CHRONICLE 2015 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 2015
Highlights 6 Houses 9
SCR 18 Commem 24 The Wilson Family 32 OGs 37
Drama 46 Music 51 Art & Design 58 Academia 65
Community 76 CCF 82 Sport 85 OGs 99
Glenalmond College Chronicle 2015 For more information about admissions to Glenalmond or to request a prospectus, please contact the Registrar, CDXCVII © Glenalmond College, October 2015 Mike Jeffers (T: 01738 842144, F: 01738 842063, E: [email protected]). Published by Glenalmond College, Perth PH1 3RY Registered Charity SC006123 Changes of address and other matters relating to the distribution of the Chronicle should be addressed to the Development Office This Chronicle records the events and activities at Glenalmond (T: 01738 842046, E: [email protected]). College during the academic year 2014/15. The opinions expressed in its columns are those of the writers concerned and With thanks to all our very kind contributors, without whom there not necessarily those of the College. would be no Chronicle.
Photography by John Glen, Ashley Coombes, William Acton, Tempest Photography (House photos) and others.
Cover image by Ashley Coombes. College Council Staff
The Primus of the Episcopal Church in Warden Design Technology Scotland, The Most Reverend David G C Woods, MA Oxon, PGCE * A A Purdie, BSc Camborne, BEd Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, W G R Bain, MA Cantab, PGCE Dunkeld & Dunblane, (President Senior Staff (Academic) Mrs N J Beaumont, BA Edinburgh, PGCE of Council) * Sub-Warden: C G Henderson, BSc, PhD The Right Hon Lord Menzies MA, LLB St Andrews, PGCE Divinity & Religious Studies QC, PC (Chairman of Council) Deputy Head – Academic: S N Kinge, The Reverend G W Dove, MA, MPhil N S K Booker Esq, BA (Chairman of BSc, PhD Nottingham St Andrews, BD Glasgow, FRSA, FSA Scot Committee of Council) * Director of Boarding: Mrs S Sinclair, The Earl of Home, CVO, CBE BSc Edinburgh, PGCE Drama I R Wilson Esq, CBE * Registrar (Head of Admissions): M T Jeffers, * C D B Youlten, BA Manchester, PGCE D J C MacRobert Esq, LLB BSc Manchester, PGCE (Head of Academic Theatre Studies) D G Sibbald, BArch (Hons) RIBA, FRIAS Chaplain: The Reverend G W Dove, MA, MPhil * Miss L Kirk, RSAMD Glasgow, PGCE Mrs C S C Lorenz, AA Dipl St Andrews, BD Glasgow, FRSA, FSA Scot (Head of Drama and Performance) J M Squire Esq, MBA, MSc * J V Light Esq, MA Senior Staff (Administrative) Economics & Business Studies M A J Miller Esq, BSc, MRICS * Director of Finance and Secretary to the * J C Robinson, BA Cardiff, PGCE J G Thom Esq, LLB DipLP, NP, TEP * Council: Ms L A Kennedy, BA, CA P J Golden, MA, BSocSc Birmingham, P A A Mackenzie Smith Esq, BSc Bursar (Facilities & Estates): Lt Col K H MA Open University, PGCE D M S Johnston Esq Montgomery, BSc, MBA, FCMI, MInstRE, Professor A McCleery MA, PhD, Dip MBIFM, FRSSA English Polish Lang & Cult, Dip French Director of Development and Alumni * M Watson, BA Stirling, MEd, PGCE Bus Man Relations: C Fleming, BSc, PhD J D G Lugton, MA St Andrews, PGCE J Smelt Esq, MA (Hons) FCSI (Dip) Head of Marketing: Ms L Nowell, BA, Dip M, Miss V M Dryden, BA Stirling K R Cochrane Esq, BAcc (Hons), CA, Dsc* Dip Dig M, MCIM, Chartered Marketer Mrs C M Gillespie, MA Oxon, PGCE T J O Carmichael Esq Mrs W Youlten, MA Aberdeen, PGCE Mrs L White LLB Housestaff Miss L Kirk, RSAMD Glasgow, PGCE The Right Reverend Dr G D Duncan, Cairnies: Mrs N J Beaumont, BA Edinburgh, Bishop of Glasgow & Galloway PGCE Geography Goodacre’s: P J Golden, MA, BSocSc * S Smith, MA Aberdeen, PGDE *Denotes Member of Committee of Council Birmingham, MA Open University, PGCE C S Swaile, MA Durham, PGCE Home: Mrs K A Watson, BA Durham M Gibson, BSc, PhD Edinburgh, PGCE, Lothian: Mrs C M Gillespie, MA Oxon, PGCE FRGS Matheson’s: L W R Rattray, MA Aberdeen, Mrs G Armitage, BA Newcastle, PGCE MLitt Edinburgh, PGDE Patchell’s: H G Thomas, BSc Exeter History Reid’s: M Gibson, BSc, PhD Edinburgh, * R R Mundill, MA St Andrews, PhD, PGCE, FRGS PGCE, Dip Ed FIHGS Skrine’s: W R Davidson, MA Edinburgh, PGCE L W R Rattray, MA Aberdeen, MLitt Edinburgh, PGDE Art & Design C D B Youlten, BA Manchester, PGCE * B Wang, MA Dundee Miss L Donaldson, BA Westminster, Mrs N J Beaumont, BA Edinburgh, PGCE BA Stirling Mrs C Norton, BA Heriot-Watt Mrs C J R Butler, MA Edinburgh, Assoc Art History of Art Historians * Mrs C J R Butler, MA Edinburgh, Assoc Art Historians Biology * A C Hughes, BSc Glasgow, PGCE Mathematics C G Henderson, BSc, PhD St Andrews, PGCE * G G O’Neill, BSc Belfast, PGCE Dr S Colby, BSc, PhD Warwick, PGCE M T Jeffers, BSc Manchester, PGCE Miss L Howden, BSc Durham, PGCE M Allnutt, BSc, Cert Ed Exeter Mrs S Sinclair, BSc Edinburgh, PGCE Chemistry S P Erdal, BSc Leicester, PGCE, DipAcc * T S Wilkinson, BSc Kingston, PhD Lancaster, M A Orviss, MA Cantab, MMath, PGCE PGCE Mrs S Smith, BSc Essex, PGCE Mrs T Hughes, BSc Edinburgh, PGCE Miss L Howden, BSc Durham, PGCE Modern Foreign Languages S N Kinge, BSc, PhD, Nottingham * Mrs J Davey, MA Edinburgh, PGCE J B M Poulter, MA Cantab, PGCE Classics J A Gardner, BA Cambridge College *G W J Pounder, MA Oxon, PGCE of Arts/Tech, PGCE J D Wright, MA Oxon Mrs K A Watson, BA Durham
3 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Fellowship
W R Davidson, MA Edinburgh, PGCE Mrs M Gardner, BA, PGDE, Cert. (TM) The Glenalmond Fellowship was Mrs S Baldwin, MA Cantab, PGCE TESOL, CELTA established in 2005. Fellows are major Mrs I Reynolds, MA Open University Mrs E Mundill, MA St Andrews, Dip Lib benefactors and persons who have given MCILIP, Cert TM, TESOL distinguished service to the College and who Music have since left office. Fellows contribute to * T J W Ridley, GRSM Royal Academy of Learning Support the Bursary Fund and act as ambassadors but Music, PhD Brunel, LRAM, FRSA * Mrs N Henderson, BSc Ireland, PGCE play no part in the governance of the College. B J Elrick, LLB Aberdeen Mrs L Critchley, Montessori Diploma Ms J Neufeld, BEd Saskatchewan, BMus Miss G Douglas, BPE Sydney There are currently 31 Fellows: Mrs W Youlten, MA Aberdeen, PGCE Visiting Music Staff President: Robin L Wilson (1947-51) M Beetschen, BA, FRCO (piano, organ) Other Key Roles Hon Secretary: Ian Templeton (Hon OG) G Brown (pipe band drums) Child Protection: Mrs S Sinclair, BSc Bill Black (1948-53) G Campbell, MA (piping) Edinburgh, PGCE & R R Mundill, MA Andrew Clarkson (1950-55) Mrs V Campbell, LTCL (flute, bassoon) St Andrews, PhD, PGCE, Dip Ed FIHGS Mark Cornwall-Jones (1946-51) A Collins, BA, PG Dip(Mus) (piano, woodwind) Director of Music: T J W Ridley, GRSM Sheriff Bobby Dickson (1959-63) Mrs D Cyster, BMus, LRAM, PGCE, DCM Royal Academy of Music, PhD Brunel, Sir Angus Farquharson (1948-53) (piano) LRAM, FRSA Frank Gerstenberg (1954-59) Mrs K Duncan, ARCM (oboe) Director of Sport: M J Davies, Sir William Gladstone (Hon OG) D Dunsmuir BA (classical, acoustic, bass guitar) BA Loughborough, PGCE John Izat (1945-50) Ms E Walker (cello, piano) Director of Hockey: D Stott, CMI, MMI Rt Hon Lord (Derek) Kingarth (1962-66) Ms J Gardner Jones, MA, DipARCM (voice) Head of Sixth Form and Careers: A Norton, The Rt Rev’d Ted Luscombe (Hon OG) A James (drum kit, percussion) BA Stirling, BEd John Macaskill (1963-68) Mrs S Mailer (tenor, bass drum) External Visits Co-ordinator and Head of Alan Mackie (1957-61) Ms J Martin-Carter, BMus (voice) Piping: B J Elrick, LLB Aberdeen Joyce Mackie (Hon OG) Ms E McPherson, BMus, MMus (flute) Examinations Officer: M Allnutt, BSc, David MacRobert (1967-72) Mrs A Mooney, GRNCM, MA (voice) Cert Ed Exeter Lady (Hilary) Menzies (Hon OG) Ms M Read, Dip RSAMD, MA (voice) Director of Pupil Development: Harry Morgan (1973-78) Ms T Russell, BA (clarsach) C D B Youlten, BA Manchester, PGCE John Musson (Hon OG) Ms A Simpson (violin) Assistant Registrar: J C Robinson, Kenneth Prain (1951-56) C Stearn (brass) BA Cardiff, PGCE Andrew Primrose (1952-57) Ms C Steele, BMus (viola) Library & Archives: Mrs E Mundill, MA Lord (Russell) Sanderson (1946-51) J Stout (piping) St Andrews, Dip Lib MCILIP, Cert TM, John B Stevenson (1943-48) Mrs M Stewart (bodhran) TESOL John M Stevenson (1944-49) Mrs E Walker, PGDip (cello, piano) Director of the William Bright Society: Bob Taylor (1938-42) Mrs K Whitaker, MA Cantab, Dip Psych (violin) M Gibson, BSc, PhD Edinburgh, PGCE, Keith Thomson (1961-65) FRGS Aline Templeton (Hon OG) Physical Education Oxbridge Co-ordinator: Mrs J Davey, Jim Wainwright (Hon OG) * M J Davies, BA Loughborough, PGCE MA Edinburgh, PGCE Michael Walker (1966-70) Miss C Bircher, BEd Bedford De Montfort Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator: Lord (David) Wilson (1948-53) H G Thomas, BSc Exeter M Watson, BA Stirling, MEd, PGCE Jimmy Wilson (1947-51) Miss G Douglas, BPE Sydney Lower Sixth Lecture Programme: D Stott, CMI, MMI J C Robinson, BA Cardiff, PGCE and The Fellows had their annual meeting and S Smith, MA Aberdeen, PGDE lunch at Coll on Friday, 26 June 2015, the Physics CCF Commanding Officer: R Benson, day before Commem. David MacRobert * R Benson, BSc Nottingham, PGCE BSc Nottingham, PGCE (1967-72) was invited to become a Fellow, S N Kinge, BSc, PhD Nottingham ICT Network Administrator: Mrs I Cox, having recently stepped down from Council D M Smith, BSc Liverpool, MSc University BA QMUC Edinburgh, PgD Stirling, DipEd after serving since 1989. of Wales, PGCE Outdoor Activity Co-ordinator & The Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Manager: Politics M C D Nichols, BA * A Norton, BA Stirling, BEd Medical Officers Computing Dr D G Mitchell, MB, CHB, DRCOG, MRCGP * Mrs I Cox, BA QMUC Edinburgh, Dr S A Evans, MB, BCh, BAD, DCH, MRCGP PgD Stirling, Dip Ed Dr C Jones, BSc, MBChB, DFFP, MRCGP W A S MacAulay, BA Abertay, PgD Paisley Lead Nurse: Mrs J Duguid, RGN G Collins, NHD Cape Town Nurses: I Hems Mrs S McBey, RGN Miss P Craig, RGN English as an Additional Language Mrs J Graham RCN * J A Gardner, BA Cambridge College of Arts/Tech, PGCE, Cert TESOL *Denotes Head of Department
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 4 In Memoriam: Dr Robin Mundill
When Robin Mundill died on 4 July 2015, aged 57, Glenalmond lost an outstanding teacher; but more than just a teacher – a scholar and schoolmaster, and a devoted, loyal and caring husband to Elaine and father to Emma, Catriona and Becky. Throughout the 18 full and eventful years since coming to Glenalmond from Christ’s Hospital in deepest Sussex, Robin, Elaine and their family have been at the heart of the College community. While Glenalmond has settled only recently upon the motto ‘Inspiring Education’, Robin had been doing that consistently for gener- ation upon generation of our young Historians of every age, stage and ability. Never slow to innovate, always ready to deliver a consummate performance, and a genuine scholar in full command of his information, analysis, evaluation and facts, Robin had a truly broad interest in History and a lifelong conviction that History is the ultimate academic disci- pline. Many of his pupils have gone on to success at university and in the wider world and have rightly paid generous tribute to his art and skill, and the enduring memory of his presence in their lives. Robin was an acknowledged world expert in the field of Mediaeval Jewish History and the author of two critically-acclaimed works, England’s Jewish Solution and The King’s Jews – Money, Massacre and Exodus in Mediaeval England. His dedication in the latter book – “For my girls, Elaine, Emma, Catriona and Becky” – says so much about Robin the man. His family were at the heart of his life and were his constant pride and inspiration, helping him to become the teacher we admired. Throughout his time at Coll, Robin was my close friend and colleague and I could see and appreciate at close-quarters his many talents and unique contributions. Glenalmond has lost an outstanding Head of History, whose administration of the Gladstone Prize and teaching in the shadow of Gladstone himself reflected so well our central ethos. Here, at Glenalmond, a true understanding of History enhances our world-view, in which we value our broad Christian, Anglican heritage. He was an outstanding tutor in Matheson’s for many years and, more Not for nothing, Robin will be seen as one of the finest scholars to have recently, in Reid’s, counselling a huge diversity of pupils in all manner taught at Glenalmond. He was honoured as Research Fellow at his of situations with calm patience and thoughtful good advice. He was a beloved St Andrews University and with Teacher Fellowships at Selwyn stalwart of the Chapel, lay assistant at the Eucharist and key member and Corpus Christi colleges in Cambridge. He always conducted himself of our Chaplaincy team. Robin’s regular Chapel talks were never short with complete professionalism, and gave so much back to his friends and of wisdom, wit and uplifting ethical content. pupils alike, unsullied by excessive personal ambition and true to his Robin never lost his zeal and enthusiasm for History. On the day of subject, family and values. his death I was in his beloved Antwerp, home of his grandparents and Robin’s girls and his History teaching meant everything to him and he much visited in Robin’s childhood, on something of a pilgrimage that I was pleased and proud to have found, in Glenalmond, a community was making with him in mind. During our regular conversations in his where he could make a lasting difference, where his values, personal and last weeks he shared with me his love of Belgium and, among other professional alike, could resonate and inspire. things, we laughed and joked together about thirteenth-century Latin Robin was never prouder or happier than two years ago on a lovely accounts of Jews in the flatlands of Essex. Robin, always modest, was of summer’s day, when he excelled as father of the bride, resplendent in top course no mean Latin scholar. He was inspiring to the very end, hat and tails at the wedding of his eldest daughter, Emma, in Chapel. offering endless encouragement and enlightenment: as with all great With Elaine by his side, supporting him as she did throughout their long teachers, Robin never stopped learning and giving. and happy marriage, Robin beamed as he relished the love of his family Robin loved America, home to so many of his favourite songs. Who and friends, which meant the world to him. else could be counted on to give Lynyrd Skynyrd a namecheck in our Robin Mundill: teacher, orator, preacher, mentor, tutor, scholar and, august Chapel? Robin taught at Cornell, the famous Ivy League college above all, husband, father and friend. He achieved more in his all-too- in New York, and gave a legendary Chapel address at Brooks, our short 57 years than most can hope to in a full lifetime. We who remain ‘sister’ school in Massachusetts when he spoke of Gettysburg and the should give thanks for his inspiration and honour his memory. Civil War in the aftermath and shadow of 9/11. He would have appre- J D Wright ciated the irony of his death on their Independence Day, when he was freed from the bitter tyranny of a cruel and incurable illness, borne Dr Robin R Mundill PhD, MA, PGCE, Dip Ed FIHGS, with incredible courage and constant good humour. 27 May 1958 – 4 July 2015, Master at Glenalmond, 1997–2015
5 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Holders of Awards, 2014/15
Major Academic Awards Outstanding Talent Award Maudslay Scholarship Helena Clayhills-Henderson Blair Goodfellow Gordon Porter Hamish Rathborne Purvis Scholarship Holly Craven Mollie Maclean Lewis Goodfellow Will Porter Arthur Gowan Scholarship George Marlow Felix Schaebbicke Fergus Skinner Paul Ritch Alfred Raeburn Scholarship Jamie Arnaud Kaleem Barreto Jack Cross Cameron Grieve Dr & Mrs J Simpson Scholarship Mollie Maclean Hamish Halley Andrew O’Neill Charlie Robinson E W Neish Scholarship Juliet Porter Eleanor Skinner Johnny Roberts India Fraser Gavin Nicholson Scholarship Hector Knight Llew Porter Tom Porter Ben Porter Nevile McQueen Scholarship James Anderton Kimberley Rae John Stephen Tobermory Mackay- Moncrieff Scholarship Jocelyn Pringle Susannah Godfrey-Faussett Champion Andrew Innes Scholarship Issy Arnaud Andrew Dixon Scholarship Isobel Farquharson Music Scholars MacTaggart Scholarship Tobermory Mackay-Champion Catriona Loudon Patrick Baldwin Robert Baldwin Alexander Cross Scholarship Robert Wilson Alex Coward Appin Mackay Samuel David Gladstone Memorial Scholarship Jennifer Cochrane -Champion Hugh Wallace Scholarship Charlie Hogg Emily Jarron Angus Grierson Myles Root W C Hayward Scholarship Adam Loudon Ellie Ridley Alexander Wallace George Craig Scholarship Annie Maclachlan William Bright Scholarship Ellie Kirkland Music Exhibitioners Arthur James Paterson Scholarship Sophie Baird Adele Melia Holly Craven Clara Cameron George Gibson Scholarship Rowan Heron Laura Landale Anastasia Nairne Graeme Robertson Scholarship Gregor Cochrane John Gordon Scott Scholarship Alexander Wallace Organ Scholars Adele Melia Alexandra Milne College Scholars Olivia Strang Steel Constance Gillespie Piping Exhibitioners Alasdair Johnston Miles Kinge Cameron Bullard College Exhibitioners Johnny Bing Jessica Clark Poppy Izat Choral Scholar Mary Harvey-Crawford Rosie Forsyth Jock Stodart Katie Bradshaw Myles Root Hannah-Jane Headon Adele Melia Thomas Jeffers Armorel Robinson Choral Exhibitioners Tobermory Mackay Lucy Fitzpatrick Sixth Form Award -Champion Eilidh Hide Anne Iwashita-Le Roux Lea Michael Katy Irvine (Drama) Tara Armstrong-Cerfontaine Art Scholars Rory Prichard Isobel Farquharson Poppy Izat Second Form Award Teddy Dickson Sophie Izat Beth Whitaker Charlotte Croll Olivia Wise Francis Moray-Parker Noah Khogali Lotte Rolfe
OG Award Art Exhibitioners Issy Arnaud Andrew Gibson Campbell Gibson Molly Sanderson Maria Oliver-Smith Ivan Craig Duncan Wither Polly Armstrong-Wilson Isabella Holliday Noah Moray-Parker Robert Bailey Jock Begg Isla Cameron All-Rounder Award Holly Mitchell Victoria Clark Dougal Forsyth Minnie Murray-Poore Thomas Stodart Fergus Barne Rosalind Dow OG Golf Scholars Fintan Kirkpatrick Tara Houston Alexander McGrigor Andrew Gibson Campbell Gibson Rosie Roberts Kitty Webster Georgina Flowers Fergus Godfrey-Faussett Rory Sandison Annie Porter Friends of Glenalmond Classics Award Amy Gospel Cameron Bullard Will Russell Issy Arnaud Annie Maclachlan Juliet Porter Hattie Barne Catriona San Lorna Porter Alexander Wallace Rafe Houston Charlie Aldridge Lauren Dundee Hannah Edgley James Houldsworth Thomas Jeffers Iona Landale Violet McGrigor Ella McIntosh Euan Moncreiffe Ben Morrison Armorel Robinson
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 6 A Year at Glenalmond: Notable Honours and Achievements
Academic GCSE • 93% pass rate • 15.3% of the grades achieved were A* • 40.9% of the grades achieved were A*/A grades • At the British Physics Olympiad Rachael Cobb and Jack Hu were • Six pupils achieved straight A or A* grades awarded Commendations, Duncan Wither a Silver Medal • Eight pupils achieved nine or more A* or A grades, with two boys • At the British Physics Olympiad AS Challenge, Anne le Roux was achieving 11 A* grades awarded Silver (placing her in the top-300 physicists in the country); • 17 pupils achieved six or more A*or A grades Bronze awards went to Mark Tulloch and Isobel Farquharson • At the British Physics Olympiad GCSE Challenge, Jamie Arnaud A-level received a Silver Award • 96.9% pass rate • 67.1% of the grades achieved were A*/A/B Linguistics • 13 candidates achieved at least one A* grade • Linguistics Olympiad awards: Gold – Sophie Baird; Silver • Nine pupils achieved three A grades or more – Ellie Kirkland and Alexander Wallace; Bronze – Arina • 7.8% of all grades were A* Kobeletska, Olivia Wise, Joslyn Pringle, Anastasia Nairne, Becky • Five candidates achieved more than one A* grade Mundill, Beatrice Reynolds, Rosie Forsyth and Hattie Barne
University Entrance Mathematics • Three places at Oxford or Cambridge • Almost 200,000 pupils entered the Intermediate Maths Challenge. • 49% of applicants earned places at Russell Group Universities Alexander Wallace came top at Glenalmond, qualified for the next round, the Intermediate Olympiad, and achieved a Merit, putting Other Academic Highlights him in the top-200 mathematicians in his age group in the UK • Jamie Arnaud and George Marlow were awarded final-20 places in • 81,000 pupils across the UK entered the Senior Maths Challenge; the Wicked Young Writers’ Award (a national competition that Glenalmond pupils achieved 26 Bronze, four Silver and four Gold attracts well over 5000 entries annually) awards (Duncan Wither, Jack Hu, Anne le Roux and Michael Lea) • Issy Arnaud won the poetry section of the Robert Louis Stevenson • 35 certificates were received in total (up from 24 certificates in Award organised by the Robert Louis Stevenson Society and 2014 and 18 in 2013) Edinburgh Napier University • Claire Mellish and Anne le Roux were awarded distinctions in the • A team of Duncan Wither, Anne le Roux and Tobermory Mackay- Maths Girls’ Challenge Champion won the Royal Society of Chemists Scottish Schools’ Analytical Olympiad Music • Karl Frey won a Gold CREST Award for his project ‘The • Nine Distinctions were awarded in ABRSM music examinations Chemistry and Experimentation of Adhesives’ • 16 Merits were awarded in ABRSM music examinations
7 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Sport Hockey • Midlands girls’ representatives: Under-18 – Jessica Clark; Under-16 – • The Pipe Band placed sixth in the CCF quartet piping competition Eleanor Skinner, Appin Mackay-Champion, Annie Porter and Ailsa and third in the Junior ‘A’ section of the Scottish Schools’ Pipe Band Conway; Under-14 – Susannah Godfrey-Faussett, Violet McGrigor, Championships India Fraser, Ella McIntosh and Armorel Robinson • Alasdair Johnston placed first in the march, strathspey & reel • The girls’ Under-18 team were runners-up at the Midlands section of the East Lothian School Championships Tournament • Theo Pratt placed first and Cameron Bullard second in the novice • Eleanor Skinner has been selected for the Under-16 national squad to section of Scottish Schools’ CCF piobaireachd play in Ireland • Theo Pratt placed second in the senior piobaireachd at the Vale of • Appin Mackay-Champion was selected for the Scotland Under-16 Atholl solo piping competition and fourth in the piobaireachd and jig Development Squad competitions at the City of Brechin solo piping competition • Midlands boys’ representatives: Under-18 – Charlie Robinson, • Cameron Bullard placed third in the Under-15 march at the Vale of Fergus Skinner, Alistair San, Jack Cross; Under-16 – Lorne Robb, Atholl solo piping competition and first in the Under-14 march at the Johnny Roberts, John Stephen and Jamie Arnaud George Watson’s College competition • John Stephen captained the Scotland Under-16 hockey team • At ‘Perform in Perth’ 2015 the Thomas Stewart Cup was awarded to against Ulster in two rounds of international matches, aged 14 Robert Baldwin (for the fourth time – for the highest marks in Open Brass class). The Jean Wallace Memorial Trophy was awarded to Equestrian Molly Ridley and Hamish Halley for the 14-17-year-old vocal duet. • At the Scottish Schools’ Equestrian Championship the Glenalmond The Cairncross Brothers Trophy was awarded to Angus Paterson for team – Amber Napthine, Lorna Porter, Ben Humphries and winning the Open Piano Recital Class Iona Landale – placed third in dressage; Iona Landale placed third • Other ‘Perform in Perth’ 2015 first places: Organ Solo (elementary), in the individual dressage competition Ellie Ridley; Flute Solo (transitional), Lauren Dundee; Organ Solo (advanced), Adele Melia; Oboe Solo (advanced) Alexandra Milne; Shooting Clarinet Solo (open) Appin Mackay-Champion • Erica Tsoi shot for the Scotland ‘A’ team and James Anderton shot • Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana was performed as part of the for the Scotland ‘B’ team in the Schools’ National Shooting match Glenalmond Gala Concert at Perth Concert Hall • Chamber Music was performed at St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee, Skiing St John’s Kirk, Perth and Innerpeffray Library • At the British Schoolgirls’ Championships in Flaine, India Fraser • Durness Mackay-Champion won the Junior Conservatoire won Silver in the Slalom, Bronze in the Giant Slalom and competition at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland combined overall Silver in the Under-14 races; India also won Gold • Katie Bradshaw was the reserve finalist for the BBC Radio 2 Young in the Slalom, Gold in the Giant Slalom and overall Gold in the Chorister of the Year competition unregistered racer category; she also won the St Leonards Cup • Appin Mackay-Champion (clarinet) – National Youth Orchestra • At the British Schoolboys’ Championships in Meiringen, the boys’ of Scotland Under-16 team – Feliz Schaebbicke, Charlie Aldridge, Douglas • Alexandra Milne – National Children’s Choir of Great Britain Mackenzie and Adria Lopez Escoriza – gained Bronze • Emily Jarron – National Girls’ Choir of Scotland • Individual results: Under-16 Bronze – Felix Schaebbicke; Under-14 • Robert Baldwin (horn) – National Youth Orchestra of Scotland and Bronze – Charlie Aldridge; Under-14 Silver – Douglas Mackenzie National Schools’ Symphony Orchestra • Charlie Aldridge finished in the top-eight in the British Under-14 • Patrick Baldwin (trumpet) – National Schools’ Symphony Orchestra competition last season and has been invited to train with the • Ellie Ridley – National Recorder Orchestra of Great Britain Scottish Ski Academy this autumn
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 8 Cricket • The Under-15 XI won both the regional and national Twenty20 tournaments • Jessica Clark was second in the 100m breaststroke • 1st XI were unbeaten after 16 May with wins over Dollar, Stewart’s • Kimmi Rae was second in the 100m butterfly Melville, Fettes and High School of Glasgow; Tom Stodart • Fiona Williamson was second in the 100m freestyle made three scores over 50 – the first player to achieve this for • Laure Burg was second in the 200m individual medley and third in many years the 100m freestyle • Jock Stodart, Thomas Godfrey-Faussett and Durness Mackay- • Fiona Williamson, Laure Burg and Molly Sanderson were second Champion are all involved in regional representative cricket in the 200m freestyle relay • Lauren Dundee was selected for the Scotland Under-18 Water Lacrosse Polo team • Tara Houston competed in the USA for the Under-19 Scotland team; Tara was judged the ‘most improved player’ and is competing Rugby in the Under-19 World Cup this summer • The 1st XV won the Brewin Dolphin Under-18 Shield (Under-18 • Mollie MacLean and Holly Craven were selected for the Under-19 Plate winners last year) Scotland squad • Andrew O’Neill and Kaleem Barreto played for the full Scotland • Annie Porter and Georgie Flowers played for the Under-18 Under-16 team in the Home Countries tournament Scotland squad • Tom Galbraith (OG) was selected for the Scotland Under-20 squad • The 1st XII became the first Scottish school side to qualify for the • Caledonia representatives: Under-18 squad - Duncan Wither, 1st Division of the Rathbones National (UK) Schools’ Lacrosse Ruaraidh Leader and Blair Goodfellow; Under-16 squad – Kaleem Championships Barreto and Andrew O’Neill • The 1st XII were unbeaten in school matches and won the Scottish • Kaleem Barreto has been invited to join the new SRU Academy Closed Tournament; the Under-14 ‘A’ won the junior tournament structure • The 1st XII reached the semi-final of the MacRobert • Roland Kossler was selected to play for the German Under-18 (club/university) Tournament, beating the Under-18 Scottish squad at the 2015 European Championships national side in the process Netball Cross-Country • Perth & Kinross Under-17 representatives: Juliet Porter, Annie • Susannah Godfrey-Faussett competed for the Under-15 East of Porter, Ailsa Conway and Maja Sikora Scotland and Scottish national squad; Susannah won a silver medal • Perth & Kinross Under-15 representatives: Sophie Baird and Lucy alongside the Scottish team at the international schools’ meeting in Murray-Wake Ireland at Easter • The Under-15 squad was unbeaten throughout the season
Golf Girls’ Tennis • Perth & Kinross Team Champions 2015 • The 2nd VI, Under-14 ‘A’ and Under-15 ‘B’ VIs were unbeaten • Team prize in the Perth & Kinross Schools’ Golf Championship; throughout the season Andrew Gibson was second • Minnie Murray-Poore and Mollie MacLean reached the semi-final • Will Porter won the Scottish Boys’ Championship and was selected of the Kilgraston Under-18 Tournament; Lucy Murray-Wake and to represent Scotland at the World Championships in Japan; he was Alisa Conway reached the semi-final of the Under-16 tournament then selected for the European Championships in Finland • Will Porter and Isabel Chua represented Perth & Kinross Schools in Other Notable Events and Achievements the Scottish Schools’ Championships • Geography trip to Costa Rica • Andrew Gibson and Jordan Chatt won the Wayfarers Schools match • History and Culture trip to Poland at St Andrews • Spanish trip to Granada • Andrew Gibson, Campbell Gibson and Jordan Chatt won the Perth • ‘Italia 2015’ Classics trip to Italy & Kinross Schools’ Golf Association stroke-play competition • English trip to Stratford-upon-Avon • Andrew Gibson was the Perth & Kinross County stroke-play and • Biology and Geography fieldtrip to the Lake District match-play Under-18 champion • 31 Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Awards • Will Porter, Andrew and Campbell Gibson and Sean Grieve • 25 Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Awards represented their counties (Angus and Perth & Kinross) • Lower Sixth Form Leadership exercise • Scottish Islands Peaks Race participants – the only ‘junior’ entrants Swimming in this grueling event At the Tayside & Fife Swim Championships: • The 18 pupils undertaking the 100-mile walk 2014 raised • Tobermory Mackay-Champion was first in the 100m and 200m £10,403.37 for charity breaststroke events • The 100-mile walk 2015 was completed just before Commem • Tom Jeffers was third in the 100m butterfly • 22 pupils were awarded Food Hygiene Certificates • Molly Sanderson was third in the 200m freestyle • Senior drama production of Oh! What a Lovely War • Poppy Izat was first in the 100m backstroke • Junior drama production of Bugsy Malone
9 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE The Houses
Captains of College: Hannah-Jane Headon and Angus Sandison Prefects
Goodacre’s Lothian Patchell’s * Aurele Armstrong-Cerfontaine * Helena Clayhills-Henderson * Gordon Porter (Head of House) Paul Ritch (Head of House) (Head of House) * James Renouf (Deputy Head of House) Thomas Douglas * Ailidh Richardson (Deputy Head * Dougal Forsyth Andrew Gibson of House) Thomas Armstrong-Wilson Li-Wei Lin *Catriona Loudon (Head of Juniors) Alasdair Johnston Walter MacAulay Victoria Clark Hamish Rathborne Elisha Johnson Home Sophie Ledingham Reid’s * Hannah-Jane Headon Kate McKinney * Archie Rettie (Head of House) * Minnie Murray-Poore Adele Melia Charlie Leckie (Deputy Head of House) (Head of House) Helene-Astrid Savoie Thomas Dracup * Connie Gillespie Joss Gillespie (Deputy Head of House) Matheson’s Henrik Schlenz *Marina Vidal Hernandez * Duncan Wither (Head of House) (Head of Juniors) * Samuel David Skrine’s * Claire Mellish Gavin Boyle * Angus Sandison Olivia Eriksen Roland Kossler * Rory Prichard Laura Godfrey-Faussett Ryan Craig (Joint Head of House) Victoria Joicey Alvaro Pita Pirri (Joint Head of House) Marina Morgan Patrick Baldwin Freya von Rautenkranz *Denotes College Prefect
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 10 basketball team has a strong Mathesonian flavour with Leroy Chan, Josh Ng and Songchuan Yang regularly on court. In polo, Ben Humphries has been a key member of the College squad, while the shooting VIII contained no less than five Mathesonians, including the captain of shooting, Duncan Wither. Finally, in November, Blair Fraser became the British Junior Champion at wakeboarding, an absolutely phenomenal achievement – we will all watch with excite- ment to see how Blair progresses. The boys have thrown themselves into the House sporting competitions this year. We finished second in senior football, under the captaincy of JanLuca Rughoeft, and third in senior hockey. In the junior competitions we put in brave performances in football and cricket. We did well at the Swimming Gala, and thank you to Victor Gonzalez for his part in organising the team. Matheson’s leavers Academically, we have built on last year’s progress and have had several pupils up to the Warden for commendations. We have Matheson’s also seen excellent results in Maths chal- lenges, Chemistry competitions and Star This has been another very successful year War sequence which involved all the House Awards. The academic progress the House is for Matheson’s. Our aims were to continue to at some point or another. I have also been making was confirmed by the high number of develop a sense of House identity and very proud of our debaters this year – the academic prizes given out to Mathesonians at involvement, to continue the recruitment quality in both the senior and junior cate- Commem. There is always room for improve- drive, and to try and improve the living areas gories was very high and there was an excel- ment, but the boys should reflect with pride within the House. The first aim was broadly lent performance by Noah Khogali and Ben on their academic achievements. achieved through numerous events, from the Humphries to get to the junior final where I would like to wish good luck to all the House challenge, to water polo and the they were just beaten by very strong and leavers: Duncan Wither, Roland Kossler, Classic Film Club. We introduced House worthy opponents. In all the House competi- Gavin Boyle, Samuel David, Leroy Chan, umbrellas, which are something unique to us, tions, the boys showed spirit and tenacity and JanLuca Rughoeft, Ludger Roehm and and House distinctions in the form of Thistle a sense of pride in being Mathesonians. Victor Gonzalez. They are a group who have tie-pins, which are highly coveted and also The House is represented across the not been without their challenges, but have unique to Matheson’s. As far as the second College in all sorts of ways. Duncan Wither bonded together to be a tight unit who it has aim goes, I have been grateful to all the boys and Samuel David were College Prefects and been a pleasure to know and work with. who helped host visitors and carry out tours; Sam was the College Sacristan, a difficult and Special thanks go to Duncan Wither, who has House numbers look healthy for the next busy job. In the CCF we have a high repre- done an excellent job of leading the Prefect academic year. The third aim has been sentation in promoted posts and two of the team of Gavin Boyle, Roland Kossler and achieved largely through significant invest- four wreath bearers on Remembrance Day Samuel David. Duncan has been an exem- ment from the College. In the spring, the were Mathesonians. Roland Kossler received plary leader in the House and a fantastic role Back Quad area of Matheson’s roof was College blazer buttons, awarded to non- model, and I have valued his opinions and replaced. With the external fabric secure, this College Prefects for outstanding service. advice throughout the year. summer saw an extensive refurbishment Mathesonians continue to be highly repre- I would also like to thank my tutor team, programme focusing on the internal struc- sented across the dramatic arts – of particular who have kept all the boys motivated and tures and the facilities on the third floor – note was Noah Khogali’s leading part as inspired throughout the year: Gareth O’Neill, House colours will be introduced and the Dandy Dan in Bugsy Malone. Across the Patrick Erdal, Bing Wang, Kate Butler, Wanda corridors, common rooms and bedrooms will College, the boys do themselves and the Youlten and Charlie Youlten. Rachel McGuire be updated, with redecoration throughout, House proud. continues to be an outstanding Matron and I new furniture, curtains, carpets, and brighter In rugby, we have been well represented in would also like to thank her for all her work lighting. All these changes will create a the 1st XV and junior ‘A’ teams. Duncan this year, she is invaluable to the running of the lighter, airy and more positive environment. Wither, Roland Kossler and Sandy Fraser House. My final thanks are to Mrs Rattray who There have been some excellent achieve- were part of the national Shield winning side has to put up with me, as well as living in a ments this year, including a fantastic perform- at Murrayfield (with Duncan the man of the Boarding House, and for her support and love ance in the House Shout and an excellent match), while Duncan also played at a repre- I am truly grateful. It is an exciting time to be Part-Song performance ably arranged by sentative level for the Caledonia Reds. Well part of the Mathesonian family and I am confi- Finn Kirkpatrick. There was a very well done also to Finn Kirkpatrick and Blair dent that next year we will see the House produced and edited House Drama produc- Fraser who played for the College in the continue to flourish. Matheson’s Floreat. tion of a Charlie Chaplin-esque First World national schools’ hockey final. The College L W R Rattray, Housemaster
11 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE young Gregor Cochrane have led the way on the pipes. Marcus Yip has been honoured to play solos on his trumpet at major public events this year, including the Remembrance Day ceremonies and Leavers’ Service. Sporting success has come in many forms, foremost of which must be the formidable achievements of Charlie Aldridge who is developing into a Mountain Bike racer of national, if not international standing, as well as being selected for the Scottish Alpine ski academy and part of the British ski and snow- board development squad. In rugby, we were delighted to hear that Rafe Houston had been selected for the Caledonia Under-16 squad. There has been significant academic progress. A big focus has been placed on the ‘Learning to Learn’ tutorials, a programme of workshops that focus on building the skills Reid’s leavers needed for any academic success: work plan- ning, revision strategies, grammar refreshers, mind-mapping, numeracy skills, and much more. Form Order feedback, distinctions, Reid’s merits, academic Olympiad awards are all at record levels for the House and suggest Picture the scene: A bright January day, directorial team produced a first-class piece of academic aspirations have never been higher. blue sky, crystalline air, Coll resplendent. The film noir horror – their allocated category – We celebrated a long list of Reid’s academic new Housemaster is making his way up Back and won the competition. At the time of award winners at Commem including Archie Avenue on a school tour with prospective writing, it remains unclear whether this new Rettie, Joss Gillespie, Charlie Leckie, Angus parents. The parents are impressed with the piece of silverware for the Reid’s trophy Paterson and Sam Bertram from the Sixth school but unsure about which House to cabinet also cost the House a recruit. Form, and Hamish Halley, Rafe Houston and choose and whether the new and (fairly) Reid’s is a rich environment. My family and Jamie Arnaud from the juniors, the latter young Housemaster is right for their son. I have been here for one full year and we have scooping no less than eight awards. Passing the cricket pavilion, the Housemaster found it alive with possibility, meaning and The fine buildings of Reid’s – classic notes a gathering of boys in the distance fun. The greatest asset is, of course, the boys. Victorian grace melded with the hard lines of outside Reid’s. Foreboding quickly builds. Reid’s has always attracted an expansive Sir Basil Spence’s Modernist vision – need Approaching Reid’s Hill, the prospective collection of characters, as many Reid’s OGs some upgrading, and this is what they will parents and the Housemaster are presented confirm when they visit – intellectuals, drama- receive. The College Council approved with a horrific scene. Five shirtless boys tists, big thinkers, cultural eccentrics, and the spending of over £500,000 to refurbish all the appear to be hanging by the neck from a tree, odd sporting phenomenon too. Yet they bind boarding areas during the summer. This while a further group of boys spectate, emit- together tightly because we are a House that includes a full re-wiring, redecoration, new ting the horrendous bays of the blood crazed. stands alone on the hill, a place with a strong furniture and fittings. This is great news and The Housemaster, deeply alarmed by this identity and a clear idea of itself. The Reid’s is the first big step towards making the Reid’s point yet forcing a rictus grin, casually assures community laughs easily, often at itself, yet environment as good as it can be. In the the parents of some harmless explanation for there is a genuine pride in being part of some- Trinity Term the Director of Development, this terrifying spectacle. The parents are thing a little removed and a little special. Dr Craig Fleming, also launched the Reid’s displaying the early signs of real fear. The This year has seen some major achieve- Appeal. This is a bid to raise over £50,000 in Housemaster draws closer and attracts the ments from our boys. Shortly after directing donations to invest even further in devel- attention of the nearest boy, the one with a the winning film for House Drama, Fin oping the Reid’s buildings, for initiatives such clipboard and the manic glint in his eye: Graham further embellished his artistic as a new junior library and study area, and “Finlay! What’s going on here?” he asks, in credentials by securing the prestigious also to upgrade the external environment blithe and jovial tones. “Ah, sir, I was going to Ruthven Gallery Award at the College’s life- around the House. This will include addi- talk to you about this… is it ok if we film the drawing exhibition, with Jack Somerville as tional sports areas for football, rugby and ‘group hanging’ scene for the House Drama runner-up. More (good) drama came with the basketball, outside space for meetings and competition this morning?” news that Joss Gillespie, also integral to the meals, as well as re-landscaping and planting. This story has a happy, and indeed House Drama triumph, succeeded in gaining Our Leavers this year will be sadly missed. triumphant, ending. The boys were not, it entry to RADA next year. On the Music front, They have proven themselves to be strong, transpired, actually hanging by the neck. The the House has been particularly well repre- reliable and confident young men. They are illusion was ingenious stagecraft. The prospec- sented this year by, amongst others, our ready to leave, but they will always be Reid’s tive parents revelled, eventually, in the drama Music Scholars Angus Paterson and Alex men and they know they are welcome to and subsequent comedy, or at least they Coward, choir stalwarts Hamish Halley and come home whenever they need us. thoughtfully pretended to. And at the end, the Jamie Arnaud, while old Archie Rettie and M Gibson, Housemaster
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 12 Goodacre’s
This year the boys have continued to shine boys. Each evening he would give a brief namely PHAB; he and the organising in all spheres of school life. The House was introduction to a classical piece before committee raised significant sums for the ably led by Paul Ritch, who played for the 1st playing a movement in silence. Ten minutes disabled. He also proved to be a good and inno- XV all season and capped his year by scoring of classical education, just in case those young vative College Prefect this year. Junior debating against Gordonstoun in the Under-18 modernists had forgotten what great music saw Tom Jeffers and Fergus Reid-Kay work Brewin Dolphin Shield final on the back there is outside of the rap, street, and garage well together in defending the motion ‘Reality pitches at Murrayfield. Being a Head of genres! The Swimming Gala was, as always, a TV exposes the vulnerable’ but did not quite do House is not an easy role, but Paul always did keenly contested affair and we came second enough to get the vote. The junior play saw his best and learnt a lot about leadership, in the senior and junior sections, and second three Goodacre’s boys perform well: Will which will hold him in good stead in his overall. Both individual Victor Ludorum Russell and Cameron Wainwright had great future. Other leaders this year were Walter swimming cups went to the House, with cameo roles, although Fergus Reid-Kay and his MacAulay (2nd XV captain), Andrew Gibson Tobermory and Tom Jeffers performing American accent stood out in the school’s (captain of golf), Tom Douglas (2nd XI impressively. The House outing in December production of Bugsy Malone. Durness Mackay- cricket captain) and David Lin (captain of to Edinburgh is always a lovely way to end a Champion was on great form at the Gala basketball). busy term, and this year the House saw Concert at Perth Concert Hall and we will The Michaelmas Term saw the new boys Aladdin, which was appealing to all ages, certainly miss his piano talent next year. acclimatising and bonding well. House even if a few of the Upper Sixth thought it un- The Trinity Term proved every bit as busy as Shout, House swimming plus a number of cool to laugh too much. the previous two. The junior House athletics other House outings and activities, all helped The Lent Term was less pressured this went well this year, with the Fourth Form to galvanise and in some sense set the tone year, as external examinations no longer runners-up in their year group and showing a for the rest of the academic year. Cameron occur, but life was no less busy for the boys. real team spirit. They also formed the nucleus Wilson played a big part in developing the In the House Drama competition, our of the junior House cricket team, and were ably artistic side of the boys, leading the House impressive entry was led by Cameron Wilson led by Fergus Reid-Kay. The cricketers came Shout entry and also the Part-Song to a very and supported by several juniors. Footage of third after a good win against Reid’s, and some creditable third place. Cameron is very Zhanming Mei being rescued from the River big hitting from Durness Mackay-Champion. determined and this attribute can be espe- Almond was well filmed and a memory to But again, all the boys contributed greatly. cially useful when trying to get 45 boys to smile at. We narrowly failed to retain the cup, Shaun McCarville, Will Russell and Fergus sing in unison! Tobermory Mackay- but Goodacre’s is building its reputation for played in the Under-15 ‘A’ team, with the latter Champion added much to the musical developing good film and drama entries. two being selected for the festival squad. In education of the boys. His regular Tuesday Aurele Armstrong-Cerfontaine was the brains golf, Andrew and Campbell Gibson repre- ‘music evening’ was well received by the behind the big charity event of the year, sented the school as part of our winning team in the Perth & Kinross Schools’ Championships, with Andrew also becoming the Perth & Kinross Association’s Under-18 Matchplay champion this year. Kaleem Barreto was contracted as a Stage 2 Scotland rugby player and represented his country at Under-16 level in a number of fixtures in England during April, very much following in the footsteps of Tom Galbraith (Goodacre’s 2009-14) who played for the Scotland Under-20 XV in the home inter- nationals this year. It was great that Kaleem was awarded the best young sportsman cup at Commem. Tobermory Mackay-Champion became the fastest Under-20 100m breast- stroke swimmer in Scotland this summer. This was a year of individual and House success and the leavers played their part in ensuring all the boys contributed to developing a positive House spirit. The boys’ welfare, happiness and personal development owes much to the assistance they receive from a number of people, especially from our new matron, Yvonne Deuchar, and the tutor team. After eight years we say goodbye to Mark Nichols, our Assistant Housemaster, and wish him continued success with his outdoor activi- ties work on behalf of the school. Goodacre’s leavers P J Golden, Housemaster
13 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Cairnies
At the beginning of the year we welcomed Miss Lauren Kirk as Assistant Housemistress. Miss Kirk instantly made a positive contribu- tion to the House by offering her expertise with the House Shout and has since supported all House competitions. We were also joined by Sports Assistant Miss Charlotte Pounder as Residential Tutor, which meant that all of our tutors were within the Cairnies residence. Miss Pounder had an outstanding year, contributing so much of her time to the House and setting high expectations for the girls. Her positive ‘can do’ attitude rubbed off on all of us and she will be missed next year, when she begins teacher training at Durham University. Many of the girls have represented the College in Music. At the Gala Concert, Emily Jarron and Molly Ridley sang beautifully, and Appin Mackay-Champion mesmerized everyone with her saxophone skills. Appin has been selected for the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (seniors) and attends the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland each Saturday. At the House Music event, Cairnies were the overall winners, winning the Part- Song with a superb performance, and putting in a super effort to gain second place in the House Shout. There have been many dedi- cated members of the choir throughout the year, giving up a lot of their personal time to practice. Lottie Luedke, Polly Armstong-Wilson, Arina Kobeletska, Molly Ridley, Isi Holliday and Rowanne McGee took part in Oh! What and Jenny Cochrane earlier in the summer; significant amount to help build a school in a Lovely War and came back buzzing from Ntombi and Ashley who hosted Emma the developing world. the experience and will no doubt be seen in Renouf and Eleanor Skinner in South Africa, At the end of each year, the girls nominate future Glenalmond productions. and Eztitxu from France, who Annie Porter awards to recognise individuals for their As always, Cairnies has had some excellent had the pleasure of staying with. During their achievements and to acknowledge their dedi- sporting achievements, starting with the stay the girls embraced the true Glenalmond cation to the House and to their friends. annual girls’ triathlon, where Appin Mackay- experience by participating in all school activ- Maggie Maxwell received the Head Award Champion, Eleanor Skinner and Beth ities and clubs, whilst also representing for all her hard work, while Tori Aynsley Stevens achieved first place in the team Cairnies in House events. They have built, I received the Heart Award for being such a event, while in the individual event Annie am sure, life-long friendships. supportive and thoughtful friend. Polly Porter and Lola Burg were first and second During the Lent term Sarah Mellersh from Armstrong-Wilson received the Hands Award respectively. Ailsa Conway, Annie, Eleanor Let’s Cook came to Cairnies and gave a Thai for all her hard work around the House, and Appin were selected to represent the Cooking demonstration, which proved to be particularly with competitions and evening Midlands hockey team and Eleanor was also very popular. Sarah organised the Cairnies socials. Jenny Cochrane received the House selected for the Scotland Under-16 squad. kitchen in order to accommodate eight pupils Award for everything she had done for Georgie Flowers and Annie joined the cooking their own Thai spring rolls and green Cairnies and for the support she has given the Under-18 Scotland Lacrosse squad and curry. It was great to see the pupils so keen to girls and the effort she has put towards her competed in the World Cup during the develop their culinary skills. subjects. summer. Lena Schulte and Natalie Klee Congratulations must go to our post-GCSE Over the summer holidays we are excited competed in the British Schoolgirls’ Skiing 100-mile walkers: Ailsa Conway, Jenny to see the renovation of Flat 5. The rooms are Championships and were very successful. Cochrane, Hannah Boag, Georgie Flowers, getting a much needed dose of ‘TLC’ with At the beginning of the year we hosted a Annie Maclachlan, Eleanor Skinner, Emily new windows and sinks being put into each, number of pupils on exchange: Steph, Isla Jarron and Olivia Wise. Although it was as well as three new rooms and bathrooms and Carrington from Australia, who had very tough, with many blisters and injuries, all being converted. kindly hosted Molly Ridley, Hannah Boag the girls returned in high spirits, raising a Mrs Nicci Beaumont, Housemistress
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 14 Skrine’s
As the year started, so it finished: on the games pitch; but not with a focus on winning or losing, but instead with an emphasis on as many boys as possible taking part. The season’s curtain-raiser, after a fashion, was the Skrine’s 5-a-side football competition, and at the far end of the Trinity Term, the traditional parlauf and tug-o’-war gave opportunity for great collective effort, neatly illustrating the unity and direction of the House. The boys in the House have thrown them- selves into an enormous range of activities and endeavours this year, whether wearing the colours of the House or the College, or occasionally their country. On the sporting front, the Swimming Gala was retained by Skrine’s for a third consecutive year, with fine performances by several boys, with James Houldsworth, James Dewar, Anthony Mannelli, Tobias Guennewigk, Alexander McGrigor and Angus Sandison excelling. Skrine’s leavers The debating chamber has proved a happy hunting ground for Skrine’s, and so it was this year, with the senior pairing of Angus wards. At this occasion, the Danny Dewhurst to the real thing: Ferrari, Land Rover and KTM. Sandison and Ryan Craig winning through. Cup, donated by an old boy of Skrine’s, is Angus Sandison has, by common consent, The final debate pitted Angus and Ryan awarded to the boy who best epitomises the been an outstanding Captain of College, and on against Patchell’s, arguing that brains were qualities of selflessness, honesty and perspec- the side has represented the House in the best more important than beauty. The trophy tive. This year’s thoroughly deserving recip- way possible. Along with carrying out the duly found its way back to Skrine’s. The ient was Ryan Craig. responsibilities and duties of his post, he has junior team of James Anderton and Anthony And so to the boys leaving the House. We captained the senior hockey and tennis teams as Mannelli came up against fierce opponents say farewell to Justus Graf, Tobias well as staying firmly on top of his academic early in the competition, but will surely do Guennwigk and Henrik Hopmann, who commitments. Angus is living proof of the adage well in the future. return to Germany, as well as to the leavers that ‘a busy boy is a happy boy’, and as he heads The House Drama entry was a reworking from the Upper Sixth. Patrick Baldwin, music to St Andrews to read Economics & Geography, of the opening credits to the film Invictus, scholar and leader of our musical efforts, goes I am sure that he will continue in this vein. telling the story of Nelson Mandela’s involve- to London to study Geography, having made Heads of House Alvaro Pita Pirri and Ryan ment in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. A bold some friendships which will surely stand the Craig have been a great double act: sensible, choice, perhaps, but well directed and well test of time. He impressed many with his approachable, and with a very strong rapport played – in both senses of the word. The film sharp and agile mind, as well as having a with the boys – they have done a fine job over was commended by the judges, but perhaps gentle and generous personality. Blair the year. Ryan is heading to Edinburgh to study lacked some of the more obvious genre- Douglas heads for the Northeast as he looks Chemical Engineering, while Alvaro returns to markers of the other entries. By contrast, the to study Petroleum Geology at Aberdeen. Spain to read Business Management. They will choice of song for the House Shout competi- Ryan Hao turns his attention to the all be greatly missed. tion was unequivocally a boot-stomping University of Essex – he will surely continue On a sadder note, we were all deeply shocked crowd-pleaser: a re-working of Tony to enjoy a rich diet of Mathematics, leavened to learn of the death of Yuri Lavygin, who left Christie’s ‘Amarillo’, with the whole House with his customarily colossal meat-laden Skrine’s only last June. Yuri was a fine young on the stage in fancy dress. What it might pizzas. Kirill Lisin returns to Latvia to further man, full of talent and promise, and we mourn have lacked in pure musicality was more than his study of Business, and leaves behind his passing (see p.109). matched by colour and enthusiasm. The him what is surely the tidiest room ever A final word to the vital cogs in the Skrine’s Part-Song, led by Patrick Baldwin, was a inhabited by a teenager. Rory Prichard has machine: Assistant Housemaster Mr Purdie rather more tuneful rendition of the Tight been in Skrine’s man and boy – or so it seems. and the Tutor team of Mr Allnutt, Mr Pounder, Fit classic, ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’, which Since arriving from the wilds of Harrietfield Dr Ridley, Dr Kinge and the evergreen Mr was placed second by the judges. as a fresh-faced 12-year-old, he has grown in Wright. Lesley Ragan continues to wave her The end of the Lent Term saw another all directions, as well as nurturing a twin magic wand over the boys, while Mrs Davidson excellent Skrine’s House Dinner, this time interest in Automotive Engineering and Art. has also provided invaluable support behind the with musical accompaniment from three Where other boys might have had pictures scenes. We look forward to next year with great pipers before dinner, and Angus Grierson of alluring young ladies decorating their anticipation. serenading us on the electric guitar after- bedroom walls, Rory revved his engines W R Davidson, Housemaster
15 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Home
For the past seven years Home has been our family home and the term time home for the in excess of 200 girls we have been lucky enough to care for in that time. To say that I am sad to leave would be an understatement, but adventure beckons and I can proudly say that I leave a House full of spirit, drive and potential for my successor to enjoy. Without question, Home is a very special place to live and work, surrounded by talented girls who care for one another and make their mark on the community in which we live. As for all those who achieve great things, it is the network of support that exists behind them that makes it possible. In this way, the girls have been hugely fortunate to have the Home leavers unwavering attention and guidance of Home’s outstanding Tutors, whether it be Miss Neufeld, Mrs Mundill, or Miss Howden at the junior end, or one of our senior tutors, Mr Woods, Miss Dryden, Mrs Norton or Mr Issy Arnaud captained College debating understand, life in a girls’ House has its Watson. All have ensured that each girl’s and while Home were runners-up in the difficulties and its stresses. No one under- talents and strengths are nurtured, and that senior House competition, the juniors won. stands these better than the girls themselves the journey they have taken through this On the creative front, Beth Whitaker self- and it is always insightful to work with the academic year has built on previous progress. published her first novel, while Holly Nisbet, House Prefects to navigate our way through Then, of course, there is the heartbeat of Izzy Farquharson and Connie Gillespie sold the minefield. This year’s team has been Home, our very own Matron, Davina, who is their artwork at the sports dinner auction. motivated and led by Head of House Minnie there at every available moment with a joke, Furthermore, a high proportion of the actors Murray-Poore and Deputy Head Connie or a hug, or to help us see the funny side of in Oh! What a Lovely War and Bugsy Malone Gillespie, to whom I am hugely grateful. The any given situation. Where would we be were Home girls. Whether it is on the stage juniors benefitted from the firm but fair hand without her? or in the lighting box, the girls have always of Marina Vidal Hernandez, whilst Hannah- As ever, there has been a fair share of made me proud through their willingness to Jane, Tuppence, Marina, Tora, Freya, Laura notable achievement over this past academic contribute and to make the most of the and Olive have ensured the House ran as year. Sporting success was delivered in the opportunities before them. smoothly as possible. I thank them for all they form of a clean sweep in the junior and senior Joining the six Home girls who have gained have given back to our community. House tennis and hockey, and wins for the places at Oxford or Cambridge over the past Finally to the leavers, who leave for their juniors in the House athletics and for the seven years, Issy Arnaud secured an offer to own adventures, such as Rachael Cobb’s seniors in the swimming. International read Classics at King’s College, Cambridge; Christian Union work in Rwanda, Tessa honours were bestowed upon Tara Houston, we wish her well. Maxwell’s gap year in New Zealand, or Ellen who travelled with the Scotland lacrosse team Lucy Fitzpatrick enjoyed an exchange to Douglas’ History of Art course with a year out to the USA. Olivia Strang Steel had a Brooks School in Massachusetts, and we had working at Christie’s; we hope you make the triumphant season in eventing this summer, the pleasure of the company of a number of very best of all your opportunities and live life whilst Emily Simpson qualified for the Royal international pupils who have enriched our to the full. I look forward to keeping in touch International Horse Show at Hickstead in lives and who left with firm friendships estab- with the girls and seeing what they achieve in July. Head of House Minnie Murray-Poore lished. Claudia Garcia and Laura Voltes from the future; you can take the girl out of represented Midlands hockey, Hannah-Jane Spain brightened our Michaelmas Term, Home, but... Headon and Olivia Eriksen completed the whilst Gugig did well to survive the transition It is with fond thanks and heartfelt grati- Edinburgh half-marathon, and Poppy Izat from 30 degree heat in Thailand to the snowy tude that I bid farewell to all the girls who won the 100m backstroke at the Under-18 Scottish winter. Fond farewells were said to have been part of what has been a very Tayside Swimming Gala. Third Former Emilia Wasmuth from Germany and Joanna special time indeed. As a family, we have Susannah Godfrey-Faussett had considerable Benedetti from Spain. Finally, Valentyna, enjoyed the highs and lows and have been success running for the Under-15 Scotland Leonie, Capucine, Greta and Chiara will be very much part of the mission to boost the cross-country team as well as playing in the missed next year as they return to their home profile of girls at Glenalmond. I wish Kate Scotland development squad and the Under- countries. As with all our leavers, myself Butler all the very best; she takes over a 16 Midlands hockey team alongside Ella included, forming the friendships is the easy strong and happy House and one that will McIntosh and Violet McGrigor. Last but not part, it is maintaining the contact once you always have a special place in our hearts. least, we have warmly welcomed Isabel Chua, leave that creates a rich network of friends for Mrs Kathryn Watson the first female golfer to make the our Home girls all over the world. Housemistress, September 2008 Glenalmond team since Carly Booth. As all those who know teenagers would – July 2015
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 16 Lothian
It has been a busy year and Lothian girls have made quite an impact, continuing to take centre stage in all that we do at Glenalmond. Commem was particularly poignant, as not only did we say goodbye to some very special girls, we also said goodbye ourselves, after what has been a fabulous time in Lothian. It has been a great privilege to get to know and work with such inspiring young people, and to see them grow into young adults ready to take the world by storm. This year’s Upper Sixth were an extraordi- nary bunch and the heart seemed to go out of the House when one by one they started Lothian leavers to head home after their exams, but it is the way of schools that before the embers go cold, a new energy emerges in the Lower Sixth, glowing tentatively at first then Melia, both superb Prefects, also made a swimmers in the House and Kimmi Rae, who bursting into flame just when we need it noteworthy contribution to the musical life of joined us this year, lived up to her outstanding most, and the cycle is renewed. The Upper the House. Helen-Astrid Savoie was an talent award. Records were broken by Kimmi, Sixth set the tone for the year and they took impressive Head of International Students Hannah Edgley and Lauren Dundee, while their responsibilities seriously, ensuring that and worked hard to ensure a smooth transi- Molly Sanderson was an outstanding captain of there was a hard working, studious atmos- tion for our pupils who were far from home swimming. Lauren is also a Scotland water-polo phere in House. Fires ignited by Lothian’s and facing the challenge of learning in a player (with all the international travel this ‘Inspiring Women’ series, they are heading second language. Victoria Clark demon- involves) and, with Catriona San, was part of off on divergent paths to study English, Film strated all the core values of an excellent the winning junior triathlon team. Sophie Studies, Forensic Science, Events Prefect – reliable, kind, efficient and a good Baird, Maja Sikora and Jules Porter played Management, Psychology, Law, Dental listener. Perth & Kinross District Netball. A highlight Hygiene, Drama, Hospitality, Theatre We have some extraordinarily talented for me was House football and we fought well, Design to name but a few. There is no one musicians in the House and this year we coming out on top in the end! ‘Lothian pathway’ and success is measured pulled out all the stops and brought home the On the musical front, Katie Bradshaw by our girls’ ability to find their own path and House Shout. I had reservations when they reached the final of the BBC Young Chorister feel comfortable striding forth. said they wanted to do ‘We are the Best’ from of the Year competition and we have loved We had an outstanding team of Prefects St Trinian’s but Adele told me to have faith hearing her sing solo in Chapel. Lothian and I would like to pay special tribute to and I did. It was a triumph of teamwork and continues to shine in the Art Department and Helena Clayhills-Henderson, whose gentle- dedication and the whole House came Torie Clark heads to Florence next year to ness, wisdom and quiet authority ensured together in the rehearsals: great job! undertake a foundation course in Fashion. The she commanded tremendous respect. Ailidh The Lothian Extravaganza was another junior drama production, Bugsy Malone, was a Richardson was a superb deputy and her showcase for our musical talents and every tour de force and many of the Lothian girls legendary efficiency and organisational skills girl in the House performed. There were showed talents they had been hiding for too make her utterly reliable. As Head of some outstanding individual performances long! Rosie Forsyth, Hattie Barne, Katie Academics she spent a good deal of time and Oluchi Adeboye, Georgie Scrymgeour- Bradshaw, Sophie Baird, Cat San, Anastasiia with the juniors, showing tremendous Wedderburn and Ellie Ridley stood out. We Semenuik, Margo Roykhman, Rowan Heron patience. Cat Loudon wore many hats and moved venues to the theatre as we needed and Iona Landale stood out, but the joy of the continued to be in demand in many quarters more space to display the multitude of crafts show was the teamwork on display and the vast – as Captain of Choir and Head of the CCF and home-baked goods. The girls spent majority of the junior Lothian girls took part. she knew a thing or two about responsibility Sunday afternoons crafting, making jewellery, All in all, it has been a fabulous year. We are and made an excellent College Prefect and decorating Christmas candles and wreaths so lucky to have a wonderful Matron and team Head of Juniors. Our House Prefects made a and much, much more. We spent a frantic of Tutors attached to the House and their dedi- significant impact and Kate McKinney, in couple of afternoons baking to add to all our cation and hard work should be celebrated. It her role as House Counsellor, ensured that pickles and chutneys and we made about has been an experience I will never forget and all the girls knew there was someone to talk £300 for our chosen charity. I thank the staff, the parents, but most of all the to. Elisha Johnson made an outstanding Lothian girls make a fantastic contribution lovely, lovely girls. Head of the Second and Third Forms and to the sporting life of the school and there are Mrs Kari Gillespie the notes from her ‘biggest fans’ speak for many victories and individual achievements Housemistress, September 2012 themselves. Sophie Ledingham and Adele to celebrate. We have some talented young – July 2015
17 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Patchell’s
It is very hard to describe the sense of outstanding pupil and we are hopeful that he be a lively and diverse group who have kept us pride and emotion that we feel as a family as will leave with some impressive grades. on our toes. With academics, artists, musicians we leave Patchell’s. Although we are excited Hamish Rathborne has contributed an enor- and sportsmen to the fore, they will be a force about the new challenges that lie in wait, we mous amount to the House over the last few to be reckoned with in the years to come. The will inevitably miss the House; the last six years and is one of only a few recipients of the current Fourth Form is equally impressive and years have been a wonderful experience and Head of House tie. A Patchell’s man through has contributed a great deal this year. We are we will look back at this period with incred- and through! His wonderful sense of humour awaiting a strong set of GCSE results from the ible affection and a multitude of amazing coupled with his sharp intellect will certainly Fifth Form to support some impressive memories. I am told often by parents that we be missed. achievements outside of the classroom. They must be mad living with 50-odd teenage Tom Armstrong-Wilson has been a jovial, are a top group who will lead from the front in boys. Hand on heart, we have loved it! personable and approachable Third Form the years to come! The Lower Sixth have big We hope that the boys will look back on Prefect who will be remembered as a true shoes to fill and I will be interested to see how their time in the House with the same sense gent! Another Houseman, his contributions they develop in their final year. of affection. We have been fortunate to share to the Revue in particular will live long in the I would like to take this opportunity to thank a special building with some impressive memory – who will forget ‘Made in Cairnies’? the Tutors and Matron for their tireless work young men who in each and every case have Blair Goodfellow has been one of the and support, not only over the last 12 months contributed in their own way to the clear outstanding sportsmen of his generation and but during our tenure in Patchell’s. Their time sense of togetherness that exists within the he has been an excellent role model within and effort, coupled with their advice and good House. We have always tried to give of our the House. At least the gym will now get a humour, have been hugely appreciated. best and do our best by the boys, whilst well-earned rest! From the Revue, to the We are confident that we are ‘coming out’ at trying to instil and live by some core values. sports field, the Pipe Band and House the right time for us and that we are handing As leavers groups go, we are hugely privi- Drama, Tom Stodart has always epitomised a over to a special couple – Patchell’s will leged to join the 2015 cohort. This was the positive approach to life at Glenalmond, and continue to go from strength to strength under first intake that chose to move in to Patchell’s has contributed much to both House and the leadership of Conor and Lyndsey Swaile. under the stewardship of the Thomas family College. Newyn Klein joined us in the Lower The House is in fabulous heart and health and and we will remember them with great fond- Sixth, proving a popular addition and adding I look forward to watching it continue to ness. Looking down the list of current Upper some diversity to the group. develop and grow during the next period of its Sixth, it is obvious that they have contributed The last 12 months have been action- wonderful existence! a great deal to Glenalmond over the last five packed and entertaining to say the least. The H G Thomas years. They are an incredibly tight-knit group most recent Third Form intake has proved to Housemaster, September 2009 – July 2015 who have developed in to leading lights across the College community. Gordon Porter blossomed into an impres- sive Head of House and gained the respect of everyone within Patchell’s and beyond. He is an excellent listener; he leads by example and is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. He has also been a great sounding board for me and for that I am grateful. His contributions on the sports field have been significant. The ebullient James Renouf is a larger-than-life character and although it would be fair to say that at times it has been a challenge, he is a loveable rogue and a young man with great potential, who will be remembered amongst other things for leading the 1st XV to such a fantastic victory at Murrayfield. Dougal Forsyth has been an impressive College Prefect and a role model to the Third Form in particular. His contributions across the major sports and with the Pipe Band have been more than significant. Alasdair Johnston has done sterling service on the Fourth Form corridor and has led the Pipe Band to some of its best performances in memory. He has developed into an Patchell’s leavers
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 18 SCR
Jeremy Poulter
Jeremy Poulter, who retired in December, enjoyed 26 spectacularly productive years at Glenalmond, leaving a legacy of which both he and the College should be proud. As Registrar, he was for many years the first point of contact at Glenalmond for potential pupils and their parents, managing and ment and enthusiasm, with a winning sense of excelled as both player and coach. His love smoothing the admissions process. He humour and remarkable breadth of knowl- of classical music is deep and lasting and he promoted and raised the profile of the College edge. It was most appropriate that Jeremy was a supportive participant in many a throughout the world, attracting all manner of should deliver a splendid valedictory address concert audience. pupils of real quality, from both near and far. in perfect German at our Alumni Dinner in Above all, Jeremy had pride in In particular, he cultivated many valuable Frankfurt. We are rightly proud of our Glenalmond as a caring school with a connections in Western Europe, fully utilising German links at Coll and no one has achieved genuinely liberal and outward-looking his considerable language skills. more than Jeremy in strengthening them. aspect. Not for Jeremy the world which ends Jeremy arrived at Coll as a talented and Jeremy was a great support to his wife at the top of Back Avenue. His farewell proven teacher of Modern Languages with a Grace in her successful running of Lothian in address in December was a model of modest Cambridge pedigree and a plethora of the 1990s, a time when the College went fully self-deprecation and insight, showing deep teaching experience from both at home and co-educational and the number of girls at respect and affection for colleagues and abroad. His command and love of German and Glenalmond grew exponentially. They were pupils alike; respect and affection that was French was beyond doubt and he also has a proud Glenalmond parents to Katie and warmly reciprocated. very sound knowledge of Latin and Italian. James, who enjoyed real success at Coll and Thank you, Jeremy – we wish you health Generations of Glenalmond pupils have found are loyal OGs. and happiness on the Yorkshire Riviera. Jeremy a teacher and scholar of real engage- In hockey and cricket alike, Jeremy J D Wright
Linda Kennedy
It is no easy task to manage the finances of control and good decision-making whilst any organisation, let alone one that involves appreciating the needs and demands of over 100 staff and the endless financial developing the College. Although we demands of a 300-acre estate with some mid- discussed, often vigorously, spending priori- Victorian buildings. To do so successfully, ties and budgets, I can only acknowledge a through the hardest recession and economic very deep respect for Linda’s ability and downturn for over 75 years, was an act of sense of what needed to be done. She was masterful financial management and disci- not afraid to question, but she understood pline, and an enormous tribute to the profes- what made the College ‘tick’. sional skills of our Director of Finance, Linda Linda exhibited not only a huge commit- Kennedy. ment to the task in hand, but also a high Linda joined Glenalmond in a part-time degree of integrity. She did not suffer fools capacity as Treasurer, succeeding the late Ivor gladly, but she never let her professional, nor Moir. Linda’s grasp of the complexities of the indeed personal values and standards drop business side of an independent boarding for one moment. school was soon both comprehensive and The College has every reason to thank her effective. A few years in, and with the likes of for ten years of meticulous work as Director the charity test on the near horizon, it was clear of Finance and Clerk to the Council. In time, that the part-time role was simply not suffi- demanding role – there are hundreds of ‘cost I suspect the history books will recognise, as cient to meet the College’s needs. The Council centres’ that must be incorporated into a I do now, just what an asset she was to the decided to enhance the post and Linda single overall budget. Her encyclopaedic College. We wish her well in her new became the College’s first full-time Director of knowledge of each of the many budget head- ventures and thank her sincerely for her hard Finance and Clerk to the Council, a position ings and, perhaps more importantly, all that work, dedication, skill, stamina and sound she quickly made her own. lay behind them, became the stuff of legend. judgement. We owe her a great deal. Running a school’s finances is indeed a Crucially, it allowed Linda to exercise critical G C Woods, Warden
19 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Kathryn Watson
Kathryn Watson arrived at Glenalmond in 2007 when her husband, Michael, took over as Head of English. She had been teaching French at Arnold School on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire. Having read French and Russian at Durham it was not long before her skills were put to use, and after a year working as a tutor in Lothian she took over as Housemistress of Home. With a toddler, Megan, and Cameron just seven months old, and sometimes nearly 70 girls in the House, this was no mean feat. For the last seven years, Home has thrived under her leadership and she has created an ethos that makes the girls believe that anything is possible and that with hard work and effort they can achieve the remarkable. The hundreds of girls who have passed through Home in her time have felt safe and secure, growing into independent, confident young Michael Watson women. She has cared deeply about their welfare and has played a significant pastoral The role of the schoolmaster or mistress perhaps characterised by the recently role in their development, guiding them on to seems well established and perhaps little launched whole-school ‘Learning Project’ – the next stage and keeping in touch with them changed in the last century or more, yet the an initiative that Michael has worked on from long after they have moved on. role of ‘teacher’ is arguably in flux. its inception. The challenge of inspiring 50 In her time at Glenalmond, Kathryn has Educational theorists, cognitive psycholo- academics to question their approach and to taught French, Spanish, German, Latin and a gists, OFSTED and many other august engender a spirit of critical, but positive, smattering of Russian: a polyglot indeed, and bodies have competing ideas about how we reflection should not be underestimated and working with pupils from all over the world has might teach better, nurture learning more Michael is to be heartily congratulated on all been one of the highlights of her time at Coll. effectively, and generally have a greater that he has achieved. She celebrates diversity and has always impact in our classrooms. These messages Michael has been the Head of English encouraged her girls to be themselves and can be mixed and often contradictory and it since 2007, having joined Glenalmond from follow their own path. takes someone with resilience, confidence King Edward VII and Queen Mary School, Kathryn has also made a significant contri- and a subversive edge to challenge the ortho- Lytham St Annes. Michael’s love of all things bution to sport at Coll. Running is a passion doxy and determine what actually works. Step literary is the bedrock of his teaching. His (she has completed several marathons) and it is forward Michael Watson. annual pilgrimage to worship at Stratford- great to see Kathryn out on the road with a In 2012, Michael was appointed to the role upon-Avon has taken place since he was a couple of her girls, putting the world to rights of Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator. In Sixth Former and he has since led many as they pound their way around the glen. A the subsequent three years he has questioned pupils with him on the same journey. The county and England netball player, Kathryn and refined the theories that underpin good inspiration is infectious and it is of little has coached the sport at Glenalmond and at teaching and sought to apply them in ways surprise that pupils of English at Glenalmond prep schools around Scotland. that are appropriate to Glenalmond. His are profoundly committed to their subject. Kathryn is famous for her sense of fun and relentless, positive agitation and willingness He leaves behind him an academic depart- she has loved being at the heart of the action to trespass beyond entrenched systems has ment in rude health and one that typifies his and joining in with her girls. Her wisdom, had a profound impact upon the teaching that management style: reflective, self-critical, patience and endless enthusiasm for life have is taking place every day at the school. It has and in constant pursuit of refinement. made her a valued colleague as well as an become the norm for teachers at Glenalmond He leaves Glenalmond with his family to outstanding role model. to ask questions about how to improve, how join Nord Anglia International School, Kathryn will join Michael on the staff of to increase impact, how to refine their tech- Shanghai, where Michael will take up the Nord Anglia International School, Shanghai, nique and master their delivery. There is a post of Head of English. We wish Michael, teaching French and University Guidance. She strong force for continued improvement in Kathryn, Megan and Cameron every possible takes with her our very warmest wishes; she every department and in every classroom. success and happiness. will be much missed. This fertile and dynamic environment is M Gibson Mrs Kari Gillespie
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 20 Kari Gillespie James Lugton Sue Maclean
Kari Gillespie took over as Housemistress of James Lugton joined Glenalmond in 2010, Sue Maclean arrived at Glenalmond in Lothian in September 2012, coming to quickly establishing himself as a strong and 1997, brought in by the then Head of Girls’ Glenalmond from Cargilfield, where she was reliable member of the English Department. Games, Jill Gillespie, who was keen to intro- a highly respected teacher of English. For He thoroughly enjoyed teaching the full duce lacrosse to Coll following the move to Kari it was a return to Coll, where she had range of classes and abilities, helping the full co-education two years previously. An ex- taught in the early 1990s. pupils to achieve impressive examination Scotland international and with a wealth of Kari made her vision for Lothian clear results. He particularly enjoyed teaching experience, Sue set about inspiring and from the start. She wasted no time in turning literature and developed ways of ensuring the enthusing the girls in the sport she is so the corridors and rooms into an even more activity in the classroom came from the pupil passionate about. homely and welcoming space. Kari has a and not from the teacher, making his classes Those early days were, in Sue’s words, talent for interior design and she used this to both engaging and challenging for his pupils. ‘tough’, with St Leonards and St George’s the full to soften the atmosphere and to His Sixth Form teaching was characterised by having dominated the Scottish schools’ reflect the spirit and energy of the Lothian a sound academic approach to learning, lacrosse circuit for decades. It was not long, girls, through pictures, photo boards and combined with the development of learning however, before Glenalmond was matching, spaces for them to write their own notices. activities that sought to engage the pupil with then eclipsing, the traditional heavyweights, Kari opened her house to the girls and the text through individual, pair and group the girls spurred on by Sue’s vibrant coaching, welcomed them into her family. The work. James found new and adventurous tactical awareness and organisational skills. Downton and hot chocolate nights were an ways to get his pupils to enjoy literature and Today, the Glenlamond 1st XII dominates the instant success, but it went much further. She to make progress with their writing. Scottish circuit, and has done so for a number was ambitious for them, wanting them to James was a significant contributor to the of years. So much of the credit for that must go believe in themselves, to seek out personal College’s rich extra-curricular programme to Sue. challenges and to succeed. She initiated the and his work with the Under-16 ‘A’ XV was Sue’s record speaks for itself: in the 38 inter- ‘Inspiring Women’ series of lectures, inviting characterised by hard work, determination school matches played during the nine years women from very different careers and back- and good coach-pupil relationships. A partic- that I have been at Coll the 1st XII has lost grounds to come and give an insight into their ular highlight was competing in a national only once. The 1st XII has entered ever more choices and stories. rugby shield final at Murrayfield. tournaments, with ever more success: the With Kari’s unstinting support, the best of Whilst his commitment to other sports was annual Scottish Closed Tournament has been the House’s musical talent was showcased in significant, it was James’ work with debating won eight times in the last nine years, the the annual Lothian Extravaganza. Kari has a that really marked him out. He ran Coll’s Northern Small Schools Tournament has been genuine social conscience and she inspired senior debating teams, taking them to the won on numerous occasions and the UK Small girls to think about those less fortunate. At final of the Donald Dewar Debating Schools Final twice, and this year perhaps the the Extravaganza, parents, girls and the wider Tournament (Scotland’s most prestigious greatest achievement, reaching the first divi- Glenalmond community came together, national schools’ debating competition) sion at the UK National Championships – preparing an impressive range of high quality three times in the past four years, and to becoming the first Scottish school to do so. crafts for sale; the girls chose the charity and the English Speaking Union Mace finals. When not coaching lacrosse, Sue has worked significant sums were raised. His ability to allow competitors their with our junior hockey players and senior Kari is a team player and the tutor team independence while ironing out their tennis squad. (like the girls) benefited from her sense of deficiencies was crucial to their success. His I can say with confidence that no other fun, her experience and her compassion. Her time commitment was significant, both in coach in Glenalmond history can have a record husband, David, wholeheartedly supported terms of travel and coaching. to match Sue’s in lacrosse. To establish a sport Kari and the House, offering advice and There is much that James will miss about from scratch and take it to the heights that she interview practice to pupils, as well as Coll, not least its beautiful setting in the has is a remarkable achievement. We thank welcoming staff and pupils to Lothian. Kari Perthshire countryside. As teacher, mentor, her for the dedication and commitment that gave her all to Lothian and Glenalmond, and colleague and friend, James will be much she has brought to Glenalmond in general and we are the richer for it. missed but we wish him well as he explores to lacrosse specifically, and wish her and her Miss Gemma Douglas what Wellington College has to offer. family all the very best for the future. M Watson & The Rev’d G W Dove Miss Carolyn Bircher
21 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Glenalmond said farewell to four members of the Administrative and Support Staff this year.
Paula Bowman farewell dinner was sponsored and attended Dave McKinnon was a hard-working came to Coll in 1995 by many external contractors was testament member of the Grounds Staff for nearly 30 as Secretary for the to the high regard they have for her. years, to his retirement in January 2015, aged Science Block Paula has taken early retirement to allow 65. He was a ‘weel kent’ face about the Appeal. After a short her to spend more time following her inter- campus and clearly liked working in the open break away, she ests, which include all things French! We air. Dave always had a pocketful of sunflower returned as the wish her a long, happy and fun-filled retire- seeds to feed the birds and they followed him Bursar’s Maintenance ment, and thank her for her hard work over and his tractor; like them, we will miss him. Secretary, a role she many years. (Lt. Col. K H Montgomery) Dave has earned his retirement and we hope held from 2000 until that it is long and happy. (Lt. Col. K H her retirement in Louise ‘Loubie’ Montgomery) May 2015. Davidson joined Paula performed magnificent work keeping the Development & Colin Bellamy the infrastructure of the College in good order. Alumni Relations joined Glenalmond Many of the things she did went unnoticed Office in January as a Manciple in the because she quickly resolved problems or, 2013. I can honestly summer of 2011. He indeed, prevented them from occurring. She say that I could not very quickly become was frequently to be seen bustling about the have done my job a great friend and campus dealing with maintenance issues, the without Loubie’s colleague, fully pupils referring to her as the ‘Walkie Talkie tireless support in immersing himself in Lady’. She also arranged the changes of occupa- the background. the life of the tion of the staff houses on site, in her time over- Fuelled by coffee College, from stage seeing in excess of 100 such moves; that all (and the occasional slice of caramel short- crew in the Theatre went smoothly and to schedule is a credit to her bread) from our own Costa, Loubie was a to Outdoor Activities organisational skills and consummate energy. great sport, always willing to share a joke and multiple driving duties – no request was Mother of Emma (Home 2006-11), Paula even when at her own expense. She will be too great. Colin will be missed by all – we was made an Honorary OG in recognition of missed and we wish her all the very best for wish him the best of luck for the future and her contribution to the College. That her the future. (Dr C Fleming) all that it may bring. (M C D Nichols)
Abi Crockett Abi took on the running of the Army in the River Almond and on the Knock of joined the Section last year but in April decided that Crieff. Georgy was always a friendly face Glenalmond she needed more teaching/instructional around the department and endeared herself CCF as a 2nd experience and took up a job at the Cadet to all whom she taught. We wish her well for Lieutenant in the Training Centre at Frimley Park. It will take the future. (S M S Smith) Army Section in some time to replace her qualifications and 2007, and experience, but we wish her well and fully Charlotte although she expect that she will achieve her ambition of Pounder came to had no previous going to China to teach in the very near us from military future. (R Benson Cdr (CCF) RNR) Loughborough experience, she University were was able to put her Georgy she studied Sport teaching expertise Armitage Science and to good use. Abi was promoted to taught part- Geography, and Lieutenant in 2009 and qualified to teach time in the played lacrosse for weapon handling skills, and run short and Geography the university. In full-bore ranges. Department her year as a Her enthusiasm for the Army was plain to this year. She Sports Assistant at see and it was no surprise when she decided to threw herself Coll, Charlotte join the Royal Engineers (Reserves) based at into life at helped in the PE Department and coached RAF Leuchars. In 2010, she replaced her Glenalmond far junior lacrosse and hockey, and was also a husband Davy as SSI at Glenalmond. Abi was more than was Resident Tutor in Cairnies. In preparation for always well organised and in her ‘spare’ time expected of her embarking on a teacher training course she completed degrees in Modern Languages and part-time role: she was a tutor in Lothian, also gained valuable experience in the Business, and diplomas in English and French, introduced polo as a games option for those Geography Department. all with the Open University. She was with equine interest, and was much Charlotte threw herself into life at promoted to Captain in 2012 and was selected involved in ‘Soul Space’. Glenalmond – she was a fantastic coach, to go as the Adjutant to the Athelings (British Taking up a position at Glenalmond was bringing out the talent and potential of every cadet rifle shooting team) tour in Canada in almost like coming home for Georgy, having girl, and with a positivity and humour that saw 2013. Abi was always firm but fair with the attended Ardvreck and grown up nearby – the sunny side of every day. We wish her cadets in her charge. she proved invaluable to our local fieldwork every success. (Miss Gemma Douglas)
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 22 Gordon Woods, Warden 2003-15
23 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE An Appreciation by Lord Menzies, Chairman of Council
When Gordon Woods succeeded Ian Templeton as Warden of Glenalmond College in 2003, he inherited a school in good heart, financially sound, with a history of inspiring learning and a reputation for turning out ‘well rounded’ young adults, fitted for demanding and fulfilling roles in society. After 12 years at the helm, in 2015 he passes on the baton to Elaine Logan – a school in good heart, financially sound, inspiring learning and turning out ‘well rounded’ young adults well fitted for the future. So what, you may say? What has he achieved? Not much change there… How wrong you would be. Under Gordon Woods’ leadership, Glenalmond has changed more in the past 12 years than it has in the previous 50. It has changed in some respects which may be easily seen and noted: in the new Skrine’s House, for which he pushed so hard from his first day in office; in the ground-shaking, splendid noise of the new organ in Chapel; in the new role for Cairnies, the new astroturf pitches, the rebuilt Neish’s. But perhaps more importantly, it has changed in imperceptible ways – or at least, in ways less easy to describe and put a finger the things that have not changed over Gordon Craig Henderson, Sub-Warden, writes: on. There are more girls now than there were Woods’ time as Warden are just as important. The Warden’s House lies at the centre of the in 2003; we are now a fully co-educational The key features of a Glenalmond education College and this epitomises Gordon and school, and proud of it. We welcome more are as recognizable and as present now as Emma’s role at the helm. They were involved day pupils than we did in 2003. We provide ever. The quality of academic teaching – not at so many levels: hosting the Third Form for an even wider range of academic studies. And just achieving good exam results (important Sunday breakfasts, organising balls for the the Glenalmond community is, I think, more though those are), but setting light to the Sixth Form, hosting many guest speakers and caring (perhaps less macho?) than it was. torch of intellectual curiosity. Inspiring the list goes on. What was a happy school then is an even learning. The range and depth of sports activ- As Sub-Warden, I met with Gordon daily; happier school now. We have moved with the ities. Music – the pipe band, the choir, the he met the Captains of College weekly and times, and well into the twenty-first century. orchestra, the organ (and the public concerts the Prefect group fortnightly, ensuring that The lion’s share of the credit for these in Perth’s new concert hall). Theatre and the the operation of the school was both cohesive changes, both easy to describe and less easy, arts, debating, hill walking, sailing. And the and inclusive. He also instigated the weekly rests with Gordon Woods. spirit, the nurturing of the soul – Coll still Monday morning briefings to staff, which Gordon & Emma came to us after long and revolves around the Chapel. Thoughtful, acted to pull the Common Room together, distinguished service at Shrewsbury School. considerate pupils who respect themselves making sure all staff were informed and After graduating from Oxford, Gordon taught and others. Each and all of these aspects of involved. there from 1979 until 2003, serving variously life at Coll, so important, have been nurtured Access to the Warden was not limited to as Head of Geography, Housemaster and and conserved by Gordon, and are flourishing. these meetings, however. Gordon’s door was Deputy Head. In 2003 they and their family One of the ‘buzz phrases’ in the world of always open, to staff and pupils, and he was made the transition to Perthshire (apparently education at the moment seems to be ‘adding always ready to take the time to talk to anyone effortlessly), and quickly settled into life at value’; the aim of taking children and encour- who needed his help or advice. Anyone who Coll. Gordon brought with him a love of aging them to develop and achieve as much met Gordon could not fail to recognise him as sailing and of steam trains, Emma a love of as they possibly can. What they can achieve a genuinely nice, honest, straightforward and culture and cooking. Although I focus princi- will vary from child to child, depending on generous man. pally here on Gordon’s achievements, their abilities and characters, but the aim is to Of course, the job of Warden doesn’t allow Emma’s contribution to the success of the last build on these, and to inspire and encourage. for much free time, but whenever he could, 12 years should not be overlooked. Her Gordon Woods has added value to countless Gordon would head out on to the James encouragement of trips to the theatre and to pupils during his time as Warden, and Braid course to try – valiantly – to improve his the opera, her establishment of the Food & has added value to the whole Glenalmond golf. I hope that retirement allows time for Wine Society, her discouragement of – how community. For that we are immensely the handicap to improve! shall I put it – the excessive exuberance of grateful. The College has flourished under Gordon’s young men. Between them, Gordon and We wish Gordon and Emma happy leadership, and with the support of Emma Emma made a formidable team. gardening and a long, busy and fruitful retire- the College they leave behind is a happy and But as important as the changes have been, ment in Shropshire. welcoming community. Floreat Glenalmond!
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 24 Commemoration Day Saturday, 27 June 2015 Report by the Warden
My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, ence is that through developments in neuro- They have more material goods and a super- For those of you at Commem last year, science, we now know that teenagers are ficially more comfortable lifestyle, but they you may recall that I set myself the challenge wired up that way. also face more challenges from a society that of answering again a question I was asked But that is only half the story: teenagers are throws temptations of all sorts in their way, as at interview for the Wardenship. A member capable of enormous creativity, commitment, well as some distinctly mixed messages on of Council and mother of two boys at compassion, charity and friendship. They can morality and behaviour. These are very real Glenalmond bowled me something of a be unbelievably unkind to each other, but challenges, and there are a worrying number googly of a question: “Now tell me, Mr they can also be unbelievably loyal, some- of casualties, yet the vast majority survive. Woods, what do you think of teenagers?” times beyond reason. They are capable of acts And they thrive. The current generation seem, on one hand, of selfless generosity and charity. Looking at I genuinely admire the current and recent altogether more comfortable in themselves, the faces of the Fifth Formers who had just generations of Glenalmond pupils for all that at another, all the more vulnerable. At their finished another 100-mile, post-GCSE walk a they are. I have taken huge pleasure in being best their sophistication can certainly be couple of days ago, and raising thousands of able to sit down on a Saturday night in late disarming: one day crossing Front Quad I pounds in the process, I could see a real sense November with nearly 200 teenagers at the found myself walking beside a Sixth Former. of personal achievement, and yet they did it St Andrew’s Ball, and that comes from their “How are you?” I said. He said, “How are for others. open charm, their willingness to engage, their you, Sir?” I said, “I’m fine, thank you.” He Teenagers in the early twenty-first century interest in people other than themselves, said, “Well, if you’re fine, Sir, then I am fine.” may be more compliant than they were when and their engrained and instinctive good Charm goes a long way. I was at school. (I seem to remember some of manners. There are, of course, moments when my peers were a bolshy lot, and looking A prizegiving is often about successes, but teenagers think they are indestructible and recently at some of my House photographs even with the astonishing array of prizes here the biological imperative of pushing bound- from the early 1970s I had to cringe at the not everyone will be recognised for what they aries remains strong – and if we are totally hair – yes, I had some, rather a lot in fact – in are and what they have achieved. But they honest, it always has been! The only differ- comparison to the wonderfully tidy look now.) should not be forgotten. So this short poem
25 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE by Digby Wolfe is for you: modules and re-sits have gone and we revert remains pretty consistently at 50% of leavers. to the ‘terminal examination’, which is a Our pupils are doing superbly in all sorts of Here’s to the kids who are different macabre title if ever there was one. Yet academic competitions and you only have to The kids who don’t always get A’s schools, especially schools like this one, will look at the success of the Maths and Science The kids who have ears twice adopt and will adapt to the changes. departments in various national competitions the size of their peers For Glenalmond this has been an extraordi- to see outstanding talent at the top end and And noses that go on for a day… narily successful year on many fronts and it is strength in depth. In the Intermediate School inspiring and humbling to see what pupils Maths Challenge the number of pupils Here’s to the kids that are different, have achieved individually and collectively gaining certificated results has grown from 18 The kids they call crazy or dumb, these last 12 months. One of the highlights pupils in 2013, to 24 in 2014 and 35 in 2015. The kids who don’t fit, came in November, with the assembly at Coll Third Former Alexander Wallace was top in With the guts and the grit of all three of the Victoria Crosses won by the lower part of the school and went on to Who dance to the beat of a different drum. OGs, which happened thanks to several achieve a merit in the UK Maths Olympiad, people involved with the Lord Ashcroft collec- which put him in the top-200 mathematicians Here’s to the kids who are different, tion at the Imperial War Museum in London in the UK. The kids with the mischievous streak, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Three of our chemists won the Scottish For when they have grown Aberdeen. Once again the pupils showed final of the Royal Society of Chemistry As History’s shown, themselves at their best; one of the speakers Analytical Chemistry competition, reaching It’s their difference that makes them unique. wrote afterwards: “It was not only a pleasure the UK Finals. In doing so, the team of two but a privilege to be allowed to address such Lower Sixth pupils and one Upper Sixth beat So, I say “here’s to teenagers past, here’s to attentive and appreciative audiences. It was the best from all the other Scottish Schools teenagers present, and here’s to generations to absolutely clear how interested and proud including Fettes, George Watson’s and come.” I don’t think my answer at interview your pupils were of their gallant and coura- George Heriot’s. But you know, what was quite this long, but it is all worth saying. geous predecessors and it was fitting that they impresses about this is what these three pupils Being prepared for what comes ahead has should be able to see the actual Crosses won also do: only three days earlier Duncan always been a major part of my vision as a by those remarkable men”. Wither had been awarded the man of the teacher and as a Headmaster. Exam results The success of the William Bright Society, match in the final of the Brewin Dolphin are a part of that, and after almost a decade of combined with our on-going staff-training Shield Rugby Competition (which we also grade inflation across the country we see the programme, which is reviewing classroom won). Duncan also won a Silver Medal in the pendulum begin to swing back. The methods, is clearly bringing academic bene- British Physics Olympiad, putting him in the percentage of A* grades at GCSE has fits and positive outcomes. Our Oxbridge top 300 young physicists in the country. Anne declined nationally and as of September we success rate is strong – not by any means the le Roux gained a distinction in the National see the introduction of a whole raft of new A- only indicator of academic success, but one of Maths Girls Challenge, as well as a College levels where the AS-level is no longer a several. Others would include the proportion Distinction with an essay on the challenges contributing part of the A-level qualification; going to Russell Group universities, which and motivations behind space exploration, and
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 26 Tobermory Mackay-Champion swims at a satisfied? No, not fully, we can always Scotland cross-country team in Ireland, national level; in fact, on the day of Commem improve, but for a school of just under 400 I winning a team silver medal. Lauren Dundee last year he became the fastest 16-year-old in do resolutely believe that we punch well has been invited to join the Great Britain Scotland at the 100m breast stroke. above our weight in so many areas. In Music, Under-18 waterpolo training squad. A long Other successes on the academic front think of the highlights of musical theatre and list, Ladies and Gentlemen, but it is right we have included Jamie Arnaud and George demanding choral works – such as Orff’s celebrate such commitment and success. Marlow reaching the final 20 of the ‘Wicked’ Carmina Burana, performed in the Financially, the College has also had a very Young Writers’ Award from over 3000 entries wonderful Perth Concert Hall in front of a successful year, which has allowed us to and Issy Arnaud winning the poetry section of public audience and with professional soloists plough resources into improvements. The the Robert Louis Stephenson Award. and musicians (many of whom were our own current level of investment activity means Earlier this term I went to hear presenta- very talented visiting music teachers). There that there are a considerable number of tions by small groups of pupils on a research is also individual excellence at the highest exciting, and frankly some less exciting but project of their choice. The topics included level: Alex Milne has a place in the National essential projects coming to fruition. The questions such as “Is evolution a scientific law Children’s Choir of Great Britain, Emily programme to transform our sports facilities or scientific theory?” “The Golden Ratio: as Jarron is in the National Girls’ Choir of continues to advance. Having begun with important for Art as it is for Mathematics?” Scotland. Robert and Patrick Baldwin are in work on the cricket outfield, squash courts, And perhaps most intriguing, “Can Game the National Schools’ Symphony Orchestra and shooting range a couple of years ago, Theory be used to make Scotland wealthier!” and Ellie Ridley is in the National Recorder works are currently under way on the new Ladies and Gentlemen, these were projects Orchestra of Great Britain. Neish’s. We are creating a pitch worthy of the delivered by 14 and 15 year olds, not top The programmes in front of you give you success we have seen recently in rugby and Sixth Formers. further detail of individual and collective lacrosse, with a new stand, and a fully- It would be easy, as some schools do, to achievements this year, but we should recog- drained, levelled and widened playing massage academic results by entering our nise some outstanding internationals in the surface. The new carpet for the senior weaker pupils for Highers rather than A- sporting world: our two Under-16 Scotland Astroturf pitch arrived this week, and by levels, not because Highers are better but rugby caps, Andrew O’Neill and Kaleem September we will have a truly top class because by removing weaker candidates it Barreto (who joins the new SRU Academy water-based hockey pitch, complete with new inflates the A-level success rate. Equally, it structure being launched at Murrayfield lighting. Many of these projects have been would be easy to raise entry standards into today), and Under-16 hockey caps Eleanor supported by parents and OGs – such contri- the Sixth Form and jettison pupils who had Skinner and John Stephen; Will Porter, the butions make a massive difference. not performed well enough (whatever that Scottish boys’ champion in golf, who has just In the houses, Reid’s will be completely means) at GCSE level. So, while I am proud come back from playing for Scotland in Japan. rewired and redecorated over the coming of the fact that we can get pupils into Tara Houston represented the Scotland holiday months and major works will be going Cambridge to read Classics, or into Under-19 lacrosse team in the USA and will ahead in Matheson’s to help us advance what Edinburgh to read Medicine, I am just as compete in the Under-19 World Cup this I set out to achieve 12 years ago in terms of proud to see pupils reach A-level standard summer (Mollie Maclean and Holly Craven refurbishing the boys’ Boarding Houses. when their pre-Glenalmond career might have also been selected). Annie Porter and Cairnies will see improvements too. The have suggested this was beyond them. Georgie Flowers have played for the Scotland rolling classroom refurbishment continues This has been a truly astonishing year for Under-18 lacrosse squad, and Susannah and the wireless network will be improved success in and beyond the classroom. Are we Godfrey-Faussett ran for the Under-15 and upgraded. Other vital infrastructure is to
27 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Scottish School ever to do so. Kari Gillespie is in Scotland, I watched the 1st XI cricketers leaving to take a well-earned gap year, amongst thrash our friends from Fettes, whilst the other things tackling the pilgrimage on the Under-14s won a very tight match on the San Camino de Santiago. Kari has been a great Pitch next door. Then I recall the massed teacher and a great Housemistress and we wish Pipe Bands of the Scottish Schools’ CCF her well. Kath Watson is leaving on her own contingents marching up Front Slope a journey after a long and successful innings as couple of weeks ago and appearing over the Housemistress of Home and as a teacher of brow of the slope; the stunning services of languages and coach of netball. It is fair to say lessons and carols by candlelight, back in the that it is perhaps a leap into the unknown for dark days of December, with the hauntingly your family as you head to Shanghai, but we beautiful arrangement by John Rutter and wish you every success. Her husband, Mike, Tim Ridley of a fourteenth-century German has been Head of English for eight years and song. Hearing of the senior lacrosse side has brought a huge amount to the department becoming the first Scottish School to reach in terms of leadership and organisation. He has the premier division of the National Schools done a tremendous job at a time when English Championships, and witnessing some of the exams and assessments have been dominated stunning rugby played by the 1st XV in the by all sorts of technicalities of marking and latter part of the season, not least in that assessment objectives. Mike, we wish you well. Brewin Dolphin final where the opposition Then there is a chap called Woods. The less hardly had a look-in. Pupils winning national said about him the better, but he tells me his competitions, representing their country, life is going to be dominated by ‘g&t’s, but adds achieving scholastic success at a national that this will be less about the Gordon’s and level: just a few of the highlights of just one more about the tonics, which include year in the life of Coll. What a school. gardening & travel, golf & trains, and guitars & And so at the end of 12 years at the helm, I maybe a little temptation. hand the tiller over to a new captain. It has be tackled, including the Music School roof As for the Warden’s wife, a passage can be been a huge responsibility, but it has also and the final phase of the replacement of the borrowed from the first history of the College: been a privilege and an honour to be Warden mains electricity supply around the College. “The Warden was greatly helped in all his work of this great school. I leave with much School years come to a close in a never- by his wife (who) was a very talented lady with thought about what I will miss, but not ending cycle, and once again we say farewell to remarkable artistic gifts, and was a sympathetic regrets. It is time to move on, I do so with our leavers; those staff, pupils, parents and and gracious hostess.” Thus was the wife of pride and warm memories of people, places, grandparents who are moving on to other Warden Skrine described. Skrine retired in achievements and successes, and above all, of things. You may have been wondering about the 1902 and I feel his wife and Emma would have those teenagers who are the heart and soul of oak forest seemingly sprouting from the plat- got on rather well. What is for sure is that the place. form – the two ‘small’ oaks are thinnings from Warden Skrine and I have been very fortunate It gives me great pleasure to introduce the grounds and are going to be replanted in indeed to have such wonderful teammates Anton Colella as our guest speaker. I have the grounds to mark this year’s leaving genera- alongside us. known Anton for some years through his tion of pupils and in doing so, will enhance the Running a school is an all-consuming work as Chairman of the Scottish Council of tree-scape on the campus. The oak is tradition- responsibility and I must thank my colleagues, Independent Schools. He was Chief ally the symbol of courage, power and in particular Craig Henderson and all of the Executive of the Scottish Qualifications endurance. Hanging from the branches are Senior Management Team, for their support Authority (SQA) from December 2003 to individual reflections and hopes for the future and hard work. Equally, Rachel Jaggard has October 2006 before becoming Chief from members of this year’s Upper Sixth. been so much more than a diary keeper and Executive of ICAS (the Institute of We say farewell to a number of staff manager of the Warden’s working life – she has Chartered Accountants Scotland) which I members. ‘Colin the Manciple’ is one of those been an invaluable and wise sounding board. think claims to be one of the oldest profes- key people who make the place tick. Colin is And I want to say a sincere thank you to the sional bodies in the world. moving to Shropshire (as am I), but is hotly parents who choose to entrust their children to Anton was elected Chair of the Global denying the rumours that he is doing so to us, and to those who govern or who have Accounting Alliance (GAA) in November become the outgoing-Warden’s private governed the College, I also say a heartfelt 2011 and has an Honorary Doctorate from manciple. Charlotte Pounder leaves after a thanks for your support and guidance. BPP University and is Honorary Professor of year as our lacrosse graduate assistant. I am In his book The Old Ways, Robert Education at the University of Glasgow. He is delighted to say that Charlotte is going on to Macfarlane writes: “We tend to think of land- a Council member of the Confederation of train as a Geography teacher in Durham, and if scapes as affecting us most strongly when we British Industry Scotland (CBI) and a Trustee her year here has had anything to do with that are in them or on them, when they offer the of Columba 1400, an award winning social then that is all to the good. Georgy Armitage primary sensations of touch and sight. But enterprise and charity to help young people has also spent a valuable year with us, in the there are also landscapes we bear with us in realise their potential. A graduate of the Geography Department, and has also re- absentia, those places that live on in memory University of Stirling, Anton’s career began as kindled and enabled interest in polo and we long after they have withdrawn in actuality… a teacher of Religious Education and he wish her well. Sue Maclean leaves after a and such places are amongst the most impor- became a Deputy Head in Glasgow before hugely successful time as our 1st XII lacrosse tant landscapes we possess.” joining the SQA. coach. A fitting highlight to her career came Events and landscapes create memories. Anton, we are very pleased to have you only last term when our senior lacrosse team Only last Saturday, in glorious summer with us today and, if I may say so, thank you reached the top division in the National sunshine, and in a landscape that has got to be for all you do on behalf of the Independent Schools’ Championship, so becoming the first one of the most spectacular settings for cricket Schools’ sector in Scotland.
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 28 Address by Anton Colella
My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, Young aspiration for greatness. ‘Greatness’ is a word know. I look at you, young men and women, Men and Women, that is seldom used by our politicians or civic what dreams do you have? I dreamt as a 16- leaders, yet the writer of Ecclesiastes year-old of just getting a job. My mother I am very pleased to be here today. It is captured it beautifully: ‘They were the pride worked in a fish and chip shop at night while particularly pleasing to be here to witness of their time.’ I fed the kids, it was the only dream I could your farewell, Gordon, and to add my own I believe that today, as parents and grand- have then. But for some of you… What is the note of appreciation. I have worked with parents, we want to produce young men and dream you have? I wanted to be an astronaut; Gordon for a number of years on the board of women who will achieve greatness. If I was to ‘space cadet’ was how my teachers defined it. SCIS and he has been a very authoritative make a wish for you, it is that some of you will I was Chief Executive of the SQA and one voice for the sector in Scotland. Gordon, achieve greatness in your life. That you will day my secretary said I had a phone call. I Thank you. be the pride of your times. This is not a pipe- picked up the phone and the voice at the I get the privilege of doing this quite dream, or ridiculous – the aspiration for other end said, ‘Hello, Anton, this is NASA. I regularly but there is something very special greatness is a wonderful thing. Aristotle know you think this is a hoax, but this is (X) in here. There is something palpable – I felt it called it ‘magnanimity’. the NASA Space Centre in Houston – we the moment I arrived. Ignore the political Now, the problem is that the modern have a problem.’ I said, ‘You’re kidding.’ He rhetoric that’s going on right now about the English use of magnanimity has undermined said, ‘No, we would like you to come over to Independent Sector and charitable status – its association with greatness, because NASA – we’re looking at how our Space there’s something very beautiful here, that magnanimity is generally interpreted as when School could be educationally accredited and preserves its traditions. In a season when we you give Fettes a good beating, you are we wondered if you could help?’ So, the boy are looking at educational homogeneity, at magnanimous in victory. Actually, that is not from the East End of Glasgow went to NASA. times ideological, it is important that we have the meaning of magnanimity. ‘Magna’ and The crowning moment, the dreamer’s dream places like this: refuges, an oasis of quality ‘Animus’ – great or big mind; and great minds realised, was sitting in the Commander’s seat and innovation. It is not just about privilege think big. I am reading Aristotle at the of the training Space Shuttle. If I, the boy as some would define it, it is a privilege by moment; he talks a good deal about virtue from the East End of Glasgow, with one choice and born of the spirit of its founders and calls magnanimity, ‘the crown of all the Higher in the Fifth Year, achieves that, then who saw something very special. I encourage virtues’. I believe that today there is a great what will you achieve? you to preserve the wonderful thing that you absence of magnanimity in our public There are two pieces of wisdom I will give. have here. I use the word ‘beautiful’ very thinking, and in the thinking of many of our St Thomas Aquinas read Aristotle and got the carefully, as I have sensed it in the Chapel leaders. I am not here to criticize – it is more magnanimity, but said that if magnanimity and through into here. the hope that we will have magnanimous runs riot it can become blind ambition and I re-wrote my speech as I was sitting in the leaders of civic society and business for many arrogance, so said if you want magnanimity, Chapel. I was very moved by a wonderful generations to come. have humility alongside it. We heard the service and it was the reading from For me this is important, and I should tell reading during the service today, ‘to walk Ecclesiastes that spurred me to do so. you a little of my personal story. I was the humbly’. Young men and women, humility is One of the challenges that we face today – child of a single-parent family – four children, not a popular word, today it is all about self- in a time of great progress, success, and we grew up in the East End of Glasgow, in a assertion, making your point known. Well, wealth – is that we live in an age of medioc- one bedroom flat. I slept in the living room; Ladies and Gentlemen, the key to success rity. Particularly mediocrity in leadership, my bed was a settee. I do not say that for and greatness is walking humbly. And the way where human greatness is undermined by the sympathy, that was just my life. My mother to walk humbly, being practical about it, is to procession of one’s human failings. Sadly, did a great job of raising us and I did very learn to serve. It’s interesting, that two words, greatness sometimes does co-exist with weak- badly at school – I got one Higher in my Fifth ‘serve’ and ‘self’ sound so similar, yet we are ness. As I was listening today, there was a Year. I have only started confessing this in my surrounded by so many who are preoccupied phrase at the beginning of the litany that speeches in recent times – I was a bit embar- by self and not by service. If you can show a talked about all the great things that men and rassed and ashamed before that – here was I, hundred kindnesses a day, and find opportu- women did at the time of the writer and at the chief Executive of the SQA! I did a lot nities to serve anyone, even if it is your the end of it he said, ‘They were the pride of better in my Sixth Year, when I got five parents, or your grandparents, or your their time.’ Looking at all the young people Highers, and that happened for a variety of colleague, you will grow in character in a way here today, I could give a powerful exhorta- reasons. One is that I had a profound reli- that will last a lifetime. tion to success – be qualified, do well at gious experience in my final year of school, And the second point: last year I was given school, get a good degree, pursue a great which mobilised everything within me to do an Honourary Doctorate, presented in the career, if wealth comes your way be prudent well. I went on to become a Religious Guildhall in London. The room was filled, and use it wisely – but actually, I would like to Education teacher and the rest is history. and they read the citation and I was very substitute the aspiration for success with the At 54, what I may yet become, I do not honoured. I went up to give my thank you
29 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE speech. I had brought my mother with me and I tell the story. The lesson for the young men made and for the opportunities you have given she was sitting in the front row. I said that, I and women here today is that gratitude is one me.’ Maybe some of the parents here can say it may never get a chance to do this again, so of the crowning virtues. I would remove the to the grandparents. Greatness, Ladies and today I would like to honour my mother – for word ‘Thanks’ from our vocabulary, because we Gentlemen, will be found in men and women every sacrifice, for every goodness, for all her have stopped saying ‘Thank you’ – specifically, who serve with humility and who are grateful patience, her hard work and her love – in front ‘you’. Gratitude takes our eyes off ourselves. So for everything that they have received. of everyone here today. And everyone stood up do me a favour, it will be for your own benefit, I wish this school every success in the and applauded my mother, who had brought go up to your parents, or to your grandparents, generations to come. Thank you very much, up her children on her own. And it moved me, and say, ‘I want to thank you for everything you indeed. as it would, and as it may move some of you as have done for me, for the sacrifices you have
Prizes & Awards
SECOND FORM PRIZE Physics Arina Kobeletska Kimmi Rae Technology Fergus Godrey-Faussett Economics Jakob Engelbrecht PRIZES IN THE THIRD FORM Spanish Jakob Engelbrecht Geography Thomas Reynolds Biology Jamie Arnaud Physics Rowan Heron English Jamie Arnaud Technology Tom Porter Geography Jamie Arnaud Biology Alexander Wallace Greek Jamie Arnaud Chemistry Alexander Wallace History Jamie Arnaud English Alexander Wallace Latin Jamie Arnaud French Alexander Wallace Mathematics Jamie Arnaud History Alexander Wallace Latin Alexander Wallace PRIZES IN THE LOWER SIXTH FORM Mathematics Alexander Wallace Biology Poppy Izat Business Studies Sam Bertram PRIZES IN THE FOURTH FORM Drama Rory McLean Drama Rosie Forsyth Economics Felix Schaebbicke Physical Education Rafe Houston English Robert Wilson Physics Catriona San French Fintan Kirkpatrick Spanish Becky Mundill Greek Hector Knight Technology Simon Shi Physical Education Fergus Skinner German Joslyn Pringle Spanish Georgie Horne Mathematics Joslyn Pringle History of Art Harry Hartley-Metcalfe Greek James Anderton Technology Harry Hartley-Metcalfe History James Anderton Geography George Marlow Geography (shared) James Anderton History George Marlow & Ellie Kirkland Chemistry Anne Le Roux Biology Ellie Kirkland Further Mathematics Anne Le Roux Chemistry Ellie Kirkland Physics Anne Le Roux English Ellie Kirkland Ancient History Lea Michael French Ellie Kirkland Latin Lea Michael Latin Ellie Kirkland Mathematics Lea Michael Politics Lea Michael PRIZES IN THE FIFTH FORM Chemistry Kaleem Barreto PRIZES IN THE UPPER SIXTH FORM Drama Hamish Halley Ancient History Cameron Wilson French Rory Sandison Ernst & Young Business Studies Prize Charlie Leckie Physical Education Eleanor Skinner Ernst & Young Economics Prize Samuel David
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 30 Jamie Arnaud Anne Le Roux Ellie Kirkland
Connie Gillespie
Tom Stodart & Anton Colella Andrew O’Neill
Fergus Skinner Charlie Leckie Poppy Izat
31 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Drama Beth Whitaker Upper Sixth Form Minnie Murray-Poore French Elizabeth Wallace Constance Gillespie Geography Holly Craven Hannah-Jane Headon History Constance Gillespie History of Art Olivia Eriksen DISTINCTIONS Trower Prize for Mathematics Claire Mellish Distinction in Physics Anne Le Roux Modern Languages Hélène-Astrid Savoie Distinction in Classics Lea Michael Physical Education Tom Stodart Distinction in Life Drawing Holly Nisbet Politics Hannah-Jane Headon Distinction in History Jamie Arnaud Spanish Minnie Murray-Poore Distinction in English Jamie Arnaud Technology Victoria Clark Greek Issy Arnaud Wordsworth Medal for Individual Latin Issy Arnaud Research & Scholarship Issy Arnaud Montgomery Prize for Divinity Joss Gillespie English Joss Gillespie SPECIAL PRIZES AND AWARDS Biology Mollie Maclean The Duncan Garrett Award & Friends of Glenalmond Travel Award Mathematics Mollie Maclean For a one-year Scripture Union Project in Rwanda and Scotland Chemistry Duncan Wither Rachael Cobb Physics Duncan Wither The Friends of Glenalmond Travel Awards PRIZES FOR ART For a three-week project with San Bushmen in Botswana and Namibia Fourth Form Art Prize Johnny Roberts Victoria Joicey Fifth Form Art Prize Alastair Spencer-Nairn Lower Sixth Form Art Prize Erraid Gaskell For a ten-week project with Raleigh International in Tanzania The Alasdair Paterson Memorial Prize Freya von Rautenkranz Constance Gillespie The Visual Communication Prize Kate McKinney The Ron Craig Art Prize Yaqi Su Rory Paterson Prize for Computing Jamie Arnaud The Hugh Price Prize Constance Gillespie English as an Additional Language Prize Lena Schulte PRIZES FOR MUSIC Verel Prize for Natural History Harry Lord Piano Prize (Hall Prize for Keyboard) Angus Paterson Birkmyre Cup for outstanding contribution to Drama Ralph Kerr Quaich for Keyboard Adele Melia Joss Gillespie Satow Quaich (outstanding support for Cup for the best all-round Sportswoman College Music by a non-Music Scholar) Archie Rettie Mollie Maclean Tambling Cup for Chapel Singing (shared) The Crighton Cup for the best all-round Sportsman Samuel David Blair Goodfellow & Mollie Maclean The Forrester Cup for Piping Alasdair Johnston Martyn Bennett Prize (outstanding all-round musical contribution) Captain of Corps Catriona Loudon Catriona Loudon Services to Chapel Samuel David Stewart Prize for Academic Music Patrick Baldwin The Wijeratne Cup (shared) Rowanne McGee Senior Singing Prize Patrick Baldwin & Andrew O’Neill Senior Instrumental Prize (Horn) Robert Baldwin College Blazer Buttons Roland Kossler Pounder Cup for outstanding music performance Tom Stodart Durness Mackay-Champion Ryan Craig Paul Ritch STAR PRIZES College Blazer Brooch Victoria Clark (Most awarded in each year group) Kate McKinney Second Form Amy Cameron Olivia Strang Steel Third Form Lotte Rolfe Beth Whitaker Ben Humphries Rowan Heron SENIOR CITIZENSHIP PRIZES Fourth Form Ellie Kirkland The Luscombe Prize (shared) Constance Gillespie Becky Mundill & Hannah-Jane Headon Juliet Porter The Ralph Webster Prize Angus Sandison Fifth Form Tobias Guennewigk The Hardie Citizenship Prize (shared) Claire Mellish Jamie Arnaud & Ailidh Richardson Nelly Hebenstreit The Katie Emslie Bowl Hannah-Jane Headon Lower Sixth Form Lucy Fitzpatrick The Hugh Malcolm Cup Angus Sandison Isobel Farquharson George Marlow Sean Grieve
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 32 David Charles Wilson, standing on left, the eldest son of Sir David Wilson – he was at Glenalmond from 1885 to 1889 and was a member of the XI and Captain of College From Aberdeen to Hong Kong: The Story of a Glenalmond Family By David Willington and Elaine Mundill
In his speech at Commem in 1997 Lord the background of Mary Garioch Skinner, the Fetterletter by Woodhead, near Fyvie in Wilson of Tillyorn said: mother of David Wilson, one of the first Aberdeenshire. He was educated at “At the opening of the school 150 years ago, members of the family to come to Coll, and Marischal College, Aberdeen, and ordained one of those present, as ex-officio President of wife of the Very Reverend David Wilson. in 1826. A year later, he became the the Council, was William Skinner, Bishop of Her father, William Skinner (1778-1857), Incumbent of Woodhead, where he remained Aberdeen and Primus of the Scottish was Bishop of Aberdeen and, as Primus, was for the rest of his life. He was Dean of Episcopal Church. His only daughter married involved in the foundation of the school. At Aberdeen from 1849. During his ministry, the the son of an Aberdeenshire farmer. At the the age of 64, he visited Glenalmond twice present Church of All Saints at Woodhead latest count 42 descendants of that union have during the autumn of 1842. He expressed was built. In 1832, he married Mary Garioch been at Coll. Three have served variously on reservations about the proposed site of the Skinner and they went on to have ten chil- the staff. I guess my only qualification for College: dren, four of whom came to Glenalmond and being given the honour of being asked to “Mr Patton’s profered [sic] site appears to are commemorated in Chapel. speak today is that the Aberdeenshire farmer me very romantic & rather picturesque but it Their daughter, Johanna, married the Revd was called Wilson and I am one of those 42. is sadly sequestered and remote, amply Canon Arthur Augustus Jenkins and had nine All of us have felt a great and lasting affection confirming a remark made to me by a good children, including Arthur Henry Jenkins for the school.” friend of the Church, that if we wish to (1871-1946). He was at Glenalmond from The Wilson family, with their collaterals – establish a Monastery there Glenalmond is 1887 to 1891, Captain of College and captain Jenkins, Bushe, Rochford, McEachran, undoubtedly the site; but in my humble and of the XI and played for the XV. He became Gordon, Peirse-Duncombe and McIntosh – wholly unprejudiced opinion, it is far from an artist and was visiting art master at have provided no less than 40 boys, including presenting the very best and most unexcep- Glenalmond from 1905 to 1920. six Captains of College, and two ladies for tionable locality.” David and Mary Wilson’s second son, Sir Glenalmond, from David Wilson in 1850 to Despite his doubts, the Primus acquiesced David Wilson (1838-1924) was at Duncan Gordon in 1991. Here, we trace the and attended the laying of the foundation Glenalmond from 1850 to 1855. He married family connections, their careers at Coll and stone of the Chapel on 8 September 1846. He Jeannie Milne, a great-granddaughter of what they achieved in later life. In the main chaired meetings of the Council until his James Wilson, and served as Private Secretary we have confined ourselves to those who bore death in 1857 and is listed in Chapel as a to the Governor of New Brunswick from the surname Wilson. However, to understand Benefactor of Glenalmond. 1861 to 1869. In 1870, he moved to Trinidad fully the part that this ‘clan’ has played in the David Wilson (1805-80) was the grandson as Stipendiary Magistrate and in 1878 history of Glenalmond, we have to describe of James Wilson (1726-1810), a farmer at became the Commissioner of the Northern
33 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Arthur Henry Jenkins Sir David Wilson Eric Wilson
Bishop William Skinner (courtesy of Lord Wilson of Tillyorn)
Modern VIth at Commem, 1896. Charles Skinner Wilson (standing fourth from right), the son of Sir Alexander Wilson, was at Coll from 1890 to 1896 – he won the MC in the First World War and became a businessman and farmer
Province of Trinidad and Sub-Intendant of building of a house for the Bursar in 1938. He for two years during which he played for the Crown Lands. He was the Governor of called this house Woodhead, not only because XI. He went out to India in 1865 and became British Honduras from 1897 until 1903 and it was beside a small wood at the top of Front a partner in Jardine, Skinner and Co, was appointed KCMG in 1899. He retired to Avenue but also in memory of the ancestral Calcutta. He was a significant figure in the Walton-on-Thames where he died on the 15 home in Aberdeenshire. Wilson maintained a business community and in 1887 was March 1924, at the age of 86. There is a position in the Reserve and, in 1940, he appointed High Sheriff of Calcutta, for which plaque to him near the entrance to Chapel. rejoined the Black Watch. he was knighted. In due course he became a Jeannie Milne died in 1874, four years In 1945, he returned to Coll where he member of the Legislative Council of India after their marriage. They had two sons and a resumed the post of Bursar until 1948. His and Chairman of the Mercantile Bank of daughter, Mary Jeannie Milne Wilson, who principal tasks in the three years after the India. He returned to England in 1891 and was the matriarch of the Bushe, Rochford, war, as well as coping with all the restrictions lived near Saffron Walden. From his youth McEachran and Gordon families, who alto- imposed by rationing, was the establishment he had been a keen athlete; even during the gether had 12 boys at Glenalmond. of the Cairnies as a Probationers’ House, the hot season in India he played racquets every In 1881, Sir David married Nora Kate expansion of the four existing Boarding day. He boasted a fine physique, which he Clyne (1860-1937) and they had three sons Houses to 50 boys each, the War Memorial attributed to his schooling: “To this school I and a daughter. Four of Sir David’s sons came on the north side of the chancel in the owe the chief means of my advancement in to Glenalmond. The youngest, Eric Robert Chapel, the visit of HM Queen Elizabeth on life. To the hills surrounding it I owe the Wilson, was born on 15 July 1894 and at 19 July 1947, and the Centenary Reunion the health which has carried me through 25 Glenalmond played for the XV and the XI. day after Commem. At Commem 1948, the years’ residence in India, and to the good He left in 1912 and studied Engineering. At Warden spoke of him: how resiliently Colonel education and the good feeling which I had the outbreak of War he enlisted in the 9th Wilson had faced constant problems; instilled into me in this school I owe every Battalion, the Black Watch. After war service, however unexpected the difficulty or acute success I have had in this world.” Clearly, he in which he was wounded and won the MC, the crisis he had coped with it. After retire- was no shrinking violet. he continued in the Regular Army until 1936 ment from Glenalmond, he devoted his David and Mary’s youngest son, John when he retired to become Bursar of considerable energies to the Save the Skinner Wilson (1849-1926), was at Glenalmond and C.O. of the Officers’ Children Fund. He died in March 1963. Glenalmond from 1860 to 1866. Thereafter, Training Corps. The major works during this Returning to David and Mary Wilson, their he spent a year at Aberdeen University and period of office were the reconstruction of third son, Sir Alexander Wilson, was born in then attended St Catharine’s College, the east window of the Chapel and the May 1843 and came to Glenalmond in 1858 Cambridge. He was priested in 1871 and
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 34 Nora and Nellie Wilson with their father, the Dean of Edinburgh OG Group at Commem 1887: The Very Rev’d John Skinner Wilson (Dean of Edinburgh) (courtesy of Lord Wilson of is seated in the middle row, second from the left Tillyorn)
held various incumbencies including Woodhead and St George’s, Edinburgh. In 1897, he became Dean of Edinburgh and Provost of St Mary’s Cathedral. He was a member of the Council of Glenalmond from 1897 to 1923. In 1883, he married Eliza Mary Jane Clyne, the sister of Sir David’s second Left: Rev’d wife. He died on 13 November 1926 at Aros, William Strathtay. Skinner Wilson The Chronicle of December 1926 paid (courtesy of glowing tribute: Lord Wilson of “His love for Glenalmond, and his keen Tillyorn) interest in all that concerned her welfare, began with his school days… No one knew Right: Arthur better than he did her history, traditions and Alexander the ‘romance’, as he was wont to call it, of the Wilson story of her foundation. For many years he was a Member of Council and those who served with him will remember his wise rowing man. After his first degree he went to Lieutenant in the Argyll and Sutherland counsel, his gift of solving a difficult problem Edinburgh Theological College and became Highlanders. He was killed near Arras on 23 in the right way and his power of commending Curate of St Mary’s, Glasgow. During the April 1917, just after his 25th birthday. The the solution to others… He was indeed always First World War he served in Gallipoli, Adjutant wrote: “His loss is deeply mourned young at heart and the interests and activities Palestine and France as Chaplain to the throughout the Battalion by all the officers, of the school appealed to the boy that was in Forces. In 1921 he became the Incumbent of NCOs and men, amongst whom he was so him. His last visit to us was paid at the begin- St Mary’s, Lochee, Dundee, and later St popular. You will be proud to hear that he ning of this term for the OG Match… He John’s, Alloa. He was a Member of was killed in the noblest execution of his opened the match by kicking off. He was Glenalmond Council from 1929 until his duty”. His grave in France was visited by Coll carried to his resting-place [in Strathtay] by death in 1942. pupils during the 2013 Glenalmond his five surviving sons and a nephew.” The third son, Arthur Alexander Wilson, Battlefields trip. There were seven sons of his marriage, one was born on 17 April 1892. He came to His eldest brother, William, heard about of whom died in infancy, and two daughters. Glenalmond in 1904 and was placed in Junior his death while in Palestine. He wrote to This was pre-eminently the Glenalmond III. He did especially well in Latin and Maths their parents: “Well, it is bad luck on poor old family. The two daughters, Mary Ellen and won the Form Prize at the end of the Arthur, but war is war and these things must (’Nellie’) (1893-1964) and Nora Clyne (1895- year. He was good at rugby and athletics. In be… I am glad you have a large family – it is 1969), worked at Glenalmond as Warden’s 1908, he was selected for the 1st XV and was up to those of us who are left to try more than Secretary and Housekeeper respectively, and a regular member of the team for the next ever to make ourselves worthy of our Father retired together to Blair Atholl in 1955. Of two years. He became a Cadet-Officer in the and Mother.” This stoical attitude was not the boys, three were Captains of College. Corps. After Glenalmond, he went up to untypical of the time. The eldest son, William Skinner Wilson, Keble College, Oxford, where he read Arthur and his cousin, Harry Wilson, son was born in 1885. At Glenalmond, he played Theology and played rugby for his college of Sir David, were two of the 157 OGs who for the XV. He went on to Keble College, and the university. Afterwards, he intended to were killed in the war. At that time there Oxford as a Chatterton Scholar. Like his enter the Theological College in Edinburgh were only about 150 boys in the school in uncle, who bore the same name, he was a but when war came he joined up as a 2nd total.
35 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE David Robert Wilson – Captain of Shooting VIII, 1900: Harry Wilson (standing on left), the fourth son of Sir David Wilson, the XV, 1914-15 killed in the First World War – he was at Glenalmond from 1898 to 1900
Glenalmond in 1902. He was Captain of College and of the XV and fives and gym champion. As his obituary in the Chronicle records: “His strength was phenomenal and his feats in the gymnasium were to become legendary. The tale is told of Patchell’s Left: remark, when he heard of Wilson’s unarmed Jack Wilson – fight with a leopard shortly after he went to Captain of the XV, India, ‘Poor leopard!’.” 1907-08 When he left Glenalmond in 1908 (at the age of 20 and a 2nd Lt. in the Corps), he Right: joined the Indian Police. During the war he Jimmy Wilson became Senior Deputy Commissioner of – Clare College, Police in Calcutta. He continued to play Cambridge XV, rugby and hockey in his spare time. In 1917, 1939 he became involved in the boy scout move- ment and, on his return to England at the end of 1922, he was appointed by Baden-Powell as David Robert Wilson was the fifth son of that David Wilson was employed in a training Camp Chief to set up the Gilwell Park John Skinner Wilson. He was born in 1897 role. He was invalided out in 1935 and joined training centre. He was the author of ten and came to Glenalmond in 1910. He was William Blackwood and Sons, the Edinburgh volumes of the ‘Gilcraft’ series and ‘Scouting Captain of College and of the XV, played for publishing house. Round the World’, published in 1959, the the XI and was gym champion for three years. In 1939, he was recalled for duty to the product of his travels as Director of the He left Glenalmond in December 1915 and Admiralty and took part in the evacuation Scouts’ International Bureau. At the World joined the Navy. After brief basic training he from Dunkirk. In November 1940 he was Boy Scout Jamboree held at Toronto in 1953, found himself as a Midshipman at the Battle injured in an air raid on London but he the Deputy Chief Scout for Canada said that of Jutland. Later in the war he was posted to continued to serve on the Allied Naval Staff. Colonel Wilson had contributed more to HMS Vehement, a newly built destroyer. This He was present on HMS Warspite at the D- scouting than anyone except Lord Baden- ship struck a mine off the Dogger Bank in Day landings in Normandy. He retired from Powell, the founder of the movement and, in 1918. Although one officer and almost half the Navy in 1945 with the rank of Captain. 1950, he was made a CMG for services to the crew were killed, the fires were put out After the war he rejoined Blackwood’s as a scouting. and Vehement remained afloat for several Director and became Assistant Editor of When World War II came, he was recruited hours before being sunk by gunfire from her Blackwood’s Magazine. He was very active in into the Special Operations Executive (SOE) sister ships. After the war, David Wilson the Navy League, an organisation devoted to and initiated training schemes for agents and served with the Atlantic Fleet and in the East Sea Cadet Training. Following his father, he other personnel to organise and help Indies; by 1927 he reached the rank of was appointed to the Council in 1948 and Resistance groups in occupied countries. In Lieutenant-Commander. He retired from the served on the Committee of Council. He was 1942, with the rank of Lt. Colonel, he was Royal Navy in 1934 and spent a year as a Secretary of the OG Club from 1946 to 1958. appointed head of the Norwegian Section. Commander in the Navy of the Republic of After his death in 1968, his obituary in the Amongst other things, he organised infiltra- Colombia. He was no latter-day Cochrane and Chronicle described him as “a most approach- tion by air and by sea (the ‘Shetland Bus’) and Colombia had virtually no Navy. However, able man, full of kindliness and friendliness”. was associated with the attacks on the Tirpitz training schools for officers and sailors had His elder brother, John (‘Jack’) Skinner and the Heavy Water plant at Rjukan, east of been established very recently and it is likely Wilson, was born in 1888 and came to Bergen. He was awarded the OBE by King
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 36 Warden Barlow with the School Prefects, Trinity Term 1953 – David Clive Wilson is standing on the left
George VI in November 1943. He reported: Arnot Russell also inspired him to rock and “The King asked me what I had been doing. ice climbing. Later, he was to take part in two When I mentioned that I was concerned with significant expeditions, the Oxford University Lord Wilson of Tillyorn Norwegian Resistance, he said: ‘Then I had Botanical Expedition to Somaliland in 1957 better not ask any more questions’.” and the successful British Expedition to In 1916, he married Anne Marie Duggan Mount Kongur in China in 1981. This was Hong Kong, died in office in December 1986, and they had a daughter and a son. John the first British mountaineering expedition to David was appointed as his successor at the (’Jimmy’) Skinner Wilson was born in China since the Communist victory in 1949. early age of 51. During his Governorship he had Darjeeling in 1919 and came to Glenalmond Mount Kongur was then one of the five to deal with protests arising from the in 1933. Like his father, he was fives cham- highest unclimbed peaks in the world. Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989 and the pion and played for the XV. After a term at a David won a Scholarship to Keble, Oxford, thousands of Vietnamese Boat People. Despite French school he went up to Cambridge and the college of his father and uncle, Arthur political uncertainty following Tiananmen, he won a rugby blue. On the outbreak of war he Alexander Wilson. After National Service in launched the building of a new airport on joined the Royal Artillery. He was evacuated the Black Watch, he eventually went up in Lantau Island. One difficult issue was the devel- from Dunkirk and served in India, Burma 1955 to read History. He rowed for the opment of representative government in such a and Malaya. After the war he became a College in all three years and was Secretary way that it would survive the return to Chinese regular soldier and retired in 1968 with the of the JCR. sovereignty. By 1991, he had enabled 18 rank of Brigadier. His son, John Skinner After Keble, he entered the Foreign Office members of the Legislative Council to be Wilson, was born in Germany in 1954, was and in 1960 was posted to Vientiane in Laos. directly elected. Captain of College in 1973, but died in 2014. During this period, he became interested in In 1992, David returned to the UK and, Jimmy’s cousin, David Clive Wilson, was China and asked the FO for permission to adding to his GCMG, he was awarded a Life the third child of William Skinner Wilson and study Chinese at Hong Kong University. He Peerage and was made a Knight of the Thistle. Enid Sanders. His father died when David devoted himself to learning Mandarin and He held various positions in public life was just seven and the family eventually studying Chinese society. He served in including Chairman of Scottish Hydro-Electric, moved to Edinburgh. He came to Beijing and on the China Desk at the Foreign Chancellor of Aberdeen University, Master of Glenalmond in 1948 as a Fil. Cler. Bursar. Office during the Cultural Revolution and Peterhouse, Cambridge, President of the Royal He showed early academic promise by the burning of the British Mission. In 1968, Society of Edinburgh and Lord High winning junior Maths and Divinity prizes. He he took an unusual step by resigning from the Commissioner to the General Assembly of the was a good runner and helped Goodacre’s to Foreign Office to become Editor of The Church of Scotland. Amidst all these public victory in relays. He played some matches for China Quarterly. During this time he took a duties, he found time to be Chairman of the the 1st XV in the centre and on the wing, but PhD in Modern Chinese History at the Glenalmond Council, following in the footsteps did not maintain his place. He rose to the London School of Oriental and African of his father and his grandfather, both of whom rank of Sergeant in the Corps and, in his last Studies. In 1974, he was invited to re-join the had been on the Council. term, Pipe Major. Diplomatic Service. There followed a series There are other members of the Wilson clan In due course he became a House Prefect of posts of increasing responsibility culmi- whom we have not mentioned and who were and in May 1953, a School Prefect. His nating in the post of Assistant Under- successful in their individual fields. We have talents began to blossom. He took part in a Secretary for Asia and the Pacific. highlighted warriors, priests and public servants ‘Brains’ Trust’ for the Fifth and Sixth Forms; From the early 1980s, David was inti- and it is fitting that this survey of a notable he was Assistant Editor of the Chronicle and mately involved in the negotiations for Glenalmond family should conclude with one of a keen member of the Debating Society and handing over the sovereignty of Hong Kong its most distinguished members. Historical Society, to which he read a paper to China which was due to occur in 1997. (With thanks to Lord Wilson of Tillyorn) on ‘The Attractions of Mountain Climbing’. When Sir Edward Youde, the Governor of
37 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE OGs Development & Alumni Relations
There have been many changes in the Development & Alumni Relations Office during the last year. Big strides have been taken, however there is still much to do. Our new team members, Sarah Young and Mairi Fraser, and I have been working hard to increase events, media coverage and improve contact with OGs. Sadly, in July 2015 Loubie Davidson left the team after two and a half years of dedicated service, but I am delighted to welcome Lorna Henderson, who joined us this summer from a career in accounts and administration within a private dental practice. What is not new, however, is the enthu- siasm with which OGs view their alma mater. At the Edinburgh Dinner I was told it was the “Highlight of my year, Craig” (though it was only January!), and during a recent trip through the States, old friendships were rekindled and stories retold (with the usual Many, many thanks to Jonathan Pugh, of the Daily Mail, for his two original, and hilarious, embellishments). It is clear to me that while cartoons drawn specially for the OG section of Chronicle. Coll may be physically distant, it remains close to the hearts of many OGs. quickly become an invaluable tool in reaching Another significant change has been the So, what is new? Where to start! Firstly, OGs, while Twitter gives us instant, useful, number of OG events. The relaunch of the thank you to each and every one of you who feedback; these in addition to Instagram, 1847 Society was marked with a dinner in contributed to the Neish’s Appeal. We now Snapchat and LinkedIn. Please continue to April at Coll (where members received an have an excellent facility and home for first give us feedback and help us to reach your exclusive solid silver lapel pin). Our inaugural team rugby and lacrosse (details of the official peers by sharing, liking, following etc. Major Benefactors’ Dinner at Winton House opening will follow). However, it is not just was a great success too. The Supporting sports facilities that have benefitted. Over the Sports evening in June was thoroughly last 12 months the generosity of OGs, enjoyed by all; thank you to everyone who parents, staff and other friends of attended and supported. Frankfurt hosted an Glenalmond has, once again, been fantastic. OG/parent dinner in Germany where guests In the last academic year, over £560,000 was were treated to a fine dining experience over- raised in support of myriad aspects of school seen by chefs from The Gleneagles Hotel. In life: means-tested bursaries, scholarships, addition, there were smaller gatherings in travel awards, musical instruments, Pipe Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Washington Band kit, and Boarding House improve- DC and New York on top of the long-standing ments, to name but a few. To put this in Malcolm McQueen dinner fixtures in the calendar. Next year we context, over the last ten years Glenalmond hope to increase our event calendar further; has benefitted from nearly £3m of philan- At 37 degrees, 1 July 2015 was one of the several re-unions are already being planning. thropic support. On behalf of everyone at the hottest days of the year in London. It was also As you will see, these events merit almost College – Thank You! the 100th birthday of OG Malcolm an entire section of the Chronicle. I hope, if Coll’s new website was launched in early McQueen LVO (Warden’s 1929-34). To mark you haven’t yet been able to join us, you are January and our ‘Past, Present and Future’ the occasion several family members and able to do so at future occasions. Perhaps section allows us to update news regularly, close friends gathered in his Kensington flat. the easiest event to take part in will while the Notices section allows us to bring Malcolm is an amazing gentleman and, be #GlobalGlenalmond2015, which takes you details of Announcements as soon as we following the toast given by his cousin Dr place on 14 November. Proceedings will hear of them. Simon Hunt, he spoke eloquently, with no commence in New Zealand at 7pm local The Chronicle is now available in a digital notes, for over 15 minutes. Malcolm regaled time, before moving around the world. format and we’ve introduced an online event his guests with fascinating family and Everyone can take part – so help us make this registration system as well as the ability to personal memories. I felt honoured to have one of the largest continuous events in the make payments and gifts online. been invited to this special party, as were world. Visit the website for more details. We have increased our social media output Glenalmond’s Archivist Elaine Mundill and Dr Craig Fleming on various platforms and will continue to do so Director of Development, Dr Craig Fleming. Director of Development over the coming years. Our Facebook page has Maureen Marshall (Hon OG) & Alumni Relations
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 38 Interview: Bruce Kilpatrick
Was there anything in particular that Law as a first degree. Many of the best lawyers influenced your career choice when you I have worked with studied all sorts of topics, were at Coll? from Classics to Maths. Looking back, it was the teachers really. I was lucky to have some great teachers, who knew What was your route to Addleshaw how to get the best out of us. Some (including Goddard? my history teacher, Mr Reid) had strong links I joined them as a partner in the competition with Cambridge. I remember going to team, after over nine years working at Cambridge to look around the colleges in the Linklaters. I now head up the competition Sixth Form (taking the overnight sleeper from department, which consists of ten ‘fee earners’. Perth) and going to Sidney Sussex. I A lot of management responsibility comes with remember how amazing it felt and totally the job and, if you get it right and build the different to Harrietfield! Above all, the most right team, is hugely satisfying. important influence on my decision to study law was my inspirational Housemaster, Charles What are your hours like? Shiffner, who is very sadly no longer with us. I get in the office quite early, usually around Bruce Kilpatrick (Patchell’s 1988-93) 8am; hours are quite long and a bit unpre- is a Partner in the international law firm, When you were at school were you in the dictable. There are some areas of the law, like Addleshaw Goddard. Based in London, debating team or showing signs of leaning corporate (mergers and acquisitions) where the Bruce has been with the firm since 2008 and towards a legal career? hours are longer. I have had to work through specialises in UK and EU competition law. To be honest, I was always a bit scared of the night from time to time but it doesn’t Before joining Addleshaw Goddard, Bruce performing ‘on my feet’ and never took part in a happen often and there is normally a good worked with Linklaters in London and debate at Coll. I preferred to capture my argu- reason for it! Brussels. Practising law is obviously a way ments on paper. I’ve learnt that you need all of life for Bruce but was it always his types of skills as a lawyer and the presentational Did having a second language encourage chosen route? Mairi Fraser asks for and debating skills don’t necessarily have to be you to pursue EC law? some corroborating evidence… in place when you’re at school. During one I claim to speak fluent French, but in reality it’s rehearsal, for my Cambridge interview, I stated my A-level standard from Coll, touched up with Can you tell me a little bit about your that people were “guilty until proven innocent.” stints working in Paris and Brussels whilst day-to-day job responsibilities and what Luckily I didn’t repeat that on the day. working at Linklaters. I remember when I was a competition law is about? trainee solicitor working in Paris I had to advise Competition law used to be quite a niche Did you go straight from Coll to on securities law in French. My knowledge of area of the law but now, when I explain my Cambridge? securities law was worse than my language skills job, most people have seen reports of Yes, I did, via a fun week in Majorca with three but, luckily, you’re well supported and not competition law cases in the newspapers and Coll friends! I took a year off after law school expected to know the subject matter inside out understand what it’s about. Essentially, we (in York) and travelled in Africa (with Jamie when you’re starting out. advise clients (for example, RBS, Sainsbury’s Wishart, a fellow Patchellian and good friend), and De Beers) who are involved in investiga- hitch-hiking everywhere. I’m not sure I’d let Looking back, are there any mistakes you tions where they have been accused of my own children do that. I also spent six made that you would change if you had acting anti-competitively, or where they are months working with the European your time again? merging with a competitor and are trying to Commission in Brussels, which was a great Plenty of mistakes! But everyone is human and demonstrate that the merger won’t harm experience. they are the best way to make sure you don’t competition by raising prices. Some of the repeat the experience. One thing I don’t regret more recent, high profile, cases include the What was it like being a student at is having had my time at Coll and enjoying a European Commission’s investigations into Cambridge, all work and no play? mix of academic, sporting and musical experi- Google and also the major international One of the best things to have happened to me ences. Andrea always says that it’s amazing that banks for fixing prices (LIBOR and foreign was meeting my wife, Andrea, during Fresher’s many of my friends for life are those from exchange). It’s a mix of law and economics, week. Less positive was taking a further three school. That’s a reflection of the incredible really, and I enjoy it because of the variety years to convince her that I was husband mate- community that exists at Glenalmond and the and the insight it gives you into how rial. It’s funny how decisions taken at school skills that it teaches you outside the classroom, markets work. about where to study really do shape the rest like teamwork and motivating others to do their of your life. I also may or may not have been best. My Dad, Colin (1948-53), brother Hugh Did you always know that you were part of a rugby club dinner which ended up (1985-90) and uncle, David (1950-55), were all going to become a lawyer? being reported in The Daily Telegraph! in Patchell’s and we share the same sense of I had no idea, really. I decided to apply to humour and values, even if we’re all different. study Law at Cambridge, mainly because I Once you had graduated, did you start at didn’t have any one subject at which I the firm as a graduate trainee? What advice would you give to a pupil excelled. I really enjoyed Maths, French and If you study law, you have to do a one-year thinking of a law career? History when I was at Coll so I thought Law professional qualification, which I did at the It's a bit of a marathon, and you have to make sounded like a good mix of those subjects. I College of Law in York. If you study another sure you do well in your exams and get some didn’t necessarily think I would follow it degree, you have to spend an extra year doing work experience. But you're still able to change through and become a solicitor but I a conversion course. So there are many your mind, even at quite a late stage. I’m enjoyed my degree, and also working on different routes to becoming a lawyer and currently working with a trainee in my team interesting cases once I started work. there’s no advantage necessarily in studying who used to be an army medic!
39 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Profiles
Andrew Clark (Goodacre’s 1989-94)
For ex-pat Brits the last day of term was a chance to embark upon exciting voyages. A life lived abroad always seemed more exciting to me. After university it didn’t take long until I fell into foreign journalism; initially working for CNN and the BBC, travelling and living around Asia, China and the USA. 16 years later, my home, my work and my family are all in Singapore. A career in media was my ticket to travel. It took me to some amazing locations and big stories. Now, I’m a Creative Director in a media production company called AsiaWorks, with offices in Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok and Beijing. I still travel quite a bit, making TV shows, documentaries and digital video projects. It’s so easy to stay in touch these days and there’s nothing better than meeting up with an old school chum in some far-flung place. AsiaWorks was recently commissioned to produce a cookery series, about Jakarta Street food, for the Asian Food Channel in Indonesia. I was told I was to work with a top chef from Indonesia, Will Meyrick (Reid’s 1990-93). We embarked on a three-month period of work together – me as director and Will as host; an incredible experience but, most of all, great fun. Will is an extraordinarily talented chef, with a deep knowledge of Indonesian and Southeast Asian cuisine. Communication between director and host is vital. Will and I were very comfortable with each other, resulting in a rewarding and smooth production. The show is now showing across Asia and hope- fully it will make its way to screens elsewhere in the world. Will lives in Bali with his family and has restaurants in Indonesia, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Since finishing the programme, we’ve kept in touch and have plans to make another cookery show together. With our work, families and lives on this side of the world, Will and Miranda Harper (Lothian 2000-05) I are very much at home here. I would encourage OGs to consider opportunities overseas equally to those in the UK. Every year, my After Glenalmond I qualified as a ski instructor then went to wife and I visit my parents in Edinburgh. Would we move back? ‘No’, Newcastle University, studying Media. After my degree, I headed to for now… work in the Swiss Alps. Shortly after arriving I suffered a nasty acci- dent that took me out for the rest of the season. I turned my boredom into making hats – and have done so ever since. I found most beanies a bit dull, so I taught myself to crochet; thank you, YouTube! I started putting together bright colours and designs in nice comfy, baggy styles. It turned out everyone loved them too. Due to popular demand, I swapped skis for crochet hooks and sold hats for the rest of the season. Coll really helped shape me as a person and, ultimately, as a busi- nesswoman. I loved Glenalmond and made friends for life there. I currently live in London with two OGs, Kate Cadzow (Lothian 2000- 05) and Anna Wemyss (Home 2000-05) and now share an office with OGs Peter and James Wills (Patchell’s 2005-07 and 2000-05). In terms of business you need to be hard-working, committed and determined, and whether it was through work, sport or play Glenalmond drilled these skills into me. Applying them to everything I do has helped my business be the success it is today. I remember being four minutes late for a Geography class once and getting hell for it. I can honestly say that I have never been late again! Zaini launched in 2010 and is going from strength to strength, turning over in excess of £250,000 per annum. Our plan for the company is to stick with one product and do it really well. We started out with ten styles of beanie hats and now have over 120 different takes. People always need ‘beanies’, and they sell throughout the year, so we continue to find new markets and audiences around the UK and Europe. Barts hats, a family business started in 1992 designing and making great beanies, is now turning over £30 million. So, there’s plenty of business for us to find out there! Andrew Clark (left) filming with (www.zaini.com) fellow OG Will Meyrick (seated)
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 40 From Pupil to Parent What is it like to be a pupil and then parent at Coll? We spoke to three families in that position . . .
Hugh Grierson (Reid’s 1981-86) he got me through my A-level. Latin teacher I had a great time at Coll and, as an OG, I Mr Wright (‘JDW’) is a legend. Mr found looking elsewhere only confirmed my A significant portion of my time at Barrington-Prowse always had a great story positive view of what Coll could offer. Pupils Glenalmond was spent out and about on my to tell, while English with Mr Liddle was thoroughly enjoy their time there and I think bike with friends in the surrounding hills brilliant – a genuine hippy whose classes the true ethos of Glenalmond has remained, exploring the local lochs and rivers. One of were always animated. French master Mr although as a parent, I would be horrified if the best experiences I had was learning to Gillespie – small classes and lots of atten- my kids were as naughty as we were! scuba dive with the Navy cadets. Tony Hill tion. Science wasn’t really my forte, although used to take groups of us on diving expedi- Physics teacher Mr Windrum pouring cold tions all over the West Coast of Scotland. It water down your sleeves certainly grabbed Tanya Adamson inspired a lasting interest in marine and sea the attention! (née Thomson, Lothian 1990-92) life, conservation, boats, and the West Coast Mr Wainwright and I didn’t see eye to in general. eye, probably because I was usually up to no Tanya was in Coll’s first intake of girls in Michaelmas I considered Marine Biology as a career. good… Des Bassett was my Housemaster, 1990. 25 years later as her son Toby starts at Coll, she However, I decided to go back to manage very fair and fun. Generally tolerant, becomes the first female OG parent. the family farming business just six miles although he had his work cut out! away from Coll. I have been working there Sport was my favourite activity at Coll and Stepping into a predominantly male envi- since leaving university in 1991 and have we had an unbeaten rugby season in my ronment was ‘interesting’ but I was lucky managed the business since 1998. I met my Lower Sixth – a win over Merchiston, for enough to know a few of the current pupils as wife Sascha at university and after the first and last time. My very last match at my brother, Angus (Patchell’s 1985-90) had completing her PhD in Edinburgh, she Coll was against Felsted School in Essex. left Coll the term before I arrived. moved up to help run the business with me. Victory! It felt like a Calcutta cup match; I have always been sporty and quite We looked at a range of schooling options pipe band on the pitch, lots of happy competitive but that had to change slightly in for our sons Eddie and Angus. We are lucky Highlanders. the inaugural year. Hockey was played for two in this area that there’s lots of choice. I was I always thought I would return to the terms with tennis and rounders in the Trinity. not initially keen on Glenalmond but Sascha family farm in Tayside after going to agricul- As there were so few of us, if you weren’t ‘off suggested we came to look round and I tural college in Edinburgh then travelling games’, you were in the team! Jill Gillespie came away appreciating that the school was around New Zealand. did a fabulous job of keeping us all on track quite different compared to my days there. Nic, my wife, was at St Leonards and then and was always so positive. I think we even The focus appeared to be on ensuring that studied in Edinburgh, where we met. When won one or two matches that season. teenagers were settled and happy and that the time came for us to think about schools I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was the solid foundation from which their for our kids – Ben, Lorna and Rosie – we left Coll. I applied to do Business achievements would come. There’s also lots looked at a number of options. Management at university, got an offer and a of flexibility, so, for instance, if rugby isn’t place but never took it up. Instead I did a PA your thing, you can easily find something course (dragging my heels) and some travel- else to shine at. There are now girls and day ling and ended up working at The Gleneagles pupils; the school isn’t so isolated, and the Hotel. After this I became self-employed and culture is one of inclusion and acceptance. have ended up using my ‘PA’ skills consider- All good really – everyone is very happy. ably since then. Before I met my husband Jamie, he phoned up and asked to move in with me! He had been given the contact by a Angus Porter (Skrine’s 1985-90) mutual friend – the rest is history. We were married in Chapel, where both of our chil- I have masses of great school memories: dren were christened. long days on ‘big cricket’, swimming at I have provided a livery service for Buchanty, Sunday walks, hunting rabbits and Glenalmond pupils who wish to bring horses cooking them on a fire up a glen, the early to school – a facility that I would have loved part of the rugby season, the great storm to have had when I was at Coll! My parents of ‘87…. bought the farm next door to the College Many teachers stand out. Biology’s Dr before I left so I had a snippet of what school Lallyett was inspiring; despite my laziness, would be like with your own horse.
41 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE The McCarters: A Tale of Two Siblings
Briony McCarter (Lothian 2006-09) tells the Chronicle about her career in the international fashion industry.
After leaving Glenalmond, and returning home to Australia, I moved to Sydney to study at the Fashion Design Institute of Sydney. On graduation, I was offered a job with the designer Dion Lee as a development patternmaker. Working in fashion utilised all my creativity, time management, team organisation and teamwork skills in preparing collections for Fashion Weeks in London, and later, New York. I specialised in tailoring, knitwear, cocktail and leather goods, working with materials from snake and crocodile skin to thermal film prints and bonded neoprene. I quickly learnt to manage a growing Callum McCarter (Skrine’s 2005-08) was team of machinists and interns, whilst liaising with the design team, always keen on Maths and Engineering at as I was often relied upon to finish and deliver collections while Dion Coll and below describes his career since and the sales team had already flown to New York to set up the show. During this time, I also co-developed and pattern-made for my leaving school. good friend Kiaya Daniels’ debut menswear collection, which was shown at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2014. “Despite suffering from ADHD, Callum was a brilliant I left full-time patternmaking with Dion Lee after a year to pursue Mathematician at Coll. He sought out the hardest Maths problems my love of History, which truly began during my A-levels (History, and his solutions, and although not always the neatest, were Ancient History, English and Art) at Coll. While still working with the invariably insightful and correct. Applying Mathematics to practical Dion Lee studio on a freelance basis, I have undertaken a Bachelor problems was his passion, particularly in Mechanics, and it is no of Art History at the University of Sydney, also volunteering and surprise that he has chosen engineering as a career.” guest lecturing at AMCAT, the Australian Museum of Clothing Mike Jeffers, Registrar and former Head of Maths and Textiles. While my teaching role focuses on methods of construction and In 2009, I began Mechanical Engineering (Space) at the University the treatment of fabrics, I also undertake research of the provenance of Sydney. The ‘space’ component of the degree course was an addi- of articles within the collection. My aim is to complete a Masters in tional element that included space history, space grade material and Curatorship and combine my love of design and history working in rocket science. textile and design museums. After two years I switched to Mechatronic Engineering, sadly Offered early Honours in my degree, due to consistent High having to drop Space Engineering, but definitely the right move. Distinction achievement, I have learnt that a combination of practical Mechatronic Engineering is focused on robotics and computer- experience and academic excellence — with a healthy dose of time controlled systems. My course included the programming of robotic management—is essential in the pursuit of my career. All skills arms and a host of small micro-controllers. drilled in to me during my school days! Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum and the University of Sydney had a joint venture involving a simulated ‘martian’ surface, affectionately known as the ‘Mars Yard’. We worked with a rover similar in size and functionality to NASA’s Spirit and Opportunity rovers (the two MERs). Dr Ali Goktogan headed this and introduced me to the Lambotics Mining competition, a NASA-run international university level project. During this period my fellow students and I designed and built a lunar mining robot and flew it to NASA in the USA. 50 universities participated and robots were designed with the moon’s environment in mind. We came ninth overall, first out of the first- time entrants and first out of the non-American universities. In my final year (2013) I completed my thesis under the supervi- sion of Dr Goktogan in which I helped design a robot that could both walk and drive. Afterwards I completed a 12-week internship designing a micro-controlled sensor network for environmental moni- toring in Datacentres. This finished in March 2014 and I am contin- uing my work designing environmental sensors for data centres as a long-term project. I am also involved as an engineering consultant in some small mechatronics projects, an example of which is designing a conference table that includes six concealed computer monitors, all rising out of the middle so that the table can also be used as a work- station. Funnily enough my boss is Scottish, with a PhD from Glasgow University and a member of the ‘GlobalScots’ organisation. Small world! (https://facebook.com/SydneyLunabotics)
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 42 The Spirit
AdventurJamie Douglas-Hamilton On 11 June 2014, Jamie Douglas-Hamilton to side. All of a sudden we were too close and (Matheson’s 1995-98) was in a team of seven were going to be crushed. Within seconds we who rowed out from Geraldton, Western had our oars ready and were fending her off but Australia to head westwards for nearly 5,000 she was too big and came down on top of us; miles across the Indian Ocean to Africa. The sheer adrenaline and strength fought her off, journey tested them to the brink of undoubtedly saving all of our lives. Shortly after endurance and they faced every set-back this incident the captain released a lifeboat and imaginable from sharks to pirates, container Shane was finally evacuated. ships and extreme weather. Here is Jamie’s Next day our Morse cable broke – connecting account. the auto helm to the rudder – requiring manual steering for the last 2,000 miles. We rowed a We left Geraldton in very rough conditions. two tonne boat at 22-25 strokes per minute for The wind was coming from the south and we 24 hours a day, split into two-hourly shifts. needed to head almost 100 miles north To avoid Somalia we had to increase the work- before we could head west to get around the load. This meant starting our shifts 40 minutes perilous reefs of the Abrolhos Islands, home early and rowing for 16 hours a day while to the world’s largest tiger shark colony. suffering from extreme pain, hallucinations, In force 8 conditions, waves were coming dehydration and chronic sleep deprivation. right over the boat. I couldn’t hold any food Approaching the Seychelles a 70-foot vessel down, sometimes not even water, losing a came directly behind our stern. Two Africans stone in 72 hours. Tiger sharks followed us for looked through binoculars and we joked that over a week. they were pirates. The crew kept looking at us We were caught by three major low pres- and then suddenly left. We immediately sure systems, one of which was a hurricane reported this to the coastguard, who took it very coming up from the Southern Ocean. For the seriously. We had gone through a ‘no go’ zone. next two weeks we didn’t see the sun and There are so many piracy incidents there that were hit by winds whipping up huge seas. We marinas in the Seychelles had been left virtually had multiple semi-capsizing incidents. Once empty. Pirates had changed their ‘business plan’ we were hit by a 60-foot wave, knocking us from taking large vessels to kidnapping tourists, upside down in the middle of the ocean on a fisherman and yachties. Currently over 1,200 pitch black night in a force 10 gale. people are being held for ransom in Somalia. Four weeks into the journey, our Next day, land could be seen. For over two Australian crewmate Shane Usher was boiling months none of us had seen any land and then water when suddenly a freak wave hit the we entered what can only be described as para- boat, capsizing us. Shane’s leg received first dise. This was the best day of my life and one I degree burns, becoming infected with a risk will forever remember. of Septicaemia. Evacuation was imperative. The journey will go down in history for Fortunately, he was insured by Global + breaking two Guinness World Records - the Rescue (who specialise in international crisis furthest a team has rowed non-stop in an ocean, response). They put the distress signal out and the fastest crossing of the Indian Ocean by and purely by chance a ship was only two days human power alone. away. This turned out to be the enormous Footnote: Over £11,000 has been raised. bulk carrier Nordic River (nearly 26,000 Shane Usher made a full recovery and, while tonnes of container ship). The captain tried to scarred for life, is now taking part in river get us to come alongside so he could rescue rowing competitions in Australia. Shane via a cage. It was like looking up at a (Save the Elephants: https://www.just- giant wall of steel that was moving from side giving.com/rowing-for-elephants)
43 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE t of
reGareth Davies Gareth Davies (Patchell’s 2004-09) tells the Chronicle about his arduous, but awesome, 2,500-mile ‘Pan Andean Challenge’ land- sailing expedition through South America earlier this year.
Summer 2014: in the melee of dissertation deadlines and university finals, I was dreaming of ways to avoid an imminent desk job. Many ideas came and went until my good friend Joe Barrs and I arrived at our best solu- tion to sidestep starting a professional career – becoming intrepid explorers and under- taking an adventure on the other side of the America, is a port-town called Ushuaia. This the entire trip being the unbelievable world: surely that sounded like fun? was founded by British missionaries in the generosity of the people we met and the We had also a strong desire to raise money early nineteenth-century and was first number of punctures to Joe’s whike! for charity and chose two close to our hearts. surveyed by the HMS Beagle in 1833, under From the outset, we had mentally Joe’s was The Ann Dodgson Foundation, set the command of Captain Robert Fitzroy, with prepared ourselves for setbacks and the pain up in name of his late mum, Ann, an inspira- natural philosopher Charles Darwin also on and fatigue of long days pedalling. However, tional French teacher, which helps and board. It is a town that has been the start and climbing a near-7,000m peak lay well outside encourages young people to be comfortable finish for many pedal-powered voyages, such both our comfort zones. Rubbing shoulders beyond the boundaries of their own culture. I as Mark Beaumont’s Cycling the Americas with expert mountaineers, some of whom had chose The Foundation for Prader-Willi in 2010. scaled Everest on multiple occasions, was an Research, a charity helping to improve We knew we wouldn’t be the first amateur unnerving thought. At 5,300m we witnessed research into the rare genetic disorder which adventurers to start an expedition from the ascent-descent record of Aconcagua a close friend’s three-year-old son was diag- Ushuaia, but it seemed like the perfect point being demolished by Ecuadorian-Swiss speed nosed with at birth. to begin our journey north. Santiago was the climber Karl Egloff, in 11hrs 52 minutes. He South America was our target. I had spent a finishing point, 2,500 miles away. We would made it look so easy. We were left even more sandwich year in Santiago during 2013, and go via Mendoza in Argentina, and climb Mt. breathless. Patagonia, with its vastness, topography, Aconcagua, the highest peak in the world When, on day 47, our opportunity to unpredictability, and sheer beauty, held all the outside of the Himalayas at 6,962m. summit finally arrived, we unfortunately had ingredients for an unforgettable adventure. Arriving in Ushuaia on the 7 January, later to turn around at 6,200m due to poor condi- At Exeter, I met a chap called Ned who than we expected, we finally got stuck into tions and altitude sickness. One of the told me about a new mode of transport, a our formidable task. The planned duration toughest decisions I have ever faced, but also ‘recumbent tricycle with a sail’, named a was 56 days, but with 8 February our due one of the simplest. The mountain isn’t going ‘whike’, which he claimed to be his own pedal date in Mendoza, to meet our guide and start anywhere. and wind-powered invention. Uncannily, he the climb, we had left ourselves an ungen- On day 50, three days after our unsuc- had just returned from a land-sailing expedi- erous 31 days to get to the first checkpoint. cessful summit attempt, we arrived in tion through the Atacama Desert in northern Therefore, without any rest days, we land- Santiago, emotions fluctuating from sheer Chile on one of these whikes and had left a sailed, but mostly pedalled, to Mendoza elation to deep sadness. We had come so couple of them in Santiago. Spontaneously, within our time frame, witnessing Patagonia close to completing the expedition. But we he offered to lend me the whikes for our – as living up to its famous reputation – ferocious were safe and what fun we had had. yet unplanned – expedition. And so The Pan- winds and daunting Andean topography – yet To date we are well on the way to reaching Andean Challenge was born. being totally and utterly magnificent at the our £25,000 target. More information can be With our mode of transport confirmed, it same time. We really did feel like ‘intrepid found on our website www.thepanandean- was time to plot a route. The southernmost explorers’, with dodgy beards and countless challenge.com. city of Patagonia, and for that matter South stories to tell – the most recurrent feature of Gareth Davies (Patchell’s 2004-09)
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 44 Tomorrow’s World Today
millions of complex, interwoven electronic signals; silicon chips and the integration of different electronic components into circuitry that foreshadowed this century’s nanotechnology. Michael Rodd (Cairnies 1957-62) The technique that transformed contin- presenter of the BBC’s landmark uous analogue waveforms of energy into ‘Tomorrow’s World’ from 1972 to 1982, digital samples that were becoming the reflects on the technological advances of the driving force of early personal computers time and how they helped shape our future. was, I believe, most significant of all. By 1982, Andrew Clarkson (Patchell’s 1950-55) is a when I left TW, the heart of many innovative man who likes his sport. At Coll he was in the Sadly, the chance never arose for me to systems was the data processing power. 1st XV which led, in 2013, to him making a ask my Head of Science what he thought of In the late ‘70s, an increasing number of very generous donation to catalyse the Neish’s my being given a job on the BBC’s tech- promising ‘TW’ advances vanished without project. However, not all sports tickled his nology show Tomorrow’s World (TW). In trace; one newspaper cruelly joking that we fancy: “I’m a terrible golfer,” he notes. Surely 1962, F G ‘Fig’ Daldy (Master 1928-66) held put a ‘curse’ on featured ideas! a tough admission for a man with a good Scots responsibility for career advice. He was Rather than disappearing, some ideas had brogue and the owner of an Anderson Clan unimpressed with broadcasting and shared taken many years to develop into viable prod- kilt! his concerns about anything as “flakey” as ucts. As early as 1977, we demonstrated the A graduate of Harvard Business School and the BBC. I did Law at Durham where I got principles of magnetic levitation (developed Oxford University, Andrew is currently trustee my first taste of journalism, serving on the in Britain); an idea now breaking speed to the Memphis-based Jeniam Foundation university newspaper as street salesman, records on trains in Japan and China. TW (named after Andrew’s daughter Jennifer and reporter, sub and news editor. highlighted a system for reducing back- son William) with his wife Carole. Jeniam The BBC was taking off. Regional radio ground noise using competing waveforms to distributes over $1m per annum to interna- service spawned a nightly news magazine create self-cancelling standing waves and tional conservation and community enhance- and two ITV stations, Tyne-Tees Television several early examples of renewable energy ment projects. and Border TV were establishing them- generation through wind and sea power. Not content with juggling the management selves. My ‘big break’ came from Border in These sorts of innovative ideas only started to pressures of this independent, non-profit 1965 when I was asked to join its news team. deliver commercial benefits a quarter of a making organisation Andrew was, from 1995 Two years later I was poached by the BBC century later. My theory was that being on to 2001, Chair of the Finance Committee of regional team to make current affairs TW was the ultimate objective for many an AutoZone together with being Director of programmes; seven years later, national TV imaginative mind and actually establishing a Amphenol Corporation from 1997 to 2004. in London beckoned. Was it a leap of faith business around the idea was less exciting. No One of Jeniam’s biggest commitments is to for the BBC to invite me onto TW in 1972? ‘Dragons’ Den’, then. Horizons National, an organisation designed I fear this may have convinced Mr Daldy Was the programme a benefit or a to help underprivileged children. As a that the corporation was even ‘flakier’ than hindrance to our innovators? Many who have ‘founding funder’, Jeniam’s support is finan- he initially thought! made their careers in science assure me that cial but, says Andrew: “We don’t like just The 1970s was a fertile decade for innova- their early interest was aroused by TW. writing cheques, we like to be involved in the tion, particularly ‘television-friendly’ larger Medical breakthroughs, transformation and work of the organisations we sponsor and use items. One reason TW ended, just after the distribution of images, how we learn and our funds to leverage more.” millennium, was that most significant scien- develop our culture; it was this ever widening In the arts world, ‘angels’ is the term used tific developments had become ‘visually potential of technology that inspired them. to describe the most extraordinary financial difficult’. A miniature integrated software After TW, I established an independent supporters. Around Memphis, no halos shine circuit and tiny human genome sequence production company to work with businesses more brightly than those worn by the Andrew cannot easily be explained via camera. using emerging video-based technologies to and Carole. Here their generous contribu- Forty years ago, we witnessed clear hints sustain development of British innovation. tions to a wide range of arts organisations have of future technology. Then TW focused on It was always a disappointment to me that now been colourfully chronicled in Learn, devices dedicated to performing particular the World Wide Web became a reality (1989) Earn, and Return: 25 Years of the Jeniam tasks: a machine that tore off used tyres after my time on TW. How I would have Foundation Giving Back to Memphis. which helped establish the rubber recycling enjoyed that demonstration! Today, not only The lavishly illustrated coffee-table book industry; an ingenious system of compressed has the Internet made possible entirely new was conceived by Playhouse on the Square’s air and flexible membrane used to reline businesses, it has given innovators an amaz- founding executive, Jackie Nichols: “About a water mains without digging up the road, ingly efficient way of sharing ideas and year ago I realised nobody had done anything and several competing machines offering TV changing an intriguing concept into a viable for Andrew. He’s given something like $10 recording at home. enterprise. I think the web has increased our million to the city so I decided to put this book Together with individual breakthroughs, ability to inspire a new generation of scien- together.” many of the advances were transforming the tists, engineers, innovators and entrepre- Sadly the print run stopped at 500, but the world of technology: precise engineering neurs, creating an entirely new way for Clarksons’ influence will continue long into making possible the advance of robots; mankind to continue to make the world a the future. optical fibres as a means of transmitting better place for us all. Mairi Fraser
45 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Reviewed exclusively for the Chronicle by Duncan Campbell (Skrine’s 1958-62)
Unless you have been on a monastic retreat or Q&A held captive in a cave in Afghanistan for the last three months, you will know that Go Set A After a distinguished legal Watchman, by Harper Lee, the sequel to one of career Ian Simpson the most revered novels of the last century, To (Matheson’s 1963-66) has Kill A Mockingbird, has been published and has turned his attention to crime become a world-wide best-seller. novels. He speaks to Published in 1960, To Kill A Mockingbird has a special place in the Mairi Fraser about hearts of many who grew up in the immediate post-war period. It became his journey. a set work for English literature and an Oscar-winning film, starring Gregory Peck. While its heroine may have been the tom-boy ‘Scout’, its Happy days at Coll? hero was undoubtedly her father, the lawyer, Atticus Finch, so effectively I did not particularly enjoy boarding but Glenalmond was good for portrayed by Peck on screen, who seemed to represent decency me. A group of us spent many competitive hours on the Cairnies confronted by prejudice in his defence of a young black man falsely golf course and rattling down Front Avenue on shoogly bikes. My accused of rape. The book had more relevance, of course, in the country confidence was boosted when I played the title role in Richard of where it was set; for schoolboys growing up at the same time in a chilly Bordeaux. I thought I was quite good, but the Drama Master, Scottish school, William Golding’s Lord of the Flies probably had a greater ‘Froggy’ Hunter’s advice was: “Only become an actor if you can resonance. think of doing nothing else!” Harper Lee never published another book and there was some contro- versy over the last year or so as to whether she wanted Watchman, which Did you always plan to be a lawyer? she described as not a sequel but ‘the parent’ of Mockingbird, ever to My father was a solicitor, but it was the lure of courtroom drama appear. But appear it did, and, apart from the Harry Potter books, there that attracted me after I discovered at Edinburgh University my have been few more eagerly anticipated publications. acting talent was very ordinary. From the outset I was attracted to Watchman is set some years later and ‘Scout’, now Jean-Louise, is an criminal defence work. I defended in all sorts of serious criminal independent young woman living in New York and returning to her small- trials until I went on the bench. I also did a variety of civil cases. town Alabama home. There she discovers that the father she idolised is, I was a sheriff for eighteen years. I now see that as my most to put it bluntly, a racist and segregationist who is reading a pamphlet important work: trying to make the right decisions about children of called ‘The Black Plague’. He is particularly hostile to the newly-formed warring parents; knowing when to jail a criminal and when to give National Association for the Advancement of Coloured Peoples (NAACP) them another chance; obliging a local authority to take steps to which has just started organising in the south. She confronts Atticus – minimise unhealthy dampness in council houses. even accusing him of being no better than Hitler – her other relatives and In 2004 and 2005 I sat regularly as a temporary High Court her suitor, Henry Clinton, who all seem bemused by her fury. judge. In 2005 I was diagnosed as having muscular dystrophy. By Some of the reviews have been unflattering, comparing the book late 2006 I could not take proper notes at the end of a court day unfavourably with its predecessor. Which brings to mind what Joseph and was given early retirement. I wanted to quit before I made a Heller, the author of Catch-22 – another reading staple on long mess of a case. Perthshire nights – said when people told him he had never written anything quite as good again. “Who has?” he responded. But in many Did you always harbour a dream of writing? ways Watchman is more interesting, more nuanced, more thought- I had always wanted to write. Early retirement enabled me to take provoking and probably more honest than its beloved predecessor. Lee it up as a hobby. I wrote some light-hearted legal pieces for The captures very hauntingly what many free-spirited young southerners must Scotsman as well as crime novels. It is still a hobby. Only the well- have felt when they fled north: “in New York you are your own person. known writers make significant money and relatively few make a You may reach out and embrace all of Manhattan in sweet aloneness, or living from it. you can go to hell if you want to.” Some reviewers were angry that Harper Lee has besmirched the Is there a skills cross-over between being a lawyer shining knight she created, as if we have all been hoodwinked for half a and a novelist? century. But it should now be read in tandem with Mockingbird, whether Both use words as their tools, but when I wrote fiction I had to for exams or pleasure, not least at a time when the United States is once make my prose snappier, tighter and less precise. A civil judgment again having to confront racism. How fascinating it would be to learn the does not need narrative drive! thoughts of ‘Scout’/Jean Louise, who would now be a very elderly lady, on the police shootings of young black men and the grim statistic that Do you know ‘whodunit’ before hundreds of thousands of young black Americans end up in jail at far you begin? greater levels than their white counterparts. I don’t know who the murderer is until Go Set a Watchman is published by William Heinemann, £18.99. the book is nearly finished. I decide which suspect is guilty then check I have Duncan Campbell is a freelance writer who scattered enough clues for the reader to worked for The Guardian for more than 20 years work out who and why. as Crime and Los Angeles correspondent. He is the author of two novels and five non-fiction Murder on Page One, Murder on the books. His We’ll All Be Murdered in Our Beds, Second Tee, and Murder in Court the shocking history of crime reporting, will be Three are published by Matador, £7.99 published in March 2016. each. Sons of the Fathers is available as a Kindle download.
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 46 Drama
Oh! What a Lovely War Oh! What a Lovely War tells us more about Somme was, actually, a military victory, that it whom were killed). In that sense, the play how people thought about the Great War in did signal the coming of the end of the war; provides a striking display of the issues that the 1960s than how they did when it was the army did learn how to cope with the perils led to this enormous human tragedy, but it happening. It was fitting and proper that Coll of modern war (just think how tanks could be still needs to be borne in mind that not drama chose a World War One-themed deployed, the paring down of the system of everyone thinks Sir John French was a total production at the 100th anniversary of its command, the way air power was eventually idiot, or Haig a disaster. outbreak, but it must be remembered that co-ordinated and the effectiveness of the The setting of a seaside resort and circus Joan Littlewoods’ Theatre Workshop play/ creeping barrage). In that year, Messines entertainment was an arresting start with Joss musical is one radical voice in a raging debate Ridge was a spectacular success, as was the Gillespie – strong in both his roles – as the about the war, its beginnings, effects and auspicious Vimy Ridge campaign. The army ringmaster, inviting us in with a few lame purpose. of 1918 was excellently led, achieving a star- jokes and a touch of mild audience participa- Contemporary marching tunes and tling string of victories that saw the British tion. The year? 1914, a searing summer with popular ditties blended with satire, sharp Army as the chief field army (the Americans its complacency and conceitedness – a war comedy and poignant scenes of loss – some- having only really got going in the summer just couldn’t happen. The English continued times more slushy than a John Lewis when trench warfare was a thing of the past, to enjoy the sun and the carnival atmosphere Christmas campaign – in a reminder of the while the French Army was all but done). and then chaos ensued. folly and cost of war. We followed the war But the play must be seen in its own The war game of “Who’s to Blame?” was from its early ‘holiday’ spirit of 1914 through context, and that context derives from the delivered by painted clowns portraying the to the French mutinies and the end of 1917, principal problem of the war: casualties. rather errant and blasé attitude of the upper which marked the end point of a gruelling Those battles took lives in numbers that classes, for it was – again – the toffs who draw period for the Allies. 1918 does not figure – befuddle a casual onlooker. Even the highly most of the play’s fire. This scene gave a perhaps it would not have fitted Greenwood’s successful Vimy Ridge campaign saw the loss comic but effective outline of the complexi- political view of the war? (Field Marshall of 11,000 British and Canadian soldiers. The ties and alliances that sparked the tinderbox Haig is presented as a bungling butcher.) – uncharacteristic – first day of the Somme of 1914. Yet, it must not be forgotten that the saw some 58,000 British casualties (19,000 of Once the war had started, so to speak, the
47 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE real political attack of the play drew its sword, Molly Ridley shone with ‘Keep the Home trenches. The rendition of the Christmas truce ridiculing the infamous French cavalry Fires Burning’ and Joss did very well with his and the Somme were useful in evoking a attacks in the Vosges and Alsace with the sick- ‘Good bye-ee.’ necessary sense of tragedy and empathy which ening rattle and spit of the Maxim MG08. After the half-time break, Sophie contrasted magnificently with the apparent These scenes interposed with unrelenting Ledingham took up the sardonic and witty callousness of the senior officers. The simple cynical comedy as the assembled cavalry – narration, as Joss Gillespie took the reins to honesty and innocence of the men-in-arms painted significantly as clowns – charged into become all the worst bits of Field Marshal came across in small vignettes played superbly the guns. Haig (“Just 30,000 more casualties and we by Edward Grierson, Fergus Barker, Hamish A later, standout scene played out a can break through” – chilling to hear but I Halley, Rory MacLean and Emily Simpson. meeting between Sir John French and his wonder if that was the real strategy?) The Throughout, I was struck by the intensity French counterpart Joffre which could have generals, dubbed donkeys by Alan Clark, and pace of the piece, which ticked along at a been a parody of many an Englishman’s were brilliantly lampooned, with the clowns’ right rate of fire. Notable was the roll of holiday in France, highlighting a British arro- faces now half cleaned, suggesting a wiping pictures and statistics, which helped to contex- gance not to speak ‘foreign’. This scene was away of the comedy and a foreshadowing of tualise the plot as it careered ever onwards. brilliantly handled by Ludger Roehm, who the tragedy that will ensue. The relationships The interposed ‘contemporary’ voices and not only demonstrated his excellent command between the commanders vying for the top reactions were expertly portrayed by Timofey of French but also his ability to hold the stage, positions were reminiscent of the worst Bredikhin, Blair Fraser, Lotti Luedke, and Angus Patterson, who did accents excel- excesses of the ‘Old Boy Network’. In the Rowanne McGee and Henrietta Sinha, while lently throughout (even his Welsh). scene of Haig’s promotion we catch a glimpse the collective singing of Tuppence Mellish, With the sounds of 1914-17 echoing of the bitter rivalries: Sir Henry Wilson, Isabella Holliday and Arina Kobeletska held throughout, it would be a crime not to played with haughty aplomb by Finn the pieces together like glue. congratulate the singers on their excellent Kirkpatrick, demonstrates real scorn when I passed the theatre in the month leading contributions. Beth Whitaker’s rendition of Haig – who was not of the ruling classes – is up and heard the whole developing – the ‘We don’t want to lose you’ hit the extraordi- promoted, while Haig himself is scornful of directions, the songs and the revisions, and nary high notes of the early-1900s music-hall French and Wilson. Where better to play this can only congratulate all involved. Another style with clarity and vigour, while Cat scene than in a mess hall, miles from the front warm round of praise must go to the musical Loudon’s triumphant ‘Belgium put the kibosh where the soldiers suffer? input from Dr Tim Ridley and, of course, the on the Kaiser’ was rousing and stirring. Here was the truth of the matter: while the time and dedication of Mr Charlie Youlten Patrick Baldwin’s comic turn, singing an early play may be a touch harsh on the commanders, and Miss Lauren Kirk. jazz piece, was hugely competent and confi- it was even-handed and sympathetic in its M Watson dent, as was his duet with Alexandra Bullard. treatment of the men who served in the Photographs by William Acton
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 48 Bugsy Malone
Bear with me. In the Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks for even worse crime lords. Anyone over the be good. The cream pie versus splurge guns romantic comedy, You’ve Got Mail (I know!), age of 35 in the audience was tapping toes serves as a quirky metaphor for the way in Joe Fox claims that The Godfather is the and clicking fingers along to tunes familiar which mobsters rose from clubs and knives, “movie equivalent of I Ching – the epitome of from our childhoods thanks to the 1976 to hand guns and sawn-off shotguns, and wisdom. If anyone has a problem, the answer movie. Girls wanted to be Tallulah, boys finally to Thompson machine guns; an arms can be found in The Godfather.” And where wanted to be Bugsy, and everyone wanted a race to protect their growing alcohol trade did we get our love for that film? I would splurge gun. Them were the days! suggested throughout with soda-syphon argue when we were watching the first VHS As a musical, the Paul Williams’ score was fights and calls for a “special on the rocks”. films at home as children and saw some of the handled with scintillating skill by Dr Tim Here it is Fat Sam’s Speakeasy, the proprietor glamour (violence omitted) in Bugsy Malone. Ridley and his crew with some stunning saxo- ably and humorously played by Fergus Reid- I know The Godfather was produced in 1972, phone by Appin Mackay-Champion and Kay. With lines like “if it was raining brains, but most of us enjoying Bugsy were far too some great beats by Jock Begg. Alexander Roxy Robinson wouldn’t even get wet. Roxy young to be watching Coppola’s “horse’s head Wallace’s turn on both the double bass and had spent his whole life making two and two in the bed” stuff; love of that came later, but cello was sound as a pound even though he into five, but he could smell trouble like other through Bugsy we were already familiar with was forced off in a huff; you can’t please them people could smell gas. But believe you’s me, the hats, the suits, the I-talian and the all. The music was superb and gave a throb- he should’ve never taken that blind alley by language: “I’m gonna give you to the count of bing heart to the show, set, as it is, around the the side of Parido’s Bakery. Whatever game it 10, to get your ugly, yella, no-good keister smoky seediness of a nightclub. Patrick was everybody was playing, sure as eggs is off my property, before I pump your guts full Baldwin and Angus Grierson gave us the eggs, Roxy the Weasel had been scrambled”, of lead!” brassy notes to signal the Jazz Age and it was there was no way this role was going to go So, “I’ll make you an offer you can’t all The Great Gatsby from there. quietly under a hail of shaving foam. refuse”: Alan Parker’s take on the mob scene It is a fun-filled play glossing over – for His nemesis, Dandy Dan, was played of 1920s Chicago was brought brilliantly to obvious reasons – the actual mob-violence of expertly by Noah Koghali. He had the air of a the Glenalmond stage in March when Mr the time. Here, the general concept is of man who would send out a double-crossing Charlie Youlten and Miss Lauren Kirk, fresh inept mobsters spending most of the time hit squad to execute his rivals across town, from their spell in the trenches, swapped Lee trying to get their enemies to “sleep with the while all the time being attended to by a Enfields for splurge guns and bad generals fishes” until realising that they can, after-all, butler armed with another tray of cocktails.
49 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE His was a strong role played with calm authority. His moll, Tallulah, was skillfully handled by Rosie Forsyth. Her Charleston Shuffle was a joy to behold. It is funny how in these kind of things cops are always either dumb or corrupt. The comic duo of O’Dreary and Smolsky – played with brilliance by George Breese and Thomas Reynolds managed to lend some slapstick to the proceedings: “look down, what do you see?” Answer, “your foot!” They kept the audience laughing and nearly stole the show, deservedly so; being funny ain’t easy. Bugsy, the star role, the narrator of the story, is the character who “when I thought that I was out they pull me back in.” He loves Blousy but can’t seem to get near her – as ever, the course of true love never did run smooth, not least when Tallulah flirts with him. Angus Fitzpatrick was a gem in the role,
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 50 keeping pace and time as well as handling the edgy and seedy glamour of the world evoked. narrative drive and the jokes with verve. His The singing and dancing was great and the set love-interest, acted with cool authority by pieces – which are a Youlten-Kirk staple – Hattie Barne, was suitably aloof to his ne’er- were very effective. The work of the crew was do-well charms, before eventually falling for notable, especially in the cleaning up that had him. As we learnt from the title song: to take place and the set changes, which were everyone wants a part of him. Lucky him! slick and well managed. The make-up and hair Fizzy’s role was understated, as I suspect it were nicely arranged and one last word must should be for a girl who is forever put off until go out to Knuckles, the only character that gets tomorrow, and in that role is the idea that a ‘properly’ killed in the original not just greedy, money-grabbing society fails to “finished”. This was hilariously done by an on- realise the great talent sitting beneath its form James Houldsworth. nose. Forever cast to one side, Fizzy is The cast and crew went to the mattresses to ignored until left alone with the audience and give an outstanding performance that would then she sings like a bird. Katie Bradshaw have had Al Capone himself - who was known wowed in the part – her voice was strong and to like a laugh – laughing. Just be careful when subtle, controlled and passionate, and it was you chuckle near a mobster: “I’m funny how? one of the performances of the night. Like I’m a clown? I amuse you? I make you There were too many in the ensemble cast laugh?” Rule number one of being a gangster: to mention by name, but a general ‘well-done’ don’t smile. must go to the 31 actors who conveyed the M Watson
51 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Music
Drummers at the Gala Concert
Staff Jasmine Neufeld joined the full-time music Lausanne Conservatoire, was awarded a always been a member of this cohort, his team in September and quickly established Music Exhibition. In the Lower Sixth, Angus gentle nature matched by an extraordinary herself as an indispensable member of the Paterson (piano/oboe) visited on exchange soulful insight in his music-making. Most department. Hailing from Canada, Jasmine from St John’s College, Johannesburg: impressive has been his rise from “I don’t has spent the past few years working at a although originally only scheduled to stay for sing” to becoming one of the stalwarts of the British International School in Thailand and a few weeks in the Michaelmas Term, Angus tenor section: this feat matched by his memo- has brought a warm multi-culturalism to the ended up enjoying himself so much he rable Shostakovich Piano Concerto perform- Music School. elected to come to Glenalmond permanently ance in 2014’s Perth Gala Concert. Like Also in September, our visiting instru- from the start of the Lent Term. Needless to Holly, Cat Loudon is an Old Ardvreckian, also mental team was delighted to welcome say, we were thrilled to be able to support his possessing an enviable sporting ability. Cat Michelle Stewart to teach bodhran. We were diploma-level pianistic ability with a full has been a characterful oboe player, while her sad to wave goodbye to Emily Walker at the Music Scholarship. voice has developed into a formidable instru- end of the Lent Term; Emily taught cello at The nature of a department such as ours is ment: the Chapel Choir altos will miss her Glenalmond for more than five years and that some years see a larger intake of musi- strong, accurate leadership, even if she many will remember her gentle, caring cians than others, and subsequently bulk proved as Cosette in Les Misérables that she’s teaching style. We are fortunate to have been departures. The trade-off for only losing two really a soprano (great top C, Cat)! Cat has joined by Ilse McFarlane as Emily’s replace- Music Scholars last year was that this year we also been a much-respected Captain of Choir ment; Ilse has quickly found her feet and is have had to say farewell to a much larger for this academic year. Last, but by no means already well settled. cohort. Ex-St John’s College, Cambridge least, Adele Melia, our departing Organ chorister Patrick Baldwin joined us in the Scholar, must be one of the hardest working Fourth Form and has never failed to impress music pupils with whom I have worked. and enchant with the richness of his extraor- Ticking off ABRSM grades by the term across Music Scholars dinary baritone voice (inching upwards piano, flute and organ, she has come so far The department welcomed several new toward tenor register due to its exposure to since she moved across to Glenalmond from Music Award holders this year. Joining as new West End repertoire – no one will forget his McLaren High in Callander. Regularly pupils into the Third Form were Music Valjean in our Les Misérables). Holly Craven playing for morning Chapel services, Adele is Scholars Ellie Ridley (Ardvreck, piano/organ has trodden a path whereby she leaves characterised by a quiet temperament and a /recorder) and Alexander Wallace (Cargilfield, Glenalmond as a much-improved violinist, really thorough attention to detail in all that piano/cello/organ). We were also delighted to with a voice hinting at true operatic ability. she does musically. welcome two new Fourth Form Award Sadly, I suspect it will be hard to tear Holly In November, a group of scholars jour- Holders: ex-St Mary’s Episcopal, Edinburgh away from her international lacrosse commit- neyed to the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow head chorister Katie Bradshaw (voice/violin) ments to fulfil her considerable musical to enjoy the John Wilson Orchestra received a Choral Scholarship, while promise! Samuel David has only been with us performing their Cole Porter in Hollywood Anastasia Nairne (flute), previously of the for a couple of years, but it feels as if he has show. Amazed at the virtuosic, utterly
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 52 committed musicianship on display, the only giate traditions. Talking of tradition – it was Tour. Performing in the Theatre to a packed disappointment of the night was to discover a great to return to Chatni in Methven for the house, the Alley Cats gave an outstanding nigh on 100% inflation rate at the nearby third time for the Annual Dinner, to enjoy what demonstration of a-cappella singing to a kebab shop. has become an established part of the choir’s generation highly familiar with this genre Music Scholars also form the participatory year. In December, the new format ‘Lessons & thanks to the Pitch Perfect movies and Glee backbone in our weekly Thursday Lunchtime Carols by Candlelight’ continued this year to television show. Concerts, although all those studying an great acclaim; this looks to be another well- instrument or voice are encouraged to take rooted part of the school calendar. part. My grateful thanks go out to all members of Perform in Perth Chapel Choir for their hard work, and espe- Due to a continuing clash between the latter cially to our leavers. Those departing this year stages of this festival and our Easter holidays Music Scholar have been especially dedicated to the choir, we were still, with one exception, unable to many of them over a full Glenalmond career, put any singers forward for the festival. But I Concerts in and every section will feel a real sense of loss. am delighted to report the following successes: Very best wishes and many thanks to Catriona Edinburgh, Loudon (Captain of Choir), Mollie Maclean, Organ Solo (elementary) Holly Craven, Issy Arnaud, Torie Clark, Connie 1st place Ellie Ridley Dundee, Perth and Gillespie, Georgie Scrymgeour-Wedderburn, 2nd place Alexandra Milne Helena Clayhills-Henderson, Adele Melia, Innerpeffray Beth Whitaker, Livia Hamann, Samuel David, Flute Solo (transitional) Ringing the changes from the ‘Cathedral Patrick Baldwin and Gavin Boyle. 1st place Lauren Dundee Concerts’ weekend of recent years, a rotating In October, Glenalmond Choral Day saw squad of Music Scholars prepared for three seven schools come to join us for a wonderful Piano Solo (Catherine Beaton Memorial important away gigs. The first latched onto a day of music-making. The total choir size Prize, aged 14-16) Pipes & Drums workshop at Cargilfield numbered over 200, with guests from 2nd place Ellie Ridley (aged 13!) School, giving our musicians the chance to Ardvreck, Belhaven Hill, Cargilfield, play to a younger audience than usual: the Craigclowan, Kilgraston, Mowden Hall and St Euphonium Solo (advanced) attentive respect with which the perform- Mary’s Melrose. The long-established Fowlis 2nd place Alex Coward ances were received tells a story in itself. A Wester Christmas Concert took place at the similar group then performed as a part of the very start of December, kicking the festive Organ Solo (advanced) series of Lunchtime Concerts at St Paul’s season firmly into action. 1st place Adele Melia Cathedral, Dundee, before the season was Friday night’s Choral Society rehearsals This victory gained Adele entry to the Larg rounded off at the St John’s Kirk, Perth prepared for Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Prize Competition (for the best-of-the-best ‘Concert Series’ in March. performed as a part of the Glenalmond Gala winners of the Advanced Classes) on the last At almost the final event of the year in the Concert – more below. night of the festival. music calendar, our junior Music Scholars Instrumental Ensemble music-making at 2nd place Patrick Baldwin grabbed the chance to show that they are Glenalmond continues its steady improvement anything but in the shadow of their more under the baton of Miss Neufeld. She has Oboe Solo (advanced) senior colleagues. Their fundraising concert whipped Concert Band into shape with some 1st place Alexandra Milne at Innerpeffray Library in May was a tremen- exciting and challenging repertoire, while dous success. All these concerts not only give String Orchestra has made huge strides Vocal Duet, any combination of voices our musicians the chance to play away from through the year. The junior girls’ choir, (aged 14-17), The Jean Wallace Memorial school, but their ability and cheerful Cantores, starts as a group containing every Quaich demeanour never fail to impress audiences, Second and Third Form girl, contributing in 1st place Molly Ridley & Hamish Halley many of whom are unfamiliar with that format to the Choral Day, before reducing Glenalmond music. in number to the keen singers. All these groups Clarinet Solo (open) formed the core at the big ensembles’ home 1st place Appin Mackay-Champion concerts in November and April, with a newly- Chapel Choir, formed junior string group, Simply Strings, Piano Recital (open), The Cairncross making their debut in April’s Spring Concert. Brothers Trophy Choral and 1st place Angus Paterson
Ensemble Activities Visiting Performers Horn Solo (open) As busy as ever, Chapel Choir continues to We were fortunate to enjoy two outstanding 1st place Robert Baldwin prepare a new anthem for every school concerts given by external musicians. In This victory gained Robert entry to the Sunday of the year. Music learned has ranged February, international organ recitalist Stephen Premier Prize Competition (best in the open from mediaeval part-songs to twenty-first Davies presented an enjoyable and varied classes) at the conclusion of the festival. For century arrangements, with many stops in programme to a warmly appreciative audience the fourth year running, Robert was also between, although the backbone of our reper- (freezing external conditions notwithstanding). awarded the Thomas H Stewart Cup for toire continues to be the great anthems and In May, it was a treat to welcome the Yale Alley achieving the highest mark in any of the canticles of the Anglican cathedral and colle- Cats to Glenalmond as a part of their European Open Brass classes.
53 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Georgie Scrymgeour-Wedderburn
Glenalmond Gala Concert, Perth Concert Hall Months of preparation bore fruit on the last astonishing versatility of Robert Baldwin, Cat Edinburgh joined forces with the Glenalmond night of the Lent Term when, for the second Loudon, Patrick Baldwin, Emily Jarron, Molly singers, two marvellous pianists (Robert year running, Glenalmond music took centre Ridley, Hamish Halley and Katie Bradshaw Melling and Matthew Beetschen, both visiting stage at the prestigious Perth Concert Hall. brought tears to the eyes of many in the audi- music teachers) and a battery of five The Pipes & Drums opened proceedings, ence with their supremely moving singing. percussionists (led by another VMT, Andy showing why their reputation is growing as a The first half concluded with a nod in the James). Renowned opera singers Judith competition band with which to be reckoned. direction of the Red Hot Chili Pipers. Led by Gardner Jones (soprano, also a VMT), Nick Virtuosic solos from Durness Mackay- Georgie Scrymgeour-Wedderburn (voice) and Sales (tenor) and Phil Gault (baritone) thrilled Champion (piano), Alexandra Milne (oboe), Ali Johnston (pipes), a group of four pipers and all in the hall with their effortless renditions of Adele Melia (piano), Appin Mackay- a rhythm section (all pupils) moved from soul some of the most fiendish vocal solos in the Champion (sax), Robert Baldwin (horn) and to outright rock in an outrageous, and wonder- repertoire. Holding the audience spellbound Angus Paterson (piano) shone a spotlight on fully entertaining, re-make of Amazing Grace. from start to finish, this performance of Orff’s the extraordinary talents of just a selection of The second half of the concert saw the magnificent masterpiece justified the hours of the Music Scholars. A ‘Songs from the Choral Society perform Carl Orff’s notoriously rehearsal put in by the Choral Society. An Musicals’ set gave a whole range of singers the difficult Carmina Burana in its entirety. Under evening of top-quality musical entertainment, opportunity to sing selections from Kiss Me the baton of Director of Music Tim Ridley, a holding Glenalmond’s musical head high in Kate, Phantom of the Opera and Wicked – the children’s choir from Cargilfield School in our local town.
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 54 Appin Mackay-Champion Patrick Baldwin Molly Ridley Emily Jarron
Music Prizes ABRSM Exam Results House Singing Competition Distinction House Shout Lothian Catriona Loudon Singing Grade 8 Part-Song (de Jongh Cup) Cairnies Appin Mackay-Champion Clarinet Grade 8 Overall winners Cairnies Alexandra Milne Oboe Grade 7 Alexandra Milne Saxophone Grade 7 Instrumental Prizes Emily Jarron Singing Grade 6 Junior Ellie Ridley (recorder) Robert Baldwin Singing Grade 6 Intermediate Angus Grierson (trombone) Ellie Ridley Recorder Grade 5 Senior Robert Baldwin (horn) Alexandra Milne Singing Grade 4 Lotte Rolfe Piano Grade 1 Piano Prizes Junior Laura Landale Merit Intermediate Alexander Wallace Holly Craven Singing Grade 8 Senior (Hall Prize) Angus Paterson Tobermory Mackay-Champion Singing Grade 8 Izzy Farquharson Singing Grade 7 Guitar & Drum Prize Lucy Fitzpatrick Singing Grade 7 Angus Grierson Samuel David Singing Grade 6 Alex Coward Singing Grade 5 Stewart Prize for Academic Music Ellie Kirkland Piano Grade 5 Patrick Baldwin Poppy Izat Theory Grade 5 Catriona San Cello Grade 4 Singing Prizes Ellie Ridley Theory Grade 3 Junior Katie Bradshaw Rowan Heron Theory Grade 3 Senior Patrick Baldwin Jess Clark Theory Grade 3 Kimberly Rae Flute Grade 3 Tambling Cup for Chapel Singing Matthew West Saxophone Grade 3 Mollie Maclean & Samuel David Lauren Dundee Theory Grade 1 Yi Ran Wang Piano Grade 1 Outstanding Music Performance (Pounder Cup) Durness Mackay-Champion (piano – for his performance of Pass Grieg’s Piano Concerto in its entirety) Catriona Loudon Oboe Grade 7 Alexandra Bullard Singing Grade 6 Ralph Kerr Quaich for Keyboard Achievement Emily Jarron Clarinet Grade 5 Adele Melia Annie Porter Clarinet Grade 5 Clare Mellish Flute Grade 5 Satow Quaich (to recognise outstanding support for College Charlie Aldridge Saxophone Grade 5 music by a non-music scholar) Archie Rettie Alexandra Bullard Theory Grade 5 Auguste Medert Flute Grade 5 Martyn Bennett Prize (to recognise outstanding all-round Henrik Hopmann Clarinet Grade 5 musical contribution) Catriona Loudon Marina Morgan Theory Grade 5 Rowanne McGee Piano Grade 1
55 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE Catriona Loudon Chamber Choir & Piping Tour to Costa Brava, June-July 2014 The morning after Commem and, more like fashion and the concert was cancelled at disturbingly for some, the continuation of the the last minute. We had better luck the next day which included the Leavers’ Dance, saw day, a full day in Barcelona visiting the exte- a Glenalmond based, predominantly bright- rior of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and exploring eyed bunch of pupils awaiting the arrival of the Ramblas, courtesy of a guided walking one over-sleeping member of staff (a Leavers’ tour. Doc R’s insistence that nobody was Dance attendee, although apparently the allowed to buy American fast food was battery had gone on her phone…)! An inaus- heeded by all (he thinks), with tapas and picious start to the six-day trip, but thankfully paella very much the approved form of lunch. our luck improved as we headed down to The day concluded with a concert at Centre Newcastle Airport, picking up further tour Civic Pere Pruna, a converted church now group members from Broxden and doubling as an Art Gallery and performance Musselburgh on the way. Our late afternoon venue in a residential suburb of the city. The flight to Barcelona saw us arrive in Spain at long day in the heat did wilt our pitch some- around 9.00pm, finally making it to our hotel what, but the large, approving audience along the coast in Malgrat de Mar at helped to maintain our spirits. 11.00pm. A jet boat trip along the coast to Tossa de Angus Paterson The following day we rehearsed in the Mar proved to be the invigorating, restorative outdoor nightclub at the hotel, the sun benison required by all, with lots of time to already making a keen impression upon our explore the beautiful town and castle, and/or delicate Scottish flesh (and temperaments). simply to laze on the beach. Upon our return National An enthusiastic audience of fellow hotel to Malgrat we gave our final concert on our guests kept us on our toes before we headed home patch, at the local parish church of Sant Representative back into Barcelona for our first concert at Nicolau. Without doubt our best perform- Església de Sant Gaietà. A beautiful church, ance of the trip, this was a lovely way to Music Honours an eccentric priest, a committed musical conclude not just the tour, but to cap a year’s Robert Baldwin (horn), National Youth performance and a warmly appreciative audi- careful work and preparation. The subse- Orchestra of Scotland ence set the tone for the rest of the tour. As quent last night beach party was suitably Appin Mackay-Champion (clarinet), was to become customary, our two pipers (Ali riotous, and sandy, and once again the travel- National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Johnston and Archie Rettie) played outside ling tour group was somewhat bleary-eyed for Patrick Baldwin (trumpet), National the venue before the concert, causing the the long journey, this time in reverse, back Schools’ Symphony Orchestra busy city centre traffic to grind to a halt as from Barcelona to Newcastle and onwards to Emily Jarron, National Girls’ Choir of drivers struggled to take photos with their Glenalmond. Scotland phones. Grateful thanks to all on the trip for their Katie Bradshaw, Reserve finalist for The following day the tour party journeyed good spirit and excellent musicianship. BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the to Lloret de Mar to spend a day at the excel- Special thanks go to Emma Acton for being Year Competition lent Water World waterpark, that evening’s such an excellent and proactive Captain of Alexandra Milne, National Children’s concert scheduled to be outdoors at a castle Choir and to Miss Lauren Howden and Miss Choir of Great Britain in Sant Antoni de Calonge. Sadly, as we Rosanna Single for their hard work and Ellie Ridley, National Youth Recorder prepared to disembark our coach in the castle support in helping to keep all together. Orchestra of Great Britain car park, the heavens opened in monsoon- T J W Ridley
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 56 Piping & Drumming
I cannot believe that another year has gone tend to schedule our internal solo piping and the Lent Term with the CCF Piobaireachd by so quickly and how busy our young pipers drumming competition for the Michaelmas competition taking place at Coll. The stan- and drummers have been. It has been an Term, allowing some performance practice dard of piping in this competition is outstanding year with competition successes before other competitions come along. On absolutely first class with many previous at solo and group levels, as well as many the day, pipers and drummers from Patchell’s prizewinners now featuring regularly in the performances around the school and else- won every event, Cameron Bullard wining top grade professional competitions, our own where, so many that it would be impossible to the Piobaireachd and Dougal Forsyth the Jamie Forrester (OG) being one of them. I mention them all in this report. March, Strathspey and Reel (MSR) in the was delighted to be able to announce first The year began with Dougie Murray, fresh piping, and Charlie Robinson winning the place in the novice section to Theo Pratt and from his double Gold Medal winning senior drumming event. second place to Cameron Bullard. Theo is the performance at the Argyllshire Gathering and Our main band competition in the second Glenalmond piper to have won this the Northern Meeting, joining our instruc- Michaelmas is the CCF quartet and trio event in the short time that it has been in tors. The interest in learning and playing the piping competition, which this year was held existence. Theo and Cameron continued pipes continues to grow and we were at Robert Gordon’s College. We had a trio their good form the next day with prizes at delighted to welcome a piper of Dougie’s and a quartet entered, which was commend- the Vale of Atholl competition at Pitlochry, calibre. As it turned out, we were soon to be able given that the date also clashed with our Theo being placed second in the Under-18 saying farewell to Jim Stout, who was off to leave-out weekend. The trio of Cameron Piobaireachd in what was a high quality field, Oman to take up a full-time teaching job with Bullard, Miles Kinge and Jock Stodart as well as gaining sixth place in the MSR; one of the many forces bands in that country. played to an extremely high standard but just Cameron placed third in the Under-15 March The band was soon into the swing of things missed out on the prizes. In the senior competition. Later in the term, Cameron was with performances at the Taster Day and competition our group comprised PM placed first out of 32 pipers in the Under-15 Choral Day early in the term. We were also Alasdair Johnston, Dougal Forsyth, Theo March competition at the George Watson’s invited to provide entertainment prior to the Pratt and Archie Rettie. They played with invitational competition. This was an St Johnstone vs. Motherwell football match great confidence and clarity of execution and outstanding result, beating many of the top with the added bonus of some TV exposure were rewarded with sixth place. This was our pipers in the country in that age group. for the band as it was a live televised match. first appearance in the prize list at this The Lent Term is also a busy one for band The Michaelmas Term is traditionally a term competition since 2009 so well done to all events with competitions taking place over when much of the new repertoire is learnt, involved! three consecutive weeks towards the end of but the band still have to be able to go out and One or two of our more experienced the term. We entered ‘A’ and ‘B’ bands at the perform while this is going on. There are pipers had been able to do a little competing George Watson’s competition but failed to annual fixtures that the band always plays at as soloists during the term and we had repre- feature in the prize list. Our ‘A’ group was and so we had groups playing at Scone Palace sentatives at the City of Brechin solos, the fifth equal on piping, the band placing to help raise money for the Order of St John’s Scots Guards Association competition and highest of the non-RSPBA competition Hospice appeal, as well as sending pipers to the East Lothian Schools’ championships. bands. Our ‘B’ group had a good piping result perform for the Royal Scottish Pipers’ Society Theo Pratt made the prize list at Brechin with the pipers beating two ‘A’ bands from in Edinburgh. Competitions tend to be with Pipe Major Alasdair Johnston securing other schools. We also played in the Glasgow indoors at this time of year and based more on first place at the East Lothian competition. Highland Club competition, placing second solo or small groups. With this in mind, we The solo piping theme continued early in of the non-RSPBA school bands. By far our
57 GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE best performance was at the Scottish Schools’ each year. This year was to be extra special as hosting of the band afterwards; we were all Championships at Broughton High School: it was our turn to host the annual CCF treated to a slap-up meal in the clubhouse after our band was placed third in the Junior ‘A’ Scottish Schools’ championships. The last performing and this made for a relaxing way to category with an outstanding performance, time we hosted in 2006 had been a day of end the event and was certainly a change from particularly from a young pipe corps that was torrential rain, which had seen all the compe- our normal docket meal! nowhere near full strength. titions moved indoors. So it was with great In reflecting on another year for the Pipes Amongst all these competitions, band relief that we awoke to beautiful summer sun and Drums, it amazes me that our young pipers players were still involved in playing at on that Sunday morning. Pipers and drum- and drummers are able to commit so much to various Music Department events. A mini- mers competed in solo events out on the their individual and band playing. To be able to band went to Cargilfield prep school to do a rugby pitches with the main band competi- play to such a high standard at the various workshop with the young pipers and drum- tion and massed bands and presentation of events and competitions requires dedication to mers there, playing together to open a Music prizes taking place on Front Slopes. There individual as well as group practice and to fit Department concert. It was great to take cannot be a better setting for this on the this in around all the other things going on in some ex-pupils back to their old prep school circuit and it was an amazing sight to see the such a busy school shows real devotion to the for this. We also had pipers playing at the massed pipes and drums appear, as if from cause. concert at St Paul’s Cathedral in Dundee. nowhere, over the slopes marching up The year has seen great competition success The term ended on a real high with the pipes towards the cricket pitches. No prizes came with three different pipers winning external and drums on stage for the Gala Concert at our way that day, although we had a couple of events as well as prizes in two band competi- Perth Concert Hall. Our drum corps had near misses in the solo piping. The band itself tions. Whilst we lose approximately half of the worked really hard on perfecting a had a slightly nervous start to its perform- senior pipe corps this year there is a good ‘drummer’s call’ for the opening item, the ance, which will have undoubtedly cost points group of promising pipers coming through in twist being that it was played in darkness with with the judges. all the year groups behind them, while our some intricate back-sticking movements We continued to perform at our normal drum corps is virtually intact. I am sure that the played with drum-sticks that lit up when events, such as the CCF retreat, which took next generation of the band can rise to the chal- hitting the drum (see the photo on page 51)! play at the Palace of Holyroodhouse again lenges ahead and emulate their predecessors. Our main piece as a full band was the first this year, as well as having a young group of As always, my thanks go to the pupils, parents half of our competition medley set, which pipers playing in the Spring Concert and the and supporters, and also to my excellent team involved some lively dance tunes with Music Department concert at Innerpefferay of visiting instructors – Gordon Brown, Gordon harmonies. It was a great experience to be up Library. Well done to Third Formers Gregor Campbell, Dougie Murray, Sian Mailer and on the stage again. The first half finished with Cochrane, Laurence Kinge and Tom Porter Jim Stout. pipers involved in a jazz/blues version of for playing at both these events. We also had ‘Amazing Grace’. This required the pipes to some senior pipers playing in the guests at Pipe Major: Alasdair Johnston be tuned down to concert pitch to blend in Methven Castle for a charity fund-raiser. We Leading Drummers: with the other instruments. This was a pupil- were delighted to be asked to do a ‘Beat Jenny Cochrane/Charlie Robinson led ensemble with all participants involved in Retreat’ at Gleneagles Hotel for the Weir ‘evolving’ the piece. Well done! Group towards the end of the term. We were B J Elrick The Trinity Term is always busy with the able to take a strong band and I would like to band being asked to play at different events thank the Weir Group for their generous
GLENALMOND COLLEGE CHRONICLE 58