ComteSts The Strathallian 2008-2009 Volume XX No.9

2 School Captains 3 H ea d m a ster’s R eport 4 Salvete 6 Speech Day House Reports 8 Riley 10 Freeland 12 Nicol 14 Ruthven 16 Simpson 18 Thornbank 20 Woodlands 22 C h aplain’s R eport 23 Headmaster's Music 24 Music 27 Music in Riley House 28 The Ecolo G Festival 29 Speech and Drama 30 Riley Show - Yanomamo 32 C harley’s A u n t 34 Guys and Dolls 37 National Youth Theatre 38 A rt 42 Design & Technology 4 6 C ricket 4 9 R ugby 51 Football 52 Badminton N etball Riley House Swimming Iceland 53 Sailing B asketball 54 Athletics and Cross Country 55 G olf Karate 56 Boys’ Hockey 58 Girls’ Hockey 60 Boys’ Tennis 61 Girls’ Tennis 62 Equestrianism 64 Swim Team 66 Fencing . j p s r 67 Rounders Ski Season 68 Clays ■22 Rifle Club 69 Angling Club Equestrian success Beaux of the ball. 70 Sports Day 71 Navy Sailing Trip 72 CCF 74 Debating Chess 75 Wildlife Photography Day Argentine Concert 76 Iceland Trip 78 Pipe Band 8 0 Valete 82 Prizewinners 83 Charity Race 8 4 H istory 88 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 89 Staff Valete 90 Obituaries 92 Charities 93 Glenbrae EcoSchool Strathallan School, Forgandenny, Perth PH2 9EG www.strathallan.co.uk 94 Reels Nights VI Form Common Room Editor: E G Kennedy Design: Douglas Colquhoun www.douglascolquhoun.co.uk 95 VI Form Burns Supper Photography: Alaisdair Smith for Art, Irene McFarlane, Andrew Watt, David Barnes, Stuart Adams Hypnotist Night and all staff who contributed. Print: MLG. 96 The Ball PRELIMS______School Captains

Some say that school is the best time of your life. It’s a cheesy line but the truth is when you look back over the years, you come to realise that there are many memories of your time at Strathallan which tell you that it really was a unique experience.

Throughout our final year at Strath you could hear many complaints of the tests and the challenges that we were faced with, whether they be academic, sporting, musical or dramatic. However, looking back now as ex-pupils, I am certain that many of us wish we could go back and do it all over again.

Strath is indeed the first stage of an epic journey, setting you up before embarking into the 'big bad world’.

Reflecting, I still find it outstanding that as such a small and compact community, every pupil has the chance to thrive, compete and achieve at such a high level in a variety of fields. A key part of this success is dependent on the work and effort that all of the staff so enthusiastically offer in and out of the classroom. One of the things that sets Strathallan so high above other schools is the bridge that is built between staff and pupils. I would just like to thank Mr Thompson and Mr Barnes for all of their support for Jamie and me over this past year, as well as the Flemings, Miss Sime, Mr Giles and, of course, Hendo.

Having the Strathallan experience behind us makes tasks all the easier and because of this we have all left with a strong feeling of satisfaction. One of the things that sets School has been a long but rewarding process and we shall take the friends Strathallan so high albwe other and the memories into the next stage schools is the bridge that is built o f our lives. between staff and pupils... I wish all the pupils at Strath the best of luck for the future years; grab every opportunity as it comes. I also wish every member of our year the utmost success in all o f your endeavours.

Just remember....Labor Omnia Vincit

Jayne Carmichael UVI Thornbank and Jamie King UVI Freeland

2 The Strathallian 2008-2009 PRELIMS Headmaster s report

In my speech at Speech Day I stressed the value of the team. While this is significant in any context, as with so many other things, it becomes of greater importance in a boarding context. Whether pupils are boarders or day pupils in a boarding school all experiences are more intense and it really is the case that “together everyone achieves more”.

In the all important academic work in many We even have a Scottish national record holder ways it is the individual who is tested and of in the pool and one or two pupils have their course pupils’ results are important in terms of sights set firmly on future Olympic success. The their future destinations. This year, as has become Royal Marines won the Leadership Trophy at the typical, our Upper Sixth is departing to a very Pringle Trophy. The Music Department continues wide range of destinations and courses. This to be hugely vibrant and successful under its reflects the diversity which we encourage and we new Director with over sixty different concerts feel far more comfortable that we have this variety and again high standards being achieved within than schools that tend to channel everyone to a a wide range of different disciplines. We have small number of universities which may be right achieved national success in traditional Scottish for some but are unlikely to be right for all. Our disciplines such as piping, the Mod, folk groups A level results were particularly pleasing with and a member of the RSAMD Traditional Music 49% A, 76% A/B and 95% at A-C. Six subjects programme, we have individuals in the National achieved 100% A/B and a further six were well Youth Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra and there has over the 80% mark. Our GCSE results with been real development with ensembles including 45% at A*-A being the highest which the school the Big Band and Wind Band. There has been a has achieved, give encouragement for the future. further boost in funding for the choir based at the The value, and validity, of league tables are much Cathedral in Perth, St Ninian’s. Pupils continue debated and they can only tell part of the story. to be active in drama, dance and festivals which In the case of the Scotsman whose education supplement the outstanding productions of correspondent managed to work out our figures Charleys Aunt and Guys and Dolls which we were incorrectly they did not tell a true story at all. A privileged to enjoy this year. correction was published and we did everything We are also conscious of how fortunate we all we could to let people know that we achieved are and the work of our Charities Committee 49% at grade A rather than 19% which the paper continues to bring home to us the needs of others. had published. We were inevitably rather happier This year we built a school in Malawi and a house with the Financial Times which had us as the top for a teacher, equipped the library, and put on four A level school in Scotland. The FT’s rankings other major fundraising events. tend to be the most respected (and I have said this in the past not just because we did well this Of course, crucial to the team are the individual year) partly because they list so much information teachers. Behind every successful activity which gives crucial indicators such as the number and department one finds a dedicated and of subjects taken by each pupil and the numbers inspirational teacher. This year we said farewell of pupils entered. While examination results are to two long serving members of staff. Carol important, we continue to strive to encourage Duncan’s outstanding teaching and passionate pupils to stretch themselves academically beyond leadership of the Modern Languages Department the GCE syllabuses and it is great to hear of will be remembered and appreciated by so the success of two of our recent arrivals Otari many. C arol’s dedication, enthusiasm and sheer Kakhidze and Denise Pacholska who have both professionalism will be very hard to replace. been successful in national essay competitions in Elizabeth Adam has made an individual and their home countries. It is also good to hear ot committed contribution to the English teaching the continuing success of former pupils and that in the School for the past twenty three years. recent graduates from Oxford and Cambridge Dominik Diamond, when he visited the School, have continued the impressive record of achieving highlighted Elizabeth’s enthusiasm for one firsts which Strathallians have established at author which it is fair to say he did not share. He those institutions. certainly remembered Elizabeth’s passion and appreciated a love of literature which she passed The Team is clearly evident in many of the on to him. The commitment and care which activities which take place outside the classroom Andrew Gordon showed to his pupils in the and each of these is dealt with in separate sections Design Technology Department, Nicol House in the heart of this magazine. The thing which I and Riley Sport were particularly marked; he was find particularly inspiring when I come to write described as the ‘all round good guy’ by Captains my speech is to look at the overview of everything of School and we wish him and his family every which has been achieved. For example, this year, success in their adventure in Thailand. Jane White we achieved district or national success in twenty and Bee Cassimer in the Modern Languages three different sports, provided eighteen national Department and Andy Collins covering in champions and twelve national representatives.

The Strathallian 2008-2009 3 PRELIMS______Headmaster’s report continued Salvete

Chemistry and latterly Computing were only with us Name+lnits Surname YG House Ad date for a comparatively short time but each supported their Andrew A Adam P7 Riley 01 09 2009 pupils with real professionalism and we are grateful to Hannah E Adams S2 W oodlands 01 09 2009 them for their contribution. And we also thank Victor Charlotte E D Allingham SI Riley 01 09 2009 Popescu who was with us for one year helping with EAL Caitlin Ball S5 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 and in Nicol House. Beyond the classroom John Newall Angus Balmaks S5 Freeland 01 0 9 2 00 9 tended the grounds and completely changed the look of S2 W oodlands 01 0 9 2009 the School over the past eight years; Jacqui Todd has not Rosie C A Beech only been Lead Nurse in the Medical Centre but has also Nicola L Bell SI Riley 01 09 20 0 9 helped to coach the Athletics squad and Alix Doe made Caitlin E Beveridge SI Riley 01 09 2009 her own contribution particularly in organising events in Phoebe Blackley S5 Glenbrae 01 0 9 2009 the Marketing Department. James T Boag P7 Riley 01 0 9 20 0 9 To replace leaving colleagues we are delighted to have Bonnie L Brown SI Riley 21 04 2009 secured such high calibre replacements. David and Robert W Brown P7 Riley 21 0 4 2 0 0 9 Donna Billing join us from Uppingham where David Keith M Buchan S5 Ruthven 01 09 2009 was Director of Sport and taught English, and Donna Jessica B K Bussey P7 Riley 01 09 2009 was in the History Department. David takes over Nicol Robert C J Bussey S4 Simpson 01 09 20 0 9 House from David Giles who moves to be Registrar and Isla M E Cameron S2 Thornbank 01 09 2009 Donna will also tutor in Glenbrae. David is a graduate S2 Nicol 01 09 2 00 9 of Loughborough and Donna of St Andrews. From Jose M Camino a rather different location comes Nigel Gallier to the Rhona Campbell P7 Riley 01 0 9 2009 Physics Department. Nigel has completed thirty years Chun K Chan S5 Ruthven 01 09 2009 in the Army after graduating from Cambridge. He took Yuen C Chan SI Riley 01 09 20 0 9 a teaching qualification a few years ago and has now Sarah G Cheape S2 Thornbank 01 09 2009 changed his career to teaching Physics but also inevitably Raim undo Clar Oiler S3 Simpson 01 09 20 0 9 has been asked to run the Army section. Gillian McLean Ruaridh J Clark P5 Riley 01 0 9 2009 graduated from Strathclyde University in French and Clements P5 Riley 01 09 2 00 9 German and spent some time working in countries where Phoebe C M those languages are spoken before deciding to become a Ailsa A Clifford SI Riley 01 0 9 2 00 9 teacher and joins us having completed her PGCE and Hayden Clinch S4 Simpson 01 0 9 2009 probationary year in Glasgow. Ken Hutton is kindly Mark A Cochrane S2 Freeland 01 09 20 0 9 covering for Andrew Gordon in the Design Technology James F Cockburn S2 Nicol 01 09 2009 Department while we source another permanent teacher Conor Coleman S5 Nicol 01 09 2009 and Ivanina Trifonova is this year’s HMC teacher from Connor A J Collins P6 Riley 01 0 9 2 00 9 Romania who will help pupils whose first language is not Kyle S J Cooke SI Riley 01 0 9 2009 English and will also be residential tutor in Thornbank. 01 0 9 2 00 9 During the year, we welcomed Lisa Leslie to Marketing Jamie W C orbett S2 Nicol where her experience is already having a real effect and Lucy D Crabb P7 Riley 01 0 9 2009 Mike Bussey is continuing the development of the pitches Jocelynn 1 Craw Harley S5 Glenbrae 01 09 20 0 9 and grounds which, as I write this in October, are looking Megan Crawford SI Riley 21 04 2009 beautiful and playing exceptionally well. Lara Young and Sophie G Curran S2 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 Judith Glasgow join the Medical Team as Judith Gerrie Jordan A Curtis S2 Simpson 05 01 2 0 09 steps up to be Lead Nurse. We welcome all of these Paul Cuvillier S5 Nicol 01 0 9 2009 colleagues and one hundred and fifty new pupils to our S2 Nicol 01 09 20 0 9 community. With the new Girls House Glenbrae in full Andrew J J Darby operation from September, the School roll is currently Callum J Davidson S5 Ruthven 01 09 2009 at 535 a 9% rise which ensures that we are in a strong Lisa P Davidson S2 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 position for the future. John C Dew P7 Riley 01 0 9 2 00 9 Dibnah S2 Thornbank 01 09 2009 BKT Josephine R Grant R T Doig S2 Nicol 01 09 20 0 9 Caitlin 1 H Donald P5 Riley 01 09 2009 Nicole S Drechsler S2 Glenbrae 01 09 20 0 9 Karl G Drouven S5 Nicol 01 0 9 20 0 9 Lauren K Dundee P5 Riley 01 09 2009 Justin M Evans S5 Freeland 01 09 20 0 9 Christina E H Farrar S2 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 Callum Fletcher S3 Freeland 01 09 2009 Blair U Forbes S4 Freeland 01 09 20 0 9 Benedikt Fundulus S5 Simpson 21 04 2009

4 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SALVETE

Name+lnits Surname YG House Ad date Name+lnits Surname YG House Ad date Riley 01 09 2009 Pablo Garcia Bescansa S3 Nicol 01 0 9 2009 Orpheas Manos P7 Ruthven 01 09 2009 Lisa F G arrett P6 Riley 01 09 20 0 9 Enrique Martinez S3 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 A m ber C Garvie P6 Riley 01 09 20 0 9 Hannah C Meikle S5 Thornbank 01 09 2009 S cott M Garvie S2 Ruthven 01 09 20 0 9 Kirsty Muir S3 Riley 01 09 2009 Euan B G ilburt S3 Simpson 01 09 2009 Rob Muir SI Riley 01 09 2009 India A Gill S5 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 Bethany J Murphy SI Glenbrae 01 09 2009 Lea S Gill S5 W oodlands 01 09 2 00 9 Yuen Y Ng S5 P6 Riley 01 09 2009 Nick Gilmore S5 Ruthven 01 0 9 2009 Lucy J Orr 01 09 2009 Fraser J C Glasgow P6 Riley 01 09 20 0 9 Connor A Ovenstone S2 Nicol Glenbrae 01 09 2009 A ntony 1 Gloag S2 Ruthven 01 09 2009 Denisa Pacholska S5 Freeland 05 01 2009 Anastasia A Gnatyuk S5 Glenbrae 01 0 9 20 0 9 Ewan M Pirrie S4 Thornbank 01 09 2009 Ivan Goncharenko S5 Freeland 01 0 9 2009 Hannah K J Pitts S3 S2 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 Isla Gordon P7 Riley 01 09 20 0 9 Daisy M Pro van Riley 01 09 2009 A m y A Grant S3 W oodlands 01 09 2009 Alfonso Ramos SI S5 Ruthven 01 09 2009 Thimo Grantz S3 Freeland 01 09 20 0 9 Ewan Ramsay Ruthven 01 09 2009 Cameron 1 M Griffiths P6 Riley 01 09 2009 M oritz O B Rechberg S5 01 09 2009 Katharine A G riffiths S2 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 Gregor 1 W Ritchie P6 Riley Simpson 01 09 2009 Chloe Grossi S5 W oodlands 01 0 9 2 00 9 James T Ritchie S2 Riley 01 09 2009 Jiayi Guo S5 Glenbrae 01 0 9 2009 Fabienne 1 Robertson-Barnett P7 Riley 01 09 2009 Charlotte Hartm ann S5 Thornbank 01 09 20 0 9 Imogen A Robertson-Barnett P6 Freeland 01 09 2009 Nicholas B Heaney SI Riley 01 09 2009 Pablo Sagnier S2 Thornbank 01 09 2009 Alexander R Henderson S5 Simpson 01 09 20 0 9 Caroline F Seaman S2 Ruthven 01 09 2009 Am ar Hodzic S5 Nicol 01 0 9 2009 Adam Shakor S3 Thornbank 01 09 2009 Derek J Hoogerbrugge S5 Freeland 01 09 20 0 9 Nadia A Shakor S5 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 George Horne S3 Simpson 01 09 2009 Qian Shen S3 Simpson 01 09 2009 Fanfei Hu S5 Nicol 01 09 20 0 9 Hao Shi S5 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 Mengjie Huang S5 Thornbank 01 09 2009 Sandie E T Smillie S2 01 09 2009 Frederick D L Hunter S5 Simpson 01 09 2009 Constance S Snowie SI Riley Freeland 01 09 2009 Megan L Inch SI Riley 01 0 9 2 00 9 Henning V Stange S5 Riley 01 09 2009 Am elia L inglis S2 W oodlands 01 09 2009 Penny J A Stewart P7 01 09 2009 Em ily L Irons-Young S6 Thornbank 01 09 20 0 9 Euan S Sutherland P5 Riley Freeland 01 09 2009 Morgan J Irving P5 Riley 01 09 2009 Maxim A D Tabourel S5 Thornbank 01 09 2009 Zoe Jordan S5 Thornbank 01 09 20 0 9 Gaydelia Talipova S3 Thornbank 01 09 2009 Otari Kakhidze S5 Ruthven 01 0 9 2009 Qianhe Tang S5 Nicol 01 09 2009 Philippa L Kemp S2 Thornbank 01 09 20 0 9 Konstantin F Toffert S4 Thornbank 01 09 2009 Findlay W Kinloch S2 Ruthven 01 09 2009 Mairi P Topham S2 Thornbank 01 09 2009 Hannah Kleinhanss S5 Thornbank 01 09 2009 Kara G Tripney S2 01 09 2009 Magdalena Koch S5 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 Anastasiya Veretennikova S3 Glenbrae 21 0 4 2009 Chun H Kong S4 Simpson 16 02 20 0 9 Luke T Walker S3 Freeland W oodlands 01 09 2009 Cheuk N Lau P7 Riley 01 0 9 2 00 9 Hope M W hitelaw S2 W oodlands 01 09 2 0 0 9 Charles R Leslie P6 Riley 01 0 9 2009 Annabel J E Wilson S2 Nicol 01 09 2009 Daniel P McBride S5 Freeland 01 09 2009 Thomas Wilson S5 S3 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 Joe McColl S6 Simpson 05 01 2009 Lisa V W inkler Ruthven 01 09 2009 Dylan M cD erm ott P7 Riley 01 09 20 0 9 Rory M T W ood S2 W oodlands 01 09 2009 Robb J M acDiarmid S2 Freeland 21 04 2009 Olivia D Woodes Rogers S4 Thornbank 01 09 2009 Calum R Macdonald S4 Ruthven 21 0 4 2 00 9 Xueting Xiao S5 Thornbank 01 09 2009 Ross J McDonald S2 Simpson 01 0 9 2009 Jiaru Yang S5 S3 Freeland 01 09 2009 Murdo S Maclver S3 Nicol 01 09 20 0 9 Ho K Yuen Glenbrae 01 09 2009 Holly A McLean S2 W oodlands 01 09 2009 Yuling Zeng S5 Freeland 01 09 2009 Alexandra K L McLellan S2 Glenbrae 01 09 2009 Ren W Zhu S5 Max H H Mahn S5 Simpson 01 0 9 2009 Marise D Mahos P7 Riley 01 0 9 2009 Hermes Manos SI Riley______01 09 2009

The Strathallian 2008-2009 5 PRELIMS Speech Day

Strathallan School is a veritable hive of activity at the best of times, but during the run-up for the annual Speech Day in May, everyone has something to prepare for. Whether it’s polishing your shoes in order to avoid the wrath of Matron, tearing yourself away from the post-Sports Day barbecue to attend the prize-giving rehearsal or helping to tidy up the art department, everybody is busy doing something to make the school appear at its best.

The pupils spend the first part of the morning getting After the conclusion of the speeches, visitors were free ready whilst the House staff run around frantically trying to explore the Art, Design and Technology, Divinity, to make sure everybody looks presentable (Mr Fleming Maths and Biology departments, where pupils’ work was told many a Thornbanker to run a comb through her hair, displayed, including some genetically modified, glow- only to hear the disgruntled reply that “It’s supposed to in-the-dark bacteria! {You sure that wasn’t the Sixth Form look messy!”). By ten o’clock the parents have started Centre, Vicki? Ed) At the same time, a concert was held to arrive and everyone makes their way over to the in the chapel to showcase the impressive talent of the emblematic white marquee in which the speeches school’s musicians, and at 12.30pm, the pipe band took are given. to the lawn. Just before one o'clock there was the usual mad rush to the food tent, where the famous strawberry The Chairman of Governors, M r Gray, opened the tarts were served. ceremony, and was followed by the Headmaster’s unapologetically lengthy speech which served to illustrate As usual, throughout the day, flashbulbs were continually the continued successes and achievements enjoyed by the going off, as parents did their best to embarrass their pupils in both academic and extra-curricular activities. children, and groups of pupils tried to take as many good Jamie and Jayne’s School Captains’speech was eloquent photos as possible so that they could duly be posted on and extremely funny (although it was probably only the facebook as soon as the ceremony was over. pupils who could appreciate the in-jokes).Their speech All in all, it was a memorable day - one of the few was especially memorable for the members of the UVI, where the whole school community - pupils, parents as they reminded the leavers of all the things they would and teachers- comes together to celebrate not only the miss about Strath (and just a few of the things they achievements of individuals within the school, but of the wouldn’t) - a great send off. One small mention must be school as a whole. made, however, of the disappointment suffered by some pupils at the fact that Jayne failed to carry out a certain Vicki Gow UVI Thornbank little promise she had made the year before, conditional upon her becoming Head Girl... The guest speaker, Sir Allan Langlands, who handed out prizes to pupils, highlighted in his speech the important role that universities play in our everyday lives, whilst stressing the value of a university education.

There was the usual mad rush to the food tent, where the famous strawberry tarts were served.

6 The Strathallian 2008-2009 PRELIMS

m s m

The Strathallian 2008-2009 7 OUSES H 8 The Strathallian Strathallian The 8 LM the summer term our numbers had increased to 88 to increased had numbers our term summer the total of 83 boys and girls for the autumn term. By term. autumn the for girls a and House boys the 83 of gave which total pupils we new year 36 This welcomed September. 3rd parents’ and Wednesday on children’s new tea our with began year The children. W e also welcomed three new teachers - Dr - teachers new three welcomed also e W children. take advantage o f the activities on offer. New activities activities New offer. on activities the f o advantage take wall. bing clim etre m ten the and courses rain wire the high the Despite year. school the f o Saturday first the on and music Riley of charge in be to was and staff the the Friday evening w ith no Saturday school. It proved a proved It school. Saturday no ith w evening Friday the exeat an of introduction the was Riley r fo event new A on League Perth the in again had was supported success well dark also great the was in and Tennis Table popular months. proved inter o w which tw week club a library a afternoons started McKay Miss and Sayce, to began and routine and children school new new our their to weeks three or adapted o tw first the Over dives, sky slides, water the on all by had was fun great Riley. in P.E. and games girls’ with for addition responsibilities staff new a also was Carroll Louise Miss joined Sayce Sim Carol Mrs tutor the as Dupplin, and of charge teacher in geography a as Gibson Matt charity which were both very well supported by Riley. by supported for well day very both were non-uniform a and which day shirt charity rugby and kilt the A course! obstacle indoor an and games usual the Senior some from help ith w term. n Party, autum Halloween long The the year in Next exeats o tw boarders! have the to r fo plan we just not and from success great weekend after long a year r fo the f o away ent w concert al It boarders . all inform term f first o which our week ith w fourth the of coincided end the at weekend evenings. Tuesday Sim Mrs by run both bands rock and ceilidh included exercise bonding the our to for ark Carrbridge Landm to Park, ff o Theme headed Forest we year second the For num ber o f the House also to o k part or supported the the supported or part k o to also House the f dress, o ber fancy in num parade a - fun great was prefects School Headmaster's Music in the Perth Concert Hall. There was was There Hall. Concert Perth the in Music Headmaster's 2008-2009

a raffle. Over £ 3 0 0 0 pounds was raised fo r the three three the r fo raised was pounds 0 0 0 3 £ Over the on raffle. a petition com obstacle divisional a aquatic as up An set was children. the course from ideas on based all the second form cam p beside Loch Morlich, Strathallian Strathallian Morlich, Loch beside p cam form second the petition com ly term the and events the f o ‘Div six inning winning w Dron despite term again spring The winning point. were Balmanno one saw just by Balmanno n but leaders Plays’ autum overall 'Div the in the the close won very was Glenearn term. petition House. com the ith divisional w The spring popular the r fo e proved tim in soon Erin and and arrived term Wise Australia, Hamish - from successful also ents very Smith, replacem three His us. after Gap ith w home s term Australian returned our ho w and McArthur, tudent farewell Nick S said to we thanks' term f o n 'heaps autum the f o end the t A afternoon. the in charities chosen term er m sum the in day charity own their had also Riley to be a m ost colourful and enjoyable musical. A m ost Bush ost m Judy A musical. enjoyable proved and This theatre. colourful f o ost packed m aa be to to ed production House perform the course, f Yanomamo o and, the to petition com outing an Paddock, the on day fun ily triathlon, fam term and er m sum the petition, com plate international 6-a-side rugby A Italy v House A a Scotland included the year to the outing during highlights ther O year. this Balmanno to ent w also and sale plant and cake a had we and Paddock ucsfl n t h er Wl dn, Riley! done, Well year. the to end successful the winning team hockey Boys' Riley the Perth, in which shield the win to enough quite not was it strongly but back came Dron term er summ the In Music'. BBC children’s concert in Glasgow, the Guitar Hero Hero Guitar the Glasgow, in concert children’s BBC HOUSES

The following were presented with prizes on Friday 3rd July at our Prize Giving : Academic - Best Form Orders - Effort Totals 1JJ Angus Gibson; 1J Nina Hearns 1st Finlay Stewart Eliza Younger 2nd Georgie Howell Annr Arthur Robyn Somerville Most Progress Lewis' C butts Distinctions Rory Arthur Archie Brown .Camerort Jenkins Cameron Hirst Ellie Hall Jo Ba rrack . Finlay Kettles Music Colin Gordon & Sarah Nicol Drama Ewan Campbell & Jo Barrack Games Charlie Mearns & Alison Ramsay Art Gareth W att & Robyn Somerville DT Jordan Curtis & Georgie Howell Reading Champion Finlay Stewart:.. Cups and Trophies Div Plays Glenearn Chess Master Matt Patterson Div Music Best soloist Colin Gordon Best Div Dron ■ Piping/Drumming Novice Chanter Charlie Mearns Novice Drumming Alex Robertson Junior Drumming Cam my Mack Equestrian Awards Gareth Watt : Robyn Somerville Phoebe Arnot Rosie Williams Div Swimming: The Simpson Cup Dron Football: World Cup Drdn Athletics Senior Sports’ Day Boys’ 100 metres .1st. Charlie Mearns 2nd Gareth Watt 3rd Josh Henderson Girls’ 100 metres 1st Anni Arthur 2nd Robyri Somerville 3rd Emily Barnes Mixed 800 metres 1st Josh Anderson 2nd Chris Van Dort 3rd Connor Holbom Riley Sports’ Day Victrix Ludorum Robyn Somerville1 Victor Ludorum Charlie Mearns Mixed Doubles Tennis: Dorward Cup Mark McGuire & Nina Mearns Hewson Cup Charlie Meafns & Anni Arthur Divisional Shield 1st BALM ANNO 66.5 pts 2nd DRON 64.5 pts 3rd GLENEARN 53.5 pts 4th DUPPLIN 45.5 pts At the end of our Prize Giving we said thank you, goodbye and made a presentation to Andrew Gordon who had taught D.T. and helped with Riley games for the past eight years and to Liz Duncan who had been a Riley tutor for four years and now moves to the new girls’ house, Glenbrae,

The Strathallian 2008-2009 9 HOUSES reeland

» .. . i t has been a privilege to captain and work within such a brilliant group of people...« HOUSES

Moving to Strathallan was somewhat of a strange and It is fair to say that Freeland, like all Houses, offer a healthy alien experience for me as I had previously attended donation to school events (and prize winners) such as a regular day school for five years. I found it easy to 'Charley’s Aunt’ and ‘Guys and Dolls’. Watching Marcus appreciate the differences Strath had to offer realising Adams, Ollie Wale, Oli Beetschen, Jonny Keddie, Jamie that the breadth of opportunities is something that Parker, Josiah Bircham and Andrew Glover lead the few can afford to miss. Boarding in Freeland has re­ performances gives us all a sense of pride and a reason to emphasised how important my decision to move to hold our heads high. I will also have to mention Parker’s Strath was as it is such a welcoming environment. Boys one-man congregation which gives us all something to in the House are always up for a laugh and help pick look forward to at chapel-keep up the good work, Parker. you up when you’re down which is why the House, and Leading in productions such as these reinforces the furthermore the school, functions so well. There is an breadth and diversity of the House’s character: where you unparalleled atmosphere that makes any newcomer have performers: you have national level pipers, where you instantly feel part of the team. A sense of place is have musicians; you have top class sportsmen and where created by the likes of Grant’s ‘Palace of Love', Cliff you have artists; you have Sam, who does have his own introducing us to Belga, tucking the Head Boy, Jamie, into bed and Maksym’s cheeky but loveable sense unique art form(s). I have no fear in saying that the talent of humour. These all culminate to make (to quote present in the younger years of the House will carry on Jean Behets) “YOU!” part of Freeland, and he’s right. this merit of Freeland. The Upper Sixth in the House have led by example Freeland did well in maintaining the stocks in the trophy throughout the year and offered their support, not only cabinet this year. A win in the House music ensemble with by their formal duties but by taking the time to make “ Follow the Heron Home” beautifully arranged by William sure the lower years are kept on the right track. Campbell Gibson and featuring Joshua Cheung on Cello The House is full of memories which I'm sure every boy in was a highlight while our performance of 'C'est La Vie’ was it can appreciate. These include the numerous schemes of enjoyed by all. Enthusiastic performances at the lectern by the dynamic duo that is Grant and MacKenzie, adventures Andrew Glover, Jamie Parker, Surakat Kudehinbu and Sam conducted by Will and Adam, sending up the tutors at the Lipworth saw us win the senior House debating trophy. Christmas party, Gavin's fascination with 'Yu-gi-oh' and The year ended on a high note with wins in shooting and even the scores of side-splitting laughs that come from the junior House cricket competition. the cleaners' staffroom - we can only guess what they Knowing that the end of term, and for upper sixth school, laugh at...which is probably for the best! Thanks also goes is closing in is a strange time as you can’t help but reflect to Mr Heaney for supplying us with fresh quotes for the on your time in the House. Just walking down the corridor year. "G ot yal" you can still hear the familiar voices of the fabulous It's funny how you get to know the House so well and Baino, the characteristic "HEULLO!’’ of Simon and Rayko how the strongest of friendships with your peers build up. and Tourney's lively banter. You slowly but surely realise Similarly, being able to approach the tutors whether it be how good a life we have in Freeland, despite the minor for advice or simply for a chat in the foyer is an element of annoyances we put up with, and that being part of such a Freeland which makes it so welcoming. Even Mr Proctor’s group of people is something that few people experience grumbles and growls can be deciphered to contain some and will be treasured for a long time to come. form of encouragement. We are truly grateful for their Day to day life at Strath and in Freeland is not always easy, support and guidance throughout the year which was requiring a lot of effort and work input. My right-hand- rounded up with a memorable evening at The Kirkstyle man Jonny Dickson has shared this workload by arranging Inn, in Dunning, w ith our annual Upper Sixth farewell meal. numerous House events and by stepping in when need be. This report would not be complete without mention of And yes, he is a god. Nevertheless it has been a privilege the Trojan workforce that is our cleaning staff. Rhona, to captain and work within such a brilliant group of Liz, Janette and Dianne do themselves credit everyday people. I'm confident in saying that the House has been by leaving us with an immaculate House, despite our left in good hands with Oli Beetschen as captain and best efforts. We would like to wish Janette and Rhona all Surakat Kudehinbu as his deputy. They combine a focused the best as they move on to new positions, in particular work ethic and being in touch with the House and I’m sure Janette after 12 years of loyal service to Freeland. Dianne they’ll have a beneficial year for both themselves and the is central to the House as she stops at nothing to ensure House. Writing this report has sparked many memories our wellbeing and by acting as a bridge between the of my time in Freeland and I hope that reading it will do Housemaster and the boys. We all know we can confide the same. in her, even if it is concerning a certain underground tuck shop. Again we thank her for the love she shows towards Roy Cameron us and to the House.

The Strathallian 2008-2009 11 HOUSES icol

This time it was Andrew Whitelaw’s turn to step up Simpson, but as always the Nicol boys left the pitch to the position of Head of House, along with Robbie with their heads held high. The juniors still not living and Hugh as Deputies. The group alone assured a up to the seniors’ standards once again coming third. strong start to the year but a good group to look up to. Nicol once again received an Aussie exchange, Flouse music saw an uproar this year with our house this time in the form of Henry L’Estrange, who choir singing 'Mountains’ somehow managing to brought with him not only 5 'A feet of Australia, but win first place, some believe that this was down to a lot of laughs and some good times. Ali Brown and his skimpy red jeans. The ensemble played a wonderful rendition of Imagine’ by John This year saw House rugby come around first, Lennon the solo being performed by Tom Esparon. a com p e titio n th at runs deep in Nicol's veins. After 2 successful matches against Ruthven and Nicol once again retained House swimming, but Freeland the team went into the final match unfortunately we had to share it with Ruthven due to with high expectations and hopes, but after 14 the unfortunate disqualification of someone who will gruelling minutes we were on the wrong side of not be mentioned... Derek! the scoreboard which saw the trophy passed on to This year once again led to another extremely successful Christmas party, with a large bouncy assault course which led to some insane jumps by our one and only Jo Morrison. There was also another successful House outing to see the infamous sequel to Casino Royal.

The spring term once again brought more success to Nicol in the form of senior indoor and outdoor hockey, House cross-country, in which we won all levels. This was not due to any individual but a whole team performance. This year saw the return of House football, in which after getting to the final we lost on penalties.

Finally into the last term, a much needed break from the long dark days of Winter into the sunny hot days of Summer and with that, unfortunately the pressure of exams for the seniors, though this usually means that there is not time left for inter-house competitions, though we still managed victories in cricket - without the help of Freddie Coleman- tennis, athletics, which came down to the final relay, and a final unforgettable celebration from Mr Giles.

From team success to personal success we have had a number of National appearances by some of the lads, some being, Jo Morrison who skied for Scotland and Great Britain. Freddie Coleman who continues to make the Scottish U19 cricket team as well as Joe Lipworth, who seems to be spending more time in the water than out of it.

It has once again been a great year for Nicol, and thanks to the hard work of the boys the trophy cabinet appears to be bursting at the seams, but also thanks to all the staff for making this year go so smoothly, and a special thanks to Mr Giles, who having never given up on us so far, is now leaving Nicol, but w hat a year to go o u t on....

Andrew Whitelaw and Mark McAlister

12 The Strathallian 2008-2009 HOUSES

»...the trophy cabinet appears to be bursting; at the seams.. . «

The Strathallian 2008-2009 13 HOUSES

Probably one of the most difficult tasks in the year is Ensemble was, however, asked to perform at the extracting a House Report from the Head of House Headmaster's Music at the Perth Concert Hall in prior to the end of an academic year, and this year November - well done, guys. was no different. Henry managed to slip out the door on the 4th of July having left me no report, and During the first term we not only welcomed new it was then down to Jamie and the new Upper 6th to boys including two exchange students from Australia put some thoughts to paper - this they did prior to but we also said farewell to lain Bonn, lain had been half term, October 2009. w ith us since Riley, but after gaining his GCSEs he We had another good intake into Ruthven in decided to follow an agricultural course at College. September with twenty-one new boys to the House. The exchange students, George and James, settled The 3rd form settled well with Paul Vallot as their well and had a very good term with us. James tutor and they all enjoyed a weekend away at Loch was a guitarist in our Ensemble and the girls were Morlich. As a House we still value the 3rd Form saddened to see George leave in November. Our Retreat as a House trip allowing some senior boys to annual Christmas Dinner was very successful and attend as well. It really does give the new youngsters the Seniors did well to organise ''Ruthven Olympics" a chance to get to know their prefects, tutor and afterwards. The competition included a Pub Quiz, Housemaster - an invaluable experience and one Pool, Table Football, Table Tennis and a round of which I hope we will be able to keep as such. Scattergories.

The House performed well at the Annual House Music A House is often judged on its success in House Competition and yet again we emerged without any Competitions. Once again both individuals and meaningful prize. Winning is not everything but it teams did well throughout the year with success would be nice to get something for the effort of all in the follow ing: that goes into preparation for such an event. Our

1 4 The Strathallian 2008-2009 I I

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i

»C ath erin e will be missed when she moves to Glenbrae - traitor!...«

Golf, Junior Hockey, Senior Football, Swimming had spent the year with us improving his English; he and we also managed the junior and senior Victor was returning to France. Ludorum prizes on Sports Day. Well done to Craig Our Upper 6th did reasonably well in their public and Toby on these prizes. exams with most of them gaining a place at either Ruthven has seen some stability over the past few university or college as they had planned. The 5th years with little change in staffing. This, I feel, is a Form achieved some good GCSE results ahd no good aspect of the House as the boys know exactly doubt some will say they could have done better; but where they stand. However, with a new Girls’ House we can all say that. opening in September 2009 we had to say a sad At the end of the year we not only said farewell to farewell to Catherine Howett. Catherine had joined the leavers but also to Paul Marshall who had spent us about 3 years ago after Charles Court retired. She the Summer term in 4th Form. Paul was on exchange was a popular member of the Team in Ruthven and from Canberra Grammar School and played cricket will be missed when she moves to Glenbrae- traitor! in the 1st XI. He had a good tim e w ith us and I know Over the course of the year a number of boys he went back with fond memories. We also said achieved representative honours in various sports. farewell to Christine who had worked in Ruthven for Ryan Hood was drafted into the Scotland U17 rugby some 18 years. She hasn't left Strathallan but decided training squad and spent 2 weeks training in Spain that perhaps cleaning in the Main Building might be in July. Ali Wood and Craig Rintoul represented U15 easier and less stressful. A Big Thank you to her for Midlands Hockey team while Tori Douglas-Song had all her efforts in the House over the years. Likewise to success in the Fencing arena. Nick Farrar continued Matron and her team, thank you for all your efforts. to represent the U15 Scotland Cricket team while To my Tutor team many thanks for all your time and Toby "Daventry" Culham scored an impressive efforts in and around the House; the boys really do century against the MCC team in June. At the end of appreciate it. Finally to my wife and family thank you the year we said the usual farewell to the Upper 6th for your patience and tolerance. who were now ready to move on to the next stage of their lives. However, we also said farewell to some 5th To Jamie C and the incoming Upper 6th good luck in Formers who were also moving on from Strathallan; the com ing year. Jason, Sam and Callem were moving on while Theo AW

The Strathallian 2008-2009 15 HOUSES

When writing a House report, I suppose it must Each week throughout the Autumn term, both our be a good sign when you struggle to remember senior and junior basketball team played inter-House » I t may everything that the House has achieved in the past league matches in the sports hall. By the end of the year. Thankfully, after a few prompts and reminders, have been term, both our teams had finished top, bringing yet the various successes of last year in Simpson another senior/junior double to Simpson. We also the sight returned to me in no short supply. managed a win in the Badminton competition, led by of Cosmo Senior House rugby, notoriously the most hotly Isaac Tsang. The Christmas outing was a great reward in a mini contested of inter-House competitions, was first up for all the hard work of the term. The whole House in October. Big performances against Ruthven and enjoyed our (all you can eat) curries - especially skirt that Nicol, and simply turning up against Freeland, were James McAllister who ate enough to sink a small so seriously enough to bring the trophy and the year's bragging barge. Of course the double decker journey back rights back to Simpson. from Dundee will undoubtedly stick in the minds (and affected nostrils) for many years to come. the judge’s Etienne Melville (Vice-captain), Steve Lyons, Magnus Olafsson and Dom Pitts all played regular 1st XV While still carrying a little extra holiday weight, the hearing... « rugby during the term, as did Hendo's signings from House turned out for the cross country competition the summer transfer window, Andy Hall and Joe in January. A win in his category for Chris Rennison McColl (who didn't join until January - visa problems. and strong performances from other individuals He is from Elgin after all). Etienne, Andy and Joe also were not, however, quite enough to bring us the title. played district rugby with Caledonia throughout the At the Scottish Schools Athletics Chris performed year. Later the following term, our juniors completed exceptionally well and earned himself a place in the rugby-doublfe, winning their inter-House matches the Scotland Schools Athletics team competing on convincingly with an aggregate score over three foreign soil. Etienne then upheld the Melville family matches of 103-0. They were ably captained by honour (all three boys in the same musical), giving Ruairidh Hunter competently backed-up by a skilful an excellent performance in 'Guys and Dolls’. Not so supporting cast. sure about the accent though, mate. (The accent was superb. Ed) Simpson unusually went in to the annual House Music competition as defending champions and, eager to In March, three of Simpson’s tennis players retain our crown, chose a serious modern classic represented Strathallan at the British National Finals as our choir piece. Breaking Free from Disney's in Bolton. Alastair Hunt, Michael Wells and Ruairidh High School Musical demands a strong vocal and Watson all gave good performances and enjoyed the emotional performance that Simpson were more experience of playing with some excellent players than equal to. Certain that Simon Cowell himself from up and down the United Kingdom. would have been impressed, we were surprised to This year has definitely been another good one hear that the judge on the day did not entirely agree. in Simpson, and I hope everyone is proud of the It may have been the sight of Cosmo in a mini skirt contributions they have made to the House. I want to that so seriously affected the judge's hearing. We all wish Andrew and his prefects good luck for next year, had a lot of fun anyway and will be back stronger I’m sure they will all work hard and do a great job - than ever next year, A rather more serious ensemble enjoy it guys. All that remains is to thank Linda, Ann, piece chosen and arranged by Martin Kwok was well Michelle and Alison for all their help, and of course Mr received and Santiago Garcia Serrano's acoustic and Mrs Batterham and all the tutors for their endless guitar solo was very well done under a lot hard work for the House. of pressure. Ali Hunt UVI

1 6 The Strathallian 2008-2009 HOUSES

The Strathallian 2008-2009 17 HOUSES y i B

» I don’t think Ben was expected to appear with a real a x e «

18 The Strathallian 2008-2009 HOUSES In general people like excitement and adventure but they also crave routine and a familiar pattern of life that they feel comfortable with. Thornbank provides us with all of this.

There is always the excitement of starting a new year, meeting up with old friends, catching up on all the gossip and making friends with the new girls. The adventure of becoming a sixth Former has its own challenges; managing spares - that’s a study period, by the way; Perth leave and Events. V Formers realise that GCSEs are finally here, IV Formers are wishing they were still in the III Form because now they have "so much prep” .while III Formers are so busy having a good time they eventually forget to be worried about starting a new school.

As the school year starts in a haze of subject choices, uniform issues, games and actives the familiar pattern of life and traditions begin to emerge.

One of the best things is having our first prefects meeting with the forward even if they had never done it before, Kirsty, Lizz, Nadia and new Upper VI. It’s great to see them embark on the final leg of their Sarah acquitted themselves brilliantly in the seniors while Darryl, journey, particularly when we have seen them sail sometimes quite Flora, Charlotte and Francis did equally well in the junior debate. close to the wind. This year’s House outing took us to Edinburgh to see Mary Poppins So with Finola and Vicky at the helm and Lizz in charge of the sport and, spurred on by the musical theme and a realisation that this was we are ready to start a new year. House Music had always been a their last chance to be in a school show, Jayne, Kirsty Lizzie and Ina concern for fhis year group, but they were fortunate to have been put on their dancing shoes and joined the chorus of Guys and Dolls. joined by Jennifer Young who brought hitherto unheard-of musica The girls enjoy what is on offer but they bring so much themselves. knowledge and talent, (sorry, girls but you know its true!) She led Some of the things that come to mind are Eugenia and Jemma the way to victory with the House music choir coaching the girls playing knuckles with such ferocity that ice was required. (That's through Shania Twain’s Man I feel Like a Woman She was very the first time I have ever had an injury at a pancake night.)Corridor ably supported by Lizz Vine and Kirsty Scobie who took on the hockey, blow up chairs, Steph’s sunburn, Charlotte and Jemma’s conducting and general organisation - no small feat for a House of fake tans, Lindsay’s coffee and gossiping after the prefects dinner. 87 girls. Alice Perry came to us as an exchange student, staying as a day So, following tradition, the prefects organized their first buddy pupil with Sarah Hellewell, She challenged herself to a Scottish pizza night to get to know their III Form buddies. They prepared charity event, drinking Irn Bru, wearing a kilt and eating shortbread. the annual Halloween party- flour, water, loo roll and wotsits were She raised money for a charity back in her native New Zealand everywhere. In fact I think most of it was on Rachael! Ghost stories getting all of us involved. were shared in the cubbie before the girls were taken on "the scary walk”. Somehow I don't think Ben was expected to appear with a Ina Eller came for two terms from Germany and brought an real axe. The scary video provided hours of entertainment as it was enormous amount of fun and laughter as well as some amazing watched many times over- and that was just the staff. hockey skills.

Another tradition that has developed over the years has been the After the sad demise of "wonky tumour fish” Thornbank acquired annual celebrity switching-on of the Christmas tree lights. The two new goldfish Gold and Nuggetts. Abbey Kemp took on the role prefects get to choose the 'celebrity' and this year they asked Dr of animal welfare officer making sure that they were regularly fed Gibson, much to everyone’s obvious delight. and cleaned, although I think Morag did a fair bit of the cleaning.

The Christmas party always provides the best laughs of the year Changes in the tutor team saw us say hello to Miss Toye who and this year was no different. The morning roll-call came in joined Thornbank as a IV Form tutor, and sadly say goodbye to for its usual Sandra & John jokes but this time performed by an Mme Duncan. Mme D will be greatly missed after many years of extraordinarily tall Elizabeth as Mrs F and a smaller than average loyal service but we know that she will be enjoying her new-found Mr F played by Hannah on her knees. For this they won the prize as freedom and not missing that late drive home every Thursday. We best act! lose Linda from our cleaning team to become Glenbrae’s sewing lady and we also say goodbye or should that be "au revoir" to some Sophie’s portrayal of Miss Morrison on the Upper VI video took of our Thornbank girls as they move on to start a new adventure some beating for sheer daring and Jayne donned the purple fleece and begin some new traditions in Glenbrae. We wish them all the for the last time for her now infamous portrayal of her Housemaster best and hope that they continue to have as much fun in their new and taxi driver. House as they did in Thornbank. We will miss you. Lizz took charge of the swim standards, the House turned out a With thanks to all the prefects particularly Finola who as head of swimmer for every event resulting in a resounding win. House did a great job of supporting the girls and the staff. John and Other competitions take place during the year, but why is the inter- I will miss our chats and coffee mornings. House Badminton always on the day after the ball? Many thanks It's amazing how quickly all the new girls become part of the go to Abbey, Sophie, Ivy, Peng, Jennifer, Shirley and Sunny for Thornbank family and its only through the support of all the tutors, competing despite it being the day after the night before. Morag, Ros and her team that this is possible. Inter-House competitions provide wins and losses and usually some Here's to next year’s adventure. surprises. Nadia took charge of the debating competition; usually a challenge. So it was great to see girls prepared to put themselves SF/JRF

The Strathallian 2008-2009 19 HOUSES oodlands

»...a formidably flexible 60 year old bending; in ways scarcely imagined previously...«

20 The Strathallian 2008-2009 HOUSES

Gazing upon the trophy cabinet it is easy to see and wombles (a reference probably lost on the “youth of remember a number of the highlights of the year. today”) were transformed into magical creatures, aliens The Strathallan Music trophy testifies to the bevy and gothic cheerleaders. The buzz, the energy and the of colourful Abba wannabees who left the House. hilarity that accompanies this process is infectious and Although the performance wasn’t befitting the hours revitalises the House on a cold, damp winter's evening. of practice that preceded it the girls had great fun This year's Top Shop party witnessed the temptation and enlivened the occasion. Ciara Elwis wowed the of many innocent VI Formers by the allures the sales audience with her flute solo winning the solo prize assistants offered. During a night of bankruptcy high in the process and the ceilidh band again acquitted heels were tottered in (or was that just the untutored themselves admirably altogether combining to give us victory. Housemistress); animal print skirts sashayed around and accessories aplenty were accrued. The evening was Another highlight; another trophy.,.the inter-House a great success for the novelty of the shop coming to cross country saw girls (many corralled) on the start you and shopping with all your friends even if Chess ine in freezing rain and regulation House vest. Despite managed to make everything look fantastic. Bead- horrible conditions the senior girls ran bravely achieving making evenings brought together different year a top three finish and other creditable positions to groups and many girls got Christmas covered early win their competition overall. Olwyn Jenkins deserves through their craftsmanship. Yoga sessions prior to the mention too for winning the Junior run. Never a popular exams presented the girls with a formidably flexible 60 event it is the determination of each and every runner year old bending in ways scarcely imagined previously. which counts and therefore the celebratory treat tastes Whilst this spectacle proved a distraction from the all the sweeter. books, many did vouch that they used the breathing

For all the victories whether in hockey, netball or tennis exercises in the crucible of the exam room. As the there were heroic defeats which revealed the character headmaster often says the academic “underpins what that runs deep in Woodlands. Girls turn out time and we d o ” and in spite o f all the fun, friendship, frivo lity time again giving of their best and ensuring that a and competition of the year the girls didn't disappoint competitive encounter is always achieved. in the exams either. Results were impressive and reflected the hard work and determination that had What about those highlights of the year not recognised characterised their approach throughout. The Upper by silverware? Can we call our introduction to VI set the tone in this regard and we were fortunate to Beyonce's Single Ladies Dance a "highlight’'? Of have such a strong set of leaders this year. course although it was not quite the understanding of "courtship” we had hoped for Calum and Fionn. A few of the girls offered a summary of Woodlands Katy and Alice led the school musical belting out which consisted of fun, friendship, rest, work, support show stealing tunes night after night. Sacha Taylor and Janet. It is true that Janet does a huge amount was "discovered” at the House music evening and and Woodlands would not be the same without her but the Brainiacs won the inaugural Woodlands Big Quiz there are many who contribute to the success of the night which saw the residents of Hogwarts taking on House from the tutors to the prefects to the domestic Einsteins and "Neds”. Chocolate night - need I say more team. All of these people help preserve our sanity and - lashings of gossip, tonnes of chocolate (as much worn for that we are daily grateful.

on the face as consumed) and games and laughter- has As another academic year draws to a close we look become an established and much loved Woodlands VI back in admiration of all that has been achieved and Form tradition. The Christmas party and all the events thank the girls for the humour and industry that makes of the year provide numerous opportunities for fun, W oodlands such a pleasant place in which to live. laughter and interesting costumes generally created from articles others have thrown away. Our Woodlands Abi Tod

The Strathallian 2008-2009 21 Chaplains report

I know very well how foolish the message of the cross sounds... Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never find him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save all who believe.

So St Paul wrote to the first Christians at Members of the third form had worked for Corinth nearly two thousand years ago. And some months in the Art Department, under the this year in Chapel, as in the previous few years, guidance of Len Whatley of Crieff Ceramics. there has been a good deal offoolish preaching. They produced a series of panels inspired by their reaction to the Dupplin Cross, the One example was the response to a question, wonderfully preserved Pictish high cross dating after some of our youngest pupils had studied from around 800AD, which all pupils visit creation myths from around the world: “Sir, whilst in Form III. what’s our creation myth?” Couching the Big Bang in the traditional language of myth The individual panels were then assembled into proved an interesting exercise: our own Strathallan Cross, mounted on the west wall of Chapel. ... and as they slowed down, all the tiny particles had time to notice all the others around them; It was thus at our last service of the year that and some o f them started to dance School processed outside for a service of dedication: together until the whole universe was one massive moshpit; even bigger and Lord God, King of High Heaven, hotter than Tea in the Park. Who formed us from the dust and clay, And very very soon, just like at all the Who entered into all creation best parties, there started to be lots and through the life of Jesus Christ lots o f helium, which would have been our Lord, really good for blowing up balloons and Who by the death of Him hung high making your voice sound squeaky, if upon a Cross anyone had been around to do that sort Drew all time and space o f thing. into eternity; And so the party went on, fo r what felt like a million years, and probably was. We dedicate this image of that cross,

And then, as things began to chill out, lonely Lovingly and carefully made, particles started to gravitate together. And as they Skilfully and kindly wrought it is; paired off, more and more got together until there The creation of our hands, our spirit and was a whole host o f great big circle dances, all our minds. getting tighter and tighter packed. Remembering our ancestors in flesh and And as they danced, naturally enough they got in the faith hotter and hotter, and more and more packed Who dwelt in this our land, together until one day the whole crew was so solid In this sign we unite ourselves with them, they were just on fire! — burning like the sun itself - in fact, that’s just what they’d become: millions Who lifted high the cross twelve Centuries ago; and millions o f stars burning and blazing and spinning and circling as fa r as the eye could see. A sign of death defeated and of Hope. May their spirits now surround us as we rejoice .. .And that’s the Creation Myth that most people with them believe today. Not everyone, it’s true. About 12% In the presence and the hope of everlasting life. o f Christians worldwide, and many Muslims for example, believe that the Bible’s account is literally So may this Holy Cross be now for us, true. What may surprise you is that most scientists believe in a creator God: because most believe that and for those who come after us in this place, the tiny particle that kicked off the Big Bang had to A sign of life, of love, of mystery and of revelation, come from somewhere. And by its presence bless us, as we now bless Having retold a new story in an old form, at this cross the end of the year we reversed that process, and presented the old, old story of the Cross in In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. a contemporary form.

2 2 The Strathallian 2008-2009 HEADMASTERS’ MUSIC Headmaster’s Music

Accommodated once more in the palatial for the evening with opera singer John Morgan performed Follow the Heron Home, arranged surrounds of the Perth Concert Hall who had taught a Masterclass earlier that week. by William Campbell-Gibson, Simpson gave Headmaster’s Music, now renamed the William’s tone was powerful and penetrating us Un Dia Llegara, arranged by Martin Kwok Strathallan Music Showcase, once more in the louder sections of the score, sweet and who also provided the vocals, and Ruthven’s displayed the diverse and considerable lilting in the more tender sections. For me, rock band played their rendition of Sweet musical talents of our pupils and staff. this was one of the defining performances of Home Alabama, with Chris Jaworski on vocals. An audience of over seven hundred was the evening. All three ensembles proved that the standard entertained to traditional Scottish music, of music-making in the boys’ Houses is on the The remainder of the first moiety was taken pieces from the high Classical period, up after a relatively fallow period, and I think up with an enthusiastic rendition of Brahms’ Church Music, choral speaking from it would be fair to say that the Ruthven band Academic Festival Overture from the School an enthusiastic band of Riley gnomes, probably shaded the shrieks, applause and Orchestra, well led by Tom Esparon. And arrangements by pupils, a rock band and general tumult from the audience. the Chamber Choir got in on the act with assorted individual instrumentalists, in Stanford’s The Blue Bird. This group, made Back to the serious music briefly. Alice Inglis, addition to the more usual orchestra, up of Choral Scholars and friends, gave a who has had great success at the National Mod choirs and Big Band. It never ceases to delightful and musical account of their piece, gave a memorable rendition of a traditional amaze me how much music is going on in proving a poignant counterpart to the Choral song, Jock o’ Hazeldean, accompanying herself the School, and how much is owed to the Scholars’rendition of Lennox Berkely’sThe on her clarsach. And Ciara Elwis soared to the tremendously diverse and hard-working Lord is my Shepherd. Although there was a heights and dove to the depths of Poulenc’s instrumental teachers we are lucky to large overlap of personnel between the two Cantilena Presto Giocoso from his sonata for have. All, under the direction of Richard groups, the subtle vocal nuances and cores of flute and piano. Walmsley in his first year as Director of each ensemble were different and striking. Music, together with his assistants Neil The final two items of the evening were both The final vocal group of the half was the full Hamilton and Carol Sim-Sayce, both new built around the Wind and Big Bands. Both Chapel Choir, singing Britten’s Rejoice in the to their respective responsibilities. under the direction of Neil Hamilton, they Lamb, an ambitious and technically demanding provided a swinging and fitting end to such The concert got off to a rousing start with piece, which, in addition to being lengthy is a great evening of music-making. The Wind a medley of traditional Scottish tunes from punctuated with more contemplative sections. Band got us in the mood with a medley of the School’s Pipe Band under Pipe Major, It is difficult to hold an audience of this size for tunes from Fiddler on the Roof, the favourite Adam Michie. Although many might have long with this sort of music, the more so as it probably being, ‘If I were a rich man ...’. Then an aversion to pipes played indoors, the was unfamiliar to many, but the Choir is to be the Big Band topped this with Basin Street audience showed its appreciation with a lot congratulated for engaging with the listeners. Blues and a toe-tapping Ain’t that a Kick of foot tapping and applause. The main focus The second half of the evening was an in the Head. Some wonderfully provocative ot the rest of the first half of the concert was altogether different kettle of fish. Whereas vocals were supplied by Ollie Wale and Sara classical music, in particular music for soloist, the first moiety was full of‘serious’ music, the Chalmers, over the top of some pungent both vocal and instrumental. James Pak, new second period saw many let their hair down saxophones and brass. to Strathallan, played a delightful sonata in somewhat. Mrs MacFarlane’s verse speakers F by Mozart with assured technique and Many people who attended the concert were from Riley gave us the perfect start with Burns’ not a little style. Martin Marshall delighted heard to say they would happily have paid good Scots W ha Hae and Belloc’s Matilda, who all with a sensitive performance on his harp. money for such an evening’s entertainment, told lies and was burned to death! There was William Campbell-Gibson, the development and that all concerned with the evening action, some asides, and not a little fun in this of whose voice was especially unexpected should be rightly proud of the standard of rendition which, it is believed, had a lot of to this reviewer, gave a passionate and deep their musicianship. Music is alive and well at success in Lamda examinations. There were also performance of Robert Schumann’s Ich Grolle Strathallan. Can 2009 beat that ? in attendance three of the ensembles from the Nicht from his Dichterliebe. Apparently he successful House Music Competition. Freeland had been working on this song in preparation RHF

The Strathallian 2008-2009 23 MUSIC Music Strathallan Music Department: Under new management!

And so it seemed that the department’s mantra was out with the old; in tone by opening with Robbie Williams’ Let me entertain with the new(ish) in 2008. Several new staff joined both the academic and you. Thus the Houses did, with two hours of out­ instrumental teams; we welcomed anew Mrs Carole Sim Sayce alongside Neil performing and verbal sparring. Woodlands House were Hamilton as the two new Assistant Directors of Music. We also welcomed the deserving overall winners. David Dunsmuir to cover Laurie Hamilton’s bass guitar teaching, and Patsy Reid to teach violin and viola alongside Scottish fiddle and folk music. Following half-term, attentions turn to preparation for Patsy’s appointment was part of a new set of innovations in 2008; developing Headmaster’s Music. Owing to pupils’ numerous extra­ Scottish folk music, Music Technology and recording facilities, and developing curricular demands, rehearsal time for Orchestra was our ensembles, including the creation of the now ubiquitous Big Band. Of incredibly limited. So, a mad-cap scheme was launched course, the routine provision of over 65 performances from over 20 different to have the orchestra rehearse for the full weekend ensembles was not altered; merely sustained and enhanced to produce over before the concert, supported by members of the one hundred performances between September and June. department. Initially met with disappointment at the prospect of no lie-in on the Sunday morning, members of The first half of the Autumn term always begins with the the orchestra stayed after games on Saturday and all day Music staff concert, which produced some incredible on Sunday to rehearse their repertoire for Headmaster's performances designed to reassure parents and inspire Music. This was a tremendous success, and our thanks pupils. The department was lucky enough to then go to both the pupils and the music staff for giving up host baritone John Morgan, of the Royal Opera House, their weekend to make this possible. Covent Garden, for a vocal master class and concert titled Baritone in Love with Robin Covlill (piano). Sadly, And on to Headmaster's Music in Perth Concert Hall. This due to John’s commitments in London, the master year's Musical Showcase looked to develop what had class had to be postponed. However the concert, which already been established, as well as break new ground featured the Chamber Choir performing Banks o f in showing the breadth of Strathallan’s musical taient Inverurie by Ken Johnston, was a tremendous success, whilst, simultaneously, reducing the length of concert! with many parents, pupils and staff thoroughly enjoying A full review is contained further in this report, but I’m and appreciating the performance. delighted to report that the concert was an unqualified and unparalleled success in all areas, w ith to o many Swiftly on to the next event; performing for HRH The wonderful performances to detail here. I am sure that, of Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke and the 1000-strong audience who attended, many would Duchess of Rothesay at Crathie Kirk. This is one of agree that a high bar has been set, and we look forward the musical highlights of the year in which, owing to to the challenge of meeting it next year. logistics, only 14 members of the Chamber Choir and Choral Scholars are hosted by the Queen’s Chaplain, Although Headmaster’s Music demands much of the Rev Ken MacKenzie, and his family to perform for the focus of the department and pupils, it doesn’t mean Sunday morning services at Braemar and Crathie Kirks. that musical momentum for other musical events In this unique event, the choristers are invited into the stops. Throughout the second half of the winter term, intimate surroundings of the Balmoral estate to take part through to the February half-term, a lunchtime concert in the worship enjoyed by members of the Royal family, series runs in the Music room for pupils to play solo Royal protection squad, and members of the estate’s or ensemble works that they are preparing for exams community. This is a truly memorable and unique and competitions, or merely for fun. The Chapel experience for all of the choristers. However, since the Choir continue to learn a new anthem every week for Queen stopped to wave to the choristers outside the Wednesday Chapel and, in December, Christmas carols church, and the ensuing confusion on Royal protocol for Carols in the City at St Ninian’s Cathedral and the between William Campbell-Gibson and Sam Toodle-oo School Carol Services in the Chapel. The Choral Scholars Lipworth, I fear that it may have been memorable for continue to offer their skills to St Ninian’s Cathedral by Her Majesty for slightly different reasons! earning new repertoire every week for Mass, and for the monthly service of Evensong. In December, the Chapel Back home to reality, and preparing for the Music Choir and Pipe Band were invited to perform Parry’s Scholars’ concert. This has always proven to be a full arrangement of Old Hundredth, the contest March wonderful evening, and this was no exception. The Goldcrest and Highland Cathedral with the Kingdom audience was treated to many wonderful performances Brass Band in a concert at St Ninian’s Cathedral. In Riley, including Tom Esparon’s rendition of Rondo, from CASS and NH developed the Riley Informal concerts to Concerto No 5 by Seitz, Martin Marshall’s enchanting feature every pupil in Riley either as a soloist or as part performance on Clarsach of Mhairi bhan 'og', Hannah of an ensemble. As a result, attendance at these concerts Johnstone’s authoritative version of Lloyd-Webber's was always over 100. Don’t cry for me Argentina and William Campbell- Gibson’s masterful execution of Schubert’s lied Ich grolle The end of term brings much-needed rest for pupils and nicht. It would seem at this stage that the department is staff alike. However, the department doesn’t really stop rude health. after the end of term, as the Choral Scholars return to sing the Christmas services at the Cathedral. Starting Of course, whilst this is going on, the wider school with full Carol Service on 23rd December, and closely community is preparing itself for the musical highlight followed by Carol singing in St John’s Shopping Centre of the year: the House music competition. Adjudicated on Christmas Eve, everyone gets into the Christmas spirit by Mr Stuart Fyffe, this year Ruthven House choir set the with great enthusiasm. Time is given over for some last

24 The Strathallian 2008-2009 MUSIC

The Strathallian 2008-2009 25 MUSIC

m inute shopping, before cuim inating in M idnight Mass musicians were invited to repeat this concert as a and Christmas Day Mass. This is a unique experience in Celebration for the Year of Homecoming in Kinross the whole of Scotland, and I am immensely grateful to all Parish Church the following term. the Scholars and their families for giving so freely of their Of course, following half term, all efforts and attentions time. I am particularly grateful to the Johnstone family turn to the School Production, which, this year, was for hosting us for a wonderful black-tie dinner. Guys & Dolls. This involves as many pupils who can fit The Spring term comes all to o soon, and w ith it, the on-stage, back-stage, in the wings, in the lighting box culmination of examination pupils' academic coursework. or even in make-up and costumes. However, in a new However, they also hurl themselves headlong into departure, it was decided that we didn’t have enough performance. From the first full week, the lunchtime pupils in the pit, and so musicians from the Big Band concert series continued every Friday afternoon, were tasked with providing the band for the show, with many wonderful performances given by the full under the direction of Mr Neil Hamilton. For any wind spectrum of musicians, from Riley to VI Form, from players whp have ever played in a pit orchestra, this Renaissance to Rock! The first Form concert of the task is daunting enough, with very tricky syncopated year, fo r III and IV Form, was held in the spring term, rhythms and mid-music instrument changes to contend and a full and supportive audience of family, friends with, let alone for pupils who are still learning their craft. and staff enjoyed listening to assured performances Needless to say, the Band rose to the challenge with including Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 2 by Steven great aplomb, as can be evinced by some audience- Segaud (viola) and James Pak (piano), Boyce’s Tell me members’ comments of surprise to learn that the lovely shepherd by Ellie Kemp (soprano), and even Tom accompaniment was not provided by a professional Alexander's Le Manege for accordion, played by Murdo band! Elwis. In the Summer term, everything revolves around This term also provided the formal launch for our national exams, and the concert schedule is no Scottish Folk Musicians, under Miss Patsy Reid’s different. In the first half of the term, Riley produce direction, in an Evening of the Scottish Arts recital in the their last Informal concert, whilst the last of the Form Music Room. The aim of this was to show the richness concerts, for V and VI Form, take place. The V Form and breadth offered by Scottish folk music, particularly contains prodigious musical talent, and the audience in this year of Homecoming, and the audience weren’t was entertained by superb performances by musicians disappointed. Performers included the Folk Group, the including Marcus Adams (piano), Tom Esparon (violin), Riley Ceilidh Band, the Clarsach Quartet, the Fiddle Rosie Beetschen (cello) Josiah Bircham (trumpet) and Trio, as well as soloists and verse speakers. Particular Ciara Elwis (flute). Equally the V Form concert displays highlights included hearing Callum’s Road by the the pinnacle of musical talent within the school, and Clarsach quartet, the vocal duets of Tioram air tir and performances from Adam Michie and Sean Townsley An cagar performed by National Mod winners Alice on pipes, supported by Jonny Clifford on bass drum in Inglis (W5) and her duet partner Miss Kim McDonald, his concert debut, Oli Beetschen on trumpet, as well as and Patsy Reid's own compositions of Not from these William Campbell-Gibson’s recital of late 19th and 20th parts and Five is better from her new album, performed century English art song for his A2 Music coursework, by the Fiddle trio. This really was an excellent evening’s did not disappoint. entertainment and, following its success, the Folk

26 The Strathallian 2008-2009 MUSIC Music in Riley House The emphasis in Music beyond Riley. Riley Choir this year has been on sang in two or three parts making and enjoying throughout the year (to music. In every lesson accommodate a changing pupils have been voice baritone section) and developing instrumental, a highlight for the children vocal, composing and was joining forces with the appreciating skills. The senior Chamber Choir for Riley Informal Concerts provided a showcase The Lion Sleeps Tonight. for the results of these The excited ethos and efforts and each class rolling wave of enthusiasm took turn throughout the in the musical life o f the year in performing a class ensemble. As the year House was crystallised turned from soft autumn in the Divisional Music to darkest winter so did Competition. Here the an increasing array of ingenuity of the pupils musical equipment make really shone with choices its way to Riley Common of choral piece, ensemble room; initially a mere and solo to delight and twelve glockenspiels to entertain. From Bach accompany Walking on to Take That, Disney to Speech Day signals the beginning of the end for school Broken Glass but thereafter Leonard Cohen via Abba, eavers, exam candidates, and musicians alike. The a full double rock band 100% commitment and Speech Day concert simply provides a snap-shot of for performances of work pupils have done over the year, and the audience Eleanor Rigby, Teenage competitiveness was shown was treated to samples from earlier concerts in Finzi’s Dirtbag, Caledonia, Let It by all. It was a lover and his lass by W illiam Campbell-Gibson, Be and Auld Lang Syne. The great focus and finale Callum's Road by the Clarsach Quartet, as well as new In addition, every pupil to the musical year had repertoire in Sondheim's Send in the clowns by the took part in every Informal to wait until the very last Chamber Choir, Sacha Taylor's solo performance of performing chants, rounds, day of the summer term. Mark Ronson's arrangement of Valerie, before ending campfire and community The Riley show Yanomamo with Robbie Williams’ arrangement of Weill’s classic songs. These evenings was an ecological Mack the Knife by the Big Band featuring Ollie Wale. were indeed very happy and relaxed occasions musical based on issues In the second half of term, the department focuses and the support given by concerning rainforests. on the final musical events; the Riley Show and Riley pupils to their peers Many departments came Headmaster's Music. This year the Riley Show, performing solos was most on board to support the Yanomamo, brought together different departments in encouraging and uplifting. challenging, profound and giving pupils a holistic learning experience, and both More formal occasions emotive issues arising. The pupils and parents thproughly the outcome. The final provided a platform for the whole House went to a Headmaster’s music should have been impossible to range of extra curricular climate- themed concert organise, because of pupils’ academic commitments. given by the BBC Scottish However, our pupils end the year as they begin it, at activities in Riley. Children Symphony Orchestra in full pace. And so, for the last concert of the year, a opted for these activities Glasgow, adding another mixture of soloists and ensembles including the Riley at the very end of hard Ceilidh Band, Riley Choir, Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, working days and it was layer of poignancy and Choral Scholars, Strathallan Quartet, Wind Band, Guitar indeed gratifying to present understanding to the trio and Big Band treated the audience to a wonderful performances to the wider project. evening’s entertainment. school audience. Riley The show was indeed Ceilidh Band and Riley terribly moving and a fitting Thanks must go to all of the pupils for their support and Rocks learned folk and finale to a marvellous year enthusiasm in producing these wonderful concerts, as rock techniques. These of music making and hard well as all of the department staff for their hard work were all-comer sessions working enjoyment. in preparing them. Particular thanks must also go to combining a number of the UVI leavers, particularly William Campbell-Gibson, CASS Sam Lipworth, Morag Elwis, Catriona MacKenzie and able instrumentalists with Jennifer Young for their tireless efforts in consistently beginner enthusiasts and producing music of the highest quality. They leave for happily the result was a pastures new, but leave the department’s future in very number of pupils seeking promising hands, formal lessons and buying their own instruments RCAW to further their interest

The Strathallian 2008-2009 27 FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK... The Ecolo G Festival

On the 19th of June 2009, the Ecolo G Festival took well if battle of the bands is out, how about battle of the place in the theatre, it was organised entirely by pupils virtual bands. and for pupils, when you hear what it is, you’ll see why. To most of you this probably isn't making any sense The festival was designed by the committee for all the but hopefully some of you will know about Guitar Hero pupils of the school, all the organisation was done by World Tour, and this event comprised an inter house committee members, the only action of the adults was Guitar Hero competition where houses would try and to give approval to the entire event (some were very get the highest ‘percentage of notes hit’ on the hardest sceptical). (Ahem, / think you’ll find some o f the old 'difficulty' they could. Along with this we had the codgers took part as well. Hmm?? Ed) Fentones playing some real music for us and finally the aspiring Disk Jockeys of Strath entertaining everyone The reason we chose to centre the event around the who was left at 9.30. video game Guitar Hero was that it involves four people at once, each group taking on average 7 minutes and More than 350 pupils attended, which was almost all it is something that virtually every young person is of the school, considering most of UVI had already left. familiar with so anyone can join in. Our reasoning was There were three events, one for Riley, one for 3rd and good since next to everyone who had not left school 4th form and one for 5th and 6th form, and we saw was there. the theatre transformed into a festival stage where two bands from each house, and ten from Riley, next to For a number of years 'Strathstock’ (a battle of the The Fentones. bands) has been arranged and postponed because there is only ever one band in Strath at a time, this year Not only were there student bands but a number was no exception. The Fentones were the only group of teachers also gave a performance. The teachers' capable of performing to the school, so we thought, band comprised Mr Kennedy (Spanish teacher), Mr Higginbottom (Classics teacher), Mr McBain (future Housemaster) and Hamish (Australian GAP year student) and they played Everlong by the Foo Fighters. In doing so, they gave a thoroughly enjoyable performance and beat most of the House bands.

The whole event was a great success and grossed over £2800 for the school Eco Committee, with which we intend to fund a variety of schemes to try and improve Strathallan's ecology, including a recycling centre and possibly a biodiesel power-plant.

Jamie Parker UVI Freeland

28 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPEECH AND DRAMA Speech and drama

Oliver W ale’s years of successes in Speech and Drama (age 15-17). Millie Galashan won the verse speaking Festivals were rewarded in September when he was (13-14) class and Henry Melville the Soutar class for invited as the only school-age reciter to perform in that age group. a concert at the British and International Federation of Festivals Annual conference which this year took The LAMDA (The London Academy of Music and place in Scotland. Ollie and Mrs McFarlane performed Dramatic Art) exams on October produced a number a programme of poetry in Scots dialect, including by of distinctions. Form II set 2 achieved distinction for Robert Burns and Perth poet, William Soutar. choral speaking, Hannah Grant and Ashlee Barnett for spoken English, David Cameron for Grade 8 reading Ollie continued his successes by winning the overall for perfprmance, the two Ollies (Wale and Beetschen) secondary age group trophy at the Perth Burns Club's for Silver Medal acting and Morag Elwis for Gold Medal Annual Festival for reciting Burns’ Epistle to J Lapraik public speaking. Frances Myatt’s distinctions for mime gaining a massive 98%. The Junior Secondary Trophy and spoken English, took to five her number of similar went jointly to Joanna Barrack and Charlie Mearns. achievements in 2008. Murdo Elwis won the accordion class and Eleanor Kemp, "The President's Trophy” for singing John To that number Frances added another four in May fo r. Anderson, My Jo. reading for performance, spoken English, devising and the speaking of verse and prose. His success in that competition led to Ollie's being invited to perform poetry at the Burns Club’s dinner in As well as Frances, many other candidates performed January to mark the 250th Anniversary of the poet’s extrem ely well in LAMDA exams in May, the m ajority birth. Ollie's performance was praised by John Swinney achieving distinction (80% and over). Every single and George Reid, politicians, who were speakers at candidate choosing to do mime came into this category, the dinner. the highest marks going to Elliot Clements, Callum Nicoll, Mark McGuire, Logan MacGregor, Ellie Hall, Euan The speech and drama classes at Perform in Perth and Brown, Antonio Elias Castellon, Duncan Cook, Andrew the Edinburgh Competition Festival brought the usual Burns, Damir Khusyaynov and Cameron Jenkins. crop of successes for our pupils. Cameron even exceeded his 85% for mime with 86% In Edinburgh, Alison Forsyth won two medalg; one for spoken English. Devising exams are also proving for reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes in_the Bible popular and brought distinctions for Jamie Dinsmore, and the other for reading The Smokey Smirr o' Rain, a Joshua Morris, Robbie McDiarmid, Greg Meiklem, Ewan poem in Scots by George Campbell Hay - not bad for a Campbell, Colin Gordon and Josh Martin. girl from Washington State, USA! Joanna Barrack won A quartet of III Form girls (Jenny Summersgill, Frances the Junior Verse Medal for her recitation of The Gowk Myatt, Andrina Dew and Eilidh Gibson) achieved 90% by William Soutar. 2 weeks later in Perth, Ollie Wale for devising. achieved 3 firsts, including being awarded "honours” (over 90%) for reciting both At Grass by Philip Larkin Other extremely high marks for devising were achieved and a speech by Puck from A Midsummer Night’s by Jo Barrack and Olivia Stephenson, In acting exams Dream. Frances Myatt came first in both the Bible Henry Melville and Murdo Elwis gained 90% with high reading and prepared reading classes in her age group. distinctions also going to Jonathan Blackburn (acting) In the same disciplines in the 15 to 17 age group, both and Alison Forsyth (reading for performance), firsts went to Josiah Bircham. Sam Lipworth, with a II McF speech entitled Clouds, won the Public Speaking

The Strathallian 2008-2009 29 THE RILEY HOUSE SHOW ______j____ . The Riley House Show

Strathallan’s theatre year ended with an explosion of colour provided by the pupils of Riley House in their production of Yanomamo - an Ecological Musical (words by Peter Rose; music by Anne Conlan).

The idea of performing Yanomamo came from Mrs Sirrt-Sayce who directed it. She invited other departments to become involved in the lead-up to the production by making it a cross -curricular activity about the effects of the destruction of the rainforest in the Amazon Basin, on wildlife, plants and the indigenous tribes, particularly the Yanomamo. Art, English, RE, Modern Languages, Geography and the Library took their part in the project.

(Song of the forest)

For example, the art department contributed,colourful art work. Mrs Huntep describes how 1JJ became utterly engrossed in creating an enormous snake which followed the route from the main door to the!theatre.

AlmosJ: all I f the pupils in Riley were involved, either in singing, dancing or in providing narrations. The lively, tuneful music carried the story from, at the start, tjjie natural, abundant world df the forest, throjjgh man's interference and exploitiatiofji to the tragedy of destruction and devastation.

Particular hjighlights in the performance \ were provided by Eliza Younger- a$-the Jaguarianq Sam Steele as the Sloth, and by Gareth Watt and Charlie Mearns in "Burn Them Trees" but all participants were excellent and obviously thoroughly enjoyed themselves. \ ’

The set and lighting prepared by Mr Hume and the stage crew and ’the costumes created by Mrs Streatfeild-James and Olivia Streatfeild-James contributed to the wonderfully colourful experience.

The audience, as well as the Riley pupils, cannot possibly have left the,.theatre that day without having been made aware of the tragedy of the situation facing life in the rainjforest at the current time.

30 The Strathallian 2 0 0 8 -2 0 0 9 THE RILEY HOUSE SHOW

The Strathallian 2008-2009 31 SHOWS Mrs MeFarlane Pulls it Off Again! a.k.a.

A reprise of the 2 0 0 3 Riley LAMDA exam success, with some of the same cast, this was another triumph from the McFarlane production duo. The slick, pacey performances pleased everyone: Riley pupils and their Primary School guests sat agog throughout the entire matinee and older audiences punctuated the evening shows with roars of laughter at the witty dialogue and slapstick antics on stage. William Farmer (indistinguishable from the Real Thing!) played nineteenth-century Oxford-undergraduate-and- man-about- town Jack Chesney. He and his co-conspirator, Oliver Beetschen as Charles Wykeham, seized upon racy fellow-student Lord Fancourt Babberley (Babbs for short!), played for laughs by Jamie Parker, to impersonate the aunt who had not arrived from Brazil in time to chaperone two delicious but demure young ladies (Sophie Arnot as Amy and Hannah Cox as Kitty) to whom they intended to propose. Farcical scenes ensued, complicated by the arrival of Jack’s sprightly but elderly father (Oliver Wale) and Amy and Kitty’s angry uncle/guardian, Spettigue (Andrew Glover). To complete the confusion and dismay, Charley’s real aunt (Catriona Mackenzie) accompanied by her adult ward, the orphaned Ella Delahay (Christina Stephenson), who turned out to be Babbs’ beloved, also converged on St Olde’s College. The casting and production were superb: from Brasset the college ‘scout’ (Steven Segaud),who moved with such unruffled dignity, to the comic timing of the three undergraduates, to the arch amusement of (Aunt) Donna Lucia who yielded so graciously to the amorous advances of her old admirer, Colonel Sir Francis Chesney, father of Jack. After many unexpected setbacks, Spettigue’s tetchy objections were overcome and the four happy couples took their bows to thunderous applause. Superb! Well done each and every one, not forgetting the backstage team who provided sensitive lighting, appropriate costumes, convincing make-up and such an authentic set to add to the impact of the performances.

EMA

32 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SHOWS

The Strathallian 2008-2009 33 SHOWS

Musicals provide opportunities for a wide range of individual skills to be demonstrated. That is their main (perhaps their only) justification. Guys and Dolls provides a wealth of such opportunities and this year's production showed just how well these can be taken. Acting, singing, dancing and instrumental skills were all required and all those involved produced an enthusiastic and skilled response.

The leading parts produced excellent performances. Marcus Adams was worryingly natural as the seedy and fundamentally incompetent Nathan Detroit. Oliver Beetschen was suitably smooth as Sky Masterton. One couid almost touch the pent-up frustration of the outstanding Katy Marshall as Adelaide and the missionary zeal of Alice Inglis as Sister Sarah was formidable. Oliver Wale, Jonathan Keddie, Jamie Schofield, Tom Esparon, Josiah Bircham, Etienne Melville, Johnny McCashin, Andrew Glover and Maggie Luck all made the most of their parts. The supporting cast was equally convincing as either Guys or Dolls.

The singing was first-rate. The main leads and Josiah Bircham (as Nicely Nicely) gave full value to the solo parts. The chorus

34 The Strathallian 2008-2009 The Strathallian 2008-2009 35 SHOWS

The missionary zeal of Alice Inglis as Sister Sarah was formidable...

numbers were consistently well-handled under the direction of Richard Walmsley. The dancing, choreographed and directed once again by Kimberley Stewart was energetic and, considering some of the characters taking part, surprisingly disciplined. The Swing Band, led by Neil Hamilton but consisting mainly of pupils, played with great skill and tremendous verve.

As always, a tremendous job was done behind the scenes. The set was brilliantly designed by David Hume and effectively realised. The stage crew operated efficiently and (almost) silently. Costumes and make-up were once again smoothly handled by Kate Streatfeild-James, Dorothy Hunter and their teams.

What was particularly pleasing about the production of this musical was the way in which it was tightly directed without losing the feeling of spontaneity and enthusiasm. Mary Robertson-Barnett and her production team deserve much credit (they even almost managed to carry off the Cuban cafe scene, surely one o f the m ost ill-conceived in all musical theatre). This was a performance of the highest quality.

RJWP

36 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SHOWS National Youth Theatre Technical Course 2009

We were tacky The ‘National Youth Theatre’ is the largest was only too pleased to share that he had youth theatre company in Britain with only recently been on the 'Kylie’ European enough, to go thousands of members up and down the tou r as well as the 'Take That’ UK to u r backstage at many country. It puts on a number of productions operating all the autom ation in the shows. throughout the year, including during the West End theatres... summer at ‘The Soho Theatre’ in London’s In the last week of the course we started West End. Former National Youth Theatre working towards putting on an extract form members include the likes of Orlando Shakespeare’s Cymbeline which was due to Bloom, Daniel Craig, Dame Helen Mirren, be on at 'The Soho Theatre’ in October, to Matt Lucas, Catherine Tate and Sophie finish their summer season. We worked on Ellis-Bexter to name a few. It is a registered props, rehearsal notes, cues, and organising charity and is based in London. production meetings to aid the smooth In April I was lucky enough to be running of the final production. We also accepted onto one of the National Youth had the other course members working on Theatre's technical courses, after being this production too, including costume, set interviewed earlier in the year. I travelled construction, sound and lights. down to London a week after term finished The course came to an end on the day we not knowing what to expect from the put on the extract we had been working ''techies’' I’d be on the course with. But as on with the National Youth Theatre actors. soon as I arrived at the Headquarters in I was asked to call the show (meaning to Islington, I knew I was in for an interesting, cue every element of the show- light cues, but fun, fortnight. sound cues, actor entrance cues, scene I was on the stage management course change cues etc.) and got through it...just. with 24 other people, and 3 professiona We were presented with our certificates at stage managers who were, or had been the end o f it all, and are now all mem bers working on large-scale professional theatre of the National Youth Theatre. This means and film productions throughout the UK. we can be asked to take part in a number We were taught all the theory of being of activities and events across Britain, and a stage manager, such as cueing, calling can be asked to come and be a part of the show, props lists, rehearsal notes and the technical crew on any one of their etiqu ette in the profession. future productions. We were also lucky enough to go I thoroughly enjoyed my time with backstage at many West End theatres The National Youth Theatre and would to talk to the stage management teams recom m end it to all. W hether it is an acting and to see how they operated. We visited or technical course you are interested the National Theatre and saw all three of in, you are guaranteed a fun, memorable their theatres, including their painting wall, fortnight, with professional tutors and loads props store and armoury. We were taught of really great people. by the stage manager who was on The Lion King for four years in the West End, Oli Beetschen LVI Freeland and who also invited us to go backstage at the Piccadilly Theatre where Sister Act had just opened.

Throughout the two-week course they tried to get every member on the stage management course a placement at a West End Theatre. With the likes of Wicked, Les Miserables, Thriller and Billy Elliot as possibilities I was thrilled when asked to go to Oliver at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane to shadow the deputy stage manager and the automation team in one of their evening performances. The automation operator

The Strathallian 2008-2009 37 ART______

1: GCSE display; 2. Heather Mitchell, A2. Opposite page: 3: Catriona Mackenzie, A2; 4. Rosie Gibson GCSE; 5. Christina Stewart A2; 6. Hannah Cox GCSE; 7, Sophie Howell GCSE; 8. Hannah Stewart GCSE; 9. Ciara Elwis GCSE; 10, Rachael Stewart GCSE; 11. Rosie Gibson GCSE

38 The Strathallian 2008-2009 ART

The Strathallian 2008-2009 39 ART

1: Jessica Carson, A2; 2: Emma Howell, A2; 3. Lizzie Gordon, A2; 4. Heather Mitchell, A2; 5. A lison Lee A 2

40 The Strathallian 2008-2009 ART

MU»

1: Ross Dafereras AS; 2: Stefanie Harrison AS; 3; Mark McAlister AS; 4; Lizzie Gordon A2; 5; Sara Nicol; 6; 2nd Form Groupwork; 7: Crawford Niven.

The Strathallian 2008-2009 41 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

42 The Strathallian 2008-2009 H M M JliH e f i B l

aosite page: 1: Abbey Kemp AS Product Design; 2: Ilona McLaren AS Product Design >ii Luck AS Product Design; 4: Oliver Beetschen AS Product Design: : Page: 5: Sean Garrett AS Product Design; 6: Jamie Schofield AS Product Design; arah MacLachlan AS Product Design; DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

4 4 The Strathallian 2008-2009 D ESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

1: Kirstin Lamotte AS Product Design; 2: Stuart Gray GCSE Resistant Materials; 3; Toby Culham A2 Product Design; 4; Ian McKenzie A2 Product Design; 5; Chris Mutimer GCSE Resistant Materials; 6; Jordan Findlay AS Product Design; 7: Vasily Tsarkov AS Product Design; 8; Finola Lundgren A2 Product Design; 9; Sophie Howell GCSE Resistant Materials. Cricket

1st XI

The 2009 season was one of the longest in recent years, although not entirely undisturbed by Jupiter Pluvius. It was also a season of ups and downs. Under the eadership of Freddie Coleman, aided and abetted during his absence by Robbie Cachia, the side managed to win six out of thirteen matches with five losses. We succeeded in beating Perth Northern, the XL Club after being given an award for the best Scottish School of 2008, Strathallians, the High School of Glasgow, Caledonian Academy U16 and Stewarts-Melvilie College. Defeats came at the hands of Fettes, Loretto, Pocklington, the Caledonian Academy and MCC. That we managed to play thirteen matches at ail was due to the hard work of the ground staff, in particular Edinburgh Academy fixtures. In the end it let them escape to an all o u t 108, In the Ian Philip who returned to produce pitches provided us with a comfortable victory to final analysis, taking our foot off the gas and to coach after a seven year absence. finish off a week of pre-season training. We here cost us dearly as we were bowled out The quality of pitches was much improved scored 213 for 9 declared with Toby Culham, ourselves for a paltry 98. No one covered and we are grateful to the Bursar and moved up to open, top-scoring on 49, and themselves in glory with the bat, although Headmaster for making his recruitment a number of useful scores from the middle Jonny Dickson nearly ground us home to possible once more. The matches against order. In reply Northern had little answer to victory with a dogged 18. Dollar Academy, Edinburgh Academy and the spin of Robbie Cachia who destroyed The second half of term saw altogether Glenalmond College fell prey to some very their middle order with 6-20. better weather, just in time for wet weather at either end of the term. The only other match we played before examinations, and some better results. Perth Northern was to be the only match half-term was against Fettes, in Edinburgh. We beat the Scottish XL Club comfortably we played in the first three weeks of Having put Fettes in we reduced them to after declaring at 240-6, with all the major term, such was the poor weather, which 35-5 and eventually 73-8 before a lapse batsmen getting into the late thirties, meant the abandonment of the Dollar and of concentration and some poor bowling though only Andrew Whitelaw made his

46 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS

start count w ith a brutal 63. In reply, first time and proceeded to bat like novices. Cachia and O'Reilly the chance to push us the XL Club compiled 173 with the Only Andrew Whitelaw (42) and Toby over the winning line. Some scampered wickets shared amongst the bowlers. Culham (31) o f the recognised batsmen singles left us eight to win off the last over. Of note here was young Nick Farrar who got going, before Paul Marshall (32) and With two balls gone we needed seven more bowled with genuine pace and hostility. Jonny Bain (25) lifted us to a competitive only for Cachia to saunter down the pitch The less said about the loss to Loretto the 171. In reply, the guile of Robbie Cachia and loft a ball to the scorebox for four. better. No bowler seemed to be able to (4-26) and pace of Nick Farrar (2-8) were Another single, and a dot, and it was two bowl a settled length to give the captain too much for our visitors who succumbed needed from the last ball. O'Reilly smacked any control in the field, and when we to an all o ut 73. The follow ing day saw the the ball to a fielder and perished running a batted only Toby Culham with 32 showed biggest challenge of the term with the visit second. We were all out for 266 which, after the required concentration and application. of Merchiston. Given our up-and-down so much early season disappointment, was We, deservedly, lost by sixty runs. form all term, no one could have predicted testament to both sides' willingness to go what eventually happened. Things started for the victory in a superb game of cricket. Amends were made the following day auspiciously as some inside knowledge when, put in by the Strathallians, our Two victories remained; over the from Freddie Coleman helped us 'strangle' batsmen finally took advantage of a good Caledonian Academy U16 side in which their best player, the Merchiston captain, pitch to score a mammoth 274-4. Here, Jamie King came back to form with a very on the deep square leg boundary. But, Callum Donald smashed 80, Nick Farrar good 62 in a 3 wicket victory, chasing 221 Merchiston batted well to declare on 266-8. helping him add 104 for the third wicket, in forty overs., and over Stewarts-Melville Nick Farrar was the pick of the bowlers before Andrew Whitelaw again hammered in the end of term Festival. We bowled and with 3-40. In reply we were going well an unbeaten 64 off the hapless bowlers. fielded very well here to contain them to enough at 169-4 with plenty of time to The Strathallians were dispatched for 118 all out, losing only two wickets in return spare when a collapse left us 87 short with 107, bundled out by Duncan O'Reilly who as Coleman finally hit his straps w ith an only two wickets left. Toby Culham’s 60, humbled the top order and Robbie Cachia unbeaten 78. He had been striking the ball and thirties from Donald and Coleman had who removed the middle danger men, well all term only to find strange ways of gotten us this far before a penultimate aided and abetted by some interesting getting out. He was relieved as he headed wicket partnership of 42 from Marshall umpiring. Nick Farrar again bowled with off to the U19 Europeans, some runs under (24) and O’Reilly (34 n.o.) got us to 243. To genuine venom and guile on a placid his belt. Alas, we lost to Pocklington in Merchiston's credit, twenty two overs were pitch, nearly removing the head of Robbie a game there for the taking, and also in bowled in the last hour as they tried to bowl Stewart (N02). (Hmm. Only nearly. Must the return match against the Caledonian us out, and it was this that gave Robbie have a word with Farrar. Ed) Academy Both were games we should have

Nick continued this good form into the Batting Averages 2009 MCC match. MCC scored 225-1 declared which makes it look as if our bowlers B atting Innings N.O. Runs H ighest score Average did not do a good job, but the pitch was T. P. D. Culham 12 453 114 37.75 excellent for batting and our fielding effort F. R. J. Colem an* 7 1 207 34.50 was more than acceptable. Our innings was 78* dominated by a maiden century from Toby A. A. Whitelaw 11 1 253 64* 25.30 Culham who finally made someone pay for C. D. R. Donald 11 1 240 80 24.00 the excellent form he had been showing N. A. G. Farrar 12 1 233 44 21.18 all term. His 114 was all the more special J. D, King 10 197 62 19.70 as his parents were there to see him reach his landmark. Apart from that, only Jonny Dickson (40) really got going, although Bowling Averages 2009 for a while we were in with a chance of overcoming the MCC score. In the end Bowling Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Best Average we were bowled out for 201 before the b ow ling customary barbecue and socialising. R. F. Cachia 115.4 14 392 26 6-20 15.07 Our last home fixtures before the Festival in N. A. G. Farrar 88.1 12 266 16 3-21 16.62 the last week of term provided some of the T. P. D. Culham 69.1 7 290 15 4-16 19.33 most consistent cricket we played all term, J. D. King 65 5 243 11 3-24 22.09 with two wins and a heart-stopping tie. We played the High School of Glasgow for the D. J. P. O’Reilly 85.1 11 353 10 3-32 35.30

The Strathallian 2008-2009 47 I SPORTS I re p o R T S I Senior and Junior Colts

.“S-SgSB Sg Senior Colts on that alone. The wicket- a good target for Merchiston i ll LLP 3 3 3 keeping of Lewis Watson was to chase. A great opening Cricket - 2009 a bit inconsistent but at best spell by Adams and McCarthy : 111 1 extremely effective. Throughout was then supported by the i Ifu llu 10 yfo * Results: W on 5, Lost 2, Drawn the season Fraser Doig back-up bowling which sent t 1, (cancelled 4) captained shrewdly and led by a panic into the Merchiston 1 Infuriatingly shortened by the example. batsmen and, with each over, 1 weather, this was, nevertheless, came the distinct possibility Overall this was a very pleasing V an enjoyable and rewarding of victory Eventually, the season for a side which season with a talented and Merchiston batting progressed combined a desire to win enthusiastic group. There were slowly to finish ahead of our won, which would have been a and a real enthusiasm for the two losses - a respectable total. This was a great game of fitting send off for some of the game. Most of the side will be one against a mature and cricket, showing a real change senior players. competing for First XI places, effective Merchiston unit and in attitude demonstrating we several in the near future. As always, one accumulates a thoroughly disappointing could challenge teams with the debts in a long season such as display at Loretto. The latter RJWP ball and win matches. this. Nick du Boulay, although was the only really low point. The final match was against the unable to umpire, was sage Five wins were achieved. The Junior Colts touring King Edward’s school in his advice, as was Robert high points were exciting Cricket - 2009 from Stratford, a game played Proctor who took out time victories over Glenalmond and in a good spirit on the Lawn. from his own successful Fettes (two) in matches which Results: Played 3, Lost 3 King Edward’s batted first and Senior Colts side to offer could have gone either way (Cancelled 7) the dynamic duo of Adams help. Ian Philip’s coaching and which brought out a really This had to be one of the most and McCarthy went to work was invaluable, particularly competitive spirit in the team. weather affected seasons on the batting order. A few for the younger players, and There were several individual ever encountered with the quick and very cheap wickets also for some old hands who performances of note. In the Third Form A squad only followed which added to the suffered crises of confidence. batting captain Fraser Doig m anaging three games in the excitement of the game. Elwis One hopes he can return in scored an excellent 73 against whole season. This was very had a reasonable spell with 2010. To Sodexho go thanks Fettes and was left stranded frustrating for all concerned the ball and maintained the for some great catering on 95* against Lathallan 1st and makes it difficult to throw pressure. Dodd even managed throughout the term, and to XI. Jazz Gray produced an any real light on how well to get something out of the Earnside coaches for coping eccentric but stylish 88 against we could have done over wicket with his leg break with last minute cancellations Fettes. Ruairidh Hunter made the season. Our first match spin and caused all sorts of with their customary good 64* against Lathallan and was was against Fettes in m id- problems for the batsmen. An grace. the one batsman to perform May, bringing about a really achievable total was now set A final word of thanks goes to at Loretto. Alex Vine, Charlie creditable performance against for the Strathallan batsmen. the leavers, most of them in Beamish, and Chris King made a good side. Daniel Adams After a solid start the gremlins the XI for three full years. They major contributions at various and Chris McCarthy applied moved in and wickets fell to were a close-knit bunch and it tim es as did Hamish Mitchell themselves well with the bat some very ordinary bowling. was a pleasure to coach them. in the early part of the season as we g o t into the nineties. King Edward's worked hard Full colours were awarded to and Alex Murray and Ali Wood This was a total that could be in the field and shut down Jamie King, Andrew Whitelaw, towards the end. The wickets defended if the bowling was to anything that looked like a run. Toby Culham, Robbie Cachia, were shared fairly equally. be of a high standard. Strathallan battled away with Duncan O’Reilly and 2008's There was only one 5 wicket the bat but fell short of the Again Adams and McCarthy captain Jonny Dickson. Full haul (Fraser Doig against target. produced some very accurate colours were also awarded to Glenalmond) but Chris King, and testing spells with the ball This was not a season laden Callum Donald who has one Charlie Beamish, Ewan Pirrie, and at one stage it looked as if with opportunities to develop final year in the side. To all of Ruaridh Hunter and Alex Vine an upset might have been on skills and ideas through them go my congratulations all had good days. the cards. However the back-up matches, however there are and my thanks. The fielding of the team was bowling was not so testing and the makings of a good side RHF enthusiastic and on occasion Fettes overcame our total. who can compete with their excellent but one or two were counterparts and, as the The match against Merchiston apt to drift off their given saying goes, "there’s always was a cracking one. Chris positions. Some very good next season”. McCarthy was again the pick catches were taken. Torquil of the side with the bat, but he ADH Curran was good enough in was well supported as we set the field to justify his position

4 8 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS After a gruelling summer of relaxation this year the ‘rugby lads’ started their pre-season with one thing on their mind... Why are we back earlier than the girls? But it became visible when all the hard work started with the introduction of the early morning Pilgy runs followed by morning and afternoon sessions. With a few new faces, aka the imports, (Ryan Hood and Andy Hall) starting Strath it was obvious that it was going to be an eventful season filled with ups and downs and a lot of injuries.

As is a Strathallan tradition the season started with the formidable windy Madras tournament. This tournament is used as an ‘experiment' to see who plays where. After battling through the group stages with comfortable wins, the 1st XV squad made it through to the final against the High School of Dundee. In what now seemed a regular affair the two teams appeared to be in deadlock, both producing some great rugby. Unfortunately, it was Dundee that walked away the winners by the smallest of margins.

And so the 'season proper' commenced with the match against Dollar. Along with the new faces of our imports the Ists were joined by the annual Ozzy exchange boys. Harry 'Gremlin' L'Estrange and James 'Scottie' Scott; both guys stepping off the plane and pulling on that famous Strathallan jersey. Unbeknownst to Harry it was going to be thirty seconds before he was into the rough Scottish rugby. This was due to Toby Daventry 'God’s gift to women’ Culham pulling his hamstring whilst trying to clear the lines. After the gruelling match the Ists started their season on the wrong side of the score board.

First home game arrived and it was Glasgow Academy. Hoping to turn around the defeat by Dollar the team pulled together and with aggressive forward play and expansive back running the game finished 22-10. The game seemed to be

The Strathallian 2008-2009 4 9 SPORTS reports

in the grasp of the Ists but with a lack of concentration Glasgow started to claw their way back into the game but with desperate defending when it was needed we held out. Special mentions go to Magnus Olafsson for his general play and support; it was capped by a well deserved try. Also Duncan ‘Guns’ O’Reilly for his thumping tackle that sent special when he used his pace to collect his that were used against Merchiston were the guy flying. own chip through and score in the corner. used again. Special mention goes to Harry Next to throw their cards onto ‘Big acre’ L’Estrange for returning from injury and And so it comes the point in the season was North Berwick. Running high from putting his name on the score sheet twice. where the ever-anticipated rival derby the victory in Glasgow, we knew that a match against Glenalmond had finally Winding down the season now, with what repeat performance was needed. This arrived. After intense preparations all week has become a regular fixture against the game continued the wide running game and with a few positional changes in the club side Howe of Fife. This was a game of that only the backs knew. Inspirational play backs we felt ready. On this occasion we two halves. The skipper Andrew, returning from the skipper Andrew Whitelaw led to were totally out-classed by the better team from concussion, led the way by scoring him touching down two tries and the job on the day. Beaten by pace, power and raw two tries in quick succession and at half of the boot turned to Toby. Unfortunately, fight the game ended 44-10. time we thought the game was in the bag. Andrew was sent off by Strath’s very own We took the foot off the gasand Howe Mr Heaney for a very controversial offence. At the mid point of the season we were came back with everything they had and Special mention for this game goes to Andy hoping that things would change and the turned round the score board around. A Lyons. After playing for the seconds, and score board would start ticking over in our very disappointing end to what seemed an casually standing on the touch line he was favour. But with two of the biggest games assured victory, but that’s rugby and its not asked to pull on a jersey and get stuck in. of the season to come and nine of the over until the final whistle goes, Credit to him he did not hesitate and to this starting Ists out to injuries varying from day it must remain as the shortest debut in head to toes, things couldn’t have been Loretto came up next and it was now time Ists history. He was taken off the pitch after much worse. So it’s at this point that Hendo that we tried to restore some pride to our 30 seconds with a blood injury goes into invention mode and sees what season. It was now or never even though it he can come up with; and this year it was was too late. A great and gutsy performace Dundee High came for their regular fixture something special. Missing both Duncan finally led to a victory. The decision on at Strath, but this time Strath was looking and Andrew from the centres, moves had running from your own 22 is very risky. for revenge after the defeat earlier on at to be made. So up steps our very agile prop But it paid off with Andrew finding a the Madras Tournament. Again with great Ryan to pull on the already tight ’12’ jersey. gap and offloading it to speedster Andy play from both forwards and backs, both Hall who ran half the field and scored teams again proved that they were both His first test was against Merchiston. And underneath the posts. Another moment after the win. A great break from Freddie credit to him, with his hard running and by Andy as he charged down a conversion 'Forearms’ Coleman set up a two-on- quick lines he drove over the line and attempt allowed us to win by the slimmest one with Andrew Whitelaw allowing him scored. Another couple of mentions in of margins. to run and touch down underneath the this game, firstly Ross Alexander. For the sticks. L'Estrange became the next on the shortest return to 1st XV rugby. After having And so came to the end of the season with injury list and up stepped Jonny 'Sponge a year out and with some desperation and our last two matches getting cancelled Bob’ Bain to slot into the 10 spot for the pleading by the skipper, Ross came back to the weather. Its been an up and down remaining 15 minutes. Jonny held his to play in the No.8 slot. Unfortunately the season with some highs and lows and great nerve and, despite only being in 5th Form, excitement got to him and he ended up performances along the way. A few special showed that he was able to play at this reciveing a card and a ban as well. Next to mentions have to be made. Firstly to Dr. level. The final score finished 12-12. Special Etienne; another one of our front row who Melville who was always there on the touch mention has to go to Ryan Hood who with thinks they have what it takes to be a back, line and always willing to lend a hand when the help of Hendo managed to make the he managed to find himself in the full-back any player needed medical attention. Next, wedding...JUST! (W ould tha t be Ryan 'Men slot a couple of times and coped with the Mr Marshall. Even though his son Andrew in Tights' Hood? Ed) situations like he was a natural. Finally, to had left the year before, Mr Marshall Toby Culham and in his very own fashion was never absent from the sidelines to Fettes away is never the best combination, (and words) he "saved it". He performed a help drive us on. To Mr Brown who was and this was the next fixture on our list. great defensive display and prevented even there whenever he could be, and to his On one of the windiest days of the year so more tries being scored against us. sponsorship for which we are very grateful. far, the boys performed well and despite a And finally to Jonny Dickson, whatever the few questionable decisions by the ref (but Next on the fixture card was Edinburgh weather he would be there with his trusty we won’t go there) led to Strath being on Academy It has been described as one of video camera. Thanks. the w rong side o f the score board. 19-5. our best perfomances of the season even The special mention for this game goes to though we still lost. Still battling the injury Andrew Whitelaw UVI Nicol Marcus Adam who delivered something list the same tactical position changes

5 0 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS

Football On a sliding scale of coolness it was second only to Tommy Cargill’s newly-acquired mullet...

The first challenge of the New Season was lack of pace has always been an issue for to select the training squad. You would the poor boy, on and off the field.) be forgiven for thinking that is a simple It was pleasing to see the team show process of having trials and then reducing ''bouncebackability” with a solid 8-1 victory the numbers until you are left with the “elite”. However, once again the Scottish against St Leonard’s; we only wonder how Weather leading up to end of the Winter we managed to concede a goal against term proved to be the controlling factor, them (it was shoddy defending, Toby... with four successive trials cancelled. So Mr B). They were not a strong side but we started the Easter term with lots of Strathallan played some excellent football prospective footballers and the task of on a difficult, half-frozen, pitch. There were whittling the numbers down to a twenty- some superb individual performances two man squad. Training was put on and from the team as a whole. The ball hold. However, with a week to go before was sprayed around the pitch with speed the first game Mr B and Dr Cooper had and elegance. It would appear that things managed to mould a team out of the keen were picking up for us again. (This may and gifted players (you are too modest, be a slight exaggeration Toby. Speed? Toby. Ed.) It was unfortunate that some Elegance?...Mr B) apparent Star Players, including Jonny “Fox in the Box” Clifford, had to be left The matches were now coming thick out. Would this prove to be a terrible and fast with another away trip to play mistake? Glenalmond College. They were above us in the league but having played many All fears about the team selection were more games we knew that a victory for 'kicked into touch' following the first game Strathallan would effectively stop them of the season against Dollar Academy. from qualifying for the knockout stages. There were a few new faces in the side but As the team approached the pitch our the general feeling amongst the seasoned confidence was given,a knock. We noticed players was that the team could be as that the surface we were to be playing on strong as the previous year. Hopes were looked more like a vegetable plot than a especially optimistic after hearing that the football pitch This wouid not suit our brand team would be visited for the first match of "total football”. Our worries were proved by last year's Coach Extraordinaire, Mr Weir. to be correct. In the end we had to revert Last season’s players were keen to impress. to a route one approach and with the score Mr Weir had moved on to pastures new that at 2-2 and full time approaching we were year, and w ord was he d id n 't think much beginning to panic. A draw would not really of the new side's hopes. We got off to a suit either team. However with five minutes shaky start going down two early goals. to go a thump up the park allowed Andy Could we put this down to playing on an Hall (Top Scorer 2008-09) to cross for Mike astro turf that was new to many of our Wells who coolly finished off the move, and players or was it just the usual early season our rivals, with a faint touch into the bottom rustiness? We went into the break 3-1 down corner. On a sliding scale of coolness it and with the half time talk still ringing in was second only to Tommy Cargill's newly- our ears we did much better in the Second acquired mullet. (Tom, I told you I would get Half and eventually ran out comfortable 5-3 your hair mentioned in the Strathallian). winners. This was aided by the late addition of Bradley Rizza who, as he did for most Next up were Gordonstoun. We went into of the season, made an influential impact the game knowing that if we won this game coming off the bench. After this game all we would definitely progress through to the nerves were settled and we were looking quarter finals of the Scottish Independent forward to our next game with eager Schools Cup for the fourth year running. anticipation. Anybody that had played against or seen Gordonstoun play knew that the team had The next week we made the long trip up to to produce one of their best performances Robert Gordon’s College with Dr Cooper, if Strathallan were to get a result. In windy only to be beaten by a resounding 5 goals conditions (and, gasp...shock...horror, to nil, RGC were a very strong side who playing on Big Acre for the first time) we never really allowed us to get into the ended up losing 2-1, having squandered game. Poor Robbie Cachia, who was often m any chances in the second half. We left exposed at the back couldn’t manage finished the stronger side, but it still wasn’t to keep up with the speed of the game (his enough to overcome their better first half»

The Strathallian 2008-2009 51 SP O RTS r e p o r : s p o r t s reports Badminton

FOOTBALL>> performance. where he was beaten by the Despite this defeat Strathallan eventual winner in the last 16. secured a place in the quarter In the Inter-house finals with a convincing 5-1 win Championships Simpson took over Queen Victoria School. the boys’ trophy, Isaac & Kony The game was played just Chen and Hercules Yeung & days after our return from the Justin Wong being too strong Easter holidays and with only for the rest but it was Hercules one quick training session & Justin who proved to be the we made the trip to Glasgow telling factor. In the girls’ event University to play St Aloysius. Woodlands stopped the rot We took an early 1-0 lead but it finishing 6-3 winners for the seemed that the holidays had first time in four years. Alison, taken their toll on both fitness Hannah, Fina Muhamad, Angel, and sharpness. Too often we Manuela Schoberl and Manuela found ourselves stretched at Ayee proved too strong for the back and at the mercy of Thornbank in a close-run This year has to go down couldn't win one, Isaac came up their strikers. Hugh Lungmuss contest. We again entered the as the nearly year as you against the 4th ranked Scottish was moved to make a five Perth Senior Division 2 league will come to understand U18 boy and lost in the U19 man midfield and the tide was gaining valuable experience later, but for all that, it has singles final. He and Enoch Mak stemmed. At half time were and managing to win one or been a good season. Isaac lost in the U19 boys' doubles still thinking we were in with tw o games. Tsang caught the eye as final whilst Enoch lost in the a shout. On our day we could soon as he arrived and had U16 boys' singles final. Alison My thanks go to Isaac for have perhaps beaten them but obviously been coached to Duncan lost in the girls’ U19 organising and leading the the final score ended up 6-2. a high standard - the most final and she and Anastasyia team along with Sunny Sun and Two late goals made the score natural ability I have seen Musiyachenko lost in the U19 Angel Yau and to Dr Cooper a little unfair, and we were in 22 years at Strathallan. girls’ doubles final. It was the and Mr Cowper for their input knocked out at the quarter final Angel Yau looked promising same story at the Ramada into the games afternoons and stage just as we had been the for the girls and will be very Jarvis tournament where we activities evenings. It would previous year. good as she grows and made four finals going down certainly not be easy to cope gets stronger. I would like to say a big thank in each one - Isaac & Angel in without their support. I am you to Mr Batterham and Dr We started the season by the U19 mixed, Enoch & Isaac in looking forward to next season Cooper fo r all o f their hard beating Fettes narrow ly 12-9 the U19 doubles, Enoch in the and have high hopes for the w ork this year (I w ould also like mainly thanks to the girls, U16 singles and Hannah Grant & squad. They will all be back to say a big thank you to Toby who were too strong for their Alison in the U19 girls’ doubles. apart from Sunny so we can and the rest of the team - opponents. In the Perth & Isaac went on to the Scottish maybe turn some of those Mr B). To the rest of the Boys Kinross Schools Championships Schools Championships and silvers into golds! who I have spent the previous we reached five finals but reached the knockout stages GCK two seasons playing alongside; it has been a pleasure. Good luck to all o f the boys who find themselves impressing Netball Mr B and Dr Cooper making their way to the dizzying heights of Strathallan 1st Sophie Beamish and Sally Lungmuss were XI football (and of course 1st VII considered to be the best players in the team by receiving the ‘best tracksuit’ Throughout last year’s season, we had a other teams in the League as they were voted in the school; not the most very good team, getting into the final of the “Player of the Match” the most. Well done!! important thing, but good). Independent Schools’ Competition, and Toby Culham UVI Ruthven then only losing by one goal. We also At the end of the season, the netball crew hit reached the semi-final of the Scottish Pacos on a Thursday night to celebrate the end of Schools’ Cup Competition. a successful year and to say our final goodbyes to our beloved Captains, Heather Mitchell and Lizz Every Wednesday evening we played other teams Vine, We hope that this year can be even more of in the Perth Ladies’ League at Bells’ Sports a success, but just as fun as last year. Centre in Perth. This opportunity helped us practise as a team against experienced players Vicky McLellan LVI Thornbank Sophie Beamish LVI Woodlands th ro ug h ou t the year.

52 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS Sailing Basketball

Twice a week, or three with Kate and Zoey, one of our times for those hardcore instructors. Port Edgar was sailors, Mr Streatfeild-James not all hard work though. Once or Mrs MacBain drove a in a while the m inibus would group of about five of us detour round MacDonald's down to Port Edgar in and we wouid grab a sugary South Queensferry. reward fo r an exhausting sail.

Battling through some intense After two and a half hours of winds (and some nonexistent intense sheeting in and hiking winds as well), the sailing team, out, and occasionally getting stuck in the m ud fo r some captained by Sam Lipworth, time as well, a McFlurry never rigged up and set sail for the tasted so good. I would like Firth of Forth. In the team, there were enthusiastic beginners, to give a warm thank you to and some less-enthusiastic Mr Streatfeild-James and Mrs pros. The half of the crew that MacBain for faithfully driving had not already completed us every games day, w hether their Stage 3s did so in the there was a full minibus or only last week while the rest of the one person. I am also grateful team sat back and laughed as to the staff at Port Edgar, and Michael completed his capsizing although I was sprayed with a pump from the back of an part. Tim, Sam, Martin and Alex mainly preferred Lasers or RS instructor’s rib once or twice, I Fevas whilst Toppers were the greatly appreciated all the hard principal boat for Kate, Michael work they contributed to our Jo and me. Try as he m ight, sailing programme to make it Mr S-J still could not convince one of the best experiences I’ve me to skipper any boats other had at Strathallan. than Toppers, although on Alison Forsyth the final session I did dare to IV Form Woodlands crew a Dart 16 (Catamaran) The 2008-9 season was success. The season also one of our most successful saw two girls, Abbey Kemp on record. A very strong and Eugenia Ramos playing team under the leadership in the top side for the first of Jackie Wong won the time. From this emerged pre-season tournament at an enthusiastic girls’ team Merchiston followed by keen to develop their skills. wins against all of our Jackie provided plenty of traditional rivals. encouragement but proved himself a tough task master We started the Scottish Cup when it came to coaching strongly with a 59 to 33 win th e team . against St Aloysius from Glasgow before going Three players were down convincingly to recognised for their competition heavyweights outstanding contribution to Queen Anne’s, Dunfermline. the team during their time at Strathallan. Half Colours The season saw significant were awarded to Jayco Sun skill development as Jackie and Kony Chen while full brought back training colours were bestowed upon drills and tactics from his Jackie. Our best wishes go involvement with the Perth to other departing loyal Phoenix senior team. The team members William season saw the emergence Chan and Martin Kwok who of the Simpson boys as have played with skill and basketball power-houses commitment throughout. with Steve and Andy Lyons and Michael Wells playing BAH significant roles in our

The Strathallian 2008-2009 53 SPORTS REPORT SPORTS reports Athletics and Cross Country

Athletics and Cross Country continue Flail's 19th place in the under 14s and Chris and over 17 girls’ pole vault. Chris Rennison to thrive at Strathallan. The body- Rennison's 17th place in the under 17s were ran bravely to win a well deserved bronze conditioning programme over the particularly noteworthy. medal in the under 17 boys 3000m. Toby winter months is having an increasingly Culham missed out on a medal in the senior In Athletics we had close matches with noticeable effect on our summer javelin by 18cm. For our other competitors Fettes, winning and narrowly losing the performances, and we are finally this competition was most useful as an Senior boys’ and girls’ respectively, but beginning to fill some of the gaps in indicator of how hard they will need to being too far adrift with the middle age our field events. work for success next year. groups. The boys performed well against The Cross country season was our most Merchiston and Edinburgh Academy, and As ever, it has been a pleasure to work successful for many years, despite missing beat Glenalmond, but lacked consistency w ith all the squads this year, and their out on many of the fixtures during the term. across all the events. Ultimately this was good humour and work ethic has been The open girls team ran very well at Fettes the story of the Athfetics season: we won impressive. Thank you also to the staff to win their relay, with the under 17 boys enough events to win matches, but we are and the pupils who do so much to help coming second. going to have to work hard on areas where events run smoothly in often trying climatic At the Schools’ Championship all seven of we struggle to score points. conditions, and especially to JRF and his the teams we entered finished in the top unstinting devotion to the success of the At the Scottish Schools the senior girls five, the senior girls won a silver medal, and sport at Strathallan. won a gold medal at the 4x100m relay, the under 14 girls, under 17 girls and senior and Emily MacLachlan and Robynne Smith DMH boys won bronze medals. Individually, Ellie won gold and silver medals in the under 15

54 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS Golf Karate

A little piece of golfing history This year with the addition of Karate pupils from was created at Strathallan this outwith the school; the Karate Club has increased year when, for the first time in to well over 20 pupils over the year. Most of the memory, a girl was chosen to pupils are from Riley House and a few are from captain the golf team. This was a the senior Houses but there are now students thoroughly deserved appointment from Forgandenny that have started attending given Annabel Niven's experience this year which has increased the diversity of the at County and International level students. over recent years and the fact There was great success in the gradings last year and at that she had already established the last grading: herself as the no.1 golfer in the school the previous year. > a brown and white striped belt (one level below black)was achieved by Sarah Hellewell The season began with a trip to St.Andrews for a match, on the Old > brown belts achieved by Sam and Will Steele Course, against the R and A for the > Purple and white for Grace Cochran-Patrick, Rosalind Scottish Wayfarers. Both Annabel Couttes and Robbie Brown and Michael Mckenzie performed well in their matches which were closely against local sides for the first time > Orange belts for Pauric Batterham, Ellie Hall, Rory fought. Annabel retained her trophy since I have been running the golf at Arthur and Sophie Lightbody at the PKSGA Championships which Strathallan. Also as well the new beginners, two more experienced were held at King James VI Golf Club Michael McKenzie had a fine run of Karate students have joined the school with John Dew this year, making it the third time she form in the middle of the season (brown and white) and Connor Collin (brown) which has won the girls' event. which enabled him to retain the has helped the less experienced students to improve Despite the play of Annabel and School Golf Championship and along with Mike Clifford (our sensei). Michael we really struggled to the Pitlochry Cup Competition. He In the Spring, Sensei Masao Kawasoe came to Perth compete in our team matches was certainly the most consistent from Korea so some of the Karate students went along as we clearly did not have the performer this year and has a real to the Perth Karate Club to train with him. For all who strength in depth to trouble most opportunity to develop his game attended it was an interesting experience and helped of our opponents. Indeed, once the in the coming years and bring his everyone to improve their techniques immensely, examination season kicked in we often handicap down. thought that it was interesting to see the techniques struggled to raise enough players As ever I am indebted to Mr Kitson performed by a Japanese Sensei. for the matches and had to rely on for his unstinting efforts in helping younger and more inexperienced Sarah Hellewell V Form Thornbank run the golf section. His willingness to golfers like James Wordie and Charlie take the team to wherever is required Hall to make up the numbers on a meant that we could fulfil a very full lot of occasions. They did their level fixture list and his coaching tips at the best but inevitably found the level of "Golf Academy’’ were well received competition challenging. Hopefully by our novice golfers and more though, they will have learned from experienced ones too. We were joined this experience and will come back by Dr Cooper this year who also next year stronger and wiser about contributed significantly to the golf how to compete at this level. Until the experience at Strathallan, enabling exam season started we were able to us to have a match or competition use Danny Anderson, Joe Corlett and two times a week over the course Tom Cargill in the team, all o f whom of the season. I am very grateful for contributed in their respective ways. their enthusiastic assistance during Danny had a particularly good season. the golfing season. I would also like For a player who had previously to thank John Newall, the previous struggled to make the golf team, Head Groundsman at the school for he made a telling contribution and his efforts in developing the school was deservedly rewarded with the course to the level it is at today. trophy for the most improved golfer This has become a real asset for the of the year. Victories were rare this school and would not have happened year, although we did manage to see without John's interest, dedication off Fettes College and Merchiston and hard work. Castle School on our home patch at Auchterarder. We lost all our games NS

The Strathallian 2008-2009 55 SPORTS r e p o r : SPORTS reports Boys’ Hockey

but the team approached the gam e in the same manner as every other, 100% focused on winning. Our first half performance wasn’t the best half of hockey we played all season; we gave possession away cheaply and missed a handful of fantastic chances. But come second half, our play transformed completely, going up a few gears in all aspects of our game. We played some exhilarating hockey and managed to score 5 second half goals allowing us to m aintain our 100% record.

We then travelled to Fettes for the return fixture, knowing that this was one of, if not the m ost challenging game in our season, as Strathallan victories at Fettes, have been very hard Reading through this year’s edition of the Strathallian, gam e swung in our favour. Fie to com e by in recent seasons. it is clear that there has been much success in all areas grabbed a well taken hat-trick Again, a slow start saw us throughout the year. However, I can say with complete which handed us a 3-1 lead. concede an early goal but confidence that the 1st XI boys’ hockey team enjoyed one The team w ent out in an fortunately we were able to get of the most successful seasons in recent history and I would immense defensive effort, back on level terms just before immediately like to highlight how much of a pleasure, and withstanding multiple Fettes half time. The second half honour, it was to captain the team to all its glory. attacks. We eventually ran was fiercely competed, with out 3-1 winners, and already I With many of last year's 1st Perhaps not an ideal opponent tempers flaring at every umpire was beginning to feel that this XI returning to the side and so early on in the season, but decision made. Neither team season had the potential to be with several new additions to I felt that our preparation had wanted to make a mistake and something special. the squad, there seemed to been good and I had a no both were trying all they could be the perfect blend of youth doubts that the team would Our first away match of the to get that all-important second and experience. It was a team step up to such a big challenge, season was at Loretto, a goal. Fortunately, we managed which I held high hopes for, and and that they did. We played ground at which Strath have to ’nick’ a second half goal and they certainly didn't disappoint. some great counter-attacking always struggled to play good as the final w histle blew we all 7 school games, 7 victories, hockey which led to an hockey, and this year it was felt a great deal of relief. This semi-finalists in the National early 3-0 lead. Although our no different. We slumped to was probably the first time in indoor finals (a Strathallan first) opponents staged a second half an early 2-0 deficit due to the season that we had really and finalists of the Scottish come back to make it 3-2, the some sloppy defending giving been tested; however, we U-18 cup; by any standard, an team held their nerve and we ourselves an uphill task for the certainly showed immense grit impressive set of achievements. came out 4-2 victors, a perfect match. However, this match and determination and because But it must be pointed out that way to kick start our season. epitomised the spirit which of this we were able to secure such accomplishments were This was only the second time the team took with them and the win, keeping our hopes of no coincidence. I would like I had ever beaten Glenalmond, showed on numerous occasions an unbeaten season alive. to commend the team on the making the win all the sweeter. throughout the season. We The penultimate school co m m itm ent they put in week never felt that victory was out Next was a visit from Fettes, game of the season was the in week out on the training of reach and we managed to normally one of the strongest quality outfit of Watson’s who, pitch. There was a great desire claw out a 4-2 victory. Good teams on the circuit, and one I normally, are very well drilled to improve and learn, and it teams are capable of not have never beaten in a regular and a very difficult team to was to this that we owe much playing especially well yet still school fixture, and it looked beat. Unfortunately, they got off of our success. winning; this is exactly what like the game was going to go to a flier, keeping possession of we did. The regular school season in a similar fashion after they the ball with ease and keeping started off what would appear grabbed an early lead. However, We then hosted Gordonstoun, us cam ped in our own half. to be the biggest game of our when super-sub Jonny Bain a fixture in which Strath teams Once again, we conceded a season; Glenalmond at home. entered the field of play, the had often enjoyed success; goal, but as we realised, a one

56 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS

we were on the losing end, and his ability to get the best out of feeling defeat for the first time his players and it has been an was extremely bitter. However, absolute pleasure working with the team gave an incredible him over the past two years. performance and such I’d also like to thank Fitz fo r his disappointment should not impeccable umpiring and finally take away the brilliance in what Miss Sime and Miss Carroll for we had achieved throughout always being on hand to offer the season. their expertise at any time.

The hockey tour to Ireland saw And now for my final duty as the team play two schools, captain, it is time for me to pass Monkstown and Wesley on the baton to next year’s College. We didn’t know much captain. I’d like to congratulate about our opposition but it was Freddie Coleman in being clear from the way they played m y successor. His talent on that they were both very good the pitch, his commitment in goal deficit is easily overturned Although we did not win the outfits. Against Monkstown, training and his desire for high as we had shown in previous competition, to get that far we managed to over turn a 3-1 standards make him the ideal matches. We kept our mistakes and put in great performances deficit to come out 5-3 winners candidate for the job. It was a to a minimum and equalised against full time indoor hockey after some great counter­ pleasure working with him as just before half time. In the players was unquestionably an attacking hockey and a well my vice-captain and I wish him second half, our cool heads and achievem ent in itself. taken hat-trick from Andrew and the team all the best for immaculate discipline saw us Whitelaw. Wesley College, too, next year, thank you. In the under 18 youth cup com e out as victors w ith a 3-1 proved to be a difficult game. competition, albeit due to a lack Jamie King UVI Freeland result in our favour. However, playing 2 games in of organisation and fortunate 1st XI Captain 2 days caught up w ith us. We Our final game of the regular weather conditions; we reached appeared all too sluggish and season came at home against the final against an excellent not playing our usual sharp District Hockey Loretto. We knew we needed Inverleith side who boasted hockey. We threw away the this victory to ensure that we numerous internationals at Congratulations to the lead on two occasions and were the first team in several several age groups; but of following boys who were could only manage a 4-4 draw. years to have a complete 100% course, opponents in a cup selected to play for Midland record and we knew such final are never going to be easy. The tour to Ireland was a District throughout the prestige was within touching In the first half, it fe lt like we fantastic success and enjoyed season distance. We were much were chasing shadows as they by all m em bers on the tour. I U18 lain McKenzie and the better team throughout moved the ball around the pitch would like to thank Mr Giles for Douglas Britton and controlled the game with ease. We have to thank our organising it and Mr Vallot, Miss completely; we scored some keeper, Douglas Britton, who Carroll and Mr Robertson for U16 Michael McKenzie, exquisite goals and ran out made countless spectacular giving up their holiday time to Patrick Morris-Eyton comfortably 4-1. At this point I saves, and some resilient be there with us. and Murdo Elwis would like to mention Marcus defending that we only went The hockey team accomplished U15 A listair W ood Adams’ stunning half volley into half time 1-0 down. As the some outstanding (Captain), Craig strike; the best individual goal I second half wore on, we started achievements this year and, Rintoul, Alex Murray, have ever seen and one which to get more and more into the inevitably, such success will be Daniel Adams & Henry truly epitomised the quality of match, keeping possession and very hard to emulate in future Melville hockey we had produced creating chances. We managed seasons. I personally would like week in week ou t throu g ho u t to equalise, and with the scores Scotland Selection to thank each member of the the season. level both teams were really squad for the commitment they Very well done to lain going fo r it. W ith tw o m inutes It was not only during our put in on and off the pitch. Your McKenzie who was selected to go, debutant Murdo Elwis regular season that the squad desire for success, willingness into the U18 National training grabbed what we had thought throve. The cup competitions to learn and improve and squad and Murdo Elwis who was the winner, however a also brought considerable flawless discipline made my job made the U16 training squad. moment of class from the success. Despite being knocked as captain far easier. Murdo got his first Scotland opposition captain saw the out of the Scottish schools U-18 U16 cap when he played game head to extra time. It was I would also like to thank Mr cup, we managed to qualify for the team in Ireland and a gruelling 20 minutes, but with Giles for guiding us through for the national indoor finals, a managed to score a goal in no-one breaking the stalemate the season. We owe a lot Strathallan first, and were able his first game. the game headed towards of our success to his terrific to make it to the semi finals. penalty strokes. Unfortunately, knowledge of the game and

The Strathallian 2008-2009 57 SPORTS REPORTj SPORTS reports Girls’ Hockey

goalkeeper of the tournament; an incredible achievement!

On the weekend o f the Ball five of us set off for Glasgow for the Inter-District Indoor Tournament. Due to the Ball many of the older players were not available which gave the younger ones the chance of gaining the experience. Heading there with a very young team, expectations were not high. This soon changed as we beat West 3-1. We continued by 1st XI stunning penalty by Ina we The end of term came with the drawing with East 0-0 and won in sudden death bringing start of the Indoor season in beating North 2-1. This meant After the relaxation of a the trophy home for another the form of the Midland Senior that we only needed to draw long summer holidays, it successive year. Indoor Tournament. Here we with South to win overall. And came as a big shock to beat Morrisons 1-0, Bell Baxter that is exactly what we did. everyone to be running Our success continued 2-1 and Perthshire 3-1. However After a tough 14 minutes the ‘doggies’ at pre-season with an 8-0 home win over we were beaten by Dundee score was 2-2 meaning Midland hockey. As ever, the school Gordonstoun but unfortunately High 0-1 meaning we finished District had won for the first was filled with the moans we couldn't produce the second but still qualifying for tim e in at least 30 years! and groans of 40 girls as same triumph the following the National Indoor Finals. they attempted to play day where we exited the The season ended with a hockey on legs which Independent Schools After a much needed Christmas couple of 7’s tournaments. At refused to work. Tournament after a close break we returned ready for Hutcheson’s tournament we Once all the stiff muscles had fought semi-final which we our Scottish Cup semi-final, were 2nd in our section but vanished, we set out to Madras lost 2-3 on penalties. Midland Cup final and National with 4 sections we didn’t make for our first tournament of the Indoor Finals. We started with it to the semi-finals. The Heriots We then had our first Scottish the Indoor Finals not long 7s didn’t go entirely as planned, season. We sailed through the Cup match against Robert group stages winning all three after the start of term and with me needing a trip to A&E Gordon’s which again tested of our games and setting up finished 3rd in our section with and 8 stitches. The team played our penalty flick skills, after a 1-1 a final against Dundee High wins over Aberdeen Grammar on with 1-0 wins against both full time draw, this time coming School and Peebles High. St. Georges and Dollar but School. The tense match ended out on top with a 3-2 win. finished 4th the section due to with a 1-1 draw so it went to Continuing our winning streak In the Scottish Cup semi final 2 loses and a draw. penalties where we managed to we beat Fettes 4-0, Kilgraston we were beaten 1 - 3 but we seal victory on the grass for the All in all, I think the team did 8 -0 and St. George's 6-0. put this behind us and sealed first tim e in 5 years. a 3 - 1 win over Dollar in the incredibly well especially being At the inter district tournament quite young and you should all Two weeks later we were Midland Cup final, and therefore in November Strathallan had be proud of what you achieved. qualified for the National faced with the Midlands 1st XI 12 players in Edinburgh to I have thoroughly enjoyed Tournament, held at home for O u tdoor Schools Finals. compete and this turned out to leading a group who were so the first time, and we continued be a highly enjoyable two days. The Outdoor Finals proved enthusiastic and dedicated. I our success by finishing second slightly more successful than would like to say a huge thank in the group stage meaning Once the team was back the indoor where we came 2nd you to Miss Sime and Mr Giles we played Perthshire in the together we continued our in our section. We beat Selkirk for all the tim e and e ffo rt semi-final. Although the game success with an 8-0 victory HS 3 - 0 and Aberdeen GS 3 you put into coaching us and was quite one-sided our strikers over QVS and a 2-0 win over - 0 but lost to High School of keeping the standard so high decided to leave it to the last Dollar. Following this we had Glasgow 0-1. This m eant we throughout the school. Also to few minutes before putting our first two Midland Knock-out were to face George Watson’s the ground staff for keeping the two quick goals past the Cup matches against Morrisons in the semi-final. This was an pitch playable and of course, to keeper to secure our place in and Dundee High which we extremely well-fought match Fitz fo r all your um piring. the final. Here we met Dundee won 2-0 and 1-0 respectively. where unfortunately the ball High School once again, this In the Scottish Cup quarter final Good luck for next year and managed to trickle over the line time with no score in either we beat Bonagrass Grove 7-1 enjoy yourselves! succeeding in knocking us o u t - normal or extra time. However, w ith Ina scoring an incredible o f the tournam ent. It wasn’t all Robynne Smith thanks to some excellent 4 goals. doom and gloom though as 1st XI Captain saves by Elizabeth and a Elizabeth Cachia was awarded

58 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS

Representative Hockey

Well done to the following girls who were selected to represent Midland District throughout the season.

Midland U15

Laura Glasgow

Eugenia Ramos

Midland U16

Nicky Cochrane

Hannah Cox

Ciara Elwis

Philippa Orr

Midland U18

Robynne Smith, Captain

Elizabeth Cachia

Jayne Carmichael 4th Form Hockey and 1-0 v Morrisons), drawing 3rd Form Hockey one (0-0 v Bell Baxter), and Ina Elier Personally I would say that losing one (0-1 v Glenalmond). The 3rd form A’s have had a Alice Farrar we had a successful hockey In the semi final, we played the very rewarding season. Out term this year. We started off High School of Dundee, the of the 9 matches we played Lynsey Knowles with the addition of a new game ended 0-0 and then went we only lost one game. We Kirstin Lamotte GK, Nicki, who is currently in on to golden goal extra time. have been very lucky to have the Scotland Development so many talented players on Jenny Wood At the end of the extra time the squad. Even though our score was still 0-0 and so the the team, especially our goal Midland Indoor results maybe do not clearly game went to penalty flicks... keeper, Laura Glasgow, who reflect the improvement the we won, w ith Nicki saving all has been selected for the U16 Robynne Smith, Captain team made this year, I can of the HSD flicks, and Kirsty Scotland Training Squad, I must Nicky Cochrane assure you that there has been Glasgow scoring to win. Sadly pull out a few games in which great improvement Overall we then went on to lose to I thought the team played Hannah Cox we won 9 out of 20 of our Glenalmond in the final, 0-1 in extremely well. Our first game Ciara Elwis games, (including tournament golden goal extra time. on grass against Kilgraston, we matches). Many of the games won 5-1 with Rachael Campbell Philippa Orr Later on in the season, we won could have gone either way, scoring an amazing penalty the first 3 games at the indoor Congratulations to two young but we did also get beaten by flick and the team’s top goal tournament, which meant that goal keepers who caught the better teams like for example scorer, Ella Coleman, scoring the last match was the final, eye of the National Coaches. George Watson's, though we two goals. The vice- captain, because HSD had also won managed to keep the score Linda Gordon, and myself, their games. Unfortunately we Scotland U16 Training Squad down, they only beat us by one would like to thank the team for lost 0-2, but we all played well goal. However, we also had a all their effort into the team. On Nicky Cochrane throughout the tournament. couple of matches which we behalf of the team we would Laura Glasgow won 6-0 (against Gordonstoun Two members of our team got like to thank Mr Robertson and Albyn). into Midlands, Eugenia got into and'Dr Gibson for their time, Nicky went on to play for the Midlands U15, and Nicki got into dedication and skills they have We had 2 great Midlands Scotland U16 development Midlands U16. put into the team. We hope to tournaments, indoor and squad in matches against Ulster carry on our success next year. outdoor. We reached the final Mhairi Bannerman in Ireland of the outdoor tournament, 4th Form Captain Claire Mendelson com ing runners up in our 3rd Form Captain section winning two (1-0 v QVS,

The Strathallian 2008-2009 59 SPORTS REPORJ SPORTS reports Boys’ Tennis

Results 2009 Schools Fixtures

Gordonstoun W 5-4 8 - 1 Fettes College W 6-3 Dollar Academy L 4 - 5 Stewart’s Melville W 7 - 2 Merchiston Castle School (The Tennis Academ y) W 5 - 4 Glenalmond College L 3-6 Loretto School W 6 - 3 Staff v Pupils Pupils won 6 - 3 House Competition Nicol House won

Mixed Doubles Tournament - runners-up in three sections

Nicol House managed to snatch term with both teams. We the House Tennis Competition regularly had up to 35 boys out from Simpson in a closely playing tennis which is most fought final while William encouraging to see. Lyburn won the Singles Title. For the first time we had two William had been runner-up players complete their level 1 in the first two years of the coaching qualification, and both Tennis at Strathallan Lakes School in Cumbria, tournament so it was a case of Michael and Alastair are looking continues to go from and again had to travel to third time lucky; well done, Will. to further this qualification in strength to strength. play. The team, made up of Regular 1st team players the year ahead. As they now With a regular coaching Michael Wells, Ruairidh Watson, included Michael Wells, Alastair move on from Strathallan we programme operating Alastair Hunt and Christian Hunt - captain, Ruairidh see younger players moving throughout the year, the Kolb played extremely well Watson, William Lyburn, up through the School and the teams are fully prepared for against determined opposition. Christian Kolb, Steven Watson Academy programme. when the season starts in After the Singles matches we the Summer term. and Oli Bain. We were also able were 2-2 and we went into Well done to the Boys Team this to field a 2nd team on a few the doubles sets needing to year and good luck to Ruairidh During the course of the occasions with the team facing win both, and this the boys Watson who is to captain the year we competed in various mixed fortunes. tournaments, local and national. did. With this win it meant we team in the year ahead. Colours were off to the National finals With the Tennis Academy were awarded to Michael Wells Early on in September Ruairidh in Bolton for a second year in Programme now well and Alastair Hunt with Half Watson won the Perth and succession. With coach Tommy entrenched at Strathallan we Colours being awarded to District U16 Singles title with Ogilvie on court they played are starting to see progress. Ruairidh Watson. Michael Wells runner-up, while very well at Bolton against the Tommy Ogilvie is out coaching Mark McGuire was a semi Ali Hunt UVI Simpson other seven finalist schools. all year round and spends finalist in the U12 Section. much time during the Summer Callum Thomson won the U14 During the traditional school Boys title. Christian Kolb started tennis season of the summer his tennis career at Strathallan term we had mixed fortunes as a semi finalist in the U18 against our opposition. We Section. This was an excellent were winning some very good start to the new season and matches yet we also suffered things were only to get better an unexpected defeat or two. as the year progressed. We also lost a few matches to the weather which was most In the Senior Boys National unfortunate. Competition we were drawn against St Leonard's and In the annual mixed doubles Belmont House School. In tournament we were runners- both these matches we up in each of the three sections played away from Strathallan and thus finished runners-up and the team won both the over all. matches convincingly. We were then drawn against The

60 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS Girls’ Tennis

In the U14 group Jayne Thoms & Rachel Campbell, Lucy Coleman & Christy Knowles finished 2nd in their sections and just missed out on qualification. Eleanor Kemp and Clare Sterritt were the outstanding couple in the U16 section. They defeated couples from Kilgraston, Glenalmond and Fettes, They then won the quarter- final match v Kilgraston but unfortunately lost to the eventual winners in the semi- final.

In the senior group Captain Ailie MacGeoch and Sara Chalmers finished top of the group defeating Glenalmond 3rd Couple, Fettes and Kilgraston. The girls returned full of to 3rd Form 1st Couple Jayne unknown opposition. In the quarter final it was 6 -0 energy and enthusiasm for Thoms and Rachel Campbell We played Newcastle Central against Fettes and 6 - 3 in the pre-season tennis and it was who have had a particularly and Durham Johnstone semi final v Glenalmond 2nd obvious from the beginning strong season and have helped Schools and although we lost Couple. Ailie was in the final for that getting a place in the the 3F 1st VI to good victories both the girls gained valuable the 4th year in a row - Ailie and senior teams was going to against Fettes (7 - 2), Kilgraston experience. Sara both played extremely well be a competitive business. It (7 - 2) and Glenalmond (7 - 2) to beat Glenalmond 1st Couple was great to see so many girls In the Scottish Schools cup 6-2. Strathallan winning this opting to play tennis and this In the Strathallan girls singles the 1st IV defeated Madras particular trophy for the 2nd has definitely helped lift the championships congratulations College and Grove Academy standard of play. Eight girls year in a row. A special mention to Sara Chalmers who defeated but eventually went out of featured in the tennis academy must go to Ailie who has won Hannah Mather in the senior the competition to a strong this year and we could see at this tournament for four final and Eugenia Ramos who Dunblane side. Three of our the benefits of all their winter years in a row - quite a record. defeated Rachel Campbell senior players played in the training when it came to mixed doubles competition playing in the summer. in the final of the Junior Colours Competition. at Glenalmond - Ailie, Sophie The 1st VI had an excellent Lyburn and Sophie Beamish. All Congratulations to Sophie season and played a number Tournaments our couples played extremely Lyburn who achieved her full of schools’ fixtures along well in the round robin colours award and to Sara Quite a few of the girls took with tournaments and competition, winning 11 out of 15 Chalmers who was presented part in the Perth & District with her half colours. national competitions. Some matches. In each of the sections Singles Tournament at the start of the highlights were good of the year and we were all we finished runners up and, Finally, many thanks to all wins against Fettes (6 - 3), delighted when Ina Eller won overall we finished in 2nd place the girls who have worked Kilgraston (9 - 0), Morrison's the U16 girls final (6 - 7, 6 - 0, in the tournament. Well done to hard over the Summer term (7 - 2) and Gordonstoun (7 - 2). 10 - 4) and brought the trophy all the players. to improve their tennis and The juniors continue to develop back to Strathallan. Kilgraston Tournament also fo r all their hard w ork in but a special mention must go The senior girls took part in the matches. To the staff who This was a real highlight to the Aberdare Cup. British have put in the time to lift the the season for the girls and standard of play and finally Schools and the Scottish it certainly produced good a special thanks to Tommy Schools tournaments this year. performances across all the Ogilvie our Tennis Academy In the Aberdare Cup the first age groups. In the U12 section round match v Glenalmond Eliza Younger and Phoebe coach, who does a great job was a convincing 5 - 1 victory. Arnot played extremely well with the 1st and 2nd girls However the girls came up defeating both Craigclowan throughout the term. and Kilgraston to go to the against strong opposition from AS quarter-finals losing out St George’s in the next round to a stronger couple from and lost by a similar margin. In Craigclowan. the British Schools it was great to play against completely

The Strathallian 2008-2009 61 ...a collection Kilgraston Scottish of amazing Schools Equestrian Championships results across 2009 the board... Strathallan Teams have gone from strength to strength at these cham pionships in recent years, and this year was no exception. In fact, we had a collection of amazing results across the board.

The day started off successfully w ith the Junior Team jumping. Every member of history at these championships. performing really well in both the team performed well and The only title not taken was for Dressage and Show jumping. all were delighted with their "Individual Show jumping”, last They finished with a 3rd place results: 3rd in the Team Show won for Strathallan by Helen (out o f 16 team s) in the Team jumping (out of 11 teams), 2nd Sum mersgill in 2007. However, Dressage (beaten by only 0.5 in the Team Dressage and 2nd Heather Larson put in an mark.), a 3rd place overall over all. Many congratulations excellent effort with a (Dressage and Show jumping go to: fast double clear and I will combined), and Rosie Williams look forward to watching her took the sash for the best Flora Hay (Captain) make a serious challenge for individual in Dressage and Emily MacLachlan this title next year (no pressure, Show jumping. Well done to: Jemma Battison Heather.) Rosie Williams (Captain) Emma Cheape Fergus Baird and Andrew Robyn Somerville The Senior Team had a hard Glover repeated their Gareth Watt act to follow as last year's outstanding performances of Phoebe Arnot results of 6 out of 8 titles last year to win 2 sashes each was a formidable record to for Best Dressage and Best The Intermediate Team had a beat. It is therefore with great Combined Dressage/Show fantastic day, greatly improving pleasure that I can report that jumping. They were supported on th eir results from last year. 7 out of 8 titles were won this brilliantly by Heather Larson Flora Hay took 2 sashes herself year. This is certainly our best and Bronya Woodes Rogers for individual Dressage, and perform ance in Strathallan's and the team eventually came Combined Dressage and Show

The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS

away with first places in Team competition at the Pony Club Open Regional Tetrathlon of the Fife Hunt Games Dressage, Team Show jumping Regional championships team. She competed in the team which qualified for and the Overall Championship. representing Strathearn British Youth Pentathlon the National championships Many, many congratulations Pony Club. Her score helped championships and is in Derby. She was also a go to : Strathearn to win the team currently ranked 11th in Great member of Fife Hunt’s Novice event and to qualify for the Britain. Show jumping, Dressage Fergus Baird (Captain) Nationals. She has gained and Eventing teams and Corrie Stewart has achieved Andrew Glover success in Eventing as well, was placed 4th individually success in both Showing and achieving two second places in Eventing at the Regional Heather Larson Show jumping competitions in British Eventing Intro championships. Bronya Woodes Rogers this year. She qualified for the competitions this year. At BSJA's Scope Festival and Gareth Watt has turned Other news and results Turnberry she had a most Trailblazers Show jumping his hand to Showing this successful time beating many Andrew Glover is a member championships, and she year and was successful other riders including adults of the Scottish U25A Dressage has qualified for several at Blair Castle gaining two to win the Regional Finals squad. He has qualified for the major Working Hunter Pony high places in Working of the "British Eventing 90" adult British Dressage Scottish championships. Hunter Pony classes. He championships and, as a Winter Regional Finals at both has continued to compete result, she has qualified for Flora Hay was Champion of elem entary and m edium level, regularly in Dressage and the final at "Badminton the Pony class at Perth Show and he has been selected to he to o k p a rt in a Dressage Horse Trials”. and she won the Working com pete in 3 Internationals on Festival in which he came 6th Hunter Championship Cup the Scottish team. At Marlton Jenny Summersgill has out of fifty competitors. at Balbeggie Show. Flora has U21 championships he won the completed a successful also competed successfully JAS Junior U18 competition and year Show jumping in BSJA in Hunter trials and she came helped the Scottish team to competitions. She beat a se cond a t B rechin C astle in finish second. strong field of over 70 riders the Intro section. to win the 1.05m Open at Heather Larson has achieved the Scottish Home Pony Emma Cheape has performed two top ten placings in British International, and she came very well in Hunter trials Eventing pony trials at both first in the lm Open at the achieving high places at both Novice and Intermediate "Champions of Scotland” Auchlishie and Hallyburton. height. She won the "Jumping show. She finished second She has also competed and Style” event at Hartbury in the "1m National League”, successfully in several College, beating 54 other and she qualified for the Dressage competitions, riders, and she was 4th at Scope Festival and the Royal gaining selection for Fife Hunt the Central Scotland (Scone) Highland Show. Pony Club's Regional Novice championships in the Junior Dressage Team. Regional Novice. Bronya Woodes Rogers has qualified for the National Sarah Cheape was chosen to Rosie Williams w o n th e Tetrathlon championships trial for the Scottish Games Open individual Dressage and she was selected for the team, and she was a member

The Strathallian 2008-2009 63 SPORTS REPORTS SPORTS REPORTS Swim Team

I think I speak for both myself and the girls’ captain, Vicki a strong background in the w ork as I’ve seen them do over Gow, when I say that leading Strathallan’s Swim Team pool and the skills necessary to the last two years with same instilled a sense of pride as the year progressed. Attending motivate the team over the next determination which produces galas and other competitions knowing that we have put year which will hopefully have the results we see. in the work and knowing that we have the ability to beat the desired affect. almost any team on the school circuit is something that the Roy Cameron UVI Freeland whole team should be proud of. In the meantime, I can only Swim Team Captain 2008-2009 trust that the team continues to As in years gone by, the very funny... we also thank him Swim Team has not failed for helping at various events to produce some excellent throughout the year whilst Strathallan Swimming Results results against rival schools. pursuing his ambition of ranking 2008 - 2009 Having not conceded a victory in Australia's top twenty. Also The start of the school year for Strathallan begins with the Midland all year is a testament to the central to the Swim Team this District Schools swimming championships in Dundee where we gruelling hours of training we year is the Director of Sport, put ourselves through, and Miss Sime who shows equal were represented by Joe Lipworth, Jayne Thoms, Rhuaridh Watson furthermore, to our coach enthusiasm towards swimming and Craig Rintoul. Joe brought home the Willie Milne trophy for the boys U16 100 freestyle competition Elaine Johnston. Without as she does w ith all sports her devotion, commitment within Strath. She is largely The Tayside Schools Swimming Championships in November and enthusiasm swimming responsible for organising our takes place over 2 evenings in Dundee. The swimmers had an at Strath may still be in its competitions and galas - we are outstanding competition and were successful in bringing home infancy, and would certainly always very happy to host swim 37 medals in total which by far exceeded the number won by any not have progressed to the teams at Strathallan. other school in Tayside. standard that we enjoy today. Over the summer holiday our The quality of coaching is TAYSIDE SCHOOLS SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008 swimming pool underwent also shown by the range of GOLD MEDALS 15/16 GIRLS 100 F/C - quite an extraordinary facelift: abilities accommodated on Maggie Luck on our return we were greeted 15/16 BOYS RELAY a day-to-day basis. At any with a newly lined pool, 'wet Joe Lipworth 17/19 BOYS 200IM - given training session you can James Pak wall' panels, a pool cover, new Roy Cameron have developing swimmers to Rhuairidh Watson lighting and sound-proofed international competitors with Nick Walker BRONZE MEDALS ceiling. The only notable thing Commonwealth and Olympic 13/14 GIRLS RELAY that was missing roughly 12 & UNDER BOYS RELAY aspirations swimming side Jayne Thoms 300 litres of water! Over the Duncan Scott by side, not to mention the Eilidh Gibson next 2 weeks we travelled to Mark McGuire sessions available fo r Riley. Siobhain Forbes Stirling University who gave us Angus Gibson There are few coaches in the Emma Cheape pool time while our pool was Cameron Hirst profession that cater for this completed. The swimming pool 12 & UNDER 50 BR - spread in ability and therefore 17-19 BOYS RELAY is now a much more pleasant Mark McGuire (PB) we thank Elaine again for Derek Hui training environment and Julius Schulte her involvement throughout 13/14 GIRLS 200 BACK - continues to enjoy regular use Ken Seeska the year. Eilidh Gibson (PB) thro u g h o u t the year. Roy Camerson Unlike years gone by, we 13/14 BOYS 100 BR - On that note, I would like 12 & UNDER BOYS 50 FLY - hosted a new member from Craig Rintoul to reiterate how valuable a Duncan Scott an unlikely area of the school... 13/14 BOYS 100 F/C - resource the pool is at Strath. that being the staff. The Riley 12 & UNDER BOYS 50 F/C - Craig Rintoul Being used for an array of gap year student, Hamish Wise Duncan Scott events throughout the year 15/16 BOYS 100 F/C - regularly attended training 15/16 GIRLS 2 0 0 IM - it is suitable for anybody and Nick Walker (PB) giving us a reliable training Maggie Luck (PB) would encourage anyone partner. With him he a brought 15/16 BOYS 100 BACK - at Strath to make use of it at 15/16 BOYS 2 0 0 IM - a colourful/’questionable’ James Pak (PB) one time or another. This year Joe Lipworth (PB) range of swimwear which coming, 2009-2010, will be 17/19 GIRLS 2 0 0 IM - funnily enough compliments 15/16 BOYS 100 BACK - captained by Sarah Maclachlan Vicki Gow (PB) the fruitful year the Swim Joe Lipworth (PB) and Oli Luck who both have 17/19 GIRLS 100 BR - Team has had. He is also very SILVER MEDALS Sarah Maclachlan (PB) 15/16 GIRLS RELAY 17/19 BOYS 100 BR - ...we have the ability to beat Maggie Luck (PB) almost any team on the Yasmine Forbes Ken Seeska school circuit... Emily Maclachlan 17/19 BOYS 100 FLY - Tasha Jaworski Roy Cameron

64 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS

SCOTTISH SCHOOLS WISE INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING SWIMMING EVENT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009, As a result of his success TOLLCROSS, GLASGOW at Scottish Schools As a result of swimming at Championships Joe gained Regional level, the to p 20 his 1st Scottish Schools Cap swim mers from all Scottish when he was selected to Regions in each event are then represent Scotland in the WISE selected to com pete in the International in March this year Scottish Schools Swimming in Cardiff. Joe was a great Championships in Glasgow credit to the school at this on Saturday 31st January event where he swam 100 back, 2009. Strathallan School were 2 0 0 IM and the m edley relay. represented by 9 swimmers over the course of the finals which resulted in 2 gold medals UK SCHOOLS GAMES and 1 silver medal. SWIMMING TEAM - Swansea, September 2009 Joe Lipworth followed his success earlier in the month Joe was also picked to with an outstanding win by represent Scotland as part over 5 seconds in the boys 15/16 of the UK Schools Games 200IM. Joe recorded a time of Swim m ing Team in Swansea. 2.14.96 a personal best time. Joe swam in the 200 Later in the day Joe swam in breastroke and won this event the boys 15/16 100 backstroke in an outstanding time of where he finished in Silver 2.24.76 which was a UK Schools position with another personal Games Record. Well done Joe best tim e o f 1.03.11. on this fantastic achievement

One of Strathallans youngest swimmers Duncan Scott was INTER-SCHOOL MATCHES fastest qualifier for the final of the boys 12 & under 50 butterfly Throughout 2008 - 2009 and carried on to win Gold in Strathallan had a number a personal best time of 33.14. inter-School matches against Duncan also competed with Glenalmond, Fettes, Merchiston Intermediate Girls and all of which Strathallan won Andrew Young, Angus Gibson Maggie Luck, convincingly, and Mark McGuire in the boys 12 Yasmine Forbes, & under 4 x 50 frontcrawl relay Emily MacLachlan where they finished a credible and Azlyn Edens 7th with all swimmers recording INTER-HOUSE SWIMMING personal best times. STANDARDS 2008-09

Also swimming for Strathallan The inter-house swimming were Roy Cameron, 17-19 2001M standards this year was one of finished 6th, Maggie Luck 15/16 the closest fought battles with 200IM finished 14th, 15/16 100 all 6 houses making a superb freestyle finished 14th and Craig e ffo rt to field a full team in all Junior Boys - Bronze Rintoul, 13/14 100 breastroke events. The overall winners Medal Winners finished 13th - all three were Thornbank with 380 swimmers had excellent swims. points. Angus Watson, Jordan Curtis, Charlie 1st Thornbank 380 Mearns and Cameron 2nd Ruthven 354 Hirst 3rd Woodlands 349

4th Freeland 303

5th Nicol 299

6th Simpson 271

The Strathallian 2008-2009 65 SPORTS REPORTS SPORT'S Swimming REPORTS continued Fencing

INTER-HOUSE SWIMMING RILEY INTER-DIV SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009 COMPETITION

On the 6th March 2009, the The Riley Inter-div competition swimming pool was full with in June is always one o f the swimmers and supporters noisiest, well supported events from all o f the 6 houses. This on the school calendar. This turned out to be the closest year was no exception. There inter-house match that I had was a number of outstanding certainly witnessed. A total record breaking swims and of 16 new records were set on very closely fought races. the night which again shows The eventual winners in 2009 the improvement in swimming were Dron. standards at Strathallan over 1st Dron the last 12 months. 2nd Glenearn The Girls competition came 3rd Balm anno down the last race in order to decide the eventual winner. 4 th D upplin

1st T hornbank 123.5 pts Over the past 12 months Strathallan were also 2nd Woodlands 120.5 pts represented at UK, Scottish The boys competition was also and D istrict level under the extremely intense throughout banner of various swimming and with an unfortunate clubs across Scotland by disqualification for Nicol in the Duncan Scott, Eilidh Gibson, final relay it meant that for the Azlyn Edens, Maggie Luck, 1st time ever there was a tie for Jayne Thoms, Roy Cameron, 1st place between Nicol and Joe Lipworth and Hamish Ruthven. Wise. The swimmers have won 1st = Nicol and Ruthven 72 pts medals at national level and d istrict level on a num ber o f 3rd Simpson 59 pts occasions and produced vast 4th Freeland 43 pts numbers of personal best times Each Tuesday and Thursday, good time. As well as organised in the process. The swimmers we have met and a familiar school trips to competitions, continue to be a credit to rhythm has developed: a several pupils have gone SCOTTISH SCHOOLS RELAY Strathallan in the wider warm-up game, followed to competitions either with CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009 swimming community. by stretching, footwork, parents or with friends. Sarah This event took place in bladework and then free Hellewell, Torii Douglas-Song, Thanks must go to Vicki Gow Glasgow in June 2 0 0 9 which play and individual lessons. Niclas Rehmann, Dominik and Roy Cameron for their For Form V and up, it is a unfortunately clashes every Durig, Jonathan and Connor outstanding roles as Captains Games commitment, and year with A level exams so our Blackburn all travelled to over the past year and we wish th e Thursday session is on entries were slightly depleted. compete at age group or Open them well as they move on at normal Games times. On However, our 2nd form boys competitions, and still managed from Strathallan. Tuesdays, it is on a bit later, team which consisted of to bring back medals from most and pupils in other years Charlie Mearns, Angus Watson, Elaine Johnston of these events. have come along Jordan Curtis and Cameron Strathallan Swim Team Coach and taken part in fencing Competition highlights include: Hirst came home with a bronze as an Activity. the girls’ team coming second medal. Despite no other medals in the Scottish Schools girls the swimmers recorded a We've gone along to a number epee; Sarah coming 3rd in number of personal best times of competitions as a group: the both the U16 girls’ foil and throughout the competition Scottish Schools individuals, sabre at the Scottish Schools and a good day was had by all. schools teams, the British Individual Championships, as Youth Championships, some well as com ing and 2nd at the of the Youth Development Cumberland Open later in the Series competitions and the year, and Connor winning the Dundee Duel (a one-hit epee overall Youth Development ...37 medals competition.) We’ve usually Series over-16 Boys sabre, come back with some medals, in total. and we have certainly had a SF

6 6 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS Rounders Ski Season

With only four senior the experience of Manchester Partly due to the cancellation completed the team but a schools playing competitive behind us we bravely faced the of several events, the Ski Team series of misfortunes amongst rounders all matches England teams and the England does not have a tremendous our boys meant that the gold amount to boast about this are eagerly anticipated. umpires. Our scores were much medal on which they had set season. The snow certainly did Unfortunately inclement closer this time, the ul5s finally their hearts was not to be. fall, but often at the weather played havoc with winning a match against a wrong time! The winter term was a roller­ our already small fixture mixed Newcastle team by half a coaster of great hopes and list. Riley play schools on rounder- very exciting! This year again, the Scottish despair as the snow came the prep school circuit Schools Dry Slopes Ski These competitions are great suddenly and in vast am ount, culminating in the annual Championships took place on fun, the girls love playing only to disappear just as Kilgraston Tournament. the last day of our half-term rounders whether they win or quickly. Races were scheduled break. For the Senior race, This year Scotland Rounders not, they love the bus journeys and re-scheduled several times we were unable to field a full were invited to play at two and the endless DVDs (not but the right conditions never International Tournaments .One girls' team (some of them forgetting the food stops) but coincided in order to allow a at Manchester on 16th May and were in high demand for other most of all they love singing Schools’ race to take place in one in Newcastle on 13th June. "Oh Flower of Scotland” louder significant sporting contests) safety. than anyone else can sing their but our boys were available, and We decided to select four own national anthem. as dedication dictates, Adam Luckily, Jo MORRISON did find teams this year. PIPER, A ndrew WHITELAW, some snow abroad and excelled Congratulations to the Trials were held on Ross ALEXANDER and Alasdair on numerous occasions. He following Strathallan girls who Thorneyshades on Friday WOOD were prepared to face achieved the fastest qualifying represented their country this evenings and girls came the notoriously challenging run for the European Youth year. along from Fettes, Kilgraston. slope o f the M idlothian Ski Olympics trials. He was chosen Glenalmond, and Craigclowan Emily Barnes, Sacha Taylor, Centre, Hillend. They finished to represent Great Britain in as well as from Strathallan. Christy Knowles, Rachael 9th over all, ahead o f a fu rth er Poland for the European Youth Campbell, Clare Mendelsson, For the Manchester tournament eight teams. In the Minors Olympics. He also became Mariam Kudehinbu, Hannah we took ul3, ul4 and ul5 teams Girls’ Race (Under 14), Severine the fastest Junior 1 (under 18) Johnstone, Lucy Garvie, Nicki play to against England and the THOMPSON, Eilidh GIBSON, athlete in the Giant Slalom as Cochrane, Lucy Coleman, Isle o f Man, We d id n ’t win any Robyn SOMERVILLE and Claire well as in the Super-G discipline Ella Coleman, Anna Younger, matches but after 4 matches of MENDELSON represented at the British Land National Sophie Arnott, Yasmine Forbes, 2 innings each we had certainly Strathallan for the first time and Championships in Meribel, Lucy Garvie, Rachael Stewart, played a lot of Rounders, finished a respectable 7th, France. Stephanie Harrison, Gina learned a lot and made some Taylor, Robyyne Smith, Abbey As a result, our boys gained a Let’s hope that this is enough to new friends. We also managed Kemp, Sam Gray, Jay W hitelaw, selection for the British Schools inspire our racers and whoever to watch 6 DVD’s! Special Jemma Bryson, Fiona Johnston Dry Slopes Ski Championships is in charge of distributing snow mentions go to Lucy Coleman and Rachel Terrill. which, to our delight, also took in Scotland, so that we have an for being top scorer in the ul4 place at Hillend. GB youth active season next year. team and Hannah Johnstone Many thanks to Miss Laurie, team member Jo MORRISON for captaining the ul5 team and Seiiorita de Celis and Miss Fabienne Thompson also to Abbey Kemp, Robynne Grant for coaching the teams Smith and Jay Whitelaw for and for all the staff and parents helping with the coaching. who brought the girls to ...Jo Morrison did find some snow practices and early morning At the Newcastle tournament and excelled...He was chosen to we took our 3 junior teams pick ups. represent Great Britain for the plus a senior team made up of Sandra Fleming mainly Strathallan girls. With European Youth Olympics...

The Strathallian 2008-2009 67 SPORTS REPORTS SPORTS reports •22 Rifle Club

Shooting has been mixed this year with some good weeks and some not so good. Shooting is a great skill to learn; it teaches you concentration and control, you have to take your time and keep a steady hand and try to hit the target as close to the ‘Bull’ as you can. The regular shooters are : Torii Douglas- Song, Chris Thompson, Molly Barnes, Anna Younger and Eleanor Allingham. Occasional shooters are Charlie Rutherford and Callum McDonald. There The year started with - winning comfortably. For a The season was extremely have always been quite a few preparations for the Scottish while however it looked like enjoyable and for this our from Riley House and the III National Clay Championships there would be no competition thanks must go to Mr Vallot for, Form coming along. - always a big event for the since it was moved to High as always, giving up so much Our results are usually high Strath shooting team. The first Wycombe - making the bus time every Wednesday and with only a few glitches here four (G Murdoch, I McKenzie, journey that little bit longer and Friday as well as dedication and there. We are getting S McBride, P Morris-Eyton) even when we were on the bus behind the scenes in making scores in the 80s and 90s - the came through to triumph with it looked like there would be no sure that events happen. target is 100 - Chris Thompson great aplomb despite the competition - even half an hour Thanks are also due Ben Kass and I won prizes at the Perth intense pressure. The Bs and before we arrived. When we did for his shooting knowledge and Shooting competition. Cs also shot well and showed shoot the competition, however, general banter. We also had good potential for next year. the team did reasonably well the pleasure of being joined by The school rifles are well made, The girls were also successful enduring an 8-hour bus journey Mr MacBain and Mr Hamilton. easy-to-handle -22s, they are in winning the championship to come fourth out of twenty- We thank them both for their made of wood and metal and against a field of great depth. five. There was, nonetheless, time and enthusiasm. The we learn how to be very careful a twinge of frustration as, had School beat the Strathallians on when we handle them. We With the Scottish the organisers actually told us Strathallian Day to regain the always stick to the safety rules. cham pionships already in the the right date, we felt we could John Lascelles Shield. Lastly, bag, Mr Vallot called for a We all have a good relationship have been more competitive thanks also to Ian McKenzie for celebratory shooting meal... with our coach, Captain with a night’s quality sleep his inspiring leadership and for Anyway, focus now had to Kilmartin. Unfortunately, he under our belts. The last event getting us "Back on Form!’’ to turn to the British nationals. is leaving at the end of the of the season is traditionally Will Fraser for his bureaucratic Weeks of training under Ben summer term, we are very sorry the inter-House competition talent, essential for the Kass and the odd classic to see him go and hope that and this year Freeland secured deputy's position. session w ith Ian D McGregor the club will still be in existence yet another victory - well done, primed us for the competition. Grant J Murdoch and when we come back after the fellows. This was followed by a We had a practice fixture Sam I W Lipworth summer holidays. fantastic end-of-season meal against Mr I D McGregor’s U6 Freeland in the Tartan room prepared by Torii Douglas-Song St Andrews University side Finola and Kirsty, IV Form Ruthven

6 8 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS Angling Club

The economic news may season and accounted for some of a fish? Certainly memorable and Simon McBride were have been bad all year but, terrific baskets of fish but a was the 'craic' between Toby, regular anglers and all improved for the anglers of Strathallan, more traditional approach was Ian and Grant as they hooked - their fishing technique during the 2008/09 session was an also to the trout's liking (Are and sometimes lost - fish. the season although Grant's excellent one. Flies were cast you sure there's a lot o f liking unwarranted lack of confidence Thanks must go to John Nicol, and many fish were caught by going on here, Anthony? Ed). seemed to be transmitted down the proprietor for his support the able group of pupils who his line to the fish who were not The use of traditional wet flies of the Club and for offering accompanied the Bursar to to oblige him. was to be practised to great concessionary tickets. various venues in the effect all season by Charles In addition to the fishing local area. Frandy, in Glendevon, also Gifford and he invariably took trips of the seniors, the Riley proved a challenging but Golden Loch, by Lindores, fish on each outing. As the pupils once again spent successful venue with Giff and became a particularly popular season progressed tactics many constructive hours in the Bursar picking up fish on venue as the trout proved eager changed and who will forget the winter term tying flies traditional patterns even in and hard-fighting. The nature of the evening session when dry under the Bursar’s tutelage testing conditions. As ever, the loch changed throughout sedge patterns brought the and in perfecting their fly Frandy proved to be a venue the season, giving our anglers feisty finned residents to the casting on the paddock in the for the hardy as chill winds a different challenge on each hook? Or perhaps etched on Spring. If their enthusiasm and helped keep most fish off the visit, as well as the marvellous the memory was the sight of inventiveness continues, the feed and the anglers shivering. sight of the fishing technique of the Bursar crawling on that future of the Club will be in the local osprey. Buzzer fishing same night to the water’s edge Toby Culham, Grant Murdoch, good hands. to drop a small nymph in front Ian McKenzie, Charles Gifford proved very effective early A.C. Glasgow SPORTS REPORTS SPORTS reports Sports Day

This year’s Sports Day was In the sprints, Craig Rintoul Boys House Championship Invitation Riley House held in beautiful evening (R), Marcus Adams (F) and Nicol 108 Riley Boys 100m sunshine on the 22nd May. Andy Hall (S) were comfortable This was q u ite rem arkable as winners of their respective Ruthven 105 1 Charlie Mearns we had some of the worst May 100m races and in the girls Freeland 103 2 Gareth Watt weather for some time right events there was a good '1-2' Simpson 103 3 Josh Henderson up until the evening itself. for the Junior Woodlands 4 Cammy Mack We were delighted to welcome pairing of Jenny Summersgill Girls House Championship 5 Josh Anderson the parents of this season’s girls and Lucy Coleman. Although and boys athletics captains, Mrs Kirstin Lamotte won the Senior Woodlands 133 6 Duncan Scott Judith Carmichael and Mr Juraj Girls 100m race and Patricia Thornbank 91 Sabol to present the awards. Moyo achieved a double in Riley Girls 100m the Junior 200m and 300m, During this year’s it was apparent that any Victor / Victrix Ludorum 1 Anni Arthur championships there were a hope that Thornbank had of Junior Girl: Lucy Coleman 2 Robyn Somerville number of close field events defeating Woodlands was fast 3 Emily Barnes and particular highlights were disappearing. On the other Junior Boy: Craig Rintoul Toby Culham (R) beating hand the Boys competition 4 Sophie Lightbody Middle Boy: Marcus Adams Andrew Lyons (S) by 30cm had never been closer with 5 Sarah Nicol in the Senior Boys’ Javelin, only 2 points separating Senior Girl: Robynne Smith Ruairidh Hunter (S) edging out all 4 houses w ith Freeland Senior Boy: Toby Culham Riley Open 800m Dan Cowe (R) in the Middle m arginally leading as we came Boys' Discus and Heather to the final event, the Senior 1 Josh Anderson Mitchell (W) throwing 10cm Boys 4x100m Relay. 2 Chris van Dort more than Lizz Vine (T) in the 3 Conor Holborn Senior Girls’ Shot Putt to win In a dramatic finish, Nicol, 4 that event. with a well balanced quartet, Ellie Hall held off the fast closing Andy 5 Jack Bruce On the track, the lead changed Hall of Simpson fo r victory. 6 Robyn Somerville several times during the Junior A t th a t point Mr Giles, in his 7 Euan Gray Boys’ 4x400m relay before final year as Housemaster, Simpson prevailed against could no longer contain his 8 Ross MacGarvie Freeland and Nicol. Whilst in emotion and was seen jumping 9 Jo Barrack the battle between two of our around w ith his team as they 10 L illy Thom pson top middle distance runners, celebrated their overall success, Chris Rennison (S) again beat JRF Jamie Addison Scott (N) in the Middle Boys’ 800m. There were ’doubles’ at senior level Mr Giles, in his final year as Housemaster, for Clara Elwis (W) and Juraj Sabol (R) over 800m and could no longer contain his emotion and was 1500m with the talented Olwyn seen jumping around with his team... Jenkins (W ) doing the same in the Junior events.

70 The Strathallian 2008-2009 SPORTS REPORTS Navy Sailing Trip summer 2009

Our trip started with a wet and windy After the commotion and drama we the back in a place called O tter Bay. By this journey from Strath, but with the joy of Mrs decided that heading for Barra would mean time the crew smelt, our hair was greasy MacBain’s road rage this didn’t dampen we would be sailing late into the night so from no showers and we were all knackered our spirits. When we reached Oban, the we made the choice of anchoring in the after a jam-packed week of fun and large ferry that we were expecting turned Borrowdale Islands in a place called Loch excitement. This was a great opportunity out to be a fisherman’s boat, which took Nan Uamh. The whole crew was determined for the skipper to break the news that we us across to a little island named Kerrera. to see some sort of wildlife as we had been were cleaning the entire boat, inside and As we approached the 70 foot ketch that told that the previous week, three killer out the following morning. Something that was to be our home for the next week we whales had been sighted. Sadly, the most some members of the crew were not too all realised what we’d let ourselves in for. we saw was one seal the entire week! On pleased about... Sally! On the last evening After the initial bunk fight we were briefed the long sail to Castlebay, Barra we had we finished with a game of Jenga and and immediately set off for Loch Aline some good constant sailing with speeds of enjoyed drawing on each other's faces; this which was just around the corner. around 6 knots. We were also lucky enough didn't exactly aid us for the energetic clean The next morning we set our sights on to hear the tale of how Mr and Mrs MacBain up that was expected of us the next day. the Outer Hebrides which we worked met on the seas and many other stories Eventually we got down to work and the out would take around 10 hours to reach. from various different people. boat was shipshape and Bristol fashion by Unfortunately, our plan didn't work out as midday after which we headed back to port On the journey back from Castlebay the the winds around the Sound of Mull meant to end our voyage. wind was behind the sails so it was a flat that the team got very good at tacking but ride. As it was a sm ooth sail some of us The sailing trip was an amazing experience it also took us a lot longer than planned. took it upon ourselves to make a cake. and we would very much recommend it to Then as we past Ardnamurchan Point the Unfortunately, we didn't have any caster anyone who has the opportunity. We would weather turned for the worse and the swell sugar so we ended up with a granulated like to say a big thank you to Mrs MacBain, meant that some of the crew’s stomachs cake with an extra crunch. We anchored who parted with Nell for the first time just didn't quite hold out. As the weather was up in Loch Drumbuie and from here made to accompany us. Also thanks to the crew, rocky, we saw the true colours of our our way to a beach in Oban. Unlike typical who added to the awesomeness that was skipper as the cruise we'd put our names Scottish weather it felt like a Caribbean the sailing journey! down for turned into a hardcore sailing climate, some people were even brave experience and it was all hands on deck. Sally Lungmuss and enough to go for a dip. Unfortunately our Lucy Murdoch V Form Thornbank week was coming to an end and we had to head back to Kerrera, but this time round

The Strathallian 2008-2009 71 72 m F C C The Strathallian Strathallian The .no more ten minute delays to delays minute ten .no more deal with jammed weapons, jammed with deal 2008-2009 just point and shoot! and point just

ahig xeiin rm Oban from expedition yachting Royal the f o pattern established erwr h iagrl RN inaugural the were year Marines and the Army, and the the and Army, the and Marines ll-’ e w now the ing follow - Dinner RN the f o milestones Major all say, to glad I am and, illiam W Oliver and MacLachlan Kemp, Joanna bbey A are illiam W and make their m ark on the Section. the on ark m and on their stay make to volunteered have and Robynne supporting to in role play big a had all Beetschen: Robynne from over Taking the ith w filled he which Senior the as appointed also extrem ely valuable. W illiam was was illiam W valuable. was - ely ents extrem itm m com e m other f o program heavy a ith w and utm ost aplomb. ost utm role a Contingent, the f o Cadet - both in their A Level year year Level A n their in tio u trib both con - their and ent oothly, w sm year the t tha Smith ensured Robynne and Gibson pbell- Cam dinghy illiam W and courses. erboat pow finish their ff could o they t tha so , term was able to drive the Seniors to to Seniors the drive to able was Barnett Mr training Caledonia. FIMS at leadership f o an for ut o afternoon ent w Section the and hole w pool in ing m ing swim row the to introduced were Port Edgar fo r the first half of of half first the r fo Edgar Port normal the to change a In Term. Royal the f o helm the take possible. was term the program m e, the IV Form Form IV the e, m program to yielded alker W Captain that Cadets Senior the from input first-class of lot a and Captain Walker, Mr Barnett Mr Walker, of Captain help the with only was and it single-handed run to one large a is section RN the leave - maternity on away was Navy Section fo r the Autum n n Autum the r fo Section Navy to agreed kindly and reluctantly, hope), i o to t o (n persuasion of number a from effort team a was Term Autumn The ietossneSL MacBain S/Lt since directions Commander’s Contingent report

enapitdt te post the to appointed has been ood W Jenny enthusiasm. LVI and UVI f o corps a good have we while a in e first tim the r fo and years, few experience over the last last the over experience been has Section y rm A The and charge take to chance the NCOs w ith m otivation and and otivation m ith w NCOs building up in size and and size in up building challenge. the to well very rose NCOs Section y rm A the gave the ith w year this conflicted which Exercise, Recruits’ the hone their own skills - and they they and - skills own their hone r fo Barry at back were mer we Sum Term the f o start the t A to Term n Autum the over e tim turned OS) (RM, Chalmers JJ Royal Marines Dinner - but that that but - Dinner Marines Royal eptante oa Marines. Royal the train help and this, ith w help to out teams: Trophy Pringle and Skills at weekend training a ith w indeed gave a great deal o f his his f o deal great a gave indeed ilitary M the r fo Buddon Barry starting year, the over f o ber outings num a ran we usual As The shoot! and point just ed n Cle McWilliams. Callem and Reid of experience gaining week, Jenny W ood’s perform ance as ance perform ood’s W Jenny Ben Giles, Keith Wigley, Callum Callum Wigley, Keith Giles, Ben Walker, Nick V in the Marines from Form support we strong and had organising, and leading good a had Cadets Senior record n’t o w (I cadets our ords r w fo good had many and deal w ith jam m ed weapons, weapons, ed m jam ith w deal Platoon Sergeant). O ur budding budding ur O Sergeant). Platoon about said they hat w print in excellent were Staff Directing no exciting: very ilitary m elements the made new Rifle the f Cadet o - addition hile the and orthw w very whole experience the make to change oetn nt east to delays inute m ten more W arcop fo r the second year year second the r fo arcop W program m e, but w ith enough enough ith w but e, m similar aprogram had we go to year This had back. just we at th fun 8 0 uch 0 m 2 in so had we - running at held was Camp Central Venturer, Alba Trust’s Youth Ocean the on of Senior Cadet; Jenny Wood, good deal of the Summer Term Ruairidh Clark and Murray taking the Recruits climbing Hall all worked to pass their outdoors. Those who were Methods of Instruction cadre keen also had the opportunity (Jamie Dodd is still refining his to attend the Aviemore AT personal drill before re-sitting Camp at the end of the Spring the test). We also welcome holidays - a five day camp Katie Vallot and Olivia Quick as based at Rothiemurchus LVI NCOs (both appointed on Lodge, from where there were a strong performance on hillwalking, climbing, canoeing Centra! Camp). and mountain biking trips. This is always a good event and this The Army Section sent a team year we had superb weather! to the 51 Brigade Military Skills Forces use, it was singularly and cadets alike. We could Competition, held (unusually) A bit of nostalgia to end with: difficult to use, jammed every achieve nothing at all without at Dreghorn, and despite twenty one years ago when other shot and rattled like a Mr Lindsay, but all the Officers being short on training and I joined the Contingent (Mr ...... well, like a rattle. This is all have worked unstintingly experience they were making Court was i/c Army, CCF was leading up to the day this year over the year to lay on weekly a fair showing until Sean com pulsory for boys in Forms when the Cadets in Scotland training, exercises, camps and Mendelson was obliged to IV and V, girls were not allowed - and we were the first part of expeditions. So thank you return to School due to illness. to join....), we had an armoury the UK to receive these - were to Captain Walmsley, S/Lt full of .303 No 4 rifles - the issued with the weapon which MacBain, Lt de Celis Lucas Adventurous Training is a key sort of thing you see in black we should have had twenty and Captain Higginbottom part of the CCF, sometimes and white films. These were years ago. It is, more or less, the fo r all their support and happening on Wednesday replaced, about a year later, real thing - and experience o f it enthusiasm - and to Marine afternoons - then Mr by the L98A1 Cadet GP Rifle. at Central Camp shows that it Chalmers for spending his Higginbottom spent a lot of This was not much of a step is, as the Regulars always like to Wednesday afternoons back in time in the Spring conveying forwards, since although the say, a "good bit of kit". his old playground. the majority of the Contingent weapon looked (from one side to A Vertical World in Dundee A nd the thanks: all we do is ACWS-J at least) like the one the Armed for indoor climbing, and a done with volunteers, staff CLUBS Debating

That’s right, we’re back (although technically we never left). Thought to be dead by some, debating is, in fact, alive and kicking (albeit quietly) in the fiction library. The society has faced numerous problems over the past few years mainly due to a lack of time occasioned by increased workloads among the Sixth Form and that well known malady, ‘peer pressure’. Many would-be debaters have succumbed to this over the years and this academic year was no different with ranks of potential speakers stomping off too embarrassed or fearful to speak their minds. Debating at Strathallan is not solely about winning the argument but overcoming the fear of speaking in public, one which all of us in the society have felt at one time or another.

Despite record low attendance we had great successes in debating competitions as the former debating captains Sam Lipworth and Morag Elwis reached the St. Andrews Debating Competition final in a superb performance that did them and the society proud. The same pair reached the regional final (Scotland) of the Cambridge Union competition. We said goodbye to a number of brilliant debaters at the end of last year, we are also sorry to see the Reverend Quick retire from the post of 'staff member in charge of debating'. The Rev spent four years in this station co-ordinating our often disjointed ideas and did a great job of it; we wish him God speed in his continuing role as chaplain at Strathallan. In his place Mrs Billing, w ho joins us as a new m em ber of staff this year, steps up to the plate to steer the debating tiller to more sheltered waters (are you sure about this metaphor, Doddy? Ed).

Competitions abound as the new committee, fresh- faced and slightly too enthusiastic, step into the shoes of the previous Upper Sixth, ready to make our mark on the society. We are aiming to nurture the skills of the younger years in Riley and plan to launch an Inter-Schools debating competition. WATCH THIS SPACE. Jamie Dodd LVI Nicol Thought to be dead by some, debating is, in fact, alive and kicking...

Both Matthew and Jordan played really well, Matthew achieving qualification Chess for the semi-finals which were in Oldham, Lancashire on 19th July.

Matthew performed successfully in the Matthew Patterson and Jordan Curtis semi-finals winning 3 of his 6 matches. (both Riley) qualified for the “mega­ This is the first year a Strathallan pupil final” of the UK Chess Challenge has qualified for this prestigious event 2009 which took place in Edinburgh on 10th May 2009. This was a huge and he must be congratulated on event with over 145 players in various achieving this excellent result, age groups. JAS

74 The Strathallian 2008-2009 CLUBS Wildlife Concert by Photography Argentine Day Schools

One dark evening in the winter was lightened by a lively concert in the chapel provided by the pupils of two schools from Buenos Aires in Argentina. The schools, St Gregory’s College and Brick Towers College, had formed a combined Senior Band which was touring the British Isles with a delightful programme of Latin American and other popular jazz music.

This group of 40 young people with accompanying staff had already performed in Dublin and Belfast. After Strathallan they went on to perform in Edinburgh, Manchester, York and London. In March, pupils from Riley Aside from the typically Baltic through to Upper Sixth Scottish weather, the wildlife Dra. Gabriella Seisdedos, Form took part in a Wildlife photography Workshop was Photography Workshop run an enjoyable and overall Direetora General of St by former pupil Philip Price successful experience for all Gregory’s said, “The (Ruthven 98). that attended. students are having Philip now runs a successful Capturing action shots of a chance to immerse business called 'Loch Visions’ birds, searching for insects and that introduces wildlife learning how to use the camera themselves in different photography to small groups was extremely challenging. cultures and create bonds of whilst also taking excellent But, needless to say, when the images himself. Philip was perfect shot was achieved, it friendship with youngsters extremely enthusiastic and was unbelievably rewarding. from these countries.” helpful whilst covering the Thanks to Mr Goddard and basics of digital photography, Philip Price - legends! As well as the music from the Argentine Band, the audience in the setting up the cameras, finding chapel were entertained by Scottish traditional music on fiddle, Titi Finlay U6 Woodlands suitable subjects out in the field ciarsach and bagpipes, played by Anna Olaffson, Alice Inglis, Adam and introducing Photoshop Michie and Sean Townsley. The Argentine pupils also had the back in the classroom. A very “pleasure" of attending a concert in the music room where enjoyable day and I hope Philip the performers were teachers who are not on the music staff, will pay us a visit again some namely Richard Fitzsimmons, Gerry Kennedy, Irene McFarlane and tim e in the future. Roger Quick.

JG IIMcF

The Strathallian 2008-2009 75 GEOGRAPHY FIELD-TRIP Our tour guide warned us several times “keep your fingers to yourself’...

A group of twenty-six VI Form pupils Day tw o was Mr Barnes' birthday. Day 3 was not quite as eventful - the accompanied by Miss Wilkinson, After singing happy birthday to him previous one being hard to beat. Mr Barnes, and Mrs Thompson left our guide gave us another singing We travelled along the road to the on a geography field-trip headed rendition: happy birthday in Icelandic. basalt columns and volcanic sand for Iceland at the end of the Easter In the morning we visited Skogar beach. Here the geographical features holidays. After departing at 7 in waterfall and climbed the 314 steps included stacks, stumps, caves, arches the morning from Strathallan and (counted by Jordan) to stand at the and more. We walked to the top of spending seven hours in Stansted the cliff edges to look across the black airport, Ian experienced his first plane top of the cataract. We also visited journey. We arrived at Reykjavik late Seljalandsfoss waterfall where you beach which was kilometres wide that night and although it was dark can usually walk behind but on this as the tide had gone out so far. The on our bus trip to the hotel, we were occasion it was far too icy to even structure of rocks and features of this overcome by how flat and cold the reach the steps. We then went to beach were nothing like we had ever country was. the Soheimajokull glacier which seen in Scotland; quite bizarre in fact. had retreated 10m in the past year. After our beach adventures we We woke up and saw for the first time After climbing half way to the top, headed back towards Reykjavik, what Iceland had to offer; flat land avoiding the crevasses, we stopped stopped to look at pseudo-craters and the N orth Sea. A fte r showers and on the iciest patch possible to take in and went to a pond to sit by for lunch. breakfast we returned to our room the view and did a bit of sliding on We also visited the Prime Minister's to be hit by the smell of eggs. After the way back down. house which we were surprised to blaming the smell on each other we find was totally unprotected - we even ater discovered it was the sulphur The most memorable moment of the walked in his garden. We spent the produced by the geothermal heat that trip (maybe our life) was our near­ rest of the afternoon in Reykjavik, for is used in the shower water. death FREEZING experience. We rest and relaxation, exploring what turned up to a shack in a deserted We hopped on to the Icelandic express the capital had to offer. Considering area of the country wearing ski jackets coach and drove to the Hellisheid it contains 80% of the country’s and jeans but without hats or gloves. Geothermal Power Station bombarded population it did not seem very busy. We had no idea of what was to come. on the way with facts from our We had a lovely meal out, to finish off Benedict drove us up to the icecap on chatterbox guide. We were extremely our last night in Iceland. his homemade orange lorry/bus which lucky to have such a clear and sunny we all expected to stay in..... but no. On the Last day of our trip, we headed day yet there was still a lot of snow. We stopped and were transported in to the Blue Lagoon, a popular spa. At the power station we were given an open top giant sledge attached The water here was heated naturally a talk by one of their workers and we to the back of a Pistie-Basher that by the volcanic rock below. Certain were shown how Iceland harnesses the travelled up onto the Myrdalsjokull ice areas were so hot some people even geothermal energy to their advantage. cap. Benedict warned "do not stand had to get out. It was so relaxing and We then visited the famous Strokur up, do not bend over, do not put your a perfect way to finish of our trip. We Geysirs. Before leaving the bus our hands out and hold on tight,” None of covered ourselves in white mud, which tour guide warned us several times his instructions were possible as it was was apparently good for your skin. We "keep your fingers to yourself” because too cold to move. We were all frozen then had lunch and headed back to the of the boiling water heated by the but surprisingly Jordan survived in his airport to go home. earth. We went on to visit Thingvellir shopping jacket, James bond glasses, On behalf of the VI Form group we the only place on Earth where you jeans and trainers. At the top of the want to thank Miss Wilkinson, Mr can see the crust pulling apart at the icecap the view was breathtaking, Barnes and Mrs Thompson for taking mid Atlantic ridge. Here we stood in well worth the journey and the us on an amazing trip and making it the gap between the North American singing on the way back kept as enjoyable as it was... even w ith the and Eurasian plates; a strange and everyone in good spirits until we permanent egg smell, and deserted very interesting experience. That day reached the warm coach. We spent countryside, we all loved it. For anyone we also visited a cathedral where our the third night in a deserted hotel considering going on this geography tour guide suddenly burst into song on the South coast, near Vik, where trip or to Iceland on holiday we would and Harry blessed himself with holy we celebrated Mr Barnes' birthday thoroughly recommend it as it was a water. After dinner we all went to the and spent a good three hours in the great experience. local swimming pool and discovered geothermal hot-tubs. Icelandic communal showers. Sarah Maclachlan and Kirstin Lamotte LVI Thornbank

76 The Strathallian 2008-2009

CLUBS

78 The Strathallian 2008-2009 CLUBS Pipe Band

The pipe band has had another busy and successful year, winning a total of 10 prizes and awards.

The Award winning began with Jamie Parker taking fourth prize in the Novice Piping Section of the Scottish Junior Piping Championships at Arbroath. At the Scottish Schools' Quartet Piping Championship where our senior team of Pipe Major Adam Michie, Pipe Sergeant Sean Townsley, Pipe Sergeant Etienne Melville and Piper Will Frazer played very well to win third prize. Our junior trio played well but was unplaced; they gained lots of experience from taking part.

Adam made an excellent job of the Lament on Remembrance Day.

At the school concert in November, Adam, Sean, Etienne, Will, Jamie and JSRH played a mixed selection including hornpipes, jigs, the band soon got into the swing and Most Improved Chanter Player - strathspeys, reels and a slow air which was performed very well in their first try at the Charlie Mearns; very well received. The pipers then played event. All of them appeared to enjoy the Chanter - Justin Tsang; Highland Cathedral with the School Choir experience and are looking forward to Novice Piping - Sam Gray; and Kingdom Brass at a concert in St next year. Junior Piping - Jamie Parker; Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth, a great experience Hornpipe & Jig - Adam Michie; for our players. Speech Day this year saw a good display Senior Piping - Adam Michie; from the band on the lawn. A group of new At the Craigmount High School Solo Piobaireachd - Adam Michie; drummers marched on with the band to Piping and Drumming Championships, in Best Contribution to the band - show o ff the ir new skills. December, Adam won third prize in the Adam Michie. Piobaireachd section while Sean took sixth Our contribution to Headmaster’s Music Piping Certificates were awarded to prize in the March, Strathspey and Reel in the summer term was Adam and Sean Crawford Niven, Cameron Hirst, Charlie section. This is one of the top competitions playing a piece written for their Higher Mearns and Finlay Wilson. Drumming fo r junior pipers in the country. music exam. Certificates were awarded to Alex In January, the band was invited to play at The band then turned out at Perth Robertson, James Barrack and Logan Balnacraig School where they put on a very Racecourse where they played a number of MacGregor. Will Frazer and Etienne Melville good performance. Our younger members times in various locations to entertain the were awarded half colours for piping. did very well to represent the school with public. They also played as a massed band The solo contest finished with us saying a good performance for the pupils and along with Morrison’s Academy who were goodbye to Adam, Etienne, Sean and Will guests. Etienne then played at the Rannoch also there. who are off to further their careers. We Day Centre for their Burns Celebration Our last big competition of the year was wish them every success in the future. where his playing was very much enjoyed The Scottish Schools’ Championships by the assembled company. We look forward to the challenges of held this year at Strathallan. The band next year. Adam finished second in the senior solo were unplaced in the band competition, piping event at the George Watson’s but took third place in drill and turnout. J.S.R.H. College competition. Adam took third prize in the Senior Piping. Congratulations to all! At the Glasgow Highland Club Schools' a mixed Competition this year the band members Our last event of the year was our solo selection excelled themselves to win fifth prize in piping and drumming event. The major the band competition. Our soloists also winners were as follows: including kept our name "in the frame”, Adam again Most Improved Drummer - Gavin Keddie; hornpipes, jigs, played very well to take second prize in Novice Drumming - Alex Robertson; strathspeys, the Senior Piping Championship, Sean took Junior Drumming - Cameron Mack; reels and a third prize in the Senior Piping event. Senior Drumming - Jonny Bain; slow air which The band also took part in the Scottish Bass and Tenor Drumming - Jonny Clifford; was very well Schools’ Beating Retreat at Edinburgh Most Improved Piper - Will Frazer; Castle this year, the young pipers in received...

The Strathallian 2008-2009 79 Valete

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Horriya A Abdo S3 T 01 09 2008 16 12 2008 Callum L Airey S3 N 01 09 2008 06 02 2009 W alter R Alexander S6 N 01 09 2005 0 4 07 2009 Daniel J Anderson S6 S 07 09 2005 0 4 07 2009 Jamie G A rnot S4 F 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Oliver Bain S6 N 01 09 2003 0 4 07 2009 Fergus 1 W Baird S6 S 01 09 2 0 04 0 4 07 2009 Jill A Bardon S6 T 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 Emily K Battison S6 T 01 09 2003 0 4 07 2009 lain D W Bonn S5 R 01 09 2 00 4 20 09 2008 Alistair J Brown S6 N 01 09 2005 0 4 07 2009 George Burbury S5 R 01 09 2008 03 11 2008 Lauren M Burns S4 W 05 10 2005 0 4 07 2009 Cathryn R Bush S6 W 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 Robert F Cachia S6 N 01 09 2004 0 4 07 2009 Andrew R Caldwell S4 S 29 10 2006 0 4 07 2009 David R Cameron S6 R 01 09 2 0 04 0 4 07 2009 Roy S Cameron S6 F 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 William B N Cam pbell-Gibson S6 F 0 4 09 2002 0 4 07 2009 Tom Cargill S6 R 0 4 0 9 2002 0 4 07 2009 Jayne Carmichael S6 T 0 4 09 2002 0 4 07 2009 Jessica G M Carson S6 T 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 Man C Chan S6 N 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Shi K Chen S5 R 01 09 2008 0 4 07 2009 Zi H Chen S5 S 01 09 2008 0 4 07 2009 Jonathan K Clifford S6 F 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 Joseph C orlett S6 R 05 09 2001 0 4 07 2009 Lindsay A N Crowe S6 T 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 Bradley J Cruse SI Rl 01 09 2006 23 05 2009 Toby P D Culham S6 R 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 Daniel C F de Haer S6 S 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 Philippe S L de Haer S6 R 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 Bianca Dembke S6 T 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 Jonathan D F Dickson S6 F 05 02 2001 0 4 07 2009 Anna E Dove S6 W 01 09 2003 0 4 07 2009 Dominik Durig S5 N 01 09 2008 26 03 2009 A ntonio Elias Castellon S2 S 01 09 2008 0 4 07 2009 Katharina J Eller S5 T 01 09 2008 26 03 2009 Morag A Elwis S6 W 01 09 2005 0 4 07 2009 W illiam H Farmer S6 S 05 01 2 0 0 4 0 4 07 2009 Christina J Finlay S6 W 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 Yan C Fong S4 S 01 09 2008 0 4 07 2009 Alison H Forsyth S3 W 01 09 2008 0 4 07 2009 Francesca C Fraser S6 W 01 09 2003 0 4 07 2009 W illiam D Frazer S6 N 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 Lucy M Garven S4 W 01 09 2004 0 4 07 2009 Maksym Goncharov S4 F 07 01 2008 0 4 07 2009 Elizabeth F Gordon S6 W 01 09 2007 0 4 07 2009 Rory G Gordon S2 F 01 09 2008 0 4 07 2009 Victoria M Gow S6 T 01 09 2006 0 4 07 2009 Momme Grandt S5 R 01 09 2008 26 03 2009 Aleksandra Guz S6 W 01 09 2006 0 4 07 2009 Katarzyna A Guz S6 T 01 09 2006 0 4 07 2009 Clemens Haidinger S5 F 01 09 2008 26 03 2009 John S Harrison S6 R 01 09 2 0 04 0 4 07 2009 Jonathon Healey S5 S 21 0 4 2009 0 4 07 2009 Andrew J Heaney S6 R 01 09 2005 0 4 07 2009 Nicolas R Heger S5 S 01 09 2008 26 03 2009 Emma L Howell S6 W 01 0 9 2003 0 4 07 2009 Alastair J Hunt S6 S 01 09 2 00 4 0 4 07 2009 Rory A Jevon S3 F 05 01 2009 21 0 4 2009 Stuart A Johnson S3 F 01 09 2007 14 01 2009 Henry Jones S6 R 05 09 2001 0 4 07 2009 Sally A Keir GUEST 11 12 2007 12 09 2008 Steven Kennett S5 N 01 09 2008 16 12 2008 Jamie D King S6 F 01 09 2004 0 4 07 2009 Simon Kremer S5 N 01 0 9 2008 0 4 07 2009 Julia Kupfer S6 W 01 09 2 00 4 0 4 07 2009 VALETE

Nam e+lnits Surname YG House Ad date Leave Date

Kar C Kwok S6 S 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Alison Y P Lee S6 W 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Harry L’Estrange S5 N 01 09 2008 16 12 2008 Ben T Lewis S3 F 07 09 2005 05 01 2009 Samuel 1 W Lipworth S6 F 01 09 2003 04 07 2009 Chun K Lo S6 R 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Finola D Lundgren S6 T 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 Sara E Lundgren S6 W 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 Hugh D Lungmuss S6 N 23 11 2005 0 4 07 2009 Sophie P Lyburn S6 T 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Stephanie A Lyon S6 T 01 09 2003 04 07 2009 Caitlin E Lyons S6 T 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 Stephen J Lyons S6 S 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 Kirsty F Macdonald S6 w 30 10 2005 04 07 2009 Ailie J MacGeoch S6 w 01 09 2003 0 4 07 2009 Catriona M MacKenzie S6 w 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 an R McKenzie S6 F 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 Callem R McWilliams S4 R 01 09 2006 04 07 2009 Melissa M Magumba S4 W 01 09 2006 04 07 2009 Hamish C Malcolm-Watts S5 R 01 09 2008 17 11 2008 Paul Marshall S3 R 21 04 2009 04 07 2009 Etienne P Melville S6 S 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 Sean G Mendelson S6 N 01 09 2006 04 07 2009 Theophile A R Meunier S4 R 01 09 2008 04 07 2009 Adam D Michie S6 F 01 09 2001 04 07 2009 Heather J Mitchell S6 W 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 Jo M A Morrison S5 N 01 09 2008 04 07 2009 Grant J Murdoch S6 F 07 09 2005 04 07 2009 Anastasiya E Musiyachenko S6 T 01 09 2006 04 07 2009 Samuel B C Nicholson S4 R 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 Magnus E Olafsson S6 S 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 Duncan J P O’Reilly S6 N 0 4 09 2002 0 4 07 2009 Eleanor G Parkinson S4 W 01 09 2005 04 07 2009 Alice Perry S5 T 21 04 2009 04 07 2009 Adam D K Piper S6 F 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 Ben D T Quick S6 R 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 Niclas Rehmann S5 R 01 09 2008 26 03 2009 Neil M Ronald S5 N 01 09 2006 04 07 2009 Juraj Sabol S6 R 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Anita S Schoberl S6 W 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Julius Schulte S5 S 01 09 2008 04 07 2009 Kirsty M M Scobie S6 T 01 09 2003 04 07 2009 James W Scott S5 R 01 09 2008 16 12 2008 Ken Seeska S5 S 01 09 2008 26 03 2009 Claire J Simpson S4 W 01 09 2006 04 07 2009 Elizabeth L Sinclair S6 T 01 09 2003 04 07 2009 Robynne E Smith S6 W 04 09 2002 04 07 2009 Rayko 1 Stanev S5 F 01 09 2008 04 07 2009 Liam Stelzer S6 S 01 09 2006 04 07 2009 Und Stelzer S4 T 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Katy A Stevenson S6 W 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Alistair N S Stewart S6 S 01 09 2003 26 09 2008 Jiakang Sun S6 R 01 09 2006 26 03 2009 Yu Sun S6 T 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Lauren Sutherland S6 W 01 09 2 00 4 04 07 2009 Callum J Thomson S3 R 01 09 2008 06 02 2009 Sean M ToWnsley S6 F 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Elizabeth S R Vine S6 T 01 09 2003 04 07 2009 Moritz Weisbrodt S5 S 01 09 2008 26 03 2009 Michael D Wells S6 S 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Tim J U Welp S5 F 01 09 2008 04 07 2009 Andrew A W hitelaw S6 N 01 09 2004 04 07 2009 Evan L Williams S6 F 07 09 2005 14 11 2008 Chun H Wong S6 F 01 09 2007 04 07 2009 Sarah J Wordie S2 W 01 09 2008 16 12 2008 Melissa Yerdelen GUEST 11 12 2007 20 04 2009 Yiu-Hang Yeung S4 R 01 09 2006 04 07 2009 Jennifer A M Young S6 T 01 09 2007 04 07 2009

The Strathallian 2008-2009 81 PRIZEWINNERS Prizewinners 2009

The Smith Cup The John Fulton The David Bogie Prize The Gary Rogers Prize Strathallan Travelling for Head Boy Memorial Prize for for Economics for Creative Writing Scholarship (Music) Jam ie King Overall Contribution Juraj Sabol Anna Olafsson Murdo Elwis The Morley Quaich Morag Elwis The Lord Kincraig Prize The Patrick Grandison Strathallan Travelling for Head Girl The Hayward Award for English Prize for Strings Scholarship (Modern Jayne Carmichael for Citizenship Victoria Gow Morag Elwis Languages) Christina Stephenson The Draper Cup The University of The William Pasfield Ben Melville for Deputy Head Boy The Campbell Award Dundee English as Salver for Music The Haviston Alastair Hunt for Best All Round an Additional Joanna Maclachlan Broadsword Prize Sportsm an Language Prize The Draper Cup The Robert Barr William Campbell- Andrew Whitelaw Cyrus Ng for Deputy Head Girl Memorial Prize for Music Gibson The Richard Moffat Robynne Smith The Campbell Award Sam Lipworth Quaich CCF Prize for Best All Round Prize for History The Houston Prize The Choir Prize Joe Corlett Sportswoman Morag Elwis for All Round Merit William Campbell- Royal Navy Section Roy Cameron Heather Mitchell The Robert Rankin Prize Gibson Prize The Scanlan Cup Dux for Mathematics The McMaster Quaich Oliver Beetschen fo r M erit Helen Summersgill David Cameron fo r Piping The Rick Trophy Robynne Smith The William Tattersall The Wilfred Hoare Adam Michie A rm y Prize A rt Prize Senior Reading Prize The Thomson Salver Jenny W ood for Achievement Catriona MacKenzie Morag Elwis Sara Lundgren

UVI Form UVI A Level Computing UVI A Level Physics UVI Higher Product UVI Higher History Sara Lundgren Robynne Smith Design Alastair Brown Oliver Bain Prizes UVI A Level French UVI A Level Product UVI Higher Mathematics Alastair Hunt Design UVI Higher English Michael Wells UVI A Level Biology Finola Lundgren Jayne Carmichael UVI Higher Physical Catriona MacKenzie UVI A Level Geography Jam ie King UVI A Level Spanish UVI Higher French Education UVI A Level Business Alastair Hunt Jayne Carmichael Elizabeth Vine Studies UVI A Level German UVI Higher Geography UVI Higher Philosophy Katy Stevenson Juraj Sabol UVI Higher Business M anagem ent Jayne Carmichael Anastasiya UVI A Level Chemistry UVI A Level Music Elizabeth Vine UVI Higher German Musiyachenko Juraj Sabol William Campbell- Gibson UVI Higher Biology Jonathan Clifford UVI A Level Classics Julia Kupfer Robbie Cachia Lower Sixth LVI Business Studies LVI C o m puting LVI French LVI Music Christopher Rennison Annabel Niven Joanna Maclachlan Oliver Beetschen Prizes LVI C hem istry LVI P roduct Design LVI G eography LVI Physical Education Kirstin Lamotte Jamie Carragher Ryan Hood LVI A rt Chwei Peng Tieng Ruairidh Clark LVI Latin LVI Econom ics LVI H istory LVI Physics Christian Kolb Rayko Stanev Andrew Glover LVI B io lo g y Christian Kolb Chwei Peng Tieng LVI Classical Civilisation LVI English LVI M athem atics LVI Spanish Jamie Parker Rayko Stanev Kuo Hong Wong Jack Chartres Fifth Form V th Form Vth Form Design Vth Form Geography Vth Form Mathematics Business Studies T echnology Josiah Bircham Timothy Heaney Prizes Patrick Morris-Eyton Fiona Johnston Vth Form German Vth Form Music Vth Form Chemistry Vth Form English Claire Simpson Marcus Adams Vth Form Art Timothy Heaney Josiah Bircham Anna Olafsson Vth Form History Vth Form Physics Vth Form Computing Vth Form French Timothy Heaney Timothy Heaney Vth Form Biology Timothy Heaney Michael McKenzie Keith Wigley Vth Form Latin Vth Form Spanish Ben Melville Michael McKenzie

Fourth Form IVth Form Business IVth Form Design & IVth Form Geography IVth Form Mathematics Studies T echnology James Gray Justin Tsang Prizes Lewis Watson Justin Tsang IVth Form German IVth Form Music IVth Form Chemistry IVth Form English Adeeb Naasan Santiago Garcia Serrano IVth Form Art Adeeb Naasan Justin Tsang Anna McNeill IVth Form History IVth Form Physics IVth Form Computing IVth Form French Alexander Falconer Justin Tsang IVth Form Biology Adeeb Naasan Adeeb Naasan Mhairi Bannerman IVth Form Latin IVth Form Spanish James Gray Mhairi Bannerman

Third Form Frances Myatt Olwyn Jenkins Sophie Burdett Millie Galashan Harriet Smith

82 The Strathallian 2008-2009 CHARITY EVENTS

The previous days had been showery and Charity Race thundery but the clear blue sky returned with many family members, friends and pupils cheering. Chris Rennison (Simpson) On May 17th at 7pm, over eighty placed 6th overall behind a handful of athletes lined up in front of the Art much-respected Scottish club runners. Ben Giles (Ruthven) finished 4 th Junior in his School for the 10th edition of the first attempt at this event. Maths teacher 5-mile road race. Jacqui Higginbottom, finished 2nd Lady, placing 14th over all whilst Riley Matron Tracey Mansfield, now familiar with this event, completed the course looking strong, slightly ahead of Strathallan parent Jane Gibson. The race was won by Carnegie Harriers’ Tommy Laurence.

Everyone enjoyed a generous post-race buffet of baking and sandwiches provided by Carnegie Harriers, All went smoothly thanks to timing experts John Fleming and Audrey Sime, helped by a strong back-up team. This year again, the pupils who marshalled the race did a grand job. Donations and entry fees generated a total o f £870. Cancer Research, C.H.A.S. and Get Kids Going! have each been presented with a £290 cheque.

The Strathallian 2008-2009 83 HISTORY

“Welcome to Strathallan School. I hope you and Florence will be very happy.”

So spoke the Headmaster, David Pighills, to one of the new teachers at the beginning of September 1979. “By the way, you will be having a couple of girls as lodgers. I hope that will be alright with you.” Canterbury wasn’t like this. In fact, that ‘couple of girls’ turned out to be a delightful addition to the Proctor household despite early apprehensions. Sally Rutherford and Gail Fitzpatrick were just two of thirteen girls welcomed to the school that September to begin A-level classes as part of a two year experiment organised by the Governors; David Pighills was not one to bow to superstition in the knowledge that a fourteenth member, Christine Lee, would arrive in January. A further 21 girls would arrive a year later. However, they were not the first girls to attend classes. There was one forerunner, Margaret, the daughter of the Second Master, Bobby Burnet, who had passed her exams the previous summer with flying colours. The boys at Strathallan had also met with the girls of Kilgraston at official dance lessons organised by Miss Le Mesurier, and one of the new girls, Caroline Wilson, had appeared in the last Strathallan play. Nor were Sally and Gail the only lodgers. Other girls were settling into the staff houses of Alan Pearson, Alan Reid, Trevor Goody, David Williams, Cosmo Fairbairn and Bobby Burnet. The preparation for the girls had extended to the building of three bungalows at the top of the old Thorny Shades Park. The top bungalow was to hold the study rooms and those girls who were there will remember - four in the lounge, two in each bedroom and three in the dining room. The next bungalow was to be the tutor studies and changing rooms, while the third was accommodation for the tutor. And what better name for the new girls’ House than Thorny Shades. David Pighills had already visited Repton School which had just stared taking girls, especially for the sciences, and had seen the need for a broader education than that provided by the large number of ladies academies. A full day was prepared as the girls attended chapel each morning; yes, each and every morning, worked in lessons until lunch, then games; prep in the evening and to their houses by nine. So, on Tuesday 11th September, Susan Douglas, Lorna Frame, Morag McMinn, Karina McTeague, Wendy Rogers and Clarissa

84 The Strathallian 2008-2009 HISTORY

Rowe began their one year Post Highers studies at Strathallan. Into the Lower Sixth two year post O-level courses came Gail Fitzpatrick, Carla Gilmour, Barbara McLaurin, Lindsay Naylor, Sally Rutherford, Caroline Wilson and Gail Wishart. David Pighills, reflecting at half term, felt that ‘What appeared a brave innovation, had become so much accepted as part of normal life of the School that it scarcely seems to warrant now as news’. Certainly, matters had settled comfortably in the school with a refurbished Sixth Form social lounge and Jan Carratt’s games program. Jan was also new to the school and worked in the French Department but she had made excellent inroads into setting up the first sports and activities programs for the girls. The Strathallian reported that ‘without tempting fate, their arrival at Strathallan appears to have passed uneventfully’. Interestingly ‘the appearance and manners of several gentlemen improved over the term’ and budding Casanovas appeared everywhere. A couple of dinner parties went down well And the girls, what did they think? A male chauvinist pig tie worn by one member of staff was not really appreciated and being called as ‘You boys’ on several occasions made life interesting. The coffee lounge had practised apartheid for a while and the frequent number of visitors to the bungalows necessitated several girls to rush for towels. The girls also had to do their own washing and wear pink and blue aertex shirts for games when they would have preferred white ones. All in all, the practical side of settling down went slowly but they also felt ‘already a part of the large family that is called Strath’. Thorny Shades had arrived under the auspices of the Housemaster and Housemistress, Cosmo and Annabel Fairbairn, and their tutors, Jan Carratt and John Brown and his wife Jenny. It was deliberate that none of the girls had prefect duties in this the first year, or joined the school authority. Instead Susan Douglas became the senior girl of the House. The final term; the examination term, was part of along, hot summer. It was left to Karina McTeague, already part of the Strathallian editorial team, to look back over the year. Despite the small number, the girls had

The Strathallian 2008-2009 85 HISTORY

formed several teams to represent Strathallan devised as a tribute to the Woods family who at skiing and cross country as well as joining formerly owned the Freeland estate. And there the shooting team and other activities, was to be a new uniform designed by Kay especially social services. Typing classes had Williams. Up ‘til now, girls were allowed the been enthusiastically joined by everyone. But privilege of wearing their smart casual clothes; even with a small number, Morag McMinn a distinction lost on a later headmaster. Gone and Clarissa Rowe managed an appearance on were the pink trousers; replaced by a grey the stage at Speech Day; a feat to be repeated A-line skirt and blazer. The effect was to be the following year by Lindsay Naylor, Sally smart and happy, and individual enough not to Rutherford, Barbie McLaurin and Irene be a uniform until several girls were together. Mason. The girls were under no illusion as to Some thirty one girls across the age range their ‘guinea pig’ role; now seen as successful joined the former Lower Sixth girls in and enjoyable. As some way of celebration, September but had to wait a whole term Thorny Shades House staged a final party, before the new accommodation was ready. The courtesy of the Headmaster, though not new tutor, Jane Atkinson, actually lived at the probably aware of the theme. The girls decked Whins with six of the girls for that period. themselves out for a ‘Tarts and Tramps Do’, Woodlands House finally opened its doors each inviting one boy. The report was that for the start of the spring term, 1982. By the Messrs Pighills and Fairbairn, in particular, next morning, someone had placed a poster made the effort. on the front door - AA 5 Stars; contrary to It was inevitable that plans would be made belief, there was no reception desk and no room for expansion of the House but this would service. Jenny Aston was made the first head take another year before finalising the plan to girl with Jill Bridges her deputy, and the rest include younger girls. Meanwhile a new Sixth of the Upper Sixth became official prefects, or Form intake arrived for the second year. In nannies as they are known. Jenny was actually September arrived Alison Anderson, Jennifer parted from the camouflage jacket that she had Aston, Carolyn Belch, Charlotte Cantley, worn throughout the previous year. Jocelyn Christie, Sandra Crabb, Rona Kite, The second wing was already under Jennifer Locke, Irene Mason, Carolyn Mouat, construction that winter. (The west wing now Lesley Murton and Lindsay Rhodes. Again, the forms the east wing of Thornbank House). staff provided accommodation, now for twenty This was to give accommodation for up to one girls as Thorny Shades House began its seventy girls. Meanwhile, the House-warming first growth spurt. Everyone could now witness returned everyone to the colour pink. David the clearing of the grounds for the first phase allowed each girl to provide two names of of the new girls’ House to be ready in a year. potential beaux and then selected his own list Meanwhile, it was back to the bungalows. In which made the evening a roaring success. His January, Riley House received its first girl, Lara own performance in full dinner jacket will be Clayton, to be joined a year later by Ghillian remembered for many years. David and Kays’ Lawson and Julia Nicholls three years became five during which time a Cosmo and Annabel’s one year had turned into third wing was added to provide a full House two but at least this year they had a head girl, for some 120 girls. Clarissa Roe, who went up to Balliol and was I suppose we could say the rest was history replaced by Barbie McLaurin at Christmas. which many will have tucked away as there own There was further news which may have calmed memories - the way the new House provided their nerves. Thorny Shades would be taken the incentive for new boys’ accommodation; over for three years by David and Kay the building of second House to be named Williams who were just retiring from an Thornbank and .... well, you know the rest. extended tenure at Ruthven House. David One thing that may be unknown to but a few visited his old Housemaster at Repton for is that the House crest was designed by Aimi advice on his new role. Macdonald during her year as head of House “How do you treat girls?" enquired David. and remains the emblem to this day. “Just treat them like boys1 came the reply. David and Kay left the House with a prayer which can still be seen in the entrance hall. “So how do you treat boys?" Philippians IV, VIII was to encapsulate their “Just like children. ” feelings at such a time and carry their best wishes for the future that they had worked David had a hand in constructing the new so hard to secure for all the girls. The new House which would be used for holiday order was also left with some advice - Get a lets - hence every room has a shaver point, microwave oven; get a video recorder and join and matching carpets and curtains. The new Dunning Golf Club. accommodation was to get a new name as well. From this time it would be Woodlands House, GRMR I!

86 The Strathallian 2008-2009 HISTORY

nun

think i t ’s too absurd f \ words," announced the new g-rl, looking about her defiantly, “ Ulhfft ever b a ^ to censored mail, Qortid cZor/ns^ and interminable 'boredovn^_ ”

The Strathallian 2008-2009 87 DUKE OF EDINBURGH Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

There are five sections to the D of E Gold Award: Physical, Skill, Volunteering, Expedition and Residential. However, it is for the Expedition section that D of E is famous, and four groups set out at Easter to complete a four day expedition around the southern Cairngorms.

Three of the groups were taking part in their first practice expedition, while the fourth included, two girls who were undertaking their third aftd final expedition. Each group had to carry all of its own equipment: stoves, pans, food, tents,' : sleeping bags and spare clothing. The first day saw the groups walk in from departure points along the Dee to the forest north of derry: Lodge, with, a fantastic.view, of Derry Cairngorm. The next day the groups all crossed through Clais Fhearnaig, and down .to the footbridge at Linn of Ouojch, then upstream to a wonderful.wild camp in the Caledphiao pine forest by Quoich water. The third day was the longest, starting With a bit of 'heather bashing’ to find a path to .the.north of the Quoich, wbiQhfhen cut south east towards Intyerc&uld House, and thentook a sharp turn and headed due North, giving the groups a long slow pull to climb oyer the flanks.of Cula.rdoch hill (which gave a fantastic, view for miles in all directions) theft drop down to spend a frosty final night beside Loch Builig, before walking out on the last day in stunning ; sunshine to the farm at Braenaloin.

he good weather con:inued for the expecition that w e in o u t n the last wee'< of the summer term; tms time to'Glen Doll ,, and BalmoVsf Tvvo groups w a ite d from the Doll towards BroacTc.airn, and over to Loch Miifck, then onto Balmoral, while another two groups walked in the opposite direction; one following a sirriilar route in reverse, while a group of boys took to the •*tops and bagged a few lylunros.

Along the way, the groups navigated their way th'rough wild country, cooked their own foed, pitched camp each night and struck camp eachiphprn'iiig.

Their next trip will be an expedition to Lochaber in September, where these skills will be put to the final test.

88 The Strathallian 2008-2009 ______STAFF Staff valete

Elizabeth Adam transmitted it to them in a thorough we were sitting working while she and idiosyncratic way. Her opinions Was marking, when suddenly she When broadcaster Dominik about great literature were burst out singing "Jerusalem”. She Diamond, spoke this year to the absolutely firm. William Campbell- finished a verse, and then continued VI Form, he inevitably reminisced Gibson, who has also just completed with her marking.” about his days as a pupil at his final year at Strathallan, recalls Strathallan in the 1980s. One of A keen theatregoer herself, Mrs her saying, "There’s far too much his best and favourite teachers, he Adam organised theatre trips for sex in the A-level syllabus! Why are said, was Elizabeth Adam. pupils. For a number of years in you reading Fitzgerald and Proulx? the 80s and 90s she was editor of It is the case that, when interviewed You should be studying Keats and the Strathallian where she ruled about their lives and influences, Wordsworth.” her contributors with an iron rod in most people who are renowned in For Will, also, Mrs Adam was his terms of content and accuracy. whatever field they have chosen favourite teacher. Classes with her will almost invariably dwell on the Knowing Mrs Adam, there will be no were, "the best lessons of the week. inspiration provided by a particular such thing as retirement. The hours In her room it was like being in a school teacher who recognised spent at Strathallan will be filled different time zone. She was such a some gift in them and encouraged with many other activities to join good teacher - a "proper teacher.”” them to develop it. I am sure that those which she already enjoys - art for a considerable number of It is not just the quality of her appreciation, architecture, travel, Strathallians, that teacher will be teaching which impressed Will, rearing her animals, being only a Mrs Adam. but also his memories of some of few. We wish her every happiness. her slightly more eccentric traits. Over her 23 years at Strathallan, I IMc F and “I’ll never forget her black and Elizabeth Adam inspired young William Campbell-Gibson pink stripy tights", he said. "And people with her love of English UVI Freeland then there was that time when language and literature, and

Carol Duncan pupils of all abilities have achieved setting the Higher exam in Russian, confidence and success in French. and has guided a number of pupils Time flies when you are having What marks her out as special, and to success both at Higher and at fun, they say, and it only seems is probably the key to her success A Level - but by far her greatest yesterday that Carol joined as a teacher, is her deep emotional success has been in French. Strathallan. It was longer ago than involvement in her pupils’ progress it seems, for Carol has been with us Her commitment to the School and welfare. since 1990. would be hard to equal - beyond Carol has led the languages In the intervening nineteen years the classroom Carol has been the department for over ten years now, a generation of Strathallians has heart and soul of the Common taking over from Janet Watson passed through the School and Room, a dedicated Thornbank and matching her commitment to many of them through Modern Tutor, mother of two of the most languages for all pupils and high Languages Room 1, They have successful Strathallians of past years standards of achievement. She has prospered under Carol’s expert and the valued friend of all. We wish kept alive the glimmer of Russian tutelage. It has to be said that her and Ian the very best for a long wherever possible - Carol has for and happy retirement. we are not all keen linguists, but many years played the key role in under the guidance of Madame D ACWS-J

Andrew Gordon highly informed passion for the Compassionate, fair but firm he subject was passed on to his showed a natural understanding of Andrew Gordon joined Strathallan pupils. Away from the Department, what was required. I will greatly miss in September 2001 and in his eight Andrew threw himself into the his counsel, both as a colleague and years with us there is no doubt extra-curricular activities of the a friend. that he became one of the most School, and his w ork as a Riley respected and highly thought-of Strathallan have lost a true School games master, in which his natural members of staff by the entire Master, but we all wish Andrew, enthusiasm was there fo r all to see, Strathallan Community. Claire, Seren, Inez and Maggie the cannot pass without mention,. As very best of luck as they forge their His tireless w ork in the DT Senior Tutor in Nicol House, Andrew new life together in Thailand. department saw many a pupi excelled. He would leave no stone expand their horizons and achieve unturned to ensure that the pupils DRG results far above their expectations. in his charge g o t the best deal. It was absolutely clear that his

The Strathallian 2008-2009 89 OBITUARIES Obituaries

Iain H H Fraser Patrick Lee 1926-2009 1961-2009

lain H. H. Fraser w ho d ie d on the 18th I am sad to report the untimely death, in May of this of November 2008 of aged 83 was at year, of Strathallian Patrick Lee. Strathallan in the years 1938/42 and was Patrick joined Strathallan in 1979 as a Sixth Form er in very proud of his association with the order to study A-levels and was a member of Simpson School and kept himself fully apprised of House until he left in 1981. its progress and development. Patrick had left Malaysia to come to Strathallan in Upon leaving school lain joined the RAF 1979 to com plete his education. He had never been and qualified as a bom ber p ilo t in Rhodesia. out of the country before, never seen snow or worn Patrick Lee After the war he joined the RAF Volunteer a kilt. He quickly adapted to school life and made Reserve and did most of his flying from lasting friendships. He had a real affection for school Scone in Perthshire. Fie qualified for a civil which lasted all his life. He played a full part in the life licence and obtained an instrument rating of the school, enjoying rugby and cricket and, already which was to prove significant in being an accomplished violinist on his arrival at school, selected for his eventual career. At about will be remembered most for his exquisite musical this time he acquired a part share in a Tiger ability demonstrated by his regular performances Moth aircraft and took great pleasure in Headmaster’s music, flying it. Patrick went on to Strathclyde University where he His first civilian occupation was that studied Pharmacy, graduating in 1985. He worked of trainee accountant but his heart was initially in hospital pharmacy in Stracathro Hospital and never in it and he carried out a complete Ian Turnbull then moved to community pharmacy. He was much in career change by applying for a job in Air demand as a locum in the west of Scotland and beyond, Traffic Control. He was picked from a large where he was well known as a hard and diligent worker. number of applicants and served at several He was known to be able to run single handed a shop airfields around the UK, which involved that usually required two pharmacists! lengthy periods of time at RAF Uxbridge and Prestwick in senior positions. He retired Patrick was proud of his connection with Strathallan from this very demanding and responsible and, as an active member of the committee, regularly role in 1985. attended the summer 'Old Boys’, latterly Strathallian, Days and annual dinners. lain was a talented person with a wide range of interests and had great charm Patrick married Diane in 1987 and they have three and personality and possessed humour children, Graham, now a student at st Andrews in abundance. He was a very kind and university, Mei Lin and Jamie, both secondary school John Buchan Ross generous man. His sparkle and sense of fun pupils. They settled in Paisley. Patrick worked hard to were infectious and one felt the better for provide a safe and secure life for his family. He lived having shared his company. He is survived his own life simply, and was very generous with his by his wife Pam and their children Simon, time and talents. He was also a very tolerant person Hamish and Alexandra. who would judge others by what was in their heart and not by race, religion or class. He was at his happiest Watson Linton at home, pottering around doing DIY or playing his beloved violins. He pursued his music again as the children grew older, and passed exams to become an Associate of Trinity College, London where he was later awarded their Licentiate Diploma in violin performance, an achievement of which he was immensely proud.

Patrick became ill suddenly in December 2007 and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. He endured aggressive radiotherapy and chemotherapy with much bravery and fortitude but sadly the tumour recurred and no further treatment was possible. He passed away peacefully at home with his family around him.

Patrick is survived by his wife Diane, three children, his parents in Klang, Malaysia, and his sister Christine, now of Australia, who had joined him at Strathallan in 1980 as one of the first intake of female pupils.

Diane Lee

9 0 The Strathallian 2008-2009 OBITUARIES

Ewen MacCrimmon John Buchan Ross I a n T u r n b u l l 1925-2009 Air Commodore (Retd) 1932-2008 RAF, QHS, MB, ChB, DTM&H An appreciation Former pupil Ian Turnbull, a prominent 3 July 1912 - 24 January 2 0 0 9 East Neuk of Fife farmer died aged 76 on Ewen was at Strathallan in the early years December 20th 2008. of the 39/45 war. He was a member of John Buchan Ross was born on the 3rd Nicol House leaving in 1942. His parents of July 1912 in Tayport, Fife, just north of Born at Sandyhi 11, Kingsbarns in 1932, he were in India and I recall Ewen’s saying St. Andrews, the son of a doctor who had attended Strathallan School, where he was how kind Mr Harry Riley was towards him worked in South Africa and West Africa. head boy in 1949/50. He was the first of during summer holidays; Mr Riley took three generations of the family to attend As with many children of pioneering the few boys with parents overseas to the school. During his year as head boy he holiday destinations. parents who were working in the colonies, was very proud to unveil the War Memorial John was sent to Strathallan School as a that is still on display in the entrance hall During the war Ewen's mother took the boarder from an early age and entered of the main building. On leaving Strathallan risk of sailing from India to Britain and Freeiand House in the 1920s. He rose Mr Turnbull gained a BSc in agriculture at afterwards wrote a most interesting book to become Captain of the House and a Edinburgh, before returning home to join detailing her experiences. I have read the respected member of the First XV Rugby his father and uncle on Boghall Farm, also book, and conclude those on board the ship Team. His passion for sport and fitness, at Kingsbarns. were fortunate not to have been torpedoed which the School instilled, was to remain en route. w ith him all his long life. A t the same time, He married Ann Scott In 1959 with whom he became interested in his father’s work After Strathallan. Ewen joined the Royal he had three sons Mark, Scott and James all as a d o ctor and so, after leaving in 1930, Navy, and I recall his telling me of service of Nicol house. Over the years Mr Turnbull followed in his footsteps to Edinburgh in a Corvette, hunting German 'U' boats and his sons steadily expanded the farm between the Azores and the naval base at University whence he graduated as a business and-currently keep suckler cows, Gibraltar. After the war Ewen studied and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of finish large numbers of lambs and grow a Surgery in 1935. became a Chartered Accountant. He was full range of arable crops and potatoes. on the staff of Findlay's Gilmour Smith, He then joined the Royal Air Force, and Mr Turnbull served the farming community C.A., in Glasgow. before the outbreak of the Second World locally and nationally as a Scottish director

Ewen became an active member of War was sent to the Middle East where he of insurance company NFU Mutual until served as a Squadron Medical O fficer in Williamwood Golf Club, on the south side of 1997. He was past president of Anstruther Iraq. On May 11th 1938, John m arried Myra, Glasgow, and qualified for a low handicap. branch of NFU Scotland and a board a girl from Edinburgh. When war broke out, member and vice chairman of the Leven During his final year at Strathallan, Ewen he was then posted to the Far East where based co-operative, Central Farmers Ltd. He was a House Prefect, known as "G inger”, over the next five years he was engaged on was also President of Fife Show in 1974. who exercised his authority with common active service, specialising particularly in Mr Turnbull was a passionate curler and it sense; and was well-liked. After school he tropical medicine and the treatment was this enthusiasm that put him on the remained a bachelor. One slightly unusual of malaria. record which I believe to be still held by national and international stage. He was Ewen was for the distance he could throw Between his unaccompanied overseas president of Cambo Curling Club and East a cricket ball on the lawn. I am in no doubt tours, he fathered Jennifer and lain - the Fife Province before becoming a council that he will be greatly missed by his friends. latter following him to Strathallan School member for Area Seven. He then served as (Riley and Ruthven 1958 - 64) - and later president of the Royal Caledonian Curling Stuart Mitchell another daughter, Sue. Club in 1983-84 and captained the Scottish tour to eastern Canada that season. He was After a successful career spanning a further a long serving convener of the Grand Match 30 years, he took early retirement from the committee and took quiet pride in having RAF as an Air Commodore having also risen played in three of these rarely held events in to become Honorary Surgeon to the Queen 1959, 1963 and 1979. and a Commander of the Order of St, John and been twice mentioned in Dispatches. He also had a lifelong dedication to the works of Robert Burns and was noted for He retired to Portugal in the late 60s where his skills as a speaker on the subject and for he spent a very happy and active retirement his recitations of the works of the Bard. until his death earlier this year at the age of 96 years. Right up until this time, he never Contributed by loving granddaughter lost his love of Scotland and the School Nicola Turnbull (Thornbank 2001 - 2006) that had given him so many opportunities in his life.

lain Ross

The Strathallian 2008-2009 91 CHARITIES______Charities

In July 2008 Miss Sime went The Trust Academy were of the raffle and with the help out to Malawi to visit and desperate for books for their of Marketing wrote letters to teach in several schools. library. To provide a library for businesses in the Perth area. She was taken to these pupils and staff our pupils were A competition was held to schools by contacts at St asked to donate unwanted design a poster for the event, Andrew’s Church in Mzuzu. books suitable for children the winner, Jo Barrack, decided In September Miss Sime spoke aged 3 to 12. By the end of by the Marketing Team. The to the Charities Committee term Miss Sime’s classroom was course itself was designed by and showed them pictures and overwhelmed with books, such pupils and then parents were videos of her time in Malawi. was the response to the plea. In approached for some of the These pictures and videos June we were able to send the items not available in school. were then shown to the whole books out to Malawi through Thanks go to Mrs Curtis for school in Chapel. Two schools the auspices of The Raven Trust supplying tyres and Mr Purvis in particular stood out for who regularly send a container for the barrels. Thanks too to our pupils as needing of donated items out. The the many cooks who baked support: Trust Academy and money and the books will be cakes for the baking stall and Mosanto School. sent to St Andrew’s Church to to Mrs Younger w ho b rought in Mosanto School (for children pass on to the two schools. plants fo r the pupils to sell. The aged 4-12) had one building weather on the day could not In November the Kilt and Rugby and was in desperate need have been better The children shirt day raised funds for The of more so that pupils could enjoyed themselves hugely, got Sandpiper Trust, Capability be taught inside. Parents had very wet and raised a wonderful Scotland and CHAS, been making bricks but needed total of over £3000. This was financial support to get the In the sum m er term , w ith no divided between the three building work started. They major charity event planned charities as the children had needed £2500 to build the by the senior school Riley asked on their sponsor forms. school of their dreams. decided to have their own fund KS-J To raise money for this school raising event, A committee the committee decided to was drawn up of Riley pupils. hold a Non-uniform Day in The first meeting explored December with a neon theme. some wild and fantastic ideas To raise more funds collections for fundraising. Eventually it were made at the House was decided to have a Water Music Competition and at the Obstacle Course with pupils Headmaster's Music in being sponsored to carry Perth Concert Hall. In total containers of water over we were able to send £3000 various obstacles. The pupils to the school through also decided on the charities St Andrew’s Church. to raise money for. A long list was eventually whittled down This is an email Miss Sime to three: Help for Heroes, Young received from Levi Nyondo Carers and Rachel House. about Mosanto School after the A group of girls took charge money had been used:

DEAR AUDREY,

THANKS FOR YOUR EMAIL.

YES, I RECEIVED THE HONEY 3000 POUNDS FOR MOSANTO AND WE HAVE MANAGED TO BUILD ONE SCHOOL BLOCK WITH THE SAME MONEY AND ABLE TO COMPLETE ONE TEACHER'S HOUSE. I WILL BE SENDING TO YOU SOME PICTURES FOR THE NEW MOSANTO SCHOOL BLOCK AND TEACHERS HOUSE.

I WILL ALSO SEND YOU A DETAILED REPORT OF HOW THE MONEY WAS USED AND WHICH MATERIALS WERE BOUGHT,

GOD BLESS YOU ALL. LEVI.

92 The Strathallian 2008-2009 ------— ______SCHOOL DEVELOPMENTS Glenbrae

Over the past couple of years I have scant preparation for the arrival of the new watched Glenbrae appear from the residents. An empty Boarding House feels groundsmen’s yard. The huts and boat- as if there is something lacking and, at shed seem a distant memory effaced the start of September, Glenbrae became by the clearing of the site and the slow complete as the members of the House taking-shape of the structure. moved their many trunks and suitcases in. Much debate took place as to whether What had been a very quiet empty space the large glass windows would withstand became filled with noise and people and a direct hit from a cricket ball; rumours very soon ceased being the ‘New House’ spread that all the rooms were en-suite; and started to develop its identity as requests for rooms with a view of the lawn 'Glenbrae’. were put forward. While there was a flurry Nothing can prepare a new Housemistress of activity during the summer term it was for taking over a House but the whole still hard to believe that this would be a new process has been made significantly easier home for me and sixty-plus girls. thanks to the girls of Glenbrae and I am A summer spent planning, writing looking forward to working with them handbooks, creating forms, arranging over the next few years. furniture and assigning rooms was FMB Strathallan - an EcoSchool

Strathallan has been a Scottish eco school school to process chip oil and have a more featured Pete Postlethwaite and focused for some years now, and in only the past sustainable way of fuelling our minibuses. on how we can but don’t combat climate year we have done a great deal not only change, and we also had a guest speaker, to raise awareness about damage to the Although we are always trying to improve Dr. Richard Dixon, head of WWF (World environment but to raise money and we already make significant effort to Wildlife Fund) Scotland who answered directly combat climate change within our reduce our waste and impact on our questions in great detail for the viewers. own school. environment, for example the school runs a minibus service to get children to and from Furthermore, on Friday the 19th of June The motto of the Strathallan Eco home more efficiently and a former pupi we had a thoroughly memorable charity Committee is ‘mind your carbon footprint’ wrote a program to turn off all the school event about which you can read a report and this is a very ambitious goal computers at 11 p.m to save energy. in this magazine. considering that a very large proportion of our pupils come from places as far as China There have been a number of events held In short the Eco Committee has had a very and America, and with students from five this academic year by the committee to successful year and hopefully this success continents the Committee does its best to help our cause, on Saturday the 6th of June, will continue into next year and we will reduce everyone’s impact. The Age of Stupid was given a premiere achieve green flag status in the winter term, showing in Strathallan’s theatre and this being one of the first Scottish independent We hope that by half way through next year gripping and, frankly terrifying film really schools to achieve this. we will have a fully functioning recycling grabbed the imagination of the audience as centre and our status as a green flag eco Jamie Parker LVI Freeland to what exactly the world could be like 50 school, a long term aim is also to try and years from now; a scary thought. The film build a biodiesel production plant within the

The Strathallian 2008-2009 93 ACTIVITIES______Reels

The two sides line up. Tensions are high. The tartan-clad individuals stand, with sweat on their brows, waiting with excitement for the signal to begin. The beat starts up. The two sides charge upon each other, and piercing cries resonate around. Kilts sweep and the pace is fast. Exhausted and exhilarated, they carry on - well, at least until the half tim e food.

No, this is not in fact an ancient Scottish battle, but the 4th and 5th form reels - which was especially good this year, and I very much enjoyed. The splendid soundtrack provided by the Neil Copland Ceilidh Band really made the evening, along with all the work put In by the staff. After the infamous Orcadian Strip The Willow everyone made their way back to house (in one piece) tired but satisfied. This was, as always, a highly successful and extremely fun Reels evening.

Josiah Bircham V Form Freeland

VI Form Common Room

Well, here we are finally basking in the glory of the revamped, all-singing, all­ hyperactivity and OMG just- too-many-goodies-to-think-of Sixth Form Common Room.

Take a look at those super- w ide screens. Flave a listen to those mega-buck Bose sound systems. Relax, Enjoy.

(I feel there may have been enough thanking of the Bursar for one edition o f the magazine, so I'm cutting that bit. Ed)

94 The Strathallian 2008-2009 VI FORM ACTIVITIES VI Form Burns Supper

The 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns was celebrated by the VI Form and staff at the annual Burns Supper in the music room. A change to the normal pattern saw the Immortal Memory being proposed by a pupil, Morag Elwis. And as all great traditions have to begin somewhere, we intend this to be the practice in years to come.

Mrs Irene McFarlane chaired the evening and introduced Adam Michie who piped in the haggis, which was addressed by Mr Anthony Glasgow. The chaplain delivered the Selkirk Grace. The toast to the lassies was proposed by Henry Jones; Vicki Gow replied. The toast to Strathallan was proposed by William Farmer; Mr David Barnes replied. Songs and traditional music were provided by Natasha Potts, William Campbell-Gibson, Sam Lipworth and Morag Elwis. Ollie Wale and David Cameron gave recitations and Jayne Carmichael delivered the vote of thanks.

II McF

Hypnotist Night

With the winter term drawing to a close, and the snow subversion. Soon the large number of volunteers falling on a gloomy Saturday afternoon, a lazy night-in had dwindled down to a select few. With comments seemed to be the most attractive proposition for the being bandied among the audience such as "This majority of the VI Form. But little did we know, isn't gonna work!” and "This guy’s a mentalistl”, the hypnotist was on his way to Strathallan we were all flabbergasted and frankly School. Rumour, that savage beast, ecstatic to be proved wrong as we were pricked her ears and cleaved her way subjected to such visions as; Will C-G’s through the VI Form, like a hot knife uncontrollable laughter, Jenny Wood through butter. Soon, everyone’s and Steph Lyons' frisky antics with plans had changed... the male portion of the audience, Oli Beetschen’s frightened At 7 O'clock, we left the sanctuary reaction to seeing an “Elephant” of our warm Houses, trudged by (although some say it was only the icy expanse of the lawn and Fitz sneaking in at the back) entered the gloomy darkness of and of course Jamie Parker, the the main building. Entering the hero of the night scratching, yes, music room, no one quite knew scratching places few dare to go. what to expect, and when the hypnotist, walked in, a silence fell Overall it was an evening of over the audience. He introduced hilarity, joy, amazement, and sheer himself to us and asked for volunteers, delight for all who attended. We hope and slowly but surely, the bravest heroes that next year's hypnotist night will be of the VI Form stepped forward. as successful and empowering as this year’s! We were subjected to a series of tasks designed to test whether we were susceptible to mental OB, OW, JP, JD

The Strathallian 2008-2009 95 VI FORM ACTIVITIES The Ball

B all

W inter warm amidst the kind lights and gaudy costumes spinning, spinning

96 The Strathallian 2008-2009

Ceramics, clockwise from top left: Sophie Howell, Charlotte Brown, Lucy Murdoch, Anna Olafsson and Hannah Stewart Cover art: Heather Mitchell UVI Woodlands

Strathallan School Forgandenny Perth PH2 9EG www.strathallan.co.uk