I went every night it was on.

Do you think Hutchie prepared you for the career you have had and, if so, how?

I learned a lot about coming into new and different culture and navigating my way through a new environment. These are lessons I have used throughout my career as I have jumped, sometimes unexpectedly, into new environments where I have to get going pretty quickly. I have fond memories of 6th form and my fellow students, and hope to come to a reunion one day in Glasgow. It was great to get the Girls’ Dux award to finish my year at Hutchie.

In 2021, Dr Fleurence was a recipient of the NIH Director’s Award for exceptional dedication and innovation in advancing COVID-19 testing and diagnostics efforts.

In 2022, Dr Fleurence was a recipient of the Health and Human Services Secretary’s award for Distinguished Service as part a member of the Rapid Acceleration of COVID-19 Diagnostics team.

In 2022, Dr Fleurence was a recipient of two NIH Director’s Award for her participation in COVID-19 diagnostic programs.

Former Pupil Spotlight

Jennifer Philps née Tindale C1960 is celebrating her 80th year and 30th at Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI), Sydney. Jennifer says she is lucky to be able to work fulltime, keeping up to date with the latest advancements in medical research. Her love of science was inspired by Mrs Young and Miss Dunlop and after majoring in genetics at Glasgow University, she spent the next 20 years teaching in Scotland, Africa and Australia but then secured her dream job as Community Relations Manager at CMRI. The advances in medical research are miraculous and she feels so privileged to see this first hand, educating the public about research, organising events, fundraising and liaising with supporters and donors. She said: “A truly wonderful job – as for age - it is only a number”.

Niamh Junner C2019 recently placed 5th at Senior European Karate Championships in Gaziantep (Turkey) in May, Bronze in U-21 European Championships in Prague (June) and most recently she won Bronze at the U-21 World Championships in Konya (Turkey) last month. She is a third-year student at Glasgow University studying anatomy alongside training.

Dr Ravi Rana C1973 has worked in the NHS since graduating and recently won a prestigious award at the Health Service Journal Awards 22 - the NHS ‘Oscars’ event. She was honoured to win the Workforce Initiative of the Year Awards for her team’s entry ‘Clinical Associate in Psychology: An apprenticeship model for a future sustainable and diverse psychology workforce’.

Peter Silverstone C1996 has just taken up a new role as Chief Commercial Officer at Newcastle United FC which not only provides him with an incredible opportunity to shape the fortunes of a sleeping sporting giant in the North East but it also brings him closer to Glasgow after having left Hutchie after 5th year. Not only will he focus on commercial success for Newcastle, but he will also focus on the work to better the region and the city of Newcastle. Post a career in investment banking with Morgan Stanley, Peter has worked in the sports/football industry since 2004 where he has been privileged to work with the Brazil National Team (CBF) and Arsenal Football Club (also as Chief Commercial Officer). He said: “The Newcastle role is undoubtedly the most exciting project I have been involved in during my near two decades in football.”

Chrissie Boyer C1959 completed this year’s Great Birmingham 10k Run - at the age of 82. The great grandmother was one of the oldest competitors and completed the course in one hour and 30minutes. Chrissie decided to raise money for Prostate Cancer Research after her husband Tony was diagnosed with the disease during Covid. Her daughter Rachel was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few weeks earlier and Chrissie ran last year at Race for Life to support research into breast cancer. Thankfully both Tony and Rachel are in remission. She said: “I still enjoy the challenge; running keeps me fit, I’ve made lots of friends through it and it’s free too. Running gets me out and keeps me active.”

Harry Bremner C2014 has launched an award-winning dog food start-up Tuggs, creating freshly prepared dog food in a sustainable way. He began working on the idea whilst doing his Masters at UCL two years ago. After a lot of research and development he launched his business in September. He has already shipped meals to hundreds of dogs across the UK and have just finalised a pre-seed investment round.

Alan Georgeson C1977 and Scott Georgeson C2003 founded Soccer 5 in 2012 and now have five centres open in South Florida. The father and son team hope to expand their business to have 20 open by 2026 when the World Cup is co-hosted in USA with Mexico and Canada.

Murray Kerr C1995 is celebrating after the architecture practice he started in 2011 recently won three awards at the 2022 Architect of the Year Award. His practice Denizen Works won Small Project Architect of the Year, Individual House Architect of the Year and the Gold Award, Architect of the Year.

Kirsty Massey née Smith C1989 was ordained deacon (Self Supporting Ministry) at Sheffield Cathedral in June. She continues to teach four and five-year-olds at Birkdale School four days a week, whilst serving a part-time curacy at her home church, St John the Baptist, Owlerton, and hopes to be ordained priest in the summer of 2023.

Spotlight - Celebrating Success

Top Row, L-R

Jennifer Tindale and Niamh Junner

2nd Row, L-R

Alan & Scott Georgeson and Peter Silverstone

3rd Row, L-R

Chrissy Boyer, Harry Bremner and Kirsty Smith

Bottom Row, L-R

Dr Ravi Rana and Murray Kerr

Reunions & Events

Class of 1965 Reunion

The Class of 1965 had a reunion at Browns Restaurant in Glasgow in November.

A great lunch was enjoyed and some great crack. They were delighted to be joined by Depute Rector: Alumni and Development, Jim McDougall.

Pictured Standing L-R Mike Williamson, Peter Bacon, Jack Kernaghan, Robin Cuthbertson, Ian Gray, Mike Redwood, Ian Walter, Jim McDougall, Jack Silverstone, Hamish White and Les Verth.

Sitting L-R. Allan Gibson, Phil Leckie and Colin Thomson.

Class of 1959 Reunion

Ladies from the Class of 1959 enjoyed catching up at Kingarth Street in late October to belatedly celebrate their 80th birthdays! The reunion was delayed over 18 months due to Covid.

All had an enjoyable afternoon catching up with old friends and for some it was their first time back since leaving!

It was decided not to delay the next meeting and so they all look forward to the next occasion at School in two years’ time. Many thanks to Chrissie Boyer née Simison for ‘running’ the get-together.

The weather was kind and the prize winners returned good scores in the Stableford Competition. Fiona Frier née Stirling C1980 was 3rd, Moira Barnet née Isaacs C1974 was second, and the cup winner was Carol Biggart née Hutchison C1976 with 40 points.

The golfers all enjoyed a delicious lunch in the clubhouse. It is hoped the 2023 event will be held in Troon so if interested in playing, please email Sallie Harkness nee Moodie C1956 at sallieharkness@btinternet.com

Annual Toronto Gathering

After two years of Zoom calls, the annual Toronto gathering went ahead in person. The event was generously hosted by Cristina Ronald in her own home. The day brought much happiness but was tinged with unfortunate disappointment, as the Rector and family, who had flown out for an earlier reunion in New York, were laid low with Covid and unable to attend.

Former Interim Rector Graham MacAllister presented the Rector’s report covering recent developments and progress of the pupils who receive bursary support from Canadian donors.

Fourteen lady FP golfers enjoyed playing 18 holes at the Ladies Golf Club Troon in September.

FP Ladies’ Golf Tournament

Hutchesons’ Archives

We welcomed 19 former pupils back to the school for our second Archive Oral History Workshop. The day started with coffees and a catch-up with many recognising old classmates. Nineteen current pupils volunteered to interview the attendees about their time at school and it was lovely to see lots of interesting questions being asked by both interviewer and interviewee and lots of laughter. Our oldest former pupil there was able to tell us more about what life was like at the school during the Second World War and we had a few former dux winners present, recounting their school days too. The current pupils were interested to learn about how different the school was in the past and were able to tell our former pupils just how much the school has changed since they left. A few former pupils brought in memorabilia for the archive and this insightful day provided some great written material which will be of great interest to future pupils who want to research the school and find out more about the daily life of a pupil from the past. The oldest written memories we have of a former pupil were written in 1901 detailing what life was like at the school in the 1840s. We hope to run this event again next June so if you would be interested in taking part then please email archives@hutchesons.org

War Memorial Project forgotten. We also hope to visit and place a remembrance cross from the school at every grave of our fallen men and women. This is an important task that we hope our current and former pupils will be able to help us with. The relative of a staff member recently visited the grave of former pupil, John M Cruikshank, when they were on a battlefield tour in Normandy. They left a single red rose. John died in 1944 aged just 21. If you are heading out on a battlefield tour, on holiday or visiting an area where a former pupil may have been buried then please enquire with the school archive and we will supply you with a cross.

Both former and current pupil volunteers are looking through the Rolls of Honour to identify men who served and died during the World Wars but were never listed on the school war memorial. This was probably because the school was reliant on friends and family for any information on former pupils who had gone off to serve and who sadly lost their lives. Many entries were never updated and for many who had moved away, their entries were never even included as there was no one local to pass on the information to the school. We have so far identified at least 16 men who we believe are missing from the school war memorial and we are researching their lives to uncover their stories. By Remembrance Day 2023 we hope this project will be complete and we can include their names on the memorial so that their sacrifice will never be

Oral History Workshop

Our Donors

Patron

Miss Helen J Deans*

Mr Leslie Ingram-Brown*

Miss Mollie Platt*

Mr Jonathan Quin

Mrs Cristina Ronald

Mrs Helen Ross

Mr Walter Ross*

The Sneader Family Lady Bette Stone*

Chancellor

Mr Stuart H Leckie OBE

Mr Gavin D Ralston

Mrs M Hazel Smith

Mr George W Strang

Mr Bryan Thompson

Mr Iain Thompson*

Fellow

Capable Kids Ltd

Mr Bill and Jean Carswell

Dr Alexander Dougall

Mr Colin Gambles

Mrs Sallie Harkness

Mrs Dorothy G Jenkins

Dr Matt L Manson

Mrs Cecilia K Murray*

Mrs Maureen L Robertson*

The Silverstone Trust

Scholar

Mr Robert J Alexander

Mr William Alexander

Mr & Mrs Stuart Biggart

Mr Graham W A MacAllister

Mr Ronald G McCreery

Dr Karen McLeod & Dr William Knight

Dr Roddy Neilson

Mr Roy M Pinkerton

Mr & Mrs Arthur J Priestly

Mrs Elliot W Ross

Mr John D C Simpson

Mr Alastair B Smith

Sir Iain Stewart Foundation

Mr James M Stirling OBE

Mrs Anne Tennant

Foundation

Lady Biggam

Mrs Sheena C M Birch

Mr R Bruce Bissell

Mrs Vivien Campbell & Family

Mr Marjory A Cassells

Mrs Wendy Cunningham

Mr Keith M Dunlop

Mr George M Duthie

Dr George S Dyker*

Dr Nathaniel Fell

Mrs Muriel Goodall

Dr Gwen Halbert

Mrs Lorna A Howieson

Dr Alan W Hulme

Mr Satoshi Kojima

Mrs Avril Levy

Sir Kenneth Macdonald

Miss Lorna M Mackenzie

Dr and Mrs David S Mathie Mrs Elizabeth McCann

Mr and Mrs Alexander McCartney

Mr John M McKail

Mrs Margaret Munn Mrs Linda Murning Mr Andrew Normand

The Jack Steinberg Trust

Miss Patricia O Reed

Mrs Anne Simpson

The Alix Stevenson Trust

Mr Gavin B Summers

Prof and Mrs D Uttamchandani

Prof Brian O williams

Mr Gillan R Wilson

Pioneer

Dr Graeme P Adam

Dr Ama S Addo

Mrs Irene M Allison

Mrs Isla Ashcroft

Mr Malcolm G Bell

Prof Irving S Benjamin Mrs Eleanor Bremner

Ms Susan Briggs

Mr Andrew M Broom

Mrs Donna E Brown Ms Claire A Burgess Rev Alastair J Cherry

Mrs Katrina Clarke Mrs Barabara Davidson

Mr David M Dick Mrs M Barbara Dunn Dr Rachael L Fleurence Mr Grant W Fraser Mr J Duncan Fyfe

Mr Alan Georgeson

Mr Craig S Goldie

Prof Gwyn Gould & Dr Helen Lyall Mrs Margaret A Gray Mr Ian Harrow

Dr Janet H Horner

Mr Walter Hutchison MBE

Prof Ivor M Jackson

Mrs Jane C Johnstone

Miss Anne Lamont

Mr Aaron J Livingston

Mr Ronald R Macdonald

Miss Vivenne MacLaren

Prof William J MacLennan

Mrs Linda McCormick

Mr Richard McIntosh

Mr John C McLellan

Mr Christopher R McMillan

Dr Fiona M McMurtie

Mrs Jane Minelly Mr Asgher Mohammed MBE

Mrs Moira M Morris*

Mr Jim Murray

Mr and Dr David A Orcharton

Mr John R Park Mr Douglas A Paton

Dr Alison J Ram

Dr Michael Redwood

Miss Anne M Reid

Mrs Elizabeth F Roddick

Mrs Janette C Shepherd

Dr Jeevan K Shetty

Prof Blair H Smith

Mrs Eunice Smith

Mrs Kathleen Steer

Mr W Gordon Stewart

Miss Moira C Thomson

Dr Iain K Tweedlie

Mrs Lindsay A Wadey

Mrs Moira J White

Miss Rachel M Williamson Dr Richard G D Williamson Mr Richard F Worsley

Friend

Mr Callum Alexander

Miss Iqra Ali

Mr Suhit Amin

Mr Thomas Anderson Miss Susan Armour Miss Anne Austin

Mrs Mary E Baird

Mrs Rachel Bisland Mrs Alison M Blake*

Mr Raymond Blin

Mr Ephraim J Borowski

Dr Heather Cochrane

Dr Valerie M Crawford

Mrs Kathleen A Dingwall

Mr David Eaglesham

Mrs Pamela M Freedman

Mr Gordon B Gibb

Mr Allan B Girdwood

Mrs Anne R Gore

Mr Robert Y Hamilton Mrs Sandie Heverin

Mrs Morag M Hogg

Mr Stuart Honan Mr Douglas Ireland Miss Laura Johnston Mrs Catherine Keddie Mr Aniket Kumar

Mrs Gillian E Kyle

Mrs Evelyn Lennie Mrs Valerie Lindsay Dr Sandra Lonie Mrs Isabel F MacDonald Mrs Avril Manson

Mrs Deidre McCarthy

Mr Colin M McCay

Mrs Jean Dunning*

Mrs Ann McDougall

Mrs Ilona McGowan

Mrs Pamela mcIntosh

Mrs Valerie McKinnon

Mrs Elspeth McLaren

Mrs Elain Prentice

Mr Usaamah Ramzan

Mr W Neil Ritchie

Mr Kenneth H Robertson

Mrs Christine D Robinson

Mrs Lilias A Ross

Mrs Patricia M Rowan

Mrs Jennifer M Russell

Mrs Mary Russell Mr Bruce Scott

Mrs Moira Simpson

Mr Michael R Sloan

Mr Martin A B Steel

Mrs Helen Stewart

Mr Edgar Trotter

Mrs Paula Watt

Mrs Sheena A Williams

Mrs Marie Windows

Mrs Helen Wright

US Bursary Fund

Dr Robert A Browne

Mrs Deborah Fogel

Mrs Moyra M Traupe

Canadian Bursary Fund

Mrs Patricia A Bewers

Mr & Mrs Jim Campbell

Mr Brian W Conway

Miss E Jane Dargie

Ms Susan Greenshields

Mrs Margaret Hamlett

Mr & Mrs Vic Hepburn

Mr Graham W A MacAllister

Dr Matt L Manson

Mr & Mrs Iain A McNicol

Mrs Cristina Ronald

Mr & Mrs Kenneth Smith

Mrs Barbara J Speakman

How Can I Donate?

The easiest way to donate is online - visit www.hutchesons.org and find the “Donate” tab at the top of the homepage.

Choose the amount and frequency that suits you - a one off, monthly, or annually donation.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to complete a donation form (for gifts by card, cheque or regular gifts via your bank account), please contact us at development@hutchesons.org. Gifts can also be made via card by phoning 0141 433 4474.

A huge thank you to all our donors including those who wish to remain anonymous.

Books do furnish a room. Or at any rate, a library, and at Hutchie we are very proud of our library, split over two floors, its shelves packed with all manner of literature, classic and modern, as well as an extensive collection of reference books. It is a vibrant, focal point of Hutchie, the very windows etching a narrative of the school’s story, and its entrance flanked by imposing busts of George and Thomas Hutcheson. One lover of literature was the late Sir Alexander Stone, a distinguished FP, who, together with his wife, Lady Bette Stone, did so much to support Hutchesons’. In a fitting tribute to her husband, Lady Stone, who passed away in 2021, made a substantial bequest to the bursary fund, requesting the library

be named in his honour. And so, we were delighted on 16th June to formally commemorate The Sir Alexander Stone Library, in a ceremony attended by members of the 1641 Society, family friends and colleagues.

Graham MacAllister, President of the 1641 Society, performed the official unveiling of the plaque and in his address spoke of the school’s gratitude to Sir Alex and Lady Bette for their many years of support and interest. Jane Bulloch, our late and much-loved librarian, once remarked that she imagined “paradise to be a kind of library”, and it was with this spirit in mind that we celebrated the joy of learning which the Sir Alexander Stone Library will always seek to kindle.

McDougall, Depute Rector Alumni and Development

*In Memoriam

Jim

The Sir Alexander Stone Library - a legacy honoured

In Memoriam

Alison Blake née Tinto C1954, 1936-2022

Patricia L Marshall née Johnston C1950, 1932-2022

James Peat C1965, 1947-2022

Iain Thompson C1960, 1942-2022

John P Dickson C1956, 1938-2020

Dr Alistair H Laing C1949, 1931-2022

Dr Samuel Walport C1938, 1920-2022

Grace Brimlow C1941, 1923-2022

David King C1976, 1958-2022

Elizabeth McFadden née Fyfe C1982, 1964-2022

Margaret (Megan) Russell née Eddie C1962, 1943-2022

Jean L English née Harvey C1966, 1948-2022

Walter M Ross C1947, 1928-2021

It was with great sadness that I received a call from the family in Florida to tell me of the death of Walter Ross. Well into his 94th year, Walter had died peacefully at home in North Palm Beach, Florida.

Walter was brought up in Clarkston. His great friend from earliest school days was the fondly remembered FP, the late Ian Jessiman. In 1979, Ian had suggested to Rector, Gilmour Isaac that Walter Ross was keen to visit Hutchesons’. I was asked to arrange a special lunch in School and to meet with Walter and Ian to discuss with the Rector plans for development and possible, future financial support from Walter. So began for me a lively friendship with Walter spanning over fifty years and the beginning of Walter’s thoughtful interest, involvement and exceptionally generous financial support for Hutchesons’.

Walter attended Hutchesons’ Boys’ Grammar School from 1940 until 1946. He

He often told me how much he recognized and appreciated the financial sacrifice his parents made at such a difficult time, to give him the opportunities of an excellent education. Walter believed that his Hutchie education was, indeed, the foundation for his successful progress through life.

On leaving School with excellent qualifications, Walter moved to Edinburgh where in 1953, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant and in 1954, he graduated in Law at the University of Edinburgh. He had pursued his Accountancy and studies in Law simultaneously whilst working daily in a C.A. office. Subsequently, Walter worked in senior financial positions. He spent two years in Cairo, Egypt with Shell, followed by four years with Ford in Toronto, Canada. Walter was appointed Chief Financial Officer with Occidental Oil and Chemical Company in California and later in Houston, Texas.

For fifteen years, Walter was President, Century Corporation, principally promoting the development of some thirteen million square feet of high-rise office space. In 1986, Walter purchased PM Reality Group and as Chairman, he managed the third largest property management company in the United States.

In 1999, Walter retired from a brilliantly successful business career, sold his Company and moved to Palm Beach, Florida. Walter would tell me often many fascinating recollections of his school days in Crown Street. Clearly, he was able, perceptive and purposeful. He recognized the strength and breadth of his general education along with the firmness of discipline and the corporate sense of effort and achievement which Hutchie effectively encouraged. He learned how to study, to work hard, to be versatile and to establish effective leadership. Walter wanted to keep in regular contact and I enjoyed keeping him well informed about Hutchie life in all aspects. He was keen to be involved and to help practically. Walter and his wife Alison gifted generous financial contributions towards the construction and fitting out of the important new Science Building, opened in 1991 and, with a Laboratory dedicated specifically in their names. Walter also contributed significantly to and attended the celebration programme marking the 350th Anniversary of the foundation of the School in 1641. Associates in U.S.A. could hardly believe the age of Hutchesons’ and that it could still be in successful existence!

Walter was asked by Rector David Ward and the Governors to investigate and advise on possible fundraising in the

US. At this time, Walter personally set up and funded specific Scholarship support and made commitment for a future Legacy. The major issue in the States was the size of the country with the wide residential scatter of FPs and the potential costs of face-to-face meetings, the ideal for effective fundraising. However, Walter’s report perhaps marked the embryonic origin of School Development fundraising abroad, the very beginnings of an active Development Department which and at the time was suggested by Anne Brown, who had very successfully planned and headed the 350th Anniversary programme.

Walter felt honoured greatly to receive in 1997, the very first George and Thomas Hutcheson Award marking outstanding F.P. success and support. He became a regular guest on important occasions and was a significant, ongoing benefactor. He was guest of honour on Founders’ Day in 2008 when he gave a memorable Commemoration Address in Glasgow Cathedral. He contributed to and attended the opening of the fine new Library for the Junior School in Kingarth Street. Walter was pleased to meet F.P. Dr June Gow, a generous supporter in Vancouver, who gave, the large, initial donation which enabled the Governors to proceed with this fine project.

In October 2012, Walter attended the annual FP gathering in Toronto of supporters of Iain Ronald’s successful Canadian Bursary Fund. He introduced to us all Helen Conley and to our great delight their engagement was announced, a happy celebration appropriately amongst Hutchesonians. Walter and Helen were married the following December.

Walter had been married three times and very tragically Alison, Jean and Cathleen all died from unexpected serious illness. Walter stoically moved forward from such tragedy and made a brilliant last marriage which brought to him and Helen, joy, comfort and great happiness. They had wonderful, worldwide travels together exploring some remote places. I have beautiful photographs sent from their voyage to Antarctica.

In 2014, Walter along with Helen, gifted a hugely generous contribution towards the fund for the refurbishment of the Assembly Hall, Beaton Road. In June 2015, they were the principal guests, along with many of Helen’s family, at Prizegiving and for the dedication of the finely restored and modernised Hall, now named The Walter and Helen Ross Assembly Hall. This was a remarkably relaxed, happy and good fun occasion.

I have very many happy, special memories of Walter. He was a close, kind, loyal, honest, supportive and fascinating friend with lifelong interest in the wellbeing of Hutchesons’. I valued particularly his sharp intellect, his strong convictions, his keen observations, knowledge and firm opinions of the world around him. He had a quite uniquely funny, kindly sense of humour. Walter loved the finer things of life, travel, art, theatre, music, sport of all varieties but especially his golf and he was a good player. Both he and Helen were involved in significant charitable work, often with smaller, important, local charities. Walter held genuine pride and appreciation for all aspects of his Scottish and Hutchesons’ inheritance which Helen grew to understand and support.

Whilst in Florida on holiday in early February 2020 and just pre Covid, I arranged to be driven down to North Palm Beach for an important, memorable visit and lunch hosted graciously by Helen in their exquisite home. Walter was frailer but relaxed, happy and amusing as always.

He reminded me how Hutchesons’ had taught him how to work with purpose and determination to the best of his ability, perhaps the most important lesson throughout his long, successful life.

Walter was a man of Faith. With Helen, he was a member of The Episcopal Church of Betheseda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach. A fine Memorial Service was held there on December 16th2021 with beautiful music, readings, prayer and celebration of a life well lived.

Memories of Walter will indeed be honoured in the ongoing story of historic Hutchesons’ Grammar School. On behalf of the Hutchesons’ School community, I extend to Helen and her family our supportive sympathy and appreciation.

MacAllister

An Appreciation written by Graham W.A.

Fiona Clark. 1970-2022

Fiona Clark first came to Hutchesons’ as a student teacher and after qualifying, returned in 2006 to join the Primary 4 team. She quickly established herself as a very popular teacher with staff, pupils, and parents alike. The following year, she became a fixture in the infant department where she spent 11 happy years teaching in both Primary 1 and 2. Teaching wasn’t always Fiona’s intended destination but became her vocation after a colourful and adventurous career in fashion, textiles and globe-trotting as a product developer. Fiona and her husband, David, were blessed with a daughter a year into their marriage. Rachael-Ann (C2016) was born prematurely at 33 weeks after a cancer diagnosis meant that Fiona would require immediate emergency surgery. Numerous rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy were to follow with her beautiful baby safely delivered and by her side throughout. After a brief hiatus as a qualified beautician, with her own successful business, Fiona decided to retrain as a teacher which would enable her to spend more time with family. And that’s the way life continued; Rachael-Ann and Fiona were always together. They shared a passion for horses, travelling the length and breadth of the country in their gold horse box as Rachael-Ann became an accomplished showjumper. Fiona’s dream was to be able to look out of her window and see her horses in the paddock. The family moved to Kilmaurs, Ayrshire, where they set about turning the dream into a reality, complete with a ‘shed’ and arena for the horses, chickens, cats, a dog and their sheep, Jeff and Lynn.

As a teacher, she inspired and motivated every child she taught. She worked tirelessly for the children in her classes, supporting their learning and nurturing their individuality. She was patient, creative, full of good humour and radiated positivity. Fiona sprinkled everything with love, kindness and a little bit of glitter – even the haggis, neeps and tatties at the Primary 2 Burns Supper. Edible, of course! She participated fully in the life of school, always volunteering her time to provide extracurricular activities for the children and loved dress up days where she delighted them with many a costume – the Oompa-Loompa and her vast array of Christmas jumpers were a big hit!

In June 2018, Fiona retired from teaching and enjoyed growing veggies, yoga, baking, learning Italian, the cinema and lots of travelling. She particularly loved going on city breaks and visiting the festive markets in Europe with friends.

In June 2020, Fiona was once again diagnosed with cancer. Thus began two years of gruelling treatment. She faced each hurdle with dignity and grace and was rarely seen without her trademark earrings, mascara or a ‘little bit of bling’. Even on her toughest days, she was able to raise a smile and was immensely proud to see Rachael-Ann graduate with a Masters from Glasgow University. Fiona passed away at home, as was her wish, with her family by her side on 21st July 2022. The Hutchie community has lost a wonderful teacher, colleague and friend whose special sparkle will never be forgotten.

Written by Heather Dempster

Euan David C1975, 1958-2022

Euan was fiercely proud to be a Hutchesonian. Memories of his school days, and those made as a former pupil, permeated his life. Whether it was in the classroom, on stage, or on the sports field, he remembered them all fondly, recalling names and events long forgotten by his contemporaries.

At school he was a fine sprinter and played rugby in the 1st XV and was selected to play for Glasgow Schools. He played the viola in the school orchestra and took on the role of Nanki Poo the the school’s prodcution of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Mikado. He studied law at the University of Glasgow. and found his permanent professional home at Mitchells Roberton in Glasgow, where he practised mainly in conveyancing and property transactions.

He is survived by his wife Julie, whom he met through Glasgow Schools Orchestral Residential Camps, and their two boys Jamie and Robbie.

Dr Sheila L M Gibson née Browning

C1954, 1936-2022

Sheila was awarded the Dux medal and won a bursary to study medicine at Glasgow University, where she also met her future husband, Robin Gordon Gibson. On graduation, she received the Brunton medal as the best final year medical student. She undertook a second degree in Biochemistry and both she and Robin specialised in Alternative Medicine and Homoeopathy. Sheila carried out innovative research in medicine, diet, allergies, and osteoarthritis. She was passionate about finding the cure, rather than just alleviating symptoms.

Sheila supported many worthy causes including the Cats Protection League, Maggie’s and the Woodland Trust. She was still undertaking sponsored horse treks to far-flung countries, including Namibia and Nepal, into her 80s.

Sheila remained connected to Hutchie and attended the Ladies Afternoon Teas, She regularly supported the School, including the new library at Kingarth Street.

Dr Peter Anderson C1965, 1947-2022

Peter took up rowing at school, a sport he later coached. In 1967 he enrolled at St Andrews University where he studied Medieval History. After graduating Peter spent a year gaining his teacher training certificate and in 1972 he joined the staff of Cranhill school in Glasgow. He joined the Scottish Record Office in 1974, remaining there until his retirement in 2009 when he had reached the position of Deputy Keeper of the Records of Scotland. During his time the National Archives, he gained a Ph.D, published three books and research papers and became an expert on 16th century Orkney and Shetland history. Peter travelled all over the world advising on electronic archive records. In retirement, he carried on with his research in the same area of Scottish/ Orkney history. His enthusiasm for all things Orkney never dimmed. He is survived by his wife, Jean and daughter Kate.

Dr John Dall OBE C1948, 1929-2022

John worked for the NHS in and around Glasgow for 40 years but his influence extended far beyond the west of Scotland.

He was a pioneer of geriatric medicine and made major contributions to the care of elderly patients throughout the UK, Europe and Canada. He was the driving force behind the creation of the Victoria Geriatric Unit in Langside, Glasgow which opened in 1971.

He was recruited by the Canadian Government to advise on the development of geriatric services and he spent a year as a visiting professor in Ottawa.

A graduate of Glasgow University, John spent three years as a junior officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Pre-deceased by Lilian, his wife of more than 60 years, John leaves two daughters (one of whom is a doctor), four grandchildren (three of whom are doctors) and four great grand-children.

Isabel Masson née Dewar C1967, 1949-2022

Isabel grew up in Newlands on the South Side of Glasgow. After leaving school she went to Glasgow University and then Edinburgh University before embarking on a career in Social Work with Aberdeen City Council. She retired in 2006.

Isabel loved sport, playing Hockey at school and University, She golfed from a very young age and became lady captain at Pitlochry Golf Club. She also enjoyed cycling and swimming. Isabel joined the Jubilee Sailing Trust and began tall ships racing. She enjoyed 23 voyages throughout the world on the STS Lord Nelson. After training in navigation and mountain survival skills, Isabel met Bob, and they were regular walkers on the Scottish mountains. They married in 2007, in Pitlochry.

In 2010 after both were retired, they decided to move full time in Pitlochry.

Dr Geoge S Dyker C1959, 1941-2022

George joined Hutchie in 1953 when he moved from Aberdeenshire to East Kilbride and he enjoyed his time at school. He was a keen and dedicated scout. He became a Queen’s Scout in 1957 and was delighted to attend the world jamboree that year in Sutton Coldfield.

When George left Hutchie, he was accepted into the medical faculty at Glasgow University and gained his MBChB with Commendation in 1964. George’s medical career was long and distinguished. He was initially a house surgeon but ultimately moved into General Practice. He became a Fellow of both the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and of the Glasgow Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (RCPSG). He is sorely missed by wife Elspeth, children Sandy, Karen and Morven, their spouses, Lucy, Terry and Callum, and his grand-children Caoimhe, Ia, Struan and Raoul.

Alison Blake née Tinto C1954, 1936-2022

Alison grew up in Pollokshields and attended Hutchie along with her late brother David.

Alison loved science and gained a Chemistry degree from Glasgow University. She worked as a Clinical Biochemist at the Victoria Infirmary for 41 years.

Alison met her late husband George Blake and early married life began in Montrose before the family returned to Glasgow. After retiring, Alison was active for many causes and was was an elder at Pollokshields church for 50 years. She was also a member of the flower arranging committee.

Alison had many friends and was the best Mum to Diane and David, Granny to Daniel and Megan and Mother in-law to Jan and Jen. From 2005 onward she found companionship with her partner Kenneth Ross and greatly enjoyed being part of his family too.

Judith Ballard née Hay C1952, 1934-2022

Born in 1941 Judith left Hutchesons’ to attend the Royal Ballet in London and later she was attached to Ballet Rambert. After completing her training, she returned to Glasgow and entered “show business“, dancing on television shows and eventually being featured in the Andy Stewart Show in the Glasgow Empire which broke all records with the length of its run. During this time, she met Howard whom she had known slightly already, and they were married in 1961. They had three children and five grandchildren, and her generous nature was typified by her donating her body to science when cancer struck.

Towards the end Howard managed to help her understand he was thanking her for “sixty one years of married joy” before she passed away on 2/10/22.