Number 22 Winter 2013
THE MAGAZINE FOR FORMER PUPILS AND FRIENDS OF GLASGOW ACADEMY AND WESTBOURNE SCHOOL
Making a splash: our new water-based hockey pitch
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ETCETERA 22.indd 1 09/12/2013 13:42 CONTENTS EDITORIAL
3 New Olympic-standard hockey pitch opened Good old what’s-his-name! I’ve never been to a class reunion at my school. The truth is I’ve never been asked. 4 Anecdotage I’m not even sure that my school does reunions – but if they do, no one’s ever mentioned them to me. 10 Events I imagine that, if I was to go along to a reunion, I would approach it in much the 14 General Knowledge 1909 same way as do the majority of former pupils of Glasgow Academy and Westbourne School for Girls. With mixed emotions. In the steps of our ancestors Broadly, I suspect, there are three categories of reunion invitee. First, there are those 16 Science and Technology Building Appeal who are extremely enthusiastic about the very idea of a reunion from the outset.
17 Westbourne Appeal This seems to be quite a small group, indeed in some cases it may consist solely of the two or three former pupils whose idea it is to hold one in the first place. ‘Of course 18 The Westbourne Section we’re going to have a reunion!’ they say. ‘It will be wonderful to relive all the happy times with good old so-and-so not to mention that chap what’s-his-name. Yes, we 21 Academical Club must have a reunion! Now, how shall we go about it?’ 24 Conquering the Old Man of Hoy It’s at this point in the process that they remember that The Academy has an External Relations office which is only too happy to help. So they phone up the school and 26 The Final Whistle are put through to our office. And then they meet our Emma and – having organised more reunions than Liz Taylor did weddings – she quickly gets things moving and, 27 Announcements before long, the date is fixed and the invitations sent out. 34 Picture Post ‘It is scary to think where the years have gone, but when talking to everyone it was interesting and amazing to hear their stories. Do we have your e-mail address? I think the best part was how excited everyone was to be in one It’s how we communicate best! another’s company again. Whether it was friends who see each other regularly or friends we hadn’t seen since we left school, great fun was had by all.’ Keeping in touch Thoughts on a recent 10-year reunion The External Relations office is situated in Colebrooke Terrace. Former pupils are At this stage we meet the second, and biggest, group. This consists of people for always welcome to pop in for a chat and look whom the idea of a school reunion is not unpleasant but the physical reality of round the school. Just give us a call to arrange attending their own reunion brings with it much soul-searching. For many, ‘Will a time. Our address is Colebrooke Terrace, they remember me?’ is a worry. For others, ‘Will I remember them?’ is at least as Glasgow G12 8HE and you can contact us on concerning. It’s a time when a distorting mirror is held up to the past and minor 0141 342 5494 or at [email protected] indiscretions become major stumbling blocks to their attendance. The Glasgow Academical Club A few even allow these thoughts to tip them over into the third group: those who 21 Helensburgh Drive, Glasgow G13 1RR don’t come either because they can’t or because they don’t want to go there – President: Gavin Smith physically or emotionally. E-mail: [email protected] Having attended numerous Glasgow Academy and Westbourne reunions over the Secretary: Stuart Neilson years, I am happy to report that the vast majority of those who arrive rather hesitant Tel: 07771 845104 or looking in need of a stiff drink leave a few hours later changed beings, delighted E-mail: [email protected] that they made the effort to come all the way from Bearsden or Brunei, Canada The Academical Club pavilion or Canniesburn because they’ve been reconnected with their school friends – is available for functions. reconnected with their school. Academical Club’s London Section As someone said to me after a recent reunion, ‘This morning I was seriously Secretary – David Hall, 20 Cadogan Place considering pulling out and not turning up at all. Now I’m absolutely delighted that London SW1X 9SA I came and met people I haven’t seen for almost half a century. My only regret is that Tel: 020 7235 9012 I was daft enough not to sign up for the meal in the evening – I don’t know what I E-mail: [email protected] can have been thinking!’ So, here’s to class reunions and those far-sighted folk who organise them! And here’s Like us on Facebook; join us on LinkedIn to good old what’s his name! With best wishes,
Cover photograph by Andy Buchanan
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ETCETERA 22.indd 2 09/12/2013 13:42 New Olympic-standard hockey pitch opened
Glasgow Academy has opened a brand new water-based, all-weather hockey pitch at Windyedge sports fields.
The pitch was unveiled by Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chairman of the 2014 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, who described the Olympic-standard pitch as, ‘A terrific investment by Glasgow Academy and one which provides a truly world-class playing surface for training and competition.’ Our Director of Sport, Rhona Simpson, who played for Team GB in two Olympics and for Scotland in three Commonwealth Games, is confident the new pitch will encourage more youngsters to take up hockey. In addition, our old astro-turf pitch did badly need to be replaced as it was no longer draining well. We had already pushed it a good number of years beyond its normal life expectancy. The new pitch will generate more income in increased hire rates and we felt it was prudent to complete this necessary Rhona Simpson commented: ‘Academy pupils absolutely love it. With 14 teams and project over the summer before the some 350 pupils using the pitch every week, the value of providing such a world- costs and payments of SciTech start to class facility is clear already. It all adds up to a very exciting new chapter for hockey at dominate our capital budget. The Academy, in Glasgow and for Scotland.’ West District winners 2013! Congratulations to the ladies of the 1st XI on winning the West District Senior 1st XI Tournament 2013/14. In a nail-biting conclusion to the competition held on Wednesday 30 October, The Glasgow Academy girls beat Hutchesons’ Grammar in the semi-final before dispatching High School of Glasgow in the final on running penalties. Lucy McCall, the 1st XI captain, commented: ‘We were delighted to win the tournament. It was an extremely closely-fought competition which we all had to work extremely hard to win.’ Rhona Simpson, their coach, added: ‘It was a great achievement and very well-deserved.’
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ETCETERA 22.indd 3 09/12/2013 13:42 ANECDOTAGE
Miss Duff’s Prep 1 class of 1938 Etcetera 21 contained an article about Miss Duff – one of Douglas Alexander’s favourite teachers. In response, Ian Bruce (1950) has sent a photograph of Miss Duff’s Prep 1 class of 1938. These are the names of those pictured, to the best of Ian’s recollections. Back row: D Brydon, D White, Ian and Keir Fisher, S Young, F McLeod Second back row: I Bruce, M Wharten, A Waddell, D Cunningham, I Graham, R Young Seated: M McComb, B Reid, N Hodge, Miss Duff, A Hart, Lawrence and Mitchell Biggart Front row: W Martin, C MacGregor, ?
Dear Malcolm n his article on Miss Duff on page Doric. As an example of the former, 8 of Etcetera 21, Douglas Alexander ‘Beatus ille, qui procul negotiis’ became Imentions a poem taught by her, but ‘Happy is he, far frae the toon’s alairms’. says he cannot remember either its name Murray sent his poems home to his or that of its author. The WhisTle father in Alford as they were written. The poem is The Whistle by Charles Some were published in various (verse 1 of 6) Murray. I learnt it at the feet of Miss magazines over the years, but around He cut a sappy sucker from the muckle Currie in about 1945 – see the photo 1910 they were collected together in rodden-tree, of the class in Etcetera 17 (page 8) with Hamewith – which means ‘homewards’. He trimmed it, an’ he wet it, an’ he names provided by Ronald MacLean I have a copy of the ninth impression of thumped it on his knee; in the following edition. Indeed The Hamewith bought by my father’s father in Whistle, which I think I could recite in June 1913 for 5 shillings, quite expensive He never heard the teuchat when the its entirety, was my party piece in those for those days. harrow broke her eggs, days. I do not think I have ever had He missed the craggit heron nabbin’ I am delighted to have an excuse to another party piece. I cannot remember puddocks in the seggs, write to you about Charles Murray it now, except in small snatches, but I do He forgot to hound the collie at the and his poems. It may be of interest know that the fifth word in the first line cattle when they strayed, to some of your readers that the is SUCKER and not ‘succour’. information about Murray came from But you should have seen the whistle Charles Murray was an engineer who his grandson, Kenneth Murray Walker that the wee herd made… went to South Africa on graduation to (known as ‘Kim’). Kim Walker is an seek his fortune in diamonds towards Edinburgh solicitor. His wife Rosemary the end of the nineteenth century. I is the daughter of the late Wilf Hoare, If you would like a copy of this understand that he did not prosper in this Headmaster of Strathallan. It’s a small cautionary tale, please get in venture. He ended up being involved world! touch with Malcolm McNaught in the construction of the South African at the External Relations office Yours sincerely parliament building in Cape Town (0141 342 5494/[email protected]. where he became a civil servant. William Carnegie (1943-46) uk). In about 1900, perhaps feeling homesick, P.S. Charles Murray came home to he began to write poems in Doric based Aberdeenshire in retirement in 1924. He on his upbringing in Aberdeenshire. He died in 1941. also translated Horace and Virgil into
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ETCETERA 22.indd 4 09/12/2013 13:42 The Newcastle connection
alerie Wilson’s recollections of highest summit in the Pennines, the several visits before her own death. wartime (Etcetera 21) evoked beginning of my ongoing love of the Another wartime memory, though various memories of my own and hills. For him too it must have been a V not part of the link with RGS, is of of an early link with GA. Late in 1939 memorable occasion, as he was called up soldiers breaking out of their barracks at my parents moved from Huddersfield to within weeks and served in RAF MTB’s, Langholm, where I was on holiday on Newcastle-upon-Tyne and, after only I believe, for the rest of the war. Move VJ night, and setting off thunderflashes ten days in my new home, I went off on 25 years. As I drove home from GA, in celebration. Many years later the late to join the RGS in Penrith – to which I often caught sight of a sprightly fellow lamented Lachie Robertson told me the school had been evacuated at the striding homeward from an office in that he was also in Langholm that night, outbreak of war. We remained there Westerton towards the Kirklee area. I wondering how to deal with the unruly until 1944, not that Newcastle was as failed to recognise him but noticed him squaddies! heavily bombed as Glasgow, but because again at a GA Sports Day some time the school premises were taken over later and was happy to be introduced This sketch of some school connections by the Regional Commissioner (one to RWT as a Governor of his old would be incomplete without of our Governors), who would have school. He subsequently wound up the mentioning that other colleagues have administered NE England if Hitler had family business, retrained at Jordanhill also attended RGS and later joined the invaded. College in the same year as his son Ian GA staff, notably in my time Donald and chose to teach in a difficult school Buchanan and Alan Hutchinson. Peter As a new boy, I was glad to be one of in the East End of Glasgow before an Mitchell (with wife Enid from the Prep two dozen pupils sent to a new school untimely death. Was I, perhaps, the only School) moved from GA staff to RGS hostel, a large house on Beacon Edge representative of RGS at his funeral? A staff. At one time there were occasional with a superb view south onto the hills mutual friend later reintroduced me to rugger matches between the two schools. around Ullswater, thus relieving some Mrs Thom and I was able to pay her of the pressure for billets in a relatively Graham Little (former staff) small market town. The master i/c for the first term was Robert Wilson Thom (later a Governor). Our first real encounter was not auspicious. A week The ‘Phantom Piper’ of Chester 1959 after my arrival came my birthday, for y first brush with ‘BS’ on Page 5 (not page which my mother had baked a cake, fame came when 3!) with banner headlines – so in traditional fashion I waited to cut I was 13, after I’d ‘Phantom Piper scares Lovers into it for a midnight feast with the five M won a place in the CCF from Woods’. others in my dorm. Our muted voices pipe band. To wear the I even made the front page still attracted the attention of Mr Thom, piper’s uniform was a great of the Glasgow Evening who entered and confiscated the cake, thrill, as I’d only been Citizen, which just shows to my dismay. ‘You can’t do that, sir!’ learning for a year. I now how short they must have was an unwise gambit, to which came practised with more zeal, been for ‘exciting’ copy and the obvious retort: ‘Oh, can’t I?’ RWT especially when home, on photos of a ‘wee Scottish relented and returned the cake the next holidays, in Chester. This sodjur’! On return to school, morning but our relationship was less was in adjacent fields, at I didn’t half get a ribbing than cordial, not helped by the result night, so as not to annoy from the other lads. They of a soot fight after we had explored neighbours – or cows on don’t put you on a pedestal – outbuildings. I thought no better of Mrs daytime grazing. Thom, who had arrived late with her not in Glasgow. It’s ‘aye the firstborn – Robert (1958 ), I think, who One night, I was approached by an reverse and long may it continue. Keeps was to play a significant part in Accies intrepid newspaper reporter of the folk in their place. Liverpool Echo, who’d tracked down the rugger with his brother Ian (1961). To a None of this ‘fame’ bothered me. Even sound of ‘wailing’ pipes. He asked if he room-mate she commented: ‘Frank, how at that age, I thought it all rather mad. could write a story on me, so I invited red your bottom is,’ to demonstrate, not Had it been today, I’d have needed a him home, for some light and to meet a particular interest in anatomy but her manager for big ‘$’ endorsements – (50% my father. Two days later a short story awareness that Frank had been spotted to GA Funds, of course!) tree-climbing to retrieve underpants (with GA plugs) appeared, about the after a prank. Why does one recall ‘Phantom Piper’ of Chester. News, in Thankfully, it quickly passed and I got such trivialities seventy years on, when UK, must have been slow, for within on with my real raison d’être for being weightier matters such as gas masks and 24 hours, many national newspapers at school – playing rugby, golf and logarithms fade into oblivion? wanted to meet and interview me. Calls bagpipes; winning the CCF prizes and were made to the golf club, to get me failing Latin exams! I’m happy to record that my opinion back home – to meet The Daily Express, In short – prime material for a future of RWT rose high at the end of term, Mirror, or Evening Bugle etc. In typical officer in the 7th Gurkhas! when he took five of us in his open fashion, the Mirror took photos of me sports car to climb nearby Crossfell, piping up a tree, but published loads of George Mackenzie (1959)
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ETCETERA 22.indd 5 09/12/2013 13:42 thought. We used their nicknames given him the stern, dark, forbidding Nicknames 1950 liberally. I’m not sure we knew their features of a much older Welsh prop t may have been a reference in a proper Christian names. So, if they forward and an obvious physical maturity recent Etcetera to masters’ nicknames, are still around and reading this, I at a time when the rest of us were still Ibut – for some reason – I recently offer my apologies to these victims of worrying about pimples. found myself remembering some of the injustice, the Colebrooke Three, for our ‘Stinker’ I suspect got his nickname from nicknames of my fellow pupils, almost insensitivity. his resemblance to a scruffy character sixty five years ago. ‘Cheesy’ got his nickname because his in one of the comic books, popular in Harmless ones come to mind: Digger, youthful classmates could not resist the these days. He certainly cultivated the Spanky, Beef, Boney, Dumbo and Piggy. opportunity afforded by his surname, disheveled look. And he was definitely a McFeat. He was quiet, and clever, and bit on the wild side. But then I remembered three which never offended anyone. He deserved today might be considered politically I wonder why I was never called better. incorrect. I hope we were not cruel. In ‘Ginger’? But, not to worry. It’s too late our entirely male world I’m not sure ‘Ugly’ – a kind, friendly soul – was never now. we ever gave anyone’s feelings a second really ugly. It was just that nature had Jimmy Murray (1950)
School life during wartime J C W MacDonald (1948) has sent us a couple of contrasting photographs he ‘military’ picture was taken at from his schooldays. one of the summer Corps Camps – Tprobably 1946/47. The enthralled cadets are having the mysteries of the Summer Corps Camp 1946-47 PIAT anti-tank weapon explained. Having actually fired one during my military service, I can say with some confidence that it was a particularly useless weapon! From memory those pictured are: Back row: J. Boyd, ? ? A Urquhart, ? ? Macintosh, J C W Macdonald, N Abraham, ? ? ? ? Front row: R Duff ? I J Scott, J Crowe, R Johnson, D A R Kay, ? Noble The Harvest Camp picture was taken either at Yetholm or Littlefield on the Scottish border. Three camps were held in the latter part of the last war to help farmers bring in the harvest, or to pick strawberries. I think this was a ‘strawberry’ camp. The teachers shown seated in the second row included Mr Wylie (Creeper), Ms Currie, Dr Richards (Rector) Mr Scougall (Jimmy) Mr Gilmore (Tom Thumb).
Harvest Camp
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ETCETERA 22.indd 6 09/12/2013 13:42 Photographic memories… The Power of here cannot be many people – apart One instance of this preoccupation Etcetera from the odd teacher or perhaps with photography is the occasion happened to be in the Victoria TGovernor – who had a continuing when, during the summer term of my Infirmary recently for a relationship with the establishment final year, after all exams were done I small exploratory operation which kitted them out for life in their and dusted, on my way to school one and was answering all the usual formative years. Such was the fate – or morning, I saw in a shop window questions that one has to answer pleasure (depending on your viewpoint) a notice requesting the services of a before signing oneself over to the – that circumstances dealt in my darkroom worker. Instead of going on surgeon! particular case. to school that day, I went in and applied for the post, and was invited to have a This happened before, during, and after In answer to question number 1, day’s trial to see if I was suitable. At the my sojourn in this hallowed place of I replied that, Yes, I had twice end of the day I was invited to return on learning, at the periodic visits of one previously had surgery. On my the morrow with the expectation that I John Reid Prophet. He would assemble right knee, once in the late 60s would be taken on. Unfortunately, this each individual class into a presentable to search for a chipped bone foray into the realms of employment was format, and record it photographically. suffered playing rugby in 1959 short-lived. What I thought was glad We pupils then had the opportunity, at and again in the mid-70s looking news – the success of landing a paid job a later date, of purchasing a copy so that for the same piece of chipped – went down like a lead balloon with my this could be viewed in perpetuity. bone. (Again unsuccessfully.) parents, and I was ordered back to school The line of questioning changed Sadly, at this point in the proceedings, the very next day. I must record that – despite repeatedly at this point. However, on leaving school on the badgering my mother for the official date, I did manage to pursue a ‘Where had I played my rugby?’ wherewithal to purchase a photograph, career in photography, with a two-year which she never refused – I no ‘At Anniesland and Cambuslang,’ break to partake of National Service. At longer have a single copy of any of I replied. one point in this activity, I was employed these milestones in my life, to pass as a school photographer by an English ‘Oh, who did you play for at on to posterity, or to look back on company, working in the Borders Anniesland?’ with nostalgia. There is a moral here, during the week, moonlighting in the somewhere. ‘Accies,’ I replied. above-mentioned JR Prophet’s darkroom ‘Did you know Lachlan However, to continue with the general at the weekends, to accumulate capital, as Robertson?’ thread of this epistle… towards the final I had recently got engaged. years of my compulsory attendance at This was not an ideal situation with ‘Lachie! Of course I knew Lachie. the Academy, I got really involved with a fiancée in the offing, and – as Mr He and Basher Ainslie were the the whole process of photography – to Prophet wanted to retire, and had let his main men on rugby days when the extent that, apart from composing business run down somewhat – we came I was at school. He was also my pictures and taking them, I also did the to an agreement: I would continue the teacher over the years.’ darkroom bit of developing and printing business in his name, he would retire, I the results – fortunately appropriating an ‘He was my father,’ said Mairi. would get married, and I would give up odd corner in our attic which did not the Borders job. There followed a long chat about inconvenience the rest of the family. Lachie. Mairi told me of the kindness that many Accies had Perhaps Jim Cunningham took this photograph from around 1963 sent in by Robin Lang (1962). Robin shown her, and of the service in recognises his brother Ian Lang (1964) in the back row and is sure that many members of that team were Elgol where many had turned up. at the recent circa 1963 reunion lunch. But what are their names? She told me that she had given the eulogy at the service. She also told me she had seen Etcetera and was aware of the response from his former pupils and friends. I think it was the lump in her throat that brought the questioning back to my condition. I may bump into her again later this month when I return for more of the same. It will be lovely to see a friendly face. George Porteous (1955)
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ETCETERA 22.indd 7 09/12/2013 13:42 Thus it was that I was able to take over only contact I had with the then Rector recorder, the sports photographs were his mantle as photographer to Glasgow was when he was summoned by a prefect still considered as a sideline and those Academy, among a few other schools to appear in one of the photographs I involved had to wait behind after which he still had on his books. None was taking. 3.50 pm to have their various teams of this was foregone conclusion, as the recorded on film. This was not a popular There were other subtle differences field of school photography is highly arrangement for either the participants or between a Glasgow Academy class competitive but being an ‘old boy’ the photographer. photograph and those of other schools. probably had some sway as far as the The class teacher had pride of place, After setting up the group, the Academy was concerned and this was sitting right in the middle of the group, photographer would notice the captain a role which I undertook for about 30 instead of standing at either side of of the 4th XV wearing the wrong years. the assembled company. This raised stockings (the captain cannot be At this point it is worth mentioning that, problems in the younger classes where shunted into the back row to hide this as far as educational establishments are a boy standing behind a normal seated discrepancy) and all would fume while concerned, it is the head teacher who adult could become invisible. Also it was captain managed to change, and the makes the decisions when it comes to expected that the said teacher should queue of 5th XV and 6th XV waiting photography, is in control of proceedings appear in a gown – something which in the sidelines would also fume at the during the operation, and who entertains was as scarce as hen’s teeth in other delay. During my stint as photographer, the photographer to a cup of coffee or schools. This particular rule was relaxed I did manage to get this archaic whatever, during the interval, and who is for sports groups where PE staff had to arrangement changed to having team also responsible for the administration of look as if they could step on to the pitch photographs taken at Anniesland during and payment for the transaction. at a moment’s notice. normal school hours. Not so with the Academy. The king-pin The mention of sports group Currently, I understand from my to the whole procedure, from agreeing photography is the one difference granddaughter that sports teams have the dates, organising the flow of pupils which appears to have taken place in same standing as class photographs and on the chosen date, collection and the Academy’s approach to the subject are taken in the same surroundings and distribution of orders, to settling the bill, during my association with the school. during normal school times, but I suspect fell on Mr MacRae, the head janitor As a pupil, the emphasis on success for that Oxbridge results still take pride of operating from a shoe box office just the school was the number of Oxbridge place in the pecking order. behind the stage in the old Well of the places achieved, with the results of the Jim Cunningham (1949) main building. This arrangement worked First XV as of secondary importance.
well for both of us, but it meant that the During my 30-year stint as photographic
Class of ’56 Dear Sir I enjoy seeing your old class photo items in Etcetera. Attached is mine of the 6th Form in 1956. [Note Donald Dewar in the back row.] Names are:
Back row: Tom Anderson, A D Macdonald, xx, Donald Dewar, Sandy MacPherson, xx, George Wilson
Middle row: xx, John Park, W B Doig, xx, George Browning, xx
Front row: Jeff Lavalette, xx, David Hamilton, ‘Baggy’ Aston, Scott Nelson, Douglas Crawford, John Calvert
The unidentified ‘xx’ (listed on the back of the photo) are David Rodger, John Marshall, J Campbell and Alan Lamont. Hope this is of interest. David Hamilton (1956)
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ETCETERA 22.indd 8 09/12/2013 13:42 Miss Johnston’s class
was pleased to see in the recall that the introduction of board, I can only identify hardboard placed on top to summer 2013 edition of Cuisenaire rods as a teaching Douglas Tainsh (back right). create a work surface. Etcetera a recent photo aid in her class generated a Facing the camera (although, I Cuisenaire rods have stood of my old Prep 4 teacher fair bit of excitement. This like everyone else, engrossed the test of time – they are (1962-3) Miss Johnston, seems to have been something in their work) at the next still widely used in schools. clearly still very sprightly at of an innovation at the time table are Robert Sweet and Miss Johnston’s 4a of 1962-63 90, having just made the trip – the photo may have been Scott Fleming. Finally, there was probably an excellent from America to Scotland in connection with some is Hamish Short (kilted) and advertisement for the rods’ to celebrate that landmark publicity. Sandy Sneddon in the grey success. To my knowledge the birthday. At least I presume jumper. I am mostly obscured I can identify quite a few of class has produced a healthy that Doris Vaughan (nee by Sandy – I remember the boys. At the table nearest number of mathematicians, Johnston) is the same Miss feeling a bit miffed at the the camera, from bottom left, physicists, accountants and Johnston from the 60s, as of time. are Graham Scott, Duncan others working in numerate course I had no idea of her Gilmour, Andrew Iversen and I can vividly recall the mood disciplines. first name at that time! Robert Hunter. Behind them, of anticipation whenever Miss Johnston’s Cuisenaire The photo I have sent shows nearest to Miss Johnston, on the Cuisenaire sets were was certainly a formative Miss Johnston teaching the right hand side of the brought out. The desks had experience for me – I became Mathematics to 4a, sometime table, are Alan Fyffe and Alan to be re-arranged in groups a Maths teacher! in 1962 or 1963. I vaguely Jack. At the table nearest the of four, with a large sheet of Michael Warren (1971) Bashed light stopped play… t no time during my years at The I recall one day, our prayers for rain drivers with their buses, and the hasty Academy did I enjoy Games. The having gone unanswered, heading re-assembling of us would-be rugby A team-bonding of rugby and the off to board the fleet of ‘Alexanders’ participants, in the school Well. gamesmanship of cricket were not for double-decker buses which would I have uncomfortable memories of us me. transport us to our fate. In desperation, all being lambasted by Morty Black and we hit upon a last-minute plan. Needless to say, most of my school Kenny Miles, in the hope that those chums were of like mind, and The steep camber of Colebrooke Street responsible for this act of sabotage the morning before an afternoon caused the parked buses to lean in would own up. To our shame, we rugby session would find us praying over the gutter and pavement, quite didn’t, and – after an awkward half hour for rain more fervently than any markedly. My pals and I reckoned that, waiting for someone to crack – we were native-American witch doctor. Rain if we all climbed to the upper deck and dismissed and sent home early. For some meant cancellation and, instead, an sat at the nearside, we could increase of us, a ‘result’! afternoon spent watching grainy this lean enough, we thought, to cause After all these years, I feel I must black-and-white films of old rugby the bus, on driving away, to lop the top apologise to those sporting types who, internationals, in the school Well. off the first street light it came to. by our selfish actions that day, were This was definitely preferable to the Remarkably, the plan could not have denied the opportunity to display mud-wrestling and subsequent dreaded worked better. The resultant damage their attributes on the rugby pitch, or communal bath which made up rugby to both street light and bus meant the perhaps, in that communal bath! practice at Anniesland. immediate retreat from the scene by the Jim Shearer (1964)
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ETCETERA 22.indd 9 09/12/2013 13:42 Events Classes of 1956-60 Reunion – ‘Forever young’ n Friday 5 September an assemblage Oof 70 year old + Academicals met in the Well, most visiting that place for the first time in over 50 years. The same School Bell rang – Lunch was taken, and a trip round Colebrooke Street began. The Guides were two charming female Prefects, one from Bosnia, the other Albania. To say the least, they could not believe their ears when hearing anecdotes regarding the ‘playful’ activities of these former pupils, especially the comments made regarding the personalities that inhabited each lettered room at the Old School. This nostalgic journey took far longer than had been prescribed by the External Relations Department, and A good time was had by all who attended the 1956-60 Reunion Dinner at the Western Club. culminated in an inspiring talk by the Rector in his Study. Enthused with the reminiscences, Dinner Class of 1993 reunion – Friday 13 at the Western Club ensued – no formal September Guests or speeches, each Academical allowed two minutes to give a personal he reunion of the year of 1993 on Friday 13 September 2013. A fun day was memory of their school days. After many Thad by all who attended. The day kicked off with a tour of the school and a a laugh, and great chat, a memorable day chance to reminisce about days gone by. As we explored the new developments was complete. in The Glasgow Academy, memories came flooding back of old friends and tales of historic adventures! It was great to the see the effort that classmates had made David Roser (1958) to come from around the world – America and Australia to name but two. Dear Mr McNaught, After drinks with the Rector, we moved on to a great social evening giving I write to you and your colleagues to everyone a chance to catch up and re-form old friendships. thank you very much for the superb The feedback from all concerned was that we shouldn’t leave such an event for day that you organised for us all. It was such a long period of time again, and plans are already afoot for the next class of great fun to meet up again with so many ‘93 reunion. friends from the past and most interesting to all be together again. Above all, it was Thanks must go to the team at The Academy for assisting in making this event fascinating to see all the improvements happen. that you have introduced to the old Cameron Wade (1993) school. I am sure that the Academy is well ready to meet the demanding needs of this new century. I have always been happy to recommend the school when asked and over the years friends have been kind enough to contact me from time to time just to tell me that their child or grandchild was off to the Academy. Please convey my thanks to the Rector and indeed to everyone who helped to make it such a special day. I wish the school all success in the future. With kindest regards, Graeme Paton (1959)
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ETCETERA 22.indd 10 09/12/2013 13:42 Academical awarded prestigious lifetime achievement award for pioneering genealogical work mb. Neville (Mandel) Lamdan A(1955) recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies for his vision in establishing the International Institute for Jewish Genealogy at the National Library of Israel in 2006 and for directing it until 2012. Ten years on… Class of 2003 Reunion Neville attended the Academy from 1949 to 1955. He took an MA in t doesn’t feel like ten years since we wonder if this will be here when we Philosophy at Glasgow University were last at school; however, walking come back for our ten-year reunion?’ (1958); a second MA in Middle Eastern Iup the stairs to the main entrance They got the answer they wanted. Studies at Dropsie College, Philadelphia of The Academy felt like it was only (1961) and a DPhil in Modern History The girls were like big kids when we yesterday. There’s a certain ‘homely’ at Oxford (1965), with a dissertation on scrambled up the monkey bars in the feeling when you revisit somewhere you ‘The Arabs and Zionism, 1882-1914’. old gym hall. A reminder that it was the spent your childhood. After serving in the Foreign and same hall that my dad had gym in was Commonwealth Office (1965-71), he The guided tour by the sixth form when a screw fell off – it obviously isn’t entered academia briefly, teaching in pupils was fantastic. It was great to used to ten grown ladies on it at once! Oxford and at the Hebrew University talk to them and hear their ambitions, It is scary to think where the years have of Jerusalem (1971-73). He then joined remembering what our own were at gone, but when talking to everyone the Israel Ministry for Foreign Affairs that time and being happy in our own it was interesting and amazing to hear and, after a distinguished 30-year career, accomplishments. We also met some of their stories. I think the best part was he retired (2003) as Israel’s Ambassador our teachers: Mr Robertson and Mrs how excited everyone was to be in one to the Holy See (Vatican). Other senior McCallum in Geography, Mr Fraser another’s company again. Whether it posts abroad included Israel Ambassador and Mr McNaught in Art and Mr was friends who see each other regularly to the UN in Geneva (1994-99), the McAslan in PE. We thanked them for or friends we hadn’t seen since we left Israel Embassy’s Liaison Officer to the their support and caught up on the past school, great fun was had by all. US Congress in Washington (1985-89), decade. It surprised me that they still Israeli diplomatic representative in remembered all of our names – I don’t Mr Brodie also updated us all on the Beirut (1982), and Political Counselor know if that was a good thing or not as development of the school which is at the Israel Mission to the UN in I wasn’t the most academic of pupils! It’s evident when walking round. He is New York (1976-81). Home postings, good to go back and take stock. clearly proud of the achievements of in Jerusalem, included Director of the all the current pupils; it is great to hear A memorable point of the day was the North American Division (1989-94), that they are still producing high-quality moment the boys found their names and Head of the Egyptian Department pupils – as they did in 2003! written under the pool table in the sixth (1982-84). Today he is Chair of the form room. I remember the day they Valerie Smith (2003) Board of the International Institute for did this and them saying at the time, ‘I Jewish Genealogy in Jerusalem.
Meanwhile – from our foreign correspondent… eonard Tam (1993) was found wanting in his attempts to Lfly over from Luxembourg to Glasgow Airport in order to make the roll call and subsequent photo opportunity for the Class of 1993 Reunion. This was mainly due to a much- bungled attempt by the responsible authorities to renew his soon-to-expire passport on time, meaning that he was left grounded on the day required for travel.
The closest Leonard Tam got to Glasgow Academy Leonard hopes that the passport situation will be sorted out in on 13 September 2013! time for the next Reunion in 2023.
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ETCETERA 22.indd 11 09/12/2013 13:42 regularly attend each annual dinner, with attendances of between 35 and 45 for the special decade anniversaries of leaving school. The ‘Fiftieth’ anniversary saw a record attendance of 60 old classmates and several travelled substantial distances to attend, notably Don Laird from Langkawi, Malaysia and Alasdair Barclay from Toronto, Canada. Education at the Academy demonstrably brings things of broader value, such as kinship that lasts well beyond schooldays. A large leather-trimmed book with gold embossed detail records for posterity all attendees and apologies for the gatherings since 1970. The number of pages available in this fine book ensures that records can be continued for a further 150 years – perhaps a tad optimistic. The Circa 1963 reunion group greatly enjoyed the fine lunch that school Circa 1963 Reunion – Friday 4 October provided to celebrate the ‘Fiftieth’ and were appreciative of the opportunity to meet together and to see the huge n Friday 4 October, the Circa The first gathering was held in the improvements made since they left 1963 Reunion group were guests expensive and salubrious venue of The school half a century ago. All were Oof the Academy to celebrate the Grosvenor, Gordon Street, now defunct, hugely impressed by the physical ‘Fiftieth’ anniversary of leaving school. but subsequent gatherings moved to changes, the wide range of academic and venues in Byres Road or the like that extra-curricular activities now available The Circa 1963 Reunion group started were more suitable to student and trainee and also the ambitious plans for the to meet shortly after they left school. outlooks and pockets. future. The original organiser of the meetings was Michael Hirst, with Neil Douglas as By 1970 bi-annual dinners were held A great day was rounded off by another his successor, followed by John Gilmour. in the RNVR sailing vessel ‘Carrick’, nostalgic step by some, a return visit to For nearly 40 years John expanded the returning a degree of sophistication to a Byres Road venue reminiscent of the circulation records, arranged the dinners the reunions. In 1985 the dinners started early days of the Circa 1963 Reunion and kept up the communications that to be held annually on the first Friday in group meetings. Boys will always remain kept the Circa ‘63 community together. October in The Western Club. boys, even at near three score and ten! Sadly, John died in 2009 and did not see The contact list of former classmates is John Byers (1963) the result of his dedication in the recent around 100 strong and about 20 people and well-attended ‘Fiftieth’ event.
On target he Circa 1963 Reunion group Tcollected funds to buy two shooting sighting scopes and donate £1,000 to the Science and Technology Building Appeal to commemorate John Gilmour’s stalwart work for the group over almost 40 years. John represented school at Bisley and was captain of shooting. John’s wife Susan (Westbourne, 1963) was present when the scopes were presented to the present-day captain of shooting.
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ETCETERA 22.indd 12 09/12/2013 13:42 Family matters n a highly-personal, witty and Iinformative speech, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen entertained a large audience of Sixth Formers, parents and former pupils in his Dallachy Lecture on Thursday 24 October. Looking back over a long and enormously distinguished political career, perhaps most revealing of all was his assertion that the achievements of which he is most proud are his three children and four grandchildren. On that subject, he recalled a particularly special moment this year when his Academicals in Print grandson, Michael – a former pupil of Glasgow Academy – was his banner long with many of his bearer at his installation as Chancellor Acontemporaries, Ian F Brown visited of the Most Distinguished Order of The Academy in September for the St Michael and St George at St Paul’s 1956-60 Reunion. At our invitation, Ian Cathedral. visited the school a few weeks later when he generously donated a copy of the 3rd edition of his book, Born on the Bottom Rung, to the Academical library. The first Nice meeting edition of his book was published by the Glasgow and West of Scotland Family you! History Society in 2006. The preacher at this year’s Commemoration Service in Ian was enrolled at Glasgow Academy Glasgow Cathedral was Duncan in 1946. He has a number of vivid Macpherson (1984). There he memories of his time at Colebrooke met with several of his ‘old’ Street – including his entrance interview teachers – including the very youthful Margaret (McNeill) with Miss Duff, being taught English Tindall. [Ed. Margaret has by ‘Bing’ Crosby and reading Medieval recently celebrated a big birth- People by Eileen Power (which kindled day, but we are far too polite to an interest in history). mention which!] Ian’s interest in history and English, coupled with competing stories from his parents about his ancestors eventually led to over twenty years of detailed and painstaking research and the publication of Born on the Bottom Rung.
The last GASBAGS lunch? s is customary, those GASBAGS who were able made their way to the Accies Club on the last Friday of October Afor their annual lunch. Although formed many years ago to protest against the perceived conservatism of the Academy Governors, the group found very little to protest about on 25 October. It was quite the reverse, in fact, as all those present were very happy with the report that the Rector, Peter Brodie, gave of recent events at the school. Academical President, Gavin Smith, also updated the company on Accies’ affairs. Although there was some talk beforehand of this being the last GASBAGS lunch, we are pleased to report that the next meeting will be held on 31 October 2014 – as long as there is sufficient support from members.
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ETCETERA 22.indd 13 09/12/2013 13:42 In the steps of our Glasgow Academy ancestors… – General Sir Michael Hirst (1951-1963) became Knowledge Global President of the International 1909 Diabetes Federation at the end of December 2012, after serving as the While recently sorting out first non-medical Chairman of the the family archives, James board of trustees of Diabetes UK and Gilchrist (1967) uncovered then six years as a member of the a copy of the 1909 General Global board. His interest in diabetes Knowledge Paper. James started after his youngest child Kate believes his father would (1996-1998) developed type 1 diabetes have sat the paper that at the age of five. At that time, he was year. Questions range Member of Parliament for Strathkelvin from ‘What do you know and Bearsden and found himself of Richard Cobden?’ to championing improvements in diabetes ‘What is meant by the care which, when ultimately successful, yellow peril?’. Thanks to resulted in him being co-opted to the James, a copy of the paper board of trustees of Diabetes UK. will now be preserved in The Academy archives. His current responsibilities as Global President of IDF – a voluntary job that he describes as more time-consuming than full-time work – involve a great deal of travel to different parts of the So that’s the Indian world where diabetes services are inadequate, sometimes heartrendingly Trophy… so. In too many parts of sub-Saharan The Honour List for School Session 1953-54 Africa, children continue to die indicates that, as School Captain, Allan because of lack of access to insulin. Alstead (1954) was presented with the Indian Trophy. The reality, however, is that no such Earlier this year, there was a very presentation happened – the Trophy being serious crisis in Malawi when supplies ‘lost’ at the time. That omission was put right on a recent visit when Allan held the Indian of insulin ran out. The various Trophy long enough for this photograph to stakeholders in that country appealed be taken. After almost 50 years of waiting, it to him to visit the country and host a was a very welcome meeting! round table discussion so that an action plan could be discussed and agreed with the Ministry of Health to prevent a repeat of the crisis later this year. Part of the reason for the invitation was that he appeared to be trusted by all the stakeholders, possibly because his great, great grandmother was the sister of Dr David Livingstone, and Dr Livingstone remains revered to this day in Malawi. The visit led to a remarkable reunion, as Michael takes up the story: ‘During a very busy visit to Malawi, my hosts wanted me to visit Nkhotakota, a town near the shore of Roger Trythall (1962) who lives in Camps Lake Malawi. It was at Nkhotakota Bay, South Africa was unable to attend that Dr Livingstone met the local tribal the Circa 1963 ‘Gold Event’ so – whilst on holiday in Cape Town – John Byers joined him chief, Chapulapula Phwanga, in 1861 for their own celebratory lunch at the Rhodes under a huge fig tree which remains Memorial. to this day a national monument in Malawi. I knew that David
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ETCETERA 22.indd 14 09/12/2013 13:42 Livingstone, as a medical missionary, had ‘The next stops were the nearby St The photograph shows the meeting with worked to bring health and the gospel to Andrew’s Hospital and the church, St local dignitaries, Officials of the Ministry and Gov- that part of Africa, but I was to learn that Andrew’s Cathedral, both linked to ernment of Malawi. Michael Hirst is in the centre of the photograph, with the current Phwanga he is remembered for something of equal Livingstone who is better remembered Chief, Mrs Annie Chisa to his right importance. in this country as a medical missionary and explorer. It’s the only cathedral that ‘Chief Phwanga’s great, great I have visited which has a corrugated granddaughter, Annie Chisa, is the iron roof and is really just a large and hospitals face huge challenges and there current tribal chief – and in full utterly unadorned open space building. is a crying need for up-skilling and ceremonial dress she was there to meet The pastor seemed bemused at my visit, training. me as a descendant of the Livingstone but his congregation were not. On ‘The visit, however, was far from in family. She told me in graphic detail discovering that I was an elder in the vain. The Ministry of Health undertook of the horror of slave trading where a Church of Scotland, they insisted that I to investigate the reasons that insulin powerful, evil slave trader called Jumbe would sing a hymn to them. Bill (‘Jazzy supplied at heavily discounted prices seized the fittest young men in the area, Bill’) Coulthard would not perhaps by Novo Nordisk the world’s leading shackled and chained them and marched have been impressed by my tone and manufacturer, finds its way into private them to the dhow on Lake Nyasa (as melody, but I did produce the volume pharmacies and it also agreed to find it then was called) which sailed to the of sound required and the acoustics were out why the discounted price is being opposite side of the lake in Mozambique, a lot better than I would have expected marked up by the Ministry by over from where the enslaved young men from a corrugated iron roof. I chose To 100% when supplied to hospitals. The were marched across Mozambique to God be the Glory not least because it Round Table will reconvene in six slave ships taking them to America. has a rousing chorus Praise the Lord, months time to check that the promises ‘Livingstone and Chief Phwanga became Praise the Lord, let the people rejoice. made and commitments given during friendly and resolved jointly to put an And rejoice they did! Happy, clappy it my visit are actually being honoured. I end to the obscenity of the slave trading certainly was. The chorus of the third am still haunted by the pleading eyes of that blighted this part of Africa. They verse was sung several times over, if that the parent of a four year old who could faced down Jumbe and succeeded in can be taken as an encore! Although not obtain insulin, by the whispered ending slavery there. It was an emotional the people lack most of the luxuries in plea for help of the distraught mother moment for me when Annie Chisa life that we take for granted, theirs is whose son was suffering from severe clasped my hands and said proudly to a simple faith, volubly and cheerfully diabetic ketoacidosis – a condition that the crowd which had gathered around expressed. can often prove fatal – and the young the tree: ‘Our ancestors did a great thing ‘Malawi is a very poor country according insulin-dependent destitute man who when they met here one hundred and to the World Bank ranking of GDP per had had to walk for a week to the fifty two years ago.’ She then presented capita. It certainly struggles to provide hospital to seek insulin because he had me with an engraved wooden plague in acceptable health to its people and no money for a bus fare. It is my fervent memory of my visit and insisted that I still has infant mortality statistics that hope that the results of the Round should return with more of Livingstone’s are a great cause for concern. Those Table will indeed make such experiences descendants! who work in the diabetes wards of the history. But, I am also a realist – and so the work goes on!’
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ETCETERA 22.indd 15 09/12/2013 13:42 Science and Technology Building Appeal
he new building will cover 37,000 Tsquare feet over four floors. The ground floor incorporates an auditorium and hospitality facilities. The three floors above will provide 15 state-of-the-art science laboratories. The building will benefit all pupils because the vacated departments will provide much-needed space for PE/ Sport, Drama and the Arts. The total cost (including fees etc) is £10 million. We will be extremely grateful for all gifts – large or small. With your support we will start building soon.
Support still required
Gifts and pledges to date
We need your help to make SciTech a reality in 2015.
Name your seat! The 175-seat auditorium will be at the heart of the new building. You can name your own seat in the auditorium.
Contact Mark on 0141 342 5494/ You can make all the difference [email protected] for more details on naming options and gift aid benefits.
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ETCETERA 22.indd 16 09/12/2013 13:43 The Westbourne Appeal
he influence and impact of Westbourne Tabounds at Colebrooke Street. Westbourne purple is in the uniform of every boy and girl and, since the merger of the two schools, Westbourne House has sat at the heart of Colebrooke Terrace. There, our honour boards and memorabilia are on display and Westbourne reunions are held on a regular basis. The new building incorporates an auditorium, a food technology department and 15 Science laboratories. It will provide the facilities to enable innovative teaching and this – combined with the ethos of ‘nihil sine labore’ – will ensure generations of pupils are fully prepared for 21st-Century careers.
You can make a difference With your help we can ensure Westbourne continues to be at the very heart of The Academy. Our appeal has already raised over £20,000. With just a little more help we will name a laboratory in honour of Westbourne in the new SciTech building.
Every gift is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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ETCETERA 22.indd 17 09/12/2013 13:43 Westbourne Section A Royal Portrait rs Henderson (Rebecca Rose Harris) was Headmistress from 1936 to 1964. During her tenure, the school became Ma limited company and Lord Fraser of Allander served as the company’s first Chairman. Mrs Henderson’s portrait now hangs in the External Relations suite GAL’s Golf – 2013 in Westbourne House, where reunions, staff interviews and senior et another beautiful day for our GAL’s meetings are held. The painting is by Mary Eastman, who also YGolf outing! This year we were at painted Her Majesty the Queen in 1953. Balmore Golf Club on 9 August. What a lovely setting for such a fun day! We started off with coffee, moved onto ‘The Golf’ and then had some delicious soup and sandwiches. We had a delightful day with plenty of chat as well as some interesting golf. Balmore has some very challenging holes! Betty Henderson joined us for our lunch and treated us all to a drink. Thank you, Betty. The winner of the ‘Cousland Cup’ this year was Carolyn Craig. Well done, Carolyn. Sheena McDonald was second closely followed by Susan McKenzie. Judging by the number of e-mails Carole received afterwards, it was very clearly a really successful day. Thank you, Carole, for organising our outing once again. Elaine M Horner (1970)
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ETCETERA 22.indd 18 09/12/2013 13:43 UPDATES Went to Westbourne School, left a very A career in Engineering… long time ago… hen I left school and ventured y days at off to Loughborough University Westbourne Wto study Geography and Sports Mwere very Science (otherwise known as a ‘maps happy, and I look and games’ degree) I had no idea that I back fondly on my would end up working in the world of years there (P5 to sports sponsorship. I feel very lucky to S6), leading on to work in an industry that I absolutely love my degree in Civil and am very passionate about. Sport has Engineering at been such a huge part of my life (thanks, Glasgow University. Mum) and has defined who I am today. My father has his (Yes, I am still ridiculously competitive!) own Consulting So for me my biggest driver is to inspire Engineering firm, as many people as I can around the and he encouraged benefits of sport or just being active; me throughout. I whether cycling, running or walking. worked in various Healthy body = healthy mind. There is locations with others so much pressure on people these days around the world so for me being active is a no brainer. as a student (using Cheap, easy and free (if you are ok to Higher German for brave the rain!) example!) then with Having worked in the sports industry a Cambridge firm, for many years I joined Sky in 2007 to then back to Glasgow work on the brand’s Corporate Social to join Dad. Many Responsibility programme which aims to years all over the create positive social change across sports, north of Scotland and arts and the environment. Back in 2008, the islands following we were looking for an opportunity where I routinely to transform a sport from grassroots work for our clients. through to the elite level and capitalise I am based in our on the huge opportunity of the London information on these initiatives and Paisley office and live again in Killearn, 2012 Olympics. That’s where we came much more. Do have a look. where I grew up. As a Chartered across cycling and Dave Brailsford. We Civil/Structural Engineer I love my We were absolutely delighted that STV immediately knew we could achieve challenging and varied job, working on featured us on their Scotland Tonight great things together and our ambition design projects and on site. programme, to promote engineering was simple! …to make history with the Since 2006, I have served on the IESIS and the Hall of Fame, on 31 October first British winner of the Tour de France Council – IESIS (The Institution of 2013. This feature can be seen on You and create a new series of Sky Ride mass Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland) Tube (ref ‘Scotland Tonight Celebrating participation events where we shut down the only multi-disciplinary Engineering Scottish Engineers Hall of Fame’). city centres to traffic to help and inspire a Institution in Scotland (past service with We are very pleased that they hosted million more people to get back on their Engineering Bodies in Inverness and us on the show; it was a wonderful bikes across the UK. experience and I’d love to do more such Aberdeen has been a good grounding for Tricia Thompson, Director of Cycling at BskyB, this). promotional work. with Sir Chris Hoy We at IESIS are actively spreading the We wish to promote our Scottish message on the fruits of a rewarding Institution and membership of our career in Engineering, and our Body and to encourage enthusiastic ‘Professional Engineer’ website aims to young people to join the engineering inspire and encourage young people into profession. It’s an excellent choice for a this. fascinating and rewarding career, full of opportunities all over the world – for This month is our celebration of our both girls and boys. ‘Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame’ – with four more inductees at our If you’d like to find our any more, recent Annual James Watt Dinner. Our contact me at Dinardo Partnership Ltd IESIS website contains the links and [email protected] Karen Dinardo (Westbourne 1983)
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ETCETERA 22.indd 19 09/12/2013 13:43 If I’m completely honest it was a bonkers the tunnel with defiant purpose and beat ambition but 2012 seemed a long way the odds to claim the Grand Slam against The Glasgow Academy off! But last year the Olympics landed England. I felt honoured and lucky to Art Calendar 2014 and, oh boy, what a fabulous year it be at these historic once-in-a-lifetime was. On Sunday 22 July 2012 having moments! ‘Christmas Cracker’ cycled 300 miles from London to It also been amazing to watch the We are delighted to show off Paris with over 200 Sky staff (as part our young artists’ talent in our growth in cycling and see so many more of our staff cycling programme to get 2014 Calendar, retailing at people out and about on their bikes. It’s people cycling), we all stood on the a bargain price of such a great sport/activity as it connects Champs-Elysees and watched Bradley people of all ages and all abilities. We £5.00 each plus £1.00 P&P Wiggins make history and win the all remember the first time we learnt to Tour. A week later I was at Hampton Orders can also be placed by telephone on cycle and loved the freedom of riding 0141 342 5494, or by Court watching Bradley win gold in around (away from the parents) – so email: [email protected] the Olympic Time Trial and then in the why did we stop? Well, that’s my next velodrome watching Chris Hoy, Laura mission… to get as many people back Trott and all the amazing GB team win on their bikes and I hope the creation of gold. It was akin to my favourite sporting Team Sky, a truly great British team, will moment at Murrayfield on March 17, inspire everyone to do just that. 1990 with my Dad watching Scotland rugby captain David Sole walk out of Tricia Thomson (1992)
Proud parents and grandparents… Dates for your Diary Friday 28 February London Section Dinner Thursday 20 March GA 100 Business Breakfast Friday 7 March The Iain Muir Spring Lunch Friday 4 April Westbourne Class of 1966 Reunion April (Date TBC) Westbourne Class of 1973 Reunion Monday 23 June Donor Thank You Reception Thursday 4 September Angus Stewart Fraser Daniel Luke Alexander McKean TGA Dinner with Sir Steve Redgrave Friday 19 September Kelvin Foundation Lunch Claire Fraser (1956) admitted to the St John’s College Choir, Friday 26 September Simon Fraser (1991) and wife Charlotte Cambridge. He will be singing with GA Careers Event are delighted to announce the birth of the Choir at a concert they are giving Friday 3 October Angus Stewart Fraser at home in Alton, in the Festival Hall, London in early Class of 1994 – 20-year Reunion Hampshire on 14 August 2013, a little December and later in the month, the Friday 24 October brother of Lily. The first grandson for Choir is going on a tour of Germany Class of 2004 – 10-year reunion Claire Fraser (1956). and the Low Countries which will end Gasbags Lunch with a concert in the Concertgebouw Friday 7 November Jan Chisholm (1955) in Amsterdam. This concert will be GAC Dinner On 27 June 2013 in Christchurch, New broadcast live on Dutch Radio. Zealand, the birth of a son Daniel Luke Alexander to Andrew and Caroline Academical Club McKean (daughter of Jan Chisholm) a Lottery Winners beautiful cousin for Oliver and Harry in Deaths July Alastair Rolland £150 Suffolk. Chloe (Bell) Norman (1958) August Ian Fotheringham £150 Liz Finlayson (Westbourne staff Chloe Bell (born 1941) who attended September Neil McLean £150 1980-1988) Westbourne School for Girls from 1946 On Sunday 13 October, George Balfour to 1958 died quietly in Cincinnati in the October John Mason £150 the nine-year-old son of Alasdair and loving care of her sister, Rosalind. Sister Robin McNaught (1982) Laura Balfour nee Finlayson (1990) was also of Marylin and Peter.
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ETCETERA 22.indd 20 10/12/2013 12:14 Academical Club
The Glasgow Academicals’ 1st XV 2013/14
Rugby fter a fairly hectic off-season with Anew coaching staff and a huge turnover in players, we started out with a few warm-up matches, which had some very positive results – and an inkling that we may have a picked up quite a few good young players and that maybe…? Our first two league games started to feed far too much enthusiasm into the watching ex-players and supporters who saw some very skilful handling and running. There were a lot of simple mistakes made, but – with some superb tries and resilient defence – we were two victories up and we started thinking that our three-year plan needed revising. Unfortunately, in a thrilling match which we deserved to win, our old neighbours reminded us that a wee bit of age and experience can count for a lot – and we lost 29-21 to GHK. Finger-tip control in the line-out. We have had a couple of losses and a league then promotion is possible. At the We are always keen for anybody still couple of wins since then, very much date of writing we are sitting near the of an age to come and play, especially down to our very young team learning top of the league among a group of four if they are of the ‘forward’ variety. to play 1st XV rugby as a group and teams all of whom are within a point or We have lots of ‘backs’ but – with a sometimes not quite playing to their two of each other. We have the ability to few more props and locks – we could strengths and game plan. A recent past beat these teams – yet like all things it is possibly even think about a 3rd XV and captain pointed out to me that he knew a question of how quickly our team can it is about 20 years since we managed only five members of the team, and play to their strengths. We will find out that. the new players who have joined are over the next few months. generally under 20. There is a very good atmosphere at The 2nd XV have also been performing Anniesland when we are playing and I We have watched some fantastic rugby very well, again with a new younger would like to invite you all to come and being played; Ken Waine advised me version of last year’s team. We still watch your team play. Hopefully a few that a recent try was one of the finest he manage to play a collection of the Club’s more voices may encourage them to win had seen at Anniesland. Praise indeed! ex-captains in this team, though I doubt more games, and turn promotion into a Due to another league restructuring, if we will match the six that played in the realistic possibility. we manage to be in the top two in our team last season. Peter Sandford (1983) Vice President
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ETCETERA 22.indd 21 09/12/2013 13:43 Ladies’ Hockey
We have had an extremely exciting start to the 2013/14 season with the opening of the new hockey pitch at Windyedge, Anniesland. A £300,000 all-weather Commonwealth Games-standard water-based hockey pitch was officially opened at Windyedge in October 2013. We are lucky to call this our new ‘home’ pitch as it has been described as the world’s most modern pitch and an exact replica of the surfaces used at the Olympic Games in London. The ‘bounce’ has taken a little getting used to, but the girls are feeling much better equipped to compete against teams who have been playing on this type of surface for a while now. The pitch is fast and a pleasure to play on and will certainly improve our skills, tactics and fitness!
We are happy to announce that this many years at Giffnock HC, has finally captain in September. Although her has been a record year for subscription put on the Glasgow Accies strip and captaincy was short, it was very sweet. with over 50 girls on the books. 1st and is now an official player/coach for the We will miss her dearly and wish her the 2nd XI teams have big squads, giving club. Again, this is wonderful news for best of luck for the future. Helen Bell, captains both variety and depth for Accies and specifically for the 1st XI former 1st XI vice-captain, steps up to team selection. We have had quite a players. Spreading her knowledge and replace Aileen as captain. few Glasgow Academy school girls and experience of the game will benefit If you are interested in joining Glasgow former pupils joining Accies this season every player around her. Accies Ladies’ Hockey and coming along and we do hope this continues in the We have once again secured sponsorship to our training sessions, please contact future. from Mansion House – the perfect party our club captain, Stephanie Hermes, at This season we welcome to Accies venue. Set over three floors, you’ll find [email protected] We are always Rhona Simpson, Director of Sport at eight individual rooms each uniquely looking for new players – all ages, skills Glasgow Academy. She has represented designed and furnished to comfortably and abilities welcome. Great Britain at two Olympic Games accommodate events for up to 1800 We train every Tuesday between 6.30 and Scotland at three Commonwealth people. From dining and drinking to late and 8.30 pm at Windyedge. Games. Rhona brings with her a wealth night dancing, Mansion House is the of experience and is a fantastic asset to ultimate social night out! For up to date information on games, the 1st XI, having scored a few goals results, events and general news please It is with a heavy heart that we say for the team already at her centre striker visit our website goodbye to Aileen Kealy, our 1st XI position. www.glasgow-hockey.com captain, who leaves us for her home city Our long-standing coach Elaine Brierley, of Dublin due to work commitments. having played with Rhona Simpson for Aileen joined us in 2012 and became
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ETCETERA 22.indd 22 09/12/2013 13:43 Cricket: Glasgow Accies’ Under 18s win an award at Lords London Academicals’ Section he second half of the year has Tbeen a quiet period for the London Section following on from our Centenary Dinner in February, the London Scottish Schools’ Golf Day in June and the Bisley Dinner in July. We are currently planning for the 2014 Annual Dinner which will take place on Friday 28 February 2014 at The Caledonian Club in London. The London Section is honoured that Karen Greenshields, nee Smith, was one of the speakers at the Academical Dinner in Glasgow The Scottish contingent at the Dinner at Lords on 8 November 2013 and we are encouraged that there will ongratulations to our U18 team on be a number of London-based Cits performance in defeating The Accies in attendance to support Forty Club Scotland in the final over of Karen. our annual match in August with Ewan Wedding bells have been very Stewart leading the assault with 99 not much in the air with both out. The on and off-field demeanour Cammy Wilson and Karen of the team merited the XL Club’s Greenshields completing their nomination for the Henry Grierson nuptials this summer and we, in Trophy which award was presented the London Section, offer them to the winning team at the XL Club’s both our hearty congratulations. Annual Dinner in The Long Room at Lords on Friday 18 October. The London Section Committee consists of: In the final judgement of the panel, the Accies’ team was awarded the Cammy Wilson, President runner-up spot to Giggleswick School. (1993-1999) An invitation to Lords was just too Gordon Low, Past-President good to be missed – especially when (1972-1984) accompanied by an introduction to HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, David Hall, for the team captain, Dhruv Satpute, U18 captain Dhruv Satpute receives the runners- Secretary-Treasurer and junior convener and XL Club up trophy from Mike Gatting, MBE (1951-1961) member, Colin Dawson, in the hallowed 2004, a certain Gautham Hariharan Anthony Frieze (1982-1983) Committee Room. Presentation of received the same Trophy on behalf winning teams’ shields was made by Hazel McNaught (1996-2004) of The Glasgow Academy and his Mike Gatting, MBE of the ‘Shane Warne acceptance speech was still remembered Peter Marr (1974-1982) magic ball’ fame. by several at this year’s event. Karen (Smith) Greenshields Also representing Accies at the dinner After recovering from certain excesses (1991-2000) were our chairman, Alex Dowers, and of the previous evening, we all met 1st XI skipper, Richard Andrew. Seated Any one of our Committee up again at Lords next day for the at the top table, we were all treated Members can be contacted by ‘Lords’ Tour’ – another memorable to a magnificent meal followed by any Accie heading south on a experience, part of which was savouring entertaining speeches from Mike Gatting permanent or temporary basis, the experience of sitting in the England and Callum Lockett of Giggleswick by emailing them via ecj@ dressing room where so many famous School who was presented with the aralon.co.uk players have made – or destroyed! – their Henry Grierson Trophy by Prince careers. Philip as a member of the winning team. Perhaps it is worth a mention that, in CAC Dawson (1967)
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ETCETERA 22.indd 23 09/12/2013 13:43 Hi, I was digging through some old pictures and happened across this picture from 1988 showing the Rock Climbing Club all sitting on top of The Old Man of Stoer in Sutherland. Front and centre is Stewart McAslan who I understand is still part of the Academy staff. Could you pass this over to him? I am sure he has some fond memories of his climbing days. I don’t know if he kept it up; however, Iain and I did for many years after. Alex Tysen is at the back. From the left you can see Scott Stewart (me), Andrew Norton, Stewart McAslan, Fraser Wade and Iain Carnduff. It was a scorching hot day, if memory serves me correctly. Best regards, Scott Stewart (1989)
Just over 25 years ago, four boys and two members of staff who constituted the Glasgow Academy Climbing Club set out on their most ambitious expedition yet: to conquer the Old Man of Hoy. The leader of that expedition was maths teacher Alex Tysen, the founder of the climbing club, and he was accompanied by a young PE teacher called Stewart McAslan. The boys – Scott Stewart, Iain Carnduff, Andrew Norton and Frazer Wade – relished the freedom that climbing, a novelty at The Academy in those days, gave them. In recognition of the 25th anniversary of the ascent, one of them, Scott Stewart, recently sent us a copy of the photograph above. It shows the group at the top of The Old Man of Stoer on their training expedition before they faced the real thing. In return, Stewart McAslan sent Scott a photo of the ascent itself (right). That was the inspiration for the following piece written by Scott:
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ETCETERA 22.indd 24 09/12/2013 13:43 Conquering The Old Man of Hoy
Tragically, Alex Tysen (below) was to lose his life in a climbing accident along with another Academy master, Ian Jeffery, a few years later – an accident that was to shake the Academy community to the core. he photograph of The Old Man of traverse around the base just above the Hoy… made me go on a further waterline to get to the true start. This T dig to seek out my clutch of was probably technically harder than pictures from that ascent and it brought any of the climbing that went up the back a lot of memories from that trip to way! The ‘crux’ of the Old Man of Orkney. We were fortunate that Elsie Stoer is the second pitch and the ‘so Tysen and Ann McAslan volunteered to called’ pineapple slab. I remember it not sit on the headland and take photos of being too much trouble and remember us with their paparazzi-style cameras so re-visiting the stack in the early-90s we got some excellent photos beyond when I found it to be a lot more the typical ‘bum shot’ that most climbing awkward. The top of the stack is quite a trips only offer up. Alex had multiple narrow point relative to the Old Man of copies made for the four of us to choose Hoy so the summit picture with six of us from and I swept up quite a bundle. was a bit of a squeeze. It is strange to think that this is the 25th We got up in four pitches, but down in anniversary of these climbs. This was our two abseils down the side of the stack second year in the Rock Climbing Club which led straight back to the Tyrolean so we were ‘experts’ now. I was climbing traverse rope. The second abseil was in with Frazer Wade and Iain Carnduff was free space which was a novel experience climbing with Andrew Norton. The Old at the time. We all crossed back to the Man of Stoer is about 200ft high and was mainland and since it was so hot and regarded as a ‘training ascent’ for the Old sunny we decided to dive in to the sea Man of Hoy which we did in July 1988. anyway to cool off. I am sure we were Six of us drove up to the NW and stayed all quite pleased with ourselves. they had decided not to bother. at Achmelvich Youth Hostel a few miles Looking back, I don’t think we North of Lochinver. The day of the Iain and I carried on climbing for many appreciated at the time how much climb was beautiful and the sun shone years after school and I know that effort Alex Tysen and Stewart McAslan and the wind stayed low. We were lucky Iain was climbing at a relatively high had to put into training and driving to find a rope already in place when we standard at one point. Climbing and a bunch of 16-17 year olds around arrived at the crossing point so no-one mountaineering is still an important part Scotland to various crags. Climbing and had to get wet. I don’t recall who was of my life and yet these early ascents of mountaineering take up a lot of time scheduled to be sent in swimming had the Old Man of Stoer and Hoy remain aside from having the responsibility it not been. The rope had been fixed to some of my best memories – despite all for a clutch of ‘minors’ and given that some old pitons on the wrong side of that came after. climbing wasn’t a mainstream school the stack so our ‘pitch zero’ was a greasy sport then, no-one would have noticed if Scott Stewart (1989)
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ETCETERA 22.indd 25 09/12/2013 13:43 The Final Whistle
some Were decoraTed and died heroically; oThers foughT and fell quieTly.
Thomas BurTon (HLI) - wounded (1916); awarded MC arThur russell - killed on the Somme (1916) William Barras (Argyles) - killed (1918); awarded MM charles andreW (HLI) - wounded on the Somme Ypres and at Arras; awarded MC arThur laird (HLI) - killed (1916) on the Somme John Warren (RE) - wounded; awarded MC eric young (Cameronians) - killed in Gallipoli (1915) the eleventh day of the eleventh month John smiTh (HLI) in 1918, it made for tragic reading. - wounded in Gallipoli (1915) I can think of no better way than to John sandeman (Argyles) simply list the team who played West - wounded in Palestine as detailed in Iain MacLeod’s book The frank sandeman (HLI) Glasgow Academy 150 (right). - wounded in Mesopotamia (1918) roBerT arThur (Glasgow Scottish Rugby suffered a Yeomanary) disproportionate number of casualties - awarded MC and Belgian War Cross in WW1 with the death of 30 Scottish george speirs (HLI) Caps. At this time and from this distance, - awarded French WC; killed (1918) it is hard to imagine the numbness as george maceWan (HLI) War Office telegrams arrived breaking - killed in Gallipoli (1915) the tragic news often followed by a archiBald TempleTon (Cameronians) hand-written letter from the Unit – killed in Gallipoli (1915) commander outlining the circumstances. Thomas sTouT (Cameronians) Later, when the Widow’s Penny was - killed in Gallipoli (1915) presented to the bereaved in recognition george Warren (HLI) of a husband, brother or son who had - survived war made the ultimate sacrifice, they were n 28 March 1914 Glasgow Accies presented with a certificate in the name HLI – Highland Light Infantry took the pitch at Hamilton Crescent, O of The King reading: ‘He whom this Cameronians Scottish Rifles Partick to play their old rivals, West of scroll commemorates was numbered RE – Royal Engineers Scotland. It was the last game of the among those who, at the call of King and Argyles – Argyle and Sutherland season and, sadly, it was the last game Country, left all that was dear to them, Highlanders that any of the participants played. Accies endured hardness, faced danger, and beat their old city rivals 27-8 on that finally passed out of the sight of men by far-off day. the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving deeper resonance when you share a War Before the start of the following season, up their own lives that others might live Memorial. the secretary of West had written to his in freedom.’ Over the next four years, the nation will players urging them to sign up for His A peel of bells raised by public donation remember the great landmark battles of Majesty’s Services. The war was about still hangs at the top of Byres Road in that terrible war fought 100 years ago. to strike a savage blow to Anniesland the steeple above Oran Mor (the old Rugby with casualty lists almost 2014 will focus on the Commonwealth Kelvinside Church) to remember them, incomprehensible nowadays. To a man, Games Legacy based much on volunteer especially the twenty-seven Academicals the Accies XV enlisted in the forces at efforts. In 1915 at Gallipoli another – both Glasgow and Kelvinside – the outbreak of war. Commonwealth legacy was forged by who fell on one day, 28 June 1915, another generation of volunteers – but in Eight were killed, six wounded and only at Gallipoli as part of 52nd Lowland very different circumstances. one returned unscathed. When the team Division of Kitchiner’s New Army. roll was called on the eleventh hour of The term ‘kindred club’ takes on a Hugh Barrow (1962)
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ETCETERA 22.indd 26 09/12/2013 13:43 Announcements UPDATES Gold Awards Seven former pupils of Glasgow Academy were presented with their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Awards by Dawn Steele, the actress, in a ceremony at Holyrood Palace in July. They were: Back (left to right): Fraser Webster (2012), Chris Millar (2006), Claire Edmonds (2006) Front: Rowan Johnstone (2011), Jillian Hamilton (2012), (Dawn Steele), Claire Dalling (2011), Gabbie Clark (2011)
Best Heritage Project 2013 Scotland, said: ‘We are overwhelmed to National Lottery funding to help The Calman Cancer Support Centre in have won this award. This time last year, with the renovations, we now have Glasgow beat off six other challengers in we were operating out of small, cramped this beautiful building which exceeds a public vote to win the Best Heritage and totally unsuitable accommodation. our expectations, enabling us to help Project 2013. Colin Graham (1988), By working in partnership with Glasgow and support more people through Chief Executive of Cancer Support Building Preservation Trust who secured their cancer treatment.’
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ETCETERA 22.indd 27 10/12/2013 12:14 submarine) in Sep 12 then spent eight as a maths teacher at Dollar Academy for great months as the Deputy Head of nine years from where I was appointed Submarine Sea and Shore Training Head of Mathematics at Rannoch School based in Faslane. May to Sep 13 saw for the next two years after which I went me working in the UK Embassy as south to set up a Computing area within part of a small team who work with the Maths Department at a small girls’ the Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of boarding school near Shrewsbury. I was Staff in The Pentagon. A fascinating lured back to Glasgow by the relatively time with amazing insight into how new High School of Glasgow from elements of US government and military where I have just retired after 28 years combine to develop policy. I also had as Head of Mathematics and Statistics. time for sightseeing with Gettysburg and During this time, I had the pleasure of Antietam battlefields being particular the current GA Head of Mathematics in highlights – Ronnie Woods and Chuck my department – and taught two of the On track for success Farquhar would have been happy with current Maths teachers at TGA as well. my historical investigations! Thus it is that I have not been allowed ir Dave Brailsford, the performance fully to retire yet and have had the Off to Northwood HQ outside London director of British Cycling, has pleasure of returning to my old school S in the New Year and promoted to described former Glasgow Academy to teach mathematics for a total of nine Captain; not quite 5 gold rings but one pupil Katie Archibald (2012) as a ‘really days as I write this piece. It is amazing more than the current 3. I enjoy reading exciting prospect’ after she won three how little the old place has changed in Etcetera and noting that – however medals and broke a world record in all that time and I do hope to continue clever, sporty or scheming my 78-84 her first two weeks of top-level track to be asked back on the odd occasion peer group believed ourselves to be – cycling. when our overworked mathematics staff our illustrious predecessors could clearly are called away to such things as Raasay, Katie was part of the Great Britain have taught us a thing or two! women’s team pursuit quartet that won DofE and the SQA. gold and set a new world-best time at Alastair P S Brown (1999) Tom Gentle (2006) the European Track Championships in Andrew P S Brown would like to Tom Gentle is currently travelling the Netherlands in October. This was tell all those that played cricket with throughout Tanzania, shooting a followed by a ‘super’ performance at him between 1993 and 1999 that he documentary about people with the UCI Track Cycling World Cup in finally hit his first ‘six’ this summer. Mr disabilities in the Northern region of the Manchester in early November when Hariharan has been informed already. Katie won two more medals. country. Tom, who directed The Odd Roy Burdon (1955) Couple in the Cargill Hall in his final year Katie’s success is remarkable for a rider at The Academy, went on to study Film At the beginning of November I gave a who took up cycling only three years at the University of Kent in Canterbury. special evening lecture to parents, pupils ago and we will follow and support her The project, a partnership between and teachers at Kilgraston School in progress with great interest in the years Gentle Giant Productions and the Lake Bridge of Earn as part of a programme to ahead. Victoria Disability Centre, centres on a mark the opening of their new Science diverse mix of disabilities in the Mara Block. Peter Bannatyne (1960) region of Tanzania, where the percentage To celebrate my 71st birthday, I decided During the rest of the year I give talks to of people with disabilities has risen from to circumnavigate the Isle of Bute by 14+ pupils at various schools throughout the national average of 4.5% to 13.2%. kayak from my home in Tighnabruaich. Scotland under the auspices of The Rather than looking into the causes of Leaving at 5.45 am to catch the tide, Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE@ the disabilities themselves, the film will I completed the 42-mile journey in schools). explore the stigma and stereotyping thirteen-and-a-half hours. This included that people with disabilities can face in a thirty-minute snooze on the Marquis Paolo Capanni (1986) Mara, and in Tanzania as a whole. This of Bute’s beach at Mount Stuart and a Lieutenant Colonel Paolo Capanni can range from the difficulties faced by landfall in Rothesay to purchase a large RAMC is the Commanding Officer polio sufferers in finding work, to a blind cone from Zavaroni’s Cafe. My wife of 1 Medical Regiment, based in person’s inability to go to school, to claims that there is no fool like an old Bergen-Hohne in northern Germany. the violence constantly threatened and fool – and I fear she may be correct. He is currently preparing his regiment frequently carried out upon people with In the evening we attended the for deployment to Afghanistan in 2014. albinism. Tighnabruaich Boatyard BBQ where the Peter Edmond (1969) The project is being crowdfunded, a musical accompaniment was provided recent concept by which people submit Inspired to become a mathematics by The George Penman Jazzmen, still all kinds of ideas for members of the teacher by Jimmy Cowper and Frankie swinging after more than fifty years. A public and companies to consider and Parkes and introduced to the world of real blast from the past! help fund in order to receive rewards. Statistics in my sixth year, I took a degree Tom’s chosen portal for his project is in Statistics at St Andrews University Iain Breckenridge (1984) Sponsume, under the title In Their followed by teacher training at Aberdeen I handed over command of HMS Shoes. If you would like to hear more College of Education. My first job was ASTUTE (first of class nuclear about the project, or are interested in
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ETCETERA 22.indd 28 09/12/2013 13:43 contributing to a good cause, please go to http://www.sponsume.com/project/ their-shoes
Fraser Lundie (1998) In September, Fraser Lundie was named in the 2013, Financial News ‘40 Under 40 Rising Stars of Asset Management.’
Richard Lyle (1993) Richard has moved to Edinburgh from London after 12 years in England.
Brian Massey 1986 Thought I’d send you this photograph (opposite, top) of Ken (Iky) Thomson (1989) – back row third from the left – and Brian Massey (1986) – back row London, having lived in Singapore since 2011 – and I believe Ken is currently on fourth from the left – which was taken deployment outside of Singapore. recently at the Singapore Kyokushin Karate Club, part of the Gurkha Kelly Sleight (2006) Contingent, Singapore Police dojo After studying law at the University of Strathclyde, Kelly is now a Solicitor within where I was a guest. I am now back in the Public Sector and Social Housing team at Harper Macleod LLP.
ENGAGEMENTS MARRIAGES Claire Hamilton (2004) and Vicki Jackson (1998) Andrew Murray (2004) Vicki married Harry Boddice on 25 Claire and Andrew tied the knot on August 2013 at Pollokshields Burgh 20 July 2013 at Lenzie Union Parish Hall. The ceremony was conducted by Church. The reception took place at Jonathan Fleming (1999). Loch Green House Hotel in Troon. Several Accies were in attendance Vicki and Harry including Claire’s brother, Mark (2001), and Best Man, Stephen Talbot (2004). A fantastic day was had by all!
Calum and Katie
Calum Graham 2001 I am delighted to announce that I got engaged to my girlfriend of 5 years Katie Marshall on 6 August while on Claire and Andrew holiday in Gairloch, Wester Ross. (This photo was taken just after I popped the question.)
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ETCETERA 22.indd 29 09/12/2013 13:43 Chris and Cara Christopher Miller (2001) Chris married Sonia Cheema at Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Hitchin, Hetrfordshire on 19 October, and the happy couple celebrated their marriage in Scotland on 24 October at Dundas Castle, Edinburgh. Sonia and Chris look forward to spending the next year exploring Asia and South America and enjoying their first year as a married couple.
Chris and Sonia
Chris Leggat (1998) On 26 October at Archerfield Links in North Berwick, Chris Leggat (1998) married Cara Laing. The Bridal party was awash with Accies: Best Man and Chris’s brother, Simon Leggat, Ushers, Scott Chassels and Jamie Doig and a reading by Fraser Lundie – much to the delight of Cara’s Dad – a Kelvinsider!
Gordon and Emma Pictured (alongside Ross and Natalie) Jamie Wright Cameron Wilson (1999) (2000) left of centre, Jenna Strang (2002) furthest Cameron married Jennifer Hay right and Grant Strang (2002) furthest left. on Saturday 7 September 2013, at Ross W Weir (2000) Inverkeilor Church, Angus. Thereafter, Ross Weir married Natalie Scott in Kent a drinks and dinner reception was held at on 31 August this year. It was a magical the Hay’s family home, Raesmill Farm. day made even more special with the We are delighted to report that inclusion of many family members there were five additional Glasgow and former pupils. Ross’s cousin Jamie Academicals in the Wedding party: Wright (2000) was best man, his sister Ushers, David Fulton (1999), Murray Jenna Strang (2002) was bridesmaid and Strang (1999), Jon McLeish (1999), her husband Grant Strang (2002) was Richard Inglis (1999) and Best Man, both usher and piper. brother Ramsay Wilson (2001).
Cameron and Jennifer
Gordon Lundie (2002) Gordon married Emma Black on Saturday 5 October 2013 at The Roman Camp Hotel in Callander in front of family and a fair few old school friends.
Tom Menzies (1979) Tom Menzies, Former Pupil and member of staff, got married on 22 July 2013 to Jennifer Joyce at Bearsden Registry Office. Tom and Jennifer
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ETCETERA 22.indd 30 09/12/2013 13:44 Gordon Carruthers Gordon Carruthers celebrates his 90th birthday in the com- (almost) has a pany of (left) Colin Kidd (1982) and Bob birthday celebration… Crawford (1952) he attractions of golf and the University have over the years Tdrawn a large colony of emigrants from Glasgow Academy to the town of St Andrews. In some quarters, indeed, St Andrews has been described as ‘Glasgow Academy East’. Of the many settlers in the east, none is known to more Academicals – or with more affection – than Gordon Carruthers, a member of the Academy staff from 1948 to 1985. Gordon was renowned for his versatility – a teacher of chemistry and biology, the (at the Academy 1939-52, and one of decorated in Academy colours and a organiser of the first post-War school Gordon’s first pupils), Colin Kidd (at the bottle of something festive. In the event, trips to the Continent, commander of Academy 1976-82) and Frank Quinault it turned out that the conspirators were the cadet contingent, Deputy Rector, (former Hebdomadar of the University only a few days out, Gordon’s ninetieth the deviser of a fiendishly complicated of St Andrews) would visit Gordon birthday having fallen at the start of timetable and the master responsible for on the 5th of November with a cake November. university admissions, as well as Acting Rector during the mid-1970s between the illness of Basil Holden and the The train now standing… arrival of Roy Chapman. However, as years ago I left Scotland to my year are Colin McLundie and Gordon still ruefully acknowledges, he emigrate to Australia. On my Hamish Mclean; from two years back, is probably best known to generations 30 departure, I hired a train to go from Iain Anderson and Alistair McIntyre, of Academicals for his productions of Glasgow to Oban – and about 120 and from two years ahead, Douglas the Christmas entertainment in which people turned up! Anderson. Bill Hutchinson (1957) from he had a long-running stint as the panto Toronto, Canada also travelled to be dame. However, Gordon was not only Well I have just done it all again… there. a pillar of the Academy; in the course this time we took over Arisaig House, of a long semi-retirement, he became hired the Jacobite Express, and had Hugh Sutherland (1974) in turn a pillar of his alma mater, the a recovery party University of St Andrews. Gordon was at the Old Forge a stalwart of the University Court at St in Knoydart. A Andrews and a figure of considerable number of Accies influence, not least because he was the were in attendance chair of the committee that decided for both events. the salaries of the professors. In more Names of Accies recent years Gordon has properly retired, in attendance though still stays in touch with many included from Academicals. Moreover, phone calls from Rachel Teggart keep him informed of developments in the vicinity of Kelvinbridge. A few months ago Gordon accidentally let slip that he was about to turn ninety, but declined to give away the date of his birthday for fear that this might bring unwanted fuss and attention. However, it was felt among those who knew him that the occasion – whenever it fell – ought not to go unmarked. There was only one clue – or possibly a red herring: an anecdote Gordon had once retailed about how his mother used to bake him a cake on Guy Fawkes Day. So, whether or not 5 November was indeed Gordon’s birthday, a conspiracy was hatched that a small group consisting of Bob Crawford
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ETCETERA 22.indd 31 09/12/2013 13:44 Meet Atholl’s first male teacher in 83 years! OBITUARIES ndrew leaving school, Professor John C Dumbreck Jackson I moved to (1941) A(2000) Glasgow Hawks 14 July 1923 – 15 August 2013 is known to for three seasons John Craig Dumbreck was a pupil at all at New on completing Glasgow Academy for all of his Senior Anniesland my law degree School years, between 1935 and 1941. as Captain of before returning He was a gifted student in French and the Accies’ to play and now German and, inspired by Chris Varley, 1st XV. Many captain Glasgow went on to study languages at Glasgow will know that Accies. I hope University. He spent most of his teaching he’s a qualified to use some of life in – and became a Professor while a lawyer, but my experience member of – the Russian Department at perhaps it’s to help coach Manchester University. a little less the Sunday John became an Emeritus Professor of well-known mini-rugby and Russian Studies when he retired and that, prep school teams retained an active interest in academic nowadays, to even greater matters. He visited Scotland often, he’s a primary success!’ travelled extensively abroad and also teacher. Andrew clearly enjoyed being reconnected with The After 5 years finds working Academy through Etcetera in recent years. teaching with younger He always visited Colebrooke Street at Oxgang children when he was in Glasgow. Primary motivating and John died in August after a period of School in energising and illness and will be sorely missed by all Kirkintilloch, Andrew recently accepted he’s introduced some new – and usual who knew him. a position at The Glasgow Academy – sports-related activities. Oliver and Milngavie, formerly known as Atholl Luciana, children in the Kindergarten, John Horrex – Academy Staff Preparatory School. for example, were quick to say that they John J Horrex, a former Head of liked dancing with the rugby ball in the Andrew commented: ‘After leaving Physics at The Academy, who became school hall! The Glasgow Academy as a pupil 13 well-known as the founding member of the vocal group The Master Singers in years ago, the opportunity to return as a At a time when only 8% of primary the 1960s, died on 18 March. prep school teacher was one I couldn’t teachers nationally are men, TGA After graduating with a Physics miss. So far it has been a surreal – but Milngavie has been fortunate this year degree from Cambridge – and while thoroughly enjoyable – experience.’ to appoint not one but two men – both a master at Abingdon School in the of them lawyers and both of them keen Andrew was brought up in Lenzie and late 1950s – John Horrex devised a sportsmen! The other is Ian Munro, joined The Academy in Prep 4. On psalm-chant version of The Highway a sprinter who is a former Scottish leaving school he wanted to be a lawyer, Code. In 1963, to celebrate Abingdon’s Under-23 Athlete of the Year. but – perhaps surprisingly – it was his quarter-centenary, a record was made love of rugby that led him into teaching. Jean McMorran, Head of TGA by John and three other teachers, a copy Milngavie, said of her new appointments: of which was passed to the BBC, who ‘After a fantastic 10 years at The ‘I am always looking for staff who used it on a programme introduced Academy, I had the opportunity to by Winston Churchill (jnr). Calling inspire pupils, who provide an exciting move to Pietersberg, South Africa to themselves ‘The Master Singers’, the curriculum with breadth and depth, teach a primary 1 class at PEPPS School group were signed by Parlophone and who give lots of nurture and in Polokwane for 9 months. Although Records and The Highway Code went encouragement. It’s also very important my decision to travel to South Africa on to reach no 22 in the charts. The for children to experience a variety of was very much rugby-related, my singers were even on standby for Top of approaches – and I love having teachers experiences of the country, people the Pops on one occasion. who bring different perspectives.’ and – most significantly – of the school John joined the staff at Glasgow were truly remarkable and my interest in Clearly, the presence of a couple of Academy as Head of the Physics teaching had begun. Although I returned excellent male role models at TGA Department in January 1965, just as to study Law at University of the West Milngavie has had an influence on the The Master Singers were becoming of England, Bristol my thoughts quickly children’s attitudes. Nathalie Jones, one well-known. Unsurprisingly, The turned to a career in teaching and, after of the school’s parents, commented that, Madrigal Group at The Academy finishing my degree, I moved back to before the arrival of Mr Jackson and enjoyed much success under his Glasgow to complete my PGDE course Mr Munro, her daughter hadn’t even leadership and he was involved in many at Strathclyde University. known that it was possible for men to be stage productions – as writer, producer, teachers. actor or technical adviser, sometimes in ‘I am a keen sportsman and continue one capacity at a time and sometimes in to be a passionate rugby player. Having We wish Andrew and Ian every success all at once. joined Glasgow Academicals RFC after in their new posts.
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ETCETERA 22.indd 32 09/12/2013 13:44 The Master R Russell Park (1936) Lt. Cdr. Michael B Tattersall Singers continued 11 June 1918 – 11 September 2013 (1962) to perform live 31 August 1944 – 21 September 2013 and on television, Russell was brought up in Pollokshields as well as record and Cambuslang. He was enrolled at Michael Brian Tattersall (Mike), (Lt. – amongst Glasgow Academy in 1928 and noted as Cdr, RN, rtd) was a pupil at Glasgow others – Shipping an intelligent and industrious pupil. He Academy from 1953 until 1962. During Forecast, won the General Knowledge Prize in his time at school he played rugby, was a Anglican Chant and Weather Forecast. Form IV and 1st XV Colours in Form member of the Chess Club, the Scientific They did the backing of Peter Sellers’ V. His 1st XV team were undefeated and Society and the Humanists and won version of ‘A Hard Day’s Night’, Cliff the team photograph still hangs in the prizes in geography, maths and science, as Richard invited them to back an album pavilion at Anniesland. well as the S5 General Knowledge prize. His involvement with the RN section of of Christmas carols and they performed On leaving school Russell continued the CCF while at Colebrooke Street led ‘The Highway Code’ on the Ken Dodd to show his prowess on the pitch, to Mike pursuing a career in the navy. Show live on BBC TV. However, a playing for 1st Accies through 1937 to combination of distances apart and 1939. Career-wise, his artistic flair was On leaving The Academy in 1962, over-exposure are said to be the reason directing him towards an occupation in he went to the Royal Naval College for enthusiasm for The Master Singers furniture design when war got in the at Dartmouth as a cadet officer before beginning to fade. way. He enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant attending RN Manadon Engineering John left Glasgow Academy at the end in 11th HLI and later transferred to College to qualify as an aeronautical of the autumn term in 1980 to become 51st Highland Reconnaissance. He saw engineer. Mike served on many ships Head of Physics at St Edmund’s School, action in North Africa and was wounded including HMS Bulwark, HMS Eagle, Canterbury. He continued to live in at El Alamein. After hospital treatment HMS Ark Royal, as well as on shore Canterbury on his retirement and, he was posted to Palestine as Instructor bases including Lossiemouth, Yeovil, and until fairly recently, continued to sing for Middle East OTC before joining 1st HMS Daedalus at Lee on the Solent and regularly in the choir of St Stephen’s Batallion London Scottish. Wounded earned a total of over thirty years’ service Church and in a Barber shop group. He twice in Italy, Russell was repatriated in the Royal Navy. on tri-wound, by which time he had was reasonably well and out and about Mike was an risen to the rank of Captain. Post war walking up to a few weeks before his avid sailor and he followed his father into a career in death and, we are told, retained the wry long-term the paint industry. Later Russell got the sense of humour which helped to create member of opportunity to redirect his talents and ‘The Highway Code’ and other Master the RNSA, was able to make use of his design skills Singers classics. competitively as a company director with Douglas racing dinghies Munro & Co. Sonya McDiarmid (Academy staff) and keelboats Very peacefully at her home on Monday A keen angler, Russell had his triumphs all over the 11 November 2013. Dearly beloved wife on rivers Tay and Spey, bagging several world during of the late Neil (Ham) McDiarmid and salmon. He also greatly enjoyed trout his time in mother of Susan and Steven, grandmother fishing, joining the Brother Loch the Royal to Rory, Cameron, Angus, Alex and Angling Club in 1972 and later serving Navy. Since Euan, dedicated bowler, imaginative as Club Secretary. He fished with Accies his retirement from the Service, he bridge player, inspirational and singular and kept in touch with former Angling established a considerable reputation woman of great repute and immense Section Secretary – the late J B Elder racing his 10 metre sloop Electra in the fortitude. (1936) – for many years. They were old Solent, winning essentially every major friends from school and successful 1st trophy in its class over the past 20 years. XV days. Russell always talked positively The Very Rev Dr W J Morris Mike died peacefully after a short illness of his association with The Academy 22 August 1925 – 31 October 2013 at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, and his involvement with Accies. His Hampshire. He is survived – and will We are very other major hobby, golf, meant he be greatly missed – by his brothers sorry to note also supported the GAC in the Queen Rob, Anthony and Peter and respective the passing of Elizabeth Tournament. Russell joined families, and all his many friends. Dr William Pollok in 1936, became a life member Morris, who and served as Club Captain and Hon. gave many Vice President. Mr W Eric Wilson (1952) years of service 20 November 1933 – 29 October 2013 to Glasgow Latterly, he had to deal with limited mobility and stays in hospital. Russell William Eric Wilson CBE died Academy. Dr peacefully at home. A well-known Morris was did, however, get his wish, dying peacefully at home surrounded by Academical, Eric was born in Greenock Minister of and attended the Academy between 1944 Glasgow Cathedral from 1967 to 2005 his family. He was predeceased by his much-loved wife Christine, and and 1950. He became Chief Executive and became an Honorary Governor of the Federation of Agricultural of The Academy in 1995. The funeral is survived by his son and daughter, Alastair and Ruth, grandsons Douglas Cooperatives, Master of the Woolmans service was held at Glasgow Cathedral on Company and Chairman of the Farmer’s 12 November. A full tribute to Dr Morris and Scott and great-granddaughters Evie and Lyla. Club. A full tribute to Eric will feature in will appear in the next edition. a future edition.
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ETCETERA 22.indd 33 09/12/2013 13:44 Picture Post
Macbeth 1962 Macbeth, looking very youthful, is yours David Webster. I’m ashamed to say that many of the truly, minus the false beard I stuck on for the other names escape me, although on my left is Jeff performances in the Cargill Hall! Lady M is Neil Bolam as Banquo, and on the extreme right of the MacGregor, now Director of the British Museum photograph is Peter Gannon, who directed many of and a very distinguished broadcaster of course. On the productions, superbly. his right is Chris Ormerod, as Macduff, and then Hugh Ross (1962)
Dear Sir In response to the letter in the recent Etcetera magazine from Back Row - Left to right Alistair McLean, I attach a copy of the photograph to which he J Little, I Stitt, J Cowie, T Dickie, M Hannah, H Bryson, P Izat, A Steel, R Bane, refers. I also attach a copy of the back which has the names of C Hendry, T Howie, K Hatrick, K Leslie those involved. Second Row B Shaw, B Parkes, R MacInnes, A McLean, A Hogarth, B Archibald, These names are not in strict order, and I am sending a list in G Mackenzie, G Kerr, ? Pollock, S Strang, C MacNiven, R Hogarth what I believe to be the correct order. Seated I hope that this brings happy memories for Alistair. J Marshall, E MacNiven, R Lightbody, Mrs Parkes, K Dunn, F Parkes, Miss Engels, M McIlwrick, C Macallian, H Lumsden, D McColl Yours faithfully Front Row Sandy Strang (1961) D Sinclair?, P Jarvis, E Niven, G McGee, J Hunter, A Izat Missing from photograph – J Bustin, M Keith
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ETCETERA 22.indd 34 09/12/2013 13:44 Dear Etcetera editor, I apologise for taking so long to write concerning your article on Roydon Richards in Etcetera 8. I was expecting one of the Classics scholars to contribute, and then just forgot. However, having rediscovered that particular issue, I feel I ought to comment on the school song, in case anyone uses that page as an authoritative reference. Hopefully, Warren has a true copy of the original. I was a chorister from 1959 to 1965, and although my memory is far from perfect, I am sure that the second last line of the first verse which I sang was ‘Sic nos solutis CORDIBUS’ not ‘coribus’. My Collins dictionary suggests that cordibus is Tony Hatfield’s rugby photo… associated with sorrow, in line with the Rector’s translation. …certainly is not the 2nd team, but is at Glasgow Golf Club; Gordon Page I have no doubt it was a probably an under 12 ½ or 13 ½ team. I became a stalwart of Accies’ Rugby in misprint, but for anyone who, recognise myself (bottom right) as full-back 1960s; Tom Anderson graduated with me like myself, may wish to use and as well as HG, I can see Ritchie, Minto, in Medicine in 1962 and became Professor that page for reference, it Fyfe, Page, McPherson, McCrossan, and of Pathology in Edinburgh; Kenneth deserves correction. possibly Sloan and McCulley. Other faces MacCrossan became an eye surgeon and are familiar but the names escape me. I look emigrated to Canada Best wishes, forward to someone doing better than myself. Perhaps someone else will come up with David Cockburn (1966) Douglas Walker (1955) names for the six blanks here. Kind regards, Dear Sir CARMEN Ian S Smith (1956) Perhaps I can help with this photo of a rugby Qui mos erat scholaribus team composed of my contemporaries. I Olim, nunc usurpamus; think that the given date of 1954 is wrong, Dear Malcolm as the boys look less mature than the Class Thank you for your continued production Vetustis conditoribus photo from summer 1953 (class photos were of the excellent Etcetera. Cantus grates agamus; every second year). I therefore would suggest Musas est salutare that they are Second formers or early Third Tony Hatfield (1954) asked for any formers in 1952 or 1953. information on the rugby photo on p27 of Scholae fidem iuvare: the summer edition. My memory for faces I can name just 12 of the 18 in Henry U`ren`s is slightly better than names, so I apologise Sic nos solutis cordibus team. if I am not 100% correct on those that I Libenter concinamus. Back row – Derek Guthrie, Ramsay Sloan, Derek Brown, think I recognise. George Ritchie, ?, Jock Fleming, W George Wilson, ? Back row – D Guthrie, R Sloan, ? , G Ritchie, H Hic velut in cunabulis Middle row – Stan Symington, Gordon Page, ?, Clark U’ren, ? , J Fleming, G Wilson, E Connal Gibson, ?, ?, McKellar Vitae fides colenda; Middle row – second from left – G Page , otherwise Front row – Tom J Anderson, Kenneth I MacCrossan, ? not known. Mox pubi retinaculis For information Front row – T Anderson, K McCrossan, A Hill Remissae persequenda; Of those I have named, the one I am least George Ritchie ran Trerons until it closed Aetate post adulta confident about is myself, in the front and then ran St Enoch Centre: W George row. My wife thinks it is me, so who am I Fides erit reculta; Wilson became Assistant Secretary at the to argue with such authority! In factis, in vocabulis Royal & Ancient; Jock Fleming (now in Canada) was Club Campion more than once Arthur Hill (1956) Semper fides prodenda.
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ETCETERA 22.indd 35 10/12/2013 12:14 FURNITURE & PANELLED INTERIORS by CLIVE CHRISTIAN
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CC_Scotland_EtceteraMag_SP_IvoryBar.inddETCETERA 22.indd 36 1 30/10/201309/12/2013 09:46:03 13:44