Number 24 Winter 2014
THE MAGAZINE FOR FORMER PUPILS AND FRIENDS OF GLASGOW ACADEMY AND WESTBOURNE SCHOOL
Our future: their future
Editorial
Contents
The wisdom of Jimmy Murray, tuppenny pies and the price of a postage stamp...
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Once upon a time, when life was much simpler, Glasgow Academy communicated with its entire community - pupils, their parents, former pupils, Governors and staff - by sending them a closely-worded pamphlet called the Chronicle. This was nice and thin and easy to send by post three times a year. Since the Post Office enjoyed a monopoly, postal rates were cheap and everyone was happy. Then something happened - let’s call it ‘progress’. Photography became cheaper and easier. Photographs - which used to support the written word - became the ‘main thing’ and words increasingly began to be relegated to a supporting role. The advent of low-cost colour photography only hastened the decline of the written word. Pamphlets blossomed into colourful magazines that were lovely to look at. But they grew fat with photographs. And expensive to post (since Royal Mail no longer had a monopoly and postal rates were exorbitant). And people were confused. Witness Jimmy Murray who happened to write to us - by e-mail - from Canada:
“Look at the incredible things my old school gets up to these days”
‘I received my Chronicle and see it came by airmail in three days at a cost of £9.90. To those of us brought up in Glasgow when a tuppenny pie cost tuppence, and now living overseas and unfamiliar with UK inflation, £9.90 seems a lot of money. Perhaps it is chump change.’ A good point, excellently made, with which we wholeheartedly agree. (Which is why we normally send Jimmy’s copy of the Chronicle by surface mail for less than a third of the price.) In case it was of interest, we let Jimmy know that we have introduced a system of reading the Chronicle through the website, a move that has reduced costs hugely. The next day we heard from Jimmy again:
‘I do not like to read magazines on line. I like to have them lying around to be picked up time and again. Or to be read in bed. ‘I also like to have the Chronicle lying around so that I can show it to visitors and say “Look at the incredible things my old school gets up to these days”. (I can also go on to comment that I hope the young blighters appreciate how lucky they are and that they do not become spoiled, but I have to say they do look pretty sensible.) ‘So I would prefer to receive the Chronicle, even by surface mail if this can be arranged. ‘I must say I am very impressed by all I read in the Chronicle (that should be “see” in the Chronicle – there is not much written) and Etcetera. The new science building will be a huge addition. It is a very different school!’ A good point, excellently made, with which we once more wholeheartedly agree. Which is precisely why we continue to send Etcetera out as a magazine rather than solely on line. For neither of these magazines do we make any charge - nor are they supported financially by the Academical Club. We think they’re important enough to send you without charge. We hope you agree!
Cover: Emily Porter and Hugh Fulton, both of P1, complete the topping out of SciTech. Photo - Roberto Cavieres
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Sir Steve Redgrave helps to raise over £20,000 for SciTech Record ‘Higher’ results Anecdotage letters More than just manners and rugby! The hidden curriculum Favourite teachers remembered Introducing the Saunders Centre Glasgow 2014 - The XX Commonwealth Games Academical Club Westbourne Section Overseas Representatives Dallachy Lecture 2014 – £125,000 for SciTech Events Family announcements Obituaries Picture post
Do we have your e-mail address? It’s how we communicate best!
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 The Glasgow Academical Club 21 Helensburgh Drive, Glasgow G13 1RR President: Douglas Robinson E-mail: drobinson@diamondpower.co.uk 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
Sir Steve Redgrave helps to raise over £20,000 for SciTech
On 4 September a fantastic fundraising dinner, which raised over £20,000 for SciTech, was held in the Cargill Hall. Sir Steve Redgrave CBE was the principal guest and speaker. Academy rowers provided great entertainment for two ‘race night’ betting games and eight of our rowers were presented with their Glasgow Academy internationalist shields by Sir Steve on the night.
Record ‘Higher’ results
The Glasgow Academy Calendar 2015
This summer’s Higher results were our best ever at the pre-review stage. Our S5 pupils gained a record 358 A grades (63.5% of entries) and our highest-ever A and B grade percentage (85%).
A perfect seasonal gift We are delighted to show off our school buildings this year in our calendar
Particular congratulations to Megan Auld who scored the top mark in Scotland for Higher Physics. She was awarded an ‘Excellence in Physics Award’ by the Institute of Physics at the ‘Science and the Parliament’ event held at Our Dynamic Earth on 12 November. Along with Louise Murphy, Megan also scored 100% in Higher Maths. (Only 29 of over 22,000 candidates achieved this rare distinction.) But it’s not only the girls who have done well. Amongst 30 candidates who clocked up five, six or seven A grades, Philip Cai, Adam Kidd and David Wu achieved 6, and in Philip’s case, a remarkable 7 band 1s (i.e. exceptionally high marks all round). These record results are all the more pleasing given that pass rates nationally were lower this year than last year.
Retailing at a bargain price of £5.00 each or 3 for £10 (plus P&P)
Megan Auld
Orders can be placed by telephone on 0141 342 5494, or by email: s.rae@tga.org.uk
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Anecdotage letters
Dear Sirs I feel I must correct a mistake in the late Andrew Wylie’s book A School at War, p8. Here it is stated that the Janitor, Charles Jones, returned from naval service in WW II as a Lt Commander. Not so I’m afraid. He never reached that exalted rank. He was a Chief Petty Officer. I know this because I was a lifelong friend and classmate of his son Charles William Donald Jones, BDS who died on 27 December 2012 in Kidderminster. Through him I knew his father well.
Heady coiffure and mild concussion - Accies v West 1971 The enclosed photo is of Accies v West at Burnbrae in the spring of 1971. Accies won something like 8-6, I think, thanks to the inevitable Simmers drop goal late in the game. The only other feature of note was Willy Purdie getting concussed early on and spending the remainder of the game asking what the score was. (Double entendre here – I think he meant ‘What’s going on!?’) Accies left to right are Brian Lockhart, the said Willy Purdie, Graeme Mitchell, John Watson, Douglas Calder, Alistair Graham, Kit Smith, myself and Archie Hardie. West players of note are the late great Gordon Brown (clearly offside) and Lionel Weston (second from the right)
who subsequently played for England. Those familiar with that Accies team will be unsurprised to note the absence from the pack of David Kernohan who preferred the maverick approach to second row play and is likely to have been just out of camera shot waiting for a scoring pass! On a separate point, in answer to the question posed about the school team on page 7 of Etcetera 22, I am third from the right in the back row - a callow youth of 15 who, for some reason I can’t recall, ended up in the 2nd XV with the year above me (I left school in 1965). Note also Lord Maxton’s then coiffure! Best wishes Fred Coulthard (1965)
As far as I know CPO Jones served throughout WW1 and subsequently, serving some time on the China Station until retiring from the Navy in 1936 as a CPO to take up the position as janitor. I don’t know about his DSM but he was decorated by the Italian Government for something and had a certificate and a medal. Charlie, his son never knew exactly what it was for as he never had the ornate Certificate that came with the medal translated! On the outbreak of war in 1939, Charles was recalled to the Navy and was a torpedo instructor I was told. He was discharged on age grounds in 1943 and returned to the Academy where he served for a number of years until his death in August 1960. His son Charlie left the Academy in 1944 having been called up, and joined the Navy serving in destroyers on duty in Norway and after the war in Hamburg and North Germany. He was an Able Seaman and was demobbed in I think 1946 or 1948. He then studied dentistry at Glasgow University 1949-1954 and on graduating spent a year as a Dental Officer to the Grenfell Association, St Anthony Hospital, Newfoundland, where he met his first wife Barbara, a nurse on the station. They came back to the UK in December 1955 and he practised in Worcestershire. They had one son, Donal. His wife died sadly shortly after, and he married Audrey and they had a daughter. He eventually became Area Dental Officer for Dudley near Birmingham and lived in Kidderminster. Having retired in 1986, he continued to work with the British Dental Association, being made a life member in the same year. I hope this helps with clarification. I would be interested to know where Andrew got his information as it certainly clashes with my knowledge. Yours William Graham Watson – known as ‘WOG’ by Baggy Aston(!) and still proud of being called that by old classmates - (1945)
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‘Baggy’ Aston - a man with a soft heart! Douglas Macnaughtan’s contribution to Etcetera 23 (‘Tea for...35!!’) about enjoying tea chez Aston as a reward for the class of 1963/4 achieving a 100% success rate in Higher English has prompted some memories of my own. While I cannot speak for earlier years, I can confirm that a similar challenge was issued by “Baggy” to his then Class V A in September 1959. When the results came out the following spring, all pupils in the class had obtained a Higher pass - apart from one boy (best left nameless) who was awarded a Lower pass instead.
Interesting times - in the CCF! I read the spring issue (as usual) with interest and found another reminder of our happy(?) days in the CCF. This time I had not been wrongly transferred to the RAF section but was in Roger Trythall’s picture of us cadets on the Artillery course at Otterburn. It does require a correction, however, as I have never been Hugh – but always Chris. Thanks, Roger! The others in the picture are: Back row: Michael? Ure; a Strathallian; John I’Anson, K Tough; another Strathallian; myself; Roger Trythall
Front row: John McLuskey, a Strathallian (Alan Johnstone); Harry Jackson; A? Ewing; and two Edinburgh Academy cadets. I also recall Ronnie Flett being at this course, but he is not in the picture. We shared a Nissen hut in freezing weather on top of the Otterburn moors and I well remember our efforts to keep warm by stoking the stove which was our only form of heating to the level where the flue glowed red all the way to the ceiling! Interesting times! Chris Ormerod (1961)
Graeme Laird (1964) sent us this photograph of the GA shooting team which won the Strathcona Shield in 1963. The team was captained by John S Gilmour to the right of the shield. Graeme is on the left of the shield. Other members were: Back row: Graham Ross, Roger Manson, Stanley Anderson and Lt. Hugh Stevenson (master) Front row: Ian McNicol, GL, JG, David MacLeod.
It fell to me as form captain to raise with ‘Baggy’ the issue of the tea. His initial reaction, not surprisingly, was to assert that not everyone had got a Higher, and therefore no tea was due. Summoning up such powers of sophistry as had come my way from membership of the Literary and Debating Society (also held in Room D), I argued that, since all but one had gained a Higher pass, with the other pupil also passing, albeit at a Lower grade, then no-one could be said to have failed. It was therefore in order to claim our reward. Clearly ‘Baggy’ was a man with a soft heart, and an understanding wife, since he quickly, and with good grace, conceded that we had won the wager. Shortly thereafter our class (precise numbers forgotten) made our way one afternoon after school to Kelvin Drive, where ‘Baggy’ and his wife were the most welcoming host and hostess. The format was very much as described in Douglas Macnaughtan’s piece about his class’s similar event a few years later. After a most excellent tea, my only regret was not to get a glimpse of the ‘Aston Fire Wagon’ (in fact a splendid pre-war Rolls-Royce) of which ‘Baggy’ sometimes spoke, but which I only once saw in Colebrooke Street. Alexander Pollock (1961)
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More than just manners and rugby! Andrew McMurchy: some reminiscences
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hen I came to Glasgow Academy in 1931 the Rector, Dr Temple, was just about to retire. To mark his retirement, he gave every boy in the school a card with a prayer on it that he had composed. The new Rector, Roydon Richards, was obviously going to be a new broom and he soon made his presence felt. He was instrumental in the Academy becoming well known among independent schools in the UK.
stayed with him in 1937. There was a cultural organisation run by the Nazis which offered cheap excursions and there was one to Weimar which I was keen to go on - so I put on Fritz’s Hitler Youth uniform and as a result had a very good, cheap day out. I served with the Intelligence Corps during the war, thanks to my German. In the 1950s, when I was on the staff, one of the highlights was the annual
Christmas pantomime which was written and produced by a member of the science staff, Gordon Carruthers. It was a great success. I played various parts in it. The rugby team were the ladies’ chorus. The boys had other parts but the staff had the main ones. I remember a wonderful chorus with hulking members of the 1st XV singing, ‘Crocus, daisy, Scots’ bluebell,’ a song about flowers. It was a hoot.
When I went to the Academy my father’s friends in the city said, ‘I hear you’ve sent your son to the Academy. They’ll teach him good manners and how to play rugby, but very little else!’ And yet, thanks to the new Rector’s policies, I obtained an open scholarship to Cambridge University. After we had taken the scholarship exam, my friend, Tom MacRobert, and I catalogued the school library. There were a lot of characters on the staff at that time and my German master, Johnnie Hume, had a fascinating German wife, Hildegard, who no doubt was an influence in my becoming a German scholar! Johnnie Hume ran a trip to north Germany when I was about 14. We had three days in Hamburg, three in Bremen and three in Lubeck. That was my introduction to the continent. Hitler was in full charge of the country then. Later I had a German correspondent, Fritz, who was a keen Nazi. I went and
Andrew aged 15 (Notice the GA belt clasp!)
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Prefects 1938-39 Back row: (l to r) AJ Stevenson, L Shearer, JE Hilton, JW Norton, JB Fowler Middle row: RB Cameron, JH Phillips, TM MacRobert, AR McMurchy, HA Kingcome, A Russell Front Row: WJ Campbell, HM Black, The Rector Roydon Richards, R Sawers, AM Loudon
GA CCF Back row: (l to r) Rob White, Bruce Chalmers, Peter Jones Front row: Peter Hewitt, Andrew McMurchy, Gordon Carruthers, Ernest Dowson
Although I lacked enthusiasm for the CCF as a pupil, because I wanted to concentrate my efforts on getting a scholarship, I ran the Naval Section when I was on the staff. My background had been army. When I was interviewed for the naval post, I told Roydon Richards, the Rector, I did know port from starboard!
Former School Captain Allan Alstead (1954) sent us this photograph of the Prefects of 1953-54. As well as Brigadier Alstead and Roydon Richards, the group includes some well-known names. But who are they?
The great fire of Glasgow Academy occurred while I was on the staff. Fortunately it did not happen in school hours. The aftermath was so well organised with temporary classrooms in private houses and public buildings that not a day’s teaching was lost. In 1960 I left to become head of German at Nottingham High School, where I stayed until I retired in 1981. Andrew McMurchy – (Pupil 1931-39) and Master (1951-60)
The Hidden Curriculum Its main role, however, was to allow us budding mechanics, under Norrie’s guidance, to gain some basic proficiency in changing and cleaning spark plugs, adjusting a fan belt, setting ignition points etc. For a truck which rarely went anywhere, it enjoyed an enthusiastic - if somewhat hit and miss - maintenance regime.
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wonder how many of my fellow inmates at The Academy remember ‘Norrie’s Lorry’? John ‘Norrie’ Plowman was my physics teacher, and a Captain in the CCF, in which he ran ‘M.T.’ (Motor Transport) classes. He had under his charge an old, possibly WWII, Bedford ‘OY’ 3-ton truck, unsurprisingly known by us ‘squaddies’ as ‘Norrie’s Lorry’. I enjoyed Physics and I liked Norman Plowman, so I willingly enrolled for his lunchtime M.T. sessions. Norrie’s Lorry never actually ventured very far from its stance between the Physics lab and gym. It did make occasional on-road forays to Mugdock, on CCF field-days, where it would be strategically parked on a hill, presumably to make our ‘battlefield’ look more authentic.
Although Mr Plowman, as a Physics teacher, did his best to shed light on, for example, the co-efficient of friction of a multiple pulley system, I confess that I have never had the need to know that, whereas I am more than grateful to Mr Plowman the ‘M.T.’ instructor for instilling a life-long interest in anything to do with vehicles. This has given me the enthusiasm and ability to tackle most mechanical issues, such as those which frequently arise on my own elderly MG sports car these days. Another spin-off from my regular Academy education involved my likeable and eccentric Maths teacher, Jimmy Jope. If Maths was time-tabled for the period before lunch, it was more than likely that Jimmy Jope would call a halt to the planned lesson and demand our
attention, while he opened his cupboard and described the contents of his shortlyto-be-consumed packed lunch, which he told us had been prepared for him by his Mum, when she wasn’t behind the counter serving in the family-owned chip shop in Wishaw! (We were never sure whether the chip shop scenario was true, but - as it sounded much more appealing than our own home lives - fervently we hoped that it was!) I recall that his most anticipated delicacy was a tuna sandwich, accompanied by a hard-boiled egg. I was intrigued, as I wasn’t sure what tuna was. My mum must have been bemused when, on my return home, I requested these items for my own packed lunch. To this day, I love that culinary combo, thanks to Jimmy Jope. Tune a car… tuna sandwich… For me, that was all part of The Academy’s ‘Hidden Curriculum’! Jim Shearer (1964) Etcetera
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Favourite teachers remembered Chris Varley
Jimmy Scougall
Chris Varley was an exemplary teacher, unsparing in his efforts to help his pupils reach their goals. My own case is a good example: having sat the Highers in May (1947), I asked to specialise in Modern Languages. Chris coached me in German during the rest of the summer term and even in the summer holidays, to such effect that I was able to pass Higher German in the Glasgow University entrance exams in September and thus to join his stable of Oxbridge candidates. He gave of his time in other ways, for example by entertaining his German students at home in company with a German refugee couple, in the hope that exposure to the spoken language would be helpful, or by accompanying his charges to the Edinburgh Festival to attend performances of the Comédie-Française, or to a lecture in Glasgow on a French literary topic. He was a keen hill-walker; otherwise he gave the impression of concentrating solely on the acquisition and dissemination of linguistic knowledge. If this impression was false in any way, I never suspected it.
Those of us who received our education during the war years had a surfeit of elderly teachers – some even beyond normal retiral age. This was understandable under the circumstances, but unfortunately - while they did not lack experience - there was often a shortfall of enthusiasm.
Alastair Gordon (1948)
Miss Duff Douglas Alexander’s article on the subject of Miss Duff on page 8 of Etcetera 21 brought back memories of being in her Primary 2 class in 1934-1935. I also remember learning The Whistle O’ the Wee Herd Lad, and growing broad beans. I also remember learning how to knit, our efforts being taken home for mother’s approval. Further, we learnt how butter was made. Four jars half full with full-cream milk were handed out one to each row of boys and each of us would shake it vigorously for a minute or two then pass it back, and eventually it came up the row to the front again, and - low and behold! - there were small lumps of butter in the milk! We certainly had a comprehensive education in these days. W Graham Watson (1945) 8
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A glaring exception to this was the presence of Mr J Scougall who was given the brief of instructing us in Biology. He must have ranked as the youngest member of the establishment and brought an insight to his chosen subject which made a visit to his classroom a highlight of the day. His classroom was situated right next door to ‘Dodo’ Ogilvie who also sparked interest in his subject - but he was a bit older, and also in charge of Detention, which spoilt his image a bit. Anyway, back to Mr Scougall… Being more on our wavelength than the rest of the staff, he had evidently been given the remit to organise and supervise any extra-curricular activity (not that there was a lot of that during wartime!) and this made him someone more approachable than the rest. A personal memory is of one of the activities that was in his charge - the Summer Camp to Ladybank in Fife. This was not a leisurely experience, as we were expected to spend the days raspberry picking at the local farms. My parents had enrolled me for this experience (character-forming possibly), and I was rather reluctant to attend as the rest of the family would be enjoying a summer break on the golf course and beach at Carradale - not to mention the dances in the village hall. For some reason I was unable to go out with the main party at the start of the camp, and had to join them a few days later. On my arrival, I found that the berry pickers were on strike and had withdrawn their labour and Mr Scougall had on his hands a crowd of boys who had to be entertained during the day, due to a lack of employment. Not wishing to add to his problems,
I appealed to him that there was no purpose in my remaining there under the circumstances, and that I could rejoin the family who were leaving in two days’ time for Carradale. Fortunately he accepted my plea, and after one night in the dormitory, I was on the train back to Glasgow and freedom. So perhaps it is understandable that, apart from enjoying the subject of Biology, I have a high regard for Mr J Scougall. Jim Cunningham (1949)
‘Dodo’s’ hidden depths… Those of us who were taught geography by ‘Dodo’ (DD Ogilvie – his initials spelt his nickname) cannot fail to recall having to rote-learn the names of the stations on the Trans-Siberian railroad, and I can still recite them after all these years. He certainly aroused our interest in travel within what was then the USSR, and I recall one pupil (I forget who it was) suggesting that he should organise a school trip on the railway. I don’t know whether our classmate was joking, but a short while later Dodo told us that he had made arrangements for such an expedition and asked who would like to take part. We were all quite amazed, until he reminded us what the date was – it was the first of April! We all took it in good part, but the incident reassured us that, despite Dodo’s somewhat formidable appearance and manner, beneath it all he had a terrific sense of humour. Hamish Richardson (1968)
Missing masterpiece! In 1967 Peter Kimber was my form master. The class made a movie in which we all played a part, the title of which was ‘Hickory Holler’s Tramp’. I played the part of the tramp. It would be interesting if the film is still in existence. Harry Pattison had it at one point - but where it went, goodness knows. Perhaps some of the old boys reading this could shed some light on the subject. Willie Hunter Smith (1968)
Match the Master! Stuart McAlpine (1943) contacted us recently with some memorabilia from his schooldays which included these signatures of masters who were teaching in his day. Some of our more mature readers may like to see if they can match the master to the signature.
Introducing the Saunders Centre
On 7 November it was announced at the Glasgow Academicals’ War Memorial Trust AGM that the SciTech building will be named in honour of Lieutenant Colonel Francis (Frank) Saunders MBE ERD (1923). Just six months before he died, Frank decided to leave a very significant bequest to the SciTech appeal. We hope all members of our community will agree that we should commemorate his generosity by naming the building ‘The Saunders Centre’ in his honour. The success of the appeal to date means that only a few major naming opportunities in the building remain available. If you would like to discuss naming a space in The Saunders Centre, please contact Mark.Taylor@tga.org.uk or call 0141 342 5494.
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Glasgow 2014 - XX Commonwealth Games In recognition of The Academy’s huge contribution to the success of Glasgow 2014, the organisers presented the school with memorabilia from the Games including a specially engraved medal tray used in one of the medal ceremonies. Photographed are (left to right) Hilary Atkinson (Glasgow 2014, General Manager Sports Services); Sheila Crawford (Retired Head of Games); Rhona Simpson (Director of Sport); Susie FitzGerald (Administrator) and Greg Warnecke (Glasgow 2014, Head of Sport) In making the presentation, Hilary Atkinson commented: “We have been incredibly fortunate to have been able to access venues of such high quality and therefore ensure that the event will leave its mark in Commonwealth Games history.”
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hat a fantastic show Glasgow put on for the XX Commonwealth Games, the biggest sporting event ever to be held in Scotland! Throughout those 12 special days in July and August, the city and its people ensured that the event lived up to its reputation as ‘The Friendly Games’. Scotland’s record haul of 53 medals ensured they were our most successful ever games. The school and the Club can be rightly proud of the part they played in this milestone event, with the immaculatelypresented rugby pitches at New Anniesland and our new international-standard hockey pitch at Windyedge being used as top-notch training facilities for the Games. In addition to our sports facilities, we had around 30 volunteers
04) hold
een’s s the Qu
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Baton a
Hugh Barrow (1962) passes the baton to Katy U’ren grand-daughter of Henry U’ren, former Head of PE
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involved - from ground staff to Baton carriers, Clyde-siders and technical officials helping across various venues, to the School’s Director of Sport, Rhona Simpson, Athlete Representative on the Gladsgow 2014 Board. At the closing ceremony, Glasgow 2014 Chairman, Lord Smith of Kelvin, paid tribute to the athletes who ‘gave their all’ and the Clyde-siders, whom he described as the ‘lifeblood’ of the Games. One of those athletes was our own Katie Archibald (2012), who competed in five cycling events and won Bronze medal in the 25km points race in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
Very well done to all involved! Colin Da ws the bato on (1967) with n in Bro omhill D Glasgow rive,
Photo (left to right): Heather Williams (2004) Baton Relay - Edinburgh (nominated for work in establishing disability sports clubs); Hamish Millar (former School Governor) T/L Transport - Rugby Training - New Anniesland; Beth Vance (2005) Sports Massage Practitioner - Games Village; Brian Middleton (1973) CGA Assistant Tanzania Games Village; Helen McNaught (GA PE teacher) Field of Play team member; Clive Thomson (1965) Baton Relay - Giffnock Tennis Club (nominated for work with Greenbank Church and Whitecraigs Tennis Club) ; Joe Doyle (Handyman at TGA Milngavie) Call room at Hampden; Sheila Crawford (retired GA Head of Games) Training Venue Co-ordinator - Hockey - Windyedge; Elaine McCallum (retired Geography Teacher and Head of Careers) CGA Assistant Team Uganda - Games Village; Jen Barr (GA PE teacher) Sports Presentation Runner; Iain Jarvie (1972 - Glasgow Accies Membership Secretary) T/L Venue Transport - Games Family Hotel; Susie FitzGerald (GA PE Department Administrator) Training Venue Co-ordinator - Rugby - New Anniesland; Colin Dawson (1967) Baton Relay - Crow Road/Broomhill Drive (nominated by Moira Atkinson) Not in photo: Katie Archibald (2012) Cyclist - took part in 5 events (Bronze Medal in 25km Points Race); Helen Bell (Accies’ Ladies Hockey) Field of Play Team Leader; Duncan Cunningham (1973); Fred Ellsworth (1970) Field of Play Marshall - Cycling; Douglas Graham (1992) Driver; Catherine McMahon (GA Modern Languages Teacher) T1 Driver; Michael Osmond Field of Play - Barry Buddon Shooting Centre; Lyndsay Steel (1998) volunteer Pharmacist; Rhona Simpson (GA Director of Sport) Athlete Representative on CG 2014 Board; Bruce Wallace (1973) T2 Driver; Alan Watt (1985) Pro Bono Legal Advice Service; Fraser Webster (2012) Print Distribution Team - Tollcross Swimming Centre; Hamish Wyllie (2011) Assistant producer - Opening and Closing Ceremony
Name your SciTech seat! The 178-seat Watson Auditorium will be at the heart of the new building. A superb space for lectures and performance, it will be a great facility for all pupils and the local community. You can permanently name a SciTech seat for less than ÂŁ10 a week.* Please contact Mark. Taylor@tga.org.uk or call 0141 342 5494. Building work on the Auditorium is well underway
*Over 4 years.
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Academical Club and particularly with the External Relations team to ensure that every one of these Academicals is given the opportunity to participate in the benefits that accrue from being an Academical.
President’s Welcome
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t is a huge honour to be President of the Glasgow Academical Club. I first joined Accies in 1971 and enjoyed playing rugby for fifteen years at New Anniesland. On retiring from the rugby pitch, I took on the role of Rugby Section Treasurer and in 1995 Treasurer of Glasgow Academical Sports Club on its formation, subsequently serving as Treasurer of the Glasgow Academical Club. Since being invited to be President, I have been pondering what it means to be an Academical and, of course, it means different things to different people but there are one or two inescapable facts: every young person leaving The Academy automatically becomes an Academical; there is now an equal number of boys and girls leaving the school; there is a large group of Westbourne girls who are now also part of the Academical community; and last, but by no means least, there are young people who come to us as sportsmen and women at New Anniesland. These groups represent a huge number of people spread across the world and the Academical Club faces a big challenge to keep in touch with all of them and make them welcome in the Academical family. All too often young people leave school, and home, to pursue their education and careers in other cities and are ‘lost’ to the Academical cause. A great deal of good work has been carried out by my predecessors in recent years to correct this trend - and your Board will continue to strengthen links with the school, and thus students leaving school, by working as closely as possible with The Academy 12
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The Glasgow Academical Club was founded on 21 April 1866 and consequently celebrates its 150th Anniversary on 21 April 2016. The 150th Celebrations Committee is working hard on a number of initiatives, social and sporting, designed to commemorate this milestone. In addition, ideas are being formulated for the Club to increase its public profile and mark the occasion. Herbert Waddell was President in 1966 when the Club celebrated its Centenary and I am delighted that the Club will have a President of similar stature during its 150th year. John Beattie, successful broadcaster and veteran of two Lions tours with twenty-five Scottish caps to boot, has agreed to be Vice-President this year and will take on the mantel of President in June 2015; we have some great ideas to mark the anniversary and it is hoped that as many Academicals as possible - from all around the globe will participate in these events. The 2014 Academical Dinner took place on Friday 7 November in the Cargill Hall. Colin Neill, President of Cricket Scotland and a Kelvinside Academical, proposed the health of the Club and School. Rhona Simpson, Director of Sport at The Academy, replied on behalf of the school and gave us an insight into what it’s like to compete in two Olympic
and three Commonwealth games; Rhona has most recently been Chair of the Athletes’ Advisory Committee for Glasgow 2014. Ronnie Sinclair proposed the toast to kindred clubs and guests. I hope to meet many of you in the coming months and would be delighted to hear from you if you have any suggestions or ideas to enhance the Glasgow Academical Club. Please feel free to call on me on 01389 727910 during the day or 0141 956 3307 in the evening; alternatively drop me an email on drobinson@diamondpower.co.uk W Douglas Robinson (1970) President
Summer Hockey 2014
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lasgow Accies mixed summer hockey team played in over 20 friendly matches throughout the summer months. Thanks to the pull of the Commonwealth Games, we had a really strong team this year with over 45 members, and we managed to get everyone playing at least once a week. The team comprised not only Accies players from the Ladies’ and Men’s Sections but also players from other clubs and those visiting, working and spending the summer months in Glasgow. Summer hockey is a great way to ease yourself into the season, help improve your fitness and skills and enjoy some social banter with your team mates. We play twice a week from May until August; home games are at Windyedge. So if you are reading this and fancy a run-around next summer, please get in touch with Stephanie Hermes at stephaniebarnet@hotmail.com And if you are interested in playing
You can follow all the Gents’ Hockey section news at www.glasgowhockey.co.uk
competitively during the season, please get in touch with our Ladies’ and Men’s Sections. We are always looking for players of any age, skill and fitness. Ladies’ Hockey Ladies’ Hockey acciesladies@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.glasgow-hockey.com
Men’s Hockey glasgowaccies@hockeymail.com or visit www.glasgowhockey.com Alternatively visit www.theglasgowacademicalclub.org.uk
Glasgow Accies Ladies’ Hockey Club 2014-15 Season
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he start of the new season has been a fairly successful one for the Accies Ladies’ Hockey Club. We have registered 45 players with Scottish Hockey – many being former pupils of The Glasgow Academy – and the match results are looking very healthy. The 1st XI has won three out of four matches and the 2nd XI has won two out of five matches. We have appointed a new coach – Alan Meikle, who comes to Accies from Hillhead Hockey Club with a wealth of experience in coaching and playing. We are proud to list some of his coaching achievements below :
National League One - Hillhead Ladies’ HC National League One - Hillhead Men’s HC National League Two - Glasgow University Ladies’ HC Scotland Under 16 Girls Assistant Coach Grassroots Coach of the Year 2012/13
Alan has settled in well to life at Accies (he finally understands that Accies’ time-keeping isn’t quite what it should be!) and the girls are really enjoying his coaching sessions. Let’s hope the good results keep coming. This season we welcome sponsorship from two great Glasgow companies, Bespoke Fitness and Rentahome, both owned by former pupil and Accies hockey player Amy Primrose. If you are interested in coming along to our training sessions or finding out more about Glasgow Accies Hockey please visit our website www.glasgow-hockey.com. We are always looking for new players; all ages, skills and abilities welcome.
London Section
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s reported in the last edition of Etcetera, the London Section Committee has commenced planning for the 2015 Annual Dinner which, for your diaries, will take place on Friday 13 March 2015 (eve of the Calcutta Cup match) at the Caledonian Club in London – black tie/highland dress for the men. We have been very fortunate to secure as speakers: Mrs Mona Siddiqui OBE, Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies at the University of Edinburgh and member of the Commission on Scottish Devolution; Mr Ryan Kohli, London Section member and barrister specialising in public law, social housing, planning, local government and licensing and Mr Tommy Reid, stand-up comedian. As our dinner is being held on the eve of the Calcutta Cup match, the London Section would welcome Academicals and their guests who are travelling down from Glasgow for the match. Any expressions of interest to attend the dinner should be made to Miss Emma Jones (ecj@aralon.co.uk). The London Section participated in the London Scottish Schools’ Golf Day at Denham but unfortunately our performance was not as hot as the weather - resulting in the embarrassing position of having to hand over the Anniesland trophy to Glasgow High School. In August the London Section hosted the School Shooting Team during their annual visit to Bisley. Unfortunately the date of the Bisley Dinner had to be changed at the last minute so attendance by London Section members was reduced from previous years. Hopefully such a change will not occur next year. On September 18 - THE Referendum date - we held a very successful drinks evening at The Marquis of Westminster on Warwick Way. It is always encouraging to be contacted by new arrivals in the London area but we understand that registering with the London Section is not always a top priority. Therefore, if anyone is aware of any new arrivals down south, would they please make contact with the London Section on 020 7235 9012 or ecj@aralon.co.uk
Stephanie Hermes Club Captain – Glasgow Accies’ LHC Etcetera
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Westbourne Section Beloved wife of Nigel, mother of Iona (15) and Rory (13) and sister of Shona (1986). Morven graduated BSc from St Andrews University in 1984 and worked in retail before moving to the Inland Revenue. Morven was for many years a co-ordinator in West Yorkshire for the Kumon System in English and Mathematics for 5 to 18 year olds. This system encourages an independent and positive attitude to learning.
Valerie Smith (1973) Valerie - sister of Jean (1975) - on 5 November 2014 at Stirling Community Hospital.
Birth Laura Balfour (Finlayson) 1990 In Cambridge on 3 April 2014 to Laura and Alasdair Balfour a son, Charles Geoffrey Alexander, a brother for George, Catherine and Elizabeth.
Updates Jane Gotts (1994)
Deaths
Jane has been really busy over the past few months with the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games as a Board Member of Commonwealth Games Scotland.
Fiona (McMillan) Fletcher (1982)
Chorister Cousins in Cambridge
Baby Alexander with George, Catherine and Elizabeth
Suddenly but peacefully on 26 October 2014 in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Fiona graduated BSc in Home Economics from Robert Gordon’s Institute of Technology, Aberdeen.
Morven (Macarthur) Simpson (1981) Peacefully at home, Menston, West Yorkshire on 13 September 2014.
Jane Finlayson-Brown - nee Finlayson (1986) - and her sister Laura (Finlayson) Balfour (1990) each have a son in a Cambridge college choir. Jane’s son, Alexander, was on tour this summer in Australia with the King’s College Choir at the same time as his cousin, George, was touring Germany and Switzerland with the St John’s College Choir.
Fiona (McJannet) Martin (1988) Congratulations to Fiona who has just completed a Degree Course in Stage Design at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London where she achieved a First in her BA Honours course. She is currently working in the theatre in London.
Fiona’s busy summer (by Royal Appointment!) Fiona (Cowan) Risk) who was the head girl at Westbourne in 1963 has been a busy girl as she has been appointed as the President of the Rotary Club of East Sutherland. However this elevation is down to years of dedicated service to the community and - in particular - to youth organisations across the county. As a result, the Rotary movement not only promoted her to being the club president, they also made her a Paul Harris Fellow – the highest award available in this country. To cap it all, she received two invitations to attend Royal events - the Garden Party at Holyrood and then the Queen invited her to St Giles for the induction of Lord Kelvin and Lord Home as Knights of the Thistle.
‘Where are they now?’ …the Westbourne team of 1962 who ran at Hampden Park at the Scottish Cup Final. The capacity of Hampden back then was well over 100,000 - double the figure that watched Glasgow 2014. I know one was Christine Waine who went on to marry John - now Lord Maxton. But where are the others? Hugh Barrow (1962)
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Will ye no’ come back again? That’s what 4a sang, perhaps a mite unwillingly as prodded by the teacher, in June 1966, to classmate Jean Harris. At much the same time, Avril (McCrae) Clark from 5b, was also preparing to leave. Both of us girls were about to start our life’s adventure Down Under. Jean’s family took her to Perth, Western Australia, Avril’s to Cairns in far North Queensland. Frankly, it couldn’t have been more surprising to either of us; each city was small and parochial in those days. Cairns had only just got its first set of traffic lights. Oddly, although our fathers had been close friends in Glasgow, Glasgow High School boys and Anniesland rugger fellows, and we had played together as children, we didn’t see each other again for forty years. When we talked about it recently, we decided that perhaps it was a combination of the huge distance then between our families, and also that Australia signalled a new start, a cutting of ties. So, we developed in isolation - from Scotland, from the close knit bonds of kith and kin, from each other. Our lives took different turns, but also, we discovered, had some interesting similarities. We’d never have found out if we hadn’t put ourselves onto Friends Reunited a few years ago. From there we migrated to Facebook friendship, and finally, at long last, 40 years on, managed to sit across a table, sharing tea and more than a bit of sympathy in Jenner’s. Avril was now a McCrae Clark, mother
that we were positively held and shaped in ways which let us grow towards womanhood, whilst we learned to live in a strange land.
of two, grandmother of one, living in Melbourne, and now on a homecoming tour of the UK. Jean was still a Harris because she kept her own name, only she’d ditched the Jean bit and elided into Sian. Some might remember the flock of Jeans in 4a, and Miss Hunter renaming them as Prima, Secunda and Tertia. She was also wife and mother, newly back in Scotland and, at this reunion in February 2014, about to become a grandmother. We sat for far longer than either of us expected to, I think, and found those 40 years just vanishing. Now we’re in Avril’s home in Melbourne, still talking things out and just so grateful to have rekindled such a long-standing friendship. As émigrés, one thing we are conscious of is how keenly you feel the loss of childhood connections, once the hurly burly of growing up and claiming your adult identity is done. In different ways, you find yourself reaching out to touch the home things again. One of those ‘home things’ for us, of course, is Westbourne. We are so glad to have been there! We both found that our education, in the Mrs Rose Henderson era, stood us in good stead in our new lives and careers. And not just from the educational standpoint, but the nurturing that we each received, in quite different ways. Of course we have our favourite teacher ‘moments’, but we feel quite strongly
Westbourne Appeal target reached! In early November, the appeal reached its target of £25,000 to name a laboratory in the building. The appeal will remain open until April 2015; further donations will now help to fund equipment for the Westbourne Laboratory. Thank you very much to all those former pupils who have donated so far. If you would like to sponsor some of the equipment for the Westbourne Chemistry Laboratory please contact Mark on M.Taylor@tga.org.uk / 0141 342 5494
I live in Scotland again, whilst returning regularly to Australia to be with my son’s new family. Avril is very settled in beautiful Melbourne surrounded by family , dogs and lots of friends from all over the world. One thing is for certain – real friendships span the years , whether you see one another or not. And that is so very precious. Avril Clark (1968)
Dear ‘Etcetera’ I thought that you might like this photo of Sheila Crawford and myself - Philippa Graham (Westbourne 1986) - for the Westbourne page of Etcetera. We bumped into each other on the Bridgeton Station platform after having watched the hockey at the CWG hockey centre in July. I heard Mrs Crawford saying my name from behind me and there she was - neither of us looking a day older than we did in the 1980s! She had her husband and youngest son with her – he took the photo – and I had my elder son, Joe, with me. We just about had time for a quick catch up before the Crawfords disembarked at Central Station. What a happy meeting! Mrs Crawford taught me everything I know about hockey, which I am still playing at Abingdon HC in Oxfordshire. With best wishes, Pip Graham (1986) Etcetera
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Our Overseas Representatives
2005 when she and her husband took early retirement. Previously she lived in Montreal and Toronto, Canada and a small village in the Norfolk Broads where they moved to after their return from Canada.
If you’re thinking of emigrating or just travelling abroad, you might want to get in touch with one of Anne says: ‘We are located close to our former pupils who is now living the town of Saintes, about 45 minutes overseas… east of La Rochelle and 40 mins west of CANADA (Toronto) On leaving the Academy, Douglas Maitland Gibson (1962) went to St Andrews to study English. A scholarship from the St Andrew’s Society of the State of New York then took him to Yale, where he gained an MA. He moved north to Canada, where he entered the world of book publishing in 1968. In the course of a long career, he became an editor and publisher for many of Canada’s most famous authors, including three Prime Ministers. In 2008 he retired from McClelland & Stewart, where he had been President and Publisher, in order to write his own books. His memoir, Stories About Storytellers (2011), was graced by an Introduction by his author, Alice Munro. When she won the Nobel Prize for Literature in November 2013, he was part of the official party in Stockholm. In September 2015 his second book, Across Canada By Story, will be published. He now lives with his wife, Jane, in central Toronto, close to his daughters and grandchildren, and is always pleased to hear from other Academicals. CANADA (West) W A D (Sandy) Ferns (1960) emigrated to Canada in 1967 and continued banking in Toronto with the Bank of Nova Scotia. On an adventurous whim he moved to Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory where he commenced a new and lifelong career in credit management. After successive transfers to Vancouver and Calgary he was appointed the Director of Credit Administration for Westfair Foods Ltd., the Western Division of Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada’s largest food retailer. He holds the professional designations of The Credit Institute of Canada and The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrations. He was a prime mover in the establishment of the Canada Prize. He retired to Taber in Southern Alberta where he lives with his wife Ann. They have two daughters and four grandchildren. FRANCE Anne Pittaway (Westbourne 1966) has lived in Charente - Maritime since
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Cognac. Bordeaux is about 2 hours south of us.’ SPAIN (Catalonia) Chris Thomson (1963) Economist at the Bank of England. Researcher in Chinese at Leeds University. Solicitor in Scotland. National advocate for natural medicine. Director of think-tanks in Scotland and the USA. Psychotherapist. Course leader, writer, and mentor. His book ‘Full Spectrum Intelligence’ came out on 29 August. He lives in Catalonia and is still a keen mountaineer. Chris can be Skyped at chris.thomson1001 or emailed at chris@christhomson.org
new-build vessel into the Subsea 7 fleet. The vessel is being constructed in Ulsan by Hyundai Heavy Industries which is the largest shipyard in the world. I’m likely to remain in South Korea until February 2016.’ John can be contacted at john.howie@ subsea7.com LUXEMBOURG / ITALY Leonard Tam (1993) Executive Director E-mail leonard.gc.tam@gmail.com AFRICA (Kenya) Richard Bell (1981) moved to Kenya over 25 years ago after completing a short service commission in the Royal Marines Commandos. Since then he has been an ICT and Media Entrepreneur and in his current company, East Africa Capital Partners, is a Venture Capital Fund Manager. He lives in Nairobi with his wife, Alex, and four children (Michael 23, Siana 21, Acacia 12 and Carissa 7). He can be contacted at richard@bell. co.ke
VIETNAM Craig Burgess (1984) has been living in Hanoi, Vietnam with his family (wife and two sons aged 9 and 7) since 2010, working on various global health issues with UN donor and non-Governmental agencies. He says: ‘Any Academical passing through Hanoi is very welcome and I would be happy to show them the sights of Hanoi.’ AUSTRALIA (Sydney) Dr Philip Tam (1990) is a child psychiatrist working and living in central Sydney. Following a very enjoyable eight years at the Academy, he studied Medicine in England then moved to Australia in 1999. He is very happy to be a Glasgow Academy representative and can be contacted on philip_g_tam@hotmail.com SOUTH KOREA After his time at Glasgow Academy John Howie (2002) completed his Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Aberdeen and - following his graduation in 2007 - started working for Subsea 7, a subsea installation contractor for the oil and gas industry. John comments: ‘Over the last seven years with Subsea 7 I have found myself working in Aberdeen, Holland, Norway and Wick! In May of this year, together with my wife, Claire, I relocated to South Korea to undertake the role of Assistant Project Manager for the delivery of a
Richard Bell
NORWAY Tina Anderson (Westbourne 1985) attended Westbourne School between 1972 and 1975 (P1-3). She says: ‘After Westbourne, I went to Westholme School for Girls in Blackburn, Lancashire. I did a BA (Hons) in Music at Bretton Hall College (1985-89) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance at Strathclyde (1989-90). I worked in various accounting jobs after university and moved to Norway in 1994. I have been working in IT since 1996 primarily in the financial and medical sectors. I live on a farm with my partner, Jan-Erik, in Kragero, which is a seaside town on the east coast of Norway. My family currently live in Leeds - although I still have relatives in the Glasgow area.’ She can be contacted on tia42uk@yahoo.co.uk
Schoolboys in cricket win Playing in the finals of the Western Cup on Saturday 6 September, Glasgow Accies’ Cricket club beat Irvine and won the Cup. It is perhaps for the first time in the history of the Club that the Glasgow Accies’ Cricket section has won both the Western Premier League and the Western Cup. Academy S4 pupils Cameron Russell and John Oliver contributed well in the finals. Arman Khan and Ruairidh Russell - also of S4 - have also contributed well to the success of Accies’ 1st Xl cricket team this summer, in both League and Cup matches. Vedam Hariharan (Academy Cricket Professional)
Dallachy Lecture 2014 – £125,000 for SciTech John Watson OBE (1965) gave a very informative and entertaining Dallachy lecture on 23 October on the theme ‘Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life’ (Confucius). John talked about how he developed the family business (John Watson and Company Ltd - founded in 1824) by specialising in the design and supply of labels and packaging to the Scotch whisky industry. He went on to describe the process of selling his business last year, in a multi-million pound deal with US giant Multi-Color Corporation (MCC). John also talked of his family’s long association with The Academy and his own involvement as a pupil, parent and Governor. At the end of his presentation, John and his four sons presented a hugely generous cheque - for £125,000 - to the SciTech appeal from the Watson Foundation. This is the largest, single, lifetime, cash gift in Glasgow Academy history.
Big smiles for a big cheque! The Watson Boys (l to r): Fergus (2011), Sandy (2009), John (1965), Angus (2006) and Finlay (2015) with Peter Brodie, the Rector (back row, centre)
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Events hadn’t visited since I was at the school. It was great and the weather obliged! And - just to prove that friendships can be reinstated after 46 years - just take a look at the photo of Gordon and me!
The Academy revisited – 46 years on! A personal account of the Class of ‘66 Reunion
I
left the school in 1966 having joined the Senior School after attending prep school in Helensburgh. I cannot say that I did anything especially remarkable at school (I hope this makes some of you feel better; it can be depressing to read about the fantastic achievements of others!) – either good or bad - but, in the words of Jim Hacker when he was just Minister of Administrative Affairs, I think ‘I did alright!’ Leaving school, I went to Glasgow University and graduated with an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering. From there to Manchester Business School, then my first job, in Basingstoke and finally, my most southerly move to date, to Sydney Australia in 1975; we may stay! Most of my career was with IBM, mainly in Australia, but also, quite recently, four years in Shanghai and two years in Singapore. I know young people change jobs quite frequently these days but I must say my 34 years at IBM provided many rewarding experiences - when I joined there were no emails or mobile phones and punch cards were still around! On the family side, I married in Basingstoke and moved to Sydney shortly after that. We have two sons born in Australia but happily entitled to 18
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John and Gordon
British as well as Australian passports, one granddaughter and another grandchild of undisclosed sex on the way. But here’s what prompted me to write this short piece: Apart from reading Etcetera, I really did not think much about the school until last year when I read with interest that there was to be the first-ever reunion of my year in November. It was a shame really, as I had just been in the UK the previous month. Anyway, one sunny morning looking out to sea and contemplating the meaning of life I suddenly thought: I should go! And I did! Having made that decision I decided to look up all those people whom I hadn’t seen for many years, all of whom went out of their way to make me feel welcome. My close friend - not ‘old’ friend, please note - Gordon Jack, took me on a day’s tour to all my favourite schoolboy haunts, many of which I
But the reunion itself: I walked down Great Western Road from the West End Hilton with some trepidation. What would it be like to meet people I hadn’t seen for 46 years? Would I enjoy the occasion or long for it to end? In the event I need not have worried. Everyone was very welcoming and many, although sadly not all, of my close friends were there and it was an opportunity to make some new friends. I found the occasion quite moving; in fact the whole 10 days I spent in the UK was like that. I’m not sure I needed to wait 46 years to do all I did but - bearing in mind that I almost did not make the effort at all - I found I was so glad I did! A big thank you to the organisers, especially Gordon, James Gilchrist and Emma as well as all those who were able to be there. As for the school, much has changed, probably for the better. I felt a little sad that the CCF is now voluntary as I got a lot out of that even if it was tough at times. It was great to meet the new Rector - and I was glad that he was not nearly as frightening as Basil! In March this year I finally retired from IBM and now spend my time with our family, travelling - and planning the next trip - playing bridge, exercising and sailing; how did I find time to work! Now, when I moved to Sydney I thought that would be as far south I would go. However, in January this year my wife and I went on a voyage to the Falklands and Antarctica. That trip was one of our greatest experiences - as some of you will know already, and hopefully some of you will be able to experience in the future. Following the reunion, I now keep touch with quite a few of my school colleagues and had the pleasure of showing Mike Riddell and his charming wife, Noreen, around our part of Sydney during their recent visit. My wife and I would love to meet others who make the trip ‘down under’. Just let me know! John Boyd (1966/7)
South African Academical Lunch
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he annual Glasgow Academical Lunch was held this year at the Wanderers Golf Club, Johannesburg, on Friday 8 August 2014. We were a small gathering comprising Ronnie Veitch (1968), Neil Kernohan (1971), David Auld (1961) and James Anderson (1963). Apologies from Ian Davies, now retired to Underberg, where the trout are larger, and Ian Murdoch with the sad tidings of the death of his brother, Alasdair. They had both attended many Accie lunches. Ian continues to live in Port Alfred.
Class of 1994 reunion, Friday 3 October
James proposed a toast to the memory of JF (Elky) Clark, 1930, his predecessor as Chairman of the SA Academical Club and in whose glory days attendance used to attain the fifteen or so mark. As ever, all Academicals visiting or intending to stay in South Africa would be most welcome to contact me through Etcetera or e-mail me on the address below. The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow had been followed closely by all present and it was agreed that - in addition to the sporting prowess on display, of which the disabled athletes were an integral part - Glasgow had never looked better or friendlier than it did as the convivial, caring, well-organised and successful host. The consensus was that the best event was the Sevens Rugby in which SA beat the All Blacks in the final. We are looking forward to the day when a female Academical graces us with her presence at a lunch. We are all concerned and watch with interest the National Debate and trust that - whatever the outcome - it will give Scots more “strength to their arms”. Despite developmental problems, the Rainbow Nation continues to bask in a wonderful climate and opportunity-driven constitutional democracy. With warm greetings, James Anderson (1963) jacand@mweb.co.za
Class of 2004 reunion, Friday 24 October
2015 Dates for your Diary GA 100 Business Breakfast February 2015 London Section Dinner Friday 13 March 2015, Caledonian Club, London Iain Muir Spring Lunch Friday 6 March 2015, New Anniesland Pavilion Donor Thank You Reception 23 June 2015, The Glasgow Academy Kelvin Foundation/Formal Opening of The Saunders Centre September 2015 (Date TBC) Class of 1995 20-year Reunion October 2015 (TBC) Class of 1968 - 1970 Reunion October 2015 (TBC) The Glasgow Academicals’ Friday 6 November 2015, War Memorial Trust AGM The Glasgow Academy The 133rd Academical Club Dinner Friday 6 November, Kelvingrove Art Gallery Class of 2005 10-year Reunion December 2015 (TBC) If you would like to be involved in organising a reunion for your year group, please contact exrel@tga.org.uk
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Family announcements Engagements Maria Elena Macbeth (2006) Maria Macbeth and Andrew Smillie are delighted to announce that they got engaged on 5 September 2014! Both are currently living in Edinburgh; however, they have booked their wedding back in Glasgow for 1 May 2015 and are very excited to tie the knot! Kirsty McNaught (2006) Kirsty and Jonathan were engaged to be married on the beach at Elie in July. Lynsey Rae (2006) Michelle Rae (2002) would like to share the happy news that my sister, Lynsey (2006) is now engaged to Samuel Fisher. They met at the University of St Andrews while studying Medicine. Gary Thomson (2002) Delighted to say that I am now engaged to Katy Shaw from Wrexham. Hoping to get married in Wales next summer. Kristina Wright (2005) I got engaged to Euan Courts on 4 January 2014. I am moving to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in August and would be happy to hear from other Academicals.
Marriages
Gary Keaney (2002) I married Chandan Saini, now Chandan Keaney on May 4 2014. TGA alumnus Max Anderson (2002) was my best man. My sister, Kira Keaney (2000), is at the end of the line of bridesmaids and Max is on my immediate left. Mathew McNeill (2001) I got married to Angela Gardner (now Mrs McNeill!) on 11 July 2014 at the Turnberry Resort. Rachel Pike (2008) Mr and Mrs K E Pike are delighted to announce the marriage of their daughter Rachel Pike MPharm to Flight Lieutenant Stephen Burr RAF Regiment on 30 August 2014 at Shieldhill Castle, Quothquan. Rachel and Stephen are now settled in Lincolnshire.
Lorenza Frame (2006) Laurie was married to Charles Fermor on Saturday 9 November 2013 at St Andrews Church Bearsden. The reception took place at the family home, Dunglass, in Bearsden. They are now living in Boughton Aluph, Kent with their chocolate Labrador, Biscuit!
The photograph below shows Rachel and Stephen with fellow Academicals Gayle Pike, BA Hons; Alice White, MPharm; Dr Caroline Muirhead; Sarah Craig, BSc Hons; Amy Punshon BA Hons.
Lorenza and Charles Fermor
Rachel and Stephen Burr
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Chandan and Gary Keaney
Rachel finished at the Academy in 2008 and her sister, Gayle, in 2010. Rachel
Angela and Mathew McNeill
graduated from Strathclyde University with a Masters in Pharmacy and Gayle with a Bachelor of Arts International Business and Marketing.
Births Joanna (Cram) Brown (2000) Joanna and Michael are proud to introduce Harry Alexander-Michael Brown, born on July 8 2014. Big sister Megan and Labrador Loti are delighted with their newest playmate! Nicholas Frame (1994) Nicholas and Ryoko are delighted to announce the arrival of their dear little boy Alessandro Ryo Roger who was born on 18 February 2014.
The Cram family Alessandro Ryo Roger Frame
Ryan and Connor Williams
The Boyce Andison wedding
Jo (Fleming) Turner (1999) Ed and I were delighted with the arrival of our gorgeous daughter, Lucy Joy Turner, on 28 April. All of us, including big brother Benjamin, are enjoying having her as part of our family. Owain Williams (1998) My wife gave birth to our second son, Ryan, on 18 March. Below is a picture of Ryan and his big brother, Conor.
Lucy Turner
Updates Kimberly Bell (2008) In June I attended the wedding of Sophie Boyce (2008) and Steven Andison at Balbirnie House in Fife. There were many TGA alumni in attendance; we have all managed to stay close friends despite studying and working in different cities since leaving school. In the photo of the ‘TGA Crew’(above), the girls from left to right are: Eilidh Todd, Alison Dowers, Kimberley Bell, Sophie Boyce, Thea Graham, Holly Belch and Sophie Gordon. The boys are James Macaulay, Andrew Couper and Manik Kohli. Also in attendance were Alexander Millar, John Archibald and Sarah Lawson but they hadn’t arrived when this was taken. Paolo Capanni (1986) Further to my short note on page 28 of Etcetera 22 (Winter 2013), the link below will take you to the British Forces Broadcasting Service coverage of the 1 Armoured Medical Regiment Formation Parade on Saturday 5 July at Bergen-Hohne in Germany. A very proud moment for me as the Commanding Officer. http://web202.ssvc.com/news/articles/ army/2998 Although the years have taken their toll, I am easily recognisable as the Officer with the Scottish accent. Catriona Graves (2014) Many congratulations to Catriona who finished fifth at the World Mountain Running Championships in early September. She was the highest placed finisher in the GB team across all age groups. Before going on to university, Catriona has taken a year out to concentrate on Athletics. Etcetera
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Kelsey Griffin (2012) Kelsey is studying International Business at Edinburgh University; however, acting is her first love and she joined The Bedlam Theatre at the university. Kelsey’s first professional acting job was in The Field of Blood playing Mary Ann Meehan for the BBC when she was 16. She then played Mary Ann again in the follow up The Dead Hour two years later. On leaving school, Kelsey spent two years at Langside College studying Acting and Performance. During the World Cup, Kelsey was in the STV Player advert shown before all games on STV. Kelsey is also in a Scottish Government Healthy Eating campaign to be shown in January, along with voicing the radio ad and a poster campaign.
Kelsey Griffin
Kelsey was in a production of The Lift with The Bedlam Theatre which was in The Edinburgh Fringe from 2-3 August and 10-17 August. The production was showcased in London before coming to The Fringe. Chris Hinds (2003) After nearly 10 years of studying through BSc and MRes, I have finally graduated with a PhD in virology this year. As if writing my PhD thesis wasn’t enough, I also completed Celtman, an iron distance extreme triathlon around Torridon finishing the 3.8km swim, 202km bike and 42km run in a fairly respectable 13hrs and 20 mins! (I’ve attached a picture of myself in the glorious sunshine of Torridon!)
Chris Hinds
Graeme Kerr (1999) I’ve recently been appointed Head of Digital Marketing at Lookers PLC the fourth largest car dealer group in the UK with a £2.4bn turnover. They are basing their new digital marketing department in Glasgow following my appointment and the plan is to build the team and we are on the lookout for recruits. Jon McLeish (1999) I set up a charity initiative this year called ‘United For Colitis’. The aim is to raise awareness of Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis in the UK and raise money for Crohn’s and Colitis UK alongside other Inflammatory Bowel Disease organisations.
Jon McLeish Colitis presentation
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We held a large fundraiser at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium on March 27 this year raising over £100,000 on the night. It was hosted by Sky Sports
Lucia Nichols
Jim White with a special Q&A with our ambassadors Lewis Moody MBE and the Scotland football captain, Darren Fletcher, (who both suffer from Ulcerative Colitis). The event was a huge success and was attended by the likes of Olly Murs, Wayne and Coleen Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson. We have since held another event and will continue to do so, with plans in place to hold an event in Glasgow soon. So far we have raised over £125,000 with our campaign gathering support from people all over the world. For more information please visit unitedforcolitis.co.uk Ricky Munday (1994) At the end of July I finished a 24-month mission with the Canadian Red Cross as Head of Business Support Unit in Haiti. After 5 years abroad working in Kenya, Sudan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and
Haiti, I will relocate to the UK to begin a new position as Head of Corporate Services and Financial Strategy for the British Antarctic Survey based in Cambridge. It’s been an honour to serve the most vulnerable people in Haiti – but personally very challenging. I’m looking forward to the challenges of supporting world-class polar research in remote and inhospitable locations. I’m also thrilled to have the opportunity to be closer to family and friends. Lucia Nichols (2008) Congratulations to Lucia who graduated on 1 July 2014 from Glasgow University with a First Class Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Geography. (Inserted by her dad.) David N Ogle (1988) BEng CEng MCIBSE MIET Just a quick note to say that - after a career change a few years ago - I’ve recently become a Chartered Engineer and a member of CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers). I’m currently working for Irons Foulner Consulting Engineers Ltd who are an intermediate-sized Building Services Engineering company in Edinburgh. Recent projects are the major refurbishment of The Assembly Rooms of Edinburgh and Eagle Brae, which is a carbon neutral self-catering log cabin development near Beauly, Inverness-shire. Ebie Tainsh (1941) Ebie Tainsh, who attended Glasgow Academy from 1937 to 1941, recently celebrated his 90th birthday with afternoon tea at Gleneagles followed by a family party. Ebie retains a keen interest Ebie Tainsh
in the school, not least because his two youngest grandchildren are pupils at Dairsie House. He is a regular at the Prep School concerts and sports day and also likes keeping up with old friends at various Academical events. Marion Allan Stuart Turnbull (2006) Last September I found out that I now have a public art installation in Monifieth outside the Tesco. This is the Welder that I made at the end of 4th Year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Dundee University which now stands in front of Tesco in Monifieth to commemorate Monifieth Foundry and its important role in the community of Monifieth. I have been busy freelancing in London for the past couple of years. Since May of this year I now have a film credit in the New X-men movie ‘Days of Future Past’ for my first bit of film work. Currently working on some new projects for TV. Richard Waxman (1993) Following 12 successful years at Clear Channel serving as their Vice President, I recently resigned and incorporated my new firm Principal Lifestyle Management based in the Washington DC/Baltimore area. Principal Lifestyle Management is a concierge and lifestyle management company. The days of having to do things yourself in order to make sure it’s done properly are over. We bring the professionalism, diligence and attention to detail of the British and mix it with the American thirst for success and achievement of potential. This merging
Stuart Turnbull’s Welder
of two great traditions has produced a truly unique and exemplary experience for our clients. Gareth Williams (2002) I have been living in Toronto for six years now and frequently see Andrew Hosie (another FP) on the rugby field. Andrew is (probably) the best referee we have in Ontario and was recently the Television Match Official in the Scotland v USA game. I have also attached a photo of myself (on the left), Calum McGuigan (Douglas Academy - centre) and Rory Love (Kelvinside Academy - right) who recently all played and scored for Toronto Scottish in our league opener. Andrew Hosie even refereed the game.
Gareth Williams (left) and friends
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Keepers of the Quaich
Take your SciTech seat!
On 28 April, Chris Leggat (1998) and his wife, Cara, became two of the youngest Keepers of the Quaich - an invitation-only Society of fewer than 2,500 members from across 86 countries who have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to promoting the values and image of Scotch Whisky.
At the SciTech Dinner in September, Head Boy, Chris Rae, and S6 Prefect, Alex Mennie, (pictured) lodged the winning bid on behalf of this year’s S6 for a seat in the new Auditorium. As Director of Development Mark Taylor said: ‘It is inspiring and touching that pupils have chosen very generously to support the SciTech appeal. Our Prep School pupils are also involved in a number of initiatives that will raise a significant amount for the new building.’ Although the construction of the Auditorium is well underway, the final design for the seats has still to be revealed, as our picture suggests.
In addition to being among the youngest, they are also the first British husband and wife duo to be inducted into the Keepers of the Quaich. Their admission into the Society is a recognition of their on-going commitment to the Scotch Whisky industry. Chris has gained over a decade’s worth of Spirits experience – with
Chris Leggat
his specialty being in Scotch Whisky. Chris currently heads up the Global Sales and Commercial departments at Glasgow-based Douglas Laing & Co – the home of award-winning brands such as Big Peat, Old Particular Single Casks, Provenance and King of Scots. Chris commented: ‘It is an incredible accolade to be invited to become Keepers of the Quaich – something we are both tremendously proud of. It was particularly special being inducted on the same date as my wife and the celebrations that followed were exceptional – it was certainly a memorable Scottish shindig.’ If you have any Scotch Whisky-related queries, questions or opportunities Chris can be contacted at chris.leggat@ douglaslaing.com 24
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Rory Kerr (2011) Hockey goalkeeper Rory Kerr was given an unofficial call up to the Commonwealth Games - to train with the Australian men’s hockey team! Rory, who is a member of the city’s Hillhead Hockey Club, described it as the ‘opportunity of a lifetime’ to train with the ‘Kookaburras’. The Aussies, who are ranked the number one men’s team in the world, needed a stand-in because they were only allowed to bring 16 athletes with them - so they dropped their second goalie. It was a real boost for Rory, who was forced to miss out on competitions this year after he was laid low with appendicitis. He has been a member of the Scotland Under-21 squad but recently missed out on the U21 European Championships. Rory joined the Aussies in training sessions at Clydesdale Cricket Club in the South Side and at The Academy’s new water-based astro at Anniesland. Now Rory is planning on moving to Melbourne next season to play hockey for a year. We wish him every success.
Obituaries H A Douglas Alexander (1942) 19 October 1925 - 18 June 2014 Douglas was born in Glasgow, living his early life in Pollokshields. Like his elder brothers, Jim and Archie, he was educated at Glasgow Academy; in Douglas’s case from 1931 – 42, but moved to Skerry’s College for his final year as his expectations of gaining Highers at school were considered to be low. However, because of the war, the exams he sat were in fact the Highers themselves and he passed them all! He then volunteered for the Navy and joined up. Registration was at Skegness Camp (Butlins!) known then as HMS Royal Arthur. He clearly recalled the rail journey to Skegness, leaving Glasgow along with other new recruits in a busy train, being told he had to change trains but being given the wrong station at which to make this change, waiting for the next train on the same line and finally making the correct journey but still reaching Skegness ahead of many of those with whom he had originally left Glasgow! He then moved for further training at Pwllhelli and Weatherby. He had further postings to Portsmouth on a variety of Navy courses and whilst he did not directly take part in the D-day Landings, many of his colleague recruits did. Then, at Greenock, he joined HMS Wakeful and he saw service in the Pacific, notably in and around Ceylon, Australia and New Zealand. He was part of a task-force sent to rescue prisoners-of-war from Japan and of course, was part of the aftermath of both Nagasaki and Hiroshima. In 1947 he returned to civilian life and after a period of serving as an articled clerk, qualified as a chartered accountant (CA) in 1960 and moved to London. After working in various firms he went on to run a very successful business. Douglas more-or-less retired in 1990 although retained a Consultancy role in the practice for a few years more. He moved to Hertford from London in 1998. Douglas was an incredibly well-read man and a raconteur of rare ability. He enjoyed walking and exploring wherever he lived or visited and could walk the hind-legs off a donkey. He enjoyed
H A Douglas Alexander
James McGregor Anderson
organising or attending social gatherings and being with family and friends. On his retirement he and his companion, Joan, enjoyed holidays at home and abroad, including regular cruises; taking his last one only a few months before he died.
development was to purchase the Friary Press in 1974. This business expanded rapidly to be a leading magazine printer employing over 100 people.
Douglas’s elder brothers, Jim and Archie, both pre-deceased him but he is survived by his sister Rosemary, now living in Vancouver, and by nephews and nieces, and both grand- and great-grand nephews and nieces for who he cared greatly - even though they are spread from Edinburgh to Eastbourne and from Canada to Australia.
James M Anderson (1946) 5 June 1928 - 2 August 2014 James McGregor Anderson attended The Academy from 1938 to 1942 (P5 to S2) when the family home was in Milngavie. His family moved there in 1934 when his father, Bruce, was appointed as a Chemical Pathologist at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. After moving to Dorset, in 1950 James became a tenant of his uncle where he built up a successful dairy farm, increasing the number of cows fourfold, investing heavily in new buildings and machinery. Limited by the opportunities to expand in farming, James purchased Dorchester Typesetting in 1970. This business grew to be the foremost trade typesetter in the West of England. James pushed forward with investment in the then new technology of photo-typesetting, and set up branches in Bournemouth, Southampton and Bristol. A further
He had a wide range of interests outside business. He was a knowledgeable collector of both coins and stamps. He was interested in forestry and planted many acres of woodland, an enthusiastic sea-fisherman and a dedicated vegetable gardener. James died at Dorset County Hospital aged 86; a much-loved husband of Christine, and father of five, grandfather of 18 and great-grandfather to four.
James P Bannerman OBE (1953) 24 May 1935 - 28 March 2014 Jim was the eldest of four children of Sandy and Jess Bannerman (both originally from Fraserburgh) and spent most of his formative years in Jordanhill. He was educated at The Glasgow Academy (1948-1953) and was very proud that his son and grandchildren followed him there. Two of his youngest grandchildren are current pupils. On leaving The Academy, Jim studied pharmacy at the Royal Technical College in Glasgow (now Strathclyde University) and graduated in 1956 when he joined and soon became a partner in the family business. After national service in the medical corps - when he ran two hospital pharmacies - Jim returned to Glasgow to marry his fiancé, Marjie Walker from Bearsden, where they decided to set up home. The births of their son, Grant in 1962, and daughter Julie, in 1966, made home life complete. Etcetera
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Panel of Fellows, including a period as chairman. In 2000, having retired both from his profession and his business, Jim devoted time to his other passion, golf. He was honoured to be selected as Captain of Glasgow Golf Club in 2004. This was an important year in the history of the club as it marked the centenary of the move to Killermont, Bearsden. It is with great regret that on the morning of 28 March this year, Jim was found to have passed away, peacefully, in his sleep.
Philip A Beattie (Former Staff)
James P Bannerman
In the 1960s Jim started to become involved with the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. In 1967 he was elected to the PSGB council and during his early years held various chairs including General Practice, Education and Adjudicating. In 1974, he was elected vice-President of PSGB and served as President from 1975-1977. He presided over the opening of the new Society HQ by the late Queen Mother in 1976 and went on to serve on the Medicines Commission, the Pharmacy Panel of Council for Academic Awards and the Executive Committee of the International Pharmaceutical Federation. Jim was admitted as a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and his service to the profession was rewarded with an OBE in 1979. From 1982 Jim served on Strathclyde Regional Council representing Bearsden as a Liberal councillor. Having filled his free time with a passion for fitness and distance running, in 1984 he successfully completed the New York City Marathon. This level of exercise served him well two years later when he joined the protest march from Gartcosh to Downing Street to highlight the issues of a disappearing Scottish steel industry. In 1986 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace and until 1992 he served as a member of the NHS Drug and Alcohol Abuse Forum for the City of Glasgow. In 1988 he became first convenor of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and from 1992-98 he served as vice-chair of Stobhill NHS Trust. From 1996 Jim served as a member of the PSGB 26
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Philip Beattie, who taught Modern Languages at The Academy from 1962-71, died suddenly while on holiday in Turkey on 17 October. Dearly loved husband of Ruth, dearest father of Kenneth and Judith and fond papa of Joe and Samantha. A full tribute will appear in the next edition of Etcetera.
I J (Jamie) Cowan OBE (1942) 13 July 1925 - 21 September 2014 Ian James (Jamie) Cowan has died at the age of 89. He passed away at Crieff Community Hospital in September. Jamie was born in London to parents Elizabeth and Ian Cowan. The family moved to Glasgow soon after his birth. After ten years at The Academy - where he was regarded as an industrious and intelligent pupil, won numerous prizes and was a member of both the Globe Players and the Humanists - Jamie went on to The Queen’s College, Oxford to read Classics and, in 1943, passed his Honours Moderations in that subject. His academic career was then interrupted by the war. He joined the Indian Army, and after officer training in Bangalore, was commissioned in November 1944 and attached to the 9th Gurkha Rifles in Dehradun. By December 1945 he had been promoted Captain and was appointed Quartermaster of his battalion, the 4th, until he was demobbed in April 1947. It was during this time that his lifelong love affair both with India and its people began. After returning home, Jamie remained loyal to his regiment and attended Gurkha dinners until 2013. Resuming his education at Oxford, where this time he read Philosophy, Politics and Economics, he played rugby for his college Firsts and was in the rowing team. He was also President
I J (Jamie) Cowan
of the college philosophical club - the Bentham Society. In 1949 he joined J & P Coats, the thread makers, as a management trainee, rising to director of global manufacturing by the time he retired in 1985. During his career with Coats, he and wife Marguerite lived in Brazil, where daughters Christine and Fiona were born, before moving to work in India in 1957. In 1961 they returned to Scotland, where son Ian was born, and lived in Bridge of Weir before settling in Comrie, Perthshire, in 1976. After retirement Jamie threw himself into charity work, supporting organisations such as the Abbeyfield Society, Crossroads in Glasgow and Friends of Crieff Cottage Hospital, as well as Friends of Glenalmond. He also founded Parish Care in Comrie. In 1995 he was awarded an OBE for his work with Crossroads. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Arthur W D Ferns (1953) 21 May 1935 - 3 June 2014 Arthur died peacefully at home in Tinwell, Rutland surrounded by his family after a short and courageous battle with leukemia. He is survived by Marion, his wife of 54 years, sons Stephen and Richard, daughters Ruth, Kate and Jennie, six grandchildren and brother Sandy. His courage over the last few months was inspiring to all who were present during that time. He will be greatly missed.
John Garland (1959, Former Staff) 3 June 1941 - 2 October 2013 John followed his elder brothers to The Academy, joining Mrs Ritchie’s P5 class in 1950. During his time at Colebrooke Street, both his academic and sporting abilities were fostered and developed. He was a talented chess player, becoming captain of The Academy team and the Scottish Schoolboys team. He also gained his 2nd XV colours, was vice-captain of the cricket team, became an excellent tennis player and won the Cowie Cup in the RAF section of the CCF. After gaining 5 Highers and 2 A Levels, John left the Academy to study languages at St Andrews. While there, he was awarded a Stevenson Scholarship to study German literature at Tubingen University. After graduating with 1st Class Honours, he spent a year in a Kibbutz in Israel. His experience of the different lifestyle there deeply affected his life view. He then went on to Hamburg University to study German Language, where he met his future wife, Jarmila Novotna, a graduate of Prague University. John began his career in teaching at The Lycee Albert Premier in Monaco. In 1968 he joined the Modern Languages Department at Glasgow Academy, where he spent a happy four years. On his departure in 1972, the Chronicle stated: “John’s enthusiastic teaching of the scholars at the top of the school was matched by his real concern for the weaker pupils at all levels. He coached both rugby and cricket, and encouraged chess.” This concern for helping all pupils to reach their potential characterised John’s teaching both in his next post as Head of German at Broxbourne High School and in his final post as Head of a large department at The British School in Brussels (BSB). John took a keen interest in how pupils learn and incorporated knowledge from philosophy and theories of education into his teaching strategies. With other staff, he was responsible for the introduction of the International Baccalaureate in place of A’ Levels. (At The Academy he particularly remembered introducing his students to Chris Varley’s French Grammar!) As in his earlier posts, John contributed fully to school life. Amongst other things he arranged and led many school trips to Germany and Russia. He loved teaching
and was respected and admired by his colleagues. In recognition of this, there is now a John Garland Award presented annually to the best language student at BSB. Retiral in 2008 brought time to pursue his wide interest in reading, travel with his family, gardening and playing tennis. At a local club near Brussels he introduced a seniors’ tennis tournament, now named ‘The John Garland Tournament’ in his honour. John was considered by his students ‘an inspirational teacher’. This was evidenced by the number of expressions of sadness received directly from former pupils - and also posted on social media when he died. He is survived by his wife Jarmila, their three children and four grandchildren.
Dr John D S Gaylor (1963) 7 February 1945 - 17 February 2014 John Gaylor joined Prep 1 at Glasgow Academy in 1950 and spent all his school years at Colebrooke Street. He was regarded as a quiet, unassuming boy, won a number of music prizes, played cello in the school orchestra and was a member of the Scientific Society. A good athlete, he also represented the school at Rugby. In his final year at The Academy he was a Prefect, gained his full pilot’s licence and became Flight Sergeant of the RAF section. John won the Gold Medal for coming 1st in his year when he graduated in Mechanical Engineering with 1st Class Honours from Strathclyde University in 1967. He went on to specialise in biomedical engineering and completed his doctorate on haemodialysis and artificial kidneys. The son of a neurologist, John found his niche working in a field that combined his passion for science with the workings of medicine. In 1970 he embarked on a post-doctoral fellowship at Northwestern University, Chicago. There, his supervisor said of him: “John is one of those rare individuals, who, with seemingly little effort can just make things work”. As a father, husband, brother and uncle he could just fix anything and he had a quiet yet single-minded determination and stubbornness, which meant that he did not rest until the job was done! John returned from Chicago in 1973 to join the Bioengineering Unit at Strathclyde as a Lecturer. He was promoted to Senior Lecturer in
1985 and Reader in 1997. During this time he became an expert in the field of artificial organs. Working in collaboration with colleagues in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and Japan, he also held visiting professorships at Mexico City and Vienna. John attended the inaugural meeting of the European Society for Artificial Organs Congress in 1974 and was the principal organiser of the International Society in 1999. In 2013, not long before he died, John was involved in the 40th anniversary congress hosted at Strathclyde. John was renowned for the time, interest and dedication that he devoted to his students. He believed in leading by example and solving problems collaboratively. His students and colleagues loved and respected him and his impact continues in their work and research. John was devoted to his family, a loving husband to Elaine and a proud and doting Dad to his daughter Victoria. He was a beloved little brother to his big sisters Pat, Joan and Pam and he was a very special uncle to his seven nieces and nephews. An elder at Giffnock South Parish Church, his faith sustained him and gave him tremendous courage to bear his illness with fortitude and dignity. He will be much missed by all who knew and loved him.
John C (Euan) Macfarlane CBE (1948) 5 December 1930 - 10 August 2014 Euan, as he was always known, died at his home in Barnard Castle. He made his mark in his final two years at The Academy as Captain of the Golf Team rather than scholastically yet emerged as a Captain of Industry with a CBE for Services to British Industry and a string of degrees - FREng, CEng, FIMechE and CCMI - hard-won by evening classes at ‘the Tech’ and subsequent study. His route to the top began with an engineering apprenticeship with Fairfield. For his national service commitment he served as a Junior Engineer officer in the Empress of Britain which he had helped to build and launch. This was followed by a study of nuclear energy propulsion for merchant ships at Harwell and it was while in Oxfordshire he met and married his wife, Anita. Euan’s hitherto largely latent talents as a manager, leader and reconciler Etcetera
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Philadelphia, with Caracas and São Paulo to come. David’s work, passion and achievements touched many people’s lives and changed the face of theatre in the UK. He died after suffering from motor neurone disease. David is survived by his second wife, the actor Juliet Cadzow, and their son, Shane, as well as his sister, Elizabeth, and his brothers, Robert (1954), the former leader of the SDP and now the Liberal Democrats’ cabinet spokesman in the House of Lords, and Keith (1963), a banker.
Professor Emeritus Robert S Milne FRAC (1937) 20 June 1919 - 31 May 2014
John C (Euan) Macfarlane
Professor Emeritus Robert S Milne
manifested themselves when he had the opportunity to move into manufacturing, first at the plant in Scotland making petrol tanks for the Hillman Imp, then at Shotts at Cummins Engines and from 1976 (also with Cummins) but at Darlington from which he ultimately had responsibility for the whole of Europe. His courtesy and unflustered temperament coupled with a perspicacity to see what needed to be done and a decisiveness in implementation commended him not only to Cummins but to the myriad of public and trade bodies, school boards and charitable trusts seeking to have him on board.
enjoyment of golf throughout his life and his membership of the Nethybridge Golf Club which was close to his hideaway cottage at Dulnain Bridge.
The Macfarlane family worshipped in Allander Evangelical Church in Milngavie where Euan obtained a good grounding in the Christian faith which expressed itself initially through the Crusader movement in Bearsden and Milngavie and on returning from Harwell in Adelaide Place Baptist Church. On moving to Barnard Castle he put all his weight into the local Methodist Church and served as a circuit lay preacher and steward for the next thirty eight years. At the last count he had conducted over 1,000 services! He was also a Gideon and continued to run a Crusader class. Nor was his family neglected but encouraged to participate in competitive sports, skiing and running in particular. Euan and Anita and the children frequently skied with great energy in Europe under the tutelage of a celebrated instructor. Euan also continued his 28
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He is survived by Anita, his wife for fifty five years, sons Steven and Angus, daughter Dr Stella Rider - who is a GP in Boroughbridge - and by five grandchildren.
T David R MacLennan (1964) 19 June 1948 - 12 June 2014 Thomas David Ross MacLennan was educated at The Academy, Drumtochty Castle Prep School and then Fettes. He went on to Edinburgh University, but did not complete his degree, opting to work as a street refuse collector, and then as a stage manager at the Gardner Centre in Brighton. He was to become an acclaimed writer, producer and director. David made his name in the 1970s with iconic political theatre company 7:84, which he helped to found, before going on to form the musical theatre group Wildcat. His other ventures include being one of the key figures involved in the creation of Glasgow’s annual Mayfest, launching the Pleasance venue at the Fringe and coming up with the hugely popular ‘A Play, a Pie and a Pint’ concept. This amazingly successful lunchtime theatre project, has for over 10 years, attracted many important Scottish actors, directors and playwrights, including Robbie Coltrane, Bill Paterson, Elaine C Smith, Liz Lochhead, David Greig and David Hayman. The formula has been franchised to
Professor Robert Milne passed away peacefully in Vancouver after a long and fulfilling life. Robert was born in Paisley and became a pupil at The Academy in 1929, where he went on to win numerous class, general knowledge, English, Latin and essay prizes, as well as the Indian Trophy and the Dux Medal in his final year, when he was School Captain. He was also involved in numerous societies, represented the school in athletics and performed with the Globe Players. Robert graduated from Queens’ College, Oxford (BA, First Class Honours, 1940; MA, 1947). He served in World War II with the 110th Regiment of the Royal Artillery with the rank of Major and fought in France, Belgium, Holland (including Arnhem) and Germany. In March 1945 he was awarded the Commander-in-Chief’s Certificate for Good Conduct and Outstanding Devotion to Duty before he was transferred to the Allied Control Commission of Germany to serve as Commander of a German POW camp (Münsterlager) until 1946. Professor Milne’s academic career followed, from Lecturer, Bristol University, 1947-55; Professor and Head, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, 1955-59; Visiting Rockefeller Professor, University of the Philippines, 1959-60; Visiting Professor at the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, 1960-61; Professor and first Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Singapore, 1961-65; and to Professor and first Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of British Columbia, 1965-84. He was elected to the Royal Society of Canada in 1980 and is listed
in the Canadian Who’s Who. He was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus in 1984. During his academic career, he published more than a dozen books (five co-authored with his wife) and over 100 articles. Together with his colleague Hugh Mackenzie he pioneered the use of exit polls of marginal seats to successfully predict the results of the UK general elections of 1951 and 1955 as described in the publications Straight Fight and Marginal Seat. He was also known for his books and articles on politics and government in New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. Beyond these accomplishments, Professor Milne is remembered as a man of considerable humour, a wine connoisseur and gourmet, a whimsical golfer, a duplicate bridge player, a lover of history, language, travel and Labrador Retrievers, and, as father and spouse, a rewarding companion who will be sadly missed. Robert is survived by his two sons, Dr. Robert Stephen Milne of North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Dr. Charles Roderick Milne, of Vancouver, BC (by his first wife, Marjorie Ellen Hawkes, deceased), by his grandson Leigh Milne of Dawson Creek, BC, and his wife, Professor Emerita Diane K. Mauzy of Vancouver, BC.
D Colin Morrison (1956) 12 January 1940 - 28 July 2014 Duncan Colin Morrison died peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Strathcarron Hospice. Colin was a dearly loved husband of Alison, a much loved and loving dad of Lesley and Gillian, father-in-law of James and Andrew, and a devoted and proud grumps of Andrew, Fraser, David, Iain, Campbell and precious Aimée.
Thomas J Pate (1953) 11 December 1934 - 25 January 2014 Thomas James Pate (Tom) was brought up in Busby and attended The Academy from 1944 to 1953. He went on from school to national service, which he had repeatedly tried to avoid, citing a family textile business that required his immediate and undivided attention. Unfortunately, the responsibilities of national service prevailed! During this time Tom was asked by his superior officers if he had any intention of applying to Sandhurst. He politely refused and left after his commitment was finished to study textile technology
John R Plowman
Thomas J Pate
in Glasgow. He thoroughly enjoyed this experience and went on to apply his knowledge of textiles to the family business, John King & Son Ltd. The company developed well with his direction, taking over a subsidiary Dutton & Gavin Textiles in London, and he enjoyed working until he was 73. During this time Tom developed international trade travelling to America, New Zealand and Europe while overseeing the Glasgow and London operations from West Nile Street and latterly East Kilbride. He lived his life with his wife, Jean, in the family home in Busby on the south side of Glasgow and enjoyed regular trips to Blackwaterfoot on Arran where he played golf and tennis to relax. He was a good and kind-hearted gentleman with a great sense of humour who will be fondly remembered by those he came into contact with. Tom passed away peacefully at Hairmyres hospital in East Kilbride in January after a short illness. He was pre-deceased by Jean and is survived by his son Lewis (1987).
John R Plowman (Academy Staff) 21 May 1933 - 24 July 2014 John Richard Plowman was born at home in Tonbridge. He was later joined by two younger sisters, Mary and Brenda. He attended Tonbridge School and completed his A levels in 1951 before his national service. He learned to drive motorcycles and army trucks before specialising in the signals and being commissioned with the rank of acting captain. John studied at St
John’s College, Cambridge. He did well in sport and academic matters and even won an oar in the bumps in May 1955. He graduated with a degree in German and Sciences; this was later elevated to a master’s degree. Following a long family tradition John began his career as a schoolmaster. His first post was at Abbotsholme, an innovative modern school. It was here that he met Daphne in 1956. He then decided to move north to work at Glasgow Academy on the banks of the river Kelvin. This was in 1957 - the same year that he became engaged to Daphne. In 1958 they were married at Longniddry Parish Church. In 1958 they moved to Bishopbriggs and it was here that they continued to establish a home and a family, with four sons and a lot of cats and dogs! John’s career at The Academy provided for him and the family. Teaching physics, chemistry and sometimes biology and maths was topped-up with work in the CCF which he led with the rank of major until his promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel. John’s retirement in 1991 allowed him to spend more time on his research projects. He specialised in ancient survey techniques, fort beacons, hilltop features and the units of distance used in ancient times to map Scotland’s landscape. John was also a founding member of the Scottish Society for Psychical Research. He served as president for a number of years and also contributed art and articles to the Society magazine. John enjoyed collecting. He collected tankards, paperweights and fascinating glass objects mostly found in charity shops. He especially enjoyed visiting the shops in Milngavie and treating himself to some small treasure. He kept himself fit by walking the dogs frequently along Etcetera
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the canal path and along the route of the Antonine wall. John is survived by his wife, Daphne, his sons - David (1976), Alistair (1978), Michael (1979) and Stephen (1981) - four daughters-in-law and ten grandchildren.
Thomas (Tom) M Sneddon CA (1950) 16 June 1932 - 14 May 2014 Thomas Morrison Sneddon was the youngest of three children of George and Mary Sneddon. Tom’s father, George, was a successful industrialist and the managing director of the Creamola Company in Glasgow. Tom was described as a bright and inquisitive student who enjoyed each school activity, be it academic or sporting, with equal enthusiasm. He left The Academy in 1950 with a good number of Highers. It was agreed that Tom should train as a Chartered accountant, and took up an appointment with Thomson McClintock & Co as an articled clerk. On qualifying, Tom was offered an exciting opportunity selling Comet aeroplanes to international customers for De Havilland, soon to become Hawker Siddeley. This was an exciting post that took Tom and his new wife Elizabeth from Glasgow to St Albans. Tom pursued his career with Hawker Siddeley until he was offered the managing Directorship of engineering Company SG Brown. This is where he stayed until 1976 when the role of financial director for the international engineering company Davy McKey saw the family move to the North East of England. It was with the Davy Corporation that Tom stayed until his retirement; during this employment the family moved a number of times from South Yorkshire to London and Cleveland. Tom reflected on many happy times and achievements for which he was immensely proud. He travelled extensively throughout his career and met a number of highly influential international figures from prime ministers to members of royal families. Tom considered himself to be a true Accie and would wear his tie with pride. Tom will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Elizabeth, children Marianne and Stuart, grand and great-grandchildren Abigail and Ellie.
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Latimer (Tim) L Tuke (1945) 13 November 1927 - 15 July 2014 Sqn Ldr (Rtd) Latimer (Tim) Lawrence Tuke was born in Dundee. He attended a Prep School in London before enrolling at The Academy in 1940. He became very involved in the ATC while at school and served as Flight Sergeant in his final year. Tim volunteered in 1945 and was accepted for pilot training on one of the last University Short Courses at St Edmund Hall, Oxford (1945-46). He was selected to train at the reopened RAF College, Cranwell, in 1946. On gaining his commission in 1948 he joined Transport Command as a Captain in worldwide transport. Tim was then selected for an exchange posting with the USAF in Mobile, Alabama before returning to Transport Command HQ in the UK. In 1958 he was promoted to Squadron Leader and went on to become Commanding Officer of the Hastings Operational Conversion Unit. Tim was then posted to the Air Ministry where his responsibilities included operational transport and flight simulator training. In 1966 he was seconded to Ghana, where he was in charge of recruiting and training GAF crew. Tim also served for many years on the Aircrew Selection Board at RAF Biggin Hill until voluntarily retiring in 1968. At this time he joined the London Boroughs Management Services Unit - a local authorities management consultancy - followed by a similar role with a consultancy set up by a group of southern universities. This led to Tim joining Oxford University
Latimer (Tim) L Tuke
as Departmental Administrator. He served in various departments - Forestry, Agricultural Science, Botany and Plant Sciences - until his retirement in 1993. During this time Tim became involved with his local church in Asthall, Oxfordshire, where he served as both Parish Clerk and then Church Warden at St Nicholas’, Asthall, for many years. On returning to Scotland in 2002 Tim joined St Ninian’s in Castle Douglas and served as Secretary of the Galloway Regional Diocese. In 2012 Tim and his wife decided to move to Rushden, Northamptonshire to be nearer their family. Tim will be remembered as a modest, unassuming gentleman. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, three daughters (one daughter sadly died just 5 days after her father) and one son.
We were saddened to learn of the death of former Modern Languages teacher Philip Beattie in October. This photograph shows him with his Second Year form class of 1968-69.
Picture Post
Dear Etcetera I have come across photographs of my time at the school - among them one labelled ‘Colours 1970-71’. I was at the Academy from 1967-71. I was hopeless at both rugby and cricket but showed an aptitude for shooting. I had the honour to be a member of the full bore shooting team in 1969-70 and 1970-71 which won the two trophies competed for by the other Scottish Schools, the Brock Shield and the Scottish Schools Trophy. I was the only Naval Section member of the team. I was given my colours and my pride
could not be hidden. I am second from the right in the very front row (seated on the ground). On my left is Hugh Wallace who gained his colours in rugby and on my right Nicholas McIwraith who was also a member of the shooting team. Tom Dowie (rugby) - who also came from Hamilton - is in the centre back row. Hopefully, one of my contemporaries will be able to put names to the others. Regards John S M MacDonald (1971)
In July, we were delighted to welcome former school captain Gordon MacLeod (1967) and his wife, Sue. Now resident in Florida, the MacLeods were enjoying the somewhat cooler temperatures that Scotland has to offer during the summer months. Gordon is pictured with the Indian Trophy with which, as School Captain, he was ‘presented’ in 1967 - although he has never seen the actual trophy as it was ‘lost’ during his time at the Academy!
90%
SciTech target The success of the appeal in recent months means almost £900,000 has been banked in aid of the appeal*. This means we have nearly raised the £1 million The Academy needs to complete this transformational, £15 million project.
Happy Birthday, Great-grand-dad!
With thanks to our community for such generous support, we expect SciTech to open in the summer of 2015.
My grandfather recently celebrated his 102nd birthday on the 5 November. As a family, we all celebrated this weekend with him at Crieff Hydro.
As anyone who has been passing the SciTech building regularly will know, every gift - large and small - is making a daily difference at Colebrooke Street.
Back row (left to right): Alastair JM I’Anson (1964); Heather Fleming-Brown (Westbourne 1966); Ian Morrison (1989) Front row (left to right): Archie Blair, Kelvinbridge Nursery; Jamie Morrison (S1); William Herbert I’Anson (1928); Hannah Morrison (P5); Charlie Farquharson (Dairsie P3); Harry Farquharson (Dairsie P1)
*not including legacies
Jennifer Morrison (mum of Jamie and Hannah) Etcetera
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