Number 2 Spring 2007 EThe magazinetc for formeretera pupils and friends of Academy and Westbourne School

MAKING YOUR MARK What sort of impression did you make at school? Editorial Contents

We all leave a mark. Whether 3 The Rector's view we like it or not, whether we mean to or not – it’s part of 4 Marks on the woodwork the human condition.

You can’t do so much as pick 5 From the archives... up a wineglass without making a unique and intricately- 6 Re-unions and things sculpted fingerprint. And, as 7-10 News from the Accies devotees of CSI know and some criminals find out too 11 Wullie Tait and friends late, we recklessly leave bits of our DNA lying about all over 12 Interesting people the place… Rev Alan D McDonald, the Moderator of the And so it is with schools. 13-14 Donald MacLean General Assembly of the Church of , made his mark at the Commemoration Service Everyone who has ever in October entered the hallowed portals of 15-16 People in the news Glasgow Academy/ Westbourne from the day the doors opened in 1846 until two minutes 17-18 Births, marriages and deaths ago – be they the longest-lived teacher or the youngest pupil – has made a subtle but important contribution to its history. 19-20 More news of former pupils Peter Brodie, our Rector, is four-and-a-half terms into making his mark on The Academy. In his first column in this magazine, he shares his view Do we have your e-mail address? of some of the important changes he has seen in that brief time. Donald It’s how we communicate best! MacLean, who left in 1943, certainly left his mark on the BBC and EMI. On pages 13 and 14, he tells us what he has done in the 64 years since leaving school. The work of Westbourne FP Professor Elizabeth Treasure Keeping in touch (see page 15) has made its mark on the world of dentistry and benefited The External Relations office is situated all of us as a result. Jim Jope, who is remembered on page 17, taught next to the school library in the basement Maths at The Academy for 27 years. His recent death brought a flood of of The Academy’s main building. Former pupils are always welcome to pop in and e-mails from grateful pupils who remembered his happy eccentricities. have a chat. Our address is Colebrooke Street, Glasgow G12 8HE and you can And, of course,A.A. the boy who carved his initials on the wall of room contact us on 0141 342 5494 or at K in 1948 – sixty years ago – was making his mark too… [email protected]

And that’s what this magazine is about. We want Etcetera to celebrate the The Glasgow Academical Club,21 uniqueness that is you. We want to see your fingerprints all over it. So Helensburgh Drive, Glasgow G13 1RR President – George McLaren E-mail: get reading – and get writing! [email protected] Secretary – Kenneth Shand Tel: 0141 248 5011 E-mail: [email protected] The Academical Club is available for functions. Please contact the steward Ken Barron at [email protected] for details. Malcolm McNaught Director of External Relations Academical Club’s London Section [email protected] Secretary – David Hall, 20 Cadogan Place London SW1X 9SA Tel:020 7235 9012 E-mail: [email protected]

2 Etcetera The view from the top

he Academy is moving forward in T very exciting ways. Those donning hard hats have already enjoyed the magnificent views from our new Prep School on the bank of the Kelvin. We believe our new school will provide the best 21st-century learning environment for young children in Scotland. We will have it up and running in 2008 and are looking forward to it giving us larger classrooms with bright natural light. There will be open activity areas outside classrooms where children can enjoy a wide range of creative and enterprising experiences. The school is naturally ventilated and very energy efficient. State-of-the-art IT facilities will be built-in and the building’s construction will make it fully adaptable to the changes that the 21st century will bring. It will free up space in Colebrooke terrace for us to improve the facilities of the Senior School. Looking to the future: Peter Brodie, the with them through their time at The Mr Tony Brooke has been appointed Rector and Gordon Jack (right), Chairman of Academy. Both pupil and tutor belong to be Head of the Prep School, Governors with George Mackie (centre) of to one of our four Houses, whose following the retirement of Helen Robertson’s Construction. activities have expanded enormously to Fortune this coming summer. It will include debating, singing and the be Tony’s third headship: he is Women’s under-20 hockey at the possibility of winning House points for currently Head of Sutton Valence Prep Australian Youth Olympics,and John virtually any good activity. The teachers School in Kent, where he has overseen Beattie scoring for Scotland. But who are Heads of House and their pupil impressive improvement and music, drama and the intellectual and House Captains now play a major role expansion. A trained and practising cultural life of the school are in the pastoral life of The Academy, Independent School Inspector as well developing apace too. Nearly 70 of developing a much greater sense of as a Council member of the our musicians have just returned from belonging and shared enterprise. Incorporated Association of Prep a highly successful tour of Belgium, These are dynamic times for The Schools and a member of Kent including our burgeoning Pipe Band, Academy. We are experiencing great County Cricket Club, he and his wife whilst in addition to the normal school demand for places at all levels and the Harriet have four children, the plays, musicals and pantos, we have had future looks very bright. We face it younger of which will be attending pupils directing outstanding produc- with confidence. In building for the . tions of Animal Farm, The Sound of future, we seek also to keep faith with Music and The Odd Couple, with more I am passionate about developing the our past. It has been a delight to meet to come next term. initiative, responsibility and potential of so many Academicals over the last year our young people. We have enjoyed Helping young people believe that and I look forward very much to major sporting successes over the last they can achieve good and great things opportunities to hear more of our year, and are very proud to be has been at the heart of our new shared past and tell you more of our associated with our Academicals, Personal Support system. Every child present and future. You will always be including Laura Bartlett, who left us in the Senior School now has a tutor, a most welcome at The Academy. only last summer, playing a key role in dedicated member of staff with whom Great Britain’s Gold medal for they meet daily and who should stay Peter Brodie

Etcetera 3 Little boys have been making marks in wood since time immemorial – or, in the case of Glasgow Academy, 1690. Retrospective Detentions

omebody glancing at the cover of this magazine must know who SA.A. is (or was) who in 1948 carved his initials for posterity (or whoever else was interested) in room K. What about J+K+ in 1956, and who was the mysterious Third Man (or boy) who failed to show up? Coming ever closer to the present day, do we know the identity of GE who was so bold as to gouge his initials in room G on the ground floor? To claim your retrospective detention – or to ‘grass’ on one of your friends, write to [email protected] or phone 0141 342 5494. Confession is good for the soul, boys! They’ll thank you for it in the end… Marks of a different kind

Visitors to last June’s Summer Evening on the Terrace will be in no doubt that The Academy has produced some seriously talented young artists. To celebrate that talent, we’re planning a Glasgow Academy Art Calendar for 2008. Our promise is that it will be lavishly illustrated, professionally produced and reasonably priced. We can even produce a special edition to advertise your business, should you want it. More details next time…

We hope to hold another event for former pupils this summer and are finalising details as we go to press.

Sophie with flowers by Naomi Archibald (2006)

4 Etcetera THE ACCIE WHO BURNED UP STAMFORD BRIDGE ven Jose Mourinho would have the London Athletic Club as an arena for won the Scottish title every year up to 1907 been impressed by the athletics meetings and not at all for and he also won the International event Eperformance of one of Glasgow football. In 1904, the ground was acquired against Ireland on each occasion. He Accies’ finest when a certain Robert by Gus Mears and his brother, J T Mears, improved the Championship record to 16.0 Summers Stronach (born in Partick in who had previously acquired additional seconds in 1905. To get some measure of 1882) won the British 120 yards Hurdles adjacent land. The Mears family remained these performances, this time was identical to Championship at Stamford Bridge in 1905. the owners of the ground (and the winning time in the Olympic 110 subsequently the Club) until the 1970s. metres hurdles at St Louis in 1904. Stronach was one of that rare breed who Stronach could even have retained the title represented their country at more than one He did not compete after 1907 and in 1907, but fell at the last hurdle though he sport. Playing as a flank-forward, he was emigrated to Canada in 1908 to pursue a managed to pick himself up and take third. capped as a teenager for Scotland at rugby career in civil engineering. on five occasions between 1901 and 1905, In July 1905, he set a Scottish record of Stronach, however, was not the first the last being a win over England at 15.8 seconds on grass and over wooden Glasgow Accie to win the Scottish Hurdles Richmond. However, it was at athletics hurdles at Ibrox – a record that was to title. That honour fell to Norman that he really made history, winning the stand for forty-three years. Augustus (Ginger) Macleod born at Duns British 120 yards Hurdles title three years He had first come to prominence in 1900 by in 1870 who attended the Academy from in a row from 1904 to 1906. winning the Scottish 120 yards Hurdles title 1880-1884. Macleod took the In 1905, the British Championships took and finishing second in the International Championship in 1892. He was a superb place at Stamford Bridge, now the home of match against Ireland at Cliftonville. From all-round athlete excelling at rugby and Chelsea FC. It was officially opened in that point, Stronach was undefeated in cricket and he also won the Scottish 100 1877 and, for the first 28 years of its Scottish and international competitions and, yards title in 1890. existence, it was used almost exclusively by with the exception of 1902 and 1903, he Hugh Barrow (1962)

Etcetera 5 36 x 50 = a good excuse for a party! What better way to celebrate your 50th year than to gather school friends together and have some fun? Our Westbourne School Reunion at 50 on 16 September 2006 attracted 36 ex-pupils from all over the UK and Europe. Hilton Park Golf Club in was a beautiful setting for a hugely enjoyable evening. Carole Hill, Lesley Scott, Joan Paton, Valerie Strang and Alison Christie (Committee)

Calcutta Cup Meet one of our years. A pupil of Westbourne School for Girls from 1974 to 1979, Marion competition winner… Governors went on to study design and graduated Hard question, that one about the with honours from Glasgow School of Marion Brodie has been a Governor Art in 1984. She now runs Brodie Calcutta Cup; it tested even Hugh of the GAWMT for the past three Barrow, the Club archivist. The winner Label Services Ltd, a company was ten-year-old Hamish Rankin of specialising in the design, manufacture Trans 4 at a well-known West End and supply of quality self-adhesive school. Well done, Hamish - arguably labels and other printed products. our youngest reader and indisputably Brodie Label Services was established our youngest competitor. Anyway, to thirty years ago by Marion’s husband the victor the spoils – which in this and co-director,Tom. Marion has case is a size 4 rugby ball, to help three girls currently at The Academy Hamish get ready for his move up to and she says of the school: the Senior School in August. ‘Cumulatively, my girls have had an astonishing 28 years of education at Hamish’s entry: The Academy and, in all that time, The Calcutta Cup was first there has never been a single day when presented in 1879.Since then 13 they have been anything other than Glasgow Academicals have had their very happy to head out to school in hands on the cup as winners. the morning. They have, indeed, been fortunate to have been taught by some They are: 1983 JR Beattie, 1892 JB truly inspirational teachers who have Brown, 1912 J Dobson, 1938 PL captured their imaginations and Duff, 1926 JC Dykes, 1935 JE encouraged them to rise successfully to Forrest, 1904 WM Milne, 1925 JB new challenges. I have made some Nelson, 1926 WM Simmers, 1907 T good decisions in my life - and some Sloan, 1905 RS Stronach, 1925 H bad ones - but numbered amongst the Waddell and 1882 WA Walls. best of them is choosing The Academy Hamish Rankin (Trans 4) for my children’s education. For my part, I am flattered and honoured - and Editor’s note – not exactly the same not a little surprised - to be on the list as ours, but pretty close. Board of such a great school.’

6 Etcetera President’s Letter

T SEEMS LIKE no time at all since I last wrote six months ago. I have Ithoroughly enjoyed the honour of being President throughout my term of office. The 124th Annual Dinner was held in ACADEMICALS the Cargill Hall on Friday 17 November 2006. The event overall ETC was a successful one. The principal Editorial speaker was Professor , who is Professor of History at The first issue of Etcetera was a surprise University of Harvard, and an The London Section Dinner took and a success. How do I know? Academical. The Rector gave the place at the Caledonian Club on Friday 2 February on the eve of the Because not a single Academical reply and was followed by Mr Kenneth England v Scotland rugby reacted to a major change in Russell and Mrs Gillian Burt. Thank you to all of them for making the international. John Beattie, who gave a communication between the Club and evening so enjoyable. witty and amusing talk on some of his its members. It must be alright since rugby experiences, was the main nobody complained! The suggestion We had a fine day on Boxing Day. speaker. A great night was had by all that we may start a letters column has The lunch organised by Alasdair 81 who attended. not been implemented in this edition, Graham was well-attended and an The relationship between the Club but I would be happy to make space in exciting match between Glasgow Accies and the Exiles ensued, the and School continues to develop and future issues if the need arises. ‘home’ team clinching victory with a flourish. I am greatly indebted for all Seriously, it would be good to hear fine drop goal by young Andrew the help especially from the Chairman from someone about the content, style, Lundie in the last few minutes. of the Governors, the Rector, Dr Bill timing etc of this august organ. How Kerr and Mr Malcolm McNaught. much of it gets read? Will it encourage The Clubhouse and Bar continue to I would like to thank the members of members to keep in touch and keep the develop under the able Stewardship of Ken Barron. Indeed, he organised a the Academical Board and particularly Club’s database up to date? Would you Burns Night on 26 January. my Vice-President,Wallace Mitchell, pass it on to a ‘lost’ contemporary? Approximately 70 people attended who have been such a great support The most faithful current contributor is and, because of its success, another one throughout the year. I wish Wallace all the Club archivist in the form of the is being planned for next year. I the very best for when he takes over as ubiquitous Hugh Barrow who, at the should also mention that there is President in June. merest whisper, can produce something another ‘Music Night’, similar to last George McLaren relevant from the past - and pictures year, being arranged at the Clubhouse March 2007 too! Other contributions are welcome on Friday 11 May. and should be sent to the External Relations office at the School. (Please see the contact details at the front of this magazine.) Men’s Hockey

The Club and the School continue to he 1st XI started the season with the major disadvantage of sustaining a work together to improve the links lot of injuries. This seriously affected league performance, but they have between former pupils, parents and the Tbattled on with the assistance of younger members of the squad. These current school community. This may newly-blooded youngsters, along with some new players, have added strength to involve careers counselling, for the team - all we need now is lady luck to smile on us and some wins will instance. If you have any thoughts on happen in the second half of the season. what would be useful, or what you In contrast, the 2nd XI is on a winning streak which should result in promotion could contribute, please let us know. at the end of the season. Again new members have settled in well to create an In the meantime, this joint production effective team and many can expect to be promoted to the first team for next is a visible sign of the link in place and year. developing. New members are still needed. If you are interested, please come along to training on a Tuesday evening or contact John Roche - 07884 361845;Alan Neil MacLean Taylor 07900 681071 or Mark Cameron 07867 545417.

Etcetera 7 POSTSCRIPT it may interest our readers Editor’s Assortment… to know that the plea for a piano for was answered promptly and the instrument has been in place for a few months now! To celebrate the Cameron MacGregor is not just one One of the community’s business high new equipment,Alasdair Graham (who of the rugby section’s most loyal fans flyers, Ian Russell, late CEO of else?) is organising a second ‘Musical he is also a bright guy. By my Scottish Power, is not inclined to take Evening’ on Friday 11 May 2007 in reckoning he has won the ‘Wee it easy like so many Accies of his age the pavilion. The first Musical Evening Stinker’ Crossword in The Herald at and has taken on a portfolio of eight was an overwhelming success and least four times in the last year! part-time jobs to keep him off the golf included such items as diverse as an course - maybe not so stupid! Niall Campbell could never resist operatic soprano, and John R Beattie getting under the skin of authority, The Club is indeed lucky to have the and his rock band. Robin Hopkins particularly on the rugby field when services of Kenneth Shand as will again arrange the programme and he upset pretty nearly every referee he Secretary to the Board. According to the tickets at £15 will include a buffet ever came across (including a well his own PR, 2006 was a very busy year dinner.Apply early to Alasdair Graham known ). Nice to for all involved in deal-making in on 0141 616 4056 know he hasn’t changed and is lining Scotland. As head of Corporate for up for a swipe at Historic Scotland Maclay, Murray and Spens he should who threaten to derail his plan to know. Competition Time restore Rowallan Old Castle. The Club Treasurer is of course John The winning caption for the picture in Can an Accie get his hands on the Mason (the younger!). Life is so easy the last edition [submitted by Royal Ryder Cup? He can indeed if he is for him he gives press interviews and rather than e-mail] is: prepared to take on the Captaincy of discloses his secrets… such as the fact Pollok Golf Club. The new Captain is he wishes he was a professional golfer Gavin Smith, late of the front row and not an accountant, and that his and numerous Glasgow Surveying autobiography, if it found a publisher, businesses, and it came about at a would be entitled ‘At last, it all adds dinner for the elite of the golf world. up!’ Pictures are available but space is Sir Alan Kerr continues to get nearer tight… and nearer the Annual Dinner - but He used to be content with scoring missed it again. This time, despite a the odd try, backing the odd horse and prompting from Brian Gibson, he had It’s a pity none of us did Latin at buying some (very) odd green jackets. a speaking engagement in Spain that Look at Martin Lightbody now as night. Brian does not give up, so I am School. I’m clueless! does the deal of the century and ends sure we will see him soon! The winner can collect his prize one up sharing £37million whilst retaining The death of Robin Brechin was a lunch time. 30% of the family business and keeping tragedy with a silver lining. Brother a job. The best wingers are those that Michael, who – like Robin – scoured can see the line clearly from a long Anniesland as a flanker, developed 200 Club Winners way out. leukaemia and has been saved by the The winners of the three monthly In case it is forgotten in the flurry of bone marrow of his dead brother draws are as follows ‘Murray Mania’, Glasgow Accies has its which was donated before the accident own tennis pro in the form of Alan that killed Robin. Life goes on. November Mackin who has risen to 270 in the 1st Dr G Kay of Canada £70 There is no mistaking that time passes ATP rankings - and he is only 25! 2nd Dr G Kay of Canada £35 quickly! It does not seem long ago In the sporting context, Douglas that Robin Hopkins and David December Lockhart continues to set records. He Kernahan were struggling through an 1st Mr Murray Nelson £500 must be by far the most capped Architecture degree together whilst 2nd Mr Ian G Neilson £70 Academical EVER, and he has not entertaining the crowds at Anniesland January stopped yet. He has, however, set a of a Saturday - now they are 60 years 1st Mrs Elizabeth Graham £70 new record for Scottish Cricket when old! They have arranged to have a 2nd Sir Matt Goodwin £35 he took six catches in a single Innings joint celebration in Tutakaka in New against UAE: congratulations. A major Zealand, which is at least a home If you are upset your name is not prize could be forthcoming if anyone, fixture for David. Robin will amongst the above, maybe you have whose name does not begin with ‘L’, complete his round-the-world tour by not bought a ticket! This can be could record exactly how many caps beating (he hopes) Geoff Grier at golf remedied by contacting Alasdair he actually has. in Singapore! Graham on 0141 616 4056.

8 Etcetera demonstrates so clearly why he has Annual Dinner become such a renowned communicator. He mixes facts, opinions and whimsy in equal portions; some of his old teachers at Friday 17 November was a day to As ever, the evening starts well with a the school would be purring, some remember! glass of wine provided and a hall full of others not so! What was very clear faces which are recognisable, and some t was the day when one of the was the value that he places on the even friendly. The meal starts on time most-recognised men in the west- experiences he had at The Glasgow and the service is slick and efficient. ern hemisphere came back to his Academy. What was also clear to many I The result is that we are fed and roots to speak to his fellow Academi- was the incredible youthfulness of the watered in good time and the cals. President George MacLaren had man, both physical and mental. President introduces his top table right taken the brave decision to change the on schedule. The President and Rector delivered date of the Dinner to accommodate their brief ‘state of the Union’ bits the diary of Professor Niall Fergusson Niall Fergusson rises to his feet and effectively and then it was the turn of and it was well worth it. the entire company is entranced as he a past Headmistress, in the form of Mrs Gillian Burt of , to reply on behalf of the guests. Mrs Burt was more than capable of sharing the platform with Professor Ferguson and greatly amused the audience whilst sticking to her theme. In all. it was a well-balanced evening and it was rounded off by Vice President Wallace Mitchell who gave a good account of himself, which promises well for the 2008 Dinner! The formal part of the evening was completed on time and the most important part remained - catching up with those faces you have not seen since last year - or even longer! The 2006 was the best-supported for During his speech at the Academicals’ Dinner, Niall Ferguson paid tribute to a number of his many years; let’s do better in 2007. former teachers. Here he is pictured with two of them – Miss McNeill (Margaret Tindall), The date is Friday 9 November: left, taught him in P3.1 and Miss Crawford (Enid Mitchell) taught him in P2X. get it in the diary NOW. Only in New Zealand… John McFarlane (1956) sent us this photograph of his best man Norman Jack (1957) who has been living in Auckland for many years. Even though they might not recognize Norman after all this time, Norman’s many rugby-playing friends at the Academy will recognise the Ranfurly Shield - a trophy much sought after in New Zealand Rugby. John hasn’t seen the need to explain what he’s doing holding the trophy at a wedding, but perhaps in New Zealand no explanation is necessary!

Etcetera 9 Glasgow Academical Club Who’s next? London Section The answer is Wally Mitchell! The London Section has worked with Malcolm McNaught at the Possessing a familiar surname School in updating membership records and, as a result, a large in Academical circles,Wally number of London area-based Accies have been contacted for is now taking on the potential membership of the Section. There would appear to be well Presidency of the Club for over 350 Accies on our list, but I am sure there are many more for the 2007/8 period. whom we have no details. If anyone reading this magazine is aware of an Accie in the London area, please send me their details. Wally is the fourth son of the famous Rob Mitchell, Our Annual Dinner was held in the Caledonian Club on the eve of who died at the age of 47 the Calcutta Cup match. Some 81 members attended a very enjoyable whilst Secretary of the evening. The London Section was pleased to welcome Mr Peter Rugby Club. His mother, Belle, ran the parents’ Brodie, who was making his eagerly-anticipated debut at our dinner, dance in the Cargill Hall for many years, and in and he did not disappoint us with an interesting update on the so doing raised many thousands of pounds for the School’s activities. Dr George McLaren, as President of the Glasgow School. Academical Club, also received a warm welcome and he provided an account of what was occurring within the Glasgow Academical Club. Wally was at the Academy from 1957 to 1969 Our other guest was Mr John Beattie, who kept everyone amused and starred at many things, mainly in a sporting with his rugby anecdotes weaved into an altogether humorous speech. context! He played in the 1st XV for three years and got his colours in Rugby, Cricket and The London Section hopes to field two teams in the London Scottish Athletics. He was House Captain of Morrison, Schools’ Golf Day to be held on June 19 2007 at Denham Golf Club. and has the unusual distinction of being made a Anyone interested should communicate with me. School Prefect… Twice! In July, the London Section will host a dinner for the School shooting Wally became a regular in the Accie 1st XV for team, during their annual visit to Bisley. All Accies are encouraged to eight years and covered more positions than attend this dinner, which will be held at Bisley, and at which the Chris Paterson! The only positions for which he shooting team awards will be handed out. Please let me know if you was NOT selected were prop, lock, No 8 and are interested in attending this event. stand off. With this flexibility, he was a regular in My thanks to the Editor for providing this space for the London the lower teams for many years and still finds Section to advertise its existence/activities. We extend a warm himself close to the action on a Saturday. For welcome to all Accies visiting or emigrating to the London area. years now, he has been the ‘dogsbody and touch judge for the 1st XV’ both home and away. In David W. Hall his typical way,Wally finds this role ‘frustrating Secretary/Treasurer often; enjoyable always’. Tel: 020 7235 9012 Email: [email protected] The Mitchell boys have put a lot into the When Jonathan Davies was Glasgow Academical Club over the years. Eldest unable to speak at last year’s brother, the late Robin, was a stalwart of London Accies dinner, his shoes Anniesland in his time and was the keeper of the were more than adequately Academical Cloth when he ran the family filled by the huge boots of tailoring business. The odd, and I mean odd, old Martin Bayfield, the former blazer that still comes out to Anniesland is a England and British Lions lock testament to the quality – if not the taste – of the forward. At 6 feet 10 inches, man. Bruce Mitchell also covered the grass at Martin is able to fill the shoes Anniesland and served the Club as Treasurer for of most people. In fact he four years. The one that got away is Graeme arrived after a day’s filming of who, having mastered back-row play at the latest Harry Potter movie - Anniesland, went to New Zealand to count beans in which he plays Hagrid’s body and has been the Club representative there for 25 and stunt double! Even John years at least. Deans, esteemed President of Wallace is the youngest of the brothers and we the London Accies, was put in are fortunate that someone with his talents and the shade by his towering background has agreed to take on the role of presence. For the record, not President. We know from the way he does things only is he very tall - he’s also a that his year will be a success. Please give him very entertaining after-dinner your support. speaker.

10 Etcetera John M Crombie was a pupil at Glasgow Academy during the war years. Despite The Academy’s best efforts, he managed to become a doctor and has recently retired after 35 years as a General Practitioner in Australia. He has many memories of school during these uncertain times, and of the men (and occasionally women) who taught him. Here is just one:

Wullie Tait – war hero first class

In the Second World War the Clyde every night the name ‘William Tait’ on That same day in the physics 1939-1945, we lost some of guarding against German the inside, had been found laboratory a pupil was to fill our best teachers who left to submarines and fifth washed up at Renfrew a beaker with water from serve their country. Mr columnists. Ferry. There was no trace of one of those tall curved taps. Orr, our arts master, was one the owner and it was feared The boy turned on the Willie Tait had a broad of the first to go. We did, he had been drowned. A wrong tap and a jet of water Glasgow accent, and a nasal however, retain our Physics pall of gloom fell over the shot horizontally across the voice which we boys found master,Wullie Tait. To do school that day. However laboratory. ‘Jesus Christ, irresistible to imitate. One his bit for the war,Wullie next day up turned Willie, boy’ yells Wullie ‘whit are ye morning in The Glasgow joined the Clyde River and all was well. Great doin’?’ Willie tore round to Herald it was reported that a Patrol, which roamed over rejoicing! the far end of the chest-high naval officer’s cap, bearing jet and, bearing its full force, he walked along it and, dripping wet, turned it off! Admonishing the boy, our hero mopped up the mess and we carried on. It took more than a jet of cold water to faze The Clyde River Patrol… John M Crombie (1946)

Class of 1946 Forever friends: (left to right) Alastair Chalmers, Ronald Aitchison, John Crombie and Bruce Bennett taken in 1947 when John was on army leave.

Class of 1984 Forever friends: (left to right) Andrew Briggs, Ainsley Mann, Ali George, Alex Gray at Ali’s wedding in Franschoek SA in May 2006.

Etcetera 11 Warmest congratulations Calling all to Ken Waine Nonagenarians! (Academy staff Dr Ian Hodge (1934), who reached 1958-88) and the age of 90 in January, would like to his wife, make contact with any of his old Elspeth on their school friends. He can be contacted at Diamond 2 West Forth Street, Cellardyke, Anstruther, Fife KY10 3HL Wedding Anniversary in Stephanie and Colin February. name the day…

One day last summer, two former Niccolo carries off Arthur House Captains, two former Prefects, a former 1st XI Hockey a PhD captain and a 1st XV Rugby player became engaged to be married. Fencing champion and Olympic Sounds like a lot of people will be torchbearer Niccolo Capanni going to the altar? Well it’s actually (1989) has graduated with a PhD only two: between them, Stephanie from Robert Gordon’s University. Wright (2002) and Colin Hutton (2002) fit all of these descriptions A lecturer and researcher at Robert and – on 28 June 2006 – they were Gordon University school of engaged. computing, Niccolo has a string of fencing successes including as Having graduated with an Honours captain of the Scottish Universities LLB last year, Stephanie is currently at Fencing Team. Aberdeen University completing her Diploma in legal practice. Meanwhile In 2004, he was selected to run Colin is doing a postgraduate journal- with the Olympic torch as he was ism course at the Scottish Centre for believed to embody the Olympic Journalism Studies, having graduated values of uniting his community from Aberdeen with an MA (Honours) through sport, culture and in Politics and Sociology last year. education while inspiring others through participation and We wish them both every happiness in leadership. the future. What’s a nice boy like you…? Patrons of Jellyhill in Hyndland may be surprised to see the smiling face of Gordon Mackay (1984) – better known for making tackles than making waffles – behind the counter. How, we wondered, did a nice boy like him end up running a place like this? ‘After a stint of playing professional rugby in France, it changed my views on what I was going to return to do when I had finished my rugby career. With the luxury of the cafe lifestyle especially in France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon, I thought it would be nice to replicate “the idea” back home. Having been a West End boy most of my life, I thought that a cafe/bar might work and would be accepted in and around the Hyndland area (if premises were available) as there are certainly many local people who were crying out for this kind of culture. The rest, as they say, is History. (Many thanks to Ronnie Woods!)’

12 Etcetera assistant’ (coconut-shell ‘hooves’ etc) at toward the wizardry that is nowadays Donald 27/6d per week … and 29 years later I routine. was a member of senior management I proposed to my erstwhile colleagues at Broadcasting House in London. If in Radio some ideas about what MacLean: that was a ladder, I missed none of the would now be called the ‘logistics’ of rungs, but was lucky enough to spend programme production and found this is my little time on each. They included myself with overall responsibility for being Britain’s youngest Producer (of the rapidly-expanding output of the UK’s earliest radio serial The life… popular music (nicely timed for the era McFlannels from Glasgow) and of the Beatles and Rolling Stones). directing some Saturday Night Theatre Subsequently I was given responsibilty broadcasts, like Buchan’s Richard also for all the BBC’s orchestras - one Hannay stories, that fellow-Accies may thousand staff musicians throughout recall (if, like me, they are now well the UK with their support staff and into adolescence). music libraries. Still in my early twenties, I was After almost 30 years, I decided that recruited by radio’s entertainment the next interesting challenges were division in London. I told my new going to be elsewhere and I left the bosses I’d been a founder-member of BBC to enrol as a student in the Scotland’s first Jazz Club (meeting in Management College of Westminster Cuthbertson’s music shop in University. It was refreshing to be a Sauchiehall Street) and persuaded them student again, albeit a ‘mature’ one in to give me a weekly jazz slot on the my late forties, but two things Light Programme - which is how happened to cut short this phase of some of the great names of that genre my life. in the UK and US became my friends. During our third term, a case study I transferred to TV to produce some of A few people seem to cram more than presented by a McKinsey consultant the pioneering programmes before one lifetime’s worth of achievement featured the production system of the pre-recording was possible. Dixon of into one life. One such is Donald BBC’s Morning Music programming - Dock Green started each episode with MacLean (1943), whose memoirs will 15 hours of output per week managed scenery stacked in timely order at each be published later this year. Here he by one producer. The consultant end of the studio and we zig-zagged gives Etcetera readers an exclusive praised the revolutionary system the cameras in a carefully-planned sneak preview. devised by a Donald MacLean - and sequence. The scenery you had just there was a brief pause before the y Aberdonian grandfather, quit was shifted the requisite number penny dropped. I felt like a spy whose Chief Engineer of a huge of places back (as in a deck of cards) M cover was blown. Lecturers started foundry in Durham, enthused ready for its next appearance. I think asking me to validate what they were me with wireless technology, which you can visualise the hair-raising teaching and the Principal invited me was the cutting-edge of science in the situations that arose when scenes were to join his staff, none of which was thirties. Then one of my ‘Highers’ was slotted in the wrong order! Or when what I had in mind. Music. So I wrote to the BBC asking a cumbersome camera ground to a if I could work for them after the war. standstill and, instead of showing Britain’s major corporation on the I volunteered to fly Sunderland flying- viewers Jack Warner mounting his world stage was EMI - dominant in boats and completed initial training but bicycle, gave them a close-up of its Films,Television,Theatres, Hotels, then the RAF needed no more pilots, own wheels gridlocked by heavy Music and advanced technology. The so I opted for the new technical corps, lighting cables on the floor. aforementioned TV cameras had borne the EMI logo, as did the world’s first REME, and spent the rest of the war The Come Dancing series went on the body-scanners, and I’d been to their training maintenance engineers for air with the firm assurance of our music studios in Abbey Road with the long-range radio stations. Because this engineers that, notwithstanding the Beatles, and had directed scenes in included secret cipher systems, when miracles they regularly achieved, it their Elstree film studios. the war ended my release was remained impossible to put two repeatedly deferred, and ten years later locations, hundreds of miles apart, The group’s visionary chairman, Peter I was recalled to command the army’s simultaneously in view. In the control Laister, a fellow private pilot, invited Press Communications unit in the vehicle outside the Hammersmith me to join them to create ‘new-media’ 1956 Suez invasion (which I judged to Palais I moved the two ‘faders’ with a businesses on a global scale. This was be as misguided as a more recent Mid- silent prayer… and several million exactly what I’d had in mind. East adventure and for similar reasons). viewers had no notion that yet another Thirteen years of intense work and ‘impossible’ step had been taken The BBC took me on as an ‘effects travel followed, with the creation of 32

Etcetera 13 this is my life. Continued One of my most testing roles was worldwide. We have no hobbies in during that sad period of Margaret’s common, but share the same feelings new enterprises worldwide and three decline. Prime Minister John Major on social topics and world affairs. national institutions (which flourish created a Council of the Information today, listing me as President and I was struck by my friend’s lifestyle Industries and I found myself chairman Founder). while an academic - it seemed to me of 34 very opinionated characters challenging and fulfilling, and free of One Christmas I overheard a rather meeting in the Cabinet Office. I some of the more bruising aspects of dislikeable neighbour remark to my suggested it would be difficult for so business. So that when my annual wife that I led a comfortable life, many bosses to work together and seminars (about future technologies) at ‘going off to work in the back of a proposed that we continue only if we a major Californian university began to Jaguar’. My wife’s smiling response could agree some purposeful objectives attract a global audience and they was ‘Yes,and hopefully he will be within three weeks. Three years later offered me the chairmanship of their comfortable in the plane for the next only the newspaper industry had opted communications faculty this was the 13 hours while he digests several out, the Law of Copyright had been first diversion which seriously tempted hundred documents, and then at a updated with two Bills nursed through me, but in the end I declined. crucial meeting on which the future both Houses of Parliament, and livelihood of many good people will censorship of films, television and When I had businesses in California I depend, and probably also on the flight video had been replaced by the brought back one of the first Apple back, from which the car will bring Classification system which is now computers and have been addicted him home at dawn the day after standard - giving us as consumers the ever since. Flight Simulator is a tomorrow.’ I wouldn’t have exchanged responsibility, and the means, to make remarkably satisfactory replacement for my role with anyone, but ‘comfortable’ our own decisions. the real thing, software called Cakewalk is not the first adjective that comes has enabled me to create a hundred We replaced this unwieldy Council to mind. ‘arrangements’ of favourite tunes, and a with a small monitoring group of legal program called ShareScope empowers I had met Margaret Thorburn, an experts who still meet regularly and the hour I spend every evening exceptional pianist, at Queen Margaret report to the bodies which represent managing my investments. (Though it Drive (the BBC studios a few blocks the information industries - which was mostly luck that enabled me to west of Colebrooke Street) and we had earn a very large and increasing share win a national competition and by now been married for almost 30 of Britain’s GDP. become ‘Private Investor of the Year’.) years, when she was found to be At this stage I received a letter from a terminally ill. I decided to share with My function of creating new very senior civil servant saying how her whatever time she might have left businesses for EMI pitched me into a much he had relished working with and so tendered my resignation as a rather central role in the notorious me and offering his congratulations Managing Director. battle between the two domestic video on my well-earned knighthood. It formats. It was our decision to adopt Shrewd Mr Laister rejected it, told me transpired that a barrister-MP had VHS that decided the matter. In those to work from home and promoted sponsored my nomination (or seminars in the seventies I focused me to Deputy Chairman with whatever the process is called) but had particularly on ‘videodiscs’ which, now responsibility for long-term strategy then voted against a Government Bill known as ‘CD’ and ‘DVD’, have and inter-industry matters. Seven and in consequence had his proposal materialised exactly as I envisaged. (I years later when Margaret died I had cancelled at the last moment. I told predicted also that most ‘moving-parts’ met a number of interesting new the embarrassed letter-writer that I media will in turn be superseded by challenges including the creation of valued his sentiments and had shredded solid-state memory.) the three national organisations of the his kind missive. film, video and software industries. And so, rather to my surprise, I find Which prompts me to introduce myself an old fogey, retired for 20 years Living on my own, I was nagged another, interwoven, thread of my and loving it. Ann and I, and our two about my poor diet by friends, and story. It concerns my oldest friend - Golden Retrievers, have a new home, particularly by the nice young p.a. we recently celebrated our coincident in our nice Chilterns village, and are whom I had annexed from the office 80th birthdays. We had sat together, currently sharing it with builders and of BBC Chairman Lord Hill. Ann, aged 4 and terrified, on our first day at other experts implementing the many it happened, was a graduate of the Bootham School and have been chums developments we have planned. Lord Cordon Bleu school as well as ever since. When I came to the Reith, creator of the BBC and fellow secretarial college. After little more Academy he went to Oundle. When I Academical, once fixed me with his than a year, we married. As I write went to the Scottish Academy of daunting gaze and said ‘Seek challenges this we have happily celebrated our Music he went to Oxford. I joined beyond the ordinary - you may find 24th anniversary and following a triple the Beeb, he became Professor of extraordinary fulfilment.’ I believe I by-pass op my diet is again being Physics at Magdalen. I joined EMI have … and I do. managed with an expert (and and he joined ICI, also to support the frustratingly strict) hand. Chairman in creating new businesses www.maclean.org/donald_profile.htm

14 Etcetera People in the news… Top Academic Award for former Westbourne girl

The British dental most important oral health recent review of the dental profession has presented its issues in Britain. Her work health workforce in Wales. top award to Professor on water fluoridation has Dr Sanderson added:‘As an Elizabeth Treasure (1975), been highly-influential in educator and an academic Dean of the School of securing recent law changes colleague, Elizabeth is Dentistry at Cardiff giving health authorities the known for her University. final say over adding approachability and fluoride to water supplies. Professor Treasure (nee enthusiasm. She has shown, Maclaurin) - a former pupil BDA Executive Chair Dr through her own example, of both Westbourne School Suzie Sanderson said how research and academic and Atholl - was given the Professor Treasure’s work endeavour can make a real British Dental Association’s had earned respect across difference.’ John Tomes Medal for Europe. Professor Treasure Dentistry, describing practice We congratulate Professor outstanding service to the sat on the EU expert group across the union. She acted Treasure warmly on this profession. The award on children’s toothpaste and as scientific advisor to the very well-deserved award for recognises her use of science was responsible for the Department of Health’s her work in a highly- to influence some of the Manual of European dental division and chaired a specialised field. Poison-eating plants? Ross has designs on success

Although one of The Academy’s most Ross Weir (2000) is a modest young recent leavers, Ying Qin (2006) has man with big ideas in his head. He already been in the headlines as the studied art in his sixth year at The joint winner of the Gold CREST Academy before going on to product Award for the best school science and design engineering at Glasgow School technology project for 2006. of Art. There he first came to Along with her lab partner from The prominence with his award-winning (who says we design for a revolutionary cooled can’t put old rivalries aside?),Ying compression sleeve to aid the recovery studied proteins in plants under the of Olympic athletes. With that auspices of the Nuffield Bursary invention he won a prize of £5000 in Scheme. Their project was concerned the RSA Design Directions award with the effects of plant secondary scheme in 2004 and it so impressed the metabolites on various chemical judges that a working prototype was pollutants. used in the promotion of the UK in Ying commented,‘Although many the successful London 2012 campaign. people might consider the work that After successfully completing a Masters Kirsteen and I were doing as rather in Design Management and dull, the potential benefits are Manufacture at Cambridge, Ross enormous. We need to find other entered the world of paid employment ways of dealing with toxic waste rather last year. As an engineer with a strong than just burying it in landfill sites. design bias, it is perhaps natural that The team we were working with has Ross should be drawn to work for already begun to apply our research James Dyson – another engineer with adding various metabolites to the same tendency. Although Ross contaminated soil. We don’t yet know seems content for now in helping to the outcome, but we’re excited by the develop the now-famous Dyson range, possibilities.’ one can perhaps tell that he will Ying took up her place at New Hall, eventually want to work on his own Cambridge in October and is loving inventions. Inventions that may one Cambridge life. ‘It’s hard work, but I day make the name of Ross Weir as thoroughly enjoy it,’ she said at the end well-known as that of James Dyson. of her first term.

Etcetera 15 People in the news… Tennis is Gary’s business

On leaving The Academy, Gary Thomson (2002) was awarded a Tennis Scholarship to study at Stirling University. Ever since he has very successfully combined the academic and sporting sides of his life. In 2006 he graduated in Business/Marketing, and is now studying for a Masters in Banking and Finance. Gary reports that his tennis has been quite successful too. Urged to Image courtesy of The Herald & Evening Times picture archive www.thepicturedesk.co.uk elaborate, he says:‘During my time here I have had success in the form of John Beattie – Scottish Internationalist! winning the British universities It may have been a long time coming, within minutes of his first sortie on the doubles title, Scottish cup team title, but at last Glasgow Academy can say Murrayfield turf, before injury in the British universities team title, as well as that John Beattie (1975) was not the next game has ruled him out of smaller individual tournaments. I have, last former pupil to play for Scotland. contention for selection at the moment. however, managed to pick up a world Yes,there’s a brand new name on that So now the answer to that particular ranking of 1244 by reaching the particular roll of honour. And his Trivial Pursuit question is not John final of a $15000 ranking event in name? Yes,you’ve guessed it: John Beattie in 1987, but John Beattie in Edinburgh. I am currently still Beattie (2004)! playing and trying to improve on 2006. And we’re extremely proud of this, and hopefully will succeed in John took his chance brilliantly in the both of them! the near future.’ match against Romania, scoring a try Laura’s last-minute wonder Many congratulations to Laura Bartlett (2006) whose hockey prowess goes from strength to strength. As has been proved many times, her ability to turn a goal-scoring opportunity into a goal – particularly in the dying minutes of a match – is one of her greatest assets. Top-selling album Most recently – and most famously – In the last edition we mentioned the she saw her opportunity and took it in debut album Sandy Meldrum – Scottish the semi-final of the Youth Olympics Piano Fusion. Its sales boosted no in Australia, scoring the winning goal doubt by Etcetera readers, his album that secured a place in the final and reached No 1 in the Scottish Music ultimately the Gold medal for the Charts in the middle of October. Great Britain Under-20 women’s Sandy Meldrum (1999) was also team. nominated for Scotland’s Best Up and We know that it won’t be last of Coming Artist of the Year – a great Laura’s last-minute winners! achievement.

16 Etcetera OBITUARY Death notices and Obituaries James Dugald Scott Henderson (1948) James Weir Jope (Lt/Col Retd) died July 2006 26 January 1925 – 7 February 2007 James Jope (Academy staff 1958-1985) im retired from The Glasgow On 7 February, 2007 Jim Jope, JAcademy in 1985 at the age of 60 teacher of Mathematics at Glasgow because, as he said with typical Academy. frankness, he wanted to make the most of his time left and he was concerned John Ross McCracken (1967) In the Western Infirmary on 13 at the decline of his former colleagues January 2007 after a short illness. who had retired at 65. As expected, he (John was one of four brothers. and his wife Sheena made the most of David,Andrew, John and Kenneth their well-deserved freedom and attended The Academy between continued to enjoy their holidays, 1952 and 1969.) particularly the cruises to exotic parts. Alexander George Russell (1970) Jim was an expert in relaxation, and he At the Marie Curie Hospice, constantly extolled the merits of the Hunters Hill, Glasgow, on 12 swimming-pool and several bottles of December 2006, Sandy Russell San Miguel! In fact, his advice to LLB, procurator depute at me when I was about to take a Hamilton, qualified solicitor school trip to Crete was to ‘avoid advocate. that place Knossos because it’s too James Steel Scott (1941) dashed bus’. On September 17 2006, James Jim returned annually to the Gavel wheeled contraption’, to ‘take a walk Scott, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Club where, as he always had done round the block’. The most bitter Leeds. since he began the Club in 1960, he blow was dealt to his wife Sheena, who was diagnosed with motor- listened to the speakers with Tom B Sloan (1931) enthusiasm and gentle criticism. neurone disease and died a little over At The Willows Nursing Home, We soon reached a point where no two years ago. He never really Cheshire on 20 February 2007. pupil remembered him as a teacher at accepted that she was gone. Tom attended The Academy between 1923 and 1931, leaving for school, but they all respected his Jim (his preferred name rather than presence and behaved accordingly. Merchiston Castle School. From Jimmy, although he never corrected there he returned to Glasgow, Indeed, it is a measure of the affection anyone!) would, I think, be amused to studying Medicine at the in which he was held by former pupils know that the nicknames he gave to University until 1942. that they remember him not only as a people have survived him. Pupils, Without his final Medicine Degree, teacher of Mathematics and Public obviously, and colleagues, and even his (but having gained a fiancée, to Speaking, but also as the master in next door neighbour have received whom he was married for 50 years) charge of detention! Rare is the sobriquets, and many of the recipients he joined the Royal Armoured person who can combine effectively are still unaware:‘King Eddie’, is a Corps. With them he served in the qualities of strict discipline and former member of staff and ‘Rupert of tank squadrons from Normandy through Belgium and Holland to good humour. Pupils were left in no Hentzau’ is still in the school! And doubt about the former when they Germany. Gaining a Diploma in pity the ex-pupil who performed Personnel Management at the LSE, were invited to ‘step forward to be surprisingly well in a maths test and he then enjoyed a 26-year career in biffed’, and the latter has provided so ever after was known as ‘Flash-in-the- that profession. many happy reminiscences and a fund pan’. All who ever met Jim will have of stories. In his retirement he enjoyed seeing their own special memory of him and his six grandchildren grow up and Although Jim never complained, fate we are all privileged to have had as a start their careers. After the war he could have been kinder to him: he colleague or teacher a man of such always lived south of the border, endured the discomfort and pain individuality and inimitability. but he never lost touch with his Glasgow roots. associated with Parkinson’s disease, yet until a few months ago he was still Hail and farewell, Jim. Hugh Boyd Young (1955) determined, with the aid of a ‘3- Vic Hadcroft Died October 2006

Etcetera 17 Marriages Dubai. I am now running PR and cancer charity. He’d like to give Marketing for Cairn Properties in fair warning that he is planning to Suzanne Davies (2003) to Ian Glasgow.) I was at the Academy cycle across Canada at some point MacPherson at Bearsden Baptist from 1977 to 1990. before the end of 2010 and aims to Church on Friday 25 August 2006. improve on this total Rory Day (1984) Scott Jamieson (2002) to Judith Rory Day and his wife Tiziana are Engagements Mary Macpherson Burke on 17 very pleased to announce their first July 2006 in Dundee Parish child a baby girl, Rosie Caterina Peter Blair (2001) Church St Mary’s. Day, born in Amsterdam on 19 to Philippa Wise. Peter is currently (Scott will graduate this year as a September 2006. Picture below. teaching English at Malvern doctor working for the Royal College,Worcestershire, where he Navy and Judith is a primary Julian Castle (1993) coaches debating and rugby and is teacher.) To Julian and Naomi a son, Jack a CCF Officer. Noah Castle, born on 28 October Joanne Fleming (1999) to Edward 2006. He is named after Julian’s Kirsten Howie (1999) Turner at Chryston Parish Church grandfather Noel Jack Castle who to Andrew Marriott on 1 on Saturday 9 September 2006 also attended Glasgow Academy. December 2006. The wedding is scheduled for 20 October this year. Births Martin Franks (1992) Jenna Louise Franks was born 5 Richard Lyle (1993) August 2006. Daughter of Martin to Nicola Rutherford. The Ben Bannatyne (1988) (at GA 1986-92) and Christine wedding takes place this September On May 21 2006 in Warsaw to Ben Franks. in Edinburgh. and Magdalena, a son, Samuel James. Anu Gopinathan (1990) Graduations To Lyall and Anu Thompson a son, Robin Duff (1990) Orlando on 24 January 2007. A Jack Latimer (2002) My wife Elsa gave birth to our brother for Imogen and Cordelia. baby boy William Robert James Gained a Batchelor of Arts, Second Class Honours (upper Division) Duff on March 1 2006 at the Alex Gray (1984) and his wife Fern from King’s College, London in Queen Mother’s, Glasgow. William wish to announce the arrival of Classics with Film Studies. He is is the second in our brood, as their first daughter, Isla, on 27 now living and working in Annabel Easton was born in Dubai October 2006. Despite being a London. in 2001. We had recently returned heavily expectant father,Alex from spending the last 10 years managed to cycle around Taiwan in abroad (I was working as a PR October and raised $30,000 for company director in Seattle, latterly Make A Wish Foundation – a

18 Etcetera Note: dates, where stated in brackets, refer to date of leaving school.

grown deeper. In my spare time I help momovingving up,up, In your own run the youth group at my church. words… Stuart works for an organisation called momovingving on…on… CBMC which stands for Called in Business to Minster Christ and we have had the great good fortune of Ben Bannatyne (1988) visiting some wonderful places. Ben has been appointed Central European Managing Director for Leonard Tam (1993) Jones, Lang, LaSalle, the leading global After disembarking on the runway of Real Estate company in charge of Luxembourg airport with a half-full Poland, Hungary and the Czech suitcase, a taxi voucher and a couple of Republic. Further information can be travellers’ cheques, have spent the last found at www.joneslanglasalle.com seven years here working and paying Kate Christie (2004) the bills in a foreign currency. Kate is currently working in London Stuart M Grant (1986) Currently assigned to an American with a charity called FAITH to Faith I left Colebrooke Terrace in June 1986 Fund Management company. All the which helps predominantly black after having spent nine happy years at years spent traipsing through Tricolore single mothers in South London with The Academy. On the sound advice of appear to have just about paid off, as a the aim of setting up businesses to help Mr Carruthers I, along with several majority of office dialogue takes place them come off benefits. ‘I was inspired other young Academicals, then headed in a French dialect. to do it by my gap year working with to the University of St Andrews. Four the poor in Uganda,’ said Kate. ‘It can years of hard study, hard rugby and Andrew Hosie be quite tough, but I see God at work hard socialising later, I left the East (1996) Risk every day and it’s given me a new take Neuk and joined The Jardine Mathe- Consultant with on what life’s all about.’ son Group in Hong Kong. After ten Marsh Canada fulfilling years in the Far East with Ltd.,Toronto, Adrian Louden (1988) Jardines, my wife Antonia (from Canada. Adrian has successfully steered and Sydney,Australia) and I moved to New Rugby referee, managed his family business, Scotch York.Antonia worked as a banker on occasional scholar Frost of Glasgow Ltd, for the last 17 Wall Street as I put myself through a and lapsed years. Turnover for 2006 was £46 Masters degree at New York teetotaller,Andrew travelled to Canada million and in 2007 is expected to hit University. In 2000 we decided to in 2001 to pursue his fledgling 15 year £50m. Currently in the middle of an continue our nomadic travels and Rugby career in order to keep fit for acquisition in London, the company moved to London where I now work the 2001-2002 season with / continues to go from strength to as a Managing Director for a US Jordanhill RFC. Determining that the strength with more acquisitions private equity firm,The Blackstone 100 degree summer weather was better planned in the near future. The Group. In August 2006 we were than the horizontal rain oft faced in company imports foodstuffs from all delighted to welcome our first child, Glasgow, Andrew deliberately over the world whilst using Scottish Serena Elizabeth, into our lives (photo misplaced his passport and accepted a produce where available. Along with attached). Life has not been the same position with Marsh Canada. 18 his brother and sister,Adrian runs the since! Best wishes to the class of ‘86. months in Montreal exposed his poor company from its Head Office in studies in French (let alone proper Uddingston. Beth Hind (nee Morrison) (1991) English!) and a move to Toronto Gordon MacSween (1984) I was a pupil at Westbourne School for followed, where he has remained since I was a pupil at The Academy from Girls for about three or four years. 2003, thoroughly enjoying his role with Primary 1 through to Sixth Year from Then my family and I moved to sunny Marsh. He does, however, miss Barr’s 1972 to 1984 and, having studied South Africa where we have been Red Kola, Pizza and Sausage Suppers, engineering and later business, have living for the past 12 or so years. South the majority of bars on Byres Road and been a General Manager in Africa is a beautiful place to live even Mr Kipling’s exceedingly good cakes! manufacturing companies in the UK though it has lots of problems. In Andrew invites friends, alumni and and abroad for the last five years. In middle of 2003 I was offered the current students to contact him using March I will be moving to Chelmsford position of Branch Manager’s secretary details below. with my family, which should by then for a company called King and Sons. Andrew Hosie CRM, MIRM include a third child (an Essex girl?!), On 16 December 2003 I got married Assistant Vice-President to take up a position as Division to a lovely man called Stuart Hind. It Marsh Risk Consulting Director with E2V Technologies Ltd. is so wonderful to be married and God 161 Bay Street,Toronto, M5J 2S4 E2V designs and manufactures various has blessed us so much. I am now 30 (416) 868 7095 Tel. hi-tech products for imaging and years old and I have grown in (416) 868 2652 Fax. sensing for everything from medical to confidence and my faith in God has [email protected] aerospace.

Etcetera 19 D N A

T are having a hard time of it I’m happy

S Letter from Foreign visitors to say! Please use my photo as you see O fit and, if anyone is heading to Western

L America Since the External Relations office Australia at any time, please feel free to (Well, Canada actually) opened its door(s) to passing trade D give them my e-mail address or phone

N What fun! A copy of Etcetera arrived around a year ago, we have played host number. We will be happy to offer U in the mail yesterday and amazingly its to a number of visitors from around some Western Australian hospitality. O articles hit both the serious and silly the globe. One of these was Arthur F We do make some very nice reds here.’ themes of my life. So here I am in Hill (1956) who, unlike so many

D If you want to take up Arthur’s offer, Vancouver, more than half a life time Academicals, did not bring his wife N do get in touch. If you want to pop in and a new world away and yet still a along to witness for herself the scene A to school and claim your copy of the child of my school. A bit scary that. of his misspent youth.

T First up were the thoughts from history, the number below will help.

S He regaled us with a whole host of Professor Ferguson. Whether it was in We’ll be delighted to see you. O the tradition of Knox’s godbotherers/ stories – in return we gave him a copy L ++ (0)141 342 5494 of Iain MacLeod’s history of The

Westbourne Old Girls or whether it

D sprang from never being a ‘Good Girl’ Academy (something that can be

N (too mouthy, too much attitude), I claimed by any returning former U really wanted to explore Niall pupil). O Ferguson’s idea that we are here to F Now resident in Australia,Arthur work rather than to be happy. Instead, seems to have become completely D since she puts it so much better than I N could ever hope to, I recommend naturalised; either that, or he has A reading Alice Munro’s stories in The retained his natural Scottish tendencies – as the e-mail below perhaps proves:

T View from Castle Rock. Simultaneously

S she gives full credit to work ethic and ‘I have enjoyed reading the 150 year O delivers one-line zingers to the heart history and there were many names L of emotional rectitude. There couldn’t

which brought back memories which be a link between my contrarian views D had slipped into oblivion. 2007 has

N on happiness and my lack of participa- started well with good weather and U tion in prizegivings, could there..?

O Australia regaining the Ashes in

F From there I went on to an article emphatic style. The poor old ‘Poms’ about a hockey tour to Prague. Go

D ladies, Go! The exact details won’t N bear printing, but I met my husband New release A playing social hockey. It has been a

T marvellous return for those awful The cv of Miller Caldwell (1969) S Saturdays in the rain with nothing

O more than a cream bun and cup of tea makes interesting reading. How many L as reward. Did those pavilions have no can claim to have been President of running water? Or was it just the hot Dumfries Burns Club, Honorary D

N tap that was missing? Writer in Residence to one of Her U Next came the article on the polar Majesty’s prisons, a ventriloquist and a O Regional Reporter to the Children’s

F regions expedition. As you say, school the earthquake, was never like this in our day. Uphill Hearings all in the one lifetime? but also the lives D both ways, and all that. But never fear, It was, however, a devastating event in and efforts of N even if not chosen for that particular

A another continent that caused Miller to those, from many tour, the Arctic awaits. I gave myself a change direction completely early in parts of the world,

T dog-sledding week there for my 50th. 2006 when he volunteered to go to who were S Maybe it took a while, but it was the O trip of a lifetime. So far anyway. And the North West Frontier Province of engaged in L so, time marches on. Pakistan for three months to help helping them. manage relief efforts after the 2005 …very interesting D A belated Happy 60th Birthday to all

N earthquake. As the camp manager at you class of ‘64 grads. (Even those of and absorbing…deserves to be read U you who were so annoyingly bright Mundihar, he attempted to help some widely as it is quite different from any O 2,245 tented dwellers to come to of the accounts of the earthquake and

F that you had already gone by ‘63.) I wish each of you many healthy and terms with their shattered lives. its after effects as reported in the press.’ D happy returns. Now back in Dumfries, Miller has Sir Bashir Maan (from the Foreword) N

A Aye yours, written 7 Point 7 – a moving account More information about the book and Vivien (nee Christison) Roxburgh of his experiences in Pakistan.

T about Miller’s many other interests can

S (1964) ‘7 Point 7 not only gives a unique be found at his fascinating website O insight into the lives of the victims of www.millercaldwell.org L

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