Number 25 Summer 2015
Editorial
Contents Ken Waine was one of the first people I met when I first arrived at Glasgow Academy. It was May of 1980 and a rather anxious PGCE student arrived at the school office to await my interview. The Academy has always liked to ensure that the responsibility for interviewing potential new recruits is spread evenly across different departments. I knew that I had to meet the Rector and Deputy Rector, the Head of English and so on but it was the man with the military bearing in the airforce-blue uniform who made me most nervous.
Ken Waine: former Head of PE and Games, Contingent Commander of the CCF, Senior Master and President of the Academical Club (1985/86)
Rachel Teggart, then Rector’s Secretary, assured me that day that Ken’s bark was very much worse than his bite. What she hinted at then, and what I - in common with hundreds of others - later discovered was that beneath that sometimes forbidding exterior lay the most generous of hearts.
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Favourite Teachers Remembered
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Anecdotage
10 Anecdotage letters 11 Book review 12 Academical Club 16 Announcements 20 Westbourne Section 22 Working for Vogue 23 Memories of the Great War 26 Obituaries 31 Picture Post
Although I was possibly the least-promising rugby coach he had ever come across, he set about teaching me all the stuff he knew. And that wasn’t just about rugby. It was about how to be a schoolmaster, about how to set an example. Many of his phrases still resonate with me today. When a young member of staff arrived at Saturday games without a tie, his reaction was classic Ken Waine. ‘We expect the boys to wear uniform on Saturdays,’ he said. ‘If the boys have to do it, the masters have to do it.’ Although Ken and Elspeth both grew up in Lancashire, when they moved here with their young family in the late 1950s, they set to work to make Glasgow - and in particular Glasgow Academy - their home. In everything he did, Ken set an example for others – boys and staff – to follow. As Stewart McAslan, another former colleague, has pointed out in his tribute, ‘He was in touch with the parent body, Academicals, generations of boys and staff. He influenced many staff even after he left because he was a strong man of principle and he provided longevity.’ Ken’s influence was strong because his roots in the community went deep. News of his passing at the age of 91 has brought tributes from his former pupils. Ken has been justly called “a wonderful man”, “really fair and very encouraging”. One former pupil who discovered the real character of the man was the boy whose father had recently died in tragic circumstances. As a 12-year-old angry at the unfairness of life, he chose to take his anger out on Wing Commander Waine, his Contingent Commander, by swearing loudly at him at CCF parade in front of the whole school. What happened next took him by surprise. ‘Rather than chastise me, he ran after me to the art department where I had run to hide. There he showed a sensitivity and kindness that I have never forgotten. He exhibited a polar opposite to his normal persona that will always stay with me. That day Mr Waine helped me deal with my grief there and then more than you could possibly imagine. I will be forever grateful for the kindness and sensitivity he showed me that afternoon.’ Ken was a lovely man and a great school master. He was universally respected by all with whom he came into contact - whether they were small boys at school or the many rugby-playing Academicals who helped him celebrate his 80th birthday in style with a celebratory rugby match at New Anniesland. As the Chronicle at the time of his retirement said: ‘Ken was everybody’s friend. And we shall miss him.’ I know I certainly will.
A full tribute to Ken will appear in the next edition of Etcetera. Former colleagues, friends and those he taught are respectfully invited to submit their reminiscences and memories for that edition. 2
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Keeping in touch The External Relations office is situated in Colebrooke Terrace. Former pupils are always welcome to pop in for a chat and look round the school. Just give us a call to arrange a time. Our address is Colebrooke Terrace, Glasgow G12 8HE and you can contact us on 0141 342 5494 or at exrel@tga.org.uk 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
Favourite Teachers Remembered Ernest Dowson Late in Form 3 I was struggling with Greek but had been scoring good marks in French and Latin. Naturally my parents were concerned and decided to consult with the Rector, Dr Roydon Richards, who in turn referred them to Chris Varley who had been teaching me French. It was recommended that I drop Greek and start German from scratch – bearing in mind that my performance in French had been good. I was transferred to the Form 3 German class which was taken by Ernie Dowson. He very sensibly asked John Garland, who was a good friend both at school and later when we both studied at St Andrews University, to act as my guide. Maybe that was where the skills John possessed as a very good teacher were developed! Anyway, thanks to Ernie’s very well-balanced and methodical approach to grammar, vocabulary, written translation (both from German to English and English to German) plus plenty of reading and oral practice, and lots of nurturing support from both Ernie and John Garland, I found myself sitting and passing Higher German in Form 5 after two years. Ernie was a firm disciplinarian who
never needed to use the belt in our class but who willingly lent it out to younger teachers who needed it to punish mischievous young boys. He was also very friendly and followed with keen interest our progress not only in German but also in other subjects. He was also very active in rugby, the Army section of the CCF, in the Masters’ cricket XI, and in taking part in the comedy of Jock Carruthers’ Christmas pantomime. I recall his playing the Emperor in a production of Aladdin one year, when
‘Dodo’ This thought was engendered by Hamish Richardson’s contribution in your last issue... I do not know for how many years David D Ogilvie taught the subject of Geography at Glasgow Academy, but according to Hamish Richardson’s dates he was still teaching 20 years after the time I left – and he was no spring chicken when I came under his tutelage. It is a sobering thought, therefore, that every one of his pupils left school with the knowledge of all the stations on the Trans-Siberian Railway. After 70 years of learning this vital information, I can still recite a good part of it – Omsk, Tomsk, Novosibirsk is one section, and Irkutsk, Chelyabinsk, Krasnoyarsk and Harbin all feature somewhere along the line to the terminus at Vladivostok.
On re-reading this before committing to memory, it is notable that all the stations cited – except for the last two, all finish ‘sk’.
his final act was to make Widow Twankey (played by Jock) the Duchess of Kelvinbridge! It was Andrew McMurchy’s photo of the CCF officers in the mid-fifties which prompted my very happy memories of a very good teacher who left the Academy in August 1958 to take a well-deserved promotion of Head of Modern Languages at Walsall Grammar School. Henry Murray Humphreys (1959)
SciTech Appeal on course to raise £1.9m
I cannot speak for others, but I have never had the opportunity of making use of or imparting this knowledge.
The success of the appeal in the last two years means that £1.6m has now been banked for the Saunders Centre development. More pledges have been made and we now expect the appeal to raise a total of around £1.9m.
And I wonder how many others can also reel off the names of the three main rivers of Siberia – the Ob, the Yenesai, and the Lena, in that order from west to east? Another pearl of wisdom from ‘Dodo’.
We are hugely grateful to all members of our community who have generously donated. The building remains on track and on budget and will be handed over by Dunne, the construction firm, in June.
These remarks are in no way a criticism of his teaching, as I found the time spent in his classroom (except for the detention periods which he administered) among the most rewarding of my schooldays.
Every gift – large and small – is helping to make this remarkable facility a reality. If you would like any information on how you can support the appeal before it closes this term, please contact Mark on M.Taylor@tga.org.uk / 0141 342 5494
Jim Cunningham (1949)
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Anecdotage
At the equivalent of the end of the school day, we headed for the bus stop on Great Western Road to catch the buses that we would have ordinarily taken home. No one would know. The cunning and detailed planning was going to carry us through! As we stood at the bus stop we saw one of our fellow art students waving frantically at us.
An Escapade by a Timid Chap
We thought, “He’s obviously congratulating us on a smart bit of skullduggery!” We both headed off on our buses and I wandered nonchalantly back to the house and was greeted by my mother with her usual, “How was school today?” I replied, as casually as I could, “Oh, not bad, you know.” Colin on a day when he did turn up for art… and on graduating as an architect
In my time at the Academy from 1963 to 1974, I was always quite a shy and retiring chap – or so I saw myself, at any event. Never one to be boisterous and never great at sports, I trod a safe furrow. Never a step out of place. Never a word spoken out of turn. All that changed in my last year. I suspect hormones played their part too. I had the exam results I needed for University but – being born in December – I was too young. So, my final year was one of improving my grades in a couple of subjects and taking Higher art, at which I was reasonably good. The result was that Tuesdays for me were seven free periods and one period
of art. This was starting to become boring and so, one Tuesday, John Braida and I decided to escape to the George Street Snooker Hall and Emporium to fill in the day, in what we saw as a much more useful manner. We set off, sneaking out of the school during morning break, successfully got to the end of Colebrooke Street, turned the corner and made a run for it. Ties off and blazers casually draped over our arms, we pressed onwards, heady with anticipation at what excitement the day would bring. A full day was spent mixing with the denizens of the snooker hall getting more than a few strange looks throughout the day. We played snooker, ate, drank and generally basked in our day of reckless freedom.
My mother, never one to mince her words said, “Where the F*** have you been!!” As it turned out, for the first time in recorded history, there was a fire in the school – in the art department of all places. And there had been a roll call. Guess who were not present and correct? There then ensued a frantic search by most of the school staff for two char-grilled adolescents. As you can imagine the consequences were not pleasant and I never played truant again. To be fair, I was not given the chance as I left at the end of that term! I went on to qualify as an architect and left for Gibraltar in 1986, after a few years practising in Glasgow. I have lived in Spain, in Sotogrande, since then and ply my trade as an architect, having qualified as a Spanish architect in 1990. Colin McLundie (1974)
The Belch Club I wonder if anyone among the 1968 leavers has recollections of the Belch Club? I probably lowered the tone of the school by helping to establish this (admittedly short-lived) organisation, whose aims and objectives were to promote and encourage the practice of belching. The Club awarded qualifications in the art, with clear criteria of assessment – of which institutions like the Quality Assurance Agency would have been proud, had they been around at the time. For demonstrating the ability to produce a basic belch (deliberately, not accidentally), one was awarded the degree of 4
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Bachelor of Belches. For a belch emanating from the abdomen rather than the throat, one was entitled to the award of Master of Belches. A more prolonged deep belch enabled one to become a Professor of Belches – a somewhat rare honour. Successful pupils were awarded certificates by the Club’s office bearers, scribbled on a scrap of paper torn from a notebook. Has any former pupil still by any chance kept one of the certificates as a piece of memorabilia? Hamish Richardson (1968)
CCF Summer Camp 1969 – Aultbea The sad news of the death of Tony (aka Cliff) Richards reminded me of a conversation I had with him at the end of the CCF Summer Camp in 1969 in Aultbea. For reasons which I think were connected to the difficulties of travelling in that part of the world on the Sabbath, the camp continued much longer than normal, and there was generous free time. The senior cadets used some of this time to devise an end-of-camp entertainment in which the finale was a song about our officers. As it was a joint army and navy camp, the RAF officers escaped our attention. It is interesting to note that we ducked the challenge of writing a verse about our commanding officer, Lt-Col GH Carruthers, OBE, TD. I can remember about 90 per cent of the song, which goes to the tune of ‘Off to Dublin in the Green’. I have made up the missing 10 per cent, but will be delighted if any reader can provide the definitive text. So, what was my conversation with Tony Richards? The day before the camp concert I spoke to him to say that we had written a song about the officers – and would he like to vet it beforehand? I was struck by his response which was to the effect that he regarded us as responsible sixth formers so would leave it to our judgement to decide what was appropriate. For the amusement of anyone who was there, or of anyone else who gets a kick out of historical documents created on traditional typewriters on yellowing paper, here are the camp orders for Sunday 6 July 1969. David Dow (1969)
Berry Camp memories…
For we’re all off to Glasgow in the green, in the green Where the cap badges glisten in the sun, Where the rifles crash and the bayonets flash To the thunder of the Wilberforce voice. My name is Mr Plowman, and I like cadets to train, But when they all get lost in the hills1 I think it’s all in vain. My name is Mr Richards, and I like cadets to move2, But when they smoke in the back of trucks, they know I don’t approve. My name is Mr Lamont, and I am the adjutant. I always write the orders out, because the others can’t. My name is Mr Thomson, and I like cadets to sail, But when they mess about in boats, they know that I feel pale. My name is Mr Small, and the organ I can play, But when there are no hymn books3, the minister has to pray. My name is Mr Colin Black and I lead the shooting team, But as there are no rifles here, all I can do is dream. My name is Mr Ainsworth, and it’s folk songs that I sing. In Colebrooke Street or army camp, it’s pleasure that they bring. My name is Mr Dorman, and the tyres I like to burn, Give me an army lorry, doing a hand-brake turn. My name is Mr Beattie… … “By cool Siloams’s shady rill”4 Repeat refrain Notes: 1 We did. 2 Tony (Captain) Richards was in charge of camp transport. 3 There weren’t. 4 At this point the tune changes to the hymn that (at that time) was traditionally sung at morning assembly when a member of staff had a baby.
I have just received my winter 2014 edition of Etcetera with the article about Jimmy Scougall. I remember Jimmy well! He was in charge of the berry camp at Dairsie in Fife, of which I have mixed memories. He planned the latrine tent there. All the latrines were arranged in a circle, facing towards the centre tent pole. All those requiring to move their bowels had to sit facing each other! Needless to say, many preferred the surrounding bushes! Not surprisingly, I developed impetigo on my face, and was condemned to a single-pole isolation tent. One night I forgot to slacken the guy ropes, and it rained. Awakening next morning, I heard voices, but it was pitch black. The tent had shrunk in the rain and the pole had penetrated the tent roof. The tent slid down the pole, and I was trapped underneath with a sense of suffocation. I crawled out with some difficulty, and was glad to reach daylight, and air! At that time I did not know I was red/green colour-blind. Picking raspberries meant I missed many berries amongst the green leaves. ‘Coom back, coom back, and pick all these bloody ripe berries! They’re hanging’ there like water-melons’ shouted the irate farmer to me, over and over. With my impetigo, poor berry-picking ability, and tent-wrecking propensity, it was no wonder that Jimmy Scougall rang my parents to take me home. I was more trouble than I was worth! John Crombie (1943) Etcetera
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John J Miller (1972) sent us this photo of a fine-looking group who made up Miss Ritchie’s class of 1964/65. Someone out there must remember who they are.
‘Norrie’s Lorry’ I found the article about Norrie’s Lorry in Etcetera interesting, reflective and poignant – not least because the same edition carried John Plowman’s obituary. By the post-Highers lacuna in the summer of 1974, I was a Sixth Year leaver and, quite remarkably, the Warrant Officer and, as such, the senior cadet in the REME section of the CCF. How had I reached such dizzy heights? From an early age I had been interested in motor cars and their workings with a particular ambition to be involved in motorsport. From the age of 12 I had worked for a few weeks of the school holidays in the workshop of a local garage, initially car cleaning and then assisting the mechanics. I had enjoyed my time in the REME section in fourth and fifth year and learned the theory and operation of engines, transmissions and other aspects of motor vehicles from Mr Plowman and senior cadets which fitted in ideally with my intermittent experiences in 6
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the garage. When those senior cadets left the school, I suppose I had some reasonable knowledge of the main aspects of the subjects to be passed on to following REME cadets so I was put in charge! There was no other credible reason because I certainly had little knowledge of parade ground procedures as was evident from the shambles which occurred when I tried to drill the section on a Monday afternoon. It was essential to have an acceptable extra-curricular project in the period between the Highers and leaving in June so as to avoid attending classes. It was suggested by Mr Plowman that I might take charge of refurbishment of the CCF truck; so I hand-picked a crew and work started. As far as I can recall, the cylinder head was cracked so it was removed and I spent many happy hours in school time touring scrap yards in Partick and along Clydeside in my old Land Rover searching for a replacement. Brush painting of the body was also undertaken and I was impressed by the number of
volunteers who wanted to get involved – most of them so that they could climb under the rear canvas tarpaulin and have a smoke! This gave me a dilemma as I was also a (fairly relaxed) Prefect. I think summer holidays beckoned before the project could be completed and I wonder if the lorry ever saw the open road again as it was little used. If anyone has any information I would be interested to hear at sandy@ williamjohnston.co.uk Degrees in Economics and Law followed school and during my studies I continued to work in the local garage. After over 35 years in commercial law and business, I have maintained my interest in cars and enjoyed a varied involvement in motor racing as a mechanic, driver, team manager, car builder, driver coach and spectator in the UK and in Europe having great fun with family and friends. Much of what I have applied in the way of vehicle mechanics and dynamics is based on my time in the REME section. Sandy McEwen (1974)
Three men (and some fresh-faced schoolboys) in a boat… to say nothing of the dog! Looking a bit like a ‘Where’s Wally?’ poster, this photo was taken on a harbour cruise of Copenhagen, just one of many activities enjoyed on a school summer expedition to Denmark in 1961. On this, the one and only foreign school trip I ever took, we were under the watchful eye of three well-known Academy teachers, Kenny Miles, Morty Black and Jock Carruthers.
“Scattered throughout the boat are my fellow travellers, most of whom I could put a name to, I think, but perhaps they would like to identify themselves?’ These three worthies can be seen five rows from the stern of the boat, Kenny in a blazer and tie, Morty sporting a racey white ‘bunnet’ and Jock puffing on his pipe! I recall that, for the duration of the trip, we lodged in an old farmhouse in Elsinore. I remember sharing accommodation with several friends… and the farm dog, Agus (see photo). I really enjoyed what was my first taste of foreign travel. The educational content was debatable, but it was a lot of fun. Oh… and where’s Wally? (me). I’m four rows from the stern on the port (left!) side of the boat, clutching my new camera, bought specially for the trip! Many thanks to Nigel Morrison (1956) who sent us this photograph of Mrs Crosby’s infants’ class of 1944/45. Bobby Low (1958) gave us a note of some of the names he could remember, but – since no-one in the office can read Bobby’s handwriting – we’ve decided to appeal to a wider audience to see how many names we can come up with. Our only clue is that both Nigel and Bobby are in the photo somewhere!
Jim Shearer (1964)
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A funny thing happened on the way to the Academy (part 1) Recently I was watching the programme ’50 top comedy clips on TV’ when I suddenly thought ‘What were the funniest things that happened to me at the Academy?’ So here I am putting pen to paper. Being a retired teacher myself, I must emphasise that the Academy teachers of the sixties were a fantastic lot - far more pluses than minuses - I salute you all. You made me what I am today (gulp!). Anyway, (and in no particular order) here goes:
‘Boggles Winzer’ - now you see him, now you don’t The following incident was witnessed only by myself and two others. Boggles ran the bridge club and it was the first week back in January. No one seemed to notice that during the holidays, the floor had been waxed and polished. We each sat on two desks put together, north/south/east and west, with a desk in the middle for the cards. Boggles was my partner and I had just put him into a delicate four spade contract. You could hear a pin drop. He was just about to finesse the queen of hearts when, slowly and inexorably, the two desks that he was sitting on started to move apart. So did Boggles’ cheeks and in the twinkling of an eye, right through the middle, down went Boggles, crashing to the ground. I can still envisage his small podgy forearms, flailing about like windmills in a storm, but to no avail. Postscript: Boggles actually hurt himself and the game broke up in stony silence (although it was anything but stony when we got down the first flight of stairs). A real character - I’m still reminded of him when I see the sinister gestapo agent dressed in black whose face melts at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Lurch and the disappearing chalk Looking back, I was always amazed in Chemistry classes that lots of bottles of concentrated nasties were just lying about. Mr Watt’s nickname came, of course, from the maniacal, harpsichord-playing butler from The Addams Family (even his hands looked like ‘Thing’). I decided to conduct an experiment to see if the rate of chalk disintegration in concentrated sulphuric acid had anything to do with the colour of the chalk (what a pillock!). I had just 8
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concocted a bubbling brew that even Macbeth’s witches would have been proud of, and was merrily stirring the chalk in acid muttering ‘Well that’s the end of Lurch’s chalk’ when in walked Lurch. Postscript: I can’t remember getting punished for my misdemeanour - he really was a gentle giant. I once bumped into him in 1972, he was mooching about a very busy Rothesay pier. He told me that his pet hate was queuing - he hadn’t joined a queue in over 10 years. Mind you he probably didn’t need to.
Madame Faid’s Cinderella moment I was just a ten-year-old sproglet when I first encountered Madame. What an amazing woman! She was affectionately known as ‘Madam Mim’ after Disney’s The Sword in the Stone came out in 1963 (‘I have the power - to wither a flower’). I’ve no idea where she came from (country, not planet) but we soon found out that she had a fascination with shops, castles and salads (‘Ah, la belle charbouterie’ or whatever). However, we felt there was a lot more mileage in this, so, like satan’s imps, we set out to locate her weak spot. It didn’t take long. Stained glass windows! She went crazy over them. We took it in turns to research a historical building with stained glass windows, bring it up in conversation, and she would spend the rest of the period yattering about it. At the bell we would all file out grinning like Cheshire cats. Another period ‘sans travail’. Postscript: And her Cinderella moment? Madame was involved in a right rammy at 11.45 pm at a taxi rank on the Champs Elysees. She was refused entry into her carriage until the bells struck midnight (when the fares rocketed). Even the hardened Parisian taxi drivers were no match for Madame. The poor hapless driver had to suffer an earful all the way to Montmartre. Closer to home, we got French on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays but for some reason our calendars said French homework on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Every Monday and Wednesday she would say ‘Et maintenant, mes eleves, are we due a
homework tonight?’ We would sit there like doe-eyed innocent cherubs, chanting ‘No Madame” in unison. She never twigged.
Cliff Richards - ‘I know a young teacher who swallowed a fly’ I don’t know why he swallowed a fly, but he did! We were all sitting quietly as he was reading poetry to us when a fly flew into his mouth. We sat with bated breath waiting for it to fly back out. Nothing was forthcoming, however, so we could only assume that down the hatch it went. With typical nonchalance (and a polite cough), he continued reading as if nothing had happened. Postscript: Mr Richards was an excellent teacher, but his pernicketiness now enters folklore. I always thought that Alice Richards was his mother (the woman with the hearing aid in Fawlty Towers). He was certainly no admirer of the inventor Laszlo Biro -- in his classes it was a fountain pen or else. He had a penchant for tapping little boys on the forehead with an outlandishly large device used for opening windows (sounds better if you say it quickly).
Dodo - river deep mountain high No one passed through the Academy in the sixties without encountering Dodo’s rhythmical memoirs for anything Geographical (especially rivers). But even the great teachers sometimes have to admit defeat. There was a boy in our class called Rufus (due to his rustic royal appearance).The lesson was about the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Rufus was not very good at Geography. When questioned about the rivers, he always got the words in a fankle and he kept saying “Mississouri”. After many fruitless attempts at correction, the bell rang and, as we all filed out, an exasperated Dodo yelled back at him - ‘Tell Mrs Oori I was asking for her!’ Classic Dodo. Postscript: One Friday night, a tired and dishevelled Dodo was standing on a platform at Central station. His heart sank when a sprightly young man with a large microphone bounded up to him, obviously looking for an interview. How to get rid of him. Suddenly Dodo had a brainwave. Looking at him straight in the eye and with his fiercest face (not too
difficult), he bellowed: ‘LENINGRADMOSCOWOMSKTOMSKKRASNOYARSKIRKUTSKVLADIVOSTOK.’ (Connoisseurs of Dodo will of course instantly recognise the main stops on the Trans-Siberian Railway.)
With a sickly smile, gently bowing and back-stepping, like a peasant retreating from royalty, he could only jibber the words, ‘Thank you, sir, thank you, thank you …’ John Macnab (1968)
Peter Jensen (1962) and his fellow classmates in 3A in 1958/59. Perhaps someone recognises an old friend or two?
Blackwaterfoot Recently I took my wife on her first visit to Arran. I decided to take her to the Kinloch Hotel, Blackwaterfoot, which had been the base some 50 years ago and more for various CCF courses run during the Easter holidays under the command of Major Gordon Carruthers. Having met the current hotel proprietor, Robbie Crawford, I enquired if there was any connection between his family and Glasgow Academy, to which he replied that both his father and uncle were Academicals. Rather to my surprise, he then asked if I knew Ken Waine. Having replied in the affirmative, I then met another member of the Kinloch team, who introduced himself as Robert Waine, son of the aforesaid Ken. He recalled how his father had been involved in the first of the Easter training courses back in the late 1950s. As I recall, the courses were of two types. On the first, the more junior cadets were resident in the hotel, from where they were presented with clues (akin to those in Scudder`s notebook
in Buchan`s The 39 Steps) that led over the ensuing days to an appropriate finale. For example, the final clue in my year was ‘PG Tips’, a reference not to a well-known brand of tea but rather to Peter Gannon (then head of the naval section and one of the supervising masters), from whom came the final map reference for the denouement at Drumadoon Point. The second type of course was altogether more arduous. We were supposedly on the island of Narra, which by coincidence had the same topography as Arran except that much of it had sunk into the sea, thereby making all coastal roads inaccessible. To move from camp to camp therefore entailed some serious hill-walking, including on at least one occasion climbing over snow-clad boulders at the top of Goatfell to get down to another camp-site in Glen Rosa. It seems that no such training courses have taken place on Arran in recent years. Of course the Chronicle nowadays carries reports as a matter of course of exciting trips to exotic locations far from
Glasgow. I would suggest, however, that it would be a matter of considerable regret were such activities to be at the total expense of wonderful opportunities for character development and adventure to be found very much closer to home, and which – thanks to masters like Gordon Carruthers and Ken Waine – came the way of my own generation those many years ago. Alexander Pollock (1961) P.S. Our recent stay at the Kinloch Hotel was a much more civilised experience, not least because of the modern facilities and excellent cuisine! Editor’s note CCF camps now need official authority. It is no longer possible to run trips over Easter due to the focus on impending exams; however CCF annual camp and recruit weekend continue and cadets also take part in several orienteering and outward bound competitions across the country throughout the year. Sadly, since this article was written, Ken Waine has died.
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Anecdotage letters Dear Sir I have many fond memories of my time as a Boarder at Glasgow Academy and enjoy reading the Etcetera magazine very much. Whilst at school we used to get up to lots of pranks, like exploring the foundations of the main building and the top floor ducting system, where we could see into most of the classrooms where lessons were being carried out. This was the year before there was a fire in the main building, after which a few of our lessons were held in various halls in Glasgow for the rest of that year. One thing has always been on my mind: What happened to the Printing Club? We used to print letter headed note paper for those willing to pay and also Rugby Club fixtures, occasional menu cards and visiting cards for the teachers. I was a member and I remember that we had one large electric printing machine and a smaller hand-operated one. Our print and type lead letters and a few
pictures were kept in a large wooden cabinet, with different size and fonts in different drawers. Our base was in the basement under the Junior School. On looking through the Etcetera magazine I see very few names that I remember while I was at school. This is not surprising as I left the Academy in 1958. I often wonder what happened to them all. I was always known as “Hoagy’s brother”. Hoagy was my younger brother, who excelled at most things, but soon left and joined Fettes College in Edinburgh. With all the best for your next edition of Etcetera, Yours faithfully Thomas Anthony Hogarth (1958) Dear Malcolm I was interested to read recollections (Etcetera 24) of tea with Baggy and Mrs Aston in 1959 by my old friend, Alex Pollock. I was present and remember the occasion, but it reminded me of another
visit to Kelvin Drive. This took place in 1962 to mark that year’s Oxford and Cambridge awards, a record at the time. This time the generous Astonian hospitality was dispensed in the evening and it was a convivial gathering. Baggy punctuated it by crossing his drawing-room from time to time to heave massive chunks of timber, little less than whole trees, into a cavernous open fireplace. He had a wonderful library and my eye was caught from a distance by what appeared to be a beautiful but surprisingly extensive collection of the works of Racine. When I got close enough to examine them properly I found that they were not that at all, but a calf-bound series of Racing Form covering at least twenty years. I’d known something of the range of Baggy’s interests, and the discovery that he was a keen student of the turf increased my admiration for the man still further. With all best wishes Walter Reid (1962)
We are grateful to Roy Burdon (1955) for this photo of the School Choir rehearsing for the Carol Service at Lansdowne Church at some point in the early 1950s. Mr Reginald Barret Ayres, Director of Music, is at the organ.
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Book Review
prominent figures in the opposition to Nazism: Käthe Kollwitz (printmaker and sculptor); Franz Ehrlich (lettering on the gate of Buchenwald); Ernst Barlach (The hovering Angel).
A Work of Distinction Dr Neil MacGregor: GERMANY: Memories of a Nation (Allen Lane, £30) I don’t make a habit of writing book reviews, but – when you discover a volume that captivates you – it seems natural to find a way of sharing your admiration with a wider audience, particularly when the author is a distinguished Academical, OM and Director of the British Museum. Few readers of Etcetera may have been free to listen to a recent BBC Radio 4 series of talks on Germany by Neil MacGregor (1964). This weighty companion volume of 600 richly-illustrated pages constitutes a unique contribution to the social, cultural and political history of Germany, written in a form far removed from traditional history books. Neil is the first to acknowledge the debt he owes to his many collaborators but he himself deserves great credit for bringing this enterprise to a splendid conclusion. He begins by asking: Where is Germany? Its frontiers have changed so frequently that it takes eight clearly-drafted maps to show the borders of the country from the Holy Roman Empire to modern Germany. The cover describes the ‘central power in continental Europe’ as ‘inherently fragmented’ but ‘it contains a large number of widely shared memories, awarenesses and experiences. Examining some of these is the purpose of this book. MacGregor chooses objects and ideas, people and places which still resonate in the new Germany.’ The enormity of the task is hinted at by a collaborator in an early chapter: “The difficulty in presenting or explaining a totalitarian state like the GDR is that the written records are there, but they are deliberately devious, concealing and banal.” Then how about approaching much of his subject through art? We might have expected this from the former Director of the National Gallery, who has assembled an impressive range of works of art to illustrate the text: the Hanseatic League’s English HQ in the late 13th century; a 1493 cityscape of Nuremberg; a selection of local currency notes in the post-WW1 inflation
(Hamlin with its piper’s rats!); a range of what the Nazis termed ‘degenerate art’ and the Reichstag wrapped in silver fabric in 1995 to mark Norman Foster’s transformation of the building. A selection of chapter headings will suggest the eclectic nature of the work: One people, many sausages; the white gold of Saxony (Meissen porcelain); One nation under Goethe; A language for all Germans (Luther’s bible); Snow White vs Napoleon; Purging the degenerate – Neil takes a particular pleasure in rehabilitating the memory of
Most major aspects of history and politics over the centuries qualify for a mention – or more – but they are not allowed to dominate the text; they are often present as a background to whatever may be the cultural topic of the moment. Intriguing details emerge frequently: the red, black and gold of the German flag is traced back to the Liberal Parliament of 1848 in Frankfurt; the bronze 1916 lettering on the Reichstag was melted from French cannon captured from Napoleon. Neil gives thoughtful expression to some of the enigmas of the nation: “The guilt (for the horrific crimes of the Third Reich) is internalised and becomes part of the German national identity.” In the final paragraph: “Berlin is (now) building a dream: this time of a peaceful, enriching dialogue of cultures... on the Museum Island... The complex German past is here once again being reshaped by its monuments and memories.” Those of us who have lived through those crimes are likely to find a cathartic effect in this honest, imaginative retelling of a nation’s story. I commend it wholeheartedly. Graham Little (Academy staff 1965-1988)
2015 Dates for your Diary Monday 22 June 2015,The Glasgow Academy, Prep School Roof Terrace Donor Thank You Reception 3 July 2015 Rowing: Henley Royal Regatta September/October 2015 (Date TBC) Kelvin Foundation/Formal Opening of The Saunders Centre Friday 23 October 2015 Class of 1995 20-year Reunion Friday 6 November 2015, The Glasgow Academy The Glasgow Academicals’ War Memorial Trust AGM Friday 6 November 2015, Kelvingrove Art Gallery The 133rd Academical Club Dinner December 2015 (TBC) Class of 2005 10-year Reunion 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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Academical Club have offered to take people on work experience and that is going to start as a pilot study. If you feel you might be able to help then please do get in touch. The school has been superb in this. In terms of loneliness, we will be supporting a charity that places early-morning calls to Glasgow’s loneliest people. Again, I am honoured that so many of you have volunteered. On a wider scale – as our photo suggests – I’ve been to Twickenham to start the process of the retrieval of the world’s oldest rugby cap. We will be holding two joint events with our friends West of Scotland. Glasgow Warriors are keen to help us in whatever way they can and so is the SRU.
John Beattie and Bill Beaumont shake hands at Twickenham beside the Calcutta Cup and the two oldest rugby caps in the world.
GAC President 2015-16 I am thrilled to be Honorary President of the Academical Club in its 150th year – and the current President Dougie Robinson has been wise counsel. I just want to let you all know that there are a few projects we will be getting involved in and I am delighted that the Accie community has backed our vision for a year dedicated to what we can do for others. In terms of events, please put 6 November 2015 in your diaries as we hope to fill Kelvingrove Art Gallery and museum for our dinner which will include my BBC colleague, Jackie Bird, and former rugby player, Brian Moore, as guests and speakers. You will find booking forms enclosed with this magazine. You can also book by contacting exrel@tgaorg.uk We went to Glasgow City Council and asked what help they might need, and we were told that loneliness and lack of opportunity for the disadvantaged are key problem areas. I’ve been bowled over by the number of you who 12
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These are early days, but it’s been fascinating to see how many of you in our community are so willing to help and get involved. I don’t know about you, but there is more joy to giving than in raising money for ourselves and I have been very proud to have had so many offers of help. As I say, please put 6 November in your diary, and if you feel you want to help with work experience for the disadvantaged then please do get in touch with me John Beattie (1975)
Hampden Exhibition Glasgow Academical Club is currently working with The Scottish Football Museum and Queen’s Park FC to put on an exhibition at Hampden in 2016. The theme will be the contribution both clubs made to bringing ‘Football’ and giving International Football to the world. The exhibition will trace the birth of both codes, the start of the international game and the effect of the advent of professionalism through to the tragedy of the First World War. It will be rounded off with an assessment of where these two historic clubs now stand in the modern sporting landscape. Hugh Barrow (1962)
Men’s Hockey Men’s hockey is in good shape presently with a full squad of players available most Saturdays and some new attire to make us proud! Following a poor start to the season, our results have improved with a 1-1 draw against Uddingston 3s and a 3-2 victory over Helensburgh 1st XI. The summer hockey season is upon us and hopefully we can attract additional players who may be interested in joining the squad. Martin Dawes, a former pupil of Glasgow Academy, has captained the team this year. Paul Harrison pauljharrison47@gmail.com
Ladies’ Hockey Glasgow Accies Ladies Hockey Club are delighted to announce that they have won the West District 2 League and the West District Indoor Plate this 2014-15 season. With promotion into WD1 and a new development team in WD4, the section is excited to begin Glasgow Accies’ 150th Year in August. We are always looking for new players and welcome ladies of all ages (14yrs+), all levels of skills and experience. Pre-season training starts at Windyedge on Tuesday 11 August at 6.30 pm. If you fancy getting some practice in before then why not join the Summer Hockey Team who play friendly games in and around the West End of Glasgow most Tuesday and Thursday evenings from May until July?
The Ladies Hockey section is celebrating the 150th Year by hosting an 11-aside pre-season Tournament at Windyedge on Saturday 15 August. With the promise of great hockey, fun games, BBQ, raffle and raising money for local charities, the 150th Year Glasgow Accies
Ladies’ Hockey Tournament is set to be a wonderful date for your diary – all spectators welcome! www.glasgow-hockey.com acciesladies@yahoo.co.uk Stephanie Hermes (Club Captain)
London Section The London Section would like to thank all Academicals and their guests who travelled from Glasgow to attend the Annual Dinner held on Friday 13 March 2015 at The Caledonian Club. I am not sure whether our record attendance of 104 was due to our dinner being held on the eve of the Calcutta Cup match or because of the array of interesting speakers – or maybe a combination of both. A most enjoyable evening was had by all, with The Caledonian Club full to the brim as the Glasgow High School were hosting their annual dinner on the same evening. We had excellent fayre served from The Caledonian Club kitchen and in between courses we heard from The Rector, Peter Brodie, the President of the Glasgow Academical Club, Douglas Robinson, Ryan Kohli, Tommy Reid and our main speaker, Professor Mona Siddiqui OBE. Our President, Cammy Wilson, and one of our Committee members, Hazel McNaught, proposed the toasts to the Club and the school respectively.
Day being held on Tuesday 30 June at Denham Golf Club. We also have the London Section hosting the School Shooting Team during their annual visit to Bisley, which this year will be held on Thursday 9 July. As always, any Academical visiting from Glasgow is more than welcome to attend any of our events. After two years as President of the London Section, Cammy Wilson now retires and will be succeeded by Karen Greenshields to whom we wish the best of luck for her years in office – and, of course, we thank Cammy for his enthusiastic Presidency.
Any new arrivals in the London area are encouraged to register with the London Section by contacting David Hall, Secretary/Treasurer on 020 7235 9012 or ecj@aralon.co.uk Some of the speakers at this year’s London Dinner: Tommy Reid and Peter Brodie (back row); Mona Siddiqui, Hazel McNaught and Ryan Kohli (front row)
We hope that this high attendance will continue to be achieved in future years. Please note that the 2016 dinner is scheduled for Friday 4 March at The Caledonian Club. As we look ahead to the summer, we have the London Scottish Schools’ Golf Etcetera
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Cricket Club seeks new members and spectators Glasgow Accies CC has been promoted to the Western Union First Division for the 2015 season, taking its place amongst the elite of Scottish cricket once more. The club would love to hear from readers who would be interested in playing, whether competitively or socially. We also have a Ladies’ team that is actively recruiting. If your playing days are behind you, you are still welcome to spend summer afternoons with the club as a spectator. The Gordon MacKay Bar in the New Anniesland pavilion has recently been refurbished and will be open during Saturday home games from 4 pm, or earlier by advance arrangement. In May we were delighted to host a return visit from the Commonwealth Gold medallists, the South African Sevens Rugby Team. Equally delighted were our S3 rugby players who received a rugby master class from some of the best players in the world. The South Africans in their turn were delighted to be back at New Anniesland - where they trained during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games - and to renew their acquaintance with the 1906 Springbok jersey owned by the Club.
Interesting Academicals
For information on joining the club, fixture lists, scorecards and match reports, please see www. glasgowaccies.cc New members can also email Neil Dowers (2005) at player_registration@glasgowaccies.cc
characters, though not so familiar with the social attitudes of late Victorian Glasgow. On returning home I decided to research a little more about McCrone and I thought readers of Etcetera might be interested in a summary of my findings.
Guy McCrone It has always been a pleasure to come across Glasgow Academicals on our travels and so it proved in the summer when we were mountaineering as usual in the Pyrenees. Not that we actually met a real live Accie. On this occasion the Accie was Guy McCrone (1907-1916) and it was one of his books that turned up in the selection of novels bought from a charity shop in Partick. Like many of McCrone’s books, Aunt Bel is set in the West of Scotland and particularly Glasgow, so we were familiar with many of the places visited by the 14
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Guy Fulton McCrone was born in Birkenhead in 1898 of Glaswegian parents. When the family returned to Scotland, and settled near Mauchline, Guy followed his cousin Osborne Henry Mavor (better known under his nom de plume of James Bridie) to The Academy, and eventually won a place at Pembroke College, Cambridge in 1916. In an interview McCrone said that, before going up to university to read Economics (contrary to his publisher’s blurb which has him studying Modern Languages), he ‘went to scrub floors and sell cigarettes in soldiers’ YMCAs in Normandy and Paris,’ as he was ineligible for the Army. He married Jean Armour in 1931 and began writing, but had an immediate set-back. He sent his first novel to Michael Sadleir, a distinguished biographer, novelist and publisher of the time, who ‘tore my work to pieces, neither showing mercy nor predicting a future for it’. McCrone took on board the criticisms, however, and the redrafted manuscript was subsequently published by Sadleir, as part of a trilogy, initially in America as Red Plush, then in the UK as Wax Fruit. There is also a German translation called Phoebe. It
seems a television version of Wax Fruit was made in 1975 and Antimacassar City, the first part of the trilogy, was serialised for Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4 in 2010. With Bridie and others, McCrone helped establish what became the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow, and was its first Managing Director. He wrote plays, one of which was curiously called Alex goes to Amulree, first performed by the Rutherglen Repertory Theatre in May 1944. Another of his plays, Edenbrook’s Daughter, was performed only once Henry James (of Turn of the Screw fame) had adapted it. It was then translated as Die Tochter for German TV. Guy McCrone claimed at least one interesting relative other than James Bridie. His grandfather’s cousin, a certain John Macrone (writing the name thus) became the publisher who encouraged the young Charles Dickens to collect his first newspaper pen sketches, and published them under the Macrone imprint as Sketches by Boz in 1836. You can find Guy McCrone’s obituary in The Chronicle archive (1977-78 edition) on The Academy website. I am sure there are many other Accies, including former pupils of Westbourne, with equally interesting stories. Maybe Etcetera readers can start a series. David Comins (Academy Rector 1994-2005)
GAC 150th Anniversary – Golf Day and Dinner
Notice
Academical Club AGM Tuesday 2 June 2015 GLASGOW ACADEMICAL CLUB Notice is hereby given to members that the Annual General Meeting of the Club will be held at 6.30 pm on Tuesday 2 June 2015 in the Pavilion, New Anniesland, 21 Helensburgh Drive, GLASGOW G13 1RR. The Secretary will make available copies of the Report and Accounts to any member, on request to the above address. Stuart Neilson Secretary The Glasgow Academical Sports Club Annual General Meeting will be held prior to the above meeting commencing at 6.00 pm in the Pavilion, New Anniesland.
This fantastic event will be held on Friday 14 August. A not-to-be-missed social and sporting occasion, it will take place at the Glasgow Golf Club, Killermont, Bearsden.
of the Captain of Golf, John M Watson OBE. John is organising every aspect of the event and promises surprises on the day, as well as an excellent after-dinner speaker.
The day will start from 11.30 am in the Tennant Room where an excellent buffet will be served. Teeing off starts at 12.30 pm. If you have a preference of who you would like to play with, please indicate this when booking your place.
To book, please contact External Relations on 0141 342 5494/exrel@ tga.org.uk to make payment by card. Alternatively, you can complete the form below and send with a cheque for £50 – payable to ‘The Glasgow Academy’ – to the External Relations office.
Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 70 and can be booked for the remarkable price of just £50. This includes the morning buffet, golf, dinner in the evening and all drinks, courtesy
We are certain this event will sell out very quickly. So don’t delay, sign up today!
GAC 150th Anniversary – Golf Day and Dinner – Booking Form Name Address
Class of
The
18 45 G roup
By making a Founder’s Gift of just £18.45, you can become a member of this special philanthropic group, exactly 170 years after Glasgow Academy’s founders met at the Star Hotel on George Square – in 1845 – to make plans to establish ‘an Academic Institution in this City’. The group will be recognised on the ‘Wall of Thanks’ in the Saunders Centre and have its own ‘1845 Group’ seat in the Watson Auditorium. Please help to complete the SciTech building in this small – but sincerely appreciated – way.
Telephone Email Preferred playing partners
Date
Signed
Cheque for £50 enclosed?
Yes
No
GAC Events 2015/2016
Sunday 5 July 2015 Cricket Event Accies XI v Cricket Scotland Select XI
Friday 14 August 2015 Golf Event at Glasgow Golf Club Killermont
Saturday 15 August 2015, New Anniesland Ladies’ Hockey Tournament
Friday 6 November 2015, Kelvingrove Art Gallery GAC Annual Dinner Speakers Brian Moore and Jackie Bird
Thursday 21 April 2016 GAC 150th Anniversary Civic Reception at the City Chambers
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Announcements
Andrew and Nicola
Engagements Scott Kershaw (2001) On New Year’s day, Scott Kershaw got engaged to Lucy Edwards. Both are Chartered Surveyors and live in Dore, Sheffield.
Lydia Milligan (2008) and Emma Mallinson (2008) Delighted to announce that Lydia Milligan (2008) became engaged to Chris Hawkridge in December 2014 and Emma Mallinson (2008) to Harry Barlas in July 2014. All four are now living in Sydney Australia.
Marriages Andrew Keighley (1999) Andrew married Nicola Louise O’Brien at Culcreuch Castle, Fintry, Stirlingshire on 14 November 2014. Andrew is a detective in the Metropolitan Police.
Kirsty McNaught (2007) Kirsty married Jonathan Dean at Central Church in Edinburgh on 21 March 2015. It was a very happy day.
Kerr Smith (2001) Louise (Crush) and I married on 3 October 2014 at St Nicholas’ Church in Prestwick followed by a reception at the Western House Hotel in Ayr. We are now enjoying marital bliss in our flat close to Kelvinbridge.
Birth Morna (Scott) Thorburn (2004) Morna and Craig are delighted to announce the birth of Emily Janet, born on 8 April 2015. (Left to right) Chris, Lydia, Emma and Harry
David WH Morris (1978) I became engaged to Linda on 31 May 2014 and have moved to Wimblington in Cambridgeshire. We hope to get married during 2015.
Russell and Fiona Ballantine Russell (2009) is now working full time with a firm of electricians. Fiona (2014) is currently at Strathclyde University studying Computer Science.
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William Biggart (1971) Willie recently launched Spoonfed to the USA market. Spoonfed provides online catering software for caterers and restaurants. The Livingston-based company has a customer base across the UK. Clients include high street bakery chains, independent sandwich retailers, outside catering businesses and institutional caterers such as universities. Wille left The Academy for Merchiston in 1966. He co-founded Spoonfed with his business partner, Murray McNicol in 2013.
Douglas Moreton Black (1974)
Updates
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Kirsty and Jonathan
Douglas has relocated from Ottawa to Doha, Qatar, taking up a new appointment as a Senior Gynaecologist/ Obstetrician in the new Sidra Hospital and Research Centre being built there. He would be happy to meet any Academicals living there.
Thomas Forrester (1956) The committee of promotions and tenure of St Louis University awarded Thomas the title of professor emeritus of physiology and pharmacology on 1 December 2006. He was also recently
included in the Oxford University reference publication “Men of Achievement”.
Brian Keighley (1966) Congratulations to Dr Brian Keighley (1966), former chair of the British Medical Association, who was awarded an MBE for services to Healthcare in the 2015 New Year Honours List.
Robert Low (1958) Well-known Academical Bobby Low is certainly keeping busy in his so-called retirement. He is one of only five Honorary Fellows of the Glasgow Obstetrical & Gynaecological Society – an honour conferred for his services to Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Scotland. He is the elected chairman of the Ospreys Gynaecological Society, one of the oldest such societies in the UK. Bobby is also Chairman of Champagne Piaff, a champagne house based in Epernay France and he has an interest in a wine company in the Western Cape which produces exclusive red wine under licence to the Moulin Rouge in Paris. In addition Bobby is often seen – while on grandson collection duty – at Colebrooke Street!
Scott Massey (1989) I relocated with my company (Dimension Data) to California with my wife Emma and son Eddie (3) and now work in the heart of Silicon Valley, about an hour south of San Francisco. It would be great to hook up with any Academicals in the area or if anyone is passing through, please let me know. I can be contacted on scott.massey@ outlook.com
Andrew Sleigh (1974) Andrew joined Brechin Tindal Oatts, Solicitors in Glasgow and Edinburgh as a partner in the Corporate Team on 3 November 2014. BTO has many connections with The Academy and is a leading independent Scottish law firm. He specialises in sports law and SME corporate and commercial work.
children, helping bridge the ‘5-a-day’ gap.’
Sporting updates Colin Gemmill (2009) After leaving The Academy, Colin spent four years at Abertay University, graduating with honours in psychology and sports studies. He then disappeared to Slovenia for a year (where he lost all his hair) and has now come back to the UK where he has found himself a job in Oxford as Community Rugby Coach with London Welsh Rugby Club. On his first day in the job he had the ‘honour’ to be the Club mascot! Isn’t it great what an Academy education can do for you!
Andrew Hosie (1996) I saw Gareth William’s recent article in Etcetera 24. It was kind of him to say those things about my refereeing – who knows what he would have said had Toronto Scottish lost that game! Thought you would be interested in the attached picture of myself (1996) and Johnnie Beattie (2004) in the Scotland v USA Test Match that Gareth referred to. Johnnie was No8 for Scotland and I was the IRB TMO representing Rugby Canada. I had two decisions in that game (one for each side) but Johnnie’s ‘try’ in that game was so clearly not a try that the French referee had no need to call for my assistance! I was also lucky enough to be selected to TMO for the New Zealand All Blacks v USA match in Chicago last November. Question for Stewart McAslan: When was the last time two GA 1st XV alumni were ‘capped’ in the same game? Gordon Reid and Pat McArthur also played which made for three Ayr RFC junior players appearing during a test match. Was a great experience!
The two
faces of
Colin Ge
mmill
Andrew with Johnnie Beattie
Philip Tam (1990) Dr Philip Tam (1990) and family, at the Grand Final of the NRL competition
Nicole Weaver (1996) Nicole is currently full time mummy to her son, Brody, and loving every moment. She says: ‘I’m planning a summer wedding for 2016 after a very romantic proposal from Gary whilst in the throes of labour (talk about trying to take my mind off it!). I also own a health and nutrition company for adults and PHOTO (Brody Weaver)
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at Sydney Olympic Stadium. This pitted the (Russell Crowe co-owned) South Sydney Rabbitohs against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, with Souths crushing the Dogs 30-6. Keen league and union fans will be interested to hear that this was billed as the ‘Battle of Britain’, pitting English forwards James Graham against Sam Burgess, both from North England league backgrounds. Burgess, who played the entire game with a smashed face courtesy of Graham’s head, went on to claim ‘man-of-the-match’, as well as League World Player of the Year. He has just moved to Union and Bath Rugby, and has a chance of making the England squad for RWC 2015.
Lesley Henderson (2009) Lesley has just launched a new business called The Rare Malt Whisky Company. It focuses predominantly on the sale of rare bottles of whisky; however, The Rare Malt Whisky Company can also host unique whisky tastings and whisky pairings.
Branching out…
Katrina Mather (2003)
Philip Arnott (2002)
Health has always been a passion of mine and, although I left Glasgow University with a first in design engineering, I have always felt a need to help others having helped myself with my own health.
After leaving The Academy I did a degree in Illustration. Since graduating in 2006 I have been fortunate to have been kept busy – mainly on a self-employed basis.
Last year the idea came to me to open a health retreat in one of my favourite parts of the world, the west coast Scottish Highlands – and 12 months later I’m delighted to share that the first wellbeing retreat of its kind in Scotland is now a reality.
My recent work includes a commission in Noepoli, Basilicata, Italy to make calendars of the local area for the comune and the artists’ residency there. The work was illustrated and designed by myself. This was a great experience for me as I had to travel down to the bottom of Italy from Naples. It was an untouched part of Italy with hardly any commercial tourism. I will be going back later this year to do a similar commission for town called Greve in Chianti. Apart from that, I have been doing Illustration work for various whisky companies, local councils and restaurants. More of my work can be seen at www. philiparnott.com 18
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Lesley takes up the story: ‘It was a series of events from leaving Glasgow Academy that led me to where I am today. After school, I was able to study at my university of choice, The University of Glasgow. Studying at Glasgow meant I could keep my part-time job at Glengoyne Distillery. I had been working at Glengoyne for four years and it was during this time that I realised I would really love to develop a career in the whisky industry. I graduated in June 2014 and it was in September/October 2014 that I decided I would like to try and make my own start within the whisky world. Over the past six months I have been taking the necessary steps regarding licensing for the business as well as developing the branding and having a website built. After much hard work, the website launched on 9 April. It can be viewed at the following address: www.theraremaltwhiskycompany.co.uk Slàinte Mhath!’
My approach is gentle and consists of a nourishing juice cleanse, enjoyable exercise in nature and coaching on techniques to combat stress and negative beliefs that may stand in the way of achieving long-term results. Since the launch in October, The Body Toolkit has earned some incredible testimonials and the combination of the techniques I use and spending time in the ‘outdoor capital of the UK’ appears to be genuinely helping people. www. thebodytoolkit.com
Duncan Tannahill (1973) Former Pupil Duncan Tannahill (1973) is celebrating his 60th birthday with a series of daring challenges in aid of Sense Scotland. Duncan, a Trustee for the charity, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, aims to raise up to £60,000. He will undertake a 60-mile walk blindfolded and with restricted hearing, reflecting the origins of the charity which originally supported deafblind people and now supports people with a range of communication support needs. Duncan will also swim
Events and Reunions
Just some of the delegates at our very successful business breakfast held at The Corinthian, Glasgow on 26 February. The first Friday in March is the traditional date for the Iain Muir Lunch – and this year was no exception.
across Corryvreckan and spend a night under canvas. But it’s not just Duncan who’s taking on the challenges – Sense Scotland are inviting everyone to join in. For more information visit: www.sensescotland. org.uk/beduncan As Duncan says: ‘Sense Scotland is fantastic and my 60-mile walk and other challenges will raise funds for the hundreds of children, young people and adults with communication support needs. I can’t think of a better cause to raise funds for during my 60th year and, of course, Sense Scotland’s 30th anniversary.’
The Saunders Centre
Westbourne Appeal smashes £25k target!
As we reported in our last edition, it was announced last November that the new Science and Technology Building will be named in honour of Lt Col Francis (Frank) Saunders MBE ERD.
The Saunders Centre will be a wonderful addition to our sector-leading facilities. It will also be a fitting tribute to a remarkable man, who made a truly remarkable gift.
We are delighted to update you on the continued success of the Westbourne Appeal. In recent months even more generous gifts have been made, so the appeal has now raised £36,000 to name a Chemistry laboratory and sponsor some of its equipment. Thank you so much to all of you who have generously given.
Frank left The Academy in 1923 and went on to become a successful chartered civil engineer and see active service in five countries during World War II. He also became one of Stirling’s best-known civic figures and the first person to be given the freedom of the city.
*The appeal is now on course to raise around £1.9m but will close this term at the end of June. There is still time to name your seat in the auditorium and one major naming opportunity remains available.
The Westbourne Appeal will close this term at the end of June; any further donations will help to fund more of the equipment for the Westbourne Laboratory. If you would like to support the Westbourne Chemistry Laboratory while there is still time, please contact Mark on M.Taylor@tga.org. uk / 0141 342 5494 Thank you very much again.
Frank remained interested in Glasgow Academy throughout his life and regularly visited the school until his 105th birthday. He died in 2013 aged 106 (the oldest man in Scotland at the time). Just a few months earlier, Frank had arranged to bequeath nearly all of his estate (around £750,000) to our building appeal*. Frank wanted to give so generously (and in a most tax-efficient way!) because he knew his legacy would make a positive, life-changing difference to many future generations of Academy pupils.
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Westbourne Section
Westbourne Class of ‘70 Reunion In November of 2014, after many emails flying worldwide, I managed to collect together 14 Westbourne Class of ‘70 and off we went to Newcastle for two days. Our time there was managed excellently by Joan Nicklin (Robertson), who has lived there for many years. We had a walking tour of this beautiful city, after a lovely lunch. In the evening Joan had organised a delicious, private dining experience in Hotel du Vin. The following day we travelled on the Metro to the coast, where we had a beautiful walk on the beach, coffee and of course a little shopping! All in all, we had a truly fantastic time! It is always amazing what fun it is to catch up with our oldest friends. A great big ‘thank you’ goes to Sally Jane (Lang) Charlesworth who came all the way from Canada especially for this. Elaine M (Hall) Horner (1970) 20
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Death Helen Lynn Mitchell (Former staff) 1951-2014 Mrs Mitchell was a member of the Physical Education and Games Department both at Westbourne School and at The Academy. She taught at Westbourne from 1976 until 1979, leaving to bring up her sons Colin and David. When she returned to teaching she remained at Westbourne and then at The Academy till 2012, except for a spell when she was seconded as a Lecturer to Jordanhill College. At all times, Mrs Mitchell encouraged the girls, and then also the boys, to reach their full potential, whether as an individual or as a team member. She was at all times a helpful member of staff and took an active part in all aspects of school life. She was a very good all-rounder in many sports. She was Sports Champion at Vale of Leven Academy when she was a pupil, regularly winning Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at the Scottish and British School championships.
Helen Lynn Mitchell (Former staff) 1951-2014
After school she was for many years a member of Hillhead Ladies Hockey team and was selected to play in Canada for the Scottish team. Later she concentrated on golf, being a member of both Gleddoch and Clydebank clubs. More recently she was in charge of the Scorers at the Scottish Open Golf Championship. She had always enjoyed Art, and later in life she attended Adult Life Classes at Strathclyde University and discovered she had a real talent in painting. Lynn was a cheerful, positive person with a great sense of humour. After a long illness, which she fought with courage, she died on 29 November 2014.
Awards and Honours Eleanor (Wood) Bremner (1960) a volunteer with Macmillan Cancer Support, was awarded the BEM for Services to Charity in the New Year’s Honours list.
Updates Company, London – in recognition of her commitment to passing on her skills and knowledge to college students and providing opportunities for them both at home and abroad.
Susan (Climie) Brimelow (1972) Chief Inspector of Healthcare Environment Inspectorate, was awarded an OBE for Services to Patient Care and Safety in the New Year’s Honours list.
Susanna (Curtis) Horts (1982) was awarded the Prize for Culture of the City of Nuremberg 2014, for her work as Choreographer. The Prize honours the work of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the cultural life of the city. Susanna is also very involved in the Glasgow-Nuremberg twinning.
Susanna (Curtis) Horts
Kate Richards (1980) We congratulate Kate Richards on her recent success in her election to the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). Kate qualified as a vet from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh and has worked in veterinary practice, the pharmaceutical industry and in government in non-veterinary roles as a Senior Civil Servant. She will use this opportunity with the RCVS to deploy her skills, breadth, and depth of experience gained from a diverse career. Kate is now concentrating on building up her portfolio of non-executive appointments.
Penelope Curtis
Penelope Curtis (1979) Penelope Curtis, Director of Tate Britain, has been appointed Director of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon. The Telegraph’s arts critic, Richard Dorment, noted that Penelope ‘did more to change Tate Britain for the better than any director since the great Sir Nicholas Serota.’
Kate Mavor (1980) Until recently head of the National Trust for Scotland, Kate Mavor has been appointed chief executive of the new English Heritage charity. Kate has been instrumental in transforming the fortunes of NTS, introducing a five-year-plan to restore its financial stability and giving it a new sense of commercial focus.
Nicola Harle (1985) My life seems to have gone round in a circle – but in a positive way, I hasten to add! After joining Westbourne in P1 all those years ago and meeting the friends there that I still have today, I realise the School gave me much more than just an academic education. I left in S5 to go on to Strathclyde Uni to study Marketing and Modern Languages and although my subsequent jobs would take me to 35 countries around the world and lead me to live in the South of France, I never lost touch with my original schoolie friends. In September 2014, after almost 30 years, I came back to Glasgow however and my daughter – who was born and educated in France – entered TGA. I was amazed at how easy it was to come back and how well my daughter integrated, but I wasn’t surprised. In fact with my four original Westbourne friends in this photo from the recent Ladies Lunch, we have 12 children at the school so friends were never far away for either of us. I traded the sunshine and rosé wine by the pool for the rain and coffee in Costa but you know what? Nothing beats a natter with good friends! Chatting about our various escapades on the hockey field or in the Latin class, and remembering when classmates were summoned by Miss Henderson for whatever reason are among my favourite pastimes now – but on saying that, I realise things haven’t really changed that much!
We congratulate both Penelope and Kate and wish them well, as they move on to their prestigious new roles.
Anne (Graham) Turnbull (1972) who works as a Senior Lecturer in Jewellery at the Cardonald Campus of Glasgow Clyde College was nominated in the Jewellery Skills category at The Creative and Cultural Skills Awards. A prestigious selection of judges decided to shortlist Anne – alongside well-known industry-leading jewellers Brian Hill and Peter Taylor of The Goldsmiths
Kate Mavor
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Working for Vogue While at school, Jennifer Cargey dreamed of working for a magazine like Vogue. Little did she think that a sixth year lecture encouraging pupils to ‘go for it’ when it came to writing to possible future employers would help that dream become a reality. My ambition had always been to work on a fashion magazine. Between 2005 and 2008 I worked in the job I had always dreamed of at Vogue House in the West End of London. I was Art Coordinator for Vogue Magazine, published by Condé Nast Publications. At school I particularly enjoyed English and Art and photography and these subjects definitely motivated my interest in fashion. Whilst in sixth year, I attended a lecture which helped me structure my application to Vogue. I wrote to the magazine in my third year at Edinburgh Uni (I studied History of Art) and felt fortunate to get a reply. I was to contact the Editor’s PA to arrange an interview for a work experience placement. Thoughts of elation and excitement were quickly replaced with Two of the covers in the special edition Vogue Covers book that Jennifer worked on during her time at the magazine.
panic. What was I going to wear? Entering the revolving doors of Vogue House for my interview that day is still a vivid memory. Armed with Edinburgh University course work and in three inch heels, I was met from the lift by the tallest lady I had ever seen, she was wearing flats. She was also wearing a sequin-encrusted, union jack t-shirt. This was the year 2000 and the Spice Girls’ influence was everywhere. I was lucky enough to be offered the placement in the fashion department for September 2001. It was an incredible experience. It’s true: there is a cupboard with the most amazing clothes and accessories inside. It was very special and I felt incredibly lucky to be there. I was immersed into the fashion world, taken to my first fashion show and on a Mario Testino shoot. Following the work experience, it wasn’t until 2005 that I was to be employed by Vogue as their Art Coordinator. The placement in the fashion department at Vogue was invaluable and definitely helped me get the job. My first job after the work experience placement was in a fashion photographers’ agency around the corner from Vogue House. I was there for one year and, as a junior, I learned the basics in photographic shoot production. One of the photographers on the books there was Bryan Adams. Although better known as a pop artist, he is also a talented photographer. I was pretty star struck when my boss took me to a shoot Jennifer (centre) and the team at Vogue
at his home and the multi-platinum selling recording artist answered the door. It was definitely an exciting start to working in London. From there, and after a stint in the syndication department of Condé Nast, I progressed to the role of Art Coordinator at Vogue. The job was everything I hoped it would be: exciting, busy and varied. It involved liaising with internationally-renowned photographers such as Patrick Demarchelier and David Bailey and coordinating all photographic material for the magazine. I especially enjoyed sourcing pictures from the vast Condé Nast archive (in the basement of Vogue House) for the editorial features. The nerve wracking Tuesday morning ‘visual’s meeting’ took place in my department with the editor, Alexandra Shulman, in attendance. One of the purposes of the meeting was to discuss what stage the photographs for forthcoming issues of the magazine were at (we worked three months in advance), and it was up to me to let the editor know. My job also included being the PA to the Creative Director at that time, Robin Derrick. I worked with him on his own photographic projects; I did model casting, photo shoot production and had a great time setting up the exhibition in Paris. Working for Vogue was certainly a lot of fun and has been the highlight of my career so far. I attended fashion shoots and shows, worked on the special edition Vogue Covers book, and met many talented and creative people from the fashion world. Vogue celebrated its 90th birthday whilst I was there and I worked with the art department on a three-page cover which included 90 Vogue covers, for the 90th edition of Vogue (December 2006). I won’t forget the cake, or the party! Life is different now as I write this from my new ‘job’, bringing up my two young daughters. I look forward to showing them Mummy’s name in Vogue one day. Jennifer (Cargey) Stubbs (1997)
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Memories of the Great War Gully Ravine – Gallipoli 1915 Gallipoli is usually portrayed as an ANZAC Campaign, but the losses sustained by the Scottish 52nd (Lowland) Division were enormous and – at times – overlooked by history. The Gallipoli Campaign had a massive impact on the Glasgow Academy – particularly those serving with the 156th Brigade 7/8th Cameronians, The Scottish Rifles. The Academical relationship with The Rifles goes back to the very birth of the Club in 1866. Our first President, H E Crum-Ewing, was an officer with the First Lanarkshire Volunteer Rifles. The Rifles shared their drill ground at Burnbank with Accies when the Club was formed. It was a ground that was to become famous in the early days of cricket, rugby and soccer and provided Rangers with a home en-route to Kinning Park. In 1872 Lt Col Crum-Ewing helped form Third Lanark (Volunteer Rifles) FC – a club that survived until 1967. The Volunteer Rifles became The Scottish Rifles in 1881 and it was for this Regiment that many Glasgow Accies ‘signed up’ in 1914. The most concentrated loss of life for Glasgow Accies was not on the Western Front but at Gallipoli. A year before the Battle of the Somme on 28 June
1915 an action took place known as Gully Ravine. On that day, eight Accies fell fighting with The Cameronians as they faced the Turks and they are photographed here. A summary of the action does not make for pleasant reading: In the ravine the 1st Battalion, Border Regiment did not advance as far as those troops on the spur since Ottomans there were somewhat sheltered from the deadly
bombardment from the sea. Their final position was fortified with rocks and boulders and became known as ‘Border Barricade’. On the right of the advance, along Fir Tree Spur, the battle did not go so well for the British. The inexperienced soldiers of the 156th Brigade lacked artillery support and were massacred by Ottoman machine guns and bayonet attacks. Despite the opposition, they were ordered to press the attack and so the support and reserve lines were sent forward but made no progress. By the time the attack was halted, the Brigade was at half strength, having suffered 1400 casualties of which 800 had been killed. Some battalions were so depleted they had to be merged into composite formations. When the rest of the 52nd Division landed, the commander, Major General Granville Egerton, was enraged at the manner in which his 156th Brigade had been sacrificed. When the Accies played their final match of the season on 28 March 1914, they little knew that by 1918 eight of the team would have made the ultimate sacrifice and six had sustained terrible injuries. Only one of the team got through unscathed. Three of that team – Eric Young capped for Scotland,Tommy Stout and Archie Templeton – fell at Gully Ravine. They had played together, signed on together and died together. A relationship that had started with our first President and flourished on a pitch to the side of Great Western Road had reached the final whistle. Hugh Barrow (1962)
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As part of their history studies, some of our P7 pupils entered the Legion Scotland Primary School Competition, the aim of which was for children to learn about the sacrifices made by men, women and children during World War 1 and the effect that the War had on families in their local communities. Their submission on the Galbraith family of Colebrooke Terrace was one of the finalists in the competition. Here’s what they wrote:
The Galbraith Legacy Introduction
The Galbraith family
It is well-documented that many brave Scottish men went off to fight in WW1; what is less well-known is that six of these men were not only a family of courageous brothers but that they also grew up in a house which now forms part of the Glasgow Academy Prep School. Our school! Can you believe it?
Squashed into one small house in 3 Colebrooke Terrace, the Galbraith family grew rapidly. Firstly, Walter and Thomas came along, then to them were added: William, David, Norman, Robert, Alexander and finally a daughter Annie. William and Annie Galbraith were the busy parents of these eight children; luckily with the help from three servants – Jane Cox, Annie McDonald and Maggie Davidson, they kept them under control!
Of the six Galbraith brothers who went off to war, only three returned. Imagine how distraught their parents must have been: they may have wept in the very place where we now learn about WW1. Perhaps the house itself still mourns the loss of such a remarkable family? Or instead it possibly takes strength from seeing generations of children being educated about its history. Read on to discover more about the Galbraith family…
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William (senior) had gone to Glasgow Academy as a pupil and was obviously hopeful that his sons would follow in his footsteps; all his boys were duly enrolled in the school between 1895 and 1911. With the outbreak of war, six of the Galbraith boys ‘joined up’. Alexander was too young, but he fought with the
Sutherland Highlanders in the Second World War.
What they did in the war One of the brothers, Thomas, joined the Royal Navy. He served as a Lieutenant on the battleship of HMS Audacious and also Lieutenant Commander on the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Another brother, Walter, was a Captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps and served in France and Italy between 1915 and 1918. A third brother, Robert, was a Lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery in France before unfortunately being gassed in September 1918.
All three survived the war The other three brothers – William, David and Norman – all joined the 7th Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry...
Gallipoli and deaths During the war, William, David and Norman Galbraith were shipped to Gallipoli in Turkey. Arriving on 7 June 1915, they were immediately taken to a rest trench. But these were no ordinary trenches, they were hot and dry. As part of the 7th Blythswood Battalion, after five days they were taken to the Front Line. Fighting on scorched sand it took just one month for William Galbraith to be killed in action after receiving nasty, then eventually fatal, wounds. Only one month and eight days later, David’s time was up – sniped in Gallipoli at
only 21 years old. The luckier of the two, Norman, survived for another few years before finally being transferred to France; tragically, though, he was killed three months before the war ended in August 1918. Even though they died around 100 years ago, their legacy will be remembered forever. Particularly by the children of the Glasgow Academy; possibly also by the house at number 3 Colebrooke Terrace.
17th. HLI 26 September 1916 My Dear Wee Willie Boy How are you getting on at school? Alex says that you are making a good inside three-quarter at rugby. Keep it up old man and you will be in the first XV alright. I got Margaret’s letter dated 19th and mother’s dated 20th. The parcel containing the body shield came the day we were coming into the trenches so I didn’t bring it up. This morning there was a tremendous strafe starting at 4am. The sky was quite light with the flashes and we could not hear ourselves speaking for the roar of explosives and M.G. and rifles. I was struck on the arm and back with only a glancing blow unfortunately or I might have been coming back by now. Shrapnel was flying about all over the place so that there was always ping ping ping past your ear. It was simply great sport but we were glad when it was finished. I am going to B--- for eight days rest now so I’ll be alright when you get this letter. Your loving big brother Alec
Letters from the trenches
… and from home
On 26 September and 26 October 1916, Alex Murray wrote the following letters from the trenches on the Somme to his youngest brother, Willie, aged nine. After leaving the Academy, Alex was commissioned in the HLI and was killed on the Somme on 18 November 1916 – less than a month after he had written his second letter. At 18, he is the youngest soldier buried in the small cemetery in a French field near where he died. I also enclose a photograph of this cemetery which is one of a number scattered about the Somme near Beaumont Hamel. Willie was JWR Murray, who became captain of school and rugby. He played for Glasgow and got his blue for cricket and rugby at Glasgow University. Until his death, he was Treasurer of the Academicals and auditor of the War Memorial Trust.
Annie Galbraith’s letter to her son, Walter, written on 12 November 1918, the day after the Armistice.
Sandy Ferguson (1946) Etcetera
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Obituaries John N Anderson (1941) 1 June 1924 – 10 February 2015
A Duncan Baillie (1950)
Ian (as he was known) was born in Helensburgh. The family moved to Lenzie when he was a toddler and he attended the local schools there before moving to Glasgow Academy to complete his secondary education.
28 December 1931 – 14 December 2014
Name your SciTech seat! As can be seen from the images, the Watson Auditorium is nearing completion. Soon the 178 seats will be in situ. 70% of the seats have now been generously sponsored by pupils, parents and staff (past and present). Seats in the auditorium can be named for as little as £10 a month with gift aid, over 4 years. If you would like to have your own seat in this stunning auditorium, please contact Mark on M.Taylor@tga.org.uk 0141 342 5494
Apprenticed at the Glasgow firm of Wilson Stirling, Ian was exam-qualified in 1946 and became an ICAS member in 1948. Three years later he joined Glasgow-based Thomson McLintock (now part of KPMG). He became a full partner there in 1958 and, over the course of a long and distinguished career, established himself as an outstanding archetypal Scottish accountant eminent in the field of mergers and consolidation. Ian retired in 1986 at the age of 62 though he continued to work as a consultant for some time. The gold standards of conduct and working practices which Ian set himself were also of great benefit to the world of performing arts in his spare time and in retirement; he trained his accountant’s eye on the finances of leading organisations such as Scottish Opera and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. He joined the Board of Governors at RSAMD and was awarded a fellowship there in 1993. In later life Ian and his late wife, Moira, split their time between their apartment in the West End and their cottage in Kinloch Rannoch. He is survived by
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his Academical sons John (1979) and Douglas (1980) and grandchildren Ross, Ellen and Jamie.
Alexander Duncan Baillie (known as Duncan) was born in Mosspark and attended Glasgow Academy between 1943 and 1950. There he won prizes in Science, Latin and General Knowledge. He was a Sergeant in the Cadet Corps and a House Monitor during his later years at Colebrooke Street. Duncan gained a place to study Veterinary Science at Glasgow University and was admitted to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1956. He was initially employed as a Veterinary Officer in Skipton, Yorkshire before relocating to Bridgend in South Wales. In 1971 Duncan returned to his native Scotland with his family (wife Seona, daughters Margo and Sandra and son Stuart) to the Clyde Valley where he took up a position as a Veterinary Officer with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Apart from a period in private practice with Watson & Law in Lanark, Duncan continued working for MAFF (moving to Pentland House in Edinburgh in 1987) until his retirement in 1991. Duncan and Seona moved from Lanark to Symington in 1987 and became fully involved in the community. Duncan was active with Meals on Wheels and in raising funds for RNLI. Sadly Seona was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004 and died that year. Last June, Duncan suffered a stroke and was left without mobility on one side and little speech. He died peacefully, at Greenhills Care Home, Biggar, in December. Duncan was a great family man and will be very much missed not just by his family but also by his many friends. He is survived by his children Margo, Sandra and Stuart, and eight grandchildren.
Philip Beattie (Academy Staff 1962-71) We were greatly saddened last October to learn of the sudden death of Philip Beattie, while on holiday with Ruth in Turkey. Born in the early months of WWII in the Borders, he returned to Surrey after the war, became head boy of Whitgift School, Croydon,
Dance Society, including visits to Commonwealth countries. Beyond school and family, much of Philip’s life was centred on Wellington Church where he became an elder at the unusually early age of 27. For fifty years he was an integral part of that Christian community, leading in many aspects of its work and outreach: Questions of Faith group, Crypt Cafe for students, Cosy Cafe at Hillhead High School, evening services shared with other local churches. He was greatly valued for his commitment, his self-effacing nature, his enquiring mind and his deep faith. moved on to St John’s College, Oxford, and at that time met Ruth, whom he married in 1962 shortly before his first appointment to teach French and German at The Academy. When Philip left, the Chronicle reported: ‘(He) served in so many capacities in the Academy that his presence will be missed not only in the classroom, where his sympathetic treatment succeeded in encouraging all levels of pupils, ...’ From the start he threw himself wholeheartedly into Academy life. Philip’s soft voice, gentle nature and sociability helped to endear him to colleagues without making him an easy push-over in the classroom. An accomplished stand-off half and all-round cricketer, he coached rugby and cricket, played for Accies XVs and XIs and was an able opening bat in the Masters’ XI. His stage work was often behind the scenes but he readily joined in choral work and sang for many years with Bearsden Burgh Choir. He took responsibility for various aspects of CCF work, sharing the rigours of arduous training. He ran the Junior Fellowship on a varied programme of film-strips and discussion and many are indebted to him for this and other expressions of his Christian convictions. He accompanied various parties on trips abroad and, typically, honoured an arrangement to share leadership of a youth-hostelling party to Rhine, Eifel and Mosel after he left at Christmas 1971 to become Head of Modern Languages at Dalziel High School, Motherwell, subsequently at Woodside School, Glasgow, before semi-retirement at Hutchesons’. More recently Philip was happy to support Ruth in her duties as Chairman of the Royal Scottish Country
A large congregation attended a Thanksgiving service at Wellington and later a memorial concert, at both of which his family (Kenneth, Judith and two grandchildren) displayed impressive musical skills. We commend Ruth to the love and support of friends, who will greatly miss Philip’s genial presence. Graham Little
R Alexander S Brown (1945)
The 1970s local government reorganisation led Sandy to give up private practice and he became a reporter to the Children’s Panel. He then joined the Procurator Fiscal Service as a depute in Glasgow and later Paisley. In 1977, Sandy became the Procurator Fiscal at Cupar, Fife, where he remained until his retirement in 1991. On retiring, Sandy and his wife, Mollie, (they met through Glasgow University’s Cecilian Society) moved to give them easier access to Glasgow, where they were season ticket holders at Scottish Opera’s Theatre Royal, and Edinburgh, where they regularly attended festival events. Sandy was pre-deceased by his wife and is survived by his son Ralph.
Dr William Robertson (Rob) Chatfield (1957) 19 September 1939 – 20 January 2015 Rob Chatfield was one of Glasgow’s most highly-respected doctors. He was the younger of two brothers
6 June 1927 – 30 January 2015 Ralph Alexander Stark Brown (known as Sandy) was born the youngest of three children in Clarkston. While at The Academy (1935-45), he started studying classical music and wrote a piece that his teacher suggested be performed by the school choir. His teacher also suggested Sandy should conduct; it was the start of a long career as a conductor.
During his national service, his enthusiasm for music was in evidence as he played in, and later conducted, the Royal Marines’ Band. After his military service, Sandy enrolled at Glasgow University – where he obtained MA and LLB degrees – and then joined the family legal firm of Brown, Mair, Gemmell and Hislop. During his time there, he kept up his musical interests, conducting the Glasgow Teachers’ Orchestra as well as productions by Theatre Guild Amateur Musicals.
who attended Glasgow Academy and an outstanding swimmer; he played water polo for the Arlington Baths and gained a water polo blue at university. As a rugby player of distinction, he represented the 1st XV with colours for his last two school years, forming a dazzling half-back partnership with Kenny MacCrossan. After school he represented Accies and Glasgow for six years in the inter-district Championship, three at scrum-half and a further three at wing-forward. In the view of a Etcetera
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schoolmate he was ‘the best turned-out cadet ever’. He was promoted RSM of the CCF and later joined the TA. His stage career was perhaps modest but he appeared for the Globe Players and in school pantomimes, albeit his finest thespian role was as one (well nourished) in-utero twin in the Queen Mother’s Hospital pantomime of 1969. Graduating MB ChB from Glasgow University in 1964, Rob chose to specialise in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Most of his career was in Glasgow where he became Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the Queen Mother’s Hospital and the Western Infirmary, and Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Medical School. He spent two formative spells abroad: a year in Kenya when his home university helped to establish the new medical school in Nairobi, and a subsequent spell as Senior Lecturer in Christchurch, New Zealand. He became an outstanding authority, teacher and practitioner of his subject. Countless students and trainees benefited from his enthusiastic instruction and mentoring, but few could match his delightful approach to the care of his patients and his skill in labour ward and operating theatre. The best measure of a doctor’s clinical excellence is the extent to which colleagues seek his or her assistance in the care of themselves and their families. Rob was regularly first choice to look after colleagues and their wives as well as midwifery and nursing staff. He made significant contributions in research and gained his higher degree (MD) for novel studies in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. A Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of both Glasgow and Edinburgh, he was an enthusiastic member of the prestigious Gynaecological Club of Great Britain and Ireland. Happily married to Mary (MacArthur) for 51 years, he was a devoted father to Guy, Simon and Louise. Rob will be remembered for his cheerful disposition, his sporting prowess and his wonderful care of countless patients and colleagues. A former President of the Academical Club and a Governor of the Academy, Rob was a man of whom his school and those associated with it can be very proud. Andrew A Calder (1962) 28
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Peter M Gemmill (1948) 27 November 1930 – 21 February 2015 Peter MacRobert Gemmill was a pupil at Glasgow Academy from 1937 to 1948. While at school he won class and Latin prizes, excelled at sprinting and was a member of the golf team. On leaving The Academy he joined the Commerical Bank before being called up for National Service – most of which he served in rather peaceful Devizes!
could appear and cast the winning vote at the crucial moment. Aside from running a busy law practice and the city council – with a very fragile majority – Peter always made time for family holidays; many happy vacations were spent across different parts of the Mediterranean. Later he and his wife, Betty, would enjoy several trips to the USA. He also enjoyed playing golf, but only in fine weather – and he was one of the least competitive members at Killermont. His generally happy retirement began in 1995. A period of illness did lead to Peter spending his last few years at Buchanan House Care Home (Bearsden) but he was very settled there, regularly visiting and being visited by Betty and the rest of the family. Peter died, unexpectedly but peacefully, in his sleep. He is survived by Betty, children Anne and Tommy (1976), and four grandchildren. A lovely man who will be sadly missed.
John Guthrie (1945) 24 January 1932 – 25 June 2014
He returned to Glasgow having resolved to study law, which he did as an apprentice with Ramsay, Menzies & Wilson. He then became the fourth generation of the family to practise with Carruthers Gemmill, which was established by his great-grandfather in 1870 and has been based at 81 Bath Street since 1920. Peter became a partner of the firm in 1955 and later served as managing partner for many years. He was known for his quiet air of authority and all his clients, which included the Express Newspaper group, greatly appreciated his calm, solid support in tough times. In the 1960s, Peter joined the Progressives and became an elected member of the Corporation as councillor for Partick and Broomhill. He became leader of the party and went on to be the last Progressive Leader of Glasgow between 1969 and 1971. Defeating Labour with virtually no majority was no mean task. It often involved ferrying seriously ill councillors to the chamber from across the West of Scotland and even, on one famous occasion, concealing a Tory Councillor in the fireplace of the City Chambers, so he
John attended Glasgow Academy from 1937 until 1945 and, after four years at Glenalmond, he completed a BSc in engineering at Glasgow University. He then qualified as a Chartered Accountant. During his student years he played for Accies 1st XV, and along with his late brother, Peter, was a member of the Championship winning team of 1955. All three brothers played in the XV in subsequent years. Later, while working in London, he played for London Scottish First XV and then for Gosforth RFC while working in Newcastle. Thereafter he moved to Woodbridge in Suffolk where he worked for more than thirty years and subsequently enjoyed many years of retirement with time to pursue his interest in sailing and in music. He is survived by his son, two daughters and seven grandchildren.
Ian D Haddow (1943) 12 August 1924 – 17 December 2014 Ian died, aged 91, at his home on Vancouver Island. He and I, with Ramsay Dykes and Percy Brazil (in different years at school) lived beside
J Ronald I’anson (1954) 11 August 1938 – 23 August 2014 John was brought up in Clarkston. He was a pupil at Glasgow Academy from 1948 to ‘54 and went on to study for a BSc in Maths and Physics at Glasgow University. He then qualified as a Maths teacher and joined the staff at Shawlands Academy before going on to become Principal Teacher of Maths at Kilmarnock Academy. He retired in 2003. Despite suffering a stroke in 2005, Ronald battled on to enjoy a full and happy retirement for many years with his wife, Elizabeth.
Maxwell Park and used to meet at Nithsdale Cross, whence the No 1 tram took us to its other terminus, a short walk from the Academy. We maintained contact throughout our lives – and, with the advent of email, increasingly swapped our latest jazz enthusiasms. Ian graduated from what is now Strathclyde University and did his war service as an Engineer Officer in the Fleet Air Arm at various UK airfields including Abbotsinch (now Glasgow Airport). Post-war he joined Texaco in Montreal and 10 years later took a senior job with one of their suppliers. In 1959 he contracted tuberculosis and spent a year in a Canadian sanatorium. By now he was married and had three children. His father persuaded him to return to Scotland to develop the family confectionery business which culminated in its successful sale and his father’s retirement. His heart being in Canada, Ian returned, this time to Toronto, to head the Canadian operations of an American sweets company until 1979 when he started his own business. In 1982 this was hit by recession and Ian was bankrupt. A high-quality chocolate company in Vancouver Island sought a President and he was appointed, making his final home in Victoria whence he and I explored the magnificent scenery in Ian’s 34ft powerboat, Kestrel. At the turn of the century, Ramsay died in Glasgow. Dr Percy – retired to New England from his New York practice – and I near London, remain in touch – testament to a fraternity born of the Academy in a different age. Donald MacLean
Ronald died peacefully, at Hairmyres Hospital. He is survived by Elizabeth, sons Mark and Paul and four grandchildren.
R Finlay Lochhead (1935) 10 June 1917 – 27 November 2014 Finlay Lochhead attended The Academy from 1928-35 and had an extraordinary life. Aged 8 he had lived in Switzerland, Hungary and Bratislava and spoke three languages. From 11 he attended The Academy, travelling ALONE to his parents’ home in Czechoslovakia from his grandparents’ home in Pollokshields every summer.
Finlay completed his CA exams and joined James Scott Electrical. Promoted constantly, he became Finance Director overseeing significant diversification as electricity transformed industry. As MD he expanded the company throughout the UK and into France, Israel and with a massive contract in Iran. He clearly saw the future of electronics and had one of the first laptop computers and constantly moved the company towards electronics. In 1973, as Chairman, he realised scale was essential for the ever-larger international contracts and negotiated a merger with William Press and then in 1980 facilitated a takeover by AMEC. Finlay helped many voluntary organisations in many different capacities, including being Treasurer of his church, Glasgow Scouting, Probus, Rotary, Governor of Langside College, driver for disabled etc. But most work – and most fun – was as Secretary of Wengen Curling Club when 60 friends would enjoy two weeks outdoor curling in the most beautiful setting, not far from where he was born. Finlay was also a loyal supporter of The Academy and a regular attender at the October Reunion and Gasbags Lunch. Finlay died peacefully at the Victoria Infirmary after a short illness. He is survived by his wife, Rona, daughters Elspeth, Alison and Hilda, and two grandchildren. Douglas Kinnaird
David T Reid (1944) 9 November 1926 – 23 November 2014
He won English, Maths and Physics prizes and left Colebrooke Street to study accountancy. Called up for war service two weeks before his final exams, he was commissioned into the HLI. The army eventually realised his foreign experience and languages might be valuable and he spent time in Ceylon, Jaffa and, in 1945, was behind the lines across some of the most sensitive Eastern European borders.
David Tindal Reid was born in Glasgow and after a few years with his family in Bombay, where his father was minister of the Presbyterian Church, he returned to Scotland in 1930. David attended Greenock Academy before enrolling at Glasgow Academy in 1936. All five Reid brothers attended The Academy in the 1930s and 1940s. On leaving school, David served as an officer in the Indian Army Baluch Regiment (1944–46) before going on to study at Oxford (BA Hons, 1950) and St Andrews (BD, 1953), where he was awarded the divinity medal. David joined the Iona Community in 1953 and laboured for the craftsmen who were rebuilding the abbey cloisters.
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He was then ‘apprenticed’ to Hugh Douglas at St Mary’s, Dundee and on being ordained was appointed to Castlemilk East, Glasgow, in 1955. Eight years later, David moved to Erskine Church, Falkirk, where he also became a part-time lecturer in religious education at Callendar Park College. In 1969 he became associate minister at St Cuthbert’s, Lothian Road. This led to him serving as chaplain to two large West End stores and consultant to the Cornerstone. He also presented religious programmes for primary schools for BBC Radio Scotland. Later, he became chairman of STV’s Religious Advisory Committee, on which he served for ten years. In 1973 David was called to Helensburgh Old and St Andrew’s Church and in 1985 he moved to the rural, linked parishes of Cleish and Fossoway in Kinross-shire. He continued his ministry in retirement, conducting services regularly at Tenandry, near Pitlochry. One of five close brothers, David was a devoted family man. He was pre-deceased by his first wife, Pamela, and is survived by his wife, Isobel, two daughters, a son and four grandchildren.
T Alan Smith (1955) 23 June 1938 – 1 March 2015 Thomas Alan Smith – Alan, ‘TAS’ or ‘Smithy’ to a multitude of friends and colleagues – was the elder son of Leslie and Anne Smith and lived in the Whitecraigs and Newton Mearns area of Glasgow throughout his life. He started his education at Belmont House School and then went to Glasgow Academy, as did his father before him and his brother, Ian, after him. Alan was the first to admit that his academic and sporting prowess at the Academy was less than distinguished but he entered enthusiastically into all aspects of school life and his boundless energy and irrepressible personality flowered to become the hallmarks of his later life. Alan started his career with stockbrokers Andrew Gibson & Co, who were headed by his father. In due course, Ian joined them. During his training, Alan spent a year widening his experience with Campbell Neill, before returning to the family firm where he built up an excellent personal clientele. The 1960s saw a number of amalgamations
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in stockbroking and in 1969 Andrew Gibson joined forces with Campbell Neill. In 1972, the Scottish Stock Exchange was established, merging Glasgow, Edinburgh and other Exchanges in Scotland into one trading floor. The emergent firm of Campbell Neill was large enough for the partners to assume individual responsibilities in the organisation, as well as looking after their clients and Alan’s role was the running of the office. While he could be a hard task-master, Alan’s personal interest in, and care for, his colleagues, and his fierce loyalty to those who served him when times were difficult, engendered the greatest respect and affection. These qualities served the firm well during the dramatic expansion of the ensuing decade, when branches were opened in Edinburgh, Perth and Inverness. Perhaps the climax of Alan’s career was his involvement in the successful development of a shared dealing facility on the London trading floor. This was in anticipation of ‘Big Bang’ in 1986 and led in turn to the acquisition of Campbell Neill by Hoare Govett, a leading London investment house. There followed a chain of further transactions, involving changing ownership by then household names such as British and Commonwealth, Tilney in Liverpool, Charterhouse Bank and Royal Bank. All of this Alan took in his stride with, at one point, Campbell Neill operating as the office for multiple organisations with a staff of around 150. Notwithstanding these pressures, Alan’s dedication and attention to his clients was unwavering. However, it was a welcome relief when, with the arrival of Tilney in 1990, Alan’s administrative responsibilities were gradually but significantly reduced. Alan also served on the committee of the Scottish Stock Exchange and he was actively involved in the overall direction of the Tilney Group. To summarise Alan’s business career: he served his partners and owners tirelessly in administration; but his passion was looking after his clients for whom nothing was too much trouble and for whom he gave a truly personal service until his retiral in June, 2000. Surprisingly for such an extrovert personality, Alan courteously shunned leadership of voluntary organisations and charities, preferring to work energetically on committee and as a trustee. Never
imprudent but generous to a fault, there are many in Glasgow and Scotland who owe Alan a debt of gratitude. The story of Alan Smith’s life would be far from complete without a mention of the personal side. In 1966 he married the love of his life, Audrey Scott, who for nearly 49 years was his steadfast rock and safe haven from the trials and tribulations of life. Alan’s happiness was complete when, first, daughter Julie Emma arrived and then son Andrew. Happily, in his last months, his daughter-in-law, Fiona, presented him with a grandson, Henry, of whom he was so proud and whom he adored. Alan Smith loved life, working hard and playing hard and in so doing he gained the trust, respect and affection of all those who were lucky enough to come into contact with him. With Alan’s passing a light has gone out in countless lives, but there is laughter in heaven. JB Park
W Kenneth (Ken) Waine (Former staff 1958-88) 7 March 1924 – 2 April 2015 Ken, a former Senior Master, Head of PE and former President of the Glasgow Academical Club died peacefully, at home in his 92nd year. A beloved husband of Elspeth, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather to the family and friend to many, Ken will be sadly missed by all who knew him. A full tribute to Ken will appear in the next edition of Etcetera. Former colleagues, friends and those he taught are respectfully invited to submit their reminiscences and memories for that edition.
Picture Post
Dear Malcolm
Where did poor Mary lose her head? Dear Editor In the Spring Edition of Etcetera, I saw advertised ‘Mary Queen of Scots and her Escapes’ by A E MacRobert, which I purchased and read. In ‘The Greatest Love Stories of all time’ by Megan Gressor & Kerry Cook, it states that Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded at Fotheringay Castle in 1587. A E MacRobert in his book states that Mary fled to London after The Battle of Langside, and was beheaded there by order of the Protestant Queen Elizabeth. My instinct is to believe A E MacRobert’s scholarly account. Who knows the true story? Anyone like to comment ? John Crombie (1942)
Dear Editor I was driving home from a weekend away and came across this! So many amazing memories from CCF – sorry to see it closed now but the memories will never die. Boarded the bus on the way, full of nerves and trepidation. Boarded the bus on the way back – absolutely black with cam cream and full of happy memories with amazing friends. Nicole Weaver (1996)
Many thanks for the safe arrival of Etcetera Winter 2014. I enjoyed the wisdom of Jimmy Murray with whom I have enjoyed a frequent and brisk communication since making contact early in the year through you and Etcetera. The photo of Prefects 1953-54 (below) is easy as I was one of them. On 14 June 1954 we had a Prefects’ dinner at Buchanan Arms (looking a bit shabby when we were there recently in your ‘summer’) and I have all their signatures. Shearer was not at the dinner nor was the only one missing from the photo, Colin Colquhoun. The last has been a mystery to all of us for no one has heard of him since 1954. Colin (C M) was a brilliant athlete, rugby player and cricketer – as was his older brother, Ian. I still keep in close touch with the Cannon twins especially Roger with whom I did medicine in Glasgow. Ronnie Maclean did medicine in St Andrews. May I wish you a safe and healthy 2015? Kerr Chatfield (1954)
Back row: (l to r) Kerr Chatfield, Roger Cannon, T M Hunter, Robert Lightbody, Colin McCallien, ? Shearer, Ronnie Maclean. Seated: (l to r) Henrik Graham, Chris Hird, Bob Maclennan, Allan Alstead, The Rector, Ian Guthrie, Alan Cannon, Douglas Mitchell, Keith Dunn.
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