Number 26 Winter 2015
Celebrating 150 years of the Glasgow Academical Club
Editorial
Contents
It’s good to celebrate anniversaries. They help us to remember – and they encourage us to put things in perspective.
3 Opening of the Saunders Centre
Take the Glasgow Academical Club, for example. It’s 150 years since a group of young men asked permission to use the school gym for sport – and a club that has spurred many on to feats of great sporting success was born. You can read about how members of the Club have been celebrating that anniversary on pages 13 to 16. But the comradeship of joint sporting endeavour also found its expression in another way as, in 1914, young men encouraged one another to enlist in what was to prove a far bigger – and far more deadly – contest. In a simple but poignant ceremony in June of this year members of the Academical Club remembered the events of a century ago when no fewer than four members of the same team were killed in a single battle at Gully Ravine in Gallipoli. You can read more about ‘Our Longest Day’ on page 17. While we commemorate those brave men who have fallen, we don’t forget to celebrate an equally brave Academical who survived against the odds. Iain G Neilson’s bravery is more than evident on page 5 in the almost matter-of-fact way he recounts his part in the fight against Nazi Germany. He thoroughly deserves his appointment, by the President of France, to the rank of Chevalier in the National Order of the Legion of Honour. In this edition we also celebrate a couple of important milestones as we mark the 100th birthday of two Academicals – Perry Harrison and Hasie Young. I count myself fortunate in that I regularly meet both of these remarkable gentlemen at the annual Gasbags lunch at New Anniesland. We warmly congratulate them both. It would be wrong to finish without mentioning another remarkable Academical whom I first got to know as he was approaching his 100th birthday. Frank Saunders did not make a will until he was 106 years of age – much to the frustration of his lawyer! – perhaps because he was looking for a worthy project in which to ‘invest’ his life savings. He found it in the ‘SciTech’ project at his old school, Glasgow Academy.
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Their first 100 years
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A special honour for an exceptional Academical
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Anecdotage
10 Favourite teachers remembered 13 Academical Club 18 Westbourne Section 20 An enduring friendship 22 Events and reunions 23 Updates 26 Announcements 28 Obituaries 30 Picture Post
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Keeping in touch The External Relations office is situated in Colebrooke Terrace. Former pupils are always welcome to pop in for a chat and look round the school. Just give us a call to arrange a time. Our address is Colebrooke Terrace, Glasgow G12 8HE and you can contact us on 0141 342 5494 or at exrel@tga.org.uk
On 26 October of this year the Saunders Centre was opened by Lord Strathclyde. We think Frank would have approved. Hasie Young at the recent Gasbags lunch wearing a poppy made by children at Glasgow Academy’s Nursery
The Glasgow Academical Club 21 Helensburgh Drive, Glasgow G13 1RR President: John Beattie E-mail: johnrossbeattie@btinternet.com Secretary: Stuart Neilson Tel: 07771 845104 E-mail: stuart.neilson1@btinternet.com The Academical Club pavilion is available for functions. Academical Club’s London Section Secretary – David Hall, 20 Cadogan Place London SW1X 9SA Tel: 020 7235 9012 E-mail: ecj@aralon.co.uk Like us on Facebook; join us on LinkedIn
M.McNaught@tga.org.uk
Cover: The 150th Anniversary Dinner at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum on 6 November
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Etcetera
Opening of the Saunders Centre Science for today and the days to come… Drawing his inspiration from the opening of the Saunders Centre, former pupil Emeritus Professor Roy Burdon FSB, FRSA, FRSE considers the importance of science and the scientific method.
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he opening of the Saunders Centre for science and technology presents an opportunity to highlight the role of science. These days, scepticism about science is unfortunately on the rise and it is vital that scientific thinking be assiduously promoted simply because science tells the truth rather than what we would like the truth to be. Our lives are now permeated by science and technology as never before. This new world is wondrous, comfortable and rich in rewards. For instance biotechnology is a route to new medicines and foods, particle physics provides insights into the origins of the universe, supercomputers allow us to handle big data and facilitate communications, and engineering creates new ways of harvesting renewable energy and exploring space. Science compels us to push the boundaries of what is possible and, although this can be complicated and unnerving, it should be at the centre of everything we do.
It is the wellspring of all knowledge of the real world that can be tested and fitted to pre-existing knowledge. It can distinguish between true and false and it belongs to everybody. Importantly, science is not a mere body of facts but a method of deciding whether what we choose to believe has a basis in the laws of nature or not. It is not merely ‘another way of knowing’ – it generates pure knowledge about ourselves and about the environment we live in – knowledge that has to continually reshape our thinking. We all have trouble digesting randomness – our brains crave patterns and meaning, but science warns that we can deceive ourselves. The ‘Scientific Method’ is a hard discipline and does not come naturally; it is always susceptible to ‘confirmation bias’ – a tendency to look for and see only evidence that confirms what we already believe. Any results must always
be subject to peer review and, in any event, they are always provisional, susceptible to being overturned by future experiment. Uncertainty is inevitable at the frontiers of knowledge. Science will always find the truth but its provisional quality causes difficulties for many. Nonetheless it builds and tests competitive hypotheses to generate reliable knowledge of the real word. Yes, vaccines really do save lives, GM foods are safe, the strange behaviour of the subatomic world can only be revealed through quantum physics – and the study of biology is incomprehensible without evolution. Science has had a long track record of getting things right in the end. Indeed modern society is built on the things it got right. Doubting science has its consequences, possibly global and enduring, such as global warming! The humanities are about what makes us human, but science is committed to fact, without reference to ideology or religion, and cut paths through the bewildering complexities of human existence on Earth. Current ‘scientific’ evidence indicates that it is our responsibility to manage this planet and its resources: hopefully pupils, experiencing the Saunders Centre for science and technology and its teachers in future years, will come away properly equipped to confront these very daunting issues in one capacity or another. Roy Burdon (1955)
As our guest of honour at the opening of the Saunders Centre on Monday 26 October we were delighted to welcome the Right Honourable the Lord Strathclyde CH PC. Lord Strathclyde, whose grandfather was a pupil at Glasgow Academy, spoke of the esteem in which his family have always held the school and how delighted he was to return to open this wonderful new building.
Etcetera
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Their first 100 years… Perry Harrison (1933)
Perry trained as a doctor in 1950 and, after practising in Dumfries, he became Born 21 November 1915 a single-handed GP in Blanefield in Former pupil of the school, Herbert 1959, where he served the widespread Cooper Harrison (known as Perry) village and rural community for 35 celebrated his 100th birthday on 21 years. Perry was a founder member November. He and his twin brother, of the Royal College of General Ronnie, attended Glasgow Academy Practitioners which was formed between 1926 and 1930. Amongst his shortly after the inception of the NHS. memorabilia, Perry has some pages While practising as a GP, Perry realised from the Academy Preparatory School that there was a need for student booklet, session 1927-1928. At that doctors to receive more practical and time, he was in Class 1A and was realistic training in preparation for mentioned amongst the prize winners, their lives ‘outside medical school’. receiving a Special Certificate for Therefore, in 1953, Perry presented a Writing. He also has a photo of Class paper to the college on ‘The training 2A of 1928 along with the teacher ‘Bob’ of undergraduates by GPs’ and this Runciman. resulted in his proposal being adopted. For 17 years following this, he arranged Although he and his brother were sent the attachment of students to practices off to board at Mill Hill School in 1930, throughout the West of Scotland. Perry has always kept up his association with Glasgow Academy through the Perry has always had an interest in Glasgow Academicals, particularly the Art and, over the years, has produced Gasbags (Glasgow Academicals Slightly hundreds of beautiful watercolours Biased Against Governors), regularly depicting his love of the landscapes attending their annual lunches.
Left: Perry Harrison and family
Below: Hasie Young and friends
of Scotland. He’s a member of the Milngavie and Bearsden Art Clubs. He has also had a lifelong interest in the art of Heraldry. He designed a Coat of Arms for the RCGP and this was officially accepted in 1962, along with his inscription ‘Cum Scientia Caritas’. He was elected to the Fellowship of the College in 1977 and, in recognition of his services to the profession, Perry was invited to the 2013 New Members’ Ceremony of the RCGP as the honoured guest. During his life, Perry has designed around 20 other Coats of Arms for Colleges, Councils and Burghs. Perry’s two daughters, Kathleen and Sheila, attended Westbourne School in the 1950s/60s. His son, David, attended Glasgow Academy in the 1960s.The photo below is of Perry with his children, daughter-in-law, grandson and great grandson. At the age of 100, Perry maintains an active interest in art, heraldry, his growing family and his one-acre garden! At present, he is busy organising an Art Exhibition of some of his work from the past few decades. From those early days at Glasgow Academy, Perry has achieved so much and, in doing so, affected the lives of many in a positive way. He is an inspiration to all those who know him. He is essentially a modest man and would say that his early school days at the Academy gave him a sense of worth and a strong sense of duty to help others in his adult life.
Hasie Young (1934) Born 23 September 1915
J Haswell Young BL FCIBS, known as Hasie to his friends, attended Glasgow Academy between 1930 and 1933. In our photo, he is flanked by his two daughters at a (100th birthday) cocktail party in his honour given by the Glasgow Golf Club and attended by many of his friends and golfing pals. Before he retired, Hasie was manager of the Queen Street branch of the Bank of Scotland. He played cricket for the Academical Club before the war alongside three Scottish international cricket players and he was an enthusiastic supporter and committee member for many years. 4
Etcetera
A special honour for an exceptional Academical The party consisted of Captain Keen and five other ranks, both Royal Artillery and RAF. Leaving the others at a sheltered spot, I took my motorcycle to reconnoitre three possible ALGs selected from air photos. Two were unsuitable due to obstacles and mines, but the third – near Plumetot – was suitable. I returned to bring the others, and we demolished all the obstacles (my explosives training was very helpful). On D+1 we were “operational” and a radio message was sent to the squadron at Selsey Bill. The first five Auster Mk 4s arrived early on D+2. Plumetot was a splendid ALG.
Ian G Neilson (1935) – who served in the Air Observation Post during World War II – being presented with the Order of the Legion d’Honneur by Colonel Olivier Fort, on behalf of the President of France on 15 July 2015. The presentation – which took place in the Great Western Hospital, Swindon – should have been made at the dedication of a new war memorial marking the wartime service of the Air Observation Post squadrons. In Ian’s absence, his son, Hamish, gave the following speech at that event on his father’s behalf...
My memories of the Air Observation Post
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am sad that I cannot join you today. I was looking forward to this event, but I recently had a fall and I no longer bounce as well as I once did. I have many memories of my time in the Air Observation Post, and what happened in Normandy. In 1940, I was one of 15 volunteers, all Gunners, who learnt to fly and form the Air Observation Post. I recall the joy and sheer exhilaration of flying, even in the Auster aircraft. In 1941 we formed 651 Air OP Squadron, based at Old Sarum. Other squadrons were formed as we approached the invasion of Europe. I was in B Flight, 652 Squadron. We trained intensively, observing shoots, also landing and taking off from aircraft carriers. We took part in Combined Operations with coastal landings, and directed fire from naval ships. In 1944 though, it was clear that the invasion would not include aircraft carriers, so we would not be directing fire on D-Day itself. We would have to establish an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG)
ashore. That was to be my task, with a small ground party. We went to Normandy on a Landing Craft from Portsmouth. When loaded, the ship moved out, and went down the Solent to anchor. We waited until late on 5 June; it was blowing a strong gale. Fortunately, I was not the least seasick. Towards evening, we weighed anchor and the huge armada moved southwards, but there was no opposition, and at dawn there were many aircraft above, some towing gliders. Near the Normandy coast our ship had to wait until enemy troops within range of “Sword” Beach were silenced. Our landing should have been at noon, but we were four hours late. Our turn finally came; I was one of the first off the ship and I got very wet in about 4 feet of water. We were ushered off the beach with our waterproofed truck. It was heavily laden with explosives, small arms, aircraft spares and a small motorcycle for my use. I still felt very damp as we went up the road to the south.
Were we shot at? Yes, mainly by German 88mm guns. The moral was never to fly straight and level for more than a few seconds. From D+2, I rejoiced to be flying again. By 20 July I had flown 55 sorties and conducted 30 shoots. During one, I was surrounded by a dogfight between four Spitfires and three Focke Wolfe 190s, who were all much too busy shooting at each other to worry about me. Because of Air OP activity, movement by enemy tanks or troops was limited in daylight hours, because we could observe it and bring down heavy gunfire very quickly. We, who survived, were extraordinarily fortunate in Air OP. Unarmed aviation, particularly our low flying, demanded 100% concentration and skill. Controlling the various Marks of Auster at high engine revolutions and just above stalling speed required endless practice and smooth handling. We had expected to lose many Air OP Officers in WWII and we were very fortunate to lose only 67. A total of 128 Officers were decorated. They were an exceptional body of men. I feel that there is no doubt about the major contribution of all the Air OP Squadrons during WWII. I am particularly proud to have been part of it. In 2015, I am honoured and very appreciative of my appointment, by the President of France, to the rank of Chevalier in the National Order of the Legion of Honour. Lt Colonel Ian G Neilson DFC, TD Etcetera
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Anecdotage Central Station – Platforms 1 and 2 When I saw, in the last Etcetera, the photograph of the eight Academicals who were killed on the same day at Gallipoli, I was again reminded of the huge loss of life in two world wars. Only two of the eleven Academicals in that photograph survived the war. 327 Academicals lost their lives in WW1 and 170 in WW2.
what horrors they were returning to. In 1915, Lord Reith (who presented the prizes in my last year) returned to the Scottish Rifles after his leave and in the great autobiography of his two years in the trenches wrote that he said good-bye to his parents at home and would not allow them to come with him to Central Station. What sadness and emotion these platforms must have seen as families and servicemen and women said good-bye.
A few years ago I read the diaries of a Canadian officer who survived four years in the trenches. He benefited from a week’s leave in London every six months and wrote that non-commissioned ranks got a leave after a year. They could leave the trenches at dawn, cross the Channel in the afternoon, be in London that evening and Scots could get the night train north.
Shortly afterwards, I read a book about the history of Central Station and realised that, despite all the changes over the years, Platforms 1 and 2, which the London trains use, are unchanged over the last hundred years. The same platforms, which saw so much sadness and courage, are still in use today. On reflection, I felt that future generations should be reminded of such sacrifice.
Serving in the trenches called for courage, but it must have required even greater courage to get on the London train after five days at home, knowing
A plaque would be appropriate, but how best to achieve this? Living in Montreal this would be difficult.This is where my old classmate Alan Carlaw came in. Alan has an interest in the armed services and in railway history and knows how
Alan Carlaw and Jimmy Murray beneath the plaque
things are done. Using his contacts with Netrail, a plaque funded by public subscription, placed on Platforms 1 and 2, was unveiled last Armistace Day by the Minister of Transport and Veterans Affairs. Alan and a group of cadets from the Academy were in attendance. Platforms 1 and 2 “On these platforms, in two World Wars, hundreds of thousands of men and women said good-bye to their families, some for the last time.” Jimmy Murray (1950)
My first ski trip An article in the last edition – ‘Norrie’s Lorry’ – reminded me of my first ski trip. Norrie loaded a number of us in the lorry on a Friday afternoon to go skiing in Glencoe. It was snowing most of the way and the road was closed at Crianlarich. Norrie arranged for the Youth Hostel to be opened for our accommodation. The next morning the road was still closed, so we decided to ski on a local hillside. In those days all the skis were wooden. I was the first to break the tip off my ski as I crashed into a well-placed boulder. By the end of the morning, two more of my friends had had similar results. That afternoon we were able to proceed to Glencoe. In the evening, unsupervised, we were able to attend a local hostelry, where I tasted my first beer. On the way back to our accommodation, the fourth of our little group, David Goodall, fell and broke his collar bone. Norrie had to take him a considerable distance to the closest hospital. So, our little group of four managed three broken skis and one broken collar bone in one day! This, of course, made David’s skis available the next day. By mixing and matching we nearly had enough for everyone, but the slope had no tow for beginners. We skied to the bottom, took off our skis and trudged back to the top. Resting and sharing were in order. I don’t know if Norrie ventured back on any future ski trips. Graeme Young (1963)
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Etcetera
Dinny diss Dodo!
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n the latest issue of Etcetera (photo of Ken Waine on the cover) I came across Jim Cunningham’s article about ‘Dodo’ Ogilvie, and should like to add my own reminiscences of a fine teacher. I attended the Academy between 1957 and 1965 (Primary 5 to first year 6th), and so was taught by ‘Dodo’ for several of my years in the senior school. Why, I even got a Higher grade B in Geography, so some of it must have stuck... Dinny diss Dodo... and yet what a temptation to cheeky teenage schoolboys! For a start, our man was a cartoonist’s dream: his bright red ‘dodo’ beak being offset by a monocle – surely the only such optical aid I have ever seen worn outside slapstick theatre. Incidentally, his nickname was a most ingenious double pun, as his initials were ‘D D O’, in addition to the subject’s passing likeness to the legendary flightless Mauritian bird. In this, Dodo was in a league with ‘Baggy’ Aston, with his initials ‘B G’ and (by the time he taught us) his fashionable ‘Oxford baggy’ trousers exchanged for bags under the eyes. No recollection of Dodo’s classes would be complete without reference to his method of mass issue of outline maps in our hardback jotters. He had acquired a number of such maps embossed on a rubber cylinder, which received ink from an ink-pad liberally dosed with black ink. The cylinder was housed in a frame like a brush roller for painting ceilings, spring-loaded to return to start position after a print. At the start of a new topic, Dodo would line us up by the table/desk bearing the ink-pad, while he clutched the loaded and inked roller. ‘Top to tummy!’ he would bark, as we had to hold our inverted jotters on the table-top while he ran a map print on the blank page. Being mischievous wee pests, some of us would invert our jotters, so receiving an inverted map – if Dodo didn’t spot the trick! Well, somehow our year dodged the Trans-Siberian train stations – instead, Dodo must have been on a transatlantic roll that year. Guess what this list could be? St Lawrence, Connecticut, Hudson, Mohawk, Delaware, Susquehanna, Potomac, James? No prizes... How about the short
acronym SUNWAC? (OK, that’s Swale, Ure, Nidd, Wharfe, Aire, Calder – rivers of north-east England, don’t you know?). I also recall a geographical study of Sweden – a European country I cannot say I find of great interest. Yet I can recall that Orebro is famous for boots; that there are towns called Norrkoping and Jonkoping; and that there is a rail route north of the Arctic Circle from Narvik (Norway) to Lulea (Sweden) via Kiruna. Maybe there’s more to oft-maligned rote learning than we admit?
Dodo also was a great man for weather, and statistics. How could it be otherwise in Glasgow? We were informed that “in Glasgow, rain falls on average two days out of three”, and that the average annual rainfall in the grey city was 40 inches. I wonder by how much these statistics are exceeded now? He explained to us the difference between convectional and relief rain – the latter more typical in Scotland – and was offended by my silly comment that both were so common, might they not be termed ‘conventional’ rain? Let me regale – or remind older Accies – with Dodo’s poem to explain relief rain: The sun heats the earth; the earth heats the air; The warm air expands and becomes less dense; The light air rises; the rising air is cooled; The water vapour in the air condenses, and falls as rain. Whaur’s yer Genesis 1 noo? I hear you all exclaim. May I also point out to anyone still confused as to how any rain could be a ‘relief’ – silly boy, back of the class! – it is the topography, the hills, which are the relief. (This may account for my dad’s ambition – never realised – to dynamite Goatfell on Arran, and so reduce the
unrelieved relief rain over Renfrewshire to the leeward). Our year might have been mildly mischievous, but – if we glanced up at the ceiling in Dodo’s classroom – we could spy the antics of previous bored schoolboys. It would appear that blotting-paper soused in ink and (maybe) sputum had cohesive powers when flicked with force up to the ceiling, a good 12 feet above our heads. Let’s turn to Dodo the man, insofar as an immature school-kid could appreciate him. He was way ahead of his time, in the smoggy Glasgow preceding the Clean Air Act, in pointing out how we wasted coal by burning it instead of extracting the coal tar, which could be made into all kinds of more useful products. I think – but can’t recall for sure – that he spoke out against South African apartheid. His choice of car – a little light blue Austin A35, often nicknamed the ‘Noddy car’ – reflected a modesty behind his often bossy manner. Finally, I should mention his choice of belt, a flimsy strip of thin leather – maybe suede? – which he seldom wielded. The rumour was that he had inadvertently strapped a lad on the wrist with a classic leather tawse, and was so dismayed at the damage done that he forswore further use of that ultimate weapon. Like Baggy with his 12-inch ruler... In conclusion, a brief salutation to a few teachers whose Academy careers were short, but who made learning exhilarating: 1. ‘Teddy’ Jenkins – our introduction to senior school. He decided to challenge our orthodox beliefs by introducing us to Norse gods (‘Old father Odin, from his high seat’), and asked us to find rational explanations for Biblical miracles. 2. ‘Spike’ Pender. His recreations of Paris cafe scenes, passable Gallic shrug, and (can this be?) exposing us to saucy French songs by Brassens made all things French ‘cool’ to us. We need more of his ilk in this Eurosceptic age. 3. Mr Whittaker (now what was his nickname?). He made that dry subject, Latin, fun – I remember our creating a Latin daily newspaper, complete with cartoons. Graeme Orr (1965) Etcetera
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Anecdotage – letters
Back row: ? Harrison, Cameron Main, Peter Manson, Scott Bisland, Barry Latham, ?, ?, ? MacInnes Fourth row: ?, ?, Kenneth Gilchrist, Brian Wilson, ?, Campbell McNiven, Sandy Macintosh, ?, Peter Graham, ?, ?, David Calder, ?, ?, ?, ?, ? Third row: ?, ?, ?, ?, ? Walker, ? Dingwall, Ronald Handford, ?, ?, ? Wilson, Roger Scott, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ? Second row: Forrest Pender (half hidden), ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, girl?, dinner lady, Lady Nancy Bailey? (with child on her lap), Sir Derrick Bailey, Mrs Scougall, Jimmy Scougall, Farquhar Mackintosh, Flo (dinner lady), Bobby Low, ?, ?, ? Front row: ? Walker, Johnny Urquhart, ?, ?, Ronnie Low (holding dog), John Young, ?, ?, ? , ?, Gordon Finlay, ? Apologies for all the question marks. I am surprised at how many boys’ names I have forgotten.
Dear sir I have very much enjoyed reading the memories of Academicals, especially those concerning Jimmy Scougall’s summer camps. The most memorable camp for me was that to Brinsop Court in Herefordshire, which I think must have been in 1954 when I was 12. Jimmy Scougall was a Herefordian and his mother visited the camp. I recall wonderful summer weather, in which we camped in an orchard. I remember an enormous Hereford bull which was occasionally led past our camp site. It was idyllic and, as a result of these very favourable impressions, I have always had a great affection for that part of the world – and it is entirely possible that the day at Brinsop was what initiated our move down to Herefordshire. Perhaps none of the summer camps resulted in such a life-changing consequence for any of the other participants. There were other, more practical, reasons for moving south – amongst them the fact, that for many years, I was joining and leaving ships in Southampton, and when our younger daughter went up to an English university the die was cast.
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We now live within three miles of Brinsop Court and recently celebrated our 21st happy year in the county. We took our family, with us from Dubai, on a ‘Grandad’s Reminiscences’ visit there this summer, and were pleased to be given a warm welcome by the current owner who was interested to hear of the school’s connection with the Court and who was delighted to receive a copy of the photograph below. Brinsop Court is now a conference centre and venue for weddings etc, as can be seen on their website www.brinsopcourt.com When Jimmy Scougall brought us down, Brinsop was owned by Sir Derrick Bailey who had South African roots. His godfathers were Cecil Rhodes and Louis Botha. Sir Derrick Bailey won a DFC in the Second World War and played first-class cricket for Gloucestershire in the 1950s. Does anyone know what the connection was between Jimmy Scougall and Sir Derrick, and Brinsop Court? Yours faithfully Peter JR Manson (1960)
Dear Malcolm Herewith a possible entry for the next edition of Etcetera. I feel so humbled and honoured reading recent editions of Etcetera, which continue to include photographs and references to my father. It is now over six years since he passed away. He attended the Academy as a boy, became Captain of the School, Captain of rugby, won the Indian Trophy and two scholarships to St Andrews University. After being held as a POW, he returned to the Academy as a master, retiring in the late 1980s as the Head of Modern Languages. He is survived by my mother, Marion, now in her 94th year and fighting fit. Many older colleagues may remember her as an invigilator during their exams in the Cargill Hall. I and all my family would like to wish our very best to all Academical friends who may remember us. Yours, as ever, Graham Black (1967)
A fine body of men – but what are their names?
Dear Malcolm I read with interest the article in the previous issue about the Prefects’ Dinner at Lake of Menteith in June 1954. I’m sure I missed an excellent evening. I want to make amends for being absent on that occasion and enclose a photo of members of the Boarding House of a couple of years earlier, which brings back memories of 12 Belmont Crescent under Mr and Mrs Coleman Smith. Yours Archie Shearer (1954) Dear sir I was interested to read David Dow’s piece about Tony Richards and the 1969 Aultbea CCF camp, and honoured to see my name in the lyrics of the song. Tony was right to put his trust in the judgement of responsible sixth formers: I should have expected the song to be a great deal more scurrilous than it appears to have been! My memories of that camp include time aboard one of the anti-submarine “Boom Defence” vessels (surely the very last RN ships to be powered by coal-fired steam reciprocating engines), and some very exciting sailing in 24’ and 27’ whalers. Also a brief unintentional immersion in Loch Ewe: I still possess my CCF Officers’ authorisation card, seriously water-damaged, to prove it! Yours Sandy Small (1960) – left GA in 1957 returned as staff member 1968-74
A highland cycle tour remembered…
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n 5 April, 1957, the first day of the Easter holidays, seven Academy boys aged fourteen and fifteen set off on a cycle tour of the Highlands. Our bikes were five-speed, dropped handlebar “racers”. Old bangers by today’s standards, but our pride and joy. The south-siders, namely Colin Rattray, Jimmy Milne, Alan Bewick and myself met up with west-enders Dixon Brown and David Buchan at Anniesland Cross to be joined by Robin Morton. The first afternoon took us to Crianlarich Youth Hostel with a long, arduous ascent from Ardlui to the Hostel. On Saturday morning, after our cornflakes, we were on the road by 9 am. When we reached Killin an hour later, the weather was so hot that we stripped off and took a dip in The Falls of Dochart. We stopped for lunch at The Fearnan Hotel on Loch Tay where we enjoyed seven bottles of cider. No ‘RU18?’ in those days! A fearsome climb took us to the Queen’s View at Tummel Bridge on the B8019 and on to the Strathtummel Youth Hostel where we spent our second night. The following day, we joined the A9 and reached Aviemore Youth Hostel after battling against a strong headwind for 64 miles and a hard struggle through the Drumochter Pass.
Monday was a short day ending at Inverness Youth Hostel. The next morning we turned southwards stopping for photographs at The John Cobb Memorial by Loch Ness and The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge. Unfortunately, David and Robin had suffered a couple of spills during the previous days and slowly fell behind the “peloton”. Somewhere north of Fort William we were passed by a flat-bed truck on which reclined the jeering laggards and their bikes en-route to Glasgow the same day. The remaining five set off the following morning from Glen Nevis Youth Hostel aiming for a last night at Crianlarich cycling on the A82 through Glencoe. Progress was swift in spite of having to wait for the ferry at Ballachulish so we decided to press on via Loch Lomond to reach journey’s end at Glasgow – a pleasant 120-mile spin. All things considered, our cycle tour was a great success, given that it was the first time we had left the comfort of our family homes. As far as I am aware, we are all still in the land of the living apart from Colin who tragically drowned in a boating accident at Tighnabruaich some twenty odd years ago. Peter Bannatyne (1960) Etcetera
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Favourite teachers remembered Tributes to Ken Waine
non-teaching staff, parents, academicals and pupils. He was without humbug and respected by all.
I knew Ken Waine before arriving at Glasgow Academy. If you were teaching in a rugby-playing Scottish school the likelihood is that you would know Ken. To bring a visiting team to Anniesland was always a pleasure for the welcoming reception you received from Ken and his team of rugby staff. He was a fantastic ambassador for the game, and equally so for cricket in the summer. It is never easy running a games programme when the playing fields are a mile or so away, especially when you have to contend with capricious weather. The knock on effect of cancelling involved alternative arrangements at school, bus cancellations and keeping parents informed. Ken coped with all of this without any fuss.
Through his strong connections with Anniesland many Academicals reading this short appreciation of Ken will count him as a friend. For Ken the move from school to the club was seamless and his continued activities for the club brought the much deserved accolade of club president.
I also knew him before joining The Academy through CCF activities when Ken would represent the RAF section at various functions within Scottish Command. I commanded The Edinburgh Academy contingent of the CCF and overlapped with both Gordon Carruthers and Ken Waine as contingent commanders, although the two schools never met at camp because of the earlier finish to the school year at The Glasgow Academy.
I have very fond memories of Ken and Elspeth who were very kind to Priscilla and me and we enjoyed many a convivial visit to Arran with them and their many friends.
Known for his fitness and general good health which belied his age, Ken could have easily seen his teaching career out as head of PE and Games, but I felt there was a bigger role for him to play in the general running of the Academy and I was more than delighted when he accepted the role of Senior Master (the first holder of the post), within the leadership team. Ken fulfilled the role with authority, diligence and a dedication for the school which he served for the greater part of his teaching career. He was greatly respected by all the pupils for his fairness coupled with an energy to get things done. Ken had the unique capacity to form friendly and meaningful relationships with all who make up the body of the school, governors, teaching and 10
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As I write this (late August) the main headline in today’s Times is “PE teachers give maths lessons in school crisis”. Ken was fulfilling that role 50 years ago and the Academy was not in crisis. He was extremely versatile and could step into a variety of roles without difficulty: in this he was not alone, most teachers have subsidiary subjects they are quite capable of teaching.
He ranks among the best of the Academy’s staff. Colin Turner (Rector 1983-94)
A cherished colleague I had not long started at GA fifty years ago when Ken invited Margaret and me to join the Thursday evening staff badminton group in the old gym. It proved a welcome opportunity to meet other members of staff and their spouses informally and contributed much to my feeling at home here after years of exile from Scotland. Elspeth was an ever-cheerful regular as were other new colleagues, including Margaret McNeill/ Tindall. Fortunately competence with the shuttlecock was not a pre-requisite, as I had reason to fear that I might be judged below standard, as incompetent in the gym as on the rugby field. That played no part in Ken’s thinking; he was a good friend from the start and the most tolerant and understanding of colleagues. Others will tell of Ken in PE classes, as a rugby coach or as O/C the CCF, but not all could be privileged to know Ken and Elspeth also as host and hostess for many years of convivial gatherings in their home following the last evening of the Christmas Entertainment – not only for those who had strutted the boards to many a laugh. At his moving funeral service in St Mary’s Cathedral, filled to capacity as far as I could see, one of the speakers related an incident that occurred once as Ken addressed the Corps parade. He was rudely interrupted by one of the boys in uniform who must have had personal problems; ignoring it at first, Ken then dismissed the parade and hurried to follow the boy to a classroom, where a fatherly chat ensued, disarming the boy’s hostility. I found that an admirable illustration of the kind of person Ken was, the stern manner belying the warm-hearted, generous, profoundly human individual. F G Little (former Academy staff) …As a young teacher, I learned much from Ken and I am sure that over many subsequent years, my teaching benefited by having perhaps inadvertently absorbed many of Ken’s techniques of control, organisation and sheer professionalism. He was a superb
role model for young teachers and I count myself extremely fortunate to have spent almost 12 years watching and learning from The (Senior) Master. Pat (Paddy) Dorman (Academy staff 1968-1980) One of Ken’s many responsibilities was the organising and supervision of team photographs. One of my activities, after a GA education, was the taking of these photographs. Thus our paths crossed yearly on these occasions. My one overriding memory of Ken was a perpetual half smile lurking there ready to break out. During the sessions taking these team photographs, we maybe had different objectives. While his was the protocol of important people in the right place, I had the objective of symmetry and appearance. Sometimes this would put us at odds. If a player sitting next to the captain (holding a rugby ball or whatever) had stockings which were at odds with his neighbours, initially I would try to rearrange the group and replace him with someone with the correct attire (from the back row probably). Unfortunately this did not go down well with the protocol, where the offending stockings belonged to the vice-captain, or someone of similar status, who – no way! – should be consigned to anonymity in the back row. Ken, in his inimitable way, pointed out to me that – although symmetry and appearance were important – protocol could not be ignored. Thus we came to a working agreement – after everyone was in their appointed place, if I had any reservations about the overriding appearance, I would mention this to Ken and he would take it in hand to tell the offending player to change his garb, double quick, to let proceedings continue. Such was Ken’s authority and demeanour that never did I see any adverse reaction to his requests. From this I deduced that he was held in high regard by the pupils, and that they respected his wishes, as being reasonable. Jim Cunningham (1949) – and somewhat later By third year we were very aware of the ‘boundaries’ with Mr Waine but it was a 3A rugby match which took me and my fellow eager rugby colleagues
by surprise. I can’t recall the opposition but a scrum was set and one of us made the rallying call of ‘C’mon Accies’ as we set to take ‘one against the head’. Immediately Mr Waine, refereeing, blew his whistle and awarded a penalty against us. Not quite sure of the infringement, I took it upon myself to enquire as to why we were penalised to which the reply came ‘You’re not The Accies, you’re The Academy!’ A true gentleman whose education went much further than the daily curriculum and right through our later years. Always Mr Waine and rarely ‘Ken’. Andrew Calder (1989)
Very sad to hear of the passing of this legend to generations of Academicals. An inspiring leader whether in the gym, the playing field or the parade ground. I had the privilege of meeting him a few months ago when he remembered more about me than I did! Duncan Gilmour (1972) My strongest memory of Mr Waine was his wearing of shorts, both for rugby training and matches, no matter the weather. He was one those special individuals who had immediate respect from everyone he came in contact with. Ian McAslan (1992)
I have many memories of Ken Waine. Two that stand out were the first and last time I saw him. The first time was at Anniesland at the first rugby practice of his first term. He was kicking some prodigious goal kicks which had us in awe. On a very rare visit back to Glasgow at least 35 years after I had last seen him, I ran into him at a Glasgow Hawks game. Not only did he recognise me but he immediately quoted my initials ‘G T G Young’. What a memory! What a man!
To add my message to the numerous you’ll have received, like many I imagine, I regard Ken Waine as my rugby mentor. Although from a rugby family, it was playing for Ken’s 3rd XV at school in the 70s when I was 14 that fired up a lifelong passion for the game finishing my playing days back at Accies aged 33. He and his booming ‘Come On Accies!’ voice will certainly be missed by a huge number of people.
Graeme Young (1963)
I was at the Academy from 1956 to 1969 and remember Ken well. He was the epitome of the Sports Master. In hindsight, I am sure many of his techniques have rubbed off on me in my coaching days here in Canada. He was a large personality. One incident that comes to mind was when my friends and I decided Badminton was the game and commandeered the gym one Saturday. Quite how we got the keys I cannot remember. We were happily playing when in walks Ken, caught between outrage that we were doing this without permission and enthusiasm that we were playing sport in our own time. No more was said about the incident but I did leave with more insight.
Ken will be sorely missed by all. It was he who vetoed my option to play golf at the Academy when he heard that I played junior cricket at Ferguslie. The result was 48 years of playing cricket for Accies [to date] of which 43 as Junior Convener!!! Curses! Colin Dawson (1967) End of an era. Can still hear him saying ‘Tackle low boy!’ Colin Sinclair (1970) I’m sorry to hear of Ken’s death. He was a wonderful man, really fair and very encouraging. I’m glad that I had a chance to meet him again at one of the Old Boys’ dinners. Derek Neilson (1969) I was saddened to hear of Mr Waine’s passing and although I have not seen him in many years it brought back some old memories of him. I probably wrote him a book’s worth of punishment essays but I always respected him and thought of him as a good and decent man. Donald Reston (1991)
Phil Reid (1977)
Iain Begg (1969) It was with great regret that I received the news of Ken’s death. Ken was my gym master for the last four years I was at the Academy. Although in the first year I was forced to sit on the side-lines due to ill health, thereafter he was kind enough to award me the PE prize three years running. Ken was also in charge of the RAF section of the CCF of which I was a member. He had a large influence on me at school and after I joined the Etcetera
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Academical rugby and cricket sections. I have not met him since the late sixties but I have not forgotten his influence. James Bull (1964) Ken Waine was a national treasure, as they say these days. Notwithstanding the fact that my elder brother was a good rugby player, and I was not, Ken Waine was never judgemental and was always a most decent character. I still recall his regular admonition after PE “get all these sweaty bodies through the showers”!! Micky Hirst (1963) I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Waine. I will remember him fondly: he was a true gentleman cut from a cloth rarely seen these days. He always remembered the boys that passed through the school and was genuinely interested whenever you bumped into him at the rugby club. Matthew Smith (1994) Sad to be informed on the passing of Kenny Waine – he certainly was an influence in my life! Solid authority at a time we were all getting hold of Mao Tse-tung’s “Little Red Book” as a show of rebellion! But with Kenny (“Sweaty”) Waine you knew exactly where you stood and that is exactly what a good, balanced, education is all about. (Other teachers you could work around!). Ronnie Veitch (1972) Ken was Senior Master when I was Captain of School and we worked very closely on ‘disciplinary matters’ and I always remember him emphasising the need to instil the concept of ‘self-discipline’ in the boys! He also insisted I ensure the prefects led by example. He was very involved at Accies at that time and used to get me playing for the school in the morning and on the bench for Accies in the afternoon. I ended up playing against Colin Deans of Hawick and Scotland on an afternoon following a school game – all great experiences that would never be allowed these days! Wilf Sinclair (1985)
Phil Beattie I was very sad to hear of the passing of Phil Beattie reported in the last edition. He was one of my school rugby coaches in the junior years and I remember him fondly. Just as a small aside to that – I was very proud to be the 1st XV Captain at the Academy many years ago and have since been to Anniesland to visit and it was great to see my name on the Honours board upstairs. I have been a PE teacher for many years now in South London and my school happens to play against Whitgift where Phil Beattie was Head Boy. I made a point of finding the school’s Honours Boards and have attached a picture of Phil’s name. I know he would have been very proud to see it again. W Fraser Thomson (1974)
Miss McEwan When I was at the Academy, Miss A J McEwan was the headmistress of the junior school. She was a natural teacher who actually made learning exciting. She was also a most caring individual. However, for me there was a definite downside to Miss McEwan. She was a neighbour of ours and consequently I lived under the microscope of 72 Novar Drive. Woe betide if I didn’t doff my cap or if I failed to take the outside position on the sidewalk if I was out walking with any member of the opposite sex. There was no direct punishment if I was found wanting; however, the next morning I would be summoned. She would just look at me from above her spectacles and say something along the lines of, “I saw you out walking with your mother yesterday.” The message was quite clear. My actions were unbecoming of an Academy boy. It is interesting that six decades later I still take the outside of the sidewalk when in public with my wife or daughters. I also remember on one occasion she gave our class a homework exercise. It was to draw a warship. Drawing could never be offered as one of my strong points and even today stick men provide an overwhelming challenge. However, I managed to con my father into drawing a corvette and promptly presented the sketch to Miss McEwan the following day. She looked at it approvingly and with a knowing smile said, “Sandy, please inform your father that he has received a star.” After I immigrated to Canada and returned to Glasgow on vacation, visiting 72 Novar Drive was one of the “must things to do” on my agenda. We would sit with a cup of tea and possibly a biscuit and she would bring me up to date with the happenings at Colebrooke Street and I in turn would bring her up to date with my travels. It was always a most enjoyable afternoon. Her appointment as a school Governor was a well-deserved recognition. Sandy Ferns (1960)
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Academical Club
President’s introduction I am honoured and delighted to be the honorary president of the club in this its 150th year. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone involved and making many new friends.
150th Rugby Celebrations at New Anniesland
We want to make this a special year, with the emphasis being “what we can do for our city” and I have been grateful that so many Accies have been volunteering on projects, raising money for the disadvantaged, and helping our most needy.
A lunch was held at New Anniesland in September to mark the first league game of the rugby section’s 150th season. In attendance were SRU President Eddie Crozier, past internationalists John Beattie and Brian Simmers, and many other notables including senior past president, Andrew Howie (91), and senior past rugby captain, Colin Guthrie (85), as well as many past players and friends.
The aim is to do one or two things well and I must thank the many willing helpers who are making this happen.
That initial match against Kilmarnock was won by Accies, and the team has continued the season with ‘bonus point’ victories, playing some outstanding rugby and displaying a real commitment to making it a successful season for Accies rugby. The club is most fortunate to have ex-Academy pupil Andrew Jackson as coach, assisted by past pupil and past club captain Ross Chassels, with another past club captain Tony Smith coaching the backs. Andy, now a teacher at The Academy, is an ex-Hawks player, and an Accies past-captain. He has brought a real enthusiasm and energy to the team’s play, and is producing a team we can all be proud of.
As I write this, the rugby season is well underway and the hockey players have ambitious plans. As you’ll read here, the golf section had a hugely successful competition and dinner in August – and our other sections have their own events. We’ve just had 450 attending the Dinner at Kelvingrove art gallery and museum with Jackie Bird and Brian Moore, and a civic reception with Glasgow City council is planned to take place in the new year. We are being supported by Glasgow Warriors and the SRU and my thanks to them for this. 2015/16 is shaping up to be a great year and I am glad we are all part of it.
The match was against one of our kindred clubs, Kilmarnock, who themselves celebrate their 150th season in two years’ time. There was a good representation at the lunch from the Kilmarnock Club and the Accies team players were present to acknowledge the club’s outstanding history, and to celebrate the cutting of the ‘150th’ Anniversary cake by SRU President Eddie Crozier.
Your support of the team is encouraged. Keep in touch with all team news and fixtures on the club web-site www.glasgowacciesrfc.com We congratulate coach Andy Jackson on another successful ‘match’ – with fiancée Amy Workman.
Rugby reminiscences Anyone with stories or photographs of past club news is encouraged to get in touch with Gordon Wilson at the address below to enable items to be included in future ‘Newsletters’, or in club archivist Hugh Barrow’s 150th Anniversary production which will be taking us on a pictorial journey through the rugby club’s long and outstanding history. Hugh’s publication is being funded by the outstanding generosity of John M Watson OBE and the Watson Foundation and will be available in the summer of 2016.
John Beattie (1974) Etcetera
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‘California Reunion’ at Rowallan Castle Survivors from Accies’ 1980 rugby tour to California, augmented by a few team-mates from that era, enjoyed a day’s golf and celebration of Coach Guthrie’s 85th in the magnificent surroundings of Rowallan Castle on Saturday 19 September. With the passing 35 years reflected in receding hairlines and increasing waistlines, at least there was some consolation that the fun and laughter of the day attested to everyone remaining young at heart! Iain Jarvie (1972)
150th Grand Match
and Dinner – Saturday 23 April
2016
There is a celebration rugby match taking place at Anniesland on 23 April which will include players from kindred clubs, and other notable players from Scottish rugby. It will be followed by a Celebration Dinner in the school’s Cargill Hall, when the SRU President Eddie Crozier and other Internationalist personalities will be present. All club past-captains will be contacted in due course to organise re-unions that evening for members of their teams. Please put the date in your diary! 14
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London Section It was another busy summer for the London Section. The London Scottish Schools’ Golf Society Day was held at Denham Golf Club and won by Kelvinside Academicals. Sadly, neither of the two teams fielded by the London Section featured in the prizes. Please note that next year’s Golf Day will be held on 28 June 2016. The London Section hosted a dinner for the visiting School Shooting Team at Bisley on 9 July and – with 13 in the school party and 9 members of the London Section attending – there was a most enjoyable evening had by all. A summer drinks party was held in
September at the Graphic Bar, Soho with a large number attending. This event has now become a fixture in our calendar and an announcement will be forthcoming with regard to a date for next year. Talking of next year, the Annual Dinner of the London Section will be held at The Caledonian Club on 4 March and plans are already in place to make this another successful dinner. We look forward to receiving the Rector and the President of our parent body at this dinner. As always, we look forward to hearing from any former pupil relocating to the London area. Please contact David Hall on 020 7235 9012 or ecj@aralon.co.uk
Mark the Anniversary 1866-2016 The two Anniversary items pictured here can be purchased at the Bar at Anniesland, or by sending an order to Gordon Wilson, ‘Kilbrannan’, Gryffe Road, KILMACOLM, PA13 4BB or wilsongb@btinternet. com Ties £10 and Anniversary Oak Shield £30 (includes postage) Cheques payable to ‘Glasgow Accies Sports Club’
150th Golf Day As part of the Club’s 150th anniversary celebrations, Glasgow Academicals’ Club held a golf day at Killermont, organised by John Watson. After completing 18 holes, more than 80 guests were treated to an excellent three-course meal in the clubhouse where they were superbly entertained by after-dinner speaker Sandy Strang. Special guest at the day was Kylie Walker, arguably the finest golfer The Academy has produced. A Ladies’ European Tour professional, Kylie added both the German and Dutch open titles to her collection in the last 12 months. Grateful thanks must go to John Watson for his generous sponsorship of the event. That it was one of the most popular golf events on record with a huge waiting list may be due – at least in part – to the fact that the first of many prizes was a trip to the Masters in April!
Many congratulations to David Stirling (1968) who claimed he had the round of his life to win the much-coveted first prize. Despite numerous offers of friendship on the day – many from people David had never met! – he is adamant that he will be taking his wife to Augusta as it is a long-held dream for both of them.
Dear Malcolm The 150th Golf Day last Friday was great fun, helped in no small part by the weather. No wonder it has been a constant topic this summer. John Watson must have been delighted by the way the day flowed and we all owe him an enormous debt of gratitude – not only for Friday, but for all he has done for the School and the Club. Finlay Watson, Angus Watson, Kylie Walker, Sandy Watson and John Watson OBE
Just in case anyone is tempted to doubt Douglas Mack’s involvement in the 150th Golf Day, here he is (extreme right) with (l to r) David Blair, Patricia Simpson and Jennifer Mack
Photos by John Hendry Photography (www.jhphoto.co.uk)
I was tickled pink to receive a prize. I did say to that young whipper-snapper Gordon Wilson that I thought I had been on the prize list at Troon Portland celebrating the Centenary of the Club fifty years ago to which he replied: “You weren’t around fifty years ago!” Sadly I was – and it is confirmed on page 85 of “Glasgow Academical Club Centenary Volume 1866-1966” that I was second equal in the competition for the higher-handicap players. Donald McIvor playing off 1 had a net 72 on the Old Course. A fellow member of Prestwick, I sadly attended his funeral last month. On a positive note, my handicap has improved but it is unlikely that I will feature in 2066! With very best wishes, Kind regards, Douglas Mack (1962) Etcetera
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Cricket section 2015 saw the wettest and coolest summer for several years with the outfield at New Anniesland akin to a bog! The new covers had little effect due to the amount of rain that fell relentlessly throughout the summer. Many midweek and Sunday matches were cancelled, which mainly affected the juniors in the section. This proved frustrating although there were a few highlights. Accies’ U11s had a superb season finishing top of their section following an undefeated run. Unfortunately Finals Day did not take place due to the weather and so Accies were adjudicated joint winners of the league with Poloc. The other junior and senior teams all reported mixed results which mainly reflected mid-table standings. Accies’ 1st XI, under the continuing captaincy of Richard Andrew, managed to perform its now customary recovery act with a
Congratulations to the unbeaten Accies’ Under 11 team
string of wins after the end of June and they remain in Division 1 for next year. Slow and damp pitches did not help the cause with both batters and bowlers struggling to perform to their usual
standards with many low-scoring affairs. It can only be hoped that the weather in Season 2016 will prove more accommodating!
GAC 150th anniversary polo shirts INTRODUCTORY OFFER: His and Hers polo shirts (in a choice of colours)
£40!
DON’T MISS OUT! To celebrate Accies’ 150th anniversary, we have a limited stock of polo shirts featuring our special anniversary crest. The shirts – which proved a hit at August’s golf day – are available in white (S, M, L, XL, 2XL) and pink (XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL). If you’d like to add one of these to your wardrobe, they are priced £25 and can be purchased from the Glasgow Academy External Relations team by emailing exrel@tga.org.uk or calling 0141 342 5494. Alternatively you can just drop into the office. Christine Abercrombie and John Beattie show off the new polo shirts.
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Remembering the 1st XV of 1914 On 28 June 2015 a simple ceremony of remembrance took place at the Glasgow Academy War Memorial on Great Western Road to recall the events of exactly 100 years ago. Representatives of the Glasgow Academical Rugby Club paid their respects to the team of 1914. Among those in attendance was Lt Col Sandy Fitzpatrick MBE who has played for Accies for many years and recently commanded the 52nd Lowland Division Royal Regiment of Scotland – the Division that suffered so much at Gallipoli.
soldiers of the 156th Brigade lacked artillery support and were massacred by Ottoman machine guns and bayonet attacks. Despite the opposition, they were ordered to press the attack – and so the support and reserve lines were sent forward but made no progress. By the time the attack was halted the Brigade was at half strength, having suffered 1,400 casualties of which 800 had been killed. Some battalions were so depleted they had to be merged into composite formations. When the rest of the 52nd Division landed, the commander, Major General Granville Egerton, was enraged at the manner in which his 156th Brigade had been sacrificed.’
Our longest day – 28 June 1915 Gallipoli is usually portrayed as an ANZAC Campaign, but the losses sustained by the Scottish 52nd Lowland were enormous and at times have been overlooked. The Gallipoli Campaign had a massive impact on the Glasgow Academy, particularly those serving with the 52nd Lowland Division.156th Brigade 7/8th Cameronians The Scottish Rifles. The Academical relationship with The Rifles goes back to the very birth of the Club in 1866. Our first President, HE Crum-Ewing, was an officer with the First Lanarkshire Volunteer Rifles who shared their drill ground at Burnbank with Accies when the Club was formed. This ground was to become famous in the early days of cricket, rugby and soccer providing Rangers with a home en-route to Kinning Park. In 1872 Lt Col Crum Ewing then helped form Third Lanark (Volunteer Rifles) FC, a club that survived until 1967. The Volunteer Rifles became The Scottish Rifles in 1881 and it was for this Regiment many Glasgow Accies signed on in 1914. The most concentrated loss of life for Glasgow Accies was not on the Western Front but at Gallipoli. A year before the Somme on 28 June 1915 an action took place known as Gully Ravine. On that day some 27 Academicals – Glasgow and Kelvinside – fell in the fighting as they faced the Turks. A summary of the action does not make for pleasant reading:
When the Accies played their final match of the season on 28 March 1914 they little knew that by 1918 eight of the team would have made the ultimate sacrifice and six would have sustained terrible injuries. Only one of the team got through The Great War unscathed. Four of that team – Eric Young, William Church, both capped for Scotland, Tommy Stout and Archie Templeton – fell at Gully Ravine. They had played together, signed on together, served together and on that morning died together. ‘In the ravine the 1st Battalion, Border Regiment did not advance as far as those troops on the spur since Ottomans there were somewhat sheltered from the deadly bombardment from the sea. Their final position was fortified with rocks and boulders and became known as “Border Barricade”. On the right of the advance, along Fir Tree Spur, the battle did not go so well for the British. The inexperienced
A relationship that had started on a pitch at the side of Great Western Road some 200 metres from the War Memorial at Kelvinbridge had reached the final whistle. On 12 July Hawick Rugby Club laid a simple wooden cross on the Gallipoli battlefield on our behalf. The term ‘kindred club’ takes on deeper meaning when you share a War Memorial. Hugh Barrow (1962) Etcetera
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Westbourne Section
Class of 1960 Reunion On Monday 5 October, nineteen of us from the class of ‘60 met up at the Strathblane Country House Hotel to celebrate 55 years since leaving school. In spite of a week of glorious sunny days, our weather grew increasingly “dreich” as the day wore on but that made no difference to the warmth of the atmosphere, as we talked, quite literally 19 to the dozen, exchanging news and reminiscing incessantly. Nine of us first set eyes on each other in Miss Hastwell’s Preparatory Class on 7 September, 1947 and have remained in contact throughout the intervening years. In spite of life’s challenges and our differing experiences, we still count each other amongst our closest friends – and all this without the help of Social Media! How well this illustrates the ethos of Westbourne. A toast to Westbourne was proposed by Marjory Kirkwood and a Vote of Thanks was given by Judith (Naftalin) Gillis – both entertaining and laced with humour, after which our excellent, if somewhat protracted, lunch drew 18
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gradually to a close. Eventually with great reluctance we set off in our various directions, already anticipating our next gathering. Grateful thanks to all those who were prepared to go that extra mile, in terms of distance or difficult circumstances, in order to come along. Your being there added immensely to the enjoyment of the day and to its undoubted success. Davina (Struthers) Booth (1960) Eleanor (Wood) Bremner, who was awarded the British Empire Medal earlier this year for her work with Macmillan Cancer Support over many years. Congratulations from all her friends of Class ‘60.
Updates Kay Harrison (1980) Kay has been appointed Head of Strategic Planning for schools in Northamptonshire. This involves the planning of new schools, admissions and school organisation.
Fiona Kennedy (1973) I’m in New York and very thrilled to be receiving the first Cultural and Heritage award by The Saint Andrews Society of New York on Thursday 1 October.
Veronica A McBurnie (1985) I am a GP in Glasgow who has started a brand new company called SINGFIT UK... Something for everyone to promote health and enhance wellbeing through singing and dance fitness. You can see a lot of what we do on the Facebook page SINGFIT uk and also our website: singfituk.com We had an exciting launch with a free workshop at the Western Baths club on 2 December.
Inez Murray (1969) I recently was nominated then shortlisted to 20 of the most influential people in childcare in Britain. I was amazed and humbled by this recognition of what I
do. I attended the awards dinner on the top floor of Barclays head office. Not the winner (hardly surprising!) but had a great time. My nomination was linked to the work I have done in Scotland both at local authority level and with the Scottish Government in relation to childcare. I have sat on many committees, promoting the private sector which is so important to the current political debate. I even had to give evidence, twice, to committees at Holyrood – a fairly scary experience with very well-briefed MSPs.
Gillian Waddell (1978) Gillian is Managing Director of Fuel PR, one of the UK’s leading public relations consultancies, and Vital Life which provides sales, marketing and distribution services for brands targeting the UK/ Europe. For further information, please contact Gillian on gillian@fuelrefuel.com Special rates for old mates!
Letter
Deaths
Dear Liz,
J Herriot (née Tillotson) Cameron (Westbourne, 1943)
I am at my daughter’s in Christchurch, NZ until 28 Oct – my second trip this year!! En-route I stayed in Sydney with a longstanding Westbourne classmate, Maris Rea, for five days. I was thrilled to watch her at work in a recording studio as she did her weekly broadcast for two hours on Radio1 heard by many who are print handicapped. She starts every broadcast with a Scottish song, followed by a wide range of recorded music and news items. The rest of the time enabled us to reminisce about ‘the old days’ and a chance to catch up on the latest news of our classmates. None of this information qualifies as an article, but might interest some who remember us from pre-1955!! Jan Chisholm (1955)
The Glasgow Academy Summer Ball Saturday 18 June 2016 We are delighted to announce that the next Glasgow Academy Summer Ball will be held on Saturday 18 June 2016 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Glasgow’s bustling riverside. Tickets priced £75 will include reception drinks on arrival, a fantastic three-course dinner, entertainment throughout the evening and music to dance the night away. ALL proceeds from the evening will benefit Children 1st and a fund to refurbish The Academy’s Cargill Hall. This event will sell out quickly, so we recommend you book your table(s) now. For advance booking, further information and sponsorship enquiries please contact Janice McCaffer via exrel@ tga.org.uk
Herriot died peacefully at Balhousie Care Home, Pitlochry, on 27 August 2015, aged 89 years. A much-loved wife of the late Frank and dearly loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Morag (née Armstrong) McLaughlin (Westbourne, 1954) Morag, beloved wife of the late Bob McLaughlin, died peacefully on 3 August 2015.
Elizabeth Pamela (née Muir) Mill (Westbourne, 1966) 10 May 1948 – 10 September 2012 Darling daughter of Mr and Mrs JS Cameron Muir, Milngavie. Loving wife of Stuart and devoted mother of Adrian.
Ann (née Duckett), Gardner Young (Westbourne, 1943) Ann Hedley Gardner Young (née Duckett) died peacefully at The Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, on Thursday 17 September 2015, aged 90. Beloved wife of the late Stuart Young and of the late James A Gardner, much-loved mother of Elizabeth (Galt) and Carol (Mundy), grandmother to Viki and loving stepmother, step-grandmother and step-great-grandmother to the Young family. During the Second World War Ann served in the Wrens, based at the St Enoch Hotel. After the war she travelled to Manila in the Philippines with her mother. She married there, later returning to Glasgow. Her daughters, Elizabeth (Mrs Galt), Carol (Mrs Mundy) and granddaughter Victoria Gault all attended Westbourne School. A special lady sadly missed by all her family and friends.
STOP PRESS… The next Westbourne School for Girls Grand Reunion Dinner is in the pipeline for May 2017. Details will follow in due course, but if you’d like to note your interest in attending or perhaps find out about others in your year group who are planning to go along, contact Liz McGowan at the Academy’s External Relations Department (exrel@ tga.org.uk or 0141 342 5494).
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An Enduring Friendship
D
avid Hall, our London Section Secretary, joined Glasgow Academy in Class 2x in 1950 and Alastair Fleming started in Mrs Crosbie’s Class 1 in 1949. For a remarkable sixty-five years they have remained close friends – quite a challenge when one considers the huge geographical distances often separating them! But a challenge overcome with a friendship forged by a significant shared early history: first in the classroom, then on the rugby pitch (until David’s skills took him to the First XV and Alastair’s to the Second XV), on the school golf team and even competing in the Donald Cameron junior golf league – David for Kirkintilloch and Alastair for Douglas Park.
air on d Alasd
a near f Canad
ress o
the Emp
Alastair his university degree in Glasgow, together they set sail for Canada in October 1966 on the Empress of Canada. Alastair recalls a rough passage on the North Atlantic with pitching decks, which, in the evenings, unsettled David’s normally faultless moves on the dance floor. David remembers, during the day, the two were often the only ones outside on the upper decks, valiantly playing deck tennis until the rope rings were blown overboard! David had a job lined up with McDonald Currie, Chartered Accountants, in Windsor, Ontario and Alastair, nought but his degree, his Glasgow Academy education (and his golf clubs). Why
est,
They often spent summer holidays together as well: in Elie, where the Hall family rented a house for the summer and to which they kindly invited Alastair. In the early 60s, the two hitchhiked and youth-hostelled through Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and France. They even spent one summer holiday in Cornwall with fellow Accie, the late Willie Kirkwood. They drove there in Willie’s Triumph Spitfire and en-route the three frugal lads spent a particularly uncomfortable but ‘price is right’ night sleeping in the car. What you can do when you’re young! When David completed his CA and
In 1968, David moved on to Montreal,
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Despite the distances then separating them and before the advent of the internet or even cheap long-distance telephone calls, the two maintained steady contact with Alastair managing visits to David in the Bahamas and in California. In 1971, Alastair completed his CA training in Windsor with Price Waterhouse and joined a client – Hiram Walker, a major player then in the international wine and spirits industry. His work tended to take him to the UK every year or two and invariably he found time for a visit with David. David’s work meanwhile often took him to North America and almost without
k. Go w
Greenoc
Windsor? Well, it sounded very attractive from 3,000 miles away – automotive capital of Canada, same latitude as North California and a stone’s throw from Detroit, Michigan – a city, at one time, renowned for its architecture, described as the Paris of the west! For the two immigrants, the reality was somewhat different with cyclical booms and slumps common in the automotive industry, very cold winters in northern latitudes in the interior of a large continental land mass and a major Midwestern US city experiencing the first deleterious effects of its population moving to the suburbs and beyond, hastened no doubt by riots in 1967 which set parts of Detroit afire and closed the international border.
n David a en! m g n you
then later to the Bahamas (where he met his Scottish expat wife Mandy), to California and finally to England. Alastair married a Canadian girl, Jeanne, and set down roots.
The two of us forty nine years after Empress of Canada – cherishing a lifetime of friendship
fail he’d find time to place a call to Alastair. Prior to this year, they last saw each other in 2004 at David’s son, Andrew’s wedding in Virginia, USA. Although Alastair and his family had visited Scotland in 2007 and indeed enjoyed the comfort of David’s holiday house in Elie, they did not meet then since David was out of the country. Alastair, on that occasion, consoled himself with a round of golf at Muirfield, kindly offered by fellow Academical, Alistair Brown. And now, in June 2015, the two have met again. Remarkably, they found
Alasdair with his brother, Jock, who has lived in Canada since the 1960s.
themselves in London, Ontario in the gracious surrounds of London Hunt and Country Club. David, as a member of the Senior Golfers’ Society (SGS) team and Alastair as a member of the Canadian Seniors’ Golf Association team, both competing in a biennial event, involving teams of Senior Golfers representing Senior Golfers Associations of the USA, UK and Canada. During David’s visit to Canada, Alastair arranged a golf game for him with yet another Academical – none other than Alastair’s brother, Jock (circa 1958) who emigrated to Canada in 1964 and now lives in Oakville, Ontario. So, David and Alastair say: ‘Try hard to hang onto your school friends for a lifetime, it’s well worth the effort, and no matter where you travel (and play golf) keep your ears open and your tie handy, because you are likely to run into a Glasgow Academical.’
Here is a photo that might be of interest to some readers. It is of the Glasgow Academy athletics team of 1973. In it are several pupils who still to this day hold athletics school records. Mr Mike Patterson is flanked by (on his right Robert Waine – who still holds the 100m record) and on his left Alan McCulloch (who won the 100m at the Scottish schools in the younger age group). Also somewhere should be Tom Dowie who holds the 110 hurdles record. Alastair Douglas is sitting in the front middle. Five years later in 1978 he set the 1500m record which I think still stands. Also of note on the back row left is Derek Thomson who went on the be Scottish 400m hurdles champion in 1980. Hope it is of some interest. Alastair Douglas (1978) We were delighted to meet A L Henderson (1947) who paid us a visit recently. A former school captain, Alistair had not been back to his old school for 68 years!
Douglas Anderson (1944) has sent us this photograph, bought at auction in Glasgow. It seems to have been taken at Bisley in 1938 and the gentleman in the felt hat appears to be Major Batchelor, who was a Latin Master. (Another photograph in the auction lot referred to the Boys’ Brigade 130th (Broomhill) Company’s 50th anniversary.)
If anyone has any more information about the Glasgow Academy boy shooting – or if it spurs memories of other Bisley occasions, do get in touch.
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Events and reunions 20-year Reunion We were delighted to welcome the Class of 1995 for their reunion at the end of October. After meeting in the Rector’s Study early in the afternoon of Friday 23 October, they toured The Academy in the company of our S6 pupils and discovered at first-hand how much had changed in 20 years. Two of the group, Sarah (Butler) Flanagan and Laura (Brown) Conetta, were delighted to find first of all the Junior School Dux Cup they shared in 1989 and, later, the Westbourne School Junior Dux noticeboard. still prominently displayed at the entrance to Westbourne House.
Save the dates February 2016 – GA 100 Business Breakfast Friday 4 March 2016 – London Section dinner Friday 3 June 2016 – Class of 1996 reunion – details to be confirmed October 2016 – IVth Form 1966-67 Reunion Dinner For those who have attended the above Dinner in the past or those who were in IVth form in 1966-67, we are now approaching our Golden Anniversary Dinner! It is planned to have it in October 2016 probably on the first or second Friday evening. The exact date is not yet confirmed but it should be known by the beginning of 2016.
Gasbags Lunch
[An email will be sent at that time.]
The annual Gasbags Lunch took place this year on Friday 30 October. Peter Brodie, the Rector, addressed the group on the latest news from The Academy while John Beattie, this year’s President, gave the Academical Club update during which he drew particular attention to the incredible contribution over many years of Jimmy Smith. Our two centenarians, Hasie Young and Perry Harrison are regular attenders. See if you can spot them at the back right hand side of our photo.
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Updates Jonathan D Adams (2005)
Jonathan left the Academy in June 2005 and, following a year out (which included a part-time role coaching rugby with the Academy PE Staff), he read Estate Management at Heriot Watt University for two years. During his time at Heriot Watt he was invited to join the UK “World Class Start” rowing programme. Having never rowed previously, Jonathan excelled winning the Scottish Indoor Rowing Championship, the Scottish Double
the order of St John and my name will be appearing in the London Gazette. I have been President of the local St John Ambulance in Finchley for the last 25 years and have been doing duties – including the London Marathon.
Karin Belch (2012)
Many congratulations to Karin who was selected to play hockey for Scotland against Ireland on 3 and 4 November at Glasgow Green in her first senior international cap. Karin is at Dundee University, in her fourth year studying medicine. She plays hockey for Grove Menzieshill in Dundee, as well as for the university team.
Billy Campbell (2004)
My business, Blind Spot Gear, has just closed its first round of investment.We manufacture lighting equipment for the film and television industries in China and I actually lived out there for three months. About 70% of our sales are to the USA.
Samuel Cohn (former parent)
In May I was inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and in August an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Studies in the Humanities [IASH] at the University of Edinburgh. Jonathan D Adams being presented with the “Top Student” award by Sir Bernard Hogan Howe, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, September 2014
Sculls, a national Championship medal representing Scotland at the Home International. He was then asked to move South to train full time at Reading Boat Club, and be part of the GB Development Sculling Squad. After two-and-a-half years’ rowing Jonathan reached top 20 single sculls in the UK and was in contention for a GB Rowing vest. Unfortunately, injury prior to the Olympic Trials curtailed his rowing career and he decided to return to his first love, History, at Reading University. Jonathan graduated last year with First Class Honours and was selected to join last year’s intake of the Metropolitan Police. He is now about to enter his second year with the Met. He is based at Southwark and hopes not to meet any old school chums during the course of his duties! (contributed by David Adams)
Gordon Bannerman (1950)
I have been admitted as a Member of
Louise Creevy (2001)
I recently set up my Sales and Marketing Company, Creevy Sales and Marketing – CSM Ltd.We specialise in supporting businesses within the Food and Drink industry, assisting them in growing their business and developing their brands.With over 10 years working across the food industry, my experience encompasses a diverse range of manufacturers. From seafood to major bakery brands, I have worked across the spectrum drawing upon this knowledge, experience, and my passion for food and drink, to help brands with all aspects of supplying the retailers.
Mark W Elliott (1982)
It’s not much, but in summer 2015 I was appointed Professor in Historical and Biblical Theology, in the School of Divinity at the University of St Andrews. I’ve been teaching there since 2003.
Jonathan C Fleming (1999)
Many congratulations to Jonathan whose work as a Church of Scotland minister in the town of Erskine has been recognised with the award of Citizen of the Year 2015. Jonathan, who is minister of Erskine Parish
Church, was described as a ‘great asset to the town’ by a group of 14 Labour and SNP MSPs including Labour MSP Mary Fee who applauded his ‘outstanding’ community work.
Douglas Maitland Gibson (1962)
Douglas has published a second book, Across Canada by Story: A Coast-to-Coast Literary Adventure (available worldwide). From his Toronto base, the former publisher is now roaming the country to promote the new book about roaming the country! Canada is a very large country. He has turned the new book into a stage show, as he did with his 2011 memoir, Stories About Storytellers: Publishing Alice Munro, Robertson Davies, Alistair MacLeod, Pierre Trudeau, and Others. That show ran more than 100 times, from coast to coast in Canada. In Beijing, when he gave the show in April, 2015, he was astonished to be recognised as an Academical by his interviewer, a former master at Fettes!
Gilles Graham (1986)
I graduated from Glasgow University in 1991 with an Honours Degree in Law and Diploma in Legal Practice. I am accredited by the Law Society of Scotland as a specialist in Personal Injury Law, and I am currently a partner and solicitor advocate with Clyde & Co. I was recently elected Dean of the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow.
Colin Ingram (1987)
Colin Ingram has been appointed a Non-Executive Director to the Board of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Douglas Keighley (1996)
In September I was part of a five-person cast for the West End debut of My Life as a Hooker at the Museum of Comedy. The play is an adaptation of Steven Gauge’s book about the adventures and kinship found in amateur rugby. It is a fabulous read for all oval ball enthusiasts. Etcetera
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Memorial House, Tony is a member of the Scottish Parliamentary Cross-Party Group on Poland and continues to coach National Panel referees for the Scottish Rugby Union.
Emma Latimer (1996) There is a picture attached, and I am in glasses
David Kernohan (1965) Many congratulations to David who was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to architecture in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2015. An architect and academic, David has contributed to the development of world-leading practices for user participation in building design and management and methods for evaluating buildings in use. He is twice a recipient of New Zealand Institute of Architects President’s Award – in 1990 and 2011.
Antony Kozlowski (1962) Tony Kozlowski, current vice-Chair of General Sikorski Memorial House Polish Social and Educational Society in Glasgow, has recently been co-opted to the Board of Directors of the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council. The Council works with established minority ethnic communities, new migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers across all protected characteristics. It provides services that help people achieve their rights and challenge discrimination. Apart from his work with the Council and with Sikorski David Kernohan
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Bill Law
Emma’s recent exhibition at Art Village, Shawlands was opened by Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister. The exhibition of photographs of the Shawlands area, which took place throughout the month of November, was well-received by members of the visiting public.
Bill Law (1985) Bill Law has been appointed Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications at Volvo Construction Equipment. Bill brings over 20 years of experience in corporate communication roles. As part of the senior executive management team, Bill will be responsible for leading the development, coordination and delivery of Volvo CE’s corporate communication strategy both internally and externally.
Stewart Maclean (1992) Stewart has set up his own coffee micro-roastery company in Dollar, hand roasting and blending coffee beans from his own Roast HQ. This is a big step away from the world of accountancy that Stewart has been involved in for the past 18 years – needless to say, he’s enjoying the new job more than the old! Visit counterroast.co.uk for more information. (contributed by Alastair Brown)
Katrina Mather (2003) I’m really delighted to share that my highland health retreat, The Body Toolkit, is officially award winning! Scottish Women in Business announced me as the winner of their ‘Most Enterprising Business’ 2015 at their Awards dinner in August. www.thebodytoolkit.com
Graeme Mitchell (1995) Graeme Mitchell has recently been promoted to Senior Technical Manager with St George Developments Ltd at their flagship residential development site Chelsea Creek… Just in the nick of time for the Class of 1995 20-year reunion. Phew!
John Monaghan (1972) In June of this year my company Atut Rental based in Warsaw, Poland was awarded by ERA (European Rental Association) the title of European Rental Company of the Year in the category small/medium size firm. Atut Rental which is a plant hire and sales company is jointly owned by my partner Malgorzata Felicka and myself and is 25 years old this year. Malgorzata and I will be married later this year – so 2015 has been a year to remember! If we can be of any assistance to any Academicals interested in this part of the world, please contact External Relations for my email address.
Gail Ritchie (2003) Gail Ritchie Course Director of Ardmay House International Summer School, has been named as a finalist in the ‘Regional Young Ambassador’ category of the 2015 Scottish Thistle Awards, organised by Visit Scotland. The prestigious awards (billed as Scotland’s ‘Tourism Oscars’) celebrate excellence in the Scottish Tourism Industry. The Regional (Left to right) Diane Holden (SWIB President), Katrina, Liz Taylor (SWIB Vice President)
The Munro Hunter
Young Ambassador Award highlights an individual who shows real promise as a rising star in Scottish tourism and a passion for their future and the future of the industry.
Andrew Robertson (1960) On 17 June, Andrew Robertson had conferred on him by The University of Glasgow the honorary degree of Doctor of Science. On 3 July, in his capacity as Chairman of Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board, he welcomed HM the Queen, along with HRH Prince Philip, when HM officially opened the new Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Royal Hospital for Children, and related Glasgow University Teaching and Learning Centre. The total investment on the campus was in excess of £1billion, and represents the largest Health development in the UK, if not in Europe.
Greg Stark (2011) and Gillian Stark (2004) The latest news from the Stark family is that Greg Stark has graduated with a BEng Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from Heriot Watt University and has secured employment as a Specialist Graduate with Scottish Water, and Jillian (Stark) McAulay who is a Chartered Accountant has just been promoted to Manager of Corporate Tax with EY (Ernst and Young).
Alastair Taylor (1987) In April Alastair was elected as Chairman of Glasgow Local Medical Committee (which represents the interests of GPs in Glasgow) and Chairman of the GP Subcommittee of the Area Medical Committee (an advisory committee to the Health Board). He is also Vice Chair of the Area Medical Committee and sits on various other committees including the Scottish General Practitioners Committee. He continues to work as a GP Partner at Kessington Medical Centre in Bearsden. Alastair’s three children are enjoying attending the Academy: Iona (S2), Angus (P6) and Callum in (MP2).
Stuart Wallace (2007) I am now Senior Sales for Mercedes Benz Glasgow and AMG Specialist for Mercedes Benz, West of Scotland.
J
ack Campbell left the Life Guards in March 2015 to ‘pursue a life of adventure’ but didn’t expect to be embarking on a life-changing trip – climbing all 282 of Scotland’s Munros – only a few weeks later. Here is an extract from his account of the trip… “After deciding on the trip I saw a great opportunity to raise some money and awareness for two fantastic charities, the Household Cavalry Foundation and Parkinson’s UK. Both are very close to my heart, having worked with the foundation and seen the great work that they do and also having witnessed the aggressive and heartbreaking affect that Parkinson’s has on people’s lives. When I say that no planning or training went into the trip I really mean it. Day one was a baptism of fire (without the heat). On 1 June I set off from home to the banks of Loch Lomond only to be confronted by freezing temperatures, gale force winds and more snow than I had seen all season in the Alps; I should have packed my skis! This trend of weather did not improve for over a week, at which point I genuinely thought that I had bitten off more than I could chew. I didn’t have a guidebook, I wasn’t following paths, the whole thing was very ad hoc and incredibly hard work. After the first week when I had only managed to complete seven Munros, my legs were killing me and I was in a pretty poor mental state. However, after a few gentle words from family and friends I was able to buck up my ideas and
attack the second week with newfound vigour. I distinctly remember thinking in the early weeks that this was all good fun but that interest would wane and I would go home in a few weeks’ time having given it my best effort… Little did I know that public interest was building daily, my first video blog had received 14,000 views, the money was pouring into both charities and I had even had interest from local and national press. It was at this point that I knew there would be no way of not completing the challenge unless I went down with a serious injury. Having never done a challenge like this I cannot describe how powerful the support of friends, family and complete strangers can be. At every low point, of which there were many, I drew on that support to keep me going. Before I knew it I had done 82 and then there were only 200 left and so on and so on, breaking the trip into small digestible chunks makes the psychological element bearable. This is a very important lesson for life, anything is achievable if you just put one foot in front of the other and keep going, you WILL reach your goal eventually.” Jack did complete his challenge and – to date – has raised just short of £25,000 split evenly between both charities. You can follow the whole trip at www.themunrohunter.org where donations can still be made. Jack Campbell (2003)
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Announcements Engagements Ross Aitken (1995) My brother Ross Aitken (class of ‘95) got engaged on Saturday 26 September 2015 to his girlfriend, Lindsay Lawson. I’m sure he would love to be in Etcetera (after he was on the cover a few years ago on the back of a Polo pony!) I attach the photo of the moment they were engaged! Andy Aitken
Gary and Katy Thomson
Ross and Lindsay
Ladi Smrcek (2003)
Caroline and Peter Scott
Katie and Paul Howell
While island-hopping in the Caribbean – starting on Barbados then Martinique and finishing on St Lucia – Mike, my partner, asked me to marry him so we are planning a wedding for 2016.
Marriages Dominic Aviss (1999) I was married on 23 May – to my now wife, Carly Aviss (née Nielsen).
Katie Macaulay (2006) Katie married Lance Corporal Paul Howell on 27 June 2015.
Caroline (Clark) Scott (2000) I married Peter Scott, an Accie (although an Edinburgh Accie!), on Saturday 18 July in Fortingall, Perthshire, near our home in Aberfeldy. I was delighted that three of my fellow Accies made long journeys to be with us; from Australia, Morven (Cameron) Rae and Colleen (Anderson) Toner and, from Qatar, Jennifer (Bruce) Stirling. It was a very happy day filled with sunshine and smiles! 26
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Heather (Williams) Duff and friends Heather and Gordon
David and Sarah Veitch
Gary Thomson (2002) On 1 August 2015, I was very privileged to be able to marry Katy Shaw in Portmeirion village on the north west coast of Wales. We had a fantastic time with friends, family and even some former pupils who brought a little bit of tartan to an already colourful venue. The day was a great mix of Scottish and Welsh festivities rounded off by a ceilidh in the evening. Unsurprisingly to those who know me (and my wife) there was a subtle tennis theme running throughout the day which added to our immense enjoyment.
fine – although it’s taking a while getting used to the sleepless nights!
Chris Sockalingam (1999) Helen and I are delighted to announce the birth of our second son, Daniel Robert Sockalingam, born on 11 June 2015. He is welcomed by his proud parents and loving big brother, Matthew.
Lesley (Bloomer) Stuart-Gammie (1998) Completing the trilogy, James and I have welcomed Callan John Stuart-Gammie, born 19 September 2014. Aulay and Jess are delighted with their baby brother!
David Veitch (2003) David married Sarah Rachel Batty at St John Baptist Church, Low Bentham, Lancaster on 12 September 2015. Fraser Campbell (2003) was a best man. It was a wonderfully happy day.
Martin and Georgia Findlay
Heather Williams (2004) Heather married Sgt Gordon Duff on 11 April 2015 at The Cruin, Loch Lomond. As you can see from the second photo, many of Heather’s Academy friends were present to wish Heather and Gordon every happiness in their new life together.
Callan John Stuart-Gammie
Births Harry Bannatyne (1994) In Prague on 22 February to Harry and Klara, a son, Sebastian Ben. A brother for Max and Sara.
Samantha Kay Findlay (2003)
Freya Madison Kynoch
Samantha’s twins – Martin and Georgia Findlay – were born 21 August.
Georgiana Catherine Leggat
Alison (Woods) Kynoch (1993)
The Glasgow Academy 2016 Art Calendar
Ali and Michael are delighted to announce the birth of Freya Madison a sister for Marni. Freya was born at St Mary’s Hospital, London on 27 July 2015.
Chris Leggat (1998) Cara and I welcomed little!! (9lbs 13) Georgiana Catherine Leggat to the world on 3 June. Georgie is loving life and both her and Mum are doing great.
A perfect seasonal gift
Sheraz Ramzan (1999)
£5.00 each or 3 for £10.00 (plus p & p)
Most recent news is my wife and I becoming proud parents. We were blessed with a healthy baby boy – Mikail Ramzan – who was born three weeks early on 22 July. Baby and mum are both
Orders can be placed by telephone on 0141 342 5494 or by email: s.rae@tga.org.uk Etcetera
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Obituaries
William (Bill) E Aiton (1948) 21 March 1931 – 16 August 2015 William Elder Aiton was a pupil at Glasgow Academy from 1939 to 1948. During this period he won two prizes in prep school and one in senior school for history. On leaving school he became an apprentice Chartered Accountant deferring his National Service until after he had qualified in 1954. Bill had hoped for an overseas posting, but his time in the RAF was spent in Lincolnshire. Although his talent as an accountant was evident, he chose to be trained as an armaments fitter. On completing his National Service he joined his father’s office of McLean, Gardner & Aiton, where he became a partner. The firm eventually merged with Nairn, Bowes & Craig and became part of the national firm of Chalmers Impey. When later proposals emerged for
William (Bill) E Aiton
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yet another merger, Bill decided to set up his own firm Aiton & Co. At the time of his death, Bill was still active as a trustee of the Jenny S Gordon Memorial Foundation, Chairman of the Glasgow and District Heritable Investment Company, and as a director of IGRS (Incorporated Glasgow Renfrewshire Society). He had also served as a director of Scottish Friendly Assurance Society (previously City Of Glasgow Friendly Society). In addition to this he performed a stint as a Governor at Glasgow Academy and maintained an ongoing interest in supporting the school and attending events as a former pupil. Bill enjoyed walking, swimming and sailing. He was also a keen golfer – initially at Cathcart Castle and then at Pollok Golf Club. Much of his spare time was spent at the family holiday retreat at Cardoness near Gatehouse of Fleet. Bill died peacefully with his family by his side at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital having suffered a stroke. He is survived by Zena and children Douglas (1977), Stuart, Sandy (1982), Eileen and seven grandchildren. He was known as a true gentleman and his death leaves a great void in the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him and loving him.
David T Christian (1951) 15 March 1935 – 25 August 2015 David Thomson Christian was a pupil at Glasgow Academy from 1944 to 1951. While at the school he made a number of lifelong friends and never lost his feeling of belonging to somewhere rather special. He was a natural sportsman excelling in golf, rugby and athletics – winning a number of prizes, particularly in the high jump. When he left school he joined his father’s business for a short time before heading off to Egypt to do his National Service, where he saw eight days of active service but admitted he was pretty far from any action. During his time in Egypt he never missed an opportunity to continue his sporting activities competing for the Army in athletics and was very proud to have represented the Army in the last-ever inter-forces match played on Egyptian soil. On his return to the UK he enjoyed many years of rugby at Accies, captaining the 1st XV as well as representing Glasgow on many
occasions. His love of golf was also rekindled when he joined The Glasgow Golf Club, which in many ways became his second home, until a troublesome hip forced his retirement from the game. After his National Service he studied weaving and textiles, thereafter spending many enjoyable and successful years in the textiles industry. When the textiles industry declined he used his management skills to keep the wheels turning in a small transport firm before retiring in 2000. Once retired, David thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his two grandchildren, taking to his babysitting duties with great delight – although it has to be said that, as the boys grew up, it became less clear who was looking after whom. He spent many enjoyable holidays with his son David, daughter in law Stephanie and their boys, Max and Sam. David died after a short illness, peacefully in his sleep. He was a caring, gentle man whose thoughts were always for others before himself. He will be sadly missed.
Dr Brian D Keighley MBE (1966) 21 May 1948 – 9 November 2015 Brian died suddenly and unexpectedly at home. Beloved husband of Lesley, loving father of Douglas and Andrew, son of Win and the late Jeff Keighley, brother of Michael and Alan. A memorial service took place in Killearn Kirk on Monday 14 December. A full tribute to Brian will appear in the next edition of Etcetera.
Donald H McIvor (1953) 24 September 1936 – 11 July 2015 Donald died suddenly in July. A dearly-beloved husband of Irene, loving father of Nick, Zoe and Steph, much loved grandfather of Bryony, Roanna, Aidan and Cameron.
T Murray MacQuaker (1949) 22 September 1931 – 15 July 2015 Murray died peacefully at his home in Olney, Buckinghamshire, aged 83 years. Dearly loved by his late wife Jane, son Simon (Joe), daughter-in-law Anna, grandson Duncan and all of his family.
William (Bill) F Morrison (1946) 26 September 1927 – 27 October 2015 Bill was born in Airdrie and brought up in Cambuslang. He left the Academy
in 1945 to join the Royal Navy. He finished his officer’s training but – as WWII had ended – he was demobbed relatively quickly and in 1947 he started at what is now Strathclyde University to study non-ferrous metallurgy. On qualifying, he went out to Northern Rhodesia to work in the copper mines then switched to the uranium mines in South Africa. In 1958 he joined a uranium mine in Canada before returning to work with Gold Fields in the UK. After a few years he started his own business which was extremely successful. In 1985 he closed it down and retired to live in Spain, but returned to the UK in 1996. He died in Suffolk in October. His wife Elspeth (Millar) had travelled out to South Africa to marry Bill in December 1955 – so they just missed their Diamond Wedding. They have two sons, Norrie and Graeme, a daughter, Elspeth, and six grandchildren.
Ken had many and varied interests from sport to wildlife, music and culture. He attended and supported St Modan’s Church at Rosneath and worked hard as a committee member for the local Multiple Sclerosis branch over a number of years. A keen tennis player in his younger days, Ken met his wife Elspeth at Kelvinside Tennis Club. A regular golfer, Ken was a member of Buchanan Castle, Drymen and Dunskey Golf Club at Portpatrick where the family holidayed for many years. He also enjoyed fishing both locally and on the Conan. He had an enthusiastic thirst for knowledge and a remarkable memory for people, places and facts! Ken was a regular attendee at the Gasbags lunches. He died peacefully at home and is survived by his wife Elspeth, daughter Ann (1979), son Alistair (1981) and five grandchildren.
Robert S Sharp (1948) 30 November 1930 – 7 June 2015
Dr Kenneth B Scott (1939) 29 July 1926 – 5 June 2015 Ken was born in Alexandria, Dunbartonshire where his father was a General Medical Practitioner. He attended Glasgow Academy from 1935 until 1939. He moved to boarding school in Kilmarnock when war broke out and attended Gresham House from 1939 until 1943. That year, Ken began studying English and Natural Philosophy at Glasgow University, as he was too young to start studying medicine. He was called up to the Navy in 1944 where he qualified as a Writer and worked in various shore-based locations in the south of England. With no possibility of going to sea, he moved with Combined Operations to Rosneath on the Gareloch in 1946. Ken started studying Medicine at Glasgow University in October 1947 and qualified in 1952. After a couple of hospital jobs, he joined the Merchant Navy, becoming a ship’s doctor with the Anchor Line and twice sailing to India. When he returned home he joined his father and brother in general practice in the Vale of Leven where he remained until he retired. He continued to live in the area and was always happy to chat to his former patients and catch up on their family news.
Robert, never Bob, was born in Glasgow and lived in Pollokshields. He was educated at the Academy, leaving in 1948. Throughout these years he kept a low profile. In his time there were few extra-curricular activities and rugby and cricket held little attraction for him. His huge interest was sailing, encouraged by post-war crewing on his father’s Scottish Island class yacht ‘Bernera’ from their weekend house at Strone. Robert was one of a three-man Academy crew that won the Clark Challenge Cup in the 1948 regatta. Organised by the Mudhook Yacht Club for competition between Scottish and Irish schools, the races were held over five days in the Gareloch using Dragon OD class yachts courageously lent for the occasion by their owners. The Academy crew was skilfully skippered by Robert’s classmate, Ian Scott. The third, and surviving, crew member was Alasdair McKichan. This may indeed be the last time the Academy won the Clark Cup. On leaving school, Robert served two years’ National Service in the Royal Navy: he then joined the Scottish Boiler and General Insurance Company before joining the family business – the Scottish Lubricating Oil Company – where he remained until retirement. Robert married Mavis in 1956 and they had three daughters: Catriona, Heather
and Elizabeth (all Westbourne girls). The family continued sailing on the Clyde and West Coast of Scotland until 2001 when he suffered a stroke which ended his sailing days though not his passion for anything nautical or his love of the Scottish West Coast. Robert passed away in Glasgow Royal Infirmary after a short illness. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and three grandchildren.
Ronald S Walker (1938) 6 August 1919 – 15 September 2014 Ronald Stuart Walker MBE ICD – or Ronnie Walker as he preferred to be called – was educated at Glasgow Academy and briefly at Glasgow University. Ronnie saw six years’ war service with the Signals in Africa, Italy, Egypt, Palestine and Greece. He rose to the rank of Major, and then escaped from the discouragement of post-war London by emigrating to Rhodesia, as it then was. During the next twenty-five years, he became head of RTZ’s operations in Rhodesia, President of the Chamber of Mines, a member of the University Council and Executive Committee and Chairman of The Rhodesian Banking Corporation. In the mid-seventies he went on to head up Rossing Uranium in Namibia, the largest uranium producer in the world at that time. He then returned to London as mining director with RTZ Group and became a member of the firm’s main board. Under his aegis, RTZ mining operations expanded in Brazil, Portugal and many other countries. He also revived the Cornish tin mines, although this sadly proved to be a temporary reprieve. In 1985 he became a non-executive director of RTZ and in 1988 was elected Vice Chairman of the International Uranium Institute. Ronnie Walker’s life-long interest was the development of peoples and their backgrounds. He created the Rio Tinto Foundation in Zimbabwe and the Rossing Foundation in Namibia. Both have made and still make fundamental contributions to education in their homelands. Later he founded The Zimbabwe Technical Training Trust and the Lovar Foundation for the Protection of the Environment. In 1990 he retired with his wife to live near Bath. He published two books: Rhodesia, the Zimbabwe of Southern Africa in 1975 and Solar Blue in 1991. Etcetera
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Picture Post
Dear Malcolm I was intrigued by the photo of the little lads in Form 3A you published on page 9 of Etcetera 25.
Dear Editor
Robert Warnock (1951) 15 April 1934 – 6 March 2015 Robert grew up in Newlands and attended the Glasgow Academy from 1945 to 1951. He gained a prize for English in S4, was in the Naval section of the CCF and played in the school tennis and rugby teams. He then studied at Glasgow University, graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering. National Service followed where he was commissioned with REME and served in North Africa. On his return, Robert joined the firm of J&T Boyd (manufacturers of Textile Machinery) until a serious fire resulted in the closure of the business. Robert then applied his skills and knowledge of his trade to set up in business. His naturally likeable demeanour, together with his knowledge of the products, combined to make this into the excellent business of Warnock Textiles. In 1960 Robert married Muriel (Findlay) and they had three children – Graham (who also attended the Glasgow Academy and very sadly died in 2005), Gillian and Karen. Robert was a keen and proficient golfer, a member of Western Gailes, Whitecraigs, and the R&A. Although usually reluctant to concede an 18-inch putt, Rob (as he became known), was universally liked on and off the course. Robert was always proud to be a Glasgow Academical and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 30
Etcetera
I write to correct John Crombie’s letter in Etcetera 25. I did NOT state in my book that Mary Queen of Scots fled to London after the Battle of Langside in 1568 and was beheaded there. Mary was never in London. She was made a prisoner after reaching Carlisle. On pages 147-148 I gave a brief account of her long imprisonment in various places in England, culminating in her trial and execution in 1587. A E MacRobert (1945)
I got some of them, mainly as I see several every few years at the Sixth Form dinners. For the rest I appealed to my good friend Anthony Wells (also in the photo) who has a detailed memory of his school days. Over the phone we worked out almost all the names, but one stumped us and there are some first names we were not sure of (many lads had nicknames at school in those days). It was intriguing checking out details for some I knew less well. So here is our attempt. Back: David Martyn, Calum Alexander, Howard Miller, ?Grahame Ferguson, Graeme Young, David Webster, Alistair Fotheringham, Neil McGregor Middle: Michael Hirst, Hugh Ross, Kenneth McCluskey, Roderick Anderson, Peter Jensen, Paul Bacsich, Norman Lees, Peter Petrie Front (seated): David Orrick, Anthony Wells, David Blair, Mr Parker (‘Fess’), John Shaw, Chris Macnay, ?? On ground: David Kay, Graeme Laird, Lothian Watson
I hope other former Form 3A types can fill in the gap and correct any mistakes – it was a long time ago! I am sending it as Anthony is not on email. Best wishes Paul Bacsich (1963) [Thanks to Graeme Young (1963) for adding his ‘2 cents worth’]
Dear Malcolm I have received the latest edition of Etcetera which, as always, is of considerable interest. I believe I can be of some help with the class photograph at the foot of page 7. This is Preparatory 1B of 1944/1945, indeed my own first class. I appear in the bottom right obviously taking a pretty glum view of proceedings!! The form mistress is not Mrs Crosbie but a much-loved gem of a lady, Miss E Gilmour. She had joined the staff in September 1944 but left in June 1945 to marry Bob Runcieman of the Maths Department. They had one son, Graham, who attended the school in the fifties. I think, but am not sure, that Mr Runcieman was a widower. This view is supported by the evidence of an A F Runcieman in the Honour List for June 1943 who won the Maths prize in Form IVA. However, I append a note of the names of the members of the Class as I recall them and hope this might be of help and interest. Glasgow Academy Preparatory Class 1B 1944/1945 Back row: Richard? Young, Neil Anderson, Nigel Morrison, Miss Gilmour, Sandy Macpherson, David Thomas, Kenneth Macrossan Middle row: Kenneth Dawson, David Hardiman, Hamish Miller, Ian? MacDonald, --Rennie, Kenneth McKellar. Front row: Colin Gemmill, Alan Milne, Chris Classen, Duncan Hoey, Craig Henderson, Bobby Low On ground: Duncan McKenzie, Billy Blanche, David Thomson
Kind regards
Hello! I arrived home this evening to find the latest copy of Etcetera. I am sure that I will be only one of many who will respond in respect of “Someone out there must remember who they are” in the photo on page 6 of Miss Ritchie’s class of 1964/65. [That is indeed true. We also had responses from Charles Lewis, David Sellyn and Sandy Gemmill. Everyone has contributed to the list of names below.] Thank you for the magazine – always enjoy it. Regards David Lyle (1972)
David L Thomson (1958) Back row: Gordon Bennett, David Primrose, Jonathan Markson, Charles Lewis, John Millar (who sent the photo), Richard Gunn, Robert White, Geoffrey Crerar, Ian Edgar
Sue Barker, daughter of Maths Master Mike Page (who sadly died on active service at Arnhem in 1944) visited The Academy in the summer. While here, we arranged for Sue to meet one of Mike’s pupils, Alan Diack (1945).
Third row: Drew Young, Peter May, John McNaught, Campbell Boyd, Nigel Lamb, Robert Pattman, Martin Anderson Second row: Duncan Cunningham, Graeme Bryson, Graeme Cousland, Martin Strang, David Sellyn, Kenneth Gerber Front row: Drew Ralston, Donald McDonald, Graeme Fyffe, David Lyle, Michael Curtis, Laurence McAlpine, Geoffrey Sweet.
Etcetera
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