http://www.morrisonsacademy.org/assets/0000/5272/Morrison_s_The_Link

IN THIS ISSUE:

150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS / MAPA SCHOOL NEWS / FORMER PUPIL NEWS AND MUCH MORE...

THE LINK MORRISON’S ACADEMY SET FOR 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS! As the school gears up to celebrate its 150th anniversary, preparations are underway for a wide range of events and activities.

Morrison’s Academy is planning on having a ball (or two) and everyone is invited! Former pupils from all over the world are expected to travel back to Crieff for The Former Pupil Gathering, the biggest and most ambitious reunion event ever planned, while parents and friends of the school can look forward to a very special traditional ball at Blair Castle in May. The school is also looking forward to a 150th Anniversary concert at Perth Concert Hall in June, special visitors, sporting and artistic events, not to mention a typically busy academic year for all the boys and girls at Morrison’s Academy.

Full details of all events can be found on the Morrison’s Academy website www.morrisonsacademy.org

02 | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | SCHOOL NEWS

SCHOOL NEWS | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | 03

SCHOOL NEWS

MORRISON’S HEAD BOY AND GIRL David Innes and Sophie Equi, the new Head Boy and Head Girl of Morrison’s Academy, are pictured here with the school’s Rector, Simon Pengelley.

to the press to make more people aware of her condition; “I wanted to offer support to others. I have had some wonderful responses from people who felt stronger thanks to reading my own story.”

David has been at Morrison’s since S2.

He is a keen rugby player and has a passion for music. He is the Drum Major for the school Pipe Band and plays in the school Swing Band, Boys’ Choir and Orchestra. He is studying for his Highers in physics, maths and music and has a dream of combining sound engineering with music. “I have always felt at home here,” he says. “The opportunities at Morrison’s are fantastic especially for those with an interest in the arts”.

Sophie believes in “no boundaries” to talking to people of all ages and from all walks of life. She gives a lot of her time to charity and is spending next summer in the Gambia, helping to refurbish teaching accommodation to attract teachers from the city to a rural school. Sophie is studying the sciences for her Advanced Highers. Both David and Sophie are keen for former pupils to step back to the school and support the youngsters who could benefit from some worldly advice. “Especially musicians,” insists David, “after all, the passion starts in school”.

Sophie Equi has also been at the school since S2. Sophie has endured operations to correct a curvature of the spine (amazingly, David Innes’s father trained the surgeon who carried out the operation on Sophie’s back).

She looks upon her ordeal with extraordinary tenacity and courage, believing that “Life is for living – you can either feel sorry for yourself, or you can use experiences like this to give you strength”. After the operation, she wrote

If you are interested in talking to young people at Morrison’s Academy about your profession, or you are a former pupil or parent just wishing to visit the school again, please contact the Development Office on 01764 653 885 xtn 138 or email: development@morrisonsacademy.org

MORRISON’S VICTORIOUS IN CHALLENGE MATCH Morrison’s Academy 1st XV recently won against an English touring side, Rossall School, Lancashire, who were on a pre-season tour.

Rossall is a co-educational day-boarding school of some 700 plus. Mr Pengelley, Morrison’s current Rector, was formerly Deputy Head and Director of Studies of Rossall. The English team had played Fettes earlier in the week, beating them by 20 points, but lost to Morrison’s by 40 points to 5.

TENNIS CHAMP Congratulations to Morrison’s Academy S4 pupil Erin O’Kane who has had a successful tennis season this summer. Erin has won the under-14 Prestwick Open, the under-14 and under-18 Elgin Open (also runner-up in the under-16 event) and is both the Bridge of Allan and Crieff under-14 Girls’ Champion. Erin also won balloted tickets to see the epic Men’s Wimbledon Final between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick. Here she is pictured at the Centre Court just before the final started.

SPEECH DAY JUNE 2009 Mr Brian Raine, former headmaster of Queen Victoria school, recently addressed staff, pupils, parents and governors at Morrison’s Academy Speech Day, held in Crieff Parish Church.

MORRISON’S PUPILS TO TAKE PART IN GAMBIAN PROJECT Six Morrison’s Academy pupils will be spending Christmas and New Year in Gambia as part of a project to help rebuild a school house in a remote area of the country.

He extolled the virtues of hard work, honest endeavour and impressed upon the school leavers the importance of playing a part in shaping local communities. After the speeches and prize-giving, everyone enjoyed the Speech Day lunch in Academy Hall.

In a joint venture with the World Scouts’ Association, the group of fifth and sixth year pupils will be raising funds to finance the trip which will be leaving on December 10th and returning on January 9th. Alice McLeod, Catriona Bell, Sophie Equi, Hannah Lewis, Ria Murdoch and Ciaran O’Kane are all looking forward to the venture and are busy with a variety of fund-raising activities such as bag-packing, own-clothes days and speeches to the local Rotary club. Ciaran is directing the highly amusing play ‘The Exam’ which is due to be performed on October 8th at 7.30pm in Memorial Hall (ticket price £5.00).

Pictured here are the MacRosty Medallists and the Dux Medallist..

WHIZZ KIDS Pictured here is the winning Crieff Highland Games Primary relay team from Morrison’s Academy receiving the trophy from the Rector. ...........................................................................................

MTV: MORRISON’S ON TV An eye-catching television commercial advertising Morrison’s Academy has been broadcast from 1st September through to the end of October on STV. The highly-imaginative commercial focuses on the forthcoming Morrison’s Open Morning on Saturday 31st October.

MORRISON’S PUPIL’S SILVER RIDE S3 pupil Iain Paterson is rapidly making a name for himself in the field of endurance horse riding. Iain competed in the adult section of the Scottish Endurance Riding Team in the Home International and Celtic Challenge events. What was particularly notable was that Iain was supposed to compete in the junior event but was drafted into the adult section at short notice. Iain had to ride 80km in one day in difficult weather conditions and helped the Scottish team to silver in both events.

If anyone is interested in contributing to any part of this venture, please contact Mr Allan, the Charities’ Convener at Morrison’s Academy: dallan@morrisonsacacdemy.org PIPE BAND OPEN AIRSHOW Members of Morrison’s Academy Pipe Band were flying high at Perth Airport recently where they were the opening display at the Heart of Scotland Airshow which featured the RAF’s Red Arrows.

Despite blustery and showery conditions, the band performed admirably in front of a 12,000 strong crowd.

04 | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | SCHOOL NEWS

SCHOOL NEWS | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | 05

SCHOOL NEWS

MORRISON’S TRIATHLETE WINS GOLD Josh Murchie recently won gold at the Scottish Schools’ Triathlon Championships held at Stirling University. In the competitive Boys 13/14-year-old age group he fought off stiff competition in a race which consisted of a 300m swim, a 6km cycle, followed by a 3 km run.

Last September he earned a place on the Triathlon Scotland Performance Squad – a national group of 20 triathletes aged between 14 and 21. The purpose of the programme is to identify talented triathletes who will compete for Team GB in the 2012 Olympics and secure top 10 finishes in the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Squad athletes are offered access to professional coaching and facilities in the Stirling area and attend regular subsidised training camps.

NURSERY GRADUATES — NOW ENJOYING THEIR FIRST TERM IN P1 AT MORRISON’S! Pictured here are the children of Morrison’s Nursery on their ‘graduation’ day with the Head of Nursery, Mrs Bridget Thomson.

PUPILS HIT THE WALL IN BIG BIKE BREAKOUT! In a novel and imaginative feat of endurance, Morrison’s pupils and staff recently cycled 209 miles in a day in order to raise money for a Malawian teacher that the Academy sponsors every year. In relay teams of 3, supported by the school minibus, the intrepid cyclists started at 4.30 am (official sunrise) aiming to cycle as far away from the main entrance to the school and clock up as many miles as possible between sunrise and sunset.

Going southeast, they passed through Glen Devon to Dunfermline, over the Forth Road Bridge into Edinburgh; having crossed the Lammermuir Hills into England, they skirted the Northumberland coast before turning inland and finishing somewhat aptly on Hadrian’s Wall by the Roman Temple of Mithras (the goddess of Light) just as sun was setting. Despite having to contend with thunder, lightning, hailstones and rain along the way, the team’s Big Bike Breakout project was enjoyed by all and, most importantly, raised between £400500 for the school’s Malawi project.

MORRISON’S EXAM RESULTS Morrison’s Academy pupils are celebrating their success in this year’s SQA exams. The pass rate at Higher across all subjects is a very strong 87%, the same as achieved last year. The pass rate in Advanced Higher examinations has jumped 4 points to 85% and the pass rate at Intermediate 2 remains an impressive 94%.

There were many notable individual successes including 20 S4 pupils attaining an A grade in all of their examinations. Four S5 pupils achieved a clean sweep of five A grades at Higher, and four S6 pupils finished their schooling with three Advanced Higher A grades. These included Rebecca Dickie and Arthur Learoyd who will now go on to study at Cambridge University and Oxford University respectively.

Arthur proved himself to be a worthy recipient of the Dux Medal with very impressive scores of 98% in Advanced Higher Mathematics and 100% in Advanced Higher History.

100 YEARS OF THE MORRISON’S ACADEMY COMBINED CADET FORCE With Morrison’s Academy CCF nearing its centenary in 2010, many might ask what part an organisation with a military ethos has in a modern forward-looking school.

The CCF has been a voluntary organisation for many years and instils the ideas of service, teamwork and discipline into all cadets. Pride in personal appearance and esprit de corps are actively fostered.

Members of the CCF enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year ranging from .22 rifle shooting, map reading and first aid training. Senior cadets are given a large measure of responsibility for the training of their younger peers. This method of mentoring is a lifelong skill. Thanks to considerable MOD funding a huge number of trips are on offer.

During the last year our cadets have ski-toured in Norway, walked across the Pyrenees and climbed in Cumbria. In essence the CCF builds on the rounded experience that Morrison’s Academy offers all pupils and remains an integral, visible part of the school.

MORRISON’S CCF SUMMER CAMP 2009 During the first week of the summer holidays, 82 cadets headed south to Wathgill Camp, in Yorkshire, for an action-filled package. ...........................................................................................

CCF HELP FOR HEROES APPEAL On September 14 2009 all members of the CCF took part in a ten-mile sponsored walk around the Knock in Crieff. The aim was to raise £5000 for the Help for Heroes charity.

This charity provides support to forces personnel who have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is a tangible way that the CCF can give back to the organisation that provides so much help throughout the year. The fundraising walk was the idea of Mike Clayton, the teacher who runs the CCF. Mike is a former Royal Marine who has personal experience of serving in Afghanistan.

Fundraising is well underway and a significant amount has been donated by Morrisonians.

Clearly the link between the current CCF and former pupils is strong and a big thank you to all who have supported and will continue to support this appeal!

CCF CENTENARY DINNER FRIDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2010 2010 is the CCF’s Centenary year and there will be a Regimental Dinner in Academy Hall to mark this auspicious occasion (black tie). It will offer the chance for FPs to meet senior members of the CCF and their adult instructors. A high-quality three-course dinner and drinks will be served. An enjoyable evening renewing acquaintances and sharing experiences will be had by all.

Tickets £35 Available from the Development Office: 01764 653 885 xtn 138 Email: development@morrisonsacademy.org or send your cheques made out to “Morrison’s Academy” and posted to Morrison’s Academy Crieff, Perthshire PH7 3AN For the attention of the Development Office

06 | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | MAPA

THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | 07

THE CELEBRATION BALL A VERY SPECIAL 150TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT FOR ALL PARENTS AND FRIENDS Rector’s Drinks Reception • Three-course dinner • Dancing

MAPA

All current and former parents and friends of the school are warmly invited to attend a very special evening at Blair Castle, one of the most beautiful venues in Scotland, to be used exclusively

by Morrison’s Academy for the evening.

This is not a fundraiser, just an opportunity for parents and friends to get together and celebrate the 150th anniversary of Morrison’s Academy!

Blair Castle, Pitlochry Saturday 6th March 2010 Tickets £70 Buses and accommodation available Limited availability so please RSVP to: 01764 653 885 xtn 138 or email development@morrisonsacademy.org

Morrison’s Academy Parents’ Association (MAPA) is run by parents for parents.

MAPA was founded to promote, maintain and improve a social bond among parents and also between parents and the school.

Events organised throughout the year aim to foster friendly relationships and ensure the wellbeing of all pupils.

MAPA has supported school events by providing catering and drinks during plays and musicals, concerts and sports events; they have been especially welcome in providing Pimms during the recent and hugely successful decade reunion events held at the school.

MAPA also runs the Nearly New Shop, which is undergoing a transformation and will be launched in the New Year – check the website under the parents’ pages for developments!

If you are looking for a way to make new friends among the parent community, MAPA are always looking for volunteers to help at the events they organise. You don’t need to be a Gordon Ramsay – just helping to serve cordials for half an hour can really make a difference!

THE FIRST ANNUAL MORRISON’S ACADEMY FAMILY BARBEQUE MAPA hosted the first Family Barbeque for all Morrison’s parents, pupils and staff! It was a great opportunity for parents and staff to mix and make new friends. Over two hundred turned up on a wet and windy day to enjoy this free event, which was hugely enjoyed by all.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 28th November The Christmas Fayre 13th December Morrison’s Academy Carol Service After the service, MAPA serve wine, sherry and orange juice, along with mince pies and shortbread, in Academy Hall

08 | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | FEATURE

FEATURE | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | 09

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF MORRISON’S ACADEMY ACHIEVEMENT

“I got my start on that path in Scotland thanks to a good education” Dr Jack Watters is Pfizer’s Vice President for External Medical Affairs, responsible for relations with medical societies, academic institutions and government health bodies around the globe. Dr Watters also represents Pfizer on matters of corporate responsibility and human rights, especially relating to raising political will for the plight of people with HIV/AIDS. Dr Watters serves on the boards of several distinguished non-governmental organisations and arts institutions in the US and UK. He joined Pfizer in 1994 and was an architect of the landmark Diflucan Partnership Programme which is now active in sixty of the world’s least developed countries. Dr Watters trained in medicine at the University of Edinburgh and was a pupil at Morrison’s Academy in the 1960s.

“My parents gave me three invaluable gifts that have served me well in my life and which define my Scottishness. They are good values, good education and good genes.

Neither of my parents had the benefit of much education and they lived most of their lives, including 58 years of marriage, in Crieff.

They were happy and contented people and greatly loved and respected in our community.

Being Scots though, they knew that there was a world out there and were determined that their children would have the chances they never had. That education is the key to the world was first instilled in me at the local Crieff Primary school and later at Morrison’s Academy I discovered a love for the English language – the hours spent learning grammar, vocabulary and composition were a joy.

My science and foreign language teachers were equally inspiring, so that I had choices when it came to choosing my Higher subjects.

No early specialisation for us! There was even time to develop a life-long love of the performing arts thanks to frequent school visits to the theatres in Perth and Pitlochry. By the time I went up to university to study medicine I was well prepared to express myself clearly and to hold my own with pupils from fancier Scottish schools!

I entered the medical profession with a vague notion that I might make a difference in the world. That idea has been refined over the years and I am extremely fortunate that I work in the innovative pharmaceutical industry, which helps make the world a better place.

I got my start on that path in Scotland thanks to a good education and good values and if my genes keep their side of the bargain, I plan to continue in the hope that I will justify my parents’ vision and be a credit not only to them but also to Scotland.”

Q+A WITH JACK

...........................................................................................

When were you at Morrison’s?

1964-1970 ...........................................................................................

What is / are your best memories?

Getting my Higher results ...........................................................................................

And your worst…?!

Rugby ...........................................................................................

Who were your friends here?

Norman Begg, Richard Laing, Philip Morris, David Thompson, Harry Beattie ...........................................................................................

What was your favourite time of year and why?

1969 – preparing for Highers. I felt the best-informed and prepared ever in my life ...........................................................................................

What did you do during the summer holidays?

I worked with my father repairing roofs all over Crieff and Strathearn ...........................................................................................

Who was your favourite teacher?

George Wilson and Jimmy Flett ...........................................................................................

What do you remember of Crieff?

I was brought up there so my memories are of my life to the age of 18 and all that it entails.

I remember a small closely-knit community. ...........................................................................................

Are you planning to return for a visit?

Sometime in 2010 ...........................................................................................

Is there anyone you would like to get in touch with again?

The above-listed classmates

‘‘

“My parents gave me three invaluable gifts that have served me well in my life and which define my Scottishness.

They are good values, good education and good genes“ Jack in his Pipe Band school days, bottom right

10 | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | FORMER PUPIL NEWS

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | 11

FORMER PUPIL NEWS

WALKER CALL FOR SCOTTISH PAIR Two members of Scotland’s victorious World Amateur Championships side have been named in the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup golf squad. Former pupil Wallace Booth and Gavin Dear were among the 10 players selected for the match against the United States at Merion, Pennsylvania, played on September 12th and 13th. (Results – if you don’t know them already – available in the next newsletter) Wallace’s inclusion makes it an impressive family double after younger sister Carly appeared in the Curtis Cup as a 15-year-old last year.

DRUMMING UP SUPPORT Former Pupils were recently sent information from James Fairbairn (FP) about the Pipe Band Reunion. James, together with Rob Bolton and Jim McGregor, is encouraging as many former pupils as possible to attend the 150th anniversary Pipe Band Reunion which plans to rehearse on the first day of The Former Pupil Gathering, Friday 1st October, in readiness for the march to James Square the next day.

Music staff at the school will publish the tunes and drum beatings on the website shortly after Christmas, so former pupils will have plenty of time to dust off their pipes and drums and get practising! Interest has already come in from as far afield as Canada and Australia and organisers are confident that many more will get in touch.

The Pipe Band Reunion will form part of The Former Pupil Gathering and promises to be a unique and memorable event. If you are interested in joining – and you know you want to really – please get in touch with James Fairbairn or contact the school on 01764 653 885 xtn 138 or email THalley@morrisonsacademy.org ...........................................................................................

MADDERTY FARM SCOOPS FOOD AND DRINKS AWARDS A Strathearn family has lifted two major awards at the Scottish food and drink “Oscars”. The Cameron family from Madderty were delighted to scoop two of the main category prizes at the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards for their innovative product- summer harvest cold-pressed rapeseed oil.

INTREPID DUO’S CYLE FOR CHARITY Former pupil Iain MacFadyen and his girlfriend Francesca Morrison have embarked on a gruelling 90-day tandem cycle ride from Norway to Spain travelling through 13 countries and cycling some 4,500miles (approximately 7,250km). They are raising £4,500 for PNET Research at The Royal Children’s Hospital, Australia and Marie Curie Cancer Care. You can support Iain and Francesca and find out more on their website http://www.teamfimm.com/

LIFE AND TIMES OF THE DROVERS The Drovers’ Exhibition at Crieff Visitor Centre is up and running in a new home. After the move of Caithness Glass into the space formerly housing the exhibition, Crieff Visitor Centre owner and former pupil, Stuart McLaren, has set up the display in a more compact area adjoining the shop where visitors and locals alike can enjoy a 15-minute video which includes a voiceover from actor and former pupil Denis Lawson.

The exhibition tells the story of the life and times of the drovers and highlanders who walked their cattle through the mountain passes from places such as Skye, Dornoch and Sutherland, to sell their charges at the Crieff Tryst or market.

These amazingly hardy men walked for up to three weeks in all weathers, sleeping and living with their animals in the Scottish hills, following

generation-old trails and paths, with little food.

Besides the weather, the main danger was from rustlers and outlaws, and the drover had to protect his charges from people such as the followers of Rob Roy McGregor who would charge “black mail” for safe passage. These historic trails were opened up by people like General Wade to subdue the Highlanders after Bonnie Prince Charlie’s failure of the ’45 Jacobite rebellion at Culloden and many of today’s roads still follow the Droving Trails and the traditional routes through the hills.

The Exhibition shows the importance of these lifelines and how they evolved.

If you are venturing back to Crieff for the 150th anniversary and if you would like to find out more about this important part of our history, the exhibition is free to all and is open seven days a week from 9am to 4.30pm.

‘‘

“These amazingly hardy men walked for up to three weeks in all weathers, sleeping and living with their animals in the Scottish hills“

12 | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | KEEPING IN TOUCH

KEEPING IN TOUCH | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | 13

KEEPING IN TOUCH CATRIONA MOIR (NEE DUNCAN) CLASS OF 1977 HND Inst. Man at RGIT Married, 2 Children, Working in retail.

Celebrated Silver Wedding in Hong Kong in July 2008. Going back in Sept for 50th Birthday, and daughters 21st.

Primarily Geography classes and Miss Gardiner! The Tuckie, and mid-night feasts in the dorms!!

‘‘ THE 1980s REUNION – On Saturday 13th June 2009, Morrison’s Academy hosted the 1980s decade reunion. Over 150 former pupils were welcomed back.

The day started with a reception in Memorial Hall, followed by Pimms on the lawn with the Pipe Band, who then escorted the gathering to lunch in Academy Hall. Former Pupils were treated to old fashioned refectory fayre, typical of the 1980s, including steamed jam and coconut sponge with custard! Everyone was then free to roam around the school before afternoon tea in what is now the school staff room to catch up with former teachers from the era, some of whom are still teaching here! We were very fortunate with the weather and the day ended with a drinks reception at Dallerie, with cold beer, chilled wine and warm memories flowing freely!

Thank-you I don’t think it matters who you are, there is always a sense of trepidation leading up to these events – will anyone remember me/will they recognise me/will I recognise anyone/

somebody is bound to tell me I look fat/ should I really let on that I now prefer to be known as Suzie and have a thing for wearing dresses? (Delete as appropriate) I think, as we all witnessed, we had absolutely no need to worry and I just wish I could have bottled the warmth and affection that pervaded the entire day. The memories, tales and stories were flowing and it’s amazing how quickly and easily true friendships are re-kindled – even with chicken cobbler. We were so fortunate to have such magnificent weather, and I thought Dallerie in particular was looking fabulous and the perfect spot for drinks in the evening.

I hope you will all agree with me that we should not wait another 20-25 years before we do this again. Luckily we have the school’s 150th anniversary next year giving us the

chance to do so. Don’t forget there will also be a reunion of the Pipe Band over that weekend and I was serious about needing volunteers to man the false-start rope for the swimming gala - although I am staking a claim of one end for the girls’ gala. If there is anything else you would like us to organise, let us know.

David Glen – President, The Morrisonian Club “Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the 80’s reunion this weekend. Great to meet friends I hadn’t seen in 25 years... feels like yesterday!!!! The grounds were looking fabulous, the food (and drink...hick!!!) were great and the whole atmosphere was so relaxed and friendly. Thank you to everyone who made it such a special day for all of us.

I think the old school did us proud.”

Regards Wendy Bath class of 84 For more comments and photos from this and other reunions held recently, go to the website www.morrisonsacademy.org

“His sudden and unexpected return required me to hide the belt (in my trumpet case!!) after which I took it home before disposing of it ‘down the Earn’ “

IAN ROY 1980 Just seen George Frier’s memories on his page. Brought back memories of him and other terribly clever people - Douglas Meakin, Colin Penny, Alistair Gray and so many more – all of whom dwarfed many of we ‘ordinary’ mortals!! Frier is right – Tomcats classes were fun (until Ink Exercises were handed back – at which time six strokes of the lochgelly were often threatened for miscreants like myself for failure to comply). Mind you this was nothing compared with the TC fury on the day Stuart Wishart was late for maths on account of his having had a quick fag - and being caught on Victoria Terrace! Archie McIntyre and Jock Wilson never understood me!! Archie ‘failed to comprehend’ why I could be so useless at sport and Jock was usually apoplectic with fury at my lack of understanding of matters biologica! Unlike Frier, Fuzzy liked me because I played (badly) in the orchestra. Never forget the day I was in his room (the veranda of Memorial Hall) awaiting his attendance to supervise my trumpet practice. His belt was on the piano and I was playing with it (as you do!) whilst he was obviously drinking coffee

in the staff room. His sudden and unexpected return required me to hide the belt (in my trumpet case!!) after which I took it home before disposing of it “down the Earn”!!!

Other memories: Paddy Turner (he was brutal) Odd Bod Miller (Oh Arr) (Slasher) Ashworth Guff Sutherland (Andy) Bell Doc Todd (Mastermind contender!)

Jimmy McGregor (Ewan’s Dad) Spoofer Clark Allan (Meek) Meakin

EMMA BRANKIN I am writing as a proud and grateful mum to let you know that your former pupil, Emma Brankin graduated with Honours in the First Class in Drama from the University of Hull this July. I think the future may hold further postgraduate journalism or creative writing studies. I would like to pass on my thanks to all the staff who taught Emma

Since then I have served for four years as a Governor!! Happy Days, Ian.

‘‘

“I am a bit of a quiz geek and appeared on Grampian TVs ‘Top Club’ programme in 1988” CHRIS BAYNE 1984 Graduated from Napier in 1986 and started work for General Accident in Perth and have been with them or subsidiary companies ever since. We are currently known as Aviva but this may well change at any time. I always enjoyed my cricket and played for Perthshire between 1985 and last year when the club folded. I married Isla in 2002 and we have 2 beautiful kids, Ewan 6 and Eleanor 4.

I am a bit of a quiz geek and appeared on Grampian TVs “Top Club” programme in 1988 and have been part of the all conquering Cherrybank A quiz team in Perth for the last 10 years. I have also played a bit of curling and have recently taken up running to try and lose a bit of weight. In 1999 I attempted to enter the world of politics by standing for election for the local council but was sadly beaten by the Lib Dems of all people. I work alongside Alison Penny (now Cameron) from my year as well as Donna Stewart (Walker) who I believe left in 2002 or so. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me

MORAG WHYTE (FP) MARRIES ANDREW SPEAK Pett Farm, Muthill on 25 July 2009

Check out more stories and memories on the Morrisonian section of the school website www.morrisonsacademy.org

14 | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | FORMER PUPIL NEWS

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE | THE LINK | OCTOBER 2009 | 15

OBITUARIES

THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

We are very sorry to report the loss of the following morrisonians.

KEN MCKENZIE Died 1st July 2009 Born 19th May 1940, Glenearn boarder 1952 -1958 Ken came to Morrison’s in 1951/52 and left in 1957. “Tich” as he was always known was a very popular member of Glenearn. He always seemed to have a smile on his face and a bounce in his step. Like a few of us he was a member of that exclusive brotherhood that historians would later call “Empire Orphans”, i.e. boarders whose parents were stationed in various corners of the Empire. Ken was born in India. He was an accomplished sportsman and represented the school at Swimming, Boxing Cricket & Rugby

HELEN ANN LAMB (NEE STRATHAIRN) Born 26/01/1949, day pupil from 1957 to 1966 Died on 5th June 2009, at the Alexandra Unit, Dumfries. Dearly loved wife of Ranald, loving mother of Alix and Louise.

He was in the Cricket 1st X1 in 1956, Rugby 4th XV in 1953-54 season and the 3rdXV in 1954-55 & 1955-56

JEAN HWLWN FINDLAY BUNTIN (NEE MCNAUGHTON) Born 11/07/1918, at school from 1930 to 1934 Died peacefully, in Dalnaglar Nursing Home, Crieff, on Saturday, May 23, 2009 in her 91st year, dearly loved mother of Barbara, Jane and David, proud grandmother, loving mother-inlaw, aunt and friend.

DOUGLAS H M BROWN Died 28th January 2009 aged 85.

Youngest of five Browns to attend the school, following his brothers Sydney, Cecil and Leslie and sister, Ann. Douglas was always interested to read about the school and to hear about former pupils, staff and news from Crieff.

CATHERINE JACKSON Died August 2008.

She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2008 but it had spread and she sadly passed away in the Hospice in Dundee eight days after being admitted.

JOHN ALBERT MILLER Born 13/04/1916, day pupil from 1928 to 1934 Died peacefully, after a short illness, at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, John (former Head of PE Dept. at George Watson’s College), aged 93.

Beloved husband of the late Margaret, deeply loved father of Derek Frances and Mary, dear father in law, and loving grandfather and great grandfather.

PATRICIA CHAPMAN (NEE GLENISTER) Born 28/02/1942, day pupil from 1954 to 1957 Died suddenly, at Perth Royal Infirmary, on Wednesday, June 3, 2009., Patricia (Pat) Chapman, loved and loving wife of John, devoted mother of Michael, Ian, Paul Anne and Lynne, much loved sister if the late John and Derek Glenister, special grandmother of Bernadette and Holly, great grandmother of James and friend to all.

PETERS GLEN OLIVER Former biology teacher in the 1960s Died peacefully, at home, on 14th May, 2009.

Loving husband father and grandfather.

MRS ANNE MCLELLAN DIES AT 101 Fife centenarian Anne McLellan died just one month before she was due to celebrate her 102nd birthday. Mrs McLellan (nee Courtney) passed away peacefully at Methven House care home in Kirkcaldy. The grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of eight celebrated her milestone 100th birthday with family at the care home in 2007. At the time she said the secret to long life was happiness.

Educated at Morrison’s Academy in Crieff, she went on to work in a solicitor’s office before becoming a private secretary at nearby Drummond Castle.

Her late husband Bill was Police Inspector who served for many years in Pitlochry. Mrs McLellan is survived by her three daughters Agnes, Fiona and Lorna.

BRIAN ANTHONY STALKER Day pupil at Morrison’s Academy 1952-1962 Born 26/05/1944, died Tuesday April 28th 2009 at Angusfield Nursing home Aberdeen, after a long illness, aged 64. Dearly-loved husband of Anne, a loving father of Carol and Alison.

DAVID GUTHRIE Born 27/01/82, Day pupil from 1991-1996 Died tragically, as the result of a road accident, on Friday, June 26, 2009. David, aged 27, adored husband of Cait, much loved son of Tom and Julie, a loving brother of Vicky and Louise, beloved grandson of Doreen.

HELEN NICOL (NEE GUTHRIE) Died peacefully at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, on 16th June 2009, aged 82 years. Beloved wife of the late Robert Nicol, dear mother of David and sister of James, Ketron and the late Peter, mother-in-law of Mary and grandmother of Emily and Andrew.

DOUGLAS FENWICK Born 9th June 1926, at school 1939-43 Died December 2008

Mrs Tricia Halley, Former pupil coordinator, and mrs nadine leonard settle into their new office Nadine Leonard, the new Director of Development and Alumni Relations, describes a vision of “little and often giving” for the school.

“Development” is really just common sense planning for the future and has been a staple of many successful educational institutions for decades. The role of the new Development Office is to connect with and engage a global Morrisonian family to encourage a culture of giving and support for the school for the long-term.

Our aim is to offer life-changing educational opportunities for children from all backgrounds and to realise a long-held vision of a school with grounds and facilities fit for the 21st century. It has been decades since anything new was built here! Over the years many donations and acts of kindness have helped

to support this vision. Over half a million pounds in gifts has been invested in bursaries reflecting the original intention of our founder and philanthropist, Thomas Morrison.

In the 150th anniversary year, we are expecting hundreds of former pupils to re-connect with Crieff and the school from all over the world.

This is a time of reflection and celebration.

It is also a time to look to the future.

The Strategic Plan and vision for Morrison’s Academy will be published in the February 2010 newsletter. Further information is available on the website www.morrisonsacademy.org

DID YOU KNOW...?

We have records of over 200 former pupils living in Australia, Canada, New York and Hong Kong collectively.

If you know of anyone who doesn’t receive a newsletter from the school (and would like to!) please contact the Development Office on: 01764 653 885 xtn 138 or email: development@morrisonsacademy.org

MORRISON’S ACADEMY Crieff, Perthshire PH7 3AN T: 01764 653885 F: 01764 655411 E: principal@morrisonsacademy.org W: www.morrisonsacademy.org

A ROOM WITH A VIEW!

This photograph was taken by Morrison’s Academy art teacher Stephen Jewell from the Art Department.