The Strathallian

1985 Vol.14 No. 2 Contents Page School Authority 2 Salvete 2 Editorial 3 Staff Notes 4 Speech Day 5 House Reports 6 Chapel Notes 16 Music 18 Drama 22 Sport 25 C.C.F. 42 Poems 46 Activities 48 Valete 57 Strathallian Club 59 SCHOOL AUTHORITY

Head of School D. W. Davidson/R. D. Baird

Head o f Freeland: C. Bannerman Head of Leburn: A. C. Buchanan

Head of Nicol: A. E. L. Lagerborg Head o f Ruthven: K. W. Adamson

Head o f Simpson: N. J. Tether Head of Woodlands: A. R. McDonald

School Prefects

C. J. Edie S. Hamilton

Salvete

Riley III IV Arestis, N. J., Brown, P. H., Burrell, Adam, Rachel C., Bond, R. A.(N), Guy, B. J.(R), Lloyd, M.(N), Muir, A. M. G., Bruce, J., Clark, Joanna H., Boyd, Kirsty J., Brown, Susan J., M. D. P.(N), Salters, Karen J. Clayton, Fionna M., Dawes, D., Dippie, Campbell, J. L.(N), Clark, C.(N), Clark, M. R., Duncan, S. A., Garvie, D. D., W. K. G.(R), Currie, G. A.(N), Dempsey, Grant, Lyndesay S., Gray, N. A., Foster, B. M.(S), Dick, Kareen L., Disbury, V S. R., Hartley, C. T., Hartley, N. J., M.(R), Dunbar, C. A. B.(F), Dunbar, Mappin, M. G.(F). Heslop, P. T., Johnston, R. G. J., FionaE. J., Fawcus, R. A.(R), Ferguson, Kennedy, D. G., Langley, J. M., Lannen, A. R.(R), Finnie, S.(S), Gray, A. F.(L), Tanja L., Law, C. J. F., Low, Frances Green, Carol A. H., Harrison, Abigail Lower VI G. L., Lokko, S. L., Martin, A. F., A., Head, S. T.(N), Ismail, D. R.(R), Middleton, R. M., Mackenzie, N. R. L., Jacobsen, S. A.(L), Khan, A.(N), Laird, Black, I. G.(S), David, Jennifer A., McCracken, Pauline N., McDougall, M. C.(R), Law, Anita C., Lochore, A. Dickenson, Elspeth J., Ford, T.(S), Sarah C., McKechnie, Laura A., D.(F), Logan, D. R.(F), Marshall, A. Sheal, K. J. R.(S), Walker, Hannah M., McLaren, Morag E., Nicol, C. S., Panns, J. K.(N), Morrison, Kathryn R., Milne, Young, Lorraine M. R. M., Stephens, Zoe J., Tilley, Alexandra A. M., Mackay, J. R. E.(F), Phillipa C. McLennan, A. F.(N), Nugawela, M. Upper VI C. S.(S), Peacock, B. G.(R), Mappin, M. G.(F), Pattinson, Kathryn, Prentice, Carruthers, Margaret A.,Colbeck, N. J. J.(S), Reid, Natasha A., Rea, F.(L), C.(N), Duncan, Katherine E., Judge, Sinclair, A. J.(L), Smith, C. A.(L), S. C. F.(F), Muir, G. L.(R), Smith, Tindal, J. A.(R), Webster, G. M.(F). Nicola J.

2 EDITORIAL

A sa relative new boy to Strathallan, it is something o f an honour to find myself in the privileged position o f editor o f the school magazine. The task o f creating a journal fo r an organisation about which I know precious little is daunting and bemusing; it would be impossible to face without the cooperation o f a great many people. So the primary purpose o f this short piece will be to convey my sincere thanks to all o f those colleagues and students who have made the task a little easier fo r me. When the Headmaster asked (sic.) me to take over the Strathallian from John Clayton, who has done such a splendid job on the magazine for the past ten years, he directed that the publication date should be brought forward by some six months. In an effort to achieve this, I asked that my fello w members o f staff should try to get their contributions to me by the first week o f the Summer Vacation. It is to their great credit that a great many o f them actually did so; indeed, they all managed it by the end o f the vac. To them, my heartfelt thanks! Without the help o f the students of the school, not only would the creation o f the Strathallian become a Herculean task, it would be pointless. It is a school magazine, and its creative force should reflect this. And so I must thank a large number o f the members o f the Sixth Form Common Room, but, in particular, I must give special thanks to Michael Edie, David Haddleton, David Dinsmore and Kari Devlin. I would literally have been lost without their invaluable assistance. I must also mention again John Clayton, who has continued to give me advice based on his years o f experience even though he no longer is directly responsible fo r the end result. Finally, I ought to say something about the new format. The new look magazine is the result o f the Headmaster’s wish to produce a journal which will not only serve as a record o f school activities, but will also, hopefully, be a useful public relations document which can be issued to prospective parents to give some rough idea o f what goes on here throughout the year. If you think the format can be improved in any way, or you have any other suggestions, please let me know.

David Smith

3 STAFF NOTES

These staff notes should be the short­ position quickly became full time in the est for quite some time! This is not to English department. Gillian’s commit­ belittle the contribution made by those ment to drama, especially amongst the leaving nor indeed to prejudge the Juniors who so often can be forgotten intentions of those joining the School has brought a lively interest in this in September. It merely reflects fewer activity. Scarcely a week has passed changes in the Common Room. without Gill taking some group some Mr Yellowlees came on a temporary where, even if it has only been as far as part time basis to teach History and our own lecture theatre. Many thanks. games. We were hoping that having When the opportunity arose of app­ been persuaded to do a year full time ointing a second residential House he might have made a career as a school­ Tutor to Riley in the person of Peter master, but the Civil Service and the Keir we took it. Mr Keir came from freedom it gives to pursue international Clifton Hall preparatory school in hockey have been too big a lure. How­ Edinburgh where he taught English and ever, we are grateful for the very games and has been with us since Jan­ positive contribution Michael has made uary. Thus a belated welcome. particularly to the School’s hockey In addition to these changes there will and who knows his extra help here may be two new families joining the Staff have sown seeds for the next generation in September. Mr Harry Clelland, who of Internationalists. has taught at Fettes and Wellington, Mr Yellowlees is indirectly replaced Berkshire, not to be confused with by Mr Pengelly who is coming as Head Wellington, Ayrshire, is coming to take of the History Department in order that over the Modern Languages Depart­ Mr Proctor, the present Head of Depart­ ment in place of Mr Fairbairn, who will ment, may spend more time on his other then be able to devote more time to commitments. Mr Simon Pengelly and what seems to be the never ending family are moving to Scotland from increase in paper work that comes to the Abingdon, Oxford. In spite of being at desk of the Second Master. a soccer school himself Mr Pengelly Mr Buntin is returning from Brunei Mr Peter Keir assures us that he is willing to help with where he was Head of Mathematics in English all games including rugby football. a Sixth Form College and will join our Mrs Gilks - Ms Rogers donning her Maths, and Computer Department, the working title - also came at short notice rate of expansion of which is governed on a part time temporary basis but such just as much by finding good staff as it were the needs of the School and her is by the price of hardware and space enthusiasm for involvement that the needed to house it. Miss Hay is leaving Riley House for a career as an officer in the WRAC. What better initial training could any­ one have had than a year as House Matron in Riley! Many thanks. To everyone, be they coming or going, we extend our good wishes. C.D.P.

Mr Harry Clelland Modern Languages Mr Simon Pengelly Mr Buntin History Mathematics

4 Speech Day last term was held at the School and was graced by one of the few breaks in the dampness of the summer. It was further graced by one of the most enlightening speeches to have been given at this important occasion. Dr Graham Hills, Principal of the University o f Strathclyde gave Speech Day 1985 an oration which was both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it is Speech by Dr Graham Hills, Principal o f the University o f Strathclyde reproduced in its entirety below.

Mr Chairman, Headmaster, Ladies and Gentlemen. May I say how pleased and honoured 1 am to be asked to this prizegiving. The School has an excellent reputation. It has sent forth many distinguished pupils. I have no doubt it will continue to do so. It was your Headmaster who first invited me to address you and I hope he will not have reason to regret his impetuosity. As many of you will by now have realised, most teachers, even those in universities, are fond of their own voices and they like having a captive audience such as yourselves. When therefore I was invited to address you on this important occasion, my first reaction was gratefully to accept. Nearer the time, I had a few doubts, for I should say straightaway that I am a serious sort of man given to dry humour and not to anecdotes about my school days. I admire the man who, when asked how he would like his hair cut said, ‘In silence.’ Another of my difficulties is that I am by training a specialist and by its very nature my scientific specialisation cuts me off from those who do not share the particular language of that special­ isation. More and more I feel that the only person with whom I can have a sensible conversation is myself. I would not say that I was absent-minded but my wife thinks I am. She says that a Principal is a man who talks in other choice of her husband’s parents for, as well accept. So I say - look at your people’s sleep. Certainly, I have a make no mistake, we are largely what left hand. It is the only left hand you colleague who dreamt he was giving a we have inherited. It is easy to see that are going to have; learn to like it and bad lecture and woke up to find that he this is so and all in this room will quickly you can learn to like the rest of yourself was. discover the circumference of their and become a sunny personality, find­ But further and much more seriously waists, the colour of their hair and the ing fault with nobody and putting other so far as this occasion is concerned, I shape of their noses in one or more close people entirely at their ease. am morally persuaded that all men relatives. At least I hope so. Food, drink Your physical characteristics are and women (and nearly all boys and and exercise may add or subtract an inch therefore something of a lottery and girls) are equally deserving and that to or two, but basically our size and shape we do not give prizes for them. That is reward a boy or a girl for being clever are thrust upon us and we should learn why beauty queen contests are so is as unjustifiable as rewarding him or at the earliest age to accept and even to vulgar. But perhaps the same consider­ her for having blue eyes. What is one love them. My first advice to each of ations also apply to your intelligence. to say then at a prizegiving such as this? you is to like yourself, for if you can­ Here we are on uncertain ground as to The answer, I am afraid is ‘Quite a lot.’ not like yourself, you cannot like, let what we mean by intelligence but where In preparation for my address I there­ alone love, anyone else. it is recognisable it is likely to be inherited. fore advise you to get comfortable. This If you doubt the importance of It does not follow that intelligent par­ is to be a one-way discourse with no inherited characteristics, clasp your ents necessarily have intelligent children opportunity for questions or interruption. hands and you will find that you have or vice versa, but only that cleverness Now, as to the matter of prizegiving, an asymmetric habit which you have at doing certain things is established at a cynic once said that there are two inherited and cannot change. If you birth. Look at me if you will, I could important decisions in a women’s life fold your arms, you will also find you never run fast, I was no good at games, (I) the choice of her parents and (2) the do it in a particular way which you might and I never scored a goal in my life. My

5 mind was keen but my body was not. versity, or even in business, not if we least a century, we have placed over­ You may well think that when I was being are to live in peace and harmony. ‘All whelming emphasis on reading, writ­ made, God was not paying attention to is not fair in love or war’ and competi­ ing, arithmetic and all matters express­ the importance of getting it right, but tion (when pressed too far) brings out ible in words and symbols, such as 1 have learned to accept myself and in­ the worst, not the best in man. The will mathematics, philosophy and economics deed quite to like myself. This makes to strive will be with us, but whereas and to the detriment of things practical, me an agreeable sort of man but it also once it was by force of arms and is now of crafts and other non-academic pur­ persuades me that life in this world is a by means of examinations and qualifi­ suits. We revere Plato who turned bit chancy and in that sense inherited. cations, it will, except perhaps for reason into mathematics. We admire Intelligence is a matter of luck and surgeons and coal miners, be a matter Euclid who turned geometry, one of should not be rewarded. of inclination and self-fulfilment. If the most delicate and profound areas But, and it is a very big but, the evi­ we still give prizes then, they will be for of man’s inborn understanding, into a dence is strong that character traits are the creation of goodness and beauty puzzle-solving exercise, whilst around not genetic factors. They may come and I hope you do not think that too him men like Pericles were performing from your parents but also from others. idealistic a notion. At that stage, we miracles of geometrical application They are taught and therefore acquired may put into practice the Christian entirely out of hereditary insight. It is during life. Thus the degree of caring, belief that virtue is its own reward and said that over Plato’s door read of making effort, of assuming respon­ recall the inscription over the gate of inscription, freely translated, ‘Let no sibility, in short, being good. All these Eton College: man without mathematics enter my are learned and it is these immensely ‘May you be a good and modest boy, house,’ and the imprecation of that important qualities of life that we seek growing up so correctly among your looms over this country to this day. to encourage in school and, I would equals that you may go forth from It is helpful to be clever but it is also hope, throughout life. This is what your education an honest member of helpful to appreciate those non- prizes are about. Whether we extend society and a useful citizen of your academic qualities of grace, design, the idea of prizes to giving scholarships country to the greater glory of God.’ reliability, steadfastness, loyalty and to very bright pupils or first class I could wish none of you any more all the other unquantifiable values. degrees to very bright students or very or any less and as you accept your prizes, My hero is therefore not Plato but large salaries to successful men, I do perhaps you will consider how lucky Newton, of whom it was said that he had not know. The fact is we do. However, you have been to possess the talents the mind of a mathematician and the I believe that, before long, the robots and gifts that you have, as well as the hands of a carpenter. I do not believe that and the computers will enable more family encouragement that has brought without his manual skills he could have men and women to pursue their own you to this splendid school. Indeed, every­ carried out his vital researches, or interests and develop their talents to thing in life is a gift and we have just James Watt, John Logie Baird, Leo­ the full, not in competition with others. one life in which to repay our good for­ nardo da Vinci or Michaelangelo to I would argue that competition is tune, i.e. by passing it on to others. I have made their discoveries or their getting out of hand. When England’s therefore congratulate you all, as well works of art. The combination of theory football manager, Bobby Robson, said as the school and thank you all for and practice is the staple of most pro­ on Thursday it is more important to listening so patiently, so far. fessions, such as medicine and the law. play the game than to win — it was not For I have one more important thing So to finish I would say to you, please before time. That was what I was taught to say and I will be as brief as possible. develop all your talents and please at school. Not so Paul Newman (my It is directed with great respect at your acquire creative skills for the pleasure wife’s favourite film star) when he parents but principally at your teachers. they will give you and eventually to cynically said, ‘show me a good loser - It concerns what we consider is import­ others. Once again, thank you for and I will show you a real loser.’ That ant in education and what we therefore listening to me and may the school simply will not do, at school, at uni­ teach, examine and classify. For at continue on its successful way.

It was an odd year. A housemasterly involved in the speech day formalities. ternal competitions with cash prizes. It experiment created (against the wise Academically (dirty word!) it was also is a sobering thought that House funds advice of S. McEachern) seemingly as a good year for the House. must have supplied a fair amount of many prefects as doghairs on the said Perhaps the atmosphere of the leavers Sean’s supplies of Marlborough and fines. housemaster’s jacket. The experiment, party indicated a really good spirit Many of those departing brought great with one or two worthy exceptions, did (although, on the other hand, it might contributions to the House-Calum not work and the result was a degree of have been an entirely different sort of Bannerman’s cultured tones (I think I confusion. Although, once again, we spirit) in spite of various ups and downs can survive one more term of his shout); reached second position in several in the year. Certainly it demonstrated Gavin Corbett’s intellectual qualities, events-Leagues, Skiing, Sailing, unexpectedly athletic Frisbee from Robin Dawson’s stern brutality; ‘Ted’ Squash, Junior Cricket - only had two Messrs Smith and Philp. For some Smith’s athleticism. More seriously sporting triumphs-Football (!) and people, the sixth form in any boarding most of them did bring real qualities Tennis (both, alas, detestable sports). school can be an infuriating place, with and they take with them our best wishes. The juniors, however, show great seemingly pointless restrictions and To them I owe my thanks as indeed sporting promise and determination. mindless routine. Fortunately our lot I do to the whole House for not doing It was pleasing to see so many mem­ survived - just. anything (discovered) too appalling. bers of the House involved in many House authority only just survived a My thanks also go to Florence, who activities. Several took part in the Jordanian threat. The prefects may suffers most of my pent-up rage, along school play, notably Angus Macdonald, have felt hard pressed but they weren’t with brats, dog, cat and lawn-mower Michael Edie, Dominik Diamond, Tom phoned at three in the morning every and to Charles Court, whose advice is Bowron, Sean McEachern and Jimmy so often. always valuable, whose help is essential Gellatly. Even more took part in musical Once again Sean McEachern and Ken and whose racing tips are utterly useless. events and it was good to see so many Smith seemed to pick up most of the in­ R.H.W.P.

6 LEBURN HOUSE

For the first time that I can remember a long time and expectations o f success junior piping section of the West of we ended the year with exactly the same in the competitions were high. In the Scotland Pipe Band Competition. people in the house that we started with. Michaelmas term the junior league X V, It has been a year where a good atmos­ A larger than usual upper sixth made captained by Keith Dunlop, played with phere and spirit has prevailed in the us slightly top heavy, but this extra great spirit and won all their matches house. Everyone has got on well, by and weight, embodying as it did a consider­ convincingly. The indoor hockey final large, and although I have my usual able amount o f all-round talent, proved against Nicol was a tense affair - with complaints regarding the Marlboro to be a considerable asset to both school the scores still level after extra time the men, the ‘borrowing’ and the lack of and house. game was decided by a penalty stroke respect that exists for personal and O f the senior group one thinks o f the ‘shoot-out, ’ and we came second! This other people’s property, there has been tremendous contribution which Ken happened again in the final o f the out­ a friendliness about the place which has Orr has made to the school music and door hockey competition at the end o f made life enjoyable in spite of these drama over the years, and his superb the next term, and it was Nicol again perennial problems. Which reminds final performance in ‘She Stoops To who did us after another exciting me, the abolition o f ‘fagging’ will be Conquer’ this year. He shared the encounter. However, in spite o f this, an interesting venture into the unkno wn. ‘Wilfred Hoar Senior reading Prize’ the term was a successful one overall Although it is not a universally acclaimed with Dominik Diamond and demon­ fo r we came second in the cross-country reform act at the moment I ’m sure it strated to all on speech day what talent (to Nicol again!), the junior indoor squad will prove to be a progressive step. he has in this direction. He is going to won the 'circus’ in great style, the Angus Buchanan’s slightly military the Royal Scottish Academy o f Music swimmers under Sean Cozier’s leader­ style o f leadership went down well as and Drama in October and there is no ship triumphed very impressively, and most people and he did a good job with doubt that he will be heard o f again. the squash players completed a double head o f house. The prefects though not Lindesay Low won a Dundee University for the second year running- the junior totally reliable were a very pleasant Bursary and will be taking his place to final against Freeland was a desperately bunch and certainly did their bit in read law in due course. He and Angus close thing, and it was thanks to Mark keeping things on an even keel. My McDonald did well in the schools debat­ Zaraza who came back from the dead thanks to my wife, Phi! Meadows and ing competition during the winter term against Alan Pearson that we edged Klaus Glimm for their willing and and may well be a pointer to future suc­ home. In the summer things didn ’t go valuable help over the year and to Mrs cess in his chosen career. Sean Cozier quite according to plan because the Robertson and Mrs Sommerton who excelled quietly in just about every sport golfers were expected to do a bit better did their best to keep us all in shape. there was to offer - he was a member o f than come runners-up to Ruthven and Mrs Robertson made a brave attempt the 1st XV, the successful Merc hist on the tennis team, our ‘bankers,’ were to come to terms with two-wheeled sevens team (top try scorer), 1st X I hockey, seen o ff by Freeland before they knew motorised transport in the summer but and the schools athletics and swimming what was happening! However, the year unfortunately ended up breaking her teams. He contributed a great deal to ended on a high note when we lifted the ankle after coming a real ‘purler.’ all of them. Archie McAlister too did athletics cup on Sports Day - Ken Orr, Happily, she is on the mend and should well on the games side, particularly at Sean Cozier and Keith Dunlop made be fully restored soon. rugby, tennis and hockey, and Mark major contributions to this success and Sadly I have to report the tragic death Gowrie’s rugby was good enough for Keith deservedly won the Middle Victor in the Easter holidays o f A nders Jarlo w him to be selectedfor the Presidents XV. Ludorum. Two other individual winners (1975-79) brother of Johan Jarlow Brian Dodds was a great competitor in not mentioned previously were Colin came into Leburn the term before I took all he played and Peter Ellen had an Crawford who ran with great deter­ over as housemaster and I have very excellent season with the Jazz and Dance mination to win the Middle Cross- clear and happy memories o f him during Bands. Quite a talented bunch, all told. Country, and Steven Liddell who won his time here. There is no doubt that we had more the golf strokeplay cup. Not a winner H.C.A. games talent around this year than for but a good third was Bruce Kelly in the

Head o f House A. C. Buchanan

Deputy Head o f House M. Gowrie Prefects House Colours B. M. Dods A. C. Buchanan L. M.Low S. A. Cozier G. D. Lyall B. M. Dods A. J. McAlister M. Gowrie D. J. Martin L. M. Low K .F.O rr A. J. McAlister I.C. Kelly T .J. Pawson J. M. Pratt K. F. Orr R. A. L. McAlister K. J. McBride

7 NICOL HOUSE

Trying to review a whole year is an Axel Lagerborg’s undying enthusiasm convincing as a venerable gent, and onerous task (especially after an early and four representatives in the 1st XI Angus Cuthbertson, efficient behind rise to fire-fighting in the school kit­ were the foundations of another win­ the scenes, were the only participants chens) and errors creep in. So apologies ning year in the ‘really important’ in the play. Douglas also read most at the start to Walter MacDonald for game. The indoor hockey cup was sensitively in an imaginative poetry omitting him from last year’s list of wrested from Leburn after a tense series evening. We will have to pull our tights House Prefects and allowing brother of penalty strokes, and the outdoor cup up if the proposed junior drama Willie to usurp him as 3rd XI captain retained after another penalty shoot out. competition comes to fruition. in my hockey report. I expect there will Once again there were no major The dreaded ‘work’ always seems to be some omissions this time too, so rugby competitions, but, by being get in the way of all these activities. penance in advance! fiercely competitive, we managed a Nevertheless, judging by the pluses Although that great triumvirate of creditable second in the Senior and minuses, my impression is that school problems: ‘borrowing,’ untidi­ Leagues. The Junior League XV got most have been trying; whether, for ness and ragging occasionally reared off to a good start, but, despite Gavin the examinees, it was hard enough only its ugly head, the year was impressive Clark’s driving leadership, it faded time will tell. Academics Angus Cuth­ for the loyalty, determination in badly in the last two games. Senior bertson, Peter Rochow and (probably) competition and co-operation of all in cricket also fell by the wayside, and the Douglas Orr will all be trying Cambridge the House. Nowhere was there more so Juniors, mostly non-pros, were soundly papers next term. than in athletics. As in 1983 we cleaned thrashed in the opening match. Golf, Alan Murton was awarded an RAF up at all three levels in cross-country, tennis, squash and, despite an excellent Scholarship to learn to fly; eventually Robbie Galloway and Christopher Junior effort, swimming were not to like ex-Nicolite Ted McLaren we may Lawrence winning their races. In the our taste. But we ended on a winning see him hovering over the school. Standards Cup we led until the last two note in the sailing. Here we had great The German connection continued days, then Mr Gilks’ computer went depth: Douglas Gillespie and Gavin with Mark Holst spending a year with hyper and calculated that Ruthven had Clark were nominated for the Scottish us, contributing much to music, art won by one point something. We did Schools squad, Douglas (with an alien) and the common room (many thanks have the consolation of being the House coming second in the Loch Earn Schools for the picture). with the greatest participation and, in race. Andrew Tench had always made Good news came from the Macleans. Graeme McLay, having the individual a tremendous contribution to School Stuart, though still severely handi­ with the highest score. Another second sport and he was deservedly given the capped, has made a fine recovery and came in the Finals, helped by excellent Campbell Award. is facing the future with courageous runs by Robbie Galloway (he also won Artistic success is harder to measure optimism. a silver medal in the Scottish Schools but we had our painting stars, led by For a housemaster there have been 5000 metres), Christopher Lawrence Neil Pratt (Art Prize) and Douglas Orr. few traumas. This, can be put down to (Junior Victor Ludorum by a mile), (Robert Adam and Douglas Irvine sensible, firm and enthusiastic leader­ Alan Stewart, Graeme McLay, Bobbie won my prize for interior design in their ship from the prefects. Everybody has Macintyre and Andrew Dow. Sadly study). Andrew Beath, Clive Pattin- felt involved. Being an outsider is hard Angus Cuthbertson, an outstanding son, Colin Gregory and Keith Arnott in such a close community, but nowa­ high jumper came to grief in the long all blew hard for various bands and days there is more sympathy and jump pit just days before the Sports. orchestras and there was a sprinkling generosity towards the underdog and The first three of these plus Graham of beginners at most instruments. Un­ this makes for greater happiness all ‘Break’ Austick subjected themselves fortunately so many of the latter and round. My thanks go to the retiring to the Great North Run. our rare choristers give up too early authority, to Mr Gilks for his sterling Much of this success came from through ‘pressure of work.’ Like any­ work as House Tutor and to all leavers inspired leadership of Robbie Gallo­ thing else music is a discipline requiring for making this such an enjoyable year. way and the ‘coaxing’ of Peter Brown, practice, but the eventual enjoyment and it was also Robbie that led the lasts for life. Perhaps parents (and the experienced shooting team to their Housemaster!) won’t be so indulgent seventh successive win. No wonder he in the future. Dramatically we didn’t couldn’t find time to tidy his study. figure much. Douglas Orr, thoroughly J.H.F.

Head o f House House Prefects A. I. L. Lagerborg J. J. Beveridge J. R. Galloway School Prefect Captains o f Sport D. J. C. Gillespie G. S. R. Robertson (Summer term) Rugby A. I. L. Lagerborg D. E.Orr Hockey A. I. L. Lagerborg N. M. Pratt Cricket A.W. Tench A. C. Robertson Athletics J. R. Galloway A.W . Tench Cross-country J. R. Galloway D. S. Aitken (Summer term) Swimming A. C. Robertson P. C. Brown (Summer term) Ski-ing P. C. Brown K. S. Johnson (Summer term) Squash G. S. R. Robertson J. I. Kingan (Summer term) Shooting J. R. Galloway Sailing D. J. C. Gillespie House Colours Golf G. S. R. Robertson All the the above and J. G. Barrack Tennis A. I. L. Lagerborg

8 Ruthven House

It is an awsome task to have to sum Lome Watson, the pipe major coming Each of the leavers will be missed in up a year’s contribution, commitment first in the Senior Piping and Pibroch their own way: Douglas Drysdale for and involvement by over 60 boys in a competitions, Simon Peters winning opening a new branch of the Scottish short article. The particular task does the Junior Piping, James Downie, the RSPCA in our bottom corridor; Angus not get any easier with the experience leading drummer, winning the Senior McCulloch for being Mr Fixit and of yet another year. Drumming and Robert Jones the Junior Lome Watson for giving me my nightly As far as sport is concerned it should Drumming. dose of Reggae; and Mahmoud, Zaid be noted that we won the House Skiing David Davidson and Roddy Baird and Yousef for giving the house a very with a tremendous contribution by are to be congratulated on the job they real cosmopolitan touch during the last Robin Gilyead and his brother James. have both done as Heads of School. two years. The Sixth Form lounge was the setting Undoubtedly they have contributed to This year we have incorporated Mr for a new tournament - DARTS! It is the smooth running of the school and Forshaw and Mr Hawksford into the a great tribute to dedication and training helped to engender the good spirit that house and I thank them both for their of our formidable team that we won existed this year. Their appointments personal contribution. Despite his this new trophy. Douglas Drysdale meant that Keith Adamson was pro­ heavy involvement with games, Mr who some might say was much more at moted as Head of House after Christmas Barnes has continued as house Tutor home in the darts team, showed his and I thank Dave, Roddy, Keith and all to give his own inimitable contribution diverse talents by captaining the golf the prefects for their invaluable help and I thank him for all his efforts. team to a victory. Our first junior throughout the year. trophy for a few years came with the B.R. junior football, captained by Alasdair Prefects were: - Lenman. An excellent effort by the whole house resulted in our retaining D. W. Davidson the Rowan Cup, now under a new R. D. Baird Summer appointments were: - K. H. Adamson system involving ability as well as effort. R. E. M. Reah J. C. Downie It proved a nailbiting finish and Roddy D. R. N. Haddleton D. Drysdale Baird can testify to the commitment A. J. Phillip E. R. Gilyead involved. D. W. Stewart The Ruthven commitment to and the G. Hamilton success of the Pipe Band continued with A. J. G. McCulloch A. R. MacLellan H.Shanks L. W. Watson U Cocfetal(! ^a/t and Qestau/iant 24 St jtahn Stfieet ^Petitk tyeQepkone (0738) 26641

cAtte ©pen Timothy's own Smgirrebr0d Home-cooked Scottish Sirloin of Beef TUESDAY- SATURDAY Home-cooked Wiltshire Ham Salmon, straight from the River Tay — in season Morning Coffee — 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. And a wide variety of Shellfish Lunch — 12 noon to 2.30 p.m. Dinner — 7 p.m. to 10.15 p.m. We also offer Fondue Bourguignonne using Prime Fillets of Scottish Beef And after Theatre by arrangement Our Wine List is interesting and extensive CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY r* 9 SIMPSON HOUSE

There are rumblings in Fleet Street. ments were Philip Gadie’s Exploring smooth running and generally friendly John Clayton has retired from the Fellowship to Alaska; David Mackie’s atmosphere pervading in the house. onerous task of editing'The Strathallian.’ flying scholarship and subsequent On which note, it was encouraging to He has had a successful decade in which pilot’s licence; Neil Tether’s Geography note how many Rileyites have opted to the improvement in the photographic Prize; Fraser Fyfe’s Reading Prize and come to Simpson, with or despite their content has been particularly marked, Nigel Kilpatrick’s bronze medal in the inside knowledge. My thanks go to Neil and his copy has reflected an air of Scottish Schools 400m, as well as being Tether, who I think was unique as a bonhomie. The date of publication an excellent captain of athletics, and vegetarian, non lunch-eating, teetotal became a matter of amused conjecture, deservedly Victor Ludorum. Full Head of House, and a group of con­ as events referred to had often been long Colours were held by Malcolm Heggie scientious and willing prefects, who got forgotten, and some of the misprints for cricket and Nigel Kilpatrick for the important matters right. were worthy of the Nationals. There are rugby and athletics. It was pleasing to To the leavers go my best wishes. It dark rumours that under new manage­ win the House Rugby Leagues, under was most pleasant to have so many ‘Old ment there will be early deadlines, and Jonathan Couts, while the retention of Persons’ prepared to tramp up the flight that our beloved Forgandenny Chronicle the cricket Junior House Matches of stairs, sometimes out of thirst, but will become another tabloid, perhaps reflected the depth of talent at the more often out of friendliness. I hope even featuring the president of the Old bottom of the house. On the other hand that this year’s ex-Simpsonites will Boys’ Club on page 3. This has little to it was galling to come 2nd in the swim­ follow them. do with Simpson, but I would like to ming again. Gavin Pettinger made his On the anecdotal and obscure, these thank John, on behalf of all Simpsonites usual major contribution to school may not be forgotten; Neil Tether’s past and present for all his effort. music while a whole host of Simpsonites early morning tete-a-tetes with Kari; For the most part, it has been a year gained considerable pleasure from their Jonathan Couts’ self-restraint; Jeremy of solid achievements rather than spect­ lively performances in the Dance Band. Garnett’s excuses; Malcolm Heggie’s acular success. The refurbished dormi­ 1 am sure that Mr Forster’s influence laugh; David Mackie’s driving; Philip tories have been appreciated and the will help to encourage even more part­ Gadie’s energy; Neil Stratton’s political striprooms are gradually becoming a icipation in dramatic productions. crusade; Andrew Gilchrist’s hair and reliable asset. However the ability to Last autumn we welcomed Mr will Gaile succumb to Nigel Kilpartick’s erode, weather and glaciate common Jonathan Forster as house tutor and he cooking and get her teeth back from room furniture never ceases to amaze and his wife, Paula, have already made Mr Elliott? me. The outstanding individual achieve­ a considerable contribution to the N.T.H.DuB.

Head o f House N. J. Tether

Prefects L VI Prefects House Colours J. Couts M. L. B. Butler N. J. Tether P. A. Gadie P. J. Dewar N. D. Kilpatrick J. M. Garnett R. A. Niven J. M. Garnett M. 1. Heggie B. S. Tether J. Couts N. D. Kilpatrick S. J. Thomson P. A. Gadie D. H. Mackie I. J. Younger M. I. Heggie N. T. Stratton R. H. Williams R. H. Williams

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n Woodlands

With Woodlands again stripped bare, and there are several promising juniors many promising Juniors to ensure our and various people banging their shins in the U. 15 XI. future success. As for standards.... on trunks as they stagger up and down In the Spring Term the cross-country well, despite much cursing in the upper the corridor with their fourteenth carrier team ploughed valiantly to third place corridor of the East Wing, the whole bag, it is again time to assess the merits - in the Scottish Schools U.17 compet­ House turned out to put on a very good, or otherwise —of our fourth year of ition, Miss Fraser soldiering - slowly - if frequently amusing, show. Bola remorseless penetration of the school. on to ensure the team a place. The deserves a special mention for being Academically it has been a very good swimming team put up a good fight in slick - if not speedy - on the track! year; Woodlands sailed away with the school competition; although we In customary fashion, Woodlands eight of thirteen prizes on Speech Day, did not win, we equally did not lose! did not neglect the more cultured side and Helen Pearson deserves a mention With the advent of the new tennis of Strath, life. Despite the fact that the as a prizewinner in the national ‘Math­ courts an outstanding senior tennis House Music Competition has been ematical Challenge.’ team emerged. Katie Macdonald and stopped (as we would invariably win) In the more important area of games Jenny Bamford were awarded half­ groups and individuals flourished. we have had a good year too. The 1st colours, and under Katie’s guidance in Lindsey Chisholm sawed away valiantly XI had a very successful season, the absence of Mrs Carratt the team even throughout her Oxbridge term, Sandie’s facemask laying low many of reached the final of the Midlands Nikki Thaw was a grand finalist in the our opponents with terror-from the competition. The position of the Perth Music Festival, and the Early other end of the pitch! Jenny Bamford Woodlands sailing team in the inter- Music Group hit the guiltless airwaves was the first girl to be awarded full House competition does not accurately of an unsuspecting Scotland. Several colours, having displayed her true reflect the time and effort that many girls trod the boards in late March; Amy national skill throughout the year, and put in, under the enthusiastic mini­ McDonald put on an outstanding per­ Nikki Corbett was selected as reserve strations of Lara Clayton. Down on formance as Mrs Hardcastle, and she, for the Junior Midlands team. Under Big Acre, meanwhile, lots of ‘personal her daughter and Miss Neville will not the hand of Miss Blance, the 2nd XI bests’ were achieved, Kate Streule being easily be forgotten. Nor will Phosey’s changed from a social to a serious team, awarded full colours, and there are hat! Our praise must go to the backroom

12 ‘persons’: Sally and Alison success­ Head of House (Autumn) House Prefects (Summer Term) fully slapped on the panstick for several Lindsey Chisholm Kari Devlin successive nights. Amy also gained Head o f House (Spring & Summer) Suzanne Rhodes entry to both the Scottish and the Amy McDonald Captains National Youth Theatres. However, in School Prefect Hockey Jenny Bamford an almost Strathallian feat of organ­ Caroline Edie Tennis Katie Macdonald isation the national company failed to House Prefects Cross-country Amy McDonald find a theatre, and so Amy is in Edin­ Sally Binnie Ski-ing Amy McDonald burgh for the Summer. . . . beware, the Jenny Bamford Swimming Katie Macdonald Fringe! Bola Ayantuga Athletics Amy McDonald Woodlands having been such a Lucy Crispin success-witness the nightly clanging Katie Macdonald of the water pipes, the ‘hot’ water, and Kate Scanlan the marvellous(!) soundproofing against the eccentricities of the pipe band - a new wing is going to be built, which will allow ninety girls to board. This year, with a meagre seventy, we have nonetheless been unselfish in the bestowal of our favours around the school (in some cases, too generous. Ces’s glee as she was released from evening incarceration was a joy to behold). The success of the Disco can be judged by the number of sausage rolls left uneaten-everyone was too busy to worry about such trivialities as food — and the courage of Misses Belch and McMillan warrants a mention: they bravely went where no girl had been before, with the post-Highers group to Torridon. Lastly, the constant hard work and care of Mrs Williams must be remembered, ensuring the smooth run­ ning of the House (Who did paper over her door?). Overall it has been a good, friendly year in Woodlands; how we will fare in the final tear-jerking rendition of ‘Jerusalem’ and indeed in the coming year remains to be seen. L.A.C.

13 RILEY HOUSE

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After such wonderful weather during of people learning musical instruments term to skip Saturday morning school, the summer of 1984, not even the start was encouraging and examples such as that Robert Moir and James Banks felt of the Winter term could seem depress­ Susie Leiper, who came into the Second obliged to go and pick up what seemed ing. The full Riley intake responded in Year as a Music Scholar, can only to be an endless list of ski-ing medals an encouragingly positive way to their encourage aspirants to excellence; her round the countryside: well done to first term in boarding school not only performance at the Headmaster’s Musik them and indeed well done to the count­ in the classroom but also on the sports’ was not only very pleasing to the ear less people who persisted every dark, fields and in the worlds of music and but remarkably mature in its interpret­ winter Sunday morning in embussing drama. In the Winter term the rugby ation. Similarly, Elizabeth Reekie’s at Rothesay Pier not knowing what team beat all comers and the powerful ‘Once in Royal’ was as courageous as weather conditions would greet them and talented Cameron Cook put fear it was pure - well done. at Glenshee: Snow White and the 70 and trembling into many a cover The Easter term started in traditional gnom es-thank you Mr Clayton! defence. The team as a whole was not form with the playing fields covered in The Summer term began in a heap full of rich rugby talent but each played snow and our first game of hockey was of Autumn leaves and finished in mid- his part and was not prepared to let a a school match which, not surprisingly, Winter. Maybe the rugby season will fellow member down and success foll­ we lost. Thereafter we beat the rest of produce scorched grass and baked owed. The U. 12’s were created this year the teams with some commanding mid- playing fields. A not particularly tal­ and under the effervescent Messrs field play and some sharply taken goals. ented cricket team managed to escape Forster and Colley produced remark­ The ‘Easter term bug’ arrived with a with only one defeat during the season. able results for first time rugby players. vengeance and at least fifty of the House The spirit was good and although it All opponents bar one fell before their took to their beds. I had no fear for any flagged just a little towards the end of sparkle and indeed the enthusiastic of that fifty but for Matron, Mrs term, the cricketing proficiency was response and support from the rest of Thomson, the resident tutors and myself much improved, particularly amongst the school for both the U.13’s and the injunction ‘Stay alive in ‘85’ seemed those who will go on to become U.12’s bodes well for the corporate as absurd as it did remote! The Riley cricketers later, and there is no doubt sporting life at Strathallan. Gnomes entertainment had to be postponed that the new artificial nets had an do appreciate feeling that they are a until the end of term but it was all the awful lot to do with this. Gareth part of the greater scheme of things. more pleasurable when it arrived. Who Thorburn deserves special mention for Particularly in the Winter term much would have thought that co-education having taken nine wickets against a of the ‘tone’ of Riley is determined by or-dare I say it - co-habitation in strong Lathallan side and it was pleas­ the Second Year who, as the Veterans, Riley would have produced a play called ing to see the rest of the team watching have seen the whole process a whole ‘Unhand Me Squire.’ Anyhow Mr Keith’s what good old fashioned flight and once before! The fact that a lot of hard production was an undoubted success finger spin can do. Cameron Cook work and play took place during the and what was really welcome to see blasted his way to a fifty against a good term reflects well on these veterans and was that it was evidently enjoyed as bowling attack from Forfar County they should be congratulated for allow­ much by the cast as it was by the U.13’s. I hope he will forgive my saying ing the new boys and girls to feel less audience. More next year please, Mr that this innings included the remark­ strange more quickly than was the case Keith. (Now get out of that one!). able achievement of failing to make in most of their experiences. The number Such was the desire in the Easter contact with a single delivery from

14 their leg spinner! Sadly Cameron injured an amazing musical extravaganza which Yellowlees joins the Civil Service and his hand and so we missed the rest of paid tribute to the enthusiasm of Mr the clunk click of the hockey balls hit­ the season’s excitements from his bat, Auster and Pipe Major Reed and their ting the back of the net at six o’clock but injury and all he did manage to music department. If it raised nothing every morning will be sadly? missed. become a 3 A’s five star pentathlete by else apart from the roof Riley’s answer Matron, Miss Catriona Hay, is off to the end of term. As with the rugby, the to Live Aid was something to behold Sandhurst and after disturbed nights, Forster-Colley combination launched and why the Housemaster was playing scattered laundry, ‘Quick, Matron, will into the world of U.12 cricket without the drums wearing Ailsa Ross’s straw you take hockey this afternoon?’ tuck anything remotely near a defeat all hat only Mr Auster will know! shop and bits of elastoplast etc., etc., season, despite the facilities at their Finally and sadly, whilst Mr Hewson the Army can’t be that difficult. Many disposal: just as Ballesteros remarked still looks on with a benevolent and thanks and good luck. whilst standing outside the clubhouse eagle eye, two who have been very before his first tournament in England, connected with Riley are leaving. Mr A.T. ‘Where is the golf course?’ so Forster and Colley could have said. . . . Apart from cricket and work for the end of year exams, Miss Roger’s end of term second and first year class plays were a notable highlight and surely some of the cast will never be able to look in the mirror in just quite the same way ever again! Mr Keith’s Second Year camps were very much appreciated by all who took part despite the angry weather and Mr Keir’s swimming gala was as noisy as it was successful. Gym clubs, shooting clubs, tennis coaching, football games, etc., etc., can only come about through the endless good services of Messrs Keith, Keir, Colley and Ralfs, the Riley tutors and through those willing to give ‘Riley Hours’ from their very busy lives. Art ‘activs’ thrived as always and the Macleod sketch books provided a very keen incentive for the budding exhibitor. Mr and Mrs Elliot provided canoeing and Craft classes and those involved - and who wasn’t — were enormously grateful and keen. The end of the Summer term produced

15 (Eljapel

‘Experiment’ has been the key-note until almost at the end of the Confirm­ the Right Reverend Michael Hare of Chapel Services this year, both in ation Classes that the reason became Duke, Bishop of St. Andrews, Dunkeld words as well as in music. In the first clear. Attendance at the main School and Dunblane confirmed the candidates half of the Summer Term Vivaldi’s Service is compulsory, even though for the Scottish Episcopal Church. ‘Gloria’ provided the backdrop to members of the School have attended, For the record, the marriage service Chapel worship. In the second half of or intend to participate in a Comm­ of June Donnelly to Eric William the term, a number of Sunday Services union service, and so, there is reluctance Hamilton in July was held in the began with the thrilling notes of trum­ to spend almost two hours in Chapel Chapel and conducted by the School pets and trombones which further lifted on Sundays. Accordingly, the Reverend Chaplain. the singing from its earthbound level Fergus Harris (Episcopal Chaplain) A new Laudian frontal for the to a more, dare I say, heavenly tone. and I have agreed that Communion Communion Table was worked by the So too, the School has been encour­ services should, apart from major fest­ sewing room along with matching aged to sing Gounod’s ‘Credo’ as a ivals of the Church, be celebrated for cushions for the Headmaster’s and statement of hope, if not of belief. an experimental period, mid-week. Visiting Preacher’s stalls, the Chaplain’s Occasionally, too, music from the The emphasis and concern with stall and the President’s chair, as well Taize Community in France, (which regard to the Eucharist is not misplaced. as a matching pulpit fall which replaced attracts thousands of young people each Without this central act of Christian the blue brocade one but retains the year from all over the world), crossed worship which encapsulates the whole gold cross from the old fall which is the Channel, climbed over Hadrian’s story of Redemption, from Creation edged with the School ‘blue.’ All these Wall and entered the Chapel here. Even through to the final summing-up of the are in a festal colour, gold and white, the strains of Scott Joplin’s ‘The Enter­ age, our worship becomes stale and but, running through the material can tainer’ accompanied one sermon by arid, cerebral instead of a thing of the be seen the browns of the woodwork of design, though unwittingly obscuring heart. In spite of anxieties about the pews, pulpit and stalls and the grey the preacher’s words for those occupy­ attendances, the following offered slate of the East wall and Chancel floor. ing the back pews. themselves for Confirmation and spent I think it would be good to have a full Congregational participation in the two terms in preparation and follow- set of frontals and falls in the Chapel, weekday services has, on two occasions, up: red, green and purple as well as white, extended beyond House Prefects reading since any visual aids will assist the worship and the sense of occasion which the lessons, in that two parables, in Church of Scotland dramatic form, have been performed undoubtably exists at not a few of the Maxwell Adam; Doughall Aitken; services throughout theChristian year. by way of the act of worship. Several Gavin Clark; Alistair Dewar; Hugh Sunday services have included printed It has been good to have not only Fitzpatrick; Richard Ford; Duncan readers from both Common Rooms, but orders of worship, enabling members Fulton; Kenneth Keith; James Kingan; of the School to take part vocally in also to have members of the School who Fraser Lennox; Guy Logan; Jeremy have been willing to lead the inter­ responses; the singing of new hymns Mactaggart; Robin McAlister; Bruce and the saying of corporate prayers. In cessory prayers. Members of the senior McIntyre; Gaile McMillan; Lesley school who have done this have spite of reminding the School from Meikle; Sheena Millar; Robin Niven; time to time, it is still difficult to coax displayed great sensitivity, confidence James Paton; Helen Pearson; Jamie and dignity and added an extra from them an ‘Amen’ at the conclusion Pratt; Robin Thompson. of prayers. This is a pity, since it is a dimension to the worship. difficult enough task trying to put into Two years have enabled me to keep words the thoughts, hopes, fears and Scottish Episcopal Church my ear to the ground, and, indeed, to regrets of such a varied congregation. Gaile Cornish; Andrew Young. sound out pupils for suggestions about An occasional ‘Amen’ would signify At the service on Sunday, May 12th, Chapel. Apart from the inevitable: ‘No that the writer’s words had indeed Sandra Mackie was baptised and con­ boring preachers’; ‘More comfort’ (and struck a sympathetic chord. firmed by the School Chaplain and the who can fail to sympathise with that The sacramental aspect of worship Very Reverend Dr P. P. Brodie (Min­ point, particularly with 11 or 13 to a is of great concern. Numbers actually ister of Alloa, St. Mungo’s and former pew?); ‘Less listening’; ‘Varied hymns’; attending and participating in 12 Moderator of the General Assembly of there have been some constructive Communion services, both Episcopal the Church of Scotland) preached the comments which have influenced some and Church of Scotland, have been Sermon and confirmed the remainder subtle changes, if not experimental very lo w -a total of 379. It was not of the Church of Scotland candidates. innovations. Whether the ‘Hosanna’

16 from Lloyd Webber’s ‘Requiem’ should ton, St. Mary’s); Remembrance: Very the underpinning beliefs may not be actually be played at the equivalent Rev. Dr Roy Sanderson; Very Rev. shared by parents who want their son volume to that of Concorde flying over­ Professor Robin Barbour, M e (Dean or daughter to succeed in solely mater­ head at 200 feet above our heads is of the Chapel Royal); Colin Williamson ialistic terms and when what might be irrelevant. What was important was (Aberdalgie & Dupplin) taught in some areas will be at odds with the Christian ethical tenets which the care and attention devoted by those Spring Term: The Revds.: John hitherto have been acceptable to most controlling the audio-equipment. That Cairns (Langholm); David Beckett same care and attention has been seen non-believers. If this does in fact (Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk); happen what will be the future of in those who acted in the Chapel, has David Reid (West Kirk, Helensburgh); been heard from the Choir, instrument­ ‘Chapel?’ John L. Paterson (St Michael’s, Lin­ Thomas Arnold of Rugby in his in­ alists and the Director of Music and lithgow); Maxwell Craig (Wellington, augural lecture, delivered at Oxford as Paul Auster, Assistant Director. Glasgow); David Cumming (Elgin); I am sometimes of the distinct Regius Professor of Modern History in Kenneth MacVicar, m b e , d f c (Ken- impression that, like the flowers, the December 1841 bore witness to the more); James Millar (Dunblane music is taken for granted. Organ importance of his life’s work, relating Cathedral). voluntaries are not a ‘cover-up’ for his educational skills to the needs of the conversation before and after Chapel, Summer Term: The Revds.: Gordon nation at that time and to the duties — and, for the most part, in Strathallan Stewart (St. Leonard’s-in-the-Fields as he saw th e m -o f a truly Christian never have been. They have a positive and Trinity, Perth); Richard Baxter, society. contribution to make to the worship, o b e (St. Andrew’s & St. George’s, There are certain principles, which the setting the tone of the service before­ Edinburgh); Rev. Professor James A. State wishes to inculcate on all its hand and sending us out of the building Whyte (St. Andrews); Rev. Professor members, certain habits which it triumphantly. I am definitely of the Murdo Ewen Macdonald (Glasgow); wishes to form, a certain kind and impression that it is expected of me to John Harvey (Govan Old); Founder’s degree of knowledge which it wishes thank all the musicians for their cont­ Day: Very Rev. Dr R. Leonard Small, to communicate; such, namely, as ribution. I suppose that it is. However, CBE; James Stirling (St. Ninians, Stirling). bear more or less immediately on its great end, its own intellectual 1 do this most sincerely now, and parti­ For the record: Four former Moder­ cularly thank again the Director of and moral perfection, arising out ators of the General Assembly; five Music, Nicholas Reed, who endures of the perfection of its several Chaplains to Her Majesty the Queen; with supreme patience the occasional members. N ow .. .as far as this fourteen Parish Ministers and the oddities of visiting preachers’ choice instruction is applied to the young, Chaplain preached eight times. of hymns and, more frequently, and it goes under the name of education; with greater fortitude, suffers the Chapel offerings were given to the fol­ as far as it regards persons of all ‘shopping list’ hymns which increas­ lowing charities: Queen Elizabeth’s ages, it generally takes the form of ingly appear from the Chaplain’s type­ Foundation; Age Concern; Leprosy religion. writer or store. Mission; Scottish Association for True worship can never be compulsory, The whole School, as well as visitors, Mental Health; Cancer Research; Guide but a compulsory system does give the is indebted to the team of flower Dogs; Body Scanner Appeal (Dundee); structure through which the weaker arrangers who have both faithfully and British Kidney Patients; PHAB(Perth); brethren may be given strength and beautifully ensured that the Chapel con­ Arthritis; British Diabetic Association; protection to nourish their faith. tinues to be a place of beauty as well as RNLI; Bradford Fire Disaster; Samar­ This faith is not confined to one three- life. Life therein there certainly has itans (Edinburgh); Ben Hardwicke quarters of an hour act of worship in been, with wasps constantly invading Appeal; Jean Robertson Holiday Fund Chapel on a Sunday, or to ten minutes the roof space, mice investigating pianos (Perth) - Total £500. In addition: worship during the week. Nor is it con­ seeking the Cause beyond causes, my Ethiopian Drought Appeal £140; British fined to one period of Divinity a week. own Deerhound persistently threaten­ Heart Foundation £68; BLESMA £186; It belongs to the world of science, as ing to disrupt a Chapel service by Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edin­ much as it does to the world of music appearing through one of the doors, burgh £103; Leukaemia Research £53. and art; it contributes to a better under­ Esther’s ever-forgiving and tolerant Grand total: £1,050. standing of history as well as of literature; nature; and, an added bonus this year: It seems that religion is no longer a it enters the world of football violence, 3 Chapel prefects. The first was stolen taboo subject for conversation at parties. unemployment, the exploitation of the from me by the Headmaster to be Captain Nor, indeed, have certain bishops felt atom as well as of the poor, common of School (Roderick Baird), the second constrained to limit themselves to the rooms as well as dormitories. never volunteered an explanation as to narrowly theological, as the industrial I am grateful, too, for the support why he only lasted one term (Keith unrest of the past year has wrung from given by Housemasters and House pre­ Adamson), and so, lastly, Angus Carrick them statements that their critics have fects as, throughout this academic year, Buchanan whose amiable tour of duty felt to be excessively political. Hence, the community of the School has explored enlivened many a pre-weekday Chapel what the Church says about the mines, just what it means to be one among many, 5 minutes, welcomed visiting preachers or the teaching profession, the Resur­ sharing problems as well as successes. to the vestry and often gave both rection, the government and social That much-loved friend of so many Chaplain and Headmaster anxious security ‘clawbacks’ or the Virgin Birth public schools, the Very Reverend Dr moments as we waited the appearance, is news. While Durham hits the head­ Selby Wright published two volumes or non-appearance of a reader from the lines, religion is of interest to the layman entitled: ‘Asking Them Questions.’ body of the kirk. To all three my sincere and that much at least must be welcomed. Through his ministry, Jesus sought to thanks for their support, organisational Communicating the Christian faith draw out (educare) from those around feats, friendship and helpful comments. to intelligent and volatile pupils is going him, answers from within. So long as The preachers this academic year to become more difficult and not easier. outside and inside the Chapel we con­ were: Commitment to Christianity as an in­ tinue to ask questions of ourselves, I Autumn Term: The Revds.: W. N. stitutionalised religion, providing the am sure that together we shall grow to Monteith (former Chaplain); Dr T. J. ‘tribal’ ceremonies of the School will a fuller understanding of Christ as well T. Nicol, M V O , M BE (Crathie); DrC. J. be increasingly questioned as it no longer as of each precious individual, pupil McGlashan, C BE; Hugh Mackay (Duns); expresses the common belief of parents, and Master, at Strathallan. Very Rev. Dr Andrew B. Doig (Edin­ masters and pupils. Assumptions about burgh); Alasdair Macdonnell (Hadding­ a Christian ethos will be challenged as T.G.L.

17 jUusiC ^Otmd-up

W. S. Gilbert’s famous lines from the remarkably high. There continues to came across most stylishly and effect­ Mikado: be a decent topping of Distinctions and ively. The second broadcast lasted less ‘A wandering minstrel I - a thing of Merits on the Associated Board musical time but included the entire Chapel shreds and patches, of ballads, songs cake, even if the examiners continually Choir and orchestra in the St. John’s and snatches,and dreamy lullabyl’seems highlight the need for constant attention Kirk of Perth performing part of the just as true today as when he first wrote to scales and arpeggios! ‘Gloria’ by Vivaldi, which in its them (one hundered years ago). Even Our musical teaching staff remain complete form was included in our if our ‘shreds and patches’ may not be unchanged from before, except with the programme for the opening concert in true sartorially, our hitherto wandering addition of Mrs Barlow who finds time the Perth Festival of the Arts. This was existence around the school grounds, from her teaching at Napier College to recorded by Grampian Television. looking for practice rooms has at last come and teach the Flute and Piano, The experience and confidence gained come to an end. and Mrs Lofthouse who teaches the through performances such as these is In October we were able for the first Piano. hard to quantify, but it must explain time to get into our custom-built practice- Our musical wanderings have taken how our musicians are able to bring off rooms,and put the accoustics and sound­ us, in one combination or another, to such superb performances in public proofing to test. Even though a piccolo a wide range of concert venues this year. places, without showing the slightest and a tuba in adjacent rooms may upset In addition to our concerts at School, trace of nerves or insecurity. The concert the cricketers, inside we remain unaware concerts have been given in the Perth given at the Headmaster’s Musick was of how loud a fortissimo really is! Even Ice Rink by the Dance Band, Stirling one such example, with a modified the cries of protest over its design and Castle by the Early Music Group, in repeat given for charity at Grantully placing have been silenced by its un­ Dunkeld, Perth and Grantully Castle Castle a little later in the term, and assuming Pagoda-like appearance, in by the orchestra and soloists, New Park which raised nearly £500. the corner of the Rose Garden, which School, and to audiences of millions The year’s music-making was brought Gilbert would have relished for a Mikado through the air-waves in two broadcasts to a close with the Speech-day concert stage-set. by the BBC. The first was given by the given in a marquee on the lawn at school. Buildings are nothing without people Early Music Group, in the ‘Make Minor Never an easy operation at the best of to use them, and our musical facilities Music’ series recorded by the BBC times to tune wind, brass and strings have been put to very good use during Scotland. This series threw the spot­ together, but despite the vaguaries of the year. The overall number of pupils light on young musicians from schools the weather bringing stretching fiddle learning instruments has risen, and the and colleges in Scotland, and the group’s strings and cooling brass, a cheerful standards attained by some have been programme of Early Scottish music mixture of styles from the two orchestras,

18 Brass group, Early Music and Dance concert-going was a new experience. amongst its members. There seems Band seemed to be much appreciated. The quality of the concerts was very nothing like trumpet and drums to get The most cheerful concert of the year, high, and for some the most unlikely the adrenalin flowing! was one given and attended solely by diet of all-Bach concerts played by All in all, everyone enjoyed the jaunts members of Riley House. The concert George Malcolm (harpsichord) and the to the City Hall, St. Johns and the civil­ items, drawn from class music offerings, Academy of St. Martin’s in the Field ised setting of Battleby-perhaps for solos, their own orchestra and Jazz proved to be the high-point. the wine in the intervals - and we look Band, were greeted with rapturous A coach load of Riley taken to the forward to more visits to the Autumn applause and unbridled enthusiasm. noisy ‘Last-night-of-the-Proms’ type season of concerts in the Usher Hall The Chapel Choir, now grown to the concert on the last day of the Festival next term. size of a Choral Society, has sung with had some most enthusiastic supporters G.P. ever-growing confidence over the year. Their major achievement was the per­ formance, with orchestra and soloists Joanna Fagg and Lucy Crispin, of Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria.’ The brightness and sparkle of the music was never once lost, despite music of great complexity for many of the singers of lesser experience. Their contribution to the Congregational singing has been excellent, and combined performances of music from the Taize rite sung in four-part canon have been frequently sung. The congregation’s performances of the ‘Credo’ from the St. Cecilia Mass by Gounod have been most impressive, and have now led to an increasing repertoire of anthems for congregation and Choir accom­ paniment! All these ‘ballads, songs and snatches, and dreamy lullabies’ could never have been achieved without the cheerful co­ operation of all concerned, and my warmest congratulations and thanks go to all performers and teachers alike for another successful year. A full list of prize-winners and music staff currently teaching is listed below. The Patrick Grandison Prize for Strings - Robin Dawson The Robert Barr Prize for Music - The members of the Early Music Group The Josef Lozowy Prize for Guitar - Piers du Cane Wilkinson Since the original Villa’ns Jazz Band enough for joyful Canadians to hit the Nicholas Reed - Director o f Music made their debut at the Murrayshall dance floor. PaulAuster - Ass/Dir. o f Music Hotel way back in the dim and distant In the Summer Term we took part in Gordon West - Piano past, the School Jazz and Dance Bands the Loretto Jazz Festival. Bands from Fiona Auster - Clar. & S ’xphone continue to flourish and delight various Scottish Schools took part, as Joseph Lozowy - Guitar audiences within and outside the well as being hospitably entertained to Peter Harrap - Brass School. a New Orleans Supper, a jazz lecture/ Jo Barlow - Flute & Piano During 1984-85 the jazz band was workshop, and an evening Concert given Angela Griffiths - Cello scaled down (in numbers not quality!) by Swing ’85 (the Edinburgh Jazz Rodney Mount - Oboe & Clarinet to a quartet, and they usually had their Festival winners). It was interesting to Glad Lofthouse - Piano own slot, along with the saxophone hear other school bands, and refreshing quartet, in the overall programme to see friendships made by lovers of jazz Been lo a concert? Perth Festival 1985 provided by the Dance Band. This was music that is growing in popularity and Despite an initial lack of response to the format for the inaugural Jazz Concert respectability in schools. sign up for a trip to a ‘boring classical given in the Gym immediately after the The year ended with two garden concert,’ over £500 worth of seats were Christmas Dinner. Spirits, as always, parties: the first was a fund-raising effort occupied by Strathallians during the were high - especially when clothes went for one of the band members, Phil recent Festival period. Whether this flying to the music of ‘the stripper,’ and Gadie. He is off to Alaska later this year response was conditioned more by the the stage curtains opened to reveal...!! with the British Schools Expedition, thought of a ‘chip shop’ stop or by the Grateful thanks to the stage and lighting and benefited to the tune of £89 as music, 1 will leave our readers to guess. crew for helping to make the evening a parents, staff and pupils warmed to After the concerts were over, it was success, hopefully the first of many of the music - if not the weather. generally agreed by most people that its kind. Farewells were said to Peter Ellen and the concerts had been very enjoyable The main event in the Easter Term Robin Gilyead, as well as Phil Gadie, and thoroughly worthwhile, with no was an invitation to play at Perth Ice and thanks expressed for various cont­ lasting ill-ef fects. Rink for the International Curling ributions made by Mr Craig ‘Bing’ Young The festival provided a wide spectrum Championships. The late hours of play for the added dimension he has given for all tastes, and a fresh outlook on produced some weary faces next, the band with his ‘crooning.’ Both he, music-making for some of whom morning, but happy at the job done well and the band, were in splendid form at

19 the second garden party, for the School Strathallan Swingers: Andrew Beath, C.C.F. (by kind permission of Messrs. Robin Gilyead, Michael Edie, Barker and MacLeod). It was rewarding Colin Logan, Hilary Hawksford, to end the year on such a good note, Colin Gregory, Colin Walker, and we all look forward to more of the Keith Arnott, Peter Ellen, Scott same next year. Kelly, Iain Kelly, Jacqueline Gray, Phillip Gadie, Robin Niven, Personnel: Andrew Bullard, Lorraine Burton, The Villa’ns: Peter Ellen, Colin Elizabeth Reekie, Dominik Dia­ Walker, Scott Kelly, P. Auster. mond, James McVittie, Phillip Sax. Quartet: Peter Ellen, Scott Kelly, Dewar, Mr Craig Young, Mr and Iain Kelly, F. Auster. Mrs Paul Auster. Pipes and Drums

Contrary to expectations this year ground music whilst the pre 1939 old School Piping Results: we produced the largest band ever, 13 boys sipped wine and talked of old Pibroch 1st L. Watson pipers, 6 side drummers, 2 tenors and times. Friday the 14th June was the 2nd S. Peters 1 bass. When one considers that we had annual East of Scotland Band com­ 3rd D. Gillespie only 3 pipers and 3 drummers back petition which was held at the Mary from last years band it was quite an Erskine School, Edinburgh. Eight Senior March - Strathspey achievement. It meant a lot of junior bands competed. Fettes withdrew, and and Reel pipers and drummers being thrown in we came 5th. This was a very good 1st L. Watson at the deep end, and to their credit they result for such a young band. James 2nd D. Gillespie rose to the occasion. We had a fuller Downie came 3rd equal in the senior 3rd I. Kelly programme of events this year starting drumming, Bruce Kelly came 3rd in the Junior March with Rossie House open day to which junior drumming. Our final engage­ 1st S. Peters the band marched, gave the perform­ ment was at Glenfarg Gala day. 2nd C. Pattison ance and marched back. Next came our Unfortunately the rain made things 3rd K. Dinsmore annual performance at the Blackford pretty miserable for all concerned but Most improved Piper Games, unfortunately the weather was the band after a long march to the field 1st J. N. McBride atrocious but the band as usual gave a gave their usual performance. good account of themselves. On Friday Again we are indebted to Pipe-Major Senior Drumming 31 st May we played at Ballathie House A. Barron, Dave Clark, Rusty Clark 1st J. C. Downie Hotel at a sale of watercolours by the for their dedication, patience and 2nd G. McLay father of Bill Lindsay and old boy of expert tuition in piping and drumming. Junior Drumming the School in aid of the British Limbless We lose only 3 pipers and 2 drummers 1st R. Jones Ex-Servicemens Association, the weather this year and I believe there is the poss­ 2nd B. Kelly was perfect and the band made an im­ ibility of 2 pipers joining the school, we 3rd C. Hill pressive sight on the lawns with the also have a number of learner pipers and D.B.H baronial type hotel in the background. drummers in the line so it augurs well On Sunday 2nd June we played on the for the future. lawn in front of the HM’s house as back­ The bank that’s nearest to you and your needs

It is worthwhile to join the Clydesdale It is interesting and varied from Bank either as a customer or member of Investment to International, from staff. Trustee to Computers, As a customer with a dealing with the financial current account at the problems of companies Clydesdale Bank you and individuals, whether have the advantage of a they be in the oil,farming free banking service or industrial fields provided you keep your at home or abroad. Personal Account in No matter how you look credit, even by a penny. at it, either as a career or As a member of staff as a customer, the you will have the Clydesdale Bank is the opportunity to pursue a sign of a brighter future. far-reaching career in It’s the Bank that’s the day to day business of nearest to you and your banking. needs. Clydesdale Bank Why not come into your nearest branch and make an appointment to see the Manager, or write to: Head Office Glasgow: 30 St Vincent Place, Glasgow Gl 2HL Tel: 041-248 7070 Telex: 77135

21 ^Dhama

Theatre-going continues to flourish standing, and will, I hope, encourage Auster family and the readings by Ken at the school, and the school play was pupils to develop their talents in the new Orr, Angus Macdonald, Lucy Crispin performed at the end of Easter Term House Drama Competition. and Douglas Orr were beautifully to appreciative audiences. However, The Lecture theatre is an ideal venue executed. In particular, Doug Orr and tucked away in the lecture theatre, a for small-scale studio performances, and Angus Macdonald are to be congratu­ whole range of activities have proceeded 1984/85 saw two outstanding senior lated upon the excellence of their per­ unobtrusively, but most enthusiastically productions. Twice during the year, Ken formances. and competently. Orr, Amy McDonald, Tom Bowron, Autumn Term 1985 will see the first Messrs Forster, Forshaw, Keith, Sean McEachern, Suzanne McLaurin attempt at the House Drama Competi­ Court and Ms Rogers all produced class and Kate Scanlan performed a sequence tion. I hope that recent developments plays with Riley pupils, in many cases of Harold Pinter sketches and in Novem­ in interest and expertise at all levels of the works having been written by the ber, Mr Smith directed his own com­ the school will provide a firm basis for pupils themselves. The standard of pilation of poetry and songs from the an excellent festival of talent. writing and performance - not to men­ Second World War. The music was tion costumes and props - has been out­ arranged and performed by the ubiquitous J.F. THE SCHOOL PLAY SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER by Oliver Goldsmith It’s not usual for a director to review visibly appalled by the director’s hap­ timing is without compare, his stage­ his own efforts but this was by no means hazard organisation and belief in divine craft that of a natural. a usual production. Three weeks before assistance. His (Mr Smith’s) knowledge Amy McDonald’s performance was, the performance I had to see the Nat­ of life back-stage, up-stage and down­ in the best sense, professional. Her ional Theatre ruin a very funny play by stage (gleaned from an earlier career approach to the part was methodical, refusing to realise that enthusiasm for on the stage) was combined with his considering every aspect of Mrs Hard- what you’re doing is the very corner­ considerable talent as a carpenter and castle’s character and being prepared stone of success; I have never been make-up man (he does his own). to modify her performance up to the involved with a school play in which Of course, I have been talking as if last minute to achieve excellence. the actors exhibited such wholehearted there was one director. Which of course Less experienced actors Michael Edie commitment to their craft. Later in this there was: Court-Forster being the man. and Kari Devlin were also exceptionally article I will praise the exceptional Sometimes he wears a beard and specs competent. Both, in the lead romantic talents of two members of the cast, But and he shouts, sometimes he wears a roles of Marlow and Kate, brought keen I should like to begin by commending moustache, funny specs and he screams. intelligences to their performances so those with lesser parts who became But always he manages to start smoking that they created entirely credible absorbed by their roles. a week before the performance. characters. Jimmy Gellatly and Robin Dawson Now to the play itself: the plot is too Praise must also be given to David as two contrasting drunks in the Inn complicated to condense neatly into a Dinsmore as Hastings and Suzanne scene produced disciplined, meticulously review, and really is not very important Rhodes as Constance Neville, who observed performances which never except as a vehicle for the characters despite playing less colourful characters went over the top. who make the play into a classic. Bully­ managed to make us care what happened Servants and wenches too numerous ing Dad-M r Hardcastle-finds wife to them. to name flitted on and off the set like and daughter too female for his taste. Dominik Diamond was suitably real people walking around real rooms What he wants is to smoke his pipe and enthusiastic as Tony Lumpkin and in real life. talk about the war. conveyed Tony’s combination of sly­ Maids McMurray and Gadie (Phosie Posh young chaps-Marlow and ness and warm-heartedness excellently. and Clare) invested humble parts with Hastings-enjoy taking the rip out of Douglas Orr, in his cameo role of Sir natural humility, never tempted to silly country bumpkins (Kate Hardcastle Charles Marlow, looked and behaved freeze or ham. and Tony Lumpkin) who are really as though he was the oldest man in the I should also like to pay more than much cleverer than they are. Silly fellows world, and thus brought humour to an conventional compliments to Mrs fall on their faces and learn that there often colourless part. Williams and Mrs Addison for the is more to life than fancy clothes and All these performances took place in costumes: the ordering, measuring, smooth talk. Pretty girls (Constance the panelled comfort of Mr MacLeod’s fitting; all of which proceeded smoothly and Kate) win the day, get the chaps set; another important factor in creating behind the scenes. and we all go home happy. an air of authenticity. Mr Goody and Angus Cuthbertson The merit of the performances in this If the play was a success, the credit organised a most effective lighting plot, production was that the audience really lies with the actors, for it is they who and the help provided by Simon Sewell believed in the characters. Several must bring words and ideas to life. I of Perth Rep. in the form of additional parents asked me afterwards if Ken Orr would like to thank all who were involved lights to supplement the inadequacies was a master at the school; was Amy for their enthusiasm and energy, and of the school system was invaluable. McDonald really only 18 years old. encourage all those who haven’t acted The results of their labours was a light­ Ken Orr does not need me to sing his here before in a school play to come to ing design of accuracy and great subtlety. praises further; so long as he has the auditions and give it a go! Mr Smith (the other one with the determination to succeed he will achieve J.F. beard, glasses; he’s the trendy one) was great things in the theatre. His sense of

22 23 The London Trip

Shakespeare as the worlds greatest dramatist wrote with the intention that his work should be performed ‘live.’ It was with this in mind that the English department decided that there was no better place to see ‘Hamlet’ than London in the ‘Royal Shakespeare Company’s’ custom built theatre at the Barbican Centre. Their experience was to leave the less experienced Shakespearians with a far more vivid impression of the play than the text alone could give. As the names of those interested were collected and messages of ‘Please dad’ were sent home with the weekly letter along with the permission slips of our resident Shakespearians Mr Forster and Mr Smith began the travel arrangements and accommodation organisation. The date was set and the day finally arrived when we hastily packed and assembled in the deep of the night to be shuttled Eventually we found it - even follow­ We then had a spare hour to have to Perth Railway Station to catch the ing an arrow which led all the way from some lunch and soak up some sunshine. sleeper. The excited young students went the underground we had difficulty. The We then took our places for the per­ straight to sleep in their bunks to be theatre we wanted was at the centre of formance. The set was simply designed awoken by the early morning tea man. a maze of buildings highlighted by a to cater for the many scene changes, A few slept on, missing the excitement stagnant pond. The weekend we spent huge staircases, and primitive candel- of spilling the tea all over the bedclothes. most of our time on trains or in a dark­ abras were brought on with ease and the The lazy were given a rude awakening ened theatre was to be the nicest (the stage even split to reveal a grave. Roger as the already ‘dolled up’ girls informed only?) weekend of the Summer. Rees’s performance as Hamlet was them that we were nearly there. We then The centre itself is im m ense-as if spectacular and the rest of the cast tramped towards the underground and finding your way there is not enough - brought Shakespeare’s words to life and humphed our bags (some heavier than finding your way about is everybit as even made them amusing. The pro­ others) to the youth hostel, discovering difficult. Mr Forster claims to have met duction far surpassed any other most on the way that the lifts at our stop were an aged lady who asked him directions. of us had seen. undergoing repair - meaning we had to He told her he was lost too and she replied The rest of the weekend although dull climb at least 150 steps. Our two more she’d been there trying to find her way in comparison was spent most enjoyably. mature students took a Taxi, just to see out for nearly a week! In the evening once again we went our how long it would take.’ Once we reassembled we were taken separate ways. Most of us ended up We were to meet at the Barbican at on a back stage tour. The theatre is built once more in Covent Garden and despite mid-day so we went our separate ways - specifically to the company’s require­ the reluctance of the London shop- although most went to Covent Garden ments. The stage is tilted at a considerable keepers/Ice-cream sellers/restaurant where extremely large breakfasts were angle; each row has its own door all of owners to accept our money we had a consumed and excessive browsing meant which close automatically at the begin- pleasant evening listening to the Buskers we had to rush to the Barbican. Easier ing of each peformance; one man is and joining in with the dancing. The said than done — it is not the easiest of employed simply to change the light others had an equally enjoyable evening places to find your way too. bulbs! The list could go on and on. and save a short detour (they managed to loose themselves there) to one of the less reputable areas of the city spent most of the evening in the same area. Reluctantly we made our way back to the Y.H. The next day was spent largely in rest. Mr F and Mr S took a leisurely walk to the station and their less energetic students took a leisurely tube ride. Some met a fascinating Scottish tramp called ‘John the Baptist’ who had been in London since the war, others looked at shops. We all made it to the train and the journey back passed relatively quickly. All returned far more interested and knowledgeable as concerns ‘Hamlet.’ The weekend was invaluable in this respect and our thanks go to those who made it possible. D.F., K.D.

24 MOUNTAINEERING

The last day of September marked lake and we should have taken the hint. And so on that positive side, this our first foray into the hills when a At least we discovered where all of the report must finish. But the outdoor life group of us set off for a day on the high water was coming from. Wet and windy is growing in popularity at Strathallan and extensive moorland above Glen would be a fair description. and plans are already in hand for next Clova. A walk along Jock’s Road, an Finally, in early February, we set off season, which should include ascents old hill route to Braemar took us for the Tarmachan Ridge above Loch of Buchaille Etive More, Ben More, through the wild and magnificent Tay. At last the sun shone for us and Stobinian and Ben Ledi. Perhaps the scenery above Glen Doll to the small we spent a memorable day scrambling sun will shine; who knows? Come and stone shelter below Cairn Lunkard. among the snow-covered ridges of this join us. Here we left the path to make our way magnificent range of mountains. J.S.B. across the lonely country which stretched between us and Ma Mayar, our first peak of the day. The rain was turning to snow as we reached the summit, although there remained an extensive view, and after a short break we tra­ versed across to Driesh, at 3108 feet above sea level the high spot of the day. A steep descent to the valley completed the walk as the sun broke through to dry and warm us and to tempt us to consider the question, ‘where next?’ Westward from Strathallan, the peak of Ben Vorlich above Loch Earn is seen as a graceful cone; an appealing ob­ jective for our next expedition. The ascent from Ardvorlich is direct and simple, so we were fairly soon enjoying a rest on the summit and surveying the next leg of the journey, the traverse to Stuc a’ Chroin. From Ben Vorlich, the way appears barred by a ring of savage crags, but, on closer examination, these are found to be very broken and an ascending route may be found without too much difficulty. Once on the sum­ mit, we could listen to the evocative sound of stags roaring in the glen be­ neath our feet: a sure reminder that winter was not far away. Winter in the Scottish hills woos her devotees with days of great beauty when the mountains lie silent under their shroud of snow and the sun beats fiercely down from a flawless blue sky. Sadly, she more often viciously attacks anyone daft enough to leave their front door. In short, it is mainly optimists who climb in Scotland in the winter. In late November, our optimistic, happy little band were to be found experienc­ ing the joys of Cairngorm in one of her more gentle moods; it did not snow terribly hard and the wind was definitely less than gale-force. You could even see thirty yards in front of you. Undeterred, we decided to try again in December, and we took to the Crian- larich Hills. During the week, much of the Earn Valley had been under water the railway ran through a temporary HOCKEY

This year’s report will not be as long chances and a stroke on half time, but success. Archie McAlister was every­ as usual (mercifully! - do 1 hear the in the end it was only a brilliant save where (and often where he shouldn’t reader cry?) as the Secretary failed to by Angus McCulloch that prevented have been) while Ross McCulloch was provide a full record of the outdoor tragedy. The rubberised surface at the best technician. Sean Cozier played season. Stewarts Melville was more to our taste. hard and fast (especially in House However, we do have the full story There were times when the game nearly matches), Andrew Tench was all sound­ of indoor hockey. The build up to the got out of hand but there was no doubt ness and Roddy Baird was voted ‘man SSHA Tournament was promising. who would win. Harris Academy was of the festival’ for his tireless running Under the expert guidance of Mike not so strong this year and had no and covering. The forwards depended Yellowlees, a good squad was soon answer to our short, accurate passing. much on Axel Lagerborg’s ability to playing to a pattern of complex moves Finally Loretto were swamped in a fine get excitingly behind defences and had and putting corners away. Before display of attacking hockey in which Richard Reah struck his best form even Christmas Glenalmond were soundly we recorded the biggest ever win by a more goals would have been scored (he beaten and after, Perth High School 1st XI. nearly failed to get on the score sheet eventually overcome and a much At Oxford things were different against Loretto!). Dughall Aitken occ­ improved Glenalmond side edged. A (and, as usual, colder and wetter!). upied the left wing with some skill but senior B and a third form squad also First we met a good Sherborne side on tired easily. Peter Rochow came in for played Glenalmond. In the Bells tour­ a soft grass pitch and struggled until him latterly to play with skill, enjoying nament we got off to a good start with half time. By then 2 - 0 down, we contact with goalkeepers if not the back­ big wins in the first three games, but the began to find form but, although we board! The most improved player was last pool match against Monifieth hit a post we couldn’t score. This was Andrew MacLellan. We often depended High School was tougher. We were 3 - 1 our first defeat for two years so the on him to score vital goals. down with five minutes to go but drew afternoon game with Liverpool College The 2nd XI and Senior Colts had some level by the end to head our section and was something of a test of character. good wins, but their records were qualify, for the first time, for the semi­ On an excellent surface in the Parks we modest compared with their usual high final. Sadly form lapsed against totally dominated territorially but standards. The most consistent results Dunblane High School, our passing were only able to win by one goal. Kings were obtained by the Junior Colts and lost its accuracy and we lost confidence. Canterbury and Dover were both played U.13 side, so the long term future A missed stroke, a conceded stroke on a soaking blaze area. Despite losing should be good. and excellent opposition goalkeeping the first 4 - 1 we controlled the game In the Prep School Sixes Riley didn’t kept us out of the final by the odd goal. from first to last. All Kings’ goals were perform as well as last year, and a This disappointment was quickly breakaways and our forwards and powerful Loretto Nippers side over­ put aside at t he start of outdoor hockey. short corners strikers missed time after came Cargilfield in the final. The 1st XI had its second undefeated time. It was even worse against Dover. Three 1st XI players were nominated season in Scotland and maintained the We had twenty plus corners to their for national under 18 training, but there 100% record on our hard pitch. A use­ handful but could only manage an was wealth of talent at this level in ful warm-up game against Glenalmond equaliser. By far the best game was Scottish School hockey and Richard was comfortably won before we played with the previously unbeaten Forest Reah, Ross McCulloch and Graeme . away at Perth High School. Conditions XI on almost perfect Christ Church Robertson were not picked for the final were awful, fog and smoke obscured grass. The match was tight throughout squad. Andrew Beath suffered a similar the umpire’s view and the wet blaze yet we held on for a deserved win to fate at under 16 level. pitch turned to porridge. Perth had round off an enjoyable if frustrating My thanks go to the ground staff, some experienced and talented players festival. We have yet to go unbeaten at Craig Young and Mrs Clayton for all but we were the more aggressive side Oxford. their willing help and to all the old- and got a narrow win. Campbell Coll­ At the start of the season we were stagers who coached again this season. ege came over from Belfast on a short desperate for a goalkeeper but Angus Good wishes and thanks too, to Mike tour and we tackled them on a Saturday McCulloch emerged from the depths Yellowlees who, after too brief a time morning (Too early for one sleepy of league hockey and did us proud. He with us for the good of school hockey, half!). Playing typically Irish hockey was dedicated to the job, totally fear­ goes to join the Civil Service proper. Campbell came at us hard and fast but less and got better with each game. So Where are the young men of tomorrow? we kept control and were probably too did Stuart Hamilton, who, by the worth more than an odd goal win. end of the season, was playing with Aberdeen’s young side were our next great authority at the back. Graeme visitors. We dominated this game and Robertson kept up last year’s high ran out easy winners. Fettes on a standard, although, while still striking heavy, long grass pitch were not our the ball hard, he couldn’t convert cup of tea. As always they hit the ball enough corners, especially at Oxford straight and hard and disrupted our when it really mattered. The hard­ square passing. We missed several working halves were the foundation of J.N.F.

26 HOCKEY RESULTS

1st XI Senior Colts XI Overall Record v. Glenalmond Won 4 - 1 v. Whitfield High Played 46; Won 29; Drawn 4; v. Perth High School Won 5 -1 Lost 13; Cancelled 8 School Won 2 -1 v.Fettes Drawn 1-1 (Some fixtures v. Loretto not v. Campbell College Won 3 - 2 v. Stewarts Melville Won 6 - 0 included) v. Aberdeen Grammar v. Harris Academy Won 6-0 School Won 3 - 0 v. Bangor Grammar v. Fettes Drawn 0 - 0 School Lost 1 - 2 v. Stewarts Melville Won 3 - 0 House Matches v. Harris Academy Won 4-1 Senior Colts B XI Indoor v. Loretto Won 1 3 -0 v. Fettes Lost 1 - 3 Nicol beat Leburn in the final after Public School Festival penalty strokes Junior Colts XI v. Sherborne Lost 0 - 2 Outdoor v. Lathallan Won 4 - 1 v. Liverpool College Won 2 -1 Preliminary Round v. Fettes Won 4 -1 v. Kings Canterbury Lost 1 - 4 Nicol 13 0 v. Whitfield High Woodlands v. Dover College Drawn 1 - 1 Leburn 6 Freeland 3 v. Forest School Won 1 - 0 School Won 3 - 0 v. Stewarts Melville Won 2 -1 Semi-finals v. Monifieth High Nicol 5 Simpson 0 School Lost 0 -1 Leburn 1 Ruthven 0 2nd XI v. Aberdeen Grammar v. Rannoch 1st XI Lost 0 - 2 School Won 1 - 0 Final v. Whitfield High v. Harris Academy Won 4- 1 Nicol 1 Leburn 1 School Won 6 - 0 v. Aberdeen Grammar (Nicol won on penalties 4 -3 ) School Won 5 - 0 Junior Colts B XI v. Fettes Lost 2 - 4 v.Fettes Won 4—1 v. Harris Academy Won 1 - 0 Riley/U. 13 XI 1st XI Team v. Cargilfield Lost 2 - 5 From: A. I. L. Lagerborg (Captain) v. Whitfield High R. S. B. McCulloch (Secretary) 3rd XI School Won 8 - 0 A. J. G. McCulloch (Goalkeeper) v.Fettes Won 2-1 v. Clifton Hall Won 2 - 0 A. J. McAlister, R. E. M. Reah v. Fettes Junior G. S. R. Robertson, R. S. Hamilton School Won 2 - 0 A. W. Tench, A. R. MacLellan 4th XI v. Monifieth High D. S. Aitken, S. A. Cozier v.Fettes Lost 2 - 5 School Drawn 3 - 3 P. D. Rochow, R. D. Baird

27 SKI-ING

Captain E. R. Gilyead

The 1984-85 season began for a small dedicated band of volunteers back in the autumn, trying to establish some Robin order in the new store. By the end of G ilyead the winter term most of the work of installing racks and work-benches in our new premises in the basement of the Activities Centre was just about Jam es A ndrew complete. Thanks to some hard work G ilyead L ogan during the holidays with paint brushes everything was habitable by the time the masses returned in January. This season saw the introduction of mid-week ski-ing which proved to be a Circuit racing came to the fore again It thus only remains to say a big welcome added bonus in a year marked this year with an influx of promising thank you to all who help with ski-ing by its lack of snow. These ventures juniors and also the establishment of a at Strath. In particular to Ronnie proved very successful and will hope­ training squad under trainer Ronnie Naismith for all his help as trainer/ fully be expanded in years to come. Naismith whose help and guidance has chauffeur for the race squad and to the Racing began in December with the proved most valuable. The season Caterer and his staff for well over a British Schools Championships at Hill- began with the John Clark BMW races thousand packed lunches. end. The team was placed 9th with in Glenshee. Ronnie was 2nd Combined Colours were awarded to James Robin Gilyead (5th), James Gilyead (2nd Slalom & GS) and Robin Gilyead Gilyead. (26th), Rowly Robertson (75th) and was 4th Combined (3rd Slalom & 6th E.R.G. Robin Batchelor (87th) ski-ing very GS). These results gained Strath a competently as a team. School then mention on Scotsport and also in the adjourned for Christmas and the next Scotsman. In the North of Scotland race scheduled was the Perthshire Juniors Robin Batchelor produced a 4th in the Giant Slalom which was a very creditable result. The first race after Half Term was the Log Cabin Cup where the only result of any note was Rowly Robertson’s 18th in GS. The final race of the Spring Term was the Perth SC race where Robin Gilyead, following media pressure, was press- ganged into racing. He did however win the Old Strathallian Guarin Clayton 3rd. After the Easter break we returned for the final race of the season, the Woolboard Highland Cup. The icy course proved too much for many, and not just Strath., with only Robin Gilyead 13th, Robert Moir 19th and Jamie Verden-Anderson 22nd finishing. Schools in March followed by the The House Race was the only other Scottish School the next week. Unfort­ event of note during the season. Held unately both of these events had to be on what little snow there was on a cancelled for lack of snow. The British glorious sunny day. It was the usual School on Cairngorm was, however, held fun race with its own sense of hilarity. and the depleted team acquitted them­ The race was won by Ruthven from selves reasonably coming 8th with Robin Freeland who sadly, as with Ruthven, 15th, James 27th, Rowly 35th and Ken were not at their strongest with one of Smith a good 38th. The Minors Race their best skiers missing. Ruthven’s the following week saw Strath finish 4th depth thus proved too strong. Rowly with good runs from Robert Moir (4th) Robertson won the individual Duncan S V and James Banks (13th). These good Cup from James Gilyead in a hard- results must augur well for future years. fought race.

28 * - < - •« to. *

Rowly Robertson

James Banks i t

BANKS OF PERTH

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29 Girls’ Hockey

SENIORS Teams: section on penalty strokes. Other results On return to the school in September, 1st XI S. Mackie, L. Crispin, J. Bam­ were: the Perthshire Hockey Trials had already ford (Captain), V. Cornish, Perth Academy (H) Draw 2 - 2 taken place. However, a late trial was K. Belch, P. Coutts, K. Scanlan, Morrisons Acad. (H) Lost 0 - 2 arranged for Jenny Bamford, Kirsten N. Corbett, S. Rhodes, G. (A) Lost 1 -3 Belch and Lucy Crispin. Jenny and Cornish, K. Orr. Gordonstoun (H) Lost 0 - 4 Kirsten were selected to represent Perth­ Dollar (H) Lost 1 -2 shire at the Midlands Trials on the 2nd XI L.Clayton, J. Wood, N.Thaw, (A) Lost 0 - 1 following Saturday. In the U16 Trials C. Niven, C. Edie (Captain), Kilgraston (H) Won 5 - 0 Nikki Corbett was picked for the Mid­ G. Lawson, S. Binnie, C. Gadie, (A) Lost 0 - 1 lands squad. P. Maxwell, K. MacDonald, Fettes (H) Won 2 -1 This year the 1st XI had its most K. Streule, E. Streule, C. successful season, after a shaky start. McLung, S. Robb. Auchterarder (H) Won 1 4 -0 The senior Midlands Inter-school (v. A’der2ndXI) (A) Lost 0 - 1 Hockey Tournament sadly was cancelled St. Georges (A) Won 2 -1 after such bad weather. PerthGrammar (A) Won 8 - 0 A most enjoyable match with the ‘Old 1st XI RESULTS Girls’ took place on the day after the Autumn Term With many of the present team ‘Old Strathallians’ rugby fixture. Linda- eligible for next season the team should Jane excelled in the game in more ways v. PerthAcademy (H) Won 1 - 0 provide strong opposition. than one. v. Old Girls (H) Draw 1 - 1 The team was selected from: Towards the end of the Autumn term v. Gordonstoun (H) Lost 0 - 3 T. Orr(Captain), A. Beath, D. Crich­ Perthshire Indoor Hockey Trials took v. Morrisons (H) Lost 0 - 3 ton, S. Gordon, F. Jardine, L. Mac­ place at Perth High School. Sandie v. Dundee High (2nd IX) Won 1 - 0 kenzie, L. Meldrum, S. Heggie, Mackie was chosen to represent Perth­ H. Niven, W. Fleming, K. Reynolds, shire asG.K. in the Midlands Trials. v. Loretto (H) Won 6 - 0 A. Robertson, J. Smith. At the start of the Spring season the v. Dollar (H) Won 1 -0 1st XI had a disastrous match v. Auch- v. Kilgraston (H) Won 1 - 0 terarder in the snow. The team was v. Fettes (H) DrawO-O somewhat depleted due to an outbreak RILEY XI of flu. Fortunately by the next fixture v. Auchterarder (H) Won 3 - 2 most girls had recovered. pring Term Although the Riley team did not Lomond school from Helensburgh register many victories they played all came to Strathallan while on tour in the v. Auchterarder (A) Lost 1 - 5 their matches with great enthusiasm. area. The result was a no score draw v. St. Georges (A) Draw 1 - 1 This nearly equalled the enthusiasm after a great deal of effort on both sides. v. Dundee High (A) Won 1 - 0 with which they ‘attacked’ their after­ Towards the end of term Strathallan v. Dollar (A) DrawO-O match teas. Several members of the played host to the ‘Independent Schools team were playing hockey for the first v. Lomond (H) Draw 1 - 1 Tournament’ which took place on March time and meeting more experienced 16th. Gordonstoun stayed overnight v. Morrisons (A) Lost 1 - 2 opposition. Nevertheless most of their and were the winners of the tournament. v. Loretto (A) Won 1 - 0 matches were closely fought and were On the Sunday a selected team from v. Kilgraston (A) Lost 0 - 1 only conceded in the final stages of the Fettes, Gordonstoun, Loretto and match. They managed to end their season Strathallan played a Midlands team it & 2nd Mixed Team (U16) with a well-deserved victory over Perth (Morrisons). Jenny Bamford, Nikki v. Rannoch (H) Won 6 - 0 Grammar. The results were: Corbett and Sandie Mackie were selected PerthAcademy (H) Lost 0-2 to play and Jenny was chosen to captain v. Perth Grammar Won 6-0 Morrisons (H) Lost 0 -1 the match. The game ended in a 1 - 1 draw. Many thanks to Mr Proctor for (A) Lost 1 - 3 umpiring. Dollar (H) Lost 0 - 5 The season ended with a hectic last JUNIORS (to an older team) week of fixtures and a ‘fun’ match v. Staff. U15 X. The U 15 XI this year has been Auchterarder (H) Lost 2 -1 Nikki Corbett was top goal scorer strengthened by the arrival of several PerthGrammar (A) W o n 4 -0 for the season with Suzanne Rhodes new girls. Despite the fact that the team not far behind. has been a very young one, consisting The team was selected from: Hockey colours were awarded to mainly of third form pupils. It has L. Meldrum (Captain), N. Beale, Jenny Bamford while half colours went achieved some very creditable results. C. Anderson, P. Docherty, E. Reekie, to Nikki Corbett, Sandie Mackie and The team was never outclassed and the M. Mackinlay, J. Taylor, J. Wilson, Kirsten Bech. teamwork went from strength to strength H. Hawksford, J. Pate, N. Kennedy, 2nd XI as the season progressed. In several S. Stevenson, S. Leiper, G. Butler, instances notably the away matches A. Ross, H. Bruce. A great deal improved team emerged versus Kilgraston and Dollar, they were this year, with the girls showing a lot extremely unlucky to lose to goals scored of determination and some very good in the last minutes of the game having On behalf of the girls games teams results. had the majority of play throughout special thanks must be given to the Thanks to all staff for their help in the match. The team once more par­ kitchen staff for preparing what must coaching and umpiring. Also thanks to ticipated in the Midlands Junior Tour­ seem to them a never-ending supply of the ground staff for all their hard work, nament. In their first match they lost refreshments, packed teas and lunches and Mr Young and the kitchen staff one-nil and drew all their other matches for all our fixtures. for the constant supply of delicious teas. including the match against Monifieth. P.W. Monifieth eventually went on to win the J.E.C.

30 RUGBY

Once again we started with a pre­ mendous rugby in the first 25 minutes. pack the opposition kicked for position season tour of Narbonne which proved The Old Boys put out a very strong and from another scrum and drive a to be just as successful as the previous side to face the school and this was our second try resulted from their scrum years despite losing our first match first real test. Our forwards did remark­ half. A penalty put them in front and against S1GEAN 12-22. The second ably well in the early stages but a penalty despite some late pressure by ourselves match against CANET looked as if it put the Old Boys in front. Rich Reah, we were unable to reverse the score. was going the same way but with two the fly half, broke beautifully to score The absence of Gav Corbett both as a tries in the last few minutes we won under the posts and a conversion by Gav place kicker and at wing forward had 2 0 - 13 in a most exciting game. The Corbett gave us the lead. Gav equalised been crucial but with great running third match against now familiar with another penalty after two further and support play in the first half we opponents CAZOULS, near Beziers penalties by the Old Boys and then a should have been so far ahead, the was a convincing 28 — 6 victory. beautiful move in the backs by Rich second half would have been immaterial. In between the matches, which were creating the initial space, Keith Adam­ Another appalling day was the well spaced out, we were fortunately son making the break and Mark Gowrie weather-scene for Merchiston’s visit. able to use the Parc des Sports for from the back row in a good supporting A dummy scissors by Rich Reah opened training and Mr Meadows, a new position to finish off, brought us the up the gap for an early score. Despite recruit, enjoyed taking the odd session. winning try. missing the conversion in front of the The beach, as usual, proved to have its As usual Fettes proved to be a diffi­ posts, Gav made amends with a more usual attractions with myself and DJB cult game. Our forwards were outplayed difficult penalty from the 22. Good soaking up the rays and our newly in the first half but our backs w'ere inter-passing and support play with appointed president Mr du Boulay making good use of limited possession. Andy Tench showing his paces put enjoying all the delights of Narbonne The second half saw the forwards gain John in for another try and it was he plage. This year at the end of the beach more ball and constant pressure on the who scored the last try with a solo where we normally train there was an Fettes backs gave them little room for effort from the half-way line. The re­ added attraction - The Aqua-Jet. It manoeuvre. Two tries by Axel Lager- vamped pack with Iain Kelly and will be long remembered by all for borg on the wing broke the deadlock. Graeme Robertson coming in at prop some amazing sights, not the least the From the restart of the second try our and wing forward respectively and formidable combination of Mahmoud dark-horse, speedy prop Sean Cozier Mark Gowrie moving up to second and N.du B. appearing down the shoot - broke and attacked down-field to their row had performed well in difficult an awesome sight! Unfortunately the 22; from this position and a scrum conditions. beach this year had other memories for David Davidson from inside centre In the first 18 minutes we found our­ myself and a torn muscle in the calf, came blind and scored a fine individual selves 19-0 down against Edinburgh just as I was making a scintillating break try. Academy due to good control by their while playing touch rugby with the We played the Glenalmond match in captain Mike Walker and our total lack backs, provided along with Neil Pratt appalling weather conditions but this of concentration. At this stage we got and Justin Beveridge the injured trio. was no excuse for the lack of concent­ a grip of ourselves and the defence On our return journey, which was ration which gave the opposition the tightened considerably. Unfortunately, fraught with all sorts of difficulties for simplest of tries and a big psycho­ Axel had to go off just before half-time myself, not helped I might add by my logical advantage in the opening minutes. and we played the remainder of the colleagues, we played LUNEL at Arles. Having settled down after a while Calum game with 14 men. Despite this we won It was a great pity that we did not have took a ball peeling round a line out just a lot of the ball and played some good time to spend in this magnificent Roman inside their 22 and shrugged off a rugby but the Edinburgh Academy city but we did make a short detour to couple of tackles to score under the defence was just too strong. Points visit Nimes. While being bitten by what p o sts-a fine captains example! The would undoubtedly have been scored seemed later like a thousand mosquitos conversion gave us the lead at 6 - 4 . against a lesser side. The final score in my immobile position, I was privileged The big problem, however, was up 2 5 -3 was by no means a disgrace and to watch some of our best rugby of the front where we were totally out- perhaps did not reflect the way we tour as we beat in grand style a strong powered at times and consequently the played for so much of the game, but it Lunel side 34-12, scoring 7 tries in the backs got little good possession. Only is the full 70 minutes that count and process. very solid defence by Rich, David and undoubtedly we lost the game in the Having assessed the team and pro­ Keith prevented Glenalmond taking first 20 minutes. spects at this stage it did seem that too much advantage. A careless piece We were taught another good lesson there was a lot of talent, especially in of play at a line out gave them the by Morrisons Academy in the next the backs. However, we were lacking boost of another try, just before half- game: do not relax once you have scored: experience up front and so our long time. Despite this we came back to This happened twice to make the score term success would depend to a certain 9 —11 with a penalty by Gav. However 10- 10 into the second half. At this extent on how the forwards developed the decisive try went to Glenalmond point indiscipline and the lack of exper­ and the raw talent in the backs expressed due to some good running by their wing ience did show and we gave away a itself. Bewsher and some weak tackling on succession of penalties, two of which Good progress was made in the first our part. Morrisons converted. Yet all credit is few matches which traditionally included Loretto was the sort of game that we due to the XV for coming back from the Old Boys. Of the school matches should not have lost! We led by 11 - 0 the grave in the dying minutes. After we beat Perth Academy 41-0 in a and it should have been more well good handling along the line, John match which did not really reflect the before half-time. Unfortunately, very Pawson got away and ran exceptionally full potential of the side; Keil 7 8 -0 with poor marking gave Loretto the init­ well to get over in the corner and cool 14 tries and 11 conversions by Gav with iative near our line and from a scrum a as the proverbial cucumber Gav slotted some excellent running and support push over try resulted. With wind the conversion from far out to draw play; Rannoch 5 2 -0 with some tre­ advantage, the slope and a powerful the match.

31 32 The journey to Gordonstoun was run the ball from all over the pitch and up the pieces, dirty washing, wounded made without two key players, captain we had gained considerably from the etc.: Mrs Clayton and her assistants in Calum at hooker and scrum-half Bangor game. The first half would the sewing room: Sister in the san and Andrew MacLellan but their replace­ have gone to Rondebosch and, in fact, Craig Young and his staff for coping ments Percy Brown and Brian Dods they led 7 - 3 but the pace was stepped with such calm with the ‘Barbarian can by no means be blamed for the up by the whole side in the second half. Hordes’ every week. result. Unfortunately, we were unable With about 5 minutes to go we had a to convert first half dominance into scrum to the right of the posts, 10 yards RUGBY RESULTS 1984/85 points and in the second half we seemed out. Nigel picked up and broke blind, content to watch them play the rugby. but was held: Sean ripped the ball 1st XV Thus it was a very disappointing and away and powered his way over the v. PerthAcademy Won 41 - 0 dreary 0 -0 draw. line with the forwards driving behind. v. Keil Won 7 8 -0 Fortunately the spirit was not broken Once again Gav needed a conversion v. Rannoch Won 5 2 -0 and the match against Dollar was a good from the touchline and remarkably he v. Fettes Won 1 6 -0 encounter. Dollar led 6 - 3 in the first did it, to give us a well-deserved 9 - 7 v. Glenalmond Lost 9 - 16 half but Gav got his second penalty to victory. The 1st XV should take a lot v. Loretto Lost 11-13 level the score by half-time. The scrum of pride from their performance against v. Merchiston Won 1 5 -0 with the front-five doing excellent work a very good side: I found out later that v. Edinburgh in the tight and the back row harassing we were the only side in the U.K. to Academy Lost 3 -2 5 in the loose, were dominating and pro­ defeat Rondebosch. v. Morrisons Drawn 10- 10 viding good ball and Archie McAlister, The 7-a-side season was very mixed. v. Gordonstoun Drawn 0-0 on the wing, came close to scoring on For the third successive year we won v. Dollar Academy Won 1 3 -6 several occasions. Due to severe press­ the Merchiston Cup, beating Portobello v. Stewarts Melville Won 2 2 -1 0 ure, maintained by shrewd kicking by 28-0, Stewart’s Melville 10-0, Mer­ v. Kelvinside David Davidson, we kept Dollar in chiston 1 4 -0 and Dundee High School Academy Lost 0 - 17 their half and an excellent try by full in the final 3 2 -6 . The side was capt­ v. Glasgow back John Clark, having come into the ained by Calum Bannerman and included Academy Won 6 - 4 line and weaved and side stepped his John Clark, Andrew MacLellan, Rich v. Bangor G.S. Lost 11-16 way through, sealed the match. Reah, Keith Adamson, Sean Cozier, v. Rondebosch Won 9 - 7 Two early tries by Nigel Kilpatrick gave Nigel Kilpatrick, Mark Gowrie and Club Match us a strong lead against Stewart’s Mel­ Archie McAlister. v.OldStrathallians Won 15-9 ville: both were something of oppor­ Due to various commitments we put Schools tunist tries but they all count and, at least a somewhat different side out for the Played 16; Won 9; Drawn 2; Lost 5 Nigel had to work for the second one. An Perth Academy 7’s, totally lost con­ Points for 302; points against 131 interception by John Pawson took us centration and we went out in the first All Matches further into the lead, which by half-time round. In addition, we had to withdraw Played 17; Won 10; Drawn 2; Lost 5 was 22 - 0. After a barren spell we slack­ at the eleventh hour from what would Points for 317; points against 140 ened off the final score was 22 - 10. have been our first appearance at the 2nd XV We were brought down to earth COEDCAE 7’s at Stradey Park, Llan­ v. Perthshire Colts Won 68-13 sharply with a 17 - 0 defeat by Kelvin- elli, which rounded off the 7’s season v.Q.V.S. 1st XV Won 26-1 6 side. David’s diagonal kick to their on a sad note. v. Fettes Won 1 7 -9 winger for their first try and the last 1st XV colours were awarded to: - v. Glenalmond Won 1 1-8 one intercepted summed it all up. The C. M. Bannerman; N. D. Kilpat­ v. Loretto Won 2 0 -7 Glasgow Academy match was a close rick; R. E. M. Reah; J. C. Clark; v. Merchiston Won 12-3 encounter and as suggested by the score, K. H. Adamson; (D. W. David­ v. Edinburgh but even more so by the number of son from previous year). Academy Lost 10- 16 penalties we gave away, could have Vi colours were awarded to: - v. Morrisons gone either way. Fortunately, for us a A. R. MacLellan; S. A. Cozier; Academy Won 2 4 -3 try and another long conversion by A. W. Tench; M. Gowrie; G. R. v. Dollar Academy Lost 0 -2 2 Gav was enough to win the game. F. Corbett. v. Stewarts Melville Won 9 - 6 Three visiting sides were planned to President XV Representation: - v. Kelvinside give the 1st XV the best end to a season C. M. Bannerman; N. D. Kilpat­ Academy Lost 4 - 9 for a long time. Unfortunately the last rick; A. R. MacLellan; D. W. v. Glasgow one against St. Georges College, Davidson; M. Gowrie; R. E. M. Academy Won 18-4 Argentina could not be played because Reah (Replacement). Played 12; Won 9; Lost 3 of snow and frost virtually everywhere Our teams throughout the school Points for219; pointsagainst 116 in Scotland. The other two against this year have not been as uniformally Bangor G.S. and Rondebosch high­ successful as last season, but there has 3rd XV lighted some of our strengths and been just as much commitment and v. Perth Ac. 2nd XV Won 14 -0 weaknesses. enjoyment by both players and coaches. v. Rannoch 2nd XV Won 1 2 -0 At the beginning of the second half A new departure this season was at the v. Fettes Lost 6 - 8 against Bangor we were 1 6-3 down. very junior end where U. 12 and U. 12 Zi v. Glenalmond Lost 0-53 Awed by their size we had sat back and sides were organised from Mr Thom­ v. Loretto Won 6 - 4 watched them play. However an excel­ son’s U.13 game. This has resulted in v. Merchiston Drawn 4 - 4 lent try by John Pawson, appearing on more of the younger boys being given v. Edinburgh the other wing set the ball rolling and the chance to compete against their Academy Drawn 6-6 a drive by the forwards resulted in a try proper age g ro u p -a most important v. Dollar Academy Lost 0 -4 3 by Nigel Kilpatrick. At 16 - 11 and with point at this early age. The enthusiasm v. Stewarts Melville Won 2 0 -0 a lot of pressure we did not capitalise shown not only by Mr Thomson but v. Kelvinside on undoubted opportunities. To quote also Mr Forster at this level lingers well Academy Lost 0 - 4 our secretary ‘It was definitely the one for the future and we congratulate v. Glasgow that got away.’ them for the success they have had. Academy Won 10-0 The final game was an excellent en­ Finally my thanks go to all those Played 11; Won 5; Drawn 3; Lost 4 counter with both sides prepared to who forced by dint of their jobs to pick Points for 82; points against 139

33 4th XV U.15 ‘A’ XV U.14 ‘A’ XV v. Q.V.S. 2nd XV W on 3 6 - 0 v. Perth Academy v. Perth Academy W on 1 6 - 0 v. Rannoch 3rd XV Won 4 - 0 Colts XV Lost 4 - 2 8 v. Rannoch Won 50-0 v. Fettes Lost 6 - 8 v. Rannoch W on 2 4 - 4 v. Fettes Won 2 0 - 0 v. Glenalmond Won 9 - 3 v. Fettes W on 1 4 - 0 v. Glenalmond Won 12-0 v. Loretto W on 3 8 - 0 v. Glenalmond Lost 6 - 2 8 v. Loretto Lost 0-26 v. Merchiston Lost 0 - 6 v. Loretto Lost 3 - 2 4 v. Merchiston Lost 0 - 12 v. Edinburgh v. Merchiston Lost 3 - 4 2 v. Edinburgh Academy W on 1 2 - 0 v. Edinburgh Academy Lost 4 - 2 4 v. Dollar Academy W on 2 0 - 3 Academy Won 8 - 4 v. Glasgow v. Kelvinside v. Dollar Academy Lost 3 - 2 5 Academy Lost 4 - 2 4 v. Morrisons Academy Drawn 4 - 4 OO v. Dollar Academy Lost 12- 14 v. Glasgow Academy Won 1 v. M orrisons Academy W on 2 5 - 0 v. Glasgow Academy W on 2 4 - 0 v. Glenalmond U. 16 Lost 0-7 Academy Drawn 10- 10 Played 10; Won 5; Lost 5 Played 11; Won 7; Drawn 1; Lost 3 Played 10; Won 4; Drawn 1; Lost 5 Points for 142; points against 100 Points for 154; points against 40 Points for 93; points against 171

U.14 ‘B’ XV 5th XV U.15 ‘B’ XV v. Glenalmond Lost 0 - 2 2 v. Fettes Won 22-6 v. Fettes W on 2 2 - 0 v. Loretto W on 6 - 4 v. Glenalmond Lost 0 - 2 2 v. Glenalmond Lost 0 - 4 0 v. Merchiston Lost 4 - 8 v. Glenalmond v. Loretto Lost 0 - 5 2 v. Edinburgh U.16B W on 1 8 - 0 v. M erchiston Lost 1 2 -1 8 Academy W on 1 3 - 6 v. Loretto Won 1 6 - 0 v. Edinburgh v. Glasgow v. Merchiston Lost 6 - 13 Academy Lost 1 0 - 12 Academy Lost 4 - 2 6 v. Edinburgh v. Glasgow Played 5; W on 2; Lost 3 ^ 1 Academy Lost 8 - 1 4 Academy W on OO 4 Points for 27; points against 66 v. Glasgow Played 6; W on 2; Lost 4 Academy W on 2 5 - 6 Points for 52; points against 136 Played 8; Won 4; Lost 4 Points for 99; points against 79 U.14 ‘C’ XV v. Glenalmond Lost 0-32 U.15 ‘C’ XV v. Loretto Lost 4-25 v. Glenalmond Lost 8-14 v. Merchiston Won 34-10 6th XV v. Merchiston Lost 4-18 Played 3; W on 1; Lost 2 v. Q.V.S. 3rd XV W on 1 8 - 0 v. Glasgow Points for 38; points against 67 v. Fettes W on 8 - 0 Academy Won 38-0 v. Glenalm ond Lost 0 - 3 2 Played 3; W on 1; Lost 2 v. M erchiston Lost 0 - 18 Points for 50; points against 32 v. Loretto Lost 0 - 4 U.13XV v. Edinburgh v. Rannoch W on Academy Lost 1 1 -2 8 3 0 - 0 v. Fettes Played 6; W on 2; Lost 4 W on 3 2 - 8 v. Edinburgh Points for 37; points against 86 Academy B W on 2 8 -1 4 v. M erchiston W on 2 4 - 4 v. Craigclowan W on 3 0 - 0 v. M orrisons W on 3 2 - 8 Played 6; W on 6 Points for 176; points against 34

U.121/2 XV v.Ardvreck Won 34-14

U.12XV v. New Park Won 24-0 v. Stewarts Melville Won 12-0

34 TENNIS

BOYS GIRLS

During 1984 our new all-weather Results 1st VI. Under the captaincy of Katie courts had few opportunities to show 4th May M acdonald the 1st VI had a splendid that they merited the all-weather tag. v. Loretto (H)Lost4-5 start to the season being undefeated in their first seven matches. For the first 1985 was a more testing season in this 11th May year we competed in the Midlands respect and the courts came through v. Edinburgh Academy(H) Won 5 -4 tournament beating Kilgraston 7 - 2 in with such distinction that no home 23rd May the semi-final and losing to St. Leonard’s matches were postponed and very few v. Morrison’s Academy(H) Won 5 -4 in the final. After half-term there were games afternoons were lost. 26th May two disappointing losses versus Tennis continues to gain in popularity v. Fettes (H) Lost 0-3 Morrison’s and St. George’s but these were compensated for by victories over with more boys opting for tennis than 26th May ever before, record entries for internal Dollar and the Old-Girls. The team v. Gordonstoun (H)Lostl-2 completed a successful season by snatch­ competitions and rarely is a court to be 28th May ing victory from a Ladies VI 5 — 4. found vacant during activities time. v. Glenalmond (H)Lostl-5 Despite the weather rarely providing There is some promising talent among 30th May true tennis playing conditions all the the junior years and I hope next year v. Merchiston (A) Lost 4-5 girls who played for the team must be to form an under 15 tennis team. congratulated for their determination 1st June and enthusiasm. Their co-operation Peter Darbyshire, a professional v. George Watsons (A)W on6-3 tennis coach from Edinburgh, started has certainly been appreciated. Special 4th June a coaching evening at the school this thanks to Katie who proved extremely v. Stewarts Melville (H) Lost 0 -3 efficient and reliable whilst I was in Summer and forty pupils from Form 1 16th June Germany. Both she and Jenny Bamford through to Form 6 took advantage of v. OldStrathallians (H) Won5-4 will be missed next summer as they have this opportunity to improve their court - been great assets to the team for two craft and strokeplay. 7th July years. Both were awarded their colours. v. Masters C/Room (H)Lost4-5 The school tennis team had a mixed Results season with favourable results heavily D.G.R. v. Loretto (H) W on 5 - 4 dependent on the form of our first pair, v. Fettes (H) W on 5 - 4 Richard and Archie McAlister. They v. Kilgraston (H) W on 7 - 2 formed a formidable partnership win­ v. St. Leonard’s II (H) W on 8 - 1 ning 17 of their 21 setsduringthe season v. Morrison’s (A) Lost 3 - 6 and both deservedly earned their colours v. Dollar II (A) W on 7 - 2 this year. Our first entry into the Mid­ v. St. George’s II (A) Lost 4 - 5 v. Ladies VI (H) W on 5 - 4 land’s Schools’ Tennis Tournament v. Old Girls (H) W o n 7 -2 was quite promising, reaching the semi­ Midlands Tournament: finals before losing to Glenalmond Semi-final v. Kilgraston W o n 7 -2 College, the eventual winners of this Final v. St. Leonard’s Lost 3 - 6 trophy. An innovation this year was the Triangular Fixture: hexangular match involving boys and v. Fettes Lost 1 - 2 girls matches with Gordonstoun and v. Gordonstoun Lost 1 - 2 Fettes. It was an exhausting day especially Gordonstoun v. Fettes Lost 2 - 1 for those pairs who played six sets but Team there was some exhilarating tennis and K. Macdonald (Captain), J. Bamford, I hope that such a fixture becomes a L. Meikle, S. Rhodes, P. Maxwell permanent feature of future summer J. Fraser, J. Cooper terms. The annual match against the masters’ common room was carefully U15 VI. This year the U15 VI only had a arranged on a day when the school’s few fixtures but showed great promise. first pair were unavailable and so the They were narrowly beaten in the first MCR team just managed to avenge last match by Morrisons and did well to year’s drubbing. beat Kilgraston 5 -4 before rain stopped My thanks to Richard McAlister, this play. Their defeat v. Morrisons was year’s captain of tennis, who so ably due in part to the shale courts having coped with the finer details of the organ­ rather too much shale on them. isation for matches, proved a charming Results host to our opponents off court and v. Morrisons (A) Lost 4-5 such a ferocious competitor on court. v. Kilgraston (A) Won 5-4 v. Dollar (A) Lost 9-0 Team Team M. Calder (Captain), N. De Iongh R. A. L. McAlister, A. J. McAlister, J. Smith, F. Jardine, C. Mclver R. Skea, A. G. Logan, J. Coutts, J. Paterson, N. Maxwell, N. McAuley D. Wharton, P. C. Brown J.E.C.

35 SHOOTING CANOEING SQUASH

Regular scores of 98 and 99 out of Throughout the year, we were canoe­ A lot of internal, friendly squash has 100 assured J. R. Galloway of a place ing every week, with sessions in the been played but very few school matches. in the schoolboy international shooting pool during the winter months and The vacuum left as a result of us with­ team for a triangular match against down the local rivers and to the sea as drawing from the Dundee and District England and Wales in the Spring. In the soon as the weather permitted. League was not filled for a variety of event, Scotland came third, but con­ The standard of personal proficiency reasons, but it is hoped to arrange more gratulations to Robert for being selected. for each member of the both canoeing inter-school matches next season. Other successes this year include the groups rose rapidly and we now have However, we managed to win the Bennet presentation of the Perthshire Small- eight boys who have gained the British Salver from Glenalmond, which was Bore Rifle Association’s Cup to D. J. Canoe Union Proficiency Award, and satisfying, and this means we have won Gillespie for being the most consistent one member of staff is ready to be it once each. Under-19 Shooter in the county. As assessed as an instructor. well as these outstanding performances, During the Field-Day weekend of Match Results: the school shooting team finished Summer Term, we completed the whole Senior V second in their division of the Perthshire length of the River Tay, and Phil Gadie v. Masters Lost 3-2 League after 18 matches and colours raised several hundred pounds in spon­ v. Glenalmond (H) Won 4—1 were awarded to next year’s captain, sorship money towards the cost of his v.Old Boys Lost 4-3 K.S.Johnson. Alaska expedition. (Seeseparate article). Interest in the sport is very strong at With a good nucleus of competent Junior V the m om ent, and there are many prom ­ canoeists, the future years look very v. Glenalmond (A) Lost 3-2 ising young shooters in the school. We bright indeed, and my intention is to v. Glenalmond (H) Lost 5-0 look forward to maintaining the high encourage more to sample the excite­ standards we have achieved this year. ment of the sport; if you are interested, Senior V: A. J. McAlister (Capt.), N. A.J.H.W. please come along. J. Tether, D. M. Thomson, C. N. C. P.J.E. Henderson, M. J. Zaraza.

Junior V: D. M .Thom son,M . J.Zaraza, A. Pearson, W. L. A. Blanshard, D. B. Addison, G. M. Adam.

Winners of House Competitions: Senior: Leburn Junior: Leburn H.C.A.

GOLF

The success of the team was due in the Captain: Our section of the Perth and Kinross R. A. L. McAlister Schools League was restricted to only main to the consistency of Steven Liddell four teams this year because of the and Alistair Lenman playing at two and Secretary: teacher ‘troubles’ and although this was three respectively. Alistair was unbeaten and Steven lost just once. The Captain, S. J. Liddell disappointing in that we played fewer matches than usual, it turned out well Richard McAlister, played well at the start of the season but lost confidence Results: because we won the section for the first and faded a little in the later stages, League Matches time ever. The play-off over Craigie Hill v. Auchterarder Won 3 - 1 against the other section winners, whilst Sean McEachern looked good a v. Perth Academy W on2‘/2 - 1 Zi Morrison’s Academy, was just about lot of the time but could not quite keep v. KinrossH.S. Halved2-2 as close as you could get. The match his game going over a full round. Ross was halved in games but unfortunately McCulloch, who only played twice League Play Off we lost it because Morrison’s were two because o f his cricketing commitments, v. Morrison’s Acad. Halved2-2 holes up on aggregate over the 72 holes was also undefeated. The game against played. Perhaps next year, with the the Wayfarers, played over Bruntsfield, Other Matches same team back, we might go one better was as usual most enjoyable and is re­ v. Merchiston Won6-0 and win the J. Douglas Cup. garded as one of the highlights of the v. Glenalmond and Fettes (played Certainly this year’s team gained summer golf season. H.C.A. as a Stableford Competition, came valuable experience in the art of match- Second) play and benefited considerably from the coaching given by Frank Smith. Team: R. A. L. McAlister, S. J. Liddell A. B. Lenman, S. McEachern, C. H. Jones, R. S. B. McCulloch.

Winners of House Competition: Ruthven

Stroke-Play Champion: S. J. Liddell.

36 37 SWIMMING

After last years somewhat desperate runaway victory for Leburn, with second All the same, I am encouraged by the plea, swimming appears to have taken and third place being hotly contested more recent developments; there now a turn for the better. The number of by Ruthven and Simpson. exists a list of names of persons who persons appearing during the activities Having thus praised the swimmers have committed themselves to regular sessions has risen and a commendable at the school, we must now come to attendance at the training sessions and amount of serious work is being done. almost bury the swimming-team. In on whose shoulders rests the burden of People are improving their technique two official encounters with the auld bringing the Swimming Team out of and their stamina in individually directed enemy we were beaten, if not thrashed. the doldrums. training schedules, more people have The reasons were clear to everyone who My sincere thanks go to those swim­ come to grips with the basic skills of the had observed the team in training: too mers who worked so hard all year and butterfly stroke than ever before (and few people turned up too infrequently! whose individual achievements were every swimmer will know that this is no The potential is there, as could be seen quite outstanding; let us make sure that mean feat). The Junior Games Circus during the friendly against Fettes, but it next year they have the backing they produced a number of excellent indi­ takes more than individual skills and the deserve. vidual performances and resulted in a occasional effort to make a good team. K.G.

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38 GIRLS' ATHLETICS

The start of the season came as a Gordon was outstanding in the juniors High Jump. Juniors: Sheila Gordon - shock to many girls this year. Training by taking 1st place in the 100m and 200m. None of the above girls were with the boys was somewhat strenuous. 200m, while Tui Orr won the Shot. successful, but all did well to qualify. Girls were seen crawling into Woodlands Because the weather had been so bad On Sports Day despite poor weather at the end of the afternoon on hands Fettes came up to Strathallan for a Pamela Docherty in Riley managed to and knees. Once again results were triangular match the next week. The break the school record in the loom. virtually a repeat of last year, the juniors competed against Fettes and Various A.A.A. coaches visited stumbling block being Morrisons senior Rannoch and the seniors against Fettes Strathallan this term arranged by Mr team. The junior team however put up and Kilgraston. Once again the same Barnes. Particular thanks to Mr R. Hill a very good performance and beat girls were successful with Kate O rr also who gave up a lot of time to coach Morrisons by 2 points. Best perform­ winning the High Jump. throwing events. ances came from Sheila Gordon who On 6th June a senior and junior team With the National Star Awards was 1st in the 100m and 200m, and Jo went to Kilgraston. It was a miserable Scheme underway this year there has Smith who won the Shot. In the seniors afternoon weatherwise but encouraging been a lot more interest in Athletics. our only 1st place came from Kate in performances. Sheila Gordon broke The following girls gained 5-star awards Streule in the 100m. As before, the Riley the school record in the Long Jump with over 3 events: 17-20 years-Kate girls fielded a team against Morrisons a jum p of 4m46. Streule; Under 16-Nikki Corbett; and had a very close match. Elizabeth Unfortunately the match later in the Under 15-Tui Orr and Sheila Gordon. Reekie came 1st in the High Jump and month with St. Leonards was cancelled Kate Streule was awarded colours for broke the school record while Gail due to bad weather. Athletics while Amy McDonald and Butler won the Long Jump. Both teams On 8th June, two girls teams went to Sally Binnie gained half-colours. had the same points. However, Morrisons the Scottish Schools Relay Champion­ Thanks to all staff for their help and were disqualified in the Relay, which ship at Grangemouth. Out of the two encouragement throughout the season. gave Riley an overall win. teams, the senior girls were more success­ P.W. Two days later, senior and junior ful and came 5th in the final with the teams travelled to Fettes. The heavens fastest time ever run by a senior Strath­ Results opened. All events took place between allan girls team (53.3 sec.). The teams 16th May torrential showers except for the High wer Jill Fraser, Nicola e-Juniors: v. Morrisons (H) Lost 123-138 Jump, which was abandoned altogether. McAuley, Louisa Mackenzie, Sheila The result was extremely close with the Gordon. Seniors: Celia McClung, Jenny 18th May seniors 2 points ahead and the juniors Bamford, Sally Binnie, Kate Streule. v.Fettes (A) Won 77-76 1 point behind. Again Kate Streule Then, on 15th June the Scottish Schools 25th May - Juniors performed well with 1st in the 100m, Individual Championships took place v. Fettes v. Rannoch Won 34-25-24 200m and Long Jump. In the 800m a at Pitreavie. The following girls qualified - Seniors very close race developed between Amy to compete - Seniors: Sally Binnie - v.Fettesv.Kilgraston W on68-45-31 McDonald and Viv Cornish with Amy 100m; Kate Streule - 100m and 200m. 6th June winning by 0.24 of a second. Sheila Middles: Kate Orr and Nikki Corbett- v. Kilgraston (A) Won 116-80

RESULTS

Tim e/ Event Class 1st 2nd 3rd E W Distance Record Holder Year 100m Riley P. Docherty H. Hawksford G . Butler + J. Pate — _ 14.07 14.07 P. Docherty 1985 100m Junior S. Gordon (E) N. McAuley (E) H. Niven (E) 20 1 13.24 13.00 K. Streule 1982 100m Senior K. Streule (W ) S. Binnie(E) N . C orbett (E) 14 12 13.08 13.00 K. Streule 1983 200m Riley H. Hawksford P. Docherty S. Leiper —— 32.01 31.03 J. Fraser 1984 200m Junior S. Gordon (E) N . M cA uley (E) H. Niven (E) 15 3 29.16 28.04 S. G ordon 1985 200m Senior K. Streule (W) S. Binnie (E) J. Bamford(W) 7 19 27.88 28.02 K. Streule 1983 400m Junior S. Gordon (E) N . M cA uley (E) K. Reynolds (W) 15 3 67.32 66.75 S. G ordon 1985 400m Senior K. Streule(W) V. Cornish (E) S. B innie (E) 15 11 67.08 65.02 T. H-Craufurd 1984 800m Riley N . Kennedy S. Stevenson C. Anderson __ 3m05 2.5 8 .9 3 A . Brodie 1984 800m Junior H. Niven(E) C. McIver(E) T.Orr(W) 14 4 2.5 9 .1 8 2 .4 7 .2 8 G . L aw son 1984 800m Senior V. Cornish (E) P. Coutts(E) C . G adie (W ) 17 9 2.4 8 .8 2 2 .4 2 .0 0 K. Scanlan 1984 1500 O pen P. Coutts(E) C . G adie G. Cornish (W) 14 12 6.03.66 5.37.38 A. McDonald 1984 H /J u m p Riley E. Reekie P. Docherty G . Butler __ lm 24 lm 2 6 E. R eekie 1985 H/Jump Junior S. Gordon (E) T.Orr(W) N . Beale (W ) 8 10 lm 41 lm 45 K. Orr 1984 H/Jump Senior K. O rr(E ) N. Corbett (E) S. Rhodes (W) 19 7 lm 36 lm45 K. Orr = N. Corbett 1985 L /J u m p Riley G . Butler J. Clark J. Pate _ _ 3m 84 4m 08 A . Brodie 1984 L/Jump Junior S. Gordon (E) K. R eynolds (W ) T .O r r (W ) 8 10 4m 00 4m 46 S. G ordon 1985 L/Jump Senior K. Streule (W) J. Bamford(W) E. Streule (W ) 4 22 4m 39 4m81 K. Streule 1985 Shot Riley G . Butler E. R eekie C. Anderson __ 6m 95 8m 20 T. Orr 1984 Shot Junior T. O rr(W ) J. Smith (W) L. Heldrum (E) 4 14 7m 02 7 m l4 K. Orr 1984 Shot Senior K. Orr (E) S. Binnie(E) J. Bamford(W) 20 6 7m 79 7m 79 K. Orr 1985 4x 100 Junior East W est 10 7 56.9 __ _ 4x 100 Senior W est East 12 16 54.9 -— _ TOTAL POINTS: 216 166

Standards : Woodlands 219.21(5th)

Vilrix l.udorum: Senior - KateSlreule Junior - Sheila Gordon Riley -G ail Butler

East Wing v. West Wing: W in n e r-East Wing (216- 166)

39 CRICKET 1985

This was a very mixed season. A A great deal has to be packed into a 1st XI RESULTS great deal of inexperience at a senior short time and this would be impossible level was not helped by the demands of without the assistance of many people. Strathallan 148 - 8 dec. (Smith 44) exams - for the first time taking large In particular I would like to thank Nick Crieff 101 -7 (Tench 4-34) numbers of players away from matches Du Boulay for hours of net coaching Match Drawn (six missing against Free Foresters for and gallons of Pimms; Jack Taylor for Strathallan 176-7 dec. (Robertson 53, instance). Furthermore, as for everyone, weathering all storms; Paul Auster for Reah 52*) the weather drastically cut down on his enormous enthusiasm (and in spite St. Andrews 106 (Pawson 5 - 1 4 ) both practice and playing time. Never­ of his admiration for Boycott); Ken Won by 70 runs theless, all was not disaster. Stuart Dutton, Andrew Wands, Mike Yellow­ Hamilton captained with sound judge­ lees, Norman Pedgrift, Martin Gray and Free Foresters 163 (Smith 5 - 38) ment. Richard Reah saw us through the several others for many hours of their Strathallan 65 early part of the season and Graeme own time. John Ford in his anorak in Lost by 98 runs in the nets in the pouring rain is now Robertson through the latter (in rather Strathallan 73-5 (Hamilton 53) one of the famous sights of Strathallan. more orthodox fashion). Ken Smith, Loretto Match abandoned often desperately unlucky, emerged as Charles Court is unequalled as maestro a spinner with real penetration while of the Thirds. It is the depth in these Strathallan 34-4 John Pawson and Andrew Tench sides that has been largely responsible Fettes Match abandoned for many players coming through to a collected about thirty wickets apiece, Scottish Wayfarers 161 - 8 dec. higher level and, indeed, the Second XI though never having the hard wickets Strathallan 134-7 produced the most exciting match of they needed. Roddy Baird bowled well Match Drawn at the end of the season, as did Graeme the season. Finally I would like to thank Robertson. The batting remained very Mrs Calder and her staff for making Strathallan 132 (McCulloch 62) fragile, too often flattering to deceive the festival possible and, of course, Stewarts Melville 135—9 (Pawson 5-4 3 ) but the fielding regained its past quality, Craig Young and his staff for quite Lost by 1 wicket greatly helped by the wicket-keeping outstanding catering. Occasionals 146-7 dec. of Fraser Lennox. Ross McCulloch Strathallan 148-6 (Heggie43, Reah 54*) produced the goods on more than one Won by 4 wickets occasion to help the side out of difficulty and Malcolm Heggie looked the fine XL Club 135 (Pawson 5 - 46) player he should be without ever really Strathallan 136 - 3 (Hamilton 49) living up to his potential. Won by 7 wickets The results were a mixed bunch. For Strathallan 184-7 dec. (Hamilton 61, the first time for many years Edinburgh Robertson 75*) Academy were defeated but we lost Edinburgh Academy 89 (Pawson 4 -2 1 ) unnecessarily to Stewart’s Melville. We Won by 95 runs should beaten Glenalmond but col­ lapsed, in poor conditions, at the vital Old Strathallians 185-8 dec. moment. At the end of the season some (Allingham 86) younger players showed promise. Indeed Strathallan 138 (Hamilton 49, Bell 4 — 16) at a younger level there are some very Lost by 47runs good signs. The Senior Colts, though inconsistent, showed great enthusiasm Strathallan and a lot of potential. The J unior Colts Merchiston Match abandoned were the best for many years and con­ Strathallan 151 -5 dec. (McCulloch 44) tained several players of real quality. Dollar Academy 81-7 (Robertson 4-22) Their results were excellent. The long­ Match Drawn term prospects for the game in the school look very healthy, particularly with M.C.C. 191 -7dec. the improved practice nets. These proved Strathallan 56 a great success with Riley. With such Lost by 135 runs nets available throughout the school and Glenalmond 114 something drastic done to the Garden Strathallan 101 (Robertson 40) wicket, playing facilities should be Lost by 13 runs excellent. For Riley more space is needed. The end of term festival, in spite of Festival matches were overs games: - the weather, was a great success. Every Lost to Lancaster by 6 wickets team won at least one match and the Beat Dulwich by 9 runs competition, finally won by Downside, hinged on the last ball of the last match. Lost to Downside by 6 wickets

40 OCCASIONALS’ TOUR-1985

The tour this year was highlighted party left the Mildmay, bar profits a OCCASION ALS RESULTS more with Gin, Tequila and Bass than mere £600 up on the weekly average. cricket. Despite the liquids, Jamie A fine match in the drizzle finished the Occasionals 199-8dec.(Thomson 100*) Chapman found time from polishing cricketing side of the tour. The really Perth Northern 153 his care and holding hands with the brave decided to spend a final night on Won by 46 runs local werewolf to score a century against Scrumpy. Others, playing it safe, were Occasionals 204-6 dec. (Beale 65) a mid-Somerset XI and Richard Eglinton collected by the police. Com rie 146 (Proctor 5 -4 4 ) managed a proper one against the Old Hopefully, back to the Mildmay next Won by 58 runs Cliftonians who were beaten for the first year where the hospitality of Allan, time for many years. The only other Judy and Mandy is quite awesome. Occasionals 146-7 dec. notable achievement on the field was School 147-6 (Dutton 4-41) the fact that we managed to drop four­ R.W.N.K. Lost by 4 wickets teen catches against the Dorset Rangers and be bowled out by a combination of Hudson’s X I294 the geriatric and the innocuous. Occasionals 130-8 (Baird 46, On our first night we were entertained Lennox 46) by Tim Hudson in the Birtles Bowl Match Drawn pavilion. Endless tuneless singing Occasionals 198-7 dec. (Eglinton 110*) (mainly Kilpatrick variety) and con­ Old Cliftonians 186 (Chapman 4-75) siderable bar investment forced us to Won by 12 runs lay our heads in the Birtles Hall grounds. A few slept in beds, others found auto­ Occasionals 159-9 (S. Hamilton 42) mobiles more attractive. Barton St. David 160-6 (Tench 4-29) Day two—a bleary day of travelling - Lost by 4 wickets was made bearable only by memories Occasionals 24 4 -2 dec. (Chapman 104* of the size of Mike Allingham’s tie and Du Boulay 73*) by the prospect of the Mildmay Arms. Mid-Somerset 248-4 During the evening social secretary Phil Lost by 6 wickets Meadows just lost a well-fought contest with a T-bone steak and a bottle of Dijon Dorset Rangers 234 (Chapman 4-71) mustard - Messrs Keir and Kilpatrick Occasionals 155 (S. Hamilton 41) were delighted. The next morning room Lost by 79 runs 1 won the race to breakfast, Mike Edie Occasionals 176-6 dec. (Eglinton 43, evidently determined to rival the waist­ Garnett 43*) line of a rather hairier member of the Denstone Wanderers 177-8 party. Hudson sponsorship of the Lost by 2 wickets Eglinton century catalysed the evening’s entertainment. Barton St. David found the Occasion­ a l at less than their best in spite of a sparkling new opening batting partner­ ship by Tench and Meadows. In the evening the concussion from spoons of Kilpatrick must have accounted for his failure to score more than five runs on tour and his inability to remain vertical on any other evening. Morning five saw a victory by Walker to breakfast, who had been wise enough to sleep in the dining room all night. After breakfast Proctor slept in the car park and Keir experimented with an eighteen-hour girdle. The cricket was extraordinary. It was followed by the night-of-the- long-glasses. Next morning-Tench had lost his sight; Garnett had found his; Kummel’s stomach had returned to normal; Walker’s hadn’t. Chapman gave his car a final polish; Baird gave his father’s a bit of final repair work. Most of the

41 CCF REPORT

The CCF has continued to flourish less, there are a number of promising CCF after more than 20 years service. over the past year in terms of interest pipers and drummers on their way up For the past 6 years he has been OC and activities although I feel there is and in the terms of numbers I think it Army Section and my 2i/c in the Corps. still room for improvement, particularly is the largest Pipe Band that we have An official presentation was made at in the standard of drill, turn-out and ever had. All credit to our instructors, the end of the term but I should now general smartness. 1 hope that during Pipe Major Barron, Mr David Clark like to record formally my grateful the next session we can make a start on and Mr Rusty Clark for their enthusiasm thanks to Major Pearson for his help tackling this problem by providing a and expertise. and support over many years. more carefully structured course of We ran two major combined services Two new officers have recently been training from recruit to NCO level. exercises during the year. I suppose the commissioned; Pit.Off. G. P. Hawksford Now that we are almost up to full officer highlight was exercise ‘COUNTER- RAFVR(T) and Pit. Off. L. H. Blance strength, it should be possible to improve STRIKE’ held in October when the WRAFVR(T). I am sure that they will our NCO selection procedure and, at cream of our corps took on the local greatly strengthen the RAF Section least in theory, improve the overall SAS in a weekend exercise full of which has been understaffed now for standard of the corps. bangs and surprises. During the summer many years. A number of good things have hap­ term, in place of a General Inspection, Lastly, I must thank all officers, pened during the year; David Mackie we held a similar weekend exercise also NCOs and cadets for their contribution and Alan Murton obtained flying a great success — possibly due to the fact over the past year; also Mr D. B. Hen­ scholarships - the first time I think, we that we had a lot of pyrotechnics that derson (Pipe Band), Mr F. N. Reed have obtained two in one year; Matthew we wanted to use up. (Motorcycles) and Mr W. A. Colley Raitt represented the RN section at the Once again during the summer holiday (Army). Lt. Cdr. C. N. Walker is not VE Day service in Westminster Abbey many cadets and most of the officers in the CCF, but I am sure that it will and the RAF Section entered a team attended a variety of camps and courses come as no surprise to many because in the BP National Hovercraft Com- ranging from annual Army camp at he has given up a great deal of his time etition in M anchester- they didn’t win Warcop to a survival exercise on the to look after the RN Section motor Cut they put a creditable performance. remote island of Fladda. boats, not only maintaining them but This year we have a rather young and We say farewell this year to Major also teaching cadets to drive them. inexperienced Pipe Band but neverthe- Alan Pearson who retires from the P.A.B. RN SECTION This year has been memorable because thought the long journey worthwhile. cadets on RM AS Crickdale in the Firth of the excellent training given by the Several weeks later Sub. Lieut. Goody of Clyde with our old friend Willie navy. More time has been spent at sea took ten cadets on the Minesweeping day McVey. Lt. Clayton and Sub. Lt. Goody than in any year I can remember and at Rosyth and eight cadets travelled to ran the sailing course at H MS Neptune. HMS Camperdown provided several HMS Osprey for the Air Day at the end Five cadets attended the RN Acquaint weekends at sea in varying weather of April. course while Lt. Cdr. MacLeod was conditions. In March, Commander J. Osborne, River Officer at BRNC Dartmouth in We have had a busy year which started the Naval Member JCE, retired and the worst weather conditions possible. with Lt. Clayton taking a team of senior was succeeded by Commander N. Cocks. An exceptional honour was bestowed cadets to the RN CCF Regatta at Poole. In many years of running the RN Section on Strathallan RN Section in May when Sailing is becoming much stronger I have to give Commander Osborne the PO Raitt represented the Combined within the section and we have had more credit foj; making Senior Flag Officers Cadet Force in Scotland at the VE Day RYA certificates awarded than ever aware of the existence of the CCF and Commemorative Service in Westminster before. Lochore Meadows is a much its tremendous potential. The quality Abbey. Matthew was a credit to us all better venue than the River Tay and we of the speakers at the advanced refresher on this occasion. are most appreciative of the help received courses at HMS Royal Arthur annually Tay Division RNR is always helpful from the Warden and his staff. It is and the various RN establishments which and the Staff Officer, Lt. Commander always difficult to get our best sailing have made their facilities available to Loudon made the fleet tender Abinger cadets off other commitments to be able the CCF remain a testament to his available for the May training weekend to compete nationally but once again interest. when Lt. Clayton took fifteen cadets Strathallan Cadets gave a good account Commander Cocks visited Strathallan on a cruise down the West Coast from of themselves. in June. As his visit occurred on the day Fort William. To him and Lt. Com­ The October Field Day was highly before Speech Day, RN training was of mander Dickinson who gave up his successful - new entry cadets had an necessity curtailed but he enjoyed a sail weekend for this occasion most grate­ excellent day at HMS Cochrane, Rosyth down the River Tay on the Cutter and ful thanks. while the older cadets took part in the seemed impressed by the upkeep of the FCPO Curie as always has given in­ training weekend with the SAS at motor boats. The School Pipe Band valuable assistance and our proficiency L aird’s Loch, H allyburton. It is on entertained him during the afternoon results have been the best for many occasions like the exercise that the and the motor bike section escorted his years. motor boat section comes into its own car from Strathallan. The RN Section largely depends on and an integral part involved a River Presentations have included the role its cadet NCO’s as well as the officers Tay crossing. We are particularly of the Navy Lecture by Captain J. A. and this year we have a particularly grateful to Lt. Cdr. Walker, Cox Watson G. Evans, The Senior Schools Liaison good team. and the other members of the section Officer. Several RN Cadets over the who have worked so well in maintaining years enter the Navy often as a direct Senior Coxswain: R. N. W atson in first class condition both the Chever- result of Captain Evans encouragement Divisional Coxswains: K. S. Johnson, ton Motor Boat and the 32' Cutter which and interest. R. J. H. Truter is finally afloat. This has again been a good year for In February Lt. Cdr. MacLeod and camps and courses which were held at Petty Officers: A. B. D. Barr, D W. eight cadets attended the submarine RNAS Daedalus, HMS Excellent, RM Dinsmore, R. A. Ford, weekend at HMS Dolphin, Gosport. Lympstone. Sub. Lt. Goody and Lt. R. W. Paterson, M. B. This was highly successful and all Commander MacLeod took twelve Raitt, R. G. Robertson

42 43 ROYAL MARINES

Looking back on the (in the case of somewhat eerie (frightening even?) well spent, once one got over the pains the Marines not necessarily academic) feeling of being taken prisoner and of their early morning PT sessions. The year 1984/85 I feel sure that for most finding yourself lying face down in the instruction on the Raiding Craft was of us the Field Day Exercise must rate mud, thumbs tied behind your back, sheer magic and the training with small as one of the most exciting and rewarding eyes covered - pretending that you are arms and night sights was well worth activities undertaken. not at all worried because it is, after all, the sacrifices of a couple of days We have managed to enlist the assist­ only make-belief. holidays. ance of the SAS unit based at Invergowrie; By comparison the remainder of the Our Summer Term Field Day visit to they actually agreed to play opposition year passed rather quietly, a lot of work 45 Commando in Arbroath rounded off to our combined Cadet Force and by was done on the assault course and most the range of activities for the year. We doing so gave the Army Battlecraft people have by now mastered the art of spent some considerable time on the dry Group and the Marines a rare opportun­ getting back onto the ropes after a delib­ ski slope (although not always on skis) ity to work together rather than against erate ‘accidental’ slip. We improved our and were allowed to abseil from the each other. The battle plans were com­ orienteering skills and freshened up our highest part of the structure, which is plex, the movements mainly in the dark, knowledge of un-armed combat with the a bit more exciting than abseiling from and logistics as always a major head­ help of an instructor from RMR Glas­ the top of the main School building. ache. But eventually everything fell into gow, whose cheerful advice on how to The .22 shooting with converted SLR’s place: we avoided being caught in an mutilate people would have gone down produced some good results and con­ ambush and reached the target area at well at any pub bouncers’ convention. firmed Rob in his position as top Laird’s Loch, set up a defensive position During the Spring Term, when the marksman of the detachment. and held it against seemingly over­ weather is usually at its worst, we man­ Once again the time has come to say whelming enemy forces until our rein­ aged to select a night with fine sub-zero good-bye to some members of the forcements arrived almost thirty hours temperatures for our annual testing of Detachment. Every one of you has made later. By that time we were on our knees sleeping bags and bivouac construction his impression on the troop and will be with fatigue and virtually out of am­ techniques. missed, your hard work and dedication munition, everybody was quite happy Having prepared ourselves throughout has inspired the up-and-coming ones to hand the rifles over to the new-comers the year in a great variety of military and has been instrumental in making and to hop into the sleeping bags for a and survival skills, it came as a sad blow 1984/85 a success. Our thanks and best couple of hours. As always during the to all of us to find that we would not wishes for the future go with you all. course of an exercise, far too much is be able to take part in the Pringle Trophy We would also like to express our going on for a really clear and orderly Competition, as its dates had been gratitude to the Officers and N C O ’s of picture to form. It’s afterwards, over changed to suit the English schools; our the RMR, as well as to the members of the first brew of tea under peaceful commitment to Scottish exam dates the other sections of Strathallan CCF, circumstances, when stories are told ruled out the trip to Winchester and without whose help and unstinting and experiences compared, that certain our chances bringing the Trophy up to support our work would have been well- unforgettable moments are highlighted. Strathallan. nigh impossible. My personal thanks Like the picture of Indiana W. sitting Whilst most people went home for also to a certain member of staff, who up a tree, blazing away with his six- their Summer Half Term, most members turned an occasional blind eye on shooter at a bunch of yelling SAS men of the Detachment accepted an invitation Marines arriving in class covered in who came charging through the camp by RMR Scotland to spend a training mud and (don’t tell the Headmaster) letting us feel the full impact of their weekend with the professionals in two minutes late. machinegun-assisted fire-power. Or the Gourock. It turned out to be time very K.G.

ARMY SECTION

I have always believed that the most out, the RSM offered good advice and to put us in the lead at that point- productive part of Army Section train­ the assault course experience proved unfortunately, a further four seconds ing is Annual Camp, affording as it does invaluable when we had to do it com­ was taken off by another school, but the opportunity to put into practice in petitively. at the time of writing we lie in second rather larger areas what has been learned After this introduction to camp life, place. on Friday afternoons. I make no apology Sunday found us revising basic military Tuesday was in many respects the therefore for devoting most of this skills and, in the afternoon, confounding climax of the week, certainly in terms report to camp, merely pausing briefly the OC’s pessimism about our navi­ of the physical and mental demands to record that 36 CTT, Lt. Court and gational abilities when asked to find beginning as it did with an 0630 break­ Mr Colley have continued to ensure that the way across some unfamiliar country. fast and ending with an eventual collapse cadets have been profitably occupied L /C pl. Bullard’s quintet won the day’s into bed nineteen and a half hours later. during the year, whether it were on basic competition. On Monday, competition In the intervening period, much was training, fieldcraft exercises, acquiring was joined with other contingents in learned of the demands made on modern signals and first aid expertise, or NCO ‘March and Shoot,’ an event which runs infantryman (and the vocabulary training. throughout the period of the camp. The required to achieve senior NCO rank!). It is hard to imagine a better start to 5km march was covered comfortably The shortest distance between two camp than a parade in front of a regular within the bogey time, and sufficient points is still a straight line, even when RSM, followed by a run over the assault energy had been preserved to cross the a pond lies on it; gun legs fall off if the course in torrential rain. Cadets might assault course in 5-09, smashing the barrel does; officers have been known not agree! However, this was Warcop year’s record by some 45 seconds. to lie ‘dead’ on a smoke grenade with 1985 one hour after arrival - as it turned Shooting was adequate, but good enough the pin pulled out; if the rain holds off,

44 leopard crawling up a stream is an even away was not quite as easy to see as one had been a varied week and one in which better way of getting soaked. at thirty metres-nevertheless, most I had been impressed by the determination The monsoon, accompanied by high rounds did find their mark, L/Cpl. of all to do the best they possibly could. winds, arrived on the day set aside for Blanche’s group achieving the highest It was pleasing that their efforts had adventurous training, so that rock aggregate score. been rewarded by considerably higher climbers were washed out by lunch time With thoughts of approaching home places in the competitive events than in and canoeists had to wait until the after­ comforts, a last effort was demanded previous years. Special mention must noon for the waves to subside on Ulls- in the ‘Battle Initiative Competition,’ be made of CSM McCulloch (a Warcop water. Only the walkers completed their a stretcher race interrupted at intervals addict) whose enthusiasm did much to intended journey — I’m not sure whether by assorted tasks of observation, air encourage those less experienced, of the singing was out of enjoyment or to rifle shooting, initiative and first aid. L/Cpls. Blanche, Bullard and Temple keep their spirits up, but it was noticed Our two teams acquitted themselves for the leadership they showed, and of that ‘Climb every mountain’ was not well, and we left camp holding first and Lt. Court and Mr Colley without whose included in the repertoire. Helicopter fourth positions overall. All that re­ encouragement and hard work the camp flights provided some welcome relax­ mained was a final go at the assault could not have been the success it was. ation - the records will doubtless show course - pride was restored by getting I could hardly have asked for a better that sixty cadets from Strathallan went through in under five minutes —and a camp or group of boys for my last up, no mean achievement when only chance to fire the SLR. one - I am grateful to all, not least for twenty were at camp. ‘The best thing Finally, the time of departure arrived, ensuring that I departed with the right that’s ever happened’ was one comment a time looked forward to eagerly a week spirit! as one cadet completed his third trip. earlier, but I believe that when it did And so to the range, where a number come, there were some genuine regrets A.M.P. found that a target a hundred metres that the week had come to an end. It

45 The Short Trip

by N. J . Drummond

White vinyl walls, a strong, deep deep change in emotional feeling. The The door opens, heads lifted again, smell of disinfectant hangs heavily in players prepare themselves for the the sign given, it is time, a deja-vu the air. A large room with no windows; coming confrontation, egos forgotten. occurs, they leave and with them the wooden benches surround three walls Slowly the voices die down into atmosphere escapes, bursting out. and a large bath rises from the middle whispers, the silence vibrating from The room is silent and sterile, it lies of the floor, scrubbed spotlessly clean, wall to wall and man to man. The red dormant, the silence pierced ominously too white and far too unwelcoming. and white stripes, the symbol of unifi­ by faint cheers, a sign of life beyond. The silence is engaged, fighting for cation dominant. The confrontation over the room is superiority with the heavy smell of The authorative voice of the trainer re-awakened from its slumber, tired disinfectant, a useless fight. breaks the silence, the heads turn, glad figures with heads back slump down Silence is broken, life is suddenly for distraction. The words come steadily mercifully without energy, defeated by brought into the dazzling white room. and fluently, after years of practice and sheer physical effort, the barrier broken. Footsteps echo eerily in the passage hard experience, he has lost count. He The hopes and aspirations of pre-match outside. Deep, booming voices break follows the same routine every weekend dawn are gone, forgotten, the brain is through the door. The voices ignite the yet he never irritates, his face twisted tired. The bath is filled, the room covered room into life as they each move to the permanently with pain into a sardonic with thick steam, each man is lost. benches and stake a claim with their smile. The changing room deserts as each bags. Careless chatter, loud voices The pressure in the room builds, the man leaves, head down, forgetting, shout across the room at each other. air saturated with virilism. Each man they came in a group but leave one by The voices merge in deep, bright red tuned to a mental and physical knife- one. The bond is broken, just for an­ faces, a human form. Each form differ­ edge, each man ready to confront pain, other week. They will return next week ent, each form contrasting but each each man programmed by weeks of with new hopes, new aspirations, look­ form bound together by comradeship, commitment and hurt, to sustain a ing for light at the end of a dark, dank a bond, an unbreakable bond of sport. moral code, to win. The voices are gone, passage. The last man casts an eye around The fifteen men, large and round, small each man involved in his own motivation, the white room, nothing has been left. and thin undress slowly, not only clothes his own privacy of thought, too precious He switches out the light. Requieseat but their character which undergoes to be broken. in pace. The Break Up

by Dominik Diamond

Phone rings. I saw her as often as I could, ‘Oh Alan! G reat guy! I feel an impending sense of doom (Did I?) Know him well!’ as I lift up the blood-red receiver. I didn’t cheat on her, (Electric blood spilled down the lines) ‘Yeah?’ I say, casual as ever, (You sure?) (Well, trying anyway!) (Maybe the meanderings of one Silence drunken night have got me more ‘Well, you see...... it’s like th is. than I bargained for!) (Bad connection) Could we just be good friends.’ ‘You still there?’ Silence Say no more. ‘Eh, yeah! Just lit a fag’ Message received, (Good. Keep up the mach image, (The previously engaged line is Understood. think of a reply, open now) keep up your ego, It’s over.’ don’t sound heartbroken!) Silence Finis, ‘Yeah! O.K. E h ...... suits m e!’ Love on the rocks, (Choke back the tears) (However, the connection dialling tone You don’t bring me flowers ‘and ‘It was kinda’ boring’ of life must go on.) Only the lonely’ all rolled up (Cigarette cough) into one malicious sentence. ‘And I did have this other girl, ‘Well,’ I say, ‘I have to go.’ Why? In mind, actually.’ (You really make me sick!) (Lines uncrossed) ‘E h ...... D unno’ she says. ‘There’s this boy, as w ell...... ’ ‘D unno?’ She says. ‘Goodbye,’ she says. ‘I just think it would be better if. ‘A uf wiedersehen.’ I drop the phone. ‘Oh, that’s just great! Click! Four months of so called true love, ‘W hat’s was that?’ she says And then a telephone call The electric hum of loneliness without a reason. ‘Dropped me fags, sorry!’ consumes all. I’m not that ugly, I replace the blood red receiver (A m i?) ‘Yeah, it’s Alan from the youth club. And walk away. I w asn’t that pushy, He’s taking me to the flicks, (Was I?) On Saturday.’ 46 Oxton by Ian Toner

The street appears very normal. The sound comes to the door strangled by well-loved face, confused, but pleased slightly cracked grey tarmac feels warm the cramped spaces it has passed through. to see you, appears, attached to a body through the soles of your shoes, as the The glass of the door shows a shadowy sitting in a chair. The colour scheme in sun beats down on the trees lining the figure, keys in hand, advancing to greet here is different: light cream, newly suburban road. The houses are uniform the outside world. A few words of painted walls, an ornate plaster ceiling, two up one down Victorian middle class introduction, and then a well used, a beautiful lamp-shade, and oil paintings houses with small gardens out in front quiet welcome. interspersed with family snaps on the and warm cheerful golden honey sand­ The door slams shut; the lock clicks; walls. The Venetian blinds, however, stone frontages. People bustle along it, the reverberations shake the house. cast bars over the room, so that the but it still keeps its peaceful, placid As your eye slowly becomes used to effect is slightly spoiled, a pleasant attitude, as if it is very quiet, and the light, and your nose to the all- experience by imprisonment, a flower ‘nothing ever happens here, my dear.’ pervading stench of urine, you begin to growing in a mass grave. The inhabitant And of course nothing ever does stir take in your surroundings. The entrance of the room makes you sign the visitors’ the neighbourhood; the happy mothers hall is small, dark and dingy, with gloomy book, as it makes her remember the are contented with play groups and dark-blue wallpaper, with purple flowers people who have visited, and lets her coffee mornings, accustomed to getting smeared on it. A faint yellow bulb, match the names with the faces in the whatever they want, and in the morning scantily covered with purple lampshade photos on the walls. The conversation the men leave for work and their leaving shines, although the sun is high in the dries up, and on the mention of the fact leaves no sense of loss or even of absence. sky outside. The stairs are thin, and that the visit must stop the happy facade The house, oddly nameless, appears slightly dangerous feeling, covered in changes to a sad one, and the face looks very normal in these surroundings as a loose blue carpet which slides beneath older. well. The only way of seeing any differ­ your feet. At last you reach the top, the Leaving the house as the doors slam ence is by the small sign that proclaims landing, and the small cell of the person behind you, you see a face looking out proudly to the world, or at least to the you have come to visit. A blue, name­ from behind the bars of the blinds of small part of it that passes, filled with less door with a number on it. You the window sadly at you. You wave, goodwill, that Oxton is Homes have knock, and a confused, tired voice drifts and turn your back as you walk away been registered as suitable for private through the door bidding you to enter. from the dump with the middle class nursing. The doorbell rings in a room The door creaks on rusty hinges as sandstone exterior. somewhere below ground level, and the you open it and enter. A well-known,

COLOURS EMPTY

Black is the colour of a butler’s suit, They closed it down, the back of the fire and the emptiness of nothing. It stands alone, outside the town, The tall grey tower watching the buildings below. White might be the cygnet’s dream, a fluffy ice-cream, the pages of a new jotter, mashed potatoes, the summer sky, No more in summer will the strawberry-pickers smell the clothes of an angel, a phantom horse with glossy mane, The sweet scent of sugar as it wafts the air, new painted roadlines and your eyes. Now they smell tar and petrol as garages are set up And bright garden gnomes smile falsely at the road. Red is the colour of my mother’s dress or poppies in a field, rubies on a golden necklace, the posters at the supermarket, The empty buildings mourn, and squat in clusters, a brave toreador’s cape which whirls around a maddened bull They would leave if they could but have to stay and Rudolf’s nose. Empty and cold ’till someone comes to destroy them. Blue is the colour of a freezing child, a china bowl, my third school maths book, a boiling pool, the midnight witche’s hair and the ink my pen uses. EVERGREENS Green might be a soldier’s uniform, a cocktail, an English lawn, a summer field and a lazy dream wandering across your mind in a Outside my window is a bank, hot classroom while summer passes by. It is grassy and has yellow gorse on it, In summer daffodils rustle there, Gold, the riches of the earth, a harvest mouse, the colour of And in winter the evergreens shake and sway. a body and a horse’s back, a moonbeam, a snoozing cat on a sunbaked wall. They are different in looks and I fancy in character. The first is the tallest and stands regally, swaying Graciously, and bowing politely, when the wind blows. DREAMS The second is always striving to be taller than the first And will one day I think reach this aim because Dreams are like a little breeze in the air, He doesn’t bend in the wind. The breeze blows once and not again, It refreshes you and cools you then leaves you to The third and last is small indeed, but he doesn’t mind, Get along the best you can. He does not catch the wind and is content to stay that way

Elizabeth Reekie S c / u r n t

From Orwell to Owen; Salinger to individuals, suffice it to say the eventual from ‘Flowers in the Attic’ gaining Attila the Stockbroker; Sir Smashum prize-winners were fairly hard-pressured second place. up to Shakespeare, variety was the hall­ in all sections. It was also pleasing that, The senior section was crowded with mark of the school’s Reading Com peti­ the school as a whole, could hear some good performances, with Owen’s ‘Dulce tion The moods changed from the of the competitors performances on et Decorm Est’ providing the spur for anguish of the trenches to the social Speech Day and must have realised how some very moving readings evoking comedy of Dickens; from the futuristic hard the task of judging must have been. the full horror and obscenity of war. worlds to the observation of animals; In the junior section the set passage Ken Orr after a marvellous interpre­ from great poetry to a Geography text was from George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ tation of Owen followed with the work book. This was the delight of the com­ which encouraged a sincere dramatic of a lesser known poet, Mr Fairbairn, petition as each section and performance delivery. One general criticism was which provided some much needed brought forth its own stars and each that the reader does need to lift his comic relief. Dominik Diamond at interpretation added some new quality audience and not the page. Thought also first seemed to actually become a to the set passages. must be given to the character one is trooper in the trenches and then con­ The competition took place on Sunday reading, for an old pig some of the trasted this well with an excerpt from 19th May in the Lecture Theatre and characters readings were extremely good! Ibsen, though he was criticised for acting was ably adjudicated by Mrs Burnett, Jane Taylor was the eventual winner the piece, which he had learnt rather to whom we are deeply grateful. Not succeeding in making mountain form­ than reading it, perhaps a point to bear only did she kindly judge the competition, ation sound interesting in a surprising in mind in a reading competition. These but she took time to explain how com­ selected passage, Derek Wynams was two could not be separated and shared petitors could improve upon their selected second and Kristien Robert­ first place, but only just edging out two performance and pointed out some of son used his acting talents to amuse us excellent performances by Michael Edie the pitfalls of this demanding art. This into third place. and Angus Macdonald who were third was of particular help to the Junior and In the Middle Section there was still and fourth. The standard in this section Middle Sections entrants who will a tendency for nerve to inhibit the reader, seemed extremely high. hopefully continue their interest in such but Dirk Paterson and Fraser Fyfe got Our thanks to all competitors for an work. involved in their passages and projected enthralling afternoon and once again Overall the standard of entry was well coming third and first respectively, to our adjudicator, Mrs Burnett. extremely pleasing and it would be while Corrie Mclver impressed with invidious to try to single out too many clear reading and a well chosen passage

Debating Society

Last years Debating Society saw members and a notable num ber of girls Committee members greatest activity in the winter term, with (Amy McDonald, Katie Macdonald and Chairman: Ken Orr two internal debates and the participation Kari Devlin) took part. The girls sided Secretary: Kate Scanlan with and were opposed by Mark Gowrie, of Angus Macdonald and Lindesay Low Caroline Edie David Dinsmore David Dinsmore, Nigel Kilpatrick, Axel in the Bank of Scotlands School De­ Katie Macdonald Angus Macdonald Lagerborg and James Downie. All this bating Championships. Kari Devlin James Downie was refereed by Ken Orr as chairman, Our congratulations to them on Lindesay Low Douglas Orr who, over the question of sport had to reaching the Regional Final, where James Pratt unfortunately, they were defeated pro­ handle the whole of the first eleven posing the motion ‘this house prefers versus the academics. Our thanks to Mr Longmuir for all his The result was that ‘this house believes liberty to equality.’ They also debated help and co-operation throughout the that the importance of sport in education other motions, for example ‘This house year. believes that Scotland is a second class is vastly overrated in Public Schools.’ K.S. nation.’ Also it was concluded that ‘this house The internal debates bravely fought believes that pop music is not being by committee and non-committee corrupted by visual imagery.’

48 PHILOSOPHY SOCIETY

year a central ‘core’ of about four or The emphasis throughout was on The Philosophy Society, originally five people with others dropping in when clear thinking and logic rather than a conceived as a sixth form discussion exam pressure allowed or the subject personal conviction (the distinguishing group to cover philosophy and the under discussion seemed particularly factor being validity and truth was history of ideas in general, got off the interesting. We quickly settled into a made clear to us very early on!) and we ground at the beginning of the Spring pattern of having members of the group successfully avoided turning the meet­ term under the careful guidance of present, each week, give a brief talk on ings into an ideological battleground. Messrs Thompson and Smith. Partly a particular subject, to get the discussion Inevitably there were mutters of ‘its all to fill a yawning gap in the school’s going. At the end various threads were definitions’ or ‘You’rejust going round range of activities, partly to give some drawn together and the proper philo­ in circles’ but as the year progressed we idea of what the subject involves to sophical terms applied to the ad hoc came to realise that reaching conclusions those thinking of studying it at univer­ ideas that had cropped up. (‘The fallacy about the issues was never the object of sity, but mainly just as a forum for those of the undisturbed middle’ is actually philosophy but rather to teach one to interested in ideas and discussion. The simpler than it sounds!). think clearly, to analyse objectively and to philosophy society seems to have firmly The existence of God was the pro­ place things in their proper perspective. established itself as part of the school vocative subject of our first meeting Next year will bring a new set of scene. The Headmaster generously but throughout the year we ranged would be philosophers and there has allowed us use most of prep for one across such varied subjects as the mind already been talk of an extra-curricular night a week and fairly regular meetings and body, the meaning of ‘Good,’ the A Level in Philosophy. Whether that took place in the old library for the rest philosophy of science and even Marxism eventually materialises or not remains of the year. As expected, numbers as a philosophy (entirely unconnected to be seen, but in the Philosophy Society dropped rapidly after the first couple to the rise of young socialism we hasten continues to be an important element of meetings and despite an energetic to add..). Mr Thompson also gave a in the intellectual life of the school. advertising campaign launched by Mr very clear exposition of Formal Logic. G.A.M. Smith, we remained for most of the

THE PHILOSOPHY OF MARX

The Marxist is someone who believes human beings are. Production is a social is a case of a highly organised division in dialectical materialism, a form of activity involving a ‘two-fold relation: of labour in which each bee has its Materialism on which Karl Marx based on the one hand as a natural, on the allotted task to fulfil in the hive’s his theories. This form of materialism, other hand as a social relation, social economy. But the bee’s work is repetitive. which considers human history as an in the sense that it denotes cooperation It has not changed for millions of years. evolutionary process in which develop­ of several individuals no matter under W hat a bee can do is limited in advance ment is the result of a conflict between what conditions in what m anner and to to a very narrow range of activities opposites, the present world conditions what end.’ determined by its genetic make-up. being due to a class struggle between If production is the most fundamental Human beings are not subject to this the capitalists, whose aim is private of human activities it follows that when limitation. They can change and improve profit, and the workers, who resist we analyse society we should give most on their methods of production. They exploitation. attention to the way in which production are able to do this because of their Marx said in his Economic and Phil­ is organised. Thus Marx concentrates his superior mental equipment. Human osophical Manuscript o f 1844 that attention on the ‘social relations of beings possess the power of reflection. ‘capitalism is still primarily an un­ production,’ the exploitive relationship They can in other words, step back natural society, the ‘social hell’ which between lord and serf or capitalist and from what they are doing and compare was denounced for its failure to fulfil worker. it with other ways of achieving the same a human being’s genuine needs.’ If production is a social activity then objective. They can criticise and im­ Marx declared that there is no such it follows that changes in the organisation prove upon what they are doing and thing as human nature in the abstract. of production will bring about changes even think up new goals to pursue. Rather, as society changes, so also do in society and therefore, since ‘the One implication of the analysis of the beliefs, desires and attitudes of men essence of man is the ensemble of the alienated labour is that the capitalists and women. The way people are cannot social relations,’ changes also in people’s are themselves alienated, themselves be separated from the sort of society in beliefs, desires and conduct. This is the condemned to live a less than human, which we live. So, in order to under­ core of Marx’s materialist conception debased existence. This sort of argument stand how people behave, we must first of history. has been used to justify appealing to analyse the historically changing Marx considered alienation to be a capitalists as well as workers arguing ‘ensemble of social relations.’ ‘My material and a social process. Under a that they too stood to benefit from the analytic method,’ Marx wrote, ‘does capitalist society the worker is compelled overthrow of bourgeois society. not proceed from Man, but from the to sell his strength and his skills to the Engels said, in 1892, of Marx’s period of society given by economics.’ capitalist. As a result, he controls neither Economic and Philosophical Manu­ The separation of mental and manual the products of his labour nor his labour script o f 1844 that ‘so long as the wealthy labour, itself a reflection of the class itself. This condition of alienating classes not only do not feel the want of societies in which they lived, was made labour gives rise to the relationship any emancipation but strenuously by all the great bourgeois philosophers between worker and capitalist in which oppose the self emancipation of the from Descartes to Hegel. Marx wrote, a non-worker controls and profits from working class, so long the social rev­ ‘The only labour which Hegel knows and the labour of others. olution will have to be prepared and recognises is abstractly mental labour.’ Marx’s point may be made clearer if fought out by the working class alone.’ Marx overturned this by treating pro­ we borrow an analogy he himself used ductive labour as fundamental to what on a number of occasions. A beehive ‘Ted’ Smith

49 UNIVERSALS

Most of us accept that there are part­ Aristotle rejects the view that Forms is not anything we have actually per­ iculars, objects such as people, horses can exist without particulars any more ceived, in the sense in which my idea and tables. But are there also such things than a smile can exist without a face. of a friends face is the idea of something as the species ‘man,’ the colour ‘red,’ A smile is something which appears on I have actually perceived. the relation ‘being taller than.’ If these a face, man is a species to which indi­ To the experience of imagining a exist, these are what are known as vidual men belong. Man is the kind of friend’s face correspond the experience Universals. The view that these things entity which only exists if it is ‘said o f f of seeing it-but there is no similar exist is called ‘The Realist Theory of something. He also feels that Plato is correspondence to thinking of man as Universals.’ wrong in describing Particulars as such. It is essential to Locke’s theory The first emergence of a version of imitations of the Forms as this is treating that there should not be for then there this theory was Plato’s Theory of Forms. universals and particulars as alike in a would have to be a universal man to be This stemmed from Socrates’s habit of way which they could not possibly be. the object of this experience. asking such questions as ‘What is virtue?’ The basic difference between the two is Berkeley meanwhile disagrees with requiring a definition rather than that for Plato Forms are self-sufficient Locke’s doctrine of abstraction and examples for his answer. It could then entities which may or may not have rejects the view that ideas must be be decided whether a particular action particulars related to them; for Aristotle different from ideas of particulars - for was virtuous or not by relating it to this universals exist only in virtue of their him what makes an idea ‘general’ is the definition. Plato went beyond this and relation to particulars. use we make of it in thought. For Locke asked what kind of things we are invest­ A possible argument against Aristotle the general idea of a triangle has no igating when we seek definitions - are is that there is no room for universals angles-for if its angles are of any they ordinary familiar things like people corresponding to general terms which particular size it is a particular triangle. and trees, or entities of a different kind. do not apply to everything - e.g. there In Berkeley’s view one can have a general If asked for a definition of beauty it is is no universal centaur. The question is idea of a triangle which is a particular no answer to give examples of things whether every meaningful general term triangle but ignore all other acts about we consider beautiful. Plato accounts must have a universal corresponding it other than its triangularity - as for for this by distinguishing between the to it. If it is possible to define general example a geometric proof when the many things which exemplify ‘X’ on terms without bringing in universals angles of the triangle on the diagram the one hand, and the single entity ‘X’ there may be no reason to have universals are ignored. He also realises that, as it on the other. This answered his first at all. If there are general terms to which is possible to have a geometric proof question - the things we are investigating no universals correspond it may be without a diagram it is possible to have when seeking for definitions are things possible to define them without bring­ a general idea without a mental image. like ‘X’ itself, beauty itself, courage ing in universals - but if we can explain However he thinks such verbal reason­ itself, things which he called Forms (his ‘centaur’ without universals, why not ing should only be used when the word for Universals). man? However (l)-need the existence reasoner is capable of conjuring up a Plato held that Forms could exist to be proved in this kind of way (2) - is mental image or words become mean­ without particulars-Beauty would it possible to define in general terms ingless. exist if there were no beautiful things - without bringing in universals anyway Hume agrees with the ideas of Berk­ but particulars are only beautiful in e.g. can one define centaur without the eley, and develops these views concerning relation to the Form of Beauty-so universals ‘man’ and ‘horse.’ Aristotles himself with the psychological processes there can be Forms without particulars views seem closer to commonsense, involved. He believes that when we but not particulars without Forms- Platos Forms and their relation to have perceived many objects to which because there is a definition of absolute particulars are more puzzling and the same name is applied, hearing that equality, or absolute circularity-there mysterious. name will call to mind an image of one must be Forms of a.e. or a.c. - although For the argument against the exist­ of those objects, but our minds will be there are no such things among partic­ ence of universals there are the views in a state of readiness to conjure up an ulars. of British Empiricists which is shown image of any of the other objects. He had two ideas as to t he relationship in the words of Locke: ‘Since all things Knowing the meaning of a general term between Forms and particulars; one that exist are merely particulars, how involves the capacity to form any one was that the Form was somehow shared come we by general terms.’ The basic of a whole range of particular ideas. between the particulars, the other that idea of their empiricism is that all know­ For all the British Empiricists, every­ the particulars are weak imitations of ledge comes from experience - how can thing which exists is particular yet they Forms. Therefore Forms have the we know anything about entities which are inclined to speak about ideas and greater reality: they are what particulars we cannot directly perceive. They call words in a way which indicates that try to be. Also because they are inde­ those things which are directly perceived ideas and words are not particulars- pendent, eternal and changeless, while ‘ideas’* not using the word in its normal they speak of having the same idea, or particulars are dependent, transient sense. The function of the word is to using the same word on two different and constantly changing. He believed stand for ideas, so the question of occasions. Ideas and words so con­ genuine knowledge was only possible whether they are general terms becomes ceived are entities which have instances when no change occurred. Therefore it are they general ideas. Locke thinks they and are therefore not particulars. They was only possible for Forms, not partic­ are, they are arrived at by a process of may be described as similar - but does ulars. abstraction, but the emphasis is that this admission of real similarities = an He also had a peculiar idea that we even general ideas are particulars. admission of universals? all have an intellectual conception of General ideas fall into the class of com­ Forms from a previous existence and plex ideas - ideas created by the mind *‘Ideas’= mental images. Point against seeing particulars which resemble these out of simple ideas which are those the theories - do we actually need to be forms remind us of them - e.g. we can which are passively perceived. able to call up mental images in order conceive of absolute equality but this We have none of us actually perceived to think - this is implied in the British is not based on any experience in this man, we have only perceived particular Empiricists’ theories. life. men. Hence the general idea that man Sarah Lambie

50 The Great North Run 1985

This year marks the first extravaganza fit! Rab Galloway provided the best to the North East. Having first ‘sussed time of 1 hour 28 mins. and only 1410 out’ the set up in ’84, Mr Barnes came places behind the winner while staggering up with the ludicrous idea that we take through the finish, T-shirt, medals and A WARM WELCOME a team down to compete along with milk were picked up and one made his 25,000 others in Tyneside’s Great North way to the team meeting area. AWAITS YOU AT Run. Nige Kilpatrick gave another inter­ The convoy set off from school on view in his usual style on how the run Saturday the 29th of June and shook had gone and ridiculed the last member its way gracefully through the Borders of the team home. Had he got lost along {nijc IBrtbges until we were forced to steel ourselves with his number? Lunch was eaten and You can enjoy excellent cuisine in a to the task of entering foreign territory. cars collected. Eventually we got out of It had been arranged that we stay at a congested Newcastle. Meadows was relaxing, friend!,t atmosphere Hatfield College, Durham overnight. not to be outdone and was determined Most were willing to get some much to have his fun, so in the biting cold at RAR LUNCHES 12.00-2 p.m. needed rest though Messrs Galloway Bamburgh he went canoeing! and Kilpatrick were determined to make In Edinburgh Mr Barnes, Mr Mead­ EXTENSIVE a night of it. The non-participating ows and I were educated in hot-curry A LA CARIE DINNER MENl; manager/video-man/baggage handler/ eating by Christopher ‘Punjab’ Law­ Includes Scottish Eayre chauffeur/canoeist had to be prized rence. The restauranteur was suitably away from the Durham night-life which impressed by his request! The less Tuesday-Thursday 6 .0 0 - 10.30 p.m. seemed to consist of good looking adventurous members of the team went Friday X Saturday 5 .3 0 - 10.30 p.m. females. to the Wimpy. Sunday 6.30 - 9.30 p.m. It was about this time that a certain If you thought the run was hard, it member of the party, who is obliged was nothing to the legs the next morning! TEAS not to reveal his identity, realised that Sunday only 5 .0 0 -6 .3 0 p.m. he had left his start number, complete The Team with computer tab, back at school. Nige Kilpatrick (Captain) FULLY LICENSED Needless to say, he was rather distraught! Rab Galloway Next morning all were changed for David Dinsmore the race with one of the party not sure Sandy Clark For reservation Tel. 25484 there was going to be a race and had to Ewan Grant put up with the constant jibes of; Alan Stewart Open Tuesday-Sunday ‘W here’s your num ber?’ Christopher Lawrence 70 TAY STREET PERTH Mr D. J. Barnes ‘Why are you changed?’ etc. etc. Mr J. Forshaw By this time, however, the psyching up process had begun and most members Mr P. Meadows (Manager) of the party had fairly small breakfasts except for Meadows who managed to divert Sandy’s attention long enough for him to steal his eggs. When the city centre was reached a team shot was taken. The fact that some­ one’s number was missing was quickly pointed out by his ‘friend.’ Nige gave an interview with the unfortunate o t t c i competitor. The problem was quickly resolved by a good looking steward who Mr Meadows wanted to get a better look ‘We have the technology!’ is now a examinations this year and the opening at through his camera and asked that well-worn phrase, but very soon at of the centre will coincide with the start ‘ B.... y shoulders’ be moved. After this Strathallan that is going to be the case. of the A-Level courses. another press conference was called and We will soon see the construction of The choice of examinations available a certain amount of relief was expressed. the purpose-built Craft Design and in this area has increased dramatically, The race start was quite an experience; Technology Centre and this will house making it possible to find something seeing a motorway swarming with the facilities that will cater for all aspects for everybody. people in every direction. The race of the work. Traditional crafts as we The new facilities will also improve commentator was Peter Jones of R2, know them together with a central the options available during activity who attempted to get us to sing a rousing design area that is adjacent to a Com­ time and I will welcome anybody who chorus of the ‘Blaydon Races.’ I think puter Control Technology room and an feels that he or she would like to gain he was the only one singing! Electronics room; these will be the main some experience in this area. The race itself was quite an experience components of the building. P.J.E. and quite a harrowing one for the less Candidates will be sitting O-Level

51 6th Form Coffee Lounge

It must have been with a wicked sense (though not too private); musical of humour that in the closing months (though not too musical) and which is of the 1984 Summer term, N .H . McKee solely the province of the 6th Form. (Nicol, 1984), swiftly followed by Brian Raine and pursued by the Headmaster T.G.L. the seeds were sown for the proposition that this somewhat naive writer should take over the responsibility for the 6th Form Coffee Lounge from Brian. Gradually workmen appeared in the region of the old ‘Strip’ Rooms and began stripping the lavatorial tiles from the walls. They were speedily followed by plumbers, plasterers, electricians, painters and carpet-fitters. A male deputation invaded the sanctuary that is ‘Woodlands’ to test-drive the chairs there and, before anyone really knew what had happened, the Activities Centre and 6th Form Coffee Lounge were in use without any formal opening ceremony. We have learned to ignore the entrance hall’s green paint (but only just!). The sole toilet in the building ceased to be unisex when a sign eventually appeared on the door. Torquil Macleod has graciously loaned us two paintings and, after an initial battle, we seem to be managing to keep the Lounge tidily presentable. Touring teams have been welcomed in; sports kit has been most unwelcome; the curtains do not close (by design!); a kettle has boiled innumerable cups of tea and coffee. All the ‘Strathallan School’ mugs were either given away as souvenirs or taken as such, by our­ selves - not by visitors! Mr Dutton spent very many hours restoring the music centre to a more than playable standard and tamper­ proof condition complete with flashing lights and a noise level which sometimes threatens to demolish the building. The ladies have proved themselves formid­ able opponents at pool and our cleaning lady has been forgiving to the *th degree. The inter-house Darts competition was won by Ruthven and a discreet veil of anonymity must be drawn over a few of the less edifying gymnastic activities. Suggestions for ‘swinging pub signs’ outside were consigned to the ‘pending’ tray and even the name ‘The Cock and Bull’ refused to transfer easily from the old site behind Freeland and Simpson. Thus the catalogue of ‘happenings’ moves to its acceptable conclusion leaving it to fertile imaginations to picture what might or might not take place therein. It goes without saying that there is no doubt that those who have used it and those who will use it are grateful for the opportunity to have a meeting place which is comfortable (though not too comfortable); private

52 Post Highers Course

Approximately thirty of our upper at the local Watersport centre Sailing, A major element of the course sixth formers having finished their Absailing, Canoeing, Board sailing was the ‘Adventure training’ week examinations embarked upon a and skiing. that was based on the Loch Torridon 'multi-activity’ exposure course for The course was designed to give the Youth Hostel and the students en­ the remaining six weeks of the students a wide range of experience joyed the delights o f Mountaineering, summer term. The activities ranged and therefore included several visits Canoeing, Hillwalking and Board- from workshop based Craft Design to local colleges and industry, in­ sailing; together with the fun of and technology, to a crash course in cluding a tour o f B.P. and a visit to a looking after themselves at the Youth 'survival cooking,’ and included computer fair and a day at the college Hostel self-catering as they are. typing as well as a full day per week o f technology to name but a few. P.J.E.

Thoughts on Torridon

‘Did you have a nice time?’ ‘Enjoy In the morning and evening pande­ Now for the principle purposes of the holiday?’ The second must have monium reigned, but time improved the exercise. These groups of eight were been a jibe. The first, an unfortunate techniques. ‘Cook it or starve seemed in the tender care of the said staff. The choice of words. Yes, neither was apt. to be the motto. We cooked! Just a canoeists went to various launch points Torridon was an experience, an enjoy­ couple of quotes from the kitchen: on the inner and outer launch points of able one, a great one, but not ‘nice.’ ‘What do I do now the egg is boiling?’ Loch Torridon. Here Mr Elliot ushered The ‘Party’ numbered 28-24 post­ and ‘ ...... but you only give me the and cajoled and spun around the group highers pupils plus Messrs Smith (of skivvy jobs’ - both quotes were from of mainly beginners, rather like a duck the hills), Elliot (of the canoes), and one of the girls (and in that order). around her brood. Later, in the ‘deep’ Pedgrift (of the strolls), plus Mrs T. Certain people disappeared at prep­ he had the group ‘walking the canoes,’ Pedgrift who convoyed the last four aration times, but showed up as soon similar to the ‘Pirates Plank,’ whilst the examinees a day later, and by run­ as the food was served. others held the craft, more or less, ning a shuttle service, made more The evenings were socially spent, steady. Not everyone received a duck­ interesting canoe trips possible. The both around the hostel with its TV ing. But, however he encouraged, he main group left Strath on the Sunday room, quiet room and dining room, could not paddle for the others, and after lunch arriving at Torridon youth and at the local hostelry some two miles some found this very tiring across miles hostel early evening. Rations for two round the head of the Loch. This latter of open water. In the choppy bits some days were taken from school, then provided us with a bar in which the felt ‘nearly sea-sick’- quote-but all groups of three had to survive on a occasional drink was imbibed-left survived. ‘sub’ paid out each morning sufficient handed drinking was the only rule, or a On the first day the other two groups to cover two meals in the hostel and penalty! When two of the later arrivals went on a combined walk. In Torridon a lunch. The hostel provided roof, came on the Tuesday, this conversation mountains hardly ever occur as single bed, hot water, a drying room and piece was overheard: ‘What time do we peaks, rather are they elongated peaks, cooking facilities, but no meals. That get off the hills?’ ‘About 5 o’clock.’ each of which ‘have’ to be surmounted. made life interesting. The staff were ‘Then we go to the boozer?’ ‘No, we Beinn Alligin was the first target - not OK, with Mrs Pedgrift to oversee have to eat first. Then we go about 8 or that we could see it of course, for the should the need arise. The threesomes 9. ‘They’ nip off to another one and weather befitted the scenery, rugged. inovated: haggis, fry-ups, tea and come back for us later - it works quite ‘W e’ve had a good spell, but it has bread and beans cooked in the tin. well.’ It’s nice to know. turned,’ so we were told. And it stayed ‘turned’ throughout. Ah well, perhaps fewer suffered heat-exhaustion or vertigo since few of us could see! And so it began. ‘You don’t mean were going up thatl' Late it was more of a case of ‘Oh no, not another hill!’ From a Geog­ rapher (but taking Highers you’ll under­ stand) referring to Loch Torridon below having just been told it’s a sea loch; ‘But it’ll be all right to drink the water sir,

p.T.o.

53 won’t it?’ No comment. Later from the same m outh, ‘Is this water-fall salty too sir?’ I ask you, we were 1,000 feet up. Zero out of ten for that, but no punish­ ment, except to climb to 3,000 feet. Then there was the taste of salt-our own sweat. Beinn A. was arrived upon — not seen of course-but Mr Smith assured us of the fact. For most of us, climbing down was worse than the ascent. But we made it, linked up with the returning canoeists (who had paddled from Inver Alligin to Shielding and back), and returned to the Hostel. So the groups turned around. A different group of canoeists went to Diabaig to be cajoled and ducked etc. The Smithies went to Kinlochewe from where they climbed Slioch and actually saw the sun momentarily. The Pedders did Beinn Eighe. We climbed into the magnificent Corrie Mhic Fhearchair and duly found the sad remains of the Shackelton aircraft under the Triple Buttress. We also found there a herd of deer mounting the slopes rather more easily than we bipeds, a near rock climb at the top, and a gale when we crossed the most exposed part of the ridge. Slioch was a longer walk but probably M unroe-the latter feat ensured that ent and exciting forms of exercise was less eventful. Bynow all of us had ‘done even the latest of the late-comers reached given. Was it ‘nice’ after all? It was a ‘monroe’ or two’ (a peak over 3,000 above 3,000 feet. But if only we could certainly nice to have been. Our thanks feet). have seen the heights! go to those who made it possible. And so the third day arrived, and Friday was for clearing and leaving. P.S.l We found a purse with £21 in once more it was generally wet, misty Torridon Y.H. was able to return to it in a field on the way to the and not a little depressing. Another day normal. In truth the warden, would claim hostelry - nice! Mind you, one on the water for Mr Elliot, this time a that it was only normal during our stay. of our number had previously bay well west of Shieldaig up to the head There were travellers from Germany, lost a purse with £21. of the upper Loch Torridon. A long slog. Holland, Australia, Sweden, England, P.S.2 The sun never shines in Torri­ The walking groups decided to ‘take the Scotland - and Strathallan. don. Nor do the mountains low road,’ because of the weather. The An interesting experience for us all. have summits. Or so it seemed. Smithies were dropped near to Kishorn How many canoeists and/or hill-walkers P.S.3 The stench of the drying room and they walked along the wide glacial were ‘m ade’ by it we shall not know. will remain with us all-but valley north-eastwards towards Torri­ But an introduction to these very differ­ tinged with gratitude for it. don. It was largely a bog-walk along no path at all-so it was difficult, weari­ some and wet under-foot as well as from above. The Pedders found a drier start and thereby had a pleasant up-valley walk to the Falls of Balgy and on into the hanging valley holding Loch Damh as a finger lake whose floor is lower than the sea-bed in Upper Loch Torridon. The loch-side walk was also very pleas­ ant - until it rained. Eventually leaving the loch we too bog-walked, and in doing so one of the group strode over an adder, which we duly stared at and photographed. It was probably comatose due to the cold - or was it hatching its young? Anyhow, it remained stationary, and thankfully no one could find a stick to prod it! Both walking groups finished the day doing the same second leg which included a magnificent walk out of a hanging valley alongside a gorge littered with majestic rapids and falls. The fourth day was largely self-chosen. Certain pairs of feet could take no more of the hills. They went to the world famous Inverewe garden near Gairloch. Another batch chose to pony-trek. The more energetic were split between some open sea canoeing and another

54 Survival ’85

After the successful survival experi­ our normal, or customary, feeding Many people speak of going on ment last year a number of volunteers habits and the harsh reality of Lunga survival expeditions, many say how put their names forward for a repeat were beginning to tell. Morale sagged much they would like to find out how performance in September 1984. The to an all-time low on the third day, the they would react under harsh, adverse chosen island was a rather unknown two most burning questions on every- circumstances and I take my hat off to little place called Lunga off the West bodys mind were: when is it going to the boys who actually went along and coast of Scotland, an island which is end, and what is the point of it all? found at first hand what it means to be too small to feature on any but the Well, the first question was easily deprived of the comforts we all take most detailed maps. We landed on a answered, the boat would not be back for granted in our daily lives. I admired Monday, equipped with bivouac sheets until Sunday. As for the reason why - the way they came through this moment and sleeping bags, fish hooks, snares, we had to sit down and take stock: Most of crisis, bounced back and continued knives and matches and a bundle of of us have never been hungry in our for the remainder of the week, almost spare clothes in the rucksacks. And, I lives. Maybe a little bit peckish, but cheerfully accepting the inevitable almost forgot, a dozen tea-bags each never really reduced to a near-starvation hardships caused by adverse weather as the only permitted food supply for diet. This totally unknown experience conditions and a constantly nagging one week. creates a certain stress, and every ind­ awareness of the lack of suitable The first consideration had to be the ividual reacts differently to this. Common food. setting-up of a communal shelter; for this purpose we moved into the remains of one of the houses which, according to local gossip, had been occupied until about ninety years ago. All that is left of them today are the foundations, except for one, which we found to be more suitable and which we proceeded to make wind-and-rain-tight with the aid of ponchos and driftwood. There was enough bracken to provide dry and com fortable bedding, and soon we had a comforting fire blazing in the corner of our new home. The next day the question of ‘survival’ had to be tackled in earnest. We all woke up feeling hungry and the need to find food began to dominate every­ thing; the desire to satisy this most elementary of all requirements is so strong that everybody’s hunting instinct is awakened and heaven help the sea­ gull or rabbit that gets in the way. Thanks to the combined efforts we were never really short of things to eat, even if they would not necessarily have met with the approval of sophisticated diners anywhere else in the world. Grilled sea-gull and chick-weed stew was a novelty to all of us, and a to all is a feeling of lethargy, everything One had a lot of time to think on an culinary experience which only a few becomes an effort, ones movements island like Lunga, especially when one people would like to encounter again. are slowed down, thinking straight is a is sitting on some windswept rock, try­ Much praise must go to Doug Gillespie strain. This is the time when one has to ing to out-wit the fish, using only the and Angus Robertson whose trapping try and rally one’s mental reserves and most elementary equipment like a piece and general hunting skills contributed take a very tight grip of oneself. The ofoldcorksandal for a float and a stone with (almost) regularity to the menu. welfare of the group and of its weaker for a weight attached to your limpet- In fact, one can safely say, that every members must be considered, tempers baited twopenny hook and string. And member of our twelve-man strong party must be controlled and what strength it is this time for contemplation which had at least three ounces of food per day. or skill an individual might have must teaches one an awful lot about oneself But even with such a regular intake be employed in the best possible way and other people, about priorities and of nourishment the differences between for the benefit of the community. what really matters in life, which makes

55 Survival '85 continued an exercise such as this valuable beyond the obvious things. Of course it is nice to come back, having shed a few extra pounds and having acquired a weatherbeaten tan. But more import­ antly, one has matured more in one week than one normally would in a year. On Saturday afternoon a fairly strong wind was sweeping the island, one hardly noticed it any longer. Suddenly the boat-man arrived in the shelter and announced that we had 45 minutes to get our things together and to get off the island. If we missed this opportunity, he said, he did not know when he would next be able to land on the island, as there was a severe gale brewing. Needless to say, we were all in the boat with two minutes to spare and only a few items left behind. The trip back to Iona was rough, but who cared? After all, we had two sand­ wiches to shareout, which the skipper had found left over in his lunch-box, and which he kindly donated when he saw the lean and hungry expression on our faces. We spent the night on Iona, enjoying the delights of proper food, things we had dreamt of for a week, like banana sandwiches, nutty bars, coffee and tea which did not taste of sea-gull. On Sunday we said good-bye to our host and to the islands and returned to School, determined never to complain about the dining hall again (or hardly ever). K.G.

W ------

56 T & n h i t

Freeland My ms UVI Bond, C. J. L. Came 19793; II; House Fagg, A. J. Came 19803; III; House Philp, S. J. Came 19783; I. The Long Prefect; Cross Country; 6th XV; Prefect; 5th XV; Hockey 2nd XI; Barn, Goldsborough, Knaresborough, Philosophy; Social Services. 2 Manse- Summer Hockey 1st XI; Philosophy; Near York. field Place, Is/a Road, Perth PH2 7HG. Debating; RN-Cox’n. Serendipity Robson, M. L. Came 19803; III; House Bowron.T. O. Came 19803; III; House Newton of Fernitosh, Near Conon Prefect; 2nd XV; Swimming; Cross Prefect; 6th XV; Cricket 3rd XI; Bridge, Dingwall. Country; Athletics. Pressen Hill, Philosophy; Drama; Social Services. Fuller, J. C. C. Came 19783; I; House Kelso, Roxburghshire. Edensiae, Strathmiglo, Fife KYI4 Prefect; Shooting; Sailing; RN-Cox’n. Smith, R. M. Came 19783; I; House 7 0 L. Rhebreck, Balmoral, Balia ter, Aber­ Prefect; 5th XV; Philosophy. Karel Clarke, J. A. Came 19793; II; House deenshire AB3 STB. Van Lorreinen Laan 24, B-1980 Prefect; 1st XV; Football XI; Athletics; Ham ilton, R. S. Came 19773; I; School Tervuren, Brussels, Belgium. Cricket 3rd XI; Hockey 2nd XI; Social Prefect; Cricket 1st XI; 2nd XV; Services. Ballindarg, Forfar, Angus. Hockey 1st XI; RN-PO. 6 McKenzie Dawson, R. D. Came 19783; I; House Drive, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire. Prefect; 3rd XV; Sailing; Cross McEachern, S. Came 19783; I; Golf; Country; Choir; Orchestra; Drama; 6th XV; Cricket 3rd XI; Scholar; Social Services. 2 Sutherland A venue, Drama; Motorbikes. 576 Crow Road, Pollokshields, Glasgow G4I 4JH. Jordan hill, Glasgow.

Leburn juiy i985 UVI Buchanan, Angus C. Came 19782; I; Gray, C. E. T. Came 19803; III; 3rd XV; McAlister, A. J. 1st XV; 1st XI Hockey Head of Leyburn; School Prefect; 3rd XI Hockey; 2nd XI Summer (Capt.); Squash; Basketball; 1st XI 4thXI, 3rd XI Hockey, Sgt.i/c. RM. Hockey; Shooting; Cdt. (M’bikes). Football (Capt.); Social Services. Wood Cottage, Otter-Ferry, Argyll. c/oL. H. T. Gray, West Faerwood, 11a Durham Road, Duddingston, Cozier, S. A. Came 19813; VI; 1st XI Tillicoultry Road, Dollar. Edinburgh. Hockey; 1st XV; Soccer XI; Athletics; Low, L. M. Came 19783; I; House Orr, K. F. Came 19783; I; House Prefect; Indoor Hockey; Swimming; Cpl. RM. Prefect; Scholar, Bursary to Dundee 1st XV; Athletics; 3rd XI Hockey; Ellen, P. B. Came 19823; V; Sailing; Univ.; Debating; Cpl. RAF. Pain- 3rd XI Cricket; Chairman Debating Sgt. RAF. Tree Tops, Buchanan bridge Manse, Carnoustie, Angus Society; Pipe Band; Reading Prize; Castle, Dry men, Glasgow. DD76BC. Dram a. 12 Dean Ridge, Gawkhill, Dods, B. M. Came 19793; II; House Lyall, G. D. Came 1978.1; House Pre­ Dunfermline. Prefect; 2nd XV; 2nd XI, 1st XI Foot­ fect; Sailing; LS RN. Tigh na Mar, Redshaw, P. F. Came 19803; III; Cross ball; Basketball; Swimming; Skiing; St. Fillans, Perthshire. Country; (M’bikes). 84 Sauchenbush C adt. RM. Martin, D. J. Came 19773; I; House Road, Kirkcaldy, Fife. Gowrie, M. Came 19803; III; House Prefect. Blairfettie Farm, Calvine, Skea, R. Came 19813; IV; 1st XI Tennis; Prefect; 1st XV; Athletics; Basketball; Pitlochry. Cpl. (M ’bikes). <52 Gardyne Street, Football 1st XI (Capt.); Cdt. RM. Friockheim, Angus. 7 Amisfield Park, Haddington, East Lothian. V Dickens, J. A. Came 1981J; IV; Private Paw son, T. J. 1st XV; 1st XI Cricket; Army. 33 Farburn Road Gardens, Squash; Cross Country. Hillbarn, Stonehaven. Oyne, Insch, Aberdeenshire.

Nicol July 1985 III De Boer, M. E. Came 1985'; III; LVI Lagerborg, A. I. L. Came 19803; III; 154 North Deeside Road, Milltimber, Holst, M. J. Came 19843; Orchestra; Head of Nicol; House Prefect; 1st XV; Aberdeen. LVI. Philesophenweg31,2 Hamburg 1st XI Hockey (Capt.); Athletics; 50, F.G.R. Indoor Hockey. Hogstadveinen 41, V 1370 Asker, Norway. Adam, R. M. Came 19803; II; 1st XI UVI Pratt, N. M. Came 19803; III; House Summer Hockey; Cdt. Army. New Beveridge, Justin J. Came 19823; V; Prefect; Art Prize. 31 Carlogie Road, House o f Glamis, By Forfar, Angus. House Prefect; 2nd XV; 3rd XI Carnoustie. Avern, N. R. Came 19831; III; Cross Hockey; (i/c. M’bikes). Woodrideof Robertson, A. C. Came 19803; III; Country; Athletics; 3rd XI Cricket; Barra, Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire. House Prefect. Redmire, Long For- Cdt. Army. Suvrella, Murray Road, Galloway, J. R. House Prefect; Athletics macus Road, Duns, Borders. Newtonhill, Kincardineshire. (Vice-Capt.); Cross Country (Capt.); Tench, A. W. Came 19803; III; House Barrack, J. G. Came 19813; III; 4th XV; Bronze Medal Scottish Schools 5000m; Prefect; 1st XV; 1st XI Hockey; 1st Athletics; CrossCountry; Cdt. RM. Shooting (Capt.); Scottish Schools 1st XI Cricket. Newton o f Burras, Friendville, Thornsgrove Avenue, Shooting Team; RM. The Kairn, Loch- Stonehaven. Aberdeen. winnoch, Renfrewshire PA 12 4LD. Brown, P. C. Came 19793; I; House Gillespie, D. J. R. Came 19803; III; Prefect; 2nd XV;Tennis VI; (M’bikes). House Prefect; Shooting; Sailing; Forneth House, By Blairgowrie, 6th XV; (M ’bikes). Dunrod Lodge, Perthshire. Borgue, Kirkcudbrightshire. Leitch, S. S. Came 19823; III\33Bonaly Brae, Colinton, Edinburgh.

57 Ruthven juiym s UVI Adamson, K. H. Came 19803; III; Gilyead, E. R. Came 19803; III; House Watson, L. W. Came 1980'; III; House School Prefect; Head of House; Prefect; 6th XV; 2nd XI Cricket; Prefect; 1st XV; 1st XI Summer 1st XV; 2nd XI Cricket; 2nd XI Skiing; Orchestra; Dance Band; Sgt. Hockey; Swimming; Drama; P/M jr. Hockey; Rugby 7s; Athletics; 1st XI Army. 53 Barnfield Road, Harpenden, Pipe Band. Hal ton House, By Leven, Summer Hockey; Cpl. RAF. West Herts A L5 5TH. Fife KY8 5QD. Friarton, Newport-on-Tay, Fife. Hamilton, G. Came 19803; III; House Baird, R. D. Came 19783; I; Captain of Prefect; 5th XV; 2nd XI Hockey; 1st V School; 1st XI Cricket; 1st XI Hockey; XI Summer Hockey; PO RN. Tulloch- Abu Dahab, M . Came 19823; Athletics; 2nd XV; Private RM. KirknessFarm, gribban, Mains Dulnain Bridge, 4th XV. 14/15 Haydock Park Gardens, Ballingry, Lochgelly, Fife KY5 OHH. Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3NE. Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside or Downie, J. C. Came 19803; III; House McCulloch, A. J. G. Came 19803; III; P O B ox 1147, Amman, Jordan. Prefect; 3rd XV: 2nd XI Hockey; House Prefect; 1st XI Hockey; 1st XI Asfour, Z. Came 19833; IV; 6th XV; 1st XI Summer Hockey; Debating Summer Hockey; Indoor Hockey; PO B o x26, Amman, Jordan. Committee; Cross Country; Leading 3rd XV; Sgt. Army. 92 OrrellRoad, Nabulsi, M. Y. Came 19833; IV; 2nd Drummer, Pipe Band. Ellands o f Wigan WN58HB. XV; Army. Brodie, By Forres, Moray IV360TE. Shanks, H. Came 19783; I; House Drysdale, D. Came 19783; I; House Prefect; 2nd XV; 3rd XI Hockey; Prefect; 3rd XI Hockey; 3rd XI 2nd XI Cricket; Sgt. Army. Easter Cricket; Golf; Army. Lochview Hotel, Cash, Strathmiglo, Fife KYI4 7RJ. Crocket ford, By Dumfries DG28RF.

Simpson juiyi985 UVI Coutts, J. Came 19803; II; House Stratton, N. T. Came 19793; II; House LVI Prefect; 1st VI Tennis; 3rd XV; 2nd Prefect; 3rd XV (Capt.); Fishing; McLaren, G . Came 19813; Chess (Capt.); XI Cricket; Photography; Navy. 2nd XI Summer Hockey; Founder YFC: Science Society; RAF. Cults Chartwell, Nisbet Road, Gullane, Young Socialists; RAF. Riverside Farm, Cupar, Fife K Y7 7TF. East Lothian. House, Riverside Drive, Rattray, Paterson, G. C. L. Came 19793; YFC; Gichrist, G. A. J. Came 19833; LVI; Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Computers; Social Services. Moness Rugby VI XV; Young Socialists; Tether, N. J. Came 19783; I; Head of House Hotel, Aberfeldy, Perthshire Army. Craiglea, 25 Craig Road, Simpson; Smimming (Capt.); Squash PH152DY. Tayport, Fife. VI; Athletics; 2nd XV; Geog. Prize. Paton, J. S. Came 19793; 6th XV; YFC; Kilpatrick, N. D. Came 19783; I; House c/o Mrs M. Tether, 52 Broadmore Sailing; RN. Meikle Obney, Bank- Prefect; Athletics (Capt.); 1st XV Way, Brookmans Park, Hatfield, foot, Perth. (Vice-Capt.); Cricket; RM. The Lines, Herts. Little Brampton, Nr. Wigton, Cumbria.

Woodlands December 1984 UVI Chisholm, Lindsey J. Came 19833; UVI; Coutts, Phillipa D. Came 19843; UVI; M acDonald, Katie F. Came 1983’; LVI; Head of Woodlands; School Prefect; 1 st XI Hockey; Cross Country (Half- House Prefect; Tennis (Capt.) (Half- Patrick Grandison Strings Prize; Colours); Athletics. Woodburn Farm, Colours); Swimming (Capt.); 2nd XI Chemistry Prize; Leader School Crieff, Perthshire PH73RG. Hockey; Debating. Dunsmuir, Cradle- Orchestra; Choir. The Moorings, Crispin, Lucy A. Came 19813; IV; hall, Inverness. 29 Snowdon Terrace, West Kilbride House Prefect; English Prize; History MacLaurin, Suzanne M. Came 19833; KA23 9HN. Prize; 1st XI Hockey; Leader Early LVI; Athletics. 608 King’s Court, Music Group; Drama; Choir; Phil­ Ramsey, Isle o f Man. IV osophy Society. Meadowend, Saline, McMillan, Gaile E. Came 1984'; UVI; Thompson, Heather A. Came 19843; Fife KY12 9TU. Nirvana, LonghillAvenue, Alloway, IV; Woodrising, Buchanan Castle Edie, Caroline J. Came 19813; IV; Ayr. Estate, Dry men, Glasgow. School Prefect; Dpty. Head of Wood­ Millar, Sheena A. Came 19843; UVI; lands; 2nd XI Hockey (Capt.); Drama; Biology Prize; Choir. Laurelbank July 1985 Debating; Social Services. 20Fount- Nurseries, Overtown, Wishaw, ainhall Road, Newington, Edinburgh Lanarkshire. UVI EH92NN. Scanlan, Katherine A. Came 19813; IV; Ayantuga, Bolajoko O. Came 19823; Fraser, Janet Came 19833; LVI; House House Prefect; 1st XI Hockey; Ath­ V; House Prefect; Social Services; Prefect; Chemistry Prize; Tennis; letics; Cross Country; Secretary of 11 The Ridgeway, Golders Green, Cross Country; Orchestra; Choir. Debating Society; Drama. 34 Dess- London N W 11. Southbrae, 6 Edward Drive, Helens­ wood Place, A berdeen A B2 4DG. Bamford, Jennifer D. Came 19833; burgh G84 9QP. LVI; House Prefect; Capt. of Hockey Lambie, Sarah E. Came 19833; LVI; V (Colours); Tennis (Half-Colours). French Prize; Maths Prize; Philosophy Johnson, Sara E. Came 1982*; III; 35 Newforge Lane, Belfast BT95NN. Society; Choir. Bountree, Glenfarg, Hillcrest, Wark, Cornhill-on-Tweed, Belch, Kirsten F. Came 19833; LVI; Perth PH2 9NL. Northumberland TD12 4RH. 1st XI Hockey (Half-Colours); YFC. McDonald, Amy K. Came 19823; IV; McClung, Celia J. Camel981'; III; The Crossways, 53 Charlotte Street, Head of Woodlands; School Prefect; Athletics; Swimming; 2nd XI Hockey. Helensburgh G84 7SE. Skiing (Capt.); Cross Country (Capt.) 9 Wester Coates Gardens, Edinburgh. Binnie, Sally A. Came 19813; V; House (Half-Colours); Athletics (Capt.) Prefect; Athletics (Half-Colours); (Half-Colours); Drama; Social 2nd XI Hockey; Drama. Firhill, Services. 50 Abbey Road, Scone, Hatton Road, Perth PH2 7DB. Perth PH2 6LL.

58 STRATHALLIAN CLUB

THE PRESIDENT

David Muir, our President this year, hill walking, curling and golf. of Commerce, The Incorporation of who has previously served as Club The Muir companies which have Weavers of Glasgow, The Scottish Governor, left school in 1951 with an traded in toys, cycles, textiles and foot­ Business Education Council and The active and versatile sporting and wear variously retail and wholesale, Glasgow & Scottish Golf Unions to academic record. He subsequently have prospered under David’s leader­ name but a few. graduated MA from Glasgow University ship and have subsequently diversified David is a good businessman and a in 1954 and was about to continue his into property investment. It is a great true public servant. We are grateful to academic career to read Medicine when tribute to David that he has not only him as our President for his commit­ domestic considerations required him succeeded in maintaining the momentum ment to the Club in the current year to take over management of the family of his family business against the back­ and wish him well in his year of office. business in 1957 at the age of 24. He is ground of many changes in High Street married and has two daughters and a trading but he has also given generously son, Martin who has recently joined of his time in public service to many Nicol House. His leisure activities include bodies including The Junior Chamber

59 STRATHALLIAN CURLING CLUB

Secretary’s Report on the 1984/85 Season

The season’s results made very poor and Lost 3, Shots for 102 and against who played one or more games, the reading. At the mid point of the season 69. most active member having 9 games in the club lay third in the Scottish W and­ In the Sandy Miller Knockout Com­ all. The 3 reserves, Alastair Headrick, erers League and had not lost a friendly petition at Crossmyloof the team of Jack Jimmy Smith and Charlie Magee may m atch. Turner (Skip), Ronald Grant, Peter have been called on but the records do However in the second half of the Lewis and John Fingland won their not show any of them having played season we failed to win another Wand­ first round match against Mearns Cor­ during the season. Eight times in the erers match, and slipped from third onation but lost to Cambuslang in the season a team turned up exactly as place to finish last in the league, our second round, Cambuslang in turn were selected — only one of these games was worst showing since the league started. knocked out in the next round. won so the Secretary must be losing his In the friendly matches in the second The Archie Barr Trophy for the match touch in team selection. half we won four out of seven. between East and West Strathallians Only twice in the season did we fail Twelve friendly matches were played was contested at Kinross in November to put out a full rink (same unnamed during the season, some involving two before the Strathallian Club’s AGM person on both occasions) and at least games against the same opposition at and Dinner in Perth. The trophy was once 5 members turned up to play. In different times of the season. Where retained by the East who won by ten the first friendly match against the that happened the same team was not shots on aggregate. East I skipped by Drystanes, 6 Strathallians were present, picked for each game and may account Lord Kincraig lost to West I skipped by 2 appearing for Drystanes. A number for the change in score. The matches Jack Turner 5 -9 , but East II skipped of members skipped teams against the were against Campbell Neill & Co. by Bert Gibson, beat West II, skipped Strathallians, Stuart Biggart for Camp­ (10-2), Glasgow Junior Chamber of by Ronald Grant 17-3. bell Neill & Co. and The Junior Cham ­ Commerce (12-7 and 8-4), Rolling The Scottish Wanderers Bonspeil was ber, Douglas Lewis for Drystanes and Stones (8 - 3), Clydesdale Bank (5-5 staged at Crossmyloof in March in yet Robin Turner for A. J. Maclay&Part- and 9-8), A. J. Maclay & Partners another new format, with all the repre­ ners. Seven members of our Club acted (9-2), Glasgow Ski Club (13-4), sentative skips forming two rinks, the as skip for friendly or league matches Drystanes (9 -7 and 10—13), Crouch 3’s another two rinks and so on. Allan this season. & Hogg (4 - 6) and Whitecraigs Tennis Fitzpatrick nominated as a lead was a Next year’s season commences at Club (5-8) giving a result over the member of the winning rink. Crossmyloof on 16th September. season of Played 12, W on 8, Drawn 1 The Club had 19 members this year

Kelvinside Accies won the Wanderers League and at the end of the league it was: Won Drawn Lost For Against Points 1. Kelvinside Accies 11 1 2 124 87 67 2. Glenalm ond 8 2 4 109 81 52 3. Glasgow Accies 7 1 6 102 75 43 4. Sedbergh 6 2 6 104 83 42 5. W atsonians 6 2 6 104 104 38 6. Loretto 5 1 8 88 105 27 7. M erchiston 4 1 9 72 123 27 8. Strathallan 3 2 . 9 79 124 24

Last year you will recall we finished second overall!

MEMBERS OF THE STRATHALLIAN CLUB ADDRESSES Every time a circular is sent out we get a bundle o f packages returned from the Post Office with ‘GoneAway' written on it. Can you please keep us informed of any change o f address by sending it to the Head­ master's Secretary at School. The Club will be informed automatically.

60 LUNCH FOR STRATHALLIANS LEAVING SCHOOL BEFORE 1939 AND THEIR WIVES

Sunday 2nd June 1985 turned out to Sadly one or two people had to call It was a special pleasure to welcome be a gorgeous day with warm sun. The off at the last moment and many wrote Dr Robert Burgess and Mr Alexander rhododendrons were at there best and to say that distance or other commitments Thom son, both of whom left in 1918 the School grounds were looking lovely. prevented them from accepting, but before Strathallan moved to Forgan- It was a somewhat historic day for the the turn-out was wonderful and most denny, Mr James Paton (1921) whose School anyway, because Strathallians encouraging. son and grandson are Strathallians too, who left School before 1939 had been and Mrs Eirene Bogie whose husband invited to lunch with their wives. Present David did so much with J . B. Maitland members of the School donned their Cowan for the School and the Club. kilts to act as ushers, pour drinks and Unfortunately Mrs Margaret Smith a show people to their tables. The Pipes Strathallian ‘grandmother’ was unable and Drums played on the lawn and the to be present. The young ‘chickens’ XI played the Occasional in the after­ who left as recently as 1923 and there­ noon. The setting could not have been after, are too young to get a special more perfect. mention. Memories of faces long forgotten Other guests included Mr Ian Gow were revived by photographs and in the who had many connections with Strath­ flesh, and to get to the drinks on the allan in its Bridge of Allan days and Dr lawn the Headmaster had routed all the Bill Pasfield a former Director of Music guests through Harry Riley’s study! at the School. ‘What a small room,’ someone remarked. Memories of Strathallan of long ago Others kept their hands firmly in their were happily revived and todays pupils pockets - presumably the naughtiest may wonder what a visit for them to of their day! their old School will be like in the year After lots of chat and generous 2052! drinks, lunch was ready in the Dining Hall, and the afternoon was there for everyone to walk around, and meet and see old friends, and find out what the Strathallians of 1985 are like.

61 Those who attended were: Mr & Mrs S. R. Gillanders Mr & Mrs G. F. Christie Mr&MrsA. Graham D. L. Robertson Strathallians and their wives: M r& M rs J. S. Graham W. G. Rowan Mr&MrsD. C. Fulton, Chairman 1939 Dr I. D. Henderson Dr & Mrs W. R. Steven Mr & Mrs D. I. Muir, President 1951 Dr & Mrs R. A. Houston Mr & Mrs A. S. Thomson Mr & Mrs J. H. Allan Lord & Lady Kincraig D. K. Thomson Mr & Mrs F. A. Anderson Mr&MrsR. D. Linton Mr&MrsG. M. Thomson Mr & Mrs J. Anderson Mr & Mrs W. A. MacAlister M r& M rs S. J. Thomson D rG . W. Balfour Dr & Mrs D. McColl J. P. Tindal Mr & Mrs W. Bone Mr & Mrs A. McCreadie Mr & Mrs I. M. Turner Mr&MrsA. J.G. Brown Mr & Mrs J. McFadzen Mr&MrsD. Vost Mr & Mrs J. E. Buchanan Mr & Mrs T. MacFarlane Mr&MrsR. B. Wallace Dr R. C. Burgess Mr&MrsA. J. McGregor W. J. Wallace Mr & Mrs V. R. Chappelle Mr & Mrs G .S. Mclnroy R. A. Wilson Mr & Mrs R. G. Clow Mr & Mrs J. W. McMillan Mr&Mrs J. M. Wood J. B. M. Cowan Dr & Mrs A. S. Martin M r& M rs J. A. Dow Mr&MrsA. J. B. Milroy Guests: Mr& Mrs J. Findlay Dr A. Morrison Lt. Col. & Mrs J. D. Aldridge Mr & Mrs D. Fleming G. D. Muir M rsE. Bogie Mr&MrsA. Fraser M r& M rs I. P. Murray R. G. Cowie Mr & Mrs R. R. Fraser Mr&Mrs J. Paton T. C. G. Fairbairn Mr&Mrs J. H. Frost W. P. Pringle 1. Gow Mr & Mrs D. A. A. Fulton Lt. Col. & Mrs W. W. Rae C. P. Hewson Mr & Mrs I. C. Geddes N. G. Reid Dr W. R. Pasfield Mr & Mrs E. C. Gillanders M r& M rsR . B. Reid C. D. Pighills (Headmaster) Mr & Mrs N. A. Gillanders W. H. Reid J. S. Burgess

The text o f an anonymous untitled poem enacted during the entertainment by Ken Orr, might amuse some who knew Wilf.

I’m just a little Riley boy - well a bit larger than norm - I was smoking in my bed last night and set fire to the Dorm. Old Dougie Silver smelt the smoke, and came charging through the door. ‘You wicked, naughty little boy! You’re going to Mr Hoare.’

My wee knees knocked, my hands did shake as my finger touched the bell, ‘I’m sure I’m going to be expelled, and given six as well.’ Then Gracie opened up the door: ‘Hello, my dear,’ she said, ‘The Study’s there - for you must be the boy who burnt his bed.’

I knocked upon the door this time, and heard Wilf shout ‘Come in!’ I bit my teeth into my lip, to control my wobbling chin. ‘You’re late, you’re late,’ Old Wilfred cried. He grabbed me by the ear, ‘Put on your gloves, put on your pads, put on your batting gear.’

He pushed me through the Study door and dragged me to the nets. ‘You have the bat, now take your guard, and then you’ll see it gets Much easier each evening. Now remember what I said When you were batting yesterday: ‘Arm straight, and raise your head.’

The whole eleven waiting there then bowled fast balls at me, ‘Your elbow up, and forearm straight,’ Wilf cried with utmost glee. I tried and tried, and batted hard and did what I was told. (Oh what a hellish punishment!) — but then I wasn’t bowled!

‘It’s time for Prep, we all must go. Well batted boy, well done! Now back you come to-morrow then, and we’ll repeat the fun! ‘Excuse me Sir,’ I said at last, ‘I think I must confess, ‘Twas me who burnt down half the School and made that awful mess.’

‘Burnt down the School? Well never mind, Insurance companies pay, That’s what they’re for. Now to important things - and this is what I say - Your elbow up - your left arm straight - and then we’ll see - Good Heavens! You can easily buy new buildings — but you can’t buy good elevens.’

It is hoped to have other dinners for different year groups in the future, so please keep the School informed of your address, so that you may be invited.

62 was very large and he knew nothing of rejuvenated us. We have sought his Obituary the loneliness or isolation of so many advice, and the strength of his character single children. After attending Dundee has been a lasting support. High School and Strathallan, he went to He hailed from Tayport, Fife, and St. John’s College, Cambridge, where, after happy years at Strathallan graduated with the interruption of a spell in from Cambridge and St. Andrews Uni­ National Service, he graduated in Arts versities. After completing his CA before returning to Dundee to read law apprenticeship at Dundee he went into and accountancy, graduating LLB and partnership with his father, C. E. Stuart; CA. His National Service was in the Stuart & Stuart CA’s. In his association Royal Army Ordnance Corps and he with the Episcopal Chiurch, in the area, found that one of the most enriching many charities benefited from his seem­ experiences of his life. He refused to ingly inexhaustible store of energy and consider a commission, but did become compassion. a sergeant, and it is typical of him that, The death of his father in 1966 gave whilst in the army, he befriended some him the opportunity of the (then) Repre­ German prisoners and one in particular, sentative Church Council, and later who acted as an interpreter, became a Secretary General and Treasurer of the life long friend. General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal In his private life he was a man of Church. It should be every administrator’s great culture. He loved music and aim to be ‘competent - but caring,’ and literature, the theatre and the visual arts; Ian personified this ideal, being neither, he was cosmopolitan too, well travelled as some officials can be, so coldly and with a great enjoyment of food and efficient that they forget that papers and wine. In his professional life he was, of statistics represent real people nor apt to course, highly efficient but what the excuse malpractice on the grounds that Church will remember mostly is not ‘This is a Church not a business!’ administrative, legal and accountancy Ian’s friends and associates remember expertise, but his extraordinary pastoral him for his unfailing courtesy, care and Ian David Stuart, m a , l i b . c a , ministry to the clergy, their wives, their thoughtfulness; for his humility, efficiency 1929 - 1985 families and their widows. Nothing was and skill, knowledge and thoroughness; An infectious smile and a happy laugh - too much trouble. He was always access­ for his loving care, for his staff and all that is what greeted the visitor to his ible; he was always interested; and his whom he served; for his special concern house or to his office; but quickly that care, concern and advice were always for the needy and disadvantaged; for his open invitation to trust and to feel well informed. No-one ever turned to enquiring mind. welcome was followed by a meticulous Ian Stuart in vain; indeed some of us He showed a lion-hearted courage concern for the detail of the business in sometimes thought he was a little too through years of pain, weakness, frust- hand. But then again; how was it that accessible, especially in his later years ation and ill-health. Patience, an indom­ Ian seemed to melt into the background when his reserves of energy were decreas­ itable joyfulness, and an unconquerable so that you and your question (or ing. We were afraid that too much was spirit supported his persistent concern whatever) took centre-stage; how does being asked of him, yet he himself was for others. anyone combine that kind of humility, always wondering if he was giving enough. The Primus presided at a Requiem caring concern and gaiety with efficiency, He married Nancy, the daughter of a Eucharist at the Cathedral Church of St. authority and serenity? Whoever you distinguished Church of Scotland mini­ Mary, Edinburgh on February 21st, 1985. were you came away from meeting Ian ster, Dr R. F. V. Scott, who after We remember Ian with affection and feeling three inches taller, with a faith charges in Dundee and Glasgow became respect. deepened, a stronger sense of purpose minister of St. Columba’s, Pont Street, Laurance Barclay. and an intent to try to live up to his London, and later Moderator of the modest courtesy, loyalty and love. General Assembly of the Church of To have known such a man as Ian in Scotland. That made sure that the his family life, in his Christian life, in his natural inclusive generosity of his heart church life, and in his business, is a and mind were committed, right across privilege beyond telling. His enthusiasm the board, to the Ecumenical Movement. Professor David Spence was unstinted - yet balanced by that gift Ian and Nancy were enormously happy David Spence was appointed a Gov­ of wisdom and discernment which is with their family (John who is 26, James rare. ernor of Strathallan, representing St. who is 25 and Emma who is 21) and Andrews University, in May 1978 and he From The Very Reverend Philip Crosfield. they are of great comfort and support to continued being the University’s repre­ N ancy now . sentative on the Board until his untimely Those of us who ministered to Ian in death in May 1985. He was a distin­ his last months and days, and especially guished botanist, though we usually saw When I first met Ian Stuart in 1959 he towards the end, will never forget the a lighter side of him as he arrived on his was a plump young man, heavier in courage and serene faith with which he motor-bike for Governor’s Meetings and build than myself, but in 1962 he took greeted his approaching death. He was peeled his black cycle-gear off at the ill with a rheumatoid virus which put indeed ‘a good man, full of the Holy Front Door. him out of action for almost six months Ghost and of faith.’ May our end be and at the end of it he re-appeared the like his. Professor Jim King, Chairman of the lean, sometimes gaunt figure that most From The Most Reverend A. I. M. Haggart, Education Committee writes: of us remember. Bishop of Edinburgh and Primus. After his appointment to the Board, Although we didn’t know it at the David Spence quickly developed a feeling time the virus had affected his heart, so for the School and he made a full and that years later two major heart oper­ valuable contribution to all our discussions, ations to replace valves became necessary. always with the greatest of good humour. In a way he was very glad to have lost Those of us who had the privilege of His genuine enthusiasm and deep interest weight, and certainly it never changed knowing Ian during school days in the in people were obvious to all who his personality which remained through­ forties, remember him with affection for worked with him. He felt great affection out, by nature and by grace, that of a his remarkable sense of humour and for for the School and this was mutually happy energetic man with a tremendous the interest in and caring he showed for returned. Whenever David was at meetings, zest for life, a deep concern for people, his fellow pupils. He made a lasting or when he was with his wife Dorothy at and an ability to laugh, even in circum­ impression and formed several fine social functions, laughter and fun were stances where that required great courage. friendships which have endured and never far away. Our deepest sympathy He was the only child of Charles and developed over years during which his goes to Mrs Spence and their daughters Maude Stuart, but his mother’s family gaiety and lively wit have delighted and in their loss, which is one we share.

63 News of Old Strathallians

ANDERDSON, J. A. (1953/57) is the FIELDING, N. has been in Cairo for MACHARG, J. M. (1939/44) was sector controller for National Express the last 7 years, which is the base for elected president of the Faculty of in Carlisle. his international corporate legal Actuaries in Scotland in June 1985. BAKER, A. J. W. (1968/73) has been practice. He is the chairm an of Clay­ McKEE, N. H. (1979/84) has played rugby for Ulster under-20s and Edin­ elected captain of Lloyds Bank R.F.C. more Investments Inc., and director burgh Academicals, and starts a degree for 1985/86 after representing United of several other companies with wide- course in engineering in the second Banks R.F.C. in 1983/84/85. ranging interests. He would be happy to welcome any Strathallian in the year at Edinburgh University in BENZIES, D. (1970/75) was appointed area. October, 1985. director of William Culross & Son FROST, K. (1944/50) and R. FROST McLENACHAN, W. D. (1968/75) is Ltd., James H. Jackson Ltd. and are now directors of Martin & Frost a quality assurance inspector for Charles Keith and Co. Ltd. in May in Edinburgh. Rentokil. 1985. GALLOW AY, W. (1958/60) is the M cPherson n. w. (i 974/ 8 1) has BIGGART, D. (1962/68)was appointed Information Centre co-ordinator finished his B.Sc. in Agriculture at general manager of Fine Fare Super­ for Canadian Forest Products Ltd. Aberdeen University, and graduated store, Hawick in January 1985. He GARDNER R. A. (1977/78) has reached in general honours with a 2(i). He has taken up marathon running, and the final year of his Ph.D. at the captained the University hockey XI has completed the Glasgow marathon for the 84/85 season. twice, and the Dundee marathon once. University of Salford, and reports that N. L. GARDNER (1975/76) is an MURTON, L. J. (1980/82) has grad­ BOYD, W. J. (1937/42)was appointed instructor at the Schlumberger Train­ uated in Drama and English. Member of the Order of the British ing Centre, Egypt. NIVEN, G. (1983/84) has finished the Empire in the Queen’s Birthday GERRARD, G. A. M. (1970/77) is first year of her degree course in fine Honours List. director of archaeological excavations art and painting at the Winchester BROWN,S. A.(1982/84)is now attend­ on Bodmin Moor, and field surveyor School of Arts. ing Oxford and County Secretarial for the Cornwall Committee for Rescue PATON, R. C. ( - /66) gained his M.D. College. Archaeology, researching early in 1983. BUCHER, M. (1954/60) is now man­ Cornish tin industry for a doctorate. POWRIE, G. C. R. ( - /82) gained his aging director of Lonestar Toys Ltd. GIBSON, W. D. is currently working Royal Lyceum prize at Queen Mar­ BULLOUGH, D. (1982/84) is working for Bell Ingram, Chartered Surveyors, garet’s College and was with the in London as secretary for an advert­ in Glasgow. Scottish Theatre Company in ‘The ising company. GILMOUR.C.G.R. (1979/81) has been Three Estaites’ and ‘The Wallace’ at the 1985 Edinburgh Festival. BURDEN, D. W. (1941/49) has emig­ appointed senior (II) speech therapist POWRIE, R. A. D. (1966/74) recently rated to Western Australia to avoid (southern unit), Inverness, with the completed two years as Adjutant of the rain! Highland Health Board. GOODBOURN, M. G. has obtained a 3/51 Highland Volunteers in Stirling. CA M PBELL, A. D. K. (1955/59) is a He is now on a two year secondment Wing Commander in the R.A.F. Class 2, Division 2 Honours Degree in Civil Engineering at Leeds Univer­ away from the Argylls with the 1st serving on the staff of the Assistant Battalion, 2nd King Edward VIIS sity. Chief of Air Staff, and expecting to own Gurkha Rifles in Brunei and move to a new appointment in spring JARLOW.K-J. (1978/83) is entering then Hong Kong. the third year of his Geology degree 1986. PROSSER, D. H. (1974/79) reports course at Glasgow University. CHALMERS, J. A. (1944/51) ischair- that his brother is now working as a man of the Department of Obstetrics KEECH, J. R. N. has recently be<;n civil engineer in Abu Dhabi, after and Gynaecology, Ipswich Hospital. appointed international business being best man at his wedding. development manager of Ford’s CRABB, S. A. (1980/81) is a trainee RANDELL, A. M. (1978/83) is enter­ tractor division. He has also been ing the third year of his degree course accountant with Price Waterhouse, appointed to the board of Fabreca de in accountancy in O ctober 1985, and Aberdeen. Tractores Agrecolas in Mexico and is is president of the Strathclyde Univer­ CRAWFORD, I. (1973/80) is flying responsible for other special markets. 747s for British Airways. sity Accountants Society 1985/86. LECKIE, S. (1981/83) has taken up He reports that G. SEDGWICK has CUNNINGHAM, R. A. (1975/77) has wrestling. He was second in the Espoir finished his first year of Mechanical recently qualified as a Sea King pilot, British Championships and has Engineering at Dundee, and F. serving with 814 Naval Air Squadron, wrestled in the under-20 age group COZIER has finished his first year Culdrose and H.M.S. Illustrious. for Scotland against Manchester, of Chemical Engineering at Aberdeen. DANGERFIELD, P. H. has been South England and Germany. He has C. LEE has achieved a 2(i) honours awarded an M.D. for his thesis entitled finished the 2nd year of his course in degree from Dundee, and P. LEE has ‘A study of Neonatal Measurements.’ Catering and Accommodation Studies finished the honours year of his DRYBOROUGH, W. G. (1950/57) has at Napier College. pharmacy degree at Strathclyde. moved to Mid Wales as farm manager/ LEISHMAN, R. S. F. (1968/74) is REID, P. K. graduated in summer 85 lecturer for the Welsh Agricultural working for Britoil in the designing with a 2(i) honours B.Sc. in Electrical College, Aberystwyth, and would like of an oil rig for the Clyde field. and Electronic Engineering from other old boys in the area to get in LINN, J. W. (1956/61) is the general Heriott-Watt University. touch on 09747-242. manager of Lark International China REID, D. S. ( - /79) has completed his FELLOWS-PRYNNE, T. R. (1973/78) Ltd. course in Architecture Technology is a customs officer in N orth Shields, LOCKE, J. M . O. C. (1980/82) has grad­ and is working for the Bank of Scot­ Tyne & W ear. uated in dental assisting in Canada. land’s Architects Department.

64 STARK, R. C. (1968/72) is practising BIRTHS McBRIDE, D. J. (-/71)to MissCynthia as a solicitor, and reports that his BAIRD, G. G. (1975/78) to Mr and Mrs Radzewiczon 20th April, 1985. brother I. C. STARK (1970/72) is a Baird a son, George Alexander on McLENACH AN, W. D. to Miss Katryna systems analyst for British Syphins 2nd January, 1985. Ferenson 17th O ctober, 1984. pic. BALFOUR, A. G. (1962/69) to Mr and PROSSER, D. H. (1974/79) to Miss STEELE, B. W. (1970/77) is a works Mrs Balfour a daughter, Gillian Sarah Susan Westrop at St. Mary’s Nolton, engineer for Vinyl Products Ltd. on 29th M arch, 1985. Bridgend. WALKER, D. A. (1973/78) is a site BETHUNE, A. W. (1964/71) to Mr and STARK, R. C. (1955/62) to Miss Jong engineer for hydro-electric dam Mrs Bethune a son, Calum Peter on Siew Kian on 8th February, 1985. installations in Malawi. 1st May, 1985. STARK, R. C. (1968/72) to Miss Jose­ WALKER, R. G. (1973/78) is currently FELLOWS-PRYNNE, T. R. (1973/78) phine Crozier on 11th August, 1984 employed by Chevron Petroleum to Mr And Mrs Fellows-Prynne a in Suffolk. (U.K.) Ltd. as a reservoir engineer, daughter, Lorna in April, 1985. WALKER, R.G. (1973/78) to Miss Jane and reports that M. GRANT (1973/78) TAYLOR, M. C. (1969/73) to Mr and Roper on 9th June, 1984. is working with W .L.P.U. consultants Mrs Taylor a son, Paul Matthew Klaus in Kenya. on 19th October, 1985. ENGAGEMENTS W ALLACE-REA, W. (1924/29) was GARDNER, R. A. (1977/78) to Miss elected Lord Dean of Guild of the Sally Woodhouse (due to be wed City and Royal Burgh of Dundee on MARRIAGES 29th September, 1985). 29th O ctober 1984. BROWN, D. R. (1965/71) to Miss Jane WEARMOUTH, C. C. (1959/64) is the GERRARD, G. A. M. (1970/77) to C. Wrigleyon29th June, 1985. Miss Helen Buxton. Group General Manager, Financial Control of the Hong Kong Land Co. DOVE, J . M. (1972/77) to Miss Melissa He reports that A. L. WEARMOUTH Austin on 27th May, 1985. DEATHS (1964/69) is working in the Indonesian FELLOWS-PRYNNE, T. R. (1973/78) McCULLOCH, J. G. ( - /30) on 14th jungle on a World Bank project for to Miss Bernadette Dowling in March September, 1984. Morrisson Knudsen. 1984. STRA CH A N , F. W. (1915/20)on 17th WHITE, A. L. (1927/30) has retired. GIBSON, W. D. to Miss Elaine C. April, 1985. WORDIE, W. (1977/82) is starting the Skinner on 11th June, 1985. final year of his Higher Diploma at GILMOUR, C. G. R. (1979/81) to Mr the Aberdeen College of Agriculture. Collter MacEwan on 16th November, He reports that his brother G. 1984. WORDIE is working in the family LEISHMAN, R. S. F. (1968/74) to Miss business. Sally Gubbin on 16th February, 1985. Leavers Comments ’85

They have enjoyed...... They will miss least...... Some of the people...... The rest of the people. Meeting some real individuals. Boring, stereotype, idle, shallow, The utopian type life style. earth dwellers. The community atmosphere. The routine. The friendliness of the masters. Lessons on Monday afternoon. Rugby and ‘Rugby Lads.’ Mindless pigheadedness. Cricket. Games in the cold. Watersports, athletics, hockey, Standards. tennis etc. ‘The narrow minded totalitarian Watching cricket on the lawn. control of the rugby players. Chapel. The ‘Pope.’ Congregational practice. Chapel. Corps. The motor-bike section. The ‘Wham Gang.’ Trendy clothes. The smell of Kimmel in the history Young Socialists. rooms. Theatre visits. Other peoples clothes and music. Breaking rules. Fire alarms. Com puters. Air Conditioned toilets. Miss A tkinson’s cat. Toilet paper. Jazz. The food, especially lunches. Rikki. Retiring and rising too early. Crisps. Doug Drysdales Burton shirts. Drama. An actor too full of himself.

65 DINNER FOR STRATHALLIANS LEAVING SCHOOL 1950-59

The first of a series of gatherings for P. Eason J. G. Paton Strathallians, grouped by the years they R. S. Eason D. S. Pattullo left School, was held at Strathallan on D. M. Fisher J. C. Pattullo the 30th March 1985. TheChairmanof A. J. Fitzpatrick J. R. Peters Governors and Headmaster had invited H. I. B. Fitzpatrick R. M. Rentoul all those who left School between 1950-59 M. G ardner A. D. Ritchie whose addresses could be discovered. I. A. W. Gillespie D. M. Sinclair Those accepting arrived at School to be A. B. B. Gilm our G. W. Sinclair accommodated in the W oodlands single R. M. D. G rant J. H. Sinclair rooms. (Some expressed disappointment S. W. Grierson I. W.G. Taylor that the usual occupant was away - for D. W. Hannah D. A. Thain it was during the holidays). Bow ties G. T. Hudson H.F. Wilson adjusted, the company assembled in the Dr K. R. H unter Saloon and Drawing Room for drinks N. R. King Guests: with the Headmaster, where there was R. J. Kinvig R. A. L. Burnet a display of photographs showing many H. R. Levick T. C. G. Fairbairn of those present 30 years younger with W. R. Linn W. N. S. Hoare more hair and less stomach. Dinner was R. S. Little C. P. Hewson served in the Music Room-eating in A. Logan C. D. Pighills (Headmaster) the Chapel did not used to be allowed! D. F. Logan P. R. Spurgin The School Pipe Major, Lome Watson J. M. Low D. A. R. Williams piped in port and the Chairman of C. McCreadie Governors David Fulton (1939) said a M. McGill Many letters of regret were received few words of welcome to the chief guest, J. A. McIntyre from Strathallians both at home and who was Wilf Hoare him self- the one J. McKee abroad, and the letters of thanks received person present who did not seem to W. A. McMillan afterwards were very much appreciated. have changed at all. After an excellent J. M. Maguire dinner provided by the School Caterers, N. F. Maguire The Entertainment was given by: Craig and Carmel Young and their Staff, I. D. M arshall everyone went over to the Lecture C. J. Marsland The Early Music Group: J. Lozowy, Theatre where there was a most pro­ R. A. C. Miller Lucy Crispin, Jo Fagg and Nicola fessional short entertainment presented D. I. M uir (President o f the Club) Thaw. by the Early Music and Drama groups, M. J. Morgenthaler who had given up some of their holidays T. I. R. Ovens Drama Group: Ken Orr, Sally Binnie, to put on the show. The official part of R. W. W. Paterson Tom Bowron, Amy McDonald, Sean the programme finished with nightcaps J. Paton McEachern and Kate Scanlan. in the Headmaster’s House again and the unofficial part of the programme reminisced on until the small hours. On Sunday morning everyone seemed remarkably spritely and ate far more breakfast than usual or was good for them, and slowly dispersed during the m orning. All those who attended seemed to thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to see the School as it is now, meet some friends, many of whom they had not seen for years, and even see one or two of the Masters again! Surprise, surprise it didn’t cost anything, and SO FAR no begging letter has been received...

Those who attended were: Strathallians: D. C. Fulton, Chairman o f Governors I. M. Aitken A. A. Arneil Dr A. A. Barclay S. M. Bayne B. Benson R. M. Benson J.A. Brough W. R. Brown R. A. Carswell R. S. Chalmers J. W. Dinsmore Three G enerations o f Strathallians - The Palons o f Bankfool, Perth

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